Canadians want convenient government eservices, with 62% preferring a single government ID card: PwC Citizen Compass report

Canadians want convenient government eservices, with 62% preferring a single government ID card: PwC Citizen Compass report

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More than 3,000 Canadians weighed in on issues related to the convenience, cost and control of eservices

TORONTO — Canadian governments, at all levels, are introducing or have already implemented austerity measures to reduce expenditures and a new PwC report finds that Canadians want government to also provide them with cost-effective and convenient electronic services (eservices). Citizen Compass, an online initiative undertaken by PwC to gather and measure the views of citizens on emerging public policy issues, shows that the next generation of eservices must accommodate the lives of Canadians, while meeting their expectations for quality customer service.

Infographic: Next generation of eservices

Infographic: Next generation of eservices

What do Canadians want from government eservice delivery?

Three key themes emerged from more than 3,000 Canadian participants:

1. Convenience. As Canadians become busier and technology makes their lives more fast-paced, they’re looking for convenience:

  • Sixty-two per cent of respondents are supportive of the idea of having a single identity card.
  • More than 80% of Canadians like the idea of receiving automatic notifications about available government services. 
  • Canadians are willing to use technology to renew government photo ID with 65% interested in taking their own photos and submitting them electronically to renew their driver’s license, health card, or passport.

2. Cost. Canadians won’t pay for eservices, but they’ll pay to jump the line:

  • Nineteen per cent of Canadians are willing to pay more to skip the line and receive their IDs more quickly.
  • More than half (56%) of those willing to pay to skip the line are prepared to pay twice the fee.
  • A quarter of Canadians will pay a convenience fee for online ID renewal – for services they’re familiar with.

3. Control. Canadians are willing to share information, but they expect information to be protected:

  • With new technology, Canadians respondents said they are often wary of information security threats, but when presented with a more convenient option, they’re willing to make trade-offs.
  • While Canadians said they are willing to share information, they expect information to be protected. They hold federal and provincial governments to the same high standards of accountability that they hold private institutions such as banks and credit card companies.

“Canadians are asking why government can’t provide the same level of customer service experience online as banks or retailers,” says Michael Jordan, Public Sector and Government Services partner for PwC Canada.  “This pressure is on for governments to look at how they deliver eservices to meet Canadians’ demands while reducing costs.”

He continues, “Success for the next wave of eservices will rely on innovative techniques. Governments are exploring the challenges associated with mobilizing electronic channels to reduce costs while also enhancing the eservice experience, and at the same time, building awareness and maintaining the public’s trust in government.”

Methodology

The research for Citizen Compass was conducted through a ‘Choicebook’, which took a randomly selected group of 3,147 Canadian respondents through an interactive online experience where they learned about government eservices and explored questions related to the issues. The second stage of the engagement process was the “Idea Forum”, where participants were given the opportunity to submit their ideas on what eservices they would like to have now and in the future.  The results are based on more than 3,000 respondents from across the country.

To obtain a copy of the report, click here: www.pwc.com/ca/citizencompass. A copy of the report is also available from the media contacts. 

Follow the conversation on Twitter at #gov4ppl. Follow PwC on Twitter at @PwC_Canada_LLP and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pwccanada.

About PwC Canada

PwC Canada helps organizations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. More than 5,700 partners and staff in offices across the country are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax, consulting and deals services. PwC Canada is a member of the PwC network of firms with close to 169,000 people in 158 countries. Find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/ca.

© 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved.

PwC refers to the Canadian member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

NEC Makes Cities Safer with Technologies that Safeguard the Urban Environment

NEC Makes Cities Safer with Technologies that Safeguard the Urban Environment

***For immediate use July 1, 2012



Tokyo, July 1, 2012 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) is showcasing its cutting-edge public safety technologies and solutions at the World Cities Summit 2012 (Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Hall B, Booth 408) held in Singapore from 1 - 4 July 2012.

 

Through this thematic display - “We Make Cities Safer”, governments and city planners can envision how NEC’s innovative technologies and solutions can be integrated to enhance the safety and security of cities in their countries.

 

By leveraging its proven capabilities in IT and networking technologies and solutions, NEC aims to empower and enable public institutions to take preventive and protective measures to enhance public safety and minimize damage to property. Such technologies have been deployed for national identification, law enforcement, immigration, emergency and disaster response, and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure to help public and private institutions protect lives and property around the world. For over 30 years, NEC has installed its NIST-accredited (*) biometric systems for more than 480 customers in over 30 countries, making it one of the world’s leading biometric technology suppliers.

 

Mr. Tan Boon Chin, Managing Director at NEC Asia Pacific’s Regional Competency Centre for Public Safety remarked, “As a global IT and networking solutions provider, we aim to make cities a safer place to live with our integrated identity and public safety solutions, combined with our networking technologies, to create greater mobility and connectivity for law enforcement, government authorities and agencies. The challenge thus is for these state-of-the-art technologies to be better connected and integrated to serve a common purpose, as determined by city planners.”

