Compute Canada Awards $72 Million for Research Projects

Compute Canada Awards $72 Million for Research Projects


OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 21 — Compute Canada Calcul Canada (CC), Canada’s national platform of High Performance Computing (HPC) resources and partners, today announced grants of nearly $72 million worth of state-of-the-art computing, storage, and support resources allocated to 212 leading edge Canadian research projects across the country.
 
These competitively-awarded grants will allocate nearly one billion processor hours and 10.4 petabytes of storage to the projects over the next year. Researchers will also have direct access to more than 40 programming and technical experts who are critical to enabling the efficient use of these state-of-the-art HPC systems. CC’s distributed resources represent close to two petaFLOPs of compute power, which is equal to two quadrillion calculations per second, and more than 20 petabytes of storage, equivalent to more than 400 million four drawer filing cabinets filled with text.
 
“Compute Canada’s extensive network of computing resources, data storage facilities, research tools and expertise is supporting projects that feed into a thriving Canadian R&D sector and contribute important socio-economic benefits to Canada,” said Bill Appelbe, CC's Incoming CEO. “This year’s allocations represent the diverse and leading-edge science taking place at research institutions across the country.”
 
The projects — which range from aerospace design and climate modeling to medical imaging and nanotechnology — produce results and breakthroughs that in many cases simply wouldn’t be possible without CC’s resources.
 
An example is Régis Pomès, Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children and Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto, who uses his CC allocation for the development and application of computer simulation techniques to study biomolecular systems. Results from his research will lead to a better understanding of human susceptibility to highly-prevalent vascular diseases such as hypertension and aneurysms, and will facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of numerous pathological ailments, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases.
 
“This research would not be possible without Compute Canada infrastructure because of the immense amount of computational power and data storage that is required for our work,” said Pomès. “Very few laboratories that perform molecular simulations have such cutting-edge hardware and technical support at their fingertips. Thanks to these extraordinary resources, we have recently been able to broaden the scope of our studies significantly to investigate biological processes of increasing complexity.”
 
At McGill University, Associate Professor Victoria Kaspi relies on CC resource allocation to support her research into Galactic radio pulsars, a form of rapidly rotating, highly magnetized neutron star. CC’s powerful computers are used to process massive data sets Kaspi obtains from the world’s largest telescopes. Thus far, her team has accomplished groundbreaking discoveries in the field, uncovering 45 new radio pulsars, including nine of the most rapidly rotating stars known to mankind.
 
“We are very grateful for Compute Canada infrastructure because our project involves massive quantities of data and demands heavy computational power that is superior to what we or any of our collaborators can access elsewhere,” said Kaspi.
 
From Canada’s West Coast, the global fisheries and aquaculture industries stand to benefit from Ben Koop’s use of CC infrastructure. Koop, a Professor with the University of Victoria’s Department of Biology, is using his CC allocation to study the role of genetic variation and mutation in salmonid adaptation, health, and disease. One of the fundamental steps in analyzing salmonid genetic processes is the assembly of a robust reference genome sequence, a computationally demanding process requiring high-powered, large-memory computer systems.
 
“Compute Canada provides critical infrastructure for these genome sequence assembly programs and valuable assistance from extremely proficient staff who help with the configuration, modification and running of the assembly software,” said Koop.
 
The partner institutions and resource centres that comprise CC are hubs of interdisciplinary computational research, connected from coast to coast by the high-speed national CANARIE network and regional advanced networks. Together, these distributed computing facilities work collaboratively to provide the expertise and resources necessary to give Canada’s researchers and innovators access to these world-class technologies.
 
CC’s resources are granted based on scientific merit and computational need. In addition to the grants for above average computing requirements, all Canadian researchers have access to significant default allocations of computational resources and support expertise.
 
For more information, please contact Bill Appelbe, Incoming CEO, Compute Canada Calcul Canada communications@computecanada.ca













































































































Orascom Telecom to acquire AAL Corporation interest in WIND Mobile Canada; Anthony Lacavera to step down as CEO of WIND Mobile Canada, Plans to Launch Globalive Capital in 2013

Orascom Telecom to acquire AAL Corporation interest in WIND Mobile Canada; Anthony Lacavera to step down as CEO of WIND Mobile Canada, Plans to Launch Globalive Capital in 2013

CAIRO AND TORONTOJan. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - On the heels of a strong growth year, Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E. ("Orascom") and WIND Mobile's founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Lacavera, jointly announce that they have entered into an agreement to transfer Mr. Lacavera's shares of WIND Mobile Canada to Orascom. 

