McGraw-Hill Ryerson Higher Education Unveils Suite of Adaptive Learning Products For Canada, Including First-Ever Adaptive E-Book

McGraw-Hill Ryerson Higher Education Unveils Suite of Adaptive Learning Products For Canada, Including First-Ever Adaptive E-Book


New "LearnSmart Advantage" suite brings adaptive technology to new aspects of student learning experience; "SmartBook" revolutionizes reading


WHITBY, Canada, Feb. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Following an introduction at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, McGraw-Hill Ryerson Higher Education is launching a suite of adaptive learning products for Canadian higher education students that use advanced technological engines to improve learning and student performance. The new "LearnSmart Advantage" suite takes adaptive learning—one of the biggest trends in education in 2012—beyond the realm of course study tools by using adaptive technology to provide more dynamic, personalized learning experiences across new aspects of the student learning experience. Included in the suite isSmartBook™, the world's first-ever adaptive e-book, which revolutionizes reading by focusing students' attention on the content that is most critical to their learning.

Adaptive learning is a method of education that seeks to personalize learning by using sophisticated algorithmic technology to continually assess students' knowledge, skill, and confidence levels, and design targeted study paths based on the resulting data to bolster students' understanding in the areas where they need to improve the most. By allowing students to focus their outside-of-class study time on the topics and concepts that are most challenging to them, adaptive learning has been shown to help students study more efficiently, develop greater proficiency, andearn better grades. Adaptive learning also benefits instructors. By better preparing students for class, adaptive learning enables instructors to spend more time delving into advanced concepts, and engaging students in high-level discussion.

The LearnSmart Advantage suite builds on the success of McGraw-Hill LearnSmart™, the company's industry-leading adaptive study tool. With more than 1 million unique student users answering more than 1 billion questions through LearnSmart since its launch in 2009, McGraw-Hill Ryerson Higher Education has been able to use its unparalleled data and insights into how students learn to refine its adaptive capabilities and apply them to new areas of the learning experience—in effect creating a fully adaptive course. McGraw-Hill Education will make the LearnSmart Advantage suite available to students through instructors and institutions as well as through direct purchase.

"Since the launch of LearnSmart by McGraw-Hill Higher Education in 2009, we've developed a deep understanding of how personalized learning through adaptive technology helps improve student productivity and performance," saidPatrick Ferrier, president of McGraw-Hill Ryerson Higher Education. "Leveraging the expertise and proven effectiveness in adaptive learning provided by McGraw-Hill Education in new areas of the learning experience provides an enormous opportunity for students, instructors, and institutions across the country, as well as for McGraw-Hill Ryerson. With the launch of the LearnSmart Advantage suite, we continue to lead the industry in the use of adaptive technology to help improve student productivity and performance."

The following new products are joining LearnSmart in the LearnSmart Advantage suite:

  • SmartBook—an adaptive e-book that creates a more efficient and effective reading experience by assessing students' knowledge and skill levels as they read, and highlighting content that focuses their attention on the topics and concepts that they have yet to master. SmartBook represents a breakthrough achievement in reading, as it breaks the centuries-old tradition of books as linear experiences that presume to be read in their entirety, and in a pre-defined sequence, in order to be understood.
  • LearnSmart Prep—a "before-the-course" adaptive resource designed to prepare students entering complex courses that are critical to the completion of their major or degree (such as Anatomy & Physiology, Organic Chemistry, or Majors Biology) with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful on day one of class. Students can also use LearnSmart Prep in the early weeks of a course to ensure that they are prepared for concepts and assignments that will come later.
  • LearnSmart Labs—a photo-realistic virtual lab experience that uses adaptive technology to enable meaningful scientific exploration and learning while eliminating many of the practical challenges of a physical lab setting. By allowing students to practice their experiments in a virtual lab setting, LearnSmart Labs allows students and instructors to maximize the valuable time spent in the physical laboratory. For online and blended courses, LearnSmart Labs offers the closest thing available to an actual physical laboratory experience, enabling students to put the concepts they have learned in class to the virtual test without requiring access to a brick-and-mortar lab.
  • LearnSmart Achieve—a comprehensive adaptive learning system that pinpoints students' areas of weakness and supplies students with targeted content, including videos, interactive activities, and additional readings. LearnSmart Achieve gives students on-the-spot tutoring at times when they may not have access to their professors, and provides a time-management feature that guides students through the content and resources at a pace that is best for them.

The LearnSmart Advantage suite enables institutions to adopt adaptive learning as an institution-wide practice, creating a cycle of student performance improvement across disciplines and classes. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Higher Education also plans to offer selected products in the LearnSmart Advantage suite available to students to purchase directly. The company entered the consumer market for adaptive technology in the summer of 2012 when it made LearnSmart for sale directly to students and parents.

LearnSmart Advantage Availability

  • LearnSmart: Available immediately across more than 90 course areas.
  • SmartBook: Available through spring and summer 2013 across more than 90 course areas.
  • LearnSmart Prep: Available immediately across six course areas.
  • LearnSmart Labs: Available immediately for the following courses: Majors Biology, General Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, and Nutrition.
  • LearnSmart Achieve: Available in beta in the spring of 2013 across more than 25 course areas.

Products in the LearnSmart Advantage suite will be available directly to students from the Canadian website,www.mhelearnsmart.ca.

About McGraw-Hill Ryerson
McGraw-Hill Ryerson is a content, software, and services-based education company that draws on more than 100 years of educational expertise to offer solutions that improve learning for Canadian students and professionals. We are committed to providing Canadians with material of the highest quality for their education, enjoyment, and professional development. Our strength and success in the marketplace is a testimony to the quality of our products and the creative and innovative means we use to introduce new resources to our customers. We publish and distribute educational and professional materials in both print and digital formats. For additional information, visithttp://www.mcgrawhill.ca.

