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Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Liberty Gold

Liberty Global Now the Largest Broadband Cable Operator in Romania DENVER, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Global, Inc.("Liberty Global") (Nasdaq: LBTYA, LBTYB, LBTYK) today announced thatUPC Romania SA, a subsidiary of UPC Holding B.V., following the approval bythe Romanian competition authorities last week, has completed the acquisitionof 100% of Astral Telecom SA ("Astral"), for a cash purchase price ofapproximately $407 million. Astral is one of Romania's largest broadbandtelecommunications operators, serving approximately 890,000 video, voice anddata revenue generating units (RGUs) as of June 30, 2005, and was acquiredfrom a group of Romanian entrepreneurs and foreign investors including AIG NewEurope Fund. Liberty Global already operates in other parts of the countrythrough UPC Romania with over 390,000 RGUs, as of June 30, 2005. Mike Fries, President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Global said:"We are pleased to have completed this important transaction on schedule.Astral has a major presence in the Romanian capital city of Bucharest, and hasupgraded over 50% of its network to support advanced broadband voice and dataservices. We can now quickly devote our energy and resources towards theintegration of our Romanian operations and the creation of a platform forfurther growth and innovation. Romania is now one of our largest markets inCentral & Eastern Europe and we expect it to rapidly develop as one of ourshowcase operations. I have full confidence in the combined management teamto achieve this goal." About Liberty Global, Inc. Liberty Global owns interests in broadband distribution and contentcompanies operating outside the continental United States, principally inEurope, Asia, and the Americas. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates,Liberty Global is the largest broadband cable operator outside the U.S. interms of subscribers. Based on the Company's consolidated operatingstatistics at June 30, 2005 (other than NTL Ireland which we consolidate butdo not control), Liberty Global's networks passed approximately 23.5 millionhomes and served approximately 14.9 million revenue generating units,including approximately 10.7 million video subscribers, 2.5 million broadbandInternet subscribers and 1.8 million telephone subscribers. Forward-Looking Statements: Except for historical information containedherein, this press release contains forward-looking statements within themeaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Theseforward looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that couldcause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied bythese statements, including Astral's ability to continue financial andoperational growth at historic levels, the Company's ability to successfullyoperate and integrate the Astral system, continued use by subscribers andpotential subscribers of the Astral services, and the Company's ability toachieve expected operational efficiencies and economies of scale. Theseforward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. TheCompany expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate anyupdates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein toreflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or anychange in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement isbased. For more information, please visit http://www.lgi.com or contact:
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  • Going Dutch

    Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Supports UPC's Digital TV Strategy DENVER, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Global, Inc. ("LibertyGlobal") (Nasdaq: LBTYA, LBTYB, LBTYK) today announced that its UPCNetherlands operation has confirmed its 2006 video rates and its introductoryoffer of UPC Digital TV. Before establishing its product proposition fordigital television, UPC Netherlands held constructive discussions over thepast few months with various parties, including the Dutch Minister of EconomicAffairs, Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst. From January 1, 2006, UPC will offer its customers Digital TV from EUR17.99. This digital basic package includes 42 channels plus a UPC MediaBox.An expanded digital package with 72 channels is available for EUR 19.99.Included in both digital packages is the current analog product whichconsists, on average, of 30 channels. Customers who sign up for a digitalpackage will receive a special introductory offer whereby they will only paythe rate for basic analog TV during their first 6 months. Customers who only receive analog television will continue to pay theharmonized standard rate, which is currently EUR 15.53. This analog rate willbe subject to an inflation adjustment on January 1, 2006. Last month, theDutch anti-trust agency NMa concluded that UPC did not charge excessivetariffs in recent years or abuse its position as a supplier of TV services.Furthermore, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs has expressly supportedUPC's new digital video product proposition. The UPC Digital TV includes an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), interactiveservices such as tv-email, games and tv-internet, and services which enablevoting, buying and selection via the television. In 2006, UPC Netherlandswill introduce a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) option and, in cooperation withPhilips, introduce a MediaBox which is High Definition (HD) capable. UPC andPhilips recently announced a strategic cooperation for HDTV, including jointmarketing and promotion activities around major international sporting eventssuch as the 2006 World Cup. The majority of existing Mediaboxes include a cable modem to facilitatethe take-up of high-speed Internet services. A true "Triple Play" Mediaboxwill soon be available that also includes a voice modem to support UPC'sdigital phone services. About Liberty Global, Inc. Liberty Global owns interests in broadband distribution and contentcompanies operating outside the continental United States, principally inEurope, Asia, and the Americas. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates,Liberty Global is the largest broadband cable operator outside the U.S. interms of subscribers. Based on the Company's consolidated operatingstatistics at June 30, 2005 (other than NTL Ireland which we consolidate butdo not control), Liberty Global's networks passed approximately 23.5 millionhomes and served approximately 14.9 million revenue generating units,including approximately 10.7 million video subscribers, 2.5 million broadbandInternet subscribers and 1.8 million telephone subscribers. Forward-Looking Statements: Except for historical information containedherein, this press release contains forward-looking statements within themeaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Theseforward looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that couldcause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied bythese statements, including UPC Netherlands ability to adjust its analog ratesfor inflation on January 1, 2006. These forward-looking statements speak onlyas of the date of this release. The Company expressly disclaims anyobligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to anyforward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in theCompany's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditionsor circumstances on which any such statement is based.