Mr. Lacavera, who plans to launch a new initiative, Globalive Capital in 2013, will remain WIND Mobile's Chairman and CEO until closing, and will continue in a non-operational capacity as WIND Mobile Canada's Honorary Chair. Upon closing, Orascom will own an indirect 99.3% interest in Globalive Wireless Management Corp.

"As an entrepreneur, my vision was to ignite change across the wireless landscape in Canada, bringing more competition, better prices and superior service to Canadians," said Mr. Lacavera. "And that is exactly what we did. Now that I am confident WIND Mobile Canada is on a course for long-term success, I can focus on launching Globalive Capital to make targeted investments in companies that share my entrepreneurial vision and continue to support innovation through new and emerging entrepreneurs." 

Mr. Lacavera founded WIND Mobile in Canada in 2008. Partnering with Orascom (now majority owned by VimpelCom Ltd.), WIND Mobile acquired spectrum in the 2008 wireless auction and launched what is now Canada's fourth largest wireless carrier. Since that time, WIND Mobile has launched in Southern Ontario (including Toronto), Ottawa,VancouverCalgary and Edmonton and now serves 600,000 subscribers.

Under the terms of the signed agreement, upon obtaining certain necessary regulatory approvals, Orascom will indirectly acquire all of AAL Corp.'s interest in Globalive Wireless Management Corp., which operates under the WIND Mobile brand in Canada. AAL Corp. is a holding company that is majority-owned by Anthony Lacavera. As part of the consideration to be paid to AAL Corp. (which includes cash consideration and a continuing economic participation in WIND Mobile for AAL Corp.), the Globalive group's fixed-line assets (including the Globalive name and trademark) will be transferred to AAL Corp. 

"Anthony Lacavera has been the face and the voice of WIND Mobile Canada," said Ahmed Abou Doma, Chief Executive Officer of Orascom.  "I wish to pay tribute to his leadership in making WIND Mobile the official alternative to the 'Big Three' incumbents in Canada."

Completion of the transactions is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including Canadian regulatory approval of the conversion of Orascom's non-voting shares into voting shares, which would result in Orascom holding an indirect 65.1% voting and economic interest in Globalive Wireless Management Corp. immediately before completion of the transactions with AAL Corp.  Orascom currently holds an indirect 32% voting interest and 65.1% economic interest in WIND Mobile Canada.  AAL Corp. currently holds an indirect 66.7% voting interest and 34.3% economic interest.

About Orascom Telecom:

Orascom Telecom is a leading international telecommunications company operating GSM networks in high growth markets in the Middle EastAfrica and Asia, having a total population under license of approximately 449 million with an average mobile telephony penetration of approximately 56% as of September 30th, 2012. Orascom Telecom operates GSM networks in Algeria ("OTA"), Pakistan ("Mobilink") and Bangladesh ("banglalink") and has an indirect equity shareholding in Globalive Wireless Canada ("Wind Mobile"). In addition it has an indirect equity ownership in Telecel Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe) and through its subsidiary Telecel Globe, OTH also operates in Burundi and theCentral African Republic. Orascom Telecom reached over 85 million subscribers as of September 30th, 2012.

Orascom Telecom is traded on the Egyptian Exchange under the symbol (ORTE.CA, ORAT EY), and on the LondonStock Exchange its GDSs are traded under the symbol (ORTEq.L, OTLD LI). For more information visitwww.orascomtelecom.com.

About Globalive Holdings: Globalive Holdings is a leading provider of telecommunications solutions in Canada and internationally to the consumer, business and hospitality markets. The Globalive companies include: WIND Mobile, Yak Communications, One Connect, Canopco and Globalive Carrier Services. For more information, visitwww.globalive.com.

