October 2006 Archives

Incuity & IDS to Host Business Intelligence Workshop on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:34 AM | | Comments (0)
Incuity & IDS to Host Business Intelligence Workshop on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability. Check it out:
SEATTLE --(Business Wire)-- Incuity Data Solutions and Incuity Software, Inc. announced today they will conduct a joint workshop for manufacturing executives in Seattle on Oct. 18, 2006, to help them learn how to make better business decisions that can optimize their companies' productivity and profitability.



"This free workshop is ideal for both decision makers and decision implementers in any manufacturing company, including people in production, operations, plant management, engineering and IT management," said Jason Brickner, IDS Systems Sales Engineer. "There will be two sessions per workshop, one covering the business problems that the Incuity EMI software can help people solve and one covering the more technical aspects of how to configure applications to do that."

"Anyone in the business of manufacturing knows the roadblocks encountered in attempting to link plant floor systems with enterprise applications," said Gary Wilson, Incuity Vice President of Sales. "The first half of the workshop will cover how users can resolve issues such as leveraging legacy historians; compliance management; downtime/OEE analysis and reports; product analysis and reporting; key performance indicator (KPI) support and dashboards; manufacturing integration with ERP systems; and enhanced supply chain visibility.

"The second half will explain how to access, correlate, analyze, visualize and act on manufacturing and business data from all the systems in a manufacturing enterprise," he added.

The IDS-Incuity workshop will be held on Oct. 18 at the Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport (18740 International Blvd.). The workshop begins with a continental breakfast, registration and networking at 9:00 a.m. The first half of the program, starting at 10:00 a.m., will cover the enterprise issues involved with truly linking plant floor manufacturing operations with enterprise computing applications. Following lunch, the second session, at 1:00 p.m., will provide an overview of web services, data source connectivity, databases, advanced trending, X-Y plotting tools, Excel reports, web portals, dashboards and a unified production model.

Anyone interested in attending the seminar should go directly to the Incuity Software web site at www.incuity.com to get more details on the workshop and to register online. Seating is limited for these special events, so people are urged to sign up early so they don't miss out.

About Incuity Data Solutions

Based in Albany, Oregon, and with offices in Boise, Idaho and San Francisco, California, Incuity data Solutions provides software, professional services and comprehensive support for creating business intelligence for manufacturing solutions for a wide variety of industries such as food and beverages, metals, discrete parts manufacturing, and water and wastewater treatment. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.incuitydatasolutions.com.

About Incuity

Incuity Software, based in Mission Viejo, California, is a pioneer in the creation of data management systems for reporting, analysis and business intelligence applications in manufacturing and process companies. More than 45,000 seats of the company's products have been installed since 1998, in 13 languages and in more than 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters operations in California, Incuity has regional offices in Nevada and Massachusetts in the U.S. as well as in Sydney, Australia; Duesseldorf, Germany; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The company also maintains a Professional Services group in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

For additional information about the company and Incuity products, or for a complete list of value-added resellers around the world, please visit the company's web site at http://www.incuity.com.

Fitch Upgrades Aquila, Inc's Ratings

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:34 AM | | Comments (0)
Fitch Upgrades Aquila, Inc's Ratings. Check it out:
CHICAGO --(Business Wire)-- Fitch has upgraded Aquila, Inc.'s (ILA) ratings as follows:

--Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'B' from 'B-';

--Senior Secured to 'BB/RR1' from 'BB-/RR1';

--Senior Unsecured to 'B+/RR3' from 'B-/RR4'.

Approximately $1.1 billion of debt is affected. The Outlook is Stable.

The upgrade reflects the utility's improved credit profile and improved recovery prospects as a result of ILA's debt reduction and restructuring efforts during the past year. Using proceeds from utility and non-utility asset sales, ILA has reduced debt and debt equivalents by approximately $720 million. Fitch's recovery methodology uses a distressed multiple to determine enterprise valuation. This methodology also considers debt equivalents, like tolling agreements, on a net present value basis.



The Stable Rating Outlook reflects Fitch's expectation that ILA's credit metrics will remain within parameters for the 'B' rating category over the next year. Cash flow from operations should benefit from lower working capital needs due to lower commodity prices, lower interest expense due to the retired debt, and lower extraordinary tax payments from the gain on sale of assets.

Further debt reductions are possible using proceeds from the sale of ILA's Kansas electric utility, offset by higher capital spending for the Iatan facility funded by a secured bank line. The Kansas utility sale is expected to close for approximately $255 million, exclusive of any working capital adjustments. ILA recently filed in Missouri for an increase in base rates and the implementation of a fuel cost recovery mechanism. The filing also includes a request for recovery of a generation facility like the Aries power project that ILA recently announced it would purchase from Calpine for $158.5 million. Further debt reductions or a favorable outcome in the rate case would improve credit metrics and could result in a ratings upgrade.

ILA is a regulated electric and gas utility serving more than 460,000 electric and 900,000 natural gas customers in five Midwestern states.

Fitch's Recovery Ratings (RR), introduced in 2005, are a relative indicator of creditor recovery on a given obligation in the event of a default. A broad overview of Fitch's RR methodology as it relates to specific sectors, including a Case Study webcast, can be found at www.fitchratings.com/recovery.

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.

EDITORIAL: Marketing starts to pay: Buffalo Niagara Enterprise report shows return from careful preparation

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:34 AM | | Comments (0)
EDITORIAL: Marketing starts to pay: Buffalo Niagara Enterprise report shows return from careful preparation. Check it out:
(Buffalo News, The (NY) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Oct. 2--Eight years into the effort to consolidate regional business marketing into the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise effort, the BNE is claiming progress and a number of "wins." But the best review of all came from a corporate economic development expert who works with, not for, the agency: The real gain, she said, comes not in a count of recruiting successes but in the agency's completion of the "grunt work" that makes it easier for companies to consider this region.



That hasn't always been the case, and that assessment is a critical one. Buffalo Niagara has enough regulatory and taxation hurdles to clear without making it difficult for potential job-providers to quickly evaluate local sites. It's good news that Buffalo Niagara Enterprise has pulled together the data and studies to offer businesses before they have to ask for them. That's a competitive edge, because it's not done everywhere.

The BNE's integrated Web site, www.buffaloniagara.org, brings information together for site selectors. Its regional portal now is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and soon Japanese, providing for a much wider global reach.

Started years ago with an unrealistically high promise of new job creation, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise has refocused on job retention as well as job creation, and has become the "marketer" for the business-development "product" of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. While some may dispute the level of involvement in some of the 38 "wins" the group claimed for fiscal year 2006, which ended June 30, without Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, companies considering this region would be betting on a hodgepodge of facts and figures with less help in harnessing that information and helping push through deals.

The 38 wins, according to the group, represent a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year's 36 victories. That fiscal 2005 total was more than twice the number of "wins" for Kansas City, Phoenix, Richmond or St. Louis.

In hard numbers, that means last year's work meant $258.2 million in new capital investment in the region, a 12.7 percent increase from the previous year, with the creation or retention of 3,436 jobs -- 1,384 that remained and 2,052 added.

The BNE now focuses on speed, predictability and shovel-ready sites. As it increases the comfort level for potential investors in this region, it can help build momentum; companies notice where other companies are starting to relocate, and a good marketing agency can help them quickly find out why.

The good news here is that there is far more teamwork in that region-selling effort than there once was, and that Buffalo Niagara Enterprise is working to be ready with immediate and detailed information that companies need to know.

Copyright (c) 2006, The Buffalo News, N.Y.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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Incuity & Control Associates to Host Business Intelligence Workshop on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:34 AM | | Comments (0)
Incuity & Control Associates to Host Business Intelligence Workshop on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability. Check it out:
ALLENDALE, N.J. --(Business Wire)-- Control Associates Incorporated and Incuity Software, Inc. announced today they will conduct a joint workshop for manufacturing executives, on October 19, 2006, to help them learn how to make better business decisions that can optimize their companies' productivity and profitability.



"This free workshop is ideal for both decision makers and decision implementers in any manufacturing company, including people in production, operations, plant management, engineering and IT management," said Terry Spaeth, Control Associates Senior Vice President. "There will be two sessions per workshop, one covering the business problems that the Incuity EMI software can help people solve and one covering the more technical aspects of how to configure applications to do that."

"Anyone in the business of manufacturing knows the roadblocks encountered in attempting to link plant floor systems with enterprise applications," said Gary Wilson, Incuity Vice President of Sales. "The first half of the workshop will cover how users can resolve issues such as leveraging legacy historians; compliance management; downtime/OEE analysis and reports; product analysis and reporting; key performance indicator (KPI) support and dashboards; manufacturing integration with ERP systems; and enhanced supply chain visibility.

"The second half will explain how to access, correlate, analyze, visualize and act on manufacturing and business data from all the systems in a manufacturing enterprise," Wilson added.

The Control Associates-Incuity workshop begins with a continental breakfast, registration and networking at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Control Associates offices (20 Commerce Drive) in Allendale. The first half of the program, starting at 10:00 a.m., will cover the enterprise issues involved with truly linking plant floor manufacturing operations with enterprise computing applications. Following lunch, the second session, at 1:00 p.m., will provide an overview of web services, data source connectivity, databases, advanced trending, X-Y plotting tools, Excel reports, web portals, dashboards and a unified production model.

Anyone interested in attending the seminar should go directly to the Control Associates web site at www.control-associates.com to get more details on the workshop and to register online. Seating is limited for these special events, so people are urged to sign up early so they don't miss out.

About Control Associates

Founded in 1933, Control Associates is based in Allendale, New Jersey, and serves industrial customers throughout the northern New Jersey, greater New York City and central and western Connecticut region. The company offers a broad range of expertise in the process industries, such as specialty chemicals, life sciences, natural gas distribution, power generation, hydrocarbon processing, food and beverage, water treatment, and pulp and paper. Among its major customers are well-known companies including Akzo-Nobel, Amerada Hess, American Sugar Refining, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Con Edison, ConocoPhillips, Hercules, Merck, New Jersey Natural Gas, PSE&G and Wyeth. For more information about the company, please visit its web site at: http://www.control-associates.com.

About Incuity

Incuity Software, based in Mission Viejo, California, is a pioneer in the creation of data management systems for reporting, analysis and business intelligence applications in manufacturing and process companies. More than 45,000 seats of the company's products have been installed since 1998, in 13 languages and in more than 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters operations in California, Incuity has regional offices in Nevada and Massachusetts in the U.S. as well as in Sydney, Australia; Duesseldorf, Germany; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The company also maintains a Professional Services group in Burlington, ON, Canada.

For additional information about the company and Incuity products, or for a complete list of value-added resellers around the world, please visit the corporate web site at http://www.incuity.com.

Open Text paying $489M for Hummingbird

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:34 AM | | Comments (0)
Open Text paying $489M for Hummingbird. Check it out:
(UPI Business News Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Canadian software maker Open Text Corp. is paying about $489 million to buy Hummingbird Ltd., a smaller domestic rival.

The cash-and-debt deal results in the formation of the world's largest independent provider of enterprise content management software, Open Text said Monday.

The deal was financed with about $58 million in cash from Hummingbird, $25 million in cash from Open Text and a $390 million term loan under new $465 million senior secured revolving and term credit facilities. The $75 million committed revolving term credit facility replaces a smaller revolving credit facility that was terminated.



The seven-year term loan may be prepaid and the revolving credit facility has a five-year term.

Hummingbird's chairman, Fred Sorkin and its chief executive, Barry Litwin, have left the combined company.

Copyright 2006 United Press International

CorasWorks(R) Advances Enterprise Application Design on SharePoint(R)

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:34 AM | | Comments (0)
CorasWorks(R) Advances Enterprise Application Design on SharePoint(R). Check it out:
RESTON, Va. --(Business Wire)-- CorasWorks Corporation, the leading provider of workplace application software on the Microsoft(R) platform, today announced the release of the CorasWorks Workplace Suite(TM) - Summer 2006 edition. With this latest release, CorasWorks advances the ability of enterprise application architects to design robust applications that are inter-connected as part of an integrated workplace running on the Microsoft SharePoint platform - all without any custom development.



For many CorasWorks customers the investment in the CorasWorks Workplace Suite is easily justified by the lower total cost of ownership for the applications they build using its modular architecture. On average, organizations see an 80% cost savings compared to building their applications using custom development. Yet, for many enterprise organizations, their application designs continue to be constrained by the lack of skilled resources within their in-house development teams.

CorasWorks' Summer 2006 release breaks this constraint and advances application design within the enterprise by delivering:

-- Parent-Child Relationships for better data organization: CorasWorks' new Cross-Connect(TM) module allows users to create parent-child relational joins from two lists or libraries and relate them on a common field or data. The lists can be stored in separate locations throughout the workplace.

-- A familiar and flexible application interface with more power to take action and get work done: With the new release, application designers can create actions that allow end users to enter information and make decisions whenever an action is run. Also, users can do data entry to add or change information across their workplace without needing to jump from one application to another.

-- Support for role-based dashboards: Role-based dashboards or "personas" allow application architects to design optimized role-based interfaces providing the information and functionality required for a given role and interaction with information located throughout the workplace.

-- Distributable, reusable Workplace Features: Application designers can distribute commonly used features from an application to any location throughout the workplace, enabling users to do their work from where they work.

-- Ability to centrally define scopes of information that may be consumed throughout the workplace in dashboards, portals, personas, and individual views.

-- Centralized workplace configuration management: Allow application architects to define and connect distributed elements of information and functionality across a workplace.

-- Centralized component configuration management: Enable administrators to establish global or regional policies for how the distributed, end-user components of the workplace behave.

"Empowering organizations to create an inter-connected workplace of robust, enterprise-wide applications without custom development or extensive technical skills or knowledge is the driving objective of every release of the Workplace Suite," said William Rogers, CEO of CorasWorks "The Summer 2006 releases greatly advances the potential of workplace application designers to create a more powerful set of applications, while vastly increasing the ease, convenience, and relevance to end-users. With great cost effectiveness, it continues to drive forward the value proposition of modular software architecture over custom development or off-the-shelf point solutions."

To further help application architects leverage the advanced capabilities and technologies of the Summer 2006 release, CorasWorks also greatly enhanced the Solution Set included in the product. The CorasWorks Workplace Suite now includes 51 templated solutions comprised of Workplace Foundation elements and Business Solutions. Workplace Foundation elements are templatized core building blocks for designing and deploying elements of a collaborative workplace. The included Business Solutions are segmented into four categories: Project Oriented, Classic Line of Business, Departmental, and Approval Processes. They can each be used as is or easily customized to meet the needs of the organization.

Visit our new CorasWorks Showroom (http://solutions.corasworks.net/) to learn more about the Summer 2006 release of the CorasWorks Workplace Suite. For details on accessing or upgrading to Summer 2006, please contact sales@corasworks.net or 1-866-580-3115 (toll free) or 1-703-797-1881 (for local or international).

About CorasWorks

CorasWorks Corporation is the leading worldwide provider of workplace application software on the Microsoft SharePoint collaboration platform. CorasWorks products are being used every day by more than 700 customers and 500,000 deployed users. Enterprise, corporate, non-profit, and government organizations in more than 20 countries around the world use CorasWorks software to build powerful and flexible integrated business workplaces, without custom development. The CorasWorks Partner Program no has more than 70 partners certified to assist customers in implementing, designing and building their workplaces on SharePoint. For more information, visit www.corasworks.net.

FreedomWorks Supports the First Amendment at FCC Field Hearing ; Grassroots Activists to Attend Oct. 3 FCC Public Hearing in Los Angeles

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:34 AM | | Comments (0)
FreedomWorks Supports the First Amendment at FCC Field Hearing ; Grassroots Activists to Attend Oct. 3 FCC Public Hearing in Los Angeles. Check it out:
(Comtex Business Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) WASHINGTON, Oct 2, 2006 (U.S. Newswire via COMTEX) --The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold a field hearing in Los Angeles on Tuesday to discuss media ownership. FreedomWorks is showing up to protect the first amendment and the free enterprise system.



Today's communications market is thriving. Cable, satellite and broadband providers compete directly with incumbent broadcasters for programming. This competition benefits consumers through more choices in programming with a wide variety of media outlets.

FreedomWorks Chairman Dick Armey commented, "Broadcast media is not the dominant source of news and information it used to be, and new broadband technologies will do even more to challenge incumbent broadcasters. But for anti-market advocates, it represents their last viable opportunity to use the power of government to force us to listen to them. The government can take positive steps to help all viewers and listeners, by not by taking control of the airwaves. The government can move to increase competition and choice by removing archaic laws that are out of step with the fundamental changes occurring in the marketplace."

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe added, "The opponents of the free market are calling for new restrictions and government intervention in the media that will ultimately reduce the choices available to American families. Proponents of more regulation argue that media consolidation constrains the free flow of information to Americans, yet they practice a very sophisticated form of democratic activism with only a minimal use of mainstream media. The irony speaks volumes for their position."

-----

FreedomWorks is a grassroots organization with over 800,000 members nationwide, dedicated to lower taxes, less government and more freedom.

http://www.usnewswire.com

Adam Brandon of FreedomWorks, 202-942-7698, or
abrandon@freedomworks.org

Copyright (C) 2006, U.S. Newswire

Business Objects Completes Acquisition of Armstrong Laing Limited

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
Business Objects Completes Acquisition of Armstrong Laing Limited. Check it out:
SAN JOSE, Calif. & PARIS --(Business Wire)-- Business Objects (Nasdaq:BOBJ)(Euronext Paris ISIN code: FR0004026250 - BOB), the world's leading provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions, today announced it has closed the acquisition of privately-held Armstrong Laing Limited (ALG Software), a leading provider of profitability management and activity based costing solutions.



"The acquisition of ALG Software demonstrates our commitment to bringing a complete range of enterprise performance management solutions to our customers," said John Schwarz, CEO of Business Objects. "Our customers have told us that the ability to generate improved profitability and control costs is fast becoming one of their top priorities. By adding the leading provider of these solutions to our portfolio, we significantly broaden and deepen our EPM capabilities for our customers, and particularly, for the CFO and finance departments."

The acquisition was an all-cash transaction of approximately 30 million GBP (approximately $56 million USD) for all outstanding shares of ALG Software by Business Objects (U.K.) Limited, a Business Objects wholly owned U.K. subsidiary, and will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Total revenue for ALG Software was approximately $19 million for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2006.

With the addition of ALG Software, Business Objects expands its enterprise performance management (EPM) software portfolio with solutions for profitability management, activity based costing, predictive planning, and strategic business performance measurement. ALG Software's profitability management and activity based costing solutions represent a fast-growing segment of the EPM market and complement the existing Business Objects EPM solutions. Today, more than 400 customers worldwide use ALG Software's solutions, including American Express, British Airways, British Telecom, Heineken, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, US Department of Labor, and WHSmith.

Business Objects plans to announce further details on the integration of ALG Software in November, from the Business Objects Insight Americas 2006 User Conference in San Francisco.

About Business Objects

Business Objects is the world's leading business intelligence (BI) software company, with more than 39,000 customers worldwide, including over 80 percent of the Fortune 500. Business Objects helps organizations of all sizes create a trusted foundation for decision making, gain better insight into their business, and optimize performance. The company's innovative business intelligence suite, BusinessObjects(TM) XI, offers the BI industry's most advanced and complete solution for performance management, planning, reporting, query and analysis, and enterprise information management. BusinessObjects XI includes the award-winning Crystal line of reporting and data visualization software. Business Objects has also built the industry's strongest and most diverse partner community, and offers consulting and education services to help customers effectively deploy their business intelligence projects.

Business Objects has dual headquarters in San Jose, Calif., and Paris, France. The company's stock is traded on both the Nasdaq (BOBJ) and Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0004026250 - BOB) stock exchanges. More information about Business Objects can be found at www.businessobjects.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning Business Objects' products and services, ALG Software's EPM solutions, the benefits to customers from the acquisition, Business Objects' position in the EPM market, and impact of the transaction on Business Objects' financial results. Actual events or results may differ materially from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others: the tax impact of the acquisition on Business Objects, Business Objects' ability to retain ALG Software's employees, and Business Objects' ability to realize other financial benefits from the proposed acquisition. More information about potential factors that could affect Business Objects' business and financial results is included in Business Objects' Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and Business Objects Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Business Objects is not obligated to and does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.

The Business Objects logo, BusinessObjects, Crystal Reports, Intelligent Question, and Xcelsius are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects in the United States and/or other countries. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

MetTel First National CLEC to Integrate With UCN Network and Offer On-Demand inContact Application Services

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
MetTel First National CLEC to Integrate With UCN Network and Offer On-Demand inContact Application Services. Check it out:
SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 2 -- UCN, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: UCNN) , a provider of on-demand contact handling software and business telecommunication services delivered over the UCN national VoIP network, today announced a partnership with MetTel (Metropolitan Telecommunications), a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) based in New York City. Under the terms of the signed agreement, the two companies will interconnect their respective networks, enabling MetTel to sell UCN's inContact(TM) application services into its customer base.



With this announcement, MetTel customers gain access to leading edge, hosted contact handling capabilities that improve customer contact quality and rep productivity, without having to take on the costs associated with the installation, integration and maintenance of onsite software and hardware.

This is not the first relationship between the two companies. In June 2005 UCN announced that MetTel had selected inContact to support its own internal customer care operation, located in two geographically dispersed offices. The inContact system provides MetTel with a unified set of contact handling and management tools, helping the customer care teams hit their target service level numbers while decreasing overall operational costs. Again, in December 2005, UCN and MetTel were in the news, when MetTel avoided a business interruption situation due to the New York City transit strike. The morning of the strike, inContact enabled MetTel to implement its disaster recovery plan and seamlessly route service calls to the homes of 50 percent of the customer care team who knew they would be stranded at home by the strike.

MetTel serves over 16,500 consumer and business clients, with more than 185,000 phone lines nationwide. The company specializes in serving multi-state, multi-location enterprise accounts.

Said MetTel CEO, Marshall Aronow: "The inContact system complements our suite of services by providing an enterprise class solution for our customers. This combination enhances the total value of MetTel's competitive offerings."

Kevin Childs, UCN president of sales, marketing and support said: "With this new connectivity model, MetTel customers can have both their existing long distance and local numbers managed by the intelligent contact handling services of inContact. They don't have to change a thing. From a business perspective, by partnering with an established, trusted CLEC such as MetTel, UCN gains access to a nationwide market of existing business accounts. As many of these accounts are multi-location operations, they are uniquely positioned to benefit from the unifying reporting, monitoring and management functions inherent in inContact."

About MetTel
Founded in 1996, MetTel (Metropolitan Telecommunications) is a privately held nationwide integrated communications provider serving customers from coast-to-coast. MetTel provides a comprehensive portfolio of local, long distance and advanced business and data services, including Internet Access and VoIP solutions to the business market, specializing in multi-state, multi-location enterprise customers. MetTel's innovative and proprietary operations support systems provide leading edge electronic bonding, provisioning, customer care, agent support and billing system capabilities, which have fueled its rapid expansion. Web site: http://www.mettel.net/

About UCN, Inc.
UCN (BULLETIN BOARD: UCNN) is the leading provider of inbound and blended, hosted contact handling services that improve the customer contact experience and the productivity of those handling the contacts. In addition to the integrated suite of advanced contact handling applications, inContact provides reporting, monitoring, recording, administration and workforce management tools. InControl(TM) is a unique, rapid application development tool that enables inContact customers to develop highly flexible, customized business contact handling processes in record time. To learn more about UCN visit http://www.ucn.net/.

Safe Harbor Statement: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking information made on the Company's behalf. All statements, other than statements of historical facts which address the Company's expectations of sources of capital or which express the Company's expectation for the future with respect to financial performance or operating strategies, can be identified as forward-looking statements. Such statements made by the company are based on knowledge of the environment in which it operates, but because of the factors previously listed, as well as other factors beyond the control of the Company, actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements.

UCN, Inc.

CONTACT: Jan Johnson, VP of Marketing of UCN, +1-801-320-3263,jan.johnson@ucn.net; or investors, Scott Liolios, scott@liolios.com, or RonBoth, of Liolios Group Inc, +1-949-574-3860, for UCN; or Sue Salmansohn,Marketing Director of MetTel, +1-212-607-2012, ssalmansohnl@mettel.net

Web site: http://www.mettel.net/
Web site: http://www.ucn.net/

Loewy lands consultancy deal at MPD

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
Loewy lands consultancy deal at MPD. Check it out:
(Daily Variety Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
TORONTO One of the nastiest scraps to hit the Canadian film scene in recent years received a storybook ending as outspoken distribution impresario Victor Loewy and Motion Picture Distribution reached a settlement.

Deal makes Loewy, the former MPD chairman who quit in July, an independent consultant to the company with the title of chairman emeritus. His primary responsibility will be MPD's lucrative output deal with New Line.

An income trust controlled by Toronto-based Alliance Atlantis Communications, MPD is Canada's largest distributor, sporting output deals with New Line, Focus Features, Miramax and the Weinstein Co. MDP also owns Momentum Pictures in the U.K. and Aurum in Spain.



The New Line output deal contains a "key man clause" citing Loewy that put the contract in jeopardy when Loewy ankled.

New Line confirmed on Friday that it will continue its output agreement with MPD until the end of 2008 --- the same time Loewy's agreement expires --- though the company retains the option to walk away if Loewy leaves.

"We are delighted to be able to continue our longstanding supply arrangement with New Line and are looking forward to working with Victor in his new capacity," said MPD chief exec John Bailey.

MPD is also dropping its court action against former CEO Patrice Theroux and general counsel Paul Laberge, who were fired in July. They are rumored to be receiving an unspecified financial package.

All three settlements include confidentiality and non-compete covenants.

Loewy, Theroux and Laberge could not be reached for comment.

"We are pleased to have resolved matters with Patrice and Paul and wish them well in their future endeavors," said David Lazzarato, MPD chairman of the board.

Industry observers say it is in everyone's interest to "play nice" to stabilize company's market trading so that MPD, which will soon be up for sale, can fetch the best price possible.

London-based Marwyn Investments went public in August with notice of a cash offer of C$394 million-C$414 million ($353 million-$371 million) for MPD that would see Loewy, Theroux and Laberge head up the enterprise.

AAC has said it will not sell MPD until it completes a strategic review of the company.

In a terse statement giving the Loewy/MDP settlement two thumbs up, AAC promised to complete its review "as soon as possible."

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - US

Managed services: Playing away from home

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
Managed services: Playing away from home. Check it out:
(Total Telecom Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) BT is reinforcing its status as a global force just as other incumbents in Europe are wrestling with their domestic strategies. Last month the UK operator announced plans to double its revenue in key IT services markets over the next three years by looking further outside its UK and Western European bases.



Other incumbents might do well to follow BTs lead, or even take more radical measures. Australias Telstra, struggling for ways to grow in its home market, is showing signs of reinforcing its play in Asia (see p.26). Analysts even hint that it could pull back from its domestic commitments following deadlock with the regulator. Deutsche Telekom is having troubles at home too, as our cover story shows, and admits that it will need to turn increasingly to international revenue growth.

Some analysts say BT has benefited from pulling back from its earlier stated ambition to compete directly with big integration companies such as IBM and Accenture. They are now being more realistic, said Chris Lewis, enterprise practice leader at Ovum. In its initial statement about ICT, it was aiming for the stars. What theyve got, is closer to the sky.

BT declined to comment on what percentage of its Global Services business is pure IT services, but says it has won just under 1,000 new customers in 15 months.

Key growth is expected in the US, Japan, India and China. Those markets currently are worth some 750 million to the company said Andy Green, CEO of BT Global Services. He added that one of the largest sources of growth is among South Korean companies looking towards global expansion.

BT forecasts its German and Italian markets will generate revenue of E1 billion by 2009. BT acquired Fiats telecoms subsidiary Atlanet for E80 million last December and announced a global services contract with the Italian car manufacturer worth E450 million. Also last year, BT took full control of Italian network operator Albacom from partners including Eni and Mediaset. BT said Albacom generated some E650 million in revenues last year.

One of BTs biggest managed services contracts, with multinational retail company Unilever, was extended in September through a new global managed firewall deal worth 10.5 million. BTs original contract with Unilever for voice, data and mobile, awarded in 2002, was the first billion-euro managed services contract for a telco in Europe. In May, BT was awarded an extension to the original seven-year outsourcing contract, worth around 270 million over an extra three years.

BT says Global Services revenues grew by 4% in the first quarter of 2006, to 2.2 billion. Other significant contract wins include Reuters, the National Health Service, the Ministry of Defence, Hertz and Philips.

BT is anticipating 15% growth year-on-year, driven by global services. That will be achieved by organic growth and some acquisitions that will help us or our geographic capability, said Green.

BT says its global 21st century infrastructure will be a key differentiator. It expects to have IP services in 160 countries by the end of 2007, up from 128 at present. The number of dual points of presence in cities will increase from 12 to 28. There is no interest to have separate pockets of MPLS, said Green. Global companies want end-to-end service management.

