News Briefs for the Week Ending
07/30/2010
Copyright 2010, Faulkner Information Services. All Rights Reserved.
Docid:00020009
Publication Date: 1007
Publication Type: NEWS
ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES
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Adobe Signs Deal to Acquire Day Software for $240 Million
Adobe announced that it has entered into an agreement with Day Software Holding to tender a cash offer to acquire all publicly held shares of the company. Adobe says the acquisition will strengthen its enterprise
software solutions catalogue by adding Day’s Web Content Management (WCM), Digital Asset Management and Social Collaboration offerings. The purchase will cost Adobe a total of CHF255 million, or US$240 million if the deal receives all necessary regulatory
approval.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Fujitsu, Toshiba Close Agreement to Merge Phone Businesses
Fujitsu Japan and Toshiba Japan announced they concluded the definitive agreement to merge their mobile phone businesses, as agreed to on June 17th. Toshiba will transfer its
mobile phone operations to a new company that will be managed by Fujitsu, with an 80.1 percent controlling interest. The companies will complete the merger October 1st. About 400 Toshiba employees will begin working for Fujitsu after the merger. The merger
is expected to help enhance their handset development capabilities, potentially allowing them to become the top supplier of mobile phones in Japan. Meanwhile, Toshiba also announced plans to merge with wholly owned subsidiary Toshiba Capital Corp., also
effective October 1st.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
IBM Signs Agreement to Acquire Data Compression Company Storwize
IBM announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Storwize, makers of real-time data compression technology. This technology, which can reduce physical storage requirements by as much as 80 percent, is
unique in that it can compress data which is currently in use by the system. IBM plans on applying the acquired technology to its NAS systems, including the IBM N series. The acquisition is expected to close during the third quarter of 2010, subject to
regulatory approval. No financial terms for the transaction were announced.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Juniper Networks Acquiring Mobile Security Company
Network infrastructure company Juniper Networks announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Columbus, Ohio-based SMobile Systems, a
privately-held software company focused on smart phone and tablet security solutions for the enterprise, service provider, and consumer markets. The total transaction consideration at closing will be approximately $70 million in cash, Juniper said.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
nTelos to Acquire FiberNet
Telecommunitions provider nTelos announced that it plans to acquire One Communications Corporation’s FiberNet business for US $170 million in cash. FiberNet’s
network comprises approximately 3,500 route miles and covers all of West Virginia and parts of Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky. The deal will give nTelos about 30,000 new customers. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval
from the Federal Communications Commission and state public service commissions. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year.
Source: Vendor, 7/20/2010
SAP Completes Cash Tender Offer for All Sybase Stock
SAP announced that it has completed its cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Sybase stock. Currently, the company has approved payment on 92.1% percent of Sybase’s
outstanding shares of common stock. The company plans on initiating a short-term merger under Delaware law in an effort to complete the merger as quickly as possible. The holders of the remaining outstanding shares will be paid $65.00 per share upon the
merger’s completion. SAP plans to incorporate Sybase as a wholly owned subsidiary.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Siemens to Divest SEAS Business to ASM Subsidiary
Siemens announced it will sell its assembly systems business, Siemens Electronics Assembly Systems (SEAS), to ASM Pacific Technology of Hong Kong. Its parent company – ASM – is one of the world’s top suppliers for
the semiconductor and LED industry. SEAS has 1,200 employees worldwide.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Telefonica Acquires Majority Interest in Vivo
Telefonica and Portugal Telecom have reached agreement for the acquisition by Telefonica of 50% of the capital stock of Brasilcel, a company jointly
owned by Telefonica and Portugal Telecom that owns shares representing approximately 60% of the capital stock of the Brazilian wireless company Vivo, which is owned by Portugal Telecom. According to a
Telefonia press release, the total price for acquiring a majority interest in Vivo, Brazil’s largest cellphone company, is 7.5 billion euros (US$9.77 billion).
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
ALLIANCES & JOINT VENTURES
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Avaya Enlists VXi in DevConnect Partner Program
Avaya enlisted telephone headset maker Vxi in its DevConnect program. VXi’s products are used for contact centers, offices, speech recognition users, and mobile professionals. DevConnect promotes the development,
compliance testing, and co-marketing of third party products compatible with standards based Avaya solutions.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Cisco to Launch Pilot Program for OneCommunity
Cisco Systems announced it will implement the pilot program for OneCommunity – a nonprofit broadband service provider in Cleveland, OH, US – for a network based, shared services delivery platform to provide a service
layer for connecting disparate groups in the healthcare, public safety, education, and workforce retraining sectors. The project is part of Cisco’s global Smart+Connected Communities initiative. Cisco said the technology will allow OneCommunity to expand
telemedicine programs, provide job training centers in low income areas, refurbish old computers, and provide training for WebEx conferencing, using a $13 million USD federal grant and free public Internet access. OneCommunity serves 1,500 schools,
libraries, and hospitals, with wired and wireless communications in 22 counties.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Microsoft Signs MOU with LG Uplus on Jointly Marketed Products
Microsoft announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with LG Uplus Corp to jointly market a range of cloud services for LG U+ customers. For its part, Microsoft will be providing its software
platforms products, and cloud-computing products. The goal of the alliance is to offer a selection of easy to use, simple installation services to small and medium sized enterprises.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
BIOMETRICS
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Accenture Signs with Indian ID Authority for Biometric System
Accenture announced that it has signed a contract with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to implement its core biometric identification system. The system will be used to assign a unique ID
number to each Indian citizen. Accenture’s tasks will include system building and management, as well as performance benchmarking and data continuity services. The contract has a duration of 2 years, or 200,000 enrollments in the program, whichever comes
first. No financial terms for the transaction were announced.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
L-1 Identity Solutions to Provide Biometrics to Indian ID Program
L-1 Identity Solutions received a notification of award as one of the Biometric Service Providers to India’s Unique Identification Number (UID) program, or AADHAAR. The UID program seeks to gather basic demographic and
biometric (iris and finger) information from residents in India to establish the uniqueness of that individual in order to issue them a twelve digit identification number that will serve as verification of identity anywhere in the country.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
BUSINESS CONTINUITY
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EADS Subsidiary Expands TN Radio Network
EADS, through subsidiary PlantCML, has been awarded a contract to expand the CORP25 digital, trunked land mobile radio system in Cumberland County, Tennessee. The expansion
will include the installation of a new Zetron Acom, Advanced Communication Console System, as well as the addition of 25 P25 subscriber units. The P25 network provides communications for the sheriff’s department, two fire departments, the rescue squad,
emergency medical services, and emergency management.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
CARRIER SERVICES
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Qwest Launches “Heavy Duty” Internet Services
Qwest Communications introduced its new Heavy Duty Internet service with connection speeds up to 40 Mbps in selected areas. Qwest’s Heavy Duty Internet is offered at speed tiers from 1.5 Mbps to 40 Mbps at an
introductory rate of either $14.99 or $19.99 for six months, depending on the location. Mobile access to the Internet is part of Heavy Duty Internet with the inclusion of free Qwest wireless, at home and away. Heavy Duty Internet also includes Qwest@Ease,
a suite of backup, security, and support services that includes Norton AntiVirus Online and automatic online backup with Qwest Personal Digital Vault.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Sprint Expands NextMail Availability
Sprint announced the expanded availability of its NextMail service, powered by Pacific DataVision, to all Sprint devices, including the new HTC EVO 4G
smartphone. NextMail supports sending a recorded voice message to up to 50 e-mail addresses, or a voice message via text message to up to 50 mobile devices. NextMail Professional (previously known as NextMail Locator) also gives users the ability to
include location information and pictures with a NextMail message. Sprint said this “real-time situational awareness” feature gives first responders and inspectors, for example, the capability to document and share details involved in an incident,
including its GPS location, and interactive map and photos.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Straight Talk Prepaid Service Now Supports AT&T Phones
Walmart announced that its Straight Talk prepaid wireless service is opening up to phones that run on AT&T‘s wireless network. Up until
now, Straight Talk had only been open to phones on the Verizon Wireless network.Tracfone Wireless operates the Straight Talk service for Walmart.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
CHIP TECHNOLOGY
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Clearwire, Best Buy Sign Wholesale Agreement
4G broadband provider Clearwire and retailer Best Buy announced they have signed a wholesale relationship in which Best Buy will use Clearwire’s 4G network to offer mobile
Internet service to customers under the Best Buy Connect label. Best Buy will offer the new 4G tier for its recently-introduced Best Buy Connect service, beginning in 2011.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
FTC Extends Intel Settlement Deadline
The Federal Trade Commission has extended its deadline for reaching a settlement with Intel. The FTC said the extension “allows the Commission more time to consider a proposed settlement.” The original order was issued on June 21 and was set to expire
last week; the action extends the deadline to August 6. The FTC last December filed a complaint alleging that Intel had illegally used its dominant market position in microprocessors to stifle competition. Intel and the FTC have been trying to settle the
case and avert a trial. The December 16 complaint followed a November settlement between Intel and Advanced Micro Devices in which Intel agreed to pay AMD $1.25 billion to settle their longstanding dispute centered on CPUs.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
CLOUD COMPUTING
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AT&T Announces Upgrades to Cloud-Based Security Services
AT&T announced two enhancements to its suite of cloud-based security services: the launch of the AT&T Security Center, and the implementation of the latest generation of DDoS mitigation solutions from Arbor Networks. AT&T Security Center is a Web-based security administration tool accessible via the AT&T BusinessDirect Portal. The company said it has deployed the Arbor Networks solution within its network-based security
infrastructure.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Google Announces Google Apps for Government, FISMA Certification
Google announced that it has released a customized version of its Google Apps suite designed specifically for government customers. Google Apps for Government was created in response to a growing number of local
governments adopting the cloud-based suite of applications. The new version includes several features that make it a better solution for wide-scale use as the primary business suite of government agencies, including solutions for the policy and security
needs specific to the public sector. In this vein, Google announced that Google Apps has become the first cloud computing suite to gain Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) certification. The certification, handled by the General Services
Administration, provides interested agencies with a set of guarantees about a given product’s level of security and compliance. The company says that it will continue working on Google Apps for Government to improve its usability by the highly specialized
public sector.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Novell Opens Joint Cloud-Computing Research Lab with Tencent
Novell announced that it is collaborating with Tencent to open a new cloud-computing laboratory in Shenzhen, China. The goal of the lab will be to develop an Internet Data Center (IDC) cloud computing platform. As
part of the deal, Tencent will be adopting Novell’s SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and PlateSpin Orchestrate solutions at the lab, and across its own operations.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
NTT Announces Cloud Files
NTT America, a wholly-owned US subsidiary of NTT Communications, announced the availability of Cloud Files, a cloud storage solution for enterprises that offers security,
high-availability, and management services. NTT said Cloud Files eliminates the costs and resources required for enterprises to purchase and manage their own SAN and NAS systems, as well as the management of backup and archival information. It is available
on a “pay as you go” subscription model.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS & EQUIPMENT
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Alcatel to Upgrade Networks for PT, China Mobile, Bouygues
Alcatel-Lucent signed agreements with Portugal Telecom, China Mobile, and Bouygues Telecom, to extend the scope and capacity of their respective communications networks. For Portugal Telecom, Alcatel will
extend the capacity of its IP/MPLS network to support new and existing services, including video rich content and data services. For China Mobile, Alcatel will deploy its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Solution, to support enhanced communications services
delivery in the provinces of Shanxi, Shandong, and Gansu. Finally, Alcatel will provide its IP/MPLS based mobile backhaul technology for Bouygues Telecom.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
AT&T Names Alcatel, Cisco, Juniper as Supplier Partners
AT&T selected Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, and Juniper Networks as domain suppliers for the IP,
MPLS, Ethernet, and Evolved Packet Core equipment used for its IP based network. The selection includes equipment used to route and forward IP packet traffic–including voice, video, and data–through AT&T’s network.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Avaya Adds IP Border Control Feature to Aura 6.0
Avaya integrated Acme Packet’s Session Border Controller–which provides session initiation protocol (SIP) support for managing multimedia communications in real time, across the IP network border–with its Aura 6.0
communication platform. It supports up to 750 SIP sessions.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Ericsson Awarded Its Largest Fiber-to-the-Home Contract in India
Data networking giant Ericsson announced what it described as the company’s largest fiber-to-the-home contact. Radius Infratel has signed a new contract with Ericsson to
meet the growing demand in India for broadband access. Ericsson said the project will give 600,000 households and businesses in India access to broadband Internet. Using Ericsson technology in its communication platform, Radius also plans to offer building
services – such as parking management, access control, automated lighting, and security services – through a single integrated infrastructure. The end-to-end fiber access solution includes Ericsson’s EDA 1500 GPON system, Ribbonet’s air-blown fiber, and
Micronet’s micro-cable solutions. The Ericsson contract also includes systems integration, consulting, training, and support services for Radius Infratel. The specific financial value of the contract was not released.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Huawei Completes DSL Interoperability Testing Round
Huawei Technologies completed a retransmission interoperability test for International Telecommunications Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector G 998 4-compliant DSL. The technology can presumably
accommodate demands for video broadband services, as broadband carriers seek to provide high speed and high quality data and IPTV services through existing DSL resources. Testing was conducted alongside DSL chipset suppliers Broadcom, Lantiq, and Ikanos.