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  • Miller Lite

    'Beer Runner' Offers Consumers More Sports, More Beer; Online Content Allows Them to Test Their Own Beer Running Skills MILWAUKEE, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller Brewing Company's newinteractive experience, the "Miller Beer Run," has been embraced by legal-drinking-age consumers, with more than 360,000 games played by 165,000 uniqueusers in its first four days. The online campaign, launched Monday, mimicsthe story and challenges of Miller Lite's new "Beer Runner" television adsthat will launch this Saturday. Consumers have experienced the online "Miller Beer Run" through sports andentertainment web sites such as Yahoo! Games, MSN Games and CBSSportsline.com.The "Miller Beer Run" is also available at http://www.MillerBeer.com . "We created the 'Beer Runner' campaign to underscore the notion thatMiller offers 'more' -- more color, more character, more taste. Just assports fans demand more of their sports, we believe they should demand morefrom a light beer," said Tom Bick, senior marketing manager for Miller Lite."To deliver this message to legal-drinking-age consumers, it's increasinglycritical that we extend our efforts even further to areas such as digitalmarketing. By offering more fun online content such as the 'Beer Run,' we canengage beer drinkers and impact their brand preference." As part of the online "Beer Run" experience, players face many of the sameperils depicted in the commercials, from running through the streets andavoiding obstacles, to dodging ongoing football games and resisting bartemptations -- all with the goal of getting to the store, making a Miller beerpurchase and returning home before the halftime clock runs out. A scoringsystem ranks players on six levels, from Mascot to All-Pro. Skyworks developed and produced the "Miller Beer Run." Agency.com handledcreative management for "Miller Beer Run" and developed all supporting digitalmarketing. Traditional and online brand placements were orchestrated by mediaagency Starcom and digital unit Starcom IP, with sister agency SMG Play alsocontributing to content development. Young & Rubicam (Chicago) created theMiller Lite "Beer Runner" television advertising. Milwaukee-based Miller Brewing Company is the oldest major brewer inAmerica, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2005. Miller is a wholly ownedsubsidiary of SABMiller plc, one of the world's largest brewers. Miller'sprincipal beer brands are Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft and Miller HighLife. The company imports Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Foster'sand has craft brews Leinenkugel's and Henry Weinhard's. Its portfolio ofbrands also includes Milwaukee's Best and Sharp's, a non-alcohol brew. Millerproduces Icehouse from the Plank Road Brewery, a small division of Miller;Olde English 800; and Mickey's Malt Liquor. More information about MillerBrewing Company is available at the company's corporate web site,http://www.MillerBrewing.com .
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  • MTV

    Broadband Channels Join Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Family, Connecting PCs, TVs & Xbox 360 Gaming Consoles To Create One Complete Digital Entertainment Experience NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks and Microsoft Corp.announced the next phase of their ongoing partnership today, expanding thereach of the MTV Networks broadband channels into every room in the housethrough Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 PCs. With a MediaCenter Edition PC and an Xbox 360 game console or a Media Center Extender,users will have the ability to seamlessly switch between a standard TVexperience and on demand broadband programming without ever leaving the couch.Broadband channel "MTV Overdrive" will debut on Windows XP Media CenterEdition 2005 PCs beginning today. VH1's "VSpot," Comedy Central's soon tolaunch broadband channel, and the new "mtvU" broadband service will also debuton Media Center PCs early next year. Each MTV Networks broadband service will revolutionize the digitalentertainment experience for its respective audience -- delivering a vastcatalog of content to Media Center Edition users including exclusiveperformances, regularly updated news features, show content, movie trailers,music videos, games, and much more. The broadband channels will be availablethrough "Online Spotlight," a convenient, central location where customers candiscover the latest software and services designed for Media Center customersincluding MTV and others. "Our audiences want to connect with our content on every platform theyinteract with-linear television, broadband, online, radio, and now on PCs thatrun Windows XP Media Center. Today's announcement helps fulfill ourmultiplatform entertainment promise," said Van Toffler, President of MTVNetworks Music, Films & Logo Group. "The distinction between TV and broadbandprogramming is becoming less important to our viewers, and the Media CenterEdition platform is helping to take the entire entertainment experience to thenext level." "Comedy Central viewers are by nature early adopters and avid users ofadvanced communications technologies and they expect to access our contentwhen they want it, where they want it and how they want it," said Doug Herzog,President of Comedy Central. "Windows XP Media Center Edition will optimizeour soon-to-launch broadband channel by providing our users a variety ofgateways to access Comedy Central content whether it's short and long formvideo, audio or text." "The Microsoft and MTV relationship will provide Media Center PC customerswith a new level of entertainment," said Joe Belfiore, general manager,Windows Media Center. "MTV Networks provides hundreds of millions of viewerswith compelling and innovative entertainment content every day. We arethrilled to have MTV choose Windows XP Media Center Edition to expand theirservice and offer customers' access to their favorite programming in new andinnovative ways." Media Center Edition PCs deliver advanced computing plus easy-to-useintegrated digital entertainment -- live and recorded television, movies,music, photos and radio -- that you can enjoy when and how you want. All yourdigital media is in one place, accessible on either a PC monitor or TVdisplay, using a single remote control. With Media Center Edition, you canpause and rewind live television or radio, digitally record an entire TVseries or program category, watch DVDs and videos, organize and play yourmusic collection, and showcase digital photos. Since its launch online in April of this year, "MTV Overdrive"(overdrive.mtv.com) has received both critical and widespread acclaim as anindustry leading broadband content provider. Most recently, "Overdrive"finished out Q3 with more than 47 million streams of music videos, MTV News,and companion programming content. Specifically, "Overdrive" delivered 13million unique streams of its "My VMA" content during its 30 day-run, givingfans the opportunity to relive exclusive performances from the 2005 