Toshiba Launches Microcontrollers Realizing Highly Accurate Mechanical Control

Incorporates Toshiba Original Coprocessor, “PSC”

TOKYO - Saturday, September 28th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it will launch new ARM Cortex™-M3-core-based TX03 series microcontrollers, “TMPM343F10XBG”, “TMPM343FEXBG” and “TMPM343FDXBG”, which realize highly accurate mechanical control. Sample shipments will start in November this year.

Some applications, such as controlling the lens of a digital camera, require two simultaneous control operations: high speed, low noise servo control of multiple mechanisms, such as motors and actuators1; along with sensor control to ensure accurate position, which requires multiple microcontrollers, dedicated motor driver ICs, and so on.

The new microcontrollers integrate Toshiba’s original coprocessor, the “PSC”2, motor driver units that can directly connect to and control motor drives, and amplifier circuits to control sensors. This enables highly accurate, simultaneous control of multiple mechanisms by a single microcontroller and also contributes to materials and PCB size reductions.

The product line-up offers three different memory sizes, allowing selection to meet system requirements.

Applications: Attitude control of radio-controlled air planes and robots; motion sensory control for video games; and applications in servo controls, such as encoding of industrial servo motors


Specifications:

Part Number
         

TMPM343F10XBG
         

TMPM343FEXBG
         

TMPM343FDXBG

Sample Price (Tax Included)
         

1400 yen
         

1200 yen
         

1000 yen

Main Specification
         

CPU
         

ARM® CortexTM-M3
     

Maximum operating frequency
         

50MHz
     

On-chip memory
         

Flash 1024K bytes SRAM 96K bytes
         

Flash 768K bytes SRAM 96K bytes
         

Flash 512K bytes SRAM 80K bytes
     

PSC
         

4 units
     

High-Resolution Timer
         

8 channels (Max 200MHz)
     

2-Phase Pulse Counter
         

3 channels (2 channels associated with ADC)
     

Communication I/F
         

TSPI 4 channels, UART 1 channel, SIO/UART 1 channel, I2 C 1 channel
     

DMA
         

3 units
     

16-bit Timer
         

16 channels
     

12-bit Successive-Approximation type ADC
         

16 channels
     

10-bit DAC
         

6 channels
     

Op Amp
         

6 channels
     

Variable Gain Amplifier
         

4 channels
     

H-SW Bridge Driver
         

8 channels
     

Constant Current Power Supply for Hall Sensor
         

2 channels
     

2-Phase Hysteresis Comparator
         

2 units
     

Nch SW for Optical Encoder Bias
         

3 channels
     

Supply Voltage
         

2.7V to 3.3V (digital source and analog power supply)

2.5V to 5.5V (motor drive unit power supply)
     

Package
         

VFBGA162 (7.0mm × 7.0mm, 0.5mm pitch)

Note
         

DMA: Direct Memory Access 1 Kbyte is calculated as 1024 bytes.


Notes: [1]: A mechanism to convert input energy into physical movement. [2]: Programmable Servo/Sequence Controller. Toshiba’s original coprocessor for servo and sequence control. *ARM and Cortex are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries.

For more information about the products, please visit: http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/product/new_products/micro/1326232_37659.html

For more information about Toshiba ARM core-based microcontrollers, please visit: http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/product/micro/lineup/1273886_39415.html

Customer Inquiries: Mixed Signal IC Sales and Marketing Department Tel: +81-44-548-2821

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130927005176/en/

Contacts
Media Inquiries:
Toshiba Corporation
Semiconductor & Storage Products Company
Takashi Mochizuki, +81-3-3457-4963
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8646/en

Surfing in the Skies on Singapore Airlines Powered by Deutsche Telekom

BONN, Germany - Saturday, September 28th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Deutsche Telekom (FWB:DTE) announced the start of their high-speed Internet service on selected Singapore Airlines intercontinental flights. This is the 11th airline to have chosen Deutsche Telekom as their broadband connectivity provider, and the third in the Asian market.