Huawei’s DSL products serve top tier carriers such as China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom, BT, and Vodafone.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
StarHub Adopts Huawei Smartphone Signaling Technology
Huawei Technologies announced that Singaporean operator StarHub adopted its smartphone signaling solution, to better accommodate higher data traffic and signal loads on the mobile network due to increased use of 3G
smartphones and data cards. StarHub is currently deploying the solution on its 3G network, with full implementation expected by year’s end.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Motorola to Provide Core iDEN Technology for SK’s KTP
Motorola‘s Networks business announced it is providing trunk radio system service provider KTP Korea with a Melody integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) core solution to expand its network of more than 325,000
subscribers in South Korea. Melody provides a standards based network infrastructure that Motorola claims cuts power consumption and cooling requirements in half, compared to legacy iDEN infrastructure. It leverages features from two way radios, cell
phones, packet data, and messaging services. iDEN networks can use it to offer private and group calling, full feature telephony, text messaging, and data applications in the 800-MHz spectrum.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
NEC to Provide PASOLINK NEO for Norkring Slovenia
NEC Eastern Europe concluded an agreement to provide commercial broadcaster Norkring Slovenia with its PASOLINK NEO ultra compact microwave communications system, in anticipation of its launch of terrestrial digital
broadcasting in September. The technology will connect digital TV transmitters throughout Slovenia. PASOLINK NEO accommodates transmission capacity growth–supporting a variety of interfaces–without having to purchase additional hardware, according to
NEC. PASOLINK is available in 16 countries in Eastern Europe (144 countries in all).
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
NEC Announces Video Compression, Transmission System
NEC Japan announced a digital video compression and transmission system–the VC-7700 series–with what it claims is one of the industry’s lowest video compression delays, at 10 milliseconds. The VC-7700 series
compresses large volume video signals, such as those from high definition (HD) cameras, and transmits the data to broadcasting centers. Due to the recent growth of digital terrestrial broadcasting, video content has shifted toward HD video signals, which
contain large volumes of data and require compression during transmission, via radio and regular wired networks, resulting in a few hundred millisecond delay. VC-7700 will begin shipping to broadcast operators and telecom carriers in October in Japan, then
expand to international markets after that.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
T-Mobile USA Says It Is On Track with 4G Network Expansion Plans
T-Mobile USA announced the continued expansion of its HSPA+ 4G mobile broadband network. The carrier, a US subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, said it is on track to deliver HSPA+ speeds in 100 major metropolitan
areas, with backhaul in place, by the end of this year. At present, the service is available in about 50 major metropolitan areas in the US.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Verizon Business Provides Connectivity for NYSE Euronext
NYSE Euronext has chosen Verizon Business as a provider of high-speed connectivity for its new SFTI Optic service. Verizon Business said
in a press release that it will provide extremely low-latency connectivity from customer premises into the exchange’s SFTI access centers, in NYSE Euronext’s new European Liquidity Center. NYSE Euronext has launched a new center in Basildon, Essex, to host
all of the exchange’s European markets.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
CONFERENCING
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Cisco Deploys TelePresence Suites for Asia’s CIMB
Cisco Systems announced it deployed TelePresence suites across CIMB Group offices throughout Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. The financial institution will use the video and virtual meeting technology
to allow its staff to collaborate internally, regardless of location. Cisco partner CSC Malaysia installed the five TelePresence suites. Cisco also announced it will deploy its WebEx Meeting Center for TalktoCanada.com, a global firm that provides online
learning services for improving English communications skills.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
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Clearleap Integrates Cloud-Based CMS with Verizon FiOS Infrastructure
Clearleap announced that it has successfully integrated and deployed its cloud-based content management, delivery, and advertising platform into the Verizon FiOS TV
infrastructure. Verizon’s initial deployment of Clearleap is being used for FiOS 1, which offers subscribers local content including news, sports, traffic, and weather. The Clearleap cloud-based platform is also being used by Verizon to offer professional
sports teams a means for delivering video-on-demand content directly to Verizon FiOS TV subscribers.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
CYBERCRIME
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Data From More th 170 Million Facebook Accounts Published as a Torrent
The details of over 170 million Facebook users have been made publicly available, according to MSNBC. The data was posted by an
online security consultant named Ron Bowes in the form of a torrent, a popular method of peer to peer file sharing. Bowes collected the data by creating Web crawler software designed to find and download the publicly available portions of all US Facebook
profiles. The result was data collected from more than 170 million accounts, 100 million of which were unique. Despite the fears over such a stunt, Facebook has released a statement saying that the information contained in the torrent was already available
online, and went on to compare the database to a phonebook. However, there are two ramifications from this news that may anger some Facebook users. First, users that had their names set to not appear in search results have been included in the torrent if
one of their friends had a searchable name; and second, even if users now choose to remove their profiles, or change their privacy settings, their information will still be available as part of the torrent.
Source: MSNBC, 7/29/2010
FBI Efforts Contribute to Arrest in Mariposa Botnet Case
The creator of the Mariposa Botnet, which stole credit card and bank account information, launched denial of service attacks, spread viruses, and may have infected up to 12 million computers, has been arrested. The 23-year-old Slovenian mastermind has
been arrested by Slovenian authorities. The FBI, in conjunction with the Slovenian Criminal Police and the Spanish Guardia Civil, contributed to the two-year investigation.
Source: FBI, 7/28/2010
WikiLeaks Posts Classified Afghan War Documents to Web
WikiLeaks, which has previously released internal US military videos, on July 25 published more than 75,000 classified files related to the war in Afghanistan. WikiLeaks – which describes itself as a
"multi-jurisdictional public service designed to protect whistleblowers, journalists and activists who have sensitive materials to communicate to the public" – gave the documents in advance to The New York
Times, Germany’s Der Spiegel, and the UK’s Guardian newspaper, all of whom published the files. While White House and other government officials condemned the release and plan legal action against the person,
reportedly a military analyst, who sent the documents to WikiLeaks, Pentagon officials early this week said there was no evidence the disclosure harmed US national security or endangered American troops in the field. Later in the week, however, the Times
of London and the New York Times said further review of the documents showed they contained the names or locations of dozens of Afghans who have helped military forces, thus putting Afghan citizens at risk. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange claims the
documents were reviewed thoroughly to prevent such disclosures but stopped short of denying that possibility. Later in the week, saying the damage caused by the massive data breach is worse than originally thought, Pentagon officials in effect accused WikiLeaks and its source of murder, according to CBS News. "The truth is they might already have on their hands the blood of some
young soldier or that of an Afghan family," Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.
Source: NYTimes, 7/29/2010
DATA CENTERS
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HP Introduces Flexible Data Center Design Service
Hewlett-Packard (HP) introduced the Flexible Data Center, which it said helps clients cut capital investment when designing and building data centers. Flexible Data Center
offers a standardized, modular approach for designing data centers. Its “butterfly” design features four, pre-fabricated quadrants, or “modules,” that stem off a central administrative section. According to HP, it can be expanded as needed while conserving
resources. It is available through HP’s Critical Facilities Services, and was developed for clients such as financial service providers, government entities, and cloud and co-location hosts.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
VMware, Partners Announce FCoE for Virtual Environments
Cisco Systems, NetApp, and VMware announced their certified, end to end, Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) solution for VMware virtual
environments. The companies claim it can reduce the number of devices and cables needed, to drive data center consolidation, virtualization, and automation. Cisco data center switches and NetApp storage FCoE products are now validated by VMware to support
its virtualization environments,
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
DESKTOPS
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Apple Introduces Upcoming Mac Pro Systems
Apple unveiled its new Mac Pro line, adding up to 12 processing cores via Intel quad and six core processors and, it said, 50 percent greater performance. It offers the option for adding up to four, 512-GB solid state
drives. New Mac Pro models will be available in August for $2,499 USD, through the online Apple store, Apple retail stores, and authorized resellers. Apple also introduced its new 27 inch, LED Cinema Display, with built in iSight video camera, microphone,
and speakers. It is ideal for MacBook laptops and Mac desktops, Apple contends.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Asus Introduces Eee Model Nettop Mini Desktop
Asus International introduced its Eee EB1501P Nettop, a mini desktop PC. The Intel based model is considered the desktop equivalent of the upcoming Eee PC 1215N laptop, with roughly the same specifications.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
ENTERPRISE APPLICATION SOFTWARE
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Oracle Releases Pedigree and Serialization Manager
Oracle announced the release of its new Pedigree and Serialization Manager. The new product is designed to
improve supply chain integrity in the pharmaceutical industry. It does this by facilitating compliance with electronic pedigree (ePedigree) initiatives and regulatory requirements. The company claims the new product will save customers money by preventing
compliance violations, and increasing the efficiency of returns management. Oracle also said the solution will be useful to any industry dealing in high-value products that are prone to counterfeiting.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
FINANCIAL
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Comcast Profit Down on Costs Associated with NBC Universal Deal
Cable giant Comcast reported second quarter net income of $884 million, or 31 cents per share, down from $967 million, or 33 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding a 2-cents-per-share cost related to fees it
paid to bankers and lawyers involved in its acquisition of NBC Universal, and a 4-cents-per-share gain in the 2009 second quarter from one-time tax benefits, Comcast would have earned 33 cents per share. Revenue rose by 6.1 percent to $9.53 billion, from
$9 billion in the prior year’s second quarter. Comcast hopes to close the NBC Universal acquisition late this year.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Amazon Posts Solid Financials on Kindle, AWS Sales
Amazon announced its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2010. Revenue totaled $1.84 billion, up from $1.7 billion during the same quarter of 2009. Net income rose sharply from $142 million in Q2
2009 to $207 million this quarter. This caused earnings per share to rise from $0.33 during the corresponding quarter of 2009 to $0.46 this quarter. Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com pointed to Kindle, and Amazon Web Services as two of the largest
contributors to this quarter’s growth.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
AmerisourceBergen Reports Impressive Q3 Results
AmerisourceBergen announced its financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year. The company posted a revenue of $19.6 billion, a 6% increase over the $18.4 billion reported for the same quarter
of 2009. Operating income saw an impressive 32% jump from $213 million in Q3 2009, to $282 million during this quarter. Net income showed similar growth, rising from $118 million to $163 million during the corresponding period. This resulted in a 38.1%
increase in earnings per share to $0.58. AmerisourceBergen’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Yost, attributed the company’s success this quarter to its generic pharmaceuticals and specialty distribution and services divisions.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Wireless Data Growth Pushes AT&T Profit Up 26% for Second Quarter
AT&T reported a profit of US$4 billion for the second quarter, or $0.68 per share, up almost 26 percent from last year’s second quarter. Revenue was $30.8 billion, up 0.6 percent from the second quarter of 2009. AT&T’s
wireless division reported a net gain of 1.6 million customers during the quarter, and wireless revenue rose $13.2 billion, up more than $1billion versus Q2, 2009. The company reported 3.2 million iPhone activations during the quarter, a quarterly high for
the company, with 27 percent of the activations from customers new to AT&T. The carrier is currently the only US provider offering the Apple iPhone. AT&T’s wireless data revenue, including messaging and Internet access, increased more than 27 percent from
a year earlier, the company said. Wireless data revenue was $4.4 billion. AT&T also reported a 1.1 percent increase in wireline consumer revenue, the second consecutive quarter of growth. AT&T added 209,000 U-verse television customers during the quarter.