Contacts:
Brian Belardi
McGraw-Hill Education
(212) 904-4827
brian_belardi@mcgraw-hill.com

SOURCE: McGraw-Hill

For further information:

http://www.mcgrawhill.ca


























































































Vancouver-based Destiny Media to Launch Commercial Trials of Disruptive Streaming Video Technology

Destiny Media to Launch Commercial Trials of Disruptive Streaming Video Technology

New Secure Streaming Video Format Plays on Computers, Smart Phones, Tablets, Internet TV's and E-book Readers Without Player Plug-ins, Transcoding or Content Delivery Networks

VANCOUVER, Feb. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Destiny Media Technologies (TSXV: DSY) (OTCQX: DSNY) is pleased to announce that, beginning next week, the company will be offering Clipstream® for sale to the market research industry as the first customer vertical.  Unlike other solutions such as Flash, WebM and H.264 which have limited security, Clipstream® will enable customers to watermark and lock content to authorized URL's and restrict playback to authorized viewers.  This will enable them to offer video questionnaires to test market movie trailers, commercials and new products without fear those videos will appear on the Internet after the videos are removed.

Comments company CEO, Steve Vestergaard, “As we prepare to launch to other customer types, we felt it was important to begin paid trials with transient content and high profile customers first, so that we can address issues and build out case studies and testimonials for wider adoption.  Market research companies are expected to resell the technology to their Fortune 500 customers for use in secure video questionnaires.”

Self serve desktop and server based encoder software, support for ad delivery networks, a credit based e-commerce system and marketing materials are all under development.  The company expects to roll out commercial offerings to other customer verticals in Q3.

As part of the launch, the company has updated the demo showcase originally announced on December 3, 2012 with improved technology.   By using more effective proprietary compression algorithms, average quality and frame rates have risen significantly from the previous version, even though bandwidth requirements have fallen by two thirds. This bandwidth reduction was necessary for the widest possible audience to have a high quality experience and to be competitive with existing solutions. The updated examples are available at http://www.clipstream.com.

Videos encoded in the new Clipstream® format will play on most browsers, so there is no need to transcode or host multiple formats.  Because it is served by a web server rather than a proprietary streaming server, it will cache, saving up to 99% on bandwidth and infrastructure costs.  With no players to download or install and native support from all modern browsers, Clipstream® encoded content will have the highest play rate (35% higher than H.264, the next most common format across computers and devices).  Unlike other HTML 5 solutions, Clipstream® content can easily be secured from unauthorized viewing or duplication to unauthorized domains.  Finally, videos encoded in our format will have the greatest longevity as future browser standards will ensure play back in browsers that haven't even been developed yet.

The proprietary Clipstream® technology is protected by seven pending US patents claiming priority to August 2011 and international PCT filings.

About Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.
The recording industry uses Destiny's Play MPE® secure distribution service to deliver their pre-release music to radio, online retail, DJ's, sports stadiums, journalists and VIP's. Destiny's Clipstream® instant play streaming reaches all modern browsers across computers and devices without player plugins or streaming software. Patents and pending patents include techniques for watermarking, peer to peer locking and cross platform playerless streaming video.

SOURCE: Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Steve Vestergaard
CEO Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.
604 609 7736 x222
steve@dsny.com
































































Sightline Innovation announces the acquisition of COSAM Systems Inc. of Aurora, Ontario.

Sightline Innovation announces the acquisition of COSAM 


Systems Inc. of Aurora, Ontario.

TORONTOFeb. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Sightline specializes in the design and development of high technology software systems that take full advantage of leading-edge open source projects. At the same time, Sightline leverages its world-class expertise with mobile technology, messaging systems, "big data" and unstructured databases. Sightline offers both application development services based on a FTE (Full Time Equivalent) model and synthetic vision software systems based on its own VtiS (Vision, Telemetry and Intelligence Systems) framework. Sightline has various strategic relationships/projects with multiple Ontario Universities and Colleges, and deploys a "top talent" process to recruit the very best programmers and computer scientists.

COSAM Systems was founded in 2010 by a team of IBM Systems experts with extensive operational knowledge, industry expertise, IBM Systems expertise and large-scale education, certification, project management and consultative selling experience. COSAM has operations located in Canada, USA, Europe/Africa and Singapore. COSAM's mission is to improve the affordability of modernization of IBM customer systems through extensive use ofCloud, Open Source, Analytics and Mobile technology.

Sightline CEO, Wallace Trenholm and Mark Buchner, co-founder of COSAM Systems Inc., agree: "The acquisition of COSAM Systems Inc.,  opens the door for Sightline Innovation to accelerate it's long standing commitment to open-source software development through game-changing modernization of IBM systems. Typically, legacy software has prevented clients from fully exploiting web, mobile, cloud and big data technologies."

The acquisition strengthens Sightline Innovation in the areas of Business Development expertise including Mergers and Acquisitions, To-Market Strategy, Intellectual Property Analysis, Branding and Logos. Sightline can also assist customers with IRAP, SR&ED grants, and Business Case development for investors and venture capitalists.

Andre M Boisvert, former Senior Vice President of Marketing at Oracle Corporation and former President & COO of SAS Institute Inc., in addition to being a co-founder of COSAM Corporation, is currently a Director of several prominent Open Source and Software as a Service companies, such as Infobright Corp., Zend Technologies Inc., Palamida Corp., Emailvision Inc., Webtrends Corp., Transera Communications, Inc., and Clario Analytics Inc. In regards to Sightline's acquisition of COSAM Corporation, Boisvert commented "As witnessed by the name we attached to the company Cloud, Open Source, Analytics and Mobile, we saw a tremendous opportunity to modernize legacy systems by leveraging game-changing open source, cloud, mobile and analytics technologies. Sightline Inc. does not only share in COSAM's vision and passion, they have the complimentary talent and resources that will permit the combined entity to capitalize on this growing market opportunity".

Sightline Innovation Inc. is a rapidly growing software development company located in Toronto, Ontario which was founded in 2006. This is the same year Founder and CEO, Wallace Trenholm, sold his last company, Epoch Integration Inc, to Research in Motion (RIM).