With Telekom’s In-Flight Internet service, passengers can check e-mails, browse, blog or join corporate networks via VPN. Access is provided by linking the airplanes to global networks via satellites, which are provided through Deutsche Telekom’s partner Panasonic Avionics. Passengers can use In-Flight Internet by paying with a credit card or through their home provider, if it is a Wi-Fi roaming partner of Deutsche Telekom.

“The addition of Singapore Airlines, one of the leading airlines in terms of customer experience worldwide, demonstrates the extent to which Deutsche Telekom has established itself in the airline Wi-Fi market,” said Antje Williams, Head of In-Flight at Deutsche Telekom. “The innovative solution we offer together with our partner Panasonic Avionics is the reason why we’ve managed to break into markets such as Asia, where we have previously not had a strong presence. By extending our Wi-Fi service into the air, we confirm our vision of connected life and work.”

Deutsche Telekom launched its Wi-Fi service in 2002 and currently operates more than 55.000 HotSpots worldwide. They can also be found onboard high-speed trains in Germany, and on almost 150 airplanes. Participating airlines currently include American Airlines, Air France, Aer Lingus, Etihad, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Transaero and, as of today, Singapore Airlines.

About Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom is one of the world’s leading integrated telecommunications companies with 144 million mobile customers, 32 million fixed-network lines and over 17 million broadband lines (as of June 30, 2013). The Group provides fixed-network, mobile communications, Internet and IPTV products and services for consumers, and ICT solutions for business and corporate customers. Deutsche Telekom is present in some 50 countries and has over 231,000 employees worldwide. The Group generated revenue of EUR 58.2 billion in the 2012 financial year - over half of it outside Germany (as of December 31, 2012).

Contacts

Press:

Deutsche Telekom AG

International Wholesale Business Unit

Lisa Elisabeth Krenz

Tel.: +49 (0) 228 936 19588

E-mail: e.krenz@telekom.de

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8648/en

eBay Inc. to Acquire Global Payments Innovator Braintree

Braintree to Join Company’s PayPal Business Unit, Accelerating Innovation in Mobile Payments

SAN JOSE, Calif. & CHICAGO, Ill - Saturday, September 28th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) announced today that it has agreed to acquire Braintree, the innovative global payment platform powering the next generation of leading online and mobile-first startups, for total consideration of approximately $800 million in cash.

“Braintree is a perfect fit with PayPal,” said eBay Inc. President and CEO John Donahoe. “Bill Ready and his team add complementary talent and technology that we believe will help accelerate PayPal’s global leadership in mobile payments. Together, we expect that PayPal and Braintree also will accelerate our leadership in supporting developers who are creating innovative solutions for next generation commerce startups.”

Braintree’s payment platform powers next generation innovators such as Airbnb, OpenTable, TaskRabbit and Uber, which are creating compelling new consumer experiences and disrupting legacy business models. Once the acquisition is completed, Braintree will continue to operate as a separate service within PayPal under the continued leadership of Braintree CEO Bill Ready, who will report to PayPal President David Marcus. Braintree’s management team and employees are expected to stay in place.

“PayPal was built on helping entrepreneurs grow great businesses online. I’m thrilled to welcome the Braintree team,” said PayPal President David Marcus. “With this deal I believe that we will accelerate our capabilities for developers, entrepreneurs, merchants and companies that are building the future.”

Braintree CEO Bill Ready said: “The alignment with PayPal means Braintree can continue to push the boundaries of innovation while expanding into new markets with increased speed and confidence. Our current customers and developer community can expect the same level of support and partnership they’ve always enjoyed, coupled with more resources.”

Venmo, Braintree’s mobile application that gives people an easy way to pay each other using their mobile devices and leveraging social networks, is part of the acquisition and will help to contribute to PayPal’s mobile payments capabilities. PayPal already has a strong presence in mobile, projecting mobile payment volume of more than $20 billion this year.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of 2013. Assuming PayPal’s acquisition of Braintree closes in late 2013, eBay anticipates an immaterial impact to PayPal’s 2013 net total payment volume. eBay expects that definitional differences between PayPal’s net total payment volume and Braintree’s projected $12 billion payment volume for 2013, approximately one-third of which is expected to be driven by mobile payments, will lead to a significant portion of Braintree’s payment volume not being additive to PayPal’s net total payment volume and treated instead like PayPal’s payment gateway business, with only the revenue being recorded. The take rate associated with Braintree's payment volume varies significantly based on business mix. Assuming the acquisition closes in late 2013, eBay expects the deal to be immaterial to its 2013 revenue guidance which it announced July 17, 2013, and to have a negative impact of $0.01 to its 2013 non-GAAP EPS guidance and a negative impact of $0.01 - $0.03 to its 2013 GAAP EPS guidance.

