2007'02.10.Sat
Flying Lab Launches a Chinese Language Web Site for Pirates of Burning Sea MMOG

PR
September 25, 2006

BEIJING, Sept. 25 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Flying Lab has developed a local language Chinese web site for its growing fan base of its upcoming MMOG online title called Pirates of the Burning Sea ( http://www.burningseaasia.com.cn ). This is a game of high adventure, cunning tactics, and thrilling action in which players strive to be the best pirate, trading merchant, navy officer, or buccaneer in the game. Featuring real-time tactical naval combat, gorgeous visuals, and movie-quality surround sound, Pirates of the Burning Sea turns players loose in a competitive, real world action-packed experience of war, plunder, and glory. Flying Lab has taken a hands-on approach to Asia by planning a complete 15/16th Century Asian playing scenario complete with the famous Chinese Junks and Indonesian pirates. "Everyone in the world understands pirates and many have studied the great Asian battles and trading throughout the 16/17th Centuries. The maritime trading environment in Asia alone was an incredible time in history. PBS includes on-land trading, avatar combat and conquests," said Russell Williams the CEO. The Asian design traits will specially be created for local tastes, person vs. person, trading and wider community elements. The title is expected to conduct beta testing across Asia mid 2007. About Flying Lab Software Flying Lab Software, a Seattle-based game development company, is the maker of the critically acclaimed Rails Across America, Editor's Choice from Computer Gaming World and Editor's Choice and Best Multiplayer Game of the Year from Computer Games magazine. Their current project is Pirates of the Burning Sea, an innovative massively multiplayer online role-playing game of adventure and naval combat in the age of sail. http://www.burningseaasia.com.cn About Omake Interactive Services Omake Interactive Services was formed early in 2003 to service the growing interactive games industry within Asia and the Pacific Rim. The key outsourcing services offered by Omake include strategy formation and implementation, distribution and agency services. With over 18 years of gaming experience in the industry and region, Omake offers a unique path through to success in this region. For more information visit http://www.omakeinteractive.com . All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information, please contact: Flying Lab Russell Williams Tel: +1-206-272-9814 Email: rustyw@flyinglab.com For Asia Pacific partnership information, please contact: Omake Interactive Services Pty Ltd For PR and Licensing contact Ping Cheng Tel: +86-13910176803 Email: Ping@omakeinteractive.com SOURCE Omake Interactive Services
2007'02.10.Sat
BP Alaska Gets DOT Clearance to Re-Start Prudhoe Bay Eastern Operating Area

September 25, 2006

ANCHORAGE, Ala., Sept. 25 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. said today it will re-start a portion of the Eastern Operating Area of Prudhoe Bay in order to run cleaning pigs and conduct an in-line inspection of the crude oil transit line using a "smart pig." The eastern portion of Prudhoe Bay was shut down on Aug. 10 following discovery of a spill caused by isolated pitting corrosion on Aug. 6. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000724/NYM120LOGO ) The company, working closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, has determined that the line can be returned to service. Three of the four flow stations currently on warm stand-by will be returned to full production. "This is an important milestone in returning all of Prudhoe Bay to production many months in advance of our complete replacement of 16 miles of oil transit lines," said David Peattie, BP Group Vice President for Existing Profit Centers. "It is a result of the considerable efforts of BP employees working in cooperation with contractors and federal and state regulators." The DOT approval allows BP to run an in-line diagnostic tool -- called a smart pig -- through a five-mile, 34-inch diameter segment that carries oil from processing facilities on the eastern half of the Prudhoe Bay field. The results of the smart pig inspection, to be confirmed with Ultrasonic Testing inspection, will help BP and the DOT determine whether to continue operations through the transit oil line or to shift production through a system of bypass lines currently under construction. BP has performed tests on thousands of feet of the Eastern Operating Area pipeline using ultrasonic and other imaging equipment. As added precaution, BP's start-up plans include an enhanced spill-response contingency plan, in which crews and material will be positioned to respond if any leak occurs. BP anticipates safely restarting the field will take about a week. Resuming full operation of eastern Prudhoe should add about 200,000 barrels of daily oil production from the North Slope of Alaska. Current daily production from the rest of Greater Prudhoe Bay is about 250,000 barrels per day. For more information about BP's Alaska operations visit http://usresponse.bp.com For more information, please contact: Daren Beaudo Tel: +1-907-564-5404 SOURCE BP
2007'02.10.Sat
Legerity and Texas Instruments Team Up to Give Service Providers and IT Managers Increased Ability to Remotely Detect and Monitor VoIP Services

September 22, 2006

BOSTON, Sept. 22 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Legerity, Inc., the "V" in VoIP!(TM), and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) are collaborating to deliver service providers and enterprise IT managers reliable solutions to manage and monitor real-time Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. As part of their agreement, Legerity's VeriVoice(TM) Test Suite, a subscriber line test software package for VoIP equipment, has been integrated into TI's PIQUA(TM) IP quality management system. TI's PIQUA software provides an extensive framework for a real-time distributed system of complete quality management elements designed to monitor and improve the quality of IP-based services. The framework will facilitate quicker and easier troubleshooting of IP-based services including voice, data, video, and Internet-based music services. The Legerity VeriVoice Test Suite is available as part of TI's PIQUA system, and is designed to provide automated troubleshooting of the telephone wiring and equipment attached to VoIP gateways in the home and office. The solution is utilized by leading VoIP providers, including Vonage Network Inc., a subsidiary of Vonage Holdings Corp. (NYSE: VG). "The enterprise market and service provider community continue to implement new IP services for their customers creating the need for a complete and robust quality management platform that improves customer service while lowering costs," said Fred Zimmerman, executive director, VoIP customer premises solutions, Texas Instruments. "Our work with Legerity further extends the capabilities of our PIQUA system and enables both service providers like Vonage and other users of TI and Legerity VoIP products to identify and address specific problems that can occur within home and office telephone systems and networks." TI's PIQUA software incorporates quality management tools that enable the discovery, monitoring and repair of services, devices and networks, allowing operators to proactively manage factors like echo, dropped-packets and line-delay. These real-time diagnostic tools and historical reporting capabilities will make it possible for operators and enterprise network managers to identify trends and avert problems before customers are even impacted. "Accurate line test diagnostics are a vital component to ensure the quality of VoIP services," said Rick Bye, senior segment marketing manager with Legerity. "The integration of Legerity VeriVoice Test Suite with TI's PIQUA platform gives service providers and enterprise IT managers an increased ability to remotely diagnose line problems present in telephone wiring and handsets connected to VoIP equipment. Previously this type of diagnosis could only be achieved by sending a technician to the customer premises at a significant cost." Legerity's VeriVoice Test Suite software is a subscriber line software package for VoIP equipment, providing the market's most cost-effective and reliable solution for VoIP line test and self-test while at the same time minimizing the cost of ownership for service providers. VeriVoice Test Suite software enhances the line test capabilities of the Legerity VE880 VoicePort series. VeriVoice Test Suite is available in C code allowing easy integration by the developer, significantly reducing the effort needed to implement line tests and self tests in VoIP equipment. The automated, remote testing capability of the Legerity VeriVoice Test Suite eliminates the need for costly truck rolls, which minimizes maintenance costs, improves reliability of service and decreases the mean time to repairs. The Suite incorporates two test packages that monitor the customer telephone equipment and copper pair leading to it and self-tests to check the VoIP equipment itself. The VeriVoice Test Suite features the same robust line test capabilities (GR-909 specification) that are implemented in traditional central office line cards. "As a leading provider of broadband phone service in North America, Vonage strives to offer our subscribers the highest level of voice quality and support," said Daniel Smires, senior vice president of Engineering of Vonage Network, Inc. "The integration of the Legerity VeriVoice Test Suite into the TI PIQUA Quality Management System enables us to quickly diagnose customer problems and reduce customer support costs while improving the overall experience and ease of use for our customers." Legerity will be exhibiting at Fall VON 2006 in Boston, September 11-14, in booth number 1063 and will be demonstrating its VeriVoice Test Suite. TI is hosting a hospitality suite in room 158. About Legerity, Inc. Legerity is the world's most trusted name in voice integrated circuits (ICs) for high-voltage, analog/mixed signal semiconductor and software technologies. Legerity has years of demonstrated expertise in multiple voice technologies, world-class factory and field engineering support with a "high touch" customer philosophy, and consistent, reliable, high volume supply of premium quality IC components. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Legerity supports the needs of a global customer base through proprietary semiconductor technologies, superior manufacturing processes, and more than 650 U.S. and international patents. Visit Legerity on the Web at http://www.legerity.com . 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 includes the Educational & Productivity Solutions business. 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 . Trademarks Legerity, the Legerity logo and combinations thereof are registered trademarks, and VeriVoice and "the `V' in VoIP!" are trademarks of Legerity, Inc. PIQUA is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information, please contact: Deborah Shemony Texas Instruments Tel: +1-301-515-6643 Email: dshemony@ti.com Erin Arnold GolinHarris Tel: +1-972-341-2516 Email: earnold@golinharris.com Nate Long Legerity Tel: +1-512-228-5674 Email: nlong@legerity.com Gregory Wise Weber Shandwick Tel: +1-512-794-5716 Email: gwise@webershandwick.com SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated
2007'02.10.Sat
Sidley Austin LLP Tops Institutional Investor's List of Best Hedge Fund Service Providers

