Dell Retail Announces Comprehensive Solution to Help Retailers Move to the Cloud

 

 

Dell Retail Announces Comprehensive Solution to Help Retailers Move to the Cloud

 

·         Dell introduces one of the retail industry’s most comprehensive, end-to-end, customizable solutions to help retailers transition to a cloud-based environment

·         Solution offers a unique one-stop-shop model for all in-store cloud needs, including endpoint devices, networking, security, virtualization, infrastructure, management tools and services

·         Solution helps retailers move from a traditional infrastructure to a cloud environment resulting in reduced store system costs and increased reliability, security, deployment speeds, efficiency and flexibility

 

Tweet This: #DellRetail Announces Comprehensive Solution to Help Retailers Move to the Cloud #NRF13 http://dell.to/Vmu0oK

 

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2013 Dell  today unveiled Cloud Client Computing for Retail, its first end-to-end cloud solution specifically designed to enable retailers to seamlessly move to an in-store cloud environment.

 

The comprehensive offering addresses endpoint devices, networking, security, virtualization, infrastructure, management tools and services to help retailers realize cloud-related benefits such as increased efficiency and cost savings in a Dell-designed Cloud Client Computing solution that is customizable to each retailer’s unique environment and needs.  The solution allows retailers to simplify store system hardware by hosting and managing complex point-of-sale (POS) and inventory systems centrally in the store or in the cloud. Dell can handle every aspect of the transition, eliminating the time-consuming and costly process of piecing together products and services from various vendors, as many retailers do currently.

 

Until now, most retailers have had to cobble together products and services from multiple vendors in order to address cloud solutions and virtualization in their store environment, said Mike Adams, retail industry practice lead at Dell.  As a result of our recent acquisitions that include Wyse , SonicWALL and Quest, Dell is able to provide an end-to-end solution that has been tested and optimized for retails unique environment. Cloud Client Computing for Retail delivers a reliable, cost-effective, end-to-end solution that can allow access to any application from any device.  

 

According to Maintaining the Competitive Edge in the New Era of Anywhere, Any Time Retail, a recent Dell Wyse white paper, More and more retail organizations are seeing the value of using a cloud computing or virtualized environment to reduce operating expenses, increase data security, and reduce power requirements Until now, however, retailers considering virtualization would have to omit point-of-sale (POS) systems from the strategy as no major provider offered a cloud or virtualization-ready POS system that can run todays advanced POS applications.

 

This solution addresses retailers needs to make their IT operations as efficient, agile and seamless as possible to remain competitive. Dells own Retail Customer Advisory Council has emphasized that retailers are scrambling for ways to keep up with the changing retail environment.   With smartphones in hand, connected consumers have instant access to pricing and product information, are able to tap their social networks for recommendations and purchase from  competitors on the sales floor. Consumers expect a seamless experience across channels, to be recognized and rewarded and to engage with store personnel that are knowledgeable about products and offers.  

 

With retailers facing these challenges related to mobility, security, flexibility, support and cost, Dells cloud client computing solution hits directly on the unique needs of the retail market.  Specifically, the solution can:

 

·         allow retailers to access any application or content from any device;

·         increase device reliability while decreasing cost;

·         eliminate the risky need to store data on endpoint devices, greatly increasing security;

·         support a test-once-deploy-to-many-devices model;

·         allow retailers to seamlessly repurpose endpoint devices for POS, kiosks, customer service or the back office; and,

·         allow for the quick replacement of endpoints without the need for imaging or staging.

 

The new offering is made up of three modules:

1)      Thin and mobile endpoints with and without POS peripherals; 

2)      On premise desktop virtualization infrastructure; and,

3)      Cloud based desktop virtualization infrastructure.

 

To provide retailers with a comprehensive virtualization solution best suited to their business needs, the reference architecture provides sizing guidance and configuration recommendations based on rigorously tested and optimized:

·         Dell PowerEdge servers;

·         Dell PowerVault storage;

·         Dell PowerConnect networking;

·         Dell Wyse cloud clients, OptiPlex desktops and Latitude tablets;

·         Dell SonicWALL network security; and,

·         Support for virtualization software from Citrix, Microsoft, VMware and Dell.