SOURCE: WIND Mobile

For further information:

Media contact: Shelley Thomas, Narrative PR, 416-357-7829, shelley.thomas@narrative.ca

Investor Relations Contacts:

OTInvestorrelations@otelecom.com
Tel+20(2)2461 5050/51 
Fax +20(2)2461 5054/55
www.orascomtelecom.com





































































































































Mobile Integrated Systems Dials Capital C for Their Global Software Launches

Mobile Integrated Systems Dials Capital C for Their Global Software Launches

TORONTOJan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc. (OTCUS: MIBI) is pleased to announce that it has retained MDC marketing agency Capital C as their agency of record to develop and deploy global launch campaigns for two of their flagship products, one of which has earned feature app status on Bloomberg App Portal.

"The Capital C branding team captured the power and potential of both of our technology solutions to develop brilliant launch campaigns that will engage our target audience in the channels they live, work and trade," says Murray Simser, President and CEO of Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc. He added, "We continue our strategy of fishing where the fish are."

"Innovation is the lifeblood of any business," says Tony Chapman, CEO of Capital C, "and MIBI has developed two breakthrough software solutions. One uses mobile technology with the potential to put any lottery within arm's reach of desire while the other truly revolutionizes online trading. As a creative agency, you couldn't ask for more to shape your strategies and creative work."

About Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc.
Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc. is a technology company focused on developing and deploying mobile products and transaction systems to a variety of industry sectors including lotteries, gaming, transportation, telecommunications, and finance, among others. More information can be found at: http://mobileintegratedsystems.com/

About Capita C Partners Inc.
Founded in 1992, Capital C has worked with a wide spectrum of national and international clients, representing many of the top ranked brands in the marketing world. They have led a steady stream of award winning campaigns, and have garnered national and international awards, including, in 2007, recognition as Marketing's Agency of the Year. More information can be found at: http://www.capitalc.ca/

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may vary materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties. Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc. cannot provide assurances that any prospective matters described in the press release will be successfully completed or that Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc. will realize the anticipated benefits of any transactions. Various risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition are detailed from time to time in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings made by Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc. with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update information contained in this release.

SOURCE: Mobile Integrated Systems, Inc.

For further information:

Mobile Integrated Systems marketing team, +1-416-479-0880; or Capital C, Sarah Stringer, +1-416-777-1124

http://mobileintegratedsystems.com

http://www.capitalc.ca






































































































































VADAR Communications Inc. Announces the Release of Their New Canadian Financing Web Application


VADAR Communications Inc. Announces the Release of Their New Canadian Financing Web Application


VANCOUVER, Jan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - VADAR Communications Inc. offers a sneak peek of The Venture Radar, an innovative web application that focuses on combining technology and communication for mining companies and industry investors. 

VADAR is a trailblazer focused on increasing the exposure and opportunity of investing in mining companies. Yesterday they announced a new web application that makes it easier for busy investors to navigate the Canadian financing details of mining companies on the TSX and TSX Venture.

Ryan Glasser, CEO of VADAR Communications, unveiled the application for the first time at the Cambridge House - Vancouver Resource Investment Conference this Sunday.

"The Venture Radar is a web application that focuses on combining technology with communication," announced Glasser. "We took all of the information that investors are already searching for and placed it in a simple and consolidated package."

Canadian financing resources are easily available in this comprehensive application, where investors can filter through the mining and exploration material they need with ease. Press releases announcing financing information are easily accessible. In addition to Canadian financing information, company news, industry sector, company management, projects, and ticker symbols are available in collapsible drop down menus.

Premium listings are also shown within the application, which display individual company logos, websites, and marketing materials for investors to review. Business presentations open directly for users within the application, which negates the need for multi-window browsing.

Leon van der Poel, an investor familiar with the project, commented about the ease of use that The Venture Radar offers. "This is an innovative new way for investors to learn about the mining projects that are increasing in both capital and value. Knowing who is raising money is a great indicator." 

About VADAR Communications Inc.
VADAR Communications is a Vancouver based, investor relations company aimed at connecting mining companies, investors and institutions who are currently seeking opportunities in today's resource marketplace. VADAR provides an avenue for mining companies to showcase their business and projects to potential investors, enhancing a company's opportunity to raise capital through equity financings.

SOURCE: VADAR Communications Inc.

