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Samsung Electronics Launches the World�s First LED Large Format Display

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:38:01 +0000

Samsung Electronics Launches the World�s First LED Large Format Display

The company leads the next-generation large format information display market with world�s thinnest and first eco-friendly models

SEOUL, June 7, 2010 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a market leader and award-wining innovator in consumer electronics, has launched the world�s first eco-friendly and large format information display (LFD) incorporating LED backlighting technology. Samsung is introducing the EX series which is the world�s thinnest LFD suitable for showing large advertisements, and is available in 40-inch, 46-inch and 55-inch models, and also has the option of a built-in PC. The series are the result of the display market leader�s ambitious project to become the world�s first to launch LED LFD.

The new LED LFDs are much better than conventional LCD displays in terms of electricity consumption, design, image quality and efficiency, and they are expected to significantly change the landscape of the advertising display market.

�The EX series will have an innovative impact on the large format information display market with their eco-friendly and highly efficient options, impressive image quality and sleek design,� said Jin-Hwan Kim, executive director in charge of Samsung Electronics� Visual Display Division. �Building on their first launch, we will continue to be at the forefront of the market with more user-friendly solutions and advanced technologies.�

The EX series, which consume significantly less energy than the existing models, are green products with Energy Star 5.0 certification. By incorporating LED technology, these models use up to 40 percent less electricity than LCD displays and produce less carbon dioxide and fewer hazardous substances. In addition, the option of a built-in PC eliminates the need to purchase an additional PC, resulting in higher efficiency and less maintenance cost.

The EX series also boast extreme thinness and lightness, which make them much easier to use. They are 35-to-40 percent lighter than other large information displays of the same size at about 15 kg (based on 46-inch), differentiating themselves from the conventional heavy and thick advertising displays. Unlike the existing displays that take several people to install, the newest series can be installed conveniently and quickly.

In addition, the EX series features a 120 Hz panel refresh rate. This advanced technology enables faster image changes without motion blur, which deliver clearer advertising messages to the audience. The 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution and the high contrast ratio provide true-to-life picture quality. Magicinfo i, Samsung�s proprietary content management solution also allows you to control several displays easily by connecting them to a network.

Samsung has set the EX series apart by applying advanced technologies, which have not been used in conventional large displays, but provide a better user experience. The RJ45 port enables you to control the displays through a LAN cable wherever you are. The smart scheduling function, allows you to turn on and off the display, adjust the volume and set input sources by simply using the OSD.

The EX series is a perfect mixture of Samsung�s display technology and an eco-friendly concept which improves user convenience that will lead to the standardization in the display market.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Dell Launches New State Healthcare Services Practice to Help States Meet Federal Healthcare Technology Mandates

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:31:47 +0000

Dell Launches New State Healthcare Services Practice to Help States Meet Federal Healthcare Technology Mandates

New Services Practice Combines Experience in Healthcare and Government Sectors
Practice Led by Melissa Boudreault, Who Helped Lead the Massachusetts Commonwealth Care Health Plan

6/9/2010 - Plano, Texas - As states look to understand and address federal regulatory requirements of healthcare reform, Dell Services today announced the launch of a new practice area to help them implement the technology needed to succeed.

The new practice will provide states proven technology best practices gained through Dell�s combined expertise as the No. 1 global healthcare IT services provider*, as a leading technology services provider to the insurance and government sectors, and through its experience in helping to support the nation�s most successful state insurance exchange in Massachusetts.

The Dell State Health Services practice will be led by Melissa Boudreault, who previously served on the leadership team of Massachusetts� nationally-recognized health insurance exchange program as director of the Massachusetts Commonwealth Care Health Plan. Today, nearly 200,000 residents receive coverage through the Health Connector, helping Massachusetts achieve the lowest level of uninsured individuals at 2.7 percent, far below the national 15 percent average. This health insurance exchange served as a model for the federal healthcare reform law, which requires states to establish new exchanges to allow individuals and small businesses to search for and obtain healthcare insurance coverage that best meets their needs. The exchanges will also provide customer information regarding policy options and will help states manage enrollment, reporting and billing.

As a principal technology solutions provider to the Massachusetts Health Connector, Dell has the experience necessary to help states build and manage an exchange. In addition to installing and operating an advanced IT system that manages billing, enrollment, financial and data management requirements for the Connector�s Commonwealth Care program, Dell operates a multi-lingual customer call center that assists enrollees in understanding the program and how to identify what plan best suits their needs.

The State Health Services practice will provide states and other entities technology consulting services regarding various insurance exchange models, as well as how states can best manage the influx of new Medicaid responsibilities and mandates. Because no two states are alike, the team of experienced consultants will work with each state to understand their unique position and tailor solutions that best meet their individual needs.

Dell State Health Services offerings will span from readiness assessment and consulting services to providing proven and cost-effective technology and business solutions that are specifically tailored to meet the new healthcare requirements placed on states. Boudreault will also lead the State Health Services operations team, which will help states address increased demand as more constituents are enrolled in Medicaid and as states establish other healthcare programs such as Health Insurance Exchanges, Health Information Exchanges, Co-Operative insurance organizations and consumer-related portals.

Through the State Health Services practice, Dell will provide services including:

Medicaid expansion preparation;
IT infrastructure modernization, process improvement and business process solutions;
Technology optimization, billing and enrollment solutions, and call center operations;
Integrated health management solutions, consumer-oriented communication platforms; and,
Traditional IT-related sourcing.

Quotes:
Melissa Boudreault, Director, Dell State Health Services:
�States are facing a variety of complex decisions as they seek to meet the requirements of healthcare reform legislation, while also addressing the specific needs of their constituents in an affordable and effective manner. Dell is already providing consulting services to several states, and we look forward to putting our expertise in providing solutions to the nation�s only state insurance exchange, as well as our experience supporting the healthcare and government industries, to work for other states.�

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology and business solutions they trust and value. Dell Services develops and delivers a comprehensive suite of services and solutions in applications, business process, consulting, infrastructure and support to help customers succeed.

*"Dell is ranked #1 for IT Services in the worldwide healthcare market, based on 2009 revenue�
Gartner IT Services Market Metrics Worldwide Market Share: Database; Kathryn Hale et al, April 19, 2010

Customized Storage Solution Simplifies Scaling for Research Computing

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:27:58 +0000

Customized Storage Solution Simplifies Scaling for Research Computing

Dell and Terascala collaborate to deliver high-capacity, open storage for higher education and other mid-sized high-performance computing (HPC) environments
High performance and a scalable architecture provide organizations with a ready-to-use storage solution that can decrease storage management and increase job productivity.

ROUND ROCK, Texas, June 8, 2010 � Dell and Terascala today announced the Dell | Terascala HPC Storage Solution, a storage solution for Linux clusters designed to enable efficiencies in high-performance computing environments by scaling to support massive amounts of data.

Arming customers with the essential tools to face unprecedented storage challenges allows them to focus on achieving their missions and running their businesses effectively rather than directing valuable resources to IT. The Dell | Terascala HPC Storage Solution helps protect this critical information, allowing customers to manage the influx of data facing them in high performance computing environments.

The Dell | Terascala HPC Storage Solution provides HPC researchers with a comprehensive solution-in-one product, service and support bundle that provides:

Flexibility: Available in six versions offering redundant, fixed, scalable base configurations of 30, 60, or 90 Terabytes, providing up to 180 Terabytes of fast-scratch storage.

Simple deployment: Delivered configured with highly available storage, Lustre� file system, and a management suite to simplify the deployment and ongoing management of the storage solution.

Reliability: Utilizes Dell PowerVault MD3000 and PowerVault MD1000 storage technology, Dell PowerConnect� networking technology and storage appliance technology from Terascala.

The Dell | Terascala HPC Storage Solution is an easy to deploy and maintain solution that will provide an inexpensive option for HPC storage. The need for increased storage capacity is evident by the growth predictions for high performance storage in the HPC market. Driven by data explosion and growing storage demands in areas like higher education, the HPC storage market is expected to outpace the recovery of the HPC server market.

In 2010, IDC predicts the HPC storage market will expand about 8 percent to $3.1B. By 2013, IDC expects storage to grow to $4.1B or 39 percent of HPC server revenue, compared to 35.5 percent in 20101.

The Dell | Terascala HPC Storage Solution is available in the U.S.

Quotes

�High performance computing is now being used by more and more organizations to tackle a range of problems. Many of these new users are looking for a complete, easy to manage high performance solution, including servers, storage and networking,� said Steve Butler, CEO of Terascala. �Terascala is excited to be partnering with Dell, who is known as a leader in delivering high performance computing solutions.�

�We understand the amount of time and effort our customers in academia put into the valuable research they conduct,� said John Mullen, vice president and general manager, Dell Education, State and Local Government. �It�s critical for us to provide the best technology to help ensure our customer�s critical data is safe and secure, the Dell | Terascala HPC Storage Solution is designed to do just that so researchers can spend their time finding new discoveries, instead of worrying about IT.�

�IT segments are recovering at different rates from the global recession, and we predict that academia and government will be bright spots in the HPC market recovery,� said Earl Joseph, IDC program vice president for High Performance Computing. �The supercomputer segment for HPC systems sold for more than $500,000, which is dominated by government and academic purchases, actually grew 25% even in the difficult recession year of 2009."

About Terascala
Terascala develops high throughput, high capacity and cost-effective storage solutions. Its unique storage appliance approach is changing the dynamics of the performance driven computing market, enabling existing users to do more for less while enabling new users to maximize the capabilities of their processing infrastructure. Founded in 2005, Terascala is based in Avon, MA.

1�IDC Predictions 2010: Worldwide High-Performance Computing, Doc # IDC_P20647, February 2010

Lustre� is a registered trademark of Oracle America, Inc.
Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Alienware M11x boosts performance for 11-inch laptop gaming

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:16:45 +0000

Alienware M11x boosts performance for 11-inch laptop gaming

Gamers Can Power Up with New Intel Core i7 Processor Options and NVIDIA Optimus Technology

6/8/2010 - Round Rock, Texas - Dell today boosted the performance of its Alienware M11x, giving the world�s most powerful 11-inch gaming laptop even more muscle to please diehard enthusiasts who demand a superior gaming experience they can take anywhere.

New Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processor options combine with the latest NVIDIA Optimus technology to provide the ultimate, High-Definition mobile gaming experience. Intel�s Turbo Boost technology can further accelerate Core i5 and Core i7 performance when demand peaks. All the Alienware M11x processors are also over-clockable1 beyond the standard specification to help maximize performance.

The powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M provides 1GB of discrete, fast HD graphics performance for more realistic gaming environments and virtual worlds playing stutter-free2 at high 720p resolution. Built-in NVIDIA PhysX technology propels hyper-realistic game play on the M11x that shows every dynamic cause-and-effect detail.

NVIDIA� Optimus technology switches seamlessly and transparently from the integrated Intel HD Graphics Media Accelerator to GeForce GT 335M discrete graphics when extra performance is demanded by visually intensive applications. Switching to integrated graphics during less visually demanding applications, like word processing or e-mail exchange, can help extend battery life.

�The Alienware M11x is the perfect go-anywhere laptop for people who want to play today�s most popular and demanding games in high definition. With the new Core i7 processor and high-performance discrete graphics that can kick in when needed, gamers can get a stunning visual experience and fast-action play wherever they are without sacrificing long battery life for less intensive activities,� said Arthur Lewis, general manager, Dell gaming products. �It�s a challenge to make the world�s most powerful 11-inch gaming laptop even better, but we�ve done it.�

The Alienware M11x, available in soft-touch Stealth Black or Lunar Shadow, retains its svelte 4.4-pound3 figure and distinctive Alienware design with built-in AlienFX� illuminated keyboard and laser-engraved user nameplate. It ships with a choice of 64-bit Windows 7 operating systems installed.

Highlights:

Lightning-fast processor options, up to Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost technology and over-clockable1
NVIDIA Optimus technology for dynamic switching between standard 1GB GeForce GT 335M discrete graphics4 and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator
11.6-inch Widescreen HD LED color display 1366x768 (720p)
Up to 8GB4 DDR3 800Mhz memory
Up to 500GB5, 7,200RPM hard drive or 256GB5 Solid State Drive
Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound audio
Optional wireless Bluetooth 2.1
A range of output ports including DisplayPort/HDMI Port, USB 2.0, 1394a and Ethernet RJ-45
8-cell prismatic (64whr) primary battery
AlienFX illuminated keyboard
Built-in WiFi with optional mobile broadband
Choice of Stealth Black or Lunar Shadow colors with laser-engraved owner nameplate

The Alienware M11x is available beginning today at www.dell.com, starting at $799.

About Dell

Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to its customers and uses that insight to make technology simpler and create innovative solutions that simplify daily activities and help people stay, entertained, connected and in touch. Learn more at www.dell.com.

Dell Connects with Customers at Shanghai World Expo on Importance of Technology to Help Transform Work and Life

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:07:38 +0000

Dell Connects with Customers at Shanghai World Expo on Importance of Technology to Help Transform Work and Life

6/8/2010 - Shanghai - The 2010 World Expo spotlights the challenges and opportunities of the changing global landscape. As the official computer sponsor for the USA National Pavilion, Dell is showcasing how technology is enhancing the ways people and organizations live and work.

With more than 5 million visitors to date, the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is uniting people from around the world to exchange ideas about the importance of environmentally conscious urban development and the economic opportunity of investing in emerging markets. Beyond providing computing hardware to help power the pavilion experience, Dell is hosting several events in Shanghai during the Expo that highlight the importance of perseverance, innovation, and the role technology plays in current and future communities.

On June 20-22, Dell, Intel and Bloomberg Link are jointly sponsoring The Dell Women�s Entrepreneur Network. This event helps connect women in the business world to create and nurture a peer group of some of the world�s most interesting and innovative female entrepreneurs, establishing a network to exchange ideas on how IT helps drive successful businesses.

�In 2009, the proportion of female entrepreneurs in China increased to 27 percent, while the male proportion decreased[1],� said Amit Midha, Dell President, Greater China and South Asia. �Following the financial crisis, businesses can significantly benefit from sharing their experiences and hearing from colleagues in similar situations. By hosting this event at the World Expo, we are able to provide a forum where female business owners can connect with peers from around the world.�

With the Dell Women�s Entrepreneur Network, Dell is bringing the Take Your Own Path (TYOP) campaign to the next level and developing even deeper relationships with customers and driving inspiring conversations around top industry topics. This one-of-a-kind, two-day event concentrates on Taking Your Own Path Through Global Tech Strategies, celebrating the impact that women-owned businesses have on the economy.

Additional Dell hosted World Expo events at the USA Pavilion include:

� On June 9, Dell executives and business IT leaders will meet with a group of customers for the Efficient Enterprise CIO Summit. At the summit, discussions will focus on solutions for the virtual era, cloud technologies and how to unleash the power of the efficient enterprise.

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology, business solutions and services they trust and value. For more information, visit www.dell.com. For the latest on the Dell Women�s Entrepreneur Network check out #dwen or follow @DellSMBnews on Twitter.

[1] http://edu.163.com/09/0821/09/5H7SSAA200293I4V.html

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc.

Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Dell Proximity Printing Increases Productivity of Mobile Workers

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:04:39 +0000

Dell Proximity Printing Increases Productivity of Mobile Workers

New Intuitive Printer Solutions Help Lawyers, Teachers and Healthcare Staff Get the Job Done

5/27/2010 - Today Dell launched four new printer solutions to meet the diverse needs of mobile customers in business, law, healthcare and education. The user-friendly solutions are designed to deliver one-touch reliability and proximity printing technology without sacrificing performance, enabling IT administrators to focus on critical business needs instead of printer administration.

These printer solutions, together with the successful introduction of eight black and white printers earlier this year, reflect Dell’s commitment in building a robust printer portfolio based on customer-relevant technologies,” said Tim Peters, vice president of Imaging at Dell. “This launch is a prime example of how Dell listens to customers and develops intuitive technology that increases print management efficiencies without breaking IT budgets.”

Reducing the Complexity of Printing
Providing quality printing services while controlling costs is an ongoing challenge for IT managers at mid-size and large organizations, especially with the increase in mobile computing. Mobile users working away from their desks often have difficulty finding a printer, undercutting the productivity gains mobility can provide. Dell Proximity Printing Solution, available as a free download starting June 8, is designed to meet this challenge by making it easier for users to connect to a printer closest to them. Through an office map layout, the mobile user clicks on the network printer of choice to route the print job�, eliminating the need for knowing printer queue names or installing printer drivers.

Industry-specific Solutions for Unique Needs
From law to education to healthcare, Dell’s workflow solutions introduce custom functions that turn multifunction printers into machines capable of complicated workflow processes. With no special training required, the solutions introduced today include:

Dell Legal Station - Law offices require robust technology that can quickly produce large volumes of high-quality documents designed to boost productivity and simplify print management. Key functions of the Dell Legal Station include:

The ability to print forms on demand,
“Scan to court” which sets file limits for scanned jobs destined for court delivery,
“Scan to network” to send documents to custom network locations, and
A touch screen that can be customized with a law firm’s logo.

The Dell Classroom Station, part of Dell Connected Classroom, is a time-saving printer solution for testing, grading papers and managing classroom documents and bundles a set of education-specific applications for print-on-demand test bubble sheet templates, instant grading results (a server with Windows and additional software installation is required) and reporting. These capabilities are designed to allow teachers to react quickly to an individual student's challenge areas, as well as adjust overall lesson plans to impact full class achievement.

The Dell Healthcare Station is a printer solution to help increase staff productivity, reduce errors and improve patient care. Key functions include “Scan to EMR” (Electronic Medical Records), physician order routing which allows nursing staff and clinicians to route physician orders from nursing stations to the pharmacy, forms on demand enabling clinical staff to quickly and easily access critical forms, and card copy for scanning each side of a patient’s insurance or identification card and printing them on a single sheet of paper.

Affordable High Performance Printing - For large businesses seeking high performance in an affordable package, the Dell 5350dn single function printer provides a reliable solution with a wide variety of expandability options. The 5350dn can print up to 50 single-sided letter pages per minute (actual print speeds may vary with use). With a true print resolution of up to 1200x1200 dpi (max), it also produces razor sharp printouts for both graphics and text. In addition, the printer comes with duplexing standard and is expandable with options, including input and output paper tray, staple finisher, mailbox bin, wireless�/Gigabit internal card, and additional memory for demanding high capacity printing. The Dell 5350dn is available today in the United States and starts at $1,519.99.

The 5350dn helps alleviate maintenance worries with a standard 1-year Limited Hardware Warranty� and Next Business Day On-site Service after remote diagnosis�. Businesses can also extend their Limited Hardware Warranty� with optional extension terms of up to five years total. Installation, asset tag management, and customizable Dell ProSupport service options are also available. Dell’s full lineup of printers is available directly through Dell or designated local channel partners.

“With an increased focus on printer solutions, Dell has diversified its printer portfolio to take the complexity out of printing and enhance the user experience,” said Sahaja Sarathy, senior research analyst of Hardcopy Peripherals Solutions and Services at IDC. “These new solutions combined with a growing portfolio of single and multifunction printers make Dell a solid option for businesses of all sizes seeking reliability, value and support.”

The Dell Legal, Classroom and Healthcare Print Stations are available now. For more information, contact your Dell representative.

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they need and value. Dell printers are available direct from Dell and from Dell’s more than 50,000 partners worldwide. For more information, visit www.dell.com.

Dell streak tablet entices people to watch, surf, connect, listen, and play on 5� of power and portability

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:52:42 +0000

Dell streak tablet entices people to watch, surf, connect, listen, and play on 5� of power and portability

Streak to launch early June in the UK exclusively on O2

Available at O2 stores, O2.co.uk, The Carphone Warehouse and later next month at Dell.co.uk
U.S. availability to arrive later this summer

5/25/2010 - Bracknell, United Kingdom - Today, Dell released plans for Streak, a 5-inch Android�-based Tablet designed to provide people the best �on-the-go� entertainment, social connection, and navigation experience. Early this June the Dell Streak will be available across the UK at O2 stores, O2.co.uk, The Carphone Warehouse, and later in the month at Dell.co.uk. Pricing and data plans for the UK will be announced by O2 ahead of availability. Later this summer, Dell plans to make Streak available in the U.S.

The Dell Streak is a compact and powerful companion for people who want to expand their ability to access their digital lives on the go, and realize tomorrow�s technology today. The spacious 5-inch screen is ideal for experiencing thousands of Android Market� widgets, games and applications, all without squinting or compromising portability. Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and available 3G connectivity brings easy access for downloading and listening to music, updating social networking status in real-time, and staying connected to friends and family through e-mail, text, IM, and voice calls.

On-the-go students, mobile professionals, and active families will find Streak�s web-browsing capabilities as natural as a laptop. The 5-inch screen is large enough to present Web pages in their natural form, create a comfortable viewing experience, and make turn-by-turn navigation simple and safe. The Dell Streak leverages Qualcomm�s Snapdragon� solution with integrated 1GHz processor to combine basic functionality, performance, and benefits of a laptop in a pocket friendly size.

�The Dell Streak hits the sweet spot between traditional smartphones and larger-screen tablets,� said Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions Group. �Its unique size provides people new ways to enjoy, connect, and navigate their lives.�

The Dell Streak was designed with the future in mind and will support over-the-air updates including platform upgrades, Adobe Flash 10.1 on Android� 2.2 later this year, video chat applications and other software innovations.

Dell is a member of the Open Handset Alliance� (OHA), a group of technology and mobile companies working together to accelerate innovation in mobility. Together, the OHA created Android, the first complete, open, and free mobile platform to provide people a richer, less expensive, and better mobile experience.

Key Features:

Integrated Google Maps� with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views
A full screen browsing experience with a 5-inch capacitive multi-touch WVGA display
Easily integrated social media apps: Twitter�, Facebook, YouTube
High resolution 5 MP camera, VGA front facing camera, removable battery, built-in Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth connectivity options
2GB* of internal dedicated storage provides plenty of space to access and download Google Android Market�s many options
Packaged with cushions made from 100 percent sustainable, compostable bamboo
Specifications:

Android platform complete with Android Market and Dell user interface enhancements
ARM-based Processor: Qualcomm�s powerful and efficient Snapdragon chipset and software platform with integrated 1GHz processor
3G + WiFi + Bluetooth
UMTS / GPRS / EDGE class 12 GSM radio with link speeds of up to HSDPA 7.2 Mbps1 / HSDPA
5 MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash. Easy point, shoot, and uploads to YouTube, Flickr, Facebook and more
User accessible Micro SD expandable memory available up to 32 GB2. Store up to 42 movies2 or 32,000 photos2, or 16,000 songs2 with 32GB* Micro SD
Follow conversations in the blogosphere: #DellStreak

About Dell:

Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to its customers and uses that insight to make technology simpler and create innovative solutions that simplify daily activities and help people stay entertained, connected and in touch. Learn more at www.dell.com.

Android, Android Market and Google Maps are Trademarks of Google, Inc.

Dell KACE Systems Management Appliance Enhances Workforce Productivity, Energy Savings

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:46:03 +0000

Dell KACE Systems Management Appliance Enhances Workforce Productivity, Energy Savings

The first Dell KACE appliance release since acquisition offers environmentally responsible IT power management capabilities and ITIL ready Service Desk

5/24/2010 - Round Rock, Texas - Today Dell KACE launched its latest systems management appliance, the Dell KACE K1000 Management Appliance, bringing innovative systems management to mid-sized businesses looking to proactively manage IT and help reduce power consumption to save time and money. Shipping now, it is the first product release since Dell acquired KACE this year.

Underscoring Dell�s commitment to provide environmentally conscious and energy-efficient solutions, the most recent release of the K1000 Management Appliance introduces:

New easy-to-use capabilities allowing customers to quickly and easily configure and enforce power settings on Windows and Mac OS X systems;
Pre-defined reports that display energy savings which may be used to qualify for utility rebates;
Service desk functionality consistent with IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices that simplifies the automation of key IT processes; and,
Enhanced Smart Label technology dynamically groups managed machines for easier reporting and improved automated policy-based management.

�Since becoming part of Dell, we�ve increased our global reach and are organized to bring the latest technology to customers even faster,� said Rob Meinhardt, president of Dell KACE. �The latest K1000 release delivers highly-innovative system management solutions for Windows, Linux, and Mac systems that push the envelope in enforcing power management and providing a practical ITIL service desk.�

Systems managers are increasingly forced to wear many hats throughout the day from addressing systemic issues to responding to business changes. Dell KACE helps consolidate these functions by providing a single appliance for all projects, while delivering easy-to-use, comprehensive and affordable systems management with simplified, all-inclusive pricing.

�The new power management features are invaluable to us,� said Brian Bowman, a systems administer from Moss Point Schools, a K-12 school district in Moss Point, Miss. �The Dell KACE K1000 is not only easy to configure and enforce power settings, but it gives us a lot of flexibility with regards to management functions. The new ITIL-based service desk will help us to be more proactive to address our students and faculties IT issues. The ability to gather intelligence on the specific work order before even looking at the machine will allow us to assign the right person and right tools to tackle the problem, which in the end should save us about 30 minutes in IT support time per project.�

Both the new power management capabilities, as well as the new service desk, are included as part of the base K1000 license. Compared with other industry solutions requiring incremental add-on licenses, the Dell KACE all-inclusive pricing and licensing terms can save customers significant time and money by simplifying the purchase, deployment and administration of the appliance. The Dell KACE family of systems management and deployment appliances fulfills all of the systems management needs of a mid-market IT organization, from initial computer deployment to ongoing management and retirement. Dell KACE products are available as both physical and virtual appliances, directly from Dell or through its partners.

About Dell
Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) creates, enhances and integrates technology and services customers count on to provide them reliable, long-term value. Dell provides system-management solutions for customers of all sizes and system complexity. The award-winning Dell KACE family of appliances delivers easy-to-use, comprehensive, and affordable systems management capabilities. For more information, visit www.dellkace.com or follow the conversation at http://twitter.com/DellKACE.

Xbox 360 Transforms the Way Everyone Has Fun

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:25:48 +0000

Xbox 360 Transforms the Way Everyone Has Fun

Microsoft surprises and delights with Kinect, blockbuster games, exclusive ESPN deal, new ways to enjoy movies and music, and a sleek new Xbox 360.

LOS ANGELES � June 14, 2010 � Xbox today opened a new era of entertainment for everyone, transforming the way the world plays, entertains and connects with friends and family. To kick-start the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. world premiered Kinect for Xbox 360, formerly known as �Project Natal,� in a spectacular live performance imagined by Cirque du Soleil. Unlike anything seen or experienced before, Kinect for Xbox 360 opens a new world of controller-free games and entertainment so everyone can have fun.

In addition to Kinect, Xbox showcased new and easy ways to enjoy music, movies and sports with friends and family. It also demonstrated that Xbox 360 remains the only place to play the biggest exclusive blockbusters with �Gears of War 3� and what promises to be the biggest game of 2010, �Halo: Reach.� For its grand finale, the company surprised everyone with the launch of a new Xbox 360 console, designed for the future of games and entertainment. The new console ships to retailers tomorrow.

�At Microsoft, we believe fun is a universal magnet, uniting us and connecting us all together,� said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. �We believe interactive entertainment is the greatest form of all entertainment, and it should be open and approachable to as many people as possible. It is this belief that led us to remove the last barrier between you and the entertainment you love. By making you the controller, we will transform how you and your friends experience games and entertainment.�

The Year We All �Kinect�

Kinect for Xbox 360 brings roaring rapids, wild tigers, mountainous obstacle courses and zooming racecars to living rooms in North America on Nov. 4 and will roll out to the rest of the world thereafter. Uniquely magical and instantly fun, Kinect for Xbox 360 tracks your body movements and gestures. It even understands your voice.

By taking technology out of your hands for the first time, Kinect lets people who have never picked up a game controller join the excitement. See a ball? Just kick it. Want to learn how to dance or get fit? Just follow the moves. With Kinect, all you have to do is be you � no controller required.

Kinect also puts your favorite movies, television shows and music at your fingertips, turning ordinary entertainment into an extraordinary experience.1 Jump right into a movie in instant-on 1080p HD2 by simply saying �Xbox, play.� Browse a selection of millions of songs with just a wave of your hand. Kinect instantly makes playing games, watching movies and listening to music more fun and interactive than ever before, and it is available only on Xbox 360.

The New Xbox 360

Microsoft also surprised the world with a new Xbox 360 console designed for the future. Back in black, the new Xbox 360 is sleek, silent and sexy. Connect in seconds to the always- expanding world of Xbox LIVE through built-in Wi-Fi N and store twice as many games and entertainment on a 250GB hard drive.

The newly designed console is whisper-quiet, so the silent tension of a game or movie is never broken. The new Xbox 360 system also comes with everything you need to get started, including an Xbox 360 wireless controller, Xbox 360 headset, HDMI output, USB flash drive storage capabilities and more, and a one-year limited warranty on the console, available this week and priced at $299.99 ERP.

Entertainment for Everyone

Xbox LIVE connects you and your Xbox 360 to a world of fun, friends and interactive social entertainment, with the best in games, movies, TV, music, sports and community experiences all in one place.

� The stadium experience at home. This November, Xbox LIVE Gold members will enjoy free, instant access to more than 3,500 ESPN live global events every year on ESPN3.com, including college basketball, college football and bowl games, MLB, NBA, international soccer, tennis including all four Grand Slam tournaments, golf majors and much more � exclusively on Xbox 360.3 Members can also watch out-of-market games and access ESPN.com video clips on demand, refreshed daily.

With thousands of sporting events on ESPN3.com and the interactive social network of Xbox LIVE, ESPN on Xbox 360 brings the excitement of a stadium experience into the living room. Fans will be able to share the emotion, victory and heartbreak of world-class sports with friends and rivals from coast to coast on Xbox LIVE. They�ll also be able to see what games the Xbox LIVE community is watching, participate in polls, make predictions, play sports trivia and much more. With Kinect, fans control the action from their couches with just their voices or a wave of the hand. A first for home entertainment, ESPN on Xbox 360 brings the action to life like never before in an ultimate interactive experience for sports fans.

� Seven million songs at your fingertips. Building on the success of Zune video on Xbox, Microsoft announced the expansion of the Zune music experience to Xbox LIVE, bringing everything you love about music right into the living room. With a Zune Pass subscription (sold separately),4 users can discover and play an unlimited number of songs from a catalog of more than 7 million tracks, all streamed instantly, on-demand and in crystal-clear quality.

Create a playlist for your next party, and watch as the music videos of your favorite artists play in the background. Get personalized song recommendations based on your favorite artists, and see your Xbox LIVE friends� top songs. Plus, with the power of Kinect, you can control your music with hand gestures and your voice.

� Video Kinect. Share a smile and a wave with faraway friends and family as you come together from living rooms across the world, no headset required5. Video Kinect pans to follow your movements and adjusts automatically to make chat on Xbox LIVE more intuitive and easier to use than ever before.

Next year, Microsoft will link Video Kinect with Windows Live Messenger, allowing the Xbox LIVE community to have rich, real-time video conversations with hundreds of millions of PC users around the world. It will also integrate custom news feeds, weather and videos from Bing, sparking conversation just like you�re in the same room reading the paper or watching the news together.

� Global expansion. This holiday, Xbox LIVE will roll out service to nine new regions � Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Russia and South Africa � delivering the core gaming and community features that have made Xbox LIVE the world�s premier online gaming destination. In addition, Australians will soon be able to watch live television and a range of video-on-demand programming on Xbox LIVE from satellite and cable TV provider FOXTEL with no set-top box required.

The Year of Blockbuster Games

Larger-than-life characters. Emotional storytelling. Groundbreaking gameplay. This year, the Xbox 360 is the only place to play the three biggest blockbusters � �Halo: Reach,� �Call of Duty� and �Gears of War 3.� In addition to these highly anticipated titles, games like �Fable III,� �Metal Gear Solid: Rising� and code-named �Kingdoms� are also on the way.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play � no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment service for your Xbox 360, connecting you to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sports and social entertainment. Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy the largest on-demand library on any console, listen to millions of songs and share the fun with friends around the world. Xbox LIVE is also the exclusive home of controller-free online entertainment through Kinect, making your Xbox 360 more intuitive and interactive than ever before. With an active community of 25 million people across 26 countries, expanding to 35 this fall, Xbox LIVE, together with Xbox 360, provides you with instant access to the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, wherever you are. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

About Microsoft

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

1 Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required.

2 Users will need an HDCP-compliant 1080p display, an HDMI cable and broadband speeds greater than 3�4 Mbps for instant viewing at 1080p and 5.1 surround sound.

3ESPN on Xbox LIVE, providing great content from ESPN3.com and ESPN.com, is only available to Xbox LIVE Gold members. For access to ESPN3.com content, Gold members must receive their Internet connection from an affiliated broadband provider. See ESPN3.com for details and providers

4 Zune Pass is a monthly music subscription. Available content may vary over time. Zune Pass is not available in all countries; see Zune.net.

5 Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for Kinect Chat.

Kinect for Xbox 360 Sets the Future in Motion � No Controller Required

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:19:02 +0000

Kinect for Xbox 360 Sets the Future in Motion � No Controller Required

Microsoft reveals new ways to play that are fun and easy for everyone.

LOS ANGELES � June 14, 2010 � Get ready to Kinect to fun entertainment for everyone. Microsoft Corp. today capped off a two-day world premiere, complete with celebrities, stunning physical dexterity, and news from a galaxy far, far away, to reveal experiences that will transform living rooms in North America, beginning Nov. 4. Kinect will roll out to the rest of the world thereafter.

Opening with a magical Cirque du Soleil performance on Sunday night attended by Hollywood�s freshest faces, Microsoft gave the transformation of home entertainment a name: Kinect for Xbox 360. Then, kicking off the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Xbox 360 today invited the world to dance, hurdle, soar and make furry friends for life � all through the magic of Kinect � no controller required.

�With �Kinectimals� and �Kinect Sports,� �Your Shape: Fitness Evolved� and �Dance Central,� your living room will become a zoo, a stadium, a fitness room or a dance club. You will be in the center of your entertainment, using the best controller ever made � you,� said Kudo Tsunoda, creative director for Microsoft Game Studios.

Microsoft and LucasArts also announced that they will bring Star Wars� to Kinect in 2011. And, sprinkling a little fairy dust on Xbox 360, Disney will bring its magic to Kinect as well.

�Xbox LIVE is about making it simple to find the entertainment you want, with the friends you care about, wherever you are. Kinect is about making that experience more natural and engaging than ever before,� said Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE at Microsoft. �Once you experience your movies, music, sports and games with Xbox LIVE and Kinect, you won�t ever want to go back.�

Using Kinect is as simple as stepping in front of the sensor. It recognizes you, responds to your gestures, listens to your voice, and, best of all, it works with every Xbox 360.1

A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action

Declaring �the time for talk is over,� Tsunoda unveiled eight hurdling, running, dancing, driving and soaring Kinect games:

� �Kinectimals� (Frontier Studio, Microsoft Game Studios). A wide-eyed Bengal Tiger cub cocks its head to the side and playfully peers at you. Memories of your first trip to the zoo come rushing back. �Kinectimals� invites children, their parents and animal lovers of all ages to build lasting friendships with some of the world�s most exotic creatures. Just like real pets, your �Kinectimals� will come running when they hear your voice, respond to commands like �jump,� �roll-over� and �play dead,� and purr with joy when you scratch them behind the ears.

� �Your Shape: Fitness Evolved� (Ubisoft). Get the most out of Kinect with �Your Shape: Fitness Evolved.� Unlike other games, the proprietary Player Projection technology of �Your Shape: Fitness Evolved� puts your body into the game for the ultimate experience. You�ll physically interact with virtual environments in ways you�ve never seen before, and you�ll be captivated by unique and exciting visual effects that respond to your movement and impact. Burn calories your way � choose a personal trainer to help you meet your specific fitness goals, take a yoga or martial arts class, or play fun family-friendly minigames. As you exercise, you�ll receive specific feedback on your every move, thanks to the game�s real-time precise tracking system. You won�t notice how hard you�re working until you see the results!