 

The solution is also tested and validated to work with the leading retail POS applications and best of breed POS peripherals.

 

Dell’s Cloud Client Computing portfolio includes the broadest end-to-end Desktop Virtualization Solutions including on or off-premise infrastructure, thin clients, software and services that enable organizations to provide any user with access to any application from any device, securely and efficiently. The portfolio offers all the components from the datacentre to the desktop, with both on-premise and hosted infrastructure solutions, services and software as well as device management services from the cloud.

 

This portfolio inclusive of Dell Wyse technology presents many benefits to retailers, including the simplification of new store set up. “We no longer need to send our technicians out to do the initial set up of the stores,” said Dell Cloud Client Computing customer Paul Dinoia, VP of IT at Bob’s Discount Furniture. “The more Dell Wyse thin clients we have, the fewer devices we need to touch; which helps us maintain the consistency and integrity of our systems with existing staff, even though we’re supporting more users…We really don’t need to do much with our Dell Wyse thin clients. We can keep all software up to date easily.”

 

Availability

Dell Retail is currently accepting proof-of-concept requests for the Cloud Client Computing for Retail solution.

 

The full solution will be released in three phases:

·         March 4, 2013: POS, kiosk and back office systems to be supported with on-premise or retailer-hosted cloud infrastructure

·         Summer 2013: Additional store systems to be supported including digital signage and surveillance hardware

·         Fall 2013: Option available for store systems to be supported by Dell-hosted cloud infrastructure

 

Additional information:

·         #DellRetail on Twitter

 

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.ca.

Dell, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerConnect, Dell SonicWALL Dell Quest and Dell Wyse Optiplex and Latitude  are trademark of Dell Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.


 

Media Contacts:

Janet Fabri

Dell

+1 (416) 758-3398

Janet_fabri@dell.com

Melissa Lee

Cohn & Wolfe

+1 (647) 259-3266

Melissa.lee@cohnwolfe.ca

 

 

 












































































































 

 

 

Intel Announces Groundbreaking 'Women and the Web' Report with UN Women and State Department

Intel Announces Groundbreaking 'Women and the Web' Report with UN Women and State Department


Report calls for doubling the number of women and girls in developing countries who are online to 1.2 billion in 3 years

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 10, 2013 – Intel Corporation released a groundbreaking report on "Women and the Web," unveiling concrete data on the enormous Internet gender gap in the developing world and the social and economic benefits of securing Internet access for women. To better understand the gender gap, Intel commissioned this study and consulted with the U.S. State Department's Office of Global Women's Issues, UN Women and World Pulse, a global network for women. The report issues a call to action to double the number of women and girls online in developing countries from 600 million today to 1.2 billion in 3 years.


On average, across the developing world nearly 25 percent fewer women than men have access to the Internet, and the gender gap soars to nearly 45 percent in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, according to the report. Further, the study found that one in five women in India and Egypt believes the Internet is not appropriate for them.

"This study demonstrates the enormity of the global Internet gender gap and more importantly, identifies specific ways the public, private and civil society sectors can work together to dramatically increase Internet access for women and girls," said Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group and president of the Intel Foundation. "Intel has worked for decades to improve education around the world. If we can empower women and girls with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to succeed, we will transform their lives and the lives of everyone they touch."

Seeing another 600 million women online would mean that 40 percent of women and girls in developing countries -- nearly double the share today -- would have access to the transformative power of the Internet. This goal, if realized, could potentially contribute an estimated US $13 billion to $18 billion to annual GDP across 144 developing countries.

"With the powerful capabilities the Internet enables -- to connect, to learn, to engage, to increase productivity, and to find opportunities -- women's lack of access is giving rise to a second digital divide, one where women and girls risk being left further and further behind."said Melanne Verveer, ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues at the U.S. Department of State."My hope is that this report will catalyze action to close the Internet gender gap. This will require knowledge, leadership, determination and collaboration among governments, public institutions, corporations, and civil society to tackle the wide range of gender-specific barriers to Internet access."