September 22, 2006

NEW YORK, Sept. 22 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Sidley Austin LLP ( http://www.sidley.com ) was rated by Institutional Investor's Alpha Magazine as the hedge fund industry's top provider of legal services. Sidley was named the "best overall law firm" serving the hedge fund industry and was also recognized as the number one law firm in the subcategory of "regulatory and compliance expertise." Institutional Investor's 2006 Alpha Awards(TM) are based on an extensive survey in which hedge fund managers were asked to rate the quality of service received from their accounting firms, fund administrators, law firms and prime brokers during the previous 12 months. Representatives from more than 1,000 hedge fund management firms, representing $1 trillion in single-manager assets, participated in the survey. "We are delighted by the recognition of Institutional Investor's Alpha Magazine, particularly as the Alpha survey reflects the perspectives of those who matter most, our clients," said Bill Kerr, co-head of the hedge fund practice and a partner in Sidley's Chicago office. "As counselors, first and foremost, we are very gratified to be recognized for both the quality of our service and for our sophisticated knowledge." "Our practice is broad in terms of subject matter and deep in terms of resources," added Mike Schmidtberger, also a co-head of the practice and a partner in the New York office. Sidley's Investment Management, Hedge Funds and Derivatives Group worldwide has more than 70 lawyers, dedicated full-time to a broad variety of investment advisory, fund and derivatives matters, with approximately 50 lawyers specifically devoted to hedge fund, commodity pool, private equity and fund of funds work. Lawyers in the firm's Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong offices provide a full range of legal services to our hedge fund clients, including advice on legal structure and other formation issues (including master-feeder, side-by-side and umbrella fund structures), securities and derivatives regulatory matters, business term alternatives, marketing arrangements, trading documentation, exchange listing, internet usage and tax and ERISA matters. Sidley Austin LLP is one of the world's largest full-service law firms, with more than 1,600 lawyers practicing in 15 U.S. and international cities including Beijing, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. Sidley was named the Number One-Ranked U.S. Law Firm for Overall Client Service in 2002 and 2004 in surveys of Fortune 1000 executives by BTI, a Boston-based consulting and research firm. In 2005, BTI named Sidley to their Client Service Hall of Fame as one of only two law firms to rank in the Client Service Top 10 for five years in a row. Sidley received the 2005 Catalyst Award in recognition of the firm's initiative to recruit, retain and advance diverse talent. For more information, please contact: Janet Zagorin Sidley Austin LLP Tel: +1-212-839-8797 Email: jzagorin@sidley.com Adam Isserlis Rubenstein Associates Tel: +1-212-843-8024 Email: aisserlis@rubenstein.com SOURCE Sidley Austin LLP
2007'02.10.Sat
Rabbit Semiconductor, Inc. Launches PLC Application Kit Delivering Low-Cost PLC Alternative

September 22, 2006

Embedded Kit for Automation and Control Users Includes Popular ISaGRAF Software
DAVIS, Calif., Sept. 22 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Rabbit Semiconductor, Inc. is proud to announce the availability of the Embedded PLC Application Kit, offering PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) developers the ability to incorporate reliable low-cost Rabbit hardware in lieu of more expensive PLC systems. Traditional PLC programmers will enjoy programming their new Rabbit-based solutions, using the supplied ISaGRAF programming software, recently upgraded to support Rabbit products. This industrial programming software package supports all of the familiar industrial programming environments listed in the IEC61131-3 standard and is currently in use by thousands of PLC programmers worldwide. The Rabbit Embedded PLC Application kit includes ISaGRAF software and the Rabbit BL2500 single board computer, as well as sample application programs. The ISaGRAF v3.5 workbench is an industrial Soft Logic programming system, supporting six different programming languages. Industrial users of PLCs will be able to use their language of choice and deploy lower-cost Rabbit-based solutions as easily as they implement their traditional PLC systems. ISaGRAF is fully compliant with the programming languages specified in the IEC61131-3 standard, recognized worldwide as the standard for PLC systems. These languages include Sequential Function Chart (SFC), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Ladder Diagram (LD), Instruction List (IL), and Structured Text (ST). The Rabbit BL2500 provides system engineers with an exceptional, low-cost platform, equally suited for single unit installations, as well as high-volume applications. Based on the Rabbit 3000 microprocessor, the BL2500 incorporates a powerful feature set of flash memory, digital I/O, analog I/O, multiple serial ports and 10/100 Ethernet. All of these features are encompassed on a compact board size of 100mm x 100mm and easily mountable on a standard 100mm DIN rail tray. The Embedded PLC Application Kit includes all of the hardware and software required to develop a Rabbit-based PLC replacement system. The Embedded PLC Application Kit will be available September 21st, and sells for $599. For more information please contact Rabbit Semiconductor at T: 530-757-8400, F: 530-757-8402, E: rabbit@rabbit.com . For product photos and diagrams, please visit http://www.rabbit.com/press/ . Rabbit Semiconductor Rabbit Semiconductor, a Digi International company (Nasdaq: DGII), is a global provider of high-performance 8-bit microprocessors and development tools for embedded control, communications, and Ethernet connectivity. A sister division of single-board computer and software manufacturer Z-World, Rabbit Semiconductor introduced the popular Rabbit 2000 microprocessor in 1999, the Rabbit 3000 in 2002 and the Rabbit 4000 in 2006. The industry award-winning RabbitCore(TM) line of microprocessor core modules was introduced in 2001. Rabbit Semiconductor offers customers a complete embedded design system, including low-cost development kits and comprehensive technical support for both hardware and software issues. Rabbit Semiconductor is a member of the Fabless Semiconductor Association and is located in Davis, Calif., 70 miles east of San Francisco. OEM Technology Solutions Specializing in design and development of custom embedded technology products since 1993, the group at OEM Technology Solutions strives to apply technology, innovative engineering and design services to develop electronic products and systems in an effort to deliver a competitive edge to our customers. OEMs skills include specifications, research, design, software and hardware development, product manufacturing, validation, commissioning, documentation and long-term support. OEM is ISO 9001:2000 accredited and is located in Sydney, Australia. For more information, please contact: Hokie Chan Channel Marketing Manager - Asia Pacific Digi International Tel: +852-2833-1008 Dir: +852-2235-2206 Fax: +852-2572-9989 Web: http://www.digi.com SOURCE Digi International
2007'02.10.Sat
100 Years of Harvesting Excellence at Zedelgem

September 22, 2006

ZEDELGEM, Belgium, Sept. 22 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- New Holland, a brand leader in the agricultural equipment business and part of the Fiat Group, is celebrating 100 years of harvesting innovation and production excellence at its Zedelgem manufacturing plant in Belgium with a two-month programme of activities. The official programme started with an International Opening Session, on September 21, when New Holland's management team shared the plant's historic achievements and plans for the future with its guests, which included representatives from dealers, suppliers, as well as local authorities. "A centenary is a significant milestone in the life of a company, something to be proud of; but, despite our remarkable age, we still consider ourselves to be very young," stated Linda Knoll, Executive Vice President Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing. Zedelgem's position as New Holland's harvesting centre is testimony of the experience and reputation for design excellence and high build quality that the plant has acquired over time. Ninety-eight percent of the combines, balers and self-propelled forage harvesters coming from its production lines are exported. New Holland is employing more than 2,800 people in Belgium, with almost 2,000 in Zedelgem itself, and providing work for hundreds more suppliers. It is a powerful relationship dating back to 1906, when Leon Claeys started his company to produce stationary threshers. His mission to find innovative solutions to make the work of farmers easier and their businesses more profitable is true of Zedelgem to this day. Since then Zedelgem has been responsible for a host of technical innovations and benchmark machinery, with many new patents to its name. The first European self-propelled combine, the MZ, was launched in 1952 to widespread acclaim. In the 1970's and 1980's, many industry-defining new features were introduced to combining, such as the rotary separator and the self-levelling cleaning shoe. By 2002, New Holland achieved full automation on our CX and CR combines. The launch of the CX combine in 2002 changed the way combines look today. Marco Mazzu, President New Holland Agricultural equipment, added, "With 1 European combine out of 4 and being number one in the world and in Europe for big balers, it is clear that Zedelgem and the people who work there play an important role in the future growth of the brand. Focussing on customers' needs, the passion for innovation and highest quality has lived with us through 100 years of technological development and leadership, but we are still very young and growing. Zedelgem is a mix of state-of-the-art technology, drive for quality and innovation and a real belief in service. This mix led to 100 years of success and will form the base for the success of the next century." Notes to editors New Holland's reputation is built on the success of our customers, cash crop producers, livestock farmers, contractors, vineyards, or groundscare professionals. They can count on the widest offering of innovative products and services: a full line of equipment, from tractors to harvesting, material handling equipment, complemented by tailored financial services from a specialist in agriculture. A highly professional global dealer network and New Holland's commitment to excellence guarantees the ultimate customer experience for every customer. For more information on New Holland visit http://www.newholland.com . New Holland is a brand of CNH Global N.V. (NYSE: CNH), a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment and financial services. For more information, please contact: Silvia Cassani Tel: +39-011-007-7867 Email: Silvia.cassani@cnh.com Silvia Ortiz Tel: +44-126-829-5111 Email: Silvia.ortiz@cnh.com SOURCE New Holland
2007'02.10.Sat
New Guidance to Address Milk Allergy Confusion Among Healthcare Professionals

September 21, 2006

PARIS, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- An International Taskforce of experts met in Paris today to launch new guidance on the diagnosis and management of cows' milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infants. The taskforce was set up following results of an international survey,[1] which revealed that 72% of healthcare professionals (HCPs) were confusing milk allergy symptoms with other conditions. The survey demonstrates this confusion is leading to a delay in diagnosis and leaving 70% of parents of infants with CMPA feeling distressed and guilty about their child's condition. "The new guidance, if adopted at country level, will improve how infants with CMPA are managed and help avoid any unnecessary suffering through delays in diagnosis," commented Professor Yvan Vandenplas, Chair of the International Taskforce that developed the Protocol. The survey of more than 500 HCPs (including primary care physicians, paediatricians and nurses), revealed that 85% of HCPs want more information about the CMPA in general and a quarter (23%) are dissatisfied with current diagnostic tools. Since 66% of those surveyed see between one and three milk allergy cases every month, the development of guidance is seen as a priority to ensure that the infants with the condition are diagnosed quickly and accurately and managed effectively. Cows' milk is the most common cause of food allergy in infants and children[2] affecting a minimum of 2-3% of infants.[3] However, symptoms suggesting CMPA, including skin rash, wheezing, vomiting and diarrhoea, may be present in up to 15% of infants.[4] Not surprisingly, the condition can have a major impact on infants and their families. 1000 parents were also questioned as part of the survey[5] and a massive 82% said that their child's CMPA has caused them to lose sleep and four in ten (38%) said that it has brought about arguments with their partner. Even more worrying are the effects parents believe the condition has on their child, with about half (49%) saying that the allergy meant that their child has failed to thrive. Overall, nearly two thirds of those surveyed said that the condition has had an impact on their family's life in some way. Professor Christophe Dupont who co-chaired the Paris meeting, says, "HCPs have not had access to good quality diagnostic tools on CMPA, which probably explains why so many are confused about the condition. The new guidance will address this need. The priority is to ensure that infants displaying any of the symptoms are rapidly picked up, tested and managed appropriately." The full guidance in the form of two protocols, one for breast-fed infants and one for bottle-fed infants, along with a manuscript that details the process of diagnosis and management, will be published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2007. The taskforce are spearheading a campaign called "Act Against Allergy," which includes awareness-raising activities and educational materials to help both HCPs and parents better manage CMPA. In addition to the guidance launched today, tools include a new website for healthcare professionals, parents of CMPA infants and the media: http://www.actagainstallergy.com . Notes to Editors Act Against Allergy is sponsored by an educational grant from SHS International. The surveys were commissioned among 505 healthcare professionals and 1000 patients in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy to establish their attitudes and understanding of CMPA. References [1] Telephone survey among 505 healthcare professionals. KRC Research, November 2005 [2] Niggemann B et al. Prospective, controlled, multi-center study on the effect of an amino acid based formula in infants with cow's milk allergy/intolerance and atopic dermatitis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2001;12: 78-82. [3] Sicherer SH. Review: Food Allergy. Lancet. 2002;360: 701-710. [4] Host A. Cow's milk protein allergy and intolerance in infancy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 1994;5: 1-36. [5] Telephone survey among 1000 parents of children aged 0-3 years. KRC Research, November 2005 For more information, please contact: Harriet Hopkins Tel: +44-207-067-0204 Email: hhopkins@webershandwick.com SOURCE SHS International
2007'02.10.Sat
Symbol Technologies Introduces Digital Imager With Bar Code, Imaging and Enhanced Text Reading Capabilities