About eBay Inc.

eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) is a global commerce and payments leader, providing a robust platform where merchants of all sizes can compete and win. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay Inc. connects millions of buyers and sellers and enabled $175 billion of commerce volume in 2012. We do so through eBay, the world's largest online marketplace, which allows users to buy and sell in nearly every country on earth; through PayPal, which enables individuals and businesses to securely, easily and quickly send and receive digital payments; and through eBay Enterprise, which enables omnichannel commerce, multichannel retailing and digital marketing for global enterprises in the U.S. and internationally. We also reach millions through specialized marketplaces such as StubHub, the world's largest ticket marketplace, and eBay classifieds sites, which together have a presence in more than 1,000 cities around the world. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.

About PayPal

PayPal is the faster, safer way to pay and get paid online, via a mobile device and in store. The service gives people simpler ways to send money without sharing financial information, and with the flexibility to pay using their account balances, bank accounts, credit cards or promotional financing. With 132 million active accounts in 193 markets and 26 currencies around the world, PayPal enables global commerce, processing more than 7.7 million payments every day. Because PayPal helps people transact anytime, anywhere and in any way, the company is a driving force behind the growth of mobile commerce and expects to process $20 billion in mobile payments in 2013. PayPal is an eBay (Nasdaq:EBAY) company and contributed 40 percent of eBay Inc.'s revenues in 2012. PayPal is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and its international headquarters is located in Singapore. More information about the company can be found at www.paypal-media.com.

About Braintree

A catalyst for the next generation of commerce, Braintree’s global payment platform expects to process approximately $12 billion in payment volume in 2013 for thousands of online and mobile commerce innovators including Airbnb, Fab, LivingSocial, OpenTable, TaskRabbit and Uber. Merchants in more than 40 countries across North America, Europe and Australia can accept payments in more than 130 currencies using Braintree. Today, Braintree powers single-click purchasing for more than 40 million consumers and its mobile app, Venmo, gives people an easy way to pay using their mobile devices. To learn more, visit Braintree at www.braintreepayments.com and on Twitter @braintree.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the expected impact of the Braintree acquisition on PayPal’s and eBay’s financial and operating results and business, the operation and management of Braintree after acquisition, the anticipated timing of the closing of the acquisition, PayPal’s projected mobile payments volume, and Braintree’s projected payments volume and mobile payments volume. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the receipt and timing of regulatory approvals for the transaction, the possibility that the transaction may not close, the reaction to the transaction of Braintree’s customers and merchant and gateway partners, PayPal’s plans for Braintree, the future growth of Braintree’s and PayPal’s businesses, the reaction of competitors to the transaction and the possibility that integration following the transaction may be more difficult than expected. More information about potential factors which could affect our business and results is included in eBay's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, its Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other periodic filings. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to eBay on the date hereof, and eBay assumes no obligation to update such statements.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

Tracey Ford

tford@ebay.com

Media Relations:

Anuj Nayar, 408-239-9516

anuj.nayar@paypal.com



Brian Sinderson, 415-602-9975

brian.sinderson@mslgroup.com



Investor Information Request:

408-376-7493

Company News:

http://www.ebayinc.com/news

Investor Relations website:

http://investor.ebayinc.com





Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8633/en

Regus signs 1.5 millionth customer

ME Newswire / Business Wire

HAMBURG, Germany - Friday, September 27th 2013

More than 1.5 million customers now use its workspace to get their work done, announces Regus, the global workplace provider. It's another sign of the global shift to flexible working.

Regus' 1.5 millionth customer, Boris Konau, is a good example of the trend. Traditionally, a University of Hamburg PhD student like Boris would have written up his thesis in the university library or at home. But he finds these locations too distracting.

