Tag Archives: USA

A.R. Rahman in front of camera in Hollywood film

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Oscar winner A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) is in front of the camera in upcoming film “Son of a Preacher Man” about the life and times of Grammy winning singer-songwriter-producer PJ Morton.

Besides Rahman, other cast includes American Gospel musician Kirk Franklin (Norbit), Grammy nominated American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard (Life on a Stick), and producer Warryn Campbell (Stomp the Yard). Shot in Atlanta and New Orleans in USA and London in United Kingdom, it will be released in 2010. Michael Akwesi Djaba (Reasonable Excuse) is the director.

Rahman and Morton collaborated on Sajna song in recent Hollywood comedy “Couples Retreat”.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended multi-talented and innovative Rahman for bringing East and West closer through music and for making the world look at Indian film music more seriously. Diversity of his styles and themes was appealing to different sections of the society, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.

Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras” by Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.

To attract global cinema, Hindus suggest Malta to treat all religions equally

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Malta should treat all religions and denominations equally in front of the law to become attractive to global businesses, including filmmakers looking for exotic locations, acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, stated in Nevada (USA) today.

Malta Criminal Code reportedly makes one liable to imprisonment up to six months for publicly vilifying “Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion”, while committing such act against “any cult tolerated by law” makes one liable to imprisonment only up to three months.

Commissioner of Malta Film Commission Luisa Bonello was reportedly at the 40th International Film Festival of India (November 23 to December three) in Goa (India) to market Malta as a low expensive and diverse film shooting destination which offered cash incentives. Parts of Tamil film “Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya” directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and scored by Oscar winner A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) were reportedly shot in Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and Comino in Malta earlier this year.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, also urged Malta to replace the subject of “religion” with “comparative religion” in its public primary and secondary schools, teaching basics of all major world religions, including the viewpoint of non-believers. According to Constitution of Malta (Chapter I, Article 2, Item 3): “Religious teaching of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Faith shall be provided in all State schools as part of compulsory education.”

More than 50 feature films have been reportedly shot in Malta, including Alec Guinness starrer 1954 “Malta Story” and The Da Vinci Code, The Spy Who Loved Me, Gladiator, Casino Royale, Clash of the Titans, David Copperfield, Never Say Never Again, The Count of Monte Cristo, etc.

Malta Film Commission based in Vittoriosa is a government body for promotion, development and support of the audiovisual and film servicing industry. The Film Commissioner has the responsibility to market the locations, facilities, skills, talent and expertise available in Malta in order to attract inward investment in the form of international audiovisual productions shooting on the island. Elizabeth Lowell is the Commission Coordinator.

Maltese islands were first settled reportedly in 5,200 BCE. Few European countries have such concentrated architecture, history, and beaches in so small an area as Malta.

Real Estate Investors Rate Brazil France & USA for 2010

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Brazil, France and the USA come out as the top three places where overseas property investors were more likely to invest in 2010. The prediction came from international real estate website Homesgofast.com who revealed the top 3 countries as part of its Top Ten Places to Buy Abroad in 2010. The top ten regions produced some surprise omissions. Gone from the top ten was Spain whilst newcomers included Malaysia, South Africa and Abu Dhabi.
The hot places to invest in real estate for 2010 were compiled by Homesgofast.com after conducting a survey of 1100 of its seasoned overseas property investors. The respondents were asked to take into consideration the following factors in deciding their top places to invest in 2010
Housing market entry prices
Potential capital growth
Types of property available
Ease of purchase for international buyers
Stability in the region
Accessibility by international travellers
The attitude of government towards overseas buyers
The survey results show that Investment Property in Brazil. France and The US showed the most potential for 2010 with Brazil in coming first place. The top ten ranking looks like this:
Homesgofast.com Top Ten Places To Invest In 2010
1.) Brazil
2.) France
3.) USA
4.) Egypt,
5.) Turkey
6.) Greek Islands
7.) Australia
8.) Malaysia
9.) South Africa
10.)Abu Dhabi

Commenting about the top 3 regions for investment s Nicholas Marr CEO Homesgofast.com said “Brazil is on every international real estate investor’s lips right now. The Olympic effect has seen investment from all over the world and entry into this market is easier with low property prices. France is not a surprise as it’s a firm favourite with UK buyers with a huge variety of property and a relatively stable housing market. The USA property market is offering armchair investors superb investments, as an example we are promoting 3 bed houses that come with a paying tenant for £15,000. Florida is a buyer’s paradise with brand luxury homes going for the price of a cramped studio apartment in the UK. Recent news from the region indicates that Florida prices have bottomed out and the only way for prices to go is up.
Homesgofast.com promotes over 200,000 international listings from property developer’s real estate agents and individuals and has been online since 2003. The website has thousands of visitors per day and a large database of international investors seeking property investments abroad

Source: WEBWIRE

The William James Foundation Seeks Sustainable Start-Ups to Support

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Once the business plans have been submitted to the competition, they are reviewed by a pool of more than 350 CEOs, bankers, professors, and mission-driven entrepreneurs. These reviewers allow the foundation to provide an average of ten pages of constructive feedback per entrant per round. Other partners have contributed more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind support to the top teams.

The William James Foundation recognizes that it is just one piece of the puzzle in providing a hand up to the next generation of sustainable business. Another major resource is the associations and gatherings of those who are trying to walk the path of financial, social, and environmental viability together.

The Foundation charges a $50 processing fee to enter our competitions. That fee is reduced to $40 if the entrants are from outside of the USA, to cover any currency exchange costs.

To thank the associations who provide support to socially responsible entrepreneurs, the fee is reduced to $25 if an advisor or member of the applicants management team is an active member in any of these organizations: Net Impact, The Social Venture Network, The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, Green America Business Network, The Social Enterprise Alliance, Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, The Affinity Lab, The Sustainable Business Network of Washington, Wall Street Without Walls, EcoLoCity, NCIIA, Ashoka, The Hub, The Investors Circle, or Live Green.

A variety of other individual partners have been given application discount codes. Those codes must be included in the application email in order to receive the discount. As a bonus to readers of CSRwire, if you are not already a member of one of the organizations listed above, include CSRwireN30 in your application email and your fee will be reduced to $25. There are also a limited number of full scholarships available to those for whom any payment would be a financial hurdle. To request a fee waiver, or ask any other questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Organizations and individuals with the desire and ability to provide resources and investments to the next great ideas should contact the Foundations executive director, Ian Fisk, at [email protected].