"There is wide acknowledgement around the globe that women's empowerment is a basic issue of social and economic justice and also essential to wider social progress and sustainable development," said Michelle Bachelet, under-secretary-general and executive director, UN Women. "This report demonstrates that expanding access to the Internet and technology for women and girls is critical to their improved education, increased opportunity and ability to foster entrepreneurship in countries around the world."

The report's findings are based on interviews and surveys of 2,200 women and girls living in urban and peri-urban areas of four focus countries: Egypt, India, Mexico and Uganda, as well as analyses of global databases. The findings were unveiled during a panel discussion today in Washington, D.C. as part of the 2-day international working forum on women, ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) and development hosted by the State Department and UN Women.

Support for the study is part of Intel's commitment to bridge this gender gap and empower people through innovation and education.

Through access to technology, scholarships and community learning programs, Intel provides girls and women with opportunities for quality education and personal growth. Intel's programs equip women with access to information needed to excel.

Key highlights from the report:
  • Gender barriers are real. One in five women in India and Egypt believes the Internet is not "appropriate" for them. On average across the developing world, nearly 25 percent fewer women than men have access to the Internet, and the gender gap soars to nearly 45 percent in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Bridging the Internet gender gap:
    • Boosts women's income and income potential. Across the surveyed countries, nearly half of respondents used the Web to search for and apply for a job, and 30 percent had used the Internet to earn additional income.
    • Increases women's sense of empowerment. More than 70 percent of Internet users considered the Internet "liberating" and 85 percent said it "provides more freedom."
  • Enabling Internet access for more women and girls in developing countries promises immediate, and immense, benefits. Seeing another 600 million women online would mean that 40 percent of women and girls in developing countries, nearly double the share today, would have access to the transformative power of the Internet. And, it could potentially contribute an estimated US$13 billion to $18 billion to annual GDP across 144 developing countries.


About Intel's Girls and Women Commitment
Today, millions of girls around the world have little or no access to education. Intel believes that education should be a fundamental right for everyone and recognizes the major role technology plays in improving both the quality of and access to education. Through access to technology, scholarships and community learning programs, Intel provides girls and women with opportunities for quality education and personal growth.

About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com andblogs.intel.com.

Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Alpha Global iT and YMS Achieve Canada Health Infoway Certification

Alpha Global iT and YMS Achieve Canada Health Infoway Certification


TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) along with Alpha Global iT and YMS announced today that Globe Med version 2.0 and YMS Electronic Medical Record (EMR) version 8.7/4.5 have achieved Infoway's J-class, Laboratory and Clinical Documents certification.

"We commend Alpha Global iT and YMS on achieving certification and recognize the effort put forth by each of these EMR vendors to demonstrate that Globe Med version 2.0 and YMS EMR version 8.7/4.5 have met the standards set by Infoway Certification Services to ensure the privacy, security and interoperability of patient health information," said Richard Alvarez, President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway.

"We are very pleased to have achieved this product certification," said Dr. Joseph Kurian, President and CEO, Alpha Global iT. "It recognizes the ongoing commitment we have at Alpha Healthcare Group in developing private, secure and interoperable solutions. Alpha's firsthand experience handling sensitive and private data within our clinical businesses, and the knowledge we gained while building lab interfaces for eHealth Ontario influence the design of our EMR products." 

Alpha Global iT made a considerable advance with the introduction of GlobeMed v2.0 - an integrated practice and clinical management software platform. GlobeMed allows family physicians and community-based specialists to easily transition to full electronic medical record functionality.

"With the successful completion of the Infoway certification, YMS adds yet another layer of integrity to the EMR solution used by our clients and Ontario physicians," said Andrea Flint, Director, YMS. "This important process provides physicians with further guarantee of the importance YMS places on privacy, security and interoperability of the YMS EMR.  YMS commends Infoway for adding another assurance of protection of data for patients and their caregivers."

Whether it is billing consulting and support or customized electronic document management, YMS is taking steps to aid physicians in their efforts to continue to offer quality patient care.  As the practice of patient record keeping and the tracking of patient data evolve and advance, certification standards become key to ensuring this transition is successful. Infoway's strategic efforts to hasten EMR adoption and use at the point of care in community and out-patient care settings, leverages and connects to the work that has already been done to build jurisdictional electronic health record systems that allow authorized clinicians access to key information about their patients' health histories.