Instead, he's following the example of 1.5 million other individuals worldwide and using flexible workspace at Regus. He’s more productive, it's easy to travel to, and with 24/7 access he can go there at exactly the hours he wants. He doesn't have to lock into a long-term lease, or waste time or money equipping an office.

Mark Dixon CEO of Regus commented: "Our customer base is growing because the productivity boost and flexibility we offer is so compelling. Our 1.5 million customers use our space according to their own timescale and budget, rather than being straitjacketed in fixed leases. More and more entrepreneurs and small start-ups are using Regus because of our modern and easy to use spaces located in tech, design and university hubs in cities around the glove. Together with our on-the-go Third Place locations in railway stations and motorways people are working wherever they want, whenever they want - whether it's closer to home to cut commuting, or on an exciting project in a new overseas market - we make that possible.

"From individuals to global household names, the customers who come through our doors can work more productively and cost-effectively thanks to our flexible workspaces. That's why we now have more than 1.5 million customers."

About Regus

Regus is the world’s largest provider of flexible workplaces, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world’s largest network of video communication studios. More than a million customers a day benefit from Regus facilities spread across a global footprint of 1,500 locations in 600 cities and 100 countries. Regus was founded in Brussels, Belgium in 1989, is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit: www.regus.com.

Contacts

Regus

Henry Collinge

+44 (0)178 489 8125

henry.collinge@regus.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8634/en

Toshiba Announces Industry's First Dual Camera Module Enabling Simultaneous Output of Images and Depth Data

Contributes to Create a Wide Range of Applications Including Post Focus on Images

after Taking Picture

ME NewsWire / Business Wire

TOKYO - Thursday, September 26th 2013

Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has launched the

industry’s first1 dual camera module for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices.

“TCM9518MD” incorporates twin 1/4 inch optical format 5-megapixel CMOS

camera modules (5 megapixels x 2 arrays) and simultaneously outputs recorded

images and depth data. Images captured with the module can subsequently be

manipulated to change the depth of field and point of focus. Samples will be

available by January 2014, with mass production scheduled for April 2014.

The dedicated companion LSI of the “TCM9518MD” measures and appends depth

data to objects in the image. These data can be used for a wide variety of

applications, including focus and defocus, and even to extract and erase objects

from the picture. Used in combination with customers’ applications, the module

supports the creation of new functions.

The companion LSI generates 13-megapixel images by upscaling images taken by

the twin 5-megapixel cameras, realizing a lower module height than that of

conventional 13-megapixel camera modules2.

Computational cameras create images impossible to realize with the standard

camera module by combining optical hardware technology—the lens and

diaphragm—with digital signal processing technology. The TCM9518MD brings high

resolution and computational camera functionalities to the CMOS image sensor

market for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices.


Summary of the New Product

Part Number
         

Sample Price
         

Sample Schedule
         

Mass Production Schedule
         

Mass Production Volume

TCM9518MD
         

5000 Yen
         

January 2014
         

April 2014
         

500 thousand pieces per month


Key Features of the New Product 1. Simultaneous Output of Depth Data (Depth

Map) and Deep Focus Image The TCM9518MD’s twin cameras and dedicate

companion LSI simultaneously deliver deep focus images in which foreground and

background and all points in between are in focus, with depth data on each object

in the image. This supports creation of new applications for smartphone, tablets and

mobile devices, including refocus, defocus and extraction of any objects of the

images, and gesture operation.

2. Output of 13-Megapixel Image The companion LSI generates 13-megapixel

photographs by upscaling images captured by the twin 5-megapixel cameras. This

will contribute to downsizing of mobile devices.

3. Digital Focus Function Most of auto focus camera modules for smartphones

deploy a mechanical focus structure, moving the lens with motors like VCM3. It

can take time to focus and also result shutter lag. TCM9518MD offers a non-

mechanical digital focus function without mechanical structure, allowing high

speed focus by calculating the depth to any objects4. It also realizes a lower

module height.