SOURCE: Sightline Innovation Inc

For further information:

Mark Buchner
Vice President - Business Development
(905) 713-9700, mbuchner@sightlineinnovation.com

















































Microsoft Releases Next-Generation Office 365 for Business

Microsoft Releases Next-Generation Office 365 for Business

Wave of continued customer momentum underscores demand for new cloud service

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Microsoft Corp. today announced general availability of a major new update to its Microsoft Office 365 services for business. Microsoft's most complete Office cloud service to-date has new features and offerings tailored to the needs and budgets of small, medium and large organizations. In addition to updated Microsoft Lync Online, Exchange Online and SharePoint Online services, business users can now get the full-featured, rich Office applications they are familiar with, on up to five devices, delivered as an always up-to-date cloud service. Office 365 features enhanced enterprise social capabilities with SharePoint and Yammer today, and Lync-Skype connectivity for presence, IM, and voice by June. The new Office 365 service is available today in 87 markets and 20 languages and an additional 20 markets and 16 languages in the second quarter of this year.

"With Office 365, everyone from large enterprises to small businesses to individual consumers can now benefit from the power of Office and the connectivity of the cloud," said Jason Brommet, Group Manager of Office, Microsoft Canada  "This release unlocks new scenarios and delivers capabilities that far surpass anything available in browser-only solutions."

Since launching in mid-2011, Office 365 is one of the fastest growing businesses in Microsoft history. After only 18 months, one in five of Microsoft's enterprise customers now has the paid service, up from one in seven a year ago. The number of small and medium sized businesses using Office 365 has also grown by 150% in the last 12 months. Here in Canada, businesses and organizations are adopting Office 365 to stay connected, stay current and stay competitive.

For Vancouver-based Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Office 365 is bringing big benefits to the organization.  "With over 170 franchises across North America, easily accessible and reliable communications is key to our success," saidJohn Felice, Vice President, Franchise Operations, Expedia CruiseShipCenters.  "As the business grew, we needed to re-evaluate our existing email infrastructure to accommodate. We saw this as the opportune time to start to move our email and support resources to the cloud, implementing the email features of Office 365 to streamline communications and management and reduce costs.  Moving forward, we're looking to adopt additional features of the Office 365 suite including SharePoint for our intranet."

At Queen's University in Kingston, Office 365 has just been rolled out to almost 50,000 undergraduate students. "Office 365 is offering our students the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and eventually the boardroom, training them on the productivity suites which are standard for business today," said Keith McWhirter, IT Manager, Queen's University. "The safety and security of Office 365, combined with the savings we're seeing from moving to the cloud, make this move a win all around. The suite's robust functionality, seamless mobile integration and near 100% uptime are an excellent fit for the needs of our stakeholders."

New Office 365 Offerings Tailored for Customer Needs

Today, Microsoft is announcing a new set of Office 365 offerings designed to meet a broad variety of business requirements:

  • Office 365 ProPlus - Office 365 ProPlus includes the latest and most complete set of fully featured, rich Office applications delivered as a service: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, InfoPath, Access and Lync. It works on up to five devices, including Windows tablets, PCs and Macs. People can now simply sign in to Office 365 from any of their devices, and their documents and personalized settings roam with them, allowing them to quickly pick up right where they left off.  IT departments also get the controls they need including the ability to run Office 365 ProPlus side-by-side with other versions of Office, and tools to streamline and manage updates for their users.
  • Office 365 Midsize Business - designed for medium sized businesses with 10 to 250 employees. In addition to Office 365 ProPlus, this service provides midsize businesses with the enterprise-quality communication and collaboration tools they want - along with the simplified IT tools they need to maintain control while reducing complexity. Active Directory integration, a web-based administration console and business hours phone support are also included. Pricing is $184.80 per user for an annual subscription, the equivalent of $15.40 per user per month.
  • Office 365 Small Business Premium - designed for small businesses with 1 to 10 employees. In addition to the complete set of fully featured, rich Office applications, this service includes business grade email, shared calendars, website tools and HD video conferencing in an easy to manage service that doesn't require IT expertise. Pricing is$160.80 per user for an annual subscription, the equivalent of $13.40 per user per month. It is also available for$16.10 on a monthly plan.

The new Office now available for everyone  

With today's general availability of Office 365 for all businesses the new Office is now fully available to businesses, academic institutions and consumers. In addition to the business services announced today, on January 29 we launched Office 365 Home Premium, and updated versions of our traditional Office suite and servers.

Customers can purchase Office directly from Microsoft or through an authorized retail outlet or partner. For more information on Office, please visit: http://www.office.com to sign up for a free trial.

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

SOURCE: Microsoft Canada Co.

For further information:

Sheryl Davey
High Road Communications
sheryl.davey@highroad.com
416-644-2274







































































Gartner Says Worldwide Server Shipments Declined 0.2 Percent; Revenue Increased 5.1 Percent in Fourth Quarter of 2012

Gartner Says Worldwide Server Shipments Declined 0.2 Percent; Revenue Increased 5.1 Percent in Fourth Quarter of 2012

Server Shipments Grew 1.5 Percent for the Year, as Server Revenue Declined 0.6 Percent in 2012

February 27, 2013

In the fourth quarter of 2012, worldwide server shipments declined 0.2 percent year-on-year, while revenue increased 5.1 percent from the fourth quarter of 2011, according to Gartner, Inc.  For year-end results, worldwide server shipments grew 1.5 percent in 2012, and server revenue declined 0.6 percent.

“2012 was a year that definitely saw budgetary constraint which resulted in delays in x86-based server replacements in enterprise and mid-sized data centers,” said Jeffrey Hewitt, research vice president at Gartner. “Application-as-a-business data centers such as Baidu, Facebook and Google were the real drivers of significant volume growth for the year.”

“Relatively weak mainframe and RISC/Itanium Unix platform market performance kept overall revenue growth in check,” Mr. Hewitt said.

From a geographic perspective, the three highest growth rates were shown by North America (5.5 percent), Asia/Pacific (3.4 percent) and Latin America (0.2 percent) in terms of unit shipments. These were the only regions to experience an increase in shipments. These three regions grew at a rate of 16.3, 15.5 and 6 percent respectively.