For further information:

VADAR Communications Inc.
Ryan Glasser
CEO
1-778-990-2911
ryan@vadar.ca
www.vadar.ca







































































































































Canadians use the Internet more than anyone else

Canadians use the Internet more than anyone else

New report from CIRA looks at the Internet and Canada's place in it

OTTAWA, Jan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadians rank first in the world when it comes to Internet usage, spending an average of 45 hours per month online. Despite this fact, Canadians still spend more for broadband speed than 19 other countries. These illuminating facts, and more, are included in a new resource from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) released today.

The 2013.CA Factbook is a compendium of facts and research about the global domain name industry and .CA's place therein. It also provides a glimpse into the state of the Internet in Canada.

"I believe that Canadians will find the information within the Factbook revealing" said CIRA's president and CEO Byron Holland. "From the increasing consumption of media content online to the continued growth of .CA, the Factbook provides a snapshot of an Internet landscape in Canada and around the world that is constantly evolving."

The .CA Factbook is presented as an online, social document with tweetable factoids, and numerous graphics.

Some other facts of note include:

  • 49 per cent of Canadians strongly prefer .CA versus 17 per cent for .COM for business.
  • Canada's Internet economy accounted for 3 percent of Canada's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012, totalling $49 billion.
  • Per viewer, Canada leads the world in viewing online video.
  • Canada's top-level domain, is one of the fastest growing TLDs in the world, ranking fourth among its country code top-level domain (ccTLD) counterparts.
  • During the last five years, global registrations for domain names were up 70 per cent to almost 240 million domains online.

The .CA Factbook (http://www.cira.ca/factbook/2013/index.html) is divided into four main sections, the Global Net, .CA's in Canada and the Canadian Internet Economy, Canada Online and .CA and the World.

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:

Please contact:

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


















































































































Ingram Micro Canada Named Exclusive Value-Added Distribution Partner for Microsoft Unified Communications Solutions

Ingram Micro Canada Named Exclusive Value-Added Distribution Partner for Microsoft Unified Communications Solutions

Leading Technology Distributor Expands Relationship With Microsoft; Leverages Technical Expertise to Further Enable Canadian Partners to Sell and Support Microsoft UC Solutions

MISSISSAUGA, ON--(Marketwire - Jan 21, 2013) -   Ingram Micro Canada, a subsidiary of Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), today announced it has been named the exclusive regional value-added distributor (VAD) for Microsoft Canada's growing portfolio of Unified Communications (UC) solutions, which includes the popular Microsoft Lync.

Under the terms of the expanded Canadian distribution agreement, Ingram Micro Canada will provide dedicated business development, sales, marketing and technical services including advanced integration on behalf of Microsoft Canada to its mutual channel partners. These efforts will help Microsoft Canada further establish its global market leadership in the UC technology category and drive greater awareness of, and sales for, its UC solutions within the Canadian marketplace and among Canadian technology resellers and managed service providers (MSPs). 

To empower its channel partners to effectively market, sell, deploy and support Microsoft's UC portfolio, Ingram Micro Canada will leverage the distributor's dedicated and highly skilled team of Microsoft-focused sales, marketing and technical field experts, as well as its Ingram Micro Services Network.

The distributor will also work with authorized Microsoft channel partners and technology alliance partners including Polycom, Plantronics and other leading networking equipment providers to identify, build and support customizable solutions around Microsoft Lync, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft SharePoint Server that are specifically geared for use in small to mid-size businesses (SMBs).

"Ingram Micro offers the business resources, regional reach and advanced technical support needed to further enable our channel partners to capitalize on the growing demand for UC solutions among Canada's SMB market," says Jacky Magee, senior product manager - Lync, Microsoft. "Unified Communications is a high-touch, high-growth market for Microsoft and our channel partners. With the support of Ingram Micro Canada, we are extending our reach within the Canadian IT channel, while enhancing the level of support provided to existing Microsoft partners, as well as new partners." 

"Ingram Micro has a proven track record of success with Microsoft Canada and years of experience helping IT resellers and MSPs market, sell and support advanced technologies such as Unified Communications," says Tim Billing, vice president vendor management, Ingram Micro Canada. "By focusing our efforts on partner recruitment and business enablement, as well as offering pre- and post-sale technical support, we are further empowering Microsoft partners to meet the growing demands for UC solutions and services in Canada."

