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2007'02.01.Thu
Xinhua Far East Assigns A+ Issuer Credit Rating to Shenzhen Yantian Port Holdings Co., Ltd.
April 12, 2006

    HONG KONG, April 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far
East China Ratings today assigned Shenzhen Yantian Port
Holdings Co., Ltd. ("YPH" or "the
Company", SZ A 000088) with an A+ domestic currency
issuer credit rating.  The Company's rating outlook is
stable.  The rating reflects the high entry barrier and
operating requirements of its container terminal operation
business and the expanding container throughput in Shenzhen
port as a result of the Pearl River Delta's buoyant economy.
 In 2005, Shenzhen port ranked fourth in the world and
second in mainland China in terms of container throughput. 
Around half of its container throughput was handled in
Shenzhen Yantian Port.  Contributions from the Company's
expressway and tunnel operations business have diversified
its business risks and enhanced its credit profile.

    The Company has a low financial leverage ratio,
above-average profitability and strong cash flow generating
capacity.  The Company's overall success, however, relies on
support from Shenzhen Yantian Port Group Co., Ltd.
("YTPG"), a wholly state-owned company and its
controlling shareholder.  YTPG's support is evident from
the asset swap related to 27% stake in Yantian Port Phase I
and II and a 50% stake in Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Tunnel
Co., Ltd. in 2000. 

    However, the Company's credit profile may be adversely
affected by the cyclical nature of the container shipping
industry, a possible slowdown in China's economy, intense
competition among the container ports located in the Pearl
River Delta, slowdown in the growth of turnover and EBIT,
and the political risks related to the expressway and
tunnel business.

    Xinhua Far East also notes the Company's business
concentration risks from Yantian Port Phase I and II, which
is operated by Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HK 0013). 
Investment income from this business is now the Company's
main profit center; however, due to its minority
shareholder status, the Company is unable to make a
dividend pay-out decision.  In addition, the Company's
growth potential largely depends on the acquisition of a
35% stake in Yantian Port Phase III from its parent
company, which is uncertain at this stage.

    Shenzhen Yantian Port Holdings Co., Ltd.
("YPH") is mainly involved in four business
areas, namely port handling, cement, expressway and tunnel
operation, and warehousing.  The Company holds 27% of
Yantian Port Phase I and II.  In the first three quarters
of 2005, the Company reported turnover and net profit of
RMB465.1 million and RMB454.9 million respectively, with
investment income reaching RMB359.6 million.

    Shenzhen Yantian Port Group Co., Ltd.
("YTPG"), the controlling shareholder, held a
stake of 73.9% in YPH at 1H05.  YTPG is authorized by the
Shenzhen municipal government to develop the Yantian port
area.  YTPG reported turnover of RMB825.98 million and net
profit of RMB266.31 million respectively in 2002.

    Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Tunnel Co., Ltd.
("SWMT") is a company formed to operate the
Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Tunnel, with a 50% stake
controlled by YPH.  Wutong Mountain Tunnel links the
eastern port area to downtown Shenzhen. Shenyan Second
Tunnel, which will compete directly against Shenzhen Wutong
Mountain Tunnel, is still under construction.  SWMT reported
turnover and net profit of RMB142.54 million and RMB77.93
million in 2004.

    Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HK 0013) is a conglomerate
involved in the provision of a range of ports-related
services, retail and manufacturing, energy, infrastructure,
finance and telecommunications.  The combined container
throughput for its ports and related services division
reached 24.6 million TEUs in 1H05.  This division reported
turnover and EBIT of HKD14, 394 million and HKD4, 711
million in 1H05.  

    Shenzhen Yantian Port Holdings Co Ltd is also a large
cap company in the Xinhua/FTSE China A50 Index. As of April
11, 2006, its total market cap was RMB8.95 billion, with
investable market cap of RMB2.69 billion.

    For the rating report summary, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating .

    About FTSE/Xinhua China A50 Index 

    The FTSE/Xinhua China A50 Index is a real-time tradable
index comprising the largest 50 A Share companies by full
market capitalization. Designed to meet the needs of QFIIs,
it can be used as a basis for both on-exchange and OTC
derivative products, mutual funds and ETFs. For daily data
and further information, see http://www.xinhuaftse.com .

    About Xinhua Far East China Ratings

    Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a
pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks
among corporations in China. It is a strategic alliance
between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai
Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. Shanghai Far East became a
Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first China
member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia
in December 2003. 

    Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and
Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and
process blend unique local market knowledge with
international rating standards. Xinhua Far East is
committed to provide investors with independent, objective,
timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese
companies. It aims to help investors differentiate the
credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby,
cultivating their awareness and promoting information
disclosures and transparency in China market. For more
information, see http://www.xfn.com/creditrating .

    About Xinhua Finance Limited

    Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader
in financial information and media, and is listed on the
Mothers board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399)
(OTC ADRs: XHFNY).  Bridging China's financial markets and
the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions,
corporations and re-distributors through four focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News and Investor Relations.  Founded in November 1999, the
Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 21 news bureaus
and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North
America and Europe.  For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com . 

    About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd

    Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first
and leading professional credit rating company with
comprehensive business coverage in China.  It is an
independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of
Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally
accepted standards for capital market in China.  The company
is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China. 
For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of
the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating.

    Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate
long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the
principles of objectivity, fairness and independence.  The
company has also maintained over 50% market share in the
loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three
consecutive years.  With its strong local presence and
knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most
insightful credit opinion.  For more information, see
http://www.fareast-cr.com .

    For more Information, please contact: 

    Hong Kong
     Joy Tsang
     Corporate & Investor Communications Director
     Xinhua Finance
     Tel:    +852-3196-3983
             +86-21-6113-5999
             +852-9486-4364
     Email:  joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com

    US
     David Leeney
     Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US)
     Tel:    +1-212-889-4350
     Email:  david.Leeney@taylor-rafferty.com

SOURCE  Xinhua Far East China Ratings
PR
2007'02.01.Thu
MEDIA ADVISROY: Red Herring Asian Technology Roundtable Exhibition (ATRE)
April 12, 2006

    Red Herring today issued the following invitation to
media across China:

    Dear press representative,

    Welcome to the Red Herring conference -- Asian
Technology Roundtable Exhibition. 

    ATRE offers a unique opportunity to explore Asia's
essential role both as a global resource and marketplace. 
It is the only forum in Asia that creates direct access to
presidents of established companies.  Previous conferences
have taken place in China, Japan, and Korea.  This year's
edition, which will be held in Beijing on April 24-25, will
gather visionaries of today and leaders of tomorrow.  200
CEOs from three different continents will gather in Beijing
to share insights and ideas that will help the industry for
years to come and will lay the foundation for new ventures
and the creation of rewarding relationships of rewarding
partnerships.  In addition, a large delegation from the
venture capital community will be present as well as top
journalists from leading magazines and newspapers. 

    The organizer of ATRE is Red Herring.  Red Herring,
Inc., founded in 1993, is a media company whose mission is
to cover innovation, technology, financing and
entrepreneurial activity.  The journalists, research
specialists and newsletter editors investigate on a global
basis and report how the world of innovation and
entrepreneurship are transforming business and how the
business of technology is transforming the world.  Red
Herring provide a deep understanding of venture capital and
capital markets.  Red Herring is dedicated to thorough
research, relevant metrics deep financial analysis,
in-depth reporting, crisp writing and thoughtful debate. 
Red Herring, Inc. is headquartered in Belmont, California.

    Today, Red Herring and its local partner Xinhua PR
Newswire have joined forces to give you a snapshot of
Asia's most important networking event in technology. 

     Time:      9:00-17:00pm on April 24 and 25
     Venue:     Intercontinental Hotel in Finance Street 
     Agenda:    Enclosed


    For press inquiries, please kindly reply:
     
     Ms. Amber Li (Li Yanming)
     Red Herring Inc.
     Tel:   +86-10-6229-6898 x805
     Email: amberli@redherring.com


    AGENDA:

    ATRE - Asia Technology Roundtable Exhibition
    Beijing, China      April 24-26*

                        * Preliminary Agenda


    Monday, April 24th 

     07:30 - 08:30  BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION

     08:30 - 08:45  WELCOME SPEECH

     09:00 - 10:30  KEYNOTE SESSION
                     Tomihisa Kamada, Co-Founder, Executive
VP & CTO, ACCESS 
                      Co.
                     Ramanathan Ramanan, Managing Director
& CEO, CMC
                     Nigel Burton, GCR DPE General Manager
in Greater China, 
                      Microsoft
                     Fang Zhou, CEO, Beijing Zhongguancun
Software Park  
                      Development Co.

     10:30 - 11:00  COFFEE BREAK

     11:00 - 11:45  KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE:   Venture Capital
Asia
                     Shantanu Bhagwat, Business Dev.
Partner, Asia, Amadeus 
                      Capital
                     Fanglu Wang, Managing Director Asset
Management, CITIC 
                      Capital
                     Jenny Hsui, Managing Director,
ChinaVest
                     Soo Boon Koh, Managing Partner, iGlobe
Partners
                     Jeffrey Zeng, Managing Director,
Walden International

     11:45 - 12:10  KEYNOTE SESSION
                     Sachio Semmoto, Founder, Chairman
& CEO, eAccess

     12:10 - 13:30  LUNCH

     13:30 - 15:00  CORPORATE PRESENTATIONS

     15:00 - 16:00  KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE:   Internet Asia
                     Oliver Kwan, Chief Executive Officer,
99Bill.com
                     David Zhu, Chief Executive Officer,
Allyes
                     Alex Lightman, President & CEO,
IPv6
                     Yilang Sun, President & CEO,
OneWave
                     David Zhang, Managing Director,
Beijing Office, WI Harper 
                      Group
                     Usama Fayyad, Chief Data Officer &
SVP Strategic Data 
                      Solutions, Yahoo!

     16:00 - 16:30  KEYNOTE SESSION
                     Jing Wang, Chairman, Qualcomm Wireless
Communication 
                      China

     16:30 - 17:00  COFFEE BREAK

     17:00 - 18:00  MEET THE MONEY

     18:00 - 18:45  KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE:   Searching for the
Right Exit?
                     PoChi Wu, Managing Director, Dragon
Bridge Merchant Bank
                     Jim Boettcher, General Partner, Focus
Ventures
                     Victor Leung, Investment Director,
HSBC Investment 
                      Banking
                     Vincent Chan, Managing Director -
North Asia, JAFCO Asia

     19:00 - 22:00  COCKTAIL RECEPTION at People's Congress
Hall


    Tuesday, April 25th 

     07:30 - 08:30  BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION

     08:30 - 10:15  KEYNOTE SESSION
                     Yoshito Hori, Chairman & CEO,
Globis Capital Partners
                     Zhengmao Li, Vice President, China
Unicom
                     Dominique de Boisseson, Chairman,
Alcatel

     10:15 - 11:15  KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE:   Wireless Ubiquity
- Changing 
                                           Landscape of
Access
                     Zheng Li, President, Bright Oceans
Inter-Telecom Co.
                     Ning Yang, President & CTO,
Kongzhong
                     Connie Wong, President, Hutchison
Whampoa Americas

     11:15 - 11:45  COFFEE BREAK

     11:45 - 13:00  CORPORATE PRESENTATIONS

     13:00 - 14:15  LUNCH

     14:15 - 15:15  KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE:   Semiconductor
Outlook 2006
                     Lisa Lo, Managing Director, CID VC
                     Jeromy Xue, Managing Director,
Tsinghua Science Park 
                      Venture Capital
                     Wayne Dai, Chairman & CEO,
VeriSilicon
                     Gordon Cheng, CFO, Vimicro
Corporation
                     Fang Peng, Managing Director of Semi,
WI Harper Group

     15:15 - 16:30  KEYNOTE SESSION
                     ZhengRong Shi, Chief Executive
Officer, Suntech Power Co.
                     Leonard Liu, Chairman & CEO,
Augmentum
                     John Deng, Chairman, Vimicro
Corporation

     16:30 - 17:00  COFFEE BREAK

     17:00 - 18:00  KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE:   Future of APAC
                     Yike Guo, CEO & Founder,
InforSense Limited
                     Shoucheng Zhang, Chief Scientist,
Miradia
                     John Ling, Chief Executive Officer,
Photoptech
                     Tomoshi Kobayashi, Chief Financial
Officer, Softbrain Co.