Main Specifications

Part Number
         

TCM9518MD

Output Resolution
         

13 megapixels

Sensor and Resolution
         

5 megapixels x 2

Optical Size
         

1/4 inch x 2

Pixel Size
         

1.4 micrometer

Module Size
         

8.0 x 12.0 x 4.65 mm


Notes: 1. For dual camera module with the companion LSI which output depth

data. Source: Toshiba, as of September 2013. 2. Generally for single camera

modules, a bigger output image size requires a higher camera module. This product

is lower than commercial 13-megapixel camera modules. Source: Toshiba, as of

September 2013. 3. Voice Coil Motor: a motor that moves a lens by applying an

electrical current to a coil. 4. Deep focus image output is not available when using

a digital focus function.

For more information about the product, please visit:

http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/product/new_products/sensor/1325631_

37652.html

Customer Inquiries: Image Sensor Sales & Marketing Group 1 Tel: +81-3-3457-3370

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content

of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement

but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions

provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and

systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of

businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and

MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and

materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation

systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators;

and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than

550 consolidated companies, with 202,000 employees worldwide and annual sales

surpassing 6.1 trillion yen (US$74 billion). Visit Toshiba's web site at

www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:

http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130925006613/en/

Contacts

Media Inquiries:

Toshiba Corporation

Semiconductor & Storage Products Company

Takashi Mochizuki, +81-3-3457-4963

semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8621/en

TCC Unveils Radio Headset and Telephone Encryptor for Universal Secure Voice and Cross-Network Conferencing

ME NewsWire / BusinessWire

Interoperable solution enables secure voice for public safety and

military joint operations

CONCORD, Mass - Thursday, September 26th 2013

Technical Communications Corporation (NasdaqCM: TCCO) announces the

HSE 6000 radio headset and telephone encryptor to secure the Land

Mobile Radio voice communications of public safety special

operations, and telephone-to-radio conferencing between commanders

and field forces, enabled by TCC’s innovative X-NCrypt™ Cross Network

Cryptography. View video. Download pictures.

Fidel Camero, director of Business Development, secure wireless &

radio, at TCC, said, “The HSE 6000 headset/handset radio and

telephone encryptor provides strong voice security, including cross-

network conferencing, that interoperates with our military DSP 9000

radio encryption family, while meeting the portability, simplicity,

flexibility and cost-efficiency requirements of public safety special

operations.”

X-NCrypt Cross Network Cryptography is the revolutionary evolution in

the application of TCC’s military DSP 9000 voice encryption

technology. It enables end-to-end secure voice communications across

and between radio and telephone networks, including conferencing,

using TCC’s DSP 9000 and HSE 6000 interoperable secure radio and

telephone encryption family to connect fixed-sites (land, sea and

air), ground troops, public safety special operations, and commanders

and government officials.

Supporting universal encryption, the DSP 9000 and HSE 6000 are cost-

effective and flexible, operating with most radio makes and models,

and all frequency bands, and seamlessly overlaying on existing voice

networks. The HSE 6000 fits in a pocket and connects to any handheld

or squad radio, and any headset/handset. It also quickly connects to

corded handset telephones used with VoIP, digital and analog

telephone networks.

Cryptography

TCC’s Enhanced Domain Transform algorithm uses a highly non-linear

digital key stream generator. Algorithm customization is supported.

Keys and radio interface settings are generated by TCC’s Crypto

Management System, while key management is user transparent.

Contact TCC Sales: 978-287-6229, or tccinfo@tccsecure.com.

About Technical Communications Corporation

For over 50 years, TCC has specialized in superior-grade secure

communications systems and customized solutions, supporting our

CipherONE best-in-class criteria, to protect highly sensitive voice,

data and video transmitted over a wide range of networks. Government

entities, military agencies and corporate enterprises in 115

countries have selected TCC's proven security to protect their

communications. Learn more: www.tccsecure.com, Follow us: Twitter,

YouTube.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:

http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130926005302/en/

Contacts

TCC

Janet LeClair, +1-978-287-6309

leclair@tccsecure.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8630/en

American Express Announces Plans to Create New Joint Venture for Business Travel

Joint Venture to Benefit from Increased Investment in Digital Capabilities While Maintaining Key American Express Linkages