Canadian channel partners interested in becoming an authorized Microsoft partner or learning more about how Ingram Micro Canada can assist them to enable their Microsoft Unified Communications business should reach out to Matthew.Organ@IngramMicro.com

More information about Ingram Micro is available at www.ingrammicro.com and http://ingrammicroinc.wordpress.com.

To learn, see and hear more about Ingram Micro online, follow the distributor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IngramMicro; on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IngramMicroInc; and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/ingrammicroinc.

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.

Contact Information

Press Contact:
Marie Rourke
WhiteFox Marketing (for Ingram Micro)
(714) 292-2199
marie@whitefoxpr.com

Taking Ontario Mobile: An Action Plan for Leadership in the Mobile Revolution

 

 

“In today’s mobile economy, it is vital that Ontario continues to support research and technology development in telecommunications.

We need to keep current with communication trends and OCAD U’s Mobile Action Plan will help us move our mobile spaces forward, giving Ontarians greater access to information, when they need it.”

 

Hon. Brad Duguid, MPP

Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

 

 

Taking Ontario Mobile: An Action Plan for Leadership in the Mobile Revolution

OCAD University’s Landmark Research Shows How a Mobile Ontario Will Improve

Productivity, Competitiveness and Public Services

 

TORONTO, January 16, 2013 – To become a leading mobile jurisdiction, Ontario needs a forward-looking policy framework that will harness and catalyze the province’s considerable capacity and leadership across the mobile industries. Taking Ontario Mobile[i] lays out a five-year Mobile Action Plan, based on lessons learned in other jurisdictions and successful pilots at home, to bring significant increases in productivity and competitiveness, create and retain jobs in the knowledge industries, and enhance efficiency and access to services for Ontarians.

 

The quality of life and economic well-being of Ontarians can be radically transformed in the next decade with the possibilities that mobile technologies, networks and applications offer,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President of OCAD U and co-principal investigator. “The Ontario residents and businesses we polled are eager to adopt mobile services in all dimensions of their lives – what’s more, they want to learn how mobile technologies can facilitate or replace common tasks.”

 

Explosive growth in the mobile sector is expected to accelerate exponentially: the research confirms that the more mobile services we have and experience, the more we want. Mobile marketing in Canada alone is projected to grow from less than $50 million last year to more than $1.5 billion cumulatively over the next five years.

 

Ontario has built significant infrastructure to take excel in the mobile revolution. Home to over 700 mobile companies, Ontario is a global leader in mobile patents. It houses world-leading institutions in mobile and wireless engineering and design, and is home to mobile companies that cross many verticals – entertainment, education, health, learning, gaming and productivity. Ontario is an ideal test bed for applications as it includes one of the largest metropolitan areas in North America, and remote, rural and Aboriginal communities. Ontario’s diverse user base possesses the attributes necessary to be a successful “mobile” market.

 

“The research shines a light on Ontario’s strong multidimensional capacity in the mobile space – from engineering to app development to educational programs,” said Vera Roberts, researcher at OCAD U’s Inclusive Design Research Centre and co-principal investigator. “To focus and deploy these assets, and ensure that all Ontarians share in the social and economic benefits of enhanced mobility, we need an Ontario Mobile Action Plan with a forward-looking policy framework.

Taking Ontario Mobile Highlights:

 

Job Creation and Retention

·       The mobile industries are part of a strong economic sector that will continue to expand as mobility becomes even more ubiquitous. Demand in China, India and Brazil for mobile technologies, applications and content is strong.

·       M-commerce and other extended infrastructure will lead to new kinds of jobs in the knowledge economy across many industries. M-commerce can complement Ontario’s strong financial industries.

·       Provides new opportunities to build Ontario’s already powerful entertainment industries through adding multiple consumption channels and screen time, thus bringing new revenue streams and business models.

 

Government Services:

·       Government services can be delivered in a more cost-effective manner, combined with efficient just-in-time service delivery.

·       Engaged citizens can monitor and report problems such as infrastructure breakdowns.

·       Government can make use of mobile interfaces that can be highly personalized and meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards of accessibility.

·       Mobility provides an open data resource that provides means for residents to engage with all manner of public information in order to affect decision-making.

 

Education:

·       The use of mobile devices and experiences can lead to increased flexibility and engagement in learning, and encourage high school completion by supporting experiential learning, mentorship and year-round and self-paced learning.