Under the terms of the new agreement with Unilever, BT will take full control of the companys firewalls, which are spread throughout 68 countries. The current regionally managed model will be brought under one operation in the network IT services operation.

Unilever says it has made cost reductions of 20% since it first signed an agreement with BT, which has now changed from being a supplier to a partner according to Neil Cameron, chief information officer at Unilever.

Cameron said Unilever did not re-tender the contract. We could have got it cheaper, but price is not the only importance, he said. We need to know that they are going to deliver.

To prise Unilever away from BT is now I would say well nigh impossible, said Janet Watkins, director of Telemark Services, which tracks customer care performance of managed services providers. BT is prepared to put so much into the arrangement, and that is down to Andy Green.

BT Global Services also aims to deliver annual cost savings of 400 million by the financial year ending March 2009.

Green said the reductions would come from reduced third party costs of around 200 million. A further 100 million would come from taking advantage of a global workforce; eliminating the duplication of jobs will save 50 million as well as securing repeat contracts, he said.

Green cites Orange, AT&T and Verizon as key competitors in the global services market.

Copyright 2006 Terrapinn Ltd

Converged services: Quietly does it

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
Converged services: Quietly does it. Check it out:
(Total Telecom Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) One of the building blocks of fixed-mobile convergence is set for a short shelf life despite some low-key launches by several of Europes operators.

Telecom Italia was the latest to go to market with unlicensed mobile access (UMA) technology, but you could be forgiven for having missed the announcement. Last month it quietly launched its long-awaited offer under the brand name Unica.

Neither was there much fanfare when TeliaSonera launched its Home Free UMA service in Denmark, in August.

Telecom Italia finally got the go-ahead to launch Unica after a lengthy altercation with the regulator. Even now it is restricted to a six-month experimental service and allowed to sign up just 30,000 customers.

We have started the service, a spokesperson for Telecom Italia confirmed, but the regulator has prevented us from starting a natural service.

Telecom Italia remains tight-lipped on what will happen when the six months are up. The spokesperson insists the convergence is still going ahead, despite its recent change of strategy and personnel.

Customer demand for UMA services is far from proven. It took BT seven months to sign up 30,000 customers to its UMA service, Fusion. Homezone-style fixed-mobile substitution services from mobile operatorswhich essentially target the same demographichave seen significantly faster take-up. T-Mobile in Germany racked up 1 million customers to its @Home offer in half the time.



[Fusions] benefits sound uncannily like that of a mobile phone, said Phil Kendall, director, wireless network strategies at Strategy Analytics at the UMA Services and Technology Forum in London in September. He believes the key driver for UMA is to enable fixed-line operators to compete with aggressively-priced mobile bundles and homezone services.

Kerry Ritz, managing director of Vonage UK, agreed that operators, not consumers, are driving UMA. Theres not a demand from customers for FMC, he said.

Kendall predicts there will be 2 million UMA handset shipments this year, rising to 70 million by 2010. This will trail off as IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) technology picks up.

But some have a much bleaker prognosis. UMA has a small window of opportunity and that window is getting smaller, said Dean Bubley, principal analyst at Disruptive Analysis. I think it will fail outright.

Andrea Lagana, head of Telecom Italias home network and handset innovation unit, painted a different picture at the UMA Forum. A lot of people say UMA has a very limited timeframe[but] Im not completely sure it will be like that, he said. Once you introduce a technology, its not easy to switch it off.

TeliaSonera is considering how we can exploit the same services based on UMA, in other Nordic markets, said Peter Bredgaard, VP of business development. But he concedes it is unlikely to be a long-term service. I cannot for sure say we will run this five years from now. Probably not, he said.

UMA enables TeliaSonera to move away from the service provider business into our own network, said Bredgaard. You can get rid of your current PSTN subscription with this service, and customers can use any providers broadband connection with Home Free.

We are not using this as a tool to get more broadband, he insisted. The main driver is actually to get more market share of the mobile minutes.

To date, operators have concentrated on consumer UMA services. But last month BT revealed plans to launch a corporate version of Fusion in early 2007.

UMA is absolutely a viable enabler to enterprise mobility, said Talbot Hardy, CTO of Network Equipment Technologies. Enterprise UMA will live longer than expected.

Both Telecom Italia and TeliaSonera launched UMA with just one handset, the Samsung P200. Handsets are one of the most critical issues, said Lagana.

TeliaSonera has gone some way to tackling the problem by making Home Free compatible with GSM handsets. The service supports up to five mobile users per contract; just one is required to have a UMA handset.

Copyright 2006 Terrapinn Ltd

Belgacom: A watching brief

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
Belgacom: A watching brief. Check it out:
(Total Telecom Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) One door down from the entrance to Belgacoms head office is an airy, high-ceilinged glass cylinder, housing a Belgacom shop. Enticements for passers-by include three months of free IPTV.

Television is the central pillar of Belgacoms domestic strategy. Like all of Europes incumbent operators, its voice revenues are declining and mobile growth is slowing down. Belgacom lost 59,000 lines in the second quarter of 2006compared to 26,000 in the first quarterwhile mobile revenues fell 1.5% year on year to 1.07 billion in the first six months.



Belgacom has done some international deals: in March 2005 it combined its international wholesale operations with those of Swisscom. But the domestic market remains its main focus.

In August, Belgacom bought Vodafones 25% stake in Proximus for 2 billion, giving it full control of the Belgian mobile operator, raising expectations it would develop a fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) strategy. But like Telecom Italia, Belgiums incumbent stresses that there is more than one way to offer service bundles.

The market expects some synergies out of the Proximus deal, says William Mosseray, chief strategy officer. That doesnt mean we have to put everything together. Right now we are a fixed company and a mobile company, and I dont know if that will change. The jury is still out [on fixed-mobile convergence], although we might not want to wait until the jury decides. It might be too late.

That did not stop it highlighting FMC trends in a statement in June, while outlining its strategy for its newly acquired national ICT company, Telindus. The corporate ICT market is in full transition phase, showing a strong convergence (voice/data, fixed/mobile), a strong trend towards outsourcing and a commoditization of ICT, the company said.

Telindus was finally captured in January for an initial price of some 600 million following a bidding war against France Telecom. Acquiring Telindus was an extremely important move for bolstering enterprise ICT services nationally, says Mosseray. But he insists it is not part of a bigger international services strategy.

Although Belgacom will support customers which outsource back-office operations in eastern Europe, for example, it will do so by leasing facilities and employing staff according to customer needs.

There are trends to outsource in eastern European countries. We may develop that according to the needs of our large customers. But it will be project based; we are not Equant.

Benoit Denis, consultant, ICT Practices, at Frost and Sullivan, suggests the carrier is too cautious with emerging markets. But he adds: They dont have the financial means to have an international strategy.

Raising the stakes

In fact, private equity money has raised the stakes for some possible acquisitions, in some cases forcing Belgacom to rein in its strategy. We dont want to do crazy things and pay crazy multiples, Mosseray says. Maybe the bubble is not as large as the Internet bubble, but there is one. I dont want to be in the centre when it explodes.

In August the company announced it would sell its 5.8% stake in French operator Neuf Cegetel to SFR for 187 million because it could not gain a majority share. It doesnt mean we put a cross through France or other countries, adds Mosseray.

The fact that Belgacom50% owned by the state which has a 53.14% voting rightis not full master of its destiny was emphasised last month when the Belgian prime minister urged it to seek partnerships.

The Belgian state doesnt want a private equity buyout, suggests Goldman Sachs. Its analysts say Belgacom has an equity market capitalisation of 9.7 billion; that compares to a valuation of 19 billion for Netherlands operator KPN.

The Belgian state may be keen to explore their options for Belgacom in the event of any change in the law to allow the state to sell their controlling interest, say the analysts. We believe it is possible that the Belgian state may be looking for options and partners that would allow Belgacom to become larger to avoid it being perceived as a target for private equity interests.

That law wont change before Belgian elections in 2007, but Belgacom recognises consolidation could affect it.

Its the strategic challenge of a mid-sized operator in Western Europe. We have no reason to say were in big trouble and should do something, says Mosseray. But the world around us is also moving. Does it make sense to combine forces? NGN investments might be a triggering factor.

Currently, there are no plans for fibre-to-the-home network investments. We dont believe today that FTTH makes sense, says Mosseray.

In the meantime it is continuing with other domestic investments, particularly with costly IPTV deployment. Belgacom said in its first-quarter financial report that TV operations would have an estimated negative EBITDA impact of about 3040 million in 2006, with ARPU at around 13.

The service, which is included in the carriers fixed-line business, had a negative EBITDA contribution of 11 million in Q1, and generated revenue of 2 million. Net ARPU was 11.9, and capex for the TV service was up to 19 million.

Mosseray expects IPTV to be unprofitable for two more years. But some think the digital TV service will be a cash drain until at least 2015.

Obviously its not going to generate margins of 30%, 40%, 50%, [like those] of traditional voice, says Mosseray. And there are challenges. Acquiring the right content is difficult, he concedes.

By the end of June Belgacom had 74,000 subscribers to its TV service, and is targeting 100,000 users by the end of the year.

IPTV is the right way for Belgacom to go, argues Benoit at Frost and Sullivan. Belgium is a small, densely populated country, making it cheaper per inhabitant to develop the network than in many other European countries, he says.

Currently, Belgacom is upgrading the Proximus 3G network with HSDPA technology to provide broadband mobile services by the end of the year.

Copyright 2006 Terrapinn Ltd

LatAm leads Symantec's growth in the Americas

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
LatAm leads Symantec's growth in the Americas. Check it out:
(BNamericas.com Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) US security software giant Symantec sees Latin America as the region leading the company's growth in the Americas, Argentine newspaper El Cronista reported Symantec VP for Latin America, Wilson Grava as saying.



"At this moment, Latin America is leading the growth in the continent. It is a market in expansion and we currently have [growth] rates of 30%, above rates registered in the US and Canada," the paper quoted Grava as saying.

The executive said multinational companies and government agencies are among Symantec's major clients in the region and the company's consulting and services unit has grown as customers require complete management of their security infrastructure.

Grava said that Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Argentina are the biggest markets for the company in the region.

Symantec saw its net profit fall nearly 52% to US$95mn in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, ended June 30, compared to US$199mn in the same period last year.

The Americas region, including the United States, Latin America and Canada, contributed 55% of total revenue but declined 1% year-over-year, BNamericas previously reported. Revenue for the period came in at US$1.26bn, up 80% year-on-year.

Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Symantec provides a broad range of content and network security software and appliance solutions to enterprises, individuals and service providers. Products include solutions for management of data, application and infrastructure, security, and storage and service, as well as enterprise and consumer security and response and managed security services.

Copyright 2006 BNamericas.com

SigmaQuest Named as a Top Emerging Software Vendor by Manufacturing Business Technology

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:33 AM | | Comments (0)
SigmaQuest Named as a Top Emerging Software Vendor by Manufacturing Business Technology. Check it out:
SANTA CLARA, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- SigmaQuest(TM) Inc., the leading provider of software for managing product quality throughout manufacturing and a product's lifecycle, today announced that Manufacturing Business Technology has named SigmaQuest in its top "40 Emerging Software Vendors" list.



The company received this award for the second year in a row and will appear in the October 2006 issue of Managing Business Technology.

The publication's 40 list, which is compiled by senior editors, names up-and-coming vendors impacting enterprise, production, product development and supply chain management processes.

"Being recognized by Manufacturing Business Technology as one of the top 40 software vendors for a second year in a row is one of the many outstanding accomplishments we have achieved this year," said Nader Fathi CEO of SigmaQuest. "SigmaQuest has been heralded as a technology leader in helping customers manage product quality, and we are proud to add the recognition as one of the Top 40 Emerging Software Vendors to our list of recent achievements."

The Top 40 Emerging Vendors are featured in the October 2006 issue of Manufacturing Business Technology magazine and is available online at http://www.mbtmag.com/emergingvendors/40EmergingVendors_2006.pdf.

About Manufacturing Business Technology

Manufacturing Business Technology, established in 1984, has broad circulation coverage of corporate, IT and operations executives and managers in manufacturing--the buying team responsible for enterprise business and IT investment.

About SigmaQuest

SigmaQuest Inc. is an enterprise software company whose solutions provide unprecedented insight and actionable information to ensure product and process integrity, by collecting, aggregating, controlling and analyzing test and quality data. Its solutions enable global enterprises such as OEMs that design, manufacture, and service a broad array of products ranging from wireless devices to pacemakers to fuel cells, to optimize product time-to-market, cost and quality. This is accomplished through personalized views of product quality information, pro-active alerts and comprehensive traceability -- all in real time.

The company is headquartered at 2901 Tasman Drive, Suite 109, Santa Clara, CA 95054. It can also be reached at 408-654-9401, www.SigmaQuest.com.

SigmaQuest is trademark of SigmaQuest Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Kforce Government Solutions, Inc. Teams with Lockheed Martin, Awarded FDIC Task Orders

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Kforce Government Solutions, Inc. Teams with Lockheed Martin, Awarded FDIC Task Orders. Check it out:
FAIRFAX, Va. --(Business Wire)-- Kforce Government Solutions Inc. ("KGS") (NASDAQ:KFRC), in partnership with Lockheed Martin, has been awarded two task orders under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") Information Technology Application Services ("ITAS") contract.



"At KGS, we are proud of our capabilities in the delivery of mission-critical data confidence, as well as our ability to provide highly skilled information technology solutions professionals across the federal government," said Larry Grant, KGS President. "These subcontracts to Lockheed Martin allow KGS to continue as a provider of enterprise data management and application support services to the FDIC."

The first task order is for information management support services to manage the FDIC's corporate data and support its Enterprise Information Management ("EIM") program and activities. The three-year task order specifically covers database administration, enterprise architecture and corporate data sharing initiatives, enterprise architecture repository and digital library. The second task order includes consolidated enhancements support for FDIC's Open Bank systems.

This recent win at Lockheed Martin comes shortly after KGS was awarded a Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") contract to provide information technology management support services under the Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions ("EAGLE") procurement.

About Kforce Government Solutions, Inc.

Kforce Government Solutions, Inc. ("KGS"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kforce Government Holdings Inc., which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kforce Inc. KGS provides innovative technical and finance and accounting solutions to federal government clients. For more information, visit www.kforcegov.com.

About Kforce Inc.

Kforce Inc. (NASDAQ:KFRC) is a full-service, professional staffing firm providing flexible and permanent staffing solutions for candidates and organizations in the skill areas of technology, finance and accounting, and health and life sciences. Backed by 2,000 staffing specialists, Kforce (www.kforce.com) operates with 76 offices in 43 markets in North America.

Certain of the above statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: business conditions and growth in the staffing industry and general economy; competitive factors, risks due to shifts in market demand, including, without limitation, shifts in demand for our Government Solutions, Health and Life Sciences, Finance and Accounting and Technology groups, as well as the market for search and flexible staffing assignments; changes in the service mix; ability of the Firm to complete acquisitions; and the risk factors listed from time to time in the Firm's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. In particular, there can be no assurance that the above estimates of revenues and earnings per share will be achieved. The words "should," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "foresee," "plan" and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. Additionally, any statements related to future services to be provided to federal agencies are forward-looking statements. The Firm undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. As a result, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Kforce Inc. Acquires Bradson Corporation

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Kforce Inc. Acquires Bradson Corporation. Check it out:
TAMPA, Fla. --(Business Wire)-- Kforce Inc. (NASDAQ:KFRC), a professional staffing firm, today announced the completion of a transaction to acquire Bradson Corporation, a privately held company based in Arlington, Virginia. Bradson has been a prime contractor of finance & accounting professional services to the federal government for over 20 years. Bradson's primary customers include the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.



Bradson produced revenue of approximately $26.6 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2006 and is expected to generate approximately $30.6 million in revenue in calendar 2006. EBITDA for the six month period ended June 30, 2006 was approximately $5.2 million and for calendar 2006 EBITDA is expected to be approximately $11.1 million. A Kforce subsidiary (Kforce Government Holdings, Inc.) will pay $73 million for 100% of the stock of Bradson. Kforce, on a consolidated basis, also expects to realize a future cash tax benefit with a net present value of approximately $13 million as a result of the election to classify the transaction as an asset sale for tax purposes under section 338(h)(10) of the IRS code. In addition, the transaction was subject to Bradson delivering $4 million in working capital at the time of closing. The transaction was financed through proceeds from the Firm's recently amended Credit Facility. Subsequent to closing, Kforce had approximately $106 million of debt outstanding. Kforce anticipates modest integration expenses and believes the transaction will be accretive for 2007.

David L. Dunkel, Kforce's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We are very pleased to finalize the acquisition and welcome the highly talented professionals from Bradson to the Kforce family. We believe this step is a significant enhancement of the Kforce footprint in the prime federal government sector, particularly in the federal finance and accounting discipline. We believe we have now completed our strategy of acquiring a federal government services platform. We expect Bradson's unique characteristics, capabilities and assets will bring our prime and subcontract revenues to over $100 million annually. We also expect to achieve organic growth as Bradson is integrated and the synergies of our entire Kforce Government Solutions Group are captured." Ron Bradley, former majority shareholder and President of Bradson stated, "I am very proud of our many achievements and I am confident that under David Halstead's leadership the entire team will prosper from the many resources that Kforce will provide them. We are very impressed with the Kforce culture of Great People = Great Results."

William L. Sanders, Kforce's President said, "Bradson has an outstanding reputation in the federal government sector. The Bradson leadership team, project managers and employees are outstanding and have expertise and relationships that compliment our existing business." Mr. Sanders continued, "Kforce Government Holdings, Inc. is now led by Pat Moneymaker and its two subsidiaries are led by Presidents David Halstead and Larry Grant. We believe this management team is outstanding and now has the scale and expertise for market appreciation to drive organic growth."

Kforce will host a conference call Tuesday, October 3, 2006 to discuss this acquisition. The call will begin at 11:00 AM EST. The dial-in number is 888-202-2422 (Please request to be connected to the Kforce Bradson Call). The replay of the call will be available from 12:00 PM EDT October 3, 2006 through October 17, 2006, by dialing 888-203-1112, passcode 4775902.

It will also be webcast live at www.kforce.com (select "Investor Relations") and will be available for webcast replay until October 17, 2006. We would encourage you to access the corresponding PowerPoint presentation at www.kforce.com (select "Investor Relations") prior to accessing the conference call.

The webcast is also being distributed over CCBN's Investor Distribution Network to both institutional and individual investors. Individual investors can listen to the call through CCBN's individual investor center at www.earnings.com or by visiting any of the investor sites in CCBN's Individual Investor Network. Institutional investors can access the call via CCBN's password-protected event management site, StreetEvents (www.streetevents.com).

About Kforce Inc.

Kforce Inc. (NASDAQ: KFRC) is a full-service, professional staffing firm providing flexible and permanent staffing solutions for candidates and organizations in the skill areas of technology, finance and accounting, and health and life sciences. Backed by 2,000 staffing specialists, Kforce (www.kforce.com) operates with 76 offices in 43 markets in North America.

About Kforce Government Holdings Inc.

Kforce Government Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kforce Inc. (NASDAQ: KFRC), provides innovative technical solutions to federal government clients through its two subsidiaries, Kforce Government Solutions, Inc. ("KGS") and Bradson Corporation. Specifically, KGS focuses on vitalizing clients' Data Confidence(SM) with DCVector(SM), a solutions delivery program that combines the certainty of CMMI(R) SE/SW Level 3 process maturity with established strategic data management processes and technology solutions built on insights gained through its government data management experience. A technology partner to clients, KGS is a provider of enterprise data architecture, mission critical application development and enterprise data management solutions. For more information, visit www.kforcegov.com.

Certain of the above statements are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: business conditions and growth in the staffing industry and general economy; competitive factors, risks due to shifts in market demand, including, without limitation, shifts in demand for services provided by Kforce Government Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as the market for search and flexible staffing assignments; changes in the service mix; and the risk factors listed from time to time in the Firm's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. In particular, there can be no assurance that the above transaction will result in any particular revenue or EBITDA level in 2006, that any future tax benefits will be realized, or that any organic growth or synergies will be attained. There is also no assurance that Kforce now has an adequate platform in the government services sector or that Kforce Government Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries have an adequate management team with sufficient expertise to drive organic growth. The words "should," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "foresee," "plan" and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. Additionally, any statements related to future integration of Bradson Corporation and Kforce and the leveraging of Bradson professionals are forward-looking statements. The Firm undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. As a result, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Activant Prophet 21 Version 11 Available

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Activant Prophet 21 Version 11 Available. Check it out:
YARDLEY, Pa. --(Business Wire)-- Activant Solutions Inc. announces the availability of Activant Prophet 21(TM) version 11.0.

"As one of the leading enterprise software solutions for the distribution industry, Prophet 21 offers distributors a fully scalable solution with proven ROI," said Steve McLaughlin, senior vice president and general manager of Activant's wholesale distribution group. "Prophet 21 version 11.0 includes advanced inventory management and customer relationship management (CRM) functionality, and more than 45 additional features."



Eric Pargmann, technology utilization manager, of Abatix has been an early adopter of Prophet 21 version 11.0 and has this to say: "With new functionality such as Customer Master Inquiry and Advanced Demand Forecasting, Prophet 21 version 11.0 is going to streamline processes and help us take better advantage of the data in our solution. As early adopters, we've had about 100 users hitting it everyday and the solution has been very stable."

Activant Prophet 21

More than 900 distributors utilize Prophet 21 to help them increase sales, improve customer service, and reduce operating costs throughout their businesses. Activant(R) put its more than three decades of wholesale distribution experience into building the solution, which combines the familiarity of Windows with the depth of SQL Server to provide distributors with an intuitive solution that allows them to easily access their business data to respond quickly to changing market needs.

Features include order management, inventory management, warehouse management, purchasing, financial management, customer relationship management, business reporting and analysis, PDA integration, and e-business. Continually working to meet distributors' changing needs, Activant has established customer advisory committees to help determine what functionality to incorporate in future product releases.

All of Activant's solutions for wholesale distributors go through rigorous quality assurance and field production testing before wide release.

Maximizing Solution Usage

Activant backs Prophet 21 with a full range of professional services designed to help distributors maximize their use of the solution.

An innovative implementation program that includes a customized training agenda ensures that distributors new to Prophet 21 can start benefiting from the solution as soon as they go live. Ongoing solution, technology, and e-business consulting and specially developed Web- and Classroom-Based Training courses allow distributors to continue expanding their knowledge of their solution and training their employees. Support programs, including an online solutions database, a feature-rich Customer Web Site, and online and one-on-one networking programs allows distributors to implement the best practices for their business.

Pricing and Availability

Activant Prophet 21 version 11.0 is currently available. For additional information and pricing, please visit http://distribution.activant.com or call 1-800-776-7438, press 1.

About Activant Solutions Inc.

Activant Solutions Inc. ("Activant") is a leading technology provider of business management solutions serving small and medium-sized retail and wholesale distribution businesses in three primary vertical markets: hardlines and lumber; wholesale distribution; and the automotive parts aftermarket. Founded in 1972, Activant provides customers with tailored proprietary software, professional services, content, supply chain connectivity, and analytics. More than 30,000 customer locations use an Activant solution to manage their day-to-day operations. Activant has operations in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Canada, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

For more information, please visit www.activant.com.

The statements contained in this document which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements as to industry trends, future products or services, and products or service line growth or performance. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to risks. Actual results may differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include but are not limited to unrealized market demand for our services, the ability to retain the people performing services, and those risks and uncertainties identified in Activant Solutions Inc.'s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K which has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Activant Solutions Inc. assumes no duty to update information contained in this document at any time.

(C) 2006, Activant Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. Activant and the Activant logo are registered trademarks and Activant Prophet 21 is a trademark of Activant Solutions Inc. All other company or product names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Incuity & Puffer-Sweiven to Host Business Intelligence Workshops on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Incuity & Puffer-Sweiven to Host Business Intelligence Workshops on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability. Check it out:
HOUSTON --(Business Wire)-- Puffer-Sweiven and Incuity Software, Inc. announced today they will conduct joint workshops for manufacturing executives, on Oct. 17 and 18, 2006, to help them learn how to make better business decisions that can optimize their companies' productivity and profitability.



"These free workshops are ideal for both decision makers and decision implementers in any manufacturing company, including people in production, operations, plant management, engineering and IT management," said Robert Elson, Puffer-Sweiven Vice President of Systems. "There will be two sessions per workshop, one covering the business problems that the Incuity EMI software can help people solve and one covering the more technical aspects of how to configure applications to do that."

"Anyone in the business of manufacturing knows the roadblocks encountered in attempting to link plant floor systems with enterprise applications," said Gary Wilson, Incuity Vice President of Sales. "The first half of the workshop will cover how users can resolve issues such as leveraging legacy historians; compliance management; downtime/OEE analysis and reports; product analysis and reporting; key performance indicator (KPI) support and dashboards; manufacturing integration with ERP systems; and enhanced supply chain visibility.

"The second half will explain how to access, correlate, analyze, visualize and act on manufacturing and business data from all the systems in a manufacturing enterprise," he added.

The Puffer-Sweiven/Incuity workshops will be held on Oct. 17 in downtown Houston, at the Hyatt Regency Houston (1200 Louisiana Street), and on Oct. 18 in League City, at the South Shore Harbour Resort (2500 South Shore Blvd.). Each workshop begins with a continental breakfast, registration and networking at 9:00 a.m. The first half of the program, starting at 10:00 a.m., will cover the enterprise issues involved with truly linking plant floor manufacturing operations with enterprise computing applications. Following lunch, the second session, at 1:00 p.m., will provide an overview of web services, data source connectivity, databases, advanced trending, X-Y plotting tools, Excel reports, web portals, dashboards and a unified production model.

Anyone interested in attending either of these seminars should go directly to either the Puffer-Sweiven web site at www.puffer.com or to the Incuity Software web site at www.incuity.com to get more details on the workshop and to register online. Seating is limited for these special events, so people are urged to sign up early so they don't miss out.

About Puffer-Sweiven

Puffer-Sweiven, based in Stafford, Texas, is a leading solutions provider for process control and flow control. The company serves several industries including oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals, utilities, power, and pulp and paper. The company also provides products and services to the engineering contractors who serve these industries. The company serves more than 5,000 customers in Texas, Mexico and Venezuela.

Founded in 1945, Puffer-Sweiven has 400 employees operating from 15 offices in the U.S. and Latin America. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.puffer.com.

About Incuity

Incuity Software, based in Mission Viejo, California, is a pioneer in the creation of data management systems for reporting, analysis and business intelligence applications in manufacturing and process companies. More than 45,000 seats of the company's products have been installed since 1998, in 13 languages and in more than 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters operations in California, Incuity has regional offices in Nevada and Massachusetts in the U.S. as well as in Sydney, Australia; Duesseldorf, Germany; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The company also maintains a Professional Services group in Burlington, ON, Canada.

For additional information about the company and Incuity products, or for a complete list of value-added resellers around the world, please visit the company's web site at http://www.incuity.com.

UPI NewsTrack Business

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
UPI NewsTrack Business. Check it out:
(UPI Business News Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) U.S. stocks down, Treasuries upNEW YORK, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. stock indexes fell Monday despite weaker oil prices and fresh evidence the nation's economy was achieving a much-hoped-for soft landing.



The Dow Jones industrial average was off 8.72 or 0.07 percent to 11,670.35 on a volume of 928.8 million shares. The Nasdaq composite fell 20.83 or 0.92 percent to 2,237.60, and the Standard & Poor's 500 slipped 4.52 or 0.34 percent to 1,331.33.

The Institute of Supply Management said manufacturing grew in September but less than it had in August, evidence that the economy will slow without a recession. The price of crude oil fell on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

The 10-year Treasury note rose 6/32, lifting its yield to 4.61 percent.

The dollar fell, hitting 117.74 yen from 118.12 as the euro rose to $1.2747 from $1.2681.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 settled at 16,254.29 after gaining 126.71 0.79 percent, and London's FTSE 100 closed slight off at 5,957.80 on a loss of 3 points or 0.05 percent.

Investors offer $15.05B for Harrah'sLAS VEGAS, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Harrah's Entertainment Inc., a big gambling and casino company based in Las Vegas, confirmed Monday it received a $15.05 billion takeover offer.

In an unrelated deal, Harrah's agreed to swap 24 contiguous acres of Las Vegas Strip land for the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino in a tax-deferred deal with Boyd Gaming Corp. Prior to the swap, the 24 acres will be acquired by Harrah's from third parties. Boyd Gaming said Monday it expects to recognize a non-cash gain of some $280 million when the Las Vegas land swap deal closes.

The $15.05 billion offer for the 68-year-old Harrah's, the world's largest operator of branded casinos, is structured as an $81 per share, all-cash offer from Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group.

If successful, it would be one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history. Harrah's has created a non-management committee to evaluate the proposal.

Gilead Sciences buying Myogen for $2.5BFOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Gilead Sciences Inc. is paying $2.5 billion to buy Denver's Myogen Inc., which makes pulmonary hypertension treatments.

