Business & Financial News
Ground-Breaking 100 Gigabit Ethernet Demonstration Across 4,000 Km Live Network
Higher-Speed Ethernet Required to Support IP Network GrowthNovember 13, 2006 -- A first-ever demonstration of 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) technology by a team of industry leaders, including Finisar, Infinera, Internet2, Level 3 Communications, and University of California at Santa Cruz, shows that 100GbE technology is viable and capable of implementation in existing optical networks with 10 Gigabit/second (Gb/s) wavelengths. This breakthrough trial also highlights how next-generation technology can address the emerging bandwidth needs of network providers and their users as advanced Internet-based applications continue to proliferate.
The system successfully transmitted a 100GbE signal from Tampa, Florida to Houston, Texas, and back again, over ten 10 Gb/s channels through the Level 3 network. This is the first time a 100GbE signal has been successfully transmitted through a live production network. The 100GbE system will be on display from November 14th to the 16th at the Infinera booth (Booth no. 1157) at the SC06 International Conference in Tampa. The system will be transmitting a 100GbE signal to the Internet2 booth (Booth no. 1451) during the show.
"This successful demonstration shows that this concept of 100GbE over 10x10 Gb/s DWDM works and provides a near future implementation path," said Dr. Daryl Inniss, vice president of Ovum-RHK's Communication Components research.
"100 Gigabit Ethernet will be a critical technology to accommodate bandwidth growth, and this demonstration shows that we have the capability to implement this as a super-lambda service over today's networks," said Infinera co-founder and CTO Drew Perkins. "The Infinera DTN, which is the only DWDM system that supports 100 Gb/s on a line card, is capable today of handling 100GbE services simply and cost-effectively."
"The research and education community continues to be the key driver for the development of extreme bandwidth services like 100GbE," said Steve Cotter, Internet2's director of network services. "We are very interested in investigating this breakthrough technology, in collaboration with our network partners, to ensure that our network not only keeps pace but also anticipates the future demands of our members as they pursue increasingly bandwidth-intensive applications, from telemedicine to high-energy physics to high-performance grid computing, among many others."
"This new approach to providing 100 Gig Ethernet service over long distances enables LAN Ethernet protocols in the WAN environment," said Jack Waters, CTO of Level 3. "Compared to other methods that have been demonstrated, this is a practical, economical solution that operates over the wide area using existing DWDM technologies. We're pleased to have been involved with developing and testing this solution, and will be watching closely as it is commercialized."
Super-Lambda Services
The largest IP backbones are currently using multiple 10 Gb/s links between core sites, and will soon demand 100 Gb/s connections to increase their capacity to keep up with fast-growing bandwidth demand. Many service providers prefer to support 100 Gigabit Ethernet links using their current transport network infrastructures. This demonstration shows that today's 10 Gb/s transport networks can support 100GbE services. The system developed and displayed this week relies on a single-chip 100GbE network interface that implements a lane alignment and packet resequencing scheme to bond 10 parallel 10 Gb/s channels into one logical flow while maintaining packet ordering at the receiver. This eliminates the performance issues that can arise with the use of the existing link aggregation techniques for combining multiple data channels. Services that combine multiple wavelengths to offer a single service are referred to as super-lambda services.
Finisar provided the optical transceivers for this demonstration, Infinera provided the DWDM system and project management, Internet2 was involved in developing the methodology and supporting the demonstration, Level 3 Communications provided the ten 10 Gb/s channels from Tampa to Houston, and UCSC designed and implemented the network interface including the packet resequencing scheme.
Video: A High-Speed Application
The research and education community is a leader in creating very large flows on the Internet, with some research institutions planning on flows in multiple hundreds of Gigabits/second or even Terabits/second. In a related demonstration at the Internet2 booth on the SC06 showfloor, Internet2 and Infinera will also showcase an advanced two-way videoconferencing application. Reliable, two-way video technology is quickly becoming a critical and necessary component of many important research and education initiatives including those in telemedicine, seismology and astronomy. 100GbE technology would enable more than 3000 DVTS (Digital Video Transport System) or more than 60 uncompressed High-definition TV (HDTV) video applications to operate simultaneously on a single interface.
Industry Standard is a Priority
The IEEE Higher Speed Study Group (HSSG) recently began working on specifications for higher speed Ethernet. The partners in this demonstration are actively supporting these efforts. The pre-standard specification used in this demonstration was jointly developed by Infinera and a UCSC team including Professor of Computer Engineering Anujan Varma and his Ph.D. student Arvinderpal S. Wander.
The annual SC06 International Conference on High-Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis will be held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. For more show information, visit http://sc06.supercomputing.org/.
About the Technical Demonstration
The demonstration encodes a 100GbE signal into ten 10 Gb/s streams using an Infinera-proposed specification for 100GbE across multiple links. A single Xilinx FPGA implements this packet numbering scheme and electrically transmits all ten signals to ten of Finisar's 10 Gb/s XFP optical transceivers which in turn convert the signals to optics. These signals are then transmitted to an Infinera DTN DWDM system. For the long-distance demonstration, conducted last week, the 100GbE signal was then handed off to Infinera systems within the Level 3 network where it was transmitted across the Level 3 network to Houston and back. This pre-standard specification for 100GbE guarantees the ordering of the packets and quality of the signal across 10 Gb/s wavelengths and demonstrates that it is possible for carriers to offer 100GbE services across today's 10 Gb/s infrastructure.
About Finisar
Finisar Corporation (NASDAQ: FNSR) is a technology leader for fiber optic components and subsystems and network test and monitoring systems. These products enable high-speed data communications for networking and storage applications over Gigabit Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs), Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks (SANs), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) using Fibre Channel, IP, SAS, SATA and SONET/SDH protocols. The Company's headquarters is in Sunnyvale, California, USA. www.finisar.com.
About Infinera
Infinera provides Digital Optical Networking systems to telecommunications carriers worldwide. Infinera's systems are unique in their use of a breakthrough semiconductor technology: the Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC). Infinera's systems and PIC technology are designed to provide optical networks with simpler engineering and operations, faster time-to-service, and more flexible networking. For more information, please visit www.infinera.com.
About Internet2
Internet2 is the foremost U.S. advanced networking consortium. Led by the research and education community since 1996, Internet2 promotes the missions of its members by providing both leading-edge network capabilities and unique partnership opportunities that together facilitate the development, deployment and use of revolutionary Internet technologies. Internet2 brings the U.S. research and academic community together with technology leaders from industry, government and the international community to undertake collaborative efforts that have a fundamental impact on tomorrow's Internet.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to Infinera as of the date hereof; and actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Infinera's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipated," "believed," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Infinera assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
November 11, 2006 -- BOOTH #3942 -- Initial Tropical Plants, www.initialplants.com, the largest provider of interior landscaping, design installation and maintenance services to businesses in North America, enhances the aroma of business interiors across North America with Microfresh, www.initialmicrofresh.com, a new ambient scent offering that provides odor remediation. Initial Tropical Plants will be exhibiting Microfresh at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show at New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from November 11th to 14th at Booth #3942.
"For many years, Initial Tropical Plants has been the leader in enhancing the workplace environment with lush and vibrant interior plants," said Bob Thomas, President, Initial Tropical Plants based in Riverwoods, Illinois. "It makes sense that we would take the next step and offer Microfresh, a compact system that represents a major breakthrough in indoor air quality. Microfresh performs far better than conventional systems because its nano-particles float with the air current, diffuse quickly and neutralize, rather than mask, odors."
Initial Tropical Plants partnered with Prolitec, www.prolitec.com, a world leader in the development and deployment of innovative technologies and solutions for indoor air quality, to offer a superior odor remediation and ambient scenting system to current and prospective customers. Branded Microfresh, this newly patented diffusion system converts liquid into a 'dry aerosol' that permeates a large space with a very small quantity of ingredient -- just enough to neutralize the odor and replace it with a pleasant scent. Conventional aerosol hygiene dispensers use heavy droplets that mask the odor within a restricted area for a very short period of time. Microfresh does not use heavy droplets. Its micron-size particles are so light they float and uniformly treat the air throughout the space.
|
According to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards, the fragrance and scents being diffused by Microfresh fall far below the OSHA regulated "allergy triggers." Because of the small particle size, Microfresh achieves odor neutralizing and a scent effect with concentrations of ingredients in the air of less than one part per million (1 PPM). The allergy threshold for most people is over 100 PPM. Microfresh ingredients are 100% pure with inert fragrance and odor neutralizing materials. Conventional systems include at least 50% solvents and propellants that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC). Microfresh is compliant with "green building" regulations that focus on delivering environmentally responsible, healthy, productive places to live and work.
Available in a variety of scents to include: Cloud Nine, Mountain Fresh, Arctic Mist, Fresh Clean, Crisp Cotton and Blue Sky, Microfresh is providing odor remediation for a divergent array of industries including hotels and resorts, casinos, cruise lines, spas and fitness centers, building management, theatres, convention centers, malls and retail stores, health care facilities, airports, train stations and schools. The client response has been uniformly enthusiastic. An engineer at a Hyatt Grand hotel relayed that Microfresh "eliminated cigarette and cigar smoke from the treated areas." A manufacturer and retailer of mattresses said that Microfresh "creates a pleasing environment that encourages customers to stay in the store longer for the purpose of testing mattresses by lounging."
No longer content to rely on broadband service and fluffy pillows, several major hotel chains now seek to wish guests a nice-smelling stay. Major hotels are using ambient scents -- ranging from calming freesia to home and hearth-inspired apple pie aromas -- as brand building exercises aimed at boosting guest loyalty. Initial Tropical Plants believes so strongly in the power of scent, they are introducing an ambient scent at the company's corporate and branch offices across North America. Initial Tropical Plants created a signature scent that represents their brand -- an earthy and lightly floral and fruity scent with a hint of basil, sage and thyme. All of the company's offices will disperse the signature scent through the newly patented Microfresh diffusion system.
About Initial Tropical Plants:
Initial Tropical Plants, Inc. is the largest provider of interior landscaping, design installation and maintenance services in North America. They have earned this leadership position by providing innovative year-round plant programs to businesses that improve the quality of life in the workplace while presenting an aesthetically pleasing business environment. Initial Tropical Plants is a subsidiary of Rentokil Initial plc, (LSE: RTO), a publicly traded international business-to-business service organization based in the UK. For more information, visit Initial Tropical Plants website at: www.initialplants.com.
Executives at both companies declined to disclose the financial terms of the deal, which is expected to be officially announced early Thursday.
Redmond-based Microsoft Corp. is pursuing similar agreements with other major record labels, Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Microsoft Entertainment, said late Wednesday.
Zune, which is scheduled to be released Nov. 14, is Microsoft's attempt to compete with Apple Computer Inc.'s market-leading iPod player and iTunes music service. The device, which will sell for $249.99, lets people share songs, playlists or pictures over a wireless connection with nearby Zune users.
By paying record labels a portion of Zune player sales, Microsoft hopes to have more freedom to allow song-sharing or other promotions, Stephenson said.
Earlier this year, Universal and other major recording companies settled a dispute with Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. over its Sirius S50 portable music player by reaching a deal that called for Sirius to pay the record companies a fee for every S50 it sells.
Universal sought a similar approach when Microsoft came calling Universal to hash out a licensing deal for its Zune online music store.
Absent a deal with Universal, Microsoft faced the prospect of unveiling Zune without content from the world's biggest recording company.
Under the terms of the deal, Universal will split the money it gets from Zune player sales with its artists. Morris declined to say how much artists will be paid.

Zune
Fact Sheet
September 2006
Name: Zune™
Zune™Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Microsoft Corp.Category: Digital media player
Digital media playerColors: Three choices: black, white or brown
Three choices: black, white or brownProduct
Overview: Zune starts with a 30GB digital media player and adds a twist. You can wirelessly share selected full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures or your home-grown tracks directly from Zune to Zune.1 You can listen to the full-length songs that you receive up to three times in three days, flag the ones you like and easily buy them the next time you sync up. You can discover new music in the Zune Marketplace, and show off your favorite pictures and videos on the big, bright screen. Zune has all that and a built in FM tuner, too. Let your inner DJ run wild.
Zune starts with a 30GB digital media player and adds a twist. You can wirelessly share selected full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures or your home-grown tracks directly from Zune to Zune. You can listen to the full-length songs that you receive up to three times in three days, flag the ones you like and easily buy them the next time you sync up. You can discover new music in the Zune Marketplace, and show off your favorite pictures and videos on the big, bright screen. Zune has all that and a built in FM tuner, too. Let your inner DJ run wild.Features: ● Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing. Zune lets you spontaneously share selected full-length sample tracks of your favorite songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends wirelessly, device to device.1 You can listen to any song you receive up to three times in three days. And if you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device to easily find it later.
Your own personalized Zune. Zune is easy to use and easy to love. You can choose one of three base colors, each combined with a distinctive double-shot finish created by the overlay of one color on another. The player also can easily be customized with your favorite pictures.
Zune is easy to use and easy to love. You can choose one of three base colors, each combined with a distinctive double-shot finish created by the overlay of one color on another. The player also can easily be customized with your favorite pictures.Large color screen. Zune comes with a bright 3-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode. Your music, video and pictures never looked better.
Zune comes with a bright 3-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode. Your music, video and pictures never looked better.30GB player. Zune stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video.2 You can make playlists on the go and watch a slide show while you’re listening. Watching video in landscape mode gets the most out of the vivid display.
Zune stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video. You can make playlists on the go and watch a slide show while you’re listening. Watching video in landscape mode gets the most out of the vivid display.Zune Pass. Downloads or a subscription? It’s your choice. A Zune Pass subscription gives you “all you can eat” access to discover and explore the Zune Marketplace.
Downloads or a subscription? It’s your choice. A Zune Pass subscription gives you “all you can eat” access to discover and explore the Zune Marketplace.Built-in FM tuner. With the built-in FM tuner you can listen to local FM radio stations or tune in to programming while you’re at your local health club, for example. Advanced tuning capabilities allow you to see the name of the song currently playing on selected frequencies.3
With the built-in FM tuner you can listen to local FM radio stations or tune in to programming while you’re at your local health club, for example. Advanced tuning capabilities allow you to see the name of the song currently playing on selected frequencies.Accessories: ● You can choose from a full line of accessories to outfit your Zune. Three Zune Accessory Packs provide complete solutions for Zune in your car, in your home or while you travel. Individual accessories are also available.
You can choose from a full line of accessories to outfit your Zune. Three Zune Accessory Packs provide complete solutions for Zune in your car, in your home or while you travel. Individual accessories are also available.Additional
Information: ● Online music store. You can browse the huge selection of music designed to work seamlessly with your Zune in the Zune Marketplace. When you find new music that you love, it’s simple to buy it and sync it on your player. The Zune Marketplace works with the Microsoft® Points program so you can purchase music online without a credit card.
You can browse the huge selection of music designed to work seamlessly with your Zune in the Zune Marketplace. When you find new music that you love, it’s simple to buy it and sync it on your player. The Zune Marketplace works with the Microsoft Points program so you can purchase music online without a credit card.Import your music. Zune software can automatically import your existing music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media® Player in a variety of formats, including your existing playlists and song ratings, as permitted by the online service from which it was purchased.4
Zune software can automatically import your existing music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats, including your existing playlists and song ratings, as permitted by the online service from which it was purchased.It only gets better. As Zune evolves, your device can be easily updated. The Zune software on your PC5 will let you know when updates are available for download. And with built-in wireless capability in each player, the future is filled with possibilities.5
As Zune evolves, your device can be easily updated. The Zune software on your PC will let you know when updates are availablefor download. And with built-in wireless capability in each player, the future is filled with possibilities. Zune lets you spontaneously share selected full-length sample tracks of your favorite songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends wirelessly, device to device. You can listen to any song you receive up to three times in three days. And if you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device to easily find it later. Zune is easy to use and easy to love. You can choose one of three base colors, each combined with a distinctive double-shot finish created by the overlay of one color on another. The player also can easily be customized with your favorite pictures. Zune comes with a bright 3-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode. Your music, video and pictures never looked better.Zune stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video. You can make playlists on the go and watch a slide show while you’re listening. Watching video in landscape mode gets the most out of the vivid display. Downloads or a subscription? It’s your choice. A Zune Pass subscription gives you “all you can eat” access to discover and explore the Zune Marketplace. With the built-in FM tuner you can listen to local FM radio stations or tune in to programming while you’re at your local health club, for example. Advanced tuning capabilities allow you to see the name of the song currently playing on selected frequencies.You can choose from a full line of accessories to outfit your Zune. Three Zune Accessory Packs provide complete solutions for Zune in your car, in your home or while you travel. Individual accessories are also available. You can browse the huge selection of music designed to work seamlessly with your Zune in the Zune Marketplace. When you find new music that you love, it’s simple to buy it and sync it on your player. The Zune Marketplace works with the Microsoft Points program so you can purchase music online without a credit card. Zune software can automatically import your existing music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats, including your existing playlists and song ratings, as permitted by the online service from which it was purchased. As Zune evolves, your device can be easily updated. The Zune software on your PC will let you know when updates are availablefor download. And with built-in wireless capability in each player, the future is filled with possibilities.#########
The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a pre-release product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when it is first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it. Dates are subject to change without notice.
1 The Zune-to-Zune sharing feature may not be available for all songs on your device, and works only between Zune devices within wireless range of each other. This feature allows recipients to play full-length sample tracks up to three times in three days. Recipients cannot resend music that they have received via the sharing feature.
2 Music estimates are based on 128KBps WMA files, with length of four minutes each. Pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size. Video estimates are based on 500KBps WMV files with 128KBps WMA audio tracks.
3 To display station name and song information, stations must broadcast a Radio Broadcast Data Standards (RBDS) signal. Availability may vary.
4 Zune software can import audio files in unprotected WMA, MP3, AAC; photos in JPEG; and videos in WMV, MPEG-4, H.264.
5 Requires a PC running Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 and high-speed Internet connectivity.
6 Dates and functionality of updates are not specified at this time. Microsoft makes no guarantees, express or implied, about the features contained in future Zune updates.
Microsoft, Zune, Windows Media and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
JADOO POWER NAMED CES INNOVATIONS 2007
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING AWARD HONOREE
November 9, 2006 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) today announced Jadoo Power (Jadoo) as an International CES Innovations 2007 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for the Jadoo XRT fuel cell system at the International CES New York Press Preview. Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade press to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products.
Jadoo is the leading supplier of fuel cell systems to the portable power market. The CES Innovations product, the Jadoo XRT, provides an extended runtime option for Jadoo’s line of N-Gen fuel-cell power units. These fuel cells are uniquely suited for providing alternative power support for a variety of applications when the grid is either unavailable or unreliable. Applications include portable radio and laptop battery recharging, powering law enforcement surveillance installations, as well as providing back-up power for critical communications devices like satellite phones and modems. The XRT provides 100 W, 110VAC / 12VDC power with over 2200 W-hrs of runtime.
“We thank CEA and the Innovations judges for honoring Jadoo with this award,” said Jack Peterson, VP Sales and Marketing, Jadoo Power. “We believe the design of the Jadoo XRT clearly is the result of our continual focus on delivering high-quality, user-friendly fuel cell solutions that meet the power needs of our customers across all industries.”
As a widely renowned consumer technology awards program that began in 1989, the prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards recognize achievements in product design and engineering. It is sponsored by CEA, the producer of the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the voice of industrial design, committed to advancing the profession through education, information, community and advocacy.
Jadoo’s XRT will be displayed at the 2007 International CES, which runs January 8-11, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honorees by product category at Innovations Plus at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Booth#: 68747. Best of Innovations honoree products will also be displayed at the Grand Lobby of Las Vegas Convention Center, next to Experience CEA, and at CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES. Visit www.CESweb.org/Innovations for details on Innovations 2007 Design and Engineering Honorees.
The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:
- Engineering qualities of the product, including technical specifications and materials used
- The product’s intended use/function and user value
- Aesthetic and design qualities (using visuals provided)
- Unique and novel features
- Contributions to consumers’ quality of life
- Impact on the manufacturer’s business model
Innovations honoree products are featured on www.CESweb.org/Innovations, where you can see a list of product categories, as well as each product name, manufacturer information, designer, description, photo and URL.
About Jadoo Power Systems
Jadoo Power Systems, Inc. is a market-focused company that develops and sells next-generation, portable energy storage and power generation products. Jadoo is financed by Mohr Davidow Ventures, Venrock Associates and Sinclair Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
TVCable of Ecuador Selects Airspan
TVCable Selects Airspan's WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) Products in 3.5GHz for Its WiMAX Network After Extensive Field and Commercial Trials
November 08, 2006 -- Airspan Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRN), a leading worldwide provider of broadband wireless access networks, including WiMAX standard systems, and carrier class VoIP systems, today announced that the TVCable Group, Ecuador's largest cable operator, has selected Airspan for its WiMAX network expansion in the 3.5GHz frequency band. The first phase of the network implementation has been installed, and WiMAX-based services are commercially available in Guayaquil. Future network expansions are being planned for country-wide WiMAX coverage.
TVCable is Ecuador's largest cable TV operator and one of the largest telecommunications services providers in that country. The company offers a broad portfolio of services that include voice, data and video to the enterprise and to consumer markets in Ecuador. TVCable is the owner of 3.5GHz frequency bands nationwide, and chose Airspan after undertaking extensive field trials on that frequency with Airspan's MacroMAX WiMAX platform utilizing Airspan's ProST and EasyST CPEs to provide broadband services to its customers outside the reach of its cable network. The trials demonstrated that MacroMAX was best suited to meet TVCable's requirements for a high degree of Quality of Service (QoS) management, VoIP-over-WiMAX, management and remote diagnosis, and monitoring of widely dispersed base stations. TVCable has plans to service a few thousand customers initially over its new WiMAX platform.
Jorge Schwartz, CEO of TVCable, commented: "We thoroughly tested Airspan's WiMAX technologies as well as products of a number of other manufacturers over a long period of time to determine the best fit for our needs. We have chosen Airspan's ASMAX products for their robust feature-set, reliability over time, performance and future evolution path."
"We have worked closely with TVCable in its field trials and we are pleased to continue our support of TVCable with our exciting new ASMAX products," said Amit Ancikovsky, Airspan's Vice President & General Manager, Americas. "TVCable certainly has what it takes to establish itself as a leader in WiMAX-based services in the country and we are grateful for the opportunity to be their vendor of choice."
About TVCable
The TVCable Group, a privately held corporate group operating in Ecuador, started its operations in 1987 introducing cable television to Ecuador's major cities. The Group branched into leased lines and ISP services utilizing SDH data networks and today is a leader in both video, data and voice services in the country. The Group is also an owner of an exclusive 3.5GHz FWA license and operates the first WiMAX network in the country. More information can be found at www.tvcable.com.ec
About Airspan Networks Inc.
Airspan Networks provides fixed and wireless voice and data systems and solutions, including Voice Over IP (VoIP). Its wireless products serve operators around the world in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands between 700MHz and 6GHz, including both PCS and 3.5GHz international bands. Airspan has a strong wireless product roadmap that includes products meeting 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi standards, and WiMAX Forum Certified™ equipment that includes software upgradeability to Mobile WiMAX (the 802.16e-2005 standard). Airspan is on the Board and is a founder member of the WiMAX Forum and a member of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Company has deployments in more than 100 countries with more than 400 operators, 100 of which use Airspan's WiMAX Forum Certified™ and non-certified products. Airspan's wireless systems are based on radio technology that delivers excellent area coverage, high security and resistance to fading. These systems can be deployed rapidly and cost effectively, providing an attractive alternative to traditional wired communications networks. Airspan's AS.TONE VoIP system is a carrier class, turnkey solution that provides carriers with Class 4, Class 5 and IP-Centrex solutions and has a Softswitch and Gateways supporting SIP/H323 and SIP. AS.TONE's design provides customers, carriers, next-generation telcos, cellular providers and ITSP with a wide range of solutions with the best price/performance system for IP telephony. Airspan also offers radio planning, network installation, integration, training and support services to facilitate the deployment and operation of its systems. Airspan is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida with its main operations center in Uxbridge, United Kingdom.
More information on Airspan can be found at http://www.airspan.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The words "targets," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "projects," "will," "would" and similar expressions or negative variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. Investors and others are therefore cautioned that a variety of factors, including certain risks, may affect our business and cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These risk factors include, without limitation, (i) a slowdown of expenditures by communication service providers; (ii) increased competition from alternative communication systems; (iii) the failure of our existing or prospective customers to purchase products as projected; (iv) our inability to successfully implement cost reduction or containment programs; (v) the potential loss of Axtel and Yozan as our largest customers; (vi) our potential inability to locate and secure additional sources of capital at the time and in the amount needed; (vii) the possibility that Yozan will materially delay or cancel future equipment orders; (viii) disruption to our operations in Israel, including the absence of employees due to required military service caused by political and military tensions in Israel and the Middle East. The Company is subject to the risks and uncertainties described in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and its Form 10-Qs for the quarters ended April 2, 2006, July 2, 2006 and October 1, 2006. You should read those factors as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
-- November 08, 2006 -- Barclay Road, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: BCYR) has chosen to use Market Wire to disseminate all news and investor relation communications for their operation. Market Wire is the third largest newswire in the U.S.
"Market Wire has proven itself to be a professional, courteous and honorable operation. We have worked with Sherri Sibiski, a Sr. Account Executive, in the past and have nothing but praise for her fine work," said a company spokesperson.
Lifetime Books is the imprint of Barclay Road, Inc. and is one of the leading trade book publishers in the United States. Our titles are listed with Barnes & Noble, Amazon and most other retail book establishments worldwide.
|
Established in 1998, Lifetime Books has published over 1500 titles in 13 genres, featuring best-selling authors like Og Mandino, Robert Danzig, and many others.
Except for historical matters contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect Barclay Road, Inc. and its subsidiary businesses and prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ are: Barclay Road, Inc.'s operating history; competition; low barriers to entry; reliance on strategic relationships; rapid technological changes; inability to complete transactions on favorable terms; and those risks discussed in the Company's filings with Pink Sheets.