 

NEC’s will showcase the following technologies and solutions at World Cities Summit 2012:

 

1. Citizen services and immigration control - NEC’s Automated Border Control solutions safeguard assets and facilities by enabling control at key access points and capitalizing on the strength of its award-winning multi-modal biometrics during the identification process. This new generation of access control security system can support simultaneous fingerprint and facial recognition, making this form of biometric recognition particularly resilient against fraud and identity theft as it guarantees an exceptionally high level of security and authenticity.

 

2. Law Enforcement - NEC’s face recognition surveillance system strengthens security and criminal investigations utilizing advanced face recognition technology to deliver accurate verification from facial image databases, regardless of age differences, race, face angle or lighting.  NEC’s intelligent video analytics solutions enable efficient extraction of specific images or information from large amounts of video footage collected by surveillance cameras by focusing on the characteristics of vehicles and people, including license plate recognition, super-resolution processing, and human face recognition. Moreover, NEC is developing Real-time MetaSearch system with additional features like vehicle features model matching, clothing feature extraction and human feature model matching to realize greater intelligence.

 

3. Critical Infrastructure Management - NEC’s Integrated Security Solution (ISS) offers a suite of security solutions for critical infrastructure and facilities, including an Integrated Operation Centre solution which provides the agency and organization with heightened situational awareness, and supports quick responses to incidents and events.

 

4. Public Administration Services - NEC’s food safety management system helps ensure secure and safe handling and delivery of food products. NEC has developed an integrated food safety system for the monitoring of food’s production, import and export, allowing for the quality and availability of food into and out of a territory to be monitored and managed.

 

5. Information Management - NEC’s Next Generation Threat Prevention Solution for Inbound and Outbound Traffic provides protection against cyber attacks, malware and data leakage using the most advanced security solutions.

 

6. Inter-Agency Collaboration - In the current Public Safety domain, security is more complex due to the amount of data collected from videos, devices and sensors and social network increasingly exponentially. NEC’s inter-agency collaboration (IAC) framework uses advanced technology tools to address the complex issues of collecting, analyzing and transmitting this phenomenal growth in data (“big data”) among agencies and then enhancing its value, enabling cross-agency cooperation to bring order to chaos in unforeseen events.

 

 

***

Notes:

(*) Notable NIST test results: Finger Print

-FpVTE2003 (Fingerprint Vendor Technology Evaluation 2003) - 1st Rank

-SlapSeg04 (Slap Fingerprint Segmentation Evaluation 2004) - 1st Rank

-SDK Study (Software Development Kit Study for Fingerprint 2004 - 1st Rank

-PFT Study (Proprietary Fingerprint Template Testing) - 1st Rank in 2007

-ELFT07 Phase II (Evaluation of Latent Fingerprint Technology) - 1st Rank in 2009 Face recognition

-Ranked No.1 in Still Face Challenge Problem of MBGC (Multiple Biometric Grand Challenge) held by NIST in 2008-2009

(NIST test results do not constitute endorsement of any particular system by the government. For more information, visit www.nist.gov.)

 

 

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.

 

About NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (NEC APAC)

Singapore-based NEC Asia Pacific is the regional headquarters for NEC Corporation (HQ: Japan) in the Asia Pacific region (South and Southeast Asia, and Oceania). As a leading infocomm technology provider and systems integrator offering regional sales and services support and consultancy, NEC APAC develops solutions on carrier network, global identity, RFID, enterprise server, unified communications, multimedia display, and contact centre, as well as provide outsourcing and managed services.

 

To leverage on its technological expertise, NEC APAC has established regional competency centres for public safety and display solutions to expand its capabilities and expertise to support businesses in the Asia Pacific region.

 

In line with the NEC Group Vision to realize an information society friendly to humans and the earth, NEC embarks on corporate social responsibilities initiatives to support the Nature (environment), Education and Community. For more information, please visit www.nec.com.sg.

 

 

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2012 NEC Corporation.

 

 

NEC Press Contacts:

Masako Hirano

NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

m-hirano@nec.com.sg

+65 6379 2570

 

Eliza Lim

NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

eliza_lim@nec.com.sg

+65 6379 2571

Dell to Acquire Quest Software

Dell to Acquire Quest Software

Date : 02/07/2012











 

  • Award-winning Quest bolsters Dell competitive position in delivering end-to-end IT solutions.
  • Strong strategic fit with Dell’s software group; extends existing capabilities in systems management, security, data protection and workspace management.

Dell and Quest Software today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for Dell to acquire Quest, an award-winning IT management software provider offering a broad selection of solutions that solve the most common and most challenging IT problems.

Dell recently announced the formation of its Software Group to build upon its existing software expertise. The Dell Software Group will add to Dell’s enterprise solutions capability, accelerate strategic growth and further differentiate the company from competitors by increasing its solutions portfolio with Dell-owned intellectual property.

