News Briefs for the Week Ending 01/14/2011






News Briefs for the Week Ending

01/14/2011



Copyright 2011, Faulkner Information Services. All Rights Reserved.

Docid:00020009

Publication Date: 1101

Publication Type: NEWS



ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES


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Accenture Completes Acquisition of CAS Computer Anwendungs

Accenture announced that it has completed its acquisition of CAS Computer Anwendungs- und Systemberatung AG, a provider of customer relationship management (CRM) and mobility software. The acquired company will
become part of Accenture’s dedicated software business, as will about 234 employees from the company’s various locations. Accenture believes the acquisition will strengthen its ability to help retailers improve their consumer shopping experiences. No
financial terms for the transaction were disclosed.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

CenturyLink Says FCC Conditions on Merger with Qwest Unnecessary

In an email to Channel Partners, an online trade publication, CenturyLink has responded to tw telecom‘s call for the FCC to impose “pro-competitive” conditions on CenturyLink’s proposed acquisition of Qwest, which tw telecom says “poses a threat to competition and innovation in the business market.”
According to Channel Partners, CenturyLink spokeswoman Debra Peterson said tw telecom’s proposed conditions are either “unnecessary” or “unreasonable.” “A three-year freeze on DS1 and DS3 rates exceeds any reasonable condition and is not necessary,” she
said. “However, CenturyLink has agreed to a 12-month freeze on Qwest wholesale tariff offerings. In fact, the FCC currently has a special access docket open and any rate modifications should be handled in that proceeding, not this merger.”

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

CSC Completes Acquisition of Image Solutions

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) announced that it has finalized its acquisition of Image Solutions, a provider of regulatory mission management solutions. The company says it will use the acquisition to support its
Health Care strategic growth plan by expanding its presence in the life sciences sector. No financial terms for transaction were disclosed.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Google Acquires eBook Technologies

Google has acquired eBook Technologies, according to an announcement on the purchased company’s homepage. Although Google has acknowledged the purchase, it has yet to
announce any plans for the acquired assets. TechCrunch believes the search giant was interested in the firm for its e-book distribution technology, which could be incorporated into Google’s own recently launched
e-book store. No financial terms for the transaction have been disclosed.

Source: TechCrunch, 1/13/2011

Hitachi Consulting to Acquire Consulting Firm Aptivo

Hitachi Consulting reported it acquired Aptivo Consulting, a firm that provides consulting services for the financial, public sector, and telecommunications industries. The purchase should extend Hitchi
Consulting’s global footprint. It follows the large-scale acquisition of Sierra Atlantic, which provides enterprise applications and outsourced product development services, worldwide. Executives from both companies will continue to have significant
leadership roles in the new, combined organization, Hitachi said.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

NetApp Buys Akorri Networks

Storage and data management solutions company NetApp announced that it has acquired Akorri Networks, which specializes in performance analysis for virtualized infrastructures. The Akorri deal follows NetApp’s 2008
acquisition of startup Onaro, whose SANscreen change management software has become a key piece of NetApp’s OnCommand management software. Akorri technology and employees will become part of the NetApp SANscreen Business Unit, which includes the SANscreen,
Operations Manager, and System Manager product teams. Financial terms of the acquisition were not released; the deal is expected to close by May, 2011.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Salesforce.com Announces Completion of Dimdim Acquisition

Salesforce.com announced that it has completed its acquisition of Dimdim, a real-time communications company. The deal was made for a total purchase price of $31 million in cash. Salesforce plans to use the
acquired company’s technology to bring tele-presence, messaging, and screen sharing capabilities to its own Chatter platform. Salesforce.com also noted that it will be adding the development staff of Dimdim to its own roster.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

SAP Adds Security to its Repertoire with Acquisition

SAP announced plans to acquire SECLUDE’s security software, identity, and access management software. The acquisition of such products as Secure Login and Enterprise Single Sign-On will enable SAP to roll these
offerings into its own product portfolio. The transaction is expected to close in early February. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

SAP Acquires Assets from SECUDE, Plans New Security Software

SAP announced that it plans to acquire security software, identity access management software, and relevant assets from SECUDE. SAP’s main focus is the acquisition of the Secure Login and Enterprise Single Sign-On
products. This will allow the company to ship its solutions with built-in security software. No financial terms for the transaction were disclosed.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Skype to Acquire Mobile Video Company Qik

Skype announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Qik, a provider of mobile video software and services. The former competitor offers customers real-time video broadcasting from their
compatible mobile devices. Skype plans to use the acquisition to add recording, sharing, and storing capabilities to its own products. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

Tata Communications to Acquire Content Delivery Network BitGravity

India-based communications services provider Tata Communications has reached a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held content delivery network BitGravity.
BitGravity’s network and products accelerate the delivery of media assets to end-users and enable real-time video communications over the internet. On completion of the transaction, Tata Communications (Netherlands) will own BitGravity, which will operate
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Communications. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. BitGravity is based in Burlingame, California and was founded in 2006 with strategic investment from Allen & Company, Tata Communications, and
private investors.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

tw telecom Slams Proposed Qwest, CenturyLink Merger

Colorado-based tw telecom last week called on the Federal Communications Commission to establish pro-competitive merger conditions in its review of CenturyLink‘s proposed acquisition of Qwest Communications. The merger has already received regulatory approvals from a number of states, including Colorado (on December 15, 2010).
tw telecom said the merger “poses a threat to competition and innovation in the business market.” tw telecom said it has attempted to resolve its concerns with CenturyLink “for months,” but CenturyLink “has refused to address these critical business
market-related issues.” tw telecom wants the FCC to “adopt conditions to prevent CenturyLink from denying, degrading or overpricing the services Qwest and CenturyLink provide competitive service providers like tw telecom.” The CenturyLink acquisition of
Qwest has received regulatory agency approvals from 17 states and the District of Columbia. The companies also must receive approval from four additional states and the Federal Communications Commission.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

ALLIANCES & JOINT VENTURES


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AOL Teams with Endemol USA for New Web Programming

AOL announced the launch of a new Web programming production partnership with Endemol USA. The two companies plan on collaborating on creating premium, unscripted video content for the company’s female audience, as well
as the general public. The companies are already working on the first two series of the agreement. No financial terms for the agreement were announced.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Cisco, Holmes Collaborating on Smart Grid Technology

Cisco Systems and the Holmes Group are working on two pilot projects through which they are exploring opportunities – in the residential construction sector – to create housing developments that use Cisco network and
communications platforms in Canada. Both initiatives will explore the use of Cisco Collaboration, Smart+Connected Communities, and Smart Grid technologies.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Yahoo Updates Status of Microsoft Search Alliance Transition

Yahoo made another brief announcement concerning its search alliance with Microsoft. The company said its organic search is now being powered by Microsoft technology in
Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. The company’s US-based search has been powered by Microsoft for some time. Yahoo says it will continue rolling the changes out until its entire global search back-end is run by Microsoft.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

BUSINESS CONTINUITY


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Commission Details Preventable Errors that Caused Gulf Oil Disaster

A presidential commission has issued its final report, concluding that preventable errors by the companies involved in the BP Deep
Water Horizon explosion, and lax oversight by US regulatory agencies, were all factors in the disaster. The April 2010 blast aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig killed 11 people and caused one of the worst oil spills in history. The commission’s
report concluded that the explosive loss of the Macondo well “could have been prevented,” saying the immediate causes of the Macondo well blowout “can be traced to a series of identifiable mistakes made by BP, Halliburton, and Transocean that reveal such
systematic failures in risk management that they place in doubt the safety culture of the entire industry.” The report from the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore
Drilling
also concluded that “fundamental reform will be needed in both the structure of those in charge of regulatory oversight and their internal decisionmaking process to ensure their political autonomy, technical expertise, and their full
consideration of environmental protection concerns.”