High-definition Video/Audio Technologies
Top-selling Universal Video Player Brings Hollywood Theater Experience to Windows Vista
November 08, 2006 -- InterVideo®, Inc. (NASDAQ: IVII) today announced WinDVD® 8, the latest release of the software DVD player favored by 175 million users worldwide. WinDVD 8 takes video and audio playback to the next generation with Windows® VistaTM compatibility. Offering an unprecedented list of new and expanded features, the new version delivers the smooth, crystal-clear video and rich surround sound users have come to expect from WinDVD.
"With the advent of the Windows Vista era, being able to use a single software solution to play all DVD/video/audio in multiple formats simplifies our customers' digital lifestyle," said Steve Ro, CEO and President of InterVideo. "People are eager to adopt next-generation technologies like H.264, VC1 or the UPnP ability in the new Windows Vista OS, and WinDVD 8 provides this path. WinDVD users worldwide can always get the most out of their current systems. Now, WinDVD 8 users can also leverage the enhanced multimedia features and capabilities of Windows Vista."
WinDVD 8 is available in two versions. WinDVD 8 Platinum will appeal to power users who want the latest audio/video technologies, such as H.264 and VC1 support, and the ability to integrate with the Media Center and UPnP home networking. WinDVD 8 Gold is designed for movie lovers and business travelers who just want an easy way to enjoy high-quality movie playback. Both versions are Windows Vista-compatible.
Universal Player
A universal player, the Platinum version can be used to play back the latest high-definition file formats, such as MPEG2-HD, VC-1, WMV-HD and H.264 HD, as well as all the standard-definition formats like MPEG-4, Real®, QuickTime and WMV (Windows Media Video). WinDVD 8 also extends its support for DivX® multimedia technology to deliver high-quality interactive video.
UPnP Client and Server
Now WinDVD 8 Platinum supports UPnP home networks as Server or Client. Installing the UPnP Server that comes with WinDVD 8 Platinum, you can set up folders, set permissions, and make content available through the network. The Client plays back content from other UPnP-certified devices within a network. Both WinDVD 8 Gold and Platinum versions can serve as UPnP Client and work with other UPnP Servers available on the market.
Multi-threaded & Mobility
WinDVD 8 supports Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo, allowing multitasking while playing back high-definition video/audio formats. WinDVD 8 also features Mobile Technology, which helps users extend the battery life and playback time of mobile PCs based on Intel CentrinoTM processors.
Fun-to-use Tools
Like the previous versions, WinDVD 8 is also enhanced with the fun-to-use tools. Hitting the Boss Key instantly pauses and hides the player. WinDVD 8 also allows choosing color themes so users can personalize the look of the player to match their mood or desktop. Fun features such as "Let Night" or "Broadway" audio effects and QuickClipTM 2 for capturing video to save in GIF format are also provided.
Go High-Def
As more and more high-definition Blu-ray and HD DVD discs are entering the market, InterVideo, as the technology leader in video and audio decoding, has complied with all the requirements for playing back these advanced disc formats in full, high-definition quality. WinDVD was selected as the player of choice for OEM customers like Sony and Toshiba, bundling the HD version with their first-to-market HD DVD and Blu-ray-capable PCs.
Users who buy WinDVD 8 Gold or Platinum can get HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc Playback functionality by purchasing the HD Upgrade Pack, available separately from http://www.intervideo.com .
Pricing and Availability
WinDVD 8 can be used with desktop and laptop computers running Windows® XP and Windows VistaTM . WinDVD 8 Gold, the standard consumer edition, and WinDVD 8 Platinum, InterVideo's high-end version, is available at InterVideo's web site at http://www.intervideo.com and will be at retail outlets around the world within the next few weeks. The suggested list prices are $39.95 for WinDVD 8 Gold and $59.95 WinDVD 8 Platinum. Upgrades for current licensed WinDVD users will also be available on the InterVideo web site.
About InterVideo, Inc.
InterVideo is a leading provider of integrated digital and high-definition multimedia and audio/video content solutions in the PC, CE and wireless industries. The company's broad suite of integrated multimedia software products are designed to enhance the consumer's entertainment experience, whether the content is delivered to a home system, HDTV set, wireless system, mobile or personal multimedia device. InterVideo's unique iMobi™ multimedia codec technologies are widely used by Smartphones, GPS units and portable entertainment device OEMs and ODMs to enhance music and video enjoyment…any place, any time. The firm's worldwide headquarters is at 46430 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA, 510-651-0888, InterVideo also has major offices in Taiwan, Japan, Mainland China and around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.intervideo.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for the historical statements contained herein, the foregoing release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding InterVideo's WinDVD products. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially due to several factors, including but not limited to the ability to forecast customer behavior and recognize or respond to emerging trends, changing preferences or competitive factors, the market acceptance of our new products and product enhancements, the resolution of any notices of claims regarding alleged infringement of third parties' intellectual property rights, the ability to maintain or expand our relationship with PC OEMS and other risks and uncertainties. Please consult the various reports and documents filed by InterVideo with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to InterVideo's Form 10-Q for other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and InterVideo disclaims any responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statement provided in this news release.
InterVideo and InterVideo WinDVD are trademarks of InterVideo, Inc. Intel, Core 2 Duo and Centrino are registered trademarks of Intel. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
JumpTV Subscriptions Grow 32% in Third Quarter
Internet Broadcaster Announces 3rd Quarter Results and Performance Metrics
November 08, 2006 -- JumpTV Inc. ("JumpTV" or "the Company") (TSX: JTV) (AIM: JTV), the world's leading broadcaster of ethnic television over the Internet, today announced quarterly results and selected financial metrics for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.
Revenue for the third quarter 2006 increased 58% to US $534,671 from US $337,389 in the same period a year ago. Sequentially, revenue increased 25% from US $426,998 in the second quarter 2006.
Net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was US $6,494,411 or US $0.23 per basic and diluted share compared to US $1,086,525 or US $0.08 per basic and diluted share in the same period a year ago and US $6,449,005 or US $0.31 per basic and diluted share in the quarter ended June 30, 2006. During the quarter, the Company invested heavily in the development of its next generation product offering (JumpTV 3.0), and continued to invest in personnel dedicated to its global business development efforts in connection with obtaining additional channel partnerships and marketing partnerships with major ISPs and Internet portals.
JumpTV had 225 channels signed as of September 30, 2006, as compared to 204 channels as of June 30, 2006 and 59 channels as of September 30, 2005.
Subscriptions increased 32% to 23,885 from 18,119 in the second quarter 2006 and subscribers increased approximately 35% to 22,019 for the third quarter 2006 from 16,319 in the second quarter 2006. Average Monthly Churn was 22.8% compared to 15.8% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The $0.99 first-month subscriber promotion resulted in a high churn rate during the quarter as certain subscribers cycled in and out of the offer.
For the third quarter of 2006, JumpTV's subscriber acquisition cost (SAC) was US $21.80 compared to US $30.00 in the second quarter of 2006. The Company's natural search optimization initiatives and the increased number of subscribers acquired through affiliate marketing partners were the primary drivers of the 26% reduction in subscriber acquisition cost (SAC) during the quarter.
Average monthly Revenue per User (ARPU) was US $9.43 in the quarter ending September 30, 2006 compared to US $10.31(1) in the second quarter of 2006. The Company's ARPU declined due to the testing of a $0.99 first-month subscriber promotion and other test marketing initiatives. The Company expects to continue to introduce additional channel bundles at higher monthly subscription rates (e.g. approximately $15/month) which is expected to increase ARPU in future quarters.
G. Scott Paterson, Chairman & CEO of JumpTV, said:
"We are delighted with the growth in subscriptions in Q3 particularly in light of the fact that our focus has been and continues to be, in the near term, securing new channel partnerships, improving our user experience and developing marketing partnerships around the world (which are soon to be launched).
We have made significant strides in all aspects of our business. We have signed, on average, two new channel partnerships a week, bringing our total number of partners to 233 as of today's date. Among our recently announced channel partnerships are MBC, one of the top pan-Arab general entertainment channels, Al Arabiya News Channel, one of the leading Arabic language news channels worldwide and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), one of the world's largest producers of Chinese-language television programming.
Very significantly, we launched JumpTV 3.0, our new online television experience. JumpTV 3.0 adds video-on-demand, pay-per-view and social networking functionalities to our platform as well as enhanced digital rights management and pre-roll advertising capabilities.
We have recently entered into marketing agreements with Comcast, the largest broadband ISP in the United States, Que Pasa, a leading Hispanic oriented portal, and Maktoob, one of the world's most visited Arabic online destinations; each of which we expect to launch commercially prior to year-end.
We have worked diligently to put in place the requisite components of our business strategy necessary to drive subscriber growth in 2007 and beyond."
(1) The Company reported an ARPU of $9.91 in the prior quarter by dividing total subscriber-related revenues for the period by the average subscribers for that period. Average subscribers for the period were calculated by adding the total subscribers at the end of each month and by dividing by the number of months in the period. We have adjusted this figure to $10.31 to be consistent with the definition we disclosed in both our prospectus and prior quarters Management Discussion and Analysis. This definition states that ARPU is calculated by dividing total subscriber-related revenues for a period by JumpTV's average subscribers for that period. Average JumpTV subscribers for a period is calculated by adding the average JumpTV subscribers for each month and dividing by the number of months in the period. Average JumpTV subscribers for each month are calculated by adding the beginning and ending JumpTV subscribers for the month and dividing by two.
The company will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter results at 8:00 a.m. PST, 11:00 a.m. EST and 4:00 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, November 8, 2006. A replay of the call will be available for 7 days using the following dial-in numbers: US - 1-877-519-4471 or International - 973-341-3080; conference code 8068898. The call will also be available via live audio cast on the JumpTV website, located at www.jumptv.com. The audio cast will be archived on the Company's website for a period of 30 days.
About JumpTV
JumpTV is the world's leading subscription based provider of ethnic television over the Internet. With over 230 channels from 65+ countries, JumpTV delivers to its subscribers full-screen news, sports and entertainment content on a real-time basis from all corners of the globe. JumpTV has subscribers from over 80 countries who view channels on the JumpTV online network via ordinary Internet connections on their home computers, laptops, Internet-enabled televisions and mobile phones.
Forward Looking Statements
JumpTV is not aware of any uniform standards for calculating subscriptions, subscribers, ARPU, SAC, Churn and channels signed and it is possible that JumpTV's presentation of these measures may not be calculated consistently with other companies in the same or similar business. Moreover, these measures are of operational performance and not measures of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward looking statements, including: general economic and market segment conditions, competitor activity, product capability and acceptance, international risk and currency exchange rates and technology changes. More detailed assessment of the risks that could cause actual results to materially differ from current expectations is contained in the "Risk Assessment" section included in the Company's final prospectus and MD&A posted on www.sedar.com.
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEETS [Expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted] As at As at September 30, December 31, 2006 2005 $ $ ---------- ---------- [unaudited] ASSETS Current Cash and cash equivalents 54,020,499 5,475,052 Other receivables 487,040 78,309 Prepaid expenses and deposits 683,864 14,812 Funds held in trust 581,861 - ---------- ---------- Total current assets 55,773,264 5,568,173 ---------- ---------- Equipment, net 977,093 379,694 Intangible assets 464,195 - Other assets 227,922 105,216 Deferred direct broadcast operating costs, net 262,094 96,803 ---------- ---------- 57,704,568 6,149,886 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 2,230,796 1,008,845 Due to related parties 6,083 138,323 Current portion of accrued license fees 65,696 79,592 Accrued professional fees 557,834 195,592 Accrued stock appreciation rights 623,859 - Deferred revenue 103,106 56,268 Income taxes payable 52,800 16,800 ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 3,640,174 1,495,420 ---------- ---------- Accrued license fees 120,000 120,000 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities 3,760,174 1,615,420 ---------- ---------- Shareholders' equity Share capital 73,556,678 9,744,084 Contributed surplus 3,127,795 609,908 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (40,355) (40,355) Accumulated deficit (22,699,724) (5,779,171) ---------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity 53,944,394 4,534,466 ---------- ---------- 57,704,568 6,149,886 ========== ========== CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted] [unaudited] Three months Nine months ended ended September 30 September 30 2006 2005 2006 2005 $ $ $ $ ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- Revenue, net 534,671 337,389 1,312,167 970,162 Direct broadcast operating costs (706,102) (97,757) (1,437,113) (1,273,636) ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- (171,431) 239,632 (124,946) (303,474) ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- Other costs and expenses Selling, general and administrative 5,318,685 1,258,342 14,538,882 1,615,077 Stock-based compensation 1,417,321 74,530 2,744,701 184,833 Amortization 34,225 6,335 82,076 15,644 ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- 6,770,231 1,339,207 17,365,659 1,815,554 ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- (6,941,662) (1,099,575) (17,490,605) (2,119,028) Gain on foreign exchange (107,548) (13,791) (99,247) (3,190) Interest income (350,703) (4,859) (506,805) (5,759) ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- Loss before income taxes (6,483,411) (1,080,925) (16,884,553) (2,110,079) Provision for income taxes 11,000 5,600 36,000 11,200 ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- Net loss for the period (6,494,411) (1,086,525) (16,920,553) (2,121,279) ============ =========== =========== =========== Loss per weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic and diluted (0.23) (0.08) (0.74) (0.20) ============ =========== =========== =========== Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic and diluted 28,848,119 13,469,599 22,913,150 10,574,769 ============ =========== =========== =========== CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted] [unaudited] Three months Nine months ended ended September 30 September 30 2006 2005 2006 2005 $ $ $ $ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss for the period (6,494,411) (1,086,525) (16,920,553) (2,121,279) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Amortization 76,069 6,698 174,310 16,007 Stock based compensation, excluding change in accrued stock appreciation rights as noted below 793,462 74,530 2,120,842 184,833 Amortization of deferred direct broadcast operating costs 8,799 - 26,399 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- (5,616,081) (1,005,297) (14,599,002) (1,920,439) Changes in operating assets and liabilities Other receivables (197,586) (41,530) (408,731) (62,530) Prepaid expenses, deposits and other assets (312,815) 2,295 (791,758) (23,693) Funds held in trust (581,861) - (581,861) - Deferred direct broadcast operating costs (191,690) - (191,690) - Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (1,020,553) 723,443 1,221,951 873,127 Due to related parties (22,342) (1,590) (132,240) (15,848) Accrued license fees 23,899 63,680 (13,896) 100,292 Accrued stock appreciation rights 623,859 - 623,859 - Accrued professional fees (2,750,880) - 362,242 - Deferred revenue 22,253 (3,564) 46,838 15,167 Income taxes payable 11,000 5,600 36,000 11,200 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash used in operating activities (10,012,797) (256,963) (14,428,288) (1,022,724) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Redemption of short-term investment - - - 36,728 Purchase of equipment (118,835) (53,600) (771,709) (103,829) Purchase of HVMedia Limited assets, including transaction costs 333 - (444,973) - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash used in investing activities (118,502) (53,600) (1,216,682) (67,101) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from share issuances, net 55,566,287 3,864,036 63,564,934 4,823,036 Deferred share issue costs 3,449,672 - - - Redemption of Class C common share - - (1) - Proceeds from exercise of stock options 25,438 - 625,484 - Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory note - - - 20,000 Proceeds from issuance of special warrants - - - 750,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash provided by financing activities 59,041,397 3,864,036 64,190,417 5,593,036 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period 48,910,098 3,553,473 48,545,447 4,503,211 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 5,110,401 1,186,169 5,475,052 236,431 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 54,020,499 4,739,642 54,020,499 4,739,642 =========== =========== =========== ===========
USDA Acceptance Marks Key Milestone for Independent Carriers
November 8, 2006)—ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN), a leading supplier of next-generation network solutions, today announced that its Total Access® 5000 Multi-Service Access and Aggregation Platform has received RUS Acceptance from the Technical Standards Committee A (Telecommunications) Advanced Services Division of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
The Total Access 5000 platform revolutionizes converged networking by enabling service providers to deliver next-generation services like IPTV and Voice over IP (VoIP) across an all IP/Ethernet core without stranding their legacy service base, thus creating a scalable service delivery model across the network. The Total Access 5000 easily supports deployment with 100% broadband capable access lines, helping carriers further reduce the capital and operational costs associated with broadband turn-ups.
"The RUS acceptance is important to ADTRAN as it reinforces our commitment to the independent carriers in the area of broadband connectivity," said P. Steven Locke, vice president of sales, Service Providers. "Helping rural providers stay current and continue growth with cost-effective, reliable solutions is one way we can help alleviate the digital divide within the United States."
The Rural Utilities Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers funding and low-cost loans to service providers investing in networks to serve rural communities. RUS acceptance allows service providers to purchase ADTRAN's Total Access 5000 systems and other ADTRAN access equipment with these funds.
ADTRAN's list of RUS Accepted products is extensive and includes its Total Access (TA) 3000, TA 3050, TA 1500, TA 1200 DSLAM, TA 850, and TA 750, TA 4303, MX2800, MX2810, MX2820, OPTI-3, and OPTI-6100®.
About ADTRAN
ADTRAN, Inc. is a leading global provider of networking and communications equipment, with an 18-year history of profitability and a portfolio of more than 1,400 solutions for use in the last mile of today's telecommunications networks. Widely deployed by carriers and enterprises alike, ADTRAN solutions enable voice, data, video, and Internet communications across copper, fiber, and wireless network infrastructures. ADTRAN solutions are currently in use by every major U.S. service provider and many global ones, as well as by thousands of public, private and governmental organizations worldwide.
TO DISTRIBUTE INNOVATIVE DIGITAL CAMERA CLEANING
PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES.
Distribution Agreement between DBL Distributing, Inc and Green Clean USA Brings
Innovative Products and Accessories to DBL’s Photo/Video Segment.
– November 8, 2006 -- DBL Distributing, Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributors of consumer electronics in the United States, today announced a new distribution partnership with Green Clean USA to deliver innovative digital camera cleaning kits and individual products to DBL’s base of independent photography and digital imaging retailers and processors. Green Clean USA manufacturers and markets a complete line of digital imaging cleaning products that are based on an innovative, contact-free “vacuum” principle that gently removes dust and friction particles from digital camera sensor and camera housings. Green Clean USA is one of twenty new manufacturers to make their debut in DBL’s recently released Fall/Winter 2006 catalog which features more than 16,000 products from 350 brand name manufacturers.
Effective immediately, DBL will carry the full line of Green Clean USA digital imaging maintenance and care accessories including cleaning kits, replacement accessories and dusters. Green Clean USA is noted for their cleaning kits which feature an innovative “vacuum power canister” that removes dust, dirt and particulates by means of a “suction” technology as opposed to typical “blow” systems. DBL will also carry Green Clean USA anti-static polishing cloths, sterile mini pick-up replacement tubes, vacuum attachment accessories and non-full frame wet and dry swab sensor cleaners. Green Clean USA’s wet and dry swabs are designed to remove oils and smudges from digital camera sensors. The wet swab is pre-saturated with a non-toxic, alcohol free solution and the non-full frame size dry swab is lint free and highly absorbent.
“We listened to our photography and digital imaging customers over the past year and heard they wanted to have access to new innovative products that demonstrate true differentiation in the retail marketplace.” said Henry Chiarelli, senior vice president of marketing and merchandising for DBL Distributing. “In particular, our customers expressed an interest in products that are in synch with the rapid evolution of digital imaging technology. Through new partnerships with manufacturers such as Green Clean USA we are proud to report that we have delivered on this customer request. By marketing Green Clean USA’s full line of cleaning kits, replacement accessories and dusters, we are delivering product options that not only address the technological changes digital imaging manufacturers apply to their products, but we are delivering products that are unique to the market, valuable to the retailer, essential to their photography customers and environmentally friendly.”
”Green Clean USA is extremely excited about our relationship with DBL Distributing, Inc. Their reputation and success as a distributor of consumer electronics accessories means that more and more consumers will be enabled with our professional quality cleaning products,” said Grant Russell, President of Green Clean USA.
About DBL Distributing, Inc.
DBL Distributing, Inc. is one of the nation’s top wholesale distributors of consumer electronics accessories and related products, with more than 30,000 retail customers nationwide. Headquartered in a custom-built 144,000 square foot facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, DBL carries more than 16,000 products from more than 350 quality manufacturers. DBL offers same day shipping for order placed by 5:00pm MST, a best price for 1 or 100 piece policy and a have no minimum order policy. DBL’s business strategy proves that customers come first. For more information please visit http://www.dbldistributing.com/ or contact them at 800.733.6766.
ABOUT GREEN CLEAN USA
GREEN CLEAN USA provides the photography industry with quality and innovative digital camera cleaning devices while paying particular attention to customer service, support and satisfaction throughout North America. Green Clean USA’s Digital Camera Sensor Cleaning System is a contact-free cleaning system that works on the vacuum principle to gently remove dust and friction particles from the sensor and camera housing. The system also features three Wet Swabs and three Dry Swabs to remove oils and smudges from the sensor. A Travel Kit as well as individual accessories and environmentally safe dusters are also available. For more information please visit http://www.green-cleanusa.com
DISTRIBUTOR OF XM SATELLITE RADIO
Independent Retailers Nationwide Will Benefit from DBL’s Wide Range of XM Satellite Hardware and
Accessory Options, Aggressive Dealer Activation Credits and Unparalleled Dealer Support Tools
November 7, 2006 -- DBL Distributing, Inc., one of the largest wholesalers of consumer electronics in the United States, announced today a distribution agreement with XM Satellite Radio to deliver an expansive selection of XM products and accessories, along with aggressive activation commissions and online support tools, to eligible consumer electronics dealers. As a National Preferred Distributor for XM Satellite Radio, DBL will provide more than 30,000 consumer electronic dealers nationwide with access to an unparalleled selection of XM-Ready products, subscriber activation commissions and management tools.
Additionally, DBL announced that eligible dealers who order XM Satellite Radio hardware and accessories from DBL will have access to “The DBL XM Store,” a new online account management tool where they can manage and track orders. Dealers will be able to view each of their orders by order number with visibility into ship date, account activation date and commission payment status. Conveniently accessible through DBL’s existing corporate website at http://www.dbldistributing.com, The DBL XM Store provides real-time access to valuable information that helps dealers manage their business. In addition to order and commission payment status, DBL’s XM Store also serves as a comprehensive source for information on XM products, rebate information and XM promotions.
DBL already carries more than 100 XM products including receivers such as Samsung’s NeXus™, Samsung Helix™, Pioneer’s Inno™, Delphi’s SKYFi™, Roady XT™ and MyFi™, Audiovox Xpress and Mini Tuner, and AGT’s SportsCaster™. DBL carries XM Satellite Radio in-dash car receivers, marine kits, car kits, car adapters and car antennas from Dual, Terk, Pioneer, Samsung, Audiovox and Altec Lansing. XM cases, mounts and accessories carried by DBL include items from Belkin, Akron, Case Logic and PanaVise. DBL also offers XM products serving the Home Audio and Commercial Installation markets with receivers, multi-room entertainment systems and repeaters from Antex Electronics, Crown and Delphi.
“We’re committed to finding new ways to bring value to our dealers and their customers and we think this deal is a huge step forward in giving them both greater value and choice through the holiday buying season,” said David Lorsch, DBL’s President and CEO. “It’s an exciting opportunity for the consumer electronics retailer, the consumer and for us. We now have an unparalleled selection of brand-name manufacturers such as Samsung, Pioneer, Crown, AGT, Delphi, Dual, Belkin, Audiovox and Terk to name just a few of the leading brands associated with XM Satellite Radio hardware and accessories. Additionally, for the very first time, dealers will be able to view their order status including payment of activation fees by simply visiting our website.”
“XM Satellite Radio is pleased to expand our relationship with DBL Distributing,” says Victor Henley, Director/GM of Retail Distribution, XM Satellite Radio. “DBL is a recognized by dealers for their commitment to the retailer and their needs offering the best staff, products and systems to support the needs of retailers across many categories. DBL has become a one-stop shop for all XM products, eliminating the tedious work involved in claiming the activation commissions so the retailer can do what they do best.
DBL is also offering an added seasonal “holiday season” bonus for consumer electronic dealers nationwide. All existing DBL customers and qualified new customers are eligible for DBL’s Free Freight promotion which offers FREE ground shipping on qualifying orders over $750 through December 31, 2006. DBL’s Free Freight promotion is one more reason why the company is the fastest growing distributor in consumer electronics and another reason why more than 30,000 independent retailers across the United States choose DBL as their trusted source for XM Satellite Radio products and accessories above any other distributor.
XM Satellite Radio receivers, portable products and related accessories can be found in DBL’s quarterly catalog and online at http://www.dbldistributing.com. DBL’s award winning catalog is mailed free of charge to Consumer Electronic Retailers, Custom Installers, Home Theater Consultants and Professional Audio/Video Installers throughout the United States. The DBL Catalog is also available without wholesale pricing so that dealers may use it as a sales aid to their customers. Both DBL Catalogs are published four times each year.
To find out more about XM Satellite Radio products and accessories, please contact Preston Pearson - DBL’s XM Account Specialist by dialing 800.733.6766, Ext 2153. XM Satellite Radio products and accessories are also available by visiting DBL’s comprehensive website at http://www.dbldistributing.com - simply click on “personal and portable AV” then choose XM Satellite Radio.
About DBL Distributing, Inc.
DBL Distributing, Inc. is one of the nation’s top wholesale distributors of consumer electronics accessories and related products, with more than 30,000 retail customers nationwide. Headquartered in a custom-built 144,000 square foot facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, DBL carries more than 16,000 products from more than 350 quality manufacturers. DBL offers same day shipping for order placed by 5:00pm MST, a best price for 1 or 100 piece policy and a have no minimum order policy. DBL’s business strategy proves that customers come first. For more information please visit http://www.dbldistributing.com
Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) Program
Product information about Convergent Living Smart Home Controllers now available to
Users of D-Tools' Award-winning System Integrator™ Software
NOVEMBER 7, 2006 — D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, today announced that Convergent Living has joined the D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program. Convergent Living offers affordable, comprehensive, plug/play or full custom all-digital control solutions that provide an engaging and unique interface for its users.