Quest’s family of software solutions and key technologies are strongly aligned with Dell’s software strategy. The acquisition provides critical components to expand Dell’s software capabilities in systems management, security, data protection and workspace management. In addition, Quest’s software portfolio is highly complementary to Dell’s scalable design approach to develop solutions that scale with customer needs. Some examples include:

  • The Quest One Identity and Access Management solution family adds to Dell’s very strong set of security assets with SonicWALL and Secureworks, creating a comprehensive set of security solutions to address important customer needs.
  • Quest’s Performance Monitoring solutions for applications, networks and databases address a rapidly growing need for our customers. Industry analysts have consistently ranked Quest Foglight as a leading application performance monitoring solution. Businesses of all sizes are looking to reduce their IT complexity and automate workloads for their IT departments. Customers worldwide leverage Foglight to continually monitor their IT environments, proactively identifying and remedying performance issues before they become bigger problems.
  • Quest’s Windows Server Management solutions complement Dell Services’ rapidly growing application modernization practice with recently acquired Clerity Solutions and Make Technologies.
  • Effective database management is critical to the successful operation of most organizations. Quest’s Database Management capabilities offer a strong complement to Dell’s enterprise offering. Today, millions of DBAs, developers, and analysts around the world rely on Quest’s database management tools to simplify their work.

Quest has a diversified software portfolio and generated $857 million in global revenue based on its fiscal year 2011 results at gross margins of 86 percent and operating margins of 11 percent. Quest supports heterogeneous and next-generation virtualized environments across leading platform vendors. The addition of Quest, including its 1,500 software sales experts and 1,300 software developers, to Dell’s existing software expertise in systems management, security and cloud integration, is the foundation of a $1.2 billion software business, based on annual revenue.

Quest, established in 1987, is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif. and serves more than 100,000 customers worldwide, including 87 percent of the Fortune 500. The company has approximately 3,850 employees and operates 60 offices in 23 countries.

Quotes
“The addition of Quest will enable Dell to deliver more competitive server, storage, networking and end user computing solutions and services to customers,” said John Swainson, president, Dell Software Group. “Quest’s suite of industry-leading software products, highly-talented team members and unique intellectual property will position us well in the largest and fastest growing areas of the software industry. We intend to build upon the strong momentum Quest brings to Dell.”

“Clearly, Dell’s distribution, reach and brand are well recognized in the industry. Combine that with Quest’s software expertise and award-winning systems management products and you have a very powerful combination for our customers and partners,” said Vinny Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of Quest Software. “With this transaction, Quest’s products and employees become the foundation for Dell’s critical software business.”

A financial analyst call with Dave Johnson, senior vice president, Dell Corporate Strategy; John Swainson, president, Dell Software Group; Brian Gladden, chief financial officer, Dell; and Vinny Smith, chairman and chief executive officer, Quest Software; will be webcast live today at 8:45 a.m. Central Time and archived at www.dell.com/investor

Terms and Closing
Under terms of the agreement, approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Dell will pay $28.00 per share in cash for each share of Quest for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.4 billion, net of Quest’s cash and debt. The transaction is expected to close in Dell’s third fiscal quarter, subject to approval by Quest’s shareholders and customary conditions.

About Quest
Established in 1987, Quest Software (NASDAQ: QSFT) provides simple and innovative IT management solutions that enable more than 100,000 global customers to save time and money across physical and virtual environments. Quest products solve complex IT challenges ranging from database management, data protection, identity and access management, monitoring, user workspace management to Windows management.

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology, business solutions and services they trust and value. For more information, visit www.Dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
Special Note:

Special Note:
Statements that relate to future results and events are forward-looking statements based on Dell's and Quest’s current expectations. Actual results and events in future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements because of a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that projected benefits may not materialize as expected; that the transaction may not be timely completed, if at all; that Dell and Quest are unable to successfully implement the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including the execution of integration strategies; and other risks that are described in Dell’s or Quest’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports. Neither Dell nor Quest undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Additional Information and Where to Find It:
Quest intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an amended proxy statement and intends to furnish or file other materials with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. The definitive proxy statement will be sent or given to the stockholders of Quest and will contain important information about the proposed transaction and related matters. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, QUEST’S STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THOSE OTHER MATERIALS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT QUEST AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available), and any other documents filed by Quest with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement from Quest by contacting Quest’s Investor Relations by telephone at (949) 754-8000, or by mail at Quest Software, Inc., 5 Polaris Way, Aliso Viejo, California 92656, Attention: Investor Relations, or by going to Quest’s Investor Relations page on its corporate website at www.quest.com.

Participants in the Solicitation:
Quest and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Quest in connection with the proposed merger. Information regarding the interests of these directors and executive officers in the transaction described herein will be included in the amended proxy statement described above. Additional information regarding these directors and executive officers is included in Quest’s amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2012.

NGO Ipas Selects Agresso ERP Software to Show Donors Exactly Where and How Their Money is Spent

NGO Ipas Selects Agresso ERP Software to Show Donors Exactly Where and How Their Money is Spent

Software easily adapts to changing requirements post-implementation, unlike competitor products

VICTORIA, BC and MANCHESTER, NH, June 29, 2012 /CNW/ - UNIT4 Business Software [http://www.unit4software.com ], the North American subsidiary of UNIT4, the global business software group, has signed a significant agreement to provide Ipas, an NGO dedicated to protecting women's reproductive health, with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that easily accommodates its changing business needs after implementation. Ipas's meticulous selection process narrowed the field down to Serenic Navigator and Agresso Business World from UNIT4; the non-prescriptive, toolkit-like approach of Agresso was the deciding factor in its selection. Ipas had unique requirements out of the gate, plus a need to be able to modify its system in the future to keep up with the changing landscape of donor reporting obligations; Agresso offered the post-implementation agility necessary to manage these changes.

