Skype Launches New Online Platform for Small Businesses

Skype Launches New Online Platform for Small Businesses
Nov. 08, 2012
Skype in the workspace designed to help businesses connect and grow.

LONDON and PALO ALTO, Calif. — Nov. 8, 2012 — Skype today launched to the public Skype in the workspace (SITW), a new online platform for small businesses to instantly connect with potential customers, partners and suppliers across the globe.

The free-to-use tool makes use of the huge network already offered by Skype, allowing millions of small businesses to promote their products and services to new networks and connections. Users can improve existing connections and establish new ones by instantly sending messages and talking to or meeting face-to-face with peers and business prospects over Skype.

The SITW community is already active because today’s launch comes at the end of a six-month beta trial, which enabled 500 businesses, offering more than 140 different services, to sign up, try out and test the platform.

“With more than 280 million connected users each month, Skype offers a huge range of contacts for the small-business community,” said Ural Cebeci, head of SMB Marketing at Skype. “We aim to connect millions of small businesses with Skype in the workspace and believe that, by taking advantage of this shared network, businesses can develop the range of tools they need to grow, regardless of location or industry. From the designer in San Francisco looking to source textile suppliers in Thailand to the London consultant connecting with clients in Milan, the possibilities are endless.”

SITW will provide a central hub for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses to connect with experts, coaches and consultants who can help them develop their businesses. Users join the community using their existing Skype accounts, then through a series of promotional tools can create public “offers” or “opportunities” inviting community members to live sessions on Skype to demonstrate services or products to a wider audience. Users can also book appointments with potential customers or suppliers and keep track of them with a meeting notification service. When an opportunity is over, users can instantly give testimonials on the product or service offered.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy,” Cebeci said. “For these businesses to survive and grow in what is still a tough economic climate, we understand that good communication and connections are key to their success.

“This is why today we are opening the Skype in the workspace platform to the public,” Cebeci said. “We feel we’re helping connect businesses face-to-face with their customers and prospects, no matter where they are located. It opens up a world of opportunity for them.”

Alison Coward, an avid user of Skype and owner of the London creative collaboration agency Bracket, said, “Skype in the workspace is a real breakthrough. It’s the perfect platform for me to promote my business and connect with the people who can help it to grow. My business is about getting in front of people and helping them to solve their problems. With Skype in the workspace, I am visible to quality leads without even leaving the office. With no travel time to contend with, it’s also now far more feasible for me to grow my business outside the U.K. into Europe and the U.S.”

Jorge Parra, an avid user of Skype and owner of Florida-based Jorge Parra photography, said, “There’s a big difference between a professional network and a social network, and Skype in the workspace seems to understand this distinction. It is the perfect companion to my existing online presence and generates connections that will actually bring me business.”

Cindy Bidar, owner of All Quality Websites, a U.S. startup providing expert advice on how to design, build and maintain an online presence, added, “Skype in the workspace has offered something other online platforms couldn’t — a community of business-focused individuals who can explore my services and interact with me in real time.”

SITW is available to all Skype users starting today. Those wanting to sign up for the community can register their details here.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

NEC Enables Smartphone Access to Work Environments on the Cloud- Secure access to office data from smartphones -

NEC Enables Smartphone Access to Work Environments on the Cloud- Secure access to office data from smartphones -

*** For immediate use November 7, 2012


Tokyo, November 7, 2012 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) is providing a new service, "NEC Cloud Smartphone," that allows employees to securely access their work while away from the office by virtualizing smart devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

In recent years, smart devices have become widely used throughout markets all over the world, and a strong need has emerged for employees to easily access work information from smartphones while away from the office. Meanwhile, the ability for people to use their personal smart devices for work purposes (BYOD: Bring Your Own Device) is also expanding, which has raised the level of urgency for companies to provide a safe and secure environment that protects against security risks and the loss of information.

The NEC Cloud Smartphone addresses these issues by protecting information through a virtualized smartphone environment on the cloud (Virtual Smartphone, *1). When users connect to this Virtual Smartphone from their personal smart devices, none of the applications or data they access are saved to their actual smartphone or tablet (*2).

As a result, NEC Cloud Smartphone users can safely and securely access office data from remote locations with their smartphone, without the risk of leaking information from a lost device.

"The NEC Cloud Smartphone helps to ensure safer more secure access to office data through smart devices," said Ken Sugata, general manager, Global Carrier Cloud Division, NEC. "This is just one of many platforms NEC provides through the cloud in support of services for a variety of smart devices."

The NEC Cloud Smartphone enables:

  1. Safe and secure access to office data through privately owned smartphones
    The Cloud Smartphone service only transmits screen information to a user's smartphone, without transmitting data and leaving information behind. As a result, employees may safely use their personal smart devices (BYOD) in order to access office material through cloud computing without the fear of leaking work related information through a lost or stolen device.

  • Use of internal company phone lines while away from the office
    Internal company phone calls can be made from the Virtual Smartphone through coordination with internal systems such as IP-PBX. This use of internal lines reduces the cost of making phone calls while away from the office. Moreover, the risk of leaking information from a lost or stolen device is significantly reduced since address books and call histories are managed by the Virtual Smartphone's call application.
  • Use of Virtual Smartphone applications that utilize sensors
    Since the Virtual Smartphone operates applications that utilize sensors that are embedded within a user's smart device, such as GPS and acceleration sensors, Virtual Smartphone users are free from having to install these applications on their devices.

  • The Virtual Smartphone of this service comes with the same applications that are considered standard features of conventional smart devices, including voice calls, browsers, email and others.