Source: oilspill.gov, 1/13/2011

Symantec: Disaster Preparedness Not a Priority for SMBs

In its 2011 SMB Disaster Preparedness Survey, which consists of data
taken from more than 1,800 people in 23 countries, Symantec

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

CARRIER SERVICES


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Level 3 Launches Redesigned Web Portal

Level 3 has launched the MyLevel3 portal, which the carrier describes as an enhanced customer Web portal designed to streamline business transactions with
Level 3. The portal offers a new dashboard homepage, expanded functionality, and simplified navigation for Level 3’s enterprise and wholesale customers.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Qwest Launches New High-Performance Dedicated Network Solution

Qwest has launched a new Ethernet-based, dedicated network service: iQ E-Line. E-Line uses Dense Wave Division Multiplexing and dedicated Multi-Protocol Label Switching technologies. It is designed for enterprises
that need low latency private line services and secure connections for their media applications. E-Line is being introduced into 16 markets: Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Houston; Indianapolis; Kansas City, Missouri; Los Angeles; New York;
Newark, NJ; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Sunnyvale, California; Tampa, Florida; and Washington, DC.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

CHIP TECHNOLOGY


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IBM, Samsung Partnering for Mobile Chip R&D

IBM and Samsung announced they will begin research and development on a new process technology that will be used in “a broad range of applications,” in the general area of mobile
telecommunications. IBM, Samsung, and Global Foundries are partnered in what is known as the Common Platform technology alliance, where each company provides resources and expertise for the development of new bulk CMOS process technologies. IBM and Samsung
have already established a joint development agreement to nodes starting at 20nm and beyond.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

CLOUD COMPUTING


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NEC Developing Access Technology for Cloud Environments

NEC Japan

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS & EQUIPMENT


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Cisco Introduces New Borderless Network Switches

Cisco Systems introduced new Catalyst C series switches for its Borderless Networks portfolio. According to Cisco, the switches help accommodate unified communications, wireless access, IP video, and other
applications in wiring, space, and power constrained environments.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Ericsson, Huawei to Upgrade TeliaSonera’s Norgegian Network

TeliaSonera secured contracts with both Ericsson and Huawei Technologies to modernize portions of its telecommunications network in
northern and southern Norway, respectively, as it looks to accommodate 4G longterm evolution (LTE) services. Ericsson will replace existing 2G and 3G radio base stations with the RBS 6000 multi-standard radio base station, developed for GSM/EDGE,
WCDMA/HSPA Evolution, and LTE. Huawei will expand and upgrade its GSM/HSPA+/LTE network, presumably extending existing 4G LTE services into cities such as Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Huawei Completes Circuit-Switched Fallback Call in China

Huawei Technologies reported it completed a circuit-switched (CS) fallback voice call at its longterm evolution (LTE) / evolved packet core (EPC) interoperability testing lab, in Shanghai, China. According to Huawei,
this demonstrates that operators using LTE/EPC for pure data services can leverage a CS network to provide voice services. According to the 3GPP group, CS fallback is the preferred technology for the early stages of a
LTE/EPC network deployment, as it can minimize call establishment delays while supporting smooth handoffs. Huawei provides SingleEPC and SingleCORE CS Fallback services.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Nokia Siemens to Provide LTE Upgrade for Mosaic Telecom

Nokia Siemens Networks was selected to provide longterm evolution technology to allow Mosiac Telecom – a rural service provider in the US – to provide ultra-fast wireless broadband services, extend its
customer base, and improve indoor coverage for 3G customers.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

CONFERENCING


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AT&T Deploys Telepresence Solution for Chinese Retailer Five Star

AT&T said it has won a three-year contract for its Telepresence Solution from Five Star, an electrical appliance retailer in China and a wholly-funded subsidiary of Best Buy. Five Star will use the carrier’s
Telepresence Solution to provide “in-person” meeting experiences with its leadership team at Five Star’s US headquarters, employees, and with inter-company partners worldwide. Best Buy already has four AT&T Telepresence Solution rooms globally; two at the
global headquarters in Minneapolis, one in London, and one in Toronto. By partnering with Cisco and Shanghai Symphony Telecom Company, AT&T recently completed the deployment of two new telepresence rooms for Five Star at Nanjing and Best Buy in Shanghai,
China.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Skype Officially Launches Group Video Calling Premium Service

Internet telephony company Skype officially launched its new group video calling service at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. The service will be offered as part of a premium package for $4.99 for single day passes, or on a subscription basis for $8.99 per month. Skype is also holding several promotions to coincide with the service’s launch, including a 33%
discount on all 3 to 12 month subscription plans, and a 25% discount on compatible HD Web cams.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

CONSULTING & MANAGED SERVICES


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Deloitte Announces SAP Certification of Application Management Service

Deloitte announced that SAP has certified it as a provider of application management services (AMS). The certificate was awarded following testing in the areas of customer service,
technical knowledge, governance, and methodology. The certification is designed to allow potential customers to choose an AMS provider based on SAP’s standards for the aforementioned areas.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Proofpoint Launches US Federal Partner Program

Proofpoint unveiled its new US Federal Partner Program. The company says the new offering will allow participating partners to capture additional market share and better meet the requirements of US federal
government agencies. The new offering focuses on Proofpoint’s Enterprise Protection, Enterprise Privacy, and Enterprise Archive Solutions, and is available via virtual, cloud, or hybrid distributions. Proofpoint will offer two levels of partnership:
Associate and Premier. Associate level membership offers marketing and sales support, as well as personalized training courses.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Telef¢nica O2 UK Teams with 2e2 on New IT and Communications Service

Telefonica O2 UK and 2e2 announced the launch of a joint venture with the goal of providing a single source for businesses seeking both IT and communications services. The new venture, dubbed O2 Unify, will include
managed WAN, cloud data services, and other flexible solutions. It will also give customers access to 2e2’s full catalogue of ICT services. The new combined service is expected to launch on April 2, 2011.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORKS


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Level 3 to Provide CDN Platform to eSchool Solutions

Level 3 announced that it has secured a contract to provide a virtual training platform for eSchool Solutions, an education software company based in Orlando, Florida.
The software company provides services to more than 600 school districts in the United States and Canada. Under the new agreement, eSchool Solutions will use Level 3’s enterprise IP-based voice services, as well as content delivery network for its new
virtual training platform.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

CYBERCRIME


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IBM Developer Site Defaced by Hackers

IDG News Service – An IBM site for developers was defaced over the weekend, with attackers replacing some of the Web pages on the site with ones containing their own messages, IBM confirmed Monday.Word of the vandalism, which took place on the IBM
DeveloperWorks site, was first posted late Saturday on the Full Disclosure security mailing list. IBM restored the original pages within a few hours, though copies of the compromised pages were quickly reposted elsewhere. No data was lost, nor were any
user passwords exposed during the breach, said an IBM spokesman. The site was undergoing routine maintenance during the time of the breach.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Hackers Hit IBM DeveloperWorks Site

IBM’s DeveloperWorks site was attacked last weekend, according to a blog post from PC World. Hackers took down some of the IBM pages, replacing them with their own content. IBM
restored the site within a few hours and said that no user data was exposed.