Ipas replaced a combination of disparate legacy systems that stored its critical data across independent silos. As Ipas grew, from $16 million in revenue in 2000 to $56 million in 2012, so did its need to re-architect its business systems and find a solution to support future growth. "It was a very difficult selection process to find the solution that best fit our worldwide needs to strengthen the efficiency of our business processes and integration of data. In the end, Agresso provided the flexible and adaptable environment we sought to be able to continuously improve efficiency and respond to the increasingly demanding requirements of our donors," says Tom Hill, Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations at Ipas.

"The kind of reporting that donors want to see is changing," says Eric Jones, Director of Knowledge Services and Information Technology. "There is a trend away from unrestricted grants towards restricted grants where donors expect to see not just financial data, but project information as well. Knowing precisely where, on whom and on what their money was spent is mandatory. With Agresso, we will be able to satisfy our donors, even as their reporting requirements continue to evolve, and show how their grants are making a difference. Looking under the hood of other solutions, we didn't see any other technology that could deliver the same level of independence that Agresso will allow us," he adds.

UNIT4 Business Software continues its momentum in the non-profit sector, almost tripling its number of customers in this market since 2010. "Agresso is an excellent fit for non-profits and the word is spreading," says Shelley Zapp president of UNIT4 Business Software. "Agresso has an extremely low total cost of ownership because it manages change so well. For non-profits, this translates into less money spent on overhead and more money going towards mission fulfillment," she adds.

About Ipas

Founded in 1973, Ipas is a global nongovernmental organization dedicated to ending preventable deaths and disabilities from unsafe abortion. Through local, national and global partnerships, Ipas works to ensure that women can obtain safe, respectful and comprehensive abortion care, including counseling and contraception to prevent future unintended pregnancies. Along with caring, committed health professionals and other colleagues worldwide, Ipas tackles this neglected public health problem head on in some of the world's poorest countries. While many international donors and governments have focused attention and resources elsewhere, Ipas struggles against the fundamental social injustice that results in the deaths of so many women in the prime of their lives.

About UNIT4 Business Software

UNIT4 Business Software in North America (http://www.unit4software.com) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UNIT4, a $602 million global cloud-focused business software and services company. UNIT4 Business Software helps dynamic public, private, non-profit and higher education organizations embrace change simply, quickly and cost effectively in a market sector it calls "Businesses Living IN Change (BLINC)(TM)". Agresso Business World is widely acknowledged as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that delivers the lowest Total Cost of Change. The software's unique Vita(TM) architecture allows for ongoing, post-implementation changes by business users, without the external IT costs typical of traditional ERP systems.

More than 3,000 companies and organizations in 100 countries deploy Agresso Business World for both operational support and strategic management. Agresso is a role-based, Web Services enabled solution that can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. It includes Financial Management, Budgeting and Forecasting, Human Resources and Payroll, Procurement Management, Project Costing and Billing, Reporting and Analytics, Business Process Automation, and Field Services and Asset Maintenance.

For further information:

Media contact:

Asmaa Methqal
Marketing Communications Manager
UNIT4 Business Software
Phone: +1-250-704-4484
Cell: +1-250-516-2137
Email: Asmaa.Methqal@unit4.com
Twitter: @UNIT4SoftwareNA





























































IBM Announces New Virtual Desktop Flexible Workplace Solutions

ARMONK, N.Y., June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on four decades of industry leadership in large scale virtualization, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a set of flexible workplace solutions that enable clients to create a simple, cost-effective environment that allows employees to use any device to access workplace applications anytime and anyplace.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure solutions are designed to help clients get ahead of the rising trend toward employees bringing their own electronic devices to work. It allows organizations to manage desktops centrally while small or large numbers of users can access desk top applications from any location or device, including personal computers, tablets, smart phones, laptops and thin clients. The solutions were created to help clients escape the constraints of physical computing -- simplifying desktop management, tightening security, and enhancing overall employee productivity.

The IBM offerings support the widest range of industry hardware, software and virtualization platforms across various industries, including health care, education, financial services and retail, as well as the public sector, local, state and federal government agencies. For example, the 2000-student Gilmer County, Texas Independent School District is using the offering to provide a more flexible workplace for teachers and administrators.

Said School District Technology Director Rusty Ivey, "The IBM virtual desktop solution with Virtual Bridges VERDE on System x allows us to lower desktop management costs, while improving data security and disaster recovery. VDI improves the productivity of our teachers and administrative staff, as well as lab users by providing instant access to the latest operating systems and applications anytime and anywhere, using their choice of electronic devices."

The IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure solutions come fully-tested across hardware, software and services to help streamline IT administration and help take the guess workout out of the transition to a virtual desktop environment. The offerings were created in collaboration with leading solutions providers such as Citrix, Virtual Bridges and VMware.