"We are excited to be a part of the D-Tools MVP program", stated Craig Slawson, President of Convergent Living. "Being a member will give us great exposure to a diverse group of professional system integrators who may not have immediate access to our product information – extending our customer reach, which will ultimately help us increase sales."
The D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program is designed to help provide system integrators with the most up-to-date product information to over 2,000 companies using D-Tools System Integrator software. D-Tools MVP members are dedicated to helping companies streamline the design process and making it easier for system integrators and installers to provide accurate proposals to their clients.
D-Tools System Integrator software enables systems integrators and custom installation professionals to create detailed projects managed with automated proposals, scheduling, pick lists, purchase orders, drawings and additional documents that streamline the integrated installation of audio and video products. By using a single, shared project file, system integrators and custom installers can download free product information from D-Tools' comprehensive database of tens of thousands of products and their accessories, giving them the distinct advantage of designing systems using the most current product information, while saving hours of product research time.
"We are pleased to have Convergent Living join the MVP Program," said Adam Stone, President and CEO of D-Tools. "Convergent Living offers truly unique and engaging products, that can manage all home systems while remaining user friendly, and making this product information instantly available to our users through the software will be beneficial to our users, their customers, and Convergent Living as the manufacturer."
About Convergent Living
Convergent Living develops integrated control solutions binding modern and legacy systems on elegantly networked smartscreens. Since 2002, the Companion-branded solutions have offered professional integrators around the world the dimensionality of simple plug/play to full custom interface/control with Flash-animated interface designs. The patented smartscreens ship all-inclusive and are specifically designed to run quiet, cool and fast, engaging users with networked content, control and entertainment management on centrally located always-on sentinels. The suite of in-wall, desktop, handheld, TV/PC interfaces offers users consistent interfaces and one-touch access to simplifying their homes, offices or light commercial environments. Convergent offers one seamless solution that will help sell homes, differentiate entire communities, enhance homeowners' lives and offer enduring benefits for years to come. http://www.convergentliving.com
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools is a worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. The company, founded in 1998 and based in Concord, California, offers a wide range of products and services created to simplify the complicated design, engineering, documentation and estimating processes that accompany residential and commercial installation projects of any size. Over 2,000 leading companies use D-Tools software to reduce time and costs and streamline the system integration process. D-Tools is the recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association's Mark of Excellence Award (2004, 2005, 2006), National Systems Contractors Association and Sound and Video Contractor's Innovations in Technology for Business Productivity Award (2004, 2005) and CE Pro's High Impact Award for Design Software. For more information, contact D-Tools at (866) 386-6571, e-mail at info@d-tools.com or visit D-Tools online at http://www.d-tools.com.
The American Institutes for Research Issues Updated Rating of 22 Widely Used Comprehensive School Reform Models
November 07, 2006 -- The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has released an updated consumer guide rating the effectiveness and quality of 22 widely used comprehensive elementary school reform models. The new report, issued one year after the first guide was released, upgrades the ratings of two models to "moderate" on evidence of success in demonstrating positive effects on student achievement. The status of the 20 other reform models remains unchanged.
The "CSRQ Center Report on Elementary School Comprehensive School Reform Models" was produced by AIR's Comprehensive School Reform Quality (CSRQ) Center, a multi-year project funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The initial report was issued in November 2005. The updated findings are based on new research evidence that meet strict scientific criteria set by AIR researchers.
"The updated report marks the first time that a follow up guide of this type has been issued, demonstrating that the research evidence on whole school improvement models is continuing to grow," said Steve Fleischman, an AIR vice president and director of the study. "Progress is being made in establishing scientific criteria for measuring success as well as in producing evidence that meets that standard."
In the latest findings two models, National Writing Project, in Berkeley, Calif., and Literacy Collaborative of Columbus, Ohio were upgraded from "limited" to "moderate" in Category 1: Evidence of Positive Effects on Student Achievement. Both Literacy Collaborative and the National Writing Project also went from a "no rating" to "very strong" in evidence of a research base for the model's design.
The 22 reform models serve thousands of mostly high-poverty, low-performing schools nationwide. The CSRQ Center review framework was developed in consultation with an Advisory Group composed of leading education experts and researchers, and is closely aligned with the requirement for scientifically based evidence that is part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
In the latest report, no model received a rating of "very strong." Direct Instruction (Full Immersion Model), based in Eugene, Ore., and Success for All, located in Baltimore, Md., received a "moderately strong" rating.
Five other models also met the standards for the "moderate" rating: Accelerated Schools PLUS, in Storrs, Conn.; America's Choice School Design, based in Washington, D.C.; Core Knowledge, located in Charlottesville, Va.; School Renaissance in Madison, Wis.; and the School Development Project, based in New Haven, Conn. Models receiving a "moderate" rating may still show notable evidence of positive outcomes, but this evidence is not as strong as those models receiving a "moderately strong" or "very strong" rating.
Six models earned a "limited" rating in Category 1: ATLAS Communities in Cambridge, Mass.; Pearson Achievement Solutions (formerly Co-nect), in Glenview, Ill.; Different Ways of Knowing, located in Santa Monica, Calif.; Integrated Thematic Instruction, based in Federal Way, Wash.; Modern Red Schoolhouse, based in Nashville, Tenn.; and Ventures Initiative Focus System, located in New York, N.Y. The "limited" rating indicates that while the CSRQ Center found some evidence of positive effects on student achievement, much more rigorous research and evidence needs to be presented on the model to fully support its effectiveness.
Seven CSR models received a "zero" rating in Category 1: Breakthrough to Literacy, from Coralville, Iowa; Comprehensive Early Literacy Learning, in Redlands, Calif.; Community for Learning, based in Philadelphia, Pa.; Coalition of Essential Schools, located in Oakland, Calif.; Expeditionary Learning, based in Garrison, N.Y.; First Steps, in Salem, Mass.; and Onward to Excellence II, located in Portland, Ore. A rating of "zero" means that evidence was found to provide a rating for this category, but none was of sufficient quality to be counted as reliable evidence.
None of the 22 models earned a "no" or "negative" rating, which indicate that a model has no evidence available for review, or strong evidence demonstrating negative effects in a given category or subcategory, respectively.
Individuals can visit the CSRQ Center's Web site (http://www.csrq.org/reports.asp) or AIR's Web site (www.air.org) to download the entire report.
About AIR
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research on important social issues and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and workforce productivity.
VHA Health Foundation Unveils New Online Disaster Communications Compendium to Help Hospitals Manage During a Crisis
November 07, 2006 -- The VHA Health Foundation today debuted a new online compendium of tools and resources to help hospitals plan for and manage communications in times of natural or man-made disasters. The resource can be found at www.vhahf.org.
The VHA Health Foundation Disaster Communications Compendium is designed to streamline the process of communications planning by providing an organized, easy-to-use, one-stop resource to the vast amount of information available on disaster planning.
"Hospitals are magnets during times of disaster. Clear, straightforward communication is critical. A lot of information has been created to help hospital executives prepare for disasters, but it takes hours and even days to wade through it all. We found many hospitals were reinventing the wheel because they couldn't find what already had been done," said Linda DeWolf, president of VHA Health Foundation. "So, we developed this Compendium to ease the communications planning process by putting the best tools and information all in one place online."
The Compendium is part of the Foundation's ongoing efforts to support hospitals as they prepare for disasters. To create the resource, the Foundation analyzed a wealth of existing resources from hospitals, associations, think tanks and government agencies to find the most relevant and useful data, templates and resources. This was then compiled into a simple resource tailored to the needs of hospital communications officers and senior executives involved in disaster planning.
Topics included in the compendium include:
-- Award-winning case studies from experienced hospitals -- Tips for talking to the media -- Disaster preparedness resources and tools from hospitals such as Memorial Hermann, Scripps Health and St. Luke's Regional Medical Center
Among the case studies is the award-winning work by Ochsner Clinic Foundation, which came to be recognized throughout the country as a "Beam of Hope" in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. With the city under water, electricity out, cell phone towers down and people pouring through into the Emergency Room for help, the Ochsner communications team managed to cope with the ongoing crisis and provide one of the few reliable sources of information for the community and the nation. The heroic story of their work, the preparation that paid off and their tips for fellow communications professionals can be found in the Compendium.
The Foundation is hosting a disaster preparedness forum in New Orleans at the end of November. This forum was created exclusively for Chief Executive Officers and hospital senior leaders to share experiences and learn about best practices to facilitate better planning for natural disasters or attacks. Preparing for the Next Disaster: A Hospital Leadership Forum is set for Nov. 29-30, 2006 and will include discussions led by top disaster preparedness experts including former FEMA director, James Lee Witt; Assistant Secretary of Health, Admiral John O. Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H.; and CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper.
"For hospitals across the country, few needs are greater than the need to improve disaster preparedness," added DeWolf. "This compendium and conference are designed to fully address this need."
For more information about the VHA Health Foundation's disaster preparedness efforts, visit www.vhahf.org.
Costco Wholesale Corporation Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend
November 06, 2006 -- Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on Costco Wholesale common stock. The dividend of $.13 per share is payable December 1, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2006.
Costco currently operates 493 warehouses, including 364 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 68 in Canada, 18 in the United Kingdom, five in Korea, four in Taiwan, five in Japan and 29 in Mexico. The Company also operates Costco Online, an electronic commerce web site, at www.costco.com and at www.costco.ca in Canada. The Company plans to open an additional 11 new warehouses prior to the end of calendar year 2006.
TACODA Launches Consumer Choice Initiative
Plans Consumer Opt-Out Preservation With New Patent-Pending Technology
November 06, 2006 -- In conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission hearings this week in Washington, DC on "Marketing and Advertising in the Next Tech-ade," Dave Morgan, Founder and Chairman of TACODA®, the leading provider of behaviorally-targeted online advertising solutions, at the hearings will announce the launch of a company Consumer Choice Initiative to go even further than regulations or industry best practices requirements for consumer privacy.
TACODA's Consumer Choice Initiative takes the unprecedented step to supplement its current consumer notice program to include actual notice being given to every consumer that is exposed to its network at least once every six months. This notice will be given through the use of tens of millions of in-page advertising units. TACODA is shortening the expiration date of all its cookies going forward to only one year. Current industry best practices typically call for cookie expiration dates of three to twenty years. TACODA is also developing patent-pending technology to recognize a consumers' opt-out status even if they have deleted their browser cookies. Current opt-out systems are not able to do this. Finally, TACODA will avoid targeting advertisements using "sensitive" data, such as sexual preference, certain medical conditions, or identifying children. Current industry practices permit targeting on this type of data.
"The protection of consumer privacy and the principles of relevancy, transparency, and choice have been hallmarks of TACODA's business since its founding more than five years ago," says TACODA CEO Curt Viebranz. "TACODA Audience Networks™ only uses anonymous, non-personally identifiable information. Its use of third party cookies in targeting is disclosed in the privacy policies on both its own web site as well as the web sites of its publisher partners. It permits consumers to opt-out of its cookies at any time as part of its membership and compliance with the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) Guidelines that have been endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission."
"This is a very important initiative at TACODA. We are incredibly optimistic about the future of targeted online advertising but are likewise convinced that it will only happen as long as we are able to give consumers value and maintain their trust. That is central to our business and the value that we create," says TACODA's Chief Privacy Officer Mark Pinney. "We believe that the benefits of preserving consumer choice far outweigh the risks and encourage all our peers to take the same steps we have put forth."
TACODA®, Inc. (www.tacoda.com) is the world's largest and most advanced behavioral targeting advertising network. Since 2001, TACODA has provided a comprehensive range of behavioral targeting solutions to thousands of Web publishers and brand marketers. Its patent-pending technologies power TACODA Audience Networks™ which enable brand advertisers to target relevant messages to specific audience segments. Major US media partners include The New York Times Company, NBC Universal, Hoovers, HGTV.com, FoodNetwork.com, Cars.com and Tribune Interactive.
TACODA, AUDIENCE NETWORKS and AUDIENCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES are trademarks of TACODA, Inc.
Concord Camera Corp. Announces 1 for 5 Reverse Split of Its Common Stock Effective November 21, 2006
November 06, 2006 -- Concord Camera Corp. ("Concord" or "Company") (NASDAQ: LENS) today announced that a 1 for 5 reverse split of its issued common stock was approved by its Board of Directors and will become effective on Tuesday, November 21, 2006.
In the reverse split, each five shares of issued common stock (including treasury shares and shares held in trust) will be converted automatically into one share of common stock. Shareholders who hold their shares in brokerage accounts or "street name" will not be required to take any action to effect the exchange of their shares. Shareholders of record as of November 20, 2006 who hold share certificates will receive instructions from the Company's transfer agent explaining the process for obtaining new post-split share certificates. Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company will act as the exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of share certificates.
In connection with the reverse split, the Board of Directors also determined to reduce the number of authorized shares of the Company's common stock from 100,000,000 shares to 20,000,000 shares.
Beginning on the effective date of the reverse split, a fifth character, "D," will be appended to the Company's symbol for 20 trading days.
About Concord Camera Corp.
Concord Camera Corp., through its subsidiaries, is a global provider of popularly priced, single-use and 35mm traditional film cameras. Concord markets and sells its cameras under the trademarks POLAROID, CONCORD and JENOPTIK through in-house sales and marketing personnel and independent sales representatives. The POLAROID trademark is owned by Polaroid Corporation and is used by Concord under license from Polaroid. CONCORD is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Concord Camera Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The JENOPTIK trademark is owned by Jenoptik AG and is used by Concord under license from Jenoptik AG. Learn more about Concord Camera Corp. at www.concord-camera.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's business and prospects, including the risks discussed under "Risk Factors" and disclosures in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2006 and subsequently filed reports. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding expected cost reductions; anticipated or expected results of the implementation of the Company's restructuring initiatives, cost-reduction initiatives and new business initiatives; the development of its business; anticipated revenues or capital expenditures; and its ability to improve gross margin percentages on the sale of its products and projected profits or losses. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our estimates only as of the date hereof, or as of such earlier dates as are indicated, and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements in the future, we disclaim any intent or obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.
ZAP Expects to Move to OTCBB
November 06, 2006 -- Electric car pioneer ZAP (NYSE Arca: ZP), a leader in advanced transportation and energy technologies, announced today that it expects to move to the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) (http://www.otcbb.com) after the NYSE Arca Exchange on October 31 decided to discontinue ZAP's listing. Trading is expected to continue on NYSE Arca as ZAP makes its transition to another marketplace and a new symbol will be announced shortly.
ZAP CEO Steve Schneider regrets the decision by the NYSE staff, but added that the expense of maintaining the Company's common stock listing with NYSE Arca is significant. The time management and personnel the Company is dedicating to continued compliance with NYSE Arca requirements could, instead, be dedicated to developing the business and pursuing strategic opportunities.
"We believe that a listing on OTCBB would result in material savings to the company and allow our team to focus on the exciting opportunities that are coming our way," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.
Schneider noted that ZAP has projected record sales so far in 2006. Sales for the XEBRA are continuing to grow at an accelerating rate. ZAP is holding a second dealer sales and service training given the level of interest shown for its production electric cars, which will debut at the San Francisco International Auto Show November 18-26.
About ZAP
ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. ZAP is at the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, alcohol, hybrid and other innovative power systems. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that relate to future plans or projected results of ZAP are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the PSLRA, and all such statements fall under the "safe harbor" provisions of the PSLRA. ZAP's actual results may vary materially from those described in any "forward-looking statement" due to, among other possible reasons, the continued acceptance of ZAP's products, increased levels of competition, new products and technological changes, ZAP's dependence on third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and the realization of any of the other risks described in ZAP's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, or in any of ZAP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Wal-Mart Turns up Holiday Savings; Turns Down Prices on the Coolest Electronics
Nov. 3 Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) continues to brighten the holidays for families everywhere with significant price rollbacks on nearly one hundred of the season's must have electronics- the second set in a series of price cuts on thousands of key gift, entertaining and holiday goods. Key merchandise -- rolled back at Wal-Mart in the month of November through December 31-- includes High Definition Televisions, digital cameras and cell phones.
While gathering to watch hot new releases such as "MI3," "Cars" or "Over the Hedge," families will be thrilled with the crisp picture, vibrant colors and superior sound of a new HDTV. Top television prices rolled back include the Panasonic 42" HD plasma TV (was $1,794/now $1,294) and the Polaroid 37" LCD HDTV (now $1,297/will be $997) and the RCA 32" LCD HDTV (was $997/now $847).
"Wal-Mart recognizes that Mom wants to get the perfect gift for the best value," said Gary Severson, senior vice president and general merchandise manager Electronics, Wal-Mart Stores. "We've lowered prices so that families can afford to get and give more of the best brands and technology in electronics this season."
Families will enjoy game time and find it easier to capture special holiday moments with rollbacks on products like Madden 2007 (was $49.00/now $37.88), and the Kodak C875 digital camera (was $298.77/now $249.64). And, for those spending this Christmas far away from their loved ones, home is just a phone call away with rollbacks on the Cingular C139 prepaid phone (was $29.98/now $19.97).
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, electronics will account for more than one-quarter of all holiday gifts this year. At Wal-Mart, shoppers can save nearly $400.00 when they purchase the Polaroid 37" LCD HDTV ($997.00), Panasonic mini DV camcorder ($268.76), C875 Kodak digital camera ($249.64), Lexmark z600 printer ($134.44) and Net 10 1600 prepaid phone ($39.98).
"From iPods to the soon to be released PS3 GameSystem, to the newest HDTV's, we have all the coolest electronics at the best value," says Severson. "Wal-Mart helps people shop sensibly while they embrace the technology craze this holiday season."
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Rolls-Royce receives Singapore Distinguished Partner in Progress Award |
03 November 2006 |
Rolls-Royce, the world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in air, has been awarded the Distinguished Partner in Progress (DPIP) Award by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore in recognition of its ‘exemplary contributions to Singapore’ in the economic, social and community areas. The award was presented to Sir John Rose, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce plc, by Professor S. Jayakumar, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law, at a ceremony held in Singapore today. The annual DPIP Award was initiated by EDB in 1991. Sir John Rose said, “Our partnership with Singapore increasingly reflects our global activity and Rolls-Royce is especially proud to receive this prestigious award in recognition of this partnership. We have had a presence in Singapore for 50 years and now all four of our global business sectors – civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy - are well established here. We also enjoy a strong relationship with Singapore Airlines (SIA), beginning in 1995 when the Trent 800 was selected for its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft. Our relationship with Singapore has been further strengthened through delivery of additional Trent engine types to SIA, and partnerships with Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE), Silk Air and all the budget carriers operating out of Singapore through the supply of V2500 engines for their respective fleets of A320 aircraft." “Rolls-Royce has benefited from the valuable business opportunities, excellent talent pool and solid infrastructure that Singapore offers, and in turn, we have been able to contribute to the phenomenal growth of the country through our joint ventures and research and development (R&D) collaborations. We look forward to many years of further development and growth with our partners here." The Rolls-Royce relationship with Singapore has grown significantly since setting up its representative office in the 1950s. It has diversified and expanded its operations to span the full value chain of activities, from maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), sales and marketing, warehousing, headquarters functions and procurement to research and development (R&D). One of its most significant contributions has been its role in enhancing Singapore’s status as a global aviation hub. Rolls-Royce is a major player in Singapore’s aerospace industry, accounting for over ten per cent of the country’s aerospace output. Through the company’s joint ventures with key local industry partner SIA Engineering Company – Singapore Aero Engine Services Limited (SAESL) and International Engine Component Overhaul (IECO), Rolls-Royce currently employs over 800 people in Singapore, accounting for nearly five per cent of the total industry workforce. Being one of UK’s top ten investors in R&D, Rolls-Royce has also been active in carrying out R&D activities in Singapore, through investments in setting up Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems and the Rolls-Royce Singapore Advanced Technology Centre to look into a broad portfolio of technology fields. In his speech at the award ceremony, Professor Jayakumar said: “Since the 1950s when it first set up its representative office in Singapore, Rolls-Royce has been our partner in progress, growing in tandem with our economy through the decades. It continues to be a key player in the development of Singapore’s aerospace and marine industries, and has actively contributed to Singapore’s R&D scene. We look forward to working closely with Rolls-Royce, to seek opportunities for more activities here across the value chain that will be of mutual benefit to Rolls-Royce and Singapore.” Jonathan Asherson, the group’s Regional Director for Singapore said: “Our choice of Singapore as a regional hub for many of our activities stems not only from its position as a world-class business and manufacturing centre in the rapidly-growing Asian market, but also the mature and rewarding partnership we have with the EDB.” Beyond business and industry, Rolls-Royce also contributes to the training and development of the local talent pool by supporting undergraduates at Nanyang Technological University’s aerospace engineering degree programme with scholarship schemes and participating actively in the Economic Development Board Training and Attachment Programme (TAP) which focuses on the training of engineers in aerospace, energy and naval fields. Rolls-Royce senior executives have also contributed to Singapore’s economy and community. Sir John Rose has advised Singapore on its economic strategies as a member of EDB’s International Advisory Council since 2003. Jonathan Asherson has sat on the councils of the Singapore Business Federation and the Singapore British Business Council. He has also previously served as the President of the British Chamber of Commerce and is currently on the advisory panels of Ngee Ann Polytechnic and the Board of Trustees of Youth Business Singapore. Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Economic Development Board (EDB), added: “This year marks EDB’s 45th anniversary as well as the 15th anniversary of the DPIP Award. We would not have been able to achieve our success without the long-term commitment and support from our valued investors and business partners, such as Rolls-Royce, which has been in Singapore since the 1950s. The DPIP Award is our way of thanking them for their continued strong commitment to Singapore.” Rolls-Royce joins 21 other leading international corporations such as Hewlett-Packard, Exxon Mobil and Philips which have been conferred this prestigious award since its inception. |
About Rolls-Royce
About EDB
About the Distinguished Partner in Progress (DPIP) Award
|
ROCHESTER HOSTS “TURNING GREEN INTO GROWTH”
Experts focus on the link between green technologies and economic
development Senator Clinton keynotes industry forum hosted by U.S. Green
Building Council and Greater Rochester Enterprise to help regional
businesses and institutions learn how to harness green technology
Rochester, NY, October 30, 2006 - Business, education and construction
industry leaders from across the Greater Rochester, New York Region
joined together today at a forum examining ways of “Turning Green into
Growth.”
The forum was hosted by Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), an economic
development organization dedicated to revitalizing the Rochester
regional economy; Stantec, an international architectural and engineering
firm; and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit coalition
of industry leaders working to promote buildings that are
environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy. The event aimed to give local
industry leaders practical tools to move toward “green” building, and to
help move Rochester toward the goal of being a clean energy leader.
The day-long forum, held at Benderson Development’s HSBC Auditorium in
downtown Rochester, was the brainchild of Senator Hillary Rodham
Clinton, who is committed to looking at ways to position Rochester and the
region as one of the nation’s centers of innovation for alternative
energy technologies.
“Green building means big energy and cost savings for communities
across America,” said Sandy Wiggins, chairman-elect of the U.S. Green
Building Council. “On average, LEED-certified green buildings save 30
percent on energy costs, 50 percent on water-use costs, and pay for
themselves in less than three years. Going green is a key strategy for our
nation’s energy independence and a peaceful, prosperous future. It just
makes sense.”
“This forum is about building a “green” Rochester and harnessing the
region’s strengths to make it a leader in clean energy research and
development,” Senator Clinton said. “Alternative energy holds tremendous
economic potential, and by focusing on “green” technology, Rochester can
be at the forefront of the alternative energy push in more ways than
one.”
In June of this year, Senator Clinton joined with New Jobs for New
York, Greater Rochester Enterprise, and RENEW NY to host a conference in
Rochester showcasing the job creation potential of the alternative energy
industry in New York State. The conference, “Alternative Energy in New
York: Expo 2006,” brought together entrepreneurs and academic
researchers from Upstate New York with investors and industry leaders from
across the country to create the partnerships needed to accelerate job
growth and ignite investment in alternative energy companies and
technologies in the region. Following the conference, Senator Clinton’s office
contacted the Green Building Council, which agreed to hold the “Turning
Green into Growth” forum.
The “Turning Green into Growth” morning session included Senator
Clinton’s keynote speech and a discussion moderated by Senator Clinton that
included panelists Peter Arsenault, Principal Architect, Stantec
Architecture; Eric Reiser, Vice President, Strategic Programs, Johnson
Controls; and Jay Murdoch, Technical Marketing Manager, Insulation Systems
Business, Owens Corning. Arsenault highlighted Stantec’s role in the
design of the Frito-Lay green-building project in Henrietta, a suburb of
Rochester.
“It was a great experience for Stantec to work with Frito-Lay, a client
that had a true desire to make an impact on the built environment by
pursuing a sustainable facility,” Arsenault said. “If the entire
Rochester Region embraced these same green-building goals, one can only imagine
the possibilities for the future.”
The morning session was followed by an afternoon charrette design
session, which highlighted the Rochester Region’s assets and focused on
potential green-building opportunities for the entire area. Stantec and
USGBC led this meeting of community leaders, including architects,
engineers, developers, and municipal and university planners.
“GRE is proud to support the growing alternative-energy industry in
Rochester,” said James Senall, managing director, business development, at
GRE and the organization’s expert on alternative energy. “Events like
today’s can only help in educating local business, government and
university leaders - as well as the general public - about Rochester’s
potential. If we work together, we truly can become a national center by
turning green into growth for the Rochester Region.”
###
About the U.S. Green Building Council
Based in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is
the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the
building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally
responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Its more than
6,400 member organizations and network of more than 80 regional
chapters are united to advance a mission of transforming the building industry
to sustainability. Go to www.usgbc.org <http://www.usgbc.org> for more
information.