Philips wins Hong Kong Design Award for advanced LED technology

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Philips LED Candle combines nostalgic look with new technology
Eindhoven, The Netherlands – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is pleased to announce that the Philips’ LED candle, from the Novallure series, has been recognized by the Hong Kong Designers Association with the silver HKDA Asia Design Award 09.

Advantages of the LED candle:
* Reduced energy consumption without compromising light quality;
* Comfortable transition from traditional technology to advanced LED technology;
* Reduced carbon pollution through saving energy;
* Bright sparkle and similar ambient light effect at significant lower power wattage.

The retrofit lamp is designed to be seen. Its performance is matched by a cool, streamlined styling. What makes the design of the LED candle innovative and different from other LEDs is the candle shape and its bright sparkling and ambient light effect. The LED candle is made specifically for chandeliers and kind-like luminaires.
LED lamps provide an energy saving of approximately 80% over incandescent lamps while providing similar light quality. Consumers can simply switch bulbs for almost every luminaires they may have, and save energy from the first day onwards.

Sean Hughes, Senior Design Director, Philips Design, Branch Hong Kong: “We are proud to receive the silver award as a recognition of our design capabilities towards LED lighting solutions. The combination of its candle shape, the used material and the light effect makes it a unique way to enhance and personalize the atmosphere at home, in a sustainable way. You can easy replace the old lamp with this LED lamp, as it matches existing candle lamp fixtures.” Next to the silver award, the LED candle was also rewarded by two judges for its product design.

The HKDA Award originated in Hong Kong in 1975 and has become one of the biggest professional design competitions in the region. It is a comprehensive multidisciplinary award for professional design in the fields of graphic, product, spatial and new media. The Philips LED candle has been awarded for its product design. http://www.hongkongda.com/awards09/

The LED candle is part of the Novallure series. More information can be found on: http://www.consumer.philips.com/c/energy-saving-light/23289/cat/gb/
About Philips Design
Philips Design, with 8 branch studios in Europe, the USA and Asia Pacific. Its creative force of some 500 professionals, representing more than 35 different nationalities, embraces disciplines as diverse as psychology, cultural sociology, anthropology and trend research in addition to the more ’conventional’ design-related skills. The mission of these professionals is about creating solutions that satisfy people’s needs, empower them and make them happier, all of this without destroying the world in which we live.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Source: WEBWIRE

Florida protest targets Mall shoppers

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More than twenty Fort Lauderdale Tamils protested in front of the Sawgrass Mills shopping center Saturday drawing attention to the shoppers of the boycott campaign to shun Made in Sri Lanka goods, especially garments. The Florida mall is one of the biggest in South East of USA, and visited by most tourists from Caribbean and South American countries. Leaflets distributed said that trade in garments by US big label stores with Sri Lanka promotes a Government that has allegedly killed thousands of Tamil civilians, committing possible war-crimes in the process, according to a recent US State Department report.

Source: TamilNet

Berns Communications Group Unveils 2010 Retail Trends Noted by Leading Industry Experts

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In 2009, consumers became fixated on value, upending the retail industry
as we once knew it. This new consumer mindset has fueled a retail price
war across all categories, from up-and-coming luxury online newcomers
like Rue La La and Gilt Groupe to promotional discount giants like
Amazon and Wal-Mart. But price alone will not bring the consumer back as
evidenced by last weekends holiday sales reports.
Berns Communications Group challenged some of the industrys leading
retail experts to weigh-in on this holiday season and those strategies
critical to bringing the consumer back in 2010. Here are some of the
emerging value trends that theyve identified:
Leaner inventory strategies will change the way consumers shop.
Consumers are likely to find the greatest value in shopping early this
season, according to LF USA President Rick Darling, who noted that with
inventory levels down as much as 10%, the most sought after holiday
items are likely to be sold-out. Consumers accustomed to holding out for
drastically slashed prices will find this practice is no longer viable
and may be better served shopping online for those hot Zhu Zhu pets and
other sought after holiday items.
Online shopping is expected to post the strongest growth numbers
this season as value conscious consumers surf the web for best deals.
According to Robin Lewis, CEO of The Robin Report, online shopping could
account for nearly 25 % of all sales this season, as consumers look to
reduce the temptation to impulse shop, while cutting down on gas and
other costs related to shopping. Those who do venture out to the malls
may be surprised by what they find.
Grocery stores, medical clinics and business offices are giving
the mall a makeover, according to Abbey Doneger, President of
The Doneger Group. With prominent mall real estate available, local mom
and pop retailers and temporary pop-up stores are finding a new home in
the mall.
Pop-up stores are bringing new value to consumers and retailers
alike. These temporary outlets create a unique and exciting
shopping experience for consumers, as well as an innovative, inexpensive
marketing and distribution strategy for retailers as diverse as Toys R
Us, eBay, and Gucci.
Private sales, proprietary product launches and other “member
only” offerings will bring exclusivity back to the luxury category,
according to Gilbert Harrison, Chairman of Financo, Inc. “Expect the
luxury value proposition to change forever as department stores and
designer brands work to reconnect with this consumer.”
A new breed of visionaries will lead the retail transformation.
Succession planning at the chief executive level will deliver growth and
increase shareholder value, according to Les Berglass,
Chairman of Berglass + Associates, which has witnessed a 50% increase in
succession planning searches. Arming the executive suite with an
innovative talent base is critical to those forward looking retailers
who are successfully navigating this new retail reality.
While a focus on value has been the catalyst for this transformation,
innovation and creativity will be the key drivers in 2010 — challenging
the retail industry to develop new ways to re-engage the customer and
stimulate consumer spending.
About Berns Communications Group, LLC (BCG)
Berns Communications Group is a New York-based business communications
firm. The company provides corporate/financial public relations
expertise that helps raise the visibility and stature of its clients by
articulating and promoting a well-defined market position. For
information, please visit the company’s website at www.bcg-pr.com