September 21, 2006

All-in-one Device Captures Bar Codes, Prescriptions and Invoices -- Automates Retail Customer Data Entry Process
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), today introduced the DS6707 handheld digital imager scanner designed for bar code scanning and image capture in a multitude of environments. The DS6707 builds on Symbol's legacy of innovation by creating a handheld scanner with a 1.3 Megapixel imager capable of capturing and transferring images up to 8.5 x 11 inches (21.59 cm x 27.94 cm). Pharmacies, retailers and manufacturers can use the device to scan bar codes and capture, store and instantly recover documents and images for increased employee productivity and streamlined business operations. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041029/SYMBOLOGO ) Designed to help reduce capital and operating expenses, the DS6707 digital imager scanner eliminates the need to purchase, manage and support additional devices such as digital cameras, document scanners and separate barcode scanners for varying symbologies. Whether the customer needs to read one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), PDF417 or postal codes, the Symbol DS6707 scanner maximizes employee productivity with omni-directional data capture capabilities. The durable DS6707 scanner also features text enhancement technology that sharpens the clarity of scanned text documents, such as prescriptions or shipment labels that often include small print, to automate processes and reduce administrative costs. "With Symbol's latest digital scanner in hand, customers can use one device for all of their barcode and image capture needs," said Bob Sanders, vice president and general manager of Symbol's advanced data capture division. "The new DS6707 offers a versatile tool to support image capture and transfer for flexibility in enabling customers to roll out current and future applications that can save them time and resources." In retail outlets, the device can capture data embedded in a PDF417 code-from a United States driver's license, for instance-to automatically populate credit card applications and merchandise credit/return forms which improves productivity and keeps customer lines moving. In stockrooms and back-end retail environments, employees can use the scanner to record damaged shipments. To help customers protect their investment in the device and maintain peak performance, Symbol Global Services offers Service from the Start Advance Exchange Support for the DS6707. This multi-year service agreement provides next-business-day delivery of a replacement device for maximum uptime. Service from the Start Advance Exchange Support also includes Symbol's unique Comprehensive Coverage, which extends normal wear and tear to cover accidental damage to scan elements, exit windows, and other internal and external components at no extra charge -- virtually eliminating unforeseen repair expenses. The Symbol DS6707 digital imager scanner has a list price of $389 and is available to order globally through Symbol partners. About Symbol Technologies Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More information is available at http://www.symbol.com . For more information, please contact: For media information: Traci Hoch Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-5426 Email: traci.hoch@symbol.com Joey Marquart Edelman Public Relations Tel: +1-212-704-8133 Email: joey.marquart@edelman.com For EMEA media information: Ana Williams Spark Communications Tel: +44-207-357-8612 Email: ana@sparkcomms.co.uk For financial information: Lori Chaitman Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-5050 Email: lori.chaitman@symbol.com For industry analyst information: Shirley Schroedl Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-4823 Email: shirley.schroedl@symbol.com SOURCE Symbol Technologies, Inc.
2007'02.10.Sat
Analysys International Says China's Online Recruitment Market Reached RMB160.9 Million in 2006 Q2

September 21, 2006

BEIJING, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Analysys International, a leading Internet based provider of business information about technology, media and telecom (TMT) industries in China, says in its recently released report "China's Online Recruiting Market Quarterly Tracker 2006 Q2," that China's online recruiting market had reached RMB160.9 Million in 2006Q2. As the overall online recruiting market keeps on increasing, online recruiting service vendors turn to focus more on the applications of mobile Internet, and come to provide SMS services one after another. The rapid growth of employees brought great development potential for the online recruitment, and overseas investments come to pay attention to the online recruiting market. Analysys International thinks that vendors who have the capability to provide personalized services will become the first ones to charge the users for the services. And meanwhile, more online recruiting websites will put more focus on the exploration of the regional market. According to Analysys International's research, China's online recruiting market had reached RMB160.9 million in 2006Q2 with a growth of 8.44% over the last quarter. Among which, online recruiting revenue from recruiting websites, whose services are targeted at national scope, took 76.4% of the overall market size, and revenue from recruiting websites with services targeted at the provincial scope took 19.3%. Figure: China's Online Recruiting Market of 2006 Q2 http://english.analysys.com.cn/3class/detail.php?advertisement=002&id=245&name=report&FocusAreaTitleGB=&daohang=Report&title= Analysys International thinks that the combination of online services and offline promotion is a major profit model of online recruiting. "As the rising of the online recruiting industry, online recruiting gradually transfer to industry segmentation, industry-based professional services become popular among users. Advantages become more obvious for those online recruiting service providers who focus on industry services," says Huang Yongtao, an analyst from Analysys International, "If we look from the aspect of industry competition, we can find that more communities and search engine portals start their business expansion to online recruiting in hopes of making good use of their advantage of accumulations on interpersonal relationships to achieve business value in HR field." This subject is further discussed in Analysys International's research report "China's Online Recruiting Market Quarterly Tracker 2006 Q2". For more information, please check the website: http://english.analysys.com.cn . About Analysys International Analysys International is the leading Internet based provider of business information about technology, media and telecom (TMT) industries in China with the mission to help their clients make better business decisions. They provide data, information and advice to 50,000 clients worldwide, representing 1,500 distinct organizations; they also deliver over 150 consulting engagements a year, and hold more than 20 events that draw in over 8,000 attendees. Their clients include executives from companies like technology vendors, vertical information technology users, as well as professionals from professional service companies, the investment community and government agencies. For more information, please visit the website at http://english.analysys.com.cn . For more information, please contact: Jessica Wang Overseas Media Manager Analysys International Tel: +86-10-6466-6565 x394 Fax: +86-10-6466-7103 Email: overseas@analysys.com.cn SOURCE Analysys International
2007'02.10.Sat
Chemical Dump in Cote d'Ivoire -- WHO Providing Public Health Support

September 21, 2006

GENEVA and ABIDJAN, Cote d'Ivoire, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A World Health Organization international team is in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, to support the Ministry of Health in dealing with an environmental health emergency caused by toxic chemical waste. A clinical toxicologist arrived last week to make an initial evaluation of the situation, particularly with respect to the severity and extent of ill health caused by the chemicals. There is now an environmental health specialist and an emergency operations manager in the field and a further technical specialist will join the team. This team is being supported by additional chemical, food safety, water and sanitation, and crisis management specialists at WHO HQ and the WHO Regional Office for Africa. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO ) The WHO team is assisting the WHO country office in several tasks, including: -- Coordinating response to the public health consequences of the crisis -- Carrying out an initial risk assessment and proposing measures to prevent further exposure of the population to the chemicals, and working with partners to accelerate the removal of the waste -- Working on clear messages for the general public on prevention of exposure -- Advising on the organization of medical care, including developing a clinical management protocol, and initiating basic epidemiological surveillance -- Helping identify and deliver much-needed supplies for the healthcare system. WHO has sent personal protection equipment and toxicological information. In addition WHO is collaborating with other UN agencies and international teams in Abidjan that are dealing with this emergency. WHO is in regular contact with hospitals and health centres to evaluate the burden being placed upon the health care system by this emergency. The large number of medical consultations connected with the chemical waste has resulted in a doubling of the usual workload and almost all of the personnel of the hospitals and clinics have been diverted to receive these patients, such that regular consultations have all-but-ceased. This is hampering people's access to primary and emergency health care. To date the symptoms reported have included nosebleeds, nausea and vomiting, headaches, skin and eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. According to physicians on duty during the first days after the waste was dumped, the most severely affected patients presented with respiratory distress, dehydration and intestinal bleeding. The symptoms reported are consistent with exposure to the chemicals known to be in the waste. Many people are also seeking medical advice because they are anxious about the potential long-term consequences on their health and on that of their children. The treatment being provided is symptomatic and supportive. Due to the massive influx of people consulting medical facilities, the existing stocks of medicines and diagnostic materials have been exhausted. WHO has been able to replenish some stocks, however, more funds are needed to purchase additional drugs. This incident has overwhelmed the health system of Cote d'Ivoire and has shown that the country does not have the capacity to deal with such an emergency. While over 44,000 people have sought medical care, and 7 deaths have been reported, WHO is not yet able to provide an accurate assessment of the number of people who have been made ill by exposure to the waste. One of WHO's priorities is to put in place an epidemiological surveillance system to track any uncommon health events. WHO has provided computers and other equipment to assist in the computerization and subsequent analysis of thousands of case reports. Background: During the night of 19 August, a ship unloaded around 500 tonnes of petrochemical waste into a number of trucks that then dumped the waste in at least 15 sites around the city of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (population: 5 million). This waste contained a mixture of petroleum distillates, hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans, phenolic compounds and sodium hydroxide. A few days later, thousands of people started complaining of ill health and seeking medical help. Clean-up of the waste has now started but it is anticipated that this will take about six weeks. For more information, please contact: Souleymane Kore, WHO Information Officer, Abidjan Mobile: +225-07-14-8393 Email: kones@ci.afro.who.int Fadela Chaib, WHO Communications Officer, Geneva Mobile: +41-794-755-556 Tel: +41-22-791-3228 Email: chaibf@who.int Gregory Hartl, WHO Communications Adviser, Geneva Mobile: +41-792-036-715 Tel: +41-22-791-4458 Email: hartlg@who.int SOURCE World Health Organization
2007'02.10.Sat
WHO Backs Health Sector Response to HIV Pandemic