Source: PC World, 1/10/2011

DATA BREACHES


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Outdated Technologies Leave Enterprises Vulnerable, Says Symantec

A study commissioned by Symantec found that 54 percent of the 306 enterprises surveyed experienced a data breach in the past 12 months. The study found that hackers are using malware to use stolen passwords in an effort to gain access to
critical information. For this reason, 87 percent of enterprise users are expected to remember two or more passwords to access corporate resources, and password reset accounts for between 30 and 50 percent of all help desk calls.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

DESKTOPS


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Dell Releases Vostro PC with 3-TB Capacity

Dell released its Vostro 460 desktop, which features the new Intel “Sandy Bridge” quad core processor and 3TB of hard drive space. It includes Windows 7 and software for online data backup and accidental damage
protection. Pricing begins at $599 USD. It is available at dell.com.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE


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Microsoft Launches WebMatrix Web Site Building Software

Microsoft launched its new WebMatrix solution, a product designed to allow Web site developers to create, customize, and publish Web sites whatever their skill level may be. The free software uses templates
containing the underlying code needed to build sites, as well as support for Web applications such as WordPress, Joomla!, DotNetNuke, and Umbraco. Interested developers can download the software from its just-launched homepage, or learn more about it from the tutorial page.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

ENTERPRISE APPLICATION SOFTWARE


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Adobe Launches Technical Communications Suite 3

Adobe announced the launch of Adobe Technical Communication Suite 3, the latest version of its authoring and publishing toolkit for standards-compliant technical information and training material. This version of the
suite includes new editions of both FrameMaker, and RoboHelp, as well as existing iterations of Photoshop CS5, Captivate 5, and Acrobat X Pro. New features include “single-click” publishing, expanded multimedia capabilities, usability enhancements, a new
content management system, and optimized end-user experiences. The entire suite is available for $1899, with upgrades costing $699. FrameMaker 10 and RoboHelp 9 are also available individually for $999 each.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

CA Releases Three New Automation Suite Components

CA announced the general availability of three products in the CA Automation Suite: CA Configuration Automation r12, CA Process Automation r3, and CA Server
Automation r12. All three solutions are designed to help customers transition to a virtualized, dynamic cloud computing infrastructure, while also increasing their agility. All of the products in the Automation Suite can be purchased separately or bundled
together. More information about these releases is available from the CA Virtualization and Automation blog.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

TomTom Releases New Products for Fleet Management

Location and navigation services provider TomTom released two new remote control devices for TomTom LINK. They are designed to help fleet managers save administrative costs and improve efficiency, TomTom said. The
new Remote LINK Working Time device enables businesses to track the working hours of every employee in the field. The new Remote LINK Logbook provides a record of work-related and personal mileage. The Remote LINK Working Time and Remote LINK Logbook
devices are available now. The recommended retail price is $99 USD for each device and $49 for 10 ID keys to use with the Working Time device.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING


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Hewlett-Packard Unveils Retail Barcode Scanners

Hewlett-Packard (HP) unveiled new retail offerings for multi-channel environments, including imaging barcode scanners and LCD digital signage displays. HP also introduced a new independent software vendor program for
large retailers in the enterprise digital signage and interactive, in-store media markets.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Motorola Study Highlights Technology Use in Retail

Motorola Solutions released its annual Store Associates holiday
study, which indicates that more than 55 percent of surveyed retail associates believe this past holiday season shoppers were better connected to consumer information than in-store associates. According to those surveyed, this is attributed to the growing
availability of online shopping tools and mobile applications for comparing prices, accessing coupons, and talking with others using social networking. According to the survey, retailers that fail to stay ahead of their increasingly tech savvy shopper base
will see as much as 28 percent of their store visits end with abandoned purchases, resulting in an average of $132 USD left unspent due to out-of-stock items, limited assistance, and longer checkout lines. On a positive note, the survey indicates that 43
percent of the shoppers assisted by an associate with access to a handheld mobile computer report a better shopping experience. Also of note, more than 87 percent of retailers believe a customer can find a better deal somewhere else, so having “customer
service aided by access to real time information is more important than ever.” 545 respondents completed the survey, from December 2-17, 2010.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

FINANCIAL


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AT&T Changes Benefit Plan Accounting Methodology

AT&T announced via a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission that the company has changed its method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for pension and other postretirement benefits. Those gains and
losses will now be recognized in the year in which they are incurred, rather than amortized over a period of many years, and recorded on the income statement in the fourth quarter each year. AT&T will book service costs, interest costs, and expected return
on assets on a quarterly basis, with an annual adjustment taken each fourth quarter to reflect actual return on assets, changes in discount rates, and other actuarial assumptions. AT&T expects the impact of this accounting change on its fourth-quarter 2010
results to be a pretax, noncash charge of approximately US$2.7 billion, or $0.28 per share. The charge is driven by a reduction in the benefit plan discount rate from 6.5 percent to 5.8 percent, partially offset by higher-than-expected returns on benefit
plan assets and favorable health care cost trends in 2010, AT&T said.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Booz Allen Hamilton Announces Debt Refinancing Plan

Booz Allen Hamilton announced that it intends to refinance a total of $1.02 billion of indebtedness outstanding under its senior secured credit facilities and $222.1 million of indebtedness outstanding under its
mezzanine credit facility. The necessary funds will be drawn from both cash on hand, and from financing provided by its senior secured credit facilities. The company believes this move will result in less overall outstanding debt, and lower interest
rates.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Cogent Announces Proposed Private Placement of $150 Million

IP network provider Cogent Communications announced that it is proposing to offer in a private placement $150 million of senior secured notes due 2018. Because the offering is a private placement, the notes will be
offered and sold only to institutional buyers and to persons outside the US. The net proceeds of the offering are intended to be used for general corporate purposes and repurchases of Cogent’s common stock, or a special dividend to Cogent’s
stockholders.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Level 3 Announces Proposed Private Placement of $300 Million

Level 3 announced that it plans to offer $300 million worth of senior notes in a private offering. The notes would mature in 2019 and bear interest at a fixed rate. The offering will be made to institutional
investors in the US and private parties outside the US. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to redeem the company’s outstanding 5.25% convertible senior notes due in 2011. The remaining net proceeds from the offering are
expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, and potential stock repurchases, redemptions, or refinancing of the company’s and its subsidiaries’ indebtedness.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

SABA Reports Increased Revenues, Reduced Earnings in Q2 2011 Results

SABA announced its financial results for the second quarter of the 2011 fiscal year, ending November 30, 2010. The company reported a total revenue of $28.6 million, a 4% increase over the same period in 2010. On the
negative side, SABA reported a net loss per share of $0.02, down from $0.04 in earnings per share during the same quarter in 2010. The company does not report its net profit totals. Despite the downturn, the company remains optimistic about its financial
outlook, citing sharp growth in the sales of its software-as-a-service offerings.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Vonage Adds Subscribers; Projects Profit

Voice over IP (VoIP) provider Vonage said last week that it added 6,000 new lines in the fourth quarter of 2010, the first quarterly subscriber gain it has seen in more than two years. Vonage also said it reduced
customer churn by 2.4 percent to the lowest level it has seen in four years. In a press release issued in conjunction with an industry conference, Vonage said it expects to earn US $40 million for the fourth quarter, and gain additional customers in 2011.
It has not yet filed fourth quarter 2010 earnings.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS


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Capgemini and Steria Win EUR 120 Million French Modernization Contract

Capgemini announced that, along with Steria, it has won a stake in the newly launched French state modernization program. The contract is worth approximately EUR 120 million, and calls on the duo to build and
maintain the Chorus program. Chorus is an integrated information system designed to comply with Organic Law Relative to the Laws of Finance (LOLF), and to be available to all stakeholders. The French government hopes the project will modernize and
rationalize its budgetary and accounting practices for state-run services.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

CSC Earns Purchase Agreement from Department of labor

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) announced that it has received a blanket purchase agreement from the Department of Labor’s (DOL) National Contact Center (NCC). Under the new agreement, CSC will manage and operate
the contact center, provide toll-free services to DOL customers, and will maintain all necessary personnel and property to facilitate these services. The contract has a one-year base period, four one-year options, and a total value of $75 million if all
options are exercised.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS


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HP to Provide Medicaid Health Info Exchange in Texas

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has won a contract to create a state-wide Medicaid health information exchange for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The four-plus year deal is valued at $30 million USD. It includes an
electronic health history system for clients, and will see HP replace paper Medicaid identification cards with plastic magnetic cards for quick verification. HP will also provide Web tools for Medicaid providers, presumably helping the commission improve
prescription services and access to health information. HP says to be the largest provider of Medicaid and Medicare process management, administering $95 billion in benefits each year while serving as fiscal agent or principal IT provider for Medicaid in
21 states.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

INDUSTRY GROUPS


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IEEE Elects New President

Gordon W. Day, of Boulder, Colorado, has been elected president of IEEE for 2012. Day, an electrical engineer with experience in research, management, and public policy, will become the 50th President of IEEE on
January 1, 2012 and will also serve as CEO. IEEE supports the technical and professional interests of more than 400,000 members in 160 countries. It publishes a third of the world’s literature in the electrical engineering and computer science fields and
has a portfolio of some 1,300 industry standards and projects under development.