·       Mobile delivery outside of the bricks-and-mortar campus can lead to efficiencies in the use of capital resources in the PSE sector.

·       Location-based and context-aware educational opportunities developed with Aboriginal organizations can engage and retain learners in their own communities and ensure that they develop the skills needed for employment.

·       M-learning is a core tool to ensure that the Ontario workforce remains competitive, as it helps workers continually adapt to change, provides a valuable tool for reskilling and just-in-time learning, and allows employees to adjust to changing labour-force demands

 

Healthcare

 

·       Mobility can be an important lever to enable the movement of medical support from acute care to chronic care, home care and prevention.

·       Mobility can help to provide home services for the growing population of seniors through effective monitoring and mobile healthcare support.

·       Mobile applications can eliminate wait times ensuring that patients go the emergency services, clinics and labs with lower wait times

·       Ontario is home to successful developers of mobile applications and devices who reach international markets

 

 

 

Throughout our research a number of recurring themes emerged, such as:

 

·       The need to facilitate affordable access to mobile broadband and devices for Ontario residents.

·       The value of a comprehensive regional mobile policy, as exists in other jurisdictions.

·       The importance of industry and government action on secure services and privacy protection in a form that encourages mobile take up by creating confidence, and enables private-sector development while protecting residents.

 

Copies of Taking Ontario Mobile and Mobile Innovation 2012, along with Executive Summaries and media kits can be downloaded at http://www.ocadu.ca/about_ocad/articles/news_releases/20130116_taking_ontario_mobile.htm.

 

About OCAD University (OCAD U)

OCAD University (www.ocadu.ca) is Canada's "university of imagination." The University, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.

 

 

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Sarah Mulholland, Media & Communications Officer, OCAD University

416 977 6000 x327 (mobile: x1327)

smulholland@ocadu.ca

 






























































































































































New (Vancouver-based) green technology allows data centers to save massive amounts of energy

New green technology allows data centers to save massive amounts of energy
Vancouver, Canada – January 14, 2013 – A Canadian digital media studio has become one of the first companies to uncover massive energy waste in their data center using a new software-based approach to energy efficiency.

Arc Productions works in animation and visual effects for projects like Gnomeo & Juliet and Halo 4 from their headquarters in Toronto, Ontario.

In a project launched in September, Vancouver-based TSO Logic took a closer look at power consumption by the studio’s in-house server farm, made up of over 600 servers.

Even with server utilization rates that are better than the industry average, Arc learned that more than two-thirds of the time, half of their servers are powered on but completely idle.

In two months, they identified potential energy savings of 56 percent. With electricity costing the studio hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, these savings represent a major business opportunity.

“The whole process of working with TSO Logic and their product has been surprisingly easy,” says John Hickson, Head of Systems and Rendering at Arc.

“With no infrastructure changes, we are getting data we never had before. This allows us to capture savings and lower costs in our studio,” says Hickson.

TSO Logic’s proprietary technology looks at server activity on an application level, monitoring consumption patterns and finding opportunities to automatically conserve.

“We call it application-aware power management, and believe that it’s a totally new approach to intelligently saving energy,” says Aaron Rallo, the founder and CEO of TSO Logic.

“Basically, our technology allows data centers to power down servers automatically when demand is low. This happens seamlessly, does not impact performance and provides deep insight into the environment” says Rallo.

The company’s twin suite of energy efficiency solutions, called TSO Metrics and TSO Power Control, shows that most data centers with variable load have an untapped savings potential.

About energy waste at data centers:
• Most data centers experience variable load, which means that the demand on servers varies from hour to hour. However, to stay prepared for periodic surges—called peak demand or peak load—most data centers keep running at full capacity all of the time. This means that much of the energy consumed is wasted on idle servers.

• At the request of The New York Times, the consulting firm McKinsey & Company found that, on average, data centers were using only 6 percent to 12 percent of the electricity powering their servers.

• Worldwide, digital warehouses use about 30 billion watts of electricity, equivalent to the output of 30 nuclear power plants, according to estimates compiled for The Times.