     18:30 - 21:00  COCKTAIL PARTY


    Wednesday, April 26th 

     09:30 - 10:30  PRIVATE MEETINGS

     10:30 - 13:00  TOUR - TSINGHUA SCIENCE & SOFTWARE
PARK

SOURCE  Red Herring
2007'02.01.Thu
ING Advocates Latest Capital Management Model for China Insurance Industry
April 12, 2006

    BEIJING, April 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- ING today
stated that China's insurance industry should consider a
long-term and measured transition towards the adoption of
the latest market consistent economic capital insurance
management models in which the sector can measure and
manage risks, reflect potential liabilities and set minimum
levels of required capital more accurately.

    Economic capital models, which have been developed over
the last five years mainly within the context of the
European insurance industry, move away from the traditional
'book value' based model which is widely used across China. 
The economic capital model, favoured by ING and the European
industry, encourages participants to measure risks by their
economic value, reflecting the current market value of the
assets and liabilities of the company and offering a market
assessment of a company's risks.  The economic models allow
a more accurate calculation of capital and form a framework
to manage insurance companies more effectively. 

    The recommendations were made at the
"International Seminar on Economic Capital",
which was held today at the China World Hotel in the
Chinese capital.  Co-organised by the China Insurance
Regulatory Commission (CIRC) and ING, it marks the first
seminar of its kind held in China.

    John Hele, Deputy CFO of ING Group, speaking at the
industry briefing, said: "Given the complex business
environment and demands by European Union regulators for
companies to manage risks actively, insurers in Europe are
moving towards an economic capital framework in which the
benefits and risks of a diversified base of products,
investments and geographic spread of business are taken
into account in risk management."

    "While ING's adoption of the model required
significant resources, we are already seeing the benefits
being able to reduce all risks through a series of
measures," Mr. Hele added.  "The new model aligns
product pricing, risk taking, risk management, value
creation and performance measurement throughout the
business."

    Although there are a number of alternative risk
management frameworks being developed and practiced
worldwide and many European insurers are at various stages
of this development, regulators, rating agencies and
analysts are placing a lot of emphasis on Economic Capital
and this pressure is driving the process forward.

    ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin
offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60
million private, corporate and institutional clients in 50
countries.  With a diverse workforce in excess of 115,000
people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent
companies that increasingly serve their clients under the
ING brand.
    
    For more information, please contact:

     Karen Williams,
     ING Asia/Pacific
     Tel:   +852-2913-8536
     Email: karen.williams@ap.ing.com

     Polly Leung,
     ING Asia/Pacific
     Tel:   +852-2913-8792
     Email: polly.leung@ap.ing.com

SOURCE  ING
2007'02.01.Thu
FreeStar Technology's Rahaxi Processing Oy. Achieves EMV-Certification for its Rahaxi-OTI(TM) (Open Terminal Interface) Middleware Software Solution in Finland
April 12, 2006

    SHANGHAI, April 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- FreeStar
Technology Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: FSRT), an
international card payments processor and technology
company, yesterday announced that its Rahaxi Processing Oy.
subsidiary has received EMV-certification for  Visa(R),
MasterCard(R) and all domestic Finnish cards used with its
Rahaxi-OTI(TM) Point Of Sale (POS) middleware solution from
Luottokunta in Finland.

    Rahaxi-OTI(TM) provides a secure payment interface
between the merchant, the banks and credit card acquirers. 
All payment related transaction types are supported; also
both traditional magnetic cards and EMV chip cards are
enabled through Rahaxi-OTI(TM). 

    The company reported that with its wide variety of
international standard card payments processing products
and services, Rahaxi Processing Oy is now able to offer
secure, online EMV-card transaction processing to merchants
as well as to Point Of Sale (POS) software and hardware
vendors in addition to traditional magnetic stripe card
transaction processing. 

   FreeStar Technology CEO Paul Egan said, "With this
certification, Rahaxi adds to its already extensive range
of payment processing solutions and services, giving the
company the ability to reach a much wider client base.  We
are now fully capable of processing chip cards and we
expect to see a vast growth as the migration to chip usage
is gathering rapid pace in the region. OTI was developed to
meet the needs of Rahaxi Processing's POS partners.  It is
capable of supporting different EMV pin pads from a variety
of suppliers. 

    Jyrki Matikainen, Rahaxi's Sales Director stated,
"Rahaxi has been a strong supporter of EMV from the
begining and we continue to invest in and comply with EMV
specifications so that our customers can reap the benefits
of having terminals that are fully compliant."  He
further stated, "As a result of the OTI certification,
Rahaxi has identified a target market of two thousand new
customers that may avail of OTI in Finland over the next
twelve months.  We believe that this target market could
produce an additional 900,000 Euros in sales during that
period." 

    About FreeStar Technology Corp.

    FreeStar Technology Corp. is a payment processing
company. Its wholly owned subsidiary Rahaxi Processing Oy.,
based in Helsinki, has a robust Northern European BASE24
credit card processing platform.  Rahaxi currently
processes in excess of 1.8 million card payments per month
for such companies as Finnair, Ikea and Stockman.  The
company, based in Dublin, Ireland, maintains satellite
offices in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Helsinki and
Geneva.  For more information, please visit
http://www.freestartech.com .

    Forward Looking Statements: 

    Certain statements in this news release may contain
forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175
under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the
safe harbor created by those rules.  All statements, other
than statements of fact, included in this release,
including, without limitation, statements regarding
potential future plans and objectives of the companies, are
forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties.  There can be no assurance that such
statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and
future events could differ materially from those anticipated
in such statements.  Technical complications that may arise
could prevent the prompt implementation of any
strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The
companies caution that these forward-looking statements are
further qualified by other factors including, but not
limited to, those set forth in FreeStar's Form 10-KSB
filing and other filings with the U S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov).  FreeStar
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
statements in this release, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise.

    For more information, please contact:
 
    Investor Relations:
     Arun Chakraborty
     Stern & Co. 
     Tel:   +1-212-888-0044
     Email: achakrab@sternco.com
 
     Paul Egan
     FreeStar Technology Corporation
     Tel:  +1-809-368-2001
     Email: pegan@freestartech.com
 
SOURCE  FreeStar Technology Corporation
 
2007'02.01.Thu
Imago Scientific Instruments Acquires Oxford NanoScience Ltd.
April 12, 2006

    MADISON, Wis., April 12 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Imago
Scientific Instruments announced today that it has acquired
atom probe company Oxford NanoScience Ltd. from UK based,
Polaron plc (LSE: POL).

    "We are very excited about this acquisition and
the contributions it will make to our business going
forward," said Timothy Stultz, President and CEO of
Imago. "By combining the ONS technology, products,
intellectual property and Atom Probe Team with those of
Imago, we further strengthen our ability to bring the
best-of-breed and most comprehensive set of Nanolytical(R)
Solutions to the market and our customers," he
continued.

    About Imago

    Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation is the
recognized world leader in Atom Probe Tomography and
developer of Nanolytical(R) tools and solutions for
manufacturers, engineers, and scientists involved in the
nano-technology revolution.  The Company's technology and
products provide sub-nanometer elemental mapping of
microelectronic devices and materials.  Imago is committed
to the sustained advancement of nano-technology solutions
specifically addressed to metrology and analysis challenges
in the Semiconductor, Data Storage and Advanced Materials
markets.

    Imago provides worldwide customer support from
locations in the United States, Japan, Europe and Asia
Pacific.

    For more information, please contact:

     Timothy Stultz, Ph.D., President and CEO, 
     Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation
     Tel:   +1-608-274-6880
     Email: information@imago.com 
     Web:   http://www.imago.com 

SOURCE  Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation

2007'02.01.Thu
Otis Wins China's Top Science and Technology Award
April 11, 2006

    FARMINGTON, Conn., April 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The
Chinese government has recognized Otis Elevator Company's
Gen2(R) flat-belt machine-roomless elevator as one of the
"Top 10 Architectural and Technology
Achievements" in China last year.  Otis, a unit of
United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is the first
elevator company to receive this award, considered to be
the most prestigious in China's construction industry.

    According to one government official and member of the
award committee, the Gen2 elevator's space-saving,
energy-efficient and environment-friendly design, as
featured in the Nanjing Olympic Sports and Guangzhou
International Convention and Exhibition centers,
"perfectly incorporates the country's strategy of
sustainable development."

    "We are honored to be the first elevator company
to earn this distinction from the Chinese government,"
said Ari Bousbib, Otis president. "This award reflects
Otis' commitment to `green' buildings and our strong
support for China's sustainable development policy."

    This is the second national award for the Gen2
elevator.  In 2005, the China Environmental Protection
Foundation gave Otis the Green Product Award for the Gen2
elevator's environment-friendly technology.

    Otis' patented Gen2 flat-belt drive system and gearless
machine do not require any form of lubrication, eliminating
the need for storage, cleanup and disposal of hazardous
waste.  The Gen2 system is also 50 to 75 percent more
energy efficient than conventional elevators because its
low-inertia, permanent magnet gearless machine with
variable frequency control eliminates energy loss that
occurs in more traditional geared systems.  In addition,
the machine-roomless design saves valuable building space.


    Otis Elevator Company is the world's largest
manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products
including elevators, escalators and moving walkways.  With
headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut, Otis employs
60,000 people, offers products and services in more than
200 countries and territories and maintains 1.5 million
elevators and escalators worldwide. United Technologies
Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified
company providing high technology products and services to
the building and aerospace industries.

    For more information, please contact:

     Tizz Weber, 
     Director of Communications,
     Otis Elevators
     Tel:   +1-860-676-6127
     Email: Tizz.Weber@Otis.com 

SOURCE  Otis Elevators
2007'02.01.Thu
TEDA Attracts Investments of USD1.5 billion in its First Quarter Business Invitation
April 11, 2006

    TIANJIN, China, April 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- TEDA
government announced that TEDA's indexes for business
invitation and foreign capital usage in the first quarter
have been increased largely.  59 foreign capital
enterprises have been newly approved; 60 foreign capital
enterprises have increased their investments; the total
investments, contractual value and capital contribution are
USD1.552 billion, USD 893 million and USD 517 million
respectively.  Of them, TEDA's contractual value and
capital contribution have grown by 23.7% and 42.0% year on
year, respectively. 33.4% of the annual capital
contribution has been completed.

    Of the newly approved foreign capital enterprises
landing in TEDA, 33 projects have total investments
surpassing USD10million, including 15 projects with
investments from multi-national companies, such as the
dominant projects of Tianjin Otis Elevator Co., Ltd, Master
Kong Beverages (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.  In terms of capital
increase projects, 9 projects have increased a total of
capital of USD10 million respectively where Novo Nordisk,
ROHM Semiconductor, Tianjin Samsung Telecom Technology Co.,
LTD., Taida Chemical, Hualida Biotech, etc., have increased
their capital many times.

    About Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area
(TEDA)

    Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA)
was established in 1984 with the approval of the State
Council of the People's Republic of China.  It is one of
the first state-class economic-technological development
areas in the country. 

    TEDA is located in the center of a larger area
bordering Bohai Sea and the east of the Asia-Europe Land
Bridge, thus serving as the gate to the two super cities of
Beijing and Tianjin, and the throat connecting the northeast
of China.  By the end of 2005, 4,067 foreign companies have
landed in TEDA.  Of the Fortune 500 companies, 57
multinational companies, from 10 countries and regions,
including such well-established multinational giants as
Motorola, Samsung and Toyota, invested in 123 enterprises
in TEDA.  In 2000, "Fortune" listed TEDA as one
of the most highly recommended economic areas in China.  In
2002 UNIDO listed TEDA as one of the most dynamic areas of
China together with Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wenzhou, Shanghai
Pudong and Xi'an High-tech Park.