    Furthermore, security can be strengthened even further through optional applications such as virus scan and Mobile Device Management (MDM). Company-specific business applications may also be adopted through the Virtual Smartphone.

    The Virtual Smartphone is compatible with smart devices (*3) that use the Android operating system and will gradually expand to include iOS, Windows(R) and others.

    The NEC Cloud Smartphone service capitalizes on cloud computing to provide an advanced work environment for smart devices. Going forward, NEC will continue developing this service as part of strengthening security and continuity plans for businesses, as well as lowering their total cost of operations.

    NEC will showcase this service at the C&C User Forum & iEXPO 2012 from November 8 - 9 at the Tokyo International Forum (Yurakucho).

    ***


    Notes

    *1) The Virtual Smartphone environment is created on the cloud through a Linux-based operating system for smart devices. The virtual smartphone is activated and used through smart devices belonging to users.

    *2) The Virtual Smartphone utilizes a platform that is optimized for smart devices.

    *3) Android 4.0 operating system recommended.


    About NEC Corporation
    NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.  For more information, visit NEC at
    http://www.nec.com.

    NEC Enables Smartphone Access to Work Environments on the Cloud- Secure access to office data from smartphones -

    NEC Enables Smartphone Access to Work Environments on the Cloud- Secure access to office data from smartphones -

    *** For immediate use November 7, 2012


    Tokyo, November 7, 2012 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) is providing a new service, "NEC Cloud Smartphone," that allows employees to securely access their work while away from the office by virtualizing smart devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

    In recent years, smart devices have become widely used throughout markets all over the world, and a strong need has emerged for employees to easily access work information from smartphones while away from the office. Meanwhile, the ability for people to use their personal smart devices for work purposes (BYOD: Bring Your Own Device) is also expanding, which has raised the level of urgency for companies to provide a safe and secure environment that protects against security risks and the loss of information.

    The NEC Cloud Smartphone addresses these issues by protecting information through a virtualized smartphone environment on the cloud (Virtual Smartphone, *1). When users connect to this Virtual Smartphone from their personal smart devices, none of the applications or data they access are saved to their actual smartphone or tablet (*2).

    As a result, NEC Cloud Smartphone users can safely and securely access office data from remote locations with their smartphone, without the risk of leaking information from a lost device.

    "The NEC Cloud Smartphone helps to ensure safer more secure access to office data through smart devices," said Ken Sugata, general manager, Global Carrier Cloud Division, NEC. "This is just one of many platforms NEC provides through the cloud in support of services for a variety of smart devices."

    The NEC Cloud Smartphone enables:

    1. Safe and secure access to office data through privately owned smartphones
      The Cloud Smartphone service only transmits screen information to a user's smartphone, without transmitting data and leaving information behind. As a result, employees may safely use their personal smart devices (BYOD) in order to access office material through cloud computing without the fear of leaking work related information through a lost or stolen device.

  • Use of internal company phone lines while away from the office
    Internal company phone calls can be made from the Virtual Smartphone through coordination with internal systems such as IP-PBX. This use of internal lines reduces the cost of making phone calls while away from the office. Moreover, the risk of leaking information from a lost or stolen device is significantly reduced since address books and call histories are managed by the Virtual Smartphone's call application.
  • Use of Virtual Smartphone applications that utilize sensors
    Since the Virtual Smartphone operates applications that utilize sensors that are embedded within a user's smart device, such as GPS and acceleration sensors, Virtual Smartphone users are free from having to install these applications on their devices.

  • The Virtual Smartphone of this service comes with the same applications that are considered standard features of conventional smart devices, including voice calls, browsers, email and others.

    Furthermore, security can be strengthened even further through optional applications such as virus scan and Mobile Device Management (MDM). Company-specific business applications may also be adopted through the Virtual Smartphone.

    The Virtual Smartphone is compatible with smart devices (*3) that use the Android operating system and will gradually expand to include iOS, Windows(R) and others.

    The NEC Cloud Smartphone service capitalizes on cloud computing to provide an advanced work environment for smart devices. Going forward, NEC will continue developing this service as part of strengthening security and continuity plans for businesses, as well as lowering their total cost of operations.

    NEC will showcase this service at the C&C User Forum & iEXPO 2012 from November 8 - 9 at the Tokyo International Forum (Yurakucho).

    ***


    Notes

    *1) The Virtual Smartphone environment is created on the cloud through a Linux-based operating system for smart devices. The virtual smartphone is activated and used through smart devices belonging to users.

    *2) The Virtual Smartphone utilizes a platform that is optimized for smart devices.

    *3) Android 4.0 operating system recommended.


    About NEC Corporation
    NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.  For more information, visit NEC at
    http://www.nec.com.

    Enhanced HP Integrity Portfolio Triples Performance for Mission-critical Environments

    Enhanced HP Integrity Portfolio Triples Performance for Mission-critical Environments

    New systems featuring Intel Itanium processor 9500 series deliver total cost of ownership savings of more than 30 percent

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 8, 2012

    HP today strengthened its mission-critical Converged Infrastructure portfolio with innovative and enhanced HP Integrity systems, HP-UX software and services to triple performance,(1) boost resiliency and deliver investment protection for critical workloads deployed into the next decade.