Upon completion of the all-cash deal, Myogen will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilead, which is based in California.

Myogen's lead product candidate, ambrisentan, is an orally available endothelin receptor antagonist designed as a potential treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Endothelin is a small peptide hormone believed to play a critical role in the regulation of blood flow and cell division. Elevated endothelin blood levels are associated with several cardiovascular disease conditions.

Myogen also makes darusentan for the treatment of patients with resistant hypertension.

Open Text paying $489M for HummingbirdWATERLOO, Ontario, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Canadian software maker Open Text Corp. is paying about $489 million to buy Hummingbird Ltd., a smaller domestic rival.

The cash-and-debt deal results in the formation of the world's largest independent provider of enterprise content management software, Open Text said Monday.

The deal was financed with about $58 million in cash from Hummingbird, $25 million in cash from Open Text and a $390 million term loan under new $465 million senior secured revolving and term credit facilities. The $75 million committed revolving term credit facility replaces a smaller revolving credit facility that was terminated.

The seven-year term loan may be prepaid and the revolving credit facility has a five-year term.

Hummingbird's chairman, Fred Sorkin and its chief executive, Barry Litwin, have left the combined company.

Copyright 2006 United Press International

Incuity & Puffer-Sweiven to Host Business Intelligence Workshop on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Incuity & Puffer-Sweiven to Host Business Intelligence Workshop on How to Optimize Manufacturing Productivity, Profitability. Check it out:
DALLAS --(Business Wire)-- Puffer-Sweiven and Incuity Software, Inc. announced today they will conduct a joint workshop for manufacturing executives in Dallas, on Oct. 19, 2006, to help them learn how to make better business decisions that can optimize their companies' productivity and profitability.



"This free workshop is ideal for both decision makers and decision implementers in any manufacturing company, including people in production, operations, plant management, engineering and IT management," said Robert Elson, Puffer-Sweiven Vice President of Systems. "There will be two sessions per workshop, one covering the business problems that the Incuity EMI software can help people solve and one covering the more technical aspects of how to configure applications to do that."

"Anyone in the business of manufacturing knows the roadblocks encountered in attempting to link plant floor systems with enterprise applications," said Gary Wilson, Incuity Vice President of Sales. "The first half of the workshop will cover how users can resolve issues such as leveraging legacy historians; compliance management; downtime/OEE analysis and reports; product analysis and reporting; key performance indicator (KPI) support and dashboards; manufacturing integration with ERP systems; and enhanced supply chain visibility.

"The second half will explain how to access, correlate, analyze, visualize and act on manufacturing and business data from all the systems in a manufacturing enterprise," he added.

The Puffer-Sweiven/Incuity workshop will be held on Oct. 19 at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center (7120 Dallas Parkway in Plano). The workshop begins with a continental breakfast, registration and networking at 9:00 a.m. The first half of the program, starting at 10:00 a.m., will cover the enterprise issues involved with truly linking plant floor manufacturing operations with enterprise computing applications. Following lunch, the second session, at 1:00 p.m., will provide an overview of web services, data source connectivity, databases, advanced trending, X-Y plotting tools, Excel reports, web portals, dashboards and a unified production model.

Anyone interested in attending the seminar should go directly to either the Puffer-Sweiven web site at www.puffer.com or to the Incuity Software web site at www.incuity.com to get more details on the workshop and to register online. Seating is limited for these special events, so people are urged to sign up early so they don't miss out.

About Puffer-Sweiven

Puffer-Sweiven, based in Stafford, Texas, is a leading solutions provider for process control and flow control. The company serves several industries including oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals, utilities, power, and pulp and paper. The company also provides products and services to the engineering contractors who serve these industries. The company serves more than 5,000 customers in Texas, Mexico and Venezuela.

Founded in 1945, Puffer-Sweiven has 400 employees operating from 15 offices in the U.S. and Latin America. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.puffer.com.

About Incuity

Incuity Software, based in Mission Viejo, California, is a pioneer in the creation of data management systems for reporting, analysis and business intelligence applications in manufacturing and process companies. More than 45,000 seats of the company's products have been installed since 1998, in 13 languages and in more than 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters operations in California, Incuity has regional offices in Nevada and Massachusetts in the U.S. as well as in Sydney, Australia; Duesseldorf, Germany; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The company also maintains a Professional Services group in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

For additional information about the company and Incuity products, or for a complete list of value-added resellers around the world, please visit the company's web site at http://www.incuity.com.

Colombia: Business environment at a glance

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Colombia: Business environment at a glance. Check it out:
(EIU Viewswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) COUNTRY VIEW

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT

Policy towards private enterprise and competition

2007-08: Privatisation of banking- and energy-sector assets, and concessions in infrastructure help tackle distortions arising from state involvement and industrial concentration.

2009-11: Competition policies and the protection of intellectual property rights further improve with the enactment of the free-trade agreement (FTA) with the US. Few price controls, gradual elimination of remaining subsidies.

Policy towards foreign investment

2007-08: Open policies prevail. Concessions and privatisation offer opportunities.

2009-11: The FTA with the US further improves the stability of the investment framework.

Foreign trade and exchange controls

2007-08: Compensatory measures for some agricultural and industrial products. Tax exemptions on capital goods imports.

2009-11: FTA with the US eliminates remaining non-tariff barriers; improved trade integration with the Mercado Comun del Sur (Mercosur, the Southern Cone customs union), Central America and Mexico.

Taxes

2007-08: Tax system suffers from complexity and distortions. Reforms focus on reducing income tax rates and simplifying value-added tax (VAT) regime. Anti-evasion measures extended.

2009-11: Some loopholes, distortions and unfairness prevail. Improved enforcement and widening of taxpayer base expected to gradually curb evasion.

Financing

2007-08: Increased competition amid consolidation. Reforms to deepen banking services and the capital market.

2009-11: Gradual narrowing of interest-rate spreads. Low availability of long-term financing persists. Increased competition under the FTA with the US.

The labour market

2007-08: Generally flexible hiring and firing practices. Labour costs in US-dollar terms fall as the currency depreciates.

2009-11: Shortages of skilled labour persist. Added flexibility to labour laws in order to comply with the FTA with the US.

Infrastructure

2007-08: Deficiencies remain a significant constraint, despite security improvements.

2009-11: Investment hampered by fiscal constraints, but private concessions gradually advance. Risk of electricity rationing.

Copyright 2006 Economist Intelligence Unit

Media Alert: Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2006 in Orlando is Less Than One Week Away

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Media Alert: Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2006 in Orlando is Less Than One Week Away. Check it out:
--(Business Wire)-- Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT):

What: Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2006

When: October 8-13, 2006

Where: Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Orlando, Florida

Details: More than 6,000 senior business and IT strategists from virtually all major industries will gather at one of the industry's largest and most strategic gatherings - Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2006 - to tackle their toughest issue - managing IT.



More than 200 Gartner analysts and hundreds of solutions providers will reveal the newest strategies and technologies on key issues such as security and privacy, speed and agility, business strategy at the right cost, growth and overall performance. Attendees can choose from more than 300 sessions that deliver expert IT intelligence from every corner of the IT industry including:

-- The New IT Investments Powering Productivity and Growth

-- Web 2.0 Beyond the Buzz: What's Real, What's Not

-- Resurrection of the Communications Industry

-- Future of Business Intelligence and Information Management

-- Business Processes: The Foundation Linking Business and IT

-- The Scenario for IT Management 2007

-- How CIOs Are Doing: Are They Performing Against Their Agenda?

Three of the most influential CEOs in technology will take to the Symposium/ITxpo stage to answer questions posed by Gartner analysts. The industry leaders will provide their perspective on the future of IT, and attendees will learn how this can affect their business. CEO Mastermind Keynotes include:

-- Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft Corporation, on Tuesday, October 10

-- John Chambers, president and CEO, Cisco Systems, Inc. on Wednesday, October 11

-- Paul Otellini, president and CEO, Intel Corporation, on Thursday, October 12

ITxpo, an exhibition floor with more than 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in technology, will highlight the next steps in technology through live demonstrations, face-to-face meetings with exhibitors, and fast-paced presentations on key technology directions aligned with nine ITxpo Marketplaces - Application Development and Integration; Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing; Business Applications and BPM; Data Center & IT Operations; Enterprise Networking, Outsourcing and IT Services; Portals, Content and Collaboration; Security and Compliance; and Wireless and Mobile.

For complete event details, please visit the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo Web site at www.gartner.com/symposium/us.

Members of the media can register for the event by contacting Christy Pettey at christy.pettey@gartner.com.

About Gartner

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) delivers the technology-related insight necessary for its clients to make the right decisions, every day. Gartner serves 10,000 organizations, including chief information officers and other senior IT executives in corporations and government agencies, as well as technology companies and the investment community. The Company consists of Gartner Research, Gartner Executive Programs, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and has 3,700 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants in 75 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.

Website Pros Acquires Renovation Experts.com

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Website Pros Acquires Renovation Experts.com. Check it out:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --(Business Wire)-- Website Pros, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSPI), a leading provider of web services, internet marketing and lead generation solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, announced today the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and select liabilities of Halifax, Nova Scotia based Renovation Experts.com (Renex, Inc.), an online lead generation marketplace for contractors and homeowners. Website Pros will operate Renovation Experts.com as a separate division that will be teamed with Website Pros' LEADS.com group.



David Brown, President & CEO of Website Pros, stated, "We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Renovation Experts.com, which enhances our ability to provide a one-stop shop for comprehensive, affordable website and online advertising solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Renex opens up new opportunities for our LEADS.com group, and the ability to leverage Renex's leadership and success in the home services market is in-line with Website Pros long-term strategic direction of providing targeted, high value solutions to customers in specific vertical markets." Brown added, "In addition to being highly attractive from a fundamental perspective, the acquisition is consistent with our strategic plan of executing on acquisitions that we expect to be accretive to the bottom line." Due to the absence at this time of an estimate of the allocation of purchase price between goodwill and other intangibles, Website Pros is unable to provide GAAP estimates on future earnings. The transaction is currently expected to be break-even to slightly accretive to earnings in the first twelve months after closing on a non-GAAP basis.

By logging onto www.renovationexperts.com, homeowners receive competitive bids from a network of contractors in their local area on a range of services, from bathroom remodeling to landscaping. With a nationwide network of more than 3,000 U.S. premier contractors, Renovation Experts.com serves as a competitive marketplace for consumers in need of remodeling services and as a targeted lead generation program for qualified contractors. Member contractors may subscribe to Renovation Experts.com's monthly lead generation service or opt to pay for leads on a case-by-case basis. Since the company was founded in 1999, it has assisted over 700,000 homeowners with their renovation needs, and in 2005 the company generated over $4.1 million in revenue.

Todd Walrath, Executive Vice President of Website Pros' LEADS.com division stated, "The combination of Website Pros and Renovation Experts.com allows us to expand our relationships with current customers as well as add new lead generation capabilities."

Craig Lucas, President & CEO of Renovation Experts.com, adds, "Our business momentum and awareness in the marketplace has increased significantly over the last year. With the added management support and financial resources of Website Pros, we will be much better positioned to capitalize on the growing demand we see in our current target market. In addition, combining with Website Pros will help broaden our reach beyond our core categories into related markets."

Under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Website Pros paid cash consideration of $7,000,000 and agreed to issue 138,748 shares of Website Pros Common Stock on each of September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2008. In addition, if certain requirements are met during the one year following September 30, 2006, then Website Pros will pay Renovation Experts.com up to an additional $1,000,000. The company will discuss details on the expected financial impact related to the Renovation Experts.com acquisition on its third quarter 2006 earnings conference call, which the company expects to hold in early November.

For more information about Website Pros, visit www.websitepros.com or call 1-800-GET-SITE. For more information about LEADS.com, visit www.leads.com or call 1-866-LEADS-12.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts and statements identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and there are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including without limitation, our ability to maintain our existing, and develop new, strategic relationships, our ability to integrate any acquired businesses, the accounting for acquisitions and those risks set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Website Pros' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available on a Website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. Website Pros does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Website Pros, Inc. Website Pros, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSPI) is a leading provider of website building tools, internet marketing and lead generation solutions. The company offers a comprehensive suite of website design, customer support and technology tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, Website Pros partners with enterprise companies to help them build stronger, more profitable relationships with their business customers. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Website Pros can be reached by calling 1-800-GET-SITE. More information is available at www.websitepros.com.

About LEADS.com LEADS.com, a Website Pros company, is a premier provider of subscription-based search engine marketing and lead generation services. LEADS.com helps small and medium sized businesses use the internet to generate qualified leads. Their flagship product, SmartClicks(R), utilizes Tier 1 search engine platforms to generate phone calls and emails that go directly to the local businesses. More information is available at www.leads.com or by calling 1-866-LEADS-12.

About Renovation Experts.com Since 1999, Renovation Experts.com has helped more than 700,000 homeowners to locate and hire a local residential general contractor. Renovation Experts is a premium network of more than 3,000 remodeling contractors, who carry out bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, attic remodeling and basement remodeling projects. Renovation Experts contractors work with approximately 20,000 homeowners per month who have requested estimates on their home improvements projects.

The company provides contractors with an attractive alternative to traditional lead generation marketing avenues such as yellow page and print advertising, allowing contractors to access the growing number of homeowners using the internet to hire and purchase home improvement goods and services. Homeowners and contractors can find out more about the company and its services by visiting www.renovationexperts.com.

Steptoe & Johnson to Uncover New Opportunities with LexisNexis

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:32 AM | | Comments (0)
Steptoe & Johnson to Uncover New Opportunities with LexisNexis. Check it out:
Competition for the consumer dollar does not elude the legal industry. This is best exemplified by the progress of client development solutions provider, LexisNexis. The company has announced that Steptoe & Johnson PLLC has selected LexisNexis Market Intelligence to more quickly respond to the litigation needs of its clients and to help guide the firm’s overall strategic business development efforts.



The Market Intelligence from LexisNexis is positioned as providing the most comprehensive news, business and court-record based litigation coverage of a law firm’s clients and prospects in order to facilitate quick, smart decisions regarding targeting and cross-selling. Steptoe & Johnson is one of more than 50 major law firms that have acquired and deployed LexisNexis Market Intelligence.

According to Robert Gifford, partner at Steptoe & Johnson, the firm’s client teams are always searching for avenues to increase client service in a cost-effective manner so that they can better serve the firm’s clients’ legal needs and also gain a competitive edge in today’s legal marketplace. Steptoe & Johnson selected LexisNexis Market Intelligence as its market information solution because it fits seamlessly into the other LexisNexis products.

Gifford also highlighted that LexisNexis Market Intelligence is already delivering significant return on investment after only a few weeks of use. A provided example showed that Steptoe & Johnson uses the product to provide clients with early notification of any relevant federal lawsuits that have been filed which enables the client to quickly partner with Steptoe & Johnson attorneys to craft a successful legal strategy.

Steptoe & Johnson is able to develop a responsive strategy as these alerts enable the firm to give clients advance notice of new litigation – many times before the compliant is even served. Gifford noted that Steptoe & Johnson clients appreciate the timeliness of this information and express comfort in knowing that their lawyers are looking out for them on a daily basis.

Market Intelligence is also used by Steptoe & Johnson to help craft future business strategies through the identification of possible client development opportunities, understanding the competition and researching emerging industry trends.

Mason White, vice president of Market Intelligence at LexisNexis, contributed that as law firm marketing becomes increasingly sophisticated, partners and business development professionals are no longer able to simply rely on their ‘gut instincts’ to inform the firm’s strategy and tactics – they need fast and accurate market intelligence.

White went on to add that Market Intelligence provides the necessary tools and information that help to identify new business opportunities, enable firms to cross-sell their services, track the firm’s progress with that of their competition and stay informed of the legal needs of clients and prospects.

The legal industry is interesting to watch as it has become so much more that just professional services. The competition is as intense as other industries, if not more so, and firms are searching for ways to not only acquire new customers, but also to expand their service provisions among their current clientele. Intelligence of the market and how to get a step-up on the competition is being used by major firms across the country to identify new opportunities and drive revenue growth. LexisNexis has identified this demand and responded accordingly to provide a robust solution that also happens to be a benefit to their growth as well.

What’s the number one VoIP conference in terms of attendance? What’s the leading VoIP expo for exhibitors in terms of lead generation? And which VoIP industry event will feature special attractions for service providers, resellers, and the enterprise and SMB market as well as an overview on the Future of IP Telephony? Answer: INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & Expo, WEST, which runs October 10-13, 2006. See you in San Diego!

-------

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.

Website Pros Acquires 1ShoppingCart.com

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
Website Pros Acquires 1ShoppingCart.com. Check it out:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --(Business Wire)-- Website Pros, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSPI), a leading provider of web services, internet marketing and lead generation solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, announced today the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and select liabilities of 1ShoppingCart.com, one of the leading providers of shopping cart, internet marketing and eCommerce / eBusiness software solutions and services. As an Application Service Provider (ASP), 1ShoppingCart.com is focused on enabling small, medium and enterprise organizations to promote, sell and grow their businesses online. Website Pros will operate 1ShoppingCart.com as a separate division within Website Pros.



David Brown, President & CEO of Website Pros, stated, "We are excited to announce the 1ShoppingCart.com acquisition. 1ShoppingCart.com brings a strong group of private-labeled resellers and affiliates to Website Pros that we believe will enable cross- and up-sell opportunities for our complementary web services, internet marketing and eCommerce solutions, which are all geared to satisfying the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, we will continue to operate the acquired business in Barrie, Ontario, further expanding our presence in Canada." Brown added, "Similar to Website Pros, the 1ShoppingCart.com business has a proven growth and profitability track record, and the acquisition is consistent with our strategic plan of acquiring companies that we expect to be accretive to the bottom line." Due to the absence at this time of an estimate of the allocation of purchase price between goodwill and other intangibles, Website Pros is unable to provide GAAP estimates on future earnings. The transaction is currently expected to be break-even to slightly accretive to earnings in the first twelve months after closing on a non-GAAP basis.

1ShoppingCart.com provides a comprehensive web-based suite of modular software that includes an eCommerce transaction engine (shopping cart) that is integrated with sophisticated internet sales and marketing solutions (affiliate management, email, auto responders, ebook delivery and ad tracking) and features a turnkey automated online sales solution complete with privacy and security measures built in. 1ShoppingCart.com ended 2005 with revenues of $4.6 million and currently serves over 11,000 customers.

Rob Bell, President & CEO of 1ShoppingCart.com, stated, "1ShoppingCart.com is focused on enabling small, medium and enterprise organizations to promote, sell and grow their businesses online. Website Pros' dedication to providing high-value add web and internet marketing solutions for the SMB market makes them a perfect fit for 1ShoppingCart.com and our customers."

Under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the purchase price is $12,452,888, subject to certain adjustments based on the final consolidated balance sheet of 1ShoppingCart.com dated as of September 30, 2006. The company will discuss details on the expected financial impact of the 1ShoppingCart.com acquisition on its third quarter 2006 earnings conference call, which the company expects to hold in early November.

For more information about Website Pros, visit www.websitepros.com or call 1-800-GET-SITE.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts and statements identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and there are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including without limitation, our ability to maintain our existing, and develop new, strategic relationships, our ability to integrate any acquired businesses, the accounting for acquisitions and those risks set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Website Pros' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available on a Website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. Website Pros does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Website Pros, Inc.

Website Pros, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSPI) is a leading provider of website building tools, internet marketing and lead generation solutions. The company offers a comprehensive suite of website design, customer support and technology tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, Website Pros partners with enterprise companies to help them build stronger, more profitable relationships with their business customers. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Website Pros can be reached by calling 1-800-GET-SITE. More information is available at www.websitepros.com.

About 1ShoppingCart.com

1ShoppingCart.com Corporation is one of the leading providers of internet marketing, eCommerce/eBusiness and shopping software solutions. As an Application Service Provider (ASP), 1ShoppingCart.com is focused on enabling small, medium and enterprise organizations to promote, sell and grow their business online over the internet. Founded in 1999 to bring advanced business capabilities to web-based merchants, 1ShoppingCart.com has offices in Barrie, Ontario and Eugene, Oregon.

new products guide

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
new products guide. Check it out:
(Mix Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Welcome to AES!

The product information in this guide was supplied by the manufacturers. Specs, prices and availability may change, so readers should contact companies directly for more information; Websites are provided for your convenience. And if you can't make it to AES in person, don't worry we'll provide complete coverage of the show highlights next month and at www.mixonline.com.



AC POWER PRODUCTS

MPATHX SMARTRACK

mPATHX introduces a SmartRack for every application! New features include 2,400-watt capacity; front panel DC, AC and USB connections; sequencing of all AC and DC receptacles; a full accessory line; and more. SmartRack kills the heat, weight, noise and cost of wall warts, while delivering power and data at peak efficiency over one cable. AES booth #143.www.mpathx.com

APC AV S20: Based on the award-winning APC S15, the S20 power conditioner with battery backup can be fully monitored and controlled over the Internet or via RS-232 port. Built-in environmental monitoring measures and reports ambient temperature (included) and humidity (sold separately). The S20 also features surge protection, isolated noise filtering, automatic voltage regulation and pure sine wave battery backup. A/V administrators now have an all-in-one, network-manageable power-protection system to ensure the availability of critical A/V components.www.apcav.com

EQUI=TECH ET20WQ: Equi=Tech introduces the company's latest version of large-scale balanced power products, the Model 20WQ, a 200-amp rated, all-in-one wall cabinet system for hard-wired AC installations. The product has double the capacity of any of the company's previous models, and features 20 branch circuits for wiring balanced AC into a studio or SR system. AES booth #1422.www.equitech.com

ACOUSTICAL MATERIALS

ACOUSTICAL SOLUTIONS SOUND BARRIER, ALPHARESILIENT ISOLATION CLIPS: AudioSeal Sound Barrier and AlphaResilient Isolation Clips are used for achieving high-STC ratings with new or existing wall or ceiling construction. Used together, the products can achieve a Sound Transmission Class 58. Clips typically required on only one side of an assembly. The AudioSeal Sound Barrier weighs 1 pound/square foot and is ?-inch thick. AES booth #717.www.acousticalsolutions.com

AURALEX ACOUSTICS SONOSUEDE PRO SYSTEM: Comprising four 16482-inch-thick, back-beveled panels and eight 16481-inch, rectangular, squared-edge panels, the SonoSuede Pro System is a cost-effective solution offering a multitude of decorative options. The system's unique mounting blocks provide superior acoustic and exceptional aesthetic benefits. The synthetic-suede fabric provides the acoustical transparency and visual allure critical in today's studio applications. Stock colors are available; custom colors available by special order. AES booth: #1605.www.auralex.com

BAG END E-TRAP: The E-trap is an active, electronic low-frequency acoustic absorber designed to be an alternative to traditional passive bass traps. The E-trap offers a precisely tunable tool to attack the very worst problems with a high degree of effectiveness in a fraction of the space (181310 feet). It also offers a practical, low-cost solution for existing rooms with problems and where room redesign or large passive absorbers are not viable options. AES booth #626.www.bagend.com

RPG ACOUSTICTOOL PACKAGES

RPG's new AcousticTool packages offer the project studio owner an affordable, aesthetic, fabric-finish, Class-A fire-rated, high-performance pre-engineered room treatment solution. The AcousticTool packages usher in a new era of versatility with the RPG Room Scaling Matrix, allowing users to quickly and easily configure their package to virtually any size room.

RPG STUDIO IN A BOX PACKAGES

RPG's new Studio In a Box packages offer the project studio owner a very affordable, expandable, aesthetic, Class-A or -B fire-rated, high-performance pre-engineered room treatment solution. The Studio In a Box packages usher in a new era of versatility with the RPG Room Scaling Matrix.www.rpginc.com

AUTOMATION, SYNC &CONTROL SYSTEMS

BRAINSTORM DCD-8: With the need for various rates and standards to interact, it is difficult to keep everything synchronized and locked. With 10 inputs/17 outputs, the DCD-8 offers exceptional stability and remarkable flexibility, it is ideal for most situations, whether you have a small sound studio or a large post-production facility with NTSC, PAL or HD systems. Clock generating, distributing, clean up, analyzing and format converting. AES booth #738.Dist. by Plus24www.plus24.net

DACS EIGHTCH: The Eightch is an 8-channel volume controller. Each channel has a trim pot with a range of around 12 dB. A single knob controls the master volume, and tracking is extremely accurate. The unit uses THAT's InGenius balanced input chip and 2181A trimmable VCAs. Specs: noise, -89 dB; THD @ 0 dB 0.0032%; crosstalk, -87 dB; TRS I/O. Price: $1,120. AES booth #1234.Dist. by Independent Audiowww.independentaudio.com

JLCOOPER ELECTRONICS ES-4/100 MIDI: ES 4/100 MIDI is our newest, low-cost Edit Suite Series (deep-profile) automation controller. It features four 100mm touch-sensitive, motorized faders, bank-shift buttons and function keys. Support for Pro Tools, Nuendo, Digital Performer and Logic via MIDI.

JLCOOPER ELECTRONICS FADERMASTER 4/100 USB: FaderMaster 4/100 automation controller features four 100mm touch-sensitive, motorized faders, bank-shift buttons and function keys. USB support has been added for Mac OS X systems, with custom software support for Pro Tools, DP, Final Cut Pro, Logic and other Mac OS X native apps.www.jlcooper.com

SPL VOLUME2, VOLUME8: These 2- and 8-channel monitor controllers are designed with active switching to prevent the disadvantages of passive circuitries that result in impedance variation and degraded linearity in frequency response. Volume2 features balanced XLR I/Os; Volume8 uses DB-25 connecters. Both units feature illuminated, passive mute switches. AES booth #1125.www.spl-usa.com

SYMETRIX LUCID GENX192: This advanced, affordable master clock is perfect for multitrack recording, mastering, on-air, DAW and desktop recording environments. Features jitter input filtering, drop-out protection, termination sensing, flexible format conversion, the world's easiest interface and the ability to output two simultaneous frequencies up to 192 kHz. All jitter is measurable, but the GENx192 will output a clean, ultralow-jitter, rock-solid clock.www.symetrixaudio.com

COMPUTER SOFTWARE & PERIPHERALS

URS CLASSIC CONSOLE STRIP PRO

The URS Classic Console Strip Pro is the ultimate in-the-box multiconsole mixing plug-in, offering near-zero latency, 48-bit double-precision processing. Features selectable palettes of input stage tape, tube and transformer colorations; several console EQs per band; and fully adjustable 1975 Classic Channel Compressor with quick preset starting points. Signal flow display indicates compressor path and status, LP/HP filters and EQ sections.www.ursplugins.com

ABLETON LIVE 6: Live 6 offers QuickTime video support, a professional multisample library and customizable racks of instruments and effects. Live 6 also delivers multicore support, enhanced project management tools and improved MIDI control.www.ableton.com

BIAS PEAK PRO 5 XT: BIAS Peak Pro XT 5 includes Peak Pro 5 (stereo audio editing, processing and mastering app for the Mac), SoundSoap and SoundSoap Pro restoration plug-ins, and the new Master Perfection Suite. Peak Pro 5 XT handles everything from serious sound design for film, video or multimedia, to rapid-fire broadcast editing, to music production and mastering. AES booth #134.www.bias-inc.com

CAKEWALK SONAR 6 PRODUCER EDITION: SONAR 6 Producer Edition takes you from inspiration to masterpiece faster than before. Change the way you work with instruments with SONAR 6's innovative new Active Controller Technology (ACT). Tighten up your entire band with the new AudioSnap feature set. And sound better with the new VC-64 Vintage Channel and SONAR's 64-bit double-precision mix engine. AES booth #1426.www.cakewalk.com

CENTRANCE IDEAL DRIVER: The Ideal Driver for FireWire audio interfaces features one-third of the latency and higher stability than drivers that typically ship with interfaces. The $39.95 Windows software is compatible with ASIO-2, GSIF-2 and MIDI applications, and supports audio at 16- or 24-bit and 44.1 through 192 kHz. It is compatible with most audio hardware, including Alesis, Apogee, Behringer, Focusrite, Mackie, M-Audio, PreSonus and Tascam; new support is added regularly. AES booth #1412.www.centrance.com

JLCOOPER MCS-3800 MAC OS X SOFTWARE: JlCooper releases Universal Binary versions of USB and Ethernet software for its MCS-3000 Series. Combined with either the USB Interface card or Ethernet card, you can control Mac OS X native A/V programs. Support for Final Cut Pro, Logic, Pro Tools, DP and custom keyset editor for other apps.www.jlcooper.com

MAGIX SAMPLITUDE 9: Samplitude 9 is setting new standards and was released in August 2006. AES booth: #1615.