Using IBM System x servers running VMware Vie software, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. implemented a virtual desktop environment that included "Desktop Everywhere" to create an easy-to-use terminal. The bank started by replacing a virtual environment of 3,000 personal computers with Vie software. According to Bank-of-Tokyo-Mitsubishi Senior Manager Mizuhiko Tokunaga, company studies showed that the virtual desktop offering offered two advantages -- support for more software types and the ability to prevent an application failure from bringing down the entire system.

"Our strong ecosystem of partners and robust, open-reference approach provide a range of time-tested virtual desktop solutions for multiple environments," said Adalio Sanchez, general manager, IBM System x business. "Together, we're able to bring the power of virtual computing to any size company seeking secure, end-to-end solutions that provide greater agility, reduced costs and complexity, while freeing up critical IT resources."

IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure solutions are also being used at Corporate Information Systems Company Asia Pacific, a division of Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte, Ltd. The IBM System x powered solutions are immediately available worldwide in configurations to match a client's individual desktop management requirements. (Link to IBM System x powered SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure fact sheet attachment at: http://www.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/38189.wss)

About IBM
For additional information about IBM SmartCloud Desktop Infrastructure, System x and BladeCenter solutions, visit:

http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/solutions/desktopvirtualization/index.html and YouTube channel:

IBM, System x and BladeCenter are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other company products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies in the U.S. and/or other countries.

CONTACT:
James Smith
IBM External Relations
203-232-7000
smithje@us.ibm.com

 

SOURCE IBM

































































Acer A700 HD 1080p tablet available now in Canada

Acer Debuts Iconia Tab A700 Tablet in Canada; Full HD 1080p Display

Editor’s Summary:
•       Vibrant, precise images brought to life on 1080p Full HD Display with 1920 x 1200 resolution
•       All-day entertainment with long battery life of up to 10.5 hours for video playback
•       Tablet features Dolby Mobile 3; 5.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound via HDMI to home entertainment system
•       Highly capable and expandable with MicroSD card slot, micro-USB
•       Available now in Canada; 32GB Iconia Tab A700 is $449.99


MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada, June 28, 2012 – Acer America today debuts the Acer Iconia Tab A700 tablet with a premium 10.1-inch full HD 1080p display in Canada.
The Acer Iconia Tab A700 presents high-quality images in a new level of clarity and realism with a remarkable 1920 x 1200 resolution that delivers 55 percent higher pixel density compared to 1280 x 800 displays. This results in sharper images and greater details in everything from websites and text to photos and video. The bright and detailed visuals are further enhanced by Dolby® Mobile 3 with 5.1-channel home theater surround sound capabilities.

Powered by an NVIDIA® Tegra™ 3 quad-core processor and running Android 4.0, the Acer Iconia Tab A700 delivers industry-leading performance and responsiveness for running multiple apps, smooth HD video, fast web browsing and console-like gaming. The tablet can be used as a central part of a digital life; it can be connected to other displays via the HDMI port, and to other devices via its micro-USB port for syncing and transferring files. Plus, consumers can enjoy additional content with the convenient MicroSD card slot.
“Consumers have embraced their tablets as a mobile hub for their daily lives, and the full HD display on the Acer A700 will give customers a fresh new perspective on the apps, games and digital media they enjoy,” said Paul Tayar, director of product marketing for connected devices, Acer America. “Customers looking for a no-compromise tablet will get the features and performance they want in the new Acer A700.”
Visually Stunning Display Paired with Incredibly Rich Sound
The Acer Iconia Tab A700’s full HD 1080p LED backlit display gives customers a visually rich experience; 1080p videos and photos look more vibrant and realistic, and social media networks and online shopping will be enjoyed with more clarity and precision. Many of the most popular Android apps – such as 3D games, reading and digital media – already support 1080p, so they can be enjoyed in greater detail on the new Acer A700 tablet.

Ensuring an optimal viewing experience, the Acer A700’s display has a 16:10 aspect ratio, 800:1 contrast ratio and a wide 178 degree viewing angle. Plus, the display is a 10-point touch capacitive screen, so it delivers a remarkable degree of accuracy and responsiveness.
In addition, customers can share video stored on the Acer Iconia Tab A700 on other monitors, displays, and TVs via the tablet’s built-in micro HDMI port. The new tablet also supports dual-displays, so customers can share videos and photos on an external display. Plus, the tablet can be used as a console to play the latest games on a TV.
The A700’s display is complemented by the tablet’s impressive sound capabilities. It comes with Dolby Mobile 3 and is 5.1-channel surround sound ready, so it can be connected via HDMI to an external sound system for a high-fidelity audio experience. The excellent audio can also be enjoyed through the stereo speaker.
The sound recorder captures audio in a variety of environments. Students can record lectures and panel discussions, since the Acer Iconia Tab A700 will record multiple voices while suppressing background noises. While in concert mode, the tablet can record sound from further away such as a children’s school performance. Sound capture is also improved for video conferencing, so friends and families feel like they’re nearly face-to-face.

NVIDIA Tegra™ 3 Quad Core Processor, Features for Performance, Power
The Acer Iconia Tab A700 features the industry-leading NVIDIA Tegra™ 3 Mobile Processor that provides a unique Super 4-PLUS-1™ Quad Core CPU design with a fifth Battery Saver Core.