    For more information, please contact:

     Ding Lei
     Tel:   +86-22-2520-1576

     Xu Hui
     Tel:   +86-22-2520-1118

     Web:   http://www.investteda.org

SOURCE  Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area

2007'02.01.Thu
Texas Instruments Integrates Four Video Decoders onto a Single Chip
April 11, 2006

New Quad-Channel Decoder Saves up to 25 Percent in Board Space and Offloads Horizontal/Vertical Scaling from the DSP in Video Security Applications
    DALLAS, April 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Bringing a
high-performance, cost-efficient solution to multi-input
video applications such as video surveillance, Texas
Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced
a new analog-to-digital (A/D) video decoder that combines
four independent video decoders into a single chip.  With
its high level of integration, the new TVP5154 quad A/D
video decoder simplifies layout and saves up to 25 percent
in board space over previous products.  In addition, each
channel of the TVP5154 features a programmable
horizontal/vertical (H/V) scaler that can offload
processing from associated video processors, giving
developers additional headroom for value-added algorithms. 
For more information, visit
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/tvp5154.html .

    The growth of the security and surveillance market has
fueled demand for the inexpensive format conversion of
video captured by traditional analog cameras.  The TVP5154
quad-channel video decoder is designed to meet this demand,
by employing the proven architecture of TI's successful
TVP5150AM1 single-channel video decoder in a highly
integrated, feature-rich new device. Accepting two
composite inputs per decoder for a total of up to eight
separate camera inputs, the TVP5154 converts NTSC, PAL and
SECAM formats to digital video output streams.  Patented
technology helps improve the quality of weak, noisy or
unstable signals, and additional support is provided for
non-standard video signals.  The device operates as a front
end for a wide variety of video processing engines and is
designed for direct connection to TI's TMS320DM642 digital
signal processor (DSP)-based video processor.

    "The TVP5154 quad decoder addresses the needs of
the multi-channel video security market by reducing space
and cost while improving quality," said Yvonne Cager,
video solutions business manager, TI.  "Operating
seamlessly with TI's DM642 video processor, the TVP5154
saves processing overhead which allows our customers to
introduce new value-added functionality to their
products."

    Flexible Design Options

    The TVP5154 quad video decoder provides features that
add flexibility and enhance performance in security
applications.  The device integrates four independent H/V
scalers that permit downscaling of image outputs and
provide a variety of options for single or simultaneous
output of full-scale and down-scaled images. The TVP5154
takes on scaling functions that would otherwise consume
valuable video processor capacity.  In the DM642, for
example, TVP5154 scaling can free from 10 to 15 percent of
the processing load, allowing developers to utilize the
extra processing power for value-added algorithms such as
de-interlacing and object recognition.

    In order to simplify control communications, reduce
board space and layout complexity, the TVP5154 features
four dedicated I2C addresses, which allow for up to four
TVP5154 devices (16 video channels) on a single I2C bus. 
In addition, the device can program all four of the
integrated video decoders of the TVP5154 simultaneously or
individually.  Furthermore, only one 14.31818 crystal is
required to drive each TVP5154, saving additional board
space and cost. 

    The TVP5154 supports a fast lock mode, which enables
the decoder to switch from video inputs in less than 2.5
fields.  When switching between inputs, the gain and offset
settings of the current input are stored, improving the
locking speed and automatic gain control (AGC) convergence
time.  A stable sync output feature allows for a fixed
number of lines during active video, ensuring a stable
output signal. 

    Availability, Packaging and Pricing

    The TVP5154 quad video decoder is in production today
and is available through TI and authorized distributors. 
The device is packaged in a space-saving 16mm x 16mm,
128-pin low-profile quad flatpack (LQFP).  Pricing is $9.00
per unit in quantities of 1,000 units.

    The TVP5154 evaluation module (EVM) with the DM642
video processor provides a complete evaluation platform
with integrated DSP code, Windows(R) control software, and
a high-quality encoder daughter card for video output. The
easy-to-use control software provides one-click settings
for a variety of standard downscaled resolutions, including
VGA, QVGA, CIF, QCIF and SIF, among others.  The EVM is
scheduled for release by the end of April, 2006, with
pricing planned at $649 per unit.  

    About Texas Instruments

    Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP
and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world
signal processing requirements. In addition to
Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors
& Controls, and Educational & Productivity
Solutions. 

    TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has
manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25
countries.

    TRADEMARKS

    All other trademarks and registered trademarks are
property of their respective owners.

    For more information, please contact:

     Christy Brunton	
     Texas Instruments	
     Tel:   +1-281-274-580         
     Email: cbrunton@ti.com 

     Tara Hanney		
     GolinHarris		
     Tel:   +1-713-513-9561	      
     Email: thanney@golinharris.com

SOURCE  Texas Instruments Incorporated

2007'02.01.Thu
Hughes' Inmarsat BGAN Satellite Terminal Receives Type Approval
April 10, 2006

Company's Class 1 Terminal is Type Approved by Inmarsat to Operate on the Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)
    GERMANTOWN, Md., April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Hughes
Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in
broadband satellite network solutions and services, today
announced that the Hughes 9201 has received type approval
by Inmarsat to operate over their Broadband Global Area
Network (BGAN).  The Hughes 9201 is the only Class 1 BGAN
terminal that is certified to provide service on Inmarsat's
BGAN system.  Hughes has already shipped product to
distribution partners, who can now bundle it with
Inmarsat's service and offer a product/service package to
end users.

    The Hughes 9201 enables Inmarsat's end users to perform
a diverse range of broadband intensive applications such as
sending e-mail, transferring large files, and video
conferencing.  The Hughes 9201 also allows customers to
communicate at very high data rates while providing
critical access to voice and data applications, including
Voice over IP (VoIP), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and
File Transfer Protocol (FTP). 

    The Hughes 9201 gives customers the ability to
communicate-anywhere, anytime. The Class 1 terminal is
capable of supporting:  

    *  Data rates of up to 492/492 Kbps transmit/receive
    *  Up to eleven simultaneous users
    *  Simultaneous use of all four interfaces: Ethernet,
ISDN, USB and WLAN
    *  WLAN access point built-in
    *  Selectable IP Quality of Service (QoS)

    "We are very proud of the work we have done with
Inmarsat over the years, starting with the R-BGAN terminal.
 We have supply agreements with several world-class
distribution companies and have positioned the Hughes 9201
as a premier broadband product at a very competitive price
point in the marketplace," said Graham Avis, vice
president of Hughes' mobile satellite terminal group.

    To find out more about the Hughes 9201, as well as
where to buy the product, please visit our web site at
http://bgan.hughes.com .

    About Hughes Network Systems

    Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global
leader in providing broadband satellite networks and
services for large enterprises, governments, small
businesses, and consumers. HughesNet(TM) encompasses all
broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes,
bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial
technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1
million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its
broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over
Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and
ITU standards organizations.

    Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown,
Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices
worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes
Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: HGCM). For
additional information, please visit http://www.hughes.com
.

    HUGHES, HUGHESNET, and IPOS are trademarks of Hughes
Network Systems, LLC. 
    
    For more information, please contact:

     Judy Blake
     Hughes Network Systems, LLC
     Tel:   +1-301-601-7330
     Email: jblake@hns.com

     Dacrie Brooks of Brodeur
     Tel:   +1-202-775-2646
     Email: dbrooks@brodeur.com

SOURCE  Hughes Network Systems, LLC
2007'02.01.Thu
Sinovac Completes Immunization Schedule in the Phase I Clinical Trial of its Proprietary Avian Influenza Vaccine (H5N1)
April 10, 2006

    BEIJING, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Sinovac
Biotech Ltd. (AMEX: SVA) announced today that all 120
volunteers in the Phase I clinical trial of its avian
influenza vaccine (H5N1) have completed the two shot
regimen of either the vaccine or a placebo.  

    All 120 volunteers (aged 18 - 60 years) in the clinical
trial were thoroughly evaluated and medically documented
prior to entering the vaccination program.  The clinical
trial was conducted on a 0 and 28 day dose immunization
schedule.  Sinovac expects to take blood samples from
volunteers to analyze the antibody growth and effectiveness
of the vaccine. 

    Sinovac's CEO, Mr. Weidong Yin commented,
"Everything is progressing as we expected.  Teaming up
with the China CDC is extremely beneficial.  We are working
hard together to produce a safe and effective vaccine that
I believe will benefit the whole world."

    About Sinovac 

    Sinovac Biotech Ltd. is a world-class Chinese
biopharmaceutical company, focused on research, development
and commercialization of vaccines designed to combat human
infectious diseases.  Sinovac's vaccines include
Healive(TM) (hepatitis A), Bilive(TM) (hepatitis B) and
Anflu(TM) (influenza).  Sinovac has vaccines in clinical
trials to combat avian influenza (bird flu) and SARS.

    Additional information about Sinovac is available on
the Company website, http://www.sinovac.com and the Sinovac
Investor Relations website,
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Sinovac_Biotech_IR .

    To be added to our distribution list, please email:
info@sinovac.com 

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. 
These statements are made under the "safe harbor"
provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements can be
identified by words or phrases such as "will,"
"expects," "anticipates,"
"future," "intends," "plans,"
"believes," "estimates" and similar
statements.  Among other things, the business outlook and
quotations from management in this press release contain
forward-looking statements.  Statements that are not
historical facts, including statements about Sinovac's
beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. 
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and
uncertainties.  A number of important factors could cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in
any forward-looking statement.  Sinovac does not undertake
any obligation to update any forward-looking statement,
except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact: 

     Craig H. Bird
     Segue Investor Relations
     Tel:   +1-215-782-8682 or Toll Free: +1-866-360-8682
(North America)
     Email: sinovac@verizon.net

SOURCE  Sinovac Biotech Ltd.


2007'02.01.Thu
Blinding Trachoma: Progress Towards Global Elimination by 2020
April 10, 2006

    GENEVA, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Several
countries are on track to eliminate the infectious eye
disease, blinding trachoma, the World Health Organization
(WHO) announced today.  This progress results from efforts
to achieve the global goal set by the World Health Assembly
in 1998 to eliminate this disabling disease by the year
2020. 

    (Logo: 
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO )

    The estimated number of people affected by trachoma has
fallen from 360 million people in 1985 to approximately 80
million people today.  This is the result of a concerted
effort by the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of
Blinding Trachoma (GET 2020) combined with socioeconomic
development in endemic countries.  Trachoma affects the
poorest and most remote rural areas of 56 countries in
Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Australia and the
Middle East.  

    At today's 10th meeting of GET 2020, held at WHO
Headquarters in Geneva, the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Mexico, Morocco and Oman have reported successfully
implementing their national strategies of interventions
necessary for eliminating trachoma, based on the
WHO-recommended SAFE strategy.  The WHO SAFE strategy
emphasizes comprehensive public health action and stands
for lid surgery (S), antibiotics to treat the infection
(A), facial cleanliness (F); and environmental changes (E).
 If implemented comprehensively, the SAFE strategy could
prevent virtually all cases of blindness.  

    "This is very encouraging progress," said Dr
LEE Jong-wook, WHO Director-General.  "If countries
continue at this rate, the global goal to eliminate
blinding trachoma as a public health problem by 2020 can be
achieved."

    WHO is currently developing the specific
epidemiological assessment criteria to determine when
countries have fully eliminated blinding trachoma.  The
criteria are expected to be finalized by the end of 2006,
at which time WHO will be able to evaluate the
effectiveness of national strategies and provide
country-by-country certification that the disease has been
eliminated. 

    Blinding trachoma

    Trachoma originates from an eye infection that is
spread from person to person, is frequently passed from
child to child and from child to mother within the family,
especially in environmental conditions of water shortages,
flies, and crowded households.  Through the discharge from
an infected person's eyes, trachoma is passed on by hands,
on clothing, or by flies that land on the person's face. 
Infections often begin during infancy or childhood and
become chronic.  If left untreated, these infections
eventually cause the eyelid to turn inward which in turn
causes the eye lashes to rub on the eyeball, resulting in
intense pain and scarring of the front of the eye.  This
ultimately leads to irreversible blindness, typically
beginning between ages 30-40 and often resulting in
deepening poverty for individuals and their families. 
Women are blinded two to three times more often than men,
probably due to their close contact with affected
children.

    The alliance for the global elimination of blinding
trachoma

    Launched under WHO's leadership in 1997, the Alliance
for the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma by the Year
2020 (GET2020) is a partnership formed to support country
implementation of the SAFE strategy. The Alliance is led by
WHO and is open to members from all sectors -- public,
nongovernmental and commercial willing to work with
governments to implement the SAFE strategy.  Alliance
members include WHO, national governments, nongovernmental
organizations research institutions, foundations, and the
pharmaceutical industry.  