About Canada Health Infoway

Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of information and communications technology projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.

About Alpha Global IT

Alpha Health Care Group promises to continuously improve health care by finding ever better ways to serve those who provide it.  Alpha Global iT has been breaking new ground in healthcare iT for more than a quarter of a century.  Our experience as an operator of several clinics, laboratories and research facilities is unique in the industry, enabling direct diffusion of clinical knowledge to our IT developers.  Today we maintain a leadership position as we launch new products and services to meet rapidly changing regulatory requirements and evolving industry standards.  Alpha's information management solutions are built to the highest level of quality in our ISO 13485:2003 certified facility.

About YMS

The YMS EMR is an extremely versatile and well supported electronic medical record (EMR) suitable for specialized and general practice.  This unique solution respects the physician's current style and record keeping preference permitting the electronic document management capabilities to add new efficiencies to their practice.  YMS is locally owned, operated, and supported making our team of experts best suited to serve Ontario Physicians.  For more information contact info@ymsmd.com/1-855-90YMSMD or visit us at www.ymsmd.com


SOURCE: Canada Health Infoway

For further information:

Dan Strasbourg          
Director, Media Relations         
Canada Health Infoway
Tel: (416) 595-3424      
dstrasbourg@infoway-inforoute.ca 

Laurie Rogers    
Director, Media Relations
Alpha Global iT
Tel: (416) 975-0975
l.rogers@alpha-it.com 

Tara Gordon  
Media Relations 
YMS, Specialized Solutions 
media@ymsmd.com
www.ymsmd.com






































































































City of Toronto announces new Chief Information Officer

City of Toronto announces new Chief Information Officer


TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - The City of Toronto is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Meikle to the position of Chief Information Officer, effective February 11. As CIO, he will lead information technology solutions that align with the City's goals and objectives.

Meikle is currently Chief Information Officer with the City of Brampton - a position he has held since 2008.

"The appointment of Mr. Meikle as the City of Toronto's Chief Information Officer will prove invaluable, as he brings the necessary leadership, experience and expertise to the position," said Rob Rossini, Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer. "He is a welcome addition to our senior management team."

"I am honoured to be given this opportunity and look forward to joining the City of Toronto's team," said Meikle.

An executive transformational and strategic business leader, Meikle is innovative and results-oriented, with a proven track record of more than 20 years in planning, developing, and implementing award-winning global business and technology solutions in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Prior to joining the City of Brampton, Meikle held leadership roles in global operations, customer service, marketing, e-business and information technology.

Meikle is passionate about the potential and power of teamwork to produce a customer- centric culture. Under his leadership as CIO in Brampton, his team has won many prestigious global, national and provincial industry awards. Highlights include being named to the prestigious Global CIO 100 Honouree list in 2011 and 2012, and various national and provincial government technology awards for creating business value through the effective and innovative use of Information Technology.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Meikle holds an Honours BMath in Computer Science and Business Administration.

In welcoming Meikle to his new role, Rossini acknowledged the leadership of Lan Nguyen, who has served as Acting CIO for the past six months. Nguyen will continue to play an integral role in the planning and delivery of I&T services and solutions, and will assist Meikle during his transition to Toronto.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SOURCE: City of Toronto

For further information:

Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8937wbrown1@toronto.ca





















































































































































Finance Montréal announces the contest themes of the FinTech Montréal 2013 Conference

Finance Montréal announces the contest themes of the FinTech Montréal 2013 Conference


A finance and information technology hub: 1 day, 5 contests, $50,000 in prizes

MONTREAL, Jan. 10, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Finance Montréal, Québec's financial cluster, today announced the theme of each contest of the FinTech Montréal 2013 Conference, to be held at the Centre Mont-Royal in Montréal on Thursday, May 16, 2013. It also opened the entry period, which will extend until February 28, 2013.

"Finance Montréal is proud to launch contests promoting the development of software applications in the financial field among corporate developers and university students," said Eric Lemieux, Chief Executive Officer of Finance Montréal.