VideoMusic Awards, stream interviews with artists, and check out the VMA fashionsfrom the white carpet. "MTV Overdrive" also premiered the next generation ofMTV's famous performance series, "Unplugged" hosting the incomparable AliciaKeys. In just one week, "Overdrive" recorded over 1 million streams of the"Unplugged" performance, making it the most popular programming on thebroadband network for that time period. Launched in July of this year, VH1's broadband entertainment network Vspot(vspot.vh1.com) offers distinct channels of original and exclusive music andpop culture programming that allows VH1's upscale adult audience to take VH1with them wherever they go. Vspot debuted with the first episode of the VH1series "Surreal Life 5" three days before the series premiered on the VH1linear network. Music artists sound off in original franchises such as"Artist 2 Artist" and "Take 2." In September, Vspot extended VH1's "Hip HopHonors" event with elements such as "VIP Pass" which featuredbehind-the-scenes action hosted by MC Lyte and an exclusive performance on the"gold carpet" by artist David Banner -- all resulting in a six-fold increasein normal traffic. mtvU (http://www.mtvU.com), MTV's 24 hour college network, launched MTV Networks'first channel distributed in its entirety over broadband and streaming 24/7 onOctober 10th. Through non-stop streaming service that can be watchedcontinuously, or by using unique on-demand capabilities empowering visitors tocustomize their experience, mtvU's broadband platform showcases a powerfulline-up of original programming serving as a gateway to the latest new music,as well as a source for one of a kind student produced content that will driveand direct the network. About MTV Networks: MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc., is one of the world'sleading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTVNetworks, with 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the followingtelevision programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU,NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN,LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of13 digital services, all of these networks are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTVNetworks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer productsbusinesses and its more than 80 interactive properties worldwide, includingonline, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also haslicensing agreements, joint ventures and syndication deals whereby all of itsprogramming services can be seen worldwide. About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader insoftware, services and Internet technologies for personal and businesscomputing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designedto empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on anydevice.
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  • Microsoft Update

    Update Offers New Performance Enhancers, Digital Entertainment Features and Services From Industry Partners, Including MTV. NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp.(Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced at the DigitalLife conference in New York Citythe availability of a new software update for Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP MediaCenter Edition 2005 that will provide new entertainment experiences for MediaCenter Edition customers around the world. Update Rollup 2 for Windows XPMedia Center Edition 2005 will enable customers to stream digital music,videos, photos, and standard and high-definition television and movies fromMedia Center PCs to any television in their home via the Xbox 360(TM) gamingsystem. Windows XP Media Center 2005 customers can obtain Update Rollup 2 freeof charge via the Windows Update download site as of today. The softwareupdate is also available on new Media Center PCs. (Logo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO ) "We introduced Windows XP Media Center Edition three years ago with avision to simplify the way people experience digital entertainment on their PCusing something as familiar as a remote control," said Will Poole, senior vicepresident of the Windows Client Business at Microsoft. "Now, Media CenterEdition and Xbox 360, together with offerings from hundreds of industrypartners, are providing fantastic interactive entertainment experiences thatcan be experienced throughout the home." Using the built-in Media Center Extender technology of Xbox 360, plannedfor availability Nov. 22 in North America, Update Rollup 2 will connect Xbox360 to a Media Center Edition PC, offering instant access to thousands ofon-demand movies, music and videos available on the Media Center PC, andenabling users for the first time ever to stream high-definition content fromMedia Center PCs. Update Rollup 2 further builds on the Windows XP MediaCenter Edition 2005 experience by delivering a set of performance improvementsand new features that enhance Media Center, including the following: -- DVD changer support. New integrated support for external DVD changers will enable consumers to watch movies and manage up to 200 DVD selections from the Media Center interface. Media Center will display information and cover art for each movie loaded in the DVD changer. Media Center-supported DVD changers will be available beginning this year. -- Away Mode. Away Mode will bring the convenience, quiet performance and instant on/off functionality of consumer electronics to Media Center PCs. Away Mode improves upon current PC power-management systems by enabling the system to silently perform unattended tasks -- such as recording TV shows and streaming content to Media Center Extenders -- in a low-power mode that makes the PC appear off. Away Mode will be available on select new Media Center PCs in upcoming months from partners Acer Co. Ltd., Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Gateway Inc., HP, Phillips Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Shuttle Inc. -- DVD-burning improvements. Updates to the Sonic Solutions DVD burning engine will improve the performance and capabilities of DVD burning in Media Center Edition. Consumers will be able to convert high-definition TV shows to standard definition and burn to a DVD all in one step, as well as burn to a DVD from other PCs on their home network. -- Additional HDTV tuner support. Update Rollup 2 adds support for one more HDTV tuner, meaning it will support up to four tuners: two analog and two ATSC high definition. U.S. customers will be able to use two NTSC (analog) capture boards and two ATSC (digital) capture boards. This will enable personal video recording of two shows at the same time, broadcast as either ATSC digital TV (480p) or high-definition TV (720p/1080i). Unprecedented Industry Support Microsoft today announced it has sold more than 4 million Media Center PClicenses and that more than 130 PC manufacturers are now offering Media CenterPCs around the world in a variety of sleek designs and prices. According toCurrent Analysis Inc., for the month of September Media Center PCs accountedfor 46 