NEW YORK - Thursday, September 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Express Company (NYSE: AXP) today announced plans to create a joint venture designed to accelerate the transformation of its Global Business Travel (GBT) division. American Express is in ongoing discussions with regard to a proposed joint venture in which it would share the ownership of the joint venture with an investor group led by Certares, a firm headed by senior management with significant experience in the travel industry. It is expected that GBT’s operations, business relationships and other assets would be held and operated by the joint venture entity. The joint venture transaction is expected to create greater investment capacity for GBT to further enhance its suite of products and services, attract new customers and grow internationally to deliver additional value to customers.

As presently contemplated, American Express would maintain a 50% ownership stake in the joint venture, which would continue to operate under the American Express Global Business Travel brand, while an investor group led by Certares would own the remaining 50% interest. The investor group would invest a sum in the range of $700 million to $1 billion, which would be used by the joint venture to grow the GBT business. Subject to the execution of definitive agreements and receipt of requisite regulatory and other approvals, the transaction would be expected to close in the second quarter of 2014, at which time American Express would expect to recognize a gain.

It is also anticipated that GBT employees would transition to the new structure which, upon closing, would be managed by a board of directors that would include representatives appointed by American Express and the investor group, as well as selected independent directors. As the parties work toward completion of the transaction, the GBT management team will remain in place and focused on serving the needs of GBT’s business customers. American Express also expects to execute comprehensive commercial agreements to provide uninterrupted service and close coordination for mutual customers of GBT and American Express’ other business units.

“We’ve been making strong progress in our efforts to transform our corporate travel business,” said Stephen J. Squeri, Group President, Global Corporate Services, American Express. “The first phase of this transformation, announced earlier this year, has been focused on reducing the cost structure within GBT through our technology and infrastructure advances. The joint venture we plan to form represents the next phase of the transformation, which is aimed at accelerating the growth of this business through additional investments that would be used to develop new products, services and capabilities that we expect will help us meet the evolving needs of our current customers, attract new ones, and continue to build our international business. We anticipate that the expansion of our business travel offerings will not only help us grow GBT, but it would also provide additional value to our corporate payments customers, which would help us accelerate growth in that business as well. We believe this structure will provide superior opportunities for delivering customer benefits, retaining world-class talent and achieving long-term success.”

Travel has been an integral part of American Express for more than one hundred years, and maintaining a strong presence in the business travel industry is of strategic value to the Company. GBT has operations and network partners in 138 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive network, service dependability, and deep insight to customers representing more than $19 billion in corporate travel spend. The new joint venture would be positioned to utilize its own funds to invest in the business while still maintaining and benefitting from the customer benefits of a link to American Express’ other business units, such as Global Corporate Payments, which issues the American Express Corporate Card and provides business-to-business payment solutions.

American Express’ consumer travel business, which provides Card Members and other consumers with travel benefits and services, would not be part of the proposed transaction.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

About American Express Global Business Travel

Positioned at the intersection of commerce and travel, American Express Global Business Travel offers its customers a comprehensive network, service dependability, and deep insight to help move people and businesses forward. American Express Global Business Travel provides leading travel solutions, integrated consulting services, proprietary research, and end-to-end meetings and events capabilities. These innovative offerings enable customers to optimize the return on their travel and meetings investments. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel.

American Express Global Business Travel is part of one of the world’s largest travel agency networks with locations in 138 countries worldwide.

Information Related To Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements that reflect management’s expectations about future events and the Company’s operating plans and performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. American Express undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: events impacting the likelihood and timing of the creation of the joint venture, execution of transaction documentation and completion of the transaction, such as continued negotiations, ongoing diligence, board and regulatory approvals and consultation requirements; the ability of the potential investors to fund their investment in the joint venture; uncertainty relating to the timing and magnitude of the recognition of a gain by American Express as a result of the transaction, such as the amount of the funds ultimately raised by the joint venture and when assets are transferred to the joint venture; the underlying assumptions related to the transaction proving to be inaccurate or unrealized, such as the ability of the transaction to accelerate the transformation and growth of the corporate travel business and the ability to realize strategic linkages between the business operations of the joint venture and American Express following the transaction, including the acceleration of growth in the corporate payments business; and the joint venture’s ability to successfully create additional investment capacity and enhance the suite of products and services available upon consummation of the transaction. A further description of such factors can be found in American Express’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31 and June 30, 2013, and the Company’s other reports filed with the SEC.