Contest themes

The FinTech Montréal 2013 Contest, Relève universitaire category, which is sponsored by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, invites university students to submit a software application under the theme of the practical demonstration of the extraction and use of the value of unstructured and structured data in financial models.

The FinTech Montréal 2013 Contest, Développeurs corporatifs category, encourages entrants to submit a software application in the financial field from among the following software application categories:

  • The first category, sponsored by CGI, invites entrants to submit a software application related to payment hubs or mobile banking, or business intelligence applied on social media information coming from customer relationship management.

  • The second category, sponsored by Jitneytrade, asks entrants to submit a software application related to automated algorithmic trading strategy on Canadian equity able to outperform at least one of the following benchmarks: volume-weighted average price, time-weighted average price, implementation shortfall.

  • The third category, sponsored by the Institut de la finance structurée et des instruments dérivés de Montréal (IFSID), encourages entrants to submit a software application related to derivatives.

The contests' official rules are available at http://www.fintechmontreal.com/en/concours.php.

How to register

To enter the FinTech Montréal 2013 contests, you must complete the on-line registration form available at http://www.fintechmontreal.com/en/concours.php, making sure to include your contact information and a description, in no more than 3,000 characters, of the software application that you wish to present. The registration form must be submitted before the end of the entry period, or February 28, 2013.

Steps of the contest

From the end of the entry period until March 15, 2013, the jury members will evaluate all candidate files and select a maximum of ten candidates per category for the semi-final. From March 15 to April 15, 2013, the ten semi-finalists for each category will have to provide any supporting documents deemed useful in the evaluation of their software application. The jury members will then have until April 22, 2013 to evaluate the software applications and the supporting documents of each semi-finalist, in order to determine the five candidates per category who will advance to the final. The five finalists per category will have to submit, prior to May 5, 2013, a video presentation explaining and/or demonstrating the innovativeness, usefulness and marketing potential of their software application. On May 6, each finalist will have to present his/her software application to the jury members. Each finalist will be given a maximum of 20 minutes to make his/her presentation.

Prize-giving ceremony

The names of the winners for each contest category will be announced at the prize-giving ceremony to be held as part of the FinTech Montréal 2013 Conference on May 16, 2013. Each winner will receive a prize of $10,000. Also during this ceremony, the winner of the FinTech Montréal 2013 Contest, Découverte category, will be announced and granted a prize of $10,000. The Découverte prize is awarded to the finalist who submitted the highest-scoring software application for innovativeness, all contests combined, but who did not win a prize in the FinTech Montréal 2013 contests.

Other sponsors

Under the honorary presidency of Henri-Paul Rousseau, the Forum FinTech Montréal 2013 Conference is proud to count among its sponsors other major players in the finance and information technology sectors, namely, the Autorité des marchés financiers, Croesus Financial, Desjardins Group, Finlogik, Fondaction, Heenan Blaikie, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Inovestor, Investissement Québec, Laurentian Bank, Maple Fund Services, Montréal Exchange, National Bank, and Power Financial Corporation.

More information on the FinTech Montréal 2013 Conference is available at www.fintechmontreal.ca. Follow Fintech Montréal 2013 on Twitter, @FinTechMTL, or on our FinTech Montreal Conference Facebook page and LinkedIn group.

About Finance Montréal, Québec's financial cluster

Finance Montréal was created in November 2010 by the financial services industry, at the invitation of the Government of Québec. Finance Montréal's members include banks and financial corporations, government bodies (the Government of Québec, the City of Montréal, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, and the AMF - Québec's financial market regulator and supervisor), and universities. Finance Montréal fosters initiatives in the field of human resources and derivatives in order to strengthen the financial sector and achieve greater international competitiveness.

SOURCE: Finance Montréal

For further information:

To learn more about Finance Montréal - Quebec's financial cluster, visit their website at http://www.grappefinancemontreal.com/en/, write to manuela.steis@cfimontreal.com, or call Manuela Steis, Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer, at 514-287-1477, ext. 323.