About GRE
Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) is a public-private partnership
established to professionally market the Rochester metropolitan region as a
competitive, high-profile place for business location and growth. Its
efforts support business attraction and expansion, as well as
entrepreneurship and innovation. GRE collaborates with businesses, universities,
not-for-profit organizations and government leaders to ensure a unified
approach to regional economic development. For more information,
please go to www.RochesterBiz.com <http://www.RochesterBiz.com>.
World's Leading iPod Resource iLounge.com Releases 2007 iPod Buyers' Guide as Free Download
November 01, 2006 -- iLounge, the world's leading independent resource for iPod-related information, today released The 2007 iPod Buyers' Guide, its third annual guide to the world's best iPod accessories and iPods, designed to help readers choose and receive the best possible holiday gifts. Weighing in at 180 pages, this edition is iLounge's biggest and best Buyers' Guide ever, a massive jump from the original 82-page edition published two years ago, and reflection of the ever-increasing size of the iPod accessory economy and iPod user base.
"Our 2007 Guide is a must-read for iPod fans, and completely free of charge," explained Jeremy Horwitz, Editor-in-Chief of iLounge and the Buyers' Guide. "With 69 million iPods and over 3,000 accessories now in the marketplace, we had an incredible amount to write about this year. After literally sifting through stacks of accessories, we've picked only the very best ones to feature in the Guide and recommend to iPod owners everywhere."
As the recipient of numerous accolades for its impartial, timely coverage of iPod and accessory products, iLounge has been hailed by publications such as Forbes, Time Magazine, cNet, and The Wall Street Journal as the leader in iPod-related information online, the former deeming iLounge "the ultimate in product reviews and tutorials on all things iPod." iLounge's most recent tutorial-focused publication, The Free iPod Book 2, has been described as "the iPod Bible" by top international Apple enthusiast publications such as Mac Format UK, and the "free manual on getting the most from your iPod" by Walter Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal.
|
In keeping with tradition, The 2007 iPod Buyers' Guide features an incredible number of exclusive accessory previews and reviews. Leading headphone maker Etymotic debuted the world's first-ever in-canal Bluetooth wireless earphones, while other companies showed a clear replacement front shell for iPods, incredible new iPod nano cases, speaker systems, in-car-accessories, and much more. World first reviews of Made For iPod wearable video goggles from MicroOptical and Icuiti are joined by karaoke accessories from Griffin, doPi, and other incredible new options. Sunglass manufacturer Oakley also debuts its new Thump Pro performance eyewear in the Guide, showing the incredible miniaturization of MP3 player technology into lightweight, water-resistant sunglasses.
The 2007 Guide also provides a complete comparative breakdown of all current and past model iPods, including eBay resale information, a complete history of the iPod and iTunes, and extensive tips for buying new or used iPods. Over 1,100 iPods and accessories are rated inside, spanning more than 40 different categories of products, with fewer than 20 products selected for iLounge's Best of the Year awards. Beautiful pictorial sections highlight the integration of iPods into any home ("The iPod Home") and the results of iLounge's amazing iPod Colors photography contest.
"Our 2007 iPod Buyers' Guide is a better-than-magazine-quality publication, available once again at no charge to iLounge's readers," explained Dennis Lloyd, Publisher of iLounge. "Thanks to Adobe's open PDF format and a layout optimized for on-screen reading, we have been able to make this edition easier than ever on the eyes and the pocketbook. In the holiday spirit, we encourage our readers to print pages with their favorite items as 'wish lists' for family members and friends, and welcome them to e-mail or transfer copies of the Guide at no charge."
Downloads of The 2007 iPod Buyers' Guide are available immediately from http://www.ilounge.com/buyersguide/, and earlier editions of the iLounge Buyers' Guide and The Free iPod Book can be downloaded from http://www.ilounge.com/library/
About iLounge
Headquartered in Irvine, California, The Media LLC's iLounge.com is the world's leading resource for iPod and iTunes information, not affiliated with or owned by Apple Computer or any other vendor of iPod accessories or services. Founded only days after Apple announced the first iPod in 2001, iLounge has exploded in popularity, today boasting millions of visitors and tens of millions of page views each month. Its annual Best of the Year awards are independently judged and in no way influenced by advertising, paid placements, or other unsavory practices. In addition to numerous awards for its content, the site, its publisher and editors have been spotlighted by the Associated Press, CNBC, The Guardian (UK), Italian Vogue, The Los Angeles Times, National Post (Canada), The New York Times, PC Magazine, Reuters, Stuff (UK), TechTV, The Age (Australia), The Sun (UK), and USA Today, amongst many other leading newspapers and magazines worldwide
Boeing [NYSE: BA] successfully transferred fuel for the first time Oct. 23 from its KC-767 Tanker advanced boom to a simulated receiver on the ground.
Through a series of tests at the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facility in Wichita, Kan., boom operators on-board the aircraft used the aerial refueling systems to offload fuel from the new tanker to an aircraft receptacle on the ground. Fuel flow, delivery and surge pressure all were measured while the fuel was pumped to nearby trucks.
"The KC-767 aerial refueling systems exceeded our expectations during these initial ground tests, and we're on track to deliver fuel to various aircraft receivers during flight in the near future," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Tanker Programs. "The tests also show future customers, like the U.S. Air Force, that Boeing will deliver a proven boom and refueling system for their KC-X Tanker."
Surpassing 400 flight hours recently, the KC-767 Tanker also has extended the boom's telescoping tube while in-flight. The advanced boom will be able to transfer 900 gallons (3,400 liters) of fuel per minute to receiver aircraft, provide more responsive controls to the operator and has 2,600 fewer parts than previous booms.
Boeing has delivered nearly 2,000 tankers in its history and is building tankers for Italy and Japan, with delivery to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in February 2007, followed by delivery to Italy in mid-2007. In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international customers, Boeing is competing for a contract to build the U.S. Air Force's next-generation tanker aircraft.
The KC-767 Global Tanker is a fuel-efficient, long-range aircraft specifically sized for diverse air-refueling; cargo, troop and passenger transport; and aeromedical evacuation missions.
Boeing-built Satellite for XM Satellite Radio Successfully Launched
Following a successful launch last night of the Boeing-built XM-4 satellite, Boeing [NYSE: BA] has acquired the first signal from the satellite, indicating that the spacecraft is healthy and operating as planned. Over the coming weeks, the satellite will be maneuvered up to geostationary orbit where a series of in-orbit deployments and tests will be conducted to ensure that the satellite meets its specifications and is ready to begin operations for XM Satellite Radio, Inc., the Washington, D.C.-based provider of the nation's leading satellite radio service.
Sea Launch's Zenit-3SL vehicle lifted off at 6:49 pm EST (3:49 pm PST; 23:49, GMT) and the powerful Boeing 702's first signals were received approximately 63 minutes later at the Hartebeesthoek ground station in South Africa.
"XM Satellite Radio now reaches more than 7 million subscribers and Boeing is very proud of our partnership," said Steve O'Neill, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. "XM-4, also known as 'Blues', is the 13th Boeing 702, our most powerful satellite product line, and joins 'Rhythm,' which was successfully launched in February 2005."
As with the first three XM spacecraft, Alcatel Alenia Space of Toulouse, France provided the S-band Digital Audio Radio Service payload for XM-4. XM-4 also features a number of upgrades including a bi-propellant back up to its Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS). The satellite also is using advanced triple junction solar cells. The cells make possible the 18 kilowatts of power the satellite can generate at the start of service and the 16.3 kilowatts at the end of its 15-year design life.
Southwest Airlines Offers Low Fares From $39 to $79 One-Way to and From Dallas Love Field
Travelers Will Net Big Savings to and From Big D Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is
celebrating its freedom in Dallas with low fares its Customers will love from
Dallas Love Field. Fares range between $39 and $79 one-way with a 14-day
advance purchase by Dec. 1 for travel beginning Dec. 1 through end of schedule
(see Fare Rules). To book these low air fares, go to:
http://www.southwest.com/?src=PR_FS_11106
"Southwest Airlines created low fares for travelers," said Gary Kelly,
Chief Executive Officer. "Now, with through ticketing at Dallas Love Field,
Southwest's low fares will take you farther."
Examples of the $39 one-way fares are between Dallas Love Field and
Austin, Houston Hobby, Little Rock, or Oklahoma City. Examples of the $49
one-way fares are between Dallas Love Field and New Orleans, Kansas City, or
St. Louis. Examples of the $59 one-way fare are between Dallas Love Field and
El Paso or Harlingen/South Padre Island. Examples of the $69 one-way fare are
between Dallas Love Field and Chicago Midway, Albuquerque, and Louisville.
Examples of the $79 one-way fare are between Dallas Love Field and Tampa Bay,
Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, or Seattle.
"With Southwest, you get more airline for less money," Kelly said. "We've
cut your fares, not our service."
Fare Rules
All fares are available for purchase today through Dec. 1, 2006, and are
valid for travel from Dec. 1, 2006, through March 9, 2007. All tickets must
be purchased 14 days before departure. Fares are available one-way and are
combinable with all other fares (except Senior Fares). When combining fares,
all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by
destination and day of travel and will not be available on some flights that
operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods such as Christmas
and New Year's. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.30 per
takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility
charges (PFC) of up to $9 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th
Security Fees of up to $5 one-way. Fares are subject to change until
ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of
future travel on Southwest Airlines if unused. Fares are valid only on
Southwest-published, operated, and scheduled service and are not available
through the Group Desk. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in
fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the full unrestricted fare.
Fares are not necessarily common rated in the Washington, D.C. area (Baltimore
and Dulles), Bay Area (Oakland and San Jose), or the Los Angeles Basin.
Hawaii is not included in this sale.
After 35 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to offer the best
value in airline travel. Southwest's fares top out at only $319 one-way;
meaning, Southwest Customers can travel nonstop throughout the country at a
very low fare. Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium
leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest does not charge Customers an
extra fee for changing their reservation and continues to offer free
amenities. Customers enjoy complimentary pillows, blankets, snacks, juice,
soda, and water on all flights.
Since 1987, the airline has maintained the fewest overall Customer
complaints as published in the Department of Transportation's Air Travel
Consumer Report. Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest carrier in terms of
domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 63 cities in 32 states. Based
in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has
more than 32,000 Employees systemwide.
State Department Taps OC Business Leader for MENA Businesswomen's Summit 2006
Suzanne Frindt Joins Roster of Executives to Support Women in U.A.E.
October 29, 2006 -- Suzanne Frindt, co-founder and principal of 2130 Partners, a leadership development firm, has been invited to participate in the 2006 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Businesswomen's Summit from October 29 through November 1 at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. The summit will bring 250 dynamic women from the region together with women executives from the United States to share solutions and help take business in the region to a new level.
The Summit is part of the U.S. Department of State's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) that supports the reformers who are working to build a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East. In the last four years, MEPI has devoted more than $293 million to reform efforts -- so democracy can spread, education can thrive, economies can grow, and women can be empowered. The Beyster Institute at the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego, is managing the Summit.
"One of my personal passions for many years has been the empowerment of women, particularly in the area of sustainable self-sufficiency and business opportunities," Frindt said. As a result, she has been an initiator, leader and teacher in a variety of arenas for women from philanthropic and business perspectives. She was invited to participate by Ray Smilor, executive director of the Beyster Institute, because of her extensive executive leadership coaching experience through her work with Vistage International (previously known as TEC International), as well as for her signature leadership development program, Vision Focused Leadership™. She has been an investor/activist for the Hunger Project, with an overarching focus on the development of women as leaders.
"We are extremely grateful for the dedication of Suzanne and all of our presenters, who are generously sharing their real-world experiences and leadership skills to help these women face the same challenges that confront women in business everywhere," Smilor said. "Their guidance in financing growth, opening new markets and finding and keeping good employees, while contributing to the community and their families is invaluable."
At the MENA Businesswomen's Summit 2006, Frindt will lead a workshop on Vision-Focused Leadership, and facilitate a dialogue with women entrepreneurs who have been selected to present during a plenary session about the key issues they are facing in their businesses. Frindt will be joined by Patricia Cloherty, chairman and CEO of Delta Private Equity Partners; and Laura Kilcrease, founder and managing director of Triton Ventures, LLC, to provide insights and coach these entrepreneurs through their issues. The session will be witnessed by nearly 250 conference participants, and will be translated simultaneously into French and Arabic. She will also facilitate a roundtable discussion group titled "Enhancing Personal Leadership Skills."
Other featured presenters include: H.E. Suhair Al Ali, Minister of Industry and International Cooperation, Jordan; The Honorable Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy; The Honorable Michele Sison, U.S. Ambassador to U.A.E.; Raja Easa Al Gurg, managing director, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ranked #4, Forbes 50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World); Afnan Al Zayani, Bahrain Businesswomen's Society; Laura Nash, author and former Harvard Business School professor; Lori Brock, trade expert, Booz Allen Hamilton; and Carmen Neithammer, director, Gender Entrepreneurship Market, International Finance Corp.
About 2130 Partners
2130 Partners unique approach is anchored in the philosophy of Vision-Focused Leadership. "VFL" is a proprietary combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies that satisfy the need for "hard facts," and data, while integrating the "heart and soul" of an organization. Using VFL methodologies, we facilitate client's ability to design strategies and actions that evoke individual and collaborative fulfillment of a shared vision. The results radically fuel an organization's financial growth and the personal growth of its members. The firm's Web site also features a blog dedicated to global women's business issues. Visit www.2130Partners.com.
About MEPI
The Middle East Partnership Initiative of the U.S. Department of State is designed to support innovative, sustainable and locally led economic, political and educational reform efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, and to champion opportunity for all people of the region, especially women and youth. Visit www.mepi.state.gov.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Tokyo-based ANA (All Nippon Airways) today announced that the airline exercised options for two additional 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters. ANA launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in October 2005 with an order for three conversions and four options. Now the airline holds a total of five firm orders and two options.
ANA plans to use the converted freighters as part of its joint venture cargo operation called ANA & JP Express, with partners Japan Post, Nippon Express, and Mitsui O.S.K Lines.
Boeing will induct ANA's first airplane in April 2007 and redeliver by December. The value of the agreement is not being disclosed.
"Once again, Boeing has the right product mix," said Tomohiro Hidema, ANA executive vice president, Purchasing. "As our joint venture moves forward, we do so with confidence that both the 767 production and converted freighters will help us provide high quality, competitive air cargo services through ANA & JP Express."
"We are gratified that ANA has again chosen the Boeing family of freighters - this time a Boeing Converted Freighter - as a solution to meeting its needs," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "This deal is further evidence of the deep, long-term relationship with ANA that Boeing values so greatly."
Boeing's two Converted Freighter programs (the 767-300 BCF and 747-400 BCF) feature solid engineering and program management, quality workmanship, on-schedule delivery, access to MyBoeingFleet, an extensive suite of manuals, and the same level of ongoing customer support as the production airplanes
The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA], along with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, rolled out the Airborne Laser (ABL) aircraft today from a modification facility in Wichita, Kan., during a ceremony marking major program achievements on several fronts.
Boeing presented the aircraft to a crowd of hundreds of government customers, industry partners and Boeing employees gathered at its Integrated Defense Systems facilities in Wichita.
The ceremony highlighted the following accomplishments:
The Airborne Laser team in Wichita fully integrated the Lockheed Martin-designed beam control/fire control system inside the ABL aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-400F. Two solid-state illuminator lasers, which are part of the beam control device, and a surrogate high-energy laser were installed and fired repeatedly at a simulated ballistic missile target. The track illuminator laser is designed to track a target, while the beacon illuminator laser is intended to measure atmospheric turbulence that the high-energy chemical laser would encounter in its path to the target. During the ground tests, results from the illuminator firings were fed back to ABL, allowing the surrogate high-energy laser to shoot down a simulated target. The program achieved most of the objectives of the ground tests and expects to satisfy the remaining ones in the coming months.
In Wichita, the team, including a Boeing-Northrop Grumman contingent on temporary assignment from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., added floor reinforcements and chemical-fuel tanks to the back of the aircraft to prepare the jet for installation of the high-energy laser in 2007.
The team, with ABL partner Northrop Grumman in the lead, completed a significant milestone for the high-energy laser. In California, Northrop Grumman finished ground-testing the optics that will shape the high-energy laser beam and direct it from the laser to the beam control/fire control system. The optics underwent inspection and refurbishment after the laser achieved lethal power and run-times in a ground laboratory in December 2005.
The team is preparing for another major activity later this year. The program will begin firing the illuminators in flight at an instrumented target board located on a missile-shaped image painted on a test aircraft. This activity will verify ABL's active tracking and atmospheric compensation capabilities.
"This rollout ceremony symbolizes many significant accomplishments," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "The collective team has done a phenomenal job integrating the aircraft and demonstrating its capability in ground tests. Now we are ready to go fly. We are ready to demonstrate the aircraft's ability to close the fire control loop against a flying target. Once again, we made and demonstrated enormous progress toward ushering in a new age of technology, namely directed energy weapons."
Boeing is the prime contractor for ABL, which will provide a speed-of-light capability to destroy all classes of ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight. Boeing provides the modified aircraft and the battle management system and is the overall systems integrator. ABL partners are Northrop Grumman, which supplies the high-energy laser and the beacon illuminator laser, and Lockheed Martin, which provides the nose-mounted turret in addition to the beam control/fire control system.
Rolls-Royce wins largest ever offshore marine order
|
27 October 2006 |
Rolls-Royce has won its largest ever marine order in the Offshore industry in a deal worth around £60 million. Farstad Shipping has ordered four new anchor handling ships at a total cost of more than £200 million, to be built by Aker Yards in Norway. The ships have been designed by Rolls-Royce marine architects and will be fitted with Rolls-Royce engines, propellers, deck machinery, dynamic positioning systems and automation equipment. The four UT-Design vessels are the latest to be ordered from Rolls-Royce and mark another chapter in one of the most successful ship design stories in commercial shipbuilding. Since the mid-1970s, over 530 of the vessels have been built or are currently on order. The new vessels being constructed are all UT 731 CD variants. These ships can operate as construction vessels as well as acting as supply vessels – a unique capability. Designed to operate under extreme conditions and work at depths of up to 3,000 metres, the ships are also capable of functioning in arctic environments. Anders Almestad, President – Offshore said: “Our Offshore business has been built on giving customers what they want. We are delighted to be trusted yet again to supply this kind of revolutionary, new capability to them.” |
Notes to editors
|
Yahoo!, MSN and AOL Top Financial News Destinations
A deeper look at the sites, demographics, advertisers, and ad specs for Financial News and Information Internet sites.
Top 10 Online Financial News and Information Destinations Week ending September 24, 2006 US, Home and Work | ||
Brand or Channel | Unique Audience (000) | Active Reach (%) |
Yahoo! Finance | 6,668 | 4.98 |
MSN Money | 6,055 | 4.52 |
AOL Money & Finance | 5,024 | 3.75 |
Dow Jones Online | 3,105 | 2.32 |
Forbes.com | 2988 | 2.23 |
Reuters | 2,858 | 2.13 |
CNNMoney | 2,439 | 1.82 |
Bankrate.com | 1,307 | 0.98 |
BusinessWeek Online^ | 1,135 | 0.85 |
USATODAY.com Money | 1,040 | 0.78 |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView |
Demographic Data for Financial News and Information Category Month of August 2006 US, Home and Work | |||
Category | Target | Unique Audience (000) | Audience Composition (%) |
Total |
| 51,473 | 100 |
Male |
| 28,620 | 55.6 |
Female |
| 22,852 | 44.4 |
Age | 2 - 11 | 672 | 1.31 |
| 12 - 17 | 1,609 | 3.13 |
| 18 - 24 | 1,824 | 3.54 |
| 25 - 34 | 7,997 | 15.54 |
| 35 - 49 | 19,613 | 38.1 |
| 45+ | 26,787 | 52.04 |
| 55+ | 13,281 | 25.8 |
| 65+ | 5,143 | 9.99 |
HH Income | $ 0 - 24999 | 2,433 | 4.73 |
| $ 25000 - 49999 | 9,566 | 18.59 |
| $ 50000 - 74999 | 13,027 | 25.31 |
| $ 75000 - 99999 | 10,100 | 19.62 |
| $ 100000 - 149999 | 9,521 | 18.5 |
| $ 150000+ | 5,868 | 11.4 |
| No Response | 957 | 1.86 |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView |
Data on the Web Media Industry, Finance and Economy Segment Week ending September 24, 2006 US, Home and Work
Top 20 Advertisers | ||
Company | Impressions (000) | Share of all Impressions |
INVESTools | 14,343 | 26.7% |
SpendOnLife.com | 8,487 | 15.8% |
Dow Jones & Company, Inc. | 7,218 | 13.5% |
The Motley Fool, Inc. | 5,612 | 10.5% |
Money And Markets | 4,369 | 8.1% |
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. | 1,882 | 3.5% |
FutureSource | 1,348 | 2.5% |
Salary.com | 1,321 | 2.5% |
Entrepreneur Media | 1,197 | 2.2% |
LowQuotes, Inc. | 1,037 | 1.9% |
The Options Clearing Corporation | 795 | 1.5% |
Forbes, Inc. | 672 | 1.3% |
Bloomberg L.P. | 521 | 1.0% |
CountryWatch.com | 518 | 1.0% |
StockCharts.com, Inc. | 478 | 0.9% |
Bankrate, Inc. | 464 | 0.9% |
Investor's Business Daily | 385 | 0.7% |
Pickamortgage | 355 | 0.7% |
SmartMoney Magazine | 315 | 0.6% |
Zacks Investment Research, Inc. | 314 | 0.6% |
Total | 53,653 | 100.0% |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance |
Top Ad Sizes | |||
| Dimensions | Impressions (000) | Share of all Impressions |
Leaderboard | (728x90) | 20,957 | 39.1% |
Medium Rectangle | (300x250) | 10,791 | 20.1% |
Wide Skyscraper | (160x600) | 4,915 | 9.2% |
Vertical Banner | (120x240) | 4,633 | 8.6% |
Full Banner | (468x60) | 3,050 | 5.7% |
Non-Standard Dimension |
| 1,537 | 2.9% |
Button #1 | (120x90) | 1,476 | 2.8% |
Half Banner | (234x60) | 1,409 | 2.6% |
Button #2 | (120x60) | 1,294 | 2.4% |
Rectangle | (180x150) | 1,266 | 2.4% |
Large Rectangle | (336x280) | 821 | 1.5% |
Micro Bar | (88x31) | 720 | 1.3% |
Skyscraper | (120x600) | 604 | 1.1% |
Square Button | (125x125) | 109 | 0.2% |
Square | (250x250) | 72 | 0.1% |
Total |
| 53,654 | 100.0% |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView |
Ad Delivery Types | ||
| Impressions (000) | Share of all Impressions |
In-Page | 52,905 | 98.6% |
Pop-Under | 457 | 0.9% |
Pop-Up | 138 | 0.3% |
Expanding | 94 | 0.2% |
Over-Page | 59 | 0.1% |
Total | 53,653 | 100.0% |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView |
New Independent Research Report Positions Proforma as "a Leader" in Business Process Modeling Market
ProVision Ranked #1 Current Offering
October 27, 2006 -- Proforma Corporation announced today that it was named a Leader in the "Forrester Wave: Business Process Modeling Tools: Q3 2006," September 29. The report positioned eight vendors' current offerings, strategy and market presence. Proforma received the top score for current offering with its ProVision enterprise business modeling solution.
"Proforma offers a functionally rich, leading business process modeling suite for enterprise deployments. Coupled with strong template, model, and graphical functionality, ProVision is a blessing for business users wanting an easy to use but truly comprehensive package that can lead companies to true SOA governance," the report says. "Proforma offers an enterprise architecture modeling environment with enhanced process analysis capabilities (BP design and simulation) capable of competing with BP modeling pure plays."
On a scale of 0 (weak) to 5 (strong), the report gave ProVision a 5 for its templates, 4.37 for its design, 4.25 for simulation capabilities and 4.65 for installation base. Proforma also received the highest score possible, 5, for its revenue growth and system integrators.
|
"It has always been Proforma's philosophy to focus on the importance of integrating business and IT without imposing technical concerns on the business user," said Ron Pellegrino, president of Proforma. "We are pleased that our leadership and innovation in business process modeling, enterprise architecture and service-oriented architecture continue to be acknowledged in the industry, and we look forward to releasing even more powerful versions of ProVision that will further enable our customers to optimize their business processes and supporting systems."
This recognition by Forrester adds to Proforma's recent accolades and positive momentum. This summer, Proforma announced it achieved record earnings in the fiscal year ending June 30, posting year over year revenue growth of over 20 percent. Proforma also has been ranked among the Software 500 for the third consecutive year, received an Export Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and was named a Jolt Award finalist by Software Development Magazine.
To learn more about Proforma and ProVision, individuals can call 888.789.6903, write to info@proformacorp.com, or visit www.proformacorp.com.
About Proforma Corporation
Proforma's enterprise business modeling solutions enable effective visual collaboration for business and IT -- empowering the agile enterprise. The ProVision visual modeling environment provides modeling, analysis and simulation tools for all aspects of the enterprise, including strategy, business and technology. Using a model-driven approach, entire organizations can see and evaluate the impact of change and continually manage and deliver improved performance. With Proforma, global enterprises, government agencies, and systems integrators achieve success in business process analysis and management, service-oriented architecture, enterprise architecture, simulation, ITIL, requirements analysis, supply chain, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and Six Sigma. Know More. Do More™. www.proformacorp.com
Oct. 27, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will have a strong presence at the sixth China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (also known as Airshow China 2006) held in Zhuhai, Oct. 31 - Nov. 5. During the biennial event, Boeing will demonstrate the products that will shape the future of the commercial aviation market, showcasing the features of the 787 Dreamliner.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the aviation industry's best-selling new airplane, provides the nucleus of the Boeing exhibit with a mock-up of the passenger-pleasing 787 interior cabin.
In addition, Boeing will focus on the industry's most complete commercial airplane product line, from the best-selling single-aisle airplane, the Next-Generation 737, to the long-range 777 and 747-8 Intercontinental families -- the world's most technologically advanced airplanes -- in a series of graphic panels, plasma screens and models.