� �Kinect Joy Ride� (Big Park, Microsoft Game Studios). 3 � 2 � 1 � Go! �Kinect Joy Ride,� the first controller-free racing game, will take you and your friends on the ride of your lives � no drivers license required. �Kinect Joy Ride� reinvents driving and Kart racing by adding massive jumps and full body stunts to the classic Kart racing action. With a host of cool features and game modes you can take off for the ride of your life by yourself, or pick up a co-pilot or team up with your friends and family to take on the world.

� �Kinect Sports� (Rare, Microsoft Game Studios). Turn your living room into a world-class stadium, bowling alley, soccer pitch or arena. With �Kinect Sports� you�re not only the star player, you are the controller � through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360. See a ball? Kick it. Spike it. Even give it a little top spin. �Kinect Sports� features soccer, beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, boxing and multiple track and field events.

� �Kinect Adventures� (Microsoft Game Studios). Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep to explore a leaky underwater observatory � all from your living room. With �Kinect Adventures,� you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations.

� �Dance Central� (MTV Games). �Dance Central�� is the first full-body, controller-free dance video game with fun choreography for beginners and experts. Completely free from any controller and featuring full-body tracking, the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360 allows you to experience real dance with your friends and family. Whether you�re rehearsing in Break It Down! or owning the stage in Perform It, you�ll be introduced to more than 600 moves in the game and more than 90 dance routines all created by professional choreographers. The game features tracks from an amazing mix of pop, hip-hop and R&B artists including Lady Gaga, No Doubt, M.I.A., Bell Biv Devoe, and more. Take your moves to the next level while connecting with the music you love!

� Also coming to Kinect this holiday are titles representing the top names in the gaming industry including interactive fitness product �EA SPORTS Active� 2� (EA SPORTS), �DECA SPORTS FREEDOM� (Hudson Entertainment), �Dance Masters� (Konami), �Adrenalin Misfits� (Konami), �Zumba Fitness�� (Majesco), �Sonic Free Riders�� (SEGA), �The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout� (THQ), �Motion Sports� (Ubisoft), and �Game Party�: In Motion� (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment). Further exciting Kinect game experiences will be revealed by publishing partners in the near future.

Extraordinary Entertainment

Offering so much more than just games, Kinect for Xbox 360 takes your entertainment to the next level. Beginning November 2010, the Kinect Hub puts your favorite movies, TV programs, music and live sports all in one place � completely controller-free.

Jump right into a movie in instant-on HD in 1080p or your favorite college bowl game by simply saying �Xbox, play,� or browse your entire song library with a wave of a hand. Kinect also creates new ways for friends and family to have fun together.

With Video Kinect2, share a smile with distant friends and family as you open a window into living rooms around the world. Providing entertainment for everyone, with the power of Kinect, the Xbox LIVE experience is more intuitive, social and interactive than ever before.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play � no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Microsoft

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

1 175MB of memory required.

2 Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for Video Kinect.

Follow Kinect on Facebook as we tour the world, transforming how people experience games and entertainment. Visit http://www.facebook.com/xbox for more info.

Exclusive Blockbuster Games Drive Biggest Year in Xbox History

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:41:24 +0000

Exclusive Blockbuster Games Drive Biggest Year in Xbox History

The biggest games are found only on Xbox 360, with �Halo: Reach,� �Gears of War 3�and �Fable III�; �Call of Duty� Add-ons and map packs continue to launch first on Xbox LIVE through 2012.

LOS ANGELES � June 14, 2010 � A band of heroes facing insurmountable odds. An epic adventure of choice and sacrifice on the journey to rule. Tens of millions of faithful fans worldwide. Look out Hollywood: Xbox 360 is delivering the entertainment blockbusters of 2010.

On the eve of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. unveiled a breathtaking lineup of games, proving once again that Xbox 360 is the best place to play. �Fable III,� �Gears of War 3� and �Halo: Reach� took center stage as the biggest exclusive games, and Microsoft unveiled its newest exclusive blockbuster, code-named �Kingdoms,� from legendary developer Crytek GmbH. Delighting audiences even further, all �Call of Duty� add-on content will launch first on Xbox 360 through 2012, starting with content associated with the Nov. 9 release of �Call of Duty: Black Ops.�

�With a portfolio of exclusives including �Alan Wake,� �Mass Effect 2,� �Splinter Cell Conviction� and the record-breaking �Halo: Reach� multiplayer beta, it�s already been an incredible year for Xbox, but we�re not slowing down,� said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. �In the next year, we�ll continue to redefine this generation of blockbuster entertainment with the controller-free experiences of Kinect and new chapters to three of the most acclaimed sagas found only on Xbox 360: �Fable III,� �Gears of War 3� and the biggest game of 2010, �Halo: Reach.��

The Most Exclusive Entertainment

Twenty-five million passionate and engaged Xbox LIVE members have spoken, and Xbox 360 is this generation�s console of choice. As the top destination for millions of gamers, friends and family members to experience a world of entertainment together, it�s no surprise that the best developers are rewarding members with the year�s greatest exclusives, Game Add-ons and experiences.

A telltale sign of the meteoric year to come, fans around the world joined Xbox 360 and Bungie in making history with record-breaking participation in the �Halo: Reach� multiplayer beta. An astounding 2.7 million fans worldwide rushed to enlist and be the first to experience the year�s biggest game, establishing the �Halo: Reach� beta as the single most downloaded console video game beta test in history.

The release of the �Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package� in March also shattered Xbox LIVE records, as more than 1 million gamers worldwide downloaded the new map pack from Infinity Ward in the first 24 hours alone, surpassing the 2 million mark in fewer than four days. With last week�s release of the �Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Resurgence Pack,� soaring past 1 million downloads, it�s easy to see why Xbox LIVE is the largest �Call of Duty� community of any entertainment system.

With games for the hero, adventurer and storyteller within us all, Xbox 360 is bringing larger-than-life experiences into living rooms like never before, including the following:

� �Halo: Reach� (Bungie, Microsoft Game Studios). Millions of fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the release of �Halo: Reach,� the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling Xbox franchise of all time. The action follows the story of Noble Team, a squad of heroic Spartan soldiers and their final stand on planet Reach, humanity�s last line of defense between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. The most ambitious �Halo� game yet, �Halo: Reach� launches worldwide on Sept. 14 and in Japan on Sept. 15, and promises to be the biggest game of 2010.

� �Gears of War 3� (Epic Games, Microsoft Game Studios). �Gears of War 3� concludes the epic trilogy starring Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad. In the finale, the last human city has fallen, leaving the survivors scattered and without refuge. Exposed on all sides, Delta Squad finds itself in a ruthless battle between two horrific enemies. �Gears of War 3� continues to break ground with new multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE for veteran players and rookies alike, adding four-player cooperative campaign and the new Beast mode.* �Gears of War 3� launches in North America and Asia on April 5, 2011, in Japan on April 7, and in Europe and the rest of the world on April 8.

� �Fable III� (Lionhead Studios, Microsoft Game Studios). Launching worldwide beginning Oct. 26, �Fable III� delivers an unparalleled action and adventure experience as players journey from revolutionary to ruler and beyond. With your trusted canine companion, you will embark on an epic hero�s quest against injustice, forge alliances, crush your enemies and take control of your kingdom. But with great power comes great responsibility. Will you honor promises made in your rise to power, or sacrifice allegiance for personal gain? Choose wisely, as the decisions you make will forever impact your ever-evolving world.

� �Metal Gear Solid: Rising� (Konami). �Metal Gear Solid: Rising� is the highly anticipated debut of Hideo Kojima�s critically acclaimed �Metal Gear Solid� franchise on Xbox 360. �Metal Gear Solid: Rising� will star Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the �Metal Gear Solid� universe, in a new, lightning bolt action-adventure on Xbox 360.

� �Call of Duty: Black Ops� (Activision). On Nov. 9, 2010, Treyarch will make its return to the �Call of Duty� franchise with the release of �Call of Duty: Black Ops� on Xbox 360, the seventh entry in the best-selling first-person action franchise. �Call of Duty: Black Ops� continues the gripping experience and unprecedented level of action with players taking on multiple covert international conflicts in an epic single-player campaign, as well as co-op and multiplayer modes on Xbox LIVE,* which boasts the largest �Call of Duty� community in the world, helping to make it the best-selling first-person action franchise. All �Call of Duty� Add-on content will be released first on Xbox 360 through 2012, starting with content associated with the Nov. 9 for �Call of Duty: Black Ops.�

� �Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO� (Blue Castle Games, Capcom). Before �Dead Rising 2� launches in August and September, �Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO� will release as an exclusive prologue only available through Xbox LIVE, providing unique features that bridge the story between the 2006 action-adventure hit and its sequel. Get the complete �Dead Rising 2� experience only on Xbox 360.

� �Crackdown 2� (Ruffian Games, Microsoft Game Studios). �Crackdown 2,� the sequel to the sleeper hit of 2007, is the ultimate open-world experience featuring over-the-top action, a massive living world, stylish graphics, and unmatched cooperative and multiplayer online capabilities.* An explosive tour de force that invites players to explore, experiment and navigate through objectives with complete freedom to do what they want, when they want. �Crackdown 2� releases in the Americas on July 6; Asia, Australia and New Zealand on July 8; and Europe on July 9. The public Xbox LIVE demo will be available globally starting June 21.

Summer Blockbusters on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Xbox LIVE Arcade offers the highest quality downloadable games with a broad library of more than 250 titles and free trial downloads. Kicking off in July, Xbox LIVE Summer of Arcade is back for a third year with the biggest and best smash hits of the season. Xbox LIVE members will enjoy five weeks of scorching blockbuster games with something for everyone, including these games:

� �Castlevania: Harmony of Despair� (Konami Digital Entertainment). Dracula takes a bite out of Xbox LIVE Arcade with �Castlevania: Harmony of Despair.� This fast-paced 2-D side scroller takes vampire hunters on a chase to bring Dracula, the Lord of Darkness, to his eternal slumber. Designed by the producer of the legendary �Castlevania� series, Koji Igarashi, �Castlevania: Harmony of Despair� allows friends to play together via online co-op story mode or duke it out to see who the best vampire hunter is in Survival Mode.*

� �Hydro Thunder Hurricane� (Vector Unit, Microsoft Game Studios). �Hydro Thunder Hurricane� is the all-new, full-featured sequel to the legendary arcade racer. Featuring rocket-powered speedboats blasting across amazing dynamic water, gorgeous visuals and interactive environments packed with shortcuts and surprises, this is the adrenaline-drenched sequel fans have been waiting for. Dive into intense multiplayer races with up to eight players on Xbox LIVE, up to four players locally, or even mix local and online games.*

� �Lara Croft and the Guardian of the Light� (Crystal Dynamics, Square Enix) Tomb Raider heroine Lara Croft makes her debut on the downloadable stage with �Lara Croft and the Guardian of the Light.� This first-ever co-op multiplayer action/adventure game featuring Lara Croft combines classic Tomb Raider hallmarks including exploration, discovery, platforming and puzzle solving, with character progression and fast-paced combat. Choose your own solutions and explore various paths through the dense jungles of Central America as you solve puzzles to defeat the evil Xolotl.

� �Limbo� (Playdead, Microsoft Game Studios). Uncertain of his sister�s fate, a boy enters �Limbo.� This summer, experience his journey � through a world media are calling hauntingly beautiful and philosophically provocative � in this Independent Games Festival award-winning title.

� �Monday Night Combat� (Uber Entertainment, Microsoft Game Studios). �Monday Night Combat� takes you into the most popular lethal sport of the future. This third person shooter blends intense combat, finishing moves and game show-like challenges to give you an action experience unlike any other. Rather than fighting for honor or duty, �Monday Night Combat� lets you fight for the real American dream � cash, fame and endorsements.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play � no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Microsoft

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

* Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required for online multiplayer.

State of Florida Leverages Microsoft Cloud Solution for Census Count

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:37:50 +0000

State of Florida Leverages Microsoft Cloud Solution for Census Count

Built on Windows Azure, MyFloridaCensus.gov helps Floridians identify homes, neighborhoods and communities for 2010 census.

TALLAHASSEE � June 11, 2010 � The Florida House of Representatives is making one final push over the next month for its state residents to be counted in the 2010 Census, through its MyFloridaCensus (http://www.myfloridacensus.gov) website and Web-based application. MyFloridaCensus is an innovative component in Florida�s overall effort to ensure a complete count of residents during the ongoing 2010 Census, supplementing door-to-door canvassing, which ends nationwide July 10.

MyFloridaCensus is hosted in the Windows Azure cloud platform and runs using Microsoft Silverlight for cross-browser compatibility. With the support of a Bing Maps interface, the collective technology allows visitors to share their experiences with the 2010 Census and build a social user-generated experience around the once-per-decade count. In turn, the Florida House provides the U.S. Census Bureau, state and local governments, and citizens with dynamic feedback and visual representations of that feedback. Unlike most traditional government websites, MyFloridaCensus offers Floridians the opportunity to take part in the gathering of information, and thus affords individual citizens the opportunity to speak for the betterment of their communities.

�Once Florida residents share the census impact in their communities, we use MyFloridaCensus.gov to work with the U.S. Census Bureau to account for streets, neighborhoods and communities that may otherwise be missed in the 2010 Census,� said Florida state Rep. Dean Cannon.

Basic Needs, New Tools

Government agencies are more frequently being asked to communicate with their constituencies with the vigor and versatility of the private sector. The combination of Azure, Silverlight and Bing Maps gives the Florida House the ability to build a dynamic front-end user experience supported by a back-end system that optimizes for flexibility and can satisfy heavy peak demand usage. Equally important, MyFloridaCensus provides a successful proof of concept for future cloud-based public service endeavors. In 2011, the Florida House will transition MyFloridaCensus into an online tool for the public to participate in the process of redrawing political boundary lines (redistricting).

�Florida is not only on the leading edge of engaging its citizens on Census participation, but the Windows Azure solution they�ve chosen to build has broader applicability for future resident engagement,� said Gail Thomas-Flynn, vice president of State and Local Government at Microsoft. �More of our state customers are following this approach and moving unique and ongoing citizen services to the cloud platforms that can scale up and down according to need.�

The Florida House chose to host the application in a cloud environment because application use is expected to be high for only a few critical weeks and then gradually fall off over time, until the launch of a new application in 2011. Windows Azure hosting provides the ability to expand and contract the use of server space, helping reduce the cost to taxpayers when the site is not in peak use.

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

Microsoft Releases Health Plan Sales Solution for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:32:14 +0000

Microsoft Releases Health Plan Sales Solution for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Platform enables health plans to better recruit and retain customers while preparing for future state health information exchange requirements.

LAS VEGAS � June 10, 2010 � Microsoft Corp. today announced at America�s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Institute 2010 the Health Plan Sales Solution for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, a strategic sales and service-enabled customer relationship management (CRM) platform that will allow health plans to quickly and easily move their marketing and sales processes online to better manage and monitor sales, member service and retention. As a result, health plans will be able to better compete in the individual and small-group market, reduce multiple points of failure in their current sales, service and retention processes, and interoperate with state health insurance exchanges.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that health reform will expand coverage to 32 million by 2019 and 24 million will be enrolled through exchanges by 2019, not counting employer coverage, meaning health plans need to quickly take advantage of this short window of growth or risk losing share and revenue to competitors. According to a recent Gartner report, �Health insurers that do not have effective online sales and service functionality for the individual market must immediately establish such capabilities to compete in the current market and meet future requirements of exchanges.�*

�In light of changing regulations, health plans must now focus on winning share and loyalty through adaptive and efficient sales processes and exceptional customer experience while preparing to integrate sales and service processes with each health insurance exchange in 2014,� said Dennis Schmuland, director, U.S. Health Plans Industry Solutions, Microsoft. �Through a comprehensive CRM strategy that is pre-integrated with various touch points in the sales process, our Health Plan Sales Solution for Microsoft Dynamics CRM enables insurers to easily and quickly capture critical sales data, reduce the cost of sales, service, and retention, and interoperate with state health insurance exchanges by 2014.�

The Health Plan Sales Solution for Microsoft Dynamics CRM is an interoperable framework that allows for more seamless integration with existing systems and applications. Partners can pre-integrate their solution to offer health plans a seamless workflow across different applications, and a number of Microsoft�s trusted partners, including Ingenix, CosmoCom Inc., VUE Software and Colibrium Partners LLC, are already supporting this framework.

The platform enables insurers to more easily design and deploy a complete CRM strategy that spans acquisition, retention, health and care management, and service, and it tightly integrates social media sites into the sales, service and retention processes. With the platform, payers also will be able to reduce custom legacy integration costs and maximize their existing investment in both Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies. In addition, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution can be deployed wholly on-premise, in Microsoft�s cloud computing platform, or as a hybrid solution that provides the flexibility, improved security and cost management that health plans want.

�Health insurance is an increasingly complex and challenging environment to work within because of the ever-shifting regulatory, patient and business landscape, which directly impacts our underwriting efforts,� said Jeff Berry, vice president, Underwriting, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. �By deploying the Tuo product suite integrated with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, we will be able to quickly expand and change underwriting methodologies as the market shifts without costly development efforts. This will help us achieve significant efficiencies, which directly benefit our customers.�

About Microsoft in Health

Microsoft is committed to improving health around the world through software innovation. Over the past 13 years, Microsoft has steadily increased its investments in health, with a focus on addressing the challenges of health providers, health and social services organizations, payers, consumers, and life sciences companies worldwide. Microsoft closely collaborates with a broad ecosystem of partners and develops its own powerful health solutions, such as Amalga and HealthVault. Together, Microsoft and its industry partners are working to advance a vision of unifying health information and making it more readily available, ensuring the best quality of life and affordable care for everyone.

About Microsoft

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

* Health Insurance Exchanges Play a Key Role in Health Insurance Reform, April 20, 2010, Joanne Galimi and Robert H. Booz

Microsoft Helps Leading Health Organizations Prepare for ICD-10 Mandate

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:27:49 +0000

Microsoft Helps Leading Health Organizations Prepare for ICD-10 Mandate

Molina Healthcare and EmblemHealth among those to meet HIPAA 5010 and ICD-10 requirements at lower cost than other solutions with Microsoft platform.

REDMOND, Wash. � June 9, 2010 � Microsoft Corp. today announced that multiple payer, provider and partner organizations, including Molina Healthcare Inc., EmblemHealth, Edifecs, Evolute, Neudesic LLC, The TriZetto Group Inc. and Washington Publishing Company are standardizing on Microsoft�s integrated, standards-based platform, with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2009 at the core, to support HIPAA 5010 and ICD-10 compliance. The platform also enables health plans to reduce costs and accelerate and automate processes and workflows to achieve administrative simplification.

BizTalk Server 2009 is a scalable electronic data interchange and messaging solution that helps payer and provider organizations meet the challenges of integrating diverse systems. It provides out-of-the-box support for HIPAA 5010 messaging schemas, trading partner management and integration components, while also enabling payer and providers to make better use of existing technology to support growth and reduce costs.

�Our business needs were two-fold. We wanted to use existing technology to reduce administrative costs and simplify customer interactions and also needed a way to meet new guidelines related to security and transaction standards in HIPAA 5010,� said Amir Desai, chief information officer, Molina Healthcare. �Working with Microsoft, we chose a fixed-licensing solution based on BizTalk Server 2009 and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. Now, in addition to many other benefits in line with our organization�s business goals, we will be HIPAA 5010 compliant at a fraction of what we would have spent on building a system.�

Microsoft and leading partners, including The TriZetto Group Inc., Neudesic LLC, Evolute, Washington Publishing Company and Edifecs, are collaborating to help payers and providers embrace a service-oriented approach to HIPAA 5010 while creating a longer term IT strategy to support administrative simplification, health reform, ICD-10 adoption and new health IT models.

�In light of the switch to HIPAA 5010 and the replacement of ICD-9, payers and providers throughout the country are struggling to find a cost-effective approach to meet these deadlines,� said Dennis Schmuland, director, U.S. Health Plans Industry Solutions, Microsoft. �By allowing healthcare organizations to get more out of their existing investments and minimize the cost of integrating new pieces of technology, the Microsoft platform helps payers and providers easily meet HIPAA 5010 compliance while achieving administrative simplification.�

Furthermore, to meet the new medical loss ratio minimums that, under health reform, compete directly with profit margins, health plans must find innovative ways to quickly drive down administrative costs, fraud, process waste, and the complexities of doing business. By using BizTalk Server to convert HIPAA 5010 transactions into electronic documents that are human- and machine-readable, health plans can redesign and automate labor intense and error-prone processes by tightly coupling administrative transactions with customer service, medical management and financial processes � including claims auditing, investigations, authorizations, referrals, fraud and abuse, utilization management, appeals/grievances, online sales, enrollment, and customer service.

Coupled with platform technologies, such as Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, the Microsoft platform provides straightforward ICD-10 compliance so that it can be sent and received in time for the October 2013 deadline. It also integrates with the entire suite of Microsoft tools and interoperates with legacy applications and Java-based platforms, so the organization�s legacy systems can be integrated into the platform.

About Microsoft in Health

Microsoft is committed to improving health around the world through software innovation. Over the past 13 years, Microsoft has steadily increased its investments in health, with a focus on addressing the challenges of health providers, health and social services organizations, payers, consumers, and life sciences companies worldwide. Microsoft closely collaborates with a broad ecosystem of partners and develops its own powerful health solutions, such as Amalga and HealthVault. Together, Microsoft and its industry partners are working to advance a vision of unifying health information and making it more readily available, ensuring the best quality of life and affordable care for everyone.

About Microsoft

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

Help Change the World With a Single Vote

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:23:27 +0000

Help Change the World With a Single Vote

Students from around the world qualify for the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals with projects that solve the world�s toughest problems.

REDMOND, Wash. � June 8, 2010 � Students from around the world will gather in Warsaw, Poland, next month to showcase innovative ideas that could change the world. They are competing in the eighth annual Imagine Cup, the world�s premier student technology competition sponsored by Microsoft Corp. Starting today and running through July 7, the public is invited to view videos created by the students and vote for their favorite projects at http://www.imaginecup.com. The team with the most votes will be crowned the People�s Choice champion and will be recognized July 8 at an awards ceremony at the Imagine Cup World Festival at the Warsaw opera house.

�We believe that, now more than ever, young people have the ability to make a positive impact on the world,� said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft. �These students will be the global leaders of tomorrow, and we want to provide opportunities to demonstrate their creativity and innovation on the world stage. I�m in awe of the quality and sophistication of the Imagine Cup projects. It illustrates the promise of technology to positively transform education and change the way people live, think, work and communicate.�

This year�s competition started with more than 325,000 high school and university students registering from more than 100 countries and regions, and it will culminate at the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals from July 3�8. Only the top 400 students have made it to the Worldwide Finals for their original solutions, which range from a multitouch tutoring system for physically challenged students to a mobile phone application that can test for hearing loss. The quality of this year�s projects proves that students truly are capable of doing anything to which they set their minds.

During the past three months, local Imagine Cup competitions have taken place around the world to determine the finalists for the Software Design competition. The People�s Choice award celebrates the entries in the Software Design competition by providing an opportunity for fans to see all of the projects in a fun and interactive way. By voting for their favorite projects, the public can help raise awareness for critical social issues in education, healthcare and environmental sustainability.

Along with the Software Design competition, finalists have been selected for the Embedded Development, Game Design, Digital Media and IT Challenge competitions. The winners of three worldwide online awards also will be announced today. These awards and winners are the following:

� Windows� Phone 7 �Rockstar� Award. Students submitted a Windows Phone 7 application created in Silverlight or XNA Framework that was original, visually compelling, appealing to the average consumer and used mobile-oriented features.

� Team Beastware from the Advanced Technology Academy in the United States was selected as the winner. This team of two built a �droid� XNA game that leveraged the use of the accelerometer on the device unlike any other app. Through the Microsoft DreamSpark student program, which provides professional-level developer and design tools to students and educators around the world at no charge, Team Beastware will head to Poland to showcase its application during the Worldwide Finals and will have the opportunity to register its app for free on the Windows Phone Marketplace.*

� Windows Internet Explorer 8 Award. The Windows Internet Explorer 8 Award competition is designed to recognize software applications that create enhanced user experience by leveraging Web Slices, Accelerators and search providers in Internet Explorer.

� Team Rhea from Poland was chosen as the winner for its project, Kite Surfer. This project helps advance education by improving search and providing improved access to information sources. It is a visual search, which breaks the standards of typical Web searches. It seeks information using Microsoft Bing and visualizes it in Silverlight using 3-D space. It allows a person to browse through text data, graphics and videos in a new, innovative way.

� Next Generation Web Award. Teams wrote open source Web applications using modern technologies such as Silverlight or ASP.NET on the Microsoft Web Platform.

� Team Wanna Be Alice from Inha University, Incheon, South Korea, will head to Poland to showcase its original Web page that connects people seeking to spread kindness to others as a method of �paying it forward.�

More information about the Imagine Cup and the full list of worldwide finalist teams are available at http://www.imaginecup.com.

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

* More information on Windows Phone Marketplace policies and supported countries can be found at http://developer.windowsphone.com.

Microsoft Opens Software and Services Excellence Center

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:18:24 +0000

Microsoft Opens Software and Services Excellence Center

Cooperation with more than 100 hardware manufacturers to create cloud-computing business opportunities.

TAIPEI, Taiwan � June 9, 2010 � Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of the Original Equipment Manufacturer Division at Microsoft Corp., announced the official opening of the Microsoft Software and Services Excellence Center (SSEC).

The objective of the center is to advance the potential of cloud computing across devices, in the datacenter and within new industries � all topics Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer addressed when he visited Taiwan last year. Via the SSEC, Microsoft combines its research and development (R&D) expertise and technology leadership in software, services and cloud datacenter technologies with Taiwan�s global leadership in hardware innovation to create next-generation connected devices and cloud datacenters, creating new business opportunities for Microsoft and its partners. Moreover, Microsoft will license patents from its industry-leading portfolio and share its software development expertise with academic and R&D institutes in Taiwan to help strengthen the software and services technologies for the Taiwan Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem.

�Over the past two decades, hardware manufacturers in Taiwan have established their global leadership in PCs, netbooks, cell phones, LCDs and other IT technologies, which is important for the global ICT industry,� said Guggenheimer, who helped celebrate the center�s opening. �The opening of the SSEC is a significant milestone for Microsoft and its hardware partners in our collaboration for the development of additional business opportunities in the era of cloud computing.�

�Cloud computing services are a strategic industry that the government is promoting, and the Microsoft Software and Services Excellence Center will expedite the development of the Taiwan ICT industry toward cloud services,� said Wu Ming-Ji, director general, Department of Industrial Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs. �The Taiwan ICT industry will be able to bring in the most advanced software technologies, as well as cloud datacenter implementation experience from Microsoft to integrate them with the existing system and R&D resources provided by the government. This will not only strengthen the existing competitiveness of the Taiwan hardware industry but also develop new business opportunities from cloud services. We believe that the integration of existing government resources with innovations provided by Microsoft is going to help upgrade the Taiwan hardware industry, which will be even more successful in the era of cloud computing.�

The Microsoft SSEC commenced cooperation with many Taiwan companies long before its opening. Already, there are significant initial achievements with Quanta Computer Inc., Delta Electronics Inc. and Compal Electronics Inc. In the next three years, more than 100 Taiwan ICT companies are expected to participate in developing cloud computing solutions.

�I am pleased to announce our three-way research collaboration between Quanta Computer, Delta Electronics and Microsoft Research�s eXtreme Computing Group to create a new generation of cloud servers,� said Dan Reed, corporate vice president, eXtreme Computing Group, Microsoft Corp. �The collaboration creates a unique opportunity to bring together leading-edge hardware with new software concepts to enable fundamental breakthroughs.�

The first prototype cloud server from the collaboration will be deployed at the SSEC later this year.

�Cloud computing is a mega-trend in our industry. The Microsoft SSEC is an important milestone for Taiwan�s bourgeoning efforts in cloud computing. This center will allow Compal to work closely with Microsoft to build next-generation products and solutions with advanced user experiences and cloud-based services and explore the potential of private and public cloud scenarios,� said Ray Chen, CEO of Innovation Center, Compal Electronics.

At the opening ceremony, Guggenheimer discussed Microsoft�s cloud computing strategy and its efforts to provide hardware partners with opportunities to build on its expertise across both client and datacenter assets. In support of the new SSEC opening, Guggenheimer outlined how Microsoft will take its own expertise in datacenter technology, from running some of the largest datacenters in the world and from its server technologies, which now run 75 percent of the world�s X86 servers to help hardware manufacturers build container solutions in support of cloud computing.

The Microsoft SSEC has these three goals:

� System software for cloud datacenters. The SSEC covers cloud datacenter management and data load planning, container-based computer specifications, and cloud datacenter management guidelines and paradigms.

� Smart devices for cloud computing. The SSEC includes natural interfaces for next- generation PCs and other devices, system software for smart Internet-access devices, and system software for seamless cross-platform integration.

� Technology transfer and R&D sharing. The SSEC will have annual announcements of leading-edge software technologies, cooperative efforts with academia, and individual project-based patent licensing and transfers.

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

Microsoft and Its Partners Help Customers Reach the Cloud on Their Own Terms

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:07:56 +0000

Microsoft and Its Partners Help Customers Reach the Cloud on Their Own Terms

At Tech�Ed 2010, Bob Muglia speaks to the potential of cloud computing for enterprises, outlines product updates and provides guidance for customers.

NEW ORLEANS � June 7, 2010 � In an opening-day keynote speech at Microsoft Corp.�s Tech�Ed 2010 North America conference, Bob Muglia, president of the company�s Server and Tools Division, outlined the benefits and possibilities of cloud computing and how Microsoft can help customers harness the next generation of IT. Muglia noted that customers have different needs, with some desiring to extend efficiencies and productivity through existing investments in datacenters and applications while others look to cloud computing as a new model to enhance IT and the way they do business.

�Our job, simply put, is to deliver what customers need to take advantage of cloud computing on their own terms,� Muglia said. �Some vendors would have you believe that you must move everything to the cloud now and there is only one way to achieve cloud computing; don�t be misled and lose sight of the value of all the investments you have already made to enable the full promise of cloud computing.

�Microsoft�s strategy is to deliver software, services and tools that enable customers to realize the benefits of a cloud-based model with the reliability and security of on-premises software,� Muglia continued. �Microsoft is unique in that no other solution vendor has the same level of experience and expertise in software and services. We are providing the most comprehensive set of choices available to customers.�

Muglia acknowledged that organizations may differ on how and when to adopt cloud computing and said that Microsoft will use a combination of products, services and industry collaboration to help customers make the change when they are ready. Key to tackling the challenge, he said, is for customers to strike the right balance between traditional software-based server architectures managed by the customer or a partner, the vast power and near limitless scalability of cloud services powered remotely by giant server warehouses, and a hybrid model that blends the two. Muglia said that Microsoft will deliver a single platform that works across both on-premises and off-premises solutions.

The company has gained deep experience running some of the world�s largest cloud services � with more than 600 million unique users on MSN, 4 billion Bing search queries monthly, more than 500 million active Windows Live IDs, 20 million users of the rapidly growing Xbox Live gaming service, and 40 million paid users of Microsoft Online Services across 9,000 business customers and more than 500 government entities. Thousands of customers in more than 40 countries have moved to production environments with Windows Azure, an Internet-scale cloud computing services platform hosted in Microsoft datacenters. Customers can find more information, tools and white papers to help evaluate and implement cloud computing technologies at Microsoft�s website dedicated to cloud computing.

In closing, Muglia reiterated that Microsoft�s approach is about helping customers make the most of their existing investments while elevating the potential of IT through cloud services. �We�ve said it before, but we are all in when it comes to our offerings for the cloud,� he said.

Also in his keynote address, Muglia highlighted several areas of product momentum that support Microsoft�s commitment to delivering customers choice. The following is a quick overview; more information can be found at the Tech�Ed Global Pressroom and by following the news on Twitter via #TechEd.

� Public beta of service pack 1 (SP1) for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 coming by end of July. The new virtualization tools in SP1 will help Windows Server 2008 R2 users prepare for cloud computing, Remote FX provides rich 3-D graphical experience for remote users, and Dynamic Memory enables more control to adjust memory usage without sacrificing performance. The service pack also will include a series of incremental updates, previously delivered through Windows Update, for both Windows Server and Windows 7 users.

� Windows Azure platform receives enhanced features. As part of its commitment to deliver the resources developers need to more easily build applications for the cloud, Microsoft announced an updated Windows Azure software development kit (SDK) with support for Microsoft .NET Framework 4, Visual Studio 2010 RTM support, and IntelliTrace support now available at http://www.windowsazure.com. In addition, the Windows Azure Content Delivery Network moved from beta to a production service and is now generally available.

� Updates to SQL Azure. Microsoft announced it will offer spatial data support and access to 50 GB of SQL Azure Database capacity, allowing for higher scalability, flexibility and easier management of applications and services. Further enhancements to management capabilities include the public preview of SQL Azure Data Sync Service, which provides more flexible control over where and how data is distributed and synced across multiple datacenters, and Microsoft SQL Server Web Manager, a lightweight and easy-to-use tool to help develop, deploy and manage data-driven applications on the cloud.

� Windows Server AppFabric now available. Released to manufacturing today, Windows Server AppFabric simplifies the development and management of composite applications by providing improved speed, elastic scale and high availability through distributed caching capabilities and new tools. Customers with licenses for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 (Standard and Enterprise editions) can download Windows Server AppFabric at no additional cost.

� Bing Maps announces new SDK. With today�s release of the Bing Map App Software Development Kit, developers can now create applications built on top of Bing Maps and hosted on Bing.com. By opening up the map app API, Microsoft is enabling developers to take mapping beyond point-to-point directions by providing a rich spatial canvas to visualize content, create dynamic mash-ups and help people complete tasks faster.

� Unified Communications Group unveils features of Microsoft Communications Server �14� and Exchange Service Pack. Today, Microsoft disclosed the full feature set of its forthcoming unified communications platform, Communications Server �14,� which will be available later this year. Key new features in this release include expert search, Office document and application sharing, and one-click meeting access from Outlook, SharePoint and mobile phones, which contribute to the complete unified communications experience that connects people anytime from virtually anywhere. Microsoft also announced Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 SP1 beta is available today for customers to download.

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

Election Mall.com and Microsoft Join to Power Campaigns

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:00:33 +0000

Election Mall.com and Microsoft Join to Power Campaigns

Leading campaign technology alliance will expand tools with Campaign Cloud.

NEW YORK � June 4, 2010 � Election Mall.com and Microsoft Corp. today announced a strategic partnership to provide the one-stop technology shop for running and winning political and issue advocacy campaigns. As part of the relationship, the companies introduced Campaign Cloud, an integrated set of customizable technologies, from online collaboration to robust Web presence. The two companies announced the relationship today at Personal Democracy Forum Conference 2010, the world�s leading conference exploring and analyzing technology�s impact on politics and government, in New York on June 3�4.

The Microsoft and Election Mall.com relationship provides a unified environment for campaigns of all sizes to manage technologies in one place, taking people out of the business of technology to focus on winning the campaign. From school board candidacies to national congressional or presidential campaigns, the Campaign Cloud services strengthen the core elements of political or activist campaigns � fundraising, generating votes and building awareness.

�In today�s environment, campaigns should spend more time on winning and less on managing multiple technology decisions. Now, through our joint offering with Microsoft, we can help democratize the online campaign and election process in an unprecedented way,� said Ravi Singh, CEO and founder of Election Mall.com. �Our 10 years of experience in the space combined with Microsoft�s trusted technologies will together empower the everyday candidate and help increase political participation.�

Campaign Cloud will provide end-to-end campaign services, including tools to do the following:

� Build a Web presence (http://johnsmith.voterspace.com)

� Manage communications and collaboration with staff, donors and volunteers

� Raise money online and manage donor base

� Promote awareness with e-mail, phone, text and online advertising, and through social networks

� Manage get-out-the-vote efforts

�From running and staffing a campaign to engaging voters, today�s candidates expect technologies that enhance their efforts in powerful ways,� said Curt Kolcun, vice president, Microsoft U.S. Public Sector. �The partnership combines Election Mall�s expertise with Microsoft�s cloud capabilities to offer long-term, scalable tools for greater impact.�

Today�s announcement is part of Microsoft�s Campaign Ready offering (http://www.microsoft.com/campaignready). Campaign Ready is a set of Microsoft products and services positioned to meet many business, political, technical and infrastructure needs for running a political or advocacy campaign.