percent of the U.S. retail desktop PC market. A number of new MediaCenter services from industry partners are also now available. MTV Overdrivetoday joins the more than 75 content providers currently delivering customizedentertainment options through Media Center's Online Spotlight feature. OnlineSpotlight provides customers with convenient access to thousands ofhigh-quality songs, games, news stories and movies on demand -- all from thecomfort of their sofa. MTV Networks also revealed plans to launch similarMCE-optimized services from mtvU, VH1 and the soon-to-launch Comedy Centralbroadband service, while AOL announced plans to expand its Online Spotlightservice to include AOL Pictures and AOL Radio Featuring XM. New OnlineSpotlight services that are now live or coming soon include these: -- Akimbo Systems Inc. The Akimbo Service will offer Media Center customers more than 5,000 programs from more than 75 partners, including British Broadcasting Corp., National Geographic Society, Discovery Communications Inc. and the Hallmark Channel, as well as hard-to-find specialty offerings such as independent films from IFILM Corp. and Undergroundfilm.org -- all available through the Media Center interface. At DigitalLife, Akimbo will be showing for the first time Major League Baseball playoff games delivered the next morning to Akimbo subscribers in a 10-minute condensed version. -- AOL. Building on the availability of its AOL Music on Demand service, AOL will extend additional features to the Media Center PC, including its AOL Pictures digital photo service and AOL Radio Featuring XM. -- Digital Interactive Systems Corp. (DISCover). Designed exclusively for Media Center PCs, DISCover's My Games gives customers access to a wide range of PC games that they can digitally demo, buy and stream. Customers can view an in-depth game guide with screen shots, box art and descriptions for thousands of top games, and can purchase "boxed" games via top online retailers with the ease of a Media Center Edition remote control. -- Game xStream. Game xStream's now-live gaming-on-demand service for Online Spotlight connects users to its extensive catalog of video game titles from leading game developers, from which they can buy and stream games instantly. Within minutes of pressing the Buy button from a Media Center Edition remote control, gamers can begin playing graphic-intensive games from publishers including Merscom LLC, Global Star Software and Encore Inc. -- MTV Overdrive. Overdrive is MTV's broadband network, delivering the hottest video content to Media Center PCs. Overdrive provides access to live performances, music videos, artist interviews, never-before-seen footage of MTV shows, the latest news, movie trailers and more. It's all online and all on demand, now at the touch of a remote control button. -- mtvU. Through nonstop streaming service that can be watched continuously, or by using unique on-demand capabilities empowering visitors to customize their experience, mtvU's broadband platform showcases a powerful lineup of original programming serving as a gateway to the latest new music, as well as a source for one-of-a-kind student produced content that will drive and direct the network. -- VH1 VSpot. VSpot is VH1's new broadband entertainment network that delivers the best video programming on demand to Media Center PCs. VSpot offers thousands of music videos, exclusive performances, artist interviews, live event coverage and behind-the-scenes access. Customers may also watch VH1 shows, movie clips and trailers, and VSpot originals on demand at VSpot. -- Comedy Central. Windows XP Media Center Edition will optimize a soon-to-be-launched broadband channel by providing users with a variety of gateways to access Comedy Central content whether it's short- and long-form video, audio or text. "Our audience wants to connect with our content on every platform itinteracts with -- television, online, on-demand, radio and now throughMicrosoft Media Center," said Van Toffler, president of the Music, Films &Logo Group at MTV. "Today's announcement about our industry partnership helpsfurther fulfill our multiplatform promise to our audience, taking its entireentertainment experience to new interactive levels." New Site for Media Center Opened on Windows Marketplace In conjunction with today's announcement, Microsoft launched the newWindows XP Media Center Edition site on Windows Marketplace. Media Center onWindows Marketplace allows customers to shop for Media Center PCs, find thecomponents they need to upgrade their current Media Center PC, get coolperipherals and remote controls, or find software programs createdspecifically for Media Center Edition. The site can be found athttp://www.windowsmarketplace.com/mediacenter . Availability of Update Rollup 2 for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Media Center PCs preloaded with Update Rollup 2 are now available fromdozens of computer manufacturers through various retailers and direct sellers.Later this year, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, will joinoutlets such as Amazon.com, Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Costco, Dell.com,Fry's Electronics, hpshopping.com, Sam's Club and Sony Style Stores inoffering Media Center PCs. More information about buying a Media Center PC canbe found online at Microsofts website. CurrentWindows XP Media Center Edition 2005 customers can obtain Update Rollup 2 byvisiting http://www.windowsupdate.com/ . In addition, this holiday season Media Center is more than doubling itsglobal reach, expanding into 20 new countries and 11 new languages. By year'send, Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PCs will be available in thefollowing additional locations: -- Belgium -- Poland -- Czech Republic -- Portugal -- Denmark -- Russia -- Finland -- Singapore -- Hong Kong -- Slovakia -- India -- South Africa -- Ireland -- Spain -- Mexico -- Sweden -- New Zealand -- Taiwan -- Norway -- Turkey Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PCs are currently offered inAustralia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea,Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, servicesand solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. NOTE: To enjoy all the benefits of Windows XP Media Center Edition,Internet access is recommended; for some features, such as the MicrosoftElectronic Programming Guide, Movie Finder, MSN Remote Record and OnlineSpotlight, it is required. Subscription service fees may apply. DVD burning,TV features and remote control support may vary by manufacturer and/or requireadditional purchases. Supports up to two (2) analog, two (2) DTV/HDTV tunersfor local channels via over-the-air signal, U.S. only. All other supportedregions can support up to two (2) tuners per computer. Support for the MediaCenter Extender or Xbox 360 will require a wired or wireless home network andadditional compatible networking equipment. Microsoft, Windows and Xbox 360 are either registered trademarks ortrademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be thetrademarks of their respective owners.