Its total IP revenue – including U-verse TV, broadband, and voice – now represents 40.4 percent of consumer wireline revenue, up from 30.6 percent in the second quarter of 2009.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Boeing Posts Poor Q2 2010 Results
Boeing posted its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. The company’s revenue totaled $15.5 billion, a 9 percent drop from the $17.1 billion it reported at this time last year. Operating income also
dropped 15 percent, coming in at $1.3 billion. Net income was even harder hit, losing 21 percent when compared to this quarter in 2009. It totaled $787 million, versus $998 million for the aforementioned quarter. This caused a 25 percent decline in
earnings per share, which fell from $1.41 during Q2 2009, to $1.06 in this quarter.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
BT Reports Gains on Rejuvenated Global Services, Fiber Proliferation
BT posted its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2010. The company’s revenues fell 4 percent, when compared with GBP 5.2 billion during Q2 2009, to GBP 5 billion this quarter. Operating profits rose
13 percent to reach GBP 619 million, with earnings per share coming in at 3.7p, or 32 percent higher than the 2.8p reported during the corresponding quarter of 2009. BT’s efforts to revive its flagging Global Services division seem to be going well, as the
segment showed 110 percent year-over-year growth in EBITDA, putting it at GBP 130 million for the quarter. The company also noted that its fiber rollout has reached 1.5 million premises so far, and continues to add about 100,000 each additional week.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
CA Reports Strong Q1 2011, Increases Year-End Guidance
Computer Associates (CA) announced its financial results for the first quarter of its 2011 fiscal year. Revenues rose 5 percent from $1.04 billion to $1.09 billion year-over-year. Operating income spiked 14 percent to
reach $223 million, versus the $195 million CA reported in Q1 2010. Diluted earnings per share followed suit with a 16 percent increase to $0.43, over the $0.37 EPS total reported during the same quarter of 2010. On these results, the company increased its
guidance for the full year, with the expected revenue range increasing to $4.4 billion to $4.5 billion, and EPS guidance increasing 2 percent to a range of 5 percent to 13 percent.
Source: Vendor, 7/21/2010
Capgemini Posts Increased Sales, Profits in First Half Results
Capgemini announced its financial results for the first half of the 2010 fiscal year. The company’s revenue totaled EUR 4.2 billion, down 3.8 percent from the first half of last year. Operating profits, on the
other hand, rose 19.8 percent to EUR 200 million. Net profits performed even better adding 29.5 percent to the first half of 2009’s total, reaching EUR 101 million. The company also noted that its booking volume is outpacing its 2009 numbers by 14 percent
overall, and 32 percent during the second quarter of the year.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Citrix Reports Modest Gains in Second Quarter Financials
Citrix reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. The company’s revenue totaled $458 million, compared to $393 million during the same quarter last year. Net income for the quarter rose slightly
to $43 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, versus $42.5 million, or $0.23 per diluted share. This total included a $13 million income tax charge. The company boasted that its XenDesktop virtualized product line has begun to show significant adoption, and
should generate considerable growth in the near future.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
comScore Reports Improved Revenue, Reduces Profits in Q2 Results
comScore released its financial results for the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year. The company’s revenue totaled $42 million, a significant increase over the same quarter in 2009, when the company reported a
revenue of 31.4 million. Net income fell 33 percent to $800,000 from $1.2 million year-over-year. This dropped earnings per share to $0.03, down from $0.04 during the corresponding period of the prior year. On these results the company chose to raise its
full-year guidance to 31-33 percent revenue growth for 2010.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Deutsche Telekom Announces EUR 400 Million Stock Repurchase
Deutsche Telekom announced that it will implement a stock repurchasing program with a ceiling cost of EUR 400 million. Based on current stock prices, the company estimates that it will repurchase a total of about 39
million shares. This move is being initiated as part of the shareholder remuneration strategy the company is undertaking. Deutsche Telekom expects to be able to disburse a total of EUR 3.4 billion to its shareholders during each financial year from 2010
to 2012. The program is expected to commence on August 10, 2010, and be completed by December 31, 2010.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Earthlink Posts Good Second Quarter in 2010
Earthlink posted its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. The company’s revenue totaled $185.6 million, up from $153 million during the same period in 2009. Net income also rose to $31.5 million,
versus $28 million reported during the corresponding quarter of last year. This resulted in a slight rise in earnings per share which totaled $0.30, versus $0.26 during the aforementioned quarter. The solid results were largely due to a high rate of
customer retention during the past year.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
eBay Posts Solid Quarter on Rapid PayPal Growth
eBay announced its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2010. The company’s total revenue rose 6 percent from $2.09 billion in Q2 2009, to $2.2 billion this quarter. Net earnings were also up $85
million, rising to $412 million from the $327 million reported during the same period last year. The resulting earnings per share were $0.31, versus the $0.25 reported during the corresponding quarter last year. PayPal showed the most relative growth of
eBay’s divisions, gaining $148 million in net revenues when compared to this quarter in 2009. Payment volume for merchants using PayPal was also up 43 percent. Company CEO John Donahoe lauded the success of PayPal and noted that efforts to increase the
profitability of the eBay.com site have begun taking effect.
Source: Vendor, 7/21/2010
Ericsson’s Profits Hit $260M Despite Missing Estimates
Ericsson‘s profits rose to 1.88 billion SEK ($260 million USD), or 0.58 SEK per share, for the 2010 second quarter ended July 30, 2010, despite missing analyst estimates as phone companies continued to spend less
on the telecommunications infrastructure. Profits were up 154 percent compared to 2009 second quarter profits of 831 million SEK, or 0.26 SEK per share. According to estimates compiled by Bloomberg, Ericsson was expected to report profits of 3.12 billion
SEK. Revenues were 48 billion SEK, down eight percent from 2009 second quarter revenues of 52.1 billion SEK.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
France Telecom Posts Mixed Results for First Half of 2010
France Telecom announced its financial results for the second quarter, and first half ending June 30, 2010. The company’s revenue totaled EUR 11.18 billion for the quarter, down 1.7 percent from the EUR 11.23
billion it reported during the comparable quarter of 2009. For the half, France Telecom posted revenues of EUR 22.1 billion, down 1.2 percent from the 22.4 billion it reported during the first half of 2009. Operating income fell as well, from EUR 5 billion
during the first half of last year to EUR 4.7 billion during this period. Net income was a bright spot in the results, rising from EUR 2.5 billion during the comparable portion of 2009, to EUR 3.7 billion this half. The company’s customer base grew 3.8
percent year-on-year, to reach 182 million total customers. Most of the new additions came from the Africa and Middle east segments, which grew 6.6 percent and 18.4 percent respectively.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Fujitsu’s Profits Rebound for the Quarter
Japanese information and communications technology provider Fujitsu Japan posted consolidated profits of 1.6 billion JPY ($18 million USD), with 0.78 JPY per share, for the 2010 fiscal first quarter ended June 30,
2010, rebounding from net losses of 29.2 billion JPY in the year-ago quarter and raising its income projections for the first half of the year. Revenues were 1.047 trillion JPY, up less than one percent from revenues of 1.04 trillion JPY in the 2009 fiscal
first quarter.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
General Dynamics Posts Modest Gains in Second Quarter Financials
General Dynamics released its second quarter 2010 financial results. The company posted a revenue of $8.1 billion, flat with this quarter last year. Operating income showed a 4.5 percent increase, going from
$945 million in Q2 2009, to $945 million this quarter. Net earnings showed similar growth at 4.9 percent. They totaled $648 million, versus $618 during this quarter last year. Earnings per share jumped 5.6 percent year-over-year to come in at $1.69, versus
$1.60 at this time last year. Based on these results the company has updated its guidance to place year-end earnings per share at $6.60-$6.65 fully diluted.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Global Crossing Posts Loss
Communications provider Global Crossing announced its second quarter financial results. Consolidated revenue was $630 million in the second quarter of 2010, a decrease of 3 percent from the first quarter and
essentially flat on a year-over-year basis. Global Crossing’s net loss applicable to common shareholders was US$48 million for the second quarter of 2010, a narrower loss than in the first quarter but a wider loss versus the second quarter of 2009. The
company blamed unfavorable foreign exchange impacts and, to a lesser degree, an increase in interest expense. Wholesale voice revenue declined $20 million from the first quarter of 2010.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
IBM Announces Quarterly Dividend of $0.65
IBM announced its quarterly dividend for the second quarter of 2010. The board of directors approved a dividend of $0.65 per common share. This amount will be payable on September 10, 2010 to all shareholders of record
by August 10, 2010.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
KPN Reports Decreased Revenue, Climbing Profits
KPN reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. Revenues totaled EUR 3.35 billion, down slightly from EUR 3.41 billion during the same period last year. Operating profit improved by 13 percent to EUR
839 million, versus the EUR 742 million reported during the second quarter of 2009. Net profit showed even more growth at 26 percent, jumping from EUR 370 to EUR 466 during the corresponding period. This resulted in a dramatic 32 percent increase in
earnings per share (EPS), year-over-year. KPN reported an EPS of EUR 0.29, versus Q2 2009, which showed an EPS of EUR 0.22. The company attributed the success of the quarter to a focus on the market share in the Dutch telecom market.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
L-1 Identity Solutions Releases Q2 Financials
For the second quarter of 2010, which ended on June 30, L-1 Identity Solutions announced revenues of $164.1 million, compared to $168.1 million in the second quarter of 2009. L-1 reported a Q2 2010 net loss of $2.7
million, or ($0.03) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million, or ($0.01) per diluted share in the same quarter one year ago.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Level 3 Reports Wider Losses for Second Quarter
Level 3 reported a net loss for the second quarter of US$169 million, or $0.10 per share compared to a net loss in the same period last year of $134 million, or $0.08 per share. The company said second quarter
consolidated revenue was $908 million, compared to consolidated revenue of $942 million for the second quarter, 2009. The company was upbeat, however, saying it was encouraged by growth in its Core Network Services sales.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Lockheed Martin Reports Increased Profits on Cost-Cutting Efforts
Lockheed Martin announced its results for the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year. The company posted a revenue of $11.44 billion, up slightly from $11.07 billion for the same quarter of 2009. Operating
profit also rose, reaching $1.13 billion, after coming in at $1.07 billion during the corresponding quarter of 2009. Net earnings increased from $734 million during the same quarter of 2009, to $825 million during this quarter. These numbers resulted in
earnings per share totaling $2.22, up from $1.88 during Q2 2009. CEO Bob Stevens said the results showed that the company’s affordability initiatives have succeeded in reducing costs, and increasing customer affordability. The company also revealed that it
has begun implementing plans to divest the majority of its Enterprise Integration Group (EIG) and Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE).