Additional information about Campaign Cloud is available at http://www.electionmall.com/microsoft.

About Election Mall Technologies

ElectionMall.com is a world leader in providing Internet-based nonpartisan solutions for elections and campaigns.

About Microsoft

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

Customer Spotlight: Kentucky Department of Education Chooses Microsoft Live@edu

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:54:12 +0000

Customer Spotlight: Kentucky Department of Education Chooses Microsoft Live@edu

The commonwealth deploys cloud service to more than 700,000 people and expects to cut $6.3 million in costs in one of the world�s largest cloud rollouts.

REDMOND, Wash., and FRANKFORT, Kentucky � June 3, 2010 � The Kentucky Department of Education has selected Microsoft Live@edu to bring 21st century communications and collaboration tools to more than 700,000 students, faculty and staff statewide. The cloud-based service has already been rolled out to more than half a million people in one of the largest cloud deployments and fastest migrations of all time. The state expects to avoid $6.3 million in operational costs over four years by moving to the cloud with Live@edu.

Live@edu is a no-cost suite of easy-to-use online services, based on the familiar Microsoft technologies many people use today. With Live@edu, people can access information in the cloud virtually anytime, anywhere, through popular Web browsers and from any Internet-connected PC or mobile phone. Live@edu fosters improved productivity, better learning and skills development to help students prepare for their futures.

�With Live@edu, all school districts in Kentucky have access to the same powerful Microsoft applications and Web 2.0 technologies. That means we can close the technology gap between rich and poor districts and level the playing field for students regardless of where they live,� said Dr. Terry Holliday, commissioner of education for Kentucky. �Because they are �in the cloud,� Kentucky schools will always stay up-to-date with the latest innovations. And the features are far greater than anything we could have afforded to offer to every school in Kentucky.�

The deployment is not only one of the largest in the world, but it also is one of the fastest. The commonwealth moved more than half a million people from approximately 180 distributed Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 on-premise servers to Live@edu during a single weekend. The quick migration helped minimize disruption and speed access to new technologies, such as Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, which powers Live@edu�s cloud-based e-mail.

�Historically, it would have required months and potentially years to migrate hundreds of thousands of people to a new solution,� said Chuck Austin, Office of Education Technology for the Kentucky Department of Education. �With Microsoft�s cloud technology and a collaborative focus between Microsoft and the Kentucky Department of Education on the planning aspects, we were able to dramatically reduce the implementation cycle and migrate everyone in a single weekend.�

�Kentucky is getting a world-class communications and collaboration infrastructure that is dependable and highly secure,� said Sig Behrens, general manager for U.S. Education at Microsoft. �With single sign-on, Live@edu integrates with existing school systems, including school portals, allowing people to access all content with one identity that makes it easier to accomplish their work. More important, Live@edu will help transform the learning environment by extending education opportunities beyond the traditional classroom walls and help students master the technology they will use in their future careers.�

About Kentucky Department of Education

The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky�s public schools and districts as they implement the state�s P-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities. It is led by an appointed Commissioner of Education, who answers to the 11-member Kentucky Board of Education.

About Microsoft Live@edu

Live@edu is a no-cost hosted platform for students, staff, faculty and alumni communications and collaboration, providing industry-leading services to the global education market. E-mail and calendars with a 10GB inbox, 25 GB of additional file storage, document sharing, instant messaging, video chat and mobile e-mail are just part of the feature set. Live@edu provides students with the professional tools to prepare them for college or work from day one. Live@edu is accessible through popular Web browsers for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems � and easy to set up, administer and manage. More than 10,000 schools in more than 130 countries have enrolled in Live@edu, serving 11 million people worldwide. More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/liveatedu.

About Microsoft

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

Microsoft and Novell Collaborate to Deliver Hybrid Options for High-Performance Computing

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:44:04 +0000

Microsoft and Novell Collaborate to Deliver Hybrid Options for High-Performance Computing

Latest initiative targets high-performance computing, empowering customers to balance server workloads using both SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Windows HPC Server for greater IT efficiency.

REDMOND, Wash., and WALTHAM, Mass. � June 1, 2010 � High-performance computing (HPC) continues to gain in popularity as businesses face increasing pressure to process data faster and with greater precision. Microsoft Corp. and Novell Inc., working in concert with third parties, are now making it easier for IT executives to take advantage of the benefits of supercomputing with a technology initiative that helps customers realize greater IT infrastructure efficiency and subsequent cost savings. Today, Microsoft and Novell reported strong demand for their high-performance computing interoperability solution with 33 shared customers now deploying sophisticated server workload management across SUSE� Linux Enterprise Server and Windows HPC Server.

High-performance computing offers customers the ability to process massive amounts of data and solve computationally intense problems, making it an optimal choice for government entities, universities and large companies. In the past year, Microsoft and Novell have added HPC customer accounts in a wide range of geographies and industries, such as the financial, healthcare, higher education and technology sectors. Examples include Deutsche Bank AG, Honeywell International, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd., Texas Instruments, Tianjin Dawning Information Industry Co. Ltd. and the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

South Africa�s Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) in Cape Town, the continent�s largest publicly funded HPC facility, is the latest company to adopt cross-platform solutions and enterprise support offerings from Microsoft and Novell.

�The technical collaboration between Microsoft and Novell has enabled us to reduce overall costs while increasing cross-platform manageability. This means we�re able to deliver more consistent quality of service to our customers at the best price possible,� said Dr. Happy Sithole, Ph.D., director of CHPC. �In addition, migrating to the Linux support offered by Novell was a great decision for us. Not only do we get the interoperability advantages of seamless integration between our platforms, but we also have the confidence of knowing we are supported by two world-class vendors.�

Businesses looking for ways to streamline infrastructure management, reduce IT costs and mitigate risk have long realized the value of interoperability as a way to optimize mixed-source IT environments. HPC customers now can gain the critical flexibility they need to simplify systems management through dual-boot and hybrid cluster solutions developed jointly by Microsoft and Novell.

�The ability to deploy and manage a complex high-performance computing infrastructure across multiple platforms has enabled us to streamline our IT operations without having to invest in new hardware, people or skill sets, all while delivering better and faster results for our clients,� said Earl J. Dodd, CEO of Rocky Mountain Supercomputing Centers Inc.

Having the capacity to dynamically switch between the Windows or Linux platforms empowers IT managers to balance server workloads by running specific applications on the platform of their choosing.

�Many customers are realizing the benefits of the Microsoft and Novell� HPC technical solution that streamlines management functions, reduces internal support requirements and enables greater interoperability without having to dedicate time and resources to devise workarounds,� said Joe Wagner, senior vice president and general manager of Global Alliances at Novell. �Through our successful initiatives in the joint Interoperability Lab, we�ve been able to anticipate the mixed-source IT requirements necessary in today�s business environment.�

�Companies around the world are realizing the benefits of our joint interoperable cross-platform technical solutions,� said Ted MacLean, general manager for Strategic Partnerships and Licensing at Microsoft. �The fact that we�re able to address a real need in the HPC market is evidenced by the number of licenses we�ve issued. These solutions, coupled with Novell�s proven technical support programs, make it easier than ever for our customers to have confidence that their existing infrastructure investments will serve them well into the future.�

�For HPC customers considering a dual-platform strategy with Windows HPC Server and a widely used Linux server product, they will come to realize that the interoperability between Microsoft and Novell platforms offers a clear advantage,� said Nie Hua, vice president of Dawning Information Industry. �Not only will you get the unprecedented flexibility of running either server, but you will have confidence in knowing that both operating systems will work seamlessly together in the datacenter. In addition, we save time and money by getting all of our support needs for both platforms from one resource.�

This HPC solution represents another joint technical initiative that delivers value to customers and partners. The partnership continues to broaden its joint technical scope and offering to enhance datacenter optimization for customers all over the globe.

Through the Microsoft and Novell joint Interoperability Lab in Cambridge, Mass., engineers from both companies have been working side by side to create technical solutions that support customers in addressing their unique challenges relative to advancing their technical and business objectives within a mixed-source operational environment.

Additional information about the Microsoft and Novell agreement, customer migrations and their joint Interoperability Lab is available online at http://www.moreinterop.com.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL), a leader in Intelligent Workload Management, helps organizations securely deliver and manage computing services across physical, virtual and cloud computing environments. We help customers reduce the cost, complexity, and risk associated with their IT systems through our solutions for identity and security, systems management, collaboration and Linux based operating platforms. With our infrastructure software and ecosystem of partnerships, Novell integrates mixed IT environments, allowing people and technology to work as one. For more information, visit www.novell.com.

About Microsoft

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

Novell and SUSE are registered trademarks of Novell Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Target Clinic Expands to Chicago and Palm Beach

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:00:28 +0000

Target Clinic Expands to Chicago and Palm Beach

New clinics will open in September and offer guests access to quality, affordable services

MINNEAPOLIS (June 2, 2010) �This fall, guests and team members will have eight new Target Clinic� locations to visit. Beginning in early September, new Target Clinic locations will open at five Target stores in Chicago and three stores in Palm Beach � providing guests with access to quality, convenient and affordable health care services. Target currently operates 28 Target Clinic locations in Minnesota (22 locations) and Maryland (six locations) and offers on-the-spot treatment for minor illnesses, minor injuries, skin treatments, vaccinations, and tests and screenings, which are administered by highly trained nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Construction is underway at the Evanston, South Loop and Near North Chicago Target stores. In early June, construction will begin at the Broadview and Tinley locations as well as the three Palm Beach�area Target stores. The eight new Target Clinic locations are expected to open in early September.

�Target is committed to helping our guests and team members achieve total well-being,� said Keri Jones, senior vice president of health and beauty, Target. �By offering convenient, affordable and high quality care with no appointment necessary, Target Clinic is the perfect solution for busy families.�

Target Clinics offer services to help keep families healthy throughout the year. At Target Clinic guests will be able to easily and affordably prevent and treat seasonal allergies, prepare kids for camp and sports with annual physicals, and stay well during flu season with convenient flu shots. Target Clinic nurse practitioners can test and treat guests from ages 18 months and up. All Target Clinics are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends.

New Chicago Target Clinic locations will open at the following Target stores:
Near North, 2556 N Elston Avenue
South Loop, 1154 S. Clark Street
Tinley Park, 7300 191st Street
Broadview, 800 Broadview Village Square
Evanston, 2209 Howard Street

New Palm Beach Target Clinic locations will open at the following Target stores:
Boynton Beach, 650 N. Congress Avenue
Royal Palm Beach, 10155 Okeechobee Boulevard
Deerfield Beach, 3599 W. Hillsboro Boulevard

Hiring at the new locations has begun and there are open positions for nurse practitioners. For more information, please visit www.target.com/careers. For more information regarding the new locations, and to view Target Clinic hours and services, visit www.Target.com/clinics. Target first introduced Target Clinic in 2006, and currently operate in Minnesota (22 locations) and Maryland (six locations).

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,740 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.

Target Donates $25,000 in Response to Guatemalan Relief Efforts

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:57:35 +0000

Target Donates $25,000 in Response to Guatemalan Relief Efforts

MINNEAPOLIS (June 4, 2010) �In response to the tropical storm and volcanic eruption in Guatemala, Target announced today that it will donate $25,000 to support those impacted by the disasters. The donation will be made to the American Red Cross, which is providing needed supplies and other services to the area through its International Response Fund.

At Target, we are committed to helping families and communities in need,� said Laysha Ward, president of Community Relations at Target. �We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all communities affected by the disasters and our appreciation to those who are assisting with relief efforts. Moving forward, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with our non-profit partners to assist with disaster-relief efforts in the region.

Target guests and team members are encouraged to visit their local American Red Cross Web site to learn more about how they can help victims of the disaster.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,740 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.
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Target to Offer Cardholders Additional 5% off Already Low Prices Every Day

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:56:10 +0000

Target to Offer Cardholders Additional 5% off Already Low Prices Every Day

New program scheduled to start before the holiday season

MINNEAPOLIS, Jun 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) announced today that beginning this fall guests will receive 5 percent off at check-out every day when they use a REDcard at any Target store or on Target.com. Target's REDcards include the Target Credit Card, Target Visa Credit Card and Target Check Card debit product.

"We're excited to offer this outstanding value to our REDcard holders across the country," said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Target Corporation. "We believe guests will appreciate the simplicity and compelling value of this program, which will lead them to choose to shop more often at Target. As a result, we expect this new program to drive profitable incremental sales, which will more than offset the cost of providing this everyday discount to our cardholders."

Target has tested this program in Kansas City since October 2009 and guest response has been overwhelmingly favorable, leading to meaningful incremental sales and profits. The response has been particularly strong among our existing better and best retail guests. Sales lifts have been relatively consistent across merchandise categories and stable throughout the test period. For Target's 2010 fourth quarter, the program is expected to add approximately one percentage point to comparable-store sales and have little to no impact on consolidated earnings. The program is expected to add between one and two percentage points to Target's comparable-store sales and to be accretive to consolidated earnings in 2011.

This program is expected to increase the portion of Target's sales made on Target credit and debit cards. Incremental accounts receivable resulting from this program are expected to reduce the current rate of decline in Target's receivables balances, allowing gross receivables to stabilize in the range of $5 billion to $6 billion over the next few years. For reference, Target's gross receivables were approximately $7.3 billion at the end of first quarter 2010.

This new Rewards program will replace the current Rewards program in which new account holders receive an initial 10-percent-off coupon and existing cardholders earn coupons for 10 percent off a future day of shopping. Guests participating in the current program will continue to earn points until the new program begins.

Target today also announced a change to its Pharmacy Rewards program. Beginning this fall, guests will receive a coupon good for 5 percent off a future day of shopping every time they fill five prescriptions at a Target pharmacy with a Target REDcard. Guests in the program currently receive a coupon good for 10 percent off a future day of shopping every time they fill 10 prescriptions at a Target pharmacy with a Target REDcard.

The statements on expected incremental sales, receivables growth and profitability are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements speak only as of the date they are made and are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause the company's actual results to differ materially. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described in item 1A of the company's form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, the statements are subject to the risk that the results experienced in the Kansas City test are not representative of the guest behavior that will be experienced in other markets or remain constant over longer time periods.

Target Corporation's retail segment includes large general merchandise and food discount stores and Target.com, a fully integrated on-line business. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. The company currently operates 1,740 Target stores in 49 states. Target Corporation news releases are available at www.target.com.

SOURCE: Target Corporation

Express Announces Pricing of Its Initial Public Offering

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:59:24 +0000

Express Announces Pricing of Its Initial Public Offering

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 12, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Express Inc. (NYSE: EXPR) ("Express") today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 16,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $17.00 per share. The shares will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and will trade under the symbol "EXPR" beginning on May 13, 2010. Express is offering 10,500,000 shares of common stock and selling shareholders are offering 5,500,000 shares of common stock. The underwriters have an option to purchase up to an additional 2,400,000 shares from the selling shareholders.

Express expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $166.9 million from the offering and intends to use the net proceeds together with $15.3 million of cash on hand to prepay all of the outstanding indebtedness under the credit facility of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Express Topco LLC, to pay accrued and unpaid interest and prepayment penalties, and to pay other transaction fees and expenses. Any remaining net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

BofA Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the proposed offering.

A registration statement relating to shares of the common stock of Express has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering is being made only by means of the written prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the final prospectus related to the offering, when available, may be obtained by contacting: BofA Merrill Lynch, 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10080, Attn: Prospectus Department, or email Prospectus.Requests@ml.com; or, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, Telephone: 1-866-471-2526, Facsimile: 212-902-9316, or email: prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Express

Express is the sixth largest specialty retailer of women's and men's apparel in the United States. The Company has 30 years of experience offering a distinct combination of fashion and quality for multiple lifestyle occasions at an attractive value. Express operates more than 550 retail outlets in high-traffic shopping malls, lifestyle centers and street locations across the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include but are not limited to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that contain words such as "expects," "contemplates," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "believes" and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events, or that do not relate to historical matters. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our beliefs or expectations will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from our beliefs or expectations due to economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory factors.

SOURCE Express Inc.

Apple Presents iPhone 4

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:10:36 +0000

Apple Presents iPhone 4

All-New Design with FaceTime Video Calling, Retina Display, 5 Megapixel Camera & HD Video Recording

Thinnest Smartphone Ever

SAN FRANCISCO�June 7, 2010�Apple� today presented the new iPhone� 4 featuring FaceTime, which makes the dream of video calling a reality, and Apple�s stunning new Retina display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone, resulting in super crisp text, images and video. In addition, iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording, Apple�s A4 processor, a 3-axis gyro and up to 40 percent longer talk time�in a beautiful all-new design of glass and stainless steel that is the thinnest smartphone in the world. iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the newest version of the world�s most advanced mobile operating system, which includes over 100 new features and 1500 new APIs for developers. iOS 4 features Multitasking, Folders, enhanced Mail, deeper Enterprise support and Apple�s new iAd mobile advertising platform. iPhone 4 will be available in the US, UK, France, Germany and Japan on June 24, starting in the US at just $199 for qualified buyers with a two year contract.*

�iPhone 4 is the biggest leap since the original iPhone,� said Steve Jobs, Apple�s CEO. �FaceTime video calling sets a new standard for mobile communication, and our new Retina display is the highest resolution display ever in a phone, with text looking like it does on a fine printed page. We have been dreaming about both of these breakthroughs for decades.�

FaceTime is as mobile as your phone, so you can see your loved ones and friends anywhere there is Wi-Fi. Using FaceTime is as easy as making a regular voice call, with no set-up required, and you can instantly switch to the rear camera to show others what you are seeing with just a tap.

Apple�s stunning 3.5 inch Retina display has 960 x 640 pixels�four times as many pixels as the iPhone 3GS and 78 percent of the pixels on an iPad�. The resulting 326 pixels per inch is so dense that the human eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels when the phone is held at a normal distance, making text, images and video look sharper, smoother and more realistic than ever before on an electronic display.

iPhone 4 is the thinnest smartphone ever�9.3 millimeters�with an all-new design and build quality like no other mobile device. The front and back are made of aluminosilcate glass, chemically strengthened to be 30 times harder than plastic, more scratch resistant and more durable than ever. The front and back glass have an oil-resistant coating that helps keep it clean, and encircling iPhone 4 is a highly finished stainless steel band made of a custom alloy that is forged to be five times stronger than standard steel.

iPhone 4 features a new 5 megapixel autofocus camera with a 5x digital zoom, a backside illuminated sensor and built-in LED flash that allows you to take amazing pictures even in low light and dark environments. iPhone 4 lets you record and edit incredible HD video and the popular tap to focus feature now works while recording video. You can use the iPhone 4�s LED flash for both still photography and video recording. The new iMovie� app for iPhone lets you combine movie clips, add dynamic transitions and themes and include photos and music, and users can buy it for just $4.99 through the App Store right on their phone.

iPhone 4 is the best mobile device ever for games and entertainment, with access to tens of thousands of games and entertainment apps on the revolutionary App Store. Every iPhone 4 has a built-in 3-axis gyro that when combined with the accelerometer provides 6-axis motion sensing such as up and down, side to side, forward and backward and pitch and roll, making it perfect for gaming. Developers can access the gyro using the new CoreMotion API to make games and other apps that go well beyond what other mobile devices offer.

iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the newest version of the world�s most advanced mobile operating system. With over 100 new features, it includes Multitasking, Folders, enhanced Mail, deeper Enterprise support and Apple�s new iAd mobile advertising platform. With Multitasking, users can now instantly switch between any of their apps while preserving battery life. With Folders, users can easily organize their apps into collections by simply dragging one app on top of another. A folder is automatically created and named based on the category of apps selected. Users can change the name of any folder at any time. In addition, users can now customize their lock and home screens with an array of supplied wallpapers or with any of the photos on their phone.

The new iBooks� app will be available for iPhone 4 as a free download from the App Store and includes Apple�s new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile product. The iBooks app will sync your current place in a book, along with any bookmarks, highlights and notes you have created, between copies of the same book on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch�. iBooks users can also now read and store PDFs right in iBooks. There are now over 60,000 books available in the iBookstore, and users have downloaded over five million books in the first two months.

More than five billion apps have been downloaded from the revolutionary App Store and more than 225,000 apps are available to consumers in 90 countries. Almost 100 million iPhone and iPod touch users around the world can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.

iPhone 4 delivers an amazing seven hours of talk time on 3G networks, up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi and up to six hours on 3G, and up to 10 hours of video playback and up to 40 hours of audio playback.** iPhone 4 is powered by Apple�s new A4 processor that provides exceptional processor and graphic performance along with long battery life. iPhone 4 features a second microphone and advanced software to suppress unwanted background noise for improved call quality when in loud places. iPhone 4 also offers 802.11n Wi-Fi networking and adds quad-band HSUPA to provide 7.2Mbps downlink and 5.8Mbps uplink capability.***

Pricing & Availability
iPhone 4 comes in either black or white and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and $299 (US) for the 32GB model in both Apple and AT&T�s retail and online stores, Best Buy and Wal-Mart stores. iPhone 4 will be available in the US, France, Germany, Japan and the UK on June 24 and customers can pre-order their iPhone 4 beginning Tuesday, June 15 from the Apple Online Store or reserve an iPhone 4 to pick up at an Apple Retail Store. iMovie for iPhone will be available on the App Store for just $4.99 (US).

Also on June 24, a new iPhone 3GS 8GB model will be available for just $99 (US). iOS 4 software will be available on June 21 as a free software update via iTunes� 9.2 or later for iPhone and iPod touch customers.****

iPhone 4 will roll out worldwide to 88 countries by the end of September. iPhone 4 will be available by the end of July in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

*Qualified customers only. Requires a new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.

**Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

***Speed is dependent on cellular network capability.

****iOS 4 is compatible with iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, second and third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB). Some features may not be available on all products. For example, Multitasking requires iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 or third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB).

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPhone, iPad, iMovie, iBooks, iPod touch and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple to Debut iAds on July 1

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:08:49 +0000

Apple to Debut iAds on July 1

Over $60 Million in 2010 Commitments from Leading Global Brands

SAN FRANCISCO�June 7, 2010�Apple� today announced it will debut its iAd mobile advertising network on July 1 on iPhone� and iPod touch� devices running its iOS 4 software platform. iAds combine the emotion of TV advertising with the interactivity of Internet advertising, giving advertisers a dynamic and powerful new way to bring motion and emotion to mobile users. iAd will kick off with mobile ad campaigns from leading global brands including AT&T, Best Buy, Campbell Soup Company, Chanel, Citi, DirecTV, GEICO, GE, JCPenney, Liberty Mutual Group, Nissan, Sears, State Farm, Target, Turner Broadcasting System, Unilever and The Walt Disney Studios. Apple has iAd commitments for 2010 totaling over $60 million, which represents almost 50 percent of the total forecasted US mobile ad spending for the second half of 2010.*

�iAd offers advertisers the emotion of TV with the interactivity of the web, and offers users a new way to explore ads without being hijacked out of their favorite apps,� said Steve Jobs, Apple�s CEO. �iAds will reach millions of iPhone and iPod touch users�a highly desirable demographic for advertisers�and provide developers a new way to earn money so they can continue developing free and low cost applications.�

�iAd will allow Citi to reach millions of people on their iPhone and iPod touch,� said Lisa Caputo, executive vice president and CMO, Citigroup. �iAd gives us a remarkable level of creativity for creating ads to connect with our current and future customers in a more interactive style than ever before.�

�iAd is going to revolutionize mobile advertising,� said Rob Master, North American media director, Unilever. �With iAd, we�ve been able to create some of our most powerful and compelling ads ever. iAd is the perfect mobile format to reach and engage with our customers.�

iAd, which is built into iOS 4, allows users to stay within their app while engaging with the ad, even while watching a video, playing a game or using in-ad purchase to download an app or buy iTunes� content.

Developers who join the iAd Network can easily incorporate a variety of advertising formats into their apps. Apple will sell and serve the ads, and developers will receive an industry-standard 60 percent of the iAd Network revenue, which is paid via iTunes Connect.

iAds require iOS 4, which will be a free software update via iTunes 9.2 or later for iPhone and iPod touch customers. iOS 4 will work with iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and second and third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB).

*Percent of forecast based on an annual run rate basis, starting on July 1. US Mobile Display Advertising forecast from the report by JP Morgan, �Nothing But Net�2010 Internet Investment Guide,� January 3, 2010.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPhone, iPod touch and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple Releases Safari 5

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:07:33 +0000

Apple Releases Safari 5

SAN FRANCISCO�June 7, 2010�Apple� today released Safari� 5, the latest version of the world�s fastest and most innovative web browser, featuring the new Safari Reader for reading articles on the web without distraction, a 30 percent performance increase over Safari 4,* and the ability to choose Google, Yahoo! or Bing as the search service powering Safari�s search field. Available for both Mac� and Windows, Safari 5 includes improved developer tools and supports more than a dozen new HTML5 technologies that allow web developers to create rich, dynamic websites. With Safari 5, developers can now create secure Safari Extensions to customize and enhance the browsing experience.

�Safari continues to lead the pack in performance, innovation and standards support,� said Philip Schiller, Apple�s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. �Safari now runs on over 200 million devices worldwide and its open source WebKit engine runs on over 500 million devices.�

Safari Reader makes it easy to read single and multipage articles on the web by presenting them in a new, scrollable view without any additional content or clutter. When Safari 5 detects an article, users can click on the Reader icon in the Smart Address Field to display the entire article for clear, uninterrupted reading with options to enlarge, print or send via email.

Powered by the Nitro JavaScript engine, Safari 5 on the Mac runs JavaScript 30 percent faster than Safari 4, three percent faster than Chrome 5.0, and over twice as fast as Firefox 3.6.* Safari 5 loads new webpages faster using Domain Name System (DNS) prefetching, and improves the caching of previously viewed pages to return to them more quickly.

Safari 5 adds more than a dozen powerful HTML5 features that allow web developers to create media-rich experiences, including full screen playback and closed captions for HTML5 video. Other new HTML5 features in Safari 5 include HTML5 Geolocation, HTML5 sectioning elements, HTML5 draggable attribute, HTML5 forms validation, HTML5 Ruby, HTML5 AJAX History, EventSource and WebSocket.

The new, free Safari Developer Program allows developers to customize and enhance Safari 5 with extensions based on standard web technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. The Extension Builder, new in Safari 5, simplifies the development, installation and packaging of extensions. For enhanced security and stability, Safari Extensions are sandboxed, signed with a digital certificate from Apple and run solely in the browser.

Pricing & Availability
Safari 5 is available for both Mac OS� X and Windows as a free download at www.apple.com/safari. Safari 5 for Mac OS X requires Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8 or Mac OS X Snow Leopard� 10.6.2 or later. Safari 5 for Windows requires Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista or Windows 7, a minimum 256MB of memory and a system with at least a 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor. Full system requirements and more information on Safari 5 can be found at www.apple.com/safari. The Safari Developer Program is free to join at developer.apple.com/programs/safari.

*Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection and other factors. All testing conducted by Apple in May 2010 on an iMac� 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system running Mac OS X 10.6.3, with 4GB of RAM. JavaScript benchmark based on the SunSpider 0.9.1 JavaScript Performance test.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, Leopard and iMac are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Philips� Sports Lighting at South African Stadiums Set to Enhance Viewing Experience

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:51:18 +0000

Philips� Sports Lighting at South African Stadiums Set to Enhance Viewing Experience

Philips new sport lighting systems installed at six key stadiums in South Africa

June 10, 2010 - Amsterdam, the Netherlands/Johannesburg, South Africa - Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) announced that it installed new ArenaVision sports lighting systems at six of South Africa�s top sports stadiums. These stadiums now rank internationally with the best-lit sporting stadiums. The advanced lighting solutions of Philips contribute to enhancing the viewing experience for players, spectators and TV viewers alike, bringing the spectacle and emotion of the soccer play alive.

When designing lighting for world-class sporting venues it is not only important to consider the needs of the sports people and referees but also the spectators and viewers at home.

Jeroen Jansen, Philips Lighting�s General Manager for Southern Africa says: �Light represents less than 1% of the stadium/arena budget, but determines 99% of the effect seen on TV. It is vital that our lighting systems accommodate the stringent demands of the TV broadcasting industry in capturing the details and emotion of the sports for a remote audience. But it does not stop there. The ArenaVision also give live spectators the best possible viewing experience to clearly see what is going on from every seat. And, as we all know, every detail can be of great importance. Good and unobtrusive lighting help players and referees deliver the best performance. It is for this reason that Philips was chosen to light most of the South Africa�s top stadiums.�

Philips� ArenaVision sports lighting already equips more than half of the world�s major football stadiums, and the technology has been further improved since the Germany World Cup. New optic has been developed that allows for 10% more light and fewer luminaires to be used, saving on costs, energy use and maintenance. In fact, with the new optical efficiency the light distributed has minimal spill light.

Philips ArenaVision sports floodlighting system has been installed at Soccer City, Ellis Park, Royal Bafokeng, Moses Mabhida, Peter Mokaba and Nelson Mandela

Philips has been the leader in sports lighting applications. For years, Philips has been the technical partner of international sports federations. Philips worked with federations such as IAAF (athletics), FIFA (football), FIBA (basketball), ITF (tennis) and FIH (hockey). Through these partnerships, Philips has helped to draw up official specifications and guidelines for floodlighting in sporting venues. Philips can create a unique experience in managing the complexity of multi-sports events and cares for the total lighting solution: from design to commissioning. Philips has the most reliable and efficient products.

Philips is also lighting up the Dutch Squad Hotel with LED.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people�s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of �sense and simplicity�. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 23 billion in 2009, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Philips CEO Updates Market on Implementation of Strategy to Become The Leading Company in Health and Well-Being

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:49:12 +0000

Philips CEO Updates Market on Implementation of Strategy to Become The Leading Company in Health and Well-Being

June 10, 2010 - Surrey, United Kingdom � Today, Gerard Kleisterlee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), will give a presentation to investors and financial analysts at the JP Morgan Cazenove Capital Goods CEO Conference in Surrey, United Kingdom.

In his presentation, Mr. Kleisterlee will give an update on the implementation of Philips� strategy to become the leading company in health and well-being and will discuss the robust longer-term prospects of Philips� globally leading businesses.

He will also provide an update on how Philips� strong fundamentals, sound strategy and ability to adapt swiftly to changing market circumstances have resulted in four consecutive quarters of improved earnings, making the company increasingly confident that it can deliver an adjusted EBITA profitability of 10% as early as 2010.

The presentation starts at 09.15 AM local time (or 10.15 CET). The slides that will be used during this presentation will be made available via this link.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people�s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of �sense and simplicity�. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 23 billion in 2009, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Forward-looking statements
This release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Molecular Imaging Techniques for Cancer Therapy Planning and Monitoring

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:44:32 +0000

Molecular Imaging Techniques for Cancer Therapy Planning and Monitoring

In collaboration with clinical partners, scientists at Philips are exploring the potential of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to increase understanding of the biological basis of tumors, with the ultimate objective to improve cancer therapy. Fast-growing cancers, such as head and neck cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exhibit high rates of metabolic activity. Because of their fast growth, they also often have a chaotic blood supply that leaves parts of the tumor poorly oxygenated (so-called hypoxic regions).

Hypoxic regions are known to have a higher resistance to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If they are not given a sufficiently high dose of radiation to kill them, the surrounding non-hypoxic tissue may be destroyed, but these hypoxic cores may remain viable. As the patient�s blood vessel system re-grows at the site of the tumor after treatment, these previously hypoxic cores can become re-oxygenated, causing their cancer cells to reawaken and start multiplying again. This is believed to be the reason why a significant number of cancer patients relapse after being given what initially appeared to be successful treatment.

At the moment, planning of cancer therapy and assessment of the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in individual cancer patients is largely based on anatomical information obtained from X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scans. There is currently no clinically convenient tool to non-invasively map the presence and intensity of tumor hypoxia. Such a tool could provide the additional data needed to leverage the full potential of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) � a technique in which the radiation dose to certain regions of the tumor is increased in order to improve the chances of effectively killing the target while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Dynamic PET imaging
In collaboration with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC � New York, USA), scientists at Philips Research are currently developing dynamic PET imaging procedures and pharmacokinetic modeling software (algorithms that extract quantitative data about physiological processes within the target structures) for several types of fast-growing cancer, such as head and neck cancer. The joint research team has investigated the use of FMISO-PET imaging to non-invasively detect and quantify hypoxic regions within tumors. FMISO-PET imaging uses a tracer called fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) that accumulates in hypoxic tissue.

Philips has developed software that analyzes a sequence of dynamic FMISO-PET images, taken over a period of hours, to follow the distribution and uptake of the FMISO tracer in tissue cells. The software package, which the company calls Voxulus and which is available for research purposes on its Imalytics translational research workstation and the research version of its Pinnacle radiation treatment planning system, performs the necessary calculations on a voxel-by-voxel basis at a rate of more than 100 voxels per second. By analyzing the changing FMISO bio-distribution, in which the FMISO concentration slowly increases over time in hypoxic tissue due to trapping of the tracer, and decreases over time in non-hypoxic tissue due to washout of the tracer, the software can provide parametric maps to estimate the presence and intensity of hypoxic regions. This could provide much better tissue differentiation than can be obtained from static FMISO-PET images.

Experimental studies
The initial approach adopted by Philips and MSKCC was to simulate a sequence of FMISO-PET images based on the known tracer uptake characteristics of different tissue types (hypoxic, non-hypoxic, necrotic and vascular) in order to test the Voxulus pharmacokinetic modeling software [1]. This so-called �simulated phantom study� allowed the team to determine the most stable and meaningful pharmacokinetic parameters that could be extracted from dynamic FMISO-PET images for the purpose of hypoxia mapping � the most promising of which appeared to be the so-called influx rate constant Ki. Various types of noise were then superimposed onto the phantom image data in order to test the robustness of the software algorithms against the noise levels typically encountered in PET imaging.

This phantom study was followed up by a second study in which dynamic FMISO-PET imaging was used to image tumors in nine recently diagnosed head and neck cancer patients before they underwent radio- or chemo-therapy [2]. Initial delineation of the gross tumor volume was achieved through a combination of CT and static FDG-PET imaging. Static FMISO-PET images acquired three hours after tracer injection were then compared with the results of the pharmacokinetic modeling obtained from dynamic FMISO-PET scans. The study clearly demonstrated that additional quantitative information that is believed to be better correlated to true tissue hypoxia could be obtained from the pharmacokinetic modeling. It is hoped that this additional quantitative information, which differentiates between the slow accumulation of FMISO tracer in hypoxic tissue and the slow outwash of tracer that occurs in areas of non-hypoxic tissue, could allow sufficiently accurate hypoxia mapping to ultimately leverage the potential of IMRT in biology-guided radiation therapy.

To validate the potential clinical relevance of the pharmacokinetic modeling results, Philips Research and MSKCC conducted a third joint study in which they compared the hypoxia maps produced by pharmacokinetic modeling of dynamic micro-PET images (images obtained using a dedicated small-animal PET scanner) with the results of in-vivo oxygen concentration measurements in rat models [3]. As presumed, the preliminary results yielded a significant inverse correlation between pO2 (Partial Pressure of Oxygen) values in the tumor, measured using oxygen probes, and the hypoxia-correlated FMISO �trapping� parameter (k3) and influx rate constant (Ki) maps.