For questions about the FinTech 2013 Conference, write to saberthiaume@m-x.ca, or call one of the following members of our Organizing Committee: Laurent Terrasse 514-871-3534 or Stéphanie Alison Berthiaume 514-787-6515.






















































































IBM Helps Growing Businesses Expand Global Technology Support

IBM Helps Growing Businesses Expand Global Technology Support

ARMONK, N.Y., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the expansion of its leading technical support services to now provide small and medium-sized businesses with the ability to offer global technology support to their customers, regardless of their location.  As the imperative for businesses to expand into global markets continues, IBM provides them with comprehensive single-source technical support services for a fraction of the cost of maintaining in-house skills or multiple regional service contracts.

 

IBM's new Managed Vendor Support Services gives clients the opportunity to scale their technical support offerings globally—at their own pace— via access to IBM's global reach, highly skilled technical professionals, worldwide parts network and logistics expertise.  More than just cost cutting, the new service helps growing companies calibrate the technical support needed by their customers in specific locations around the world and adjust the technical support model required. For example, small and mid-sized companies ranging from retail operations, to electronic game manufacturers to medical device providers can now easily cater to their customers' technical support needs around the globe.


Riverbed Technology, a company specializing in IT performance solutions, approached IBM shortly after going public in 2006 to help with its technical support and customer service offerings in order to remain competitive. The Riverbed® technical support team collaborated with IBM's field service organization to deliver on-site services that minimized system downtime for customers. As a result, Riverbed has improved the performance of their customers' applications and network access to their data, while increasing transmission speeds by 5 to 50 times and in some cases up to 100 times.


"By working with IBM, Riverbed is able to optimize solutions for our customers to increase the value of their existing IT infrastructure and the performance of their mission-critical applications," said Scott Downie , senior vice president of worldwide support, Riverbed. "IBM gave us the opportunity to focus on IT innovation, and helped us liberate businesses from common IT constraints by increasing application performance, enabling consolidation, and providing enterprise-wide network and application visibility—all while eliminating the need to increase bandwidth, storage or servers."


The MVSS services brings a full technical support capability to clients and their worldwide customers, including call-center support, customer problem resolution and engineering support, onsite services, as well as parts inventory management, stocking and delivery.

"Through the expansion of Managed Vendor Support Services, IBM can help businesses of all sizes meet service level expectations and act as a trusted IT advisor," said Juhi Jotwani , vice president, Multi-Vendor Services, Technical Support Service. "As a result, companies don't have to spend their time coordinating technical support services. And a single focal point may help to hasten recovery from, and potentially prevent the occurrence of outages."


With 30 years of post-sales technical support experience—and thousands of certified professionals who offer services in 209 countries covering 127 languages—IBM can support clients' global coverage needs while helping to mitigate risks and enhance business efficiency. Moreover, by leveraging IBM's highly skilled personnel, businesses can save the time and cost of hiring, training or retaining staff to support expanding business opportunities or new products.


ABOUT IBM 
For more information, please visit: http://www.ibm.com/services/managedsupport

Contact(s) Information 
Charisse Higgins 
IBM External Relations 
914-882-7710 
cthiggin@us.ibm.com

SOURCE IBM

Toronto-based Northcore Engages Consultant to Implement New Initiatives

Northcore Engages Consultant to Implement New Initiatives

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 10, 2013) - Northcore Technologies Inc. (TSX:NTI)(OTCBB:NTLNF) ("Northcore" or the "Company"), a global provider of asset management and social commerce solutions, is pleased to announce it has entered into a consulting agreement with Dynamic Equity Fund II ("Dynamic") to assist the Company in implementing new initiatives.

As part of its mandate, Dynamic will help the Company form a Special Committee comprised of relevant domain experts who will create and implement an action plan to transition Northcore into higher margin opportunities by fundamentally changing the Company's approach to revenue generation from its patented and proprietary intellectual property.

"We are looking forward to Dynamic delivering and implementing an action plan with the expected results being that Northcore and Envision will see benefits in Q2 of this year and beyond," said Jim Moskos, Interim CEO of Northcore Technologies.

Northcore develops solutions to support the evolving needs of industry and provides comprehensive platforms for the management of capital equipment and the implementation of Social Commerce business models. These products are proven, effective and in use by some of the world's most successful corporations.