    Based on HP enhancements and the Intel® Itanium® processor 9500 series, transactions are processed up to three times faster than previous generations, while using 21 percent less energy.(2) As a result, clients can realize a 33 percent savings in total cost of ownership (TCO).(3)

    Today’s announcement delivers against HP’s commitment to industry-leading innovations for the HP Integrity platform. With advancements in availability and reliability, HP’s mission-critical Converged Infrastructure will continue to enhance established HP Integrity platforms supporting HP-UX, HP NonStop and OpenVMS operating systems. Over time, these advancements will cascade to mission-critical x86 platforms delivering a single, unified infrastructure for UNIX®, Windows Server and Linux environments.

    The newest solutions offer the scalability, continuous availability and efficiency needed by clients to achieve their mission-critical business goals and improve productivity. The new offerings include:

    • A faster, more robust HP Superdome 2, with new blades and advancements to HP’s flagship server that provide high availability for mission-critical workloads;
    • Three new HP Integrity server blades for the HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure, providing unique workload flexibility with the industry’s only electrically isolated hard-partitioning capabilities;
    • A new entry-class HP Integrity server for branch offices or expanding businesses that is ENERGY STAR® certified for reduced energy use;
    •  HP-UX advancements that deliver enhanced security and management to speed threat detection and optimize resource utilization; and
    • New advisory workshop services, financing programs and cost assessment tools to assist clients in optimizing their mission-critical environment.

    “Our mission-critical clients face ever-increasing demands for uptime, performance and security with their most critical applications,” said Ric Lewis, vice president and interim general manager, Business Critical Systems and Converged Application Systems, HP. “Today’s announcement demonstrates HP’s continued commitment to transform the server landscape with innovations to the Integrity portfolio—offered within a mission-critical Converged Infrastructure that will endure into the future.”

    HP fortifies IT with improved scalability, reliability and efficiency

    HP Superdome 2 now offers a boost in scalability and performance with double the number of cores.(4) Increased reliability also is achieved with enhancements that provide built-in intelligence that enables proactive detection, analysis and repair of errors.

    HP’s expanded portfolio also includes server blades that deliver improved resiliency with electrically isolated hard partitions that fully isolate workloads without compromising data integrity. The new server blades utilize reduced power—up to 21 percent less energy (2)— with new low-voltage, dual in-line memory modules (DIMMS). They also improve efficiency with the new 9500 series processors.

    The new server blades include the HP Integrity BL860c i4, which scales up to two sockets; the HP Integrity BL870c i4, with up to four socket configurations; and the HP Integrity BL890c i4, with up to eight sockets. Additionally, the ENERGY STAR certified HP Integrity rx2800 i4 entry-level server improves energy efficiency.

    “Both lines of our business were experiencing phenomenal growth and struggling to manage increased data traffic,” said Heini Kalt, director, ICT Infrastructure & Operations, Hotelplan Group. “We selected HP Integrity servers to ensure high system availability because we needed the most reliable option to support the nearly ten-fold increase in data volumes from holiday accommodation agents, travel agents and internet-based customers. The HP Integrity server platform met our current needs, while providing us the flexibility and scalability to protect our investment, making sure our data centers are equipped for future needs.”

    Secure, automate and scale operations with HP-UX updates

    New enhancements to HP-UX 11iv3(5) enable clients to:

    • Improve security with a new common log file that delivers up to 10 times faster threat detection than previous generations;(5)
    • Simplify management with HP Capacity Advisor’s new analysis tool that identifies idle and under- or over-utilized servers to increase server efficiency; and
    • Double the size of HP-UX workloads supported within the same data center footprint with up to 256 cores per server.(6)

    New service and programs align IT with business needs to lower risks

    HP also has introduced the HP Platform Advisory Workshop to assist clients in planning future mission-critical environments or transitioning from legacy servers to HP Integrity with recommendations for optimization, migration and risk mitigation. Upon completion, clients receive a customized blueprint of their organization’s ideal transition path to the newest HP Integrity systems.

    Also new is an enhanced TCO Calculator to help mission-critical customers assess the TCO for maintaining existing infrastructure and to help determine the cost to transition and support new HP Integrity systems.

    Flexible financing, leasing and trade-in options provided by HP Financial Services, the company’s leasing and life cycle asset management subsidiary, enable clients to transition from legacy infrastructure to the newest HP Integrity systems with minimal upfront investment.

    Pricing and availability(7)

    The first new HP Integrity systems, including the Superdome 2 server blades, will be available worldwide beginning next month at a starting price of $6,490 per blade.

    The HP Platform Advisory Workshop services are available worldwide with pricing based on location and implementation.

    HP’s premier Europe, Middle East and Africa client event, HP Discover, takes place
    Dec. 4-6 in Frankfurt, Germany.

    About HP

    HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

    Intel and Itanium are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark owned by the U.S. government.


    (1) Based on HP labs testing that compared HP Integrity blade servers with the Intel Itanium processor 9500 series versus Intel Itanium processor 9300 series, resulting in a 3.29 times performance improvement over the previous generation, rounded to three times the improvement.

    (2) Based on HP internal lab testing that compared HP Integrity RX2800 i2 severs, with Intel Itanium 9300 series processors and 24 8GB DIMM memory cards versus HP Integrity RX2800 i4 servers, with Intel Itanium 9500 series processors and 24 8GB DIMM memory cards. The difference was 162 watts or 21.4 percent less energy consumption for the Intel Itanium 9500 series processor-based system. ENERGY STAR qualification based on published qualification data for the HP Integrity RX2800 i4 server, in the category for Enterprise Server. Testing done June 2012.

    (3) HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i2 blades (previous generation) supported a maximum of 128 cores, versus the HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i4 blades (newest generation) which supports a maximum of 256 cores.