Philips Redefines Hybrid Imaging to Simplify Nuclear Medicine and Address Clinician Needs

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:41:58 +0000

Philips Redefines Hybrid Imaging to Simplify Nuclear Medicine and Address Clinician Needs

June 7, 2010 - Salt Lake City, Utah, USA � At this year�s Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) annual meeting, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is highlighting its portfolio in the field of nuclear medicine. The company will showcase solutions designed to increase diagnostic accuracy, improve patient comfort, augment physician confidence, simplify clinical workflow, and lower lifecycle costs.

�With increased demand for improved quality of care and rising healthcare costs, it�s more important than ever before to help our customers diagnose and treat patients effectively and efficiently,� said Jay Mazelsky, senior vice president and general manager, Computed Tomography and Nuclear Medicine, for Philips Healthcare. �Philips is determined to simplify nuclear medicine by using clinician insights to drive innovation and deliver solutions that unlock the clinical potential of hybrid imaging and help to improve patient care.�

Philips is a legacy leader in nuclear medicine innovation. As the first company to launch Time-of-Flight technology, Philips TruFlight� time-of-flight PET technology measures the actual time difference between the detection of coincident gamma rays for more accurate localization, producing a higher quality image with shorter imaging times and allowing for lower tracer dose amounts in patients, as well as increased diagnostic confidence.

Philips spectrum of advanced nuclear medicine technologies address the needs of physicians and their oncology, cardiac, neurology or orthopedic patients.

Because compromise is never an option in healthcare

BrightView XCT, Now with Full Iterative Technology (FIT)
This year at SNM, Philips is showcasing new features to the BrightView XCT, including new Full Iterative Technology (FIT), which makes the BrightView XCT the first and only SPECT/CT system with both iterative SPECT and CT reconstruction capabilities. The new low-dose, flat-panel CT iterative reconstruction improves localization through better uniformity and less noise leading to improvements in soft tissue image quality for applications such as orthopedic cases. Available in more than 135 sites worldwide, BrightView XCT addresses the need to keep patient dose low without sacrificing image quality and accuracy.

Already outfitted with the Philips Astonish advanced reconstruction algorithm, the new FIT further bolsters the only CT platform designed specifically for nuclear medicine. BrightView XCT Astonish image reconstruction technology provides significant spatial resolution improvement in cardiac SPECT studies compared to SPECT studies using filtered back projection. With FIT and Astonish, BrightView XCT helps enable low patient X-ray dose levels, high-resolution localization and high-quality attenuation correction with the potential for fewer artifacts and shorter exam times. Philips will highlight new clinical evidence that Philips� Astonish algorithms for nuclear cardiology help clinicians improve their diagnostic accuracy and increase their diagnostic confidence.

The BrightView XCT has a wide-open gantry and large bore that contributes to a positive patient experience. It offers the first flat panel X-ray detector to be used for CT imaging in nuclear medicine. Plus, it�s so compact that it fits in the same size room as a small SPECT camera.

Additionally, Philips will articulate the importance of its patented Concurrent Imaging for Philips SPECT systems, including BrightView and BrightView XCT. Concurrent technology makes image acquisition quicker, makes it easier to work with and evaluate images, and makes it possible to conduct multi-isotope evaluations simultaneously.

Expanding and simplifying clinical capabilities in oncology

GEMINI TF Big Bore PET/CT
Philips innovations are expanding the clinical utility of PET/CT in oncology, allowing healthcare providers the ability to consolidate radiation oncology procedures, increase the potential for greater accuracy and improve scheduling.

The GEMINI TF Big Bore system, now in over 35 sites around the world, offers excellent lesion detectability for diagnosis and staging. GEMINI TF Big Bore is the world�s first Big Bore PET/CT system, combining advanced GEMINI TF PET image quality with market leading Brilliance CT Big Bore performance.

Future innovations

PET/MR Imaging
Philips will provide updates on clinical studies being conducted using Philips� investigational whole body PET/MR imaging systems at the University of Geneva in Switzerland and Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. These studies extend to both oncological and cardiovascular applications of the technology and are designed to take advantage of the soft-tissue contrast capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people�s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of �sense and simplicity�. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of US 32.3 billion in 2009, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Results Presented from Phase IIb Clinical Study of Merck�s Investigational Insomnia Therapy MK-4305

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:32:34 +0000

Results Presented from Phase IIb Clinical Study of Merck�s Investigational Insomnia Therapy MK-4305

Data Reported at SLEEP 2010 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies

SAN ANTONIO, June 9, 2010 � Clinical results from a Phase IIb study showed that MK-4305, Merck's investigational dual orexin receptor antagonist, was significantly more effective than placebo (p<0.005) in improving overall sleep efficiency at night one and at the end of week four in patients with primary insomnia. MK-4305 was generally well-tolerated in the study. Orexins are neuropeptides (chemical messengers) that are released by specialized neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain and are believed to be an important regulator of the brain�s sleep-wake process. The data were presented for the first time at the SLEEP 2010 24th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

Phase III trials studying the efficacy and safety of MK-4305 in elderly and non-elderly insomnia patients are ongoing. Merck anticipates filing regulatory applications for MK-4305 in 2012.

"Since the discovery and characterization of orexin over the past decade as an important component of the sleep-wake system, Merck has been actively committed to discovering and developing potential interventions for sleep disorders that target the orexin receptors. We are encouraged by these phase II results showing positive effects of MK-4305 in patients with primary insomnia,� said David Michelson, M.D., vice president of Neuroscience Clinical Research, Merck. �Phase III research will provide further insight into the safety and efficacy profile of MK-4305, which, if approved, would provide a new class of insomnia treatments.�

About MK-4305
MK-4305 is an investigational dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) compound that is thought to inhibit the actions of the neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B, which bind with the OX1R and OX2R receptors. These neuropeptides are produced by neurons, located within the hypothalamus region of the brain, and play a key role in regulation of the brain's sleep-wake process. Orexin antagonists are thought to block the stimulation of the brain's arousal system.

Study Design
The findings reported today are from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover dose-ranging study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of four doses of MK-4305 (10, 20, 40 and 80mg) in patients with primary insomnia as defined by criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV, a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association that covers all mental health disorders for both children and adults. These criteria include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty remaining asleep, or difficulty receiving restorative sleep for a period of no less than one month.

A total of 254 patients were randomized: 243 patients received MK-4305 at one of the four doses (10mg n=62, 20mg n=61, 40mg n=59, 80mg n=61) and 249 patients received placebo. The primary endpoint was improvement in sleep efficiency (total sleep time divided by eight hours of time in bed), compared to placebo on night one and at the end of four weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints were improvement in wake after sleep onset (WASO) and latency to persistent sleep (LPS, or the delay in time to persistent sleep) compared to placebo on night one and at the end of four weeks of treatment. All endpoints were measured using polysomnography (PSG, also known as a sleep study), a comprehensive recording of the biophysiological changes that occur during sleep.

Study Results
Significant increases from baseline sleep efficiency (SE) versus placebo (p-values <0.005) were observed for all doses of MK-4305 for the co-primary endpoints of SE at night one (least square (LS) mean percentage difference: 10mg = 6.2%, 20mg = 6.6%, 40mg = 11.6%, 80mg = 12.2%) and at the end of week four (10mg = 4.7%, 20mg = 10.4%, 40mg = 7.9%, 80mg = 7.7%).

Significant dose-related effects were also generally observed for sleep induction and maintenance parameters, for most doses and time points. All doses of MK-4305 improved objectively measured sleep maintenance, as evidenced by significant reductions in the secondary endpoint of baseline-adjusted WASO versus placebo (p-values <0.0005) both at night one (LS mean difference in minutes: 10mg = -26.9 minutes, 20mg = -22.9 minutes, 40mg = -33.2 minutes, 80mg = -37.9 minutes) and at the end of week four (10mg = -23.0 minutes, 20mg = -26.9 minutes, 40mg = -32.3 minutes, 80mg = -28.4 minutes).

MK-4305 significantly improved objectively-measured sleep onset, as evidenced by significant reduction in the secondary endpoint of baseline-adjusted LPS versus placebo (p-values <0.05) at night one (LS mean difference in minutes: 80mg = -21.3 minutes), and at the end of week four (80mg = -10.7 minutes). The data also suggest that MK-4305 was effective in improving sleep onset at other doses but not at both time points, with nominal p-values < 0.05 at night one (LS mean difference in minutes: 40mg = -21.6 minutes), and at the end of week four (20mg = -24.0 minutes). Of note, this initial Phase IIb study was not aimed at definitively assessing LPS, as this would have required a markedly larger number of patients than the number required to achieve the sleep efficiency primary endpoint.

In the study, treatment with MK-4305 was generally well-tolerated with no reports of serious adverse events. The most common adverse experiences occurring in patients treated with MK-4305 (incidence ≥ 3% for one or more doses studied) were upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, alanine aminotransferase increase, creatinine phosphokinase increase, dizziness, drowsy on awakening, headache, sedation, somnolence and vivid dreams.

About Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects about 10 percent of the general population. People with insomnia may have one or more sleeping problems including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep and returning to sleep. Sleep disorders may also impact next day functioning. Insomnia affects women more often than men and the condition can occur at any age however, there is an increased prevalence in the elderly.

About Merck
Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Merck. Be well. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes �forward-looking statements� within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company�s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck�s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck�s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck�s patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck�s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company�s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC�s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Statement on FOSAMAX� (alendronate sodium) Product Liability Trial in U.S. District Court

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:31:35 +0000

Statement on FOSAMAX� (alendronate sodium) Product Liability Trial in U.S. District Court

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., June 7, 2010 � Merck will vigorously defend itself in a jury trial set to begin today in the Boles v. Merck case in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The company believes the evidence will show that FOSAMAX did not cause the plaintiff to develop dental and jaw-related problems as she claims.

The case was initially tried in the summer of 2009 and resulted in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Subsequently, Judge John F. Keenan granted in part a post-trial motion filed by Merck and dismissed plaintiff�s claims that Merck failed to warn of the risk of jaw problems. As a result, plaintiff's sole remaining theory of recovery is that Merck defectively designed FOSAMAX.

�Unfortunately, the plaintiff had medical problems that cause people to develop jaw problems, regardless of whether they were taking FOSAMAX,� said Paul Strain of Venable LLP, outside counsel for Merck. �She had significant periodontal disease and a history of smoking up to a pack of cigarettes a day, which can result in poor wound healing. The evidence will show that the plaintiff would have experienced dental and jaw-related problems whether she took FOSAMAX or not.�

The plaintiff in the case alleges she used FOSAMAX from 1997 to 2006 and that she suffered various jaw problems and complications following two tooth extractions in June 2002, including a several day hospitalization in 2004 to treat her condition.

FOSAMAX was approved as a safe and effective medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September 1995 and is still on the market today and approved for multiple indications, including the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

"Merck acted responsibly in researching and developing FOSAMAX and in monitoring the medicine ever since it has been on the market. Our clinical trials, conducted both before and following approval, have involved more than 28,000 patients, including more than 17,000 treated with FOSAMAX," said Bruce N. Kuhlik, executive vice president and general counsel of Merck. "The company provided appropriate and timely information about FOSAMAX to consumers and to the medical, scientific and regulatory communities." .

Judge John F. Keenan will preside over the retrial. Merck is represented by Paul Strain and Stephen Marshall of Venable LLP, Baltimore, Md.

Status of Litigation
This is a retrial of a case that resulted in a mistrial in September 2009 after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The first case to be tried to a verdict, Maley v. Merck, resulted in a defense verdict for Merck on May 5, 2010. As of March 31, 2010, approximately 1,039 cases, which include approximately 1,417 plaintiff groups, had been filed and were pending against Merck in either federal or state court.

About FOSAMAX
FOSAMAX is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. FOSAMAX should not be used in patients with certain disorders of the esophagus that delay emptying, who are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, who have low levels of calcium in their blood, or in patients who are allergic to FOSAMAX. Some patients may develop severe digestive reactions including irritation, inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus. Patients who experience new or worsening heartburn, difficulty or pain when swallowing or chest pain should stop taking the drug and call their doctor right away. Patients who develop severe bone, joint and/or muscle pain at any time should contact their doctor.

About Merck
Today's Merck is working to help the world be well. Through our medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer and animal products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching programs that donate and deliver our products to the people who need them. Merck. Be Well. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

Forward Looking Statement
This statement includes �forward-looking statements� within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, thecombined company�s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck�s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck�s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck�s patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck�s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company�s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC�s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

The Prescribing Information and Patient Product Information for FOSAMAX� are attached and also available at www.FOSAMAX.com.

FOSAMAX� is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A.

Merck Announces Launch of Pioneering Collaborative Cancer Trials Network at 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:28:49 +0000

Merck Announces Launch of Pioneering Collaborative Cancer Trials Network at 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting

-- Merck strengthens its commitment to oncology --

CHICAGO, IL, June 3, 2010 � Today, Merck announced the launch of the Merck Oncology Collaborative Trials Network, a pioneering clinical trial network focusing on the development of Merck drug and vaccine candidates being investigated for the treatment and prevention of cancer. The global network comprises leading cancer research centers who will partner with Merck to speed the development of innovative treatments for a range of cancers.

Cancer is a diverse group of diseases that accounts for 7.4 million deaths (around 13 per cent of all deaths) worldwide every year, making it a leading cause of death globally.� According to a recent Institute of Medicine report, about half of collaborative cancer studies are never completed due to cumbersome procedures, bureaucracy and poor coordination.� The report suggested that collaborative research approaches could be improved by reducing the number of sites, properly funding research efforts, setting strict deadlines and prioritizing studies based on potential. The Merck Oncology Collaborative Trials Network embodies many of these principles.

�Despite recent advances, there remains an urgent need for effective treatments for cancer, and the pace of traditional drug development often lags far behind the latest science,� said Malcolm Moore M.D., head of Medical and Hematological Oncology at Princess Margaret Hospital and a scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute. �We are proud to participate in this unique network, which will create the access and the infrastructure for coordinated investigation of the latest clinical hypotheses in cancer research. The Merck Oncology Collaborative Trials Network could serve as a blueprint for how industry and research institutions can work together more efficiently and effectively to expedite the delivery of innovative cancer therapies to patients.�

Through a rigorous proposal and feedback process, the research sites will lead the design and conduct of Phase 0 to 2a clinical studies of Merck�s investigational oncology candidates. Every year, the network will enroll approximately 1,200 patients in 30 to 40 clinical trials. These studies will include investigator and company sponsored trials. Infrastructure to consolidate data, specimen testing results, imaging testing results, and patient outcomes is being developed. This approach will lead to more informed, data-driven, and rapid decision making regarding the efficacy and safety profile of compounds and the utility of biomarkers developed by Merck or its collaborators.

The network currently consists of 15 sites across North America, South America, Europe and Asia as follows:

Brazil:

�National Cancer Institute of Brazil (INCA), Rio de Janeiro

�Instituto do Cancer do Estado de S�o Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de S�o Paulo, S�o Paulo

Canada:

�Princess Margaret Hospital and Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto

France:

�Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif

Israel:

�Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Korea:

�Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul

�Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul

Netherlands:

�Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam

Norway:

�Oslo University Hospital, Oslo

Taiwan:

�National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei

United States of America:

�Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, Scottsdale, AZ, Jacksonville, FL

�The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

�Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY

�START Clinic, San Antonio, TX

�University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA

�Merck has strengthened its commitment to accelerating drug and vaccine development for people with cancer, and this unique network is a cornerstone of our strategy,� said Gary Gilliland M.D., senior vice president of Merck Research Laboratories and Oncology Franchise Head. �By partnering at an early stage with global centers of excellence and combining our strengths in key areas such as biomarkers, information technology and adaptive clinical trial design, we are fundamentally changing the way we evaluate and advance our oncology pipeline.�

Clinical Data on Oncology Pipeline Candidates at 2010 ASCO
Merck & Co., Inc. also announced that new early-stage clinical data on several investigational cancer agents will be featured at this year�s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago. These candidates are part of Merck�s growing oncology pipeline, which includes small molecules, biologics and therapeutic vaccine candidates targeting multiple biological pathways involved in the development and progression of cancer.

Among the early-stage studies being presented are three oral presentations:

��A Phase I study of the oral mTOR inhibitor ridaforolimus in combination with the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor antibody dalotuzumab in patients with advanced solid tumors.� (Abstract #3008)

��A first-in-man trial of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor MK-4827 in advanced cancer patients with anti-tumor activity in BRCA-deficient and sporadic ovarian cancers.� (Abstract #3001)

��A Phase I trial of the selective AKT inhibitor MK-2206 evaluating alternate daily and once-weekly doses in advanced cancer patients with evidence of target modulation and antitumor activity.� (Abstract #3009)

Merck�s Commitment to Oncology
Merck is committed to advancing all aspects of cancer care � prevention, treatment and supportive care. Through strong internal research capabilities, selective alliances and acquisitions, and enabling technologies, Merck is looking to lead in the discovery, development and delivery of targeted anticancer therapies.

Today�s Merck is developing candidates that target key pathways and processes involved in the growth and progression of cancer, including PI3 kinase and other signaling pathways; DNA damage repair, cell-cycle and checkpoint pathways; and developmental pathways. Merck is also pursuing novel cancer vaccines.

Merck�s expanded commitment to oncology builds on a strong portfolio of medicines and a diverse pipeline of investigational agents. In addition, Merck is committed to helping ensure eligible patients have access to our medicines.

About Merck
Today's Merck is working to help the world be well. Through our medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer and animal products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching programs that donate and deliver our products to the people who need them. Merck. Be Well. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes �forward-looking statements� within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company�s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck�s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck�s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck�s patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck�s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company�s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC�s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

� http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/index.html

� Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, A National Cancer Clinical Trials System for the 21st Century: Reinvigorating the NCI Cooperative Group Program, April 15, 2010

Recent Study Showed a 150-mg, Single-Dose Investigational Formulation of Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine Comparable to Three-Day Regimen of Oral Aprepitant

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:27:21 +0000

Recent Study Showed a 150-mg, Single-Dose Investigational Formulation of Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine Comparable to Three-Day Regimen of Oral Aprepitant for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Results from Study Presented at 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting

CHICAGO, June 2, 2010 � Merck announced today results from a new non-inferiority trial of an antiemetic regimen containing fosaprepitant dimeglumine administered as a single intravenous (IV) 150-mg dose in combination with a 5-HT3 antagonist and dexamethasone compared with a three-day regimen of aprepitant with a 5-HT3 antagonist and dexamethasone for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving a first cycle of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The regimen containing 150 mg fosaprepitant dimeglumine was not inferior to the regimen with oral aprepitant. Results of the study, known as EASE-017, will be presented on June 8th at the 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago, during a discussion on the poster titled "Phase III randomized double-blind study of single-dose fosaprepitant for prevention of cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting."

"The results of this study demonstrate that an antiemetic-regimen with a single, 150-mg injection of fosaprepitant provides similar protection against CINV as a three-day regimen of oral EMEND� (aprepitant), which has become part of the standard of care for patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy," said Steven Grunberg, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Vermont. "These findings are important because prevention of CINV is a major concern, and this formulation of EMEND could potentially provide dosing flexibility to prevent CINV."

Currently, EMEND is approved as a part of a three-day regimen for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic and highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin.

In the study, 71.9 percent of patients who received an antiemetic regimen that included a single, 150 mg dose of fosaprepitant, ondansetron 32 mg IV, and dexamethasone 12 mg orally on Day 1, and dexamethasone 8 mg orally on Day 2, and dexamethasone 8 mg orally twice daily on Days 3 and 4 achieved a complete response, defined as no vomiting and no use of rescue medication, in the overall phase of chemotherapy (0 to 120 hours post-initiation of cisplatin-based chemotherapy) compared to 72.3 percent of those receiving an antiemetic regimen containing a three-day oral regimen of EMEND (EMEND 125 mg orally, ondansetron 32 mg IV, and dexamethasone 12 mg orally on Day 1, EMEND 80 mg orally once daily on Days 2 and 3, and dexamethasone 8 mg orally once daily on Days 2 through 4; 95 percent confidence interval [CI] for difference between groups = -4.1 to 3.3). In addition, 74.3 percent of patients treated with the regimen containing the single, 150 mg dose of fosaprepitant achieved a complete response in the delayed phase (25 to 120 hours post cisplatin-based chemotherapy), compared to 74.2 percent of patients treated with a regimen containing a three-day regimen of EMEND. (95 percent CI for difference between groups = -3.5 to 3.7).

The overall incidence and types of adverse events were generally consistent between the two treatment groups. The most frequently reported drug-related clinical adverse events in both the group receiving a single, 150 mg dose of fosaprepitant and the group receiving oral EMEND were asthenia (loss of strength), constipation, anorexia, diarrhea and nausea.

Study Background
Ease-017 (Evaluation of fosAprepitant in Single-dose schedulE) is a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority study involving 2,322 patients naive to cisplatin therapy and scheduled to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy at a dose of 70 mg/m2 or higher. Of the 2,322 patients randomized, 2,247 patients were included in the analysis. The study's primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who reported no vomiting and no use of rescue therapy (complete response) in the overall phase (0-120 hours post-initiation of cisplatin-based chemotherapy) and the secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients who reported a complete response (no vomiting and no use of rescue therapy) in the delayed phase (25 to 120 hours following initiation of cisplatin-based chemotherapy).

Important Information about EMEND
EMEND, when used in combination with other medicines, is only used to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It is not used to treat nausea and vomiting after they start. EMEND� (fosaprepitant dimeglumine) for Injection may cause serious side effects, including sudden allergic reactions such as hives, rash, itching, redness of the face or skin, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. The most common side effects of EMEND are tiredness, nausea, hiccups, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, hair loss, injection site pain, and hardening of the site of injection. These are not all the possible side effects of EMEND.

Patients should tell their doctor about all other medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements they are taking, if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, if they are breastfeeding or if they have liver problems. Patients should not take EMEND with Orap (pimozide), Seldane (terfenadine), Hismanal (astemizole), or Propulsid (cisapride) as the combination may cause serious or life-threatening problems. EMEND may also affect some medicines, including chemotherapy, causing them to work differently in your body. Patients taking Coumadin (warfarin) may need to have blood tests after taking EMEND to check their blood clotting. Women who use birth control medicines during treatment with EMEND and for up to 1 month after using EMEND should also use a backup method of contraception to avoid pregnancy.

About Merck Oncology
Merck is committed to advancing all aspects of cancer care-prevention, treatment and supportive care. Through strong internal research capabilities, selective alliances and acquisitions, and enabling technologies, Merck is looking to lead in the discovery, development and delivery of targeted anticancer therapies.

About Merck
Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Merck. Be well. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the expected synergies from the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; Merck's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; dependence on the effectiveness of Merck's patents and other protections for innovative products; the risk of new and changing regulation and health policies in the U.S. and internationally and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions.

Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Merck's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

EMEND� is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.

EMEND� (fosaprepitant dimeglumine) for Injection is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.

Before prescribing EMEND or EMEND for Injection, please read the prescribing information and the patient product information that are attached.

Abbott Declares 346th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:22:21 +0000

Abbott Declares 346th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend

June 11, 2010 - Abbott Park, Illinois (NYSE: ABT) � The board of directors of Abbott today declared a quarterly common dividend of 44 cents per share.

This marks the 346th consecutive quarterly dividend to be paid by Abbott since 1924. The cash dividend is payable Aug. 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 15, 2010.

Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 38 consecutive years and was named by Money as a leading dividend stock. Additionally, Abbott is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have annually increased their dividend for 25 consecutive years.

About Abbott
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 83,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Despite Risks, Americans Are Not Taking Action to Protect Themselves Against Muscle Loss as They Age

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:21:24 +0000

Despite Risks, Americans Are Not Taking Action to Protect Themselves Against Muscle Loss as They Age

Survey finds that while 70 percent of Americans are concerned about muscle loss, the majority are not taking action to maintain muscle health

June 9, 2010 - Columbus, Ohio — Nearly nine in 10 people think feeling weaker is one of the worst parts about aging, according to a recent survey commissioned by Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and developed in conjunction with the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging, a nonprofit dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults, which provided expert, independent review. But while 70 percent of Americans say they are concerned about muscle loss, close to 90 percent of Americans over the age of 45 are not taking critical steps, like making both daily exercise and proper nutrition part of their daily routines, to protect their muscles as they get older.

"Muscle loss is a serious issue that can lead to severe health and lifestyle consequences, yet building and maintaining muscle isn't top of mind for most adults," said Evelyn Granieri, M.D., M.P.H., MSEd, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, who provided expert input into the survey before it was fielded. "Especially with an aging baby boomer population, it's important that people take charge of their health and take action now so that they can continue doing the things they enjoy in the future."

Facts on Muscle Loss and Aging
Clinical research shows that starting at age 40, the body can lose eight percent of muscle per decade, which can lead to loss of strength, mobility and the freedom to enjoy daily life.

In fact, one in three Americans surveyed over age 45 point directly to their loss of strength or mobility as the reason for giving up activities they once enjoyed.

Yet, despite the risks associated with muscle loss, of those surveyed, only a quarter make both a balanced diet and resistance training part of their everyday routine and 80 percent of Americans over age 45 have never discussed the issue with their physician.

Facts on Muscle Health for People in Recovery
For people suffering from illness, injury or recovering from surgery, the impact of muscle loss is even more severe.
The same study found that nearly 70 percent of patients who suffered a serious medical setback did not expect muscle loss to be a problem during their recovery.

Nevertheless, approximately 60 percent of recently hospitalized survey respondents did report a noticeable loss in muscle mass.
After discharge, less than a third changed their diet to help combat this muscle loss.

"With a rapidly growing aging population in the U.S., muscle health is an important issue that everyone over the age of 40 should seriously consider," said Dr. Granieri. "Talking to your doctor or dietitian is a great way to establish small steps to take to protect your muscle health today so you can have a much more active and productive life as you age."

About the Survey
The survey was conducted on behalf of Abbott among 1,000 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and older, with an oversample of 200 interviews among American adults who have suffered from a serious, temporary illness or injury in the past year. The interviews were conducted online by Wakefield Research between February 10 and February 16, 2010. The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging provided expert, independent review on the survey in advance of its release. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population over ages 18 and older. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.1 percentage points for the national component of the study and +/- 6.9 percentage points for the recent patient oversample.

Related Resources and Links
Foundation for Health in Aging: http://www.healthinaging.org/about/mission.php
Media Assets: http://e-mediaroom.com/MuscleHealthSurvey
Abbott Nutrition: http://abbottnutrition.com

About Abbott
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 83,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott Receives FDA Clearance for New Ovarian Cancer Test

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:16:26 +0000

Abbott Receives FDA Clearance for New Ovarian Cancer Test

Abbott's new ARCHITECT HE4 test helps doctors, patients better manage treatment for deadly women's cancer

June 3, 2010 - Abbott Park, Illinois � The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared a new diagnostic test to monitor ovarian cancer, a disease that will strike an estimated one out of every 71 women in the United States in their lifetimes. Abbott's new ARCHITECT HE4 (human epididymis protein 4)assay, the first automated test of its kind available in the United States, uses a simple blood test to aid in monitoring for the recurrence or progression of this disease.

"Disease monitoring in ovarian cancer is crucial. Seventy-five percent of all ovarian cancer patients will have a recurrence," said Cara Tenenbaum, vice president of policy and external affairs, Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. "New monitoring tools may provide patients and physicians with critical disease information to help make important treatment and care decisions."

The current test most widely used to monitor ovarian cancer, CA125, measures levels of a protein in the blood as an indication of a possible recurrence or disease progression in ovarian cancer patients. While 80 percent of ovarian cancers express CA125, 20 percent of all ovarian cancers do not. By using Abbott's new HE4 test in conjunction with other clinical methods, including CA125, physicians can get a more comprehensive clinical picture when monitoring ovarian cancer patients.

A 2003 study by Hellstrom et al of known ovarian cancer biomarkers found that HE4, which has been detected in high levels in the blood of some ovarian cancer patients, shows the highest sensitivity and specificity of any other marker, and is considered the best single marker for stage 1 of the disease.

"HE4 is an excellent marker for monitoring women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, especially in those patients where CA125 is not a marker for their disease," said Richard Moore, M.D., Women and Infants Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. "The addition of HE4 to monitor recurrence or progressive epithelial cancer is an important advance in ovarian cancer care and will provide us with the best information available today."

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate of ovarian cancer patients is 46 percent. However, when the disease is diagnosed and treated before the cancer has spread outside the ovary, the survival rate increases to 93 percent. Unfortunately, less than 20 percent of all ovarian cancer is found at this early stage.

"Abbott remains committed to finding more efficient and cost-effective ways to aid in the detection and monitoring of cancer," said John Coulter, divisional vice president, U.S. commercial operations, Abbott Diagnostics. "With the FDA clearance of the ARCHITECT HE4 assay, we are able to provide physicians with a test that will help guide important patient care decisions with a high level of consistency, reliability and affordability."

Abbott partnered with Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. in the development of the assay. The ARCHITECT HE4 assay is also approved for use in Europe, as well as in other countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America.

About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers and the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Women who are postmenopausal are at the greatest risk for ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer affected nearly 22,000 women in the United States last year.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer and begins from the cells that cover the surface of the ovary. EOC accounts for an estimated 85 to 90 percent of all ovarian cancers.

About Abbott's ARCHITECT HE4 Assay
Abbott's ARCHITECT HE4 assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for the quantitative determination of HE4 antigen in human serum. The assay is designed to be used as an aid in monitoring recurrence or progressive disease in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, and should be used in conjunction with other clinical data. The ARCHITECT HE4 assay should not be used as a cancer screening test. In addition, certain types of cancer (e.g., mucinous or germ cell tumors) rarely express HE4, and the use of the ARCHITECT HE4 assay is not recommended for monitoring patients with those types of cancer.

About Abbott Diagnostics
Abbott Diagnostics is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics and offers a broad range of innovative instrument systems and tests for hospitals, reference labs, blood banks, physician offices and clinics. With more than 69,000 institutional customers in more than 100 countries, Abbott's diagnostic products offer customers automation, convenience, cost effectiveness and flexibility. The history of Abbott Diagnostics is filled with examples of first-of-a-kind products and significant technological advancements, including the development of the world's first diagnostic test to detect HIV.

About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 83,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

ASP Hosts Sterilization Best Practice Workshops in Eight U.S. Cities

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:12:29 +0000

ASP Hosts Sterilization Best Practice Workshops in Eight U.S. Cities

Summer Sterilization Tour Kicks Off in June

WHAT: Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) is hosting a hands-on workshop tour to educate Operating Room (OR) professionals about the best practices in instrument sterilization and highlight the benefits of the STERRAD� NX� Sterilization System. The tour aims to help healthcare facilities transition to terminal sterilization, the highest standard of care in instrument reprocessing. This information is even more important following the recent FDA announcements about the STERIS System 1� (SS1) and the STERIS System 1E (SS1E). The workshop will include:

�An overview of critical versus semi-critical devices
�Demonstration on preparing flexible scopes for sterilization
�Instrument packaging presentation
�Information on proper use of instructions for use and the STERRAD� Sterility Guide
�STERRAD� NX� System demonstration

WHO: OR professionals will share experiences and best practices to help hospital staff manage the transition from the SS1 smoothly and in a timely manner, as well as raise the standard of care in the OR.

Featured speaker:
Barbara Trattler, RN, MPA, CNOR, CNA, Director, Clinical Education for ASP

WHY: Hospitals and institutions across the country using the SS1 face an unprecedented situation as they are required to transition to new sterilization or high level disinfection process. Now is the time to take infection prevention and patient safety to the next level in the OR.

WHEN: 12:00-3:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

WHERE: June 15 � Irvine, Marriott
June 16 � San Francisco, Hilton in Union Square
June 18 � Dallas, Westin Galleria
June 22 � Chicago, Marriott O'Hare Airport
June 23 � Newark, Renaissance Hotel Newark Airport
June 25 � Cincinnati, Ethicon Endo-Surgery Institute
June 28 � Washington, D.C., Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
June 30 � Atlanta, Westin Buckhead

Please register at: https://www.aspjj.com/signup/workshop/

For Information Contact: Katie Sweet, ASP, ksweet@its.jnj.com , 949.789.3945

About ASP:
Protecting Lives Against Infection�
Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), division of Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, has a long track record designing and delivering innovative infection prevention solutions that dramatically raise the level of healthcare and safety for those who matter most. Our pioneering technology, global distribution, and established leadership position enable us to simplify the process of buying and operating infection prevention products and services every day, for thousands of medical facilities around the world. This in turn enables our customers to focus on what they do best - preventing infection and saving lives. STERIS System 1 is a registered trademark and STERIS System 1E is a trademark of the Steris Corporation.

SOURCE Advanced Sterilization Products

New Disease Awareness Campaign; Launched to Help Parents Navigate ADHD Waters

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:11:22 +0000

New Disease Awareness Campaign; Launched to Help Parents Navigate ADHD Waters

London (June 11, 2010) -- A campaign to help people understand more about ADHD and where to go for help has been launched by Janssen-Cilag Ltd this week. Confusion and misunderstanding about the condition has prompted the development of a new animation to bring to life the perspective of a child with ADHD and the challenges that they and their parents face on a daily basis. The film will be accompanied by an educational website, "Living with ADHD" (http://www.livingwithadhd.co.uk) which offers a "go to" place for parents where they can get information, support and advice for the issues which they may face. It is hoped that arming parents with credible information from leading healthcare professionals about ADHD will help put their minds at rest and assist the consultation process with their doctor.

Research1 has shown that once parents make that initial step of going to see their healthcare professional, they feel a high level of satisfaction. There could be a number of reasons for this including, relief over finally getting an ADHD diagnosis for their child or it may be attributed to a level of reassurance they feel once they speak to their healthcare professional. The same research illustrated that over 50% of healthcare professionals do currently provide their patients with information about ADHD and feedback from clinicians in the field is that healthcare professionals do welcome good sources of information that they can share with patients.

Dr Graeme Lamb, NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, based at the Newham Child & Family Consultation Service said, "Parents often do not know where to go to get information about ADHD and what to do to get help. I am in favour of anything that provides parents with clear and credible information about ADHD. If they come to a consultation with their healthcare professional armed with knowledge about the condition and potential management strategies we can take the discussion on from there. This visual way of sharing information about ADHD is very creative and will help to educate people about ADHD in an engaging manner. I would happily recommend it to any parents I see."

The film and educational website can be located at http://www.livingwithadhd.co.uk and parents can forward it on to friends and colleagues who they feel might benefit. The film uses a creative technique called 'rotoscoping', where real actors are filmed and then converted into "hyper-real" animations. It was developed following interviews with a range of patients, parents, doctors and teachers, and is shot through the eyes of a child with the condition, showing some of the issues they can face at home and at school.

Holly Evans, ADHD Educational Advisor commented that, "Knowledge is an amazing thing and I find that parents feel immeasurably better about their child's ADHD if they know the facts about the condition. We know that teachers play a pivotal role in helping to identify and discuss ADHD with parents, however more work needs to be done to support them in what can be an extremely challenging role."

A targeted education campaign is being instigated on a separate level with teachers to ensure that they are informed about ADHD, and how to support it in schools. Holly Evans went on to say that, "It might be that certain teachers currently have children with ADHD in their classrooms but that they haven't yet realised it or are struggling to cope. If improved understanding and knowledge about ADHD can filter down to at least a small proportion of the teaching population, it will make a big impact."

What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition classically affecting children and adolescents that is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV). It is now thought that ADHD may also affect adults, and this is an evolving area of research in psychiatry.

ADHD is characterised by three core symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Inattention can include an inability to focus and pay attention, a pattern of careless mistakes, difficulty listening or finishing tasks and easy distractibility. Hyperactivity may be manifested through fidgeting, talking excessively, and a tendency to run around at inappropriate times and interrupt others. Impulsivity may be exhibited as an inability to curb immediate reactions, often causing children to blurt out inappropriate comments or to run into the street without looking.

About Janssen-Cilag Ltd
Janssen-Cilag has a long track record in developing treatments for central nervous system disorders, pain management, oncology, fungal infections, gastrointestinal conditions, ADHD, anaemia, epilepsy, migraine prevention, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and progressive multiple myeloma.