About TSO Logic:
TSO Logic provides software for monitoring and reducing energy consumption at in-house server farms and large data centers. Their application-aware power management software allows data centers to automatically power down servers when demand is low, without impacting availability or performance and without changes to infrastructure. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
www.tsologic.com

Contact:
Andrea Majorki
Director, Marketing and Communications
778.895.1283
amajorki@tsologic.com

Collaboration is key enabler for Canadian competitiveness: 2013 GE Global Innovation Barometer

Collaboration is key enabler for Canadian competitiveness: 2013 GE Global Innovation Barometer

GE's third annual survey of business executives worldwide shows Canada in top quartile for innovation - while framework is strong, country must move from ideas to execution  

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 17, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - While Canada has a strong foundation for innovation, a new survey suggests that businesses need to strengthen their ability to execute on product, service and process improvements.  That's according to Canadian business executives in the third annual "Global Innovation Barometer" released today by GE (NYSE: GE).  The study compares executive perceptions of innovation in 25 global markets including Canada.

Canada ranks in the top quartile on GE's innovation scorecard, along with GermanyJapan and the U.S.  Almost 9 in 10 Canadian executives or 87% report innovation is a strategic priority for their business, and 96% believe that small and medium enterprises and individuals can be as innovative as large companies.

Canadian business executives identified increased collaboration as one of the keys to successful innovation, a means to surpass competitors and generate revenue.  Results showed 85% of Canadian respondents would partner first to enter new markets (6% above global average), and 83% would partner to improve an existing product or service (8% above global average).

Despite the acknowledgement of the importance of collaboration, many Canadian businesses seem unwilling to share the resulting risks and rewards. Only 11% of Canadian executives surveyed said their firm would be open to sharing the revenue stream or losses that could be generated through a collaborative innovation.  That's the lowest of all countries GE surveyed (global average is 28%). About two-thirds of Canadian business executives raised a lack of protection of confidentiality/intellectual property (68%) and a lack of trust (64%) as concerns, both well above the global average.

"To succeed in global markets, the survey findings suggest that Canadian businesses will need to leverage Canada's solid innovation foundation, by increasing tolerance for sharing risk, developing new business models and undertaking greater collaboration," says Elyse Allan, President and CEO, GE Canada.

While new products and services have historically been the main driver of growth, innovation takes on many forms.  Business model innovation - e.g. process improvements and executing with greater speed - is gaining momentum as a route to success, and may offer a less risky and resource-intense path to be competitive.  In fact, 76% of Canadian executives believe that developing new business processes will improve profitability (13% above global average).

In order to innovate successfully, Canadian executives identified several key factors to success:

  • 88% identified the need to attract and retain innovative people (15% above global average)
  • 80% said create an environment and culture conducive to innovation (16% above global average)
  • 69% want to challenge generally accepted practices and ways of working (15% above global average)

Canadian business leaders also recognize the role of public policy in creating the conditions for innovation, and are calling on policy makers to take action on several fronts:

  • 59% encourage a stronger entrepreneurial culture in the education system (9% above global average)
  • 52% would like to ensure that business confidentiality and trade secrets are adequately protected (11% above global average)
  • 51% want to see policy makers fight bureaucracy and red tape for companies willing to access funds and incentives allocated to innovation (3% above global average)

GE commissioned the annual survey to explore how business leaders around the world view drivers and barriers to innovation, and how those perceptions influence strategy. StrategyOne, an independent research and consulting firm, conducted the study.

About GE's Global Innovation Barometer:
The research was commissioned by GE and conducted by StrategyOne between October 22, 2012, and December 5, 2012. Interviews with the 3,100 senior business executives were conducted by telephone across 25 countries. All respondents are VP level or above and directly involved in their company's innovation processes. Twenty-eight percent of those surveyed are at the C-suite level. The countries included in the research are: AustraliaBrazil,CanadaChinaGermanyIndiaIrelandIsraelJapanMalaysiaMexicoNetherlandsNigeriaPolandRussia,Saudi ArabiaSingaporeSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSwedenTurkey, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.

About GE: 
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

In Canada, GE has operations across the country, including major manufacturing, sales and service locations with 7,000 employees. Follow GE Canada on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/GE_Canada and YouTube athttp://www.youtube.com/user/GECanada.  For more information on the Canadian GE Global Information Barometer results visit www.ge.com/ca and follow hashtag #GEGIB.