    (4)  Based on a comparison of the HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i2blades and the newest-generation HP Superdome 2 with CB900i4 blades.

    (5)  The official update to HP-UX 11i v3 was on September 2012.

    (6)  Based on HP-UX Security Lab testing, HP Bangalore, August 2012. Threat detection can be done up to 10 times faster with the new common log file per multiple AAA servers that perform authentication, authorization and accounting on a system. 

    (7) U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.

    Enhanced HP Integrity Portfolio Triples Performance for Mission-critical Environments

    Enhanced HP Integrity Portfolio Triples Performance for Mission-critical Environments

    New systems featuring Intel Itanium processor 9500 series deliver total cost of ownership savings of more than 30 percent

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 8, 2012

    HP today strengthened its mission-critical Converged Infrastructure portfolio with innovative and enhanced HP Integrity systems, HP-UX software and services to triple performance,(1) boost resiliency and deliver investment protection for critical workloads deployed into the next decade.

    Based on HP enhancements and the Intel® Itanium® processor 9500 series, transactions are processed up to three times faster than previous generations, while using 21 percent less energy.(2) As a result, clients can realize a 33 percent savings in total cost of ownership (TCO).(3)

    Today’s announcement delivers against HP’s commitment to industry-leading innovations for the HP Integrity platform. With advancements in availability and reliability, HP’s mission-critical Converged Infrastructure will continue to enhance established HP Integrity platforms supporting HP-UX, HP NonStop and OpenVMS operating systems. Over time, these advancements will cascade to mission-critical x86 platforms delivering a single, unified infrastructure for UNIX®, Windows Server and Linux environments.

    The newest solutions offer the scalability, continuous availability and efficiency needed by clients to achieve their mission-critical business goals and improve productivity. The new offerings include:

    • A faster, more robust HP Superdome 2, with new blades and advancements to HP’s flagship server that provide high availability for mission-critical workloads;
    • Three new HP Integrity server blades for the HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure, providing unique workload flexibility with the industry’s only electrically isolated hard-partitioning capabilities;
    • A new entry-class HP Integrity server for branch offices or expanding businesses that is ENERGY STAR® certified for reduced energy use;
    •  HP-UX advancements that deliver enhanced security and management to speed threat detection and optimize resource utilization; and
    • New advisory workshop services, financing programs and cost assessment tools to assist clients in optimizing their mission-critical environment.

    “Our mission-critical clients face ever-increasing demands for uptime, performance and security with their most critical applications,” said Ric Lewis, vice president and interim general manager, Business Critical Systems and Converged Application Systems, HP. “Today’s announcement demonstrates HP’s continued commitment to transform the server landscape with innovations to the Integrity portfolio—offered within a mission-critical Converged Infrastructure that will endure into the future.”

    HP fortifies IT with improved scalability, reliability and efficiency

    HP Superdome 2 now offers a boost in scalability and performance with double the number of cores.(4) Increased reliability also is achieved with enhancements that provide built-in intelligence that enables proactive detection, analysis and repair of errors.

    HP’s expanded portfolio also includes server blades that deliver improved resiliency with electrically isolated hard partitions that fully isolate workloads without compromising data integrity. The new server blades utilize reduced power—up to 21 percent less energy (2)— with new low-voltage, dual in-line memory modules (DIMMS). They also improve efficiency with the new 9500 series processors.

    The new server blades include the HP Integrity BL860c i4, which scales up to two sockets; the HP Integrity BL870c i4, with up to four socket configurations; and the HP Integrity BL890c i4, with up to eight sockets. Additionally, the ENERGY STAR certified HP Integrity rx2800 i4 entry-level server improves energy efficiency.

    “Both lines of our business were experiencing phenomenal growth and struggling to manage increased data traffic,” said Heini Kalt, director, ICT Infrastructure & Operations, Hotelplan Group. “We selected HP Integrity servers to ensure high system availability because we needed the most reliable option to support the nearly ten-fold increase in data volumes from holiday accommodation agents, travel agents and internet-based customers. The HP Integrity server platform met our current needs, while providing us the flexibility and scalability to protect our investment, making sure our data centers are equipped for future needs.”

    Secure, automate and scale operations with HP-UX updates

    New enhancements to HP-UX 11iv3(5) enable clients to:

    • Improve security with a new common log file that delivers up to 10 times faster threat detection than previous generations;(5)
    • Simplify management with HP Capacity Advisor’s new analysis tool that identifies idle and under- or over-utilized servers to increase server efficiency; and
    • Double the size of HP-UX workloads supported within the same data center footprint with up to 256 cores per server.(6)

    New service and programs align IT with business needs to lower risks

    HP also has introduced the HP Platform Advisory Workshop to assist clients in planning future mission-critical environments or transitioning from legacy servers to HP Integrity with recommendations for optimization, migration and risk mitigation. Upon completion, clients receive a customized blueprint of their organization’s ideal transition path to the newest HP Integrity systems.

    Also new is an enhanced TCO Calculator to help mission-critical customers assess the TCO for maintaining existing infrastructure and to help determine the cost to transition and support new HP Integrity systems.

    Flexible financing, leasing and trade-in options provided by HP Financial Services, the company’s leasing and life cycle asset management subsidiary, enable clients to transition from legacy infrastructure to the newest HP Integrity systems with minimal upfront investment.

    Pricing and availability(7)

    The first new HP Integrity systems, including the Superdome 2 server blades, will be available worldwide beginning next month at a starting price of $6,490 per blade.