More information can be found at http://www.janssen-cilag.co.uk

References
1 Childhood and Adolescent Service Provision Research, Synergy Healthcare Research 2009

Johnson & Johnson Medical Products Announces 2010 Robert Wood Johnson Award Recipients

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:10:51 +0000

Johnson & Johnson Medical Products Announces 2010 Robert Wood Johnson Award Recipients

Winnipeg, Manitoba (June 07, 2010) -- Six of Canada's top emerging health care professionals will be recognized today with The Robert Wood Johnson Award at a special awards ceremony, held as part of the National Healthcare Leadership Conference. . The award supported by Johnson & Johnson Medical Products (JJMP), a division of Johnson & Johnson, recognizes new and emerging leadership. The award provides a platform for and recognizes ongoing development in health services management in communities across Canada. Since its inception in 1956, the award has been presented to 259 Canadian health care professionals.

The Robert Wood Johnson Award is bestowed annually through six participating Canadian universities that offer a Masters program in Health Care Administration. They are: The University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Universite de Montreal, and Dalhousie University.

According to Paul Bradley, Vice President of Strategic Affairs at JJMP, "the Canadian health care system has seen great change over the 50-plus years since this Award was first bestowed. Amidst this change the importance of strong, visionary leadership has been paramount. The Robert Wood Johnson Award underscores our long-standing commitment to partnerships across the health care system and to being an industry leader in building confidence in the future. We have seen the positive effects this sort of collaboration can have in enabling exceptional leaders to change the paradigm in meeting the highest standards in the delivery of services and care."

Ray Racette, President and CEO of the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, notes, "Promoting, advancing and recognizing excellence in health care leadership is a core value of the Canadian College of Health Service Executives and every year we look forward to welcoming the new award recipients to our health system. The Robert Wood Johnson Award is a prestigious award that has recognized some of the most outstanding upcoming leaders in Canadian health care."

Every year, the faculty of each university selects a student who best exemplifies the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to advance the practice of health care services management in Canada.

The recipients of this award have demonstrated their passion and commitment to stepping forward as positive contributors adding value in complex continuing care management and/or policy. The 2010 recipients are:

�Dr. Sally Clark from the University of British Columbia
�Major John Crook from the University of Alberta
�Wing-Si Luk from the University of Toronto
�Mari Teitelbaum from the University of Ottawa
�Martin Brosseau from the Universite de Montreal
�Christina Clarke from Dalhousie University

The award ceremony occurs in conjunction with the annual National Health Leadership Conference which is co-hosted by the Canadian College of Health Service Executives (CCHSE) and the Canadian Healthcare Association (CHA). This year, the Conference is being held in Winnipeg Manitoba.

P&G Recalls Specific Canned Cat Foods Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:48:14 +0000

P&G Recalls Specific Canned Cat Foods Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

CINCINNATI, June 9, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE: PG) is voluntarily recalling specific lots of its Iams canned cat food in North America as a precautionary measure. Diagnostic testing indicated that the product may contain insufficient levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is essential for cats. Cats that were fed these canned products as their only food are at greater risk for developing signs of thiamine deficiency.

The following Iams canned cat foods are included:

Product Name Date on Bottom of Can
------------ ---------------------
Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and Kitten Food -
all varieties of 3 oz & 5.5 oz cans 09/2011 to 06/2012
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------

This recall is limited to only Iams canned cat food distributed in North America. No other Iams pet food is involved.

Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, signs may include ventroflexion (downward curving) of the neck, wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

Consumers who have purchased canned cat food with these codes should discard it. For further information or a product refund, call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8826 (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST).

About Procter & Gamble

Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 135,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble Company

Today Shaving Becomes 'Gliding' as Gillette(R) Fusion(R) ProGlide(TM) and Gillette Fusion ProSeries(TM) are Available on Store Shelves

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:44:37 +0000

Today Shaving Becomes 'Gliding' as Gillette® Fusion® ProGlide™ and Gillette Fusion ProSeries™ are Available on Store Shelves

Backed by Money Back Guarantee, Products Deliver Dramatically Improved Performance and Incredible Comfort

BOSTON, June 8, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Today, men's demands for an incredibly comfortable shave have been answered as Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) announces the in-store arrival of new Gillette® Fusion® ProGlide™ razors and cartridges and Gillette Fusion ProSeries™ - the latest shaving and skin care products from the world's leading male grooming brand. Representing a significant advance in shaving performance, these innovative products have been developed to deliver on what men desire most to improve their shaving experience - incredible comfort.

Despite advances in shaving technology, according to internal research, sixty-five percent of men experience discomfort during and after shaving, especially when the blades tug and pull - causing a series of unwanted side effects, sometimes described by guys as irritation. Improving on Gillette Fusion, the world's best selling razor, Gillette continues to set the pace as the innovation leader in male grooming with Gillette Fusion ProGlide, featuring a redesigned cartridge with thinner, finer blade edges that glide through hair, reducing tug and pull. Consumer use testing shows that the Fusion ProGlide family is preferred at an up to 2-to-1 ratio over Gillette Fusion.

"The overwhelming consumer interest in these new technologies illustrates strong, continued demand for meaningful innovation in the male grooming category and for breakthrough products that really deliver on their promise," said Thom Lachman, Vice President, P&G Male Grooming North America. "Thousands of men all across America stepped forward to be the first to try these new products before they hit store shelves. At first, many were skeptical that we could improve on their current shave but after their first shave with Fusion ProGlide, many have become believers."

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Challenge

Recognizing widespread skepticism in the marketplace, Gillette was challenged with convincing guys that the new technology in Gillette Fusion ProGlide could make a meaningful difference in shaving comfort. In the months leading up to the broad retail availability, consumers were offered the opportunity to take part in a unique pre-launch trial program called the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Challenge. More than 130,000 product samples were distributed to men using popular social networking sites, websites and blogs, and consumers were encouraged to share their reviews with others. Consumers purchased Sneak Preview Packs that were available at retail locations, and many others preordered online at e-retailer sites.

The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Shave Studio, which kicked off in Times Square in New York City, featured a mobile studio that traveled to select cities in North America allowing men to be among the first to shave with Gillette Fusion ProGlide. Their reactions were recorded and can be seen online at http://www.youtube.com/gillette. Pre-launch advertising included online and TV. The TV ads featured the Gillette Young Guns NASCAR drivers, WWE® superstar John Cena and baseball All-Star Derek Jeter encouraging guys to take the ProGlide Challenge.

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Launch Advertising

The Gillette Fusion ProGlide and Gillette Fusion ProSeries launch will be supported by a robust marketing plan that consists of print, broadcast, multicultural and online advertising, public relations, sports marketing, in-store initiatives and social media campaigns. The national television spot features a host and camera crew 'invading' a locker room to encourage guys to try Gillette Fusion ProGlide and transform shaving into gliding. The testimonial commercials feature real consumers' reactions captured on camera when unsuspecting men tried Gillette Fusion ProGlide for the first time. The print and digital advertising also focuses on transforming skeptics into believers, and includes actual quotes from consumers who have tried Gillette Fusion ProGlide.

"The insight behind the Gillette Fusion ProGlide advertising is that guys are inherently skeptical and they need to feel it to believe it," said Toygar Bazarkaya, Executive Creative Director, BBDO New York. "The spots were shot to dramatize the moment of transformation when a guy becomes a believer by experiencing how Gillette Fusion ProGlide turns shaving into gliding."

Gillette's Most Comfortable Shave Guaranteed

As further reassurance to consumers of outstanding product performance, Gillette is offering a money back guarantee on Gillette Fusion ProGlide razors. Prior to launch, Gillette Fusion ProGlide withstood rigorous testing protocols and involved precise measurement instrumentation used in the aerospace, semiconductor and medical imaging categories.

Building on the breakthrough technology in Gillette Fusion, Gillette Fusion ProGlide incorporates a series of unique technologies that address critical areas for a better shave and deliver incredible comfort and performance:

Low Cutting Force Blades: thinner, finer blades and our advanced low-resistance coating enabling the blades to cut effortlessly through hair with less tug and pull*.
A Blade Stabilizer to maintain optimal blade spacing for comfort while allowing the blades to adjust to the contours of a man's face.
Astreamlined Snowplow Comfort Guard which channels excess shave prep to help maintain optimal blade contact, stretching the skin for a close, comfortable shave.
A Larger Lubrastrip™ infused with mineral oil and lubricating polymers, enabling the razor to move smoothly over skin even on repeat strokes.
An improved Precision Trimmer including an enhanced blade, a comb guard to better align long hairs, and new rinse-through slots.
A Redesigned Handle with bigger, more ergonomic grips for better control and improved transition between front and back shaving surfaces.
An innovative Microcomb, exclusively on Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power, that helps guide hair to the blade.

* Leading Blades vs. Fusion

Gillette Fusion ProSeries

Gillette Fusion ProSeries is an advanced line of skin care products that drives incredible comfort before, during and after the shave. Gillette's deep understanding of men, shaving and the science behind skin care has resulted in Gillette Fusion ProGlide and Gillette Fusion ProSeries, a combination that maximizes comfort and delivers an incredibly close shave.

Gillette Fusion ProSeries Thermal Scrub gently warms, helps to clean and clear away dirt and oil and helps soften facial hair before shaving. In this innovative formula, heating technology is activated on contact with water to provide warming comfort; and a mild soap-free system cleans skin by removing oils (sebum) and dirt while helping to soften the hair, making it easier to cut. Small particles then help exfoliate dead, dry skin cells to help create an even, clear path for the razor.
Gillette Fusion ProSeries Sensitive Face Wash is suitable for everyday use on sensitive skin, and uses a mild soap-free system formulated with aloe to effectively clean without over drying.
Gillette Fusion ProSeries Intense Cooling Lotion instantly cools and hydrates just shaved skin for an incredibly comfortable end to your shave. Its Dual-Cooling complex is designed to extend the cooling effect without drying the skin and instantly hydrates to help soothe and refuel men's skin by sealing in moisture.
Gillette Fusion ProSeries Instant Hydration UV Moisturizer + SPF15 is a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer, with Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 and Pro-Vitamin B5 and SPF 15 UV Protection. The formula instantly hydrates skin and provides hydration throughout the day to help reduce dryness and tightness.

Gillette Fusion ProGlide and Gillette Fusion ProSeries are available in a range of traditional and online retail outlets in North America. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Manual and Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power razors have a suggested retail price of $10.99 and $12.99 in the U.S., respectively. Gillette Fusion ProSeries products have a suggested retail price range of $6.99-$8.99 in the U.S.

About Procter & Gamble

Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 135,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble

Heart Attacks Declined 24 Percent in Kaiser Permanente Northern California Since 2000

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:29:58 +0000

Heart Attacks Declined 24 Percent in Kaiser Permanente Northern California Since 2000

Study of 46,000 Patients Shows More Serious Heart Attacks Also Declined By Much More

OAKLAND, Calif. � Heart attacks declined by 24 percent within a large, ethnically diverse, community-based population since 2000, and the relative incidence of serious heart attacks that do permanent damage declined by 62 percent, according to a Kaiser Permanente Division of Research study in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The reductions in death after heart attack are driven in part by the decline in incidence of more severe heart attacks known as ST-elevation myocardial infarction, as well as a lower mortality rate after less severe non-ST-elevation heart attacks, explained Alan S. Go, MD, the lead investigator of the study and director of the Comprehensive Clinical Research Unit at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. Go explains that ST-elevation heart attacks are diagnosed by a specific electrocardiogram finding that indicates more severe injury to the heart muscle.

This study of more than 46,000 patients in Northern California aged 30 years and older who suffered a heart attack is the first study to provide a contemporary population view of heart attack incidence in a large, diverse community. Previous studies focused on selected subgroups and/or populations with limited diversity and have not separately examined ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation heart attacks. It is also the first to examine the possible influence of widespread use of cardiac biomarkers (particularly troponin) on heart attack trends, which might be expected to lead to an increase in the reported rate of heart attacks, particularly non-ST-elevation heart attacks.

�This research provides new insights into the changing landscape of heart attack incidence and associated outcomes in the community,� Dr. Go said. �Despite our ability to more easily diagnosis heart attacks using sensitive biomarkers, we found a consistent trend of fewer severe ST-elevation myocardial infarctions over the past decade � the type of heart attack we particularly want to prevent.�

Heart attacks with ST-elevation are a true emergency, most often requiring an immediate procedure to open the blocked artery, noted Robert W. Yeh, MD, an interventional cardiologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School who was the first-author of the study. �These findings are welcome news for those of us in the cardiology community. Perhaps we have turned the corner on preventing the most severe presentation of heart disease.�

Researchers identified 46,086 patients aged 30 and older within Kaiser Permanente in Northern California who were hospitalized for heart attacks between 1999�2008 and found the age- and sex-adjusted incidence of heart attack increased from 274 per 100,000 in 1999 to 287 per 100,000 in 2000, then declined each year thereafter to 208 per 100,000 in 2008 (24 percent decline between 1999 and 2008). However, the age- and sex-adjusted incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction declined by 62 percent from 133 per 100,000 in 1999 to 50 per 100,000 in 2008. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction also declined since 2005, which followed widespread implementation of sensitive cardiac testing known as troponin I, which helps diagnose heart attacks. Thirty-day mortality was significantly lower in 2008 compared with 1999.

Because the study population is within an integrated delivery system, it provided an accurate assessment of total membership at any point in time and comprehensive identification of those hospitalized for heart attack. The population has broad age, gender, and ethnic diversity and is highly representative of the local and statewide population. Researchers also demonstrated that the results were consistent after removing the possible effects of different types of patients joining or leaving the health plan membership over time.

Additional authors on the study are Stephen Sidney, MD, MPH; Malini Chandra, MBA, MS; Mike Sorel, MPH and Joe V. Selby, MD, MPH, with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research. Funding for the study was provided by the Schering-Plough Future Leaders in Cardiovascular Medical Research Grant and The Permanente Medical Group, whose 7,000 physicians provide care for 3.3 million Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California.

About Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital (www.massgeneral.org), established in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $500 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine. For more information, visit www.massgeneral.org.

About Kaiser Permanente Division of Research
The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research conducts, publishes, and disseminates epidemiologic and health services research to improve the health and medical care of Kaiser Permanente members and the society at large. It seeks to understand the determinants of illness and well-being and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. Currently, DOR�s 500-plus staff is working on more than 250 epidemiological and health services research projects. For more information, visit www.dor.kaiser.org.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America�s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.

Kaiser Permanente Named the First Health and Hospital System to Earn a Perfect Rating on the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:28:29 +0000

Kaiser Permanente Named the First Health and Hospital System to Earn a Perfect Rating on the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index

Kaiser Permanente revised its Patients� Bill of Rights to fully protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients as well as their families from discrimination

OAKLAND, Calif. � Kaiser Permanente is the first health and hospital system to earn a perfect 100 percent rating on the Healthcare Equality Index. The HEI is an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

�Kaiser Permanente is deeply committed to providing equitable, compassionate and high-quality care to our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and their families, a level of care that is standard across our diverse patient population,� said George Halvorson, chairman and chief executive officer of Kaiser Permanente. �In the Healthcare Equality Index report, we are proud to be able to highlight our commitment to these high standards of care, as well as our efforts to promote a supportive work environment for all our employees.�

In April, President Barack Obama issued a presidential memorandum asking states to update their Patients� Bill of Rights to ensure patients receive compassionate care and equal treatment during hospital stays. By respecting the rights of hospital patients to receive visitors and to designate surrogate decision makers for medical emergencies, Kaiser Permanente is taking steps to implement the memorandum issued by the White House, which is reflected in our perfect 100 percent score on the HEI.

The index focuses on key policies and practices that ensure culturally competent health care for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and families. These policies address patient non-discrimination, visitation rights, decision-making practices, and employee benefits and non-discrimination.

�LGBT patients and their families deserve nothing less than a full measure of equality when they enter any healthcare setting,� said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. �As the largest network of health providers to achieve a perfect rating on the Healthcare Equality Index, Kaiser Permanente is leading the industry towards a day in which LGBT patients can receive equal care in every hospital in America. HRC is proud to have worked with Kaiser Permanente to institute these much-needed policies.�

This is not the first honor Kaiser Permanente has received from the Human Rights Campaign. Since 2008, Kaiser Permanente has participated in the HEI and has consistently moved up in the rankings, resulting in a perfect score for 2010. Additionally, for the past five years, Kaiser Permanente has received a 100 percent ranking on the Human Rights Campaign�s annual Corporate Equality Index for our commitment to creating policies on diversity and inclusion, and providing training and benefits to create a fair and equal workplace.

For more information on the Healthcare Equality Index 2010, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

About The Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is America�s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America�s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.

Gentiva(R) Health Services Completes Planned Management Succession of Key Executives

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:05:15 +0000

Gentiva® Health Services Completes Planned Management Succession of Key Executives

Eric R. Slusser Appointed CFO and John N. Camperlengo Appointed General Counsel

ATLANTA, May 19, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTIV), a leading provider of home health and hospice services, announced today that effective with the close of the Company's 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders its Board of Directors has appointed Eric R. Slusser to succeed John R. Potapchuk as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and John N. Camperlengo to succeed Stephen B. Paige as the Company's General Counsel. Messrs. Potapchuk and Paige will remain with Gentiva as Special Advisors to the Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel, respectively. These appointments complete the Company's planned management succession to its Atlanta corporate headquarters.

"I want to welcome both Eric Slusser and John Camperlengo to their new executive positions," said Gentiva CEO and President Tony Strange. "Eric brings significant healthcare finance experience to Gentiva and has quickly become a valued member of our senior management team in his six months with us. John has been with Gentiva for 10 years and has served as our Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for nearly five years, two roles that have well prepared him for his new position. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Eric and John as we focus on growing Gentiva's core Home Health and Hospice businesses and expanding our leadership position in the industry."

Mr. Strange continued, "On behalf of all of our patients, our employees, our shareholders and the Board of Directors, I want to thank John and Steve for their many years of dedicated service to Gentiva. Their collective talents and knowledge of Gentiva and our industry have been vital to leading our Company to where it is today. I look forward to their continued contributions as we complete the succession process."

Mr. Slusser has served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Gentiva since October 2009. He brings more than 25 years of diverse financial and operational experience to the Company, having worked in management roles at large companies including Centene Corporation, where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Cardinal Health Inc.; Sprint PCS Group; and MCI Inc. In addition, Mr. Slusser worked in the audit division of Arthur Andersen, supporting clients from a range of industries on projects that included merger and acquisitions and business consulting. He earned a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Missouri and has been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 1983.

Mr. Camperlengo was named general counsel and secretary in May 2010. He became chief compliance officer and deputy general counsel in 2005, and has been a senior vice president of the Company since 2008. Mr. Camperlengo joined Gentiva in 2000 as senior counsel and held a number of increasingly important legal positions over the years. From November 2007 to May 2008, he served as vice president and chief compliance officer of Duane Reade Holdings, Inc., a retail pharmacy chain, and from 1992 to 2000, he held various legal and compliance positions with The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. John's University and a law degree from Seton Hall University. Mr. Camperlengo is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

About Gentiva Health Services, Inc.

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. is a leading provider of home health and hospice services, delivering innovative, high quality care to patients across the United States. Gentiva is a single source for skilled nursing; physical, occupational, speech and neurorehabilitation services; hospice services; social work; nutrition; disease management education; help with daily living activities; and other therapies and services. For more information, visit Gentiva's web site, http://www.gentiva.com, and its investor relations section at http://investors.gentiva.com. GTIV-G

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements contained in this news release, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "expects," "assumes," "trends" and similar expressions, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current plans, expectations and projections about future events. However, such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: economic and business conditions, including the ability to access capital markets; demographic changes; changes in, or failure to comply with, existing governmental regulations; the impact on our Company of recently passed healthcare reform legislation and its subsequent implementation through governmental regulations; changes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement levels; effects of competition in the markets in which the Company operates; liability and other claims asserted against the Company; ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; availability and terms of capital; loss of significant contracts or reduction in revenues associated with major payer sources; ability of customers to pay for services; business disruption due to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, or terrorist acts; ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquisitions the Company may make and achieve expected synergies and operational efficiencies within expected time-frames; effect on liquidity of the Company's debt service requirements; and changes in estimates and judgments associated with critical accounting policies and estimates. For a detailed discussion of certain of these and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in this news release, please refer to the Company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the "Risk Factors" section contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2010.

Gentiva(R) Health Services Completes Acquisition of Home Health Agency in Louisiana

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:03:03 +0000

Gentiva® Health Services Completes Acquisition of Home Health Agency in Louisiana

ATLANTA,, May 17, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTIV), a leading provider of home health and hospice services, announced today that it has completed its acquisition of the assets of United Home Care Group, a Medicare certified home health services business with six offices in the state of Louisiana. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

United Home Care Group, which operates under the names United Home Care Services and Care Partners, has been providing services in the state for approximately 20 years. In 2009 it had annual revenues of approximately $7.8 million. The acquisition adds 25 new parishes to Gentiva's current coverage area in Louisiana. Combined with the existing parishes previously covered, Gentiva can now provide home health services to approximately 85 percent of the state.

"The United Home Care Group acquisition significantly broadens our market position in Louisiana, a challenging market to enter," said Gentiva CEO and President Tony Strange. "We would like to extend a warm welcome to all United Home Care Services and Care Partners employees and we look forward to bringing our innovative specialty home health programs and other Gentiva services to patients in these markets."

The transaction is being funded from Gentiva's existing cash reserves. The acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on Gentiva's financial position or results of operations in 2010.

About Gentiva Health Services, Inc.

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. is a leading provider of home health and hospice services, delivering innovative, high quality care to patients across the United States. Gentiva is a single source for skilled nursing; physical, occupational, speech and neurorehabilitation services; hospice services; social work; nutrition; disease management education; help with daily living activities; and other therapies and services. For more information, visit Gentiva's web site, http://www.gentiva.com, and its investor relations section at http://investors.gentiva.com. GTIV-G

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements contained in this news release, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "expects," "assumes," "trends" and similar expressions, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current plans, expectations and projections about future events. However, such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: economic and business conditions, including the ability to access capital markets; demographic changes; changes in, or failure to comply with, existing governmental regulations; the impact on our Company of recently passed healthcare reform legislation and its subsequent implementation through governmental regulations; changes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement levels; effects of competition in the markets in which the Company operates; liability and other claims asserted against the Company; ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; availability and terms of capital; loss of significant contracts or reduction in revenues associated with major payer sources; ability of customers to pay for services; business disruption due to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, or terrorist acts; ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquisitions the Company may make and achieve expected synergies and operational efficiencies within expected time-frames; effect on liquidity of the Company's debt service requirements; and changes in estimates and judgments associated with critical accounting policies and estimates. For a detailed discussion of certain of these and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in this news release, please refer to the Company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the "Risk Factors" section contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2010.

Electric Boat Opens Pharmacy at Groton Shipyard with Walgreens Take Care Health Systems

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:51:58 +0000

Electric Boat Opens Pharmacy at Groton Shipyard with Walgreens Take Care Health Systems

GROTON, Conn., June 9, 2010 - General Dynamics Electric Boat, a leader in the design, construction and support of submarines for the U.S.Navy, officially opened an on-site pharmacy at its Groton, Conn. location that now offers employees, retirees and their dependents enrolled in the company�s health plan a highly accessible place to receive prescriptions and pharmacy services. The pharmacy will be managed by Take Care Health Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) and the largest and most comprehensive provider of convenient care clinics and worksite health and wellness centers in the country.

The new Electric Boat pharmacy, designed to provide greater convenience and cost savings for employees and the company, will serve approximately 14,000 people. This is the second pharmacy site Walgreens Take Care Health Systems and Electric Boat have made available for the company�s employees. The previous location opened in 2007 at Electric Boat�s Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island.

�The establishment of this pharmacy is an important part of Electric Boat�s comprehensive health and wellness initiative,� said Electric Boat Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, Bob Nardone. �Our goal is to provide greater convenience, lower costs for employees and the company, and an opportunity for our team members to work closely with an expert pharmacist who will be an important part of their individual health and wellness plan.�

Workplace-based pharmacies are increasingly seen by companies and their employees as a convenient, accessible and cost-effective vehicle for the delivery of high-quality services. By proactively managing the pharmaceutical needs of employee communities, these on-site programs help to mitigate the trend of escalating health care costs while also improving medication adherence. Non-adherence takes an economic toll on national health care spending, currently costing an estimated $100 billion a year.

�Electric Boat currently recognizes the benefits associated with a worksite pharmacy and we�re excited to expand our partnership and collaborate on a second location,� said Peter Hotz, Walgreens divisional vice president and president of Take Care Health Employer Solutions. �Worksite pharmacies enable ongoing communication and education between patients and pharmacists, create greater outcomes with medication adherence and demonstrate that when innovative companies like Electric Boat invest in employer health programs, patient results improve and savings are realized - creating the best outcomes for all parties.�

The pharmacy, which will be opened six days a week, is an extension of Electric Boat�s commitment to their employees health and well-being and their surrounding community.

About General Dynamics Electric Boat

General Dynamics Electric Boat, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has established standards of excellence in the design, construction and lifecycle support of submarines for the U.S. Navy. Primary operations are the shipyard in Groton, CT, and the automated hull-fabrication and outfitting facility in Quonset Point, RI, with a current workforce of more than 10,000 employees.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation�s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2009 sales of $63 billion. The company operates 7,522 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and services and cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services in America through its retail drugstores and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. The division includes Take Care Health Systems, the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

Walgreens Statement Regarding CVS Caremark's Recent Announcement

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:50:42 +0000

Walgreens Statement Regarding CVS Caremark's Recent Announcement

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 9, 2010 - Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) today issued the following statement from Kermit R. Crawford, executive vice president of pharmacy, regarding CVS Caremark's statement that it would terminate Walgreens participation in CVS Caremark's retail pharmacy networks effective 30 days from today:

"We are disappointed but not surprised that CVS Caremark has taken this action. In making our decision not to participate in any new and renewed plans by CVS Caremark, we sought to minimize any disruption to existing relationships between pharmacists and patients. CVS Caremark�s move plainly contradicts its own statement on June 7 that their mission is to provide broad access and choice for consumers. Their patent disregard for patient choice and broad access reflected in today�s decision reinforces our conviction that it would not have been in the best interests of our patients, pharmacists or shareholders to grow our business with CVS Caremark. Regardless of CVS Caremark�s decision, we are confident of our ability to continue to grow our business as a provider in hundreds of other pharmacy benefit networks and as a direct provider to employers."

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation�s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2009 sales of $63 billion. The company operates 7,522 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and services and cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services in America through its retail drugstores and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. The division includes Take Care Health Systems, the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

Walgreens Will Not Participate in Future CVS Caremark Pharmacy Network Plans

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:48:26 +0000

Walgreens Will Not Participate in Future CVS Caremark Pharmacy Network Plans

�Decision will impact new and renewed plans by CVS Caremark
�Existing CVS Caremark plans that include Walgreens in pharmacy network will not be affected until time of renewal

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 7, 2010 - In a letter today to CVS Caremark Corp. (NYSE: CVS), Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) said that it will not participate as a provider in any new and renewed prescription drug plans awarded after June 7 to CVS Caremark�s pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). The company said it had concluded that it was no longer in the best interests of its customers, pharmacists and shareholders to grow its future business with CVS Caremark. Current CVS Caremark plans in which Walgreens is already a pharmacy provider will not be affected.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions

�Walgreens participates in hundreds of pharmacy benefit networks, which serve an important function in the marketplace by providing comprehensive access to prescription services for patients in prescription drug plans across the country,� said Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson. �Unfortunately, as a result of CVS Caremark�s pharmacy benefit management practices toward Walgreens, it no longer makes good business sense for Walgreens to be part of their network for new and renewed plans. We will continue to participate in current CVS Caremark plans to provide continuity of care and service to our pharmacy patients.�

In its letter to CVS Caremark informing the company of its decision, Walgreens stated the following:

�CVS Caremark�s promotion of prescription drug plan designs such as Maintenance Choice disrupts networks by requiring patients with chronic conditions in many plans to use CVS pharmacies or Caremark mail service facilities for their prescriptions instead of Walgreens. This limits patient choice and ends up separating patients from community pharmacists they know and trust at a Walgreens drugstore.
�Currently, Walgreens receives no or little information when a CVS Caremark prescription drug plan is transferred to a different and differently-priced CVS Caremark pharmacy network, or when CVS Caremark acquires a new prescription drug plan as a client. Because of this, it is difficult to assess and decide in advance whether Walgreens should participate in new or altered CVS Caremark prescription drug plans.
�The growing unpredictability of CVS Caremark reimbursement rates to Walgreens, and the fact that CVS Caremark�s payments for certain drugs often don�t reflect the market, has made it unacceptably difficult for Walgreens to reasonably and economically plan for and operate its business.
�In the three years since the CVS-Caremark merger, it has become increasingly clear to us that Caremark�s approach to Walgreens as a community pharmacy within CVS Caremark�s retail network has fundamentally changed, and we are no longer viewed as a valued community pharmacy within its PBM network,� said Kermit R. Crawford, Walgreens executive vice president of pharmacy. �In that time, we have come to feel that CVS Caremark�s pharmacy benefit management practices are inconsistent with the value we provide as the largest pharmacy provider in its network and the services we deliver to patients, employers and payers. These services include our trusted pharmacists and clinicians who stand ready to deliver critical health care advice, convenient locations with drive-thru pharmacies and 24-hour pharmacies that provide access to emergency medications. Consequently, we have reached a point where participation in future CVS Caremark plans no longer makes sense for us.�

With more than 7,500 drugstores across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, Walgreens operates pharmacies within five miles of nearly eight in 10 Americans.

Walgreens also operates the most 24-hour and drive-thru pharmacies and a fully integrated online pharmacy to offer patients unmatched access to pharmacy care.

�We look forward to continuing to work with the many companies who value Walgreens services and are seeking to provide health and wellness solutions,� said Wasson. �We are confident we deliver value both to our patients and to pharmacy and health care payers, and we look forward to continuing to do so.�

Walgreens will hold a conference call to discuss today�s announcement beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time today, June 7. The conference call will be simulcast through Walgreens investor relations website at http://investor.walgreens.com. A replay of the conference call will be archived on the website for 12 months after the call. A podcast also will be available on the investor relations website.

The replay will be available from noon Eastern time, June 7, through June 14 by calling 888-203-1112 within the U.S. and Canada, or 719-457-0820 outside the U.S. and Canada, using replay code 1348013.

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation�s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2009 sales of $63 billion. The company operates 7,522 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and services and cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services in America through its retail drugstores and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. The division includes Take Care Health Systems, the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The following factors could cause results to differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements: competition, risks of new business areas, and changes in federal or state legislation or regulations. Investors are referred to the �Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements� in the Company�s most recent Form 10-K, which Note is incorporated into this news release by reference.

CVS/pharmacy Launches 'To Your Health' Program in Washington D.C. Area, Providing Free Health Screenings

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:32:00 +0000

CVS/pharmacy Launches 'To Your Health' Program in Washington D.C. Area, Providing Free Health Screenings

Dr. Ian Smith, nationally known doctor and diet expert, headlines first health event on June 12
Program provides free comprehensive health risk assessments and screenings

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --CVS/pharmacy, the nation's leading retail pharmacy, brings its "To Your Health" community wellness program to the Washington, D.C. area. About 100 events are planned at various CVS/pharmacy retail locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia starting June 12 and running through early September. The health programs, also taking place this year in Atlanta and Philadelphia, offer free comprehensive health risk assessments and screenings to help improve access to preventive care to residents in urban and African American communities. The free comprehensive health risk assessments and screenings are valued at $150.

Dr. Ian Smith, a nationally recognized doctor, author and diet expert, will appear at one of the first To Your Health events in the D.C. area on Saturday, June 12. Dr. Smith will kick-off the program at the CVS/pharmacy located at 110 Carroll Street NW, Washington, D.C. The event will be held from 12 - 4 p.m. Dr. Ian will be present from 12 - 2 p.m. to offer his expertise and inspire participants to take control of their health.

"Preventive care is an important part, if not the most important part, of staying healthy and curbing the onset of chronic diseases like diabetes," said Dr. Smith. "I am excited to be working with CVS/pharmacy as a partner of The 50 Million Pound Challenge and applaud their efforts to make preventive care services more accessible to the people of Washington, D.C. and beyond. The screenings To Your Health offers will provide citizens with a snapshot of their health based on blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels which is key in determining potential risk for serious health conditions."

The events provide diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and osteoporosis screenings, and also examine patients for oral care, provide referrals for mammograms and pap smears. Additionally, physicians are on hand to help patients interpret results and provide counsel on next steps. In particular, CVS/pharmacy hopes to address critical health issues among African Americans, who often have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure. For example, the rate of diabetes among African Americans is 11.8% (vs. 6.6% of non-Hispanic whites), according to the American Diabetes Association.

In 2009, over 195,000 people were screened at similar free CVS/pharmacy health events for the Hispanic community across the country and serious health concerns were detected in an alarmingly high percentage of participants. Of the individuals screened:

�33 percent had high cholesterol
�36 percent had a high to moderate risk of developing osteoporosis
�28 percent had hypertension
�22 percent had diabetes, with more than half being diagnosed with diabetes for the first time

For more information, and a full calendar of To Your Health events, please go to www.toyourhealthusa.com or call 888-604-0333.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy is the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). The Company operates more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at http://www.cvscaremark.com/.

About The 50 Million Pound Challenge

Dr. Ian Smith's 50 Million Pound Challenge is a call-to-action for all Americans to come together and help people take control of their health by getting fit, losing excess weight and turning back the deadly toll of weight-related diseases that threaten nearly half of us. The Challenge is a campaign supported and endorsed by leaders across the community and national civic and health organizations.

About Dr. Ian Smith

Dr. Ian is the creator and founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge. He is currently the medical/diet expert on VH1's "The Celebrity Fit Club" and a medical contributor on "Rachael Ray." He also hosts "Healthwatch," on American Urban Radio Networks. Dr. Smith is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Extreme Fat Smash Diet and The Fat Smash Diet, the New York Times bestseller The 4 Day Diet, as well as other works of fiction and non-fiction. His seventh book, Happy, was recently published by St. Martin's Press. Dr. Ian has filed reports and written for NBC Nightly News, Today Show, Essence, Ebony, People, Cosmopolitan and University of Chicago's Medicine on the Midway.

CVS Caremark Announces Plan To Remove Walgreens From PBM Pharmacy Network and Transition Pharmacy Care To Participating Providers

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:30:37 +0000

CVS Caremark Announces Plan To Remove Walgreens From PBM Pharmacy Network and Transition Pharmacy Care To Participating Providers

Walgreens' Demands Would Have Increased Pharmacy Costs For Payors and Plan Members

WOONSOCKET, R.I., June 9, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS) today announced that, while it has worked diligently to come to terms with Walgreens on an agreement that would allow Walgreens to continue as a member of the CVS Caremark PBM pharmacy network, it has no choice but to terminate Walgreens' participation in its retail pharmacy networks effective 30 days from today, or as otherwise may be required by applicable law or contract requirements. In addition, CVS Caremark will terminate Walgreens' participation in its Medicare Part D retail pharmacy networks effective January 1, 2011. CVS Caremark said that Walgreens' most recent actions have violated the terms of its existing agreements and that Walgreens has failed to respond to efforts by CVS Caremark to continue business negotiations.

CVS Caremark has been negotiating in good faith with Walgreens over the past several months with the objective of reaching an agreement that would appropriately balance providing consumer access and managing pharmacy costs for CVS Caremark's PBM clients and their members. While Walgreens already receives comparable reimbursement rates to those of other large national retail chains, including CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens has continued to seek higher reimbursement rates and announced on June 7, 2010 that it would not participate in CVS Caremark PBM networks going forward for members covered under new or renewal plans. In order to minimize patient disruption and provide network stability, CVS Caremark's agreements with Walgreens and other retail pharmacies do not permit network participation on a selective basis.