About StrategyOne:
Founded in 1999 StrategyOne is an independent research company with offices in New York, Washington, DCParis,Abu DhabiLondonChicagoBrusselsAtlanta, Dubai, Houston, Rochester, San FranciscoSeattle and Silicon Valley.


SOURCE: General Electric Canada Inc.

For further information:

Media Contacts: 
Court Elliott
GE Communications/PA
1.905.858.6130
1.647.281.7073 (mobile)
court.elliott@ge.com

Kim Warburton
GE Communications/PA 
1.905.858.5678
1.416.561.8316 (mobile)
kim.warburton@ge.com

































































































































Mood app designed for youth by youth launches today at Sandbox Conference

Mood app designed for youth by youth launches today at Sandbox Conference

Intuitive tool creates a shared language for youth to talk about how they feel with those who support them

TORONTOJan. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - mindyourmood, a new app for Android and Apple mobile devices, launched today at The Sandbox Project Conference.  Developed by the award winning mental health and youth engagement initiative mindyourmind for the AstraZeneca Young Health Program, the mood tracking app provides young people with an intuitive platform to quickly record how they feel - from day to day or hour to hour.  App users can capture how they feel and discuss it with their caregiver - be it their therapist, doctor, parent or peer - creating a shared language that can lead to more positive interactions and results.

"A major barrier for young people seeking support is being able to relate how they really feel to an adult care provider," says Maria Luisa Contursi, Program Director for mindyourmind. "The mindyourmood app helps remove that barrier by giving a young person a record of how they have felt since the last session, displayed in a way that both the caregiver and young person can understand."

mindyourmood was designed by youth for youth using the language of youth.  There are seven mood categories, each with four mood words selected by youth including descriptors from pumped to chilled-out and empty to pissed-off.

Dr. Bruce Ferguson, Community Health Resources Group at The Hospital for Sick Children and Co-Chair of the AstraZeneca Canada Young Health Program, agrees with the value the app brings beyond the patient/therapist relationship. "Enabling a young person to manage their mental health the way mindyourmood does is empowering for that person. It gives them an important tool in building hope and resilience as they move forward."

"I think the app is going to be a really effective tool to help people be able to track their mood and create a new kind of therapeutic relationship," says Alicia Raimundo, Youth Volunteer.  "Working on this project has empowered me to learn more about mental health and be very confident in my voice and my story."

mindyourmood was developed for the AstraZeneca Young Health Program, a community investment initiative focused on adolescent mental health that is delivered in partnership with leading charitable organizations: mindyourmind, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada and Physical Health Education Canada.  Working collaboratively with its program partners, AstraZeneca is developing online resources and on-the-ground programs to help young people strengthen their emotional resilience, gain the coping skills they need to avoid risk behaviours, discover their own strengths, and reach their full potential in life.

mindyourmood is immediately available for download to any Apple or Android mobile device fromwww.mindyourmind.ca.

About mindyourmind
mindyourmind is a non-profit mental health program that engages youth, emerging adults and the professionals who serve them to co-develop reliable and relevant resources. These resources are designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and increase access and use of community support, both professional and peer-based. Through the use of active engagement, best practice and technology, mindyourmind inspires youth to reach out, get help and give help.  For more information, please visit www.mindyourmind.ca

About the Young Health Program
The Young Health Program is a long term community investment initiative. AstraZeneca Canada believes the issue of adolescent emotional well-being provides an important opportunity to make a positive impact on the health of today's youth and tomorrow's generations. Focused on prevention and early intervention, the Young Health Program will help youth move from risk to resilience by connecting them to positive conditions and experiences that foster emotional and mental well-being.  For more information, please visit the program website at www.younghealth.ca

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is committed to the research, development and manufacturing of valuable prescription medicines. We have an extensive product portfolio spanning six therapeutic areas: gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, infection, neuroscience, oncology, and respiratory. AstraZeneca`s headquarters are located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company`s website at www.astrazeneca.ca

SOURCE: AstraZeneca Canada

For further information:

Maria Luisa Contursi
Program Director and Co-Founder
Mindyourmind 
Tel: 519-859-8721
mlc@mindyourmind.ca    

Helen Seibel
Senior Manager, Corporate Responsibility
AstraZeneca Canada
Tel: 416-906-4643
helen.seibel@astrazeneca.com