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Microsoft Reports Record-Setting 4th Quarter and Solid Full Year
Microsoft reported its financial results for the fourth quarter, and full-year 2010. For the quarter, the company posted a record-setting revenue of $16.04 billion, up 22 percent over the same period last year.
Operating income also showed huge growth with a 49 percent jump to $5.93 billion during the same quarter. Net income rose 48 percent to $4.52 billion, and earnings per share jumped to $0.51, a 50 percent increase over the same period in 2009. For the full
year, Microsoft’s Revenues totaled $62.48 billion, a 7 percent increase over 2009. Operating income came in at $24.1 billion, an 18 percent year-over-year increase, while net income registered at $18.76 billion, a 29 percent improvement over last year.
These numbers drove 2010’s earnings per share to $2.10, a 30 percent jump. Drivers of growth for the quarter and year included the launch of Office 2010, Bing, Windows Server, Xbox, and, most importantly, the continued success of the Windows 7 operating
system, which has sold more than 175 million copies to date.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
Motorola Profits Up on Smartphone Sales
Motorola reported net income of US$162 million, or 7 cents per share for the quarter ended June 30, up from $26 million, or 1 cent per share, in the second quarter of 2009. Excluding certain items, Motorola would
have earned 9 cents per share. Overall revenue fell 1.5 percent to $5.4 billion from $5.5 billion in the prior year. Revenue in its cell phone unit was $1.7 billion, up from $1.6 billion in the first quarter. The total number of cell phones sold fell from
8.5 million to 8.3 million, but Motorola sold more of its high-end smartphones: 2.7 million, compared to 2.3 million in the first quarter.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
NCR Announces $250 Million Share Repurchase
NCR announced that its board of directors has authorized an additional $250 million share repurchase program. The company was already in the process of executing a $40 million share buy-back. The purchasing of stock is
expected to commence during the third quarter of 2010, and will proceed based on market conditions, share prices, and other factors at the company’s own discretion.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
NCR Reports Flat Results, Decreased Guidance
NCR announced its results for the second quarter of its 2010 fiscal year. The company posted a revenue of $1.18 billion, 5 percent over the same period last year. Operating income was flat at $20 million, or $0.12 per
share, after coming in at $20 million and $0.13 per share during the second quarter of 2009. On these results, NCR chose to slightly lower its guidance for the full-year 2010. The company’s projected revenue fell from $90 – $110 million to $83 – $103
million, while projected earnings per share fell from $0.39 – $0.49 to $0.36 – $0.46.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Japan’s NEC Reports $490 Million First Quarter Loss
NEC Japan posted losses of 43.1 billion JPY ($490 million USD) for the 2011 fiscal first quarter – ended June 30th – amidst a slump in its network systems business and the elimination of its semiconductor unit. This
was down further compared to 2010 fiscal first quarter losses of 33.8 billion JPY. Revenues were 667.5 billion JPY, down 14 percent from fiscal 2010 first quarter revenues of 778.5 billion. NEC reported that not having its chip unit – NEC Electronics – as
part of its group company contributed to the loss, as did sluggish data connection services sales. Just last quarter, NEC returned to profitability for the 2010 fiscal fourth quarter – its first in a year and a half – on a recovery in IT services.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Nokia’s Second Quarter Profit Plunges 40 Percent
Nokia reported a profit of 227 million euros (US$291 million) for the second quarter, down from the 380 million euros a year earlier. Revenues for the quarter that ended June 30 were flat, up just 1 percent to 10
billion euros from 9.9 billion a year ago. The company’s share of the mobile phone market dropped to 33 percent for the quarter, compared to 35 percent in the second quarter last year. Nokia did see an increase in sales of mobile computer and smartphone
devices, however; sales were up 42 percent to 24 million units.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Northrop Grumman Announces $0.47 Quarterly Dividend
Northrop Grumman announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share. This amount will be payable on September 11, 2010, to all shareholders of record by August 30, 2010.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Northrop Grumman Posts Impressive Figures, Warns of Future Challenges
Northrop Grumman released its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. The company posted sales of $8.8 billion, a 3 percent increase from the $8.5 billion it reported during the same quarter in 2009.
Operating income rose a little more than $100 million to $716 million, while net earnings made a huge jump from $394 million in Q2 2009, to $711 million this quarter. This resulted in the company’s earnings per share almost doubling from $1.21 during the
corresponding quarter to $2.34 this quarter. On a more negative note, the company warned that it expected the remainder of the year to be more financially challenging.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Raytheon Posts Huge Drop in Profits Due to UK Border Agency Program
Raytheon posted its second quarter results for the 2010 fiscal year. The company’s net sales totaled $5.9 billion, a 2 percent drop from the same quarter last year when it took in $6.1 billion. Operating income
took a huge hit due to the UK Border Agency program, which reduced this quarter’s total by $395 million. The resulting operating income totaled $212 million, or less than half of the $492 million reported during the same quarter last year. The Border
Agency Program has a similar effect on Raytheon’s earnings per share, which dipped to $0.56 from $1.24 during the corresponding previous quarter. The company said that it plans to pursue all available avenues to recoup the losses attributable to the
charges levied by the UK Border Agency Program.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Rogers Shows Improved Earnings, 422K New Subscribers in Q2 Results
Rogers posted its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. The company announced a total revenue of $3 billion, a respectable increase over the same quarter last year, when it posted a revenue of $2.89
billion. Net income jumped 21 percent year-over-year to reach $451 million. This caused a 32 percent spike in earnings per share, which went from $0.59 during the corresponding quarter of 2009, to $0.78 this quarter. The company’s largest division,
wireless, reported a total of 422,000 new postpaid retail subscribers since this quarter last year. It also added an additional 27,000 pre-paid users.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
SAP Reports Strong Second Quarter Financials on Software, Services
SAP announced its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2010. The company’s revenue totaled EUR2.89 billion, this is a 12 percent increase over EUR2.58 billion it posted during this quarter last year.
Operating income rose a significant 21 percent to EUR 774 million, versus Q2 2009’s income, which totaled EUR641 million. Net profits improved 15 percent, going from EUR426 million to EUR491 million during the corresponding period. Earnings per showed
similar growth at 14 percent, rising from EUR0.36 during the second quarter of 2009, to EUR0.41 this quarter. The majority of the company’s success during this period can be attributed to the software and software-related services revenue, which accounted
for over EUR2.25 billion of its reported revenue.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Siemens Improves Revenues, Profits for Quarter
Siemens posted revenues of 19.17 billion EUR ($25 billion USD) for the 2010 fiscal third quarter, ended June 30, 2010, as stronger than expected demand took its order backlog to record levels. This was up four
percent from 2009 fiscal third quarter revenues of 18.3 billion EUR. Profits were 1.4 billion EUR, a nine percent improvement from 2009 fiscal third quarter profits of 1.3 billion EUR.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Software AG Revenues Up on Strength of WebMethods Division
Software AG reported its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2010. The company posted an impressive 52 percent increase in revenues, which were up to EUR 267.3 million. This growth was
largely driven by the company’s webMethods business division, which saw a 31 percent increase in revenue, and double its profits from the corresponding quarter of 2009. The company’s net income rose 29 percent as well, bringing it to EUR 37.4 million. This
resulted in an identical rise in earnings per share, which totaled $1.32 for the quarter.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Sprint Loss Widens
Sprint posted a quarterly loss of US$760 million, or 25 cents per share. That compares with a loss of $384 million, or 13 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue slipped 1 percent to $8.03 billion. Sprint gained a
net total of 111,000 subscribers in quarter, compared with a loss of 257,000 in the same quarter last year. The carrier said it expected to keep adding wireless subscribers for the rest of the year, and reduce the number of contract customers who leave its
network. Sprint actually lost 55,000 subscribers under its own brands in the latest quarter, but made up for that by adding 166,000 wholesale and affiliate subscribers, who buy access to the network through resellers. It lost 228,000 contract subscribers,
a figure much improved from the 991,000 it lost in the same quarter last year.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Symantec Posts Revenues for Q1 2011
For its first quarter of 2011, Symantec posted revenues of $1.43 billion. Net income for the fiscal first quarter was $161 million compared with net income of $74 million for the same quarter last year, while
diluted earnings per share were $0.20 compared with $0.09 for the first quarter of 2010.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Telefonica Reports Impressive Income Growth on UK and German Divisions
Telefonica Europe reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. Revenues rose 10.8 percent to reach EUR 7.2 billion. Operating income spiked 29 percent to EUR 552 million, after coming in at EUR
428 million during the corresponding period in 2009. The growth in income was driven mostly by the success of the company’s UK and German divisions, with Telefonica UK showing the lowest churn across the company, and Telefonica Germany accounting for one
third of all new customers.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Toshiba’s Profits Jump with Surging Flash Chip Demand
Toshiba Japan reported strong profits of 466 million JPY ($5.3 million USD) for the 2010 fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2010, due in part to a recovery in the global demand for the Flash memory chips used in
smartphones and digital cameras. The Japanese conglomerate lost 57.8 billion JPY in the 2009 fiscal first quarter. Revenues were 1.5 trillion JPY, up nearly 10 percent from its 2009 fiscal first quarter revenues of 1.34 trillion JPY.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Unisys Announces Strong Second Quarter Financials
Unisys announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. The company posted a declining revenue of $1.06 billion, compared with $1.1 billion from the same quarter of 2009. On the positive side,
operating income rose a dramatic 58 percent to $106.7 million. Net income rose even more steeply to $120.2 million from $38.1 million during the same quarter of 2009. This caused earnings per share to more than double to $2.82, compared to $1.03 reported
during the corresponding quarter of last year. The successful quarter was driven by the success of Unisys’ technology business, particularly sales of its ClearPath servers.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Verizon Posts Loss on Employee Buyouts
Verizon Communications reported a loss of US$198 million for the second quarter, or 7 cents per share. The results included a significant charge for employee buyouts. This compared to a profit of $1.48 billion, or
52 cents a share, in the same period last year. Verizon’s revenue slipped 0.3 percent, to $26.8 billion, from $26.9 billion in the prior year – largely the result of a $268 million one-time reduction made to account for previously-recognized wireless data
revenue. The company offered a voluntary buyout to workers earlier this year and expects 11,000 workers to accept the buyout, resulting in a charge of $2.3 billion. Excluding that charge and other one-time items, Verizon earned 58 cents per share. Verizon,
the largest US wireless carrier, added a net 665,000 new contract customers during the quarter, for a total of 92.1 million wireless customers. Data revenue was up 23.8 percent from the previous year, while average data revenue per customer rose 19.4
percent. Verizon’s consolidated second-quarter 2010 results include wireline local exchange businesses covering 4 million access lines that were spun off and merged with Frontier Communications on July 1. The results also include certain wireless
properties until they were divested in April and June to comply with conditions imposed in connection with regulatory approvals of Verizon’s acquisition of Alltel last year. These wireless properties, covering more than 2 million customers, were held in a
trust through the date of divestiture. Verizon ended the quarter with 210,800 employees, 24,500 fewer than a year ago.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Xerox Posts 62% Profit Jump After ACS Acquisition
Xerox profits jumped 62 percent for the 2010 second quarter, ended June 30th, as the company reaped the benefits of its US$6 billion acquisition of outsourcing firm Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), and strong
printer sales. Net income was $227 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to 2009 second quarter profits of $140 million. Revenues were $5.51 billion, up 48 percent from 2009 second quarter sales of $3.73 billion. The purchase of ACS – completed last
February – was part of a trend of big technology companies focusing on services. ACS does outsourcing of document and data management – of particular interest to Xerox – as well as finance and accounting and other tasks. Xerox also cited long-term
maintenance and other services contracts for its results, which Xerox said
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
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SAIC Signs $80 Million Deal to Support Goddard Space Flight Center
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced that it has received an $80 million contract to support NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The deal, awarded by Primus Solutions, calls for SAIC to
provide help desk and datacenter support, as well as financial management systems to the Greenbelt, Maryland facility. The contract has a duration of five years.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS
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Cardinal Health Releases Reconciliation 2.0
Cardinal Health announced a lineup of new features for its Reconciliation 2.0 product update. The product, designed to let pharmacies manage prescription reimbursements, will be updated with the ability to
reconcile claims from all current payors, a selection of new analytics parameters, a claim search tool, a centralized collections processor for outstanding payments, and an online help function. The updated service product is available now.