Per Lofberg, President of CVS Caremark's pharmacy benefit management business, said, "Walgreens' announcement was nothing more than a transparent attempt to try to raise the pharmacy reimbursement rates it receives from CVS Caremark. We've seen Walgreens use this approach in the past, targeting employers, health insurers, government entities and other plan sponsors. We believe this approach is totally contrary to the needs of our clients who are all struggling to keep pharmacy health care affordable in today's challenging environment."

Tom Ryan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CVS Caremark, commented, "As the nation's largest pharmacy services company, CVS Caremark is committed to being responsive to our clients needs and offering them innovative health solutions that reduce costs, improve health care outcomes and provide broad access and choice to consumers. Our network of participating pharmacies is currently the largest ever maintained by our PBM business, with more than 64,000 participants, only 7,000 of which are Walgreens stores."

In fact, when Walgreens is included in the CVS Caremark pharmacy network 85.9% of members on a national basis have access to a network pharmacy within a 3 mile radius of where they live. When Walgreens is excluded from the network that number changes negligibly to 85.7%.

"We regret any inconvenience this change may have on plan members who currently fill their prescriptions at Walgreens but are confident that through our remaining valued network partners, we will continue to provide excellent geographic coverage for our clients and their members across the country," Ryan added. "We will continue to provide convenient and affordable pharmacy care to members, and we are committed to a smooth transition of affected members to other pharmacy providers in our networks."

About the Company:

CVS Caremark is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. Through our integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care, we are uniquely positioned to provide greater access to engage plan members in behaviors that improve their health, and to lower overall health care costs for health plans, plan sponsors and their members. CVS Caremark is a market leader in mail order pharmacy, retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and retail clinics, and is a leading provider of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. As one of the country's largest pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), we provide access to a network of more than 64,000 pharmacies, including over 7,000 CVS/pharmacy® stores that provide unparalleled service and capabilities. Our clinical expertise includes one of the industry's most comprehensive disease management programs. General information about CVS Caremark is available through the Company's website at http://info.cvscaremark.com

Forward-looking statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company strongly recommends that you become familiar with the specific risks and uncertainties outlined under the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and under the caption "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward Looking Statements" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

Logitech Announces Resignation of CMO David Henry

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:16:00 +0000

Logitech Announces Resignation of CMO David Henry

FREMONT, Calif., June 8, 2010 and ROMANEL-SUR-MORGES, Switzerland, June 9, 2010 � Logitech International (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI) today announced that David Henry, senior vice president of customer experience and chief marketing officer, plans to leave the company. Mr. Henry, who has been with Logitech since 2001, will lead the recruitment process for his successor and remain with the company until approximately October 2010.

�David Henry has made a significant contribution to Logitech over the last nine years, first as the general manager of our largest business unit and more recently as our CMO,� said Gerald P. Quindlen, Logitech president and chief executive officer. �I am very grateful to David for his many contributions to Logitech and I am pleased that David has agreed to help us identify Logitech�s next chief marketing officer over the next few months as we stretch the company in new directions and reach new consumers with innovative products for the digital living room and the mobile lifestyle.�

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech's combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

# # #

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company�s Web site at www.logitech.com.

Express Your Inner Self with the Logitech Fantasy Collection

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:15:00 +0000

Express Your Inner Self with the Logitech Fantasy Collection

Popular Logitech Products in Fantastical Colors, Imaginative Patterns Set Your Imagination Free

FREMONT, Calif. � May 26, 2010 � Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) introduced the Logitech� Fantasy Collection, a range of products in brilliant colors and fanciful patterns inspired by trends in fashion and pop culture that combine storybook fancy with dark mystery. The collection lets you express your personality and create a world that�s distinctively yours with computer accessories as unique as you are.

�With the Fantasy Collection, we add a little fun and inspiration to some of our most popular, affordable and easy-to-use computer peripherals,� said Rory Dooley, Logitech�s senior vice president and general manager of the Control Devices business unit. �Our inspired colors and patterns bring a bit of fantasy into your world. With so many to choose from, you�re destined to find one that inspires you.�

Colorful Twists and Playful Patterns
The Fantasy Collection is made up of a diverse mix of colors and patterns � including Fleur Dark, Blue Swirl and Pink Balance to name a few � all designed to set your imagination free.

With ornate and intricate patterns and architectural flourishes, the mysterious and elegant Fleur Dark evokes a sense of motion and moodiness that adds an edgy elegance to your computer. The subtle design and simple colors of Fleur Dark pair well with other products from the Fantasy Collection or with any of Logitech�s products.

Blue Swirl is an invitation to let go. Asymmetric, overlapping rings � inspired by the ripple effect from a single raindrop on a still pond � invite you to go with the flow. This calming yet energetic pattern is designed to pair well with the Peacock Blue products of the Fantasy Collection.

Pink Balance is inspired by an aerialist twirling high above the crowd. This playful pattern is designed to add fun and daring to any computer. The design provides a whimsical balance when paired with Dusty Rose products in the collection.

The Fantasy Collection offers many additional patterns and colors across a broad range of Logitech products, including mice, portable lapdesks, and a wireless keyboard and cooling pad, among others.
For information on which products you�ll find in each color and pattern, please visit www.logitech.com/fantasycollection.

Pricing and Availability
The Fantasy Collection offers you personal expression at an affordable price, with most pieces of the collection priced below U.S. $29.99. The new designs will be available in late May in the U.S. and many countries in Latin America, and will launch in Europe later this summer. Visit www.logitech.com/fantasycollection for more information.

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech�s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

# # #

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the Company�s Web site at www.logitech.com.

Industry Leaders Announce Open Platform to Bring Web to TV

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:14:15 +0000

Industry Leaders Announce Open Platform to Bring Web to TV

Google, Intel, Logitech and Sony Join Together to Deliver Google TV Platform

DISH Network, Best Buy, Adobe to Support Bringing Devices to Market

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (May 20, 2010) � Today at the Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco, leading industry players announced the development of Google TV�an open platform that adds the power of the web to the television viewing experience, ushering in a new category of devices for the living room. Intel, Sony, and Logitech, together with Best Buy, DISH Network and Adobe, joined Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) on stage to announce their support for Google TV.

Over the past decade, the Internet has created unprecedented opportunity for innovation and development across the world, but so far the web has largely been absent from living rooms. With Google TV, consumers will now be able to search and watch an expanded universe of content available from a variety of sources including TV providers, the web, their personal content libraries, and mobile applications.

Search across TV, Web, and Apps
Google TV is based on the Android platform and runs the Google Chrome web browser. Users can access all of their usual TV channels as well as a world of Internet and cloud-based information and applications, including rich Adobe� Flash based content � all from the comfort of their own living room and with the same simplicity as browsing the web. When coupled with the Intel� Atom� processor CE4100, Intel�s latest system-on-a-chip designed specifically for consumer electronics, the new platform will offer home theatre quality A/V performance. Sony and Logitech said they would be delivering products based on the new Intel Atom processor and running Google TV later this year. While Google TV is designed to work with any TV operator, at launch the user experience will be fully optimized when paired with DISH Network.

Google TV expands video choice from the hundreds of channels available today through a pay TV provider to the vast storehouse of video content available through the web and streaming videos. The Google TV experience is complemented by the ability to watch streaming video from leading content platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and YouTube. Google TV will also have the capability to run apps from the Android Market.

To navigate the array of content that will now be available through a single device and on a single screen, Google TV introduces an integrated search experience to help viewers easily find relevant content across over-the-air and pay-TV channel listings, DVR, and the Internet, as well as a picture-in-picture layout to access multiple windows simultaneously. Google TV also features an innovative home screen to help viewers quickly organize their favorite content and personalize their TV viewing experience. Some of these features are only available with advanced integration from DISH Network.

Broad Alliance of Industry Leaders
Eric Schmidt, Google Chairman and CEO said, �We are very proud to be working with this distinguished set of partners, all of whom have decades of experience in hardware, design and retail.�

Sony announced plans to introduce �Sony Internet TV,� the World�s first TV lineup incorporating the Google TV platform. The first models are planned to be introduced in the U.S. market in the Fall of 2010 with the lineup featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.

Howard Stringer, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Corporation said, �I am delighted to announce the unique alignment of Google�s rapidly growing, open source Android platform with Sony�s unparalleled expertise in the field of TV design and technology. The addition of �Sony Internet TV� will further bolster Sony�s comprehensive TV lineup and will fuse new levels of enjoyment and interactivity into the TV experience.�

Logitech will introduce a companion box that brings Google TV to existing HDTV home entertainment systems, easily integrating with any brand of HDTV and set-top box. The companion box will incorporate Logitech�s Harmony� remote control technology, and will include a controller that combines keyboard and remote control capabilities. The company also has plans to introduce an HDTV camera and video chat for Google TV, along with additional choices for navigation and control, including apps to turn a smart phone into an advanced controller for Google TV and home-entertainment systems.

Gerald Quindlen, President and CEO, Logitech said, �We committed to Google TV early on because it aligns with our strategy to support open platforms that enable new immersive experiences in the digital living room. While Google TV enables seamless discovery of all your content, Logitech enables seamless control over how you experience that content. We look forward to continued collaboration with Google and the developer community to create new Google TV experiences that have yet to be imagined.�

The Intel Atom CE4100 processor will power both the Logitech and Sony devices. Paul Otellini, Intel President and CEO praised the collaborative effort and said TV as we know it was being �reinvented.� �Today marks the next step in the evolution of TV. TV�s are becoming smarter as a result of the microprocessor and the Internet. Traditional TV programming will be merged seamlessly with the infinite amount of content on the Internet to enable every viewer to determine what they want to watch, when they want it. This is Moore�s Law transforming television, powered by the performance of Intel microprocessors.�

DISH Network has been a key partner with Google on advanced integration development for Google TV. The two partners began a joint trial over a year ago with more than 400 DISH Network and Google beta users. Based on the continuous feedback from the trial, Google and DISH Network have built the optimized Google TV experience that seamlessly integrates traditional TV, DVR and web content.

Charlie Ergen, Chairman, President and CEO of DISH Network, said, �Google TV marks the next evolution in television, and we are excited to be the first to partner with Google to bring this experience to our customers. Only DISH Network Google TV customers will be able to enjoy a unified search across TV, DVR and web; easily find related content; and manage their entire TV viewing experience. Additionally, the advanced integration will allow developers to create new and exciting applications to enrich the TV viewing experience.�

Best Buy will bring their retail experience and consumer expertise to the project, with Google TV devices being sold at Best Buy locations nationwide later this year. �Every day, our 180,000 Blue Shirt store employees and Geek Squad Agents work with our customers to get them the best home theater experience possible�, said Brian Dunn, CEO Best Buy, �We are thrilled about the new and exciting experiences smart TVs, like Google TV, provide to our customers - and we are looking forward to showcasing those experiences in our store and ensuring customers get connected to all the products and services that bring those experiences to life.�

Finally, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 will be integrated directly into the Google Chrome browser on Google TV, enabling viewers to experience tens of millions of web pages with rich Flash content including games, animations, applications, videos, audio and more. Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO, Adobe said, �An open web ecosystem offers endless opportunities for creativity and innovation. Flash Player 10.1 extends the advantages of full web browsing and consistent, rich experiences to smartphones, tablets, netbooks and Internet-connected TVs. We�re thrilled to be part of the Google TV initiative with other industry leaders who share a common vision of enabling access to the best web experiences possible.�

Opportunity for Developers
The demonstration at I/O highlighted the unique opportunity developers have to help shape the future of Google TV. Today Google announced that they would soon release a set of TV specific APIs for web applications, encouraging web developers to begin building unique web applications for use on television sets. Later this year Google will also release an updated Android SDK, which will support applications built for Google TV.

Google also plans to open source the Google TV platform to help spur innovation in the industry and so that other developers can benefit from the project. The long term goal is to collaborate with the entire developer community to help drive entertainment in the living room forward and to introduce the next generation of TV-watching experience.

For more information about the project visit google.com/tv.

About Google
Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Google�s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

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 www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech�s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

About Sony
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

Logitech and its LifeSize Communications Division Join UCIF to Advance Unified Communications Interoperability

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:13:52 +0000

Logitech and its LifeSize Communications Division Join UCIF to Advance Unified Communications Interoperability

Forum to Enable Interoperability of Unified Communications Hardware and Software Through Inter-vendor Openness and Collaboration

FREMONT, Calif. � May 19, 2010 � Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today announced that, along with its LifeSize Communications division, it is a founding member of the newly formed Unified Communications Interoperability Forum (UCIF), a non-profit alliance of worldwide technology leaders working together to fully realize the potential of unified communications (UC). The UCIF is designed to help global businesses be more productive by enabling standards-based, cross-vendor interoperability of UC hardware and software across enterprises, service providers and consumer clouds.

Logitech / LifeSize is joined by founding members HP, Juniper Networks, Microsoft and Polycom, as well as contributing participants Acme Packet, Aspect, AudioCodes, Broadcom, BroadSoft, Brocade, ClearOne, Jabra, Plantronics, RADVISION, Siemens Enterprise Communications, and Teliris. The UCIF was founded with the recognition that seamless interoperability based on open standards is one of the key requirements to drive UC further into today�s enterprises. Member companies will collaborate to overcome existing interoperability barriers to widespread UC adoption and deliver a reliable and rich UC experience, with the goal of propelling worldwide enterprise UC adoption.

�Logitech and LifeSize believe in a future where video communication is as easy as making a telephone call, where communicating with someone from across the globe is as effective as sitting across the table in the same room � a future that can only be achieved with seamless interoperability within multi-vendor environments,� said Matt Collier, senior vice president of corporate development at LifeSize Communications. �We are firmly committed to driving innovation and collaborating with fellow UCIF members to establish industry standards that will help realize the true potential of unified communications, and ensure that the experience is effortless and natural for anyone, anywhere.�

�Interoperability is not only critical to customer success for deploying unified communications but intrinsic to the delivery of legacy, current and next-generation UC tools, services and infrastructure from multiple vendors. Until now, efforts to achieve interoperability have appeared ad-hoc, which has given customers little assurance that their existing and planned investments are protected and will deliver the value promised,� said Jonathan Edwards, research analyst, Unified Communications, IDC. �I�m delighted to see Logitech / LifeSize take a leading role by joining the UCIF. Together, these companies will help drive industrywide adoption of open standards and develop programs that put accountability on the vendors and provide peace of mind and investment protection for end customers � something that will surely accelerate adoption of UC technologies.�

The UCIF will work with existing industry standards, identifying and filling the gaps between current protocols and interoperability issues that have stalled broad adoption and deployment of valuable communications methods. UCIF membership is open to hardware and software solution providers, service providers and network operators.

Learn more about Logitech / LifeSize�s role in UCIF at Blog.Logitech and http://www.lifesize.com/ucif. For more information or to join the UCIF, visit www.ucif.org.

About the UCI Forum
The Unified Communications Interoperability Forum (UCIF) is a non-profit alliance of worldwide communications technology leaders working together to realize the potential of unified communications (UC) by increasing efficiency, decreasing implementation costs and improving the interoperability experience for UC customers. The UCIF�s vision is to enable interoperability of standards-based UC hardware and software across enterprises, service providers, and consumer clouds, as a means of generating incremental business opportunity for all stakeholders in the ecosystem and of increasing the business use of UC technologies and services. The UCIF creates and tests interoperability profiles, implementation guidelines and best practices for interoperability between UC products and existing communications and business applications. Visit www.ucif.org to learn more.

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech�s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

About LifeSize Communications
LifeSize Communications is a world leader in high definition video communications and telepresence. Founded by industry veterans in 2003, LifeSize pioneered high definition video communications to make communicating at a distance as natural and effective as being in the same room, for anyone, anywhere. LifeSize became a division of Logitech in December 2009, sharing a vision of everywhere there is voice there should be video. More information about LifeSize can be found at http://www.lifesize.com.

# # #

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company�s Web site at www.logitech.com. LifeSize, the LifeSize logo and other LifeSize marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of LifeSize Communications Inc.

RedPrairie appoints new President, Americas and President, Global Operations

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:15:21 +0000

RedPrairie appoints new President, Americas and President, Global Operations

Joe Juliano named President, Americas and Doug Braun named President, Global Operations

June 8, 2010 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. � RedPrairie Corporation, a productivity solutions provider, announced today the appointment of Joe Juliano to the position of President, Americas and Doug Braun to the position of President, Global Operations. Both will report to CEO, Mike Mayoras, and are members of RedPrairie�s Executive Leadership Team.

Juliano will be responsible for RedPrairie�s sales and services organization in the Americas region. He comes to RedPrairie with over 20 years of leadership experience in the technology and services sector. Most recently he served as CEO of PrimeRevenue, Inc., which was named "World's Best Supply Chain Finance Provider" by Global Finance Magazine. Juliano has also served in senior-level software sales executive and management roles at Ariba, Inc., Freemarkets, Inc., Metiom (formerly Intelisys), and Telesis Software, Inc. Juliano also sits on the Board of Directors at Agentek and PrimeRevenue, Inc.

Braun, a 16 year RedPrairie veteran, will now serve as President, Global Operations. He will be responsible for coordinating product development with sales and services, growing hosting and managed services, and creating a consistent framework for services delivery, among other accountabilities.

�Strong and effective leaders are critical to the growth of our company and I�m pleased to welcome Joe to RedPrairie and announce Doug�s new role,� says Mayoras. �Throughout their careers, Joe and Doug have successfully built high-performing teams that are extremely customer-focused. Both have a keen sense of how technology can make businesses more productive, competitive, and efficient � and I look forward to working with them in their new roles.�

Juliano adds, �I was drawn to RedPrairie because of their commitment to strong customer relationships, high-impact solution suite, and clear strategic vision. I look forward to working with the Americas team to help our customers continue to derive significant value from our broad range of productivity solutions.�

�RedPrairie is in the position to take customer-focused development and delivery to the next level,� says Doug Braun. �The multi-disciplinary Global Operations team will be focused on defining the delivery models, processes, product functionality, and support structures that will make our customers even more successful.�

About RedPrairie Corporation

RedPrairie delivers productivity solutions to help companies around the world in three categories � workforce, inventory and transportation. RedPrairie provides these solutions to manufacturers, distributors and retailers looking to support business strategies that increase revenue, reduce costs and create competitive advantage.

With over 20 global offices and solutions that are installed at more than 34,000 customer sites in over 40 countries, companies trust RedPrairie workforce, inventory and transportation solutions to deliver an increase in productivity � with the flexibility to adapt as business needs change.

At RedPrairie, we understand today�s operational demands and we�re committed to delivering solutions that work. We�re committed to delivering solutions for the real world.

For additional information, call 1.877.733.7724, or visit RedPrairie.com.

RedPrairie is a registered trademark of RedPrairie Corporation.
E2e is a trademark of RedPrairie Corporation.
� 2010 RedPrairie Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Other product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

DSC Logistics manages client success with RedPrairie Workforce Management

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:14:03 +0000

DSC Logistics manages client success with RedPrairie Workforce Management

Leading third-party logistics provider leverages solution in 20 distribution centers

MILWAUKEE, Wis. � RedPrairie Corporation, a productivity solutions provider, announced today that DSC Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider (3PL), has rolled out RedPrairie�s Workforce Management solution at 20 of its Logistics Centers across the U.S. DSC is using the solution to manage operations for a number of its customers, including Kimberly Clark.

�We originally selected RedPrairie after evaluating a number of different solutions,� says Jim Chamberlain, DSC Director of Engineering. �We found Workforce Management�s functionality to be the best of those we considered. We were especially interested in the solution�s engineered standards, which we are using to improve workforce productivity at a number of our larger warehouses.�

Chamberlain adds, �Special credit goes to RedPrairie�s services team, who worked with our engineers to show them how to install the system on their own. RedPrairie implemented Workforce Management at the first three sites, and enabled us to handle the remaining seventeen.�

�DSC Logistics is a true leader in the 3PL market,� says RedPrairie CEO Mike Mayoras. �Their involvement in the implementation process, like all of our logistics customers, shows a high degree of sophistication in pushing the supply chain operations envelope.�

About RedPrairie Corporation

RedPrairie delivers productivity solutions to help companies around the world in three categories � workforce, inventory and transportation. RedPrairie provides these solutions to manufacturers, distributors and retailers looking to support business strategies that increase revenue, reduce costs and create competitive advantage.

With over 20 global offices and solutions that are installed at more than 34,000 customer sites in over 40 countries, companies trust RedPrairie workforce, inventory and transportation solutions to deliver an increase in productivity � with the flexibility to adapt as business needs change.

At RedPrairie, we understand today�s operational demands and we�re committed to delivering solutions that work. We�re committed to delivering solutions for the real world.

For additional information, call 1.877.733.7724, or visit RedPrairie.com.

RedPrairie is a registered trademark of RedPrairie Corporation.
E2e is a trademark of RedPrairie Corporation.
� 2010 RedPrairie Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Other product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Majority of Insured Consumers Satisfied With Current Health Plan

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:43:23 +0000

Majority of Insured Consumers Satisfied With Current Health Plan - But Concerned About Changes Health Care Reform Act May Bring

Deloitte Survey: 61 percent of respondents are knowledgeable of the Health Reform Act; 38 percent are not

WASHINGTON, D.C. June 10, 2010 — Of the 82 percent of consumers surveyed who consider themselves “well” or “adequately” insured, nearly all (96 percent) are somewhat or very satisfied with their health plans overall, according to a new Deloitte poll. Many are concerned the new health reform law will bring about significant changes to their current coverage. Of those enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans, 61 percent believe their employer will reduce benefits for dependents and retirees and 32 percent think employers will probably pay the penalty and discontinue health coverage for employees altogether.

“Anxiety about current and future health insurance coverage will continue to be a major issue for American consumers as health care reform is implemented nationally,” stated Paul Keckley, Ph.D., executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. “For example, our research shows that consumers who are covered through Medicare are more highly satisfied with their health care services than those in employer-sponsored plans.”

Among survey respondents who consider themselves “very knowledgeable” about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, many also indicated concerns over the impact of health reform on access to quality health care. They believe that some hospitals and medical practices will close (72 percent) and that their employers may drop their coverage (51 percent).

The cost of care is also an issue for the majority of consumers. Survey respondents anticipate increases in taxes (76 percent), health insurance costs, including premiums and out-of pocket expenses (65 percent), hospitals and physicians services (66 percent), and the cost of medications (54 percent) as reform is implemented.

Age is a major factor contributing to opinions about health care reform. In general, younger adults are more positive about health reform than older consumers. According to the survey, more than half (51 percent) of 18-34 year-olds believe that the reform bill will reduce health care costs in the long term, compared to respondents 45-54 years old (23 percent), 55-64 years old (36 percent), and 65 years old and above (30 percent).

“Younger consumers are beginning to embrace a new norm for health care,” said Keckley. “Those in the younger age groups, (18-44 years old), are increasingly aware that the health care reform process has many moving parts and that they may find themselves entering into a new pact with employers.”

The Deloitte survey also identified that consumers with employer-sponsored coverage seem to be the most skeptical and expect to experience negative impacts from the implementation of reform. This segment of survey respondents agree with the following:

The cost of the health reform act will be higher than expected (82 percent), which is significantly different from those who are individually insured (68 percent).
The health reform act will not reduce health care costs in the long-term (58 percent), which is significantly different from the uninsured (43 percent).
Employers will pass the increased cost of health benefits through to their employees (80 percent).
“Our research indicates that health insurance plans and employers may need to collaborate more than ever to help ease the anxiety of plan participants and employees as new health reform measures are implemented,” said John T. Bigalke, vice chairman and Deloitte’s health sciences and government industry leader.

Additional key findings from the survey include:

Eighty-four percent of all consumers surveyed have health insurance.
More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed believe that incentives for doctors and hospitals to use electronic medical records will be effective or very effective at improving the overall performance of the health care system.
Cutting the rate of growth of Medicare costs will be only somewhat or not effective at improving the overall performance of the health care system according to 60 percent of those surveyed.

Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed believe the issue is not whether an organization is for-profit or not-for-profit — it’s what they do that matters.
Sixty-one percent of respondents agree that a mix of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations stimulates positive competition and innovation.

Methodology:
This survey was conducted via telephone interviews within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions from May 21-24, 2010 among 1,019 adults ages 18 years old and above. Results were weighted to reflect the U.S. adult population. The survey results have a sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

About Deloitte
As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Deloitte Webcast Poll: More Than Three-Quarters of Respondents Are Concerned with Risk of Procurement Fraud

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:40:26 +0000

Deloitte Webcast Poll: More Than Three-Quarters of Respondents Are Concerned with Risk of Procurement Fraud

NEW YORK, June 8, 2010 � More than three-quarters of business professionals (76 percent) polled during a Deloitte webcast about procurement fraud expressed concern about the risk of procurement fraud occurring within their organizations and/or the vendors with whom their organizations work.

More than half of the respondents (52 percent) chose solicitation/negotiation as the procurement lifecycle activity that posed the greatest risk for fraud. Almost one-quarter of respondents (24 percent) separately thought contract performance was the procurement lifecycle activity presenting the greatest risk for fraud.

�Instances of fraud and corruption in the procurement cycle can be difficult to detect, prove or prosecute, but opportunities for fraud exist throughout the cycle, and factors leading to procurement fraud are often exacerbated during challenging economic times,� said Bill Pollard, partner, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP (Deloitte FAS). �While the risk of supply chain fraud cannot be eliminated entirely, companies can take steps designed to reduce the risks, including company-level anti-fraud controls and risk-specific anti-fraud controls.�

Respondents were divided on which activity of an effective procurement fraud compliance program they think is most often overlooked by companies; 27 percent pointed to monitoring the procurement process, 21 percent indicated assessing/monitoring controls and 19 percent said hiring the right people and establishing the right company culture were most overlooked.

Almost three-quarters of respondents (72 percent) said their companies have an effective whistleblower program in place so employees and/or vendors can report concerns about potential procurement fraud.
�The repercussions of procurement fraud can be severe, including not only impact on cash flows but also damage to an organization�s reputation and brand. Working in tandem with employees and having a whistleblower system in place can be critical in helping to identify and mitigate procurement fraud risk,� said Pat Nigro, director, Deloitte FAS.

About the Poll
Approximately 1,675 business professionals from the banking and securities, consumer business, energy and resources, financial services, health care providers, health sciences and government, insurance, life sciences and health care, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and distribution, technology, media and telecommunications industries responded to the online polling questions during an April 2010 Deloitte webcast, �Procurement Fraud: A Multi-Faceted Challenge.�

About Deloitte
As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP (and its subsidiaries). Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Last Updated: Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Deloitte Enhances LDC Suite� Software to Support Loss Share Reporting

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:33:09 +0000

Deloitte Enhances LDC Suite� Software to Support Loss Share Reporting

NEW YORK, June 8, 2010 � Deloitte today announced it has enhanced its LDC Suite� software to also help acquiring institutions in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-assisted transactions in meeting their loss share reporting requirements. The software was originally designed to assist banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions that purchase distressed debt with their accounting for loans and debt securities that fall within the scope of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 03-3 (SOP 03-3), Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer (as codified in ASC 310-30).

�We believe that having a common database platform to address these two challenging topics � loss share reporting and distressed debt accounting � creates efficiency and helps to reduce risk through data consistency and reduced system-to-system interfaces,� said Hillel Caplan, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and leader of the LDC Suite practice.

�We have been providing a variety of software solutions to financial institutions around the world for more than two decades. Our deep experience with technology-based solutions, coupled with the specialized technical knowledge of our loss share reporting advisory team and accounting practitioners, allowed us to develop a unique product with significant value for the market,� Caplan added.

Dennis Kiefer, director, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP and leader of the loss share reporting advisory practice, added, �Clients using manual or ad-hoc processes for tracking and reporting information on acquired loans have found the administrative and compliance burdens to be significant. LDC Suite allows companies to keep their attention focused on the assets rather than the process.�

LDC Suite is a SQL database application and is already licensed to companies throughout the United States.

More information about LDC Suite, as well as information about whether the software and/or related services are appropriate for an organization, may be obtained via a Deloitte representative.

�LDC Suite� is a trademark of Deloitte Development LLC, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP, and is licensed to clients by Deloitte & Touche Products Company LLC, a subsidiary of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

About Deloitte
As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP and Deloitte Services LP, separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

www.deloitte.com/us/lossshare

Last Updated: Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Deloitte Launches New Federal Energy Management / Sustainability Initiative

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:16:35 +0000

Deloitte Launches New Federal Energy Management / Sustainability Initiative

David J. Fornari to lead new initiative as Deloitte demonstrates experience and commitment in sustainability

Washington, D.C., June 8, 2010 — Deloitte announced today a new initiative in federal government services focused on energy management/sustainability. The initiative will be led by David J. Fornari, a principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, who had been leading Deloitte’s work in the federal energy sector for several years.

“The creation of a team dedicated to bringing our energy management/sustainability resources to the federal community demonstrates Deloitte’s commitment, experience and capabilities in that field. We have many years of deep experience with sustainability issues, and David’s background makes him the most effective person to take on this new role of leading the initiative. The firm’s knowledge, skills and experience, and David’s leadership will help enable this new program to grow and succeed quickly, while providing high-quality service to our clients,” said Robin Lineberger, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and chief executive officer of Deloitte federal government services.

“The new Deloitte federal energy management/sustainability initiative will leverage our deep energy experience and broad, firm-wide sustainability capabilities to support our federal client’s efforts to address this important area,” said Fornari. “Currently, our federal sustainability activities have been fragmented. Our new initiative will bring them together as part of one team working across all of the federal departments and agencies.”

Fornari is a frequent speaker and author on topics such as energy strategy, efficiency and smart grid, and renewable energy technologies. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from the Nance College of Business, Cleveland State University.

For more information about Deloitte federal government services, please click here.

About Deloitte
As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

�Green� Is No Longer the Magic Bullet: Deloitte White Paper Explores New Path Toward Clean Energy, Jobs and Security

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:11:37 +0000

�Green� Is No Longer the Magic Bullet: Deloitte White Paper Explores New Path Toward Clean Energy, Jobs and Security

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 7, 2010 � �Green� is no longer the magic bullet to solve our energy concerns, according to Dr. Joseph A. Stanislaw, an independent senior advisor to Deloitte LLP and founder of the advisory firm The JAStanislaw Group, LLC. Instead, says Stanislaw, a �transition from green to clean� can power the next phase of development of the world�s energy and economic sectors.

Stanislaw makes this argument in a new white paper titled, �Clean Energy 1.0: Moving beyond green to create sustainable jobs and a long-term energy strategy,� which focuses on the three interconnected mandates that are driving the evolution of clean energy in the United States: protecting the environment, creating enduring jobs and enhancing national security.

Stanislaw, who is the co-founder and former president and CEO of Cambridge Energy Research Associates, begins his white paper with historical context: �Just two years ago, when oil was levitating towards $100 a barrel and Russia was playing politics with pipelines � green energy was the holy grail of energy security. Then, when concern over climate change reached a fever pitch, it became the silver bullet to solve global warming. And, finally, when the �Great Recession� struck, green energy was the panacea for unemployment and falling wages.�

This metamorphosis, he says, is part of a necessary maturing of the debate around energy because clean energy technologies must �evolve from their current 1.0 stage to a 2.0 stage and beyond.� He draws an analogy between clean energy and the high-tech industry: �Right now, clean energy is where the mobile-phone industry was in 1983, when Motorola released its two-pound, $4,000 DynaTac 8000x, or where the computing world stood that same year, when Windows 1.0 was launched.�

Stanislaw goes on to explain that the past two years alone have shown us that green energy is �no longer the magic bullet.� Clean energy, he says, can now take its �pivotal but mortal place in an array of energy forms and technologies that will power the world in the 21st century.� He claims that the �transition from green to clean� will power the next phase of development of the world economy, as we race to create technologies that help us better produce energy and reduce its use.

The white paper points out that the stage is now set for a smart, long-term American energy strategy�for numerous reasons:

Energy is now top of mind: The federal stimulus bill has helped kick-start a massive investment in clean energy technologies and has shifted America�s psychology on energy.
Steering a new strategic course: Our recent immersion in clean energy has allowed us to better understand�through experimentation and debate�what our long-term energy strategy might be.
Clean beats green: We have come to understand that what matters most is not green energy but clean energy�whether it comes from the wind, clean coal, natural gas or nuclear. And, best of all, is Americans� greater understanding of using less energy overall.
Energy is jobs policy: Policymakers have learned that energy policy cannot be separated from jobs policy�and that sustainable jobs matter most.
Energy improves the bottom line: The recession has underscored the pocketbook benefits of efficiency and clean energy for individuals and corporations, in addition to their positive impact on the climate change and national security. �Efficiency and clean energy are now firmly embedded in the consciousness of Americans,� says Stanislaw.
The public wants to go clean: Americans continue to insist that corporations �go clean,� thus shaping product development and capital allocation. �Americans should encourage policymakers to follow suit,� according to Stanislaw.
He advocates several steps to help move the United States along the clean-development continuum. First, he stresses developing a federal framework. �The absence of a federal framework is now an enormous handicap,� he says. �The federal government should not avoid mandating renewable power consumption nationwide. Whether the target is 20 percent of American energy coming from renewable sources by 2020, or something more modest, a mandate is important. Policymakers should not try to pick winners, but they should set targets.�

Stanislaw also stresses the need to reduce and manage energy demand instead of just producing clean energy. �Energy efficiency is perhaps the biggest untapped market for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. It meets all the demands of those seeking to reduce emissions and increase national security, while having the potential to contribute mightily to the creation of sustainable, well-paying jobs.�
�And finally,� says Stanislaw, �research and development must rise again.� He cites an estimate that before the stimulus bill, the Federal government budget for energy research was the same today, adjusted for inflation, as it was in 1968 � about $3 billion. �This situation is made worse by a decline in energy-related research and development expenditures in the private sector over recent decades,� he adds.

�We should reverse this trend by creating market conditions to promote investments in research, development, and market penetration in energy efficiency, in new methods of consumption, and in all forms of energy, be they traditional � oil, gas, coal, nuclear � or alternative. �

Stanislaw concludes his white paper by reiterating that this is just the early dawn of the clean energy era. �Only in the past year or two has energy become a national state of mind,� he said. �But the historic importance of this can hardly be underestimated.�

He argues that businesses and governments should respond to this new reality by creating the products and services that will help Americans manage their energy consumption. Corporations, meanwhile, should realize that in addition to their core business, each and every one of them is an energy company, too � and that managing their energy usage can be critical to their bottom line. Last, policymakers can amplify these trends by creating the rules of the game and funding the research that will position the United States at the cutting edge of the clean energy evolution.

To download the white paper, visit www.deloitte.com/us/CleanEnergy.

About the Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions
The Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions provides a forum for innovation, thought leadership, ground-breaking research and industry collaboration to solve the most complex energy challenges. Through the Center, Deloitte�s Energy & Resources group leads the debate on critical topics on the minds of executives � from legislative and regulatory policy to operational efficiency to sustainable and profitable growth. The Center provides complete solutions to Deloitte�s clients through a global network of specialists and thought leaders. With locations in Houston and Washington, D.C., the Center offers interaction through seminars, roundtables and other forms of engagement, where established and growing companies can come together to learn, discuss and debate. For more information, see Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions.

As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Deloitte Survey: Electricity Costs Up, Ability to Pay Down

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:42:42 +0000

Deloitte Survey: Electricity Costs Up, Ability to Pay Down

Utility regulators concerned about consumers� pocketbooks; Nuclear power seen as more effective than renewable energy at combating climate change

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 7, 2010 � More than three-quarters (85 percent) of state energy regulators responding to an annual survey expect the cost of residential electricity to increase next year, according to the Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions.

The survey, which Deloitte conducted earlier in the spring, also found a growing number of surveyed regulators fear rate increases will be financially onerous on the public. More than a third (34.3 percent) felt that consumers would not accept any rate increase at all � up from 23.3 percent one year ago. Moreover, while 53.3 percent of surveyed regulators last year said that the public would accept a five percent rate increase, this year that number dropped almost 20 percentage points to 34.3 percent.