    Pzifer International Inc and its Foundation have been
key partners in the fight against trachoma.  It has already
donated 37 million doses of azithromycin and has committed
to provide 100 million additional doses by 2008. 
Azithromycin is a long-acting antibiotic used as one
component of the SAFE strategy. 

    For more information or if media would like to cover
the meeting, please contact: 

     Ms Alexandra Munro,
     Communications Officer
     Tel:    +41-22-791-5053
     Mobile: +41-79-754-7763
     Email:  munroa@who.int

     Dr Silvio P. Mariotti, 
     Medical Officer
     Tel:    +41-22-791-3491
     Mobile: +41-79-217-3452 
     Email:  mariottis@who.int

    Related links
     More information on trachoma:   
     
http://www.who.int/blindness/causes/priority/en/index2.html
     More information on GET2020: 
     
http://www.who.int/blindness/causes/trachoma/en/index.html

SOURCE  World Health Organization
2007'02.01.Thu
Nextnation Begins Process of Marking Strategic Acquisitions to Strengthen its Presence in China
April 10, 2006

    BEIJING, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Global mobile
multimedia Application Services Provider (ASP), Nextnation
is in the process of marking strategic acquisitions to
strengthen its presence in China.

    "Acquisitions are the fastest mode of entry into
the regional markets.  We are at an advanced stage of
negotiations with a company in China and we are probably
going to do an acquisition within months," said Sally
Peh, Corporate Finance Manager of Nextnation.

    Sally said Nextnation also intended to form joint
ventures with several international technology and venture
companies to involve in a number of partnership and
acquisition projects. 

    The global market for cell phone premium content,
including music, gaming and video, is expected to expand to
more than $43 billion by 2010, rising at a compound annual
growth rate of 42.5 percent from $5.2 billion in 2004,
according to iSuppli Corp.

    About Nextnation

    Nextnation, a mobile application service provider,
enables businesses and individuals to access, connect, and
transact across today's complex global mobile networks. 
Its core product MINDCEP(TM) Platform is a mobile
multimedia communication platform, facilitating and
enabling mobile data transmission worldwide using WAP, MMS,
SMS and Java technologies.

    MINDCEP(TM) is connected to some of the largest premium
messaging networks in the world in order to offer a broad
range of services from content distribution to mobile
m-commerce and place the company at the forefront of this
rapidly growing messaging market.  Additional news and
information about the company is available at
http://www.nextnationnet.com .

    For more information, please contact:

     Sally Peh,
     Corporate Finance Manager,
     Nextnation Network 
     Tel:   +603-7494-4839
     Email: pr@nextnationnet.com

SOURCE  Nextnation Network

2007'02.01.Thu
AU Optronics Corp. March 2006 Consolidated Revenues Totaled NT$22.5 Billion
April 10, 2006

    HSINCHU, Taiwan, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- AU
Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the
"Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today
announced preliminary consolidated March 2006 monthly
revenues of NT$22,455 million and unconsolidated net sales
totaled NT$22,447 million, increasing 4.0% and 3.9%
sequentially.  On a year-over-year comparison, March 2006
consolidated revenues increased by 53.6%, while
unconsolidated net sales rose by 53.8%. 

    1Q2006 unaudited consolidated and unconsolidated
revenues totaled NT$66,252 million and NT$66,241 million
respectively, representing 70.6% and 70.7% Y-o-Y growth. 
Unit shipments increased by 55.3% for large-sized panels
and 83.0% for small-and-medium-sized panels.

    Shipments of large-sized panels(a) used in desktop
monitor, notebook PC, LCD TV and other applications, was
flat at 3.19 million, a 0.1% increase from February 2006. 
Shipments of small-and-medium-sized panels presented a
significant growth to 6.36 million, increasing 34.1%
sequentially. 

    Preliminary shipments of large-sized panels for the
first quarter was 9.38 million, declined 2.3% sequentially,
while shipments for small- and medium-sized panels also
declined slightly to total 15.81 million, a 0.8 % marginal
decrease.

     (a) Large-size refers to panels that are 10 inches and
above in diagonal 
         measurement while small- and medium-size refers to
those below 10   
         inches 

    Sales Report: (Unit: NT$ million) 


    Net Sales(1) (2)        Consolidated(3)         
Unconsolidated      
    March 2006                  22,455                 
22,447 
    February 2006               21,597                 
21,594 
    M-o-M Growth                   4.0 %                  
3.9 %
    March 2005                  14,618                 
14,596 
    Y-o-Y Growth                  53.6 %                 
53.8 %
    Jan to Mar 2006             66,252                 
66,241 
    Jan to Mar 2005             38,837                 
38,796 
    Y-o-Y Growth                  70.6 %                 
70.7 %

    (1) All figures are prepared in accordance with
generally accepted 
        accounting principles in Taiwan. 
    (2) Monthly figures are unaudited, prepared by AU
Optronics Corp. 
    (3) Consolidated numbers include AU Optronics Corp., AU
Optronics (L) 
        Corporation, and AU Optronics (Suzhou)
Corporation.

    About AU Optronics

    AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO") is the world's
third largest manufacturer* of large-size thin film
transistor liquid crystal display panels
("TFT-LCD"), with approximately 14.2%* of global
market share and generated revenue of NT$217.4billion
(US$6.75 bn)* in 2005.  TFT-LCD technology is currently the
most widely used flat panel display technology.  Targeted
for 40"+ sized LCD TV panels, AUO's next generation
(7.5-Generation) fabrication facility production is
scheduled for mass production in 4Q 2006.  The Company
currently operates one 6th-generation, three
5th-generation, one 4th-generation, and three
3.5-generation TFT- LCD fabs, in addition to four module
assembly facilities and AUO Technology Center specializing
in new technology platform and new product development. 
AUO is one of few top-tier TFT-LCD manufacturers capable of
offering a wide range of small- to large- size
(1.5"-46") TFT-LCD panels, which enables it to
offer a broad and diversified product portfolio.

    * As shown on DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area
TFT-LCD Shipment Report 
      dated Mar 1, 2006.  This data is used as reference
only and AUO does not 
      make any endorsement or representation in connection
therewith. 2005 
      year end revenue converted by an exchange rate of
NTD32.2039:USD1.

    For more information, please contact:

     Yawen Hsiao
     Corporate Communications Dept.
     AU Optronics Corp.
     Tel:   +886-3-500-8899 x3211
     Fax:   +886-3-577-2730
     Email: yawenhsiao@auo.com 

SOURCE  AU Optronics Corp.
2007'02.01.Thu
New Motorola Survey Demonstrates the Real-World Impact of 3G
April 10, 2006

Third-Generation (3G) Mobile Phones Are Inspiring Their Own Rules, Behaviours and Communities, Says a New Report by Motorola
    BASINGSTOKE, England, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Are you the leading wo/man who enjoys the spotlight and
embraces the new videophone age? Or the no-show who shuns
it for fear of being caught out in places that are hard to
explain? How is etiquette muscling in on the
next-generation of mobile phones and why are grandparents
buying not one but two devices to be part of the action? 

    From the discovery of new trends and whole phone
communities to the evolution of e-novels and the instant
postcard, Motorola's global survey of 3G users explores the
human side of next-generation mobiles. The Generation HERE
report published today reveals that the take-up of the
latest super-handsets and services is not only growing, but
is also fundamentally changing the way in which users live
and communicate.  

    Dozens of writers and journalists travelled the world
to interview and observe 3G users in different cultures for
Generation HERE. This methodology, Motorola says, led to a
report that had a qualitative rather than quantitative
approach to give a fuller picture of the 3G world.

    "This was a report about nuances," explains
its editor Peter Lyle. "Behaviour and adaptation,
creative and unexpected usage. Ultimately it isn't
difficult to get statistics about penetration, but those
statistics, although they still have relevance, do not tell
the whole story of how a new technology impacts upon
people's lives."

    Generation HERE uncovered a surprising 3G age range
among users. While it is typical to see teenagers using
their mobiles to access community services like Japan's
Mixi and Sweden's LunarStorm, the report's research team
also spoke to Japanese grandparents who keep two 3G phones
-- one for themselves, and the other for recording and
sharing pictures and videos of their grandchildren.

    "Generation HERE is an exercise in gathering
stories and recognising patterns," says Douglas
Hunter, consumer insights manager, Motorola Mobile Devices
Europe. "We conceived it as a snapshot of how people
are responding to 3G here and now, and of how they see its
future. And there's surprisingly little material out there
that approaches the technology -- any technology, in fact
-- in that way. So in a way we've learnt as much from it as
anyone else."

    An exclusive podcast featuring in depth discussion of
Motorola's Generation HERE with researcher Stephen
Armstrong is available for download at The Podcast Network
(TPN) at
http://gadget.thepodcastnetwork.com/the-gadget-show-49-generation-here/
.

    TPN is the world's leading provider of managed
podcasts. Launched in February 2005, it has grown to a
service that has delivered over one million shows to
listeners in over 150 countries.  

    Motorola's complete Generation HERE report is available
at http://www.whatisrazrspeed.com .

    Notes to Editors:

    Generation HERE

    What is it?

     -- A report commissioned by Motorola Mobile Devices
which explores the 
        impact of 3G (Third Generation) mobile phones
technology on society  
        around the globe.

    Why is it interesting?

     -- Generation HERE is thought to be the first known
publication of its 
        kind to define global perspectives and conduct
motivated by 3G - a 
        whole new world, which is changing the way people
interact.
     -- It uncovers a global community of individuals
connected in a unique 
        way by technologies and highlights the diverse
cultural attitudes 
        within this community.

    Who conducted the research?

     -- Qualitative research was undertaken by independent
research companies 
        through a series of in-depth focus groups.
     -- A team of experienced journalists visited 14
markets identifying 
        insights as to the way 3G is being used in today's
world. The team of 
        journalists included:
        -- Rob Levine: former senior editor at Wired and
freelances for Spin, 
           Radar and GQ
        -- Richard Benson: former editor of The Face,
currently writing for 
           The Observer, The New York Times and GQ
        -- Stephen Armstrong: freelance journalist who
currently contributes 
           to The Sunday Times, Time Out and Wallpaper

    Where did the researchers go?

     -- 14 markets; Italy, Russia, US, Brazil, Mexico, UK,
China, India, 
        Australia, Dubai, Israel, South Korea, Sweden and
France.

    What did they do?

     -- Conducted focus groups with 16-25 year old,
interviewed local 
        academics, urban opinion formers and specialist
media and observed 
        attitudes and behaviour.

    About Motorola 

    Motorola (NYSE: MOT) is known around the world for
innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband
communications.  Inspired by our vision of Seamless
Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping
you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the
people, information, and entertainment that you want and
need.  We do this by designing and delivering "must
have" products, "must do" experiences and
powerful networks -- along with a full complement of
support services.  A Fortune 100 company with global
presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.8 billion
in 2005.  For more information about our company, our people
and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com .

    MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the
US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or
service names are the property of their respective owners.

    For more information, please contact:

     Una Kent
     Motorola, Inc.
     Tel:   +44-7802-365956
     Email: una.kent@motorola.com

     David Sims 
     Howorth Communication Digital Lifestyle Group
     Tel:   +61-2-8281-3852 or +61-412-990-912
     Email: davids@howorth.com.au 

SOURCE  Motorola, Inc.
2007'02.01.Thu
Visa Becomes an Exclusive FIFA Partner
April 10, 2006

Groundbreaking New Global Partnership Links World's Leading Payment Brand and World's Leading Sport Through 2014
    SAN FRANCISCO and LONDON, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/
-- Visa International and FIFA (Federation Internationale
de Football Association) today announced a milestone
agreement in which Visa will become a FIFA Partner with
global rights to a broad range of FIFA activities including
the FIFA World Cup(TM) and the FIFA Women's World Cup.  This
new partnership, with unparalleled access to FIFA properties
worldwide, links the world's leading payment brand, Visa,
and the world's leading sport, football, in a unique and
groundbreaking relationship that will benefit fans
worldwide.