Source: IEEE, 1/11/2011

INTERNET


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Adobe and Samsung Partner on AIR, Flash for TVs

Adobe announced that it is partnering with Samsung to bring its AIR platform to a new line of televisions. Adobe AIR 2.5 for TV will debut on Samsung’s next line of Smart TVs, and
will allow customers to experience content created with Adobe’s Creative Suite 5. The company also announced future plans to bring Adobe’s Flash 10.1 platform to the pre-installed browser on its line of Internet-connected TVs, although no firm date for the
addition has been set.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Major Companies to Join Global-Scale IPv6 Trial in June

Facebook, Google, and Yahoo are joining major content delivery networks Akamai and Limelight Networks, as well as the Internet Society, for the first global-scale trial of the new Internet Protocol, IPv6. The trial – dubbed World IPv6 Day and scheduled for
June 8, 2011 – will see participants enable IPv6 on their main services for 24 hours. The companies are coming together to help motivate organizations across the industry to prepare their services for the transition to IPv6.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Google Announces Launch of goo.gl Shortener API

Google has releasaed an API for its goo.gl URL shortening service. The API will allow third parties to develop software that makes use of the service’s capabilities, including URL
shortening, lengthening, history tracking, and analytics. Google suggests its primary use will be for microblogging applications, such as those designed for Twitter, or the company’s own Google Buzz. The new API can be
downloaded from the company’s API
Console page
.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Opera Ports Consumer Electronic Device Browser to ViXS Platform

Opera announced that it will be adding support for the ViXS platform to its Opera browser for consumer electronic devices. The ViXS platform is designed around Web-based technology and standardized application
programming to allow software to be run across multiple disparate consumer electronic devices. It will also allow for the support of Web 2.0 technologies, such as YouTube and Facebook. No specific release date for the revamped browser has been announced.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

LAPTOPS & TABLETS


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Report: Motorola Expects to Ship More than 700,000 Xoom Tables in Q1

DIGITIMES reported that Motorola Mobility expects to ship 700,000-800,000 Xoom tablet devices in the first quarter of this year. The new Google Android-based,
10.1-inch Xoom tablet was introduced at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show. Citing sources from upstream component makers, DIGITMES said Motorola Mobility has placed orders for about 700,000-800,000 units, with four color options, for the first quarter
of 2011. Its sources expect the orders to go up “as high as one million units in the quarter.” Verizon Wireless announced it will sell the Xoom tablet later this year.

Source: DIGITIMES, 1/11/2011

Motorola Unveils Mobility Products for Mobile Worker

Motorola Solutions introduced new Next Generation Enterprise Mobility products for the mobile worker. Motorola unveiled a new MC9190-G rugged touchscreen mobile computer with a scanner, as well
as new point of sale presentation and handheld imagers. Motorola also announced that TEAM Express – a feature it says provides push-to-talk communications for disparate devices – will be available as standard for its voice-capable mobile computers.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Sprint to Launch New RIM Tablet Device this Summer

Sprint Nextel and Research in Motion (RIM) announced plans to launch the new RIM BlackBerry PlayBook tablet device over the Sprint 4G network. Launch is expected this Summer. In
addition to Wi-Fi support, the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook features a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and the new BlackBerry Tablet operating system. It supports Adobe Flash and HTML-5. The vendors said additional details and pricing will be released
closer to the launch date.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

ZTE Expands Tablet Lineup with ZTE Light LTE

ZTE announced that it is expanding its ZTE Light family of tablet PC devices. The company’s lineup now includes the ZTE Light upgraded version, ZTE Light2, and the most recent addition, the ZTE Light LTE. The tablets
are currently available in 20 countries, through carriers such as Vodafone, Telenor, and Beeline. The ZTE Light is expected to launch some time in early 2011.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

LEGAL


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Intel to Pay Nvidia $1.5 Billion; Legal Dispute Ended

Chip manufacturing giant Intel has agreed to pay its smaller rival Nvidia $1.5 billion USD to license Nvidia’s technology. The agreement brings to an end a legal dispute that began
in 2009. Intel had sued Nvidia, a graphics chip maker, over the right to keep making an Intel-designed chip. Nvidia then countersued. “This agreement ends the legal dispute between the companies,” said Doug Melamed, Intel senior vice president and counsel.
“It also enables the companies to focus on innovation and the development of new products.”

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Microsoft Protests Against Apple’s Attempt to Trademark “App Store”

Microsoft has filed a motion with the US Patent and Trademark Office to block Apple‘s application to Trademark the term “App Store.” Microsoft says that, although Apple may have been one of the first companies to launch such a service, the term is now widely used jargon for numerous companies selling
applications via the Internet. It further says that Apple’s CEO himself, Steve Jobs, has used the term to refer to its own offerings, as well as those of other non-Apple companies. The filing asks for a summary judgement from the patent office refusing
Apple’s application.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

MALWARE WATCH


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2010 Finished Up with Spam Taking a Nosedive

Symantec found that approximately 200 billion spam messages were sent out daily in August, but that number fell to about 50 billion per day in December. Although there is no clear cut reason for why this has
occurred, there is a possibility that spammers will ramp up again for a new campaign or they are refocusing on another medium like social networking sites.

Source: BBC, 1/6/2011

Researcher Finds Glitch in Chinese Systems, Warns of Stuxnet

According to a report from eWeek, an NSS Labs researcher has discovered that a critical vulnerability in China’s industrial software is vulnerable to the Stuxnet worm. Dillon
Beresford has found that KingView, the supervisory-control-and-data-acquisition (SCADA) software that is used by the Chinese, contains a heap overflow flaw, making it a possible Stuxnet target, since the powerful malware targets SCADA systems and hit
Iran’s nuclear program last year. Beresford has made repeated attempts to contact Chinese officials and WellinTech, the company that makes KingView, to no avail.