Source: Business Wire

EastPay Announces New Legal Support Services

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As part of its continued focus on value-added member services, EastPay
announces its new Legal Support Services as an additional resource
covering payments law and regulations. This referral service is
available as part of EastPay’s suite of Professional Services, which
includes Risk Management Services, ACH Compliance Audits, Payments
Advisory Services, and Customized Training. Al Watkins, Attorney-at-Law
and Special Counsel to EastPay, will provide this new member service.
Support is provided in all areas of payments law and regulations,
including but not limited to:
ACH Operating Rules
Wire Transfers
Checks, including remotely created checks, check imaging, and Check 21
Cards, including debit cards, payroll cards, and stored value cards
Government payments
Federal regulations (Regs CC, D, E, J, etc.)
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Articles 3, 4, and 4A
OFAC regulations
Bank Secrecy Act
USA PATRIOT Act
FACT Act Red Flag Rules (amending the Fair Credit Reporting Act)
“Know Your Customer”
ECCHO Rules
National Check Clearinghouse Rules
Service agreement review
Consultation with Financial Institution’s counsel for state-specific
matters
“This is a unique service among the Regional Payments Association
community,” said Norman Robinson, AAP, CTP, EastPay’s President and CEO.
“EastPay members now have an attorney with over 20 years of experience
in the financial services industry at their fingertips, and at
preferential rates.” Services provided by Mr. Watkins to each EastPay
member constitute an independent attorney-client relationship subject to
the attorney-client privilege.
Al Watkins practiced law in Texas for ten years, representing financial
institutions and other businesses in the financial services industry. He
subsequently served as Associate General Counsel of Compass Bank in
Birmingham, Alabama, with responsibility for the legal affairs of the
bank’s Corporate and Wealth Management Divisions. Mr. Watkins returned
to private practice in 2001, concentrating his practice in the
regulation of the financial services industry, and the law and
regulation of payment systems.
Mr. Watkins will present numerous regulatory webinars as well as
in-person Payments Regulatory Workshops on behalf of EastPay in 2010.
These full-day workshops will address how ACH, checks, and wire transfer
relate to each other and how the ACH Operating Rules fit within the
system of rules, laws, and regulations to create a unified regulatory
scheme that governs all modes of payment. The workshops will provide
guidance on service agreements, financial institutions’ relationships
with payments customers, and allocation of risk in the system. To find
out more about all the sessions or to register, call 1-800-681-4224 or
go to www.eastpay.org.
ABOUT EASTPAY:
EastPay is a trade association providing the financial and business
communities in the Southeast with payments education, compliance
support, consulting, and risk management services. As accredited experts
on payments and the operating rules of the Automated Clearing House
(ACH) network, EastPay helps organizations take advantage of the
opportunities and avoid the risks presented by the phenomenal growth of
electronic payments. EastPay is a Regional Payments Association member
of NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association.

Source: Business Wire

Prime Minister calls on President

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The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh called on the President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The meeting lasted for about 40 minutes. The Prime Minister briefed the President about his recent visit to the USA and his discussions with Heads of Government at CHOGM held at Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. The two leaders also discussed about matters relating to internal security, the ongoing Parliament Session and various other issues of national and international importance.

GM India November sales up by 65%

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Riding high on the success of the popular Chevrolet brand, General Motors India has registered a record growth of 65% in sales in November 2009, compared to the corresponding period last year. It sold 7,118 units in November against 4,307 units in November last year, making this the highest-ever sales figure achieved in the November month by GM India since its inception. The November 2009 sales comprise of 4,202 units of the Chevrolet Spark, 1,264 units of the Chevrolet Tavera, 524 units of Aveo U-Va, 412 Units of Aveo, 518 units of Chevrolet Cruze, 114 Units of Chevrolet Optra and 84 units of the Chevrolet Captiva.

Commenting on this impressive performance, Mr. P. Balendran, Vice President, GM India said “achieving these levels of growth month after month clearly reflects the customers’ confidence in our products. We are pleased to see such robust growth for all our car lines and we believe these world class products will further propel the Chevrolet brand in the market. As like other car lines, the response to the recently launched Chevrolet Cruze has also been found overwhelming.

Gearing up for a major drive to further consolidate its position in the automobile Market, General Motors India is now appointing more dealers and authorized service outlets in urban, semi-urban and other cities to widen its network and reach out to its valued customers across the nation. GM India’s rapidly growing network of Chevrolet dealerships and service centres includes 195 authorized sales points and 198 service outlets. More are in the pipeline to support the increasing demand for GM products. It has also entered into financing arrangements with some of the public and private sectors banks to offer low EMI schemes to its valued customers.

General Motors India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors Company, USA, has completed over 12 years of operation in India. GM India started its journey in 1996 and now offers products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003. Chevrolet had already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive nameplates in India. GM India produces the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrole Cruze, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet SR-V, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Tavera for sale in India and operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.

After book, Julia Roberts starrer movie—now enjoy “Eat, Pray, Love” tour

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Popularity of the Oscar winner Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman) starring “Eat, Pray, Love”, which is yet to hit theaters, seems to have resulted in a Las Vegas (USA) travel company offering “Eat, Pray and Love” tour.

The company is offering experience through which Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love”, went through by providing a week-long tour of Bali (Indonesia) from May 20-27 next. It includes palm readings by Ketut Liyer (87) featured in Gilbert’s book, vitamin lunch at Wayan’s tiny restaurant, visit to Hindu temples and learning how the local Hindus pray, meditation or yoga practice each morning, open air shower. One can pose for a picture with Ketut and get his autograph on the book at no charge.

The tour description says: “A family of monkeys may wander over to sit on your balcony or walk down to lunch with you”. It further mentions: Think of this as either of the “India” portion of the trip, and fully participate in the yoga classes, or like the “Italy” portion of the trip, and sleep in! But praying is reportedly an integral part of the tour.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged the tour company that while showcasing Hindu prayers-traditions-concepts-meditation to the groups, stick to the authentic version. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, offered to help if asked.

Roberts was in Italy, India, and Bali in the recent past shooting for “Eat, Pray, Love” based on Pushcart Prize winner Elizabeth Gilbert’s spirituality/travel memoir (played by Roberts). Directed by Emmy nominated Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck) and aiming at a release next year, it also stars Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Oscar nominated Richard Jenkins (The Visitor), Oscar nominated Viola Davis (Doubt), Golden Globe winner James Franco (Pineapple Express).

Gilbert’s bestseller memoir “Eat, Pray, Love” is about her self-discovery and soul-searching after her nasty divorce, exploring through India, Italy, and Indonesia, a journey which is pleasurable as well as enlightening. It was number one on New York Times Paperback Nonfiction List for over a year and its over five million copies were reportedly now in print. “Eat, Pray, Love” T-shirts, baseball caps, throw pillows, and mugs are already on sale.