    Visa's commitment will begin in January 2007 and will
run through 2014 in the Financial Services product
category.  As one of six FIFA Partners, Visa will enjoy a
higher level of association with FIFA than previous
category sponsors and will enjoy rights to a broader range
of FIFA activities including exclusive marketing assets,
competitions, special events and development programs. 
Visa and FIFA will work together on a global basis to
create exclusive Visa payment programs around these FIFA
activities.

    "As only Visa can, we will work with our extensive
network of 20,000 member financial institutions to convey
the zeal and excitement of football to hundreds of millions
of Visa cardholders worldwide," said Visa International
president and CEO Christopher Rodrigues.  "This
partnership will allow us to bring our cardholders programs
that touch the very core of their passion for the game both
globally and locally.  The FIFA Partnership truly delivers
on Visa's strategy of associating with the world's best
brands and complements our strong global brand
position."

    As the world leader in payment services and with
acceptance in 24 million locations, Visa is uniquely
qualified to extend the benefits of this partnership to
millions of cardholders and fans worldwide.  This
partnership builds on the highly successful marketing
programs with global properties including the Olympic
Games/Paralympic Games, Disney and Rugby World Cup.  As the
top property in football, FIFA, and the FIFA World Cup(TM)
and the FIFA Women's World Cup remain a most sought-after
prize.  

    Over the eight-year period, Visa will promote a number
of FIFA events and competitions including the FIFA
Confederations Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA U-20
World Cup, the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the FIFA Beach
Soccer World Cup, the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, and the
FIFA Futsal World Cup.  Visa will also be working with FIFA
to explore the possibility of developing and promoting
visually impaired football, drawing upon Visa's
long-standing involvement with Paralympic sport.

    FIFA's commercial partnership strategy is designed to
enhance the development of the sport across the world and
through all walks of life.  A FIFA Partner enjoys the
highest level of association with FIFA, by far eclipsing
basic event sponsoring, and comprising rights to all FIFA
events, exclusive marketing assets, and an affiliation with
the governing body's special events and development
initiatives.  Visa becomes one of six global organizations
that will comprise FIFA's top tier of partners.

    Note to Editors:

    About Visa    

    Visa connects cardholders, merchants and financial
institutions through the world's largest electronic
payments network.  Visa products allow buyers and sellers
to conduct commerce with ease and confidence in both the
physical and virtual worlds.  As an association owned by
more than 20,000 member financial institutions, Visa is
committed to the sustained growth of electronic payment
systems to support the needs of all stakeholders and to
drive economic growth.  For more information, visit
http://www.corporate.visa.com .

    For more information, please contact:

     Michael Sherman
     Visa International
     Tel:   +1-650-432-3923
     Email: globalmedia@visa.com

SOURCE  Visa International

2007'02.01.Thu
Learn Design Benefits of x1 Low-Cost PCI Express from TI and Altera Experts During Online Seminar
April 10, 2006

    DALLAS, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Texas
Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) and Altera
Corporation (Nasdaq: ALTR), in association with EE Times,
invite engineers to register for a complementary online
seminar entitled, "Delivering Low-Cost PCI Express x1
Solutions for Your Needs."  The seminar will be
broadcast on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 9:00am PDT/Noon
EDT. It will provide a benefit overview of x1 low-cost PCI
Express and offer ideas for overcoming challenges in
high-speed PCI Express system development. 
  
    Participants can register for the event, at
http://cmpnetseminars.com/TSG/?K=CETI&Q=355 . 

    Who Should Attend and What Will They Learn?

    Attendees such as system architects, embedded systems
designers, FPGA developers, and engineering and technical
managers, will hear experts Jawaid Ahmad of TI and Stephen
Lim of Altera discuss:

    -- Challenges in implementing and designing high-speed
PCI Express 
       solutions
    -- How the joint TI and Altera x1 PCI Express solution
effectively 
       addresses these challenges
    -- XIO1100, the third-generation PCI Express spec 1.1
compliant x1 PHY 
       from TI
    -- The PCI Express intellectual property (IP) core from
Altera to meet 
       your system's requirements
    -- The lowest-cost FPGA family, Cyclone II from Altera

    The TI and Altera Joint x1 PCI Express Solution 

    In March, TI and Altera announced the availability of a
PCI-SIG-compliant solution that reduces the cost and
accelerates the development of PCI Express-based systems. 
Ideal for video cards, data acquisition, test and network
equipment, and various embedded applications, the robust,
easy-to-use offering includes TI's XIO1100 PCI Express x1
physical layer (PHY) chip, Altera's low-cost Cyclone(TM) II
FPGAs and PCI Express x1 MegaCore(R) intellectual property
(IP) function.  To learn more about the components of this
joint offering visit http://www.ti.com/pciexpressalterapr
and http://www.altera.com/cyclone2 .

    About the Presenters

    Jawaid Ahmad, strategic product manager for PCI Express
and Cardbus products within TI's Digital Interface Business
Unit, has almost 20 years semiconductor industry
experience.  Prior to joining TI, he held engineering,
marketing and management positions at Siliconix, Crystal
Semiconductor, Cirrus Logic, Winbond Electronics and
National Semiconductor.  Ahmad earned a bachelor of science
degree in electrical engineering from Bangalore University,
a master of science in electrical engineering from the
University of Texas at El Paso and a master of business
administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

    As product line manager for Altera, Stephen Lim is
responsible for the product marketing and management of
low-cost products including the Cyclone series FPGAs.  Lim
has more than 10 years of experience working in the
storage, networking and semiconductor industries in various
engineering and marketing roles.  He earned bachelor of
science and master of science degrees in electrical
engineering and a master of business administration from
Cornell University.

    About Texas Instruments

    Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP
and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world
signal processing requirements. In addition to
Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors
& Controls, and Educational & Productivity
Solutions.  TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has
manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25
countries. 

    Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol TXN.  More information is located
on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com . 

    About Altera

    Altera Corporation (Nasdaq: ALTR) is the world's
pioneer in system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solutions. 
Combining programmable logic technology with software tools,
intellectual property and technical services, Altera
provides high-value programmable solutions to over 14,000
customers worldwide. More information is available at
http://www.altera.com .

    Trademarks

    All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized
Altera logo, specific device designations and all other
words that are identified as trademarks and/or service
marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and
service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other
countries.  All other product or service names are the
property of their respective holder.

    For more information, please contact:

     Maureen "Mo" Sepulveda
     Texas Instruments
     Tel:   +1-214-480-1117
     Email: msepulveda@ti.com

     Heather Mills
     GolinHarris
     Tel:   +1-972-341-2512
     Email: hmills@golinharris.com

SOURCE  Texas Instruments Incorporated

2007'02.01.Thu
Don Mischer Productions to Produce Opening Ceremonies of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games
April 10, 2006

    SHANGHAI, China, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Today,
at the Friendship Hall of the Shanghai Exhibition Center it
was announced that award winning Don Mischer Productions
would produce the Opening Ceremonies of the upcoming 2007
Special Olympics World Summer Games.  In October 2007,
Shanghai, China will be the world stage for the 2007
Special Olympics World Summer and will bring together
20,000 to 30,000 athletes, coaches, family members and
supporters from 170 countries around the world celebrating
the abilities and potential of people with intellectual
disabilities.  The Games promise to be the largest sports
and humanitarian event in the world next year, less than
one year prior to the Olympic Games scheduled for Beijing.


    (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040302/LNTU017LOGO 
          
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060410/CNM006LOGO )

    At the press conference, Dr. Derong Shi, Chief
Executive Officer of 2007 Special Olympics World Games
Executive Committee, made the announcement.

    Don Mischer, the Executive Producer for the Opening
Ceremony, is an internationally recognized producer and
director of television and live events. The Opening and
Closing Ceremonies of 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games
and 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games, both Don Mischer
Productions were highly rated events -- stunning, emotional
and highly acclaimed worldwide.  "I look forward to
working with the Special Olympics 2007 Games Committee and
with the artistic community in China to create a Ceremony
that brings the passion and spirit of Special Olympics to
life," said Mischer.  "On October 2, 2007, the
Shanghai Stadium will be transformed into a place where
differences are appreciated and celebrated.  The Ceremony
will shine a spotlight on the dignity of human life and the
beauty of the human soul."  

    Mischer and fellow Executive Producer David Goldberg
will spend the coming days visiting Shanghai and Beijing
researching the arts and cultural community for background
and use in the production of the Opening Ceremony.  Dr.
Derong Shi commented on the rationale of choosing Don
Mischer Productions, "Don has a significant reputation
and strong experience in organizing and producing
global-scale events.  His leadership in the Opening
Ceremony will attract international celebrities to be a
part of the event and coverage from international
media."  The Opening Ceremony is planned to be
broadcast throughout China and around the world.  Many
corporations choose to become sponsors of the Special
Olympics World Games, using this good opportunity to
communicate their corporate responsibilities to the world.

    The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games promise
not only to be a world-class sporting event and spectacular
occasion, but also an historic one which will build cultural
bridges and foster a global vision of inclusion and
acceptance for all.  The combination of Don, the leadership
of the Games Organizing Committee, in particular, Vice Mayor
Zhou and Dr. Shi, and the magnificent city of Shanghai and
its people ensure that these Games will be of the highest
quality and memorable for years to come," added Bruce
Pasternack, Special Olympics International President and
CEO.

    Special Olympics China Chairman Mr. Zhijun Wang and
Vice Mayor Zhou attended the press conference. 
 
    About Don Mischer Productions

    Don Mischer is an internationally recognized producer
and director of television and live events who has been
honored with thirteen Primetime Emmy Awards, a record nine
Directors Guild of America Awards for Outstanding
Directorial Achievement, two NAACP Image Awards, a Peabody
Award for excellence in broadcasting, and Europe's
prestigious Golden Rose of Montreux. Joined by David
Goldberg, they have been in collaboration nearly thirty
years. Together, their producer/director credits range from
the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Salt Lake Winter
Olympic Games, Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Hong Kong 1997
Spectacular, the Kennedy Center Honors, PBS Dance in
America, and the 100th Anniversary of Carnegie Hall, to
Motown 25, the Presidential Inaugural Gala, Barbara
Streisand's Millennium Concert in Las Vegas, and the NFL
Super Bowl Halftime Show with Paul McCartney.

    About Special Olympics

    Special Olympics is an international organization that
changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and
inclusion between people with and without intellectual
disabilities.  Through year-round sports training and
athletic competition and other related programming for more
than 2.25 million children and adults with intellectual
disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics
has created a model community that celebrates people's
diverse gifts.  Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver,
Special Olympics provides people with intellectual
disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their
potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage
and experience joy and friendship.  There is no cost to
participate in Special Olympics.  Visit Special Olympics at
http://www.specialolympics.org .

    For more information, please contact:

     Kathryn Ferb                                          
                
     Consultant                                            
                 
     Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide                     
   
     Tel:   +86-21-2405-1888                               
              
     Fax:   +86-21-2405-1628                               
             
     Email: Kathryn.Ferb@ogilvy.com                        
  
						  
     Ding Ying
     Media Relations Manager  
     2007 Special Olympics World Executive Committee
     Tel:   +86-21-6431-2007 x823
     Fax:   +86-21-6431-9820
     Email: ding_ying@specialolympics.sh.cn
     Web:   http://www.2007specialolympics.com

SOURCE  Special Olympics


2007'02.01.Thu
Bekaert Introduces Quantum Mega Performance Films with Substantial Car Interior Heat Reduction
April 10, 2006

    SAN DIEGO, April 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Bekaert
announced today its newest development in advanced window
films. Quantum Mega Performance is a pioneering clearer
window film for autos that substantially reduces heat
without darkening windows or interfering with radio
signals.  The new Quantum Mega Performance Films are now
available in Asia.  Worldwide availability is expected in
2006.

    Christophe Fremont, General Manager of Bekaert
Specialised Film, stated: "Our Quantum Mega
Performance Films reduce up to 50 percent of total solar
energy coming through the vehicle's windows, yet they are
virtually invisible on glass.  This ensures significant
heat reduction, without a dark or reflective finish, like
traditional automotive films.  Unlike earlier films that
incorporated metal particles to reflect damaging rays, the
new Quantum films have no metal particles.  These advanced
films maintain radio frequency signals and do not interfere
with car tuner reception or GPS."  