    The HP Platform Advisory Workshop services are available worldwide with pricing based on location and implementation.

    HP’s premier Europe, Middle East and Africa client event, HP Discover, takes place
    Dec. 4-6 in Frankfurt, Germany.

    About HP

    HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

    Intel and Itanium are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark owned by the U.S. government.


    (1) Based on HP labs testing that compared HP Integrity blade servers with the Intel Itanium processor 9500 series versus Intel Itanium processor 9300 series, resulting in a 3.29 times performance improvement over the previous generation, rounded to three times the improvement.

    (2) Based on HP internal lab testing that compared HP Integrity RX2800 i2 severs, with Intel Itanium 9300 series processors and 24 8GB DIMM memory cards versus HP Integrity RX2800 i4 servers, with Intel Itanium 9500 series processors and 24 8GB DIMM memory cards. The difference was 162 watts or 21.4 percent less energy consumption for the Intel Itanium 9500 series processor-based system. ENERGY STAR qualification based on published qualification data for the HP Integrity RX2800 i4 server, in the category for Enterprise Server. Testing done June 2012.

    (3) HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i2 blades (previous generation) supported a maximum of 128 cores, versus the HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i4 blades (newest generation) which supports a maximum of 256 cores.

    (4)  Based on a comparison of the HP Superdome 2 with CB900 i2blades and the newest-generation HP Superdome 2 with CB900i4 blades.

    (5)  The official update to HP-UX 11i v3 was on September 2012.

    (6)  Based on HP-UX Security Lab testing, HP Bangalore, August 2012. Threat detection can be done up to 10 times faster with the new common log file per multiple AAA servers that perform authentication, authorization and accounting on a system. 

    (7) U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.

    Summit Meeting at the 13th Annual CEO Vision Event: Dream, Dare, Win

    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: CNW Group <bmail@newswire.ca>
    Date: Fri, Nov 9, 2012 at 8:06 AM
    Subject: Summit Meeting at the 13th Annual CEO Vision Event: Dream, Dare, Win
    To: "Aurora ON - InformationWeek.ca - Information Week Canada" <pr@itincanada.ca>


    CNW Group Ltd

    Summit Meeting at the 13th Annual CEO Vision Event: Dream, Dare, Win


    MONTREAL, Nov. 9, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Technology Association has released the program for the 13th annual CEO Vision event - an exclusive forum for CEOs of Quebec ICT companies slated to be held at the Tremblant Fairmount from February 20 to 23, 2013. www.ceovisionpdg.org

    "CEO Vision is a top-tier professional development event that provides CEOs with a unique opportunity to catch up on the latest management trends, make connections, and conduct business", explained François Rainville, President of the CEO Vision 2013 Organizing Committee.

    Dream, Dare, Win! Just like elite athletes, the road to becoming CEO requires a strong commitment to excellence, teamwork, determination, and conviction. CEOs and athletes alike have a dream and both dare to act on it for the win. This is the theme of CEO Vision 2013 where distinguished speakers, successful business people, economists, visionaries, experts and a surprise athlete will come together to share experiences.

    High calibre speakers:  Sir Terry Matthews, who successfully founded more than 80 companies, Howard Gwin, a gifted investor who took more than 25 companies all the way to the top, Serge Beauchemin, a successful businessman with no shortage of mobilization advice, Louis Gialloreto, an executive marketing professor at McGill, Réjean Dancause, a specialist in issues that affect the peripheral business environment, and René Vézina, an economic columnist who is well-known in the Quebec business community, will brainstorm with the CEOs and offer up pointers to put them on a winning path.

    A unique Forum where participants contribute to the richness of the agenda: CEO Vision offers such a tremendous wealth of expertise and know-how that CEOs contribute to the richness of the agenda by the mere fact of their presence. Participants have already planned 25 workgroups for the event, each of which will be facilitated by experienced business people. Click here to see the list of the 75 CEOs who have already registered: www.ceovisionpdg.org.

    The CEO Vision experience is the very essence of extreme networking: Participants, speakers and sponsors alike will reap the benefits of meetings organized by AQT members designed to connect industry actors who are most likely to do business together. Detailed participant profiles, including business objectives, are available all year long (hard copies or Web format on the AQT portal). "Since last year's event sold out by December, we raised the number of seats to 150 to meet the demand and multiply the business opportunities", stated Nicole Martel, Chief Executive Officer, AQT. Sign up for our guest list: info@ceovisionpdg.org.

    A relaxed environment conducive to effective discussions: Sport challenges for ICT players, cocktails, formal and informal "spouses and partners" evenings, and all the delights of Tremblant Village where business can easily be mixed with pleasure.

    The 2013 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year Award: The presentation ceremony for this prestigious award granted by peers will take place during the 2013 CEO Vision event www.ceovisionpdg.org/fr/pdg.htm. Nominate a candidate today! The winner and the finalists will enjoy outstanding visibility thanks to our partnership with Les Affaires.

    Vision Partners: Experts serving the ICT industry. The quality of the contacts this forum helps create has encouraged our generous partners to extend their support once again this year. We would like to thank Investissement Québec, RBC Royal Bank, Gascon & Associates, Business Development Bank of Canada, Fasken Martineau, Les Affaires, Direction informatique, and Sonav Audiovisual. We also thank the Quebec Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

    New this year: creation of a sponsorship opportunity for our friendly team competition. In addition to outstanding visibility and an opportunity to build connections with 150 CEOs, this team-building activity will be a unique experience for ICT industry stakeholders. Contact us to sponsor.