�Our survey demonstrates that state utility regulators are increasingly cognizant of electricity costs and the burden they represent on the average consumer,� says Branko Terzic, energy and resources regulatory policy leader for Deloitte.

Terzic, previously a state regulator and a former commissioner with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), explains that most surveyed regulators (65.7 percent) expect rate increases because of rising environmental costs, while many (48.6 percent) also believe they will be linked to capital costs.
He goes on to point out that surveyed regulators see the high costs associated with renewable energy sources as a significant impediment to their adoption. �The vast majority of commissioners (68.6 percent) this year listed �high prices to consumers� as the leading barrier to more renewable energy. This is a 10 point increase over last year�s 58.3 percent number.�

Exploring another issue that could have a dramatic impact on the consumer�s pocketbook, Deloitte�s survey looked at the regulatory preferences for �time-of-day rates,� a concept that would allow utilities to adjust the rates they charge consumers throughout the day depending on demand peaks and dips. Of the regulators responding to the survey, 60 percent reported that they were considering �time-of-day� rates for their rate payers. And, when asked �whether they believed that time-of-day should be considered,� 82.9 percent responded by saying �yes.�

�Clearly,� commented Terzic, �regulators are interested in time-of-day rates as way for the public to benefit from cheaper access to energy, especially in light of the current economic downturn.�

Nuclear Power Still Popular, Clean Coal Gaining Support
In addition to issues related to energy and the economy, the survey also looked at the future of nuclear power in the United States. It found that surveyed regulators continue to rank nuclear very high as a way to reduce greenhouse emissions, with 45.7 percent ranking new nuclear power as being �extremely effective� in the reduction of carbon dioxide emission, just behind end-user efficiency (51.4 percent) � and well ahead of renewable power sources (17.1 percent).

The survey also asked regulators about the growing interest in �small nuclear reactors,� diminutive versions of traditional reactors that are believed to be far less costly and time consuming to build. A significant majority (62.9 percent) of polled regulators indicated that, �yes,� small reactors would be an �attractive alternative.�

Terzic says that the enthusiasm for nuclear power is �no surprise� and is also consistent with the survey�s findings in previous years. What is surprising, he says, is the strong showing for clean coal, which is viewed with skepticism by vocal opponents.

�This year�s survey shows that 61.8 percent of commissioners feel that carbon capture and sequestration is extremely or moderately effective, up from 44 percent last year � and ahead of renewable power sources, which scored 40 percent using the same criteria,� says Terzic.

�The bottom line,� he says, �seems to be that regulators are open to a number of options to address concerns like greenhouse gas emission, but they want to make sure the public is not asked to take on overly burdensome costs. The real question is how these priorities will change as the economy begins to improve.�

About the Survey
The survey was commissioned by Deloitte and conducted by an independent research company between April 14 and May 10, 2010. The survey polled a sampling of 35 state utility commissioners from across the nation.

About the Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions
The Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions provides a forum for innovation, thought leadership, ground-breaking research and industry collaboration to solve the most complex energy challenges. Through the Center, Deloitte�s Energy & Resources group leads the debate on critical topics on the minds of executives � from legislative and regulatory policy to operational efficiency to sustainable and profitable growth. The Center provides complete solutions to Deloitte�s clients through a global network of specialists and thought leaders. With locations in Houston and Washington, D.C., the Center offers interaction through seminars, roundtables and other forms of engagement, where established and growing companies can come together to learn, discuss and debate. For more information, see Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions.

As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Deloitte Ranked a Top Five Company for Multicultural WomenWorking mother survey honors Deloitte for fifth consecutive year

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:34:52 +0000

Deloitte Ranked a Top Five Company for Multicultural WomenWorking mother survey honors Deloitte for fifth consecutive year

NEW YORK, May 25, 2010 � Deloitte LLP has been named one of the top five organizations in the United States for multicultural women in 2010 by Working Mother magazine. The recognition salutes 23 U.S. companies for their commitment to workforce diversity and inclusion. Deloitte has earned a spot on this annual ranking for five consecutive years.

�We are very fortunate to live in one of the most culturally rich countries in the world and Deloitte recognizes that this richness is a competitive asset,� said Barbara Adachi, national managing principal for Deloitte�s award-winning Initiative for the Retention and Advancement of Women (WIN). �Tapping the wealth of talent and perspective a diverse workforce has to offer is helping us grow our business in an increasingly global and competitive world. It is a smart business strategy we continue to pursue, even in a turbulent economy. We appreciate this honor from Working Mother and challenge ourselves to be appropriately represented by multicultural women at all levels of our workforce, including our leadership ranks.�

Adachi joined Deloitte in 1990 and in 1995 became the first Asian-American female principal in the firm�s San Francisco office. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and has a daughter who is a television producer. As leader of WIN, Adachi directs the strategy to build the strong pipeline of women professionals Deloitte needs to serve clients and grow its business.

�Keeping cultural inclusiveness top of mind during the economic downturn was a business imperative to the Working Mother Best Companies for Multicultural Women, and as a result, they are reaping the benefits,� said Carol Evans, president, Working Mother Media. �Our winners retain star staffers by recognizing that top talent comes from different backgrounds, and it is these diverse perspectives that bring different skills to leadership and fresh solutions to business needs.�

This year Deloitte was recognized for several �bold plays� to attract, develop and advance women of color and other minorities:

Assignment Reviews confirm that the composition of client service teams are staffed equitably and women and minority professionals are assigned roles and projects that provide them with visibility and growth opportunities Career Sponsor Program matches minority group managers and senior managers with a partner, principal or director who is accountable for their career development Community College Initiative sponsors mentoring and professional development programs for top students at 16 community colleges
Women of Color Survey polled 4,000 women of all races to identify barriers women of color may perceive in the corporate world and develop solutions for overcoming them Details on Working Mother�s 2010 Best Companies for Multicultural Women survey can be found at www.workingmother.com.

About Deloitte
As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Last Updated: Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Leisure Travel on the Rise: Deloitte Survey Suggests Consumers Are Warming Up To Memorial Day and Summer Vacations

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:31:48 +0000

Leisure Travel on the Rise: Deloitte Survey Suggests Consumers Are Warming Up To Memorial Day and Summer Vacations

NEW YORK, May 27, 2010 � As summer approaches, temperatures are not the only thing rising. Consumers also appear to be warming up to vacations and road trips, according to a new Deloitte survey. Almost one-third (31 percent) of survey respondents plan to take a leisure trip during the Memorial Day weekend, up from the 24 percent who said they traveled a year ago during the same period. In addition, 17 percent of consumers surveyed expect to take a longer break than they did last year.

Highways may be busy during the Memorial Day weekend, as suggested by the eight out of 10 respondents (81 percent) who plan to travel by car and 19 percent traveling by air. Nearly half (49 percent) of those traveling also plan to stay at a hotel and almost one-third (30 percent) expect to spend their nights with friends or relatives.

As for summer travel, nearly six out of 10 (59 percent) survey respondents plan to take a trip between June 1 and Labor Day, which is flat compared with the share of respondents who said they made trips a year ago. The survey reveals that more than one-quarter (26 percent) expect to spend more money on their summer trips than they spent last year, while nearly half (49 percent) plan to spend the same amount.

�We continue to see an uptick in leisure travel as consumer confidence in the economy and job security strengthens,� said Adam Weissenberg, vice chairman and leader of the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector for Deloitte LLP. �In total, 65 percent of respondents expect to take a vacation between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, Memorial Day likely remains the time that people travel close to home and spend time with family and friends, while summer vacation is when they will likely book a hotel or motel and spend more money during the trip."

�Furthermore, 31 percent of respondents said they postponed a vacation but are ready for one now, and 17 percent are considering traveling overseas this summer. Both of these responses help to illustrate that people are interested in traveling this summer,� Weissenberg added.

Consumers look to mobile devices for travel information

With the growth of smartphones, savvy travelers are beginning to lock in on the advantages of hotel and airline applications to save them time and money. One in ten (10 percent) respondents have used a hotel application on a web-enabled smartphone. Respondents who have used a hotel application have used it to: book a room, access their loyalty program account, view/modify/cancel an existing hotel room reservation, pay a hotel bill, check-in and check-out.

�While it appears only a minority of consumers currently embrace the use of hotel smartphone applications, increased adoption of these technologies is likely as smartphones become more ubiquitous and as hotel companies build out the capabilities and functionality of their applications,� said Weissenberg. �Travel and hospitality companies that are on the edge of advancement in this arena may ultimately capture the consumer�s attention and strengthen brand loyalty.�

The Internet continues to play an important role in travelers� decision-making processes and social media has evolved into a valuable resource, as well. One in two (50 percent) respondents have used a computer or web-enabled smartphone to research information online about a hotel, while almost half (47 percent) have researched information online about a flight. Sixteen percent of respondents have read a positive consumer-generated comment about a hotel/motel, which influenced their decision to book a room at that facility, and 13 percent have used a social media site to research or plan a trip.

Support for full-body scanners at airports

The survey showed that half (50 percent) of all respondents support the use of full-body scanners at airports. An additional 24 percent expressed some discomfort with the scanners being used on them, but are willing to tolerate the new procedure if it enhances airport security.

Travelers �satisfied� with the car rental experience

More than half of respondents (54 percent) always, frequently or occasionally rent cars on vacation, and the majority of car renters expressed satisfaction with their overall car rental experience. More than three-quarters (76 percent) of car renters rated their overall car rental experience at seven or higher on a scale of one (unsatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied).

About the Survey

The survey was commissioned by Deloitte and conducted online by an independent research company between April 27 and May 5. The survey polled a nationally representative sample of 1,001 consumers. The survey has a margin of error of +/- three percentage points.

About Deloitte

As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Last Updated: Thursday, May 27, 2010

Deloitte Survey Finds Consumers RechargedHouseholds� Economic Outlook Appears to Brighten

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:27:56 +0000

Deloitte Survey Finds Consumers RechargedHouseholds� Economic Outlook Appears to Brighten; Shoppers are Tapping, Typing and Tweeting in the Store and Online

NEW YORK, May 19, 2010 � Consumers are becoming confident about the economic recovery and their finances are on the mend, according to a new survey of consumer retail spending and trends from Deloitte.

More than half (55 percent) of consumers think the economy has started to recover from the recession, and nearly two-thirds (64 percent) indicate their household financial situation is the same or better compared with a year ago. In addition, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of survey respondents said they are planning to spend the same or more at retailers this year than they did in 2009.

Despite this show of confidence, consumers are mindful of events that could impact their financial situation. More than half of consumers (54 percent) say rising energy prices could cause them to hold back their spending in coming months; more than four out of 10 say higher taxes (45 percent) and lack of improvement in the job market (41 percent) could do the same. Roughly one out of four (27 percent) believe that the economy is recovering but may fall back into recession.

�Consumers appear to be picking up on the signals that point to brighter days ahead,� said Stacy Janiak, vice chairman and Deloitte�s retail leader in the United States. �The majority of those surveyed indicate their net worth is stabilizing, if not improving. While consumers remain vigilant in this recovery, retailers should be encouraged by consumers� tone as they plan for the critical fall and winter selling seasons.�

Retailers and consumers are adjusting to the reset
Consumers have taken notice of the operational changes that retailers made in response to the recessionary downshift in demand. Fifty percent of consumers surveyed believe that retailers are currently offering more sales or deals in response to the recession. However, more than half (53 percent) also think there is less sales help in the stores today, and 43 percent say there is less inventory in the stores.

Some of the frugal shopping habits that consumers picked up during the recession are lasting into the recovery. Almost half (45 percent) of consumers surveyed said they shopped at certain stores to save money during the recession, and approximately seven out of 10 (71 percent) consumers plan to continue to do so even as their financial situation improves.

�The recession may have altered the dynamics of the retail environment; however, given consumers� recent spending activity and improving outlook, retailers should keep a sharp focus on the consumer�s shopping behavior and invest in areas that may drive loyalty in the months ahead,� said Janiak. �Retailers should consider expanding their customer analytics capabilities to make merchandising, staffing and inventory decisions that enable them to adapt to shifts in customer demand. Retailers may also be able to apply these insights to localize their product selection, promotions and pricing scenarios to deliver a customized shopping experience.�

Shoppers dial into social networking and mobile tools
Consumers are demonstrating new, post-recessionary shopping patterns linked to social, mobile and online tools.

While one-third (33 percent) are purchasing more online compared with a year ago, the Web has become an integral part of the in-store shopping experience as well, with three-quarters (75 percent) of consumers indicating that they look online for store, price or product information before or during their in-store shopping.

More than half (56 percent) of respondents indicate they use social networking sites, and among them, more than four out of 10 (43 percent) interact with retailers through these channels. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of them do so to find out about promotions, almost half (48 percent) browse products and more than one-third (35 percent) review the recommendations found on those sites.

Consumers are also heeding the favorable � and the unfavorable � opinions delivered via online product reviews. Half of consumers say that an online product review has influenced their decision to buy a product (51 percent) � or to not buy a product (50 percent).

�Consumers are tuning in to online conversations to make informed buying decisions and redefining the way they interact with retailers,� said Janiak. �These platforms offer retailers a measurable and low-cost entry to reach consumers via multiple touch points. Retailers may also be able to increase online conversion through targeted communications, coupons and promotions that may drive customers to their in-store and online channels.�

Mobile shopping platforms are also getting consumers� attention. More than one in five (21 percent) consumers have used a Web-enabled mobile phone in the shopping process. More than one-third of these consumers have shopped on a website (36 percent) or compared product prices (35 percent). Nearly three out of 10 (29 percent) have researched product information online and one-quarter (25 percent) have purchased a product on a website while using their mobile phone.

About the Survey
The survey was commissioned by Deloitte and conducted online by an independent research company between May 1 and May 3, 2010. The survey polled a sample of 1,052 consumers and has a margin of error for the entire sample of plus or minus three percentage points.

About Deloitte
As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Last Updated: Thursday, May 20, 2010

Deloitte Releases 2009 Study of Aerospace & Defense Industry Financial PerformanceStudy Shows Resilience Despite Recession of 2009

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:26:06 +0000

Deloitte Releases 2009 Study of Aerospace & Defense Industry Financial PerformanceStudy Shows Resilience Despite Recession of 2009

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2010 � Deloitte�s study of the global aerospace & defense (A&D) industry financial performance for 2009, released today, evaluated the 2009 financial performance of the 91 global A&D companies with revenues exceeding $500 million and found that despite recession of 2009 the A&D companies in this study demonstrated resilience.

�Despite the economic recession of 2009, these 91 global A&D companies faced financial challenges head-on and experienced less decline than companies in many other sectors, demonstrating the resilience of the industry,� said Tom Captain, vice chairman, and global and United States A&D sector leader for Deloitte LLP. �In particular, the need for global defense, security and humanitarian aid as well as the long term growing demand for commercial airline travel remains strong, particularly in growing non-Western economies.�

Overall, for these companies, global A&D revenue in 2009 remained essentially flat, with a slight 1.3 percent increase over 2008 to $635 billion. However, their operating earnings decreased 15.3 percent to $47.9 billion while their operating margins fell by 16.4 percent to 7.5 percent. The study found that if it were not for loss provisions or impairment charges at Boeing, EADS and BAE Systems collectively, profits for these companies would have been essentially flat, again demonstrating the underlying strength of the industry. A&D companies continue to face the challenges of moderating defense budgets, poor program performance, foreign exchange rate volatility and reduced credit availability.

�Flat A&D revenue and profits in 2009 for these companies are giving way to a global recovery,� said Captain. �But the timing and degree of the upswing will vary by global region, and the effects on individual A&D product sub-sectors will likely be uneven.�

Other key findings from the 2009 A&D industry performance study are as follows:

American A&D companies in this study grew faster in 2009, at 3.4 percent, than European companies in this study, whose revenue fell by 2.1 percent. American companies in this study were more profitable again in 2009, with operating margins of 9.3 percent, than European companies in this study, with operating margins of 4.6 percent, a reflection of the long term difficulty in rationalizing costs for the industry in countries with higher government intervention and stricter job protection scheme.

Sales bookings fell short of replenishment levels. The industry Book-to-Bill ratio for the companies in this study fell significantly from 1.40x in 2008 to 0.89x in 2009, a substantial 36.9 percent decrease, due to fewer new bookings and existing order cancellations, portending slower times ahead.
Boeing had higher sales revenue than EADS, and regained its position as the world�s largest A&D company, reversing its 2nd place performance in 2008.
To access the Deloitte study in full, please visit: http://www.deloitte.com/us/aerospacedefense/2009globalwrapup.

About Deloitte
As used in this document, �Deloitte� means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

Last Updated: Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Majority of private company CEOs confident in US economy for first time since 2Q07, plan to hire over next 12 months

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:16:46 +0000

Majority of private company CEOs confident in US economy for first time since 2Q07, plan to hire over next 12 months

PricewaterhouseCoopers� Private Company Trendsetter Barometer tracks the business issues and standard industry practices of leading, privately held US businesses. It incorporates the views of 255 chief executive officers (CEOs/CFOs): 151 from companies in the product sector and 104 in the service sector, averaging $219.0 million in revenue/sales, and including large, $300M-plus private companies.

NEW YORK, June 8, 2010 � For the first time since the second quarter of 2007, a majority (51%) of CEOs of the nation's leading private companies surveyed for PricewaterhouseCoopers' Private Company Trendsetter Barometer were optimistic about the US economy�s prospects over the next 12 months (up six points from the previous quarter and up 32 points from the same quarter in 2009). Similarly, the number of CEOs expressing pessimism fell four points from the previous quarter to 11%, a 30-point drop from the same quarter in 2009.

Private companies with international operations are slightly more optimistic than their domestic-only counterparts about prospects for the US economy over the next 12 months (53 % and 49 %, respectively). International marketers' confidence in the global economy remains unchanged from the previous quarter (47%) but is up 32 points from the first quarter of 2009.

In line with this optimism, Trendsetter CEOs reset revenue growth projections for the next 12 months, up 1.5 points from the previous quarter's 8.5% to this last quarter's 10%. Both international marketers and their domestic-only peers reported increased revenue projections (11.8% and 8.5%, respectively).

Overall, more than three-quarters (77%) of leading private businesses plan for positive revenue growth over the next 12 months, with 38% expecting double-digit growth (same as the previous quarter and up 13 points from the first quarter of 2009) and 39 % expecting single-digit growth (up six points from the previous quarter and 13 points from the first quarter of 2009). Only 5% forecast negative growth (down six points from the previous quarter), while 17% expect zero growth.

�As we've moved beyond the last few quarters, private business owners are more confident that the US and global economies have hit rock bottom and are beginning to recover," says Ken Esch, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers' Private Company Services practice. "Consequently, we�re now seeing more companies projecting growth. It's important to note, however, that these projections are still almost half of what private company CEOs were projecting in mid-year 2007."

Gross margins remain tight, more companies planning to hire

Gross margins recovered slightly in the first quarter of 2010, with approximately 26% of private companies surveyed reporting higher gross margins, while 22 % reported lower margins, resulting in a net plus 4% (up three points from the previous quarter and 19 points from the first quarter of 2009). In line with these results, costs and prices increased during the quarter to net plus 5% and net plus 3%, respectively.

For the first time since the second quarter of 2008, a majority (53%) of Trendsetter executives plan additions to their workforce over the next 12 months, up six points from the prior quarter�s 47% and up 22 points from 1Q09�s 31%. Alternatively, just 4 % of respondents are planning to reduce staff over the next twelve months, down four points from the previous quarter and six points from the same period in 2009. Surveyed CEOs project an average composite workforce increase of 1.5% � off slightly from last quarter�s 1.7% but up from 1.1% one year ago.

�It�s encouraging to see that private companies are backing up their expectations for growth by investing in their workforce,� notes Esch. �The smaller companies in our sample are planning to hire relatively more employees than the larger companies. This could be the beginning of an upward trend in the labor markets.�

International sales increase, forecasts promise growth

Those private businesses already operating abroad reported a slight increase in international sales from the prior quarter, with 31% reporting increases (up two points from the prior quarter and up seven points from one year ago). Thirteen percent of private businesses operating abroad reported decreases in international sales, and 56% reported no change. Over the next 12 months, the average contribution from international sales to total revenues among private businesses operating abroad is expected to be 21%, three points over the previous quarter and up five points from the first quarter of 2009. Interestingly, those operating in the emerging markets of China, India, and Brazil expect a solid 30% contribution to total revenues.

�Given Europe's current situation, which reached a crisis point after this survey was conducted, it will be interesting to see what, if any, impact it may have on next quarter�s results,� says Esch.

Spending and capital investments remain steady

As in previous quarters, private companies doing business abroad � especially the 29% selling in China, India and Brazil � remain ahead of their domestic-only peers in prospective spending over the next 12 months. Approximately 32% (up three points from last quarter and eight points from the same period last year) of all Trendsetter executives plan major new investments of capital over the next 12 months; however, prospective spending as a percentage of sales fell from the previous two quarters to 7.2%.

�Increased investment in the business, particularly in operational spending, is integral to laying a foundation for growth,� says Esch. �Given the growth projected by all private company CEOs, but particularly the projections from the international and emerging market respondents, these increased levels of investment are a good sign that the surveyed CEOs are serious about expansion.�

Bank Loans, lack of demand remain barriers for growth

Despite a five-point drop from last quarter � and a twelve-point drop from the first quarter of 2009 � concern about lack of demand remains a principal potential barrier to growth, cited by 74% of respondents. Other top concerns include legislative/regulatory pressures (48%; down two points from 4Q09); increased taxation (45%; up one point); and profitability/decreasing margins (40%; down five points). Lack of capital for investment was cited by 25% (down three points).

In line with concern over capital, in the first quarter of 2010, only 4 % of respondents reported bank loans, off one point from the prior quarter and six points from one year ago. More smaller businesses (revenue under $100 million) completed bank loans in the first quarter than their large counterparts, at 5% and 2%, respectively.

�While there may be evidence that the credit markets are becoming more active, and quality borrowers are gaining access to capital at increasingly more favorable terms, the data so far doesn�t reflect new loans," says Esch. "We do believe the number of loans will increase over time.�

Important differences between large and small survey respondents

Top executives (CEOs and CFOs) of small and large private companies highlighted important differences besides revenue (large private companies are on average 24 times larger):

The projected revenue growth rate over the next 12 months is notably higher for small companies � 13.1% versus 5.3% for large firms � but the gap narrowed this quarter.

Hiring plans are also notably higher among small companies � 59% versus 44 % � with net workforce growth planned at 5.5%, compared with 1.5% among large private firms.

In contrast, more large companies are planning major capital investments � 40%, compared with 27% among small firms. More large companies are also planning increased expenditures for new products/services and business acquisitions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers works with a majority of the leading private companies in the US Our 2,000 private company individuals focus on understanding the strategy and business objectives of private companies and their owners, working together to add value while reducing risk. Our professionals are provided with cross training to enable them to connect the dots across a number of private company issues such as compliance, controls, access to cash flow, expansion, exit strategies, succession, wealth management and the many areas that can help build or diminish long-term success and value. For more information about PwC's private company services please visit www.pwc.com/pcs.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across out network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

�PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a Delaware limited liability partnership) or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

� 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. "PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a Delaware limited liability partnership) or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

For more information about Barometer surveys, including recent economic trend data and topical issues, please visit our web site: www.barometersurveys.com

PricewaterhouseCoopers and Leavitt Partners announce joint business relationship

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:13:55 +0000

PricewaterhouseCoopers and Leavitt Partners announce joint business relationship

PwC to team with Leavitt Partners to advise clients on food safety matters

PwC and Leavitt Partners will be a leading strategic advisor on food safety matters worldwide

New York, June 8, 2010 � PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) and Leavitt Partners today announced an exclusive Joint Business Relationship (JBR) to help advise organizations on important food safety matters, including the potential impacts of the proposed Federal food safety legislation. This relationship combines Leavitt Partners' scientific and regulatory food safety expertise with PwC's global reach and broad industry, business and technical consulting experience. PwC and Leavitt Partners will work together as a leading strategic advisor on food safety to help clients protect their brand in this changing environment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses in the US each year, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. The cost: roughly $152 billion a year, according to a recent estimate by a former Food and Drug Administration economist.

The proposed Federal food safety legislation may potentially represent the most sweeping changes to food safety regulation in the United States in almost 75 years since the passing of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Specifically, it could give the Food and Drug Administration better authority and ability to monitor the safety of the food supply, and take quicker and more effective action against companies that don't adequately protect against food contamination.

"We are pleased to team with Leavitt Partners to bring their expertise to our broader practice as we together work important food safety issues in the US and abroad," said Carter Pate, who leads the global government and infrastructure teams at PricewaterhouseCoopers. �The proposed Federal food safety legislation, if enacted, could potentially affect every food grower, processor, manufacturer, wholesaler, importer, customs broker, transporter, distributor, retailer and restaurant in the United States and across the world if the food they are handling is entering US interstate commerce.�

PwC�s and Leavitt Partners' service offerings include assessments such as food safety hazard analyses and supply chain vulnerability analyses; development, testing and implementation of food plans including preventive controls, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance; implementation advice and support; and assistance with response and recovery related to a crisis situation.

Leavitt Partners provides strategic input and counsel to a broad range of companies and governmental entities and helps clients enter new markets, enhance the value of their products, navigate dynamic regulatory and reimbursement systems and improve health conditions around the world.

�We are pleased to align with PwC to address food safety challenges created in this dynamic regulatory environment,� said Leavitt Partners Chairman Michael O. Leavitt, who previously served as the administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, in the Cabinet of President George W. Bush as the Secretary of Health and Human Services and as a three-time elected governor of Utah. �This alliance brings together two acknowledged leaders with complementary skills that together can deploy our strengths in understanding, meeting and addressing ever-changing federal requirements around food safety. Through this relationship we will lead change.�

For more information about PwC's food safety practice, please visit www.pwc.com/us/foodsafety.

About Leavitt Partners

Leavitt Partners advises clients in the practice areas of health care and food safety. Our team includes individuals with deep experience in health care restructuring and domestic and international food safety. We apply this experience, our knowledge and a network of global relationships to supplement the thinking of senior executive teams, facilitate connections, solve problems, create value and deliver results. Visit us online at www.leavittpartners.com.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for our clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

� 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.

Mining industry in next phase of the boom, although short-term volatility remains, finds new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:10:29 +0000

Mining industry in next phase of the boom, although short-term volatility remains, finds new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers

Market capitalization for top 40 global mining companies increased 118%; returned to 2007 heights

NEW YORK � May 27, 2010 � It was a tale of two halves in 2009 for the global mining industry. The trends seen at the end of 2008 continued into the beginning of 2009, with commodity prices continuing to fall, tough price negotiations with customers an issue and challenging market conditions overall. As the year went on, however, companies responded swiftly and decisively by restructuring their balance sheets, closing mines and cutting production to reduce costs. As a result, the market capitalization of the top 40 global mining companies increased 118%, returning to the heights of 2007 � according to a new report entitled "Mine-back to the boom" from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

While small transactions dominated the M&A mining landscape in 2009 and short-term volatility remains a sticking point, PwC believes the global trends in the mining industry indicate the industry�s future is looking bright and is ripe to go �back to the boom.�

�The mining industry was faced with a challenging market in 2009 with overall revenues declining, a drop in net profit and a decrease in cash flow," said Steve Ralbovsky, US mining leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers. "Yet the top 40 companies were able to weather the storm and avoided distressed situations � in large part because they were able to remove their debt overhang and were buoyed by strengthening commodity prices in the second half as the global economic recovery began to take hold."

�It was a recovering year for commodity prices and global mining giants had to contend with improving their financial strength and operating results � all while managing around a very challenging economic environment that spanned the globe,� Ralbovsky continued. �For success moving forward, it is essential that lessons from the past be learned so that the industry can identify potential uncertainties and respond accordingly, allowing the industry to fully extract the benefits of being back to the boom.�

The report notes that although the total number of mining deals increased 16% from the prior year, activity was largely focused on smaller scale deals of less than $250 million, with average deal values of $52 million, down nearly $72 million from 2008. And while some companies had the resources to execute potential transactions, opportunity gave way to caution and no major deals were consummated.

�With no significant transactions completed during the year, we believe that some companies that had the financial resources available may have potentially missed opportunities to acquire assets,� added Ralbovsky. �Although the window was small, it was open. As a result, Chinese investment was at the forefront of transactions and made up 22% of all global mining M&A activity and 30% of the Top 10 deals by value.�

Indications of the next phase of the boom

Despite approximately $200 billion of capital expenditure over the past three years, production remained flat across most commodities. Exploration spending by the top 40 declined significantly, given its discretionary nature. As reserve replacement becomes more challenging, the lack of spend on exploration poses the question of when and where the next world-class mines will be found. Add to that the strong fundamentals on the demand side over the medium and long-term, largely attributed to continued growth from China and other developing nations, and the industry may be in the next phase of the boom, the report found.

What�s on the minds of industry CEOs?

While views may differ, almost without exception the number one agenda item is the global economy. Fundamental to success will be the ability to understand the lead demand indicators, particularly obtaining a good read on China and other developing nations. Today�s CEO is more focused on other macroeconomic factors, such as foreign exchange rates, the cost of energy and the impact potentially unsustainable government budget deficits will have on interest rates, tax regimes, and the global economy. However, operating cost remains a key value differentiator.

Commodity prices

Metal prices continued on a downward trend for the first six months of 2009, but recovered sharply along with most commodities in the second half. The upward trend in commodity prices continued into 2010 in many cases. The turnaround in copper prices has been most notable with the 2009 year-end spot price reaching $7,342 per ton. In both iron ore and metallurgical coal markets there has been a recent trend towards short-term contracts, driven by the big miners. Gold, on the back of 7% production increases and a 12% increase in average price, saw its share of total industry revenue increase from 10% to 14% in 2009.

After a hiatus, the future is looking bright again for the industry. Although significant short-term volatility remains � the long-term demand fundamentals will drive this cycle.

For a copy of the "Mine-Back to the Boom" report, visit www.pwc.com/mining.

About "mine-back to the boom"

PwC analyzed 40 of the largest listed mining companies by market capitalization. The analysis includes major companies in all parts of the world whose primary business is mining.

The results aggregated in this report have been sourced from the latest publicly available information, primarily annual reports and financial reports available to shareholders. Where 2009 information was unavailable at the time of data collation, these companies have been excluded. Companies have different year-ends and report under different accounting regimes, including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), Canadian GAAP, and others.

Information has been aggregated for the financial years of individual companies and no adjustments have been made to take into account different reporting requirements and year-ends. As such, the financial information shown for 2009 covers reporting periods from April 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009, with each company�s results included for the 12-month financial reporting period that falls into this timeframe.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for our clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

� 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.

Smart grid experiences growing pains, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers report

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:07:34 +0000

Smart grid experiences growing pains, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers report

Challenges emerge as smart grids shift from planning to full-deployment mode

NEW YORK, May 25, 2010 � Smart grid pilot and demonstration programs are under way in 33 states, according to a new report entitled Smart grid growing pains from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. According to the report, utilities around the country face a number of challenges that need to be properly managed to ensure project costs are contained, cross-industry alliances are functional and customers are engaged.

�We're seeing signs in the utility and power generation industry that suggest regulator and customer interactions and technology and business alliances will rapidly evolve as these massive infrastructure projects are executed. These factors could, in some ways, redefine the way utilities will do business going forward,� said David Etheridge, utilities and power generation industry leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers. �Rate cases are on the increase as utilities try to find ways to manage investments and project costs. Utilities are forming alliances with the auto and tech industries, adding several layers of operational complexity. And the biggest question of all is whether customers will embrace or reject Smart Grid technology.�

Six key areas that highlight the growing pains associated with smart infrastructure deployment are:

Smart infrastructure capital expenditure: 62% of utilities surveyed globally cited smart grid initiatives (advanced metering infrastructure, protection and control relays and substation automation) as the reason for increasing capital expenditure in 2010, and 64% forecasted increased capital expenditure for 2011.[1] Concerns over layering smart grid capital expenditures on top of already-expanding capital expenditure budgets are being raised, in areas such as communications systems and smart meter installation and maintenance. These concerns come as overall capital investment by the utilities industry is estimated to reach $75 billion in 2010, more than double that in 2004 ($36 billion).[2]

Utilities, regulators & customers: At the core of a fully optimized smart grid are customer adoption and satisfaction. In a recent study, sixty eight percent of Americans have never heard of the smart grid. Sixty three percent have never heard of the smart meter.[3] Additionally, in another survey, US utilities executives rated rate cases as the number one focus over the next year.[4] The number of rate cases filed by shareholder-owned electric utilities rose to 66 in 2009, the highest in two decades. Base rate increases among US electric utilities in all were $4.2 billion with 58 cases in 2009, up from $2.9 billion with 42 cases in 2008.[5] As of February 2010, some 83 major US electricity or gas retail rates cases were under consideration.[6]
The smart grid cost-benefit equation: Estimating future costs and the benefits of AMI and smart grid technologies has proven to be a prickly endeavor. To date, there is no shortage of estimates of the savings that a fully integrated smart grid could bring. But as the smart grids move from theoretical projections into the nuts and bolts of deployment, real effectiveness and attendant savings will come to bear.
Securing cyber assets: As smart infrastructures expand, so too will the urgency to safeguard against cyberattacks�be they accidental and petty, or malicious and devastating. The number of successful cyberattacks against supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems at power generation, petroleum and nuclear plants and at water treatment facilities grew tenfold since 2000.[7]

The data quandary: Data management and optimization will likely present significant challenges to utilities sooner rather than later. As data from millions of smart meters streams in�and streams back out to customers�utilities will potentially have, at one end of the spectrum, an embarrassment of riches to optimize the grid�or, at the other, an underutilized and unleveraged data overload. Inevitably, ever more energy-use data will need to be managed as smart meter�enabled home appliances and devices equipped to send data become mainstreamed.

Managing new partners in the smart infrastructure space: Utilities will be thrust increasingly into the role as "clean energy systems integrator," charged with integrating legacy and emerging operations that have traditionally been siloed. In many cases utility companies are learning how to work with new partners and are adjusting vendor-management behavior. Five years ago, some technology vendors in the smart infrastructure space were willing to develop solutions with utilities at low cost or no cost to utilities on a "proof-of-concept" basis. Today, some of these same vendors are expecting to be compensated.

�Utilities will be challenged on many different fronts to get the equation right � from regulators, customers and technology partners to name a few,� added Mr. Etheridge. �But the potential benefits and savings for both utilities and their customers are significant. Billions are being invested, and there is the possibility of billions in savings � not just in dollars, but also in emissions reductions. The utility industry is at an inflection point in its 100+ year history � the smart infrastructure is the driving force behind an industry transformation.�

At the upcoming CS Week Conference held May 25-28 in Nashville, TN, PricewaterhouseCoopers will discuss this report and the growing pains associated with Smart Grid infrastructure that utilities are experiencing. The session, led by Dennis Curtis, director, and Alan Conkle, principal, of PricewaterhouseCoopers are scheduled for May 27 at 9:15-10:15 a.m.

CS Week is an event for professionals involved in the customer service and customer information technology aspects of utility, cooperative and municipal management.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers (http://www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

� 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved

Accenture Completes Acquisition of Assets of CadenceQuest, Inc., a Customer Analytics Company

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:25:23 +0000

Accenture Completes Acquisition of Assets of CadenceQuest, Inc., a Customer Analytics Company

Deal extends Accenture Interactive�s digital, marketing and merchandising capabilities, helping companies develop and deliver customer strategies

NEW YORK; June 8, 2010 -- Accenture (NYSE:ACN) has completed its acquisition of assets from CadenceQuest, Inc., a privately-held Arlington, Va.-based company specializing in customer data and analytics for retailers.

The acquisition builds on Accenture Interactive�s suite of digital capabilities, marketing analytics, retail marketing and merchandising solutions and platforms. It also contributes to Accenture�s strategy of providing organizations with the predictive analytics capabilities they need to identify and analyze the data that can uncover the information companies need to make better business decisions.