Source: eWeek, 1/12/2011

US Crowned Spam King Once Again

Sophos published the latest ‘Dirty Dozen’ of spam-relaying countries, covering the fourth quarter of 2010. The United States increased its lead at the top spot, and continues to be responsible for nearly one in five
junk emails, 18.83% of all spam messages. While, the UK decreased its percentage of total spam output from 5% to 4.54%, it stayed in fifth place overall. Following the US to round out the top four spam-producing nations are India, Brazil, and Russia.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

MOBILE APPS


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Amazon Launches New Amazon Deals App for iPhones

Amazon announced the launch of a new iPhone application titled Amazon Deals. The Apps specific purpose is to provide users with
mobile access to both its daily deals, and Gold Box promotional offers. Both offers are usually very limited in quantity, and only last a short time. The company says this will allow users on the go a chance to purchase items they would have otherwise
missed. The application is available as a free download from the Apple app store.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Google Launches Goggles 1.3 with New Abilities

Google announced the launch of a newly-updated Goggles mobile app. The new application features the ability to scan barcodes and QR codes; recognize ads in printed media and provide information about the products in
them; and solve Sudoku puzzles using the devices built-in camera. The improved barcode scanning is only available in the newest version of Goggles in the Android Market, while ad recognition, and the Sudoku solver are available in the existing Android
version, as well as the Goggles component of the Google Mobile App for iPhone.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Google Updates Google Translate for Android with Conversation Mode

Google announced the release of an updated Google Translate for Android application. The new app features a redesigned user interface, ease of use improvements, and Google’s experimental conversation mode.
Conversation mode allows an individual to speak into the phone, after which the device translates their words into the language of the other participant in the conversation, and reads the translated text aloud. The functionality is currently limited to
English and Spanish. While Google admits conversation mode is still in its infancy, it says this is a first step in full speech-to-speech translation via a mobile device. The new Google Translate for Android app is available now as a free download from the
Android Marketplace.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Intuit Waiving Monthly Fee for Most GoPayment Users Until Mid-February

Intuit has made the monthly service component of its GoPayment mobile phone-based credit card processing free for a limited time, Cnet reports.
Businesses signing up for the service before the middle of February will have their monthly fee waived. They will, however, still be charged a per transaction fee of between 2.7% and 3.7%, as well as a flat fee of $0.15 per transaction. The promotion does
not affect customers who handle a high volume of credit card transactions. They will still be charged $12.95 per month; although this does give them access to lower transaction fee rates of between 1.7% and 2.7%, with only non-qualified purchases incurring
the 3.7% fee. This plan also includes a $0.30 flat rate fee per transaction.

Source: Cnet, 1/11/2011

LogMeIn Releases Ignition Update for Android Tablets

LogMeIn, makers of PC remote access software, announced the release of
a new version of its LogMeIn Ignition app optimized for Android-based tablets. New features in the update include support for wake-on-lan, remote sound, multi-monitor setups, and updated resolution settings. The upgraded app will be made available as a
free update to current owners of LogMeIn Ignition for Android. The application is available now from either the Android Marketplace, or the Verizon V CAST app store.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Skype Mobile with Vido Available Soon on Verizon Network

Skype announced that its Skype Mobile with Video application will soon be available for users of Verizon‘s new 4G LTE network. The company says the new app will be designed for
the range of 4G Android-based phones with both front and rear-facing cameras that are slated for release throughout 2011. No exact release date for the new Skype Mobile for Video has been announced.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

MOG Music Service Coming Soon to Verizon Wireless

MOG, an on-demand music service, announced that its mobile music application will be available and preloaded on selected 4G smartphones on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile
Broadband network. Verizon Wireless customers will be able to subscribe to the service for $9.95 per month and download music directly to their mobile devices. MOG will be available through V CAST Apps, Verizon Wireless’ mobile storefront, which offers
direct billing of apps so the charges appear on a customer’s monthly bill.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

W3C releases Best Practices Standard for Mobile Web App Development

The Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) released its final version of Mobile Web Application Best Practices. The document offers best practices for
developing and deploying mobile Web applications designed to function across numerous platforms. The guidelines also provide advice on developing Web applications to be efficient, contextually appropriate, and centered on the user experience. The
document was released as part of the W3C Mobile Web Initiative.

Source: Vendor, 12/14/2011

MOBILE PLATFORMS


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Juniper Deploys Pulse Client for Terra Remote Workers

Juniper Networks deployed its Junos Pulse network client for Terra, a Brazilian online media provider. Presumably, it will provide secure access for Terra employees accessing corporate systems and sensitive data
from a smartphone, iPad, or other mobile device. The client will be used in concert with existing Juniper SA series secure socket layer VPN appliances. Terra is also deploying Junos Pulse for use with Apple iPhone and iPod touch devices.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

PERIPHERALS


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IBM Announces Launch of Modular Self-Checkout System

IBM announced the launch of what it says is the first completely modular self-checkout system. The IBM Self Checkout System 6 allows retailers to choose among scanning, payment, and bagging components to create a
customized self-checkout kiosk. IBM says this ability, along with the system’s shortened “scan-to-bag distance” will allow checkouts to be completed more rapidly, and reduce customer wait times. More information about IBM Self Checkout System 6 is
available from the company’s retail solutions page.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

NCR Announces Customizable User Preferences for Self Checkouts

NCR announced the launch of new software designed to allow customers to choose from a selection of preferences when interacting with a company’s self checkouts. The software gives the consumer the option to set their
preferences via the Web site related to the retailer’s existing loyalty program. This allows for options such as aesthetic skins for user interfaces, language selection, left-hand orientation, and the option to receive digital receipts. The software is
also capable of producing predictive lists and offers based on users’ shopping histories. The new software is available now as part of the company’s newly launched “c-tailing
solutions”
.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

NCR Launches Two New RealPOS All-in-One solutions

NCR introduced two new all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) solutions as part of its NCR RealPOS line. The RealPOS 50 offers an energy efficient processor, enhanced graphical technology, and touch-based applications. The
RealPOS 25 is designed to be an economical solution which still retains the energy efficiency of its more expensive peer. Both products can be configured as either a traditional point-of-sale device, or as a touch-based, self-service kiosk. More
information about each new release is available from the NCR RealPOS product page.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION


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Agilent Names New Board Member

Agilent Technologies appointed Tachi Yamada – president of the Global Health Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – to its board of directors. Yamada has also served as chairman of research and development
for GlaxoSmithKline.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Alcatel-Lucent Says It Is Investing Heavily in Enterprise Space

Tom Burns, president of Alcatel-Lucent enterprise and strategic industries, told Middle East-based technology information site ITP.net that the company is increasingly
looking to work directly with enterprises in a bid to diversify from its current focus on working with telecom operators.” Alcatel-Lucent has a strong history in the carrier side but strategic industries is an area that provides an opportunity and also an
alternative to that other market,” Burns said. “The Middle East in particular offers a tremendous opportunity. We see a significant opportunity for our business because the economic climate over the next five years shows a lot of investment and growth, so
we are willing to invest in people, channels and systems integrators. We are also going to increase our brand recognition in particular in this non-service provider market,” Burns added.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

AMD CEO Stepping Down

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) CEO Dirk Meyer will step down after reaching an agreement with the company’s board of directors over his departure.Thomas Siefert, AMD’s CFO, will fill Meyer’s spot on a temporary basis as
the company searches for a new CEO. In a press release, AMD said:”…the board believes we have the opportunity to create increased shareholder value over time. This
will require the company to have significant growth, establish market leadership and generate superior financial returns. We believe a change in leadership at this time will accelerate the company’s ability to accomplish these objectives.” Meyer had been
with AMD since 1995.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

AOL Hires Stephen Bromberg as new Executive Editor for AOL.com

AOL announced that it has appointed Stephen Bromberg as its new Executive Editor of AOL.com. He will lead the homepage’s editorial team, and will help drive the creation of new content for the site that will further its
agenda. Before this hiring, Bromberg was an executive editor for Foxnews.com

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Boeing Forms New Information Solutions Business Segment

Boeing announced the formation of a new Information Solutions business. The new business segment will offer customers, including the US Department of Defense, access to Boeing’s military-grade, software-based
solutions. The new division will combine the cybersecurity and intelligence capabilities of Network & Space Systems’ Intelligence & Security Systems division with the logistics command and control business, Tapestry Solutions, and international LogC2 work
from Boeing Global Services & Support. The Information Solutions business will be headquartered in Arlington, VA, and will be lead by John Hinshaw, former chief financial officer of Boeing’s Information Technology organization.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

CA Appoints Cynthia Curtis as New VP and Chief Sustainability Officer

CA announced that it has named Cynthia Curtis as its new vice president and chief sustainability officer. In the new role, Curtis will oversee the company’s Office of Sustainability, and will be responsible for CA’s
global sustainability strategy. Prior to joining CA, Cynthia Curtis worked as chief marketing officer at Utimaco Safeware.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Coveo Appoints Ed Shepherdson as Head of Customer Info Solutions