Boeing Commercial Aviation Services will be a key element, showing the comprehensive capabilities, solutions, and unmatched customer support that are of utmost importance to airlines around the world.
On Oct. 31, in the Airshow's press center, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Marketing Randy Baseler and Regional Director - Product Marketing John Bates will brief media about China's market requirements, Boeing's market strategy, the 787 and other Boeing technological innovations, and Boeing's presence in China.
"The China aviation market is very promising, with the expected annual air traffic growth rate of 7.4 percent, the highest of any region in the world; we expect the demand for airplanes to be particularly high," said Baseler. "As a key partner in Chinese aviation for more than 30 years, Boeing's commitment to China reflects our intention to maintain and grow our partnership -- providing superior value through the most complete line of high-technology aviation products and services."
"Passengers will demand more nonstop, point-to-point flights and increased frequency choices. Our strategy is to develop new products and technologies for these future needs," added Bates.
Boeing Media Briefing
Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Time: 09:00-12:00 noon
Venue: Room 2029, Zhuhai Airshow Press Center, The 6th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition site
Boeing Exhibit
1D1/1, Hall 1
The 6th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition site
, Oct. 27, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA], along with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, rolled out the Airborne Laser (ABL) aircraft today from a modification facility in Wichita, Kan., during a ceremony marking major program achievements on several fronts.
Boeing presented the aircraft to a crowd of hundreds of government customers, industry partners and Boeing employees gathered at its Integrated Defense Systems facilities in Wichita.
The ceremony highlighted the following accomplishments:
The Airborne Laser team in Wichita fully integrated the Lockheed Martin-designed beam control/fire control system inside the ABL aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-400F. Two solid-state illuminator lasers, which are part of the beam control device, and a surrogate high-energy laser were installed and fired repeatedly at a simulated ballistic missile target. The track illuminator laser is designed to track a target, while the beacon illuminator laser is intended to measure atmospheric turbulence that the high-energy chemical laser would encounter in its path to the target. During the ground tests, results from the illuminator firings were fed back to ABL, allowing the surrogate high-energy laser to shoot down a simulated target. The program achieved most of the objectives of the ground tests and expects to satisfy the remaining ones in the coming months.
In Wichita, the team, including a Boeing-Northrop Grumman contingent on temporary assignment from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., added floor reinforcements and chemical-fuel tanks to the back of the aircraft to prepare the jet for installation of the high-energy laser in 2007.
The team, with ABL partner Northrop Grumman in the lead, completed a significant milestone for the high-energy laser. In California, Northrop Grumman finished ground-testing the optics that will shape the high-energy laser beam and direct it from the laser to the beam control/fire control system. The optics underwent inspection and refurbishment after the laser achieved lethal power and run-times in a ground laboratory in December 2005.
The team is preparing for another major activity later this year. The program will begin firing the illuminators in flight at an instrumented target board located on a missile-shaped image painted on a test aircraft. This activity will verify ABL's active tracking and atmospheric compensation capabilities.
"This rollout ceremony symbolizes many significant accomplishments," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "The collective team has done a phenomenal job integrating the aircraft and demonstrating its capability in ground tests. Now we are ready to go fly. We are ready to demonstrate the aircraft's ability to close the fire control loop against a flying target. Once again, we made and demonstrated enormous progress toward ushering in a new age of technology, namely directed energy weapons."
Boeing is the prime contractor for ABL, which will provide a speed-of-light capability to destroy all classes of ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight. Boeing provides the modified aircraft and the battle management system and is the overall systems integrator. ABL partners are Northrop Grumman, which supplies the high-energy laser and the beacon illuminator laser, and Lockheed Martin, which provides the nose-mounted turret in addition to the beam control/fire control system.
Lufthansa confirms selection of Rolls-Royce Trent 700 for new A330s 26 October 2006
The Rolls-Royce Trent 700 has been selected in a follow-on order to power a fleet of five Airbus A330s ordered by Lufthansa. The deal includes a TotalCare® long-term services agreement and is worth around $300 million at list prices.
Deliveries of these new aircraft will begin during the first quarter of 2008.
The Trent 700 has provided consistently reliable service to Lufthansa. Charles Cuddington, Chief Commercial Officer, Civil Large Engines at Rolls-Royce, said: “Lufthansa is going through an exciting period of growth in its long-haul operation and we’re pleased that they are relying on Rolls-Royce power for this expansion. Receiving a repeat order from Lufthansa is a further endorsement of the Trent 700 and seals our position as the market leading engine maker for widebody aircraft.”
Lufthansa currently operates a fleet of 22 Rolls-Royce powered aircraft, including 10 Airbus A330-300s in operation and 12 A340-600s, plus a further five on order, powered by the Trent 500. The airline also has selected the Trent 900 to power the 15 A380s it has on order.
The Trent 700 is the market leader on the A330 with a 40 per cent share of orders and 32 customers and operators. It was the first Rolls-Royce Trent to enter service in March 1995 with Cathay Pacific.
The A330-200, powered by two 72,000lb thrust Trent 700 engines, is capable of carrying 260 passengers up to 6,650 nautical miles.
TotalCare agreements, tailored for individual customers, offer a range of services extending to aspects of support such as provision of lease engines, as well as repair and overhaul. Rolls-Royce takes full responsibility for care of the engine fleet in return for payment by the customer of an agreed dollar rate per flying hour.
Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa have launched a 50/50 joint venture engine overhaul, N3 Engine Overhaul Services (N3EOS), located near Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany. Once operational, the €100 million facility will be one of the largest and most modern aero-engine maintenance facilities in Europe, servicing Trent 500, 700 and 900 engines of Lufthansa as well as other European, North American and African airlines.
Oct. 25, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and China Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline's 20th Boeing 747-400 Freighter. Today's delivery of the new airplane continues China Airlines' leadership in the market with the world's largest 747-400 Freighter fleet.
The Taiwan-based national carrier operates15 Boeing 747-400 passenger airplanes as well as 12 Boeing Next-Generation 737s.
Boeing projects growth of Asian air cargo markets will continue to lead the world with the domestic Chinese and intra-Asian markets expanding 10.8 percent and 8.6 percent per year, respectively. In Boeing's World Air Cargo Forecast 2006/2007, Boeing forecasts that world air cargo growth is expected to expand at an average annual rate of 6.1 percent during the next 20 years.
The Boeing 747 Freighter family is the standard of the air cargo industry, providing more than half of the world's freighter fleet capacity.
RAYTEL Announces the Only Aftermarket Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit That Easily Integrates With Installed In-Car Video Displays
October 25, 2006 --
About the new TellPhone 5000 Video Interface
The TellPhone 5000 Video Interface allows the use of any display (e.g. navigation or DVD monitor) equipped with a composite video input in combination with the most advanced hands-free car kit available -- the TellPhone 5000.
All information normally displayed on the TellPhone 5000 separate display module is now displayed onto the built-in display monitor. Only the sleek wireless remote control is mounted in the driver's desired location -- everything else is hidden behind the dashboard, like in factory OEM installations.
It is even possible to use factory installed display systems from Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Lincoln, Toyota, Mercedes, VW, GM, Nissan and Infinity.
There is no other aftermarket Bluetooth hands-free car kit in the world which provides this level of sophisticated integration.
http://www.tellphone.com/press/TellPhone5000vi.pdf
More new products from RAYTEL
|
EZ-BLUE -- Portable Bluetooth hands-free system for car, office and home
The compact and sleek EZ-BLUE comes with a backlit 10-digit Caller ID display, a sun visor clip, and complies with current and coming hands-free laws. Noise-canceling technology and a high-end speaker guarantees superior audio quality, always staying connected while driving or cooking at home.
EZ-BLUE allows the use of voice tag and speech-to-text functionalities, when supported by the mobile phone, and is ideal for the person who doesn't want to use an uncomfortable headset.
http://www.tellphone.com/press/EZ-BLUE.pdf
TellTune -- Bluetooth audio streaming for car, truck and boat
Streaming audio via Bluetooth is available in many of today's and future devices, such as MP3 players, PDAs, laptops, mobile phones and smart phones. TellTune connects any Bluetooth audio source with audio amplifiers having a standard line or auxiliary input, such as car stereos and home entertainment systems.
Uncompromising music enjoyment is guaranteed by the TellTune's high end and crystal clear stereo audio output.
http://www.tellphone.com/press/TellTune.pdf
Availability
All products are available through RAYTEL LLC's nationwide dealer and distribution network. Please visit www.tellphone.com or call 858.566.2159 for more information.
About RAYTEL LLC
RAYTEL LLC together with Funkwerk AG and Funkwerk Dabendorf GmbH (FWD) combine more than 65 years of mobile communication expertise, and introduced the TellPhone state-of-the-art hands-free voice activated car kits to North America. All TellPhone systems accommodate proven and award-winning German technology, making it safe and convenient to talk hands-free on a mobile phone while driving. Due to industry-leading quality standards and automated manufacturing technologies, major European car manufacturers have already decided to integrate special European versions of the TellPhone systems as factory installed new car options.
© 2006 by RAYTEL LLC. All rights reserved. TellPhone and RAYTEL are registered trademarks of RAYTEL LLC. TellTune is a trademark of RAYTEL LLC. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. EZ-BLUE is a registered trademark of Jerilou, Inc.
Brandywine Announces Intention to File Registration Statement for the Registration of 3.875% Exchangeable Guaranteed Notes Due 2026
October 25, 2006 -- Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) and its subsidiary, Brandywine Operating Partnership, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), have announced their intention to file an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 for the resale of up to $345 million aggregate principal amount of the Operating Partnership's 3.875% Exchangeable Guaranteed Notes due 2026 ("Notes") and 2,500,000 common shares of beneficial interest of Brandywine, which common shares may be issued, under certain circumstances, upon exchange of the Notes. The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Operating Partnership that were originally sold on October 4, 2006 to qualified institutional buyers in a private placement under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Brandywine. Selling security holders specified in the resale automatic shelf registration statement will be able to use the prospectus contained therein to offer and resell the securities covered by the registration statement. Neither Brandywine nor the Operating Partnership will receive any of the proceeds from the resale of the securities.
Brandywine expects to file the resale automatic shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about November 9, 2006, at which time it will become effective immediately. In order for a security holder to be included in the prospectus and the registration statement, such security holder must prepare and deliver to Brandywine a selling security holder notice and questionnaire in the form attached as an appendix to the offering memorandum relating to the offering of the Notes.
This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.
About Brandywine Realty Trust
Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN), with headquarters in Radnor, PA, is one of the largest full-service, completely integrated real estate companies in the United States. Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), Brandywine owns, manages or has ownership interest in office and industrial properties aggregating 45 million square feet.
For more information, visit Brandywine's Web site at www.brandywinerealty.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Note: Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, achievements or transactions of Brandywine Realty Trust and its affiliates or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or transactions expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors relate to, among others, Brandywine's ability to lease vacant space and to renew or relet space under expiring leases at expected levels, the potential loss of major tenants, interest rate levels, the availability and terms of debt and equity financing, competition with other real estate companies for tenants and acquisitions, risks of real estate acquisitions, dispositions and developments, including cost overruns and construction delays, unanticipated operating costs and the effects of general and local economic and real estate conditions. Additional information or factors which could impact Brandywine and the forward-looking statements contained herein are included in Brandywine's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Brandywine assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.
Canada Web Hosting Earns Microsoft Gold Partner Status; Managed Hosting Provider Showcases Expertise With Hosting Competency
Canada Web Hosting (www.canadawebhosting.com), a Managed Hosting Provider with Operations Centers in Toronto and Vancouver, has attained Gold Certified Status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in hosting solutions and networking infrastructure solutions.
"Being one of the first Gold Certified Managed Hosting Providers in Canada to achieve the Microsoft hosting solutions competency is a proud moment for Canada Web Hosting," notes Kelly Beardmore, Chief Technical Officer at Canada Web Hosting. "It reflects the leadership role we have in this industry."
To become a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Canada Web Hosting demonstrated its expertise with Microsoft-based technologies and its ability to meet customer's need for enterprise-class hosting solutions that balance performance, reliability, scalability, security and cost. The certification shows the depth and flexibility of Canada Web Hosting's engineering and technical support departments. It also displays the company's passion to deliver the highest quality of managed hosting services through a partnership approach that encompasses the entire IT service cycle -- planning, implementation, maintenance, measurement and review.
"Microsoft's Gold Certified Partners demonstrate a high degree of competence in working with Microsoft-based technologies. This achievement further demonstrates Canada Web Hosting's commitment to deliver high quality, fully integrated software solutions to their customers," said Lora Gernon, Director of Partner Group, Microsoft Canada Co. "Today, Microsoft is pleased to recognize Canada Web Hosting as a Gold Certified Partner."
As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Canada Web Hosting will receive a rich set of benefits including access to training and support which gives them a competitive edge in the marketplace.
About Canada Web Hosting:
Named one of Canada's fastest growing companies by Profit Magazine in 2006, Canada Web Hosting [CWH] delivers mission-critical Windows and Linux hosting solutions to clients from world-class operations centers in Toronto and Vancouver. Its mission is to provide the highest quality enterprise-class hosting solutions available in Canada through a comprehensive, customer-focused sales and technical support model in combination with robust network and data center services
Amazon.com Launches New Automotive Parts and Accessories Store with over 1 Million Automotive Products Available |
100,000 Items Eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping and Amazon Prime Oct 23, 2006 -- Amazon.com (Nasdaq:AMZN) today announced the grand opening of its Automotive Parts and Accessories Store (www.amazon.com/auto) featuring over 1 million new, used and remanufactured parts from leading parts and accessories manufacturers. A key feature of Amazon's Automotive Store is its innovative Part Finder, allowing owners of approximately 10,000 different American car and truck models to find the parts that fit their vehicles. Amazon customers can simply enter the year, make and model of a car into the Part Finder and trust that they will find items that fit their specified vehicles. Leveraging Amazon's unique technology platform for auto part data, the Part Finder enables third-party data providers and retailers to share part and vehicle information that helps Amazon customers make informed buying decisions. "We're providing a broad selection of products for auto enthusiasts, who are passionate about the appearance and performance of their cars, but also making the Automotive Store convenient for the everyday motorist who is looking for basic car care and maintenance items," said Steve Frazier, vice president, Automotive at Amazon.com. "Amazon's core principles of selection, convenience and low prices will help us meet the needs of this growing segment in the online marketplace." Amazon.com provides Free Super Saver Shipping and Amazon Prime on 100,000 automotive products sold by Amazon. In addition to Free Super Saver Shipping, Amazon's Automotive Store is offering $20 off any purchase of $99 or more on products sold by Amazon.com through Nov. 14th. (Restrictions apply; see www.amazon.com/auto for details.) Core brands carried by Amazon's Automotive Store include Actron, Fram, Holley, Hurst, K&N Engineering, Lund, Meguiar's, Raybestos and Schumacher. And to enhance site selection, hundreds of thousands of additional items are listed on the Amazon site by more than 250 independent auto, truck and motorcycle parts retailers, such as Auto Barn, HoursepowerFreaks, Midway Auto Supply and Summit Racing Equipment. Products are easy to find in categories across Amazon's Automotive Store, including Interior and Exterior Accessories, Replacement Parts, Car Care, Performance Parts, Tools & Equipment and Motorcycle Parts & Accessories. The store also features tires and wheels from The Tire Rack. About Amazon Prime Amazon Prime, Amazon.com's first-ever membership program, is available to customers for a flat fee of $79 per year. Amazon Prime members receive unlimited, express two-day shipping for free, with no minimum purchase requirement on over a million eligible items sold by Amazon.com. Members can order as late as 6:30 p.m. ET and still get their order the next day for only $3.99 per item, and they can share the benefits of Amazon Prime with up to four family members living in their household. Sign up for Amazon Prime at www.amazon.com/prime. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc., (Nasdaq:AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as health and personal care, jewelry and watches, gourmet food, sports and outdoors, apparel and accessories, books, music, DVDs, electronics and office, toys and baby, and home and garden. Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Forward Looking Statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, significant amount of indebtedness, inventory, limited operating history, government regulation and taxation, payments, fraud, consumer trends, and new business areas. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and all subsequent filings. SOURCE: Amazon.com, Inc. |
Top Chinese official visits Rolls-Royce
|
23 October 2006 |
One of the most senior members of China’s government, Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Consultative Conference (CPPCC), today visited the Rolls-Royce facility in Derby, UK, which produces many of the aero engines used by China’s airlines. Mr Jia is in the UK as part of a European tour. He was accompanied to the Rolls-Royce facility by a large delegation of senior government officials. Simon Robertson, Chairman of Rolls-Royce plc, who welcomed Mr Jia to Derby, said: “We are delighted that another of China’s senior leaders has come to visit Rolls-Royce. Our relationship with China stretches back more than 40 years. China is important for us, not just as a market for our products and services, but also as a collaborative partner in training, manufacturing and technology.” During his visit, Mr Jia became the first visitor to be shown the new Customer Delivery Centre, where Rolls-Royce aero engines are prepared before being shipped to airlines around the world. In recent months, Rolls-Royce has won a number of significant orders from Chinese airlines, including Air China’s selection of the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 to power its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Air China has also this year begun taking deliveries of Airbus A330s powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 700. The Trent 700 has achieved a clean sweep in China, being selected by all the A330 operators. The other operators are China Southern, China Eastern, Hainan, Cathay Pacific and Dragonair. Other Rolls-Royce engines in service or on order for Chinese airlines include the Trent 500 for the A340, Trent 900 for the A380, RB211-535 for the Boeing 757, AE 3007 for the ERJ 145, and the IAE V2500 for the A320 family. |
Note to editors 1. Rolls-Royce powered aircraft are currently operating with 11 Chinese airlines, including those based in the Hong Kong and Macao SARs. 2. Rolls-Royce has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Dalian and Hong Kong, and in 2005 opened a new marine facility in Shanghai. The company is also involved in two joint ventures – Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL) in Hong Kong, and Xian Rolls-Royce Aerocomponents (XRA) in Xian. 3. Rolls-Royce is working with the CAAC on the Senior Executives ‘Top 300’ development programme, which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary, and the signing of a 10-year extension. For more information about Rolls-Royce in China, please go to: |
Taiwan reigns as tech champ
Taiwan scores knockout in ICT ring
TAIPEI, TAIWAN, October 23, 2006 ?An interesting introspection: the global tech industry bears a lot in common with the sport of boxing ?multiple weight classes / product divisions; many pretenders and few contenders; and some classic battles in which somebody leaves bruised and bloodied.
The United States is the obvious heavyweight champ, making the most noise and garnering all of the coverage. China is the newcomer everyone is buzzing about, yet remains without a true test.
The titles of “all-around best fighter?and “pound-for-pound champ,?though, go to Taiwan, as the island has displayed superb technique across multiple divisions.
Undisputed champion
Taiwan has an unsurpassed legacy in the tech industry, having been crowned king of multiple product divisions. Taiwan is the world’s number one producer of: notebook PCs, LCD monitors, motherboards, PDAs, and network routers, among other items.
Taiwan rules the lightweight divisions of wireless technology. According to statistics from the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers?Association, in 2004 Taiwan maintained worldwide market shares of 89.2, 83.0, 70.9, 66.3, and 59.0 percent for routers, WLAN products, DSL CPEs, cable modems, and switches, respectively.
Moving up to the welterweight division, Taiwan continues exhibiting its flawless technique, securing a 79.0 percent total market share of PDA production.
However, Taiwan is not all finesse and technique, as the island has proven it can fight in a slugfest. Taiwan has done such in the middleweight class motherboard manufacturing, taking 77.9 percent of the market.
As Taiwan has moved up the ranks, it too has moved up the tech ladder. Made By Taiwan has secured hard knockouts in the notebook PC and LCD monitor manufacturing divisions. In this light heavyweight group, Taiwan secures worldwide market shares of 72.4 percent and 68.0 percent, respectively.
The stakes and rewards are better in the higher divisions as well. The notebook PC knockout brought USD 21.8 billion in production value to Taiwan, while the LCD monitor purse secured an additional USD 14.4 billion.
Taiwan now has the heavyweight division of branded IT production in its sight. This is where the true fame and fortune are earned, but Taiwan will have to prove it can hold its own against the current heavyweight champ, the US.
Moving at the speed of techFormer world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali once proclaimed that while fighting, he would “float like a butterfly,?floating slowly out of harm’s way, and “sting like a bee,?striking quickly to hurt his opponent.
Taiwan, perhaps, is then all bee, as speed remains one of the island’s greatest assets. Taiwan produces at breakneck speeds to supply the world with the latest tech.
The Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers?Association commissioned a study to determine the speed at which Taiwan’s ICT industry manufactured certain computer and communications goods. The results are amazing.
On the slow side, every 15 seconds Taiwan produces a server computer. Speeding up a bit, Taiwan manufactures one PDA unit every 3.5 seconds, and manufactures one digital still camera every 1.5 seconds.
Entering the sub one-second barrier, Taiwan’s ICT industry starts “moving at the speed of tech.?Every 0.9 seconds, Taiwan produces one notebook computer, one desktop computer and one CDT monitor.
Faster yet, at every 0.7 seconds Taiwan makes an LCD monitor; every 0.6 seconds a mobile phone; and every 0.5 seconds produces a WLAN product.
Taiwan finds its true niche at the 0.3-second speed, the speed at which Taiwanese companies produce one optical disk drive unit and one motherboard.
For more than a decade, Taiwan has proven itself as the undisputed king of the ring in the manufacturing industry. Segmenting multiple product lines across different levels of technology, Taiwan has risen to the challenge of its competitors and has consistently delivered the knockout punch.
Please visit www.taiwantrade.com.tw or www.taiwaninnovalue.com for more information.
Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers? Association
Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) was founded in 1970 to promote Taiwan ’s foreign trade and competitiveness in world markets. Over the past 35 years, TAITRA has played a key role in the development of the Taiwan economy. TAITRA is jointly sponsored by the government and commercial associations and is viewed by all as the business gateway to Taiwan for the international business community.
IBM Completes Acquisition of Internet Security Systems
ISS Becomes Business Unit of IBM Global Services
Oct 21, 2006 -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has completed its acquisition of Internet Security Systems, Inc. (ISS) (NASDAQ: ISSX) of Atlanta, GA.
IBM announced a definitive agreement to acquire ISS, an industry leader in preemptive enterprise security, on August 23, 2006. IBM acquired ISS to bring its unique ahead-of-the-threat security approach to a broad range of customers worldwide. ISS provides security solutions to thousands of the world's leading companies and governments, helping to proactively protect against Internet threats across networks, desktops and servers. ISS software, appliances and services monitor and manage network vulnerabilities and rapidly respond in advance of potential threats.
This acquisition advances IBM's strategy to utilize IT services, software and consulting expertise to automate labor-based processes into standardized, software-based services that help clients optimize and transform their businesses. IBM and ISS have been working together since 1999.
"For the past 12 years, ISS has provided thousands of customers with leading-edge, innovative and effective security products, services and intelligence," said Val Rahmani, General Manager, Infrastructure Management Services, IBM Global Services. "Incorporating ISS' proactive, integrated security platform into IBM's portfolio will provide customers with the protection they expect from an industry leader."
"ISS has been a part of the security industry since its inception, pioneering both vulnerability assessment and intrusion detection/prevention technologies and setting the security agenda for many of the world's largest organizations, including the U.S. government," said Thomas Noonan, ISS General Manager at IBM and former CEO of ISS. "Today's acquisition is about bringing trusted security to additional organizations around the world. Being a part of IBM will propel ISS' preemptive security vision to a much wider audience."
As an integrated business unit within the Infrastructure Management Services organization of IBM Global Services, ISS will retain its offices in Atlanta, GA and be led by Noonan.
IBM plans to expand sales and development of the ISS Proventia® product line and ISS Managed and Professional Security Services, integrating capabilities with IBM offerings when applicable and developing new, integrated solutions over time. ISS provides more than 11,000 customers with a comprehensive, integrated and extensible platform of technologies and services, which are designed to protect critical infrastructure and assets from unwanted intruders. Its line of network, desktop and server protection products and services complement IBM's security and privacy portfolio.
The ISS X-Force® research and development team will also play a key role in this acquisition. IBM will link the expertise of the X-Force with its own world-class research organization and grow this capability by continuing to recruit and train leading security specialists.
ISS threat protection systems complement IBM's Tivoli identity and access management software, addressing and managing customer security and privacy needs.
About IBM
For more information about IBM, go to www.ibm.com
About Internet Security Systems, Inc.
Internet Security Systems, Inc. is the security advisor to thousands of the world's leading businesses and governments, providing preemptive protection for networks, desktops and servers. An established leader in security since 1994, the ISS integrated security platform is designed to automatically protect against both known and unknown threats, and helps to keep networks up and running and shields customers from online attacks before they impact business assets. ISS products and services are based on the proactive security intelligence of its X-Force research and development team -- a world authority in vulnerability and threat research. The ISS product line is complemented by comprehensive Managed Security Services and Professional Security Services.
Internet Security Systems is a trademark and Proventia and X-Force are registered trademarks of Internet Security Systems, Inc., an IBM Company. All other companies and products mentioned are trademarks and property of their respective owners.
MoneyTV, Week of 10/20
October 20, 2006 -- MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.
Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.
The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.
Featured companies on this week's show include:
Stronghold Industries, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SGDS) Sr. VP Tony Breeden and Director Don Moore told of the company's high end entertainment and security systems for the showcase homes of celebrities and captains of industry.
Rhino Outdoor International, Inc. subsidiary President Howard Pearl spoke of two marquee events the company will be participating in.
XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich appeared via satellite from the Solar Power Convention in San Jose, CA and showed some of what the company is displaying to attendees.
Atlantis Holding Corporation (PINKSHEETS: AHDG) CEO Robert Thompson demonstrated the company's vertical TV 3D technology.
Holmes Biopharma, Inc. CEO John Metcalfe discussed how business is "lining up" for the company.