Accenture Interactive, which was launched in September 2009, helps companies develop industry-leading digital marketing capabilities, enhance the development and management of their websites and online marketing, and optimize their online and offline marketing and merchandising investments to more effectively interact with and influence the behavior of targeted consumer segments.

The CadenceQuest deal makes it possible for Accenture Interactive to provide companies with a comprehensive solution around customer analytics technology and consulting to support development of customer-centric strategies and tactics. This end-to-end platform and set of solutions will be available worldwide to retailers and those companies that adopt a �retail-like� model to help them serve their customers better and provide a shopping experience that is designed to appeal to their targeted customer segments.

The CadenceQuest Customer Insight software, which Accenture acquired, is a flexible, scalable, self-service analytical platform that allows retail decision makers to easily define their customer segments and gain deep insights about customers, including purchases, responses to promotions, and brand loyalty, to name a few. Combined with Accenture Interactive�s assets, it will be possible to use information derived from the CadenceQuest platform to help create and deliver customer-specific messages through digital channels.

For instance, a retail company deployed CadenceQuest tools to deliver actionable, current insights about its 50 million-plus rewards customers to its merchants, marketers and store managers, allowing them to more effectively target the right customer at the right time with the right promotion to help boost sales. The company opened up access to this system to strategic vendor partners, giving more than 50 major manufacturers who represent more than 250 national brands the ability to create customer segments, analyze them and then use that data to create and deploy relevant promotions. By understanding their customers and how to best boost sales, the solution enables retailers and manufacturers to increase the returns of their promotional activity, create more loyal customers and improve customer profitability.

�The integration of the newly acquired CadenceQuest Customer Insight software platform and related capabilities with Accenture Interactive�s robust set of marketing, digital and merchandising solutions will enable us to offer a comprehensive consumer-centric marketing capability that can be delivered in just weeks, providing clients with customer insights that are unparalleled in the loyalty industry,� said Tim Breene, Accenture senior managing director of strategic initiatives and chief executive of Accenture Interactive. �With these expanded services, Accenture Interactive will be able to help clients better understand their customers� preferences, providing an important cornerstone from which marketers can build to further fuel growth.�

Accenture Interactive is a global assets-based business within Accenture that helps companies develop agile, intelligent marketing capabilities. Its services cover all aspects of digital consulting, marketing analytics, and media management. Accenture Interactive�s methodologies and assets enable closer interaction between the marketing and technology functions, driving both organizations toward a common end goal: customer relevance. More information about Accenture Interactive can be found at www.accenture.com/accentureinteractive.

About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 181,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world�s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$21.58 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2009. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: we might not achieve the anticipated benefits from the acquisition of the CadenceQuest assets; our results of operations could be adversely affected by economic and political conditions and the effects of these conditions on our clients� businesses and levels of business activity; our results of operations could be negatively affected if we cannot expand and develop our services and solutions in response to changes in technology and client demand; the consulting, systems integration and technology and outsourcing markets are highly competitive and we might not be able to compete effectively; our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks in the government contracting environment; clients may not be satisfied with our services; our results of operations could be adversely affected if our clients terminate their contracts with us; our outsourcing services subject us to operational and financial risk; our results of operations may be adversely affected by the type and level of technology spending by our clients; our profitability may suffer if we are not able to maintain favorable pricing rates and utilization rates; our business could be negatively affected by legal liability that results from our providing solutions or services; our profitability may suffer if we cannot anticipate the cost and complexity of performing our work or if we are not able to control our costs; our global operations are subject to complex risks, some of which might be beyond our control; our business and financial results may be adversely affected if we are unable to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand, including if we are unable to hire sufficient employees with the skills and background we require; liabilities could arise if our subcontractors or other third parties cannot deliver their project contributions on time or at all; legislative or regulatory action could materially and adversely affect us; we may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to our incorporation in Ireland; we might be unable to achieve our business objectives if we are unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with our size; consolidation in the industries that we serve could adversely affect our business; our ability to attract and retain business may depend on our reputation in the marketplace; our share price could fluctuate due to numerous factors, including variability in revenues, operating results and profitability; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the �Risk Factors� heading in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture�s expectations.

Accenture Awarded Contract To Support University of Michigan�s Information Technology Transformation Program

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:24:48 +0000

Accenture Awarded Contract To Support University of Michigan�s Information Technology Transformation Program

RESTON, Va.; May 27, 2010 � The University of Michigan has selected Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to conduct its first-ever comprehensive assessment of information technology at the unit and campus levels. The assessment is part of the first phase of NextGen Michigan, a multi-year university-wide IT transformation effort.

The primary objective of the assessment is to develop an authoritative view of how IT is distributed and provided across the university. All of the university�s schools, colleges, major research and administrative centers and institutes, and the central IT group Information and Technology Services (ITS) are participating. The University is seeking to rationalize its IT services with the goal of identifying sustainable and recurring IT cost savings and reinvesting a portion of the savings into the school�s strategic priorities. This will improve the interoperability of applications, products and services across campuses, and to achieve faster deployment of new shared products, technology infrastructure and services.

�This assessment will enable the University of Michigan to make data-driven determinations regarding IT planning and sourcing,� said David Wilson, managing director of Accenture�s Canada and U.S. State & Local Government client service group. �It is a crucial first step for the university to enable innovative, value-based approaches to technologies and applications to better meet the needs of faculty, researchers and students.�

Accenture will work with the university to develop an IT rationalization roadmap once the initial assessments are completed.

About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 181,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world�s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$21.58 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2009. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

Media Prima Berhad Implements Accenture Integrated Broadcast System

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:23:30 +0000

Media Prima Berhad Implements Accenture Integrated Broadcast System

NEW YORK; May 26, 2010 � Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today announced that it has helped Media Prima Berhad (Media Prima), the leading integrated media group in Malaysia, replace its legacy broadcast management system with a state-of-the-art broadcast management application using Accenture�s Integrated Broadcast System (IBS). As a result, Media Prima has streamlined and simplified its broadcast management processes to achieve better time to market, higher productivity as well as efficiencies in its core broadcast operations.

The IBS platform, co-owned by Accenture and MediaCorp, delivers the following capabilities:

�Program Management covering program and promotion content, contractual rights, master and final tapes and �Playlist� vs �As Run� playout reconciliation;
�Airtime Sales Management for the management of advertiser master contracts, commercial libraries, bookings and airtime scheduling;
�Playout Automation providing seamless playlist and reconciliation integration between IBS and legacy automation platforms; and,
�Financial Automation covering management of stock, account payable, invoicing, account receivables and credit risks via integration to legacy financial platform.

�Media Prima was facing intense competition while relying on its outdated broadcast management system to manage its TV businesses,� said Alwin Magimay, managing director of Accenture�s ASEAN Communications & High Tech group.

�Media Prima needed a new competitive platform and asked Accenture to modernize its broadcast operations to embrace the efficiencies offered by an end-to-end, integrated system,� said Dharmendra Magasvaran, Accenture�s IBS project director.

Through this IBS implementation program, Accenture helped Media Prima achieve the ability to:

�automate, streamline and simplify core broadcasting processes including program planning, scheduling, airtime sales and finance, minimizing repetitive manual tasks;
�increase efficiencies between the Airtime Sales and Programming teams via the �Unified Grid� by reducing inter-team dependencies and improving concurrent team activities;
�automate scheduling including the updating of programs, promotions and commercials, greatly decreasing time spent on playlist finalization before transmission;
�automate airtime spot booking operations for the tracking of contract fulfillment and utilization, spot pricing, spot positioning and product clashing checks;
�automate �Playlist� and �As Run� playout and reconciliation respectively across multiple legacy platforms; and,
�reduce discrepancies post-broadcast for program and commercial reconciliation, accounts receivable, stock recognition and accounts payable.

�The Integrated Broadcast System will enable Media Prima to fully focus its attention on advertisers and cater to their needs as we ensure they get the best value for their advertising dollars. With IBS, Media Prima now has a state-of-the-art tool to enable us to be more competitive in an increasingly saturated and fragmented market. The tool will allow us to help advertisers reach the right market at the right time, optimize reach and increase brand awareness as we drive up viewership for our programs,� said Dato� Amrin Awaluddin, Group Managing Director, Media Prima.

Implementing IBS gives Media Prima�s airtime and program schedulers a common, virtually real-time view of programs, promotions and advertisement schedules. This means that grid closure can occur closer to transmission date, giving the schedulers the ability to sell advertising space closer to air date. IBS also increases scheduling flexibility by reducing overall inter-team dependencies, shorter reconciliation times, and improved reporting capabilities due to integrated data sources.

�IBS provides us with the end-to-end integrated back end solution from sales and acquisition to invoicing and payables. With this, the time taken to finalize both programming and commercial airtime schedules for transmission, reconciliation and closing of financials are significantly reduced� said Zuraidah Atan, Media Prima�s Chief Technology Officer.

�Since we can sell advertising space much closer to its air date, this increased flexibility coupled with shorter reconciliation times and more in depth reporting capabilities allows us to be more competitive in an increasingly fragmented advertising environment,� she added.

As part of its implementation, Accenture also conducted an organizational realignment effort at Media Prima to re-engineer processes, realign departments and workforces.

Accenture teamed with Microsoft Corp. and Avanade�a joint venture company of Accenture and Microsoft�to help Media Prima develop and customize the IBS solution. Avanade, via its Avanade Connected Architectures� for .NET, provided the capabilities to provide a rich, user friendly experience among complex systems, the ability to streamline spot placements and track fulfillment for advertisers, and the ability to centrally manage and share broadcast information across multiple applications, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of the implementation.

The IBS Solution was built using an integrated Microsoft stack including Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.

About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 181,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world�s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$21.58 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2009. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

About Media Prima Berhad
Media Prima Berhad (Media Prima), a company listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia, is Malaysia�s leading integrated media investment group. It currently owns 100 % equity interest in TV3, 8TV, ntv7 and TV9. In addition, Media Prima now owns 89.6% equity interest in The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) (NSTP) Berhad, one of Malaysia�s largest publishing groups.

Media Prima also owns three radio networks, Fly FM, Hot FM and One FM. Other cross media interests of Media Prima include content creation; event and talent management. The Group also acquired three outdoor media companies, Big Tree Outdoor Sdn Bhd, UPD Sdn Bhd and The Right Channel Sdn Bhd in March 2007. The Group has started its venture into online and new media platforms, culminating in the successful launch in September 2007 of both its TV Networks internet portals and a new Lifestyle Portal, gua.com.my. In November 2009, Media Prima acquired the country�s second largest advertising company, Kurnia Outdoor Sdn Bhd and Jupiter Outdoor Network Sdn Bhd (collectively known as �Kurnia�), further strengthening the Group�s leadership position in the outdoor advertising business.

Outside of Malaysia, Media Prima has a controlling stake in TV3 Network Ltd, Ghana�s leading private television station.

For more information, please visit: www.mediaprima.com.my

Axway Expands Security Capabilities for Award-Winning MailGate�

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:20:57 +0000

Axway Expands Security Capabilities for Award-Winning MailGate�

MailGate Becomes One of First Email Security Software Products to Support IPv6

PHOENIX - June 2, 2010 - Axway, the Business Interaction Networks company, has released the newest version of its MailGate security appliance, which boasts expanded security and compliance functionality and improved ease-of-use. New features of MailGate include enterprise multi-tenancy, support for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and additional capabilities for digital rights management (DRM). These features build upon MailGate�s award-winning functionality to provide inbound threat protection, outbound data loss prevention, and archiving capabilities.

Email remains the most relied-upon tool for interacting with partners, customers and coworkers. Ferris Research asserts that 6 trillion emails are sent annually from business users, and that a typical business user will send and receive 600 emails per week.

�Email is the cornerstone of many business interactions, but it represents a serious security risk for organizations,� said Dave Bennett, chief technology officer for Axway. �Preventing data loss is front and center for any organization, and placing policies on outbound emails is a critical component of that effort. We continue to invest in data loss prevention (DLP) to reduce risk for our customers.�

MailGate now includes enterprise multi-tenancy, which allows administrators to use one MailGate box but still segregate policy, user groups, DLP and management access for each business unit/department. Enterprise multi-tenancy lowers MailGate�s total cost of ownership (TCO) by leveraging efficiencies and reducing deployment and maintenance costs.

An email, while it may lack the formality of a memo on company letterhead, can be just as legally binding as a traditional printed document. As such, Axway has made further enhancements to DRM functionality by adding a custom watermark to sensitive documents when it converts Microsoft� Office documents into password-protected PDF files. MailGate can also remove metadata and edit outbound messages to preserve corporate policy.

Support for the IPv6 protocol is increasingly essential for private sector and government entities, particularly since U.S. government agencies are mandated to start adopting the protocol and approximately half of European governments have mandated it as well. Axway MailGate is one of the first email security solutions to support IPv6.

Implementing MailGate enables organizations to:

�Eliminate a wide range of spam, viruses, botnets and other malicious email attacks, protecting the corporate network and greatly reducing email traffic.

�Ensure regulatory compliance with corporate, security and industry/government regulations. The intuitive GUI makes it easy to build role-based rules by senders, recipients, content, attachments, message headers and file size.

�Control accidental data leakage, as well as compliance lexicons for the financial services and healthcare industries. It includes checkbox content filtering for credit card, personal identification and banking/trading (CUSIP) numbers and DRM capabilities to preserve the integrity of email attachments.

�Manage traffic with IP reputation services.

More information on MailGate and Axway�s comprehensive email security solutions can be found at www.axway.com/products-solutions/email-identity-security/comprehensive-email-security.

Follow Axway on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Axway

About Axway
Axway is the Business Interaction Networks company � the only provider in the market today to manage, run, secure, and monitor all of your business interactions, including email, files, messaging, services, events, and processes. Serving over 11,000 organizations in more than 100 countries, Axway facilitates the multi-enterprise transactions, processes and integration that accelerate business by eliminating the barriers between vendors, customers, departments, partners and suppliers. Axway's comprehensive offerings include business-to-business integration, managed file transfer, secure email, business activity monitoring, enterprise application integration, service-oriented architecture, business process management, track & trace and identity validation solutions. Axway provides professional and managed services, as well as cloud computing and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Axway's global presence spans 20 countries.

Inveon Translational Research Platform Ideal for Therapeutic Antibody R&D

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:12:50 +0000

Inveon Translational Research Platform Ideal for Therapeutic Antibody R&D

Agensys receives Siemens 150th Inveon preclinical imaging system worldwide

Salt Lake City, Utah, June 8, 2010 � Fueling researchers quest to uncover monoclonal antibodies for use in therapeutic antibody research and development in cancer, Agensys, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma, Inc., recently installed a Siemens Inveon preclinical imaging system. A scalable platform, Inveon enables companies, such as Agensys, to perform Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, individually, or in combination, while providing a comprehensive suite of preclinical analysis applications.

Agensys is developing a pipeline of therapeutic, fully human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to treat solid tumor cancers. Researchers there plan to utilize their new Inveon system for in vivo identification of tumors and to monitor the antibody treatments developed for primary tumors, specifically xenograft and orthopedic, as well as specific metastases.

�Siemens Inveon preclinical imaging system is enabling breakthroughs in the discovery of new treatments in oncology,� said Kirti Patel, vice president, Siemens Healthcare Molecular Imaging Preclinical Solutions. The widespread adoption of Inveon preclinical technology and this, the 150th installation of Inveon worldwide, is an important achievement. Siemens provides imaging solutions to companies, such as Agensys, and other academic and research facilities that help to speed discovery and facilitate translational research.�

Launched in 2006, the Inveon preclinical imaging system combines state-of-the-art technology in PET, SPECT and CT imaging, enabling researchers to make cutting-edge discoveries by capitalizing on Inveon�s performance. Inveon technology is a proven solution that delivers to all major application needs, across different customer segments that ranges from academia to pharmaceutical research, and from clinical to biotechnology research. Inveon is available as a fully integrated or dockable system with single or multimodality configurations. Inveon�Workplace, comprising of Inveon Acquisition Workplace and Inveon Research Workplace, provides a seamless and intuitive workflow solution to efficiently manage all steps of the preclinical discovery process.

Siemens Preclinical Solutions is committed to maximizing research productivity for Inveon users through a comprehensive infrastructure, which includes training, technical support and worldwide service support. Additionally, the Siemens preclinical collaborations network helps researchers around the globe in efforts to share best practices and efficiently translate preclinical research outcomes to the clinical environment. For further information on Siemens Preclinical Solutions, please visit www.siemens.com/preclinical.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Enhanced Real-Time Monitoring for Siemens Molecular Imaging Systems

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:12:28 +0000

Enhanced Real-Time Monitoring for Siemens Molecular Imaging Systems

Guardian Program proactively monitors customer systems� performance online in real-time

Cary, N.C., June 7, 2010 � Siemens Healthcare has launched the Guardian Program� for a variety of its molecular imaging systems. The program proactively monitors a customer systems� performance online and in real-time. In case of any critical parameters, the system automatically informs the Siemens Service Center. Siemens also offers �TubeGuard� for the Biograph� mCT, which is an option of the Guardian Program that can predict the majority of all potential CT tube failures.

Whether detecting cancer, or conducting heart or brain imaging, renal exams or bone scans, physicians must be able to rely on their PET-CT or nuclear medicine scanners. Any system downtime can have significant costs to customers, since an expensive radiopharmaceutical dose must be ordered specifically for each patient in advance of the examination. In order to help assure the highest availability of the scanners, Siemens has extended its Guardian Program to enable proactive online monitoring in real-time for the Biograph mCT, Biograph TruePoint, Symbia� S and Symbia T product lines.

If parameters exceed or undershoot defined critical levels, the system will proactively send a message to the Siemens Service Center. This will trigger a predefined high-speed support and repair process with clearly defined reaction and repair times, as well as improved spare parts availability. A service expert will guide the customer through the first critical phase and help re-establish the system�s availability as fast as possible. For Guardian customers, this means high system reliability and availability, reduction of unscheduled downtimes, proactive rescheduling of patients and staff, and, potentially, less revenue loss because downtimes can be planned ahead of time.

As an additional offering to the Siemens Guardian Program, TubeGuard can now predict the majority of all potential CT tube failures within Biograph mCT. More than 10 sensors proactively monitor the tube functions via real-time data flow with Siemens Remote Service (SRS). Tube exchanges can be scheduled in advance, and unplanned downtime can be avoided.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Molecular Imaging Agent Coupled with �Motion Frozen� Processing Improves Heart Imaging

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:11:59 +0000

Molecular Imaging Agent Coupled with �Motion Frozen� Processing Improves Heart Imaging

Study finds that a molecular imaging agent combined with post-scan image processing technology could result in crisper pictures of the heart

Salt Lake City, Utah, June 7, 2010 � Molecular imaging of the heart just got better, according to a study revealed at SNM�s 57th Annual Meeting. Combining a potential new imaging agent with a molecular imaging technique that reduces blur caused by the motion of the heart and lungs could lead to unprecedented image quality when conducting myocardial perfusion imaging, a procedure used to evaluate blood flow to the heart.

�Both cardiac and respiratory motion degrade image quality by adding some unwanted blur,� said Ludovic Le Meunier, Ph.D., lead researcher and staff scientist for Siemens Healthcare, Knoxville, Tenn., based at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif. �Our objective in this work was to provide the highest myocardial perfusion image quality by using a promising heart imaging agent and correcting the motion of those organs. In conjunction, these tools can provide unprecedented diagnostic capability for clinicians evaluating heart disease.�

The new imaging agent, called flurpiridaz F 18 injection, uses a fluorine-18 (F-18) based radioisotope, and while it is still in clinical trials the compound has been shown to facilitate very high quality imaging of the heart. Other PET agents used to image the heart have a much shorter half-life and need to be produced within an on-site cyclotron, which limits access. Some agents can be produced on site with a generator, but image quality appears not to be as high. F-18 has a half-life of 108 minutes and therefore can be delivered to imaging centers located within a wider radius, with no compromise to image quality.

The technology used in this study included high-definition, or �HD,� positron emission tomography, a technique that images the body�s physiological functions and automatically corrects distortions that occur during scanning. Next, researchers used post-scan image processing tools called respiratory gating and �motion frozen� cardiac gating, which cut out or otherwise compensate for the motion of these organs during scanning. The result is virtually motion-free myocardial perfusion imaging.

This clinical trial was led by Daniel Berman, M.D., director of cardiac imaging and nuclear cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Motion-frozen technology was developed in collaboration with Piotr Slomka, Ph.D., a research scientist at Cedars-Sinai and professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Scientific Paper 522: L. Le Meunier, Siemens Healthcare, Knoxville, Tenn.; P.J. Slomka, A. Ramesh, L.E. Thomson, S.W. Hayes, B. Tamarappoo, V. Cheng, G. Germano, D.S. Berman, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.; J. Lazewatsky, Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, Mass.; Enhanced dual gated cardiac perfusion PET using a new F-18 imaging agent (BMS747158),� SNM�s 57th Annual Meeting, June 5�9, 2010, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Siemens Networks IT Solutions with Molecular Imaging for Ease of Use at SNM 2010

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:10:32 +0000

Siemens Networks IT Solutions with Molecular Imaging for Ease of Use at SNM 2010

Symbia.net and syngo.via accelerate workflow through innovative integration and universal access

Salt Lake City, Utah, June 6, 2010 � Siemens enhances user convenience by combining IT solutions with molecular imaging at the SNM annual meeting this week in Salt Lake City. Symbia.net� Clinical Workflow Server � a client-server solution for SPECT and SPECT/CT imaging applications for anytime, anywhere processing and reading � and syngo.via1 � a client-server and advanced visualization software platform for PET/CT multimodality applications anywhere2 � take center stage at the Siemens� booth (#1021) through in-booth tutorials and first-hand interaction to demonstrate the ease-of-use in reading and processing images.

�The combination of Symbia.net and syngo.via ensure that Siemens customers have all of the right tools they need at their fingertips,� said Britta Fuenfstueck, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. �We are proud to provide comprehensive solutions based on client-server technology that will set a new standard of efficiency in PET, CT and SPECT reading.�

Symbia.net
Commercially available worldwide, Symbia.net allows facilities that require reading from multiple locations to easily share and access patient imaging data. Symbia.net is designed for the specific needs of molecular imaging with a user-friendly interface and advanced automation features. It improves clinical workflow by providing hospital staff with easy, economical, access to all patient cases and applications.

The client-server solution allows for a portable architecture to support larger image datasets derived from molecular imaging technologies. As clinical utilization for molecular imaging procedures increases, Symbia.net provides users with more flexibility for information exchange.

Symbia.net provides users access to full processing, viewing and reading capabilities from anywhere for greater flexibility and instant access to patient data when it is needed. The solution is configurable with Siemens standard and advanced clinical applications engines, as well as third-party cardiac packages. It supports remote network connections via WAN, LAN, or VPN and includes wireless access, as well. Symbia.net servers can accommodate up to five users working in parallel.

Symbia.net was designed for easy installation, operation and integration. It will work with any existing SPECT or SPECT/CT system, RIS and PACS2 infrastructure. Image uploads to the server database are performed automatically, making it easy to access patient information. Additional remote users can be added at any time and installed remotely to grow with the needs of the imaging facility.

Symbia.net is easy to maintain, service, and expand as needs dictate. The basic Symbia.net configuration requires less capital investment than two stand-alone workstations with comparable configurations. It is also compatible with any PC or MAC2 that has a network connection and minimum hardware requirements.

syngo.via1,2,3
By uniquely integrating PET/CT imaging devices and IT, syngo.via accelerates reading, networks modalities and IT, and anticipates future needs. syngo.via enables physicians to effortlessly access and utilize cutting-edge advanced visualization tools across the clinical spectrum. For instance, Automated Case Preparation in syngo.via automatically loads images into the appropriate application and sorts them into the corresponding layout � pre-processed according to disease-specific requirements, thereby eliminating the need to manually choose the application, load data, and select corresponding layouts. With just one click, physicians can begin viewing and reading images their way, according to their needs. With case preparation left to syngo.via, physicians have more time to focus on image reading and diagnosis.

Case Navigator functionality is yet another innovative way syngo.via supports structured workflow, by categorizing various workflow steps and aligning the proper images to each corresponding step. In a patient case, an image series is automatically structured into layouts and workflow steps, reducing physician�s need to search and sort data and enabling advanced reading to begin as soon as the exam concludes. During the reading process, findings and measurements can be automatically tracked and listed within the Findings Navigator, which allows users to effectively navigate between various findings with just one click. The software automatically integrates the finding into a tailored and context-specific report, enabling users to access and share images, findings, and results quickly � on their terms.

1 syngo.via can be used as a standalone device or together with a variety of syngo.via-based software options, which are medical devices in their own rights. The information is preliminary. The product and the syngo.via based-software options are pending in some countries the necessary releases and thus are not yet available for sales in all countries.

2 Prerequisites include: Internet connection to clinical network, DICOM compliance, meeting of minimum hardware requirements, and adherence to local data security regulations.

3 The disease-specific report created in syngo.via is not the final diagnostic report. The final diagnostic report is generated and signed off within the RIS. Archiving of diagnostic reports is the responsibility of the RIS.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

PETNET Solutions Announces Domestic and International Expansion at SNM 2010

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:10:03 +0000

PETNET Solutions Announces Domestic and International Expansion at SNM 2010

54 production facilities serve a global market: U.S., U.K., Korea, Spain, Australia; more on the way

Salt Lake City, Utah, June 6, 2010 � PETNET Solutions (booth #1235), a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., announces the expansion of its PET radiopharmaceutical network internationally and in the United States. Already a leader in the production and delivery of PET imaging biomarkers in the U.S., the United Kingdom and South Korea, PETNET added three production and distribution facilities worldwide. PETNET has expanded to Albuquerque, N.M.; Madrid, Spain; and Sydney, Australia. Further international expansion will build a PETNET presence in France, Singapore and India � completing the first phase of international expansion and contributing to a truly global footprint.

As the utilization of PET/CT imaging increases, PETNET Solutions addresses the need to manufacture and deliver PET imaging agents in all of these countries, as well as continue growth in the U.S. Siemens and PETNET Solutions partnered with the University of New Mexico Cancer Center on its new, state-of-the-art-cancer facility, whose dedication ceremony is scheduled for June 11, 2010. Operation is also underway at PETNET Australia, an affiliation with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, as well as in Madrid, Spain.

�The University of New Mexico Cancer Center, working together with Siemens, is important, as we think about serving the metropolitan area of Albuquerque,� says Britta Fuenfstueck, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. �It�s also very promising to see the international expansion of PETNET Solutions, where we are bringing PETNET manufacture and delivery capabilities for various tracers to places, such as Australia, Spain, Singapore, France and India.�

PETNET Solutions operates the largest PET radiopharmaceutical network with 54 production and distribution centers worldwide that manufacture and distribute PET biomarkers to hospitals, clinics, and research facilities for PET imaging. In addition, PETNET Solutions is committed to advancing molecular imaging through the integrated discovery and development program of Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research, as well as supplying clinical trials of investigational PET imaging agents developed by third parties. Recently, PETNET has expanded production and availability of Sodium Fluoride (18F-NaF) and helped offset shortages in the supply of molybdenum and 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals through an 18F-NaF Sodium Fluoride trial program.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Siemens Donates MRI Scanner to Help Rebuild Phoebe Sumter Medical Center

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:09:36 +0000

Siemens Donates MRI Scanner to Help Rebuild Phoebe Sumter Medical Center

Tornado-ravaged facility receives new life and a 1.5T MAGNETOM ESSENZA MRI system

Americus, Ga. June 4, 2010 � After three long years of hardship to rebuild a cornerstone of the community, the staff of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center welcomed the arrival of a new MAGNETOM� ESSENZA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, compliments of Siemens Healthcare. The new MRI scanner premiered today at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark Siemens� donation after a tornado destroyed the hospital in 2007. State and local political dignitaries and community leaders were on hand for the event.

�I know I speak for everyone in our organization when I say I am so proud and excited that this day has arrived,� said Keith Petersen, CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. �The reason we have this new MRI is because of the tremendous support of our community and so many other people across the country and the world, for that matter. And we also want to thank Siemens for their generosity and support. Having this state-of-the-art piece of equipment will help us as we continue to move forward in meeting the healthcare needs of our citizens.�

On the evening of March 1, 2007, an F-3 tornado � with winds reaching up to 165 miles an hour �tore through the town of Americus, Ga., leaving a path of destruction in its wake for its 17,000 residents. But fortunately, through the many acts of heroism from rescue workers and hospital staff, all 70 patients in the hospital that night were safely evacuated just in time, before the tornado completely destroyed the building.

But, from the devastation of that night came a new hope. Due to the tireless effort of the hospital personnel and the generous support of the town of Americus and beyond, Sumter Regional (as it was then called) has now reopened as Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

The plight of the hospital first came to the attention of Siemens Healthcare back in the Fall of 2007, after the company announced its �Win an MRI� contest, in which rural and community hospitals without an MRI scanner in their facilities could submit videos pleading their cases on why they should receive a new 1.5 Tesla (T) MAGNETOM ESSENZA MR system from Siemens. Touched by the special circumstances that surrounded Sumter�s situation, Siemens announced in January 2008 that it would donate a MAGNETOM ESSENZA, worth approximately $800,000, to the hospital once the facility was rebuilt and could support the new system.

�Siemens is proud to donate a new MRI scanner to Phoebe Sumter, and be a part of the rebuilding of this worthy institution,� said Don Fowler, vice president, Magnetic Resonance, Siemens Healthcare. �Phoebe Sumter can now provide much-needed MRI exams to its patients in-house and help ensure that its patients receive optimal medical imaging services and quality patient care.�

The MAGNETOM ESSENZA was developed from the ground up to be an affordable, reliable system that can support both a hospital�s clinical and financial success. The powerful 1.5T magnet and exclusive Tim technology helps physicians provide comprehensive image services to their community. Designed with small hospitals in mind, the MAGNETOM ESSENZA combines excellent system performance with a patient-friendly design at one of the lowest total costs of ownership in the industry today.

Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is currently housed in an interim facility, but plans to open the doors of its new hospital building in late 2011/early 2012. With the addition of Siemens MAGNETOM ESSENZA, the staff at Phoebe Sumter are now one step closer to providing complete patient care to a community it has served for nearly a century.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Siemens Celebrates 1000th MAGNETOM Espree MRI System

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:09:01 +0000

Siemens Celebrates 1000th MAGNETOM Espree MRI System

Barnes-Jewish Hospital offers patients the benefits of the best selling Open-Bore system

Malvern, Pa., June 3, 2010 � Siemens celebrates the milestone of the 1,000th MAGNETOM� Espree system sold worldwide with Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, which is ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the United States and is the largest teaching hospital in Missouri. This installation marks the third MAGNETOM Espree that the 1,259-bed hospital will employ to image patients of all sizes, ages and disabilities.

�We are extremely pleased with the Espree scanners,� says Dr. Vamsi Narra, a Washington University radiologist on staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. �The wide bore configuration allows us to accommodate patients of all sizes, while providing top-notch imaging. More and more patients prefer the Espree to other standard-bore scanners.�

The 1.5 Tesla MAGNETOM Espree revolutionized the industry when it was introduced in 2004 as the world�s first Open Bore system. As a trailblazer in Open Bore technology, it combines the largest magnet bore � 70 cm � with the shortest magnet length � 125 cm cover to cover. This unique design provides 30 cm space above the patient�s face � twice that typically offered by vertical field open MRI systems. The very short length allows for 60 percent of exams to be completed with the patient�s head outside of the bore. The expanded face space and head-out scanning has proven to increase patient acceptance.

�The proven ability and success of the MAGNETOM Espree is the main reason why it is one of the top-selling MRI systems in the United States, and will remain a cornerstone of our product portfolio,� said Don Fowler, vice president, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Siemens Healthcare.

The MAGNETOM Espree�s Open Bore design also offers obese patients increased access to MRI exams. The patient table handles up to 550 pounds, and the 70 cm bore allows more space for larger patients. The 1.5 Tesla magnet provides up to four times more signal-to-noise over traditional low field open MRI designs, which is desirable in imaging larger patients. The MAGNETOM Espree offers the full spectrum of 1.5 Tesla applications to obese patients, such as spectroscopy, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and NATIVE non-contrast MR Angiography.

In addition, the MAGNETOM Espree can perform advanced clinical applications in less time, because it combines strong gradient performance with Siemens Tim� (Total imaging matrix) technology. Tim is the first whole body surface coil concept that enables the highest resolution images in a shorter acquisition time.

In 2007, Siemens continued its history of Open Bore innovation with the introduction of the MAGNETOM Verio, the only open-bore 3T MRI scanner on the market.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Siemens Introduces 2.0 Release of ACUSON X150 Ultrasound System

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:08:31 +0000

Siemens Introduces 2.0 Release of ACUSON X150 Ultrasound System

Ultra-compact system combines best-in-class performance, flexibility and system reliability

Mountain View, Calif., June 2, 2010 � Siemens Healthcare announced today the launch of the 2.0 release of its ultra-compact ACUSON X150� ultrasound system. With best-in-class image quality and performance, the system offers a comprehensive solution for a wide variety of everyday clinical applications in busy hospitals and private practices. The system features advanced technologies that dramatically improve detail resolution, image uniformity, and color Doppler sensitivity.

�With the ACUSON X150 system, our customers can expect exceptional value in the compact class,� said Dr. Norbert Gaus, CEO, Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. �With Hanafy lens transducer and multi-beam formation technologies migrated from Siemens� top-of-the-line systems, the ACUSON X150 system sets a new standard for image quality in portable systems.�

Obstetrical and abdominal imaging in technically difficult patients are enhanced with the CH5-2 Hanafy lens transducer, which delivers uniform images at depths of up to 28 cm for improved diagnostic confidence. Phase Inversion Tissue Harmonic Imaging improves contrast resolution in technically difficult patients by reducing clutter and noise in the image. The ACUSON X150 system also features exceptional transducer flexibility through MultiHertz� multiple frequency imaging, which provides the functionality of multiple transducers in one.

Easy Workflow
The ACUSON X150 system accommodates the widest ranges of clinical applications in its class and provides a variety of intelligent features that make ultrasound exams easier and faster. Comprehensive measurement packages with a customizable reporting solution provide the flexibility needed in busy practices. A new dedicated thyroid package provides comprehensive reporting for documenting and monitoring thyroid disorders.

Excellent value in a compact package
From OB/GYN, early pregnancy and reproductive medicine to abdominal imaging and more, the ACUSON X150 system�s lightweight, small-footprint design enables comfortable, efficient use in even the smallest of spaces. Combined with maximum upgrade flexibility and exceptional system reliability, the ACUSON X150 system provides excellent value, as clinical applications evolve or physician needs change over time.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.

Sirolimus Assay Expands Immunosuppressive Test Menu on Viva Family of Analyzers

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:08:02 +0000

Sirolimus Assay Expands Immunosuppressive Test Menu on Viva Family of Analyzers

Deerfield, Ill., May 28, 2010 - Siemens new EMIT� 2000 Sirolimus Assay for use on the Viva-E� and V-Twin� Drug Testing Systems expands the comprehensive menu of immunosuppressive drug monitoring tests available on Siemens� dedicated drug testing systems-including sirolimus, cyclosporine A (CSA), tacrolimus, and mycophenolic acid* (MPA)helping clinical laboratories further consolidate testing and increase operational efficiency.

The benchtop Viva-E Analyzer and the V-Twin System provide accurate results and efficient turnaround times for a complete menu of assays for therapeutic drug and immunosuppressant drug (ISD) monitoring, as well as drugs of abuse testing.

�We will continue working to enhance operational efficiency for clinical laboratories while providing highly sensitive, reliable immunosuppressive drug tests that help ensure quality care for transplant patients,� shared David Hickey, Executive Vice President, Central Laboratory and Global Research and Development, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics.

For more information, please visit www.siemens.com/sirolimus.
*Siemens EMIT� 2000 MPA Assay is not available for sale in the U.S.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source � from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2009 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.9 billion euros and profit of around 1.5 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.