September 21, 2006

Fifty-seventh Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific
18-22 September 2006, Auckland, New Zealand
18-22 September 2006, Auckland, New Zealand
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The World Health Organization Western Pacific Region, in collaboration with international partner agencies, is seeking to scale up HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities in line with the goal of universal access for HIV/AIDS treatment throughout Asia and the Pacific by 2010. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO ) The move came in the wake of a commitment in July 2005 by the Group of 8 -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States -- to significantly reduce HIV infections. The leaders agreed to work with WHO, UNAIDS and other international bodies to develop and implement a package for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, with the aim of achieving, to the extent possible, universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment by 2010. This goal was subsequently endorsed by all United Nations Member States at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2005. The goal of universal access follows the joint launching by WHO and UNAIDS of the "3 by 5 Initiative" in 2003 to support the expansion of access to antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle- income countries to 3 million people living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005. The initiative has increased the lifespan of many people living with HIV/AIDS. Two major consultations were organized in the past year to introduce the concept of universal access to WHO Member States. Gaps and constraints blocking the comprehensive and integrated scale up of prevention, treatment, care and support activities were also identified. They are: -- Health worker shortages and a lack of technical capacity, including inadequate public health care infrastructure; -- Widespread stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, including those engaging in high-risk behaviours, such as drug use and sex work; and -- Limited availability of voluntary counselling and testing. Each country needs to determine its priority strategies, targets, interventions and activities for scaling up universal access. UNAIDS and WHO are committed to support countries in this process and will continue to develop policies and guidelines to support countries in expanding HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities. The success of universal access will depend on a broad partnership effort, said WHO. For more information, please contact: Mr Peter Cordingley WHO spokesman Tel: +63-918-963-1564 Email: cordingleyp@wpro.who.int Ms Marilu Lingad Assistant/Public Information Office Tel: +63-918-9181094 Mobile: 0210596777 (Auckland) Email: lingadm@wpro.who.int SOURCE World Health Organization
2007'02.10.Sat
Vocus Opens New Asia Pacific Headquarters

September 21, 2006

Provider of On-Demand Software Appoints New General Manager to Lead Operations in Region
LONDON, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Vocus, Inc. (Nasdaq: VOCS) a leading provider of on-demand software for corporate communications and public relations, announced today the opening of a new Asia Pacific headquarters office in Bangkok, Thailand. The office joins Vocus' existing regional location in Hong Kong and demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to expand its international operations. The extension of Vocus' presence in Asia capitalises on the significant economic development in the Asia Pacific region. Growth in the region's economy along with the globalisation of media has created a strong need for solutions that help companies manage their public relations and increase the impact of their news. "The Asian market represents an enormous opportunity for continued growth and expansion of the Vocus brand," said Andrew Muir, Managing Director of Vocus International. "We look forward to using our dedicated resources in the region to promote the value of Vocus on-demand software solutions to companies and PR professionals throughout Asia." Vocus' Asia Pacific operations will be led by Ross Williams, formerly Managing Director, Asia Pacific for Descartes Systems Group. As general manager for Vocus in this market, Williams will work with current Vocus customers such as Intec, Text100 and Emirates while expanding the company's client base in the region. Vocus provides an integrated on-demand software suite for PR professionals. The Vocus on-demand software suite manages media and analyst relationships; interactive email campaigns; projects and news; files, documents and other collateral; and online newsrooms. The software also analyses media coverage and other PR information to provide real-time feedback on the effectiveness of PR campaigns and early intelligence on trends unfolding in the press. About Vocus Europe Vocus (Nasdaq: VOCS) is a leading provider of on-demand software for corporate communications and public relations. Our web-based software suite helps organisations of all sizes manage local and global relationships and communications with journalists, analysts, public officials and other key audiences. Our software helps customers manage media relations, news monitoring and analysis, interactive email campaigns, and online newsrooms. Vocus software is delivered as an easy-to-use and cost-effective annual subscription, with no need for internal hardware, software or IT support. Our software is currently available in five languages, and is in use by customers around the world. Vocus Europe is based in London, UK with offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information please visit http://www.vocuseurope.com or call +44 (0)20 7776 9769. This release contains "forward-looking" statements that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "may," "will," "expects," "projects," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," "intends," "plans," "should," "seeks," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future results to differ materially from those projected or contemplated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be significantly impacted by certain risks and uncertainties described in Vocus' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please contact: Shoba Nair Marketing Manager, Vocus Europe LTD Tel: +44-207-776-9769 Email: snair@vocuseurope.com SOURCE Vocus, Inc.
2007'02.10.Sat
Gemalto to Provide 2.5 Million National ID Cards to the Sultanate of Oman

September 21, 2006

-- Selected in the Second Phase of the e-Government Program, Gemalto Will Upgrade the Cards with e-Purse and e-Government Applications
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands and MUSCAT, Sultanate of Oman, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), a world leader in digital security, today announces that the Sultanate of Oman has selected its technology to implement the second phase of the country's national ID program. The contract appoints Gemalto to provide an update of the current National Registration System, integration services, as well as to supply smart ID cards that will enable the Sultanate of Oman to provide faster and more secure public services to its population. The program, scheduled to begin at the end of 2006, involves over 2.5 million national ID cards. The Sultanate of Oman's national ID card program is the first smart card-based e-government solution ever deployed in the Middle East. It is part of the Sultanate's policy to improve the quality of public service and homeland security infrastructure. Its core objective is to modernize the Sultanate's identification system and processes, making it more efficient and secure, both for government authorities and citizens. As part of this objective, the creation of a National Registry System will become the pillar of all future Omani e-Government initiatives. In addition, the Sultanate of Oman is aiming to develop new technical skills within the Royal Oman Police force, the local authority managing the ID program. The first phase of the ID program, that began in January 2004, has enabled more than 1.2 million Omani citizens and residents to benefit from a secure and convenient identification means that stores personal credentials such as name, address, digital photograph, fingerprints, driving license, etc. In addition to digital identification, electronic gates have been implemented for border control. In the near future, the national ID card will integrate an electronic purse as well as e-government applications. Xavier Chanay, President Gemalto CISMEA comments: "By implementing the second phase of the national ID program, the Sultanate of Oman achieves another technology milestone in the Middle-East. The Sultanate recognized that digital security technology provides the ideal means to manage personal credentials, while increasing the quality of public services. Through this program, the Sultanate is taking a leading position in the region, taking the benefits of digital security technology to a national level. The contract also further reinforces Gemalto position in this important new growth market." Note to editors By becoming the earliest adopter of smart card-based national ID cards in the Gulf region, the Sultanate of Oman is standing at the forefront of the global e-Government trend. Over the past few years, there has been rapidly growing awareness amongst governments worldwide of the necessity to develop nationwide IT infrastructures in order to deliver more secure, efficient and convenient ID services to their citizens. The growing need of governments to effectively authenticate remote users, combined with the increasing concerns of traditional ID theft and fraud, has influenced technologically proactive governments in Belgium, China, Finland, Hong-Kong, Japan, Macao, Sweden, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and many more to convert to smart card-based ID solutions. Through this innovative ID program, the Sultanate of Oman is now joining this group of leading IT nations. About Gemalto Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is a leader in digital security with pro forma 2005 annual revenues of EUR1,7 billion ($2.2 billion), operations in 120 countries and 11,000 employees including 1,500 R&D engineers. The company's solutions make personal digital interactions secure and easy in a world where everything of value -from money to entertainment to identities- is increasingly represented as bits and bytes communicated over networks. Gemalto thrives on creating and deploying secure platforms, portable and secure forms of software in highly personal objects like smart cards, SIMs, e-passports, readers and tokens. More than a billion people worldwide use the company's products and services for telecommunications, banking, e-government, identity management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT security and other applications. Gemalto was formed in June 2006 by the combination of Axalto and Gemplus International S.A. For more information please visit http://www.gemalto.com . For more information, please contact: For Gemalto Media Emmanuelle Saby Tel: +33-1-55-01-57-27 Mobile: +33-6-09-10-76-10 Email: Emmanuelle.saby@gemalto.com Investor Relations Stephane Bisseuil Tel: +33-1-55-01-50-97 Mobile: +33-6-86-08-64-13 Email: Stephane.bisseuil@gemalto.com For TBWA\Corporate Emlyn Korengold Tel: +33-1-49-09-66-51 Mobile: +33-6-08-21-93-74 Email: emlyn.korengold@tbwa-corporate.com SOURCE Gemalto
2007'02.10.Sat
Rising Health Workforce Exodus Will Have Disturbing Effects, Says WHO