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  • Kenexa

    WAYNE, Pa., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WHO: Kenexa(R) (Nasdaq: KNXA), a leading provider of talent acquisition and retention solutions WHAT: Rudy Karsan, CEO of Kenexa, will participate in a panel discussion entitled, "IPOs Today -- A Growth Option for Your Company" WHEN: The 3rd Annual Growth and Exit Strategies for Software and IT Companies Conference sponsored by World Financial Symposiums will be held October 18-19, 2005 The IPOs Today panel discussion will take place Tuesday, October 18, from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. WHERE: The Warwick New York Hotel 65 West 54th Street New York, NY 10019 DETAILS: As Chairman and CEO of Kenexa, Karsan has received high honors for his entrepreneurial expertise. His knowledge and experience in talent management services has earned him numerous accolades and respect in the human resource and financial communities. During the panel moderated by Bruce Bernstein, executive director of the New York Software Industry Association, Karsan, along with Rick Darer, CFO of Unica Corporation and Mark Dolins, director of Technology Investment Banking at SG Cowen & Co., LLC, will discuss the state of the IPO market today and what is on the horizon. The panelists will offer insight on IPO preparations including how to prepare the company and management for an IPO, and how to select the right bank for the organization. The panelists will also share the ways a company can grow stronger by going public and success stories from a company that did. About Kenexa Kenexa Corporation (Nasdaq: KNXA) provides software, services andproprietary content that enable organizations to more effectively recruit andretain employees. Kenexa solutions include applicant tracking, employmentprocess outsourcing, phone screening, skills and behavioral assessments,structured interviews, performance management, multi-rater feedback surveys,employee engagement surveys and HR Analytics. Kenexa is headquartered inWayne, Pa. More information about Kenexa and its global locations can beaccessed at http://www.kenexa.com.
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  • Oxford investment Holdings

    TORONTO, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Oxford Investments HoldingsInc. (OTC Bulletin Board: OXIHF) is pleased to announce that it has filed its20-F Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2004 with the Securities andExchange Commission. The 20-F filing and Financial Statements will be made available on theCompany's web site at http://www.oxsof.com. The Company will hold its 2005 Annual General Meeting on Friday, December2, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at its head office at 1315 Lawrence Avenue East, Suite520, Toronto, Ontario. The matters to be considered and voted on at the meeting include: - the election of directors; - reappointment of the Company's auditors; - the receipt of the Company's financial statements together with the report of the auditors thereon; - any other business that may properly come before the Meeting. All explanatory and voting materials together with the financialstatements for the year ended December 31, 2005 will be mailed to shareholdersin the week of October 10, 2005. About Oxford Investments Holdings Inc. Oxford Investments Holdings Inc. previously known as a leading Internetgaming software licensing, reseller and development company providing softwaresolutions to the Internet gaming market, now is the parent company to severalsubsidiaries that market, sell and distribute a variety of products. Oxford'ssubsidiaries include International E-Gaming Developers, Inc., a company thatmarkets gaming products to a worldwide clientele, Celebrity Tan Inc., acompany that markets UV-free tanning products and booths, and Ontario PrivateWater Labelling Ltd., a company that specializes in private-label bottledwater distribution and sales. For further information, please visit http://www.oxsof.com . Email:investor@oxsof.com, or contact Michael Donaghy, 1-800-293-4871. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCLAIMER: Statements in this press release, which are not historical, areforward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of thePrivate Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There can be no assurancethat such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and futureevents could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks anduncertainties including, without limitation, risks associated with theCompany's financial condition and prospects, legal risks associated withproduct liability and risks of governmental legislation and regulation, risksassociated with market acceptance and technological changes, risks associatedwith dependence on suppliers, risks relating to international operations,risks associated with competition and other risks detailed in the Company'sfilings with securities regulatory authorities. These risks may cause resultsto differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of anoffer to buy any securities, nor shall there be a sale of any securities inany jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawfulprior to registration or qualification of such securities under the laws ofany such jurisdiction. This press release was accurate at the time it wasissued but may not reflect the Company's current strategy or productofferings.
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  • VoIP Solution

    Powerful Business VoIP Solution Offers Enterprise Level PBX Features and Unlimited Calling With Low TCO SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc.(Nasdaq: EGHT), the Packet8 broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) andvideophone communications service provider, today announced it has releasedseveral new call management features for its Virtual Office service, addingeven greater customization, flexibility and value to its VoIP-hosted PBXservice for small business. Virtual Office is an affordable, easy-to-use alternative to traditionalPBX systems that allows users anywhere in the world to be part of aVoIP-hosted virtual phone system that includes auto attendants, conferencebridges, extension-to-extension dialing, business class voicemail and ringgroups, in addition to a rich variety of other business class PBX featuresnormally found on premise based PBX systems. Virtual Office reduces anorganization's telecommunications total cost of ownership (TCO) with a minimalinitial investment combined with unlimited local and long distance businesscalling in the United States and Canada and access to Packet8's lowinternational rates. The newly released feature enhancements provide Virtual Office users withgreater control over their individual calling needs. They include: -- Extension Manager -- A New Virtual Office web portal with unique extension login allows extension holders the ability to control all extension settings including busy, ring-no-answer, and internet outage handling ring duration and forwarding destinations. Other settings in Extension Manager including forwarding rules, one number access, caller id blocking, call waiting disable and other individual preferences. -- One Number Access (ONA): -- Enables callers to search for the party at up to four phone numbers of the extension owner's choosing, sequentially or simultaneously. Each searching number can be set with a number of rings and password enabled or disabled to ensure your security. Extension Manager gives complete graphical controls for ONA. -- Caller ID blocking on/off -- *67/*68: -- Enables users to block the caller ID on outbound calls on a per call basis. -- Full Time Caller ID Blocking: Enables users to configure permanent caller ID blocking for all outbound calls from the Extension Manager -- Call Return -- *69: Allows users to automatically call back the last incoming call without having to dial the number. -- Call Waiting Disable *70: Allows users to disable call waiting on a per call basis and send all subsequent new callers