IBM extended its lead in the worldwide server market based on revenue in the fourth quarter of 2012 (see Table 1). In the fourth quarter, IBM’s server revenue reached $5.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2012 to increase its global market share to 34.9 percent. This was up from 33.7 percent market share in the fourth quarter in 2011.

Three of the top five global server vendors experienced revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2012, with IBM showing the strongest growth rate of 8.9 percent, while Oracle had the steepest revenue decline of 18 percent.

Table 1
Worldwide: Server Vendor Revenue Estimates, 4Q12 (U.S. Dollars)

Company

4Q12

Revenue

4Q12 Market Share (%)

4Q11

Revenue

4Q11 Market Share (%)

4Q12-4Q11 Growth (%)

IBM

5,097,759,610

34.9

4,682,403,526

33.7

8.9

HP

3,620,601,066

24.8

3,744,672,591

26.9

-3.3

Dell

2,084,634,094

14.3

2,060,795,399

14.8

1.2

Oracle

603,030,654

4.1

735,403,237

5.3

-18.0

Fujitsu

541,010,171

3.7

498,052,547

3.6

8.6

Other Vendors

2,673,589,171

18.3

2,192,866,804

15.8

21.9

Total

14,620,624,767

100.0

13,914,194,104

100.0

5.1

Source: Gartner (February 2013)

In server shipments, HP remained the worldwide leader for the fourth quarter of 2012 (see Table 2), as it accounted for 26.5 percent of the market. HP’s shipments declined 5.9 percent. The ProLiant brand remains as HP’s significant driver of server unit volume.

Of the top five vendors in server shipments worldwide, Cisco was the only vendor to experience an increase in shipments in the fourth quarter of 2012. Cisco’s worldwide server shipments increased 40.9 percent in the quarter.

The results for the quarter were centered around x86 server demand which increased in shipments by 0.2 percent and revenue by 6.6 percent for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Table 2
Worldwide: Server Vendor Shipments Estimates, 4Q12 (Units)

Company

4Q12

Shipments

4Q12 Market Share (%)

4Q11

Shipments

4Q11 Market Share (%)

4Q12-4Q11 Growth (%)

HP

663,598

26.5

704,853

28.1

-5.9

Dell

532,890

21.3

573,125

22.9

-7.0

IBM

291,328

11.6

329,232

13.1

-11.5

Fujitsu

69,853

2.8

69,918

2.8

-0.1

Cisco

63,342

2.5

44,942

1.8

40.9

Other Vendors

879,711

35.2

783,833

31.3

12.2

Total

2,500,722

100.0

2,505,904

100.0

-0.2

Source: Gartner (February 2013)

Full Year 2012 Server Market Results

The year of 2012 demonstrated server revenue growth in spite of relative softness in some regions—most notably Western Europe. These results were fueled primarily by x86 servers which are the predominant platform used for large scale data center build outs, particularly in North America, while emerging regions such as Asia/Pacific and Latin America also added to the growth for the year.

Blade servers posted a revenue increase of 3.2 percent but a shipment decline of 3.8 percent for the year. HP was the 2012 leader with blades with 43.9 percent shipment share. IBM was in second place at 18.4 percent. Cisco grew to 12.5 percent shipment share for the year to end in third place.

The outlook for 2013 suggests that modest growth will continue. These increases continue to be buffered by the use of x86 server virtualization to consolidate physical machines as they are replaced. Some replacements are likely to begin in the enterprise segment as servers continue to age and economies improve.

EMEA 4Q12 Results

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), server shipments totaled nearly 630,000 units in the fourth quarter of 2012, a decrease of 10.4 percent from the same period last year (see Table 3). Server revenue totaled $3.8 billion in the quarter, a decline of 7.4 percent year-on-year (see Table 4).

“EMEA was once again the weak spot for global server sales,” said Adrian O’Connell, research director at Gartner. “Each of the three EMEA sub-regions saw revenue contract with Western Europe declining 7.9 percent, Eastern Europe 7.3 percent and the Middle East and Africa region down 3.7 percent. Without the strong growth of the hyperscale segment that is benefiting the North American markets, or the continued macroeconomic growth of emerging regions in Asia/Pacific, EMEA is more exposed to the global weakness of enterprise spending on server infrastructure.”

The revenue in the x86 server segment in EMEA declined 3.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, and the RISC/Itanium UNIX revenue segment fell 31.7 percent year-on-year. The Other CPU segment was the only segment to grow in the fourth quarter.

Each of the top five server vendors in EMEA, with the excep

Canada's Best Managed Companies revealed

Canada's Best Managed Companies revealed

50 new companies join the ranks of powerhouse privately-owned Canadian companies

TORONTOFeb. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, 50 Canadian companies are being recognized as the 2012 winners ofCanada's Best Managed Companies program for having demonstrated outstanding business performance and innovative management.

Growth was at the top of the agenda for Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2012. Best Managed winners made strategic investments in their companies, platforms, their systems and in their people and in turn, revenue and income grew substantially. Best Managed winners' revenue grew by 14% to approximately $5.4 billion and more impressively, income grew by approximately 24%.

"During the program's 20-year history, thousands of private companies have competed for this designation," saysJohn Hughes, Deloitte partner, national leader for Canada's Best Managed Companies program and leader of theToronto Growth Enterprises practice. "This year's winners have proven that even during a global financial crisis, they are still optimistic about the future, focusing on key operating metrics and accountability."

Now in its 20th year, the Canada's Best Managed Companies designation remains an emblem of pride for private Canadian organizations with revenues over $10 million. Fifty new companies have now joined the ranks of other powerhouse Canadian companies that have achieved business excellence.

"Not only are these businesses demonstrating excellence in Canada, but from coast-to-coast we are seeing more private companies expand beyond our borders," says Dino Medves, senior vice-president, CIBC Commercial Banking. "By harnessing their strong management team, a robust business plan and a solid balance sheet, these companies have created the support necessary for strategic international investment."