The processor dedicates up to all four cores to demanding tasks such as watching video and playing next-generation graphics-intense mobile games. Plus, the high-performance 12-Core GeForce NVIDIA GPU delivers incredibly detailed graphics and imagery, while the tablet’s full 1GB of RAM(2) contributes to its fast mobile performance. As a result, the Acer A700 is incredibly responsive, delivering smooth video playback, fast navigation and console-quality gaming on-the-go, with performance rates that are 2.6 times faster and graphics that are three times faster compared to previous-generation processors.
The fifth Battery Saver Core handles less demanding activities, ultimately using less power and improving battery life.  Plus, the 9800 mAh battery extends the tablet's battery life for all-day usability of up to 10.5 hours of video playback, or nearly 8 hours of web-surfing(1). Customers can use the integrated GPS and e-compass to enjoy location-based services and maps. The tablet easily connects to Wi-Fi networks with reliable Acer 802.11 b/g/n wireless technology.
Connections Make it Expandable, Feature-Rich
The Acer A700 comes with 32GB of flash storage integrated into the tablet, so customers have extra room to store games, photos, music and videos.(2)  Plus, additional content can be accessed from the MicroSD card reader that supports up to 64GB MicroSD cards.(2)  The micro-USB 2.0 port can be used to transfer data and files on and off the tablet, and can also be used to charge it.

The Acer A700 has two integrated cameras: the 5MP rear-facing camera is auto-focusing, and provides the ability to take snapshots while recording HD video, while the 1MP fixed-focused front-facing camera is great for video conferencing, as it features an improved zoom. Customers can capture video and photos, enhance them on the go, and then conveniently store them in Google+ and upload to other social networks.

Suite of Extras Boost Productivity
The Acer A700 tablet comes with the apps that make it a productivity booster. Polaris™ Office 3.5 allows customers to read and edit documents on the go. The tablet also comes with Evernote, a personal assistant that lets customers easily capture and save web pages, photos, ideas and documents and then store them to the cloud for access from other devices. Printing from the tablet is seamless with Acer Print, which is compatible with 87 percent of brand name printers in the market and supports a wide range of printing formats (doc, pic and browsers). In addition, the tablet features integrated Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (enhanced data rate), so it can connect to a variety of other devices, such as headsets and printers.
Intuitive Experience with Android™ 4.0, Acer Ring and clear.fi
Running on Android™ 4.0 OS, the Acer Iconia Tab A700 delivers many benefits, such as intuitive navigation, fast browsing, as well as enhanced app and folder management options. The unique interactive Acer Ring interface is a welcome addition to Android 4.0, as it can be customized by users to launch favorite apps, programs and websites through a single one-touch button. Additionally, the Acer Ring’s screenshot feature can be used to capture images of an app, website and even photos from a video conference.
The chassis’ soft-touch finish has a patterned texture that makes it comfortable to hold. It easily fits in a purse, briefcase or book bag, as it weighs just over 1.47 pounds and measures 10.23 (L) x 6.89 (W) x 0.43 (H) inches.

Available in Canada Starting at $449.99
The new Acer Iconia Tab A700 is available for sale starting today in two models – the Acer A700-10s32c (silver) and Acer A700-10k32c (black). The tablets are available at national electronics retailers in the Canada at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $449.99 CAN.
Customers can purchase the portfolio case to protect the Acer A700 tablet. The sleek design prevents slipping on surfaces and also allows convenient access to the connectors and ports. It is available through Acer at a price of $39.99.
Acer is the No. 1 vendor in Canada for notebooks, netbooks and LCDs(3) and the country’s No. 2 overall PC provider.(4)  More information about Acer and its products in Canada can be found at www.acer.ca.

About Acer
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has broken barriers between people and technology, enabling users to explore, create and grow. Acer ranks No. 2 for notebook PCs globally.(3) The Acer Group employs 8,000 people across the globe, and revenues for 2011 reached US$15.7 billion. Acer's channel business model is instrumental to the company's success, while its multi-brand approach integrates Acer, Gateway, and Packard Bell brands in worldwide markets. Acer designs environmentally friendly products and, with its vendors, has established a green supply chain. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement. That includes supporting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and London 2012 Olympic Games. More information is at www.acer-group.com.

© 2012 Acer America Corp. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels.  Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail price and may vary by location.  Applicable sales tax extra.

1)      Battery life varies depending on product specifications, computer settings and application or features launched. All batteries' maximum capacity diminishes with time and use.
2)      Accessible capacity varies: (MB =1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes)
3)      Source: Gartner data FY 2011.
4)      Partner Research Corporation data, Q1 2012

Vancouver's Canada's Incognito Launches Auto Configuration Server 2.0

 

Incognito Software Announces General Availability of Auto Configuration Server 2.0

Vendor-Agnostic Device Automation and Management Solution Supports Multiple Access Network Technologies to Deliver Enhanced Performance, Security and Speed

 

Vancouver, B.C. June 28, 2012 Incognito Software, a global provider of broadband software provisioning and activation solutions, today announced the general availability of Auto Configuration Server 2.0. This new device management software incorporates a highly reliable automation solution that supports a wide number of access networks, such as PON, DOCSIS, ADSL, WiMAX, and more, all without sacrificing performance.