MAGIX SEQUOIA 9: The high-definition digital recording/editing/mixing software for the PC, Sequoia 9 is setting new standards. Stop by our booth or visit our Website and preview the new version. AES booth: #1615.www.synthax.com

MAGMA EXPRESSCARD-TO-PCI EXPANSION

ExpressCard-to-PCI expansion chassis provides a simple solution for adding PCI cards to laptop computers through the ExpressCard slot on the new Apple MacBook Pro and many PC laptops. Practically any type of PCI card can be used in the Magma expansion chassis, ranging from audio processing, video capture, test and measurement, SCSI, SATA and more.

MAGMA PCI EXPRESS-TO-PCI EXPANSION

Our PCI expansion products provide an easy solution for adding PCI cards to PCI Express based computers, such as the Apple Mac Pro and G5 (PCIe). Magma can be upgraded to PCI Express. Purchase the Magma x1 PCI Express host card (Model PEHIFX1) for $299. This upgrade provides an easy migration path to new computers without replacing your valuable PCI hardware.www.magma.com

MINNETONKA SURCODE FOR DOLBY PRO LOGIC II: Audio professional everywhere can now encode 5.1 surround mixes into stereo sound files within Pro Tools. Surround ambiences, sound effects and music stems can be pre-encoded for delivery within stereo cues, and the resulting mix is stereo-compatible. Up to six channels are encoded into an Lt/Rt file. Encoded media is backward-compatible with Dolby Pro Logic receivers and decoders in use worldwide. AES booth #1540.www.minnetonkaaudio.com

MOTU DIGITAL PERFORMER 5.1: Digital Performer lets you record, edit, arrange, mix, process and master MIDI and audio tracks simultaneously to produce musical recordings, soundtracks for film and television, and other audio production tasks. Version 5 adds track folders, the unique Meter Bridge, new editing tools, QuickTime streamers and punches, and six new instrument plug-ins, including the analog-style BassLine bass synth, highly programmable two-oscillator Modulo, Model 12 12-part drum module and imaginative and powerful Proton FM synth.www.motu.com

NEXT GENERATION SOFTWARE NGWAVE V. 3.4: This fast, low-cost audio editor for Windows features support for WAV and MP3 files, full 24-bit/192 support, MIDI hardware control, integrated metronome, built-in audio mixer and more.www.ngwave.com

SIA SOFTWARE SMAARTLIVE V. 6: This significant update includes a host of new features and a reworked architecture that allows it to run native under Mac OS X and Windows from the same unified source code. In addition to its improved cross-platform functionality, V. 6 features a streamlined user interface and an advanced feature set. The improved environment enables users to dive deeper into the power of the software while preserving its renowned usability. AES booth #518.www.siasoft.com

SONIC STUDIO SOUNDBLADE: This host-based app for Mac OS delivers exceptional value for complete stereo production. Features Audio Units and VST plug-in support, unique four-point editing with EFM, instant PQ creation, delivery of background CD refs and DDP file sets, and optional restoration tools including NoNOISE. AES booth #1349.www.sonicstudio.com

STEINBERG MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES CUBASE 4: Cubase 4 is the next generation of Steinberg's legendary line of digital audio workstations. New technologies include VST3 and ASIO 3, new synth engines, a streamlined GUI, Yamaha hardware integration, and MediaBase content management and control room routing. Features include 34 new 64-bit plug-ins, new VST instruments with SoundFrame sound management, instrument tracks, track presets, configurable channel strip, mixer enhancements, notation enhancements, advanced real-time transpose and drag-and-drop inserts. AES booth #926.www.steinberg.net

STUDIO NETWORK SOLUTIONS POSTMAP: Indexing, enhanced metadata, workflow. Whether it's on your SAN, file server, a pile of FireWire drives or a stack of DVDs, locate the file you need instantly. Postmap includes a suite of customizable features that can address the needs of any creative workgroup large or small, local or remote, Mac or PC. AES booth #447.www.studionetworksolutions.com

SYNCHRO ARTS VOCALIGN PRO V. 4: Automatic audio alignment software (Audio Suite plug-in) is now available for Intel-based Macs. Demos and software updates that support Apple's new Intel-based iMac, MacBook Pro and Mac Mini computers are available from our Website. AES booth #826.

SYNCHRO ARTS VOCALIGN PROJECT: Automatic audio alignment software, VocALign Project for Pro Tools (Audio Suite) and VocALign Project (stand-alone) are now available for Intel-based Macs. Demos and software updates that support Apple's new Intel-based iMac, MacBook Pro and Mac Mini computers are available from our Website. AES booth #826.www.SynchroArts.com

THE SOUND GUY SFX MACHINE PRO 1.01: SFX Machine Pro lets you create your own audio effects from scratch. SFX Machine Pro comes with more than 300 effects and a preset editor that provides access to the underlying modular synthesis engine. The plug-in provides host tempo sync, and includes an output limiter, automated parameter control and a Randomize button.www.sfxmachine.com

VIRTUAL KATY VK 2.2: VK2 is the ultimate auto-conform and change management tool. VK2 allows users to analyze all major formats, preview changes, trace historical elements, rebalance movies and process up to 2,500 picture edits in less than a second. Packaged with all of the slick features Virtual Katy has to offer, Pro Tools users can use VK2's powerful management features for $995. AES booth #1515.

VIRTUAL KATY VK CONFORMER: Designed for conforming and non-destructively recompiling Pro Tools sessions, VK Conformer is cut from the original Virtual Katy software that was put to the test on Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Import an Avid change note or a CMX 3600 EDL, and conform your session to match the picture cut. Easy to use and fast. Price: $395 USD. AES booth #1515.www.virtualkaty.com

XO AUDIO XO WAVE: XO Wave not only brings RedBook CD mastering to Mac OS X, but also offers multitrack recording, editing and mixing; real-time effects (both built-in effects and Audio Units); real-time crossfades; 64-bit computation; effects automation; video sync; QuickTime export; support for ISRC, UPC and CD Text; and more. Price: XO Wave Open (Linux), free; XO Wave Free (Mac OS X), free; and XO Wave Pro (Mac OS X), $85.www.xowave.com

CONNECTIVITY

APHEX SYSTEMS MODEL 828 ANACONDA: This 6464 digital snake is the perfect interface for the Aphex 1788A preamp. Features include eight ADAT I/Os (64-channel bidirectional) and eight word clock outputs; internal precision word clock and external word clock reference input; Ethernet connector for control and metering; and completely redundant power supply and fiber systems. AES booth #813.www.aphex.com

GEFEN 41 DVI DL SWITCHER: The 41 DVI DL Switcher provides access to four PC and/or Mac computers using two dual-link DVI displays and USB 2 keyboard/mouse control. Ultrahigh-definition resolutions are supported up to 3,8402,400 on two parallel displays, providing the ultimate in integrated HD computer workstations. Video and control signals are switched for each computer upon selection using the IR or wired remote. RS-232 serial communications systems also supported. AES booth #1108.

GEFEN CAT5-7500 HD: The CAT5-7500 HD extender employs cutting-edge technologies that extend uncompressed DVI HD video over Cat-5 cables up to 150 feet. The plug-and-play sender/receiver system extends two DVI displays and computer keyboard/mouse away from the computer while sustaining HD video and USB 2 devices. RS-232 and audio components are also supported. This solution is tolerant of Cat-5 cable skew variations, able to supremely perform in patchbay scenarios and resistant to electromagnetic interference. AES booth #1108.www.gefen.com

HARRISON X-ROUTER DIGITAL AUDIO ROUTER: Harrison's Digital Audio X-Router features 1,5361,536 crosspoints with eight MADI I/Os and four Gigabit Ethernet I/O ports. It is a companion product to Harrison's X-Engine Native Engine DSP processors. These new X-Range system components dramatically reduce system costs while maintaining Harrison's no-compromise audio quality, scalability and long renewable life cycle. The X-Router and X-Engine processors will be provided with Harrison digital audio console systems. AES booth #941.www.harrisonconsoles.com

LINK HYBRID AUDIO AND DATA MULTIPAIR: Link's hybrid cables are designed for fixed installation and mobile applications and to facilitate audio drive rack and data signals. It features 12 and 24 individually jacketed shielded audio pairs with two integral Cat-5 UTP Ethernet cables for data and/or digital audio transmission. Each analog pair has two insulated twisted conductors, drain wire, aluminum/mylar foil shield and jacket. The Cat-5 has four data pairs (24AWG) and overall tape. Available in 1,000-foot lengths.www.linkusa-inc.com

NEUTRIK 4-POLE Y-SPLIT OPTICALCON: Neutrik's 4-pole Y-Split OpticalCon offers four multimode fibers within two OpticalCon connectors on each end of an assembled Y-split cable. Perfect for high-bandwidth audio and video or additional control signal transmission, Y-Split OpticalCon is an ideal solution when a two-fiber system is insufficient. The Y-Split has superior cable retention, features a push-pull locking mechanism and protects against dirt and dust via an automatically operated sealing cover. AES booth #1002.www.neutrikusa.com

RADIAL ENGINEERING JX44 AIR CONTROL: Remote-controllable signal distribution system for touring features four guitar inputs (two with Drag control, two with level trims), built-in JDI for re-amping or acoustic guitar, effects loop for local pedals, SGI transmit/receive loop for remote pedal board, tuner output, auxiliary output and four guitar amplifier outputs (isolated to eliminate ground loops), each with ground lift and 180-degree polarity-reverse. Should a wireless system go down, a Panic button re-routes guitar 1 input to amp 1 output. AES booth #1047.

RADIAL ENGINEERING SW8: A switcher for touring where backing tracks are employed and redundancy is required in case of system failure. Features two 8-input sets with -10dB, -inch jacks and +4dB balanced DB25s. Outputs are balanced +4 dB or isolated mic-level XLRs. Input set is selected via front panel switch or remote. Automatic signal detection monitors tone for signal loss and auto-switch to an alternate machine or contact closure to set off alarm. Link function allows multiple SW8s to be cascaded together. AES booth #1047.www.radialeng.com

DIGITAL CONVERTERS

FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE PRO 26 I/O: Combines eight Focusrite preamps with 16 channels of ADAT I/O and two channels of S/PDIF, offering 26 channels of simultaneous I/O. Saffire PRO also features two superchannels with instrument input and variable impedance, MIDI In/Out, and front panel level dim and mute controls. Also included is a free suite of Saffire VST/Audio Units plug-ins. AES booth #318.www.focusrite.com

GRACE DESIGN M802 A/D: The m802 A/D is a reference-quality, 24-bit/192kHz, 8-channel A/D card option for the m802 high-fidelity remote-controlled mic preamplifier. AES booth: #837.www.gracedesign.com

LYNX STUDIO LT-HD AURORA PRO TOOLS INTERFACE: The Lynx LT-HD L-Slot expansion card for Aurora 8/16 converters provides digital I/O in a format recognizable by Pro Tools HD systems. Connects to HD Core/Accel Core cards with standard Digidesign cabling. The LT-HD contains one primary and one expansion Digi-Link port for up to 32 channels of conversion per HD Core card with full channel count at sample rates up to 192 kHz. Control, monitoring and accurate delay compensation within Pro Tools. AES booth #1242.www.lynxstudio.com

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS AUDIO KONTROL 1

The new Audio Kontrol 1 is a high-end audio interface. Offering crystal-clear 192kHz/24-bit quality, it is far more than just a sound card. Freely assignable buttons and controller knob combined with advanced MIDI and key command functionality grant full control of software applications. Features high-quality AD/DA converters, 103dBA SNR ratio and four balanced outputs; Traktor DJ Studio Le, Guitar Combos and Xpress Keyboards included.www.native-instruments.com

RME ADI-8 QS: This fully featured, single-rackpsace, 8-channel, AD/DA converter combines excellent analog design with outstanding low-latency performance. Features SteadyClock, analog and digital limiters, four hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, AES/EBU and ADAT I/O up to 192 kHz, optional MADI I/O, MIDI remote control, remote digital input trimming, remote volume control for all eight analog outs (separately, globally or ganged) and more. AES booth: #1615.www.synthax.com

SYMETRIX LUCID 88192: This audio converter supports eight channels of A/D and eight channels of D/A conversion at sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz. The multiformat unit offers simultaneous connectivity for analog, high-speed AES/EBU digital audio and SMUX2 ADAT optical digital audio. Option port for future expansion including 1394 (FireWire). Intuitive front panel display for menu-driven setup and active metering. Routing in groups of eight or pairs.www.symetrixaudio.com

LOUDSPEAKERS

LIPINSKI SOUND L-707, L-505 MONITORS

The level of detailis simply jaw-dropping. Joe Hannigan, Mix magazine. Best reproduction I've ever had in 40 years of putting together stereo systems! Bob Katz, Pro Audio Review. If more engineers were using monitors like these, there might be a lot less abuse inflicted on poor defenseless audio. Alan Silverman, Arf! Digital. Price: $4,590.www.lipinskisound.com

ADAM AUDIO A7: The A7 combines ADAM's A.R.T (Accelerated Ribbon Technology) folded-ribbon tweeter with a 6.5-inch carbon-fiber woofer, resulting in an extremely accurate monitor. Powered by two 50W amplifiers, the front panel features a power switch and detented volume knob, while the rear houses controls for tweeter, HF/LF shelving filters, and balanced (XLR) and unbalanced RCA connectors. Price: $999/pair. AES booth #642.

ADAM AUDIO SUB8: The Sub8 subwoofer is designed to extend the low end of any near-field monitoring system. It houses an 8-inch woofer with a large 50mm voice coil, and is driven by a 160W ICE power amp. The front baffle features two remote-controlled motorized knobs that allow the user to tailor level and crossover frequency without leaving the listening position. The unit also provides an onboard 2.1 bass-management system. AES booth #642.www.adam-audio.com

A-LINE ACOUSTICS EMMA-806A: Ideal for houses of worship, theaters and clubs, the easily portable EMMA-806A speaker modules can be combined, stacked or flown for powerful line array coverage over 250 feet. Each two-way enclosure is loaded with matched 6-inch LF drivers and 6-inch HF ribbon drivers for smooth, accurate frequency response and remarkable fidelity with wide, 100-degree dispersion. Constructed in DuraTex-coated birch plywood with integrated handles, EMMA is available powered with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower technology with onboard DSP.www.A-LineAcoustics.com

ATC SCM20SL: The SCM20SL loudspeakers represents ATC's first venture into the pro market with passive, affordable monitoring at $3,500 a pair. The units feature the same hybrid design incorporating a 150mm bass cone onto which is grafted a 75mm soft dome. The magnet assembly uses ATC's SL technology to reduce distortion. The SCM20SLs are packaged in a black wood box instead of a cast-aluminum housing for easy placement over a meter bridge. AES demo room #270.Dist. by TransAudio Groupwww.transaudiogroup.com/speakers.shtml

BAG END P-S21E-I: The P-S21E-I is the self-powered version of Bag End's compact, high-output S21E-I subwoofer system featuring a 21-inch driver and the Minima One II, the company's proprietary 1,000W high-efficiency power amp module. The unit, housed in a 24.524.520.5-inch (HWD) cabinet, is designed to be driven by Bag End's INFRA Series bass processors. The combination of driver, cabinet and processor design produces flat response down to 8 Hz. AES booth #626.www.bagend.com

BLUE SKY BIG BLUE: A Big Blue system partners three-way, tri-amplified SAT 12 satellites with a 1,000W SUB 15 Universal subwoofer to deliver full-range mid-field monitoring. The 500W SAT 12s use a 12-inch high-excursion hemispherical woofer, an ultralow-distortion 4-inch hemispherical midrange driver and a 1-inch dual-concentric diaphragm tweeter with integral wave guide for superior off-axis response. The SUB 15 Universal is a sealed-box design built around a massive 15-inch forward-firing driver. AES booth #1206.www.abluesky.com

DAS AUDIO VARIANT INSTALL ARRAY: The Variant Installation Array brings the unique advantages of the powered line array to the world's small- to mid-sized venues. The ultra-compact design provides systems designers with a product that offers high output and exceptional sound in an attractive and visually discrete package. The Variant Installation Array is ideal for use as a main system in theaters, houses of worship or corporate events. AES booth #1225.www.dasaudio.com

GENELEC AOW312: The AOW312 three-way active loudspeaker is designed for medium- to large-sized fixed commercial applications. Geared for on-wall mounting, its 12-inch woofer and side porting offers LF extension down to 35 Hz. Genelec's Directivity Control Waveguide technology provides extremely stable and accurate imaging and frequency balance. The AOW312, with its matched remote amplifier, produces peak SPL output of 124 dB. AES booth #426.www.genelecusa.com

HOSA TECHNOLOGY SESSION 5: Hosa will debut the first in its Session Series of digital near-field reference monitors. The Session 5 has a 5-inch woofer and a 1.5-inch tweeter. Its Binary Drive system provides digital bi-amplification with crossover in the digital domain and USB and RS-232 inputs for remote PC control of volume, and 6-band equalization. Audio inputs are S/PDIF coaxial or optical, and XLR/TRS/RCA analog. Retail: $799/pair. AES demo room #266.www.hosatech.com

JBL LSR4312SP: JBL LSR4312SP powered 12-inch subwoofer has 450W of power for surround sound production. The LSR4312SP provides five channels of bass management with variable crossover, plus analog and digital LFE inputs. When networked with LSR4326P and LSR4328P studio monitors, the subwoofer's internal RMC (Room Mode Correction) system is automatically calibrated to overcome LF anomalies in the room. All settings are remotely controlled from the mix position. AES booth #801.

JBL VT4887ADP: JBL Pro offers compact versions of its VerTec DP Series with JBL DrivePack technology. Modular, powered line array systems include onboard digital signal processing developed with Crown. VT4887ADP 28-inch full-range line array element and VT4881ADP single 18-inch subwoofer models are featured. These high-performance integrated systems are optionally available as networked models with DPAN (analog) or DPCN (digital) audio input modules, both compatible with HiQnet System Architect Software for remote control and monitoring capabilities. AES booth #801.www.jblpro.com

KLEIN + HUMMEL M 52: The M 52 active reference monitor for small studios, broadcast vans and other remote applications is extremely compact with a less than 55-inch footprint, housed entirely in aluminum. Flat frequency response, increased SPL output, magnetic shielding and switched AC/DC powering options. The M 52 D version adds a digital input and D/A converter. AES booth # 402.

KLEIN + HUMMEL O 300: Klein + Hummel's aim with the O 300 D was developing the world's finest compact active reference monitor, with accurate, uncolored sound, superb transient response and ideally shaped waveguides. The new O 300 tri-amplified, active, three-way studio reference monitor delivers the stunning quality of the O 300 D without the digital input and control hardware. AES booth # 402.www.klein-hummel.com

L-ACOUSTICS SB15P: The SB15P was designed as a companion reference sub for the 108P and 112P self-powered coaxial loudspeakers. Featuring a front-loaded, 15-inch transducer in an optimally sized/tuned vented enclosure, the SB15P combines the convenience of self-powered performance with the flexibility of digital signal processing. Ideal for portable SR, the SB15P provides plug-and-play operation and is equipped with a 1,000W Class-D topology amplifier module and dedicated onboard DSP with instant-recall, application-engineered presets. AES booth #442/demo room 254.www.l-acoustics.com

M&K SOUND MPS-1611P: Designed for state-of-the-art recording/mixing studios, the MPS-1611P is a self-powered bi-amplified precision near-field monitor suitable for a wide range of demanding and critical audio applications, including near-field music composition, recording and mixing, sound design, broadcast monitoring, voice-over booths and quality control.

M&K SOUND MPS-2910: The standard-setting compact sub, with a footprint of less than 1.5 square feet. M&K's exclusive Backfire Push-Pull design radiates the sound out of the back of the cabinet for pressure loading to the room. Features two newly designed 8-inch SuperFast long-throw magnetically shielded drivers and 150W continuous Class-A/B and all-discrete analog linear,. It comes in a studio black lacquer cabinet. Dimensions: 151810.75 inches (HWD). Weight: 46 pounds.www.mkprofessional.com

MEYER SOUND M'ELODIE: Meyer Sound's M'elodie ultracompact, high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker offers an exceptional power-to-size ratio and the signature sound and rigging of Meyer's MILO loudspeakers. A new 3-D acoustical prediction program based on the company's patented MAPP Online Pro software will also be previewed. AES booth #310.www.meyersound.com

NHTPRO M-60 XD: Now shipping, this integrated DSP-corrected/powered near/mid-field recording/mastering monitor features a two-way design with 6.5-inch magnesium-cone woofer and a 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter. The system's outboard DSP/amplifier unit provides four 150W channels for bi-amplification and system correction/control. Inputs: XLR and RCA analog. Peak output: 112 dB SPL. Frequency response: 55 to 20k Hz, 0.5 dB. AES booth #1416.www.nhtpro.com

OCEAN WAY MONITOR SYSTEMS: Designed by Allen Sides, the new Ocean Way monitor systems are designed and built specifically for the room in which they will be placed. Any acoustic corrections needed to optimize that space are part of installation. We have three versions of our monitors from stand-alone to soffit-mounted to absolutely no limit. Hear what many industry pros believe are the best large monitoring systems in the world.www.oceanwayrecording.com

ON TRACK AUDIO MODEL NFR: These ultrahigh-fidelity, near-field studio monitors have a 29 to 27k Hz response (1.2 dB), weigh 40 pounds, handle 150W and are priced at $2,600/pair.

ON TRACK AUDIO MODEL 2: Model 2 is an 8-inch, three-way, ultrahigh-performance studio monitor loudspeaker.www.ontrackaudio.com

RENKUS-HEINZ ICONYX IC7 SERIES: Renkus-Heinz's IC7 self-powered and ICX7 non-powered Iconyx array systems are based on the Iconyx Digitally Steerable Arrays. The IC7 and ICX7 are passive arrays with mechanically steerable fixed beams. Both feature seven high-performance, 4-inch coaxial transducers in an architecturally transparent enclosure of 44.3755.6875.375 inches (HWD). These are perfect for venues needing side- and front-fill, or a low-cost short-throw solution. AES booth #720.www.renkus-heinz.com

SLS LOUDSPEAKERS RLA/4: The RLA/4 was developed for a wide range of applications, from permanent sound reinforcement installs to a pro portable P.A. system. Its HF section features a high-performance PRD500 planar ribbon transducer, whose unique design and properties allow precise acoustical coupling of the array and full utilization of line source (cylindrical waves) benefits. AES booth #942.www.slsaudio.com

TANNOY PRECISION IDP: Tannoy's iDP (Interactive Digital Programming) technology has now been incorporated within two new Precision monitors Precision 6iDP and 8iDP. These versatile and intelligent active monitoring systems bring together the unique Tannoy Dual Concentric and WideBand technology with the latest cutting-edge digital processing from TC Electronic.www.tannoy.com

TURBOSOUND ASPECT TA-500: The TA-500 is a three-way, full-range (60 to 18k Hz) speaker with patented Polyhorn design to provide wider dispersion characteristics of 5025 degrees (HV). Perfect for regional and theater tours and fixed installs, the unit features a Turbo-loaded 15-inch LF driver, a single 10-inch mid driver on a MF Polyhorn and a single HF driver on an HF Polyhorn. Similar voicing characteristics make the TA-500 easy to integrate with Aspect models. AES booth #402.www.turbosound.com

YAMAHA MSP7 STUDIO: Designed for accurate monitoring in project and recording studios, the MSP7 Studio powered monitor speaker features a magnetically shielded, 6.5-inch, lLF cone driver with a dedicated 80W amplifier and a magnetically shielded 1-inch, titanium-dome, high-frequency driver with a dedicated 50W amplifier. AES booths #102 and #926.www.yamaha.com

YORKVILLE U15P: The U15P uses a combination of amplifier topographies to ensure reliability and superior loudspeaker performance. Two Class-A/B amplifier modules deliver 150W each to the 1.75-inch horn driver and to three 5-inch ceramic drivers that make up the Unity horn assembly. An additional three-tier designed amplifier module delivers 600W to the 15-inch neodymium woofer. Integrated flypoints allow the U15P to be flown in multi-cabinet arrays or installations without modification.

YORKVILLE UCS1P: This active UCS1P subwoofer includes a 1,500W integrated power amplifier. The horn-loaded design and single 15-inch, long-excursion driver deliver ample low-end support. Features built-in crossover circuitry, 15mm 11-ply birch-plywood cabinet construction, metal grilles and integrated wheels/bar handles. XLR/TRS Combi jack inputs accept all line-level sources. Multiple UCS1Ps can be integrated using the XLR balanced throughput on each power module.www.yorkville.com

MICROPHONE PREAMPS

A-DESIGNS EM-GOLD: The EM-Gold is designed to bring more mids to the lower end of the sonic spectrum. It combines the output transformer of the EM-Silver (custom all-steel winding) and the input transformer of the EM-Red (custom winding with different ratio I/O). Well-suited for drum recording, various guitar, bass and vocal tracks. AES booths #1427 and #1322.www.adesignsaudio.com

AEA TRP (THE RIBBON PRE): Now shipping, this high-gain, dual-mono ribbon mic (no phantom) preamp offers 84 dB of quiet gain with mic and instrument inputs. Features +4dBu balanced/-10dBV unbalanced outputs; phase and highpass controls; LED level metering; half-rack chassis; and 9 to 12-volt AC or DC external supply. AES booth #1022.www.ribbonmics.com

API AUDIO APR A2D: The A2D digital converter features a pair of 312 discrete mic amplifiers combined with proprietary A/D converters in a 19-inch rackspace. Priced at $1,995, more than 200 units have been delivered since its May 1, 2006, introduction. AES booth #918.www.apiaudio.com

DW DRUMS/MAY IN EX: The MAY IN/EX blend module is a 2-in/1-out, high-headroom, Class-A mic preamp designed by PreSonus Audio. The module is designed to mix one internal snare mic and any external mic into one channel to achieve the ultimate tone for live performance and recording.www.dwdrums.com

GROOVE TUBES SUPRE: Stereo microphone and instrument preamplifier that uses a high-resolution tube signal path. Designed for tracking and stereo mastering. Features variable transformer impedance settings on each channel (300/600/1,200 ohms), four high-quality, nickel-core I/O transformers and 72 dB of gain on each channel using four specially selected GT pentode/triode dual-element vacuum tubes. AES booth #1505.www.groovetubes.com

MANLEY TNT: Here's a twist two different and discrepant mic pre's in one box for two different colors. One channel is the same mic pre found in our SLAM!, with tubes and transformers. The second preamp is a fresh no tubes design inspired by old British console preamps. With the Manley TNT, you'll have two qualified candidates in one chassis. AES booth #1302.www.manleylabs.com

MATRIX AUDIO SYSTEMS TO-2: The TO-2 two-rackspace, dual-channel preamp has all-discrete (no IC chips!) circuitry with transformer-balanced I/Os. Based on our all-discrete op amp, it comes with switchable 48V phantom power, pad and polarity inversion. It is not a vintage preamp clone; it has clarity and detail with that all-discrete, big and punchy sound. MSRP: $1,495.www.matrixaudiosystems.net

MERCURY GRAND PRE: Available in 1- and 2-channel versions, these preamps feature 0 to 60dB input gain control in 12dB steps, a 8dB fine-gain control, 48VDC phantom, polarity reverse, output control fader and a newly designed FET direct input. I/Os are balanced using the original Sowter transformers. Internal power supply uses a toroidal transformer and is regulated for superlow noise and stable performance. Each amplifier channel is locally regulated to eliminate crosstalk between channels. AES booth #1325.

MERCURY M72s/1: A single-channel version of our M72s, the M72s/1 offers a selectable -16/-28dB input pad, even handling line-level signals for a warm, rich path. Features 48VDC phantom, polarity reverse and direct input for bass/guitar. Our M72s/1 has the rich low/punchy mids of vintage V72 modules, but a more open high end. The preamp has that vintage tone and breaks up like the original modules, but is a bit more musical. AES booth #1325.www.MercuryRecordingEquipment.com

MILLENNIA MEDIA HDOE: The HV-3D output expansion option provides two additional buffered line-driver outputs for the HV-3D microphone preamplifier. It uses the same drive circuit design as the standard outputs. HDOE is capable of driving difficult loads, such as the hundreds of meters of cable typically found in remote situations. The additional outputs terminate on a pair of DB-25 connectors, providing three outputs per mic channel. The HDOE is a factory-installed option. AES booth #628.

MILLENNIA MEDIA HROE: The HV-3R output expansion option provides two additional buffered line-driver outputs for the HV-3R preamp. It uses the same drive circuit design as the standard outputs. This field-installable option is capable of driving difficult loads, such as the hundreds of meters of cable found in remote situations. Additional outputs terminate on a pair of DB-25 connectors, providing three outputs per mic channel. AES booth #628.

MILLENNIA MEDIA HV-3R: The HV-3R 8-channel, remote-controllable preamp employs the same HV-3 circuit found in the HV-3C and HV-3D. Gain control is achieved via ultra-quiet, high-performance 4th-generation relays employing gold-plated contacts rated at 50 million operations. MIDI and Ethernet are its primary remote protocols. The MIDI interface allows plug-and-play compatibility with Pro Tools systems. The Ethernet interface, coupled with Millennia's HV-3DR control software, offers a wide range of features unachievable with proprietary hardware. AES booth #628.www.mil-media.com

PRESONUS DIGIMAX FS: An 8-channel, Class-A mic pre with optical Lightpipe (ADAT/96k SMUX) I/O and work clock I/O. AES booth #432.