In the current soft economy, Best Managed Companies are focused on a few vital priorities to ensure their business thrives:

Mergers and acquisitions drive growth.
Best Managed Companies see the current economy as a buying opportunity. They expect mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity to increase cautiously over the next two to five years. Best Managed Companies continue to look to strategic-alliance and joint venture activities as the initial steps to a transaction commitment and "tuck-in" acquisitions as a means to build a platform company.

Best Managed Companies are also looking to build acquisition pipelines. Since these companies have limited resources they need to be very strategic and selective about acquisitions and look for opportunities that are accretive to their businesses. In addition, there has been significant increased interest in M&As from private equity firms, not just in Canada but also in the US and UK as Best managed Companies represent significant growth opportunities for Canada's largest investors.

The attraction of key talent is at the top of CEOs agendas 
As Best Managed Companies mature, they offer more sophisticated "onboarding programs" for key leadership positions. A few years ago, onboarding of key executives usually consisted of a tour of the company's operating facilities and meetings with certain customers. Best Managed companies have been much more sophisticated in ensuring new executives and employees understand their company's vision, its operations and key strategic plans. They also engage new folks in peer learning that builds them up for success in their new roles.

This year, Best Managed companies are reporting more women in the executive ranks and an increase in the number of newcomers to Canada.

Product Service Innovation continues to drive revenue through growth and cost reduction.  
Many of Canada's Best Managed Companies are looking to new products and services as a means to increase revenue and income. Innovation has been taken to new levels to create disruptive technologies and clearly differentiated products.

Succession planning starts to move to the front burner.
Succession planning has now become a more all-encompassing exercise that moves from family discussions around the next generation of management to a broader discussion including family transition, private equity investment, sales to strategic buyers and IPOs.

A significant number of owners plan to exit their businesses within the next five years and are starting to take a more holistic view of business succession and transition. Owners will engage in conversations to build sustainable businesses and continue to focus on creating value and protecting that value.

2012 Best Managed Companies program winners

Company Name City Province Website
Algoma Central Corporation St. Catharines ONhttp://algonet.com
Aquaterra Corporation Mississauga ONhttp://www.canadiansprings.com
Arpi's Industries Ltd. Calgary ABhttp://www.arpis.com
Boulangerie St-Méthode inc. Adstock QChttp://www.boulangeriestmethode.com
Burnco Manufacturing Inc Concord ONhttp://www.burncomfg.com
Canada Goose Toronto ONhttp://www.canada-goose.com
Canarm Ltd. Brockville ONhttp://www.canarm.ca
CBCL Limited Halifax NShttp://www.cbcl.ca
Construction Control Inc. Woodbridge ONhttp://www.constructioncontrol.com
Cougar Drilling Solutions Edmonton ABhttp://www.CougarDS.com
Cowan Insurance Group Cambridge ONhttp://www.cowangroup.ca
Dancor/Coreydale London ONhttp://www.dancor.ca
Desire2Learn Incorporated Kitchener ONhttp://www.Desire2Learn.com
Durabuilt Windows and Doors Edmonton ABhttp://www.durabuiltwindows.com
EMSEtobicoke ON http://www.easternmeatsolutions.com/
Les Emballages Carrousel Inc. Boucherville QChttp://www.carrousel.ca
Esri Canada Toronto ONhttp://www.esri.ca
Ethier Calgary ABhttp://www.ethier.ca
FirstOnSite Restoration Toronto ONhttp://www.firstonsite.ca
Home Hardware Stores Limited St. Jacobs ONhttp://www.homehardware.ca
Houle Electric Limited Burnaby BChttp://www.houle.ca
Industrial Thermo Polymers Ltd Brampton ONhttp://www.tundrafoam.com
Intelex Toronto ONhttp://www.intelex.com
Trévi Mirabel QChttp://www.trevi.ca
JemD Farms Kingsville ONhttp://www.jemdfarms.com
KiiNaturals Inc Concord ONhttp://kiinaturals.com
Levitt-Safety Oakville ONhttp://www.levitt-safety.com
MDS Aero Support Corporation Ottawa ONhttp://www.mdsaero.com
Mircom Group of Companies Vaughan ONhttp://www.mircom.com
Mr. Lube Canada Delta BChttp://www.mrlube.com

IBM Launches Cloud-Based Analytics and Mobile Initiatives for Global Ecosystem to Capture New Markets

IBM Launches Cloud-Based Analytics and Mobile Initiatives for Global Ecosystem to Capture New Markets

Helps Channel Seize the Big Data Opportunity

ARMONK, N.Y. - 26 Feb 2013: IBM (NYSE:IBM) today is launching a set of global initiatives to arm its global ecosystem of business partners to embrace cloud, mobile and big data analytics technologies to generate new revenue streams with new buyers such as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Chief of Police and the Chief Financial Officer. IBM is making a significant commitment to the business partner community to help them build innovative solutions that take advantage of advanced technologies enabling clients to tackle the next wave of data intensive business challenges.

The IT industry has been transitioning to a new era of computing built on mobile, cloud services, social networking and big data analytics. In 2013, spending will exceed $2.1 trillion, driven by double-digit growth in mobile, cloud, big data and social technologies - and by emerging markets' growth.

With today's news, IBM is launching a set of new initiatives to prepare its global ecosystem to capture this growing market opportunity. As the digital consumer continues to demand a unique and personalized experience across multiple channels, IBM offers CMOs and marketers the tools necessary to turn mounds of big data into actionable insights. IBM is empowering its business partners with tools and new services to maximize the efficiency of their own digital marketing efforts and better serve their clients, especially small to midsize businesses in emerging markets such as India and Africa. 