Source: Vendor, 7/23/2010
Cisco to Provide Unified Computing System for NightHawk
Cisco Systems will provide its Unified Computing System (UCS) for NightHawk Radiology Services’ new main data center, a facility that consolidates several smaller server sites into a single, primary site. NightHawk –
a firm that services approximately 1,600 healthcare sites – is using the UCS and its virtualized environment to support future radiology services. UCS combines computational, network, storage access, and virtualization resources in a single, energy
efficient system.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Deloitte Announces Certification as CSF Assessor by HITRUST
Deloitte announced that it has been certified as a Common Security Framework (CSF) Assessor by the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST). The CSF was designed as an IT security control framework specifically
for the healthcare industry. Following its certification, Deloitte will now be able to offer additional services based around storing and processing highly sensitive information, and will function to assess other businesses in the areas of information
security, and compliance.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
INDUSTRY GROUPS
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Lockheed Martin Joins Cloud Security Alliance
Lockheed announced that it has joined the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). The company said that it is the first systems integrator to join the organization, which is focused on creating a standardized set of
best practices for cloud-computing security. Lockheed will participate in the alliance by collaborating with fellows members and non-member partners on developing methods of eliminating the security fears preventing some businesses from adopting
cloud-computing.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Microsoft Becomes Affiliate of Internet2’s InCommon
Microsoft announced that it has become an InCommon affiliate. InCommon is a service run by Internet2 that provides a platform for secure collaboration between educators.
Microsoft’s role on joining will be to provides its identity management technology to InCommon. This includes technology and assets from its Active Directory Federation Services 2.0, the Windows Identity Foundation, its Forefront Identity Manager (FIM)
2010, Sharepoint 2010, and other properties. More information about InCommon, including a list of current affiliates is available from the group’s Web site.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Microsoft Announces Adobe Joining MAPP, Changes Disclosure Policy
Microsoft announced that it would be extending its Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) to include vulnerability information sharing from Adobe Systems. The program was created as a network of security
software providers with the goal of rapidly sharing the details of vulnerabilities in their products. In related news, Microsoft said that it will be switching to a system of “coordinated vulnerability disclosure,” which is defined as a disclosure to the
affected software vendors followed by a period of internal testing before releasing information about the flaw publicly. The addition of Adobe will be complete some time in the Fall, while the proliferation of coordinated vulnerability disclosure is
dependent on each vendor’s adoption of the standard.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
WAC Becomes Corporate Entity, Joins with Joint Innovation Lab
The Wholesale Applications Community (WAC) announced its official formation as a corporate entity. This alliance of telecom companies dedicated to creating an open application standard also revealed that it has allied with the Joint Innovation Lab (JIL)
in an effort to accelerate the commercial availability of its planned application stores. The Board of Directors for the newly formed entity includes executives from numerous companies and organizations in the telecom industry, including AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, the GSMA, and Telefonica. The company’s vision includes numerous storefronts featuring applications billed to the purchaser’s
mobile access bill. The first parameters for potential applications, as well as a software development kit (SDK) are expected some time in November, with supported devices to become widely available some time during 2011.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
INTERNET
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AOL Launches Teen-Oriented Entertainment Site, Cambio
AOL announced the launch of its new entertainment Web site for teens, Cambio. The company says the site will feature a daily show, series, specials, and news about young celebrities
and other areas of teen interest. Current sponsors for the site include AT&T, JCPenny, and Bayer.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Apple Releases Safari Browser with Extensions Gallery
Apple released Safari 5.0.1, an updated version of its browser that turns on new extensions, and also introduces the Safari Extensions Gallery. Apple introduced extensions support – through which developers could
begin creating extensions with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript Web standards – in June. Users can browse the Extensions Gallery to locate new toolbars, Web feeds, and other features. It is available for both Mac OS X and Windows, as a free download.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
The Government Accountability Office Launches Mobile Web Site
The US Governmnet Accountability Office announced that it has launched a mobile version of its Web site designed for users of iPhones, BlackBerry smartphones, and other mobile devices.
Source: GAO, 7/28/2010
Google Patches 7 Security Holes in Chrome, Pays out 6 Bounties
Google announced that it has patched 7 security vulnerabilities in its Chrome browser, 6 of which resulted in paid bounties. A single issue was classified as “low,” while 1 “medium” and 3 “high” priority issues
resulted in $500 payouts for their discovers. Two critical flaws were also found, earning $1337 for the individuals who reported them. All of these flaws were fixed with the release of version 5.0.375.125, which all users should have been updated to
automatically.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
ICANN Chooses NamesBeyond.com for 123 Registration Domains
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced that it has selected a registrar to receive a bulk transfer of all domain names previously managed by the de-accredited registrar 123
Registration. The domains will now be transferred to NamesBeyond.com. Former 123 Registration customers should be receiving notice of the transfer shortly, and should contact NamesBeyond.com with any questions about the transition.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
ICANN Posts Report on Single Character IDN TLDs for Public Comment
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers announced the release of its initial report on the use of single character internationalized domain name (IDN)
top level domains (TLDs). The report addresses numerous concerns and issues that could arise from the use of single character IDN TLDs, and also suggests possible solutions. Issues addressed include the financial considerations, possible confusion, and the
implementation of a selection process due to the extremely limited availability of such names. ICANN is currently asking for public comment submissions on
the report’s contents. The comment period will close on September 9, 2010.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
ICANN Releases GNSO Vertical Integration Report for Public Comment
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, (ICANN) announced that the GNSO Vertical Integration working group has released its initial report on Vertical Integration Between Registrars and Registries. The report focuses on addressing restrictions associated with the vertical
integration of registrars and registries as part of the new gTLD Program. The report will be up for public comment until August 12. Contrary to its
usual procedure, the working group will continue its own review analysis on the topic during the public comment period. This is due to an unusually quick turnaround time being required by the GNSO and ICANN.
Source: Vendor, 7/23/2010
Microsoft Launches Bing Extension for Safari
Microsoft announced the release of its first extension for Apple‘s Safari Web browser. The add-on, titled Bing Highlights, allows users to highlight text on any Web page to
query Bing for such information as translations, directions, flight status, and other facts. The extension is available now for Safari 5.0.1 or later, and can be downloaded from Apple’s Extension page
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
LAPTOPS & TABLETS
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Apple Introduces New iMac Laptops with Magic Trackpad
Apple introduced new iMac systems that feature Intel processors and, optionally, a new glass and aluminum Magic Trackpad for capturing multi-touch gestures, available separately for $69 USD. The systems include 500-GB
($1,199), 1-TB ($1,699), and 2-TB ($1,999) models.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Dell Accepting Preorders for Android Streak Tablet
Dell began taking pre-orders for its five inch Android tablet, the Streak, in the US. The touchscreen tablet can be ordered at dell.com/streak. It supports the UMTS, GSM/EDGE,
and HSDPA/HSUPA bands. The company also introduced its M101z laptop, an AMD processor based system with 11.6 inch display.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
HP Provides More Information on Planned Slate Tablet
Hewlett-Packard (HP) reported that its planned Slate tablet PC will be an enterprise device known as the Slate 500. It will run a full desktop version of Windows 7. The Slate 500 will feature a touchscreen that supports
both finger and stylus.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Toshiba Introduces New Satellite, Portege Notebooks
Toshiba Japan unveiled a new Satellite L675D-S7022 laptop, with 17.3 inch screen and 500-GB hard drive, and Portege R705 laptop, which has a 13.3 inch display.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
LEGAL
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Motorola Sues Huawei for Theft of Trade Secrets
Motorola has filed a lawsuit accusing China’s Huawei Technologies of alleged theft of trade secrets in cellular networking gear. The complaint was filed in US district court in
Northern Illinois, claiming Huawei worked with former employees to get detailed confidential information. The employees named in the suit no longer work at Motorola, but they include one executive, Shaowei Pan, who is now listed as chief technology officer
at Lemko, a defendant in the suit. “Huawei, which has an agreement with Motorola allowing that company to resell Huawei’s wireless equipment, has only recently learned of the amended Motorola complaint,” Huawei said in a statement. “Based on our review of
the complaint so far, the complaint is groundless and utterly without merit.” Huawei says it has no relationship with Lemko, other than a reseller agreement.