Spice Depot, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SDEP) Business Development rep Bob Donas (aka Dr. Spice) announced the company was attending the largest food expo in Canada next week.
Manhattan West Mortgage CEO Roger Schlesinger discussed moderate income housing opportunities.
Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.
|
MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 5:00 PM.
MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.
A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net.
MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.
PayChest Announces 30 Day Action Plan
October 20, 2006 -- PayChest Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PYCT) today announced a 30 day action plan, relating to PayChest's operations, under the restructuring guidelines of CEO Lawson Pillay.
The initial strategy calls for immediate changes in staffing and technology. All existing PayChest relationships with directors, employees and contractors have been terminated. PayChest now has direct access to staff and technology through Genfin and its strategic partners. These resources will provide PayChest with intellectual property, financial processing software and connectivity to currently operational financial gateways.
|
PayChest will also appoint an independent stock transfer agent, a new SEC attorney and move all operations into new premises in southern California.
"This 30 day restructuring action plan reiterates my allegiance to shareholders by laying a solid foundation for the future. My commitment is not to focus on stock price volatility, but to introduce tangible change. Also, expectations of future news will be limited to quantifiable actions taken. In my recent radio address on http://www.zshare.net/audio/pyct-mp3.html, I have covered many of these aspects," said Mr. Pillay.
Safe Harbor Statement
The foregoing press release contains forward-looking statements. For this purpose any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors.
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Acquires PLIVA, d.d. for $2.5 Billion
STORY SUMMARY:
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has acquired Zagreb, Croatia-based PLIVA, d.d., creating the world's third largest global generic pharmaceutical company. The Croatian Central Depository Agency ("CDA") issued the final results of the tender process confirming that Barr has secured the overwhelming majority of outstanding shares in PLIVA, and the transaction is expected to formally close on October 25, 2006. Barr acquired PLIVA for approximately $2.5 billion in a public tender offer process that began with the Company's bid for the Croatian pharmaceutical company in June 2006.
As a result of the acquisition, the combined company, which will operate under the Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. holding company, will have annual revenues of approximately $2.4 billion. The combined company will market approximately 120 generic pharmaceuticals in the U.S. and more than 550 products globally. In addition, the new company will have more than 50 new drug applications pending at the U.S. FDA, an annual investment in new product research and development of more than $200 million, and will more than triple the number of pharmaceutical products in development to 220 projects.
The new company will have more than 8,000 employees worldwide.
Barr will continue to market generic pharmaceuticals in the United States under the Barr Laboratories name, and brand pharmaceuticals under the Duramed Pharmaceuticals name. PLIVA, which will keep its name, will serve as the European business for both generic and branded products
Google Announces Third Quarter 2006 Results
October 19, 2006 - Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG)
today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30,
2006.
"Our third quarter results are a testament to the strength of our
network of advertisers and partners, as well as our continuing focus on
users," said Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google. "We were particularly
pleased with the contributions of our international business in a
seasonally weaker quarter. In addition, we continued to forge
significant partnerships with companies such as eBay, Fox Interactive
Media, and Intuit that will be of great value to all involved."
Q3 Financial Summary
Google reported revenues of $2.69 billion for the quarter ended
September 30, 2006, an increase of 70% compared to the third quarter of
2005 and an increase of 10% compared to the second quarter of 2006.
Google reports its revenues, consistent with GAAP, on a gross basis
without deducting traffic acquisition costs, or TAC. In the third
quarter of 2006, TAC totaled $825 million, or 31% of advertising
revenues.
Google reports operating income, net income, and earnings per share
(EPS) on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis. The non-GAAP measures are
described below and are reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures
in the accompanying financial tables.
· GAAP operating income for the third quarter of 2006 was $931
million, or 35% of revenues. This compares to GAAP operating income of
$815 million, or 33% of revenues, in the second quarter of 2006.
Non-GAAP operating income in the third quarter was $1.03 billion, or
38% of revenues. This compares to non-GAAP operating income of $925
million, or 38% of revenues, in the second quarter.
· GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2006 was $733 million as
compared to $721 million in the second quarter. Non-GAAP net income in
the third quarter was $812 million, compared to $772 million in the
second quarter.
· GAAP EPS for the third quarter of 2006 was $2.36 on 311 million
diluted shares outstanding, compared to $2.33 for the second quarter,
on 310 million diluted shares outstanding. Non-GAAP EPS in the third
quarter was $2.62, compared to $2.49 in the second quarter.
· Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, and non-GAAP EPS
are computed net of stock-based compensation (SBC). In addition, in
the second quarter, we excluded investment gains of $55 million related
to the sale of our investment in Baidu from the calculation of non-GAAP
net income and non-GAAP EPS. In the third quarter of 2006, the charge
related to stock-based compensation was $100 million as compared to
$109 million in the second quarter. Tax effects related to SBC charges
and the sale of the investment in Baidu have also been excluded from
non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS. The tax benefit related to SBC
was $21 million in the third quarter and $26 million in the second
quarter. The tax expense related to the investment gains from the sale
of the Baidu investment in the second quarter was $23 million.
Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to GAAP operating income, net
income, and EPS are included at the end of this release.
Q3 Financial Highlights
Revenues - Google reported revenues of $2.69 billion for the quarter
ended September 30, 2006, representing a 70% increase over third
quarter 2005 revenues of $1.58 billion and a 10% increase over second
quarter 2006 revenues of $2.46 billion. Google reports its revenues,
consistent with GAAP, on a gross basis without deducting traffic
acquisition costs, or TAC.
Google Sites Revenues - Google-owned sites generated revenues of $1.63
billion, or 60% of total revenues, in the third quarter of 2006. This
represents an 84% increase over third quarter 2005 revenues of $885
million and a 14% increase over second quarter 2006 revenues of $1.43
billion.
Google Network Revenues - Google's partner sites generated revenues,
through AdSense programs, of $1.04 billion, or 39% of total revenues,
in the third quarter of 2006. This is a 54% increase over network
revenues of $675 million generated in the third quarter of 2005 and a
4% increase over second quarter 2006 revenues of $997 million.
International Revenues - Revenues from outside of the United States
contributed 44% of total revenues in the third quarter of 2006,
compared to 42% in the second quarter of 2006 and 39% in the third
quarter of 2005. Had foreign exchange rates remained constant from the
second quarter through the third quarter of 2006, our revenues in the
third quarter of 2006 would have been $19 million lower. Had foreign
exchange rates remained constant from the third quarter of 2005 through
the third quarter of 2006, our revenues in the third quarter of 2006
would have been $35 million lower.
TAC - Traffic Acquisition Costs, the portion of revenues shared with
Google's partners, increased to $825 million in the third quarter of
2006. This compares to TAC of $785 million in the second quarter. TAC
as a percentage of advertising revenues decreased to 31% in the third
quarter from 32% in the second quarter.
The majority of TAC expense is related to amounts ultimately paid to
our AdSense partners, which totaled $780 million in the third quarter
of 2006. TAC is also related to amounts ultimately paid to certain
distribution partners and others who direct traffic to our website,
which totaled $45 million in the third quarter of 2006.
Other Cost of Revenues - Other cost of revenues, which is comprised
primarily of data center operational expenses, as well as credit card
processing charges, increased to $223 million, or 8% of revenues, in
the third quarter of 2006, compared to $204 million, or 8% of revenues,
in the second quarter. Other cost of revenues also included
stock-based compensation of $2 million in the third quarter of 2006,
compared to $2 million in the second quarter of 2006.
Operating Expenses - Operating expenses, other than cost of revenues,
were $710 million in the third quarter. These operating expenses
included $382 million in payroll-related and facilities expenses, $98
million in stock-based compensation, and $50 million in advertising and
promotional expenses, of which $14 million was related to certain
distribution deals.
Stock-Based Compensation - In the third quarter, the total charge
related to stock-based compensation was $100 million as compared to
$109 million in the second quarter.
For the full year, we expect stock-based compensation charges for
grants to employees prior to October 1, 2006 to be $377 million. This
does not include expenses to be recognized over the remainder of the
year related to employee stock awards that are granted after October 1,
2006 or non-employee stock awards that have been or may be granted. We
currently anticipate that dilution related to all equity grants to
employees will be approximately 1% to 1.5% per year.
Operating Income - GAAP operating income in the third quarter of 2006
was $931 million, or 35% of revenues. This compares to GAAP operating
income of $815 million, or 33% of revenues, in the second quarter.
Non-GAAP operating income in the third quarter was $1.03 billion, or
38% of revenues. This compares to non-GAAP operating income of $925
million, or 38% of revenues, in the second quarter.
Net Income - GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2006 was $733
million as compared to $721 million in the second quarter. Non-GAAP
net income was $812 million in the third quarter, compared to $772
million in the second quarter. GAAP EPS for the third quarter was
$2.36 on 311 million diluted shares outstanding, compared to $2.33 for
the second quarter, on 310 million diluted shares outstanding.
Non-GAAP EPS for the third quarter was $2.62, compared to $2.49 in the
second quarter.
Income Taxes - Our effective tax rate was 29% for the third quarter.
We currently anticipate that our effective tax rate for the full year
will be at or below 30%.
Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Net cash provided by operating
activities for the third quarter of 2006 totaled $1 billion as compared
to $841 million for the second quarter. In the third quarter of 2006,
capital expenditures were $492 million, the majority of which was
related to IT infrastructure investments, including data centers,
servers, and networking equipment. Free cash flow, an alternative
non-GAAP measure of liquidity, is defined as net cash provided by
operating activities less capital expenditures. In the third quarter,
free cash flow was $512 million.
We continue to expect that the growth rate in capital expenditures in
2006 will be substantially greater than the revenue growth rate for the
year.
A reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating
activities, the GAAP measure of liquidity, is included at the end of
this release.
Cash - As of September 30, 2006, cash, cash equivalents, and
marketable securities were $10.4 billion.
On a worldwide basis, Google employed 9,378 full-time employees as of
September 30, 2006, up from 7,942 full time employees as of June 30,
2006.
WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
A live audio webcast of Google's third quarter 2006 earnings release
call will be available at http://investor.google.com/webcast.html. The
call begins today at 1:30 PM (PT) / 4:30 PM (ET). This press release,
the financial tables, as well as other supplemental information
including the reconciliations of certain non-GAAP measures to their
nearest comparable GAAP measures, are also available at that site. A
replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 PM (ET) today
through midnight Thursday, October 26, 2006 by calling 888-203-1112 in
the United States or 719-457-0820 for calls from outside the United
States. The required confirmation code for the replay is 2704080.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to the value of
our partnerships with eBay, Fox Interactive Media, and Intuit, our
plans to acquire YouTube, invest in our business, our expected
stock-based compensation charges, the expected dilution related to
equity grants to our employees, our anticipated tax rate for 2006, and
our expectations regarding the growth rate in our capital expenditures.
Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and
reported results should not be considered as an indication of future
performance. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ from the results predicted include, among
others, the failure to receive regulatory approval for our proposed
acquisition of YouTube, the failure of the other closing conditions in
our agreement to purchase YouTube to be satisfied, risks related to our
hiring patterns, the amount of stock-based compensation we issue to our
service providers, the uncertain and complex nature of tax forecasting,
the fact that we may have exposure to greater than expected tax
liabilities, and our need to expend capital to accommodate the growth
of the business, as well as those risks and uncertainties included
under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in
our report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, which is
on file with the SEC and is available on our investor relations website
at investor.google.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Additional information will also be set forth in our quarterly report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, which will be
filed with the SEC in November 2006. All information provided in this
release and in the attachments is as of October 19, 2006, and Google
undertakes no duty to update this information.
ABOUT NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which statements
are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use the
following non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP operating income,
non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margins, non-GAAP EPS and free
cash flow. The presentation of this financial information is not
intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or
superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in
accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial
measures, please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of
non-GAAP results of operations measures to the nearest comparable GAAP
measures" and "Reconciliation from net cash provided by operating
activities to free cash flow" included at the end of this release.
We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational
decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period
comparisons. Our management believes that these non-GAAP financial
measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our
performance and liquidity by excluding certain expenses and
expenditures that may not be indicative of our "recurring core
business operating results," meaning our operating performance
excluding not only non-cash charges, such as stock-based compensation,
but also discrete cash charges that are infrequent in nature, such as
gains from the sale of investments and the related tax effects of such
non-cash charges. We believe that both management and investors
benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in
assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing
future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate
management's internal comparisons to our historical performance and
liquidity as well as comparisons to our competitors' operating
results. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to
investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with
respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and
operational decision making and (2) they are used by our institutional
investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of
our business.
Non-GAAP operating income and operating margin. We define non-GAAP
operating income as operating income minus stock-based compensation.
We define non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP operating income
divided by revenues. Google considers these non-GAAP financial
measures to be useful metrics for management and investors because they
exclude the effect of stock-based compensation so that Google's
management and investors can compare Google's recurring core business
operating results over multiple periods. We believe that, given our
recent adoption of SFAS 123R, it is difficult for investors to evaluate
our GAAP results of operations on a year-over-year basis because our
GAAP results of operations for 2005 calculated our stock-based
compensation expense in a different manner than that required under
SFAS 123R. Therefore, investors cannot compare the year-over-year
results of our recurring core business operating results unless we
exclude these non-cash charges that result from two different
accounting methods. Moreover, because of varying available valuation
methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of award types
that companies can use when adopting SFAS 123R, Google's management
believes that providing a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes
stock-based compensation allows investors to make meaningful
comparisons between Google's recurring core business operating
results and those of other companies, as well as providing Google's
management with an important tool for financial and operational
decision making and for evaluating Google's own recurring core
business operating results over different periods of time. There are a
number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP operating income
versus operating income calculated in accordance with GAAP. First,
non-GAAP operating income excludes some costs, namely, stock-based
compensation, that are recurring. Stock-based compensation has been
and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant
recurring expense in Google's business. Second, stock-based
compensation is an important part of our employees' compensation and
impacts their performance. Third, the components of the costs that we
exclude in our calculation of non-GAAP operating income may differ from
the components that our peer companies exclude when they report their
results of operations. Management compensates for these limitations by
providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from
non-GAAP operating income and evaluating non-GAAP operating income
together with operating income calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS. We define non-GAAP net income as
net income minus stock-based compensation and, for the second quarter
of 2006, the gains from the sale of our investment in Baidu, as well as
the related tax effects of such items. We define non-GAAP EPS as
non-GAAP net income divided by the weighted average shares, on a
fully-diluted basis, outstanding as of September 30, 2006. We consider
these non-GAAP financial measures to be a useful metric for management
and investors for the same reasons that Google uses non-GAAP operating
income and non-GAAP operating margin. However, in order to provide a
complete picture of our recurring core business operating results, we
exclude from non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS the tax effects
associated with stock-based compensation and the gains from the sale of
our investment in Baidu in the second quarter of 2006. Without
excluding these tax effects, investors would only see the gross effect
that excluding these expenses and gains had on our operating results.
The same limitations described above regarding Google's use of
non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin apply to our
use of non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS. Management compensates
for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the
GAAP amounts excluded from non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS and
evaluating non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS together with net
income and EPS calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Free cash flow. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by
operating activities minus capital expenditures. We consider free cash
flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to
management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the
business that, after the acquisition of property and equipment,
including information technology infrastructure and land and buildings,
can be used for strategic opportunities, including investing in our
business, making strategic acquisitions and strengthening the balance
sheet. Analysis of free cash flow also facilitates management's
comparisons of our operating results to competitors' operating
results. A limitation of using free cash flow versus the GAAP measure
of net cash provided by operating activities as a means for evaluating
Google is that free cash flow does not represent the total increase or
decrease in the cash balance from operations for the period since it
excludes cash used for capital expenditures during the period. Our
management compensates for this limitation by providing information
about our capital expenditures on the face of the cash flow statement
and under Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations in its Form 10-Q.
Google has computed free cash flow using the same consistent method
from quarter to quarter and year to year.
The accompanying tables have more details on the GAAP financial
measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial
measures and the related reconciliations between these financial
measures.
Oct. 19, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and the U.S. Air Force MILSATCOM Systems Wing have signed a $1.067 billion contract for up to three more Wideband Gapfiller Satellites (WGS), if all options are exercised.
The Block II satellites will be similar to the three Block I satellites already in production. Under Block II, Boeing will add a radio frequency bypass capability designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring ultra-high bandwidth and data rates demanded by unmanned aerial vehicles.
"This new Block II contract gives the Air Force the flexibility to independently exercise options for long-lead material, production and launch services for WGS F4 through F6," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Mortenson, WGS Block II program manager. "One WGS satellite will provide more throughput than the entire Defense Service Communications Satellite (DSCS) constellation currently on station, which translates into improved effectiveness of our worldwide forces, and ultimately, into lives saved."
In February, the Air Force authorized Boeing to begin non-recurring engineering and advanced procurement of parts for the fourth WGS satellite. Boeing anticipates Air Force authorization to proceed with full production of WGS F4 and to begin long-lead work for F5 by the end of 2006. These revolutionary, 13-kilowatt WGS satellites are based on Boeing's 702 models and are designed to provide improved communications support for America's warfighters.
"We have designed an incredibly capable satellite system with tremendous operational flexibility, which will become even more apparent when the first vehicle is launched next year," said Charles Toups, vice president of Navigation and Communications Systems for Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "We are very pleased the Air Force has chosen Boeing to fulfill this critical communications need."
Boeing is preparing the first WGS satellite for launch in 2007. The Block II contract calls for the launch of F4 by the first quarter of 2011 and subsequent launches every year thereafter. WGS will augment and eventually replace the DSCS currently on station. Boeing has leveraged a wealth of experience and capability for WGS, including extensive investments in the 702 satellite bus, digital signal processors and phased array antennas. These capabilities enable the tremendous capacity and operational flexibility the U.S. military requires.
The results contained in this submission were generated in whole, or in part, through work supporting the MILSATCOM Systems Wing.
Groen Brothers Aviation Elects David Groen as Chairman of the Board
October 19, 2006 -- Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (OTCBB: GNBA) announced today the election of its President & CEO, David Groen, to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. David's brother Jay Groen had served with distinction as Chairman until his recent passing on October 9th. "We deeply regret the loss of Jay Groen. In many ways, he is irreplaceable. GBA's Board of Directors has complete confidence, however, in David's ability to continue to lead us in this important endeavor," said GBA board member Robin H.H. Wilson, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Development.
October 19, 2006 -- Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (OTCBB: ) announced today the election of its President & CEO, David Groen, to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. David's brother Jay Groen had served with distinction as Chairman until his recent passing on October 9th. "We deeply regret the loss of Jay Groen. In many ways, he is irreplaceable. GBA's Board of Directors has complete confidence, however, in David's ability to continue to lead us in this important endeavor," said GBA board member Robin H.H. Wilson, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Development.David Groen has performed in a GBA executive management role for more than twenty years, nearly a decade and a half of which as its President & CEO. Immediately prior to forming Groen Brothers Aviation, David Groen was a founding partner and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Seagull Recycling Company. Previously, he has held numerous executive positions in the helicopter industry with Sales and Marketing, Safety Officer, Branch Manager, and Chief Pilot responsibilities.
David Groen has extensive military and commercial experience in helicopters, having logged over 7,000 hours in rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. As a combat helicopter pilot and Aircraft Commander in Vietnam, he flew hundreds of combat sorties. These many years of flying, added to his tenure serving in management positions within the rotor-wing industry, gave him a wealth of management and leadership experience in a variety of related fields. David is also co-author, along with his brother Jay, of a best-selling novel entitled "Huey."
David and his brother Jay co-founded GBA in 1986 to develop modern autorotative flight aircraft. Since then, GBA has been involved in an extensive research program in the design, engineering, development, testing and marketing of gyroplane and gyrodyne aircraft. As a result GBA has successfully developed innovative technology that has brought autorotative flight into the modern age.
David Groen and GBA's Board of Directors oversee all Company operations, including its contract with the US Department of Defense DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to design a proof of concept high speed, long range, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for use in Combat Search and Rescue roles. GBA-USA also is doing business as (d.b.a.) American Autogyro for all of its SparrowHawk Gyroplane operations.
About Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc.
Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. (GBA) has been developing gyroplane technology since 1986 and is recognized as the world's leading authority on autorotative flight. GBA developed the world's first commercially viable modern gyroplane -- the first "autogiro" to utilize a jet engine -- the Hawk 4 Gyroplane powered by a Rolls-Royce gas turbine engine. The Hawk 4 was used extensively for security aerial patrol missions during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Through its American Autogyro division, the GBA has also developed and is selling a smaller kit gyroplane, the two seat "SparrowHawk II," and is offering this aircraft as a safe, extremely economical Airborne Patrol Vehicle (APV) for law enforcement and other government applications. GBA is also developing a production two-seat gyroplane for both the "Airborne Law Enforcement" and the "Light Sport Aircraft" (LSA) markets. The Company continues to develop an international and nationwide dealership network for the sale of these products.
GBA announced in October 2005 that the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) selected a GBA-led team to design a proof of concept high speed, long range, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for use in Combat Search and Rescue roles. Phase one of this potentially multi-year $40 million four phase program, began with a fifteen month $6.4 million award to develop the preliminary design and perform key technology demonstrations. This modern rotorcraft, named by DARPA as the "Heliplane" is designed to exploit GBA's gyrodyne technology, offering the VTOL capability of a helicopter, the fast forward flight of an airplane, and the safety, simplicity and reliability of a GBA gyroplane. This aircraft type could be the next generation rotor wing aircraft, meeting economy and performance goals not considered achievable by any other type of VTOL aircraft. In August 2006, GBA announced that DARPA had passed GBA's submission for the third Milestone of its phase one contract.
Further information about the Company, its products, and individual members of the GBA Team is available on the Company's web site at: www.groenbros.com.
Safe Harbor Statement/Forward-Looking Information Disclaimer
Certain statements in this news release by Groen Brothers Aviation are forward looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking information is subject to risk and uncertainty. Certain statements in this Press Release may contain forward-looking information that involves risk and uncertainty, including but not limited to, the Company's ability to fund ongoing operations and to complete its obligations under the government contract and its other ongoing commitments. Future results and trends depend on a variety of factors, including the Company's successful execution of internal performance plans; product development and performance; risks associated with regulatory certifications of the Company's commercial aircraft by U.S. and foreign governments; government bid and funding availability uncertainty; other regulatory uncertainties; performance issues with key suppliers and subcontractors; governmental export and import policies; and the ability to adequately finance operations including meeting its debt obligations, fund manufacturing and delivery of products.
Christiana Bank Reports Record Earnings in Third Quarter of 2006 and Declares Stock Dividend
Second Straight Quarter of Record Earnings
October 19, 2006 -- Christiana Bank and Trust Company (OTCBB: CBTD) reported net income of $713 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, the highest level of quarterly net income in the history of the Bank. This was an increase of $328 thousand, or 85%, from $385 thousand in the third quarter of 2005. Net income for the second quarter of 2006 was $679 thousand.
At its meeting today, the Board of Directors declared a stock dividend of 5% to be distributed on November 30, 2006, to stockholders of record on November 15, 2006. Fractional shares will be paid in cash. The Board of Directors declared a special stock dividend of 5% at its Board Meeting in July. This is the third consecutive year the Bank has declared a stock dividend.
According to Zissimos A. Frangopoulos, President and CEO, "This is the second straight quarter that Christiana Bank and Trust Company has reported record earnings. We believe the Bank is well-positioned to sustain its momentum, as we continue to pursue a business model that emphasizes highly personalized client service and the careful deployment of our resources."
Net income for the first three quarters of 2006 was $1.8 million, an increase of $788 thousand, or 77%, from $1.0 million for the same period in 2005.
Net income per diluted share was $0.44 for the third quarter of 2006. This was an increase of 69% from the $0.26 reported for the third quarter in 2005. For the first three quarters of 2006, net income per diluted share was $1.12, an increase of $0.41, or 59%, from the same period in 2005. All references to per share earnings and other data have been adjusted to reflect the 5% stock dividend declared today and to be distributed November 30, 2006, and, where appropriate, the special dividend of 5% distributed on August 31, 2006.
The Bank's return on average assets for the third quarter of 2006 was 1.73%, compared to 1.02% for the third quarter 2005. Return on average equity for the third quarter of this year amounted to 15.95%, compared to 10.00% for the prior-year third quarter. For the three quarters ended September 2006, the return on average assets and the return on average equity were 1.49% and 14.22%, compared to 0.95% and 9.17% for the same period last year.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Bank ended the third quarter with total assets of $166.2 million as compared to $183.3 million at June 30, 2006, while showing year-over-year growth of 7.9% from $154.0 million in total assets on September 30, 2005. The decline in total assets compared to June 30, 2006, reflects a combination of unusually high seasonal balances in certain accounts at the end of June and the transfer during the third quarter of certain customer balances from deposit accounts to actively managed accounts.
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses and unearned income were $127.5 million at September 30, 2006, as compared to $127.6 million at June 30, 2006, and $113.9 million at the end of the third quarter 2005, showing year-over-year growth of 11.9%.
Total deposits at September 30, 2006, were $132.6 million as compared to $164.1 million at June 30, 2006, and $132.4 million at September 30, 2005. The reasons for the decline compared to June levels are those discussed above for the changes in total assets.
EARNINGS
Relative to the same period last year, earnings in the third quarter of 2006 reflect growth in revenues of 33% and growth in expenses of 14%. The growth in revenues was primarily due to strength in net interest income as well as in trust revenues. The growth in expenses reflects increased staff and other expenses related to the growing volume of business. Additionally, third quarter 2005 non-interest expense included prepayment fees of $130 thousand incurred for the early repayment of $2 million in fixed-rate, long-term debt. There were no prepayment fees in the third quarter 2006.
Compared to the second quarter of 2006, third quarter revenues increased by 6% and non-interest expense increased by 5%.