Coveo announced that it has added Ed Shepherdson to its executive team in the newly created role of managing director, Customer Information Solutions. He will be responsible for leading the company’s Customer
Information Solutions business, including strategy, solutions development, services, marketing, and sales. Shepherdson has more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry, most recently serving as vice president of global customer support with
Cognos.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Cox Communications Names Barlik to Product Development Post

Cox Communications announced the appointment of Len Barlik as executive vice president of product management and development. He will be responsible for providing the overall leadership and accountability for product
strategy, development, and delivery of Cox’s digital video, Internet, telephone, and wireless services. Prior to joining Cox, Barlik held several senior positions with Sprint Nextel, including serving as vice president of wireless and wireline product
development.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

CSC Appoints Nick Hopkinson as Director of Cybersecurity for UK

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) announced that it has named Nick Hopkinson as its Director of Cybersecurity for its UK business. His responsibilities will include leading the UK cybersecurity team, reducing client
risks, and developing protection against increasing cybersecurity attacks. Prior to joining CSC, Hopkinson worked in numerous roles within the UK government’s intelligence agencies.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Former CIO Tapped to Head Dell Services

Dell announced that Steve Schuckenbrock – a former Dell chief information officer who has also headed the Large Enterprise business unit – will replace Pete Altabef as president of Dell Services, following the successful integration of Perot Systems into Dell. In all, Dell has a presence of more than 43,000 team members in 90 countries. It operates 60
technology support centers, 36 customer data centers, and supports 14 million client systems and 10,000 Software as a Service customers, worldwide. In a related move, Dell will consolidate its Public and Large Enterprise business units into a single
organization. Paul Bell will head the newly combined Public-Large Enterprise business unit.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Global Crossing Names Former Qwest Exec to Federal Sales Post

Global Crossing announced the appointment of Bill O’Neill to the position of vice president, Federal Sales in the company’s Federal Sector business unit. O’Neill, who is based in Reston, Va., is the former
vice president of Qwest Government Services. He will begin his new assignment immediately, Global Crossing said.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

MySpace Cuts Nearly Half its Total Staff

The Associated Press reported that News Corp‘s MySpace is cutting almost half of its current staff, or about 500 employees. The report
speculated that the layoffs may be another step in the widely-predicted spin-off of MySpace into an independent entity.

Source: AP, 1/11/2011

Nokia Siemens Opens Revamped Global Network Center

Nokia Siemens Networks announced it relocated and expanded its Global Network Solutions Center to a new site in Chennai, India. Since it was launched in 2007, the facility has seen a 10-fold increase in
the subscribers it supports on behalf of operators, worldwide. In all, it has grown to support 77 million, according to Nokia Siemens. In addition the center remotely manages 87,000+ base station sites, approximately 14X its capacity four years ago.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

Northrop Grumman Appoints W. Dennis Gallimore as VP of EM&L

Northrop Grumman announced that it has named W. Dennis Gallimore as the new vice president of engineering, manufacturing, and logistics (EM&L) for the Naval and Marine Systems Division of its Electronic Systems
sector. The responsibilities of the new position include overseeing all EM&L activities, including its operations at Annapolis; Sykesville, MD; and Sunnyvale, CA, as well as overseas operations. Gallimore has been with the company since 1982, most recently
serving as vice president of engineering and integrated logistic support for the company’s Shipbuilding Sector.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Northrop Grumman Announces James M. Myers as VP, GM of Civil Systems

Northrop Grumman announced that it has appointed James M. Myers as its new vice president and general manager, Civil Systems business group. This is one of four divisions within the company’s Information Systems
sector. In the new position, Myers will report to Linda A. Mills, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Information Systems. His responsibilities will include leading the company’s Information Systems sector’s business, and supporting
solutions in the civilian customer segment. Prior to this appointment, Myers served as vice president of mission assurance for the company’s Electronic Systems sector.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

PAETEC Taps Clint Heiden as SVP and President of Accounts and Fiber

PAETEC announced that it has named Clint Heiden to the position of Senior Vice President and President of National Accounts and Fiber Services. Heiden has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications
industry. His most recent position, prior to joining PAETEC, was as President of Intellifiber Networks, a subsidiary of Cavalier Telephone.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Qualcomm Reorganizes to Target New Opportunities

US-based wireless technology company Qualcomm announced organizational changes designed to better take advantage of opportunities in new markets. Global Business Operations (GBO), previously referred to as
Global Business Development, will be led by Jing Wang as executive vice president of Qualcomm and president of Global Business Operations. The GBO organization will include all of Qualcomm’s international business-focused offices, including those in
China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Southeast Asia. This organization will continue to focus on the enterprise market for Qualcomm technologies and products. A new organization called Global Market
Development (GMD) will be led by Peggy Johnson, as executive vice president of Qualcomm and president of Global Market Development. The GMD group will concentrate on commercializing new business opportunities that reside outside of an existing Qualcomm
business unit.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Software AG Appoints Kraus Executive Board Member

Software AG announced the appointment of Dr. Hans Kraus as the newest member of its Group Executive Board. He will be responsible for the new Consulting & Services Department in the DACH region (Austria,
Germany, and Switzerland). This new department was created by combining the former consulting business of IDS Scheer and the product service business of Software AG. Kraus joined IDS Scheer in 1996 and held numerous management positions until the company
was acquired by Software AG.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Sony to Close CD Manufacturing Plant in NJ

Sony plans to shut down a CD-manufacturing plant in southern New Jersey in March. About 300 employees will be laid off once the 50-year-old Sony DADC plant in Pitman, NJ is closed. Sony said it plans to shift CD-making
operations to a facility in Indiana. The company moved DVD manufacturing from the plant about a year ago. Lisa Gephardt, a Sony spokeswoman said in a statement: “In light of the current economic environment and challenges facing the physical media
industry, Sony DADC is taking additional steps to reduce cost from our supply chain network in order to remain competitive.”

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

PUBLIC SAFETY


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Most Effective Technology in Haiti Disaster: Radio

The Haiti earthquake “marked the beginning of a new culture in disaster relief,” according to a report on the disaster released by the Knight Foundation. “Occurring several years into a
revolution in communications technology, the event attracted legions of media specialists bearing new digital tools to help.” As Ars Technica noted, however, the report reveals that the electronic medium most
successfully deployed was not the newest, but one of the oldest: radio. “Although much of the attention has been paid to new media technologies, radio was the most effective tool for serving the needs of the public,” the Knight Foundation concluded.

Source: Ars Technica, 1/13/2011

Fatigue Effects on Security Operations Detailed in New Report

The ASIS Foundation released Fatigue Effects and Countermeasures in 24/7 Security Operations, a report that explores the effects of fatigue and night work on human cognitive performance. In addition, the report offers countermeasures that can
be applied to combat these effects.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

REGULATORY & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES


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Obama Picks Commerce Department for Cybersecurity ID Program

US Commerce Department Secretary Gary Locke and White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard A. Schmidt announced plans to create a National Program Office to secure
sensitive online transactions. The National Program Office, to be established within the Department of Commerce, would coordinate federal activities needed to implement the National Strategy for
Trusted Identities in Cyberspace
, an Obama Administration initiative aimed at establishing identity solutions and privacy-enhancing technologies that will make the online environment more secure.

Source: DC, 1/7/2011

DoJ to Twitter: Give Us Info that Is Linked to WikiLeaks

CNET reported that the Department of Justice has court ordered Twitter to turn over information on customer accounts with ties to WikiLeaks,
including that of Birgitta Jonsdottir, a member of Iceland’s Parliament. The order, which was sealed by a magistrate judge, was originally sent to Twitter on December 14, giving the social networking site three days to comply. But the judge unsealed the
order on Wednesday so that Twitter must now disclose the order to its customers and subscribers.