    The new film rejects almost 100 percent of dangerous
ultraviolet light which has been proven to be a significant
factor in developing certain forms of skin cancer.  In
addition, the new films help to significantly reduce
premature fading and disintegration of the car's interior. 
Quantum Mega Performance films also offer scratch-resistant
coating, no-dye composition optical clarity, and allow for
normal cleaning.

    Bekaert developed the Quantum Mega Performance products
in their state-of-the-art technology centers in the U.S. and
Belgium.  The films come with a lifetime color-stable
guarantee.

    Profile

    Bekaert ( http://www.bekaert.com ) seeks sustainable
profitable growth based on its two core competences:
advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and
coatings.  Bekaert aims to consolidate its position as both
market and technological leader around the world.  With its
broad range of high technological products, systems and
services, Bekaert offers high added value for its
customers. 

    Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a European based
company, headquartered in Belgium, employing 16 400 people.
 Bekaert, present in 120 countries, generates sales of 2.7
billion euros.

    For more information, please contact:

     Francoise Vanthemsche,
     Corporate Communications,
     Bekaert
     Tel:   +32-56-23-05-71

SOURCE  Bekaert

2007'02.01.Thu
China's Business Owners are Most Optimistic in the World About Growth Prospects in 2006
April 09, 2006

Results Show Mid-Size Businesses Surging Ahead in 2006
     -- But worries start to show about domestic
competitiveness and 
        availability of capital to continue international
expansion
     -- Nearly one in five mid-size businesses in the
survey now imports from 
        mainland China 


    HONG KONG, April 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The results
of the first independent survey of business owners in
mainland China show that business owners are among the most
confident in the world about the local economy with an
optimism balance* of +79% (see figure 1).  Only three out
of the 30 countries/territories surveyed -- India, Ireland
and South Africa -- were more optimistic.  And when asked
about prospects for growth in turnover in 2006, mainland
China topped the table with a balance of +86%.  This made
it the most optimistic country in the survey.

      * The balance is the different between the proportion
of businesses 
        indicating optimism and those indicating pessimism,
or between those 
        indicating an increase and t6hose indicating a
decrease


    Figure 1: How optimistic for outlook of country's
economy over the next 12 months?

     India            93
     Ireland          84
     South Africa     80
     Mainland China   79
     Philippines      71

     Figures are the % balance between optimistic and
pessimistic responses

     Source: Experian Grant Thornton 2006 International
Business Owners Survey


    Other key international economic indicators show that
the 'economic miracle' in mainland China is not just for
large enterprises but has penetrated deep into the economic
infrastructure -- with mid-size businesses performing
exceptionally well on a range of indices:

     -- mid-size businesses in mainland China are bullish
about export       
        prospects for the year ahead.  The survey balance
of +26% was one of 
        the highest among the 30 countries/territories
surveyed

     -- employment outlook is very healthy with 49% of
respondents 
        forecasting an increase in their workforce

     -- the surge in investment is set to continue - with
58% intending to 
        invest more in buildings and 53% in plant and
machinery

     -- the results show that 40% of mid-size businesses in
mainland China 
        export -- which is already near the EU (European
Union), NAFTA (US, 
        Canada and Mexico) and global averages.  However,
the percentage 
        with more than a quarter of their turnover in
exports is 45% -- much 
        lower than in the EU, for example -- but
demonstrating the 
        opportunity that exists for these companies within
their own 
        geographical boundaries

     -- however, businesses felt more constrained in their
ability to raise 
        prices, with 16% expecting to do so this year --
well below 
        companies in NAFTA and the EU.

    "Our survey demonstrates that the economic miracle
mainland China is experiencing is not only benefiting large
enterprises but is trickling through to mid-size companies.
 The survey, the first of its kind, shows that mainland
Chinese business owners are very positive about the
economic prospects for the country but there is concern
about constraints impacting the ability to grow their
business.  It is necessary for the mainland Chinese
business owners to handle those challenges carefully,"
commented Dr Tapan Datta, Experian's global economist.  

    But there are problems beneath the surface

    Despite the optimism, however, business owners in
mainland China have significant worries about constraints
on their businesses continuing to expand (see figure 2):


    Figure 2: Main constraints on business expansion

                 Cost of Shortage Shortage  Regulations
Availability Shortage 
                 Finance   of       of       /red        of
skilled  of order/
                         working  long term   tape      
workforce   reduced       
                         capital   finance                 
          demand 
                                                           
     
    Global            
     ranking
     of mainland                                           
             
     China          4       2        5          15         
 9          4                                               
      
    % of             
     respondents 
     in mainland                                           
      
     China citing                                          
           
     constraint*   39      39       32          34         
37         44                                               
     
    % of             
     respondents                                           
               
     globally                                              
             
     citing                                                
              
     constraint*   21      22       19          35         
32         29                                               
    

    * % of respondents rating the constraint 4 or 5 on a
scale of 1 to 5 
      where 1 is a minor constraint and 5 is a major
constraint 
     
    Source: Experian Grant Thornton 2006 International
Business Owners Survey


     -- a high proportion of mid-size businesses in
mainland China are 
        clearly worried about a wide range of factors and
are among the 
        most concerned in the world about constraints to
expansion

     -- in a listing of 30 countries/territories, mainland
China comes 4th 
        in the table citing 'cost of finance' as a
constraint to business 
        expansion, 2nd for 'shortage of working capital',
5th for 'shortage 
        of long-term finance' and 9th for 'availability of
skilled 
        workforce'

     -- 39% of business owners were worried about 'cost of
finance' as a 
        constraint to business expansion, 39% about
'shortage of working 
        capital', 32% about 'shortage of long-term finance'
and 37% about 
        the 'availability of skilled workforce'

     -- in addition, 34% were worried about regulation and
red tape and 
        nearly half (44%) about shortages of orders and
reduced demand 
        (particularly due to increased domestic
competition).

    International engagement with mainland China

    The survey asked the owners of mid-size businesses
around the world what the impact of the 'Chinese economic
boom' had been on their businesses.  The majority (13
countries/territories) felt that they had experienced
increased business as a result.  This category included the
majority of Asian countries in the survey, with Hong Kong
(53%) leading the way; as well as Australia, the US,
Argentina and Mexico; and Germany, the Netherlands and
Sweden in Europe (see figure 3); a group of 12
countries/territories felt they were largely unaffected,
mostly from Europe; only a handful felt they had been
adversely affected.  (See Figure 3)

     Figure 3: Impact on business of the 'Chinese economic
boom' (% balance*)

        Increased business     Largely unaffected      
Decreased business    
 
         Hong Kong    53        Canada         7        
Poland     -9 
         Malaysia     22        Ireland        1        
Turkey    -16 
         Australia    19        UK             1        
Botswana  -31 
         US           19        Greece         0        
Thailand  -39 
         India        15        Luxembourg    -2           
          
         Singapore    15        Russia        -2           
          
         Netherlands  13        Japan         -4           
          
         Philippines  13        Taiwan        -4           
          
         Germany      12        France        -6           
          
         Mexico       10        Spain         -6           
          
         Sweden       10        South Africa  -7           
          
         Argentina     9        Italy         -7           
          
         New Zealand   8                                   
          

    * the balance is the difference between the proportion
of businesses 
      indicating an increase and those indicating a
decrease 

    Source: Experian Grant Thornton 2006 International
Business Owners Survey


    Desmond Yuen, Partner and Head of China Services at
Grant Thornton, added:  
    "It is interesting to note how the world is
adapting to the growth of mainland China -- both NAFTA and
East Asia are receptive to mainland China but Europe is
being more cautious about embracing the opportunities that
trade with mainland China presents."

    When asked whether mainland China was an opportunity
for their businesses, more than a third of mid-size
businesses in NAFTA and East Asia responded positively --
reflecting how engaged they are with mainland China and how
important it is to their future. 

    Mainland China's growing importance in international
trade is demonstrated by the fact that nearly one in five
mid-size businesses in the survey now imports from mainland
China.  It is ahead of the other major growing Asian economy
-- India -- when compared by imports.  Worldwide, some 14%
of mid-size businesses in the survey also export to
mainland China.  In Taiwan, the US, Germany and Italy, this
rises to one fifth of all respondents.  This ranks mainland
China fourth as the top export destination in the survey --
compared with sixth in 2003.

    The survey also revealed that one in ten of mid-size
businesses worldwide had outsourced operations to another
country/territory.  Hong Kong topped the outsourcing table
(26% of businesses) followed by the US (18%).  The leading
destination for outsourcing anywhere in the world was
mainland China -- with a third (31%) of respondents already
transferring or planning to transfer operations.  India was
next (27% followed at a distance by Mexico (8%) and
Malaysia (5%).

    Notes to editors 

    About the Experian Grant Thornton International
Business Owners Survey    

    Entering into its 4th year, the Experian Grant Thornton
International Business Owners Survey (IBOS) was carried out
among 7,000 owners of mid-size businesses from 30
territories/countries during late 2005.  Among them, 300,
250 and 150 mid-size businesses were surveyed in the
mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan respectively.  IBOS began in
2002 and builds on the European Business Survey (EBS) which
Grant Thornton ran from 1993 to 2001.  The research was
conducted by Experian Business Strategies Limited and
Harris Interactive. 

    About Grant Thornton

    Grant Thornton is one of the leading accounting, tax,
and business advisory firms dedicated to serving the needs
of entrepreneurial and owner managed companies.  In Hong
Kong and mainland China, Grant Thornton has offices in Hong
Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, employing
in excess of 500 people.  Grant Thornton in Hong Kong is a
member of Grant Thornton International -- one of the
world's leading organisations of independently owned and
managed accounting and consulting firms providing
assurance, tax and specialist advice to independent
businesses and their owners.  Firms operate in 112
countries in 519 offices.  For more information about Grant
Thornton go to http://www.gthk.com.hk .

    About Experian

    Experian provides comprehensive understanding of
consumers, markets and economies in the UK and around the
world, past, present and future.  The business is a market
leader in consumer profiling and market segmentation,
economic forecasting and public policy research, supporting
businesses, policy makers and investors in making tactical
and strategic decisions.  Experian's economic forecasting
arm, Business Strategies, has operations in sixteen
countries: UK, France, Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Sweden,
Finland and Hong Kong -- China, Germany, Czech Republic,
Ireland, Greece, USA, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. 
For more information about Experian go to
http://www.experian.com.hk/ebs .

    For further information, please contact:

    Grant Thornton
     Desmond Yuen                            
     (Partner & Head of China Services)                
                                          
     Tel:   +852-2218-3113                                 
                                       
     Fax:   +852-2218-3613
     Email: desmond.yuen@gthk.com.hk

     Estella Tsui                
     (Marketing Manager)         
     Tel:   +852-2218-3207            
     Fax:   +852-2218-3707
     Email: estella.tsui@gthk.com.hk               

    Experian
     Dr Tapan Datta                       
     (Global Economist)                   
     Tel:   +44-207-355-8234              
     Email: tapan.datta@uk.experian.com   
                                                           
             
     Bruno Rost                           
     (PR Manager)                         
     Tel:   +44-115-968-5009              
     Email: bruno.rost@uk.experian.com    

SOURCE  Grant Thornton
2007'02.01.Thu
AU Optronics to Merge Quanta Display
April 08, 2006

    HSINCHU, Taiwan, April 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- AU
Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the
"Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) and Quanta
Display Inc. ("QDI" TAIEX: 3012) today announced
that they have signed an agreement to merge Quanta Display
Inc (QDI) with and into AUO.  The merger agreement was
approved this afternoon by the Boards of Directors of both
AUO and QDI.  The consolidation date of the merger is
targeted for October 1st, 2006, at which time QDI will be
absorbed into AUO.  The merged entity will operate as AUO. 
The swap ratio for QDI to AUO would be 3.5 to 1, subject to
be approved by the shareholders meetings of both AUO and
QDI, and to be after AUO's increase of its paid-in
capital.

    After the merger taken place, two board members of
AUO's Boards of Directors will be appointed by QDI.  Mr. KY
Lee and Mr. HB Chen will remain as Chairman/CEO and
President/COO of AUO, while Mr. CC Leung will be appointed
as Vice Chairman.