For the first nine months of 2006, revenues grew by 29%, and non-interest expense grew by 14% compared to the same period last year. The prepayment fees included in the nine-month expenses for 2005 are $376 thousand, while there were no prepayment fees during the same period in 2006.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the third quarter 2006 was $1.8 million as compared to $1.6 million in the third quarter 2005 and $1.8 million for the second quarter 2006. The increase in the net interest income over the prior year primarily reflects the growth in loans and improvement in the net interest margin. The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2006 was 4.63%, compared to 4.52% for the same period in 2005 and 4.55% in the second quarter of 2006. As the Federal Reserve Board has implemented a series of rate increases starting in the summer of 2004, the Bank has benefited from having a larger amount of assets than liabilities that reprice with changing interest rates. Starting with the August 2006 meeting, the Federal Reserve Board has adopted a more "wait and see" attitude and has not changed rates during its most recent two meetings. In response to the potentially changing environment, we have taken steps to reduce the amount of the excess of rate-sensitive assets over rate-sensitive liabilities. In a declining rate environment, an excess of rate-sensitive assets over rate-sensitive liabilities would cause the net interest margin to contract. In addition to the margin improvement, the net interest income increase also reflects a $15.8 million and $2.3 million growth in average net loans over the third quarter of 2005 and the second quarter of 2006.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, net interest income was $5.3 million, compared to $4.3 million in the same period last year. The net interest margin for the first nine months of 2005 was 4.60%, compared to 4.28% for the same period in 2005. The net interest income increase also reflects a $17.8 million increase in average net loans versus the first nine months of 2005.
Provision for Loan Losses
During the third quarter of 2006, the Bank provided $85 thousand to the allowance for possible loan losses. By comparison, the Bank provided $35 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 and $95 thousand in the second quarter of 2006. The provision to the allowance for possible loan losses for the first nine months of 2006 totaled $243 thousand, compared to $101 thousand provided in the same period last year.
Other Income
For the third quarter of 2006, trust revenues were $1.4 million, compared to $756 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 and $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2006, a growth rate of 85% and 17% respectively. For the first nine months of 2006, trust revenues were $3.5 million, compared to $2.4 million in the same period in 2005, a growth rate of 49%.
Assets under administration totaled $1.7 billion at September 30, 2006, and at June 30, 2006, and $1.8 billion at September 30, 2005. Assets under management were $412 million at September 30, 2006, as compared to $466 million at June 30, 2006, and $500 million at September 30, 2005.
We consider revenue growth to be a better indicator of success in our trust business compared to other business volume statistics. We do not consider assets under administration or assets under management to be particularly good indicators, as client asset levels may be affected by trust distributions and trust terminations, as well as the timing of new business and changes in market valuation. In addition, assets related to certain trust transactions may fluctuate significantly from one reporting period to the next, depending on the particular transaction. Finally, investment management is only one of many services we provide to our clients and is not necessarily indicative of our overall trust business.
There were no gains or losses on the sale of securities in the third quarter of 2006, third quarter of 2005 and second quarter of 2006. Nor were there any securities sold in the first nine months of 2006 or 2005.
The remaining other income for the third quarter of 2006 was $90 thousand, compared to $83 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 and $94 thousand in the second quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2006, remaining other income totaled $286 thousand, compared to $267 thousand in the same period of 2005. This income largely reflects fees charged for various banking services and earnings on bank-owned life insurance.
Total revenues for the third quarter of 2006 amounted to $3.2 million, compared to $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2005 and $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2006, total revenues were $8.9 million, compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2005.
Non-Interest Expense
Personnel expense was $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2006, compared to $990 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 and $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2006. Personnel expense for the first nine months of this year was $3.6 million, compared to $2.8 million in the same period last year. The Bank staffing was 47 full-time equivalent employees at September 30, 2006, and 44 at June 30, 2006, compared to 42 at September 30, 2005. The increases in staff expense also reflect higher variable compensation based on the increased business volume and performance, increased salary expense, and higher related payroll taxes and benefits costs.
Occupancy expense for the third quarter of 2006 was $96 thousand, compared to $101 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 and $93 thousand in the second quarter of 2006. Occupancy expense for the first nine months of 2006 was $283 thousand, compared to $299 thousand in the same period last year.
Trust operating expense totaled $120 thousand in the third quarter of 2006, compared to $100 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 and $103 thousand in the second quarter of 2006. For the nine months, trust operating expense was $351 thousand, compared to $334 thousand in the same period last year.
The remaining other expense totaled $606 thousand for the third quarter of 2006, compared to $634 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 and $540 thousand in the second quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2006, other expenses totaled $1.8 million, compared to $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2005. For the third quarter of 2005 and the first nine months of 2005, other expense includes $130 thousand and $376 thousand respectively in prepayment fees for the early redemption of certain fixed-rate borrowings. There were no prepayment fees in the comparable periods in 2006.
Total non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2006 was $2.1 million, compared to $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2005 and $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2006. For the first nine months of 2006, total non-interest expense was $6.0 million, compared to $5.3 million in the first nine months of 2005.
ASSET QUALITY
There were no non-performing loans at September 30, 2006, at June 30, 2006, or at September 30, 2005. No loans were charged off during the third quarter, the first nine months of 2006, or 2005.
The allowance for loan losses was $1.2 million, or 0.92% of total loans, at September 30, 2006; $1.1 million, or 0.85% of total loans, at June 30, 2006; and $920 thousand, or 0.80% of total loans, at September 30, 2005. The relative increase in the allowance for loan losses relates to the continuing growth of business lending and the current uncertainty in the economic environment.
CAPITAL
Stockholders' equity totaled $18.3 million at September 30, 2006, compared to $17.3 million at June 30, 2006, and $15.5 million at September 30, 2005. The increase in stockholders' equity during the third quarter of 2006 primarily reflects the earnings during the period, plus the issuance of shares to cover the Bank's contribution of $36 thousand to its 401(k) plan, and additional capital of $110 thousand related to the exercise of options, and by a decrease in unrealized losses on securities classified as available-for-sale of approximately $143 thousand net of applicable federal tax.
All the regulatory capital ratios of the Bank are in excess of the "well-capitalized" threshold.
THE COMPANY
Christiana Bank and Trust Company, headquartered in Greenville, Delaware, is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "CBTD". The Bank provides commercial banking as well as trust and asset management services from locations in Greenville and Wilmington, Delaware. In addition, Christiana Corporate Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides commercial domicile services in Delaware and Nevada, and Christiana Company LLC, a wholly owned non-depository trust company, provides commercial domicile and trust services in Nevada.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain factors that may cause the Bank's results to vary from those expected. These factors include changing economic and financial market conditions, competition, ability to execute the Bank's business plan, items already mentioned in this press release and other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's judgment only as of this date. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events and circumstances that arise after the date of this release.
CHRISTIANA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Balance Sheet (unaudited) Dollar amounts in thousands Sep-06 Jun-06 Mar-06 Dec-05 Sep-05 Cash and due from banks $ 7,854 $ 26,107 $ 6,092 $ 20,776 $ 11,111 Investment securities 20,985 20,952 21,137 21,260 20,728 Loans (net of unearned income) 128,687 128,667 122,832 116,974 114,826 Allowance for loan losses 1,180 1,095 1,000 937 920 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net loans 127,507 127,572 121,832 116,037 113,906 Bank premises and equipment - net 3,102 3,107 3,044 3,095 3,123 Other assets 6,775 5,563 5,385 4,918 5,141 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total assets $ 166,223 $ 183,301 $ 157,490 $ 166,086 $ 154,009 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Non-interest bearing deposits $ 46,278 $ 53,140 $ 39,062 $ 40,968 $ 51,441 Savings and interest bearing demand 56,047 84,689 75,047 80,805 61,856 Time deposits 30,283 26,251 25,120 26,530 19,134 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total deposits 132,608 164,080 139,229 148,303 132,431 Borrowings 12,800 - - - 5,000 Other liabilities 2,555 1,959 1,691 1,799 1,124 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total liabilities 147,963 166,039 140,920 150,102 138,555 Total stockholders' equity 18,260 17,262 16,570 15,984 15,454 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 166,223 $ 183,301 $ 157,490 $ 166,086 $ 154,009 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Certain reclasses have been made to conform prior periods to current period presentation. CHRISTIANA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Income Statement (unaudited) Dollar amounts in For the three months ended thousands Sep-06 Jun-06 Mar-06 Dec-05 Sep-05 Total interest income $ 2,945 $ 2,867 $ 2,519 $ 2,394 $ 2,228 Total interest expense 1,130 1,024 871 710 617 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net interest income 1,815 1,843 1,648 1,684 1,611 Provision for loan losses 85 95 63 17 35 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net interest income after provision 1,730 1,748 1,585 1,667 1,576 Trust fees 1,399 1,193 916 912 756 Service fees and other income 90 94 102 83 83 Gain on sale of securities - - - - - ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total non-interest income 1,489 1,287 1,018 995 839 Total revenues 3,219 3,035 2,603 2,662 2,415 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Personnel expenses 1,262 1,248 1,054 1,090 990 Occupancy expense 96 93 94 93 101 Trust operating expense 120 103 128 49 100 Other expense 606 540 668 620 634 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total non-interest expense 2,084 1,984 1,944 1,852 1,825 Income before taxes 1,135 1,051 659 810 590 Federal and state income taxes 422 372 243 298 205 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income $ 713 $ 679 $ 416 $ 512 $ 385 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Year to Date Sep-06 Sep-05 Total interest income $ 8,331 $ 5,956 Total interest expense 3,025 1,626 ------- ------- Net interest income 5,306 4,330 Provision for loan losses 243 101 ------- ------- Net interest income after provision 5,063 4,229 Trust fees 3,508 2,359 Service fees and other income 286 267 Gain on sale of securities - - ------- ------- Total non-interest income 3,794 2,626 Total revenues 8,857 6,855 ------- ------- Personnel expenses 3,564 2,795 Occupancy expense 283 299 Trust operating expense 351 334 Other expense 1,814 1,856 ------- ------- Total non-interest expense 6,012 5,284 Income before taxes 2,845 1,571 Federal and state income taxes 1,037 551 ------- ------- Net income $ 1,808 $ 1,020 ======= ======= Certain reclasses have been made to conform prior periods to current period presentation. CHRISTIANA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited) Dollar amounts in thousands except share and per share data For and at the Three Months Ended Sep-06 Jun-06 Mar-06 Dec-05 Sep-05 Share Data * Book value per share (period end) $ 12.37 $ 11.76 $ 11.32 $ 11.04 $ 10.76 Earnings per share (basic) $ 0.48 $ 0.46 $ 0.29 $ 0.35 $ 0.27 Earnings per share (diluted) $ 0.44 $ 0.42 $ 0.26 $ 0.33 $ 0.26 Basic shares 1,489,763 1,466,624 1,457,094 1,444,751 1,436,593 Diluted shares 1,638,862 1,607,636 1,606,468 1,547,667 1,489,311 Selected Averages Average Gross Loans $ 128,851 $ 126,563 $ 119,368 $ 114,343 $ 113,025 Average total deposits $ 131,766 $ 145,738 $ 130,809 $ 123,990 $ 124,161 Average earning assets (1) $ 155,418 $ 162,615 $ 144,542 $ 141,307 $ 141,330 Selected Performance Ratios Return on average assets 1.73% 1.60% 1.11% 1.36% 1.02% Return on average equity 15.95% 16.08% 10.33% 12.97% 10.00% Net interest margin 4.63% 4.55% 4.62% 4.73% 4.52% Non-interest income as % of revenue 46.26% 42.41% 39.11% 37.38% 34.75% Non-interest income as % of average assets 3.63% 3.02% 2.67% 2.67% 2.25% Non-interest expense as % of average assets 5.09% 4.65% 5.10% 4.97% 4.90% Asset Quality Net chargeoffs $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Non-performing loans $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Allowance for loan losses to total loans (period end) 0.92% 0.85% 0.81% 0.80% 0.80% Non-performing loans to total loans (period end) 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Capital Stockholders' equity to total assets (period end) 10.99% 9.42% 10.52% 9.62% 10.03% Tier 1 leverage ratio 11.28% 10.34% 11.07% 10.91% 10.49% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 12.44% 11.63% 11.76% 11.73% 11.70% Total capital to risk-weighted assets 13.23% 12.36% 12.46% 12.40% 12.39% Year to Date Sep-06 Sep-05 Share Data * Book value per share (period end) $ 12.37 $ 10.76 Earnings per share (basic) $ 1.23 $ 0.71 Earnings per share (diluted) $ 1.12 $ 0.70 Basic shares 1,471,622 1,432,508 Diluted shares 1,618,046 1,459,649 Selected Averages Average Gross Loans $ 124,962 $ 107,160 Average total deposits $ 136,108 $ 117,642 Average earning assets (1) $ 154,232 $ 135,096 Selected Performance Ratios Return on average assets 1.49% 0.95% Return on average equity 14.22% 9.17% Net interest margin 4.60% 4.28% Non-interest income as % of revenue 42.84% 38.31% Non-interest income as % of average assets 3.12% 2.44% Non-interest expense as % of average assets 4.94% 4.92% Asset Quality Net chargeoffs $ - $ - Non-performing loans $ - $ - Allowance for loan losses to total loans (period end) 0.92% 0.80% Non-performing loans to total loans (period end) 0.00% 0.00% Capital Stockholders' equity to total assets (period end) 10.99% 10.03% Tier 1 leverage ratio 11.28% 10.49% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 12.48% 11.70% Total capital to risk-weighted assets 13.27% 12.39% (1) Earning assets include loan balances before loan loss reserve and AFS investments before unrealized holding gains or losses. Certain reclasses have been made to conform prior periods to current period presentation. * Adjusted for 5% stock Dividend declared October 19, 2006 and, where appropriate, the special stock dividend declared July 20, 2006.
MaggieMoo's Continues Successful Pacific Northwest Expansion, Capitalizes on Region's Retail Development Boom
Super-Premium Ice Cream Company's Strong Brand Creates Prime Opportunity for Would-Be Franchisees in Northwest's Thriving Retail Development Market
October 19, 2006 -- Success never tasted so sweet. With just one year under its belt in the Pacific Northwest, MaggieMoo's International LLC -- maker of award-winning, super-premium ice cream -- opens its fourth regional "Ice Cream & Treatery" franchise this month in Mercer Island, Wash., with many more locations currently under development.
Maryland-based MaggieMoo's prides itself on providing the highest quality, freshest ice cream and the ultimate in customer-friendly service. Recognized as much for its seven-foot-tall, curly-lashed spokescow Maggie as for its palate of rich ice cream flavors, the company is scooping its way across the Northwest.
From Greater Seattle to Greater Portland, MaggieMoo's regional expansion effort is being led by "MaggieMoo's Master Developers," Bill Wright of Stellar Ventures, Inc. and Bill Bowman of Eastside Venture Group. Wright and Bowman, who offer more than 16 years of combined franchise experience, work with retail developers and potential franchisees to secure prime locations and provide hands-on support for the area franchisees.
Wright and Bowman are hosting a grand opening event on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the new Mercer Island location that will provide an opportunity for potential franchisees to see MaggieMoo's in action -- to taste the ice cream, visit with Maggie and learn about becoming a MaggieMoo's franchisee in the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to three Treateries in Washington -- Bellingham, Kennewick and Mercer Island -- and one in Hillsboro, Ore., Wright and Bowman are either under development or in negotiations on several more Northwest franchises, including:
-- an attractive, premium location in downtown Seattle overlooking Puget Sound -- Capital Mall in Olympia -- Cascade Valley Mall in Burlington -- Washington Square, the highest-volume mall in Portland
While MaggieMoo's counts nearly 200 stores nationwide, company executives believe the Pacific Northwest will play a key role in the continued success of the organization.
"We view the Northwest as a tremendous growth opportunity," said Jon Jameson, CEO of MaggieMoo's International LLC. "The area is home to many ice cream lovers and they recognize and truly enjoy premium ice cream. That's one reason why we debuted our MaggieMoo's Master Developers program there. We predict it will be one of our strongest regions."
According to Bill Wright, co-director of MaggieMoo's Master Developers, the successful expansion of MaggieMoo's franchises in the Northwest reflects not only the quality of the brand, but the surge in retail development in the area.
"Development of new lifestyle malls continues to flourish in the Northwest and many of the area's existing regional malls are undergoing expansion and renovation. Another active segment is mixed-use development, combining ground-floor retail and high-rise office space, which is perfect for MaggieMoo's Treateries."
As an example, Bowman cited the new Mercer Island Treatery, situated on the street-level of a mixed-use development located at 7808 SE 29th Street, Suite 126. He added that the upscale community's residents comprise an ideal customer-base for the quality- and service-oriented MaggieMoo's.
"The fact that developers of major retail centers are embracing the MaggieMoo's concept is a strong indicator of the quality and reputation of our brand," continued Wright. "Together, these elements have opened the door to creating a well-rounded footprint for MaggieMoo's in the retail corridors of Puget Sound and Portland -- with 20 stores projected in the Puget Sound area and 15 in Greater Portland over the next five years."
About MaggieMoo's International LLC
Based in Columbia, Md., MaggieMoo's currently operates more than 190 Treateries across the nation. Each location features a menu of freshly made super-premium ice creams, mix-ins, smoothies, sorbets, the country's first ice cream cupcakes and custom ice cream cakes. MaggieMoo's chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, vanilla bean and strawberry ice cream flavors all have been awarded The National Ice Cream Retailers Association's prestigious Blue Ribbon Award for taste, texture and overall appearance for eight years running. MaggieMoo's is the only national retail concept to win all five awards.
Rolls-Royce forecasts business aviation growth |
17 October 2006 |
Medium and large jet deliveries dominate Rolls-Royce predicts continued growth in business jet deliveries through the remainder of the decade and forecasts an engine market worth $70 billion over the next 20 years, with medium and large business jets dominating in terms of aircraft and engine value. The company’s annual business jet forecast was released today at the National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Florida. Rolls-Royce forecasts that 51,000 engines, valued at $70 billion, are needed over the next 20 years to meet demand for 24,000 new corporate jet aircraft; from very light jets through business jetliners. Demand is being fueled by the business community’s increasing recognition of the value of using business jets as a productivity tool. Of the 24,000 new corporate aircraft expected to enter the market, nearly half are expected to be in the medium or large business jet category. In fact, according to the market forecast, only the very popular commercial 130-190 seat aircraft will surpass the medium and large business jet category in deliveries over the next 20 years. The forecast predicts that nearly 12,000 medium and large business jets will be delivered between 2006-2025. In terms of fleet size, this market segment is expected to grow 142 per cent to a total of more than 16,500 aircraft by 2025.
The Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engine powers the Cessna Citation X and Embraer Legacy 600. This medium jet category is expected to see 7,330 aircraft deliveries between 2006-2025 according to the forecast. This figure is second only to the Very Light Jet category in volume at 7,649 deliveries. The company’s Tay 611-8C engine powers Gulfstream’s large cabin, long-range G350 and G450; the ultra long-range Bombardier Global Express and Gulfstream G550 aircraft are, both powered by Rolls-Royce BR710 engines. The company projects deliveries of more than 4,600 aircraft in this category. Alan Stiley, Rolls-Royce Vice President for Marketing, Corporate and Regional Aircraft said: “The market is recognizing the increasing value and utility of the new generation of medium and large business jets. While very light jets are getting a great deal of attention and will see large numbers of deliveries, it’s the larger aircraft that will have the delivered aircraft and engine value. Rolls-Royce remains well-positioned in this sector, having just over half of the market.” In terms of engine thrust, Rolls-Royce suggests that while the very light jets with engines of less than 3,000 pound thrust will have more than 21,000 engines delivered, the value of those deliveries is only $14 billion. At the same time, engines in the 6,000-10,000 pound thrust range can expect more than 13,000 deliveries at a value of $23 billion. Further, in the 10,000-22,000 pound thrust range, expectations are for 6,000 deliveries with a value of $20 billion. Rolls-Royce is well-positioned in these high value areas with engines in service with most of the leading airframers and is the leading provider of propulsion systems and services for these high-value medium and large business jets, including the long and ultra long-range jets. All of these engines can be supported by Rolls-Royce CorporateCare®, the industry’s most comprehensive engine maintenance management program.
|
Rolls-Royce demonstrates aeromanager at NBAA |
17 October 2006
|
Rolls-Royce will demonstrate aeromanager, the company’s e-business portal for aerospace customers, at the Rolls-Royce booth (2630) during the National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Florida on October 17-19, 2006. The demonstrations will show potential customers of the value that aeromanager can bring to their fleets, in particular engine services. Aeromanager provides access to a wide range of services, including real-time technical information to help manage engine operation as well as the ability to order spare parts on-line or view the status of engines being repaired and overhauled. Douglas Cribbes, Senior Vice President, Aftermarket and Customer Services, Rolls-Royce Corporate and Regional Aircraft said, “Aeromanager provides a valuable resource for our customers to allow them to manage their aircraft efficiently. We can support our customers and deliver services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the benefits are being realized by our customers. The aeromanager service was launched in 2001 and has evolved into a “one-stop shop” offering customers a range of services including access to on-line information such as interactive manuals, service bulletins and engine management programs. It also allows customers to request engine overhauls and to monitor progress of their engines through the maintenance shops. Additional features include spares ordering, visibility of lease engine availability, and access to engine health monitoring tools. Customers can also access a site tour on www.aeromanager.com. In January 2005, Rolls-Royce celebrated its 500th customer signing onto aeromanager – an operator of a Bombardier Global Express powered by Rolls-Royce BR710 engines. Currently there are more than 360 corporate aircraft operators using aeromanager. |
Notes to editors
|
In-Store Media Significant Influence on Purchase Decisions
According to the latest Simultaneous Media Usage Survey by BIGresearch, as marketers seek new ways of increasing marketers' ROI by reaching and influencing consumers, In-Store media becomes a viable alternative. The study found that product sampling topped the list as the most influential of stored media options, followed by reading product labels and shelf coupons.
Joe Pilotta, VP of Research, says "The store is a medium of communication. Customers consume In-Store media. They are not merely exposed. The old type of marketing was to slip in gross rating points (GRPs) as a surrogate for purchasing. Today consumption of media means the media has relevance and influence on a purchase decision,"
Adults 18+ Influenced Or Greatly Influenced By Media (percent of total) | |
In-Store Media | |
Product Sample | 52.4% |
Product Labels | 43.2% |
Shelf Coupons | 39.5% |
Special Displays | 35.5% |
Store Loyalty/Card | 33.1% |
Coupon on Register Tape | 28.4% |
In-Store Events/Contests | 28.1% |
Parking Lot/Sidewalk Events | 18.2% |
Floor Graphics | 12.5% |
In-Store TV | 10.9% |
In-Store Radio | 7.5% |
Source: BIGresearch,September 2006 |
However, notes the study, the figures differ when analyzed by BIGresearch's Media Consumption Clusters, developed in cooperation with Northwestern University. They categorize consumers into unique clusters using media behavior only. Using the Independent Cluster vs. the Active Explorers, the message is clear concludes the study: One In-Store medium does not fit all.
Special Displays rank 2nd with Active Explorers and 5th with Independents. Product labels are 2nd with Independents and 3rd with Active Explorers. The Independents' intensity of influence is lower across the In-Store media in comparison to the average consumer and the Active Explorers.
Independent Cluster vs. Active Explorer Cluster differences. (% of Adults 18+ Influenced Or Greatly Influenced By Media) | |
Independents | |
Product Sample | 42.6% |
Read Product Labels | 36.8% |
Shelf Coupons | 30.4% |
Store Loyalty/Card | 26.1% |
Special Displays | 25.5% |
Coupon on Register Tape | 22.4% |
In-Store Events/Contests | 20.6% |
Parking Lot/Sidewalk Events | 13.2% |
Floor Graphics | 8.9% |
In-Store TV | 8.2% |
In-Store Radio | 5.6% |
Active Explorers | |
Product Sample | 66.3% |
Special Displays | 50.7% |
Read Product Labels | 50.3% |
Shelf Coupons | 49.9% |
Store Loyalty/Card | 44.9% |
In-Store Events/Contests | 37.2% |
Coupon on Register Tape | 36.8% |
Parking Lot/Sidewalk Events | 24.2% |
In-Store TV | 18.2% |
Floor Graphics | 16.9% |
In-Store Radio | 10.6% |
Source: BIGresearch,September 2006 |
Measuring the influence of In-Store media upon the decision to purchase brands/products is a key element of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) Blueprint for Consumer Centric Holistic Measurement.
This Week on MoneyTV, 10/13
MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.
Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.
The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.
Featured companies on this week's show include:
XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich spoke of the company's marketing efforts, their Colorado facility and their appearances at upcoming trade shows.
Rhino Outdoor International, Inc. subsidiary President Howard Pearl spoke of the company's Chinese factory and the SEMA show in Las Vegas.
HearUSA, Inc. (AMEX: EAR) Chairman Paul Brown announced Q3 earnings results.
|
Atlantis Holding Corporation (PINKSHEETS: AHDG) CEO Robert Thompson spoke of the company's dealings with Oklahoma State University to enable the company's vertical TV technology for medical applications.
Holmes Biopharma, Inc. CEO John Metcalfe announced several successful audits of their services by major pharmaceutical companies.
Spice Depot, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SDEP) Business Development rep Bob Donas (aka Dr. Spice) spoke of the restaurant reactions to the company's line of high quality spices.
Power Efficiency Corporation Chairman and CEO Steven Strasser announced the company technology had been adopted by several Las Vegas casinos.
Swiss Medica, Inc. CEO Raghu Kilambi announced the company's products will be represented at the American Ostheopathic Convention in Las Vegas.
Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30AM PT, 8:30AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.
MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 5:00 PM
MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.
A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net
MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3 to 4 month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.
Con Edison Releases 600-Page Report on Northwest Queens Outage
Report Analyzes Causes & Presents Plan for Improvements
October 12, 2006 -- Con Edison today released a comprehensive report on the causes of the July outage that affected 25,000 customers in northwest Queens and the actions the company will take to improve service, reliability and communication.
The report is intended to be a blueprint for strengthening reliability. It explains the events that led to the failure of 10 of the Long Island City network's 22 feeder cables starting July 17. It also identifies areas for improvement in the company's method for estimating the number of customers without electrical service.