September 21, 2006

Fifty-seventh Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific Region
18-22 September 2006, Auckland, New Zealand
18-22 September 2006, Auckland, New Zealand
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- What will happen if the Western Pacific's health workforce, seeking better-paying jobs and professional advancement abroad, continue to migrate as the region's population ages, the burden of chronic disease rises and new health threats emerge? Serious effects not only on health, but in the socioeconomic arena as well, are likely to occur unless urgent measures are taken now to keep health workers employed in their home countries. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO ) That was the warning voiced today as senior health officials met here for the World Health Organization's Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. The meeting heard that almost all countries in the Western Pacific Region face health worker shortages, particularly nurses and public health workers. If present trends continue, this worsening shortage will push health systems to the brink of collapse, particularly in poor countries where health needs are greatest. On the other hand, health workers who stay behind when their colleagues emigrate face increasing workloads and a loss of morale. As a consequence, hard-won gains in health may be reversed as serious workforce shortages leave many countries without the capacity and support needed to mount effective responses to health problems. According to The World Health Report 2006, the shortage of human resources has replaced funding issues as the most serious obstacle to implementing health interventions and treatment plans. The report urged governments to take the lead in enhancing the effectiveness of their workforces through new strategies and innovative actions, with the support of partners. With this in mind, WHO's Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, WHO's governing body for the 37 countries and areas that make up the Western Pacific Region, is set to endorse the Regional Strategy on Human Resources for Health 2006-2015. The strategy provides policy options and practical guidelines to WHO Member States for developing and sustaining a robust health workforce that meets population health needs and demands. "Instead of merely averting immediate crises and current situations, governments must anticipate health needs or new services and technologies," said Dr Richard Nesbit, WHO acting Regional Director for the Western Pacific. In order to tackle human resource issues, WHO Member States must examine their entire health system, including infrastructure, technology, logistics, supplies and financing. They must attack the health worker shortage in a coordinated manner by working with all sectors of society and by building effective partnerships. Governments will need to fashion country-specific strategies aimed at building, sustaining and retaining sufficient, balanced, competent, productive and responsive health workforces that can promote equitable access to quality health services. Apart from the overall health worker shortages, the workforce problem is further compounded by minimal or insufficient expertise in epidemiology, infection control, laboratory work, logistics, environmental health and risk communication necessary to meet the challenge of emerging infectious diseases. In addition, aid and technical advice from development partners and donors are mostly fragmented and uncoordinated. WHO estimates the current global health workforce to be around 59 million people. There are 39.5 million health service providers, and 19.5 million management and support workers. WHO estimates a global health worker shortage of more than 4 million doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and support workers. WHO emphasized that training, sustaining and retaining a motivated and supported workforce will require long-term commitment, structural and fiscal changes, and partnership at all levels-country, regional and international. For more information, please contact: Mr Peter Cordingley WHO spokesman Tel: +63-918-963-1564 Email: cordingleyp@wpro.who.int Ms Marilu Lingad Assistant/Public Information Office Tel: +63-918-9181094 Mobile: 0210596777 (Auckland) Email: lingadm@wpro.who.int SOURCE World Health Organization
2007'02.10.Sat
Brix Networks and Texas Instruments Announce Collaboration to Ensure Quality of Experience for Users of IP-Based Services

September 21, 2006

-- Companies Will Deliver Pervasive Endpoint Management Providing Embedded Service Visibility to VoIP Gateways, Set Top Boxes, and Other IP Devices
BOSTON, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Brix Networks, the leading provider of converged service assurance solutions, and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced a collaboration and development initiative designed to deliver pervasive IP endpoint service assurance management. The companies' collaboration will give service providers the ability to collect valuable performance information on an unprecedented scale, and provide crucial, last-mile visibility into the quality of experience of providers' revenue-generating offerings, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), IP television (IPTV), and advanced data services. "TI has shipped more than 350 million ports across IP phones, residential modems and gateways, set top boxes, and carrier-class equipment," said Debbie Greenstreet, director of service provider strategy, Texas Instruments. "Working together with Brix Networks, our PIQUA(TM) system automates the process of gathering IP performance metrics and converts this data into actionable information. This integration empowers providers, enterprises, and equipment manufacturers to dramatically improve their subscribers' and users' quality of experience and reduce overall network operating costs." TI technology provides functional elements that form the foundation of the company's PIQUA real-time, IP quality management system. Based on TI's digital signal processor (DSP) technology and embedded software solutions, TI's PIQUA system utilizes sophisticated, real-time calculations to instantly assess quality parameters related to the user's experience, allowing both equipment manufacturers and service providers to automatically and dynamically adapt to changing conditions and make adjustments which today are either impossible or done manually. In addition to a comprehensive set of active tests and live service monitoring, Brix Networks' BrixWorx(TM) central-site correlation and reporting engine collects key performance indicator (KPI) information -- such as availability, bandwidth, packet loss, latency, jitter and call quality, -- using various standards-based communication protocols, including RTCP-XR, and TR-069, via the new BrixWorx Connector for TI's PIQUA software. This information can be gathered from a wide range of endpoint devices, including residential gateways, IP set top boxes, IP phones, digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable gateways, and others."Our customers are increasingly requesting a unified source of quality and IP performance management with visibility to their various endpoints," noted Robert Travis, director of solutions marketing at Brix Networks. "The Brix collaboration with TI offers a mechanism for customer satisfaction, service performance visibility, faster problem resolution, and overall operational efficiency improvement." Today's announcement was made in conjunction with the Fall 2006 VON Conference & Expo being held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, September 11-14, where Brix is exhibiting in booth 1049 and Texas Instruments is hosting a hospitality suite in room 158. A demonstration of the joint solution, highlighting BrixWorx and TI's PIQUA system, providing voice QoS monitoring and reporting, will be available at both companies' respective locations at this event. 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 includes the Educational & Productivity Solutions business. 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 Brix Networks Brix Networks is the leading provider of converged service assurance solutions that allow the world's largest service providers and enterprises to offer reliable and high-quality experiences in voice, video, data, and mobile services to their customers, partners, and employees. The company brings a proven heritage of IP expertise unique to the service assurance marketplace, and collaborates closely with its customers and partners to assure the delivery of any IP-based service, over any network, to any endpoint. For more information, visit http://www.brixnet.com , or call 978-367-5600/1-888-BRIXNET. Trademarks PIQUA is a trademark of Texas Instruments. Brix Networks, Brix, Brixnet, BrixWorx, and the Brix Networks logo are trademarks of Brix Networks, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information, please contact: Debbie Shemony Texas Instruments Tel: +1-301-515-6643 Email: dshemony@ti.com Erin Arnold GolinHarris Tel: +1-972-341-2506 Email: earnold@golinharris.com John H. Ricciardone Brix Networks Tel: +1-978-367-5757 Email: jricciardone@brixnet.com SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated
2007'02.10.Sat
DFW International Airport Releases New Economic Impact Assessment of Proposed American Airlines DFW-Beijing Route

September 21, 2006

Flight Would Generate $180 Million Annually for State of Texas
DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A new economic survey performed by the respected global aviation consulting firm SH&E confirms that the proposed new nonstop service from DFW International Airport to Beijing, China on American Airlines would be a boon to the state and regional economies, adding $180 million to the Texas economy every year. DFW had previously reported that the new flight -- the first non-stop flight from to China from the State of Texas -- would bring $120 million to North Texas, an impressive figure but based on calculations from several years ago. The full economic impact will be generated by job creation, trade stimulation through increased imports and exports, visitor spending in North Texas and service growth to support the new flight. "Texas has strong economic ties to China, and it continues to grow annually," said Texas Governor Rick Perry. "Approval of American Airlines' application for a DFW-Beijing flight will benefit not only the business men and women who travel there regularly but will boost tourism between the two destinations." If the flight application is approved, the DFW to Beijing flight will provide first-time one-stop Beijing service for 30 airports in eight states. In Texas, those airports include Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, Killeen, Laredo, Longview, Lubbock, McAllen, Midland/Odessa, San Angelo, Tyler, Waco, and Wichita Falls. Overall, the DFW Airport-Beijing route will provide one-stop service between Beijing and 95 airports in 32 states and the District of Columbia. "We thought it was important to recalculate this economic impact assessment using the most recent data available to ensure that the Department of Transportation is aware of the potential economic impact of this flight, and to emphasize that the State of Texas is the appropriate place to launch this new service," said Joe Lopano, executive vice president of terminal and revenue management at DFW. "It is clear that the entire southern sector of the United States will benefit by having a quick easy connection from DFW to this incredible city and it will open up new opportunities for new business and jobs around our great state and the North Texas region." China is Dallas-Fort Worth's largest trading partner, with total trade valued at more than $13.6 billion in 2005. And China is second only to Mexico as the largest trading partner with the State of Texas, with more than $22 billion in imports and exports last year. The DFW gateway serves as the epicenter of the booming trade connection between Texas and China, with cargo volumes of 66,313.6 metric tonnes in 2005, an increase of 145% over the past three years. American Airlines' strong presence in Latin America also enables the use of DFW as a hub between China and Central and South America for international cargo as well as passengers. "China is our number one trade partner in Dallas/Fort Worth, and we will see a significant increase in economic development activity if we are approved for a DFW-Beijing non-stop route on American Airlines," said Dallas Mayor Laura Miller. "The Dallas City Council strongly supports this critical development." "We fully understand and appreciate what a direct link to Beijing would mean to Fort Worth and our regional economy," said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. "It means real jobs and real opportunities for thousands of our fellow citizens and businesses. The city of Fort Worth strongly supports making this flight a reality as soon as possible. Now is the time for non-stop service to Beijing. The market is here and this region deserves this needed service." American Airlines announced it would seek the DFW-Beijing route on July 23 at the Airport's new International Terminal D, the world's newest international airline terminal. In its first year of service, Terminal D has hosted nine million domestic and international passengers. The terminal has won a number of industry awards for its architecture and design and most importantly has scored high marks in polling of travelers, with 89-percent of international travelers "pleased and delighted" with their experience in the $1.2 billion facility. The economic impact study was conducted by SH&E, one of the world's leading independent aviation consultancy firms and the largest consulting firm dedicated exclusively to the air transport industry. Visit http://www.flytochinaonaa.com to learn more about the proposed DFW-Beijing service. BY THE NUMBERS DFW-Beijing flight on American Airlines: Annual Economic Impact for State of Texas $180 million Total Texas Trade with China $22.3 billion in 2005 Total DFW Trade with China $13.6 billion in 2005 DFW Percentage of Texas trade with China 64% DFW-China Trade Growth since 2002 216% in dollar values About DFW International Airport Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 1,900 flights per day and serving 59 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 133 domestic and 36 international destinations worldwide. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to http://www.dfwairport.com . For more information, please contact: Ken Capps Vice President Public Affairs Tel: +1-972-574-8080 Email: Kcapps@dfwairport.com SOURCE DFW International Airport
2007'02.10.Sat
Hospira Announces $2 Billion Agreement to Acquire Mayne Pharma