Further disclosure on Envision's portfolio and capabilities can be found at www.envisiononline.ca.

About Northcore Technologies Inc.

Northcore Technologies provides enterprise level software products and services that enable its customers to purchase, manage and dispose of capital equipment. Utilizing award-winning, multi-patented technology, as well as powerful, holistic Social Commerce tools, Northcore's solutions support customers throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

Northcore's portfolio companies include Envision Online Media Inc. (www.envisiononline.ca), a specialist in the delivery of content management solutions.

Northcore owns 50 percent of GE Asset Manager, LLC (www.geassetmanager.com), a joint business venture with GE and holds a substantial intellectual property portfolio.

For more information, visit www.northcore.com.

This news release may include comments that do not refer strictly to historical results or actions and may be deemed to be forward-looking within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. These include, among others, statements about expectations of future revenues, cash flows, and cash requirements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause Northcore's results to differ materially from expectations. These risks include the Company's ability to raise additional funding, develop its business-to-business sales and operations, develop appropriate strategic alliances and successful development and implementation of technology, acceptance of the Company's products and services, competitive factors, new products and technological changes, and other such risks as the Company may identify and discuss from time to time, including those risks disclosed in the Company's Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, there is no certainty that the Company's plans will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time with the Toronto Stock Exchange, on SEDAR (the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedar.com) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

Contact Information

Ontario Parents Can Plan for Upcoming Teacher Protests, Continued Bans with Schooltree.org

 

Ontario Parents Can Plan for Upcoming Teacher Protests, Continued Bans with Schooltree.org

Free online network Schooltree.org lets parents share information, organize extra-curricular activities on their local school's community web page

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 10, 2013) - Ontario school parents now have a place to connect, share information and plan for teacher protests and continued bans on voluntary and extra-curricular activities.

Free online network www.Schooltree.org has provided over 5000 Ontario schools with live community web pages where parents can connect with local school administrators and each other safely, easily and privately.

According to a statement issued Wednesday from the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), union members voted overwhelmingly to launch a one-day protest of contentious anti-strike legislation bill 115. The protest will take place on Friday, January 11th, a last-minute announcement that puts school parents in an awkward and uncertain position.

"Not every parent can take a day off work and many find it hard to stay on top of news developments," says Schooltree.org Director Jono Landon. "They're scrambling to make arrangements that aren't always the most reliable." According to Landon, the educational and social benefits to staying connected with other local school parents have taken on a whole new level of importance during times of crisis and uncertainty.

Schooltree.org allows parents a safe, private forum to share updates and work together to save programs under threat from the continued teachers' ban on voluntary activities. "People are trying to make up for their kids' lost sports and extracurriculars to whatever degree they are able," explains Landon, who speaks with parents across Ontario. "They're stepping up to support each other and school programs for the sake of the kids."

School parents in Ontario (and across Canada) can find their local school's live community web page by searching by name or region at www.Schooltree.org. Once signed up, parents can join their local school page and connect with other school members safely, privately and conveniently.

Schooltree.org is a Toronto-based internet company whose recently-launched online parent engagement and communication tool was designed specifically for school communities.

 

Contact Information

  • Comments, questions and feedback are welcome at
    (416) 544-9925 ext. 262
    naomi(at)schooltree(dot)org
    www.Schooltree.org

HP Vertica Introduces Big Data Solutions Certification Program

HP Vertica Introduces Big Data Solutions Certification Program

HP ExpertOne program empowers channel partners, IT professionals to monetize structured, semistructured, unstructured data

PALO ALTO, Calif. — HP today announced the first Big Data Solutions training and certification program for the HP Vertica Analytics Platform.

Available through HP ExpertOne, the program helps organizations optimize Big Data by empowering IT executives to leverage structured, semistructured and unstructured data.

The growing volume, variety and velocity of information present challenges and opportunities for organizations. According to a recent Gartner report, by 2015, Big Data demand will reach 4.4 million jobs globally but only one-third of those jobs will be filled.(1) IT professionals must acquire the skills needed to connect, analyze and manage any type of information, in any location, using any interface, to help organizations fully realize the potential of Big Data.