"The detailed, in-depth analysis Con Edison has conducted over the past several months resulted in the identification of specific steps the company plans to take to strengthen the reliability of the LIC network and all other networks," the company states in the report's executive summary.
Since July, Con Edison engineers and other company experts have reviewed the northwest Queens outage to learn from the event. Using an exhaustive, scientific approach, they analyzed hundreds of components to find why they failed, resulting in recommendations to improve the company's already reliable delivery of electricity.
The 600-page report finds:
-- An unprecedented series of events occurring in northwest Queens during a period of record electrical use, causing the outage. -- The decision to maintain the network prevented the outage from spreading to 90,000 additional customers in northwest Queens, and to hundreds of thousands who would have been affected by transportation shutdowns. -- Attempting to save components of the system resulted in delays to restoring electricity to some customers.
The report also outlines plans for reducing the potential for a similar outage, including:
-- Upgrading equipment within the northern Queens substation, and at others around the system; -- Investing $58 million in the Long Island City network; -- Studying advancing the construction of a new substation in northwest Queens, based on enhanced reliability to customers by the summer of 2007.
To assist customers during outages, Con Edison is:
-- Adding 250 telephone lines to our call centers, increasing them to 650 phone lines; -- Installing a better system to track outages; -- Improve the interactive automated system for customers to report electrical outages; -- By next summer, reviewing the feasibility of installing electric meters that could alert the company when a customer is out of service.
To view the entire report go to www.conEd.com.
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED), one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenues and $25 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than 3 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit Con Edison's Web site at www.conEd.com.
IBM Completes Acquisition of FileNet Corporation
October 12, 2006 -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has completed its acquisition of FileNet Corporation (NASDAQ: FILE), a publicly held company based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
IBM announced a definitive agreement to acquire FileNet on August 10, 2006. FileNet's operations will be integrated into IBM's Information Management software business.
IBM acquired FileNet to advance its Information on Demand initiative, IBM's strategy for pursuing the growing market opportunity around helping clients capture insights from their information so it can be used as a strategic asset. FileNet is a leading provider of business process and content management solutions that help companies simplify critical and everyday decision making processes and give organizations a competitive advantage.
With today's announcement, IBM has completed 20 strategic acquisitions in support of its cross-company Information on Demand effort.
Starting today, the thousands of customers using IBM and FileNet solutions have a comprehensive and powerful base of industry-leading content management products to build upon as they explore next-generation information management solutions.
The FileNet acquisition enhances IBM's ability to meet increasing client demand for a combination of content- and process-centric business process management capabilities, which is driven by changing governance and compliance mandates, as well as the need to integrate content-centric business processes with enterprise applications.
IBM is integrating its business process management and service oriented architecture (SOA) technologies with the FileNet platform to allow customers to access content wherever it may reside and use it in the context of business processes. This will enable clients to achieve effective compliance, archiving and document retention. For more information, visit www.software.ibm.com/data.
Manufactured Home Monthly Publications, Inc.(R) (MHM) Is Proud to Announce the Addition of a 'Southern Homes and Communities' Section
Beginning October 15, 2006, All Three Editions of Manufactured Home Monthly(R), Manufactured Housing Guides, Which Are Widely Distributed in Michigan, Feature a Section Dedicated to Manufactured Housing and Communities Located in Warmer Southern States
-- Beginning with the October 15 editions of Manufactured Home Monthly® (MHM), a special section will be featured in all three monthly publications. This special section is dedicated solely to manufactured homes and communities in southern states. Michigan residents looking for winter or second homes in warmer climates will now have convenient access to information on affordable manufactured housing in these locations.
For nearly 14 years, Michigan residents have taken advantage of the information obtained in Manufactured Home Monthly®, free monthly print publications specifically devoted to manufactured housing -- manufactured homes for sale, communities and their amenities, retailers, service companies or financial institutions.
MHM currently publishes three monthly magazines. Zone A is distributed in Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston and Oakland Counties; Zone B is distributed in Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties; and Zone C is distributed in Western Michigan from Muskegon to Lansing, Benton Harbor to Jackson.
"Manufactured Home Monthly is a very important advertising tool for our company. I receive calls daily from people telling me they want information on a home they found in the magazine. It is a free shopping guide for potential buyers and I am pleased to be a part of it. Definitely advertising money well spent!" said Joella Taubert of Mobile Home Depot, Inc., an MHM advertiser.
Online versions of current MHM publications can be viewed at www.ManufacturedHomeMonthly.com. Manufactured Home Monthly Publications, Inc.® has also enjoyed the national success of its commercial Web site, ManufacturedHomesToday.com®, a popular multi-list Web site for both consumers and the manufactured housing industry. Homebuyers can easily navigate through hundreds of homes for sale, search for a manufactured home retailer, preview features and amenities of various communities, or contact finance companies, manufacturers and service providers.
Reseller Purchases Eagle Broadband SatMAX(R) Satellite Communication System
-- Eagle Broadband, Inc. (AMEX: EAG), a national provider of broadband, Internet protocol (IP) and communications technology and services, announced today that one of its largest resellers and a supplier for the federal government has purchased five units of Eagle's SatMAX® advanced satellite-communications technology.
Typically, satellite phones must be within line-of-sight access to orbiting satellites in order to operate effectively. Eagle's exclusive SatMAX non-line-of-sight, Iridium-based satellite communications technology enables civilian, government, military and enterprise customers to quickly and easily make reliable, fully wireless, voice and data communications available from any non-line-of-sight, indoor location, including inside buildings or structures, onboard vehicles, aircraft or ships or from other obstructed areas. SatMAX allows users to make multiple concurrent calls within SatMAX-enabled "hotspot" areas from any location on Earth. The technology enables routine, mission-critical and backup communications that can improve safety and security, emergency preparedness and response, user productivity, mobility, problem solving and mission support.
|
The current purchase includes five of Eagle's Alpha Portable Dual Antenna SatMAX units. The portable handsets are ideal for first-responder and emergency scenarios, along with any application needing portable, seamless satellite communications both indoors and outside.
"The federal government is a market that we are eager to tap," said Dave Micek, president and chief executive officer of Eagle Broadband. "It presents us with some interesting opportunities. Use of our SatMAX product extends beyond the emergency preparedness and response scenario to include military situations that may require both mobility and the ability to communicate from within structures like bunkers or armored vehicles."
For more information on Eagle Broadband, visit www.eaglebroadband.com.
About Eagle Broadband, Inc.
Eagle Broadband is a technology company that develops and delivers products and services in three core business segments:
-- IPTV -- Eagle Broadband's IPTVComplete™ provides direct access to more than 200 channels of high-demand programming from popular entertainment providers, often using Eagle's high-definition, set-top boxes. -- SatMAX® -- Eagle Broadband's SatMAX provides indoor/outdoor communications utilizing the global Iridium-based (www.iridium.com) satellite communications system. It offers both fixed and mobile solutions, including the emergency first responder SatMAX Alpha "SatMAX in a suitcase" technology. -- IT Services -- Eagle Broadband's IT Services Group is a full-service integrator offering a complete range of network technology products including VoIP, remote network management, network implementation services and IT project management services.
EAGG
Forward-looking statements in this release regarding Eagle Broadband, Inc., are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the company's products, increased levels of competition, new products and technological changes, the company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
U-Store-It Announces the Date of Its Third Quarter 2006 Earnings Release and Conference Call
U-Store-It Trust (NYSE: YSI) announced today that the Company is scheduled to release financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2006 on Monday, November 6, 2006. An accompanying conference call will be held at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 7, 2006.
A live Web cast of the conference call will be available online from the investor relations page of the Company's corporate Web site at http://www.u-store-it.com. The dial-in numbers are (800) 810-0924 for domestic callers and (913) 981-4900 for international callers. The reservation number for both is 4851221.
After the live Web cast, the call will remain available on U-Store-It's web site for 30 days. In addition, a telephonic replay of the call will be available until November 12, 2006. The replay dial-in number is (888) 203-1112 for domestic callers and (719) 457-0820 for international callers. The reservation number for both is 4851221.
About U-Store-It Trust
U-Store-It Trust is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust focused on the ownership, operation, acquisition and development of self-storage facilities in the United States. The Company's self-storage facilities are designed to offer affordable, easily accessible and secure storage space for residential and commercial customers. According to the 2006 Self-Storage Almanac, U-Store-It Trust is one of the top five owners and operators of self-storage facilities in the United States.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release that are not historical fact may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including without limitation: national and local economic, business, real estate and other market conditions; the competitive environment in which the Company operates; the execution of the Company's business plan; financing risks; increases in interest rates and operating costs; the Company's ability to maintain its status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; acquisition and development risks; changes in real estate and zoning laws or regulations; risks related to natural disasters; potential environmental and other liabilities; and other factors affecting the real estate industry generally or the self-storage industry in particular. The Company refers you to the documents filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the section titled "Business-Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which discuss these and other risks and factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements.
BNSF, CSX Create High-Volume Intermodal Corridor
-- BNSF Railway Company and CSX Corporation's rail transportation and intermodal companies today announced plans to create a high-volume rail corridor for reliable intermodal services on the lines connecting California, Atlanta and the rest of the fast-growing Southeast Region.
The planned service will initially include two intermodal trains each day between the West Coast and Southeast in each direction. Corridor volume on the line is expected to grow with the overall expansion of the West Coast to Southeast intermodal market.
To support the planned service, BNSF will expand capacity on its rail lines connecting Avard, Okla., Memphis, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala. CSX will expand its rail line between Birmingham and Atlanta, as well as its intermodal terminal in Fairburn, Ga., near Atlanta.
The agreement also allows for continued interline (BNSF/CSX Transportation) rail service between Memphis and Florida, as well as improved connections with the Carolinas and other key Southeast destinations.
"BNSF is pleased to work with CSX and provide our customers with a direct BNSF market access and service product for the growing Southeast markets centered on Atlanta," said John Lanigan, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of BNSF. "Additionally, we are pleased that the agreement provides the future opportunity for BNSF to establish an Atlanta-area intermodal facility on CSX to provide our customers more options for their Southeast growth."
Clarence Gooden, executive vice president - sales and marketing of CSX Corporation, said, "This agreement enables CSX to provide more seamless and reliable service to our intermodal customers. It also complements CSX Transportation's ongoing capacity expansions in our Southeastern markets and positions us to handle additional intermodal freight as import and domestic demand continue to rise."
The new agreement replaces and expands on the terms of an earlier agreement signed in 2001 that would have expired in 2007. It is anticipated that the new service will begin in early 2007, with the initial capacity projects, consisting primarily of sidings and terminal expansion, to be completed by the end of that year. The agreement also allows for future capacity expansion along the corridor.
A subsidiary of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (NYSE: BNI), BNSF Railway Company operates one of the largest railroad networks in North America, with approximately 32,000 route miles in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. The railway is among the world's top transporters of intermodal traffic, moves more grain than any other North American railroad, transports the components of many of the products we depend on daily, and hauls enough low-sulphur coal to generate about ten percent of the electricity produced in the United States. BNSF is an industry leader in Web-enabling a variety of customer transactions at www.bnsf.com.
CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX), based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a leading transportation company providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. CSX Corporation owns CSX Transportation, the largest rail network in the eastern United States. The railroad's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. CSX Corporation also owns CSX Intermodal, which is the nation's only stand-alone integrated intermodal business serving clients from origin to destination with its own truck and terminal operations and a dedicated domestic container fleet. More information about the company is available at www.csx.com.
JCDecaux Receives LAX, ONT Airports Advertising Contract
October 11, 2006 -- JCDecaux SA, the number one outdoor advertising company in Europe and Asia Pacific and the number two worldwide, announced today that the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to confirm the award to JCDecaux of a 10-year concession contract, including the extension option period, for advertising at LAX and Ontario airports.
With more than 60 million annual passengers, LAX is the world's fourth largest airport and was the last one in its category without an advertising program. This contract also includes marketing, sponsorship and naming rights development opportunities.
For this contract, which should generate more than $200 million in revenues over its term, JCDecaux has partnered with two local minority-owned firms, JC Promotions and J. Perez and Associates, who will be equity partners and provide local advertising sales and maintenance services for the program. JCDecaux has also entered into an agreement with The Wilkinson Group, a global leader in sponsorship marketing, to help maximize the marketing, sponsorship and naming rights opportunities.
"We are very pleased the first advertising agreement for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) continues the program being taken to achieve Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's goal of transforming LAX," said Patricia Tubert, LAWA deputy executive director for real estate and economic development. "The contract allows LAWA to obtain revenue to modernize our terminals, as well as provide immediate improvements to the appearance of the terminals through artistic advertising displays."
"This award, following the win of the advertising concession for all three New York airports a year ago, confirms JCDecaux' leadership position in airport advertising in the United States and worldwide," said Bernard Parisot, president and co-CEO of JCDecaux North America. "We look forward to implementing a world-class and innovative program at LAX and Ontario International Airport, while generating substantial revenues for LAWA."
Key Figures for the Group JCDecaux:
- 2005 revenues: EUR 1,745.2M, H1 2006 revenues: EUR 945.8M - JCDecaux is listed on the Eurolist of the Euronext Paris stock exchange, and is part of the Euronext 100 and FTSE4Good indices. JCDecaux has entered the Interbrand rankings in 23rd position, with a brand value of EUR 1.03 billion. - No. 1 worldwide in street furniture (318,000 advertising panels) - No. 1 worldwide in airport advertising with 153 airports and more than 300 transport contracts in metros, buses, tramways and trains (207,000 advertising panels) - No. 1 in Europe for billboards (200,000 advertising panels) - No. 1 in outdoor advertising in China (79,000 advertising panels in 20 different cities) - 725,000 advertising panels in 48 countries - Present in over 3,400 cities with over 10,000 inhabitants - 7,900 employees
Despite Recent Struggles, GM & Ford Spending More than $2.5 Billion on Capital & Maintenance Projects in North America, an Industrial Info News Alert
Oct. 11, 2006 Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). Could things get any worse for the General Motors Corporation and Ford Motor Company? The much publicized Renault-Nissan and GM merger talks are dead in the water and now Ford and GM are making noise about merger/alliance talks, which would be laughable if we did not know they were at least somewhat serious.For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrialinfo.com's Premium Industry News at, http://www.industrialinfo.com/showNews.jsp?newsitemID=99674, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at http://www.industrialinfo.com.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is a Marketing Information Service company that has been doing business for over 23 years. IIR is respected as the leader in providing comprehensive market intelligence pertaining to the industrial processing, heavy manufacturing, and energy-related industries throughout the world. For more information send inquiries to industrialmanufacturing@industrialinfo.com or visit us online at http://www.industrialinfo.com.
Intimate Apparel Business Magazine Launches at the International Lingerie Show
October 11, 2006 -- Intimate Apparel Business magazine (IAB) launched its premiere issue this week at the International Lingerie Show in Las Vegas, and celebrated the event last night with a lavish party at the Rio All-Suites Hotel. In addition to mailing the glossy new trade out to 25,000 qualified and targeted manufacturers, distributors, designers, buyers, and retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada, IAB distributed an additional 2,500 copies of the publication from its booth in the Lingerie Classique hall and delivered the magazine to 600 guests of the Rio All-Suites Hotel who were attending or exhibiting at the show.
Intimate Apparel Business magazine is a new bimonthly trade publication that has been tailor-made to address the unique needs of professionals who work with intimates. Those who design, create, and sell innerwear know what a unique niche they're in -- and how difficult it can be to find relevant news that truly impacts their business decisions. With insider coverage of news, trends, and forecasts, IAB provides the most important information in an easily accessible format, designed with the busy professional in mind. Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Daniels, points out that IAB "offers a synthesized view of the market. By narrowing in on what's truly relevant to the intimate apparel community, we've created quick access to the news, trends, and show reports that pertain to this specific corner of the fashion world."
IAB's first issue met with high praise from attendees. Many commented on its clean, user-friendly design and upscale image, while others enjoyed the magazine's extensive show reports highlighting innerwear trends from around the globe. The Buyer's Guide, which was included in the inaugural issue, was especially well received by retailers who have been unable to attend every show or market week. By providing free editorial coverage of almost 100 new and upcoming products, each issue offers detailed product profiles -- from a wide range of labels and price points -- that take the guesswork out of buying, marketing, and merchandising.
The launch party was held in the Rio's atmospheric Wine Cellar restaurant and lounge, and was attended by some of the industry's top executives, including representatives from Dreamgirl, the event's platinum sponsor. Guests sampled the Rio's impressive selection of wines, sipping three-glass flights of red and white wines, as well as Rio Rita's Sparkling Beauty champagne. Between tastings, more than 75 apparel-industry professionals mingled and enjoyed gourmet hors d'oeuvres. The dessert course, consisting of chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate truffles, proved especially popular.
The publication's bimonthly format will continue with the mid-December release of its January/February 2007 issue. U.S. subscriptions to the new trade magazine are free for industry professionals, who can sign up online at www.iabmag.com/subscribe.
Tara Gold Resources CEO Featured in Exclusive Interview With EmergingIssuer.com
October 11, 2006 -- Tara Gold Resources Corp. (PINKSHEETS: TRGD) (FRANKFURT: T8N) updated the investment community in an exclusive interview with www.emergingissuer.com. Topics covered in the interview include an overview of the Company and the markets it serves, recent joint venture agreements, and upcoming strategic and financial milestones. To hear the interview in its entirety, visit www.emergingissuer.com, and click on "Watch the Interview."
|
About Tara Gold Resources Corp.:
Tara Gold Resources Corp. is a growth-oriented precious metals exploration and development company with existing production plants. It is management's objective to become a significant gold and precious metals producer by re-initiating and increasing production levels at La Currita, Lluvia de Oro and Picacho, and developing the San Miguel, La Millionaria, and Las Minitas projects in Mexico. We continue to acquire other advanced-stage projects and/or producing mines in one of the most prolific precious metal districts in the world. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at: http://www.TaraGoldResources.com
About EmergingIssuer.com:
www.emergingissuer.com is owned and managed by MOTM Media, Inc. It is an online financial destination where money managers, analysts and individual investors can go to watch and discover new and exciting investment opportunities. We are focused on finding and presenting emerging growth companies that do not have widespread analyst coverage on Wall Street. To the extent that we are constantly looking for unique investment opportunities that can help serious investors increase their returns on a well balanced portfolio, our mandate is to help emerging issuers expand their reach to the Investment Community.
SurfControl Warns Internet Users of a Malicious Web Site Posing as Italian Google Site
October 11, 2006 -- SurfControl (LSE: SRF), the leading provider of global on-demand, network and endpoint IT security solutions, is currently tracking a malicious Web site posing as the Italian Google site. The spoofed Web site utilizes typosquatting, a technique that mimics a legitimate looking domain and delivers a fraudulent Google page that looks identical to the original.
The fraudulent Google site attempts to install ActiveX controls on a user's machine. This will occur automatically if Internet Explorer security settings allow installation of ActiveX controls. Otherwise, the end user will have to accept the installation for the infection to occur. If the ActiveX control is accepted, a number of Trojans are installed, redirecting the homepage to a Web site featuring adult content.
In addition to browser hijacking, the Web site installs a keylogging Trojan that monitors keystrokes and sends information to a remote location. Furthermore, SurfControl has witnessed incidents of infected machines attempting to send out spam e-mail that could have malicious intent.
SurfControl's Threat Analysis and Research department is uniquely positioned to provide protection through its Adaptive Threat Intelligent service that spans the globe. Around-the-clock exchange of information on new threats allows SurfControl's Threat Experts to be at the forefront of Internet protection. SurfControl adds any new signatures and/or URLs to all three of the products in the SurfControl Enterprise Protection Suite.
About SurfControl
SurfControl makes Internet communication a business advantage -- and not a threat. The SurfControl Enterprise Protection Suite gives customers 360 degree Internet protection and covers all points of Internet vulnerability -- including inbound and outbound communication and employees on or off the network. All products in the Enterprise Protection Suite are backed by industry-leading threat detection, delivered by SurfControl's Global Threat Experts working 24/7 to provide customers with dynamic protection against emerging threats. The company has more than 23,000 customers worldwide, and employs more than 600 people in offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. For further information and news on SurfControl, please visit http://www.surfcontrol.com.
D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, today announced that Convergent Living has joined the D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program. Convergent Living offers affordable, comprehensive, plug/play or full custom all-digital control solutions that provide an engaging and unique interface for its users."We are excited to be a part of the D-Tools MVP program", stated Craig Slawson, President of Convergent Living. "Being a member will give us great exposure to a diverse group of professional system integrators who may not have immediate access to our product information – extending our customer reach, which will ultimately help us increase sales."The D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program is designed to help provide system integrators with the most up-to-date product information to over 2,000 companies using D-Tools System Integrator software. D-Tools MVP members are dedicated to helping companies streamline the design process and making it easier for system integrators and installers to provide accurate proposals to their clients. D-Tools System Integrator software enables systems integrators and custom installation professionals to create detailed projects managed with automated proposals, scheduling, pick lists, purchase orders, drawings and additional documents that streamline the integrated installation of audio and video products. By using a single, shared project file, system integrators and custom installers can download free product information from D-Tools' comprehensive database of tens of thousands of products and their accessories, giving them the distinct advantage of designing systems using the most current product information, while saving hours of product research time."We are pleased to have Convergent Living join the MVP Program," said Adam Stone, President and CEO of D-Tools. "Convergent Living offers truly unique and engaging products, that can manage all home systems while remaining user friendly, and making this product information instantly available to our users through the software will be beneficial to our users, their customers, and Convergent Living as the manufacturer."Convergent Living develops integrated control solutions binding modern and legacy systems on elegantly networked smartscreens. Since 2002, the Companion-branded solutions have offered professional integrators around the world the dimensionality of simple plug/play to full custom interface/control with Flash-animated interface designs. The patented smartscreens ship all-inclusive and are specifically designed to run quiet, cool and fast, engaging users with networked content, control and entertainment management on centrally located always-on sentinels. The suite of in-wall, desktop, handheld, TV/PC interfaces offers users consistent interfaces and one-touch access to simplifying their homes, offices or light commercial environments. Convergent offers one seamless solution that will help sell homes, differentiate entire communities, enhance homeowners' lives and offer enduring benefits for years to come. D-Tools is a worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. The company, founded in 1998 and based in Concord, California, offers a wide range of products and services created to simplify the complicated design, engineering, documentation and estimating processes that accompany residential and commercial installation projects of any size. Over 2,000 leading companies use D-Tools software to reduce time and costs and streamline the system integration process. D-Tools is the recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association's Mark of Excellence Award (2004, 2005, 2006), National Systems Contractors Association and Sound and Video Contractor's Innovations in Technology for Business Productivity Award (2004, 2005) and CE Pro's High Impact Award for Design Software. For more information, contact D-Tools at (866) 386-6571, e-mail at or visit D-Tools online at . Every week, more than 176 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, SAM'S Clubs or a subsidiary location in 15 countries around the world. In each of the countries where Wal-Mart operates, the company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of operating globally and giving back locally. Wal-Mart () is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to these local communities. To learn more, visit , or . D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, today announced that Convergent Living has joined the D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program. Convergent Living offers affordable, comprehensive, plug/play or full custom all-digital control solutions that provide an engaging and unique interface for its users."We are excited to be a part of the D-Tools MVP program", stated Craig Slawson, President of Convergent Living. "Being a member will give us great exposure to a diverse group of professional system integrators who may not have immediate access to our product information – extending our customer reach, which will ultimately help us increase sales."The D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program is designed to help provide system integrators with the most up-to-date product information to over 2,000 companies using D-Tools System Integrator software. D-Tools MVP members are dedicated to helping companies streamline the design process and making it easier for system integrators and installers to provide accurate proposals to their clients. D-Tools System Integrator software enables systems integrators and custom installation professionals to create detailed projects managed with automated proposals, scheduling, pick lists, purchase orders, drawings and additional documents that streamline the integrated installation of audio and video products. By using a single, shared project file, system integrators and custom installers can download free product information from D-Tools' comprehensive database of tens of thousands of products and their accessories, giving them the distinct advantage of designing systems using the most current product information, while saving hours of product research time."We are pleased to have Convergent Living join the MVP Program," said Adam Stone, President and CEO of D-Tools. "Convergent Living offers truly unique and engaging products, that can manage all home systems while remaining user friendly, and making this product information instantly available to our users through the software will be beneficial to our users, their customers, and Convergent Living as the manufacturer."Convergent Living develops integrated control solutions binding modern and legacy systems on elegantly networked smartscreens. Since 2002, the Companion-branded solutions have offered professional integrators around the world the dimensionality of simple plug/play to full custom interface/control with Flash-animated interface designs. The patented smartscreens ship all-inclusive and are specifically designed to run quiet, cool and fast, engaging users with networked content, control and entertainment management on centrally located always-on sentinels. The suite of in-wall, desktop, handheld, TV/PC interfaces offers users consistent interfaces and one-touch access to simplifying their homes, offices or light commercial environments. Convergent offers one seamless solution that will help sell homes, differentiate entire communities, enhance homeowners' lives and offer enduring benefits for years to come. D-Tools is a worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. The company, founded in 1998 and based in Concord, California, offers a wide range of products and services created to simplify the complicated design, engineering, documentation and estimating processes that accompany residential and commercial installation projects of any size. Over 2,000 leading companies use D-Tools software to reduce time and costs and streamline the system integration process. D-Tools is the recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association's Mark of Excellence Award (2004, 2005, 2006), National Systems Contractors Association and Sound and Video Contractor's Innovations in Technology for Business Productivity Award (2004, 2005) and CE Pro's High Impact Award for Design Software. For more information, contact D-Tools at (866) 386-6571, e-mail at or visit D-Tools online at . Every week, more than 176 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, SAM'S Clubs or a subsidiary location in 15 countries around the world. In each of the countries where Wal-Mart operates, the company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of operating globally and giving back locally. Wal-Mart () is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to these local communities. To learn more, visit , or .