    About the Quebec Technology Association (AQT) www.aqt.ca
    The Quebec Technology Association promotes innovative SMEs in the ICT industry by helping their CEOs and management teams reach business development objectives.

    Now the largest ICT business network in Quebec, the AQT, a non-profit, self-funded organization, provides its 500 member and affiliate companies with local and international networking opportunities, as well as business comparison and improvement tools - true building blocks of success!

    SOURCE: Quebec Technology Association (AQT)

    For further information:

    AQT - Valérie Danger, Director of Communications and Projects, 514 874-2667, ext. 118, vdanger@aqt.ca

    Summit Meeting at the 13th Annual CEO Vision Event: Dream, Dare, Win

    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: CNW Group <bmail@newswire.ca>
    Date: Fri, Nov 9, 2012 at 8:06 AM
    Subject: Summit Meeting at the 13th Annual CEO Vision Event: Dream, Dare, Win
    To: "Aurora ON - InformationWeek.ca - Information Week Canada" <pr@itincanada.ca>


    CNW Group Ltd

    Summit Meeting at the 13th Annual CEO Vision Event: Dream, Dare, Win


    MONTREAL, Nov. 9, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Technology Association has released the program for the 13th annual CEO Vision event - an exclusive forum for CEOs of Quebec ICT companies slated to be held at the Tremblant Fairmount from February 20 to 23, 2013. www.ceovisionpdg.org

    "CEO Vision is a top-tier professional development event that provides CEOs with a unique opportunity to catch up on the latest management trends, make connections, and conduct business", explained François Rainville, President of the CEO Vision 2013 Organizing Committee.

    Dream, Dare, Win! Just like elite athletes, the road to becoming CEO requires a strong commitment to excellence, teamwork, determination, and conviction. CEOs and athletes alike have a dream and both dare to act on it for the win. This is the theme of CEO Vision 2013 where distinguished speakers, successful business people, economists, visionaries, experts and a surprise athlete will come together to share experiences.

    High calibre speakers:  Sir Terry Matthews, who successfully founded more than 80 companies, Howard Gwin, a gifted investor who took more than 25 companies all the way to the top, Serge Beauchemin, a successful businessman with no shortage of mobilization advice, Louis Gialloreto, an executive marketing professor at McGill, Réjean Dancause, a specialist in issues that affect the peripheral business environment, and René Vézina, an economic columnist who is well-known in the Quebec business community, will brainstorm with the CEOs and offer up pointers to put them on a winning path.

    A unique Forum where participants contribute to the richness of the agenda: CEO Vision offers such a tremendous wealth of expertise and know-how that CEOs contribute to the richness of the agenda by the mere fact of their presence. Participants have already planned 25 workgroups for the event, each of which will be facilitated by experienced business people. Click here to see the list of the 75 CEOs who have already registered: www.ceovisionpdg.org.

    The CEO Vision experience is the very essence of extreme networking: Participants, speakers and sponsors alike will reap the benefits of meetings organized by AQT members designed to connect industry actors who are most likely to do business together. Detailed participant profiles, including business objectives, are available all year long (hard copies or Web format on the AQT portal). "Since last year's event sold out by December, we raised the number of seats to 150 to meet the demand and multiply the business opportunities", stated Nicole Martel, Chief Executive Officer, AQT. Sign up for our guest list: info@ceovisionpdg.org.

    A relaxed environment conducive to effective discussions: Sport challenges for ICT players, cocktails, formal and informal "spouses and partners" evenings, and all the delights of Tremblant Village where business can easily be mixed with pleasure.

    The 2013 Investissement Québec CEO of the Year Award: The presentation ceremony for this prestigious award granted by peers will take place during the 2013 CEO Vision event www.ceovisionpdg.org/fr/pdg.htm. Nominate a candidate today! The winner and the finalists will enjoy outstanding visibility thanks to our partnership with Les Affaires.

    Vision Partners: Experts serving the ICT industry. The quality of the contacts this forum helps create has encouraged our generous partners to extend their support once again this year. We would like to thank Investissement Québec, RBC Royal Bank, Gascon & Associates, Business Development Bank of Canada, Fasken Martineau, Les Affaires, Direction informatique, and Sonav Audiovisual. We also thank the Quebec Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

    New this year: creation of a sponsorship opportunity for our friendly team competition. In addition to outstanding visibility and an opportunity to build connections with 150 CEOs, this team-building activity will be a unique experience for ICT industry stakeholders. Contact us to sponsor.

    About the Quebec Technology Association (AQT) www.aqt.ca
    The Quebec Technology Association promotes innovative SMEs in the ICT industry by helping their CEOs and management teams reach business development objectives.

    Now the largest ICT business network in Quebec, the AQT, a non-profit, self-funded organization, provides its 500 member and affiliate companies with local and international networking opportunities, as well as business comparison and improvement tools - true building blocks of success!

    SOURCE: Quebec Technology Association (AQT)

    For further information:

    AQT - Valérie Danger, Director of Communications and Projects, 514 874-2667, ext. 118, vdanger@aqt.ca

    Canada’s Wireless Carriers Take Action to Help Battle Smartphone Theft

    Canada’s Wireless Carriers Take Action to Help Battle Smartphone Theft

    Industry launches initiative to raise awareness about keeping personal data secure

    OTTAWA – November 8, 2012 – The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) and Canada’s wireless carriers today announced a plan of action to assist law enforcement agencies with their efforts to combat the theft of wireless devices. By September 30, 2013, the authorization of any GSM or LTE wireless device on any Canadian network will include verification that the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of the device has not been reported lost or stolen on any Canadian network, as well as some international networks that are available in the GSMA IMEI database.