Lifeboat to Distribute Liquidware Labs’ Assessment and User Experience Management Solutions

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Alpharetta, Ga – November 30, 2009 – Liquidware Labs, the leader in User Experience Management for next generation desktops, today announced an agreement with Lifeboat Distribution, an international specialty software distributor for virtualization, security, application lifecycle, and network infrastructure products.
Lifeboat will offer Liquidware Labs Stratusphere and Liquidware Labs ProfileUnity through its network of value added resellers and solution providers in North America, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
Stratusphere and ProfileUnity speed adoption and lower the cost of rolling-out new desktop technologies such as VMware View, Citrix XenDesktop, and Microsoft Windows 7. Together the solutions provide assessment, migration, configuration, and user service level assurance, giving integrators and administrators an “On-Ramp” and ongoing user management of new desktop platforms.
“The benefits of moving an organization to new desktop platforms such as VDI have been proven,” said Patrick Clark, chief revenue officer for Liquidware Labs. “The only pieces that have been missing until now are solutions like Stratusphere and ProfileUnity which enable solution providers and administrators to easily right-size existing infrastructure and provide a migration and management path forward. We’re pleased to make our solutions available to Lifeboat’s entire channel. Integrators will immediately find value in Stratusphere’s ability to assess customers for new desktop technologies such as VMware View 4. They will also have ProfileUnity as a clear solution for user migration and management of the environment.”
“Virtual desktops are a significant business opportunity for solution providers, and Liquidware Labs’ assessment and user experience management solutions are an ideal line extension, in combination with leading VDI technologies,” said Dan Jamieson, Vice President and General Manager at Lifeboat Distribution. “Our resellers will see great value in using Stratusphere and ProfileUnity to drive their services business, as well as to help customers speed adoption and ease management of virtual and next generation desktop projects.”
VARs and solution providers interested in reselling Liquidware Labs’ assessment and user experience management solutions may contact Lifeboat by phone at +1-800-847-7078 (USA)/ +1-905-828-2052 (Canada)/ +1-732-389-0037 ext 7240 (International), by email via sales@lifeboatdistribution.com, or on the web at www.lifeboatdistribution.com.
About Liquidware Labs
Liquidware Labs™ (LWL) is the leader in Assessment and User Experience Management for next generation desktops including VMware View, Citrix XenDesktop, and Microsoft Windows 7. The company’s Stratusphere™ and ProfileUnity™ solutions have been described by analysts as the industry’s first “On-Ramp to VDI” by providing complete methodology and software that enable organizations to cost-effectively plan, migrate, and manage their next generation desktop infrastructure with best practices in mind. LWL’s comprehensive solutions provide Assessment, Personalization Management, User Configuration, and Service Level Assurance. LWL products are VMware and Citrix certified, and are available through a global network of certified partners. Visit www.liquidwarelabs.com for further information.
About Lifeboat Distribution
Lifeboat Distribution, a subsidiary of Wayside Technology Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTG), is an international specialty software distributor for virtualization, security, application and network infrastructure, business continuity/disaster recovery, database infrastructure and management, application lifecycle management, science/engineering, and other technically sophisticated products. The company helps software publishers recruit and build multinational solution provider networks, power their networks, and drive incremental sales revenues that complement existing sales channels. Lifeboat Distribution services thousands of solution providers, VARs, systems integrators, corporate resellers, and consultants worldwide, helping them power a rich opportunity stream, expand their margin+ services revenues, and build profitable product and service businesses.

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Source: WEBWIRE

Philips helps hospitals strike balance between innovation and value

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Responding directly to customer concerns, Philips’ latest healthcare solutions address financial needs by leveraging innovation

Chicago, USA – At the upcoming Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting starting Sunday, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) will demonstrate a new range of healthcare imaging and informatics solutions designed to directly address the priorities of patients and care providers, by delivering meaningful imaging innovations that reflect a desire for value, modular price points and easy upgradability. This focus will enable Philips to provide continued access to advanced technology despite pressures on providers, thereby reaffirming its commitment to put patients and clinicians first.

The economic downturn is forcing hospitals to reevaluate their equipment priorities: The American Hospital Association reports that 9 of 10 hospitals are cutting back in response to the marked deterioration in the economy, and 7 in 10 hospitals say declining overall financial health will affect their ability to care for their communities.1

Upgradability, value and overall lower cost of ownership are the cornerstones of the new solutions, which cover Magnetic Resonance (MR), Computed Tomography (CT) and X-ray among others. Additionally, Philips Customer Services and its Healthcare Informatics (HI) business will play an increasing role in assisting hospitals to further drive efficiency gains from their investments. The result is new, advanced healthcare technologies that will deliver greater benefit to the patient and clinician alike.

“With hospitals more closely scrutinizing their equipment purchases and the business justification for them, Philips has focused on developing innovations that expand clinical capabilities, increase productivity and deliver value to our customers feeling the pinch of the financial recession and credit crisis,” said Steve Rusckowski, executive vice president and chief executive officer, for Philips Healthcare.

“Philips will always innovate, but we must also focus on helping customers strike a balance between clinical excellence and cost of patient care. Nobody wins when hospitals have to choose one over the other.”

These new offerings range from equipment that can be easily upgraded and fit in half the space, to information management solutions for smaller hospitals that meet the everyday requirements of these facilities. The goal of these systems is to offer choice and flexibility of clinical capabilities at various price points to best satisfy customers’ individual needs.

Philips maintains a strong commitment to building innovations that meet the growing demands of radiologists, and the company is introducing advancements in CT that focus on improving dose management, image quality, workflow and efficiency. These new features are available on new CT systems, as well as an upgrade for the current installed base.

Ensuring maximum uptime of interventional X-ray systems is key to maintaining a smooth clinical workflow. For new and existing customers, the Allura Xper FD20 combines a full range of advanced interventional tools and seamless multi-modality catheterization lab integration. It also offers a balance between superb image quality and low X-ray dose during lengthy procedures. The system is upgradable, offering access to the latest clinical and service innovations as part of the lifetime Philips commitment.

Additionally, the Philips Achieva XR is the only magnetic resonance (MR) scanner that can be installed as a 1.5T and upgraded to a 3.0T system. The ability to adopt 3.0T technology via a software and accessories upgrade can help save healthcare providers between $750,000 and $1 million dollars when compared to taking out an existing system and installing a new scanner.

In addition to upgrades, Philips is also showcasing several new space-saving and cost-effective solutions such as the Essenta DR Compact2, a new fully-digital X-ray system that delivers high-quality images with significant price reductions compared to traditional high-end digital radiography (DR) systems. The system can be used for all general radiography examinations and is ideal for mid-sized hospitals, imaging centers, private clinics and orthopedic clinics.