PRESONUS FIRESTUDIO: A 2626, 24-bit/96k FireWire recording system with eight preamps and ADAT/96k SMUX optical I/O, word clock output, 3618 matrix routing mixer, optional Monitor Station Remote, and recording and production software. AES booth #432.

PRESONUS FADERPORT: FaderPort is a USB controller designed to enhance creativity and enhance music creation. The FaderPort features a touch-sensitive, motorized fader for writing fades and automation. Additional features include PAN control, record-enable, solo, set and move to marker points, as well as toggle between the Mix, Edit and Transport windows. Compatible with both Mac and Windows systems, FaderPort works with all major DAW software, including Pro Tools, Nuendo, Cubase, Logic and more. AES booth #432.www.presonus.com

RME MICSTASY: The Micstacy features high-end converters and combines a number of RME features with groundbreaking innovations. With Micstasy, not only are conventional analog mic preamps and A/D converters a thing of the past, but a lot of applications will change. In short, Micstasy is the high-end, multi-analog input device for live, studio, installations and mobile recordings, and makes surround recordings a breeze. AES booth: #1615.www.synthax.com

SHADOW HILLS INDUSTRIES GOLDEN AGE MICROPHONE AMP

Made from the finest possible parts, Shadow Hill's GAMA 8-channel mic preamp uses switchable output transformers to shape any channel's characteristics with the flick of the switch. All preamps are based on all-discrete 24-volt op amps, and feature engraved panels, Bakelite knobs and detented switches for the same solid feel of the finest vintage gear. AES booth #1329.www.shadowhillsindustries.com

THERMIONIC EARLYBIRD 2.2: The hand-built Earlybird 2.2 stereo valve mic/line preamp has revised output transformers, selectable mid and bass EQ frequencies. The unit now boasts ultralow distortion, 0.007% @ 1 kHz and 115dB signal-to-noise. Onboard dedicated XLR inputs and front panel input selector for the optional Thermionic Culture Pullet stereo mini passive EQ are also included. AES booth #1134.www.thermionicculture.com

TOFT AUDIO DESIGNS AFC-2: The AFC-2 is a 1-unit, dual-channel EQ with mic preamps ideal for recording, mastering and sound reinforcement. With extremely musical 4-band EQ, the AFC-2 has balanced I/O, 48V phantom power and phase reverse. An attractive, sculpted and brushed-aluminum panel. AES booth #1411.www.toftaudio.com

TONELUX/GENEX 48-CHANNEL MIC PRE, A/D: Tonelux and Genex team up to release the remote-controlled Tonelux/Genex 48-channel mic pre, A/D converter in a 4U rackcase that can fit up to six cards with eight channels each of a combination of the standard mic pre, the Tonelux mic pre, the Genex reference mic pre or a D/A card. AES booth #532.www.tonelux.com

MICROPHONES

SE ELECTRONICS TITAN

sE Electronics' Titan is a tranformerless, multipattern, Class-A FET condenser. It uses the company's specially developed center-terminated titanium-diaphragm capsule, providing a frequency characteristic with enhanced clarity, detail and transient response. A better transient response means clear high frequencies with less distortion and a tighter LF response. Titan features a -10dB pad and LF roll-off switch, and is excellent for vocal recording, acoustic instruments, percussion and broadcast use. AES booth: #341.www.seelectronics.com

AKG PERCEPTION 400: Perception 400 is a multipattern, large-diaphragm condenser mic ideal for both studio and live sound applications. Features include two back-to-back capsules with gold-sputtered 1-inch diaphragms, offering selectable cardioid, omni and figure-8 patterns, along with switchable -10dB pad and bass-cut filter. The Perception 400 comes in a metal-framed carrying case with a screw-on, spider-type shockmount.www.akg.com

AUDIO-TECHNICA ARTIST SERIES: Audio-Technica has completely re-engineered its Artist Series line of live sound mics, adding innovative new models and upgrading classics for a complete selection of vocal, instrument and drum mics. Highlights include the ATM250DE, an affordable dual-element kick drum mic; the ATM450, an innovative side-address pencil condenser; and the ATM710, a durable cardioid condenser handheld tailored for high-fidelity vocal reproduction. The company also offers a generous selection of included accessories. AES booth #210.www.audio-technica.com

AUDIX VX-5 VOCAL MIC

This professional slim-line, 9 to 52V phantom-powered electret condenser vocal mic is aimed at the live performance and broadcast market. With a uniform frequency response of 40 to 18k Hz, the VX-5 features a 14mm gold-vapor diaphragm, a supercardioid polar pattern, bass roll-off filter, a specially ported steel mesh grille and Audix's trademark black-satin finish. Its -10dB pad enables the capsule to handle SPLs in excess of 140 dB.www.audixusa.com

BLUE MICROPHONES OMNI MOUSE: Using BLUE'S renowned B4 handbuilt spherical pure-pressure omni, Omni Mouse is designed for orchestration, Decca Tree, room tone and ambient recording. AES booth #1501.www.bluemic.com

CHARTEROAK ACOUSTICS M900: The new M900 transformerless small-diaphragm condenser mic uses the company's S-5 (cardioid), S-6 (hypercardioid) and S-7 (omni) capsule types. All three capsules are shipped with each M900 head amplifier and are easily interchangeable. The M900 has a two-step sensitivity switch (-10/-20 dB) and a two-position bass roll-off (-3dB/octave starting at 150 Hz; -6dB/octave starting at 75 Hz). The M900 ships in a flight case with windsock and mic clip, and include CharterOak's lifetime warranty. AES booth #236.www.charteroakacoustics.com

CROWLEY AND TRIPP RECORDIST ENSEMBLE STEREO: Crowley and Tripp's American-made Recordist and Recordist Ensemble Stereo kits are ideal for Blumlein configurations and diverse recording duties. The Recordist is priced at $1,295 each, and comes with its own rotary mount. The Recordist Ensemble Stereo kit comprises two matched Recordist ribbon microphones, extender bar and low-diffraction rotary mount at an introductory price of $1,995. Recordist mics have a three-year warranty, and come in an unobtrusive gunmetal grey finish. AES booth: #1431.www.soundwaveresearch.com

DPA BLM4060

With its elegant design and excellent performance, the BLM406 is the perfect microphone for speech and vocal sound reinforcement in boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms and conference facilities. Featuring a built-in 4060 miniature microphone with omnidirectional polar pattern, it picks up speech with a clear, natural sound. The stainless-steel disc is four inches in diameter and is supplied with a detachable 10-foot cable and XLR adapter for phantom powering. AES booth #342.

DPA SMK4061: The SMK4061 stereo mic kit has been designed for live and recording applications, specifically for acoustic piano. Along with the two hand-selected 4061 mics come a variety of accessories for mounting, including both magnetic and adhesive mounts and a pair of boundary-layer mounts that allow for a range of nearly invisible mounting options. Lid up or closed, these mics will capture the instrument with musical accuracy and detail. AES booth #342.www.dpamicrophones.com

EQUATION AUDIO F.20

The Equation Audio F.20 features all-new, Equation-exclusive, advanced HR-2295, high-resolution head amp, a near 1-inch diameter (22mm) proprietary electret transducer and a new, exclusive multifaceted body and chassis design, performance beta tests have demonstrated it has extraordinary frequency response, robust ballistic capability and exceptionally low self-noise. Comes with large retro swivel-mount.www.equationaudio.com

GROOVE TUBES GT30: Studio condenser microphone. Medium-sized all-brass capsule, top-address design, interchangable capsules for multiple patterns (optional omni and supercardoid), -inch diameter, 6-micron evaporated-gold diaphragm, Class-A FET electronics, -15dB attenuation pad, 75Hz low-frequency roll-off switch. AES booth #1505.

GROOVE TUBES GT60: Studio condenser tube microphone. Large all-brass capsule, single-pattern side-address design, 1.1-inch diameter, 3-micron evaporated-gold diaphragm, full-frequency Disk Resonator technology, Class-A tube electronics, -10dB attenuation pad, 75Hz LF roll-off switch. (Also available as the model GT50, with Class-A FET electronics). AES booth #1505.www.groovetubes.com

HHB FLASHMIC DRM85: The HHB FlashMic is the world's first pro digital recording microphone. It combines a high-quality Sennheiser omnidirectional condenser capsule with an in-built, broadcast-quality Flash recorder. FlashMic is a convenient, easy-to-operate and durable recorder that's perfect for use in all voice recording applications, including press and broadcast journalism, radio interviewing, Podcasting, meetings, etc.Dist. by Sennheiserwww.sennheiserusa.com

HOLOPHONE H4 SUPERMINI: The breakthrough H4 SuperMINI delivers expansive 5.1-channel audio field capture in a supercompact package. The world's only surround microphone mountable on a professional-quality video camera. AES booth #1602.

HOLOPHONE H3-D: The H3-D delivers 5.1 discrete channels of crystal-clear sound ideal for pro audio, project studios, live music, educational and faith-based surround sound recordings. AES booth #1602.www.holophone.com

INNERTUBE AUDIO MM-2006: The MM-2006 condenser microphone replaces the MM-2000 in innerTube Audio's product line. The MM-2006 features a U.S.-made 1-inch sputtered-gold capsule; more extended high- and low-frequency response; nearly line-level output; a noise floor lower than most solid-state condenser mics; a unique tube preamp; and fully remote pattern control from omni through figure-8 to cardioid.www.innertubeaudio.com

LAUTEN AUDIO HORIZON: The Horizon tube microphone melds acoustic theory with vintage and cutting-edge technology. This microphone is unique in sound, components and industrial design. The Horizon is built with boutique-quality components serving high-end recording studios and home studios. The Horizon is proving to be extremely versatile, making it a true workhorse. AES booth #1107.www.lautenaudio.com

MOJAVE AUDIO MA-200: Having made custom condenser mics for top recording pros since 1985, David Royer's expertise is available to everyone with the MA-200 large-diaphragm tube mic. The MA-200 uses Jensen transformers, military-grade JAN 5840 tubes and hand-selected, 3-micron, gold-sputtered capsules for exceptional sound quality. It offers extended LF response, smooth mids and an open, airy top end. Includes shockmount, power supply, cable and heavy-duty flight case. AES booth #1332.www.mojaveaudio.com

NEUMANN KM D SERIES: Neumann's miniature KM D Series enters the digital realm with the KM 183 D, KM 184 D and KM 185 D. Featuring dynamic range far exceeding that of the capsule, internal A/D conversion allows optimal use of capsule qualities, ensuring that the capsule signal reaches the recording system without coloration and with matchless transparency. Two finishes are available: classic nickel and black Nextel. All standard sampling frequencies from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz are supported. AES booth #402.

NEUMANN KMS 104: The Neumann KMS 104 handheld cardioid condenser stage microphone has been developed to permit optimal vocal transmission with the best possible suppression of sounds originating behind the microphone. The hypercardioid KMS 105 has become an internationally recognized standard in the field of high-quality stage microphones. Due to low self-noise and crosstalk behavior, which is free of coloration, both microphones are ideal for use with in-ear monitoring systems. AES booth #402.

NEUMANN TLM 49: The retro design of the TLM 49 gives an indication of its capabilities. The warm character of the sound provides richness and transparency, with no unpleasant overemphasis of high frequencies. The microphone employs the renowned K 47 capsule as featured in the M 49 and the U47. The TLM 49 is suitable for vocal and instrumental applications in professional production studios and demanding home recordings. It is supplied as a set with elastic suspension. AES booth #402.www.neumannusa.com

RED MICROPHONES TYPE A: This vacuum tube microphone system combines low noise and superb transient response, along with a choice of nine interchangeable capsules (the RedHeads). The transformerless, Class-A discrete amplifier circuit is a thoroughly modern design with a nod to the classic circuits of yesterday and uses a single hand-selected ECC88 vacuum tube. Included accessories: custom-built flight case, high-definition tube mic cable, shock-mount and innovative PowerStream power supply. AES booth #1509.www.vintagemicrophone.com

RDE NT55: The NT55 has the same sound quality, ease of use and reliability of the NT5, but with the added features of a two-stage highpass filter and a two-stage pad. RDE has also included a free NT45-O omni capsule in every NT55 kit. Along with the supplied NT45-C cardioid capsule, this makes the NT55 an unbeatable package for anyone wanting the most versatile small-capsule system on the market. AES booth #1141.

RDE PODCASTER: The world's first USB dynamic microphone specifically suited to Podcasting, the Podcaster features an end-address configuration, the clarity of RDE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, ultralow self-noise, a status LED and a direct output headphone amplifier (with volume control). The Podcaster comes with a 5-meter USB cable and clip. Optional extras include a shock-mounting system and soon-to-be-released adjustable table-mount arm. AES booth #1141.www.rodemic.com

ROYER R-122V: Finally shipping, Royer's long-awaited first vacuum tube ribbon mic is based on the same ribbon transducer technology as the acclaimed R-121 and R-122. However, the R-122V uses a triode-driven circuit to raise the mic's sensitivity to -29 dB. The mic is finished in 18-carat gold, and features a dedicated power supply and cable with military-grade locking-type XLR connectors, Jensen output transformer and proprietary toroidal mic transformer. AES booth #1332.www.royerlabs.com

SE ELECTRONICS REFLEXION FILTER: The Reflexion Filter is innovative, portable and versatile a truly unique device that uses state-of-the-art materials to provide acoustical isolation in any environment and improve the sound of acoustically treated rooms. It attaches to any microphone stand via a clamp fitting, and allows the microphone to be moved vertically and horizontally along the assembly. AES booth: #341.www.seelectronics.com

SENNHEISER EVOLUTION 602 II: Sennheiser's e602 II cardioid dynamic mic is the successor to the famed e602 and is designed for use with kick drums, bass guitar, cabs, tubas and other low-frequency instruments. More than 40% lighter than its predecessor, the e602 II features more robust, lightweight aluminum housing that allows for greater stability when positioning it on a long boom arm. A shock-mounted capsule offers fast attack with extended low-frequency response. AES booth #402.www.sennheiserusa.com

SHURE KSM9: The hard-wired version of the KSM9 wireless, the condenser KSM9 offers switch-selectable cardioid or supercardioid patterns. Response is 50 to 20k Hz; max SPL is 153 dB. Available in champagne or charcoal-gray finishes, it features a two-stage internal shock-mount, hardened-steel grille and gold-plated connectors. AES booth #302.www.shure.com

STUDIO PROJECTS B SERIES: All B Series Mics have been significantly upgraded. Housed in matte-silver bodies with a sleek new look, each mic has a stylish tri-color emblem. Features have been added in many cases, allowing for greater flexibility of configuration. A new headstock with a wider, heavier mesh grille, combined with improvements to the capsules and electronics, result in improved sonic characteristics. All B Series mics include elastic suspension and foam windscreens. AES booth #1411.

STUDIO PROJECTS C SERIES: All C Series mics have undergone a significant upgrade. Updates include a sleek new look and a redesigned headstock. Changes to the capsule design and electronics allow for lower self-noise, greater dynamic range and improved sonic characteristics. In many cases, features have been added, such as additional pad and highpass filter settings, resulting in a greater number of possible configurations. All C Series mics include the new Halo elastic suspension, foam windscreen and flight case. AES booth #1411.www.studioprojects.com

SUPERLUX S241/U3: The new Superlux S241/U3 is a true capacitor cardioid condenser microphone with a -inch gold-evaporated 3-micron diaphragm. It features a 0/-10/-20dB position attenuation switch and a flat, 75Hz and 150Hz position low-cut filter switch. The S214/U3 has an extended frequency response, superior signal-to-noise ratio and excellent SPL characteristics. The slight high-end elevation frequency response makes it ideal for capturing signals rich in transients in a wide variety of applications.www.avlex.com

MIXING CONSOLES

ALLEN & HEATH GL2800M: The critically acclaimed GL Series has expanded with the addition of the GL2800M, a dedicated monitor console offering 16 mixes for wedges and in-ears. The GL2800M can mix up to eight stereo IEMs or any combination of wedges and in-ears with mono/stereo assignment per mix. PAFL Logic includes PFL override AFL, stereo AFL and PFL-to-wedge capabilities. Other features include four mute groups and built-in mic splitter with ground-lift switching. AES booth #318.

ALLEN & HEATH XONE:3D: Allen & Heath introduces the XONE:3D, a revolutionary performance DJ controller that seamlessly integrates computer-based software and digital media into the traditional DJ workspace. The XONE:3D combines a fully featured, professional analog DJ mixer based on the XONE:92 with a comprehensive MIDI control system and a high-end multichannel USB soundcard.www.AmericanMusicAndSound.com

ALTO GHIBLI16FX: Alto's new Ghibli mixer sets a new precedent in small-format mixer design. Its 1181-inch chassis offers 16 channels of mixing capability. Four microphone inputs offer three bands of parametric EQ with a mid sweep, a selectable preset compressor/de-esser and 100Hz rumble filter. Sixteen preset 24-bit DSP, which includes variable reverb, round out the feature set. The GHIBLI16FX has a retail of $189 and is available from The Yorkville Group.www.altopa.com

AMS NEVE DFC PS/1 POWERSTATION: The DFC PS/1 PowerStation features unbeatable Neve sound, sample rates up to superhigh-definition 384kHz, Star Command simultaneous control of multiple workstations, high-resolution TFT metering, 384 fader paths, reconform from picture change lists and insertion of premixes into larger mixes. PS/1 is a complete system with integrated surround monitoring and machine control. The DFC Gemini and PS/1 are the power behind world cinema. AES booth #438.www.ams-neve.com

APB-DYNASONICS MIXSWITCH: MixSwitch provides the ability to easily switch between primary digital or analog and a backup console, or between headliner and opening act consoles in concert/presentation situations (in Switch mode or Sum mode). In club applications, it allows selecting between front-of-house and DJ mixers into common audio systems. MixSwitch will be available in the 4th quarter of 2006. AES booth #1442.www.apb-dynasonics.com

ARGOSY MIRAGE FOR SSL AWS 900+: Argosy's Mirage furniture housing will transform your SSL AWS 900+. Phil Wagner, president of Solid State Logic, says, I like what the Argosy Mirage does for the AWS 900+; it really looks great. The Mirage gives you ideal ergonomics. It has all the right features perfect for integrating additional SSL signal processing equipment at arms length. Designed for the AWS 900+, the Argosy Mirage furniture solution creates a powerful presence in the heart of your control room. Price: $4,995.www.ArgosyConsole.com

CADAC S-DIGITAL: Reflecting Cadac's 20-plus-year history, the S-Digital features a surface architecture derived from the Cadac J-Type analog console. With key audio and control parameters accessible in under a button press, the Cadac S-Digital combines instant usability and familiarity with other Cadac hallmarks: superb sound, build quality, reliability and unrivaled return on investment. The S-Digital enters production in October, in a 72/64 base configuration.www.cadac-sound.com

DAN DUGAN SOUND DESIGN MODEL E: The Model E is a half-rack, 1U-high Dugan automatic mic mixer with minimal controls. Speech system performance matches the D Series. Additional controls are available via an embedded Web server. I/O is connected by TRS insert cables or ADAT optical cables. Can be linked for up to 64 inputs (analog I/O only), and it can link with Models D-2 and D-3. Power is 9 to 24 VDC, or 9 to 18 VAC. AES booth #1119.www.dandugan.com

DANGEROUS MUSIC D-BOX: Featuring eight channels of Dangerous Music analog summing technology, D-Box is also equipped with a programmable monitor control section with two speaker outputs, two digital inputs with onboard D/A conversion for digital sources, talkback, two headphone outputs and an aux analog input. D-Box's programmability allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple input sources and level offsets. AES booth #1335.www.dangerousmusic.com

DIGICO V. 4 SOFTWARE: To evaluate the much-awaited V. 4 software update for our digital consoles, come by our stand, booth #1202.www.digico.org

DIGIDESIGN VENUE UPGRADES: New are Digital Stage Input (DSI) and Digital Stage Output (DSO) card options for VENUE. A single DSI provides eight channels of digital input for the VENUE Stage Rack, either through four AES/EBU pairs or a single ADAT interface. One DSO card offers eight AES/EBU output channels and ADAT Lightpipe, with both active at all times for simplified simultaneous splits to recording/monitoring/broadcast feeds. AES booth #826.www.digidesign.com

EUPHONIX SYSTEM 5-MC: The System 5-MC is a DAW controller based on the Euphonix System 5 control surface design. System 5-MC tightly integrates vi

FINEOS Expands Reach within Canadian Market

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
FINEOS Expands Reach within Canadian Market. Check it out:
DUBLIN, Ireland and BOSTON and MELBOURNE, Australia --(Business Wire)-- FINEOS Corporation, a global provider of expertly developed and packaged componentized software solutions for the financial services industry, today announced its further expansion into the Canadian financial services market. The announcement comes as the company embarks on an Irish Trade Mission to Canada, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland.



The trade mission will visit Montreal and Toronto and is scheduled for Oct. 15 - 20, 2006. It is being led by Irish Minister Micheal Martin (Member of Parliament) and serves as the official launch of a new Enterprise Ireland office in Toronto. FINEOS will be participating in several trade mission events, including a "Captains of Industry" luncheon on the 17th of October. The luncheon will feature Minister Martin; Ambassador Declan Kelly, Irish Ambassador to Canada; and Michael Kelly, CEO and founder, FINEOS Corporation.

The trade mission reinforces FINEOS' commitment to offering the FINEOS Claims and FINEOS Payments solutions to the Canadian financial services market. These solutions are suitable for various lines of business including bodily injury, disability, workers' compensation, compulsory third-party, and related governmental insurance. The solutions combine specific business-line functionality with FINEOS' flexible and powerful platform for straight-through processing, business process management, and workflow automation.

FINEOS Claims is a robust solution providing claims management, decision support, and straight-through processing based on organization-specific business rules and best practices. The solution provides a single view of customer and plan information, allowing users to access portfolio information quickly and easily without having to navigate through multiple back office systems. The solution also manages multiple party interactions (i.e. third party service providers), allows for claim notification via multiple channels, and tightly controls security of claim payments based on reserves or authority.

FINEOS Payments allows carriers to manage the payment and billing process automatically, integrating with general ledger systems to provide accurate accounting and reporting of cashflow. The solution also effectively manages back-dated or out-of-sequence changes based on an organization's best processes, allowing organizations to adjust billing or payments as appropriate.

FINEOS is currently engaged with two premier Canadian organizations; one is live with FINEOS Claims and is implementing FINEOS Payments and one is implementing both solutions. The use of FINEOS Claims and FINEOS Payments will allow these companies to deliver improved customer service to their policy holders and increase their operational efficiency. Additionally, the organizations will benefit from an open and easily managed technical infrastructure, thanks to FINEOS' open service oriented architecture (SOA) and broad business process management (BPM) capabilities.

"The FINEOS Claims and FINEOS Payments solutions will help Canadian organizations achieve greater success in managing the complex transactions associated with insurance processing. It is very exciting to be working with two world-class organizations on the implementations of these new offerings and FINEOS is looking forward to expanding our relationships within Canada," said Michael Kelly.

About FINEOS

Founded in 1993, FINEOS is a global provider of expertly developed and packaged componentized software solutions for the insurance and banking industries. FINEOS provides front-to-back core business solutions that enable revenues and streamline operations, accelerating time-to-market, delivering flexibility and optimizing efficiency. The FINEOS Insurance Suite includes solutions for customer service, claims management, payments, new business and policy administration and is designed for the life and health, property and casualty, and governmental markets. The FINEOS Banking Suite provides customer relationship management and new business solutions for banking institutions, specifically relating to mortgage lending. FINEOS solutions are designed with an open Services Oriented Architecture that provides a flexible infrastructure for straight-through processing, business process management, and workflow automation. FINEOS solutions are delivering documented benefits for some of the world's leading insurance carriers and banks. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has offices in North America, Europe and Australia. For more information, please visit www.FINEOS.com.

WFI Announces Close On Acquisition of Madison Research Corporation and Secures a New Credit Facility of $85 Million

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
WFI Announces Close On Acquisition of Madison Research Corporation and Secures a New Credit Facility of $85 Million. Check it out:
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 2 -- WFI , a global leader in the design, deployment, and management of wireless communication networks, information technology solutions and security systems, announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Madison Research Corporation (MRC) in a cash transaction using a combination of company funds and funds provided under a credit facility from KeyBanc Capital Markets . The actual purchase price was $69 million, subject to certain post closing adjustments. WFI has successfully secured a new and expanded credit facility of $85 million in conjunction with this acquisition. This credit facility will replace the current credit facility of $15 million and will be used to fund the MRC acquisition and future acquisitions.



"This acquisition is a major strategic milestone for our Government business as we seek to extend our footprint within various branches of the DoD and expand our portfolio of strategic contract vehicles," said Eric DeMarco, president and CEO of WFI. "Through this acquisition, we are adding highly skilled engineers and technical professionals with particular expertise in the areas of weapons systems lifecycle support, integrated logistics, test and evaluation and software development for the Army, Air Force and NASA. With MRC's deep technology expertise, strong and established relationships and existing high-value contract vehicles, we are building terrific momentum in the federal government space. Over the past two months, we have completed detailed integration planning and we look forward to a rapid transition to the combined company."

"Having MRC as part of our company is especially advantageous to WFI," commented Robin Mickle, president of WFI's Government Services Division. "The talented people of MRC will play a strategic role in helping WFI further evolve its leadership position in engineering services and IT support services for the DoD and other customers. Additionally, with the BRAC initiative bringing new opportunities to the Huntsville area, MRC will provide WFI with significant capabilities in this attractive marketplace."

MRC will become an operating sector within WFI's Government Services Division, and sector management will remain in its current location of Huntsville, Alabama. Sam Liberatore, formerly the Chief Operating Officer of MRC, will provide ongoing leadership of the newly-formed sector. Madison Research was founded by John Stallworth, a former professional football player and NFL Hall of Famer. Over the next several months, Mr. Stallworth will transition out of MRC to pursue philanthropic interests, and he will not continue in any management or advisory role with the newly-acquired entity.

"I am pleased to see the company we have built move into the next stage of growth and opportunity," said John Stallworth, former president and CEO of Madison Research. "Over MRC's 20 year history, we have assembled an impressive team of engineers, technical experts and IT professionals and we have cultivated some outstanding customer relationships. By joining now with WFI, MRC enters into the 'next phase' of its business expansion with a leading network and engineering company extremely well-positioned with the DoD. In bringing the acquisition to a close, I am confident that WFI is the right home for MRC and its people. While I am looking forward to my new challenges, I want to thank my friends and colleagues at MRC and the Huntsville community for their support, and I will continue to watch your continued success as part of WFI."

About WFI
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, WFI is an independent provider of systems engineering, network services and technical outsourcing for the world's largest wireless carriers, enterprise customers and for government agencies. The company provides the design, deployment, integration, and the overall management of wired and wireless networks which deliver voice and data communication, and which support advanced security systems. WFI has performed work in over 100 countries since its founding in 1994. News and information are available at http://www.wfinet.com/. (code: WFI-mb)

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, expressed or implied statements concerning the Company's expectations regarding anticipated operating results for 2006, future financial performance and cash flows and market developments that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements are only predictions, and the Company's actual results may differ materially. Factors that may cause the Company's results to differ include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the integration of MRC into WFI Government Services; risks associated with increased debt leverage; risks that the anticipated benefits of the acquisition will not be achieved; changes in the scope or timing of the Company's projects; changes or cutbacks in spending by the U.S. Department of Defense, which could cause delays or cancellations of key government contracts; slowdowns in telecommunications infrastructure spending in the United States and globally, which could delay network deployment and reduce demand for the Company's services; the timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer contracts and agreements, or consolidation by or the loss of key customers; failure to successfully consummate acquisitions or integrate acquired operations; the rate of adoption of telecom outsourcing by network carriers and equipment suppliers; the rate of growth of adoption of WLAN and wireless security systems by enterprises; and competition in the marketplace which could reduce revenues and profit margins. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2006 and in other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Michael Baehr
VP of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
Wireless Facilities, Inc.
858.228.2799 Direct
michael.baehr@wfinet.com

WFI

CONTACT: Michael Baehr, VP of Corporate Communications & InvestorRelations of Wireless Facilities, Inc., +1-858-228-2799,michael.baehr@wfinet.com

Web site: http://www.wfinet.com/

Tech Data CEO shares thoughts on his last day

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
Tech Data CEO shares thoughts on his last day. Check it out:
(Tampa Tribune (FL) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Sep. 30--It's 2:30 p.m. on Steven Raymund's last day as chief executive of one of the biggest companies in the Tampa Bay area and he's pacing the floor and talking on the phone -- with his replacement.