IBM will now offer business partners one-year free access to cloud-based IBM Digital Analytics technology that helps businesses analyze big data to identify patterns in customer preferences and transform real-time marketing strategies to target the individual consumer more effectively. With this capability, businesses can mine data on interactions via web, mobile, and other digital channels, including interactions referred from all major social networks, to better adjust and personalize market campaigns based on that insight. With this initiative, business partners will now have free access to this cloud-based technology to apply deep analytics to mine big data and enable them to compete in today's digital and social environment. IBM Business Partners in this program will also receive access to services to help them capture, qualify, prioritize and assign client leads more effectively 

Zobrist Consulting Takes Retail to the Next Level with Big Data analytics

"As the retail environment has dramatically changed with the proliferation of mobile devices and social media, this is presenting new opportunities for our clients in the retail industry to engage with their consumers in new ways. We see IBM taking another significant step in providing its business partners with un-matched skills, technology and expertise to capture new market opportunities, evolve and innovate as the markets do," said Teresa Zobrist, CEO of Zobrist Consulting.  

IBM and Zobrist Consulting's joint clients are seeing a difference. Bishop Company, an online retailer recently created a stronger online presence to develop a unique shopping experience to meet the needs of a younger generation of socially savvy consumers. The site has become the driving force in its growth using IBM Smarter Commerce, enabling its marketing executives to apply deep analytics to promote the right products while quickly responding to changing consumer trends. As a result, Bishop Company's online sales have increased 200 percent.  

The proliferation of 10 billion-plus mobile devices by 2020 is creating a sea change in the way businesses are engaging the consumer. IBM is launching a program to help business partners capture the growing mobile opportunity. The new initiative called Ready for IBM MobileFirst is designed to help IBM's business partners develop the right skills to bring innovative mobile solutions to the market in a variety of industries. For example, in healthcare, providing access to patient information via mobile devices to provide a more efficient and orchestrated care response, and in some cases leading to more rapid or accurate diagnoses. Or, by adding mobile commerce capabilities to a banking application, not only automates traditional transactions, but can also provide customers with the ability to instantly deposit a check via a mobile device.   Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) will be able to embed mobile technologies into their solutions with the Software Value Plus program, an initiative that rewards business partners who distinguish themselves through industry skills and solutions. IBM will also offer mobile certifications, workshops and incentives for resellers and systems integrators.  

IBM Collaborates with Business Partner Sproxil in Emerging Markets to Combat Counterfeit Drugs

IBM is collaborating with Business Partner Sproxil leveraging mobile and cloud technologies to help manufacturers view and analyze real time consumer data to detect and prevent drug counterfeiting.  Consumers in emerging markets such as India, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria can verify the authenticity of prescriptions in seconds with their own mobile phones anytime, anywhere securely through the cloud.  Consumer feedback on product genuineness as well as other comments they may have about the product, allows companies to make prescription drugs safer for millions of people who live in areas where counterfeiting is rampant. 

"Mobile represents a significant growth area for the pharmaceutical industry. As the use of smartphones and tablets surges, the pharmaceutical industry needs a strategic understanding of how mobile can play to drive innovation," Sproxil Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ashifi Gogo. "IBM's focus on arming business partners with the right initiatives to bring innovative mobile solutions will be key to help pharma companies manufacture and market safer products more effectively to healthcare providers.

IBM will provide business partners with new skill building capabilities and access to IBM's technical experts at its global network of 42 global Innovation Centers in 36 countries to nurture growth for development of new mobile capabilities while meeting IBM's mobile integration standards.    IBM is also enabling IBM Business Partners to help credit-qualified clients take advantage of simple, flexible lease and loan packages for the Ready for IBM MobileFirst portfolio and Big Data analytics, starting at as low as 0% for 12 months with no upfront costs.  Additionally, IBM will also provide marketing support to business partners to help reach new buyers in this space.   

IBM also announced new initiatives designed to help Business Partners build their solution, selling capabilities around expert integrated systems. Specifically, IBM Systems and Technology Group plans to increase its dedicated channel sales and technical sales specialists by 50 percent in 2013 to assist Business Partners in closing more solution opportunities. In addition, IBM Power Systems is further strengthening its Business Partner incentives. Finally, IBM continues to strengthen and launch new PartnerWorld Specialty and Certification Programs for IBM System x, PureFlex and Flex Systems to assist Business Partners in developing specialized skills to help deliver innovative solutions for clients.  

IBM is continuing to invest $150 million in lead generation for business partners with the goal of four times the number of leads passed to Business Partners in 2013 to help grow their business.  

"The interdependence of mobile, social, big data and cloud is undeniable, and will only multiply as data growth and mobile use continue," said Mark Hennessy, GM, IBM Global Business Partners. "We are committed to the success of our business partners in this shift in the way we do business across industries and around the globe. To seize this big data opportunity, IBM has laid the foundation for a comprehensive set of initiatives for IBM Business Partners, who are key to our growth strategy, can help these clients address their business needs as the business grows."

 












































































Ingram Micro Unveils New Mobility Business Unit

Ingram Micro Unveils New Mobility Business Unit
Ingram Micro Mobility offers expanded device lifecycle services capabilities and unmatched global reach to the mobility supply chain

SANTA ANA, Calif.

, Feb. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), the world's largest technology distributor and a global leader in IT supply-chain and logistics solutions, today debuted a new business unit, Ingram Micro Mobility, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.  The new group combines Ingram Micro's existing mobile group with BrightPoint, a leading provider of device lifecycle services, which was acquired by Ingram Micro on October 15, 2012.  The combined capabilities and reach of both companies position Ingram Micro as the leading global provider of technology and mobility services and products, providing current and prospective customers with access to new manufacturers and solutions.

Ingram Micro Mobility offers a complete end-to-end solution for the lifecycle of mobile devices – moving mobile products from manufacturing, providing customization services, fulfilling through all channels (retail, company store, indirect dealer and directly to an end-user), managing transportation and logistics, and providing complete integrated reverse and recover services. The group's solutions support moving and selling mobility products through markets across the globe with a single, highly-integrated partner.