The new Philips BrightView XCT represents a leap forward in hybrid imaging, as it can acquire the entire heart volume in just one rotation. It leverages a co-planar design with advanced Philips flat-detector X-ray CT technology to provide high-quality CT alongside insightful SPECT imaging. This system can be a good choice for hospitals looking to replace their SPECT camera with a hybrid SPECT/CT system, as it can be installed within the footprint of a traditional SPECT camera, reducing the need for costly construction and exam room modifications.

For smaller institutions and emerging markets, Philips is also introducing a new picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) solution allowing radiologists to share, collaborate and access radiology images. The new Philips Media Distribution Center (MDC) PACS solution comes at a lower price point and offers modular functionality and is scalable to meet a customer’s evolving needs. The MDC PACS delivers an easy-to-use, easy-to-install image management system at a lower cost of ownership to help fulfill the requirements of image viewing, distribution and archiving.

Finally, Philips Customer Services is announcing Utilization Services, an offering that is designed to help healthcare providers increase their competitiveness by optimizing the operational performance of their imaging department and leveraging the full value of their existing technology. By acquiring objective data about scanner performance remotely, Philips’ Utilization Services allow care providers to pinpoint and minimize inefficiencies to make the best use of their time. This helps to improve procedural workflow and quality of care, and reduce patient waiting lists by easily and quickly providing detailed insights into how imaging systems are used during exams and analyzing ways to increase efficiency.

1 American Hospital Association, “The Economic Crisis: Ongoing Monitoring of Impact on Hospitals.” Results of AHA Rapid Response Survey, August/September 2009. http://www.aha.org/aha/research-and-trends/health-and-hospital-trends/20…
2 The Essenta DR Compact is not available for sale in the U.S., but is available for sale in Canada.

Source: WEBWIRE

DQE signs with Sony Pictures

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DQE, the Animation, Gaming and Entertainment production and distribution company, which recently filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus with The Securities and Exchange Board of India for approval for an Initial Public Offer and subsequent listing in India, is pleased to announce a confirmation from SPHE for Home Video distribution deal for another 3 animated properties produced by DQE. This deal, for DQE produced, globally successful TV series – Casper, Sandra and an Indian TV feature Omkar, will provide SPHE exclusive rights for Home Video distribution in South Asia and a multimillion INR revenue for DQE.

Casper’s Scare School is a 52×11’ 3D animated TV series co-produced with MoonScoop, France and Classic Media, USA. The series premiered in Canada on YTV and TF1 in France . The series is being broadcast on Viacom18’s kids channel – Nick, from November 2009 across South Asia.

Sandra is a 52×11’ animated TV series co-produced by DQE and IMIRA, Spain. The property has been acquired by Disney India for broadcast in India.

Omkar is a 70’ animated TV series DQE home production. The property is set to debut on Turner Entertainment Networks’ POGO or Cartoon network channels.

Flash Fontanelli Music Album “FIRANGI“ Creates Havoc in Asian Community

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New York, USA, November 28, 2009 ~ Indo-American Singer-Songwriter Flash Fontanelli, with his unique voice and exotic instrumentation, will officially release his debut album , FIRANGI, on November 30th, 2009.
Love him or hate him, Flash Fontanelli, the self-proclaimed Emperor of Chaos, is the most outrageous personality to ever hit the Asian music scene. Hailed by fans as being the new voice for Desi youth and denounced by critics as being a misrepresentation of Asian values, most would agree that Fontanelli is a musical mastermind. Guaranteed to take World Music to a new dimension, FIRANGI is an incredible collection of 18 innovative tracks filled with ethnic vigor, energy, and emotion. Songs include Shahrukh Khan, IRAQ, Laugh and Desire Wire to name a few.
Flash broke cultural and musical barriers, societal norms and stereotypes in a manner that was anything but traditional on his rise to fame. His music, often overshadowed by his loud personality, is unique to the point that it fits no existing genre. Flash sings in English but his music is distinctly ethnic. Combining Indian music with Hip Hop, Rock and Reggae, and using a wide array of instruments from places like Greece, Ireland, Jamaica and Egypt to name a few, Flash has created a new form of musical expression. The multi-talented Fontanelli is not only a singer, but also a composer, musician, songwriter and producer. His voice is raw, deep and husky. He has been compared to Elvis Presley and Jim Morrisson. His vocal ability is undeniably versatile. He can rap, he can sing low, high, soft, smooth or loud. And his musical formula is original. Most Flash Fontanelli songs have both a musical hook and a vocal hook.
Flash Fontanelli, born in India, migrated with his family to Liverpool, England at the age of 2. Four years later, they settled in the United States and he has since lived in New York, California, Connecticut, South Carolina, Illinois and Arizona. He was introduced to music at age 10 by skilled guitarist and family friend, Javid Hassan. By age 13, Flash had mastered the piano and was writing songs with ease. He was the songwriter and frontman for several Punk & Metal bands, including User Friendly and Skull Krusher, in his teenage years. At age 19, Flash went to his native India for what was supposed to be a one month vacation. Drawn to the culture, languages and music, he ended up staying for six months. It was in Mumbai that he met Indian Music Director & accomplished programmer Satya Narayan. Under Narayan’s tutiledge, Flash came back with a strong understanding and passion for Indian Music. After his return to the States, Fontanelli was working two jobs while singing and playing keyboard for the Bhangra influenced Reggae-Ska band, Coconut Swing. But frustrated by the politics and close-minded nature of the music industry, Flash gave up music for three years. On the insistence of his friends and family, Flash decided to give it one more go in 2008. It was then that he met Jon Weil, lead guitarist of Busticles and a professional Sound Engineer at Fuzzywallz Recording Studio in Tempe,AZ. Flash started recording with Jon at Fuzzywallz Studio and it didn’t take long for Fontanelli to grow a strong internet following, much to the credit of Akash Suresh, a professional DJ and Indian party promoter. The response from the younger generation of Desi’s living in the United States and United Kingdom was overwhelming. Fontanelli was playing shows again from California to London. The big break came in February 2009 when film director Fredy Polania heard the song Shahrukh Khan and wanted to shoot a Music Video for it. The video was launched on May 28, 2009 and became an instant hit on You Tube. This led to radio play and increased exposure, making Shahrukh Khan the ethnic party anthem of the Summer.
Flash Fontanelli has been busy the past few months, completing a 3 continent tour that saw him perform in New York, London and Mumbai to name a few places. Then Blue Mango Records came calling, in conjunction with Indian label Leit Motif Records, and offered him a recording contract. He accepted, citing creative control as the primary reason, and recorded his debut album. Firangi features work from Jon Weil, talented Indian producer Manik Satya, Bollywood playback singer Tarannum Mallik, guitar prodigy Nitesh Dean and Sound Engineer Alex Patole. The album was mastered by engineer Jerome Schmitt from Air Mastering in London, UK.