Source: WirelessWeek, 7/26/2010
ADC Settles FTTX Patent Dispute with AFL Telecom
ADC settled its patent infringement lawsuit against AFL Telecommunications, and added the firm as a licensee for certain patents pertaining to fiber to the premises (FTTX)
technology. ADC’s patent technology relates to the fiber distribution hubs and optical splitter modules widely deployed in an FTTX environment.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
US Joins Whistle-Blower and Files Complaint against Oracle
The US Department of Justice has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Oracle Corporation and
Oracle America Inc. The government alleges that Oracle defrauded the United States on a General Services Administration (GSA) software contract that was in effect from 1998 to 2006 and involved hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. Under the contract,
GSA used Oracle’s disclosures about its commercial sales practices to negotiate the minimum discounts for government agencies who bought Oracle software. The contract required Oracle to update GSA when commercial discounts improved and extend the same
improved discounts to government customers. The suit contends that Oracle misrepresented its true commercial sales practices, ultimately leading to government customers receiving deals far inferior to those Oracle gave commercial customers.The suit was
originally filed on by Paul Frascella, Senior Director of Contract Services at Oracle. The False Claims Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to file whistleblower suits on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. If the United
States intervenes in the action and proves that a defendant has knowingly submitted false claims, it is entitled to recover three times the damage that resulted and a penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 per claim.
Source: DoJ, 7/29/2010
MALWARE WATCH
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PayPal Faced Many Targeted Attacks in June, Says Kaspersky Report
According to June’s spam report issued by Kaspersky Lab, PayPal was the victim of the most targeted attacks for that month. In June, the number of attacks on PayPal rose by 20
percentage points compared to May’s figure. Also noted in the report was that the US, India, and Brazil are the top three spam-producing countries.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
Report: Massive Attacks from Fake Notifications Seen in Q2
Kaspersky Lab published its spam report for the second quarter of 2010 and found that one of the most significant
events during this period was a large mass mailing that used HTML-based threats disguised as legitimate notifications from social networks. Most often, these links used Trojans as HTML pages that contained scenarios written in JavaScript.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Malware Making Rounds Disguised as McAfee Product
McAfee reported that a bogus email is making its rounds disguised as a free version of the vendor’s VirusScan Plus. The email, which contains an attachment, is actually a Trojan and the message has several misspelled
words.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Symantec Issues MessageLabs Report for July
Symantec published its July 2010 MessageLabs Intelligence Report, which concluded that the percentage of spam containing shortened hyperlinks has
increased significantly over the last year. In addition to higher peak levels, average daily values showed a significant increase in use of the tactic.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
MOBILE APPS
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AOL Launches Redesigned Mobile Web Site, Two Android Apps
AOL made two announcements about new mobile products. First, the company launched a revamped mobile site. The new landing page includes support for modern touchscreen devices, HTML5 support, and access to local weather,
movie info, traffic, and other updates. Second, AOL Launched a pair of applications for Android smartphones. The first, simply called the AOL App, gives users access to a range of AOL’s services, including its news blogs, Mapquest, and AOL Mail. The second
app, DailyFinance, mirrors the functionality of the titular Web site, including stock quotes and financial news. Additional information about all of the aforementioned products can be found at the company’s new mobile
dedicated site. The two Android applications are available for free from the Android Marketplace.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
Google Launches New Licensing Method for Android Apps
Google launched a new program designed to prevent piracy of Android Marketplace applications. The new Android Licensing Program is meant to replace current Android Market copy-protection mechanism gradually over the
next few months. The technology works by letting developers include a function in their apps which queries Google’s databases to determine if the user attempting to run an application has been authorized to do so. This should prevent the running of pirated
applications which include the technology by users that did not purchase and download the app from the Android Marketplace. Interested parties can find out more about the licensing program and how to participate at the new Licensing Your Application page.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
PERIPHERALS
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Amazon Updates Kindle, Adds New Wi-Fi Only Model
Amazon announced a redesigned Kindle e-reader, and a new Wi-Fi only model. The update includes new features such as a 21 percent smaller form factor, which weighs 15 percent less; 50 percent better contrast than
any other e-reader, according to Amazon; 20 percent faster page turns; and one month of battery life. The new high-end model will follow its predecessor’s price point at $189. The new Wi-Fi only version of the device features all of the aforementioned
updates, but sacrifices the cellular radio, which allows its more expensive sibling to download books from anywhere over a 3G wireless connection, in favor of a lower $139 price point. Both models are available for pre-order now, and will ship on August
27.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION
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Adobe Announces Trio of New Executive Appointments
Adobe announced a round of new executive appointments. David Wadhwani, current vice president and general manager of the Platform Business Unit, has been promoted to the role of senior vice president and general
manager of the newly formed Creative and Interactive Solutions business unit (CISBU). He will be replacing John Loiacono, who has been appointed to lead the Digital Media Solutions business unit (DMSBU). Lastly, Brad Rencher, who served as vice president
of business operations for the Omniture business unit (OBU), has been promoted to vice president and general manager of the company. All three men will be reporting directly to company CEO Shantanu Narayen.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Harris Corp Names Doug Means VP and GM of WIN Unit
Harris Corp announced that it has named Doug Means vice president and general manager of the new Workflow, Infrastructure and Networking (WIN) unit of its Broadcast Communications business. He will report to Harris
Morris, president of Harris Broadcast Communications. In this new position, Means will be responsible for leading the WIN unit, which houses Harris Broadcast’s infrastructure, networking, server, automation, and asset management product portfolios. Prior
to joining Harris Doug Means most recently served as chief operating officer for Imagine Communications.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
NCR Appoints Justin Hotard as VP and GM of NCR Entertainment
NCR announced that Justin Hotard has been appointed as vice president and general manager of NCR Entertainment. He is replacing Alex Camara, who has departed the company to pursue other opportunities. Hotard has been
with NCR Entertainment since its creation. He has filled numerous roles in the division, most recently serving as vice president and head of business development.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Nokia Siemens Names Former HP Exec as General Counsel
Nokia Siemens Networks appointed Joyce Norcini its new general counsel, effective August 2nd. Norcini previously served as regional general counsel for HP’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and
Africa.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Novell Hires Jos Poortvliet as New OpenSUSE Community Manager
Novell announced that it has appointed Jos Poortvliet as its new OpenSUSE community manager. He will be responsible for maintaining and growing the OpenSUSE projects, as well as serving as a community liaison for
Novell. Poortvliet has several years of experience as a community manager, including serving as Service Level Manger at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
RightNow Hires Brian Curran as New VP of Web Solutions
RightNow announced that Brian Curran has been appointed as its vice president of Web solutions. Curran’s role will focus on assuring the customer experience of users of the RightNow Web Experience solution. Prior
to joining RightNow, Curran served as vice president at BestBuy.com.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
SAIC Announces Slew of Structural and Leadership Changes
Scientific Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced that it is realigning its corporate structure and leadership. The company will be reducing its number of operating groups from four to three. The new
groups will be the Defense Solutions Group, which will be led by Deb Alderson; the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, which will be headed by Stu Shea; and the Infrastructure, Energy, Health, and Product Solutions Group, led by Joe
Craver. This last group will also absorb the contents of the now defunct Information Technology and Network Solutions Group. The former president of the IT and Network Solutions group, Charles Koontz, will become executive vice president for strategic
projects. Additional leadership changes include the appointments of Jim Cuff as executive vice president of Business Development; Tony Moraco as executive vice president for operations and performance excellence; Deborah James as executive vice president
for communications and government affairs; and Vince Maffeo as head of contracts, pricing and procurement, and enterprise risk management.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Sophos Taps Nick Bray for CFO
Nick Bray has been named the chief financial officer of Sophos, reporting to CEO Steve Munford. Bray was the CFO at Micro Focus for the past four years.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
PUBLIC SAFETY
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Alcatel, PlantCML to Demo Interoperable Public Safety Communications
Alcatel-Lucent and PlantCML, the North American subsidiary of EADS, announced they will demonstrate interoperability between a live broadband LTE wireless network
and digital land mobile radio, which is commonly used by police, fire departments, and other emergency responders in the US. The joint solution will be demonstrated at the 2010 APCO (Association of Public Safety-Communications Officials) Conference in
Houston, Texas from August 1- 4.. The demonstrations will show previews of new wireless public safety applications, including command and control, interoperable field communications, operations management, mobile video, and identity verification.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
DHS Issues Progress Report on Aviation Security Advances
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano released a 2010 progress report outlining advancements in the Department’s capabilities to protect against and respond to acts of terrorism and other
threats. Among the major milestones that DHS has reached includes the implementation of Secure Flight for 100 percent of passengers flying domestically and internationally on US airlines.
Source: DHS, 7/22/2010
Gulf Oil Spill Update: Cap Stable; Relief Well Close to Target
The US Unified Command for responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil platform explosion issued an update this week marking the
100th day since the explosion that took 11 lives and resulted in potentially the worst ecological disaster in US history, as oil gushed unchecked for weeks into the Gulf of Mexico. According to National Incident Commander retired Admiral Thad Allen, the
temporary, larger cap oil company BP placed atop the gushing well has remained stable, and progress toward completing the relief well that would be a permanent solutions is progressing on schedule. It may be completed by next week, officials said. Allen
stressed that oil recovery efforts will be ongoing for many months.
Source: DHS, 7/29/2010
EPA Coordinating Response to Michigan Oil Spill
The US Environmental Protection Agency said it has assumed the role of on-scene coordinator in response to the Enbridge oil spill in the Kalamazoo River in Michigan. On July 26, a 30-inch pipeline belonging to
Enbridge, Inc. burst, releasing crude oil into Talmadge Creek, a waterway that feeds the Kalamazoo River. The spill site, located between Marshall and Battle Creek, includes marshlands, residential areas, farmland, and businesses. While the oil leak has
stopped, the EPA said “this incident is far from over.” The EPA believes more than a million gallons of oil may have leaked into the river. The Kalamazoo River is a fast-moving river and EPA’s focus right now is on preventing oil from from affecting
sensitive shorelines and, ultimately, keeping the oil out of Lake Michigan.The EPA said it will coordinate and direct the response activities carried out by federal and state officials, and pipeline owner Enbridge. The EPA has responsibility for the spill
under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 because it happened inland, rather than offshore. The EPA’s announcement came shortly after Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
warned of a “tragedy of historic proportions” if the oil reaches Lake Michigan, which is downstream from the Kalamazoo River. According to an AP report, Granholm has called on the federal government for more help, saying
resources being marshaled by the EPA and Enbridge were “wholly inadequate.”