Books sit in stacks around the room. Photos and awards are down off the walls in boxes. Co-workers are stopping by to shake his hand.

On Monday, he officially hands over control of Clearwater-based Tech Data Corp. to his hand-picked successor, Bob Dutkowsky, a veteran of corporate powerhouses such as IBM Corp.

"This will be Bob's office Monday," says Raymund, a soft-spoken, stocky and fit man of 50, who built Tech Data from a company that booked less than $1 million in annual sales in 1981 when Raymund was 26 to $20 billion on the eve of his retirement.

Tech Data has played it s part in creating the information revolution that helps run the world economy -- largely by selling computers, printers, PDAs, Internet routers and pretty much anything else electronic to major corporations and computer resellers such as CDW and Circuit City .

But now, looking around the room, Raymund says life's too short to do just one thing for years on end. He wants to exercise, travel and spend more time with his family.

Before leaving, Raymund has time for some reminiscing and some parting advice on building a big company. In short: learn from competitors, strike win-win deals, plan years ahead, do the ethical thing and exercise regularly.

QUESTION: What do you plan in the next few weeks?

ANSWER: I'm being deliberate in keeping my calendar open, unlike my normal M.O., where everything is planned from sunup to when I put my head on the pillow.

I'd like a break to enjoy life with my wife. I'll work on getting in better shape. I have an 8:30 a.m. appointment with a trainer tomorrow. I serve on some boards, some non profits that will fill up some days. Maybe learn some more Spanish.

Q: What was the company like when you joined?

A: Small, parochial. There were 15 employees selling data supplies and paper forms in Tampa and Orlando. My first title was operations manager, and I helped process orders and purchases. I definitely loaded my share of shipping cartons with merchandise to customers. Right after I joined in 1981, there were some employees who wanted to buy the business, and when I joined, it was clear that was not going to happen. They absconded with a bunch of files and all our vendor relationships. We lost most of our business and a lot of customers.

Q: Your dad was the founder. What did he say?

A: He gave serious consideration to closing it down, and we had only one product line of any exclusivity to support the leaky ship.

Q:Did you tell your father, "Please don't shut this down?"

A: I did. He said "Steve, I don't know if this little business is going to make it, but here are the keys. I'll help as much as I can, but it's kind of up to you to make it happen." But we got a little momentum and by 1986 we were going public. We grew from less than $100,000 [ in sales ] a month to $36 million a year [in five years].

Q: Did you try to model Tech Data on any other company?

A: Yes, the larger players in our space. You run into your competition at trade shows and other places. I didn't know much about this business. And a great place to learn is from your competition. We would be at $5 million and say, "That guy's at $25 million. What's his strategy? His cost structure? What people does he have?" It's not real creative, but it's pretty effective.

Q: Any personal credos or philosophies that helped along the way?

A: Yes. One is that business is a win-win proposition. A lot of people look at business as trying to outsmart the other guy and get the better of them.

Sure, I worry about the competition, and I like to beat them. But I worry more about serving our customers well. If I understand their needs and satisfy them at a competitive price, I will win my fair share of business.

Q: Other credos?

A: I strongly subscribe to empowering our employees and managers. I start with the assumption that everyone shows up to work interested in making a contribution and building their career. My job as boss is to provide them with clear targets, tools, feedback and coaching. I manage more by exception than by inspection or mandate. I try to look at employees as customers.

Q: What's been the toughest time in your career?

A: Right now. For 23 years, we were always a strong performer in our market.

This is first time when we've underperformed relative to the market, particularly in Europe. In America, we're fine. But it's been frustrating and disappointing to me and our shareholders to deliver the results we have for the past six quarters. Frankly, I'd like to finish the job and hand over a little healthier company.

Q: What's been your biggest operational mistake?

A: Probably the biggest mistake we made was a hasty and probably poorly managed integration of a company we bought in Europe called Aslan that set us back a year or two.

Q: Biggest accomplishment?

A: We've managed to build a $20 billion , Fortune 100 enterprise with a $2 billion market valuation and provided income to support 8,000 families around the world. Add all that up and we can be pretty proud of that. A lot of people depend on this place to support their families.

Q: What advice would you have for people who run a small company and want to make it big?

A: Try to visualize your business in three years, and try to anticipate the resources you'll need in order to prosper then so you're ahead of the curve. Get the best people you can afford. Overpay rather than compromise.

You'll be happy you made that investment.

So many companies are finding themselves caught in ethical issues lately.

Q: What's your advice?

A: As tempted as you might be to cut an ethical corner, it's never worth the price. It backfires on you. I'd rather be honest and a little poorer than be dishonest and a little richer.

To see more of the Tampa Tribune -- including its homes, jobs, cars and other classified listings -- or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tampatrib.com.

Copyright (c) 2006, Tampa Tribune, Fla.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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Plantwatch, Inc. and NetCon Technologies Become SeQent

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
Plantwatch, Inc. and NetCon Technologies Become SeQent. Check it out:
TROY, Mich. --(Business Wire)-- SeQent is the new identity for the former companies of Plantwatch, Inc. and NetCon Technologies--both London, Ontario-based providers of distributed, real-time enterprise messaging and alert solutions. SeQent today announced that the company recently opened its first US office to support its growth in Troy, Michigan. The new facility will accommodate Sales and Marketing staff as well as a Support team. SeQent's new office is approximately 3,200 sq ft and is located at 2701 Troy Center Drive, Suite 201, Troy MI 48084. The new phone number is 248.244.7958 and fax 248.244.8031.



"We decided to open an office in Michigan to support our largest customers including all of the leading auto manufacturers, and Oakland County was the most attractive given the growth of high technology businesses in the County. We look forward to growing our organization in Michigan and to hiring local sales, marketing and support staff," said SeQent CEO Richard Cook.

"We are very excited to be able to attract investment from outside the country to Oakland County. In today's challenging economy, SeQent is delivering significant cost savings and productivity improvements to some of our largest companies. We believe that many businesses in Oakland County, especially those with lean initiatives, can benefit from their plant floor communication systems," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

About SeQent

SeQent (formerly Plantwatch, Inc. and NetCon Technologies) drives cost savings and productivity improvements to enterprises by enabling real-time communication across the entire facility. SeQent bridges automation to people, empowering them to react immediately thereby preventing costly downtime and improving quality. SeQent is currently installed in over 350 facilities and is being used by all of the major automotive manufacturers as well as bottling and consumer products manufacturers and healthcare organizations. The company is privately held and is based in London, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.seqent.com.

Witness Systems Drives Workforce Optimization Into the Enterprise With Strategic Acquisitions

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
Witness Systems Drives Workforce Optimization Into the Enterprise With Strategic Acquisitions. Check it out:
ATLANTA --(Business Wire)-- Witness Systems (NASDAQ: WITS), a leading global provider of workforce optimization software and services, announced that today it has acquired Demos Solutions Consulting Group Ltd. (also known as Demos Solutions) and Exametric, Inc., the two leaders in supplying enterprise productivity and resource planning solutions to the financial services industry. The acquisitions broaden the revenue opportunity and customer base for Witness Systems, further extending the business value of its workforce optimization (WFO) solutions from contact centers to bank branches and ultimately to other areas in the enterprise.



The aggregate purchase price for both transactions is $29 million in cash plus a potential earn-out of up to $18 million based on the growth of the business over the next few years. The acquisitions will be financed from Witness Systems' existing cash resources. These acquisitions are expected to be accretive (before amortization of intangibles and other acquisition-related costs) and add $13 million to $15 million to the company's revenue in 2007.

"Today we're announcing a pair of innovative, market-changing acquisitions that expand our opportunity by extending workforce optimization into the enterprise," said Dave Gould, CEO of Witness Systems. "This combination creates immediate scale and momentum, with over $10 million of revenue from a blue chip customer base in the financial services industry. We've been probing this market for a while and believe it will emerge as a real growth driver for us over the next 18-24 months. By combining the two leaders, we enter this new market with the deepest talent and strongest offering."

The two companies will be combined and operate as Witness Enterprise Solutions, a group focusing initially on WFO solutions for retail bank branches and operations. Gould added, "Approximately 30 percent of our revenue is derived from financial services, and we have been extending our overall reach through our leadership in providing VoIP solutions. Starting with branch offices allows us to leverage the congruence of WFO and VoIP, and is a natural catalyst for our continued expansion across the broader enterprise."

Banks Focused on Improving the Customer Experience

According to the Bank Administration Institute (BAI), a leading professional organization focused on enhancing employee and organizational performance, 70 percent of customers view their bank as a commodity service provider, and 30 percent desire a hands-on relationship. As a result, BAI contends that it's no longer enough for banks to know what their customers want; they also need to understand the nuances of how their customers feel. Many branch renewal projects are targeting improving staff skills, such as consultative selling, and broadening branch technology infrastructure.

Further, according to TowerGroup, a global research and consulting firm for the financial services industry, a shift to relationship banking is clearly under way in banks of all asset sizes. Banking customers are demanding a consistent customer experience across all touch points. According to Forrester Research, an independent technology and market research company, banking is one of the industries with the most comprehensive multi-channel requirements and sophisticated multi-channel solutions. Enterprise WFO technology from Witness Systems can now address this challenge both in the contact center and retail branch banks.

Demos Solutions and Exametric have both built industry-leading solutions and an impressive customer base committed to optimizing workforce performance. The new Witness Enterprise Solutions group will be led by Darryl Demos, the CEO and founder of Demos Solutions.

"The combined organization will help further enable companies to model and monitor business processes to maximize their return on resource investments and the customer experience," explained Demos. "Creating accurate forecasts and optimizing staff resources is no longer a 'nice to have' in the competitive landscape for customers. Workforce optimization is the only way to improve margins and drive customer and employee satisfaction, which ultimately creates a more loyal and profitable customer base."

According to Dr. Ali S. Kiran, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Exametric, this acquisition will further the company's strategy of expanding to other markets while continuing its strong, managed growth. "As part of the greater Witness Systems organization, Exametric and Demos Solutions make a powerful alliance through our combined programs that help banks improve and quantify how changes in processes, layout, technology and staffing impact both customer satisfaction levels and overall branch efficiency," said Dr. Kiran.

With this combination, current Witness Systems customers will be able to extend their technology investment from the contact center to their branch offices and other areas of the enterprise that impact the customer experience. Similarly, Demos Solutions and Exametric customers will have access to a broader range of WFO solutions, including customer interaction recording, performance management, e-learning and other performance improvement and analytical software, from the established market leader, Witness Systems.

William Evans, CFO of Witness Systems added, "We have an established, proven model in place to ensure the successful integration of products, people and processes following strategic acquisitions, enabling meaningful value creation for our customers and shareholders. We believe this combination will be accretive to earnings in 2007 and will enhance our future value proposition."

Financial Update

Also today, the company provided a preliminary estimate of third quarter 2006 revenue in the range of $50 to $51 million, excluding hardware revenue of approximately $1 million. The company's cash and short term investments exceeded $160 million at September 30, 2006.

Previously, on August 9, 2006, Witness Systems announced that the company has voluntarily formed a special committee of independent directors to review stock option practices and grants. Given the status of the review, which is ongoing, the company does not expect to be in a position to announce further financial results for the third quarter until the option review and audit procedures have been completed, appropriate accounting adjustments and restated financial statements have been finalized, and amended Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q have been filed.

Conference Call Information

Witness Systems will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the details of the acquisitions and respond to appropriate questions. The conference call and replay will be available online at www.witness.com.

About Demos Solutions

Demos Solutions is a leading productivity solution provider for the financial services industry. Demos Solutions applies the Art and Science of Workforce Optimization(SM) to improve the productivity of leading financial services companies through its combination of hands-on consulting and workforce management technologies. Demos Solutions is the workforce optimization partner to four of the five largest banks in Canada, and 33 percent of the top 100 North American bank branches use Demos Solutions' StaffSmart Enterprise(R) resource planning and scheduling tool.

About Exametric

Exametric Inc. is a leading software solutions company specializing in workforce management and optimization. The Exametric Workforce Management Suite provides precision forecasting, automated scheduling, time and attendance, and strategic planning solutions. The solution helps companies predict service and transaction levels in order to manage labor scheduling, improve customer satisfaction and increase revenue. Exametric's products are in use at more than 12,000 locations worldwide.

About Witness Systems

Witness Systems (NASDAQ: WITS) is the worldwide leader in software and services that help businesses capture customer intelligence and optimize their workforce performance. The company's Impact 360(TM) solution features quality monitoring, compliance and IP recording, workforce management, performance management and e-learning. Primarily deployed in contact centers - as well as the remote, branch and back offices of global organizations - the workforce optimization solution captures, analyzes and enables users to share and act on cross-functional information across the enterprise. With Impact 360, organizations can improve interactions and the underlying back-office processes that enhance the customer experience and build customer loyalty. For more information, visit us at www.witness.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements:

Information in this release that involves expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. They are identified by words such as "will," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions and statements about present trends and conditions that may extend into the future. These statements are based upon information available to Witness Systems as of the date of this release, and the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements believed true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Some of the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from current expectations include the company's ability to compete successfully in the future; fluctuations and changes in customer demand and preferences; the timing of orders; the company's ability to manage its growth; the risk of new product introductions and customer acceptance of new products; the rapid technological change which characterizes the company's markets; the risks associated with international sales as the company expands its markets, including the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates; the ability of the company to complete and integrate successfully the Demos Solutions and Exametric acquisitions and any other acquisitions or investments it may make; strategy and execution risks relating to these and other acquisitions and investments; the risk of management distraction and other consequences that might result from the review of certain option grants and option granting practices described in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on August 11, 2006 and related developments, as well as other risks identified under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Witness, Impact 360, Improve Everything and the Witness logo are the trademarks (registered or otherwise) of Witness Systems, Inc. protected by laws of the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

Los Angeles Police Department Gains Geographic Advantage Using ESRI Software

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
Los Angeles Police Department Gains Geographic Advantage Using ESRI Software. Check it out:
REDLANDS, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has selected ESRI for an enterprise geographic information system (GIS) platform that will provide numerous benefits to staff across the organization. The implementation will include ESRI software, services, and application development.



ESRI will provide GIS applications and spatial data access for uses such as incident management, 911 and communications, emergency management, and homeland security. GIS will serve as a core tool in the CompStat inspection process, which will allow command staff to use spatial technology to look at digital maps of criminal activity and compare them with everything from arrests to calls for service and more.

The new crime analysis selection came after a vigorous screening and investigation process. The resulting crime mapping system will provide information integration, geocoding, spatial analysis, georeporting, and map output capabilities.

"In the last decade, the use of GIS has become vital to the overall effectiveness of law enforcement," says Rudy Pichardo, detective, LAPD. "We had plenty of demands put on our current crime analysis system that were beyond its current capabilities. We needed to move forward, so we evaluated current and future needs and then developed a new system that provided a platform for future growth and continued success. We also wanted to leverage existing city GIS standards, which are based on ESRI technology. This meant we could utilize GIS data from other city entities as well as provide data to these agencies."

"LAPD staff members will be able to utilize a full range of GIS applications and data," says Jonathan Corbridge, senior account manager, ESRI. "They will be able to use GIS tools without having to become full-time GIS specialists. The system is scalable, meaning the GIS can expand with future growth. It will integrate with existing intranet, RDBMS, desktop, and customized application environments. The user-friendly enterprise will be tailored to meet all of their requirements."

The Computer Analysis Mapping System (CAMS) operates in three tiers. The first is CAMS Web, which will use ArcIMS technology to provide agency-wide access to department managers, investigators, patrol officers, and others. The intranet application is accessible from any of more than 6,300 department-wide computers. Users can view maps, query information, conduct easy-to-use analysis, and generate reports. Information including crime incidents, crime and arrest locations, recovered vehicles, citations, traffic accidents, calls for service, and more will be made available.

While taking advantage of all the functionality and data of CAMS Web, CAMS Desktop applications will provide more advanced analysis and mapping capabilities to crime analysts. These users can take advantage of more robust client-side applications customized to specific user requirements. CAMS will allow high-level functionality including density mapping, stolen/recovered vehicle linking, temporal interval mapping, and more.

The third tier involves the use of CAMS as part of LAPD's CompStat process. The CompStat system was developed by Los Angeles police chief William Bratton while working as police chief for New York City. CompStat is an inspection process with GIS as one component of the overall process. Statistical analysis, risk management, and other data are produced using the CompStat framework. GIS provides the visualization, geoquery, and spatial analysis functionality of CompStat.

Founded in 1969, ESRI (www.esri.com) is the world leader in the GIS software industry. ESRI offers innovative solutions that help users create, manage, analyze, and display information to make timely decisions and solve problems they encounter every day. ESRI's comprehensive product line ranges from desktop GIS to GIS for the enterprise.

Export training to be rolled out

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:31 AM | | Comments (0)
Export training to be rolled out. Check it out:
(Business Day (South Africa) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Export training to be rolled out TRADE and industry KwaZulu- Natal and the Small Enterprise Development Agency will roll out free export development training in the province. The provincial trade promotion agency said the training would look at business opportunities and challenges in international trade, export readiness assessment, quality improvement and export marketing. The agency's Queen Mkhize said among the support services to help exporters is an e-trade platform to allow exporters to access online trade information on international buyers, market leads and an export readiness assessment.



Copyright 2006 Times Media Ltd.. Source: Financial Times Information Limited - Europe Intelligence Wire.

Joburg focuses on service industries

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)
Joburg focuses on service industries. Check it out:
(Business Day (South Africa) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Joburg focuses on service industries Help is at hand for small businesses that are eager to enter the export arena, writes THE City of Johannesburg has launched a project to encourage exports among small medium and microenterprises (SMMEs). The project is part of the municipality's 2030 initiative, a long-term plan to promote inward investment and increase the volume and value of exports. In terms of the initiative, Johannesburg's economic landscape will, by 2030, no longer be dominated by mining and manufacturing, but by the services sector. The initiative, commonly known as Joburg 2030, aims to turn the city into an export-orientated hub. The city has awarded a two-year contract to the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NafcocJCCI) to help small businesses to produce and deliver exportable products and services. The chamber's services will include gathering market intelligence, facilitating product and export development and providing trade-related training and mentoring. Parks Tau, a Johannesburg councilor, says the city wants to establish a trade and investment programme to create and disseminate information related to export development. He says the city will also seek to support current and potential exporters while facilitating local and foreign investment. Tau, a member of the council's mayoral committee for community development, says the economic development unit of the city is formulating an initial trade promotion and investment facilitation strategy. Exporting can be a daunting prospect for some SMMEs. Concerns about language and cultural problems, mountains of paperwork, the extra time and financial investment involved and worries about getting paid on time, may put many companies off the first hurdle. However, even though trading internationally should never be entered into lightly, there are many markets that can afford SMMEs a relatively easy passage into the world of exporting. NafcocJCCI CEO Keith Brebnor says the municipality chose the chamber as its implementation agent because of its role in the facilitation of international trade JCCI offers training courses on international trade. He says more than 5000 individuals have completed the chamber's diploma courses on import and export management since 1989. The World Trade Point Federation, a Geneva, Switzerland-based nongovernmental organisation, has established about 100 trade points in 90 developing countries. Trade points are intended to promote the participation of small businesses in international trade, and the programme is co-ordinated in SA by the trade and industry department's Small Enterprise Development Agency. JCCI is the official trade point operator for Johannesburg.



The Johannesburg trade point targets entrepreneurs in the informal economy who have the potential to penetrate export markets or the capacity to increase their existing trade links. Tau says the support initiative starts with a diagnostic exercise aimed at establishing whether a company has the products, services and resources to export successfully. The second stage entails the development of an export strategy. Key questions such as which markets offer the greatest opportunity will be analysed and discussed with the SMME, Tau says. The next stage will be to offer training to the exporters.

We are looking at providing basics on exporting and on export marketing. Finally, NafcocJCCI will be on hand to offer an after-care service to the exporters.

Copyright 2006 Times Media Ltd.. Source: Financial Times Information Limited - Europe Intelligence Wire.

Small businesses get technology boost

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)
Small businesses get technology boost. Check it out:
(Business Day (South Africa) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Small businesses get technology boost SA's rural poor are set to benefit from an agreement between India, Brazil and SA on the exchange of technologies intended to assist small businesses, writes Mathabo le Roux SEDA, government's small enterprise development agency, has earmarked initial funds of R14m for the acquisition of technology predominantly for the benefit of small and microenterprises operating in the second economy.



The small business development agencies of the three countries, which have a co-operation agreement in place in terms of an initiative dubbed the India, Brazil and SA (Ibsa) forum, recently held a trinations summit in Durban with the aim of strengthening the linkages between these agencies and fostering co-operation in the area of small business development.

Like SA, Brazil and India are trying to fast-track the development of their economies to alleviate poverty and grow employment.

A technology working group was set up at the summit to facilitate an exchange of technologies between the three countries that could benefit small and microenterprises, says Charles Wyeth, head of the Seda technology programme.

Identified as priority areas are businesses operating in sectors that are also seen as strategic in terms of the trade and industry department's new industrial policy. These include agribusiness, clothing and textiles and other manufacturing businesses, which fit in with government's aim to advance beneficiation.

According to Wyeth, technology development is far more advanced in India and Brazil than in SA, particularly in the area of rural development. These countries have many different products suitable for small-scale farming and there is now a real opportunity for us to access that technology at significantly lower costs than is available locally. Particularly attractive is technology developed in India for the processing of small quantities of product for niche sectors of the export market. SA traditionally uses processing technology better suited to large-scale farming operations. Obtaining technology that is small business-friendly would facilitate the establishment of small-scale farmers and lower input costs for these operations, opening up export opportunities that did not previously exist, Wyeth says.

A technology transfer fund has been set up for the programme, which disburses money in the form of a grant for the acquisition of technologies to improve efficiencies, productivity and profitability.

While the fund is only capitalised to the tune of R14m, the programme will track the impact of the fund to motivate to the trade and industry department and treasury when it feels funding should be increased.

The value of grants varies between R250000 and R450000, with funding capped at R500000.

In its first year the programme received 93 applications. Applications are assessed in terms of geographical location, maturity of the business and skills level, the goal being to maintain an 80/20 balance of allocations in favour of enterprises operating in the second economy. Wyeth says the programme includes an elaborate set of criteria to ensure that allocations to second economy enterprises are prioritised.

Copyright 2006 Times Media Ltd.. Source: Financial Times Information Limited - Europe Intelligence Wire.

Range of options widened by fresh entrants

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)
Range of options widened by fresh entrants. Check it out:
(Lloyds List Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Competition in ship finance shows no signs of abating.

This is not because 'tourist' banks are visiting the industry to make a quick killing.

Serious newcomers have entered the industry at a time when established shipping banks are fighting to increase market share, cross-sell services and offer new products.

Moreover, shipowners are cash-rich and more creditworthy, thus having access to a wider range of capital providers outside the bank market.

Indeed, with Asian nations such as China and Singapore becoming more of a force in ship finance, this competitive trend seems unlikely to reverse in the absence of a dramatic and widespread downturn in freight markets.

Against this background, it is unclear whether banks have halted the protracted decline in loan margins, although the bottom of the market has been mistakenly called several times.

One shipping banker comments: 'I would like to say we should have touched bottom, but as long as markets remain hot and lenders compete, there is no such a thing as the bottom of the market.'

Refinancings, which have taken up capacity because of the size of the deals, may be coming to an end at this stage of the cycle.

Owners have committed themselves for five years and should be content with the keener interest rates and structures obtained.

However, a further rash of refinancings could be triggered if the shipping industry goes into consolidation mode.

Asset values continue to be dauntingly high, as exemplified by Frontline's sale of the 2006-built VLCC Front Beijing for a record price of $141.5m a good $12m-$13m above what it would cost to order a newbuilding.

VLCCs are not alone in attracting this level of optimism about short-term prospects newbuilding prices are lagging those of modern second-hand tonnage in several shipping segments.

As a result, bankers are having to grapple with loan-to-value ratios that could become disturbing if freight markets slide to a significant degree.

However, bankers are quick to point out that faith in a decision to advance funds is not only about the loan-to-value ratio but cash generation.

'If you are absolutely certain about the cash position, loan-to-values can be higher,' one financier observes.

'But you need quality charter support.'

As well as coping with low margins, albeit on loans to customers with an improved credit profile, and historically high asset prices the banks are also facing growing competition from financial sources in the East.

Singapore's new Maritime Finance Incentive show signs of taking off, with four ship leasing companies last month being granted approved shipping investment enterprise status by the Singapore government.

The scheme is designed to attract non-bank ship finance sources to Singapore through tax exemption on qualifying income.

Further east lurk the big Chinese banks.

They have yet to make their mark in international shipping finance as they remain focused on Chinese assets, but the day when they do so will not be long in dawning.

Evidence of their changing outlook emerged recently with the plans of Industrial ' Commercial Bank of China, one of the country's largest ship finance banks, to undertake a record-breaking $19bn dual initial public offering in Hong Kong and Shanghai this month.



China is not just about threats to the ship finance establishment, however; it is also about opportunity.

Last month, Norwegian ship finance bank DnB NOR became the first foreign institution to provide a mortgage loan to a Chinese shipowner with a facility to finance the acquisition of two vessels that will be flagged in China.

The landmark deal places the bank in open competition with Chinese domestic banks such as the Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the Bank of Communications for a slice of the country's huge ship finance market.

In this transaction, DnB NOR has agreed to provide $38.4m to Shanghai Time Shipping for acquisition of panamax and handymax bulk carriers.

The deal was confirmed after DnB NOR won approval from the China Banking Regulatory Commission to open a full service branch office in Shanghai with a full banking licence to carry out foreign currency transactions in China.

Several similar deals are said to be in the pipeline following the Shanghai Times Shipping loan.

DnB NOR chief executive Svein Aaser comments: 'While lending to China's shipping industry will be our primary activity now, eventually the bank aims to extend its portfolio into wider maritime-related activities such as funding for port development and for work in the energy sector.'

Now DnB NOR has opened the door, will others be bold enough to follow it through?

Copyright 2006 Informa Martime Trade and Transport

GigaBeam WiFiber(R) Installed by Global Capacity Group in Dallas, TX

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)
GigaBeam WiFiber(R) Installed by Global Capacity Group in Dallas, TX. Check it out:
HERNDON, Va. --(Business Wire)-- GigaBeam Corporation (NASDAQ:GGBM) announced today that WiFiber(R) wireless fiber has been installed by Global Capacity Group, Inc. ("GCG"), a provider of network bandwidth to enterprises, in support of a campus local area network ("LAN") application in Dallas, Texas.



John Abraham, co-founder of GCG, said, "We were researching ways to quickly provide Gig-E bandwidth capacity for a customer that needed to extend LAN connectivity to a new location. We had less than two weeks to provide a solution and the option of trenching a terrestrial fiber network was impractical. GigaBeam's WiFiber was the ideal solution to address real world business circumstances. The WiFiber was successfully installed resulting in a very satisfied customer with gigabit per second connectivity, delivered on time and within budget."

Lou Slaughter, GigaBeam's Chairman and CEO, stated, "We are thrilled that GCG chose WiFiber for this application. Our WiFiber can be installed seamlessly within a terrestrial fiber network. It is an ideal choice for customers like Global Capacity Group that require significant bandwidth, fast and flexible deployment and a cost-effective solution."

GigaBeam WiFiber products operate in the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz radio spectrum bands. This portion of the radio frequency spectrum has been authorized by the Federal Communications Commission for wireless point-to-point commercial use. Use of these frequency bands for commercial use was pioneered by GigaBeam's founders.

GigaBeam's technology, utilizing these large blocks of authorized contiguous spectrum, enables multi-Gigabit-per-second communications through use of Gigabit Ethernet and other standard protocols. The current speed achieved by GigaBeam's WiFiber G-1.25 product series is full duplex at one Gigabit-per-second (equivalent to 647 T1 lines or 1,000 DSL connections) which supports GigE protocol. GigaBeam recently announced its WiFiber G-2.7 series, to be released in Q4, 2006, which will operate at 2.7 Gbps. The protocols to be supported by the G-2.7 product series include 2 x GigE (2 x 1 Gbps); OC-48 / STM-16 (2.488 Gbps); SMPTE 292M (1.485 Gbps) and both 1 and 2 Gbps fiber channel. GigaBeam also plans deployment of future products capable of 10 Gigabits-per-second utilizing either the 10 Gigabit Ethernet or OC-192 protocol standards.

GigaBeam's WiFiber technology is similar to terrestrial fiber in terms of speed and reliability for deployment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANS). However, WiFiber has a substantial advantage over terrestrial fiber because WiFiber can be deployed in a day and costs less to deploy than terrestrial fiber. Terrestrial fiber can take months to deploy and also require significant regulatory and environmental approvals prior to installation.

About GigaBeam Corporation

GigaBeam is a provider of high-performance wireless point-to-point communications access solutions that operate in the licensed 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz radio spectrum bands. GigaBeam equipment operates at multi-gigabit-per-second speeds. GigaBeam Corporation headquarters is located at 470 Springpark Place, Suite 900, Herndon, VA 20170. For more information, visit www.gigabeam.com.