In addition to release of his music album, there is also a treat for the eyes for Flash Fontanelli fans as they get to see him in flesh. His second music video for the track “IRAQ”, directed by Thomas Jacob, was released on November 10, 2009. This video will be offered to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-NoDerivs license, so that the people around the world can legally copy, distribute, and share the clip.
In a recent interview, Flash Fontanelli said: Some kids grow up wanting to be Lil Wayne. Some grow up wanting to be Jay Sean or Ozzy Osbourne. Me? I just wanted to be Flash Fontanelli. My goal is to make the most flavorful music possible in a way that no one else has ever done before. I want to introduce the world to Desi Music. And I want to introduce my Desi’s to World Music. My music may have a new sound but it relates to YOUR life. Some songs will make you happy, some will make you bounce up and down and party with your homies. Some will make you remember someone that you have lost. But in the end, If it invoked some sort of emotion in you, then I succeeded. I don’t believe in following rules. Rules are false boundaries that society created with the intention of killing innovation and progress. So f*** the rules
Music critic Chris Mark —a respected name in World Music—states, This artist is going to revolutionize music the way it’s seen and heard in the UK and USA. It’s modern World Fusion mixed with catchy hooks, witty lyrics and that signature Flash Fontanelli style. FIRANGI is an eclectic blend of powerful Bhangra beats, exotic instrumentation, Rock, Reggae and Indian Hip Hop. The only regret with this amazing journey is that it ends, leaving us wanting for more musical enchantment. This is one POWERFULL new voice
.
To listen to or download MP3’s or to watch music videos from Flash Fontanelli, check out his website at:
www.flashfontanelli.com

Source: WEBWIRE

Infineon Extends Energy Efficient Lighting Portfolio; Introduces Low-Cost Driver Family for Half Watt LEDs

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Neubiberg, Germany – Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) is extending its portfolio of energy efficient lighting ICs with a new family of low cost linear LED drivers. The new BCR320 and BCR420 product families address the burgeoning market for energy-saving and environmentally friendly light-emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions. Specifically designed for driving 0.5W LEDs with a typical current of 150mA to 200mA, these LED drivers feature a negative thermal coefficient contributing to a long lifetime of LEDs and a digital interface for a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal for dimming.
With the recent introduction of higher efficiency 0.5W LEDs this class of products is expected to be adopted in a wider range of applications. However, currently available resistor solutions for biasing LED current have significant disadvantages such as inhomogeneous light output and reduced lifetime of LEDs. Alternatively, switch mode drivers do not meet the required price point for 0.5W LED applications, and drive up the number of parts and the complexity of driver circuit.
The new BCR320 and BCR420 LED drivers are tailored to address these deficiencies for 0.5W LED applications, providing a very low cost and simple solution with a small form factor.
With both devices, the usage of inductors, capacitors and free-wheeling diode can be avoided resulting in cost savings and a very small PCB space requirement. The elimination of electrolytic capacitors can also contribute to the extended lifetime of the LED system.
Technical details on LED driver families BCR320 and BCR420: Benchmark in price-performance ratio
The BCR320 products are designed for a peak output current of up to 300mA. For continuous operation a maximum nominal current of 250mA is recommended. While this device has an internal breakdown voltage of typically 20V, it can be operated at supply voltages of 24V or higher since the driver is operated in series with the LEDs.
The BCR320 is targeted at general lighting, architectural and mood lighting applications. Another fast growing segment is shop lighting where 0.5W LEDs are preferred in order to spread the light and avoid glare. BCR320 devices have a negative thermal coefficient, which means that in case of temperature increase the current is lowered with a slope of 0.2% / K. The BCR320U and BCR321U versions are available in a very small SC-74 package (2.9mm x 2.5mm x 1.1mm) with 1W power dissipation. The BCR320P and BCR321P types will be offered in a SOT-223 package (6.5mm x 7.0mm x 1.6mm) providing a higher power dissipation of 2W. The BCR321U and BCR321P versions both offer a logic level input for dimming.
The BCR420 products have a higher internal breakdown voltage and a lower output current than the BCR320 devices. The internal breakdown voltage is typically 50V and the nominal output current is 150mA. The BCR420 LED drivers are intended for use in similar applications as mentioned above for a maximum drive current of 150mA. In addition, qualification for use in automotive applications, based on AECQ 101 certification, is ongoing. BCR420 and BCR421 products are available in SC-74 package. The BCR421 is the dimmable version with a microcontroller interface.
Availability and pricing
Volume production of the BCR320U and BCR420U LED drivers has started. Volume production for the BCR320P and BCR321P is expected in the first quarter of 2010. In quantities of a few thousand units, pricing for the BCR320 and BCR420 ranges between approximately Euro 0.18 and Euro 0.23 (USD $0.25 and USD $0.32) per unit.
Infineon offers a comprehensive range of LED driver solutions characterized by robustness and cost-effectiveness, meeting the evolving and expanding requirements of lighting applications. Further information on Infineon’s LED Driver ICs is available at www.infineon.com/leddriver
About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, communications, and security. In the 2009 fiscal year (ending September), the company reported sales of Euro 3.03 billion with approximately 25,650 employees worldwide. With a global presence, Infineon operates through its subsidiaries in the U.S. from Milpitas, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore, and in Japan from Tokyo. Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

Source: WEBWIRE

IQWiG calls for compulsory publication of all clinical trials

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This release is available in German.

Today the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) is calling for registration and publication of the results of all clinical trials to be made obligatory. The German Federal Government must push for a mandatory regulation to be implemented at EU level; in the USA this obligation has been in force since 2008. This has been brought to a head by the publication of the final report on three antidepressants which was greatly hindered by Pfizer. For a long time, the manufacturer refused to make information on trials available to IQWiG. Only when put under public pressure did Pfizer finally disclose the data.