while on the phone to busy call handling such as voicemail, a busy tone if voicemail is disabled or even one number access (ONA). -- Full Time Call Waiting Disable: Allows users to disable full-time call waiting from the Extension Manager so that all subsequent calls while on the phone are handled by busy call handling. -- Voicemail Call Return: Enables users to easily return a call from voicemail automatically without leaving the voicemail system. -- Internet Outage Handling -- In addition to busy, ring-no-answer and forward all calls, users can set a unique number on an extension basis to have calls routed in the event of an internet outage at the extension's physical location or if the terminal adapter is disconnected. This number can be a land line, cell phone, one number access, voicemail, auto attendant, another Packet8 number or Virtual Office extension. This feature can be set through the Extension Manager. "Our suite of new features continues to expand while reducingadministrator bottlenecks and costs typically associated with traditionalbusiness communication systems," said 8x8 Director of Marketing Dave Immethun."Alternatively, subscribers can contact Packet 8's toll free customer supportrepresentatives to make adds, moves and changes to their Virtual Officeservice at any time with no additional costs incurred." The Virtual Office system consists of a broadband phone adapter and hands-free business class telephone priced at $99.95. Monthly Packet8 Virtual Officecosts range from $9.95-$39.95 per extension including a host of advanced PBXfunctions and business features. A minimum of three unlimited Virtual Officeextensions is required for the system to function. Packet8 Virtual Office offers the services small businesses need mostincluding: -- Customizable auto-attendant providing dial by extension, name or by group; -- Local and long distance calling to the US, Canada and other Packet8 subscribers worldwide, as well as access to some of the lowest international rates; -- Direct Inward Dial (DID) phone number for each extension; -- Conference bridge, music on hold, call park/pick-up, hunt groups; -- Business-class voice mail including voicemail to email alerts and one number follow me; -- Extension-to-extension dialing anywhere in the world; -- One-touch controls for regularly used features such as three-way calling, forwarding, do not disturb, Voicemail, Distinctive Ringing, Call waiting / Caller-ID, and transfer; -- Online, real-time monthly billing statements and Optional services such as: -- Receptionist console application; -- Virtual phone numbers for any extension; and -- Toll Free Phone numbers and service. Virtual Office allows users anywhere in the world to group multiplePacket8 VoIP lines into a virtual business telephone system including a hostof PBX features. Virtual Office gives small businesses geographic independenceand flexibility, providing feature-rich telephones that bring togetherdispersed staff to sound like one office location or to appear as satelliteoffices located all over the world. About 8x8, Inc. VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service provider 8x8, Inc. offersinternet-based telephony solutions (http://www.packet8.net) for individualresidential and business users as well as small to medium sized businessorganizations. In addition to regular Packet8 VoIP service plans, priced aslow as $19.95 per month for unlimited anytime calling to the U.S. and Canada,8x8 now offers the $99 Packet8 VideoPhone, the industry's first stand alonebroadband consumer videophone with worldwide video calling for $19.95 permonth. Packet8 Virtual Office, 8x8's VoIP solution for small to medium sizedbusinesses, is a hosted PBX service comprised of powerful business classfeatures. For additional company information, visit 8x8's web site athttp://www.8x8.com. NOTE: 8x8, the 8x8 logo, Packet8, the Packet8 logo and Packet8 VirtualOffice are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All other trademarks are the property oftheir respective owners.
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  • Wireless networking

    WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Adapter With Wi-Fi Finder Makes Locating and Connecting to a Network Easier IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Linksys(R), a Division of CiscoSystems, Inc., the recognized leading provider of voice, wireless andnetworking hardware for the consumer, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) andsmall business customer, today announced its new Wireless-G USB NetworkAdapter and Wi-Fi Finder (WUSBF54G). This handy, pocket-sized device combinesan easy-to-use wireless network scanner with a USB-connected Wireless-Gnetwork adapter. A mobile worker can now locate potential hotspots and Wi-Ficonnections before beginning the time-consuming tasks of unpacking andpowering up a notebook computer. Wireless Network Locating In-Stat, a market research firm, reports that there will be almost 200,000wireless hotspots available by the year 2009(i). The WUSBF54G will help usersboth select and connect to the best of these networks for their needs. A pushof a button on the WUSBF54G initializes a search for 802.11 wireless networksreachable via its 802.11G network adapter. The user can set the search toinclude only open networks, all networks, or to search for signal strength invarious areas for a specific network name (SSID). Upon determining the networks in the area, the LCD screen on the WUSBF54Gdisplays each network's SSID, signal strength, 802.11 mode, and channel alongwith both the type and status of security. Its advanced search technology isdesigned to filter out 2.4GHz interference given off by microwave ovens,cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices, providing only information on 802.11wireless networks. It then presents the networks in order of signal strength,until a specific network is selected. Wireless-G Connection Once a desired network is determined by scrolling through the presentedinformation, the WUSBF54G can be used to establish an 802.11G networkconnection via the USB port on a notebook that has installed the includedclient utility software. In addition to providing 802.11G connectivity, theWUSBF54G charges its lithium-ion battery through the USB connection to the PC,eliminating the need for a separate, hard-to-carry power source. To add valuefor the user, the WUSBF54G can also be used to connect a desktop PC to a homeor office network. "Linksys is taking steps to simplify the lives of road warriors searchingfor an available wireless network," said Mani Dhillon, Director of ProductMarketing, Linksys. "The WUSBF54G removes the complications of locating andconnecting a notebook to available networks, and provides a high speedconnection option for the office or home at the same time." Pricing and Availability The WUSBF54G is available now through Linksys resellers includinge-commerce, retail, direct response, and VAR partners at and estimated streetprice of $79. About Linksys Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO)is the recognized leader in Voice, Wireless and Ethernet networking hardwarefor consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to makingnetworking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative,award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices andapplications. Linksys provides award-winning product support to itscustomers. For more information, visit http://www.linksys.com. (i) Keeping it Hot: The Evolution and Acceptance of Hotspot Services -- August 2005 Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc.and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Other brandsand products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respectiveholders. Copyright (C) 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
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  • Bid Managment Platform