    AUO's Board of Directors today also adopted a proposal
recommending distribution of NT$0.3 cash dividend and 3
percent stock dividend (30 shares for every 1,000 owned)
per common share and employee profit sharing in the form of
NT$379,735,891 in cash and 88,605,041 in stock shares.  The
proposal will be discussed and approved at the Company's
regular shareholders' meeting, scheduled for June 15,
2006.

    Quanta's Chairman, Mr. Barry Lam stated that the
strategic partnership combines the unique complementary
strengths of both companies, especially in technology,
product mix, customer portfolio, and different generations
of manufacturing facilities.  It not only creates the
economy of scale and enhances the global competitiveness,
but also offers an extensive product and technology
portfolio as well as better service.

    Mr. KY Lee, AUO's Chairman, reiterated that the merger
will achieve the following objectives:

    - The resource especially in finance and human
resources of Taiwan TFT-LCD 
      industry will be re-shuffled and re-organized to
create more powerful 
      competitiveness.  The consolidation of its kind and
scale in Taiwan will 
      take better advantage of funds and talents and bring
long-term positive 
      contribution to the whole industry.

    - AUO's capacity in area will exceed 19% market share
globally, and 
      immediately make it equivalent to its counterparts in
Korea.  In 
      addition, its consolidated capacity of G5 & G6
fabs will reach No.1 
      position, plus the on-going capacity expansion on new
generation 
      fabrication, which will ensure AUO's leading position
in TFT-LCD  
      Industry.

    - AUO's strong execution after its former merger in
2001 has proved itself 
      a top tier player in TFT-LCD industry.  Also AUO will
add over few years 
      of managerial experience and successful merger
practices, to ease the 
      challenging merger process and upgrade its scale to
global TFT-LCD 
      leader.

    Mr. CC Leung, Quanta's Vice Chairman, noted that this
strategic alliance will strengthen the future collaboration
between AUO/BenQ group and Quanta Group.

    Mr. HB Chen, AUO's President, added that the synergy of
the consolidation would be demonstrated in three dimensions.
 First, the supply chain consolidation will be essential to
the purchase of key components and the close partnership
with supplier.  Secondly, the research and development
consolidation will expand design expertise and solidify a
robust intellectual property portfolio.  Lastly, the
consolidation will leverage mutually complementary product
portfolio of the two companies, especially in NB and TV
applications, to increase a more completed customer
portfolio.

    All of these factors will allow AUO to bring the
strengths of both companies together and raise its
international competitiveness in TFT-LCD industry
characterized by fast development and the growing trend
towards concentration of capital and technology. The merger
is expected to result in a strong long-term positive
contribution to the equity of shareholders of AUO and
Quanta Display Inc.

    ABOUT AU OPTRONICS

    AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO") is the world's
third largest manufacturer* of large-size thin film
transistor liquid crystal display panels
("TFT-LCD"), with approximately 14.2%* of global
market share and generated revenue of NT$217.4billion
(US$6.75 bn)* in 2005.  TFT-LCD technology is currently the
most widely used flat panel display technology.  Targeted
for 40"+ sized LCD TV panels, AUO's next generation
(7.5-Generation ) fabrication facility production is
scheduled for mass production in 4Q 2006.  The Company
currently operates one 6th-generation, three
5th-generation, one 4th-generation, and three
3.5-generation TFT- LCD fabs, in addition to four module
assembly facilities and AUO Technology Center specializing
in new technology platform and new product development. 
AUO is one of few top-tier TFT-LCD manufacturers capable of
offering a wide range of small- to large- size
(1.5"-46") TFT-LCD panels, which enables it to
offer a broad and diversified product portfolio.

    * As shown on DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area
TFT-LCD Shipment Report 
      dated Mar 1, 2006.  This data is used as reference
only and AUO does not 
      make any endorsement or representation in connection
therewith. 2005 
      year end revenue converted by an exchange rate of
NTD32.2039:USD1.

    Safe Harbour Notice 

    Except for statements in respect of historical matters,
the statements contained in this Release are
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
These forward-looking statements were based on our
management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the
time regarding matters including, among other things,
future revenues and costs, financial performance,
technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields,
process and geographical diversification, future expansion
plans and business strategy. Such forward looking
statements are subject to a number of known and unknown
risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
statements, including risks related to the flat panel
display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance and demand
for our products, technological and development risks,
competitive factors, and other risks described in the
section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form20-F
filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 3, 2005. 

    For more information, please contact:

     Yawen Hsiao
     Corporate Communications Dept.
     AU Optronics Corp.
     No.1, Li-Hsin Road 2, Science-Based Industrial Park,
      Hsinchu City, 300, Taiwan, R.O.C.
     Tel:   +886-3-500-8899 x3211 
     Fax:   +886-3-577-2730     
     Email: yawenhsiao@auo.com  

SOURCE  AU Optronics Corp. 
2007'02.01.Thu
TCOM Receives Due Diligence Package From Wukuang Under LOI;
April 07, 2006

Further Opportunities Explored for SMEs e-Commerce
    HONG KONG, April 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Telecom
Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: TCOM) today
announced its subsidiary, Alpha Century Holdings Limited
(Alpha) has received the first scheduled materials
concerning due diligence of the Wukuang IE Limited purchase
from its owners.  As part of the due diligence agreement and
schedule, Alpha has received the first scheduled installment
under the terms of the LOI.  The first portion being the
suppliers database property, logistic system, and cost
verifications for the trading business, Main markets
contacts and suppliers contacts.  Alpha is satisfied with
the materials provided thus far and each party is committed
to not only carrying on the timeline but also exploring ways
to expand the relationship and agreement.

    Under the time schedule, Wukuang will continue
operating by the existing key persons as management, and
have been for examination by Alpha during March 2006. 
Alpha has already hosted Wukuang personnel at integrating
use Subaye.com, with ensuing approval of Wukuang's experts
from the logistics facility.  Alpha is working with SMEs
and parties for the immediate implementation of logistics
with Subaye.com in China.  Alpha also has access to 100
SMEs for logistics in China.  Under the LOI, Alpha will
acquire a 100% interest of Wukuang IE Limited, with an
exclusive trade rights license of mineral products that
Wukuang has grants for from the China government. 

    "We are pleased with the business network and
database property diligence received, and the accounting
for the cost of the asset to be acquired from the trading
facility," stated Tim Chen, President and CEO of TCOM.
 "With the relationship between TCOM and Wukuang teams,
this transaction will run smoothly."

    "Due to the exceptional lines of communication
that exist between our companies, we have been able to
complete the initial phase of the due diligence ahead of
schedule," stated Jin Li, Wukuang President and CEO. 
Li further stated, "We expect that the entire due
diligence cycle will be completed within the time frame
allotted, with minimum delays." 

    Importantly, TCOM will be implementing the deployment
of its SMEs e-Commerce logistic in both China and overseas,
and will be tying such deployment, where possible to the use
of Wukuang facilities.  Such uses for the logistic in
traditional trade for e-Commerce has always been known to
exist since logistics was created as it can use both
traditional trade and e-commerce. 

    Wukuang is a privately owned company in China, which
was established in 2003.  Fiscal 2005 recorded revenue was
$12.6 million, `04 was $9.7 million. Wukuang has exclusive
grant licenses for the export of some mineral resources
under the PR China Act.

    About Telecom Communications, Inc. 

    Telecom Communications, Inc. (TCOM) is a Total
Solutions Provider that offers Integrated Communications
Network Solutions and Internet Content Service in universal
voice, video, data web and mobile communications for
interactive media applications, technology and content
leaders in interactive multimedia communications.  It
develops, markets and sells a universal media software
solution for enterprise-wide deployment of integrated
voice, video, data web and mobile communications and media
applications.  Telecom Communications, Inc. does business
in Asia via its wholly owned subsidiaries, Alpha Century
Holdings Ltd. ( http://www.subaye.com ), IC Star MMS, Ltd.
( http://www.icstarmms.com ) and 3G Dynasty Inc. (
http://www.skyestar.com ). 

    Safe Harbor 

    The statements made in this release constitute
"forward-looking" statements, usually containing
the words "believe," "estimate,"
"project," "expect," or similar
expressions.  These statements are made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements.  Factors that would cause or contribute to such
differences include, but are not limited to, changing
economic conditions, interest rates trends, continued
acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace,
competitive factors and other risks detailed in the
Company's periodic report Filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  By making these forward- looking
statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update
these statements for revisions or changes after the date of
this release. 

    For more information, please contact:

      Ms. Sandy Tang
      Telecom Communications, Inc.
      Tel:   +852-2782-0983
      Email: pr@tcom8266.com

SOURCE  Telecom Communications, Inc.

2007'02.01.Thu
Xinhua Far East China Ratings Downgrades the Issuer Rating of TCL to BB
April 07, 2006

    HONG KONG, April 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far
East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) today downgraded the
domestic currency issuer credit rating of TCL Corporation
(`TCL' or `the Company', SZ 000100) to "BB" from
"BBB".  The ratings outlook remains negative.

    The downgrade was prompted by TCL's poor performance in
3Q05 and its projected losses for the full-year 2005. 
Meanwhile, the downgrade reflects the structural impact on
TCL's credit profile of a more difficult operating
environment for its TV and handset businesses.  Moreover,
the rating action also considers TCL's weak results from
international business integration, as well as its
inexperience in international business management. 

    Xinhua Far East noted TCL's performance worsened
significantly in 2005, with its TV business in Europe and
handset business in the PRC contributing to most of the
losses.  TCL posted an EBIT margin of negative 5.5% in
1-3Q05, compared to a marginal profit in 2004.  Meanwhile,
tightened operating cash flow and elevated financial
leverage further deteriorated its financial profile.  TCL
also announced a projected loss for full-year 2005.

    Consumer demand for TVs is stagnant in European and
North American markets. Competition is intense and margins
are being squeezed.  Amidst this environment, the Company
has been slow to launch marketable products to meet
changing consumer preferences.  In the handset market,
especially the domestic market, the Company is facing
fierce competition from both foreign branded handsets and
Original Design Manufacture (ODM) products, while
experiencing rising manufacturing costs as a result of
consumer demand for mobile handsets with more sophisticated
functionality. 

    The downgrade also reflects Xinhua Far East's view that
TCL has failed to achieve synergies from international
business integration and has experienced inefficiencies
resulting from the management of a more internationalized
company.  High overheads required to integrate the
Company's acquired TV and handset businesses have had a
lingering negative effect on TCL's overall performance. 
Meanwhile, the Company owns an excess of business lines and
faces significant challenges in fully integrating and
optimizing these resources, especially at a time when the
operating environment is difficult. Its business risks may
further increase if it decides to move upstream to produce
LCD TV components.

    Nevertheless, Xinhua Far East notes TCL's positive
efforts to enhance performance.  The establishment of TCL
Group Finance Co., Ltd. to save on funding costs, the
distribution of new, more marketable products, and actions
to divest the electrical accessories business to remedy
working capital will benefit the Company.  We do not
dismiss the Company's upside potential if it improves its
management structure significantly. 

    TCL Corporation is principally engaged in the
manufacture of TV sets and handset products.  In 2005, TCL
recorded shipments of 23.0 million TV sets and 10.9 million
handsets. 

    TCL Corporation is a constituent of the Xinhua/ FTSE
China 200 Index.  As of market close on April 6, 2006, the
Company's total market capitalization was RMB6.05 billion
and its investable capitalization stood at RMB 2.42
billion.   

    For the rating report summary, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating .

    About Xinhua FTSE China 200 Index

    Xinhua FTSE China 200 Index is the large cap index in
the Xinhua FTSE China A Share Index Series and includes the
top 200 companies in China by market cap.  It is designed as
a tradable index and is calculated in real-time every 15
seconds.  For daily data and further information, see
http://www.xinhuaftse.com .

    About Xinhua Far East China Ratings

    Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a
pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks
among corporations in China.  It is a strategic alliance
between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai
Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd.  Shanghai Far East became
a Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first
China member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies
in Asia in December 2003.

    Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and
Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and
process blend unique local market knowledge with
international rating standards.  Xinhua Far East is
committed to provide investors with independent, objective,
timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese
companies.  It aims to help investors differentiate the
credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby,
cultivating their awareness and promoting information
disclosures and transparency in China market. For more
information, see http://www.xfn.com/creditrating .