By concealing available study data, the manufacturer is depriving patients and doctors of the opportunity to make an informed decision on different therapy options, explains Peter T. Sawicki, Director of IQWiG. Furthermore, it hinders the work of institutions such as IQWiG. IQWiGs aim is to draw reliable conclusions concerning the benefit and harm of drugs. These provide the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) with a scientific basis for its decisions on reimbursement of drugs.

No trivial offence

The fact that study results are only partially published has been known by the term publication bias for over 20 years. In this respect, it has been shown that particularly negative studies, in which, for example, the companys drug did not produce the hoped-for result or even proved to have no effect, are published only years later or not at all. This means that patients and doctors receive an overoptimistic picture of the effects based solely on published reports.

This trend is still one of the most important and dangerous sources of error in medicine. Deception through concealment is no trivial offence, says Sawicki. In extreme cases, patients may even receive useless or harmful treatments if information is incomplete.

For example, in the treatment of depression other researchers have already shown that the effect of several agents has always been overestimated in the published literature – up to 70% (on average about 30%). In the case of some agents, it is even doubtful whether a benefit is detectable at all, if all trials are considered.

Voluntary commitment is not enough

It is particularly dangerous that doctors and researchers are often totally unaware that unpublished trials exist. In order to solve this problem, IQWiG concluded a basic agreement on the transfer of such data with the German Association of Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA) as early as 2005. Furthermore, in January 2005 the international associations of the pharmaceutical industry announced a voluntary commitment to disclose information on clinical trials.

However, these announcements from the pharmaceutical industry cannot be relied upon. In recent years, companies have repeatedly refused to provide the Institute with study documents required for the benefit assessment of drugs. Frequently, clinical trial registries, which have been set up in recent years, do not contain these data either.

Only one third of data on reboxetine has been made publicly available

The aim of the project just completed was to assess the benefit of the three agents, reboxetine, mirtazapine and bupropion XL in the treatment and prevention of depression. The complete data on reboxetine now available to us show that approximately 5100 patients were treated in the 17 trials included in the benefit assessment. Sufficiently transparent published data were available for only 1600 of those patients. Thus, the results of approximately 2/3 of the patients are missing in the publicly available literature. The published results suggest a benefit, but this cannot be proven when all the data are considered.

Rapid implementation of statutory regulations is necessary

IQWiGs experience has shown that the existing countermeasures, which are primarily based on voluntary solutions in Germany and Europe, are inadequate. It is not known when and how statutory regulations aimed at solving the problem will actually take effect. IQWiG is therefore calling for an EU-wide legal obligation, bound by tight deadlines, to publish the results of clinical trials.

In the USA this obligation has been clearly implemented by law since 2008, explains Sawicki. We need a comparable, definite and transparent implementation for Europe as soon as possible. In this context, it is essential that such an obligation must also apply retrospectively to drugs already approved. Moreover, statutory regulations are necessary so that all data are provided on request to institutions such as IQWiG or the G-BA.

By concealing data, manufacturers are also breaking agreements that were made with study participants, who put themselves at risk by taking part in experiments both voluntarily and altruistically. Through their participation and the publication of the results, they also want to help others who are ill. This is a prerequisite of their consent to participate in drug trials. Sawicki concludes, Keeping the results of a trial secret is cheating the participating patients and questions the legitimacy of their consent to participate in trials.

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A.R. Rahman’s Music Conservatory planning new programs in saxophone & other instruments

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Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman’s (Slumdog Millionaire) prestigious KM Music Conservatory is reportedly proposing to launch preparatory program in various instruments.

It is proposing to offer this 2-5 years program in French Horn, Saxophone, Flute, Double Bass, Trumpet, Oboe, Trombone, and Clarinet. There are no age restrictions for admission into this specially designed program. This program is currently offered in Harp, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Hindustani and Western Voice, Guitar, and Viola.

Conservatory also offers Foundation Program (1-2 years) and Degree Program (three years) under affiliation of Middlesex University in United Kingdom (UK). Many faculty members have degrees from USA and UK. Sound editor Joe E. Rand (Titanic) has lectured here besides demonstration by Vienna Chamber Orchestra. It plans to offer two-year Masters Program and year-long “Diploma in Indian Music and Music Technology” besides teaching entertainment icon Michael Jackson as a subject, according to reports

Founded by Rahman (who is also its Principal), KM Music Conservatory in Kodambakkam area of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state of India envisions expanding the horizon of musicians in India by offering education in both Indian and Western music besides music technology and its mission is to provide students with a strong artistic, intellectual, and technical foundation. T. Selvakumar is the Managing Director of this international school of music and music technology whose tagline is “Become the Future of Music”.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed has applauded Rahman for creating a bridge between the music of east and west and for strengthening the worldwide market and stature of Indian music. Zed, who is the chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged Rahman to help nourish the next generation with the richness of Indian music, elements of whose theory were first found in ancient Hindu scripture Sama-Veda.

Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras” by Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.

Hindu statesman Zed recited from Veda at Nevada’s capital Carson City Thanksgiving service

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In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Nevada’s capital Carson City (USA) celebrated its Second Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on November 24 at First United Methodist Church with various religions/denominations coming together to pray.

Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Jewish prayers were read on the occasion giving thanks to God. Participants included Alan Dorway, Presbyterian pastor; Christie Tews, Buddhist leader; Rajan Zed, Hindu statesman; Myra Soifer, Jewish rabbi; Rob & Dixie Jennings-Teats, United Methodist pastors; Jeffrey Paul, Episcopal priest; Charles T. Durante, Catholic pastor; Larry Schneider, Unity minister.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed recited from ancient Hindu scriptures Rig-Veda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita in Sanskrit and then translated into English. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, read from Brahadaranyakopanisad “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrityor mamrtam gamaya” and then gave the English version as: “Lead me from the unreal to the Real, Lead me from the darkness to Light, Lead me from death to Immortality.”

Carson City Chamber Singers gave a musical presentation of “Surge Inluminare” while everybody sang together “This Is My Song”. Donations went to Friends In Service Helping and Circles of Support. Thanksgiving, a national holiday in USA, has been an annual tradition since 1863, when people gather to give thanks primarily to God.

Infineon and Nokia Announce Collaboration to Develop Leading LTE Solutions

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Infineon and Nokia have announced a collaboration to develop advanced radio frequency (RF) transceiver solutions to ensure compatibility and interworking of Nokia’s advanced licensable baseband modem technologies and Infineon’s leading RF solutions.