    Leading Search Engine Marketing Company Enhances Its Bid Management Platform With New Optimization Tool to Improve PPC Performance BOSTON, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Inceptor Inc. today announced a newfeature in its BidCenter search engine advertising management platform thatuses mutual fund optimization techniques to help companies fine-tune bids toget the best possible advertising rates and returns from search engines suchas Google AdWords and Yahoo! Search Marketing. Portfolio Optimizer's unique advantage over other optimization tools isthat it employs optimization techniques similar to those that professionalmoney managers use to optimize mutual funds. Advertisers create groups ofkeywords in BidCenter and allow Portfolio Optimizer to determine individualbids to meet a business goal. Pay per click advertisers are expected to spendover $10 billion on search advertising in 2005. "Effectively managing thousands of keywords at multiple search engines isdifficult even with a powerful management tool such as BidCenter," said VicOdryna, President and CEO of Inceptor. "Portfolio Optimizer makes it easierfor advertisers to manage a large volume of keywords by grouping them togetherin portfolios and assigning a performance rule. BidCenter can thenautomatically adjust bids across the keywords to achieve the desired outcome." Portfolio Optimizer seeks to optimize PPC performance using principles andmethodologies similar to the financial industry. The object is to groupkeywords that share a similar business objective such as "Generate maximumpossible revenue for the lowest cost per acquisition" or "Generate maximumpossible traffic for the lowest cost per click." "We developed a special heuristic algorithm and combined it with apredictive modeler," said Michael Sack, chief technology officer of Inceptor."Portfolio Optimizer is designed to calculate the recommended changes to yourbids every 24 hours and predict performance. Each day, BidCenter presentsusers with recommendations and analysis which show current and predict futureperformance of their portfolios based upon the acceptance of therecommendations." Predictive modeling enables Portfolio Optimizer to gauge the outcome ofseveral different bidding strategies then select the strategy most likely tosucceed. "You can spend weeks analyzing data to determine the most optimal set ofchanges to make," said Sack. "But that is a waste of time. Portfolio Optimizercan find a set of changes that gets you to your goal much faster -- oftenmaking critical changes to your bids within the first day." Portfolio Optimizer is available to interested search advertisers whosubscribe to BidCenter. BidCenter information can be found at on the internet . Subscriptions begin at$19.99 per month. About Inceptor Inceptor is a privately held company founded in 1999. The search enginemarketing company is currently a leader in the search engine optimization andpay per click advertising search engine marketing field. Inceptor hasdeveloped a patent-pending proprietary PPC bid management system thatautomatically optimizes an advertiser's bids based on desired performanceobjectives. Based outside of Boston, MA, Inceptor currently has approximately50 employees and serves over 4,000 customers including Home Shopping Network,Thomas Register, Lawyers.com, Vermont Country Store and CVS.com.
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  • Broomfield

    Reviewers Note That eSoft has 'Clearly Gone the Extra Mile' BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- eSoft, Inc., aleading vendor of integrated Internet security and content managementsolutions, announced today that its InstaGate PRO integrated security gatewayreceived an esteemed four-star rating in SC Magazine's SME Appliance GroupTest, the review results of which are included in this month's issue of thepublication. The review team, which also rated devices from Fortinet and SonicWall,gave the InstaGate PRO high marks for ease of use, performance, and value formoney, and an overall rating of four stars. The article notes that theInstaGate PRO is a "powerful, well-designed unit that is scalable, easy to setup and manage and comes with a flexible range of functionality modules" (SCMagazine, October 2005). The article also states that the "range of optionalSoftPak modules makes the device flexible and able to be tailored to users'specific requirements." "The InstaGate PRO is a great example of an integrated deep packetinspection firewall that simply works," said Jason Blanchard, President,Complete Network Management, Inc. "Many vendors claim to have support forAnti-Virus, Intrusion Prevention and other services, but when you activatethem, the device gets brought to its knees. The PRO provides us with thoroughsecurity even under the most demanding network loads." Ease of Management The review team noted the InstaGate PRO's simple configuration process,remarking that it is well thought-out and adapts itself automatically for thenetwork in which it is being installed. Furthermore, reviewers stated, oncethe InstaGate PRO is up and running, it is simple to install additionalSoftPak modules. According to the article, eSoft "has clearly gone the extramile to make setup and management, and the installation of SoftPaks, aspainless as possible. This is very welcome, especially when compared with theconvoluted setup and management procedures for some of the other devices inthis test." Complete Network Management agrees. "From the initial installation, wherethe device automatically figured out the network topology and determined itsown proper settings, to the advanced configuration wizards, the PRO is theeasiest security appliance I have ever used," said Chad Tivet, Sales Manager,Complete Network Management, Inc. About the InstaGate PRO The InstaGate PRO is a scalable unified threat management (UTM) solutionthat combines Anti-Virus, Spyware, Spam, Phishing and Intrusion Prevention andmore into a high-performance Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) Firewall and IPSecVPN architecture. Through its sophisticated inspection capabilities, theInstaGate PRO offers unparalleled protection from dynamic, content-basedthreats that elude traditional firewalls. eSoft's patented SoftPak Directorsecurity services infrastructure ensures that the InstaGate is alwaysproviding maximum protection with the most up-to-date threat databasesavailable. About eSoft Inc. eSoft is a leading provider of integrated Internet security solutionsoffering organizations of all sizes unparalleled protection from dynamicInternet-based threats. eSoft's award winning InstaGate(TM) and ThreatWall(TM)platforms offer high-performance Deep Packet Inspection security servicesincluding Firewall, IPSec VPN, Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, Anti-Spyware, IntrusionPrevention, Web Content Filtering, Email Content Filtering and even Web,Email, File and FTP servers. eSoft solutions are based on purpose-builthardware platforms and optional security software modules called SoftPaks(TM),which are distributed and maintained through eSoft's patented SoftPakDirector(TM) technology. Overall, the eSoft solution offers the IT managerextreme simplicity and flexibility when deploying and managing networksecurity, resulting in less time demands on IT staff, a reduced need for in-house security expertise, and a lower total cost of ownership. For more information, contact eSoft at: 295 Interlocken Blvd., #500, Broomfield, Colo., 80021, USA, Phone + 1 303-444-1600 Fax + 1 303-444-1640 http://www.esoft.com or pr@esoft.com. eSoft, ThreatWall, InstaGate, ThreatPak, SoftPak, are all trademarksand/or service marks of eSoft. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within themeaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Thesestatements often can be identified by the use of terms such as "may," "will,""expect," "believe," "project," "estimate" or words of similar meaning.Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,and eSoft will not necessarily update these statements to reflect subsequentdevelopments. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject torisks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual results todiffer materially from those anticipated.