September 21, 2006

-- Combination Doubles Hospira's International Presence and Creates the World's Leading Generic Injectable Pharmaceuticals Company
-- Transaction Expected to be Accretive to Cash EPS in 2007
-- Transaction Expected to be Accretive to Cash EPS in 2007
LAKE FOREST, Ill., Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), a leading global hospital products company, and Mayne Pharma Limited (ASX: MYP), a leading Australia-based specialty injectable pharmaceuticals company, today announced that the companies have entered into an agreement for Hospira to acquire Mayne. Under the terms of the agreement, Mayne shareholders will receive AUD$4.10 cash per outstanding ordinary share of Mayne, or a total equity consideration of approximately AUD$2.6 billion (US$2.0 billion), including options. The transaction represents a 32 percent premium over Mayne's Sept. 18, 2006, closing price. "This combination will create the leading generic injectable pharmaceuticals company in the world -- delivering unparalleled value to the global healthcare system as well as our respective shareholders and employees," said Christopher B. Begley, chief executive officer, Hospira. "The Mayne acquisition more than doubles Hospira's international presence and significantly accelerates the expansion of our generic injectables business." Compelling Strategic Rationale The combination of Hospira and Mayne represents an excellent strategic fit, with highly complementary product portfolios and geographic footprints. The acquisition is expected to: -- Establish Hospira as the worldwide leader in generic injectable pharmaceuticals. Today, Hospira holds the No. 1 generic injectables market position in the United States, backed by the industry's broadest portfolio and a growing product pipeline. Mayne Pharma's leadership positions in Europe and Australia, and significant presence in Canada, strengthens Hospira's global reach with an attractive marketed portfolio and strong pipeline. -- Accelerate Hospira's global expansion. The acquisition doubles international sales to nearly 30 percent of Hospira's total sales and, importantly, expands the company's international infrastructure with the addition of Mayne's global sales and distribution platform. -- Expand and solidify Hospira's oncology presence. Oncolytics represent roughly half of Mayne's product portfolio, which boasts a comprehensive range of agents across this important and fast-growing therapeutic category and significantly strengthens Hospira's product offerings. -- Provide Hospira with potent/cytotoxic manufacturing and research and development (R&D) capabilities. Mayne's comprehensive and differentiated expertise in formulating and manufacturing potent and cytotoxic compounds supplements Hospira's already-broad development and manufacturing capabilities. -- Continue to help reduce the overall costs of healthcare -- to improve both the affordability of care for patients and the financial health of the global healthcare system. By increasing the number and availability of generic injectable drugs in its portfolio, Hospira will be better positioned to provide high-quality, more cost-effective alternatives to many proprietary pharmaceuticals. "Mayne has grown rapidly over recent years and we believe will continue to grow under the ownership of Hospira, which will provide access to greater resources, particularly in the important U.S. market," said Peter Willcox, chairman, Mayne Pharma. "Hospira has a long heritage, much like our own company, and will encourage the development of our business to the benefit of our customers and employees." "We look forward to welcoming our Mayne colleagues to Hospira and fully expect their talents and skill sets to contribute to our future success," said Begley. Transaction Details The transaction is subject to Mayne shareholder, regulatory and court approvals, as well as customary closing conditions. Assuming all necessary approvals are secured, the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the current calendar year. Financials The combination of the two companies is estimated to generate a minimum of $50 million of annualized synergies in 2008. Hospira expects to achieve annual savings through infrastructure optimization as well as improved supply chain, administrative and other operational efficiencies. After giving effect to estimated synergies, the transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share in 2007, excluding the impact of transaction-related expenses, such as purchase accounting charges and integration costs, and the amortization of intangible assets. The impact on GAAP earnings per share, before the effect of transaction-related expenses, is estimated to be neutral in 2008. Purchase accounting charges and the amortization of intangible assets will be finalized after the transaction's close. To finance the acquisition, Hospira will use available cash and incur approximately $1.9 billion of debt under committed financing facilities provided by Morgan Stanley. Using Hospira and Mayne's strong combined cash flow, the company intends to pay down the debt as quickly as feasible. Advisors Morgan Stanley is acting as financial advisor and Baker & McKenzie is acting as legal advisor to Hospira. Merrill Lynch is acting as financial advisor and Clayton Utz is acting as legal advisor to Mayne Pharma. Webcast A conference call for investors and media will be held at 7:30 a.m. Central Time on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006. A live webcast of the conference call will be available at http://www.hospirainvestor.com . Listeners should log on approximately 10 minutes in advance to ensure proper computer setup for receiving the webcast. A replay will be available on the Hospira Web site for 30 days following the call. About Hospira Hospira, Inc. is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company dedicated to Advancing Wellness(TM) by developing, manufacturing and marketing products that help improve the productivity, safety and efficacy of patient care. With 70 years of service to the hospital industry, Hospira's portfolio includes one of the industry's broadest lines of generic acute-care injectables, which help address the high cost of proprietary pharmaceuticals; integrated solutions for medication management and infusion therapy; and the leading U.S. injectable contract manufacturing business. Headquartered north of Chicago in Lake Forest, Ill., Hospira has approximately 13,000 employees and 14 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Hospira's news releases and other information can be found at http://www.hospira.com . About Mayne Pharma Mayne Pharma Limited is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and selling a comprehensive range of products to oncology customers in more than 65 countries around the world. The company seeks to augment its growth by accessing additional marketed or development-stage products either through acquisition or partnership. Mayne Pharma generated sales of more than AUD$800 million in its financial year ended 30 June 2006 and is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange under the symbol 'MYP'. For more information about Mayne Pharma, please visit http://www.maynepharma.com . Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- A Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the proposed business combination of Hospira and Mayne Pharma, the anticipated consequences and benefits of such transaction, projected cost savings and the projected impact on Hospira's earnings. Hospira cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed transaction include: the risk that regulatory approvals will not be obtained on a timely basis or at all; the risk that the transaction will not be consummated; risks relating to the integration of Mayne Pharma's business into Hospira, including incurring higher than expected costs or experiencing delays or other difficulties associated with the integration; the risk that the anticipated benefits and synergies from the transaction will not be realized; and risks associated with Hospira's incurrence of substantial indebtedness. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Hospira's operations and may cause actual results to be materially different from expectations include the risks, uncertainties and factors discussed under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Hospira's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated by reference. Hospira undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as the result of subsequent events or developments. For more information, please contact: U.S. Media Stacey Eisen Tel: +1-224-212-2276 Australian Media Tony Rasman Fleishman Hillard Australia Tel: +61-418-208-770 Financial Community, Lynn McHugh Tel: +1-224-212-2363 Media, Sue Cato, Cato Counsel Tel: +61-419-282-319 Media, Matt Horan, Cato Counsel Tel: +61-403-934-958 Financial Community, Andrew Rowe Tel: +44-20-7420-8426 Mobile: +44-7920-598-353 SOURCE Hospira, Inc.
2007'02.10.Sat
Over 10 Million Realeyes3D Handwritten Messaging Enabled Camera Phones Shipped Worldwide

September 21, 2006

-- Sales of Handwritten Messaging Enabled Camera Phones Surge Ahead Worldwide Over Past 12 Months Capturing an Estimated 10% of US Market
PARIS, Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Realeyes3D, the pioneer of handwritten messaging, today announced that its handwritten messaging applications have been shipped in more than 10 million handsets over the past 12 months. Handwritten messaging applications allow camera phone users to create and exchange messages that have been written on a piece of paper. A complement to text messaging, handwritten messaging is a new, richer and more personal form of messaging. With handwritten messaging applications Digitizer(TM) and w-Postcard(TM), users can send messages that they create in their own handwriting, using a standard pen and any type of paper. Messages are not restricted to words such as in text messaging, but can be made of diagrams, maps, doodles, photos or images that convey emotions, moods, and feelings, creating a highly personalized message. Introduced as features for camera phones just eighteen months ago, these applications have now reached a critical mass for camera phone users worldwide. In the US market for instance, public market data and internal company sales metrics show that close to 10% of US camera phones sold over the past 12 months feature one or more Realeyes3D handwritten messaging applications. "Having 10 million camera phones shipped in major markets, that offer the choice of sending handwritten messages instead of text or a simple photograph, is a very strong validation of our early vision," said Benoit Bergeret, co-founder and CEO of Realeyes3D. "It shows that the industry now sees that there is much more value in the cameras on these handsets than just picture-taking. In working with our customers, our teams have made handwritten messaging a reality to millions of customers across the globe. And thanks to the excellent integration achieved in highly regarded handsets such as the Samsung SCH-A990 or the Sanyo W43SA, we expect Digitizer and w-Postcard to gain further and faster adoption in the near future." "10 million people can now enjoy the fun of sending creative and personal handwritten messages and 'wireless postcards,'" said Philippe Dewost, Vice-President, Marketing and Business Development, Realeyes3D. "That's a lot of high-value messages for senders and recipients, as well as high value data traffic for carriers because messages that are sent using Digitizer or w-Postcard could not have been sent with plain MMS or email. Pictures get out of the phone and are sent only if they reach a certain degree of uniqueness and personalization, and that is precisely what handwritten messaging enables in a very easy, effortless way. This is why we expect that these 10 million handsets will soon generate viral growth for the demand of handwritten messaging on all camera phones." Digitizer allows mobile users to jot down any type of personal message using a standard pen and paper. Digitizer extracts the message from the camera image, resulting in a black-and-white or true-color clear, legible handwritten picture message that can be shared immediately with others. For mobile users with non-Latin alphabets, such as Japanese, Chinese or Korean, Digitizer is an ideal way to overcome the limitations of text messaging. Digitizer messages are not limited to words but may also include drawings, maps, symbols or anything that can be created with a pen and paper. w-Postcard allows camera phone users to add comments, notes, doodles or drawings to pictures they have taken with their camera phone. Mobile users simply overlay the photo that they have taken with the handwritten content that they've created, as described above with Digitizer. Users can manipulate the handwritten content by changing its size, color, placement and appearance to create a very personalized image that then can be stored or sent. W-Postcard makes pictures more personal, more valuable and more likely to be shared. Because it makes use of existing messaging protocols such as MMS (GSM) and email (CDMA), handwritten messaging does not require specific software on the receiving handset side. Both applications are powered by Realeyes3D's patented ink extraction technology, Visual Cortex(TM). Notes to Editors About Realeyes3D S.A. Realeyes3D designs, develops and sells award-winning embedded applications and wireless data services for users of camera phones. Our applications enable new camera-based features and services in the areas of personal productivity, mobile messaging, user interfaces, gaming, and more. We enable camera phone manufacturers, mobile operators, and mobile content specialists to increase their value proposition to consumer and professional camera phone users. For more information, visit http://www.realeyes3d.com . For more information, please contact: UK/EUROPE: Andrew Durkin MUSTARD PR Tel: +44-1628-502601 Mobile: +44-7887-998407 Email: andrew@mustardpr.com Diane Perro Realeyes3D Tel: +33-141-12-06-70 Email: dperro@realeyes3d.com US: Julia Price Adexta Inc. Mobile: +1-415-336-1075 Email: jprice@adexta.com SOURCE Realeyes3D S.A.
2007'02.10.Sat
Corning Launches High-Throughput Label-Free Drug Screening System