November 26, 2009 /India PRwire/ — Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY), one of the leading semiconductor companies for mobile phone solutions, and Nokia, the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones and services, today announced a cooperation to develop advanced radio frequency (RF) transceiver solutions. The agreement covers a non-exclusive collaboration to ensure the compatibility and interworking of Nokia’s advanced licensable baseband modem technologies and Infineon’s leading RF solutions.

Nokia and Infineon will work together to ensure that current and future generations of Nokia’s leading licensable modem designs work seamlessly with Infineon’s leading RF transceiver solutions, giving the industry access to complete modem solutions for HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) through LTE (Long Term Evolution) and beyond.

“We are grateful to expand our successful collaboration with Nokia beyond our current platform and RF activities,” stated Prof. Hermann Eul, Member of the Infineon Management Board. “Pairing Nokia’s advanced modem technology and Infineon’s best in class RF transceiver solutions, will give the industry access to very competitive chipset solutions.”

The collaboration involves teams from both companies working on the architectural and system challenges to ensure seamless interoperability and compatibility. The fruits of this cooperation will be a verified technology reference platform.

“Taking advantage of each company’s expertise as leaders in their respective fields, this cooperation will help to deliver standard-based, industry leading solutions for mobile internet devices,” said Pekka Sarlund, Vice President, Wireless Modem, Nokia.

Facilitated by this cooperation, both companies will jointly drive the interface standardization for LTE-Advanced enabling data rates of up to 1Gbit/s. Providing a validated system with an open interface will enable a fast roll out of new products and increase competition in the market for advanced modem chipsets.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Notes to Editor

Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, communications, and security. In the 2009 fiscal year (ending September), the company reported sales of Euro 3.03 billion with approximately 25,650 employees worldwide. With a global presence, Infineon operates through its subsidiaries in the U.S. from Milpitas, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore, and in Japan from Tokyo. Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

Further information is available at www.infineon.com

For more information, please contact:
Abhinav Alok (Manager – Communications) (L) +91 (80) 4139 2000, (F) +91 (80) 4139 2333

Game Set and Match, Aircel Chennai Open 2010!

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The New Year in Chennai is set to begin on a very exciting note and tennis enthusiasts in India can once again look forward to some riveting tennis action. Aircel Chennai Open 2010, India’s only ATP World Tour Tennis event is now in an unprecedented 15th year and will be played at the SDAT Tennis Stadium at Nungambakam, Chennai from Jan 4 till Jan 10, 2010. The qualifying rounds will be held on Jan 2-3, 2010. The USD 450,000 Aircel Chennai Open 2010 will be cynosure of all the tennis lovers around the world and it will feature an impressive line-up of stars both Indian and International who will vie for the one of the first ATP title of the new season. The week long tournament will be telecast live on Ten Sports and Zee Sports.

Leading the field is Robin Soderling who is currently World No. 9 and is the first and only tennis player to defeat Rafael Nadal in the French Open 2009. Infact he again defeated Nadal in straight sets earlier this week at the ATP World Tour Finals. Soderling is joined by the defending champion Marin Cilic who is currently World No. 14. Also joining the competition is, World No. 21 (World No. 9 in June 2008), Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) who won the 2008 Beijing Olympics Gold Medal in Doubles (with Roger Federer).

Completing the star-brigade in Singles draw are: Janko Tipsarevic and Dudi Sela.

Other well-known players include Simon Greul, Rajeev Ram, Lukas Lacko, Michael Russell, Rainer Schuettler , Theimo De Bakker, Yen—Hsun Lu, Robby Ginepri, Daniel Brands and Michael Berrer amongst others.

The impressive field for Singles Draw of Aircel Chennai Open 2010 boasts of 3 top 25 players. Also, as many as 15 players are from top 100 players, thus making it a powerful and impressive field.

Speaking from London through Video conference, Mr. Fernando Soler, Tournament Director and Head of Tennis IMG Worldwide, said, “We are pleased that the event will continue to deliver quality players for the Indian crowd. Aircel Chennai Open 2010 will showcase a fascinating game of world-class tennis with top players and some exciting upcoming young talents slugging it out for the coveted titles. We are thankful to all the sponsors for their support to this mega event.”

Announcing the field, Mr. Ravi Krishnan, MD, South Asia, IMG India, the owners and organizers of this international ATP tennis event, said, “Aircel Chennai Open 2010 has one of the most open and competitive line-ups we have had in the history of the tournament. The field boasts of 5 players who are in Top 50 and all of them have the potential of winning the Championship. An interesting point to note is that we have 7 players in the draw who have been in top 30 in their careers that including Rainer Schuettler, Dudi Sela, Robby Ginepri, Marcel Granollers. This field demonstrates the strength of Aircel Chennai Open 2010 and its position as the premiere tennis event in this part of the world.”

Over the Video Conference Mr. M.A. Alagappan, President, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association TNTA said, “Chennai is the hub of Indian tennis and Aircel Chennai Open has played an important role in nurturing tennis talent in the country. Into its Crystal Year, the event has become one of the biggest global sporting events of South Asia. Representing Tamil Nadu tennis, our objective has always been to work with IMG and AITA to offer world class tennis spectacle in the country. Today, we see participation from top players in the world like Robin Soderling, Marin Cilic, and Stanislas Wawrinka in Aircel Chennai Open 2010 which will further enhance the popularity and recognition of the tournament amongst tennis fans and set an unparalleled benchmark in South Asia.”

This year at the Aircel Chennai Open 2010, the crowd would witness some interesting contests especially if it involves Robin Soderling and defending champion Marin Cilic.

There is another interesting element to this year’s Aircel Chennai Open 2010. Four players each from USA and Germany will showcase the domination of their respective countries in Chennai. These star players will bring in a touch of glamour to some high-voltage tennis action on courts.

Mr. Karti. P. Chidambaram – Chairman Tournament Organizing Committee and Vice President, All India Tennis Association (AITA) added, “ Aircel Chennai Open has put India into the top league of tennis playing nations in the world and we hope that this year the event extends its reach to a wider audience with the support of promotional activities from Aircel. Tamil Nadu Tennis Association’s unrelenting support for this tournament since its inception has helped in identifying and nurturing talent among many youngsters thereby paving the way for champions from India like Leander, Mahesh and Somdev. It would be relevant to point out that our tournament has become a permanent fixture in Chennai’s annual cultural calendar.”

The tournament is sponsored by Aircel – title sponsor and by a consortium of sponsors in the Platinum, Gold & Partner category,