    This new device verification process, which will deny service to any device that is on the GSMA “blacklist”, is designed to help eliminate the black market for stolen devices in Canada and abroad by reducing the value of smartphones in the eyes of criminals.

    “After comprehensive study, Canada’s wireless industry today is announcing what it believes is the best solution to help keep Canadians safe from cell phone theft,” said CWTA President & CEO Bernard Lord. “And with U.S. wireless carriers following Canada’s planned implementation by completing similar international database measures by November 2013, customers across North America will benefit from this added level of protection.”

    As part of today’s announcement, CWTA is launching a consumer information Web site and the first in a series of broadcast public service announcements focused on reminding Canadians of the critical importance of protecting the data on their smartphones. The new bilingual Web site – www.ProtectYourData.ca (www.Protegezvosdonnees.ca)  – is designed to act as a hub of resources for Canadians to educate themselves about how to secure their data, as well as how to help protect themselves from becoming a victim of device theft.

    “Our Government has taken concrete actions to build a strong and competitive telecommunications sector and I welcome this step by industry to address the serious problem of cell phone theft,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. “We will continue to work with industry to protect Canadian consumers and deliver more choice through greater competition.”

    It is imperative that customers contact their service provider to immediately report a lost or stolen phone to have their device deactivated. Once the device has been reported, the service provider can then add the device to the blacklist. All instances of personal theft should of course be reported to local law enforcement as well.

    “The loss or theft of a wireless device can have many implications,” said Mr. Lord. “At best, it can be a costly nuisance, and at worst, it can have serious repercussions related to one’s personal information and safety.”

    CWTA recognizes support for this industry initiative by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and calls on the federal government to consider legislative measures that could augment industry solutions to contribute to the reduction of cell phone theft in Canada. The UK and Australian governments have each adopted legislation that makes it a crime to tamper with, alter or remove a mobile device’s identifier. Maximum penalties for modifying or reprogramming a mobile handset’s IMEI number in these countries range from two to five years in prison. Similar legislation has also been proposed in the U.S.

    Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)
    CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry. (www.cwta.ca)

    Media information:
    Ashlee Smith, CWTA
    613-233-4888 ext. 227
    asmith@cwta.ca

    Follow us on Twitter | twitter.com/CWTAwireless | twitter.com/ACTSsansfil

    – 30 –

    BACKGROUNDER
    GSMA IMEI Database

    The GSMA maintains a unique system known as the IMEI Database (IMEI DB), which is a global central database containing basic information on the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of millions of mobile devices that are in use across the world’s mobile networks. The IMEI is a 15-digit number that is used to identify a wireless device when it is used on a mobile phone network.

    The IMEI DB also supports what is known as a “blacklist”. The blacklist is a list of IMEIs that are associated with mobile devices that should be denied service on mobile networks because they have been reported as lost, stolen, faulty or otherwise unsuitable for use. The IMEI DB acts as a central system for network operators to share their individual blacklists, making it possible to prevent devices denied service (blacklisted) by one network from working on other networks even if the SIM card in the device is changed.

    Network operators who deploy Equipment Identity Registers (EIR) in their networks use them to keep their own lists of blacklisted lost or stolen phones. Operators’ EIRs can automatically connect to the IMEI DB to share their latest lists of blacklisted devices with other operators. The IMEI DB takes the blacklists from the various operators around the world that are connected to the system and it compiles the data into one global blacklist.

    When a network operator EIR subsequently connects to the IMEI DB, it downloads the latest global blacklist (or a national or regional subset of the global list) for its own use. By loading the IMEI DB blacklist onto the local EIR, all handsets reported as stolen on other connected networks up to the previous day are now also capable of being blocked on that network.

    Mobile phone users whose devices have been stolen should note that GSMA does not add device IMEIs to the IMEI DB blacklist or otherwise assist with incidents of device theft. Device theft should be reported to the user’s service provider and to the police.










































































































    Canada’s Wireless Carriers Take Action to Help Battle Smartphone Theft

    Canada’s Wireless Carriers Take Action to Help Battle Smartphone Theft

    Industry launches initiative to raise awareness about keeping personal data secure

    OTTAWA – November 8, 2012 – The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) and Canada’s wireless carriers today announced a plan of action to assist law enforcement agencies with their efforts to combat the theft of wireless devices. By September 30, 2013, the authorization of any GSM or LTE wireless device on any Canadian network will include verification that the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of the device has not been reported lost or stolen on any Canadian network, as well as some international networks that are available in the GSMA IMEI database.

    This new device verification process, which will deny service to any device that is on the GSMA “blacklist”, is designed to help eliminate the black market for stolen devices in Canada and abroad by reducing the value of smartphones in the eyes of criminals.

    “After comprehensive study, Canada’s wireless industry today is announcing what it believes is the best solution to help keep Canadians safe from cell phone theft,” said CWTA President & CEO Bernard Lord. “And with U.S. wireless carriers following Canada’s planned implementation by completing similar international database measures by November 2013, customers across North America will benefit from this added level of protection.”

    As part of today’s announcement, CWTA is launching a consumer information Web site and the first in a series of broadcast public service announcements focused on reminding Canadians of the critical importance of protecting the data on their smartphones. The new bilingual Web site – www.ProtectYourData.ca (www.Protegezvosdonnees.ca)  – is designed to act as a hub of resources for Canadians to educate themselves about how to secure their data, as well as how to help protect themselves from becoming a victim of device theft.