"Ingram Micro's acquisition of BrightPoint marked an important milestone for both companies, but today highlights an even more significant milestone for our customers and vendors who now have access to the broadest portfolio of mobility and converged technology products and the most comprehensive suite of supply chain solutions for mobile devices," said Alain Monié, president and CEO of Ingram Micro. "Ingram Micro Mobility is at the center of the flow of products and commerce within the mobility industry, helping us achieve our vision to anticipate demand and create connections between manufacturers, retailers and carriers, while helping to enable the convergence of IT and mobility."

The new Ingram Micro Mobility group provides significant benefits for legacy Ingram Micro and BrightPoint customers, resellers, vendors, OEMs and carriers/networks, including:

  • Ingram Micro Mobility vendors can further optimize their supply chains with BrightPoint's expertise in device lifecycle services.
  • BrightPoint product vendors can gain access to new selling channels as BrightPoint's product portfolio is cross-sold into Ingram Micro's sales channels.
  • New markets – including VietnamPhilippinesSouth AfricaChinaHong KongFrance,Latin America and Canada – can access Ingram Micro's and BrightPoint's joint capabilities.
  • BrightPoint's best-in-class reverse logistics and device recovery capabilities are now available to Ingram Micro customers.

For more information on Ingram Micro and the new Ingram Micro Mobility, visit www.ingrammicro.com and www.ingrammicro.com/mobility. To learn, see and hear more about Ingram Micro online, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IngramMicro; Twitter at www.twitter.com/IngramMicroInc; and YouTube athttp://www.youtube.com/user/ingrammicroinc.

Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The matters in this press release that are forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations. Certain risks may cause such expectations to not be achieved and, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on Ingram Micro's business, financial condition and results of operations. Ingram Micro disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (1) we have made and expect to continue to make investments in new businesses and initiatives, including acquisitions, which could disrupt our business and have an adverse effect on our operating results; (2) we are dependent on a variety of information systems, which, if not properly functioning, or unavailable, could adversely disrupt our business and harm our reputation and earnings; (3) changes in macro-economic conditions may negatively impact a number of risk factors which, individually or in the aggregate, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; (4) we continually experience intense competition across all markets for our products and services; (5) we operate a global business that exposes us to risks associated with conducting business in multiple jurisdictions; (6) our failure to adequately adapt to IT industry changes could negatively impact our future operating results; (7) terminations of a supply or services agreement or a significant change in supplier terms or conditions of sale could negatively affect our operating margins, revenue or the level of capital required to fund our operations; (8) substantial defaults by our customers or the loss of significant customers could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity; (9) changes in, or interpretations of, tax rules and regulations, changes in the mix of our business amongst different tax jurisdictions, and deterioration of the performance of our business may adversely affect our effective income tax rates or operating margins and we may be required to pay additional taxes and/or tax assessments, as well as record valuation allowances relating to our deferred tax assets; (10) changes in our credit rating or other market factors such as adverse capital and credit market conditions or reductions in cash flow from operations may affect our ability to meet liquidity needs, reduce access to capital, and/or increase our costs of borrowing; (11) failure to retain and recruit key personnel would harm our ability to meet key objectives; (12) we cannot predict with certainty what loss we might incur as a result of litigation matters and contingencies that we may be involved with from time to time; (13) we may incur material litigation, regulatory or operational costs or expenses, and may be frustrated in our marketing efforts, as a result of environmental regulations or private intellectual property enforcement disputes; (14) we face a variety of risks in our reliance on third-party service companies, including shipping companies for the delivery of our products and outsourcing arrangements; (15) changes in accounting rules could adversely affect our future operating results; and (16) our quarterly results have fluctuated significantly. We also face a variety of risks associated with our recently completed acquisition ofBrightpoint, Inc., Aptec and Promark, including: management's ability to execute its plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, including the execution of integration plans; growth of the mobility industry, the government contracts business, and in new and untapped markets in geographies outside the U.S.; and other uncertainties or unknown, underestimated and/or undisclosed commitments or liabilities; and our ability to achieve the expected benefits and manage the costs of the integrations of recent acquisitions.

Ingram Micro has instituted in the past and continues to institute changes to its strategies, operations and processes to address these risk factors and to mitigate their impact on Ingram Micro's results of operations and financial condition. However, no assurances can be given that Ingram Micro will be successful in these efforts. For a further discussion of significant factors to consider in connection with forward-looking statements concerning Ingram Micro, reference is made to Item 1A Risk Factors of Ingram Micro's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2011, and Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended Sept. 29, 2012; other risks or uncertainties may be detailed from time to time in Ingram Micro's future SEC filings.

About Ingram Micro Inc. 
Ingram Micro is the world's largest wholesale technology distributor and a global leader in IT supply-chain, mobile device lifecycle services and logistics solutions. As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics and mobile solutions, technical support, financial services and product aggregation and distribution. The company is the only global broad-based IT distributor, serving 145 countries on six continents with the world's most comprehensive portfolio of IT products and services. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.

About Ingram Micro Mobility 
Ingram Micro Mobility is a leading provider of device lifecycle services - with the ability to provide complete lifecycle capabilities from basic warehousing to software loading, order and accounts receivable management, end-user fulfillment, and reverse logistics, which includes services from repair to refurbishment and recycling of wireless devices.

© 2013 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100107/IMLOGO)

SOURCE Ingram Micro Inc.

Investors; Damon Wright, +1-714-382-5013, damon.wright@ingrammicro.com, OR Media; Kari Brownsberger, +1-312-329-3980, kari.brownsberger@finnpartners.com



































































TELUS Health to become Canada's largest electronic medical record provider

TELUS Health to become Canada's largest electronic medical record 


provider

With the addition of PS Suite EMR from MD Practice Software LP, TELUS Health will be positioned to unleash the full potential of EMRs in Canada with national footprint, expanded reach and connectivity across the healthcare system

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Strengthening its commitment to provide the best healthcare information technology solutions in Canada, TELUS Health announced today its offer to acquire  the electronic medical record (EMR) business operated by MD Practice Software LP, a member of the MD Physician Services Group and a subsidiary of the Canadian Medical Association. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Closing of the transaction is scheduled for March 4, 2013.