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  • Expedia

    BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expedia, Inc.(Nasdaq: EXPE) will host a conference call to discuss financial results forits third quarter ended September 30, 2005 on Thursday, November 3, 2005, at2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Expedia, Inc. willissue a press release reporting its results after the market closes onNovember 3. The press release, live audiocast and audiocast replay will be availableto the public at http://www.expediainc.com/ir. Replays of the conference call areexpected to be available for at least one month after the call date. About Expedia, Inc. Expedia, Inc. is one of the world's leading travel services companies.With its portfolio of leading travel brands, Expedia, Inc. empowers businessand leisure travelers with the tools and information they need to easilyresearch, plan, book and experience travel. The company also provideswholesale travel to offline retail travel agents. Expedia, Inc.'s mainbusinesses and brands include: Expedia.com(R), Hotels.com(TM), Hotwire(R),Expedia(R) Corporate Travel, Trip Advisor(TM) and Classic Vacations(TM).Expedia, Inc.'s companies also operate internationally with sites in Canada,the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands and China, through itsinvestment in eLong(TM). For more information, visit http://www.expediainc.com
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  • Google Financial Reporting

    Financial reporting: the alphabet soup
    10/13/2005 06:01:00 AM
    Posted by Mark Fuchs, Chief AccountantWarning: Financial reporting minutiae below. Proceed with caution.We're going to provide a bit more information with our October 20 earnings announcement. In this and future announcements, we're going to include a so-called pro-forma, or non-GAAP, diluted earnings per share (EPS) number as a supplement to our GAAP EPS number.In the past, we've only provided GAAP EPS. But because Wall Street analysts typically estimate and describe our results with non-GAAP EPS numbers, that resulted in some confusing apples-to-oranges analyses of our results. (By the way, we review non-GAAP results when we analyze our own performance.) By providing both, we hope it will be easier to understand our results.Now, if you’ve got your green eyeshade handy, read on. What follows is in accountant-speak.Earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit (net income) by the number of outstanding shares. That's GAAP. To compute our non-GAAP EPS, we’ll add back to our net income things such as charges for stock-based compensation. (Before adding back stock-based compensation – or other certain charges – we’ll factor in related taxes. What does that mean? When we add back a charge, we subtract the tax benefit related to it that we would get under GAAP accounting. In other words, in the non-GAAP calculation we don't want to include the GAAP tax benefit.) After tax-affecting the charges and then adding them back to net income, we'll take that sum, divide it by outstanding shares and come up with our non-GAAP EPS number.To illustrate all of this with a fictitious example, let's assume these imaginary data points:
    GAAP net income - $300 million
    Stock-based compensation charge - $100 million (note that other charges in addition to stock-based compensation may be excluded from the computation and presentation of our non-GAAP results as appropriate in the future)
    Tax affect of stock based compensation charge - $35 million
    Shares outstanding for Google - 600 million To get our GAAP EPS, we would simply divide $300 million GAAP net income by the 600 million shares outstanding and arrive at a GAAP EPS of $0.50.
    $300,000,000 / 600,000,000 = $0.50Now, to get the non-GAAP EPS, we would:
    Subtract the $35 million tax affect from the $100 million stock-based compensation charge to arrive at $65 million
    Add that $65 million to the $300 million GAAP net income for a new, non-GAAP net income of $365 million
    Divide $365 million by 600 million shares outstanding and get a non-GAAP EPS of $0.61.
    ($300,000,000 + ($100,000,000 - $35,000,000)) / 600,000,000 = $0.61As if this weren't complicated enough, we should note that most, if not all, analysts have historically computed our non-GAAP earnings by adding stock-based compensation to net income without tax-affecting the charge. As a result, when we provide our non-GAAP EPS number, we may be adding back less to compute our non-GAAP earnings than will most of the analysts.Using the same set of imaginary numbers, analysts might, for example:
    Add the full $100 million stock-based compensation charge to the GAAP net income of $300 million and arrive at their non-GAAP net income of $400 million
    Divide that by outstanding shares and arrive at non-GAAP EPS (for the fictitious example, $0.67 per share)
    ($300,000,000 + $100,000,000) / 600,000,000 = $0.67Congratulations to those of you who were able to make it this far. We're sorry for the density, but this is dense stuff and we've got to be comprehensive in our explanation of it.
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