    “Our Government has taken concrete actions to build a strong and competitive telecommunications sector and I welcome this step by industry to address the serious problem of cell phone theft,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. “We will continue to work with industry to protect Canadian consumers and deliver more choice through greater competition.”

    It is imperative that customers contact their service provider to immediately report a lost or stolen phone to have their device deactivated. Once the device has been reported, the service provider can then add the device to the blacklist. All instances of personal theft should of course be reported to local law enforcement as well.

    “The loss or theft of a wireless device can have many implications,” said Mr. Lord. “At best, it can be a costly nuisance, and at worst, it can have serious repercussions related to one’s personal information and safety.”

    CWTA recognizes support for this industry initiative by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and calls on the federal government to consider legislative measures that could augment industry solutions to contribute to the reduction of cell phone theft in Canada. The UK and Australian governments have each adopted legislation that makes it a crime to tamper with, alter or remove a mobile device’s identifier. Maximum penalties for modifying or reprogramming a mobile handset’s IMEI number in these countries range from two to five years in prison. Similar legislation has also been proposed in the U.S.

    Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)
    CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry. (www.cwta.ca)

    Media information:
    Ashlee Smith, CWTA
    613-233-4888 ext. 227
    asmith@cwta.ca

    Follow us on Twitter | twitter.com/CWTAwireless | twitter.com/ACTSsansfil

    – 30 –

    BACKGROUNDER
    GSMA IMEI Database

    The GSMA maintains a unique system known as the IMEI Database (IMEI DB), which is a global central database containing basic information on the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of millions of mobile devices that are in use across the world’s mobile networks. The IMEI is a 15-digit number that is used to identify a wireless device when it is used on a mobile phone network.

    The IMEI DB also supports what is known as a “blacklist”. The blacklist is a list of IMEIs that are associated with mobile devices that should be denied service on mobile networks because they have been reported as lost, stolen, faulty or otherwise unsuitable for use. The IMEI DB acts as a central system for network operators to share their individual blacklists, making it possible to prevent devices denied service (blacklisted) by one network from working on other networks even if the SIM card in the device is changed.

    Network operators who deploy Equipment Identity Registers (EIR) in their networks use them to keep their own lists of blacklisted lost or stolen phones. Operators’ EIRs can automatically connect to the IMEI DB to share their latest lists of blacklisted devices with other operators. The IMEI DB takes the blacklists from the various operators around the world that are connected to the system and it compiles the data into one global blacklist.

    When a network operator EIR subsequently connects to the IMEI DB, it downloads the latest global blacklist (or a national or regional subset of the global list) for its own use. By loading the IMEI DB blacklist onto the local EIR, all handsets reported as stolen on other connected networks up to the previous day are now also capable of being blocked on that network.

    Mobile phone users whose devices have been stolen should note that GSMA does not add device IMEIs to the IMEI DB blacklist or otherwise assist with incidents of device theft. Device theft should be reported to the user’s service provider and to the police.










































































































    MaRS Centre for Impact Investing receives $1 million gift from RBC

    MaRS Centre for Impact Investing receives $1 million gift from RBC

    TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - The MaRS Centre for Impact Investing today received a $1 million, five-year commitment from RBC to help build its capacity as a leadership hub for social finance and impact investing. The announcement was made at the Centre's annual Social Finance Forum, taking place at MaRS Discovery District.

    With this gift, RBC becomes a founding partner of the Centre, which was launched in late 2011 to increase awareness of social finance and direct new capital and talent to tackle social and environmental problems in Canada. The donation will fund educational programs for investors, social enterprises and financial advisors, as well as the development of models, tools, products, research and services to create and measure positive social and environmental impact.

    "RBC is proud to be a founding partner of the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, and we are confident that with this donation, the Centre will strengthen our collective ability to mobilize private capital toward the public good," says Gordon M. Nixon, president and CEO, RBC, and Chair, MaRS Discovery District. "The Centre will become the 'go-to' resource for social finance in Canada, creating a collaborative platform for private, community and government sectors to develop products, services, talent and public policy."

    "MaRS is proud to recognize RBC as a founding partner of the Centre for Impact Investing," says MaRS CEO Ilse Treurnicht. "RBC's leadership in the social finance sector, through its own initiatives and its contribution to the Centre, speaks to the momentum that is building around the impact investing agenda in Canada."

    Today's donation complements the RBC social finance initiative, a $20 million commitment to help ignite social and environmental change through investment activity.

    Ted Anderson, director of the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, notes that the partnership will help drive the development of a robust social finance marketplace in Canada. "This contribution is another tangible example of RBC's leadership in social finance and impact investing, and will help to shape how we tackle some of the major societal issues that Canadians are dealing with," he says.

    About MaRS
    MaRS Discovery District (Twitter: @MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto. MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada's next generation of growth companies.

    About the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing
    The Centre for Impact Investing (Twitter: @SocialFinance) is a national hub designed to increase the awareness and effectiveness of social finance in order to direct new capital and talent toward tackling Canada's most pressing social and environmental problems. Designed for collaboration and co-creation between government, community and the private sector, the Centre builds on the foundational work of MaRS and Social Innovation Generation (SiG), including the landmark report by the Canadian Task Force on Social Finance.

    SOURCE: MaRS Discovery District
    For further information:

    Melissa Hughes
    Manager, Media & Community Relations
    (416) 673-8200 ext. 2710
    mhughes@marsdd.com