Source: CNET, 1/12/2011

European Agency Announces Botnet Workshop

The European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) will hold a workshop on botnet detection, measurement, disinfection, and
defense in March in Cologne, Germany. The workshop will touch on such topics as botnet policy initiatives, legal and regulatory issues, and cybercrime and law enforcement.

Source: ENISA, 1/10/2011

FCC Names USAC Board Members

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has named six members to the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The new members are: representative
for commercial mobile radio service providers – Scott Bergmann, Assistant Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, CTIA; representative for schools that are eligible to receive discounts – Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association;
representative for libraries that are eligible to receive discounts- Anne Campbell, Consultant, ALC Consulting; representative for cable operators – Jose Manuel Jimenez, Executive Director, Regulatory Policy & Industry Relations, Cox Communications;
representative for state consumer advocates – Wayne Jortner, Senior Counsel, State of Maine Office of the Public Advocate; representative for non-rural incumbent LECs – Joel Lubin, Vice President-Public Policy, AT&T Services.

Source: FCC, 1/11/2011

NIST Issues Special Publication on Cryptography

The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) released a document, Special Publication 800-78-3, which details cryptographic
algorithms and cryptography key sizes.

Source: NIST, 1/5/2011

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS


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Columbia Extends Agreements with Satellite Services Provider Gilat

Israel-based Gilat Satellite Networks announced that the Columbia Ministry of Information Technology and Communications, in conjunction with that country’s National Fund of Development, has extended agreements with
Gilat for the provision of services under the Rural Communitarian Telephony and Telecentros projects for an additional one-year term, through December 31st, 2011. The extended service agreements are valued at approximately $21 million USD. They are for
projects that provide telephony and public data access to remote communities throughout rural Colombia.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

SEARCH


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Hitwise Reports Bing, Yahoo Growing

Hitwise posted its results on search engine usage for December. The Web metrix company placed
Google in the lead, with 69.67% of all searches. This is down about 1% from November. Google’s loss appears to have been Microsoft‘s gain, with Bing-powered searches (Including Yahoo) gaining 2% and accounting for 25.77% of searches. Interestingly, Hitwise also noted that both Bing and Yahoo are significantly ahead of Google in
the number of searches that result in an actual visit to a Web site. Bing and Yahoo are converting visitors at a rate of around 81.5%, while Google only converts about 65.5%.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

SECURITY FLAWS & FIXES


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Apple Updates Max OS X

Apple released Mac OS X v10.6.6 to address vulnerabilities in earlier versions. Users should read the advisory and apply all updates immediately.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Update for Google Chrome Now Available

Google Chrome has been found to have various critical vulnerabilities, requiring an update to version 8.0.552.237. An advisory
has been released with further information.

Source: Secunia, 1/13/2011

Microsoft Posts Changes to Three Advisories

Microsoft updated three of its earlier security advisories. Advisory 973811 has an updated FAQ with information about a new release
enabling Office Live Meeting Service Portal to opt in to Extended Protection for Authentication, while the second advisory added a workaround. For the third advisory, the vendor added Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-001, “Vulnerability in Windows Backup Manager Could Allow Remote Code Execution,” to the Updates relating to Insecure
Library Loading section.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday Bulletin Documents Three Vulnerabilities

January’s Patch Tuesday release from Microsoft comprises just two security bulletins that address three vulnerabilities. Security
bulletin MS11-001
resolves one reported issue rated important that affects Windows Vista, addressing a vulnerability in Windows Backup Manager. The other bulletin, MS11-002,
highlights two critical vulnerabilities that affect all supported versions of Windows and an important issue within all supported versions of Windows Server.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Microsoft Revises December Bulletin

Microsoft updated one of its security bulletins from December, which addressed a vulnerability in Hyver-V that could result in a
denial of service. The bulletin revision includes a new update to the FAQ.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Vulnerability Confirmed in Nokia Multimedia Player

Nokia Multimedia Player has a critical vulnerability that could result in the execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability is confirmed in version 1.00.55.5010.

Source: Secunia, 1/12/2011

Oracle Releases Patches for Solaris Firefox

Oracle said that Firefox included in Solaris contains some flaws and released an advisory to address these issues.

Source: Secunia, 1/10/2011

Critical Flaw in Blackberry Enterprise Server Requires Update

A PDF distiller buffer flaw was found in Blackberry Enterprise Server. By exploiting this hole, hackers could execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is reported in BlackBerry Enterprise Server versions 4.1.3 through 5.0.2. An advisory recommends that users update to the latest version or to apply the Interim Security Update.

Source: Secunia, 1/12/2011

SECURITY PRODUCTS & COMPANIES


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New Program to Educate Security Managers

ASIS International (ASIS), and Northeastern University introduced Business Concepts for the Effective Security Manager, a four-day executive education program for mid-to-upper level security managers. The program was
developed to address core business fundamentals, and it will be offered in March and October of 2011 in Boston, MA.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Covad Launches MegaPath Managed Security Services

Covad announced the launch of its new MegaPath Managed Security Services. The new Security as a Service (SaaS) is designed to provide increased reliability, performance, and security to the company’s access, voice,
and data communications customers. Features of the new offering include built-in compliance, vulnerability scanning, and Security Information Management (SIM). The service also allows customers to use the Internet service provider of their choice, and can
be delivered as an on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid solution. MegaPath Managed Security Services are available from Covad now.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Nonprofit Group Offers Report on Cybersecurity

The EastWest Institute (EWI) released a report detailing the results of the First Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit: Protecting the Digital Economy, and
outlining the cybersecurity initiative’s next steps. The report offers information about EWI’s cybersecurity team building private-public partnerships to protect the undersea fiber-optic cables that carry intercontinental financial internet traffic, and
developing policies to assure international priority communications.

Source: EWI, 1/10/2011

General Dynamics’ C4 TNE Receives Government Approval

General Dynamics announced that the updated version of its C4 Trusted Systems Network Environment (TNE) Suite has been approved for use by US Government Organizations. This includes the US Department of
Defense, and intelligence community, as well as international users. TNE includes the Microsoft Office suite and the Solaris 10 operating system. More information about the General Dynamics C4 TNE is available from
its product page.

Source: Vendor, 1/12/2011

Genetec Rolls Out Updates to Omnicast Video Surveillance

Genetec has released Omnicast 4.7, the latest version of its IP video surveillance product. Omnicast 4.7 provides support for new hardware and includes product features like video trickling, simplification of unit
enrolment, HTTPS support on selected cameras, Cross Line Detection support for Axis cameras, and the addition of four new languages.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

McAfee Releases Enterprise Mobility Management 9.5

The McAfee Enterprise Mobility Management (McAfee EMM) 9.5 software is now available for purchase. EMM has been integrated with the ePolicy Orchestrator (McAfee ePO) platform in an effort to manage endpoint, network,
and data security products.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

NetSuite Joins CyberSource for New Fraud Management Tech

NetSuite announced the launch of a product integration with CyberSource, a Visa company, designed to allow customers to access CyberSource’s Decision Manager fraud management solution from within NetSuite’s
infrastructure. The companies say this will provide businesses with a completely cloud-based order management process. The technology included in the collaboration brings over 200 validation criteriea to the purchasing process, including IP geolocation,
multi-merchant transaction history, global address validation, and device fingerprinting. More information about the new joint offering can be found at NetSuite’s fraud management page.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Text Messages via SMS Can Shut Down Cell Phones

PC World reported that security researchers at the Berlin Institute of Technology have demonstrated how specially-crafted text messages that are sent to cell phones can shut them down. The scientists imitated data
messages that network providers send using short message service (SMS). Such SMS messages are used for specific network management tasks but the researchers found that they can be altered for more sinister purposes, like targeted attacks.