Source: EPA, 7/29/2010
Motorola to Build LTE System for California Public Safety Agencies
Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions will build a 700-MHz longterm evolution system for the greater San Francisco Bay Area in California. The system is part of the new Bay Area
Regional Interoperable Communications System, which will serve agencies in San Francisco, Alameda County, Oakland, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale, providing an overlay to existing IP cores and networks. The Public Safety LTE system will be
installed this year and be operational in early 2011. The first phase includes an LTE core, 10 sites, and 330 LTE user modems.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Scientists Develop Possible Tool for Forensics, Food and Water Testing
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a potential new tool for medical diagnostics, testing food and water for contamination, and crime-scene forensics. The “hybrid optoelectric” device uses a combination
of light and electric fields to position droplets and tiny particles – such as bacteria, viruses, and DNA – which are contained inside the drops. The method offers promise for future “lab-on-a-chip” technology, using electronic chips to analyze biological
samples for medical and environmental applications.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
REGULATORY
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Dell Reaches a Settlement Agreement with the US SEC
Dell announced it reached settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to resolve the agency’s investigation into Dell disclosures and alleged omissions, prior to Fiscal 2008. The filings in question
mostly relate to Dell’s commercial relationship with Intel, but also include other accounting and financial reporting matters. According to Dell, the terms are also consistent with the settlement framework disclosed last June. The SEC also agreed to a
settlement with chairman and CEO Michael Dell.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
IBM Under Investigation by European Commission
IBM is being investigated by the European Commission for anti-competitive practices, Financial Times reports. The investigation is the result of complaints lodged by several emulator companies after being prevented from
releasing products which would let consumers run IBM’s mainframe operating system on non-IBM hardware. Another allegation includes an alleged practice by IBM of restricting spare parts sales to prevent competitors from profiting. IBM has responded, saying
that it intends to fully cooperate, but that it sees no merit in the accusations. IBM also suggested that the origin of the accusations may reside with its long-time rival Microsoft, which would stand to gain from a
loosening of IBM’s intellectual property control.
Source: Financial Time, 7/26/2010
US Digital Copyright Law Exemptions Updated
The US Librarian of Congress has issued updates to the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) Section 1201 rules for exemptions regarding the circumvention of access-control technologies. Section 1201(a)(1) of the copyright law requires that, every
three years, the head librarian of the Library of Congress determine whether there are any classes of works that that are exempt from the statute’s prohibition against circumvention of technology that
controls access to a copyrighted work. (The full DMCA is under the purview of the US Copyright Office.) The technology and general media focused this week on the fact that, as a result of the rules update,
Apple iPhone owners can now “jailbreak” their devices without breaking copyright law, even though doing so clearly violates the device’s warranty. The rule changes were broader than that, however. As Librarian of Congress James H. Billington explained
in a press release, works in six classes will now be exempt from the prohibition against circumventing access controls. The six classes covered are motion pictures on DVDs that are lawfully
made and acquired (e.g., films shown in a college classroom); computer programs that enable wireless telephone handsets to execute software applications (e.g., the Apple iPhone); computer programs that enable handsets to connect to a wireless network;
video games accessible on personal computers that control access to lawfully obtained works, when circumvention is accomplished solely for the purpose of good faith testing and correcting of security flaws; computer programs protected by dongles
that prevent access due to malfunction or damage and which are obsolete; and literary works distributed in ebook format containing access controls that prevent the enabling either of the book’s read-aloud function or of screen readers that render the
text into a specialized format (e.g., read-aloud functions for blind readers).
Source: LoC.gov, 7/29/2010
NIST Releases Two Security Publications
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published SP 800-117, Guide to Adopting and Using the Security Content Automation Protocol
(SCAP) Version 1.0. SCAP is a suite of specifications for organizing, expressing, and measuring security-related information in standardized ways. NIST also released SP 800-85A-2 PIV Card
Application and Middleware Interface Test Guidelines (SP800-73-3 Compliance).
Source: NIST, 7/27/2010
SEARCH
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Ask.com Testing Revamped Search Engine with Human Element
Ask.com announced that it is currently testing a redesigned version of its primary search engine. The company says the new site will combine its answer-centric search algorithms with a human user community to answer
questions which would baffle other search engines. The result will be a search engine that first attempts to answer questions by traditional means, and then, failing that, directs the user to a qualified group of individuals in the Ask.com community that
may be able to answer their query. The redesigned page is currently in an invite-only beta phase. No date for public availability has been announced yet.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Google Holds 98% of Global Mobile Search Market
Google holds more than 98.5 percent of the global mobile search market share, according to Pingdom. Not only
is the number staggering in its dominance, it has also shown recent growth, with Google holding only 95.5 percent of the market as recently as one year ago. The only two competitors to register more than a blip on the market are Yahoo with 0.81 percent, and Bing with 0.46 percent. The remaining 0.46 percent if is taken up by various smaller companies. Pingdom warns that, although this statistic is extremely
impressive, it is still precarious due to the due to the possibility that Apple, a direct rival, could choose to remove Google’s search from its products at any time, potentially dealing a crushing blow to the company’s
search dominance.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Google to Power Yahoo Japan’s Web Search
Yahoo Japan will begin using Google‘s search technology, according to The Wall Street Journal. Although it seems a direct slap at
Yahoo, the deal is not as paradoxical as it may seem, although it is a big win for Google. Yahoo’s US business only owns about one third of the Japanese search engine, with the largest portion, 40 percent, owned by Japanese telecom company Softbank. Yahoo
Japan was not mentioned in any of the agreements between Yahoo and Microsoft in the US which lead to its switchover to a Bing-powered search engine. Thanks to Yahoo Japan’s dominant position in that country, Google stands
to inherit 90 percent of all Web searches in Japan, according to the Journal article. As part of the deal, Yahoo Japan will also be providing Google with statistics from its online shopping and auction sites in the country. This move will actually mark
the second time Google will be powering Yahoo Japan’s search, with the first occurring during a 3-year period ending in May of 2004. The integration of Google’s technology is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Source: WSJ, 7/27/2010
comScore Underreports Yahoo’s June Results by a Big Margin
Yahoo announced that Web measurement firm comScore has informed it that its June US page views and duration metrics were severely underreported. The error resulted in over 1
billion fewer page views, and more than 850 million fewer minutes of duration being reported for the month than what actually occurred. Though the US was the most affected by the discrepancy at 3 percent of total views, other countries were also
miscalculated, with errors in those nations ranging from 2 percent in the Netherlands, to 0.3 percent in Spain. Duration Metrics saw a similar spread. Despite the potentially negative effects of the underreporting, Yahoo says that it believes the problems
that caused the issue have been corrected, and it continues to have confidence in the integrity of comScore’s results.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
SECURITY FLAWS & FIXES
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Critical Flaw in QuickTime Player, No Fix Currently Available
Apple‘s QuickTime Player contains a boundary error in the QuickTimeStreaming.qtx when constructing a string to write to a debug log file. Successful exploitation allows execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability
is confirmed in version 7.6.6 (1671) for Windows, but other versions may also be affected. No fix is yet available.
Source: Secunia, 7/26/2010
Apple Updates Safari for Windows, Mac OS X
Apple released Safari 5.0.1 and Safari 4.1.1 for Windows and Mac OS X. Users should read the article for further information.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
Check Point Finds Critical ToolTalk Database Server Flaw
Check Point Software‘s IPS Research team has discovered a critical vulnerability in a function of the ToolTalk Database Server Parser that can enable a remote attacker to potentially inject and execute arbitrary
code onto the affected system. The vulnerability identified is in the RPC-based ToolTalk database server that creates and manages database files and affects all system users with IBM AIX Version 6.1.3 and lower, Sun
Solaris 10 Sparc/x86 and lower, as well as HP-UX 11.0 and lower.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Fedora Fixes Multiple Products
Fedora released fixes for SeaMonkey, Thunderbird, Sunbird, Firefox, and XULrunner. Various advisories have been posted regarding the updates.
Source: Secunia, 7/23/2010
Lotus Notes Issue Results in Advisory
An advisory has been released for IBM‘s Lotus Notes, which contains a parsing error. The vendor recommends applying the patch for versions 8.5.1,
8.0x, and 7.0x.
Source: Secunia, 7/28/2010
Lookout Inc’s App Genome Project Reveals Numerous Privacy Holes
A mobile security company called Lookout Inc has released the findings of its App Genome Project. The study examined the data
transmissions made by more than 300,000 applications in both the Apple App Store and Google’s Android Marketplace. The results, being detailed at this year’s Black Hat Security Conference, show that a significant
portion of mobile applications are accessing users’ private data without users’ knowledge. Lookout claims that 29 percent of free Android applications, and 33% of free iPhone applications have the capability to access a user’s location. More startling, 8
percent of Android Apps and 14 percent of iPhone apps can access the users’ contact information. This could potentially be used to serve targeted advertising, but also presents a significant security risk. The study also found that 23 percent of iPhone
apps, and 47 percent of Android apps allow for the execution of third-part code.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Mozilla Firefox Users Must Update to Resolve Critical Issue
A vulnerability has been reported in Mozilla Firefox, which is caused by an incorrect fix of a previous vulnerability. Users should update to version 3.6.8 and find further information in the advisory.
Source: Secunia, 7/26/2010
Advisory Posted for Symantec Products
Symantec has issued a security advisory regarding
a parsing error in various products. Users are advised to update to a fixed version.
Source: Secunia, 7/28/2010
SECURITY PRODUCTS & COMPANIES
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New Trends Targeting Security Landscape according to Cisco Report
Cisco released its 2010 Midyear Security Report, noting that major changes – including the increasing use of social networking, the proliferation of
network-connected mobile devices, and virtualization – continue to alter the security landscape. In its study, Cisco said 50 percent of end users polled admitted they ignore company policies prohibiting the use of social media tools at least once a week,
and 27 percent said they change the settings on corporate devices to access prohibited applications. The report also found that the US, India, and Brazil are the top spam-producing countries while social networking sites are not only attracting cyber
criminals, but terrorists.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
CSC Releases CloudProtection Comprehensive Security Solution
Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) announced the release of its CloudProtection for Mail and Web product. The security product is designed to be a comprehensive solution for both email and Web-based activities across
clients’ networks. CSC boasts that the Service Level Agreements backing the unknown e-mail virus capture, spam capture, e-mail delivery, and service uptime are the best in the industry. The new security product is available as a pay-per-use model via the
company’s CSC Gateway cloud service purchasing platform. More information on CloudProtection is available from the company’s cloud services page.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Black Hat Conference Shows Off Social Engineering Toolkit
CSO reported that at this week’s Black Hat and DefCon conference, Dave Kennedy unveiled SET (Social Engineer Toolkit) v0.6, which contains various techniques to enable pen testers to find vulnerabilities within
their corporate environments. Kennedy demonstrated how the kit can clone a Web site and automatically rewrite the post parameters to allow the user to intercept and harvest credentials.
Source: CSO, 7/26/2010
Dell Collaborating with Juniper, SecureWorks on Security Products
Dell unveiled its KACE K1000 endpoint security management appliance, and also announced it is working with Juniper Networks and information security services vendor SecureWorks on new security products. Dell is working with Juniper to develop Unified Threat Management and network security features for the J-SRX Services Gateway portfolio of on-premise network security products.
Dell is also working SecureWorks to provide information security services to identify, monitor, and manage security risks and compliance.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
UK Group to Hold Cyber Security Challenge
The UK’s Cyber Security Challenge, a nonprofit organization designed to encourage interest in computer security, will hold a series of computer security exercises later year, according to an article in PC World. The
exercises will be divided into three categories: network defense, Web site vulnerability detection, and forensics.