Global Capacity Group, Inc.

Global Capacity Group launched in 2001 as a single point of contact to locate, procure and manage off-net capacity for Tier 1 carriers. The Houston-based company evolved into network-neutral bandwidth logistics experts, delivering a wide range of wholesale network services to both carriers and large enterprise customers. Today, GCG also provides enterprises the technical expertise to design, build and manage complex communications networks through the application layer, using best-in-class providers to deliver business-specific solutions. For more information, visit www.globalcapacity.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release regarding GigaBeam's products, services, capabilities, performance, opportunities, development and business outlook that are forward-looking involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond GigaBeam's control and difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from these anticipated, expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to: lack of operating history, transitioning from a development company to an operating company, difficulties in distinguishing GigaBeam's products and services, ability to manufacture and deploy GigaBeam's products, lack of or delay in market acceptance and fluctuations in customer demand, dependence on a limited number of significant customers, reliance on third party vendors and strategic partners, availability of raw materials, subassemblies and components, ability to meet future capital requirements on acceptable terms, continuing uncertainty in the telecommunications industry and the global economy, intense competition in the telecommunications equipment industry and resulting impact on pricing and general financial performance, compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements, timing, availability and success of new technology and product introductions and the other factors discussed in GigaBeam's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Your Lenovo laptop may sport Made in India tag

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)
Your Lenovo laptop may sport Made in India tag. Check it out:
(The Economic Times (India) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) : If personal computer major Lenovo's plans materialise, laptops will soon have a 'Made in India' tag. The Chinese major plans to start laptop manufacturing operations in India.

The manufacturing will begin soon from IBM's Pondicherry plant where the firm already makes desktops, said sources. The rationale behind starting laptop manufacturing here to is to ensure faster delivery to customers. Added to this is the fact that the cost of making laptops in India is much lower than in other Asian countries.



In this cut-throat competition market, where margins are wafer-thin and the slightest drop in sales can affect the business, Lenovo is making sure that it establishes itself well in the Indian market.

But it is unlikely there will be an impact on the prices. The company will manufacture the R-series of Thinkpad models, which are doing very well. Lenovo officials didn't respond to an email by ET.

After acquiring IBM's PC division last year, Lenovo wanted to tap markets outside China. The closest- and the fastest-growing market, India, is top priority for the computer major.

In February this year, under the chairman, a special advisory board was set to launch Lenovo's transaction business model outside China for the first time. The prime focus was to push for the Chinese computer giant's consumer range of products like personal computers and India emerged as an ideal test market.

The board comprises of senior management officials from across the world including China, India and the US like Ravi Marwaha, senior vice-president (Geography), Lenovo, added sources. The India transactional model deployment seems to have been successful and now the company plans to introduce the same in the Asean region as well.

For the same, Sanjeev Menon, GM (notebooks), Lenovo will also move to the Asean headquarters in Singapore. Post acquisition, Lenovo realised that they are addressing only 64% of the enterprise level market. To increase their reach and woo small customers, Lenovo has introduced entry level laptops and desktops.

The fact that the India market is growing at 23% as compared to A-PAC, which is growing at 10% annually, makes it a preferred destination to start manufacturing notebooks along with PCs. The company is stepping up its plans on the retail side as well.

There are plans to open more than a hundred exclusive showrooms displaying both desktops and laptops in B and C grade towns in the next one year. Currently, India contributes 7-8% of revenues to Lenovo's kitty but this will increase multi-fold as the business will start picking up from the next financial year, said sources.

Copyright 2006 The Economic Times of India, Coleman & Co Ltd. Source : Financial Times Information Limited

Lenovo may soon be 'Made in India'

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)
Lenovo may soon be 'Made in India'. Check it out:
(The Economic Times (India) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) : If personal computer major Lenovo's plans materialise, laptops will soon have a 'Made in India' tag. The Chinese major plans to start laptop manufacturing operations in India.

The manufacturing will begin soon from IBM's Pondicherry plant where the firm already makes desktops, said sources. The rationale behind starting laptop manufacturing here to is to ensure faster delivery to customers. Added to this is the fact that the cost of making laptops in India is much lower than in other Asian countries.



In this cut-throat competition market, where margins are wafer-thin and the slightest drop in sales can affect the business, Lenovo is making sure that it establishes itself well in the Indian market.

But it is unlikely there will be an impact on the prices. The company will manufacture the R-series of Thinkpad models, which are doing very well. Lenovo officials didn't respond to an email by ET.

After acquiring IBM's PC division last year, Lenovo wanted to tap markets outside China. The closest- and the fastest-growing market, India, is top priority for the computer major.

In February this year, under the chairman, a special advisory board was set to launch Lenovo's transaction business model outside China for the first time. The prime focus was to push for the Chinese computer giant's consumer range of products like personal computers and India emerged as an ideal test market.

The board comprises of senior management officials from across the world including China, India and the US like Ravi Marwaha, senior vice-president (Geography), Lenovo, added sources. The India transactional model deployment seems to have been successful and now the company plans to introduce the same in the Asean region as well.

For the same, Sanjeev Menon, GM (notebooks), Lenovo will also move to the Asean headquarters in Singapore. Post acquisition, Lenovo realised that they are addressing only 64% of the enterprise level market. To increase their reach and woo small customers, Lenovo has introduced entry level laptops and desktops.

The fact that the India market is growing at 23% as compared to A-PAC, which is growing at 10% annually, makes it a preferred destination to start manufacturing notebooks along with PCs. The company is stepping up its plans on the retail side as well.

There are plans to open more than a hundred exclusive showrooms displaying both desktops and laptops in B and C grade towns in the next one year. Currently, India contributes 7-8% of revenues to Lenovo's kitty but this will increase multi-fold as the business will start picking up from the next financial year, said sources.

Copyright 2006 The Economic Times of India, Coleman & Co Ltd. Source : Financial Times Information Limited

The Ghanaian and Customer Service

By
Tom Keating
on October 3, 2006 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)
The Ghanaian and Customer Service. Check it out:
(Public Agenda (Ghana) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) The single most important thing to remember about any enterprise is that there are no results inside its walls. The result of a business is a satisfied customer Peter Drucker.

Mr. Speaker, Honorable majority members, Honorable members of the minority, ladies and gentlemen.

I have been brooding over the position of the customer in our business organizations. I can safely say everyone is a customer, at one time but not everyone can be called a worker or a key figure in an organization. We can say the same for all road users; everyone is a pedestrian, at one time but not everyone is a driver. What this means is that the word customer is without limitations for age, class, position or creed. I think I can safely say that the Ghanaian customer is the least respected in the organizational setting, even though many companies or corporations claim to put the customer at the heart of their operations. Have you been a victim of some rude behavior from an employee of some organization before? I have, and you should have walked the same path to appreciate my concerns in this piece. In our part of the world, the customer experiences gross disrespect from the level of the individual employee to the corporate level.



The phenomenon has been the characteristic of our public sector since Adam and the private sector seems to have joined the fray, and the Ghanaian customer can only gird his/her loins to suffer the more. Many of the employees in the ministries, agencies, and their departments have constantly shown gross disrespect to clients who throng their workplaces to solicit their help. Sometimes, a simple phone call is enough for a client to form all the negative impressions about the behavior of some employees. You go to an office to attempt to meet the boss and you have to wait until all the people who put on suit have had their turns to meet the boss before you are given any audience.

Only God knows what will happen to you if you dare complain that you got to the office before those in suit. Our mindsets have been so brainwashed into thinking that all those who put on such apparels are the more influential or the richer in society, for which reason we have to treat those who depart from this tradition with all the contempt they deserve. It is a fact that we have not as yet (as a country) developed to the point where we can boast of a national language so we assume that the lingua franca for organizational practice in Ghana is the English language, but guess what?, you call the secretary's desk in an organization and she assumes you are Ga or Fanti and begins to speak in a local language with you; you answer back in English (not because you can't speak the language with which she addresses you) and she calls you "too known" and bangs the phone.

The sordid experiences customers have gone through are amazing. These customers usually need nothing more than answers to simple questions or they need to be offered simple services but they have to kowtow before they get help. These employees, on appointment, soon think they are doing the customer huge favors, and without them society will come to a halt. The client is forced to be complicit in this phenomenon because he/she has no alternative areas to seek such services. The usual excuse is poor remuneration, poor pension and retention schemes, among others that prevent them from showing simple levels of courtesy to clients. Courtesy is such a rare commodity in our business practices!

Nepotism and favoritism are to blame. We have the tendency to fill several of our positions with relatives, friends, and other acquaintances. Such workers never feel threatened, even if their behavior is reported to managements of the organizations. If the secretary has intimate moments with the boss what do you expect?

Let's look at the corporate world. Look at the services our cellular companies are giving us? I am getting tired of hearing "the ..number you dialed cannot be reached at this moment" when, in fact, the phone, which is the target of the call has not been switched off. For so many years, the Ghanaian has been assured of a better service but the more he/she waits the more the service degenerates. The situation is not better between phone users of the same company. As for calls from landlines to cellular phones the least said about them the better. Sometime one is told to dial 9...9 or other numbers in addition to the phone number and nothing comes out of that. How should a customer go through such hustle after paying huge sums of money? It is just not fair! I get so frustrated when I have to struggle to get the cherished opportunity to talk to my family in Ghana, sometimes spending an hour just to get through.

Our corporate organizations are taking us for a ride and the Ghanaian is not getting the equivalent of the services he/she has paid for. I am told that cellular phone users who patronize radio and TV text messaging lose more than the two credits (units) they are told, and all this happens on their blind side. The excuse we are given is the never-ending rift between Ghana Telecom and some cellular phone companies but the NCA that is to mediate on behalf of the customer has done little to safeguard the interest of the customer. This is robbery! It is a shame!

A middle-aged woman who had paid for a phone connection from Ghana Telecom had to sit in one of the errand trucks of Ghana Telecom, and it was not after she had refused to get down from the vehicle that workers of the company drove to her place of residence to get the phone connected for her. We can't live in a society with such level of non-performance and lack of respect for client needs and interests. When I pay for some services, I expect that the organization that promised to take care of my interest should not do otherwise. Last week, a Mozambican friend was full of praise for workers of a cellular phone company, here, in the USA, for speedily taking care of a work order she had sent to the company. There isn't much difference between Ghana and the countries of the Western orientation. All the skyscrapers they have, Ghana has; the only big difference is their attitude is their response to work. We have to show some respect for clients who patronize our services.

The main problem with our system is the monopoly some organizations enjoy; they know at the end of the day customers have no other places to go for those services and so no matter how poor their services are, the client will stay. What can disrupt this traditional static order is competition which will give the patron of an organization's service choices to be able decide which one he/she wants. If I feel dissatisfied with some service(s) I should be able to turn elsewhere for an alternative service.

Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media. (allafrica.com)

Copyright 2006 Accra Mail. Distributed by Allafrica Global Media.

Glovia Services Inc. Launched as Market's First Provider of SaaS Solutions Specifically Designed for Small and Midsized Manufacturing Companies

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:39 PM | | Comments (0)
Glovia Services Inc. Launched as Market's First Provider of SaaS Solutions Specifically Designed for Small and Midsized Manufacturing Companies. Check it out:
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Glovia International Inc., a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited and leading provider of extended ERP solutions for engineer-to-order and high-volume manufacturers, today announced the introduction of Glovia Services Inc. -- a new company that is the industry's first provider of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions specifically designed to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) manage their manufacturing processes.



In conjunction with the launch of Glovia Services Inc., the company introduced GSInnovate, a manufacturing solution based on Glovia's successful existing manufacturing product. With its innovative delivery model, GSInnovate is a market-first. The solution supports the management of many manufacturing processes on a state-of-the-art SaaS technology platform that delivers overall business performance with minimal investment and risk.

Glovia Services Inc. is the only company that has a comprehensive SaaS solution specifically designed to help manufacturers in the SMB market manage key processes such as inventory management, order management, procurement and financial/accounting management. The GSInnovate solution is based on a SaaS delivery model in which there is no actual software, hardware or infrastructure for the SMB manufacturer to purchase or maintain. A SaaS application is accessed over the Internet with a browser, eliminating the upfront costs of hardware, licenses and expensive technical staff required to maintain these systems.

Glovia Services Inc. will focus its solutions exclusively on this growing marketplace of smaller manufacturers--a market typically underserved by traditional application solution providers. According to AMR Research, the SMB market represents a multibillion-dollar growth opportunity for enterprise technology.

"We are launching Glovia Services Inc. in response to the growing needs within the SMB manufacturing industry. In today's market, sophisticated manufacturing management applications are not easily available to smaller companies with limited internal IT resources and strict budgets. Nevertheless, to remain competitive, these manufacturers must address the same challenges as much larger firms such as global market pressures, meeting compliance mandates and demands by OEMs for supply chain processes innovations," said Randy Ehler, Glovia Services Inc's president & CEO.

GSInnovate answers these challenges with an innovative delivery model that provides users with top manufacturing management capabilities at an attractive pricing structure, along with rapid implementation capabilities and ongoing solution support. This winning combination ensures manufacturers realize maximum business benefits with a minimum investment and very low risk."

Deep Manufacturing Heritage - Innovative Technology Delivery Platform

The GSInnovate solution leverages the rich technology heritage and deep industry expertise of both Glovia International Inc. and the entire Fujitsu Group. Glovia International Inc. has a 30-year history of success in the manufacturing industry with comprehensive solutions that are used by leading manufacturing companies. Fujitsu is the world's third largest IT services company.

About Glovia Services Inc.

Glovia Services Inc. supports manufacturers in achieving their business goals by providing an integrated set of applications to address all facets of a manufacturer's business operations. The company's GSInnovate solution is the market's first comprehensive, solution that helps small and emerging manufacturing companies improve business performance. Built with 30-years of best practices in manufacturing and technology, the GSInnovate solution is cost effective, quick to implement and embeds best practices templates, resulting in a rapid return on investment and competitive advantage. For more information please visit www.gsinnovate.com, or call 310-563-8700 or 877-474-8896 (toll free).

About Glovia International

Glovia International Inc., a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6702), is one of the world's most experienced and solidly backed providers of extended ERP solutions for businesses of any size--from small and midsized companies to global enterprises. The powerful and flexible Glovia ERP suite, glovia.com, provides for the unique needs of engineer-to-order, make-to-order, high volume and mixed-mode manufacturing environments through comprehensive, end-to-end functionality for the entire product lifecycle. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Glovia has helped manufacturers to cut costs, improve productivity, and meet customer demands for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.glovia.com or call (800) 223-3799.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting device technologies, highly reliable computing and communications products, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts uniquely position Fujitsu to deliver comprehensive solutions that open up infinite possibilities for its customers' success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of about 4.8 trillion yen (US $40.6 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com.

Perficient Ranked #5 on the IBD(R) 100 Top-Rated Stocks List

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:39 PM | | Comments (0)
Perficient Ranked #5 on the IBD(R) 100 Top-Rated Stocks List. Check it out:
AUSTIN, Texas --(Business Wire)-- Perficient, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRFT), a leading information technology consulting firm serving Global 2000 and other large enterprise customers throughout the United States, today announced that it has been ranked #5 on the most recent Investor Business Daily's IBD 100(R) Top-Rated Stocks List.



According to IBD, The IBD(R) 100 Top-Rated Stocks (formerly IBD(R) 100 SmartLink) is IBD's weekly computer-generated ranking of the leading companies in America and the highest-rated stocks available today. The IBD(R) 100 stock list features companies that show superior earnings and strong price performance. Rankings are based on a combination of each company's recent earnings growth record; IBD's Composite Rating, which includes key measures such as return on equity, sales growth and profit margins; and relative price performance in the last 12 months.

"We're excited that our performance and potential is being so highly regarded on this influential list," said Perficient chairman and chief executive Jack McDonald. "IBD has been identifying high-growth companies and important market trends for investors for more than three decades. Their recent recognition of Perficient is testament to the progress we've made and the opportunities ahead for the company, our employees, our clients and our shareholders."

Additionally, IBD's Stock Checkup(TM) has currently awarded Perficient an A+ rating, with an overall score of 98 out of a possible 100 points. Among its peer group in the Computer - Tech Services Group, Perficient is currently ranked 'Best in Group' and #1 out of 72 companies on an overall and fundamental basis.

About Perficient

Perficient is a leading information technology consulting firm serving Global 2000 and other large enterprise customers throughout the United States. Perficient helps clients gain competitive advantage by using Internet-based technologies to make their businesses more responsive to market opportunities and threats, strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers and partners, improve productivity and reduce information technology costs. Perficient is a member of the Russell 2000(R) index and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market(SM), a market for public companies that meet the highest listing standards in the world. Perficient is an award-winning "Premier Level" IBM business partner, a TeamTIBCO partner, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, a Documentum Select Services Team Partner and an Oracle-Siebel partner. For more information about Perficient, which employs more than 950 professionals, please visit www.perficient.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risk and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's current expectations and the forward-looking statements made in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include, but not limited to, the impact of competitive services, demand for services like those provided by the company and market acceptance risks, fluctuations in operating results, cyclical market pressures on the technology industry, the ability to manage strains associated with the company's growth, credit risks associated with the company's accounts receivable, the company's ability to continue to attract and retain high quality employees, accurately set fees for and timely complete its current and future client projects, the company's ability to identify, compete for and complete strategic acquisition and partnership opportunities, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's filings with Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

Zilliant Releases 6.0 Piece for CRM Puzzle

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:39 PM | | Comments (0)
Zilliant Releases 6.0 Piece for CRM Puzzle. Check it out:

Austin, Texas-based Zilliant, a vendor of data-driven price management software for business-to-business companies, has announced the general release of the Zilliant Precision Pricing Suite version 6.0, of the company's pricing software.



 

Company officials say ZPPS 6.0 provides "significant enhancements across all pricing applications including ZPPS Optimization, Price Manager, Deal Manager and Analytics."

Greg Peters, CEO, Zilliant said that in addition to increased product functionality and platform support, ZPPS 6.0 also "improves usability making it easier than ever for pricing stakeholders to make smarter, data-driven pricing decisions."

Such products are getting more popular in the CRM world. "Through 2009, price optimization technology will have the greatest impact on improving the top line revenue and profitability of any business application," says Rob DeSisto, Vice President of CRM at Gartner (News - Alert). "The results of organizations implementing pricing optimization have been significant. Margin uplifts of 10% and profit enhancements of 15% or more have been the norm rather than the exception."

This May Zilliant announced that Zilliant Precision Pricing Suite 5.4 completed formal integration certification testing with SAP (News - Alert) NetWeaver.

Email:
Gartner
SAP
Sapphire
mySAP
Following the release of Zilliant’s Price Integration Framework, which provides connectivity between ZPPS 5.4 and enterprise order management applications, the “Powered by SAP NetWeaver” qualification was part of Zilliant’s strategy of integrating its science-based price setting and execution applications with mySAP ERP, mySAP Customer Relationship management (mySAP CRM), and SAP applications, company officials said at the time.

Eric Hills, Zilliant’s vice president of marketing explained at the time that the customer, order, and product data at the heart of SAP’s applications “allows ZPPS to engineer precise price recommendations for every sales transaction across all channels.”

ZPPS 6.0 enhancements improved graphical user interface enhances visibility to the market dynamics and business rules driving price recommendations, decision support capabilities that allow companies to assess the impact of cost, price and discount changes on future financial performance, capabilities to manage and analyze complex price agreements as well as usability improvements including comparative impact summaries and scenario development and new subscription-based capabilities for access to relevant pricing information and insights.

ZPPS 6.0 enhancements reflect Zilliant’s "continued emphasis on science-based capabilities, specifically ZPPS Optimization, because of their proven returns," officials explain.

David Sims is a contributing editor for TMCnet. For more articles please visit David Sims’ columnist page.

Above All Software to Showcase Business Value of Composite Applications at Dreamforce '06

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:38 PM | | Comments (0)
Above All Software to Showcase Business Value of Composite Applications at Dreamforce '06. Check it out:
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Above All(R) Software, a provider of award-winning business integration software, today announced that the company will have a significant presence at Dreamforce '06, salesforce.com's (NYSE:CRM) user and developer conference, to help educate salesforce.com customers of the benefits of composite applications and enterprise mashups.



On Monday, October 9 at 11:30 am, Above All Vice President of Products, Deborah Scharfetter, will be speaking on a panel titled "Integration Strategies in a SaaS Environment" led by Cindy Warner, Senior Vice President, Global Integration Services for salesforce.com. The session is intended to help salesforce.com customers understand how to develop a predictable, reusable, and scalable integration strategy for their enterprise.

Above All composite applications have been deployed at numerous salesforce.com customers. These customers have used the Above All Composite Application Platform(TM) to extend Salesforce functionality and integrate with a variety of back office solutions, thereby enabling sales and support personnel to be even more effective and efficient. Representatives of several of these companies will be attending Dreamforce '06, including Intrep, Bell Canada, CSA, Mitchell International, and PGP.

In addition, Above All and salesforce.com are co-sponsoring a "Dreamforce Mashup Party" at the DNA Lounge at 375 11th St, San Francisco on Tuesday, October 10 at 8pm for all Dreamforce attendees, especially members of the AppExchange Developer Network.

At the Dreamforce conference, Above All will be exhibiting in Booth #411.

About AppExchange Developer Network

AppExchange Developer Network (http://developer.appexchange.com) provides the community, tools and resources to let developers build new applications for the AppExchange. Now any developer in the world -- with access to just a Web browser and Internet connection -- can harness the power of the world's most popular multi-tenant platform to create new applications and mashups from scratch. With toolkits and resources for most popular development languages, including AJAX, Java, .NET and PHP, developers can also combine those applications with other Internet services to create new business mashups, allowing developers, ISVs and IT organizations to easily leverage The Business Web in their projects and offerings.

Developers interested in using the toolkits and the AppExchange on-demand platform available can sign up for a free Developer Edition at http://developer.appexchange.com.

About Above All Software

Above All Software provides award-winning software for rapid composite application assembly and delivery, enabling companies to leverage a service-oriented architecture to meet changing business needs. This new, flexible service-level approach simplifies and reduces the cost of business integration. Above All's customers include Bell Canada, CSA, Hilton, Medtronic, and NASDAQ. Above All has alliances with some of the leading names in software, including Good Technology, Microsoft, salesforce.com, Siebel Systems/Oracle, and Systinet/HP. Headquartered in Redwood Shores, CA, Above All is privately held. For more information about Above All, visit our Web site at www.aboveallsoftware.com or call 800-819-5530.

NOTE: Above All is a registered trademark of Above All Software in the United States and/or other countries. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Rogue Wave Software to Discuss Strategies for Achieving High Performance Through SOA

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:38 PM | | Comments (0)
Rogue Wave Software to Discuss Strategies for Achieving High Performance Through SOA. Check it out:
--(Business Wire)-- Rogue Wave Software: 

Who:    Patrick Leonard, Vice President Product Development, Rogue
      Wave Software.
      Leonard will be joined by Khalid Monsour, Vice President
      Enterprise Integration, CIBER, and Henry Truong, Chief
      Technology Officer, Teletech Holdings.
What:    In this workshop, participants will be exposed to
      real-world examples of the obstacles encountered in
      migrating to a SOA-based environment, as well as
      successful tools and techniques to achieve the
      scalability, throughput and interoperability required for
      success. Over the next several years, the volume of data
      and processing requirements in many organizations is
      expected to grow dramatically. This workshop will allow
      for participants to interact in a panel discussion on
      understanding how SOA fits in to this growing trend and
      how their company should prepare and respond to it.
When:    Thursday, October 5, 2006
      Networking:           4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
      Workshop:            4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
      Networking and Refreshments:  5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Where:   Denver Software Club
      Denver Tech Center
Contact:  For more information about the event please visit the
      Denver Software Club's website at
      Click here to learn more about e911 and its impact on VoIP

">http://www.denversoftware.org.

KeyBank Selects Procuri TotalSource to Unlock Supply Savings and Standardize Strategic Sourcing Processes

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:38 PM | | Comments (0)
KeyBank Selects Procuri TotalSource to Unlock Supply Savings and Standardize Strategic Sourcing Processes. Check it out:
ATLANTA --(Business Wire)-- Procuri, the global leader in On Demand Supply Management solutions, today announced that KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY), one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, selected Procuri TotalSource to streamline and automate its strategic sourcing processes.



With TotalSource enhancing their sourcing processes, the company expects to achieve an incremental 5 percent savings on goods and services sourced enterprise-wide and a 25 percent time savings. After an extensive two-year market evaluation of sourcing providers, KeyBank selected Procuri based on its On Demand model, reputation for listening and implementing customer feedback, and its cost effective, Software-as-a-Service pricing structure.

"We are excited to use Procuri's TotalSource solution to enable our organization to achieve strategic sourcing excellence," said Deborah Manos, EVP director of Corporate Sourcing and Real Estate for KeyBank. "Procuri will allow our organization to easily and quickly conduct sourcing events, gain control over our sourcing processes through standardized templates and achieve a consistent, repeatable process."

KeyBank will immediately leverage Procuri TotalSource to speed and optimize sourcing for renovation materials and services, such as carpet, paint, and repair services in KeyCenters across the U.S. Procuri TotalSource will enable KeyBank to make best-value sourcing decisions that deliver an optimal mix of global suppliers, products and services in any spend category.

"We are very happy to have KeyBank as a new Procuri customer. Their selection of Procuri is yet more proof that On Demand strategic sourcing has an immediate and very real impact on businesses," said Mark Morel, Procuri's president and CEO. "TotalSource's rapid deployments, ability to standardize and automate processes, and numerous advantages of the On Demand model allows customers to quickly gain savings and a competitive advantage."

About KeyCorp

Cleveland-based KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $95 billion. Key companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally.

About Procuri Inc.

Procuri leads the On Demand Supply Management industry with more than 350 customers of all sizes, industries, geographies and the highest customer-retention rate. Customers like Georgia-Pacific, Sun Microsystems, U.S. Steel, Baxter Healthcare, Cadbury Schweppes and National City Corp leverage Procuri solutions to negotiate best-value supply relationships and drive continuous improvements in performance and cost. Procuri's On Demand solutions for spend analysis, supplier management, strategic sourcing, contract management and compliance are comprehensive, cost effective, fast to deploy, and always available. For more information, call 1-877-360-1600 or visit www.procuri.com. All copyright, registration and trademarks for Procuri, Inc., Procuri, Procuri TotalSource, Procuri TotalSupplier, TotalContracts and Procuri TotalAnalytics. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

CIBER Awarded $2.3 Million Port Freeport Waterside Perimeter Protection Project

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:38 PM | | Comments (0)
CIBER Awarded $2.3 Million Port Freeport Waterside Perimeter Protection Project. Check it out:
FREEPORT, Texas, Oct. 2 -- CIBER, Inc. today announced its Federal Solutions Division has been awarded the Port Freeport, Texas, Waterside Perimeter Protection Project, valued at $2.3 million. Port Freeport chose CIBER's Harbor Management and Security (HMS) solution to fulfill its unique needs for a shared system for regional port users. The system delivers both a port security, port safety, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and a port management system, all rolled into one integrated solution.



(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010927/CBRLOGO)
"CIBER's Harbor Management Security (HMS) system was chosen over the other competitors because of its unique design and approach," said Al Durel, Port Freeport's Director of Operations. "The system can do as much for Port Freeport's business operations and management of the port as it does to improve both safety and security within the port. We felt CIBER's system was far above the others we evaluated because of its unique multi-mission capabilities and integrated design. It is the only system we have seen that gives us a state-of-the-art shared regional waterside perimeter security solution for the region's facilities in one integrated system. The system simultaneously provides us the technology and business process improvements to keep up with the significant growth in Port Freeport's commerce."

The Port Freeport contract is significant in part because the port is adding large new liquid natural gas (LNG) facilities which will soon be in operation. Dow Chemical, BASF and other petrochemical companies operate facilities in the port, and they will benefit from the shared system CIBER will implement.

Earlier this year, CIBER completed a similar integrated multi-mission maritime system for the Port of Lake Charles, La., the largest LNG port in the U.S. That system was the first of its kind that offered a shared, multi- mission, integrated technological and business approach to protecting a port region and providing a type of Maritime Domain Awareness for a large region comprising hundreds of users across dozens of local, state, federal and private organizations.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also implemented a national maritime security project using CIBER's HMS system in the last year.

"Port Freeport's goal with the new port security system is to provide one integrated and shared regional system that capitalizes on our existing technologies," said Port Freeport's Security Manager Rick Benavidez. "The current video surveillance system and wireless network will be integrated with CIBER's new technologies, such as intelligent radar; three modes of secure command and control (C2) situational displays (for command centers, mobile patrol boats, and authorized web based external users), automatic identification system (AIS) base stations, patrol boat tracking, interoperable communications, and web services to form one shared regional common operating picture. All this, coupled with the many other data management and data/sensor fusion, alert distribution, and post incident replay and analysis features within our new HMS system from CIBER will be shared across local, state, and federal agencies in the port region."