This new training and certification program validates the skills and proficiency of HP Vertica system administrators, database analysts and application developers responsible for managing Big Data analytics. Gaining certification enables IT professionals to demonstrate their ability to optimize and monetize Big Data analytics for organizational growth, while accelerating career development.

“Our partners and customers are eager to complete a formal certification process that establishes their qualifications as Big Data experts,” said Byron Berk, manager, Services and Training, HP Vertica. “By offering the new HP Vertica Big Data Solutions certification, we are empowering organizations to combine the power of the industry-leading HP Vertica Analytics platform with the advanced analytics skills of their IT professionals.”

Hundreds of customers and a growing partner ecosystem rely on the HP Vertica Analytics Platform to monetize Big Data at hyperspeed and massive scale. Customers and partners can become Big Data certified and benchmark a user’s knowledge of the HP Vertica Analytics Platform with credentials offered through the HP ExpertOne program.

To ensure the highest standard of Big Data education, certification requires extensive training through coursework and real-world, on-the-job experience with the HP Vertica Analytics Platform prior to taking the exam.  

“Our clients realize the potential of Big Data, but lack the necessary expertise to optimize their massive volumes of information,” said Behfar Jahanshahi, president and chief executive officer, Interworks, an IT services and business solutions provider. “By partnering with HP to provide certification for the HP Vertica Analytics Platform—the premier data analytics platform—we enable our clients to capitalize on the enormous market potential of Big Data.”

The HP ExpertOne program offers certifications and training to more than 500,000 IT professionals in Big Data, cloud, converged infrastructure, networking, operating systems, security servers, software, solutions and storage. The HP ExpertOne community is a network of qualified HP channel partners, customers and employees who have passed certification exams that validate skills and competencies for credentials offered through the program.

Pricing and availability

HP Vertica Big Data Solutions certification is now available to all worldwide partners and customers. Exam registration is available at www.hp.com/go/ExpertOne.

HP Vertica channel partner program

Additional information for resellers and professional services organizations about the partner program and Vertica is available at www.vertica.com.


(1) “Predicts 2013: Big Data and Information Infrastructure,” Gartner, Inc., November 2012.


This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by HP’s businesses; the development and transition of new products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the protection of HP's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the hiring and retention of key employees; assumptions related to pension and other post-retirement costs and retirement programs; the execution, timing and results of restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost and the anticipated benefits of implementing those plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described in HP’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.  HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

© 2013 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

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Ontario Liberal Leadership candidate suggests chip-based system could save $8-10 billion annually

Ontario Liberal Leadership candidate suggests chip-based system could save $8-10 billion annually

-National association commends Murray for position on making government smarter-

TORONTOJan. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario Liberal Leadership Candidate Glen Murray MPP said Monday at a speech at the Toronto Board of Trade that investing in a chip-based system to provide government services could save the province anywhere from $8-10 billion annually.

Mr. Murray indicated that using new technology to deliver better service at a lower cost would create efficiencies and improve security and convenience for Ontarians.

ACT Canada, a non-profit association whose members drive payment evolution and digital identity, agrees with this position and commended Mr. Murray, offering to provide industry expertise to make smarter government a reality when the next Premier is sworn in.

"Glen Murray is showing leadership on the importance of the Ontario government improving the security and efficiency of the way it delivers services. This is a very important discussion to have," said Catherine Johnston, President & CEO of ACT Canada.

"The technologies are there, the expertise is there and the best-practices are well-established. All we need to enable Ontario to deliver more secure, efficient and convenient public services is the political will to do so and it looks as though we are making headway," said Ms. Johnston who has been in discussions with all three major Ontario parties on the issue.

ACT Canada is a non-profit association, federally-incorporated in 1989. As an educator, enabler, influencer and advocate for members, ACT Canada is the internationally-recognized authority, trusted knowledge resource and catalyst for change in payments and secure identity.

SOURCE: ACT Canada

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Media inquiries: Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc.
Kaitlynn Dodge 416-835-0257 kaitlynn@brown-cohen.com.