September 21, 2006

New Corning(R) Epic(TM) system addresses a broad range of biochemical and cell-based applications using optical biosensor technology
CORNING, N.Y., Sept. 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) announced on Sept. 18 the commercial launch of the Epic(TM) system, a high-throughput label-free screening platform based on optical biosensor technology. The system performs both biochemical and cell-based drug discovery applications and offers drug developers the ability to evaluate promising new drug targets. It also allows for the observation of direct biological interactions not previously detectable in high-throughput applications. The system uses optical technology to eliminate the need for labels and consists of two basic components: a disposable 384-well microplate with integrated biosensors and a high-throughput screening (HTS) compatible microplate reader that permits screening of up to 40,000 wells in an eight-hour period. The Epic system can be easily integrated with existing facilities and instrumentation because it makes use of an industry standard microplate format. "Conventional drug screening technologies rely heavily on the use of fluorescent or radioactive labels," said Mark Beck, vice president and general manager, Corning Life Sciences. "These labels can cause undesirable interactions such as false positives or negatives, or prevent researchers from exploring promising new drug targets because little information is known about the target," continued Beck. "Prior to the introduction of the Epic system, only very small-scale label-free experiments could be performed, which did not address the needs of today's discovery programs. Corning solved the difficult problem of enabling label-free screening in high throughput by integrating our expertise in optics, materials science and the life sciences to bring this technology to market." The high sensitivity of the Epic system makes it suitable for a broad range of drug discovery applications, including both biochemical and cell-based assays. Corning Life Sciences, in conjunction with multiple academic and industry collaborators, has successfully evaluated numerous small-molecule, large-molecule and cell-based interactions, and several examples will be presented at the Society for Biomolecular Sciences Conference in Seattle, Washington from September 17-21. The Epic system will also be on display in the Corning exhibit (booth #621). "The complexity associated with drug interactions requires a broad understanding of the associated biology, and researchers need to be able to evaluate this from many orthogonal vantage points," commented Jeff Mooney, commercial technology director, Corning Life Sciences. "The Epic system has the sensitivity to detect small molecule binding interactions and to measure endogenous level cellular response -- all in the same platform at high throughput," Mooney continued. "This means that with a single instrument a researcher could screen, for example, the binding between a small molecule drug and a kinase target, or alternatively perform a cell-based GPCR screen using cells with endogenously expressed receptors. There is no comparable system commercially available today." For additional information on the Epic system or any other Corning Life Sciences products, please contact a customer service representative at 1-800-492-1110, toll free in the United States, (+1) 978-635-2200 internationally, or visit http://www.corning.com/lifesciences . 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, information display, environmental, semiconductor, and life sciences industries. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a variety of business risks and other uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events. For more information, please contact: Media Relations Contact: Corning China Lydia Lu Tel: +86-21-5467-4666 x1900 Email: lulr@corning.com US Corning Dana Moss Tel: +1-607-974-7860 Email: mossdd@corning.com Investor Relations Contact: Kenneth C. Sofio Tel: +1-607-974-7705 Email: sofiokc@corning.com SOURCE Corning Incorporated
2007'02.10.Sat
Symbol Technologies Launches New Mobile RFID Reader Extending RFID to Furthest Reaches of Supply Chain Facilities

September 20, 2006

Rugged RD5000 Mobile RFID Reader Provides Visibility on Variety of Material Handling Equipment
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), today announced that it has launched the RD5000, a compact, mobile Gen 2 RFID reader that can be integrated with forklifts, pallet jacks, stretch wrappers, and other material handling equipment, and utilized in various space-constrained environments. By extending the range of RFID beyond the dock door, the RD5000 mobile RFID reader provides customers with improved asset visibility in motion throughout the supply chain. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041029/SYMBOLOGO ) The RD5000 mobile RFID reader can also be mounted on a forklift with the Symbol VC5090 vehicle/fixed mount computer as part of an integrated forklift solution that reduces the need for drivers to spend time recording the receipt and movement of goods. By combining the power of the RD5000 mobile RFID reader with the VC5090 vehicle/fixed mount computer, customers can speed product movement through the supply chain and track products, pallets and assets in a variety of locations. "Previous RFID deployment strategies have depended heavily on the predictable movement of goods, with RFID readers installed at `choke points' such as dock doors," said Anthony Bartolo, vice president and general manager of Symbol's Wireless Infrastructure and RFID Divisions. "By RFID-enabling material handling equipment with Symbol's new RD5000 mobile RFID reader, organizations gain increased visibility to items in the supply chain all the way to the shelf or staging area." The RD5000 mobile RFID reader features cable-free operation, an integrated antenna, Bluetooth communication capabilities and wireless connectivity. These features, combined with the reader's small dimensions and Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 platform, help ease the installation, maintenance and integration of the reader with existing processes and networks. The RD5000 mobile RFID reader will also support Symbol's upcoming Wireless-Next Generation (Wi-NG) RF-switching system which will allow organizations to easily deploy and manage evolving RF networks from one central location. "Symbol's mobile RFID readers are changing the face of RFID with innovative features and solutions that redefine the notion of real-time inventory tracking and increased supply chain visibility," said Jane Gilson, director, Windows Mobile and Embedded Devices Group, Microsoft Corp. "Our close collaboration with Symbol ensures that its line of portable RFID readers and other rugged devices incorporate the best, most advanced features that Windows CE has to offer." The rugged design of the RD5000 RFID reader has been tested to withstand the shocks and blows that take place in extreme environments, and has been sealed to IP66 specifications for protection against dust and water. To maximize battery life during work shifts, the RD5000 mobile RFID reader is equipped with sensors that detect the device's proximity to tagged items, shutting down when motionless or out of tag range. A number of Symbol partners have already developed solutions with the RD5000 mobile RFID reader including Creative Concepts Software, Inc.; Xterprise Incorporated; Rush Tracking Systems; and epcSolutions, Inc. About Symbol Technologies Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More information is available at http://www.symbol.com . Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. For more information, please contact: For media information: Bill Abelson Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-4751 Email: bill.abelson@symbol.com For media information: Joey Marquart Edelman Public Relations Tel: +1-212-704-8133 Email: joey.marquart@edelman.com For EMEA media information: Ana Williams Spark Communications Tel: +44-207-357-8612 Email: ana@sparkcomms.co.uk For financial information: Lori Chaitman Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-5050 Email: lori.chaitman@symbol.com For industry analyst information: Shirley Schroedl Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-4823 Email: shirley.schroedl@symbol.com SOURCE Symbol Technologies, Inc.
2007'02.10.Sat
Hong Kong's Chow Tai Fook Unveils Luxury Apartments in Beijing

September 20, 2006

BEIJING, China, Sept. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Jewellery giant Chow Tai Fook Group, the privately held enterprise of New World Development Chairman Cheng Yu-Tung, has rolled out its luxury apartments project in Beijing. The project, named Shadow Creek, consists of 89 luxury villas in the first phase, with a selling price expected to be around USD6,000 per square meter. With the liberalization of China's economic policy, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited has been expanding its investments in China during the past few years. Up until now, CTF Group and New World Group have invested over US$7 billion in China. Nestled along the right bank of Beijing's Wenyu River, Shadow Creek, has a total construction area of 76,000 square meters offering an 8,000 square meter lake, 11-meter high ceilings, European-style private gardens, private swimming pools, private saunas, hot spring water, deluxe penthouse master bedrooms and clubhouse-style multi-function basements. "Jewellery and luxury properties are closely bonded since both represent the lifestyle of wealthy elites, and I'm confident about the market potential thanks to the booming demand on the mainland," said Cheng Yu-tung, founder and group Chairman on the sidelines of Shadow Creek's unveiling ceremony just this past Sunday. Other high-end residential properties in Beijing developed by flagship real estate developer New World China Land focus on the key market segments of the high-end market. Their Shunyi villa complex, Chateau Regalia has attracted multinational executives, embassy officials and other wealthy elites to live there, taking advantages of its natural surroundings and proximity to the airport. The newly renamed Roseburg property, previously named Chateau Regalia Apartments, is a group of serviced-apartments focused on young, trendy expatriate and Chinese professionals. It is adjacent to the Airport Expressway and in the vicinity of Riverville Square, a shopping and leisure mall with supermarket, spa centre and other attractions, also developed by New World. Dr Cheng said, "New World China Land, the mainland property arm of Hong Kong-listed New World Development will roll out more property projects over a long term, showing its commitment to the investment in the mainland." About Chow Tai Fook Group Chow Tai Fook Group is the privately-held conglomerate of Cheng Yu-Tung with a total assets of over five billion USD. Its unit Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd has set up over 500 outlets in the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, with annual sales reaching one billion USD and it also has diversified operations in real estate, vehicle, hotel, telecommunications and retailing. Its unit Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd owns a controlling 38% interest in Hong Kong-listed New World Group. http://www.chowtaifook.com . About New World China Land Hong Kong listed New World China Land (HK 0917) is mainland China's property flagship of the New World Group with a total asset base of about HKD32.1 billion and its real estate portfolio comprises 37 development projects spanning over 17 high-growth cities since its entry into the mainland China property market since the early 1980s. Website for New World China Land http://www.nwcl.com.hk . Website for Chateau Regalia: http://www.chateauregalia.com/ Note to Editors£º Pictures of all properties mentioned, available upon request. For more information, please contact: Eileen Yan Tel: +86-10-6450-8013 Mobile: +86-135-0100-4793 Email: eileenyan18@163.com SOURCE New World China Land
2007'02.10.Sat
SmartPay Launches Mobile Airlines Ticketing in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