Benavidez added, "First responders, the port's public and private facilities, pilots, and other approved entities can benefit from information provided by the system, too. In the last two rounds of port security grants, the Department of Homeland Security has focused on Maritime Domain Awareness and waterside perimeter security. The HMS system meets and exceeds the objective outlined by DHS."

"CIBER prides itself on dedicating our people and resources to contribute to enhancing our nation's port security. At the same time, we provide a mature, integrated design that leverages the same technology to make a single port or groups of ports more competitive and to ready these ports for the huge growth in commercial activity all ports will be experiencing in the coming decades," said Wally Birdseye, President of CIBER's Federal Solutions Division. "We are proud to have been selected over so many high-powered competitors for this project and will stand by Port Freeport as a partner to make their vision a reality."

Port Freeport is the 13th largest port in the U.S. in foreign cargo tonnage, and 23rd in the U.S. in total tonnage, accommodating 33.9 million tons of cargo per year. It employs more than 11,000 people and has an economic impact on the region of more than $9 billion annually.

About CIBER, Inc.
CIBER, Inc. is a pure-play international system integration consultancy with superior value-priced services for both private and government sector clients. CIBER's global delivery services are offered on a project or strategic staffing basis, in both custom and enterprise resource planning (ERP) package environments, and across all technology platforms, operating systems and infrastructures. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colo., the company now serves client businesses from over 60 U.S. offices, 20 European offices and 4 offices in Asia. Operating in 18 countries, with 8,000 employees and annual revenue of nearly $1 billion, CIBER and its IT specialists continuously build and upgrade clients' systems to "competitive advantage status." CIBER is included in the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Small Cap 600 Index. CIBER, ALWAYS ABLE. http://www.ciber.com/

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
Statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CIBER undertakes neither intention nor obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. CIBER and the CIBER logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of CIBER, Inc. Copyright(C) 2006.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010927/CBRLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

CIBER, Inc.

CONTACT: Media Relations, Diane Stoner, dstoner@ciber.com, or InvestorRelations, Jennifer Matuschek, jmatuschek@ciber.com, both of CIBER, Inc.,+1-303-220-0100

Web site: http://www.ciber.com/

NextPage(R) Research Indicates Document Retention Policies Failing at the Desktop

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:37 PM | | Comments (0)
NextPage(R) Research Indicates Document Retention Policies Failing at the Desktop. Check it out:
DRAPER, Utah --(Business Wire)-- NextPage today announced the immediate availability of a study detailing research into the deployment and enforcement of document retention and deletion policies. According to the study, jointly created with CXO Media, enterprises in diverse industries are experiencing a large gap between theory and practice when it comes to document retention and disposal.



The research study, based on the responses of 108 IT professionals, indicates that only 62 percent of the companies surveyed have a document retention policy in place. Of that 62 percent, only 31 percent actively enforce the policy and 61 percent responded that fewer than half of their employees are adhering to their published retention policies. Given that 80 percent of corporate documents typically exist on individual hard drives, according to another CXO Research Services Group study, document retention and deletion polices are failing to account for most of an organization's documents.

"The overwhelming majority of document retention polices are not working where they are needed most, at the desktop," said Darren Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, NextPage. "We see this failure primarily as a result of two factors: first, end-users are simply unaware of the number of copies and different versions of company documents residing on their hard drives, in their email archives or on removable storage devices; and second, adherence to many document retention and deletion policies requires help from technology and end-users haven't had any tools to make compliance to the policy possible."

Highlights of the study include:

-- Only 30 percent of respondents had actually implemented technology to facilitate the retention and disposal of documents across their enterprises

-- One-third of the companies surveyed did NOT have a document retention policy in effect

-- The two areas of document retention that organizations felt they were weakest were:

-- Implementing a standard document retention policy for the organization

-- Policy-based document disposal (destroying documents according to a standard policy)

"Most document retention solutions in the market today address policy enforcement in a centralized setting," said Mr. Lee. "However, these solutions do not address the decentralized reality of enterprise documents that are created, shared, edited and stored at the edge of the network. Enterprises would benefit significantly from implementing edge technologies that integrate with centralized storage systems."

Enterprises interested in a copy of the study can visit www.nextpage.com/cio.

To lower retention-related risks, NextPage recommends that businesses assess their level of risk, develop practical and unified document retention policies, and implement effective tools, including new and emerging technologies, and procedures to enforce them. NextPage recently introduced an easy-to-use online risk assessment tool that will help organizations determine the level of risk associated with their document retention needs and policies. The assessment tool, available at www.nextpage.com/assessment, can be completed in less than five minutes and generates a preliminary risk score based on how the organization answers selected questions. Organizations with higher risk scores can request a more in-depth analysis from NextPage.

NextPage offers strategies for companies to implement efficient document management that functions within the way end-users normally create, save, send and delete documents. This approach dramatically increases end-user compliance, helping companies more efficiently manage their documents and effectively lower their document retention risk levels.

About NextPage

NextPage delivers powerful document tracking services that enable enterprises to manage and control the risk of Microsoft Office documents on the desktop. With the patent pending document tracking technology enterprises can securely track the more than 7.5 Billion Office documents that are sent as e-mail attachments, stored on users' desktops and removable media or saved to centralized servers. The NextPage 2 Document Retention service increases document retention compliance, as the only product that lets organizations apply retention policies to versions on the desktop by purging working copies and posting final versions to a central server for archival and lifecycle management. The NextPage products reduce the cost of document eDiscovery, prevent wasted time tracking down document versions and reduce the risk of documents. For more information, visit www.nextpage.com or email us at npinfo@nextpage.com.

NextPage is a registered trademark of NextPage. All other names are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

MX Logic Now Offering Web Defense Services

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:37 PM | | Comments (0)
MX Logic Now Offering Web Defense Services. Check it out:
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --(Business Wire)-- MX Logic Inc., a leading managed services provider of easy-to-use email and Web defense solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, is now offering a managed Web filtering and threat protection service to customers. The MX Logic(SM) Web Defense Service marks a major expansion in the company's service portfolio by providing businesses with Web content filtering and protection from spyware, malicious code, viruses, keyloggers and phishing attacks.



According to IDC's 2005 Enterprise Security Survey, viruses and worms continue to be the most serious threats facing corporations today, but spyware has rapidly climbed the priority list of enterprise security threats and now ranks as the second most serious threat for corporations.(1) In addition, data gathered from the MX Logic(R) Threat Center proves that malware infections no longer result strictly from reckless Web browsing, but can also result from interaction with seemingly safe websites.

Based on industry-leading technology from Blue Coat Systems(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:BCSI), the Web Defense Service comprises two core offerings - Threat Control and Content Control.

Threat Control: Email and Web threats are converging, so customers need a comprehensive solution that protects their networks from spyware, malicious code, viruses and phishing attacks -- regardless of entry point. Threat Control utilizes Blue Coat SG appliances to provide superior protection from these threats and helps ensure that surfing the Web is a safe experience.

Content Control: According to IDC, 30 percent to 40 percent of all Web surfing in the workplace is not business related. To help businesses counter the risks and unproductive use of employee time associated with Web browsing, the Web Defense Service includes Content Control. Using Blue Coat WebFilter, Content Control blocks over 50 unique categories of content and has a patented dynamic real-time rating system that can categorize newly created sites "on the fly," so that end users are always protected. In addition, a patented "safe-search" option closes a common loophole in URL filters by forcing leading search engines to remove inappropriate content from returned search results.

Businesses may purchase Threat Control and Content Control either individually or combined as Total Control. Additionally, businesses have the option of combining MX Logic's Web Defense Service with the Email Defense Service.

"Our partnership allows us to leverage Blue Coat's expertise and technology in Web defense with MX Logic's understanding of the SMB market," said Steve Renda, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, MX Logic. "This allows small and medium-sized businesses to enjoy enterprise grade Web filtering and threat protection in an easy-to-use, affordable managed service."

"Blue Coat appliances provide visibility, control and acceleration of Web content and applications, protecting users and network resources while enabling an optimized experience," said Craig Hicks-Frazer, vice president, service providers, Blue Coat Systems. "Working together with MX Logic, we can combine our solutions for Web security and control with their existing user and administrative tools and reporting to enable a managed security service for the market."

One of the most notable features of the Web Defense Service is its user interface within the MX Control Console(SM) which is uncommonly simple for system administrators to configure and manage, yet granular and robust enough to track and provide critical details about Web use in the work place that managers demand. The MX Control Console is also the entry point for managing the MX Logic(R) Email Defense Service, so customers who purchase both services can enjoy a single, integrated console from which to manage user accounts, configure settings, and interact with Web and email threat reports.

"Before we started using the MX Logic Web Defense Service, an average of 20 percent of our computers and employees would suffer downtime as a result of spyware or a virus on any given week," said Kirk Morschauser, IT manager and systems administrator for Ademino & Associates, a Web Defense Service beta customer. "Because the Web Defense Service is keeping our computers clean, I've gained back an extra two to five hours a week that I was using to clean computers, and employees are not suffering malware-related interruptions in their workdays."

The Web Defense Service adheres to the company's commitment to ease of use by providing flexible pricing, no setup fees, month-to-month contracts, and unified invoicing. Please contact the company at 877.MXLOGIC or sales@mxlogic.com for specific pricing or product information.

About MX Logic

MX Logic is a leading managed security services provider of email and Web security services developed specifically to meet the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses. With patented technology and commitment to creating the most user-friendly security solutions in the industry, MX Logic is the appropriate choice for businesses that want enterprise-grade service and performance without enterprise-level complexity and cost. Distinctions in 2006 include Security Products Guide's Global Excellence Customer Trust Award in Email Managed Service and SC Magazine's award for Best Email Managed Service. MX Logic services are distributed through an extensive partner network. For more information, visit www.mxlogic.com.

About Blue Coat Systems

Blue Coat secures Web communications and accelerates business applications across the distributed enterprise. Blue Coat's family of appliances and client-based solutions -- deployed in branch offices, Internet gateways, end points, and data centers -- provides intelligent points of policy-based control, enabling IT organizations to optimize security and accelerate performance between users and applications. Blue Coat has installed more than 25,000 appliances worldwide and is ranked #1 by IDC in the Secure Content and Application Delivery market. Blue Coat is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and can be reached at (408) 220-2200 or www.bluecoat.com.

1. IDC, Enterprise Security Survey 2005, Doc #34561, Sec 2005.

Bad news for direct model is good news for resellers

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:37 PM | | Comments (0)
Bad news for direct model is good news for resellers. Check it out:
(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
Anyone wishing to buy shares in Dell from an on-line trading web site will be met by the warning: ?Dell is delinquent in its regulatory filings.? For a channel that has struggled against the spectre of direct and channel-oriented vendors wishing to ape the model, the warning has sparked hopes of an indirect renaissance.



Keeping out of the headlines has been impossible for Dell in recent weeks, often disproving the adage that any news is good news. A delay in filing its second quarter results with the SEC has forced Dell into a meeting with the NASDAQ stock exchange with the prospect of being delisted very real.

But one swallow does not make a summer, and accounting issues and a battery recall scandal have affected other vendors too. The question most pertinent to Dell and the channel is whether cracks are appearing in the direct model. Only last week Canalys CEO Steve Brazier forecast a decline in the overall volume of direct sales in Europe (see MicroScope, 25 September) but it still remains unclear how indirect sales are set to thrive on the back of this.

Looking at some of the UK?s largest resellers and integrators provides a glimpse of sunlight between the cracks, but the picture is blurry. Computacenter?s first half results for 2006 (see MicroScope, 18 September) were branded ?encouraging? by Gartner. Pre-tax profits soared by 76.7 per cent, mainly based on services business growth, but sales fell to ?1.1bn, down from ?1.15bn the year before.

At the time, Computacenter chief executive Mike Norris told this magazine that while the product side of the business was lower margin, and PC prices had fallen dramatically, the company had a ruthless and efficient focus on the cost base in order to be profitable.

Profitability here becomes a better barometer of success than sales ? Dell too is struggling to turn around a fall in profits. Sales figures may well have risen quarter on quarter (the company reports a six per cent rise in the year to date) but a 35 per cent decline in profitability to date only fuels Norris? belief that a ruthless and efficient cost base is required to be profitable.

Dell too recognises these cracks, with CEO Kevin Rollins using similar language when reporting on his company?s fall in profits: ?Key actions include accelerating cost initiatives, increasing investments in service and support, and better pricing management.?

Speaking to MicroScope, Canalys senior analyst Alastair Edwards said while the Computacenter results had seemed to pick up, the big question was whether the likes of Computacenter or SCC could become ?a true service-led business?.

?We are starting to see transitions for the channel, particularly in the enterprise space, where companies move away from being dependent on revenues driven by hardware sales to become application and services-led businesses. The possibility is that you will be well positioned to drive growth, but only if you are willing as a reseller to make the investment.?

As Computacenter?s largest rival privately held SCC has not published any results since the year to 31 March 2004, answering those questions becomes a little harder. Morse is often compared to Computacenter, but as the former has just one-third of Computacenter?s annual sales the micro-economic influences may be the same but the macro-economic influences are not.

The height of summer marked Morse?s full year end and, as ever, it justified any published figures with the well-publicised statement that over the past few years the business has made the transition ?from a pure IT hardware reseller into a consulting, technology and support company. This transition has meant reductions in revenues, with increasing gross margin from services?.

True profits have also increased at Morse (by 14 per cent) given the decline in revenues (by four per cent) and the sale of some of its European reselling businesses. If any trend can be drawn by comparing Computacenter to Morse it could be that enterprise reselling drives profits with the right business model but at reduced volumes. Such a trend is backed up by on-line giant Insight, where revenues also fell in its UK operations (by two per cent) and profits rose (by 1.4 per cent) during the second quarter of 2006.

But immediately disproving that theory last week was Compel, which has grown both revenues and profits during the past six months of trading. But that caveat comes with a disclaimer; Compel sold its loss-making hardware business to SCC as long ago as March 2001.

?Markets change, and you have to be prepared to change with those markets,? said Compel chief executive Neville Davis. ?You have to have a sure strategy underpinning where you want to go. Fundamentally, I think we have got that right.?

The channel?s largest dealers and their competition in the shape of Dell certainly won?t walk away from enterprise product reselling as Compel did five years ago, but all their chances of success, despite the decline of direct sales, point to a ruthless market in coming months.

Tough at the top: enterprise reseller woes

January 2006

? Management buy-out at Computacenter is terminated after a year of profit troubles and restructure rebates by Hewlett-Packard.

February 2006

? Dell calls time on multi-million pound service deal with Phillips, which claims the one-size-fits-all model is not working.

? HP performs a U-turn and creates a list of indirect enterprise and corporate customer PC accounts, leaving all other companies not on the list open to approaches from the vendor?s direct salesforce.

July 2006

? Following the sale of its German and Austrian businesses Morse has to reiterate again that it has no interest in selling the reselling side of its UK operation. Last year it described such talk as ?bunkum?.

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved.

Juniper repositions into security market

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:37 PM | | Comments (0)
Juniper repositions into security market. Check it out:
(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
Cisco?s greatest router rival, Juniper, is looking to position itself as a network security leader as it rolls out an updated version of its secure service gateway portfolio.

Fresh off the back of last month?s strategic partnership signing with security software giant Symantec which will see both vendors integrate their security portfolio for enterprise customers ? particularly in the UTM space ? Juniper has updated its IP VPN and firewall range and is already shipping the new kit through distributors.



Anton Grashion, EMEA security strategist at Juniper, told MicroScope the expanded security portfolio resulted in a ?nice channel model?.

?If you are going to bring routing and security together you had better have a pretty good solution when it comes to management and maintenance ? our partners will have been selling routing [as well as security] anyway so they are used to bringing lots of different things together.?

The intention to expand Juniper?s security portfolio and market share comes from the cross-sell and the up-sell opportunities on Juniper?s installed router base ? a strategy Cisco has pursued strongly since the 2004 launch of the Integrated Service Router (ISR), which combined security, voice and video onto the same appliance.

Grashion said: ?These are security devices first and foremost. The Cisco ISR is a router with security added on.

?Routing is not a massively different problem: it is just the approach to how you do it and we did it differently. Security has much more of a predator/prey relationship. You have to make a more responsive network to be competitive,? he added.

Being competitive at Juniper also includes the Symantec tie-up ? whose CEO John Thompson said of the reasoning behind the partnership: ?Our customers are demanding a more comprehensive approach to security and management, with more attention being placed on expanding the ability to control networks.?

At a corporate level Juniper remains under investigation by the SEC for delays in its regulatory filings following a stock options scandal.

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved.

HP boosts salesforce to chase more EMEA leads

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:37 PM | | Comments (0)
HP boosts salesforce to chase more EMEA leads. Check it out:
(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
Hewlett-Packard will increase its internal sales team in EMEA by 200 heads to generate corporate leads and integrate more closely with partners amid concerns from senior management that resellers are not chasing enough new business.

?One of my fears is that the channel is not bringing in enough new business,? Jos Brenkel, vice-president of the solutions partner organisation at HP EMEA told 650 partners from the region at its Preferred Partner Conference.

So far HP has recruited 160 staff to augment and extend its reach into the corporate and larger mid-market accounts but they will not purely sell direct, HP insisted, they will work closely with partners.

?We will be more focused on hunting,? said Olaf Swantee, senior vice-president of value sales for the technology solutions group HP EMEA.

?We found there were areas that we did not cover well so?we are in the process of hiring over 200 people. What does that mean for partners? It will create more opportunities,? he said.

The areas include the financial services and energy sectors and Swantee called on resellers to develop ?key? vertical applications.

As well as creating specific solutions, he advised resellers to focus on software to manage IT estates ? the largest IT cost to businesses ? and use HP?s programmes that attacked rivals.

Dealers involved in the ?Refuse to Lose? scheme had shown win rates of up to 85 per cent said Swantee, and one area he highlighted for specific attention was the platform to migrate users from Sun Microsystems.

Last year, HP developed a range of tools to help users move from Sun servers to its Integrity and Proliant products (see MicroScope, 12 September).

Rob Campbell, managing director at HP enterprise partner Kavanagh, said winning new business was its ?meat and drink? and resellers with a high level of pre-sales, technical sales and analytical sales need not be fearful of the vendor?s strategy.



One reseller source said HP wanted partners to integrate with its direct salesforce and dedicate more resources to the vendor. ?If you have IBM and Sun teams, HP is concerned of the ability to switch sell?but the channel?s selling point is its ability to appear independent.?

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved.

Over-distribution a worry for Array Networks

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:37 PM | | Comments (0)
Over-distribution a worry for Array Networks. Check it out:
(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
Array Networks has revealed it will have to keep a close eye on its distribution channel after admitting the appointment of Wick Hill might mean it is over-distributed.

The SSL VPN vendor added Wick Hill to its UK distributor roster last week (see MicroScope, 25 September) to work alongside Bell Microproducts and Fresh Egg.

Wick Hill has been charged with growing the vendor?s mid-range to enterprise business, while Fresh Egg focuses on SMEs and Bell has a pan-European deal across the board.

But speaking to MicroScope, Kevin Thiele, regional sales director for Northern Europe at Array, admitted it ?may now have too many distributors so I am going to watch the situation very closely over the next couple of months?.

?If there is too much overlap [between the distributors] I will take steps to address that, but hopefully there is enough space for all three,? he added.

Ian Kilpatrick, chairman at Wick Hill, added the distributor would be looking for resellers within its existing base to take on the Array products, as well as recruiting new enterprise-focused partners. ?When we get leads from enterprise customers we hope to be able to work with their incumbent resellers, even if we currently don?t have a relationship with them,? he added.



Duncan Hume, security head at Bell Microproducts, said three distributors was probably the limit for Array and he ?would not want it to go any higher?.

But he added the company had not experienced any conflict with Fresh Egg and did not typically compete with Wick Hill in other areas. ?We all have our own reseller bases and so far we have not crossed paths with Fresh Egg. Although we do hear about Wick Hill, we do not usually compete.?

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved.

Vendor values loyalty

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:36 PM | | Comments (0)
Vendor values loyalty. Check it out:
(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
For a company that has lacked predictability in its move to direct sales and has, by its own admission, has been less than easy to do business with, Hewlett-Packard is once again asking partners to display undying loyalty to the brand.

A year after launching the Preferred Partner Programme (PPP), HP seized the chance at its EMEA reseller Smart Energy conference to warn those not hitting growth targets or undertaking specialisations that their time iwas up (see last week?s MicroScope).



Conversely, the vendor promised resellers that were certifying staff for 2007 and matching or exceeding growth targets, including those for attach rates, that it would show loyalty in return through increased compensation, lead generation, co-marketing activities and go- to- market tools.

The loyalty mantra was best encapsulated by the creation of an elite Gold tier in the PPP, to which HP will invite the top 10ten to 20 per cent of the current 4,800 accredited resellers across EMEA.

Though exact details are to be defined in November, HP will expecwant Gold members to comfortably up-sell and cross-sell, use co?-marketing to drive demand, exploit the Smart Tools suite and have Certified Professionals.

Tom Yeates, sales director for corporate and enterprise at HP?sthe solutions partner organisation (SPO) EMEA at HP, told partnerssaid: ?[We also] expect a large share of your business,? Tom Yeates, sales director for corporate and enterprise at HP?s solutions partner organisation (SPO) EMEA, told partners. ?[Resellers] committed to HP will get increased compensation and joint customer engagement.?

Gold partners will be appointed from June 2007 and all should be up and running at the start of 2008.

Edward Kenny, Computacenter business unit director for end user hardware, said it was a natural progression for PPP.

?We would be very keen to be part of it,? he said., ?Ooverall, HP has talked about loyalty and the Gold [tier] is a way of encapsulating that.?

When asked about HP?s practice of circumventing resellers in certain enterprise markets, he added t: ?The direct business ?is what it is? and insisted there waswe have ?less conflict now than we did in the past.?.

Others were not so sure about the benefits of a Gold level status, voicing and revealed concerns that committing a higher proportion of sales to one vendor would dilute their agnosticism.

Impartiality is not the only concerns resellers have about the Gold PPP, as they have also warned that an additional tier cwould weaken the remaining scheme. B but Sean Gallagher, development and sales programme director for SPO at HP EMEA, didid not expect this outcome, claiming the.

?The objective wais ?not to dilute the programme but to have an internal deck of partners dedicated to HP.?.

However,

But Abdul Terry, marketing director at Equanet, was awaiting more details with some scepticism. ?We are not convinced it has real benefits apart from short- term compensation forto being a Gold partner,? he said..?

Some resellers claimesaid the creation ofcreating a new tier offeringing extra compensation packages increased complexities of the PPP and demonstrated the paradoxical strategy employed by HP. ?It wants a smaller, quality channel with more loyal partners, but with everyone in it,? said one source.

Partner consolidation does appears to be on the radar at HP but the vendor claimed to have given resellers had been given all the opportunities to fall in line during the plast year.

HP?s Gallagher said its remaining partners that remain in 2007 could expect improvements in OPG turnaround times ? which in 2007- which used to take up to four days on average before the Smart Suite was introduced this year ?? and lead generation in 2007.

?[With regards to special] pricing, if we could have fixed this a year ago we would have, but Smart Quote was tougher [to implement] than we thought and we were naive to think we could roll it out quickly,? Gallagher said.

In the UK, HP receives 800 requests a month for quotes, half of which are turned around within four hours, but that percentage needs to increase to be between 80 andto 90 per cent, said Gallagher, adding ?over the next three months you will see turnaround times would get better in the next three monthsgetting better?, he added.

On demand creation, HP is piloting Smart Leads in Italy and Austria and heGallagher said qualifying leads and passing them to the correct partners was ?not as easy as it sounds [but] next year we will roll out the machinery to help with that?. HP is piloting Smart Leads in Italy and Austria.

The Smart Finance leasing programme is also expectedon the way in the next year, which and Gallagher said this would help accelerate sales and as customers ?were not getting stuck on the capital price, it increase the average sales order?.

In the plast year, HP has spent $200m on reseller compensations across EMEA, and partners whichthat show ?loyalty? in 2007 can expect increases in pay for results (PFR) for attach, receiving an extra 15 per cent for hitting 80 per cent of the target and a further 15 per cent for 100 per cent.

There awere fewerless compensation schemes for resellers to manage than 12 months ago, said according to Gallagher, but he is aware that s said. ?[But] I know some of [resellers] don?t like the [PFR] targets so it isand we are ?trying to improve the quality of target setting.?.

Loay Lawrence, commercialsales and marketing director at Vohkus, said attach rate calculation was ?getting easier? but he would like to see more branding of the PPP to users.

Having spent $100m on co?-marketing since last September, with on 10,000 individual campaigns benefiting, HP willwill make more funds available, althoughbut resellers will not be able to use the money as they did in the past.

?It is not your Ggod- given right to receive marketing funds? the more measurable [your campaign] the more money we will invest,? said Gallagher said. HP has employed a marketing agency MCA to customise promotions for large resellers.

For all its faults, HP is at least consistent in wanting to work with fewer committed partners

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved.

IBM to package services

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:36 PM | | Comments (0)
IBM to package services. Check it out:
(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
IBM is to bring its Global Services division into direct competition with a large swathe of the indirect channel with a plan to push commoditised service packages into an already crowded market for networking and communications.

Big Blue?s Global Services division restructured last week, leading to the creation of an integrated communications services unit. Initially it will sell two standardised service packages, based on networking and IP telephony, with uniform global pricing to enterprise and SMB customers.



The prospect of commodity services, in a mature but project-driven market, and competing directly with IBM, caused the channel to question the rationale behind the desire to sell such ?service products?.

Russell Bolan, chief executive at Dimension Data Europe, argued: ?[IBM] is trying to position itself as a true convergence player but you cannot be experts across the whole spectrum. There are very few companies that have not got [convergence offerings] now. It has got to a point where IBM is putting services on a price list. With all due respect, we have been doing that for years.

?[But] it is difficult to commoditise service and there is no one who can build a simple, mass-processed service to the client. Every client has complex needs.?

Tom Kelly, UK managing director at Logicalis ? an IBM premier partner and networking and convergence specialist ? insisted: ?This is not about rebooting a server; clients expect voice systems to work and I do not think you can productise that kind of service.?

He urged the vendor to look at partners? skills in this area and consider how IBM could assist them in providing networking and communications services.

One source added: ?I cannot believe [IBM?s] arrogance and ignorance of the competition. It is positioning this as new but I do not think CIOs are gullible enough to think this is going to change the industry forever. IBM is not changing the future of convergence; Cisco and Microsoft are.?

Laurence Guihard-Joly, vice-president at IBM?s integrated communications services unit, commented: ?These two particular service products are currently designed for distribution through our direct channel. We are in the beginning stages of this new standardised services model; at this time, it is hard to comment on future plans.?

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved.

Big opportunity for small VARs

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:36 PM | | Comments (0)
Big opportunity for small VARs. Check it out:
(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
Whether you are an enterprise VAR rolling out multi-million pound infrastructures or an SME-focused reseller, security is a core competency.

According to analysis from research firm Point Topic, a total of ?1.8bn is spent on security by businesses annually in the UK, with spending split across all sectors.

The research showed that 99 per cent of businesses with data access have security in place, with small companies spending between ?15 and ?134 per month and the biggest businesses paying between ?950 and ?2,500.

According to Tim Johnson, CEO at Point Topic, the bigger companies need more complex products and consultancy. ?Firewalls and antivirus systems show a high take-up at all sizes of premises, while disaster recovery plans, documented procedures and regulatory compliance monitoring are much more frequently seen at larger sites.?



Firewalls and antivirus are still the bread and butter sales, but increased commoditisation combined with the changing threat landscape has meant resellers have built their expertise and can now offer enterprise-class products.

David Emm, senior technical consultant at security vendor Kaspersky Lab, believed there was no reason why resellers should not sell to large enterprises. ?Large companies quite often prefer to work through a particular reseller rather than different vendors because they have good relationships and can get multiple products from one source,? he said.

Jason Hill, sales director at distributor Tekdata, agreed. ?The average size of our partners is between seven and ten people and they are winning some major deals,? he said, adding these small businesses could do this as a result of building up their own skills over the years as well as increased distributor and vendor support.

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved.

Seattle Times Brier Dudley column: Looks like PCs will be back in style

By
Tom Keating
on October 2, 2006 6:36 PM | | Comments (0)
Seattle Times Brier Dudley column: Looks like PCs will be back in style. Check it out:
(Seattle Times, The (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Oct. 2--Maybe I'm stuck in the 1990s, but I think the PC is coming back after a long, dull spell.

Not long ago, it was thought that we'd do most of our computing on the Internet, connecting up through Web services and mobile devices. That's where most consumer-technology startups are focused nowadays. They're pursuing opportunities created by advances in wireless and broadband service that enable people to connect in interesting new ways.