 

By using Incognito’s Auto Configuration Server 2.0, telecom and cable providers can now monitor and regulate subscriber device thresholds based on a wide range of reporting parameters, from amount of bandwidth used to average session time. As a result, an almost endless array of customized reports can be instantly generated whenever needed without the concern that performance will be impacted.

 

As the number of TR-069 enabled customer devices reached more than 147 million this past year, an increasing number of cable operators have embraced this protocol – which had previously been used almost exclusively by the telecom industry – for provisioning and managing residential gateways. Incognito Auto Configuration Service 2.0 utilizes TR-069 to facilitate zero-touch provisioning and management of WiMAX networks, DOCSIS gateways, VoIP equipment, WiFi access points, and IPTV deployments to help both cable and telecom providers decrease operational costs by minimizing truck rollouts and accelerate time-to-revenue for new service deployments.

 

TR-069 based devices can additionally be quickly provisioned to support an extensive array of services, such as WiFi management, parental controls, VoIP, storage, IPTV, and more. As a result of Incognito’s TR-069 Open Interop Program, which was created in October 2011 and assists providers in determining whether they adhere to the basic TR-069 standard as defined by the Broadband Forum, Incognito supports nearly every TR-069 based device currently on the market.

 

From a subscriber standpoint, Incognito’s Auto Configuration Server 2.0 also offers the added benefit of device backup and restore, which allows operators to automatically replicate settings in a subscriber’s replacement device. With the ability to add a user-friendly online portal, subscribers can now obtain detailed information regarding both their account terms and their existing network devices to offer an added level of visibility and control.

 

“Service providers are quickly realizing that they need to expand their service offerings in order to retain their existing subscribers while also attracting new ones,” said Stephane Bourque, president and CEO of Incognito Software. “Auto Configuration Server 2.0 provides a suite of new features alongside our market-proven automation software to help alleviate these industry challenges and help our customers build new revenue streams.”

 

About Incognito Software

Incognito Software is a global provider of broadband software provisioning and activation solutions that help monetize IP based subscriber and commercial services. Broadband operators of all sizes worldwide use our products to quickly and cost-effectively deploy high-reliability data, voice, and video networks. Incognito is recognized for its top-rated carrier-grade software, superior customer support, and partnerships with leading software and hardware vendors. For more information, please visit www.incognito.com.

 

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QR code miscues can waste marketing investment

Image001

 

QR code miscues can waste marketing investment

Too many companies aren’t using Quick Response codes properly, SEO expert warns

 

TORONTO –They look a little like ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics that have been given a high-tech makeover.

 

Quick Response (QR) codes — square pixelated designs that can be scanned with smart phones — have been turning up more frequently over the past year or so in advertising and marketing materials. You might see the digital barcodes in the corner of a poster, on the back of a business card or worked into the artwork on a pamphlet.

 

But unless marketers use them properly, QR codes are about as relevant as the antiquated form of writing they resemble, says one of Canada’s leading Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts.

 

And unfortunately that’s currently the problem – the vast majority of marketers and the clients they represent are not using QR codes to track their campaigns effectively, says Scott Wilson, founder and CEO of RankHigher.ca, a Burlington, Ont.-based internet marketing and SEO firm.

 

“QR codes used the right way can be a fantastic marketing tool,” says Wilson. “Wouldn’t it be great to be able to track your web traffic directly back to that beer coaster in the restaurant or the coupon you mass mailed to thousands of homes? That’s vital information for any marketer. The problem is that most companies are missing these marketing opportunities because of basic mistakes.”

 

According to Wilson, these are three common QR code miscueswith simple solutions:

 

·        Problem: Using cookie-cutter QR code patterns churned out by online generators, which are mistakenly read as direct traffic to a website by Google Analytics.

Solution: Have the QR code send traffic to a URL location where Google’s tracking software can monitor your marketing work and redirect to the desired location.

 

·        Problem: Using long URLs in QR Codes makescomplicated codes that are difficult or impossible for consumers to scan.

Solution: Keep the URL short so your QR code will be simpler and easier for scanners to read, not to mention easier to fit on a business card.

 

·        Problem: Using third-party services, like bit.ly, to shorten URLs attached to QR codes, leaving them vulnerable to potential technological problems or service changes.Solution: Host your QR code URL on your own domain so you have full control to quickly fix errors. If a third party URL shortener goes down, so does your entire QR code marketing campaign.

 

Companies making these simple QR code errors can be left unable to track any return on their marketing investment, Wilson says.

 

“After going to the expense of launching major marketing campaigns, it’s important to be able to trace exactly what’s generating consumer traffic and what isn’t,” he says. “QR codes can do that for you — but if they’re used incorrectly, they’re really just an interesting-looking design in a little black and white box.”

 

About RankHigher.ca:

Based out of Burlington, Ontario, RankHigher.ca was formed in 2004 under the name eMotion Picture Studios. The firm of 20 identifies Internet opportunities, builds SEO optimized web sites, runs Google AdWords campaigns, optimizes Google Places, writes and shoots marketing & training videos and provides a wide range of other new era internet services for clients like Apple, Pepsi, Gerber, Siemens, Cadbury and more.