September 20, 2006

-- Partnership Between SmartPay and Nanjing Yinyan Enables Mobile Users to Purchase Airline e-tickets Via SMS and IVR
SHANGHAI, China, Sept. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai SmartPay Jieyin Co., Ltd. ("SmartPay"), a leader in electronic payment systems, and Nanjing Yinyan Airlines Services Co., Ltd. ("Yinyan"), the biggest airline ticketing agent in Nanjing, recently announced a plan to launch mobile airline ticketing for customers in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The strategic cooperation calls for significant build-out of mobile air ticketing over the coming months. SmartPay and Yinyan's service allows customers to purchase airline e-tickets by sending a simple SMS or IVR instruction. With the movement toward nationwide airline e-ticketing in China, and Yinyan's leadership in Nanjing, the joint cooperation is a key example of how SmartPay works with leading merchants to innovate and deliver new payment methods. SmartPay provides mobile payment platform building upon its extensive network with banks and mobile operators in the region. Yinyan processes over RMB 180 million worth of air tickets annually. SmartPay has also recently announced cooperation for mobile air ticketing in other key provinces throughout China, complementing its leadership in other payments including pre- and post-paid mobile phone bills, lottery ticketing and utility bill payments. About SmartPay Jieyin SmartPay is a leader in developing mobile and phone-based payment systems for Chinese consumers. SmartPay has built a network of millions of users and key strategic merchants including telecom operators, utilities, airline ticketing agencies and lottery agencies, amongst others, allowing convenient and effective peer to merchant and peer to peer payments. About Nanjing Yinyan Yinyan is the biggest airline-ticketing agent in Nanjing, which processes ticketing through channels such as Ctrip, China Telecom 114, a telephone booking system, and their dealer network. Compared with same period last year, its monthly sales have increased consistently, reaching 25% market share in Nanjing. For more information, please contact: Janet Yu Shanghai SmartPay Jieyin Co., Ltd. Tel: +86-21-5385-5299 x160 Email: janet.yu@smartpay.com.cn SOURCE Shanghai SmartPay Jieyin Co., Ltd.
2007'02.10.Sat
Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts Wins Regional and Global Business Traveller Awards for Sixth Consecutive Year

September 20, 2006

SHANGHAI, China, Sept. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts has been named Best Mid-Scale Hotel Brand in Asia Pacific and Best Mid-Scale Hotel Brand in the World at the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards for the sixth consecutive year. The accolades clearly show that Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts continue to deliver the levels of service, comfort and value that appeal to frequent travellers. The coveted Business Traveller Asia Pacific Awards reflect the views of frequent business travellers who take part in its annual survey of travel-related services. The survey results are independently analyzed by market information group Taylor Nelson Sofres. A. Patrick Imbardelli, chief executive, InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific, said: "It is heartening to know that those who travel frequently on business have consistently rated Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts as the best brand in the mid-scale segment, year after year since 2001. We certainly do not take Holiday Inn's leadership position for granted, as we are always looking for ways to ensure that our expanding portfolio of Holiday Inns will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our guests. We are grateful for this endorsement and will continue to work as a team to maintain the brand's enduring popularity." Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts was established in 1952 and is today one of the most widely recognized brands in the world. There are currently over 1,400 Holiday Inns globally, including 89 in Asia Pacific. The most recent Holiday Inn launches in the region include Holiday Inn Shifu Guangzhou, Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou, Holiday Inn Seaview Qinhuangdao, Holiday Inn Yueyang and Holiday Inn Chengdu West Century City in China. Scheduled to open soon are Holiday Inn Resort Regent Beach Cha-Am in Thailand, Holiday Inn Wellington in New Zealand, as well as Holiday Inn Binhai Tianjin and Holiday Inn Jiuzhai Jarpo, both in China. Earlier this year, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts also won the prestigious China Hotel Pioneer Award, which was presented at the China Hotel Development and Financing Seminar. The award recognises the groundbreaking efforts and tremendous success of the brand in China since the opening of Holiday Inn Lido Beijing 22 years ago. Notes to Editors: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom (LON: IHG; NYSE: IHG (ADRs)) is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,650 hotels and 540,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R), Candlewood Suites(R) and Hotel IndigoTM, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club(R) Rewards, with over 28 million members worldwide. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region for InterContinental Hotels Group worldwide. The Group's portfolio in this region includes 165 hotels and over 46,000 guest rooms under the InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, and Express by Holiday Inn(R) brands. InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at http://www.ichotelsgroup.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at http://www.priorityclub.com . For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit our online Press Office at http://www.ihgplc.com/media . For more information, please contact: Sharona Tao Manager, Brand Public Relations & Communications Greater China InterContinental Hotels Group Tel: +86-21-2893-3309 Fax: +86-21-2893-3399 Email: sharona.tao@ichotelsgroup.com SOURCE InterContinental Hotels Group PLC
2007'02.10.Sat
i-flex Launches 'i-flex Process Framework for Banking'

September 20, 2006

Process Enabler to Transform Banking Operations, Enhance Process Efficiencies and Provide a Framework for Managing Operational Risk
MUMBAI, India, Sept. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- i-flex(R) solutions (Reuters: IFLX.BO & IFLX.NS), a leading provider of technology solutions to the global financial services industry, announced the launch of the "i-flex Process Framework for Banking (iPFB)," a tool for transforming banking operations. iPFB is a repository of processes that draws on best practices that i-flex has developed in working with more than 660 customers in over 120 countries. iPFB will help banks tackle one of their biggest challenges -- improving process efficiency while simultaneously managing operational risks by allowing them to optimize processes using a Business Process Management (BPM) approach. Banks can also use iPFB to control Operational Risk and integrate diverse applications into a common operating environment. More conventional approaches to the problem only offer process specifications that must be coded into software or managed manually. As processes can change frequently, keeping such processes up-to-date is extremely tedious, time consuming and error prone. In addition, banks are unable to centrally view and manage processes that are implemented across geographies and often with local variations. Until now, banks have typically lacked a measurement-based feedback mechanism that is essential to manage process performance and have not had a method to evaluate the impact of proposed changes. iPFB specifically solves these problems. It offers both business process definitions and corresponding executable processes which are implemented using the industry-standard Business Process Execution Language (BPEL). "Banks are struggling with the challenge of transforming their systems to achieve business agility without risking business disruption. iPFB provides them with the tools to implement business process improvements without a major surgery to the supporting application and IT infrastructure. It also provides them with a way to move from a legacy environment to an SOA environment in a phased manner, while managing operational risk effectively," says R Ravisankar, CEO International Operations and Business Development, i-flex solutions. "Together this adds up to immediate positive impact on the business." Banks using iPFB can now make every part of their institutions as good as the best part because they can analyze data centrally and roll out best practices across the enterprise. It is a training enabler as it maintains the latest process specifications in a manner that can easily be understood by business users. In addition, iPFB monitors risk indicators and serves as the implementation of a Risk Control Self Assessment framework. It also significantly simplifies the task of making process and control information available to regulators when required. The processes are organized by lines of business -- for example, Trade Finance, Retail Lending, Treasury, Cash Management, Wealth Management and Investment Banking -- and are defined in a manner understandable by business users. They are end-to-end processes crossing departmental boundaries and are organized by functional areas such as customer service, risk & control, execution and marketing & management. Today most financial institutions own a complex web of siloed applications that were designed to primarily meet departmental requirements. These same applications impose their own opaque processes; every time banks needed to adapt to changing market and business demands, they implemented new applications or customized existing ones. Banks have begun to break these applications down into a range of services. What has been a challenge is to knit these services together to create an end-to-end banking process. "iPFB moves i-flex from a vendor of software to that of system integrator and advisor to the largest of banks," says Bart Narter, senior analyst with the banking group at Celent LLC. Banks can use iPFB to accelerate their business process management (BPM) initiatives using a battery of well proven processes to knit together diverse applications and manual steps. For banks who want to begin the transition to a process driven environment i-flex offers a range of services including operating business model definition; process architecture and re-design; process integration and implementation and maintenance services. For information on iPFB, please visit: http://www.iflexsolutions.com/iflex/solutions/iPFB.aspx About i-flex solutions i-flex(R) solutions (Reuters: IFLX.BO & IFLX.NS) is a world leader in providing IT solutions to the financial services industry, with more than 660 customers in over 120 countries. i-flex's range of products, custom solutions and consulting services enable financial institutions to cut costs, respond rapidly to market needs, enhance customer service levels and mitigate risk. i-flex and FLEXCUBE are registered trademarks of i-flex solutions. Reveleus, Daybreak and PrimeSourcing are trademarks of i-flex solutions and are registered in several countries. All other company and product names are trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. For information, please visit: http://www.iflexsolutions.com For more information, please contact: Eapen Thomas i-flex solutions Tel: +91-22-2823-5190 x5132 Fax: +91-22-2836-3140 Email: eapen.thomas@iflexsolutions.com Shilpa Harsh Adfactors PR Pvt. Ltd. Tel: +91-80-4113-3061 Mobile: +91-9986359063 Email: shilpah@adfactorspr.com SOURCE i-flex solutions
2007'02.10.Sat
Tianjin Binhai Angel Venture Capital Fund Registers at TEDA

September 19, 2006

New Addition Indicates Optimization of TEDA's Environment Conductive to Technology Development
TIANJIN, China, Sept. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) announces that Tianjin Binhai Angel Venture Capital Fund was founded recently in TEDA. The new fund, holding RMB100 million, will commit itself to investing capital in technology enterprises and projects, which are in their initial stage and boasting home grown intellectual property rights. In recent years, TEDA has set its development targets for the new century, constructing itself into a modern manufacturing base as well as an R&D hub. However, the realization of the targets will rely on such conditions as the reform of R&D management systems, inclusive of technology related investment and financing systems, the continuous development of the financing environment, as well as the improvement of the environment conductive to the incubation of middle and small-sized enterprises. Therefore, the founding of this fund will upgrade the local innovation and entrepreneurship environment and promote the growth of innovation culture in Tianjin, which, as a result, will generate a cluster effect for the innovative enterprises in TEDA and the Binhai New Area, and foster foundations for new economic growth in the area. The fund will focus investment on start-up enterprises characterized by strong technology strength, technology related projects and the industries enjoying priority development due to Tianjin's preponderances in the industry chain, such as bio-tech and IT. Equipped with a separate fund manager and fund custodian, the Fund will operate completely in a commercial way. Tianjin Venture Capital Co., Ltd. acts as its first manager, while a specialized fund investment committee consisting of independent investment specialists and representatives from venture capital investment organizations, who are initiators of the fund, will make its capital investment decisions. 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 visit: http://www.investteda.org . For more information, please contact: Ding Lei of TEDA Tel: +86-22-2520-1576 SOURCE Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area
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