Source: PC World, 1/7/2011

Proofpoint Unveils New Federal Partner Program

Proofpoint launched its US Federal Partner Program, which will help its partners to meet the requirements of US federal government agencies. The program includes marketing and sales support coupled with partner
training courses.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Trend Micro Introduces SafeSync for iPhone, Android

Trend Micro announced new mobile features with SafeSync for iPhone and SafeSync for Android. SafeSync users can now access files stored on the SafeSync server from their mobile devices, and upload photos and
video to SafeSync.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

Trend Micro Offers NAS with Antivirus Protection

Trend Micro introduced NAS Security, which is designed for NAS-based Linux operating systems and helps prevent malware infections. The product protects against computer viruses, Trojans, and worms.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

Android Platform Gets Protection from Trend Micro

Mobile Security for Android from Trend Micro is a newly released application that provides security features for the Android platform. Among the features for Mobile Security are safe surfing, parental controls,
download protection, and call and text filtering.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

Trend Micro Updates USB Security with New Features

Trend Micro rolled out USB Security 2.0, with updated features to protect USB devices from malicious content in files that are transferred by such devices. The new version contains a real-time virus scan,
auto-update on pattern files, and reference of logs.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

New Report on Global Risks Available from World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum released Global Risks 2010, its annual report on the most significant and underlying global risks facing the global economy. The report argues
that the events of the past year have revealed a fundamental need to change thinking on global risks and how they are managed. Global Risks 2010 highlights the impact of the fiscal crisis and the social and political implications of high unemployment rates
in several major economies as key concerns.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

SERVERS


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HP Servers to Boost Trading Capacity for Securities Firm

Hewlett-Packard (HP) provided the converged infrastructure for Alpha Trading Systems – a Canadian equity securities trading system – to improve its trading capacity. The deployment includes new ProLiant G7 servers for
the Alpha trading platform. According to HP, these will improve performance and reduce energy consumption by up to 35 percent.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

SMARTPHONES


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Huawei Introduces IDEOS X5 Android Smart Handheld

Huawei Technologies unveiled its new IDEOS X5, an Android touchscreen smart device it is touting for its e-mail, document, and calendar management tools. It will first be available in Singapore, Hong Kong, and New
Zealand.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

Sprint Nextel, Motorola Debut Ruggedized Messaging Smartphone

Sprint Nextel and Motorola Mobility introduced the Motorola i886 smartphone. Sprint said it is the first handset with a side-sliding, full QWERTY keyboard and Nextel
Direct Connect features. The new handset meets military specification 810G requirements for dust, shock, vibration, low and high temperature, low pressure, and solar radiation. Motorola i886 supports all the Nextel Direct Connect features, including Direct
Send, Direct Talk, Group Connect and Next Mail. It is also equipped with a camera, stereo Bluetooth, MP3 player, group messaging, and GPS. Pricing and availability have not yet been released.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Verizon’s Final CES Tally: 10 New Devices for Its 4G LTE Network

Summarizing last week’s announcements from Verizon Wireless: the carrier unveiled a total of 10 consumer-oriented devices that will run on its 4G LTE network by the middle of this year. At a news conference
at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, Verizon Wireless said the forthcoming 4G LTE devices – including smartphones from HTC, LG, Motorola, and Samsung; tablets from Motorola and Samsung; a MiFi from Novatel Wireless and a mobile hotspot from Samsung; and
two notebooks from HP – will be available by mid-2011, with some available as early as March 2011.The company also announced it is expanding its 4G LTE network to an additional 140 markets by the end of this year. This week, Verizon Wireless announced
it will launch the Apple iPhone over its CDMA network. The smartphone is not yet equiped for 4G LTE.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Verizon Wireless to Carry iPhone 4 Beginning in February

As had been rumored, the Apple iPhone will be coming soon to the Verizon Wireless CDMA-based network. On Feb.
3, existing Verizon customers can preorder the iPhone 4. It will be generally available through Verizon on February 10. The price is $199.99 for a 16 gigabyte version of the iPhone 4 and $299.99 for a 32 gigabyte version. A new 2-year agreement with
Verizon Wireless is required, as is a data plan. HotSync is included, which means that up to five Wi-Fi devices can tether to the phone and use its data connection. The announcement was made at a press event held in New York City. Until now, GSM-based AT&T
has been the exclusive carrier for the iPhone.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

SOCIAL MEDIA


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Facebook Begins Rollout of New Profile to All Users

Facebook has begun the rollout of its newly-redesigned profile page. The page has been available on a voluntary basis since December. Changes include a new summary of the profile’s owner, a
"recently-tagged" photo feed, the ability to highlight meaningful relationships, and other features designed to highlight "meaningful life experiences." The changes should be available on all Facebook accounts soon.

Source: Vendor, 1/11/2011

Twitter Launches Official Mac Application

Twitter launched its new Twitter for Mac application. The app provides users with real-time updates to their timelines, automatic URL shortening, and features numerous keyboard shortcuts. Twitter also says the
redesigned application is three times faster than its predecessor, Tweetie for Mac. This is the second application to result from Twitter’s acquisition of Atebits, the company that made Tweetie for Mac and the iPhone. Twitter for Mac is available now as a
free download from the Mac App Store.

Source: Vendor, 1/7/2011

STORAGE


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Toshiba Introduces New High Speed SD Memory Cards

Toshiba America Electronic Components unveiled new secure digital memory cards. It says the new SDHC UHS-1 cards can write a 10-GB high definition movie in about two minutes, while its SDXC UHS-1 cards provide
a 64-GB storage capacity to better meet the needs of consumer electronics applications.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

WEB COMMERCE


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Infor Launches CRM Epiphany Shopping Advisor

Infor announced the launch of its new CRM Epiphany Shopping Advisor. The new product is designed to help retailers and e-commerce providers by delivering dynamically generated product and marketing offers to Web site
visitors. This solution is the third module released in the Advisor family. Features of the software include automatic product recommendations, aggregated user loyalty data, and interoperability with Infor’s previous product releases. CRM Epiphany Shopping
Advisor is available now.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

NCR Launches New Enterprise Preference Manager

NCR announced the launch of its new Enterprise Preference Manager solution. The product enables retailers to set up an online portal for their Web sites through which customers can choose their personal preferences
for shopping. More information about the Enterprise Preference Manager is available from the company’s c-tailing page.

Source: Vendor, 1/10/2011

WIRELESS


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Industry Group: Nearly 200 Operators Worldwide Committed to LTE

Some 180 operators in 70 countries are now investing in LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless technology, according to GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association), which says LTE is the fastest-developing system
in the history of mobile communications. An updated report from the industry body said 17 operators have launched LTE networks in 12 countries, including some of the world’s more mature mobile markets
such as Japan, Hong Kong, the US, and Germany. South Korea appears set to become another major mobile market launching LTE – the country’s biggest operator by revenue, SK Telecom, said it plans to launch an LTE
network by July.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

In-Stat: Bandwidth-Intensive Apps Fueling Broadband Subscriber Growth

Research firm In-Stat has released a new report on multimedia broadband services. In a summary, In-Stat said the number of global
broadband subscribers continues to grow quickly, with mobile wireless growth, in particular, exceeding expectations. According to the firm, the primary market driver continues to be the desire to access the Internet with a high-speed connection. The
growing popularity of bandwidth-intensive applications is directly spurring demand for higher-speed Internet connections, pushing the number of global subscribers to 763 million in 2010, according to In-Stat’s research. The company cited such applications
as watching online video, using IP-based telephony services, and downloading music files as key drivers.

Source: Vendor, 1/13/2011

©2011 Faulkner Information Services