 

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KALO Announces Distribution Areas

KALO Announces Distribution Areas

MARKHAM, Ontario, June 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Kallo, Inc. (OTCQB: KALO) is pleased to announce that they are currently licensed to distribute their Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), and Medical Device Connectivity System (MDC) throughout The United States and Canada. Kallo, Inc. is currently the only company in this sector customizing its systems to individual practices, offering the flexibility needed to set these practices apart from the competition.

"The 2008 US Stimulus goal of utilization of an electronic health record for each person in the United States by 2014 is rapidly approaching and Kallo. Inc. is excited to be able to offer our products in the US to assist physicians in meeting the EMR requirements."

"The United States and Canada are responsible for approximately 50% of the global IT expenditures in the healthcare sector. We are positioned to increase our presence and distribution in the marketplace," stated John Cecil, Chairman and CEO.

Kallo, Inc. is currently negotiating distribution in 24 countries.

Kallo OEM currently has a client base of 6700 units installed and has maintained a 100 percent retention rate over the last 7 years of operations.

ABOUT

Kallo, Inc., a medical information company, engages in the manufacturing and development of software that assists physicians and nurses to streamline patient information. Its software solution includes Electronic Medical Record software (EMR) and connectivity software that gathers medical information from various sources and deposits it into a single source as an electronic medical record for each patient.

Kallo, Inc. is a publicly traded company, listed on the OTC markets, (otcmarkets.com) stock symbol KALO.OB

Safe Harbor Statement:

This release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as INCL or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

Media contact:
John Cecil or Vince Leitao
416-246-9997
http://www.kalloinc.ca//

SOURCE Kallo Inc.

For further information:

http://www.kalloinc.ca


























SecureKey Technologies Selects Q9 to Host Cloud-Based Platform for Online Authentication Service

SecureKey Technologies Selects Toronto's Q9 to Host Cloud-Based Platform for Online Authentication Service

TORONTO, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Q9 Networks (Q9) is pleased to announce that it has been selected by SecureKey Technologies to provide a high availability solution for SecureKey's new cloud-based authentication platform.

SecureKey's innovative Credential Broker Service (CBS), operated in Canada under the brand SecureKey Concierge, allows Canadians to use their online banking user ID and password to obtain access to web-based federal government services. Announced in November 2011, three banks have agreed to participate in the service to date and many federal government services are expected to be accessible using online banking credentials in the near future.

Under the terms of the agreement, Q9 is providing SecureKey with high-availability co-location services and managed bandwidth at two Q9 data centres to facilitate production and disaster recovery capabilities.

"We expect millions of Canadians to take advantage of the convenience of using their existing banking credentials to access government services," says Hugh Cumming, Executive Vice President, Technology and Operations, SecureKey Technologies. "We sought a provider that could not only deliver the reliability and security that this requires, but one that also had the credibility to assist us in obtaining accredited provider status. After extensive due diligence, we determined that Q9's track record, reputation and comprehensive suite of services was best able to support this initiative."

Q9, a Canadian company, designs, builds and operates its data centres to meet the most demanding IT infrastructure requirements, including the increased power and cooling demands of today's high density computing devices. Customers connect to the Internet via Q9's unique network and are protected by Q9's 100 percent, SLA-backed uptime guarantees on both power and network availability. Customer equipment and data centre environmental parameters are monitored 7x24 by Q9's Control Centre, staffed by experts versed in all aspects of IT and facilities management.

"We are delighted to be hosting this important new application for Canadians," says Q9 Chief Executive Officer, Osama Arafat. "As more and more government information and services migrate to the Internet, applications like SecureKey's Credential Broker Service make it easier, more secure and more convenient to access those services."

About SecureKey Technologies Inc.

SecureKey provides an innovative platform-as-a-service for authentication, payment and identity. By embedding its security client in laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, SecureKey enables partners to deliver scalable, easy to use solutions with the security of chip-based identity and payment credentials. Financial institutions, healthcare providers, telecoms, and government organizations are using SecureKey today to provide two-factor and federated authentication and identity solutions. SecureKey is a privately held company based in Toronto, Canada, with backing from leading technology, payments and mobile industry network providers. For more information, please visit www.securekey.com.

About Q9 Networks:

Q9 Networks is Canada's leading provider of outsourced data centre infrastructure for organizations with mission-critical IT operations. Q9's 11 data centres and network are backed by an industry leading SLA that guarantees 100 per cent network and power availability. Q9 services, including: co-location, bandwidth, dedicated servers, firewalls, load balancing, virtual private networking (VPN) and back-up/restore, enable the rapid provisioning and scalability of client infrastructure. Q9 is backed by ABRY Partners, one of the most experienced and successful media, communications and information services focused private investment firms in North America, having completed over $21 billion of investments since 1989.

For further information:

Joanne Gore
Director, Marketing Communications
SecureKey Technologies Inc.
416-543-7951
joanne.gore@securekey.com

Kevin Spikes
Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Q9 Networks Inc.
Toronto: 416-848-3311
Toll Free: 1-888-696-2266
media.relations@Q9.com