    About Xinhua Finance Limited

    Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader
in financial information and media, and is listed on the
Mothers board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399)
(OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and
the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions,
corporations and re-distributors through four focused and
complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial
News and Investor Relations.  Founded in November 1999, the
Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 21 news bureaus
and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North
America and Europe.  For more information, please visit
http://www.xinhuafinance.com . 

    About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd

    Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first
and leading professional credit rating company with
comprehensive business coverage in China.  It is an
independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of
Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally
accepted standards for capital market in China.  The company
is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China. 
For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of
the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating.

    Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate
long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the
principles of objectivity, fairness and independence.  The
company has also maintained over 50% market share in the
loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three
consecutive years.  With its strong local presence and
knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most
insightful credit opinion. For more information, see
http://www.fareast-cr.com .

    For more Information, pleae contact: 

    Hong Kong
     Joy Tsang
     Corporate & Investor Communications Director
     Xinhua Finance
     Tel:   +852-3196-3983
            +8621-6113-5999
            +852-9486-4364
     Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com

    US
     David Leeney
     Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US)
     Tel:   +1-212-889-4350
     Email: david.Leeney@taylor-rafferty.com

SOURCE  Xinhua Far East China Ratings
2007'02.01.Thu
TI Power Management Chip Extends Battery Life in Li-Ion Powered Multimedia Devices
April 07, 2006

Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter Delivers up to 96 Percent Efficiency over a Wide Input Voltage Range Down to 1.8 V
    DALLAS, April 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Texas
Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) announced today a
buck-boost power management integrated circuit (IC) that
helps extend battery life in smart phones, digital still
cameras and other single-cell, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) powered
multimedia devices.  The DC/DC converter delivers up to 96
percent efficiency over a wide input voltage range of 1.8 V
to 5.5 V, while generating an output current up to 1.2 A. 
See: www.ti.com/tps63000-pr.    

    "Portable designers continue to face an uphill
battle when it comes to getting more out of their
battery," said Dave Heacock, vice president of TI's
portable power management business.  "Texas
Instruments continues to work closely with the top 3G
wireless handset, digital still camera and other portable
electronics makers to ensure they are maximizing all of the
potential energy in a Li-Ion battery and meet consumers'
appetites for extended battery life." 

    TI's new TPS63000 buck-boost converter provides up to
28 percent greater run-time compared to a standard
high-efficiency buck converter with a 3.3-V output - all
from a space-saving 3 x 3 mm2 QFN package.  Based on a
fixed frequency, pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique,
the device uses synchronous rectification to maintain high
efficiency to support today's single-cell Li-Ion batteries.
 In addition, the TPS63000's ability to support input
voltages as low as 1.8 V allows designers to implement
newer, denser lithium-based battery chemistries in TI
OMAP(TM) processor-based handsets and other multimedia
applications.

    Efficiently delivering step-up and step-down DC/DC
conversion with adjustable output voltages down to 1.2 V,
the device offers an extremely low quiescent current of
less than 30 ¦ÌA, and advanced power savings and voltage
protection features.  The TPS63000 enters a power save mode
at low power operation, which can be disabled, forcing the
converter to operate at a fixed switching frequency.  The
converter also can be disabled to minimize battery drain.
During shutdown, the load is completely disconnected from
the battery.

    Smallest Solution Size

    The TPS63000, which comes in a tiny 3 mm x 3 mm, 10-pin
QFN PowerPAD(TM) package, operates in a fixed frequency of
1.5-MHz that allows a portable designer to implement a 2.2
¦ÌH inductor.  TI also plans to introduce future buck-boost
converters in the TPS63000 family in ultra-small chip scale
packages. 

    Pricing and Availability

    The TPS63000 is available in volume production from TI
and its authorized distributors.  Suggested retail pricing
is $2.75 in 1,000 piece quantities. Evaluation modules of
the TPS63000, application notes and TI's new Q2 Power
Management Selection Guide are available at
www.ti.com/tps63000-pr.   

    About Texas Instruments

    Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP
and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world
signal processing requirements. In addition to
Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors
& Controls, and Educational & Productivity
Solutions.  TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has
manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25
countries. 

    Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol TXN.  More information is located
on the World Wide Web at:  http://www.ti.com .

    Please refer all reader inquiries to:

     Texas Instruments Incorporated
     Semiconductor Group, SC-06069
     Literature Response Center
     14950 FAA Blvd.
     Fort Worth, TX  76155
     1-800-477-8924

    Trademarks

    PowerPad and OMAP are trademarks of Texas Instruments. 
All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to
their respective owners.

    For more information, please contact:

     Media Contacts:
     Matt McKinney
     Tel:   +1-214-480-6894
     Email: m-mckinney1@ti.com

     Heather Mills
     Tel:   +1-972-341-2512
     Email: hmills@golinharris.com 

SOURCE  Texas Instruments Incorporated
2007'02.01.Thu
Corning Recognized for Supplier Excellence by Texas Instruments
April 07, 2006

The Supplier Excellence Award, Given Annually, Honors Firms Whose Dedication and Commitment in Supplying Products and Services Meet TI's High Standards for Excellence
    CORNING, N.Y, April 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Corning
Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) announced on April 6 that it has
been awarded the Texas Instruments (TI) 2005 Supplier
Excellence Award. This recognition is for Corning's supply
of a window that is used within TI DLP(R) products. The
Corning window is an advanced optical packaging component
that protects the digital mirror device (DMD). DMDs are at
the heart of DLP display technology utilized in the growing
microdisplay industry.  

    The Supplier Excellence Award is presented annually and
honors firms whose dedication and commitment to supplying
products and services meet TI's high standard for
excellence.  Recipients are an elite group of suppliers
chosen for their exemplary performance in the areas of
cost, environmental responsibility, technology,
responsiveness and assurance of supply and quality. 

    "Bringing Corning on as a supplier for DMD windows
has been a very successful experience for TI.  Corning has
provided reliable supply and a high-quality product through
an efficient facility and responsive staff," commented
Mary Ann Reed, procurement manager, Worldwide Procurement
& Logistics, TI. 

    "We are honored to be recognized by TI for the
work our team has done to meet the stringent requirements
of DLP packaging," stated Mark Matthews, division vice
president and business manager, Corning Technical Materials.
 He continued, "We have had an excellent relationship
with TI and hope to continue our collaboration as the
microdisplay industry grows."  

    Corning started producing windows for TI in 2004. 
Market-leading production capabilities were achieved based
on a unique combination of Corning materials science,
engineering processes and manufacturing excellence.  

    In addition to windows, Corning Technical Materials
provides materials such as cut sheet glass for touch
panels, color wheels, covers and mirrors.  Corning also
provides components such as reflectors for microdisplay and
lighting, filters, optical lens blanks, and additional
optics for liquid crystal display manufacturing.  

    About Corning Incorporated

    Corning Incorporated ( http://www.corning.com ) is a
diversified technology company that concentrates its
efforts on high-impact growth opportunities.  Corning
combines its expertise in specialty glass, ceramic
materials, polymers and the manipulation of the properties
of light, with strong process and manufacturing
capabilities to develop, engineer and commercialize
significant innovative products for the telecommunications,
flat panel display, environmental, semiconductor, and life
sciences industries.

    DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Relations Contacts:

     Lydia Lu
     Tel:   +86-21-5467-4666-1900
     Email: lulr@corning.com

     Lisa A. Burns
     Tel:   +1-607-974-4897
     Email: burnsla@corning.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

     Kenneth C. Sofio   
     Tel:   +1-607-974-7705
     Email: sofiokc@corning.com

SOURCE  Corning Incorporated
2007'02.01.Thu
Texas Instruments and ARM Accelerate Deployment of Secure Applications on Mobile Devices
April 07, 2006

Market Leaders Deliver a Common Security Framework to the Mobile Phone Industry
    DALLAS and CAMBRIDGE, April 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) (TI) and ARM
((LSE: ARM) (Nasdaq: ARMHY)) today announced a
collaboration to provide a unified mobile security
technology to the industry, enabling mobile security market
applications and services with a standard-based,
interoperable, extensible framework.  As part of this
effort, TI is integrating ARM(R) TrustZone(R) software and
application programming interfaces (APIs) into its
market-proven M-Shield(TM) mobile security technology
framework. 

    Through a common adoption of the TrustZone software,
handset manufacturers and developers of secure applications
instantly have a standard-based programming interface to
address the mobile device market.  Through this
collaboration, TI and ARM will enable a new level of
end-user applications for mobile devices, which require
robust security for mainstream acceptance.  These
applications include rich multimedia content like music,
video, TV, eCommerce, and location-based and work-anywhere
services.

    Current security applications are highly-customized
solutions, and each integration task on a handset requires
resource-intensive development, testing, integration and
deployment time.  TI's M-Shield mobile security technology
is a system-level solution, which is specifically tailored
to the mobile device market and optimizes a combination of
hardware and software security technologies to secure
mobile handsets, providing the required level of protection
demanded by service providers and consumers.  M-Shield
mobile security technology is the key security element of
the widely-adopted OMAP(TM) and OMAP-Vox(TM) processors,
which are shipping today. 
 
    "With operators and OEMs requiring stronger,
standard mobile security solutions through various
initiatives, the wireless handset market is ready for ARM
TrustZone technology, which provides an open, platform
independent and flexible security framework," said
Lance Howarth, general manager of ARM's Embedded Software
Business.  "Through our partnership with TI, our
TrustZone software has served as a foundation to build a
truly effective security solution aligned with industry
needs.  With these kind of alignments, the wireless
ecosystem benefits from a common foundation for
interoperable security adopted across the industry." 
"Lack of standardization in security offerings
necessitates that protection mechanisms be tailored for
individual networks and even specific handsets - an often
lengthy and expensive process," said Avner Goren,
marketing director of TI's Cellular Systems Solutions. 
"TI's system-level M-Shield mobile security
technology, with TrustZone software and APIs, provides an
open framework for mobile security that delivers a robust
and flexible application environment for handsets designed
with our OMAP and OMAP-Vox processors."  

    The wireless industry needs a security environment that
delivers interoperability, portability and greater
development speed while significantly lowering costs for
advanced security applications.  Trusted Logic, the
industry leader in trusted software execution environments,
was a key partner in developing the technology used within
the TrustZone software. Implementing TrustZone software in
M-Shield mobile security technology provides an
architecture to facilitate security compliance and
certification across a broad portfolio of products for
requirements such as those from Open Mobile Terminal
Platform, Content Management License Administrator and
Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS).

    "As mobile content becomes more complex and costly
to produce, revenue loss due to lack of security is a
principal concern for content producers," said
Dominique Bolignano, CEO, Trusted Logic. "The adoption
of TrustZone software and APIs into TI's already successful
M-Shield mobile security technology results in an open and
interoperable mobile security system." 

    About Texas Instruments

    Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP
and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world
signal processing requirements.  In addition to
Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors
& Controls, and Educational & Productivity
Solutions.  TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has
manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25
countries. 

    Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol TXN.  More information is located
on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com .

    About ARM

    ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of
advanced digital products, from mobile, home and enterprise
solutions to embedded and emerging applications. ARM's
comprehensive product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC
microprocessors, data engines, 3D processors, digital
libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and
development tools, as well as analog functions and
high-speed connectivity products. Combined with the
company's broad Partner community, they provide a total
system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market
for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM
is available at http://www.arm.com .

    Trademarks

    ARM and TrustZone are registered trademarks of ARM
Limited. OMAP, OMAP-Vox and M-Shield are trademarks of
Texas Instruments. All other brands or product names are
the property of their respective holders. "ARM"`
is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating
company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM
INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS;
ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS
Design Automation Inc.; AXYS GmbH; ARM Embedded Solutions
Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Physical IP, Inc. 

    For more information, please contact:

     Renee Fancher	 	
     Texas Instruments	
     Tel:   +1-214-567-7447 		
     Email: rfancher@ti.com

     Jen Anderson		
     Texas Instruments	
     Tel:   +1-214-567-7406		
     Email: janderson@ti.com

     Michelle Spencer	
     ARM			
     Tel:   +44-1628-427780	
     Email: michelle.spencer@arm.com

     Niall O'Malley	
     Text 100		
     Tel:   +44-208-846-0740	
     Email: londonarm@text100.co.uk

SOURCE  Texas Instruments Incorporated

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