Source: PC World, 7/26/2010
Polycom Joins with McAfee to Create a Secure UC Framework
Polycom announced that it is joining forces with McAfee to create a global framework for Secure Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC). The research and development of the two companies will focus on
incorporating several McAfee products into Polycom’s UC endpoints, create standardized secure device configurations, and securing the numerous applications Polycom markets as part of its UC portfolio.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
RSA Provides Insight into User-Driven IT
RSA released two research initiatives that examine the impact today’s end users are having on IT strategies worldwide. The first research initiative reveals the rapid use and adoption of consumer technologies like the iPhone and iPad mobile digital devices within the enterprise and the pivotal role users are playing
in driving this trend. RSA also released the results of its sixth Security for Business Innovation Council report, “The Rise of User-driven IT: Re-calibrating Information Security for Choice Computing,” which shows how company employees are adopting
technology.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
Free Sophos Tool Protects Against Windows Flaw
Sophos released a free tool to protect against a Windows zero-day vulnerability that is being actively exploited to infect computers. The Sophos Windows Shortcut Exploit Protection Tool protects against a high
profile vulnerability that allows malicious hackers to exploit a bug in the way that all versions of Windows handles .LNK shortcut files.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Free Symantec Tool Determines Security of Web Sites
Symantec introduced Norton Safe Web Lite, a free downloadable tool that identifies risky sites before users click on them in search results. Once downloaded Norton Safe Web Lite is accessible as a small toolbar
within either Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Stolen Credentials Most Common Path to Data Breaches: Report
The 2010 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, based on a collaboration with the US Secret Service, found that breaches of electronic records last year involved more insider
threats, greater use of social engineering, and the continued strong involvement of organized criminal groups. The study, released July 28, also noted that the overall number of breaches investigated last year declined from the total for the previous year
– “a promising” indication, the study said. The report cited stolen credentials as the most common way of gaining unauthorized access into organizations in 2009, pointing once again to the importance of strong security practices both for individuals and
organizations. Organized criminal groups were responsible for 85 percent of all stolen data last year, the report said. Verizon Business researchers found, as they did in the company’s prior data breach reports,
that most breaches were considered avoidable “if security basics had been followed.” Only four percent of breaches assessed required difficult and expensive protective measures, the report said.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
SERVERS
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Lenovo Introduces New Low End ThinkServer Servers
Lenovo introduced new sub-$900 USD ThinkServer RD230, RD240, and TD230 servers for small businesses, branch offices, and managed service providers. Lenovo said the Intel based servers offer features for remote
management, advanced data protection, and conserving energy.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY
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Microsoft Teams with Blue Line Innovations for First Hohm Monitor
Microsoft announced a new addition to their Hohm efforts with the signing of an alliance with Blue Line Innovations. The company, which makes energy tracking devices, will be adding its technology to Microsoft’s
home energy conservation products. The joint effort will include a self-installed, Wi-Fi-enabled device that will attach to the customer’s power meter. The statistics produced by the device will then be presented to users through Microsoft’s Hohm software,
sites, and social networking integrations. The companies say the goal of the project is to give consumers more accurate, and up-to-date information about their home’s energy consumption in order to allow them to make better conservation decisions. The
complete package of PowerCost Monitor and Wi-Fi Gateway is available for $249 from Blue Line Innovations. Microsoft says other hardware partnerships for its Hohm line are also in the works.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
SMARTPHONES
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Apple Decides to Keep Antenna Problems in the Spotlight
In a new video posted to its own Web site and to YouTube, Apple attempts to show that Motorola‘s
Droid X (and other smartphones) experience major reception problems when held in certain ways. Tech bloggers, including Technically Incorrect, slammed Apple’s latest move,
saying customers are not complaining about reception problems with Droid (or other phones), that the “demonstration” is exaggerated in terms of the “death grip” used, and that Apple appears to be “overly defensive” about the widely-publicized Apple iPhone
4 “antenna issue.”
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Verizon Wireless Launches Samsung Haven
Verizon Wireless and Samsung Mobile announced that the Samsung Haven is now available for ordering. The phone has
earned the Good Housekeeping Seal and is “ideal for customers who want an easy-to-use wireless phone,” Verizon said. It is being sold for $39.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Targeting seniors, presumably, Verizon is promoting the Haven’s “large,
easy-to-read display” and dedicated keys for “one-touch access” to emergency services.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Facebook Launches Beta Program for Facebook Questions
Facebook has launched its question and answer service, Facebook Questions, in a limited beta. Initially about 1 percent of Facebook users will be gives access to the service. The goal of Facebook Questions is to
provide users with a platform to post a question which will be answered by Facebook members. Additional functions of the service include tagging questions with specific topics, directing tagged questions to users with expertise on the matter, and allowing
users to ask questions of fan pages – such as those hosted by a company, or band. Contrary to Facebook’s recent momentum, Questions are restricted to being completely public. Facebook said it plans to complete testing and roll the service out to the public
as soon as possible, however, no specific date has been set.
Source: Vendor, 7/29/2010
Facebook Launches New Safety Page
Facebook announced that it has launched a new safety page. The new portion of the social networking page’s existing safety center will focus on new safety initiatives
being employed by the social network. It will also include material on how to ensure personal online safety, as well as news pertaining to Facebook’s safety measures.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Lockheed Martin Announces Launch of Eureka Streams
Lockheed Martin announced the launch of its Eureka Streams open source project for enterprise social networking. The project is designed to let workers easily located colleagues and groups of colleagues that
are knowledgeable in the area of expertise that they need help with. The company says Eureka Streams was designed to provide fast, efficient methods of accessing news, information, and conversations about the topic in question. The project is licensed to
developers under the Apache 2.0 open source license. Interested parties can find more information at the project’s dedicated Web site.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
Mozilla Creates Social Media Toolkit to Promote Firefox
Mozilla announced the release of a social media toolikit with the purpose of helping individuals and groups interested in promoting Firefox via social
networking sites. The kit includes design templates, advice, and best practices for promoting the Firefox browser on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The kit was
created to allow users living in regions with low penetration of Firefox to promote the browser to fellow social networkers.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
STANDARDS & PROTOCOLS
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UNH InterOperability Lab Launches New Consortium
The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL) announced the launch of a new “consortium” (independent testing program) for companies preparing products for the IEEE 802.3ba standard for high
speed Ethernet. UNH-IOL said the consortium is currently accepting founding member companies who will have an early opportunity to provide input into the testing process. The IEEE 802.3ba Ethernet standard was ratified in June and is the first standard to
specify two new Ethernet speeds – 40 Gbps for computing and networked storage applications and 100 Gbps for core networking applications. The UNH-IOL collaborative testing model distributes the cost of performing independent testing and validation through
an annual membership fee. The fee for participation in the 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet Consortium is $24,000.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
STORAGE
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Toshiba, Samsung Developing NAND Flash Technology
Toshiba Japan and Samsung Electronics are developing high performance NAND Flash memory technology with a 400M-bps interface, for mobile and consumer electronics applications
that require boosted performance. The companies also claim they will support an industry standard specification to enable broader acceptance of the high speed technology.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
STREAMING MEDIA
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Alcatel Introduces IPTV Product for Set-Top Boxes
Alcatel-Lucent introduced a turnkey IPTV product – powered by Microsoft Mediaroom – it claims can support networks of up to 100,000 set-top boxes. Presumably, it provides multimedia streaming, while also
providing new consumer media services through the personalization of Web and broadcasting content. It uses a single equipment rack Alcatel claims supports more than 3X as many households as previous versions. Alcatel was also selected – by TeleCable – to
deploy its MiViewTV interactive television platform in Spain.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
blinkX Signs with BBC World News for Video Content
blinkX announced that it has entered into a partnership with BBC World News. The deal will allow the company to post BBC content on its video search engine for access by users outside the UK. The content will also be
overlaid with advertising from the blinkX AdHoc platform. The two companies will share the revenue derived from the ads.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Motorola Deploying MR-DVR Product for Cincinnati Bell
Motorola USA‘s Mobile Devices and Home business announced that Cincinnati Bell is deploying its multi-room digital video recorder (MR-DVR) product. MR-DVR employs a “whole home” media software application –
running on a combination of up to eight DVR and non-DVR set-top boxes – to allow subscribers to pause live TV, record and play back content, and manage their recorded library on any set-top box in the home, even a non DVR one.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
Motorola Unveils Hosted Switched Digital Video
Motorola USA‘s Mobile Devices and Home business announced that its switched digital video (SDV) portfolio will be available as a hosted solution via the Motorola Secure Operations Center in San Diego. Hosted SDV
will allow independent operators to make niche channel content available to subscribers, without having to commit dedicated bandwidth to those channels. Essentially, operators can turn off lesser watched channels until they are accessed by a subscriber.
Motorola claims that hosted SDV will allow independent operators to achieve comparable bandwidth efficiencies as those with onsite SDV operations. It uses the same core components as a traditional SDV architecture.
Source: Vendor, 7/26/2010
SUPERCOMPUTERS
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Purdue University Using HP POD and Cluster Platform
Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced that Purdue University is using its container based, Performance optimized Data Center (POD) to upgrade the university’s ability to deliver research projects. POD integrates multiple
vendors’ hardware into interoperable resources “pools,” which can be tapped on demand. The university – as part of its commitment to doubling its current research efforts – has been adding server clusters to its data center each Summer, for the past three
years. Purdue estimates it can expand its research capabilities by 50 percent within a matter of months. To facilitate research, Purdue’s Rosen Center for Advanced Computing is building a new supercomputer – “Rossmann” – that includes a 1,000 node HP
Cluster Platform 4000, based on ProLiant DL165z G7 servers, with dual 12 core Opteron processors. Additional information on HP’s PODs is available at hp.com/go/pod.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
IBM Announces New zEnterprise Mainframe with Workload Sharing Tech
IBM unveiled its new zEnterprise mainframe server. Accompanying this server, the company is releasing a new system that allows mainframe, POWER7 and System x servers to share workloads, all while being managed by a
single virtualized computer system. IBM says the result will be the ability for customers to extend the benefits of a mainframe, such as governance and manageability to POWER7 and System x blade servers. More information about this latest product, and the
rest of the IBM zEnterprise line is available from the company’s Web site.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
WEB COMMERCE
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Adobe Announces Updates for Online Marketing Suite, Omniture Products
Adobe announced a collection of new features has been added to its Adobe Online Marketing Suite, powered by Omniture, and a change to its naming convention. The new features included in the marketing suite are
advanced bid strategies for Facebook ads, image ad support for the Google Content Network, real-time personalization of content for BlackBerry and Android apps, and reporting and dashboarding enhancements. As part of the same announcement Adobe revealed
that, going forward, all Omniture products would be released as Adobe products with the “powered by Omniture” qualifier as part of their names.
Source: Vendor, 7/22/2010
Zoho Creates Paid Affiliate Program
Zoho announced the launch of the Zoho Affiliate Program. The program is designed to provide remuneration to publishers, bloggers, and site owners in return for referring users to Zoho’s products. Specifically, users
can sign up at Zoho’s Affiliate page, place banners and links to Zoho on their own site, and collect funds based on the number of clicks on the inserted advertising, and on the subscriptions the referred
individual eventually pays for. More information, including payment rates and restrictions, is available from the Affiliate program’s FAQ page.
Source: Vendor, 7/28/2010
WIRELESS
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3M Introduces Weatherproofing Kits for Cell Sites
3M announced two new kits it said help weatherproof cellular sites. One kit is for general use and one for cold-weather applications. The company said in a press release that installers and line technicians can use the kits to create a weatherproof seal for
resistance to environmental factors such as water, condensation, UV, and sunlight – over a range of temperatures.
Source: Vendor, 7/27/2010
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