With the acquisition of Ontario's largest EMR provider, TELUS Health will further expand its reach in the first line of care, now providing EMR solutions to 9,000 Canadian physicians across the country, and impacting more than 25 million patient interactions each year. TELUS Health currently provides solutions to all major stakeholders in the health system, including hospitals, pharmacies, and extended healthcare providers such as physiotherapists and chiropractors.

"TELUS Health firmly believes that by securely connecting physicians to the broader healthcare continuum and facilitating confidential interactions between the patient and their full care teams, we will further realize our vision of turning information into better health outcomes," said Paul Lepage, President, TELUS Health.  "This acquisition is part of TELUS Health's future vision for next generation EMR, which enables us to examine best practices, drive efficiencies and reduce care gaps throughout the healthcare system, resulting in strengthened primary care access for Canadians."

More than 10 years ago, TELUS made the decision to use its world-class technology and innovation to address the unprecedented challenges facing the Canadian healthcare system.  To support this, TELUS has invested more than$1 billion over the past five years, including the acquisitions of EMR providers Wolf Medical Systems in WesternCanada and KinLogix in Quebec. The combined strength of these acquisitions, coupled with organic growth, positions TELUS Health as the leading EMR provider in Canada.

"We are proud of the support we have provided physicians and our involvement in the evolution of EMR platforms, assisting in fundamentally changing the nature of healthcare," said Mike Gassewitz, President, MD Practice Software LP. "As the business evolves and focus shifts to connectivity of systems and the continual improvement of outcomes, this is the right time to transition EMR clients to a leading IT company which shares our vision and has the standing and resources to implement a national best-in-class EMR offering which delivers inter-operability."

Electronic medical records have evolved significantly from their original purpose of increasing physician efficiency by moving from paper records to electronic formats.  Today's EMR's have the potential to seamlessly connect physicians with patients and other health care providers and have become an important tool for physicians to improve health outcomes for patients.

"The most important concern for physicians is to provide the highest quality health care to their patients," said Dr. Anna Reid, President of the Canadian Medical Association. "Electronic medical records that connect front line physicians with health care teams are an important tool in delivering high-quality care."

About TELUS Health 
TELUS Health is a leader in telehomecare, electronic medical and health records, consumer health, benefits management and pharmacy management. TELUS Health solutions give health authorities, providers, physicians, patients and consumers the power to turn information into better health outcomes. For more information about TELUS Health, please visit telushealth.com.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $10.9 billion of annual revenue and more than 13.1 million customer connections, including 7.7 million wireless subscribers, 3.4 million wireline network access lines, 1.4 million Internet subscribers and 678,000 TELUS TV customers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services, including wireless, data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, television, entertainment and video.

In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed more than $300 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered 4.8 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Fourteen TELUS Community Boards lead TELUS' local philanthropic initiatives. TELUS was honoured to be named the most outstanding philanthropic corporation globally for 2010 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, becoming the first Canadian company to receive this prestigious international recognition.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.

SOURCE: TELUS Corporation

For further information:

Media Contacts:

Alexandra Fahmey
Edelman
416.849.1516
alexandra.fahmey@edelman.com

Donna Ramirez
TELUS Health
416-320-9309
donna.ramirez@telus.com




































































The Internet and you: It's time for Canadians to speak up

The Internet and you: It's time for Canadians to speak up 


Internet enthusiasts converge on Ottawa for CIRA's Canadian Internet Forum

OTTAWA, Feb. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (www.CIRA.ca), the organization that manages the .CA Internet domain, is kicking off its annual consultation with the Canadian public with a day of insightful and provocative discussion on the issues that impact the safe and fair use of the Internet.

The Canadian Internet Forum (CIF) will take place on Thursday, February 28 in Ottawa at the Ottawa Convention Centre. Given the forum's national focus, the proceedings will also be made available to Canadians anywhere in the country via live webcast. To ensure everyone who wishes to participate and contribute to the discussion can attend, the event is free for in-person and online attendees.

The CIF will bring together leading thinkers and experts to discuss a variety of Internet-related topics, including digital literacy, cyber-security and Internet governance. The event will also serve as a kick off for an online discussion forum that will allow Canadians to further explore the topics discussed during the national event.

"Canadians are the heaviest Internet users in the world and it is vital that we have a national forum where we can discuss and debate the hot topics that are helping to shape the Canadian Internet landscape," said Byron Holland, President and CEO of CIRA. "Just as we are all participants in the Internet sphere, we are all participants at the CIF. We believe that decisions about the Internet should not be made behind closed doors without public knowledge or participation. Everyone who attends can have a voice."

The event will feature a keynote about online privacy from Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart, as well as panel presentations and discussions about digital literacy and policy and governance featuring Steve Anderson from Openmedia.ca, Karen Mulberry from the Internet Society, Tim Denton from the CRTC, Matthew Johnson from MediaSmarts, Kerry Augustine from the Canadian Cyber Defence Challenge, and journalist Shane Schick.

The panel featuring Anderson and Denton promises to be both informative and compelling. Anderson is an outspoken advocate of a free and open Internet who is often critical of government policy and Canada's incumbent telecommunications carriers. Denton, in his role as a commissioner of the CRTC, is of course the gatekeeper for telecom regulation in Canada.

To learn more about the lineup of panelists for the CIF, the agenda for the event, and how to attend or tune in via the webcast, please visit http://www.cira.ca/news/events-page/2013-cif/

To arrange advance interviews about the CIF and its purpose and relevance to Canadians, please contact Tanya O'Callaghan or Leo Valiquette at the coordinates below.

About CIRA

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority is the Member-driven organization that manages Canada's .CA domain name registry, develops and implements policies that support Canada's Internet community, and represents the .CA registry internationally.

SOURCE: Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

For further information:

Tanya O'Callaghan
Communications Manager, Canadian Internet Registration Authority
(613) 237-5335 ext. 262
tanya.ocallaghan@cira.ca

Leo Valiquette
inmedia Public Relations
(613) 769-9479
lvaliquette@inmedia.ca