Contacts

American Express

Christine Elliott, 212-640-0622

christine.s.elliott@aexp.com



Diana Postemsky, 212-640-9203

diana.c.postemsky@aexp.com

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment: Investor Confidence in Nigeria is Rapidly Gaining Momentum

NEW YORK - Thursday, September 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegum Aganga said “policy changes implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria in recent months and improved corporate governance has provided an enabling environment for domestic and foreign investors.”

Speaking at the New York Stock Exchange, Mr. Aganga said “investor confidence in Nigeria is rapidly gaining momentum with a significant number of Nigerian and global companies investing in Nigeria.”

For the second year running, the United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD) reports for 2013 and 2012 ranked Nigeria as Africa’s number one destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Nigeria was ranked fourth globally in terms of average returns on investments at 35.5%. The country’s current growth rate is between 6%-7%, well ahead of the global average.

Recent major announcements and investments in 2013, such as the Dangote Group’s USD$9 billion investment and GE's USD$1 billion (USD$250 million for capital investment commitment in 2013 with expected completion of construction in 2017) and Power investments, would bolster Nigeria’s position to maintain its lead as Africa’s number one investment destination and potentially surpass the 2012 FDI figure.

Minister Aganga further said the recent investment by the Dangote Group of USD$9 billion to build one of Africa’s largest industrial complexes and oil refineries in Nigeria is a “significant manifestation of investor confidence in Nigeria and provides a major boost to the country’s industrial sector and long-term growth prospects.”

In early September 2013, the Dangote Group signed a $3.3 billion loan finance deal with Nigerian and foreign banks to fund the investment to build the largest oil refinery in Africa as well as a fertiliser and petrochemical plant that would not only see Nigeria attain self sufficiency in refined petroleum products but also become a net exporter of petroleum products by the end of 2016.

Mr Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, said: “As an investor who believes in Nigeria, knows Nigeria well and whose prosperity was made in Nigeria, we are confident in the long term growth prospects of this great country.

“Our recent investment of over USD$9 billion will turn Nigeria into an exporter of petroleum products for the first time ever and play a valuable role in Nigeria’s long term GDP.”

The oil refinery is to be located at the Olokola Free Trade zone (OKFTZ) and will be the largest oil refinery in Africa. Currently Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer but lacks refining capacity and has to import most of its fuel.

Mr Aliko Dangote yesterday in New York announced plans to invest additional sum of USD$7 billion, in cement, sugar, rice as well as oil and gas downstream projects. This will bring the total investment to $16 billion.

Commenting on the latest landmark $9 billion investment, Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI), Ms Evelyn Oputu said: “ it would produce the most fundamental positive impact on the structure, growth and development of Nigeria’s economy.”

“The Bank of Industry is fully committed to providing financial and business support services to facilitate the transformation of Nigeria’s industrial sector, domestication of the country’s production capacity and it’s long term economic growth.”

Commenting on GE’s investments in Nigeria the Global Chairman and CEO of General Electric, Mr Jeffrey Immelt said: “The time is now and the place is Nigeria. Where we are now is the point of execution. The Government of Nigeria has made significant progress in its economy within the last few years. GE, as a global infrastructure company, will be investing USD$1 billion in Nigeria within the next five years, which will create about 2,300 jobs. We see a lot of opportunities in Nigeria.”

Contacts

For enquires and interviews in New York with Minister Aganga

Mr Juwon Sofola

Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment on Investment

Phone: +234-809-803-3980

Email: jsofola@gmail.com



Mr. Waheed Olagunju

Executive Director Bank of Industry Limited

Tel: +234-803-403-2123

Email: wolagunju@boinigeria.com



Ms Terhas Berhe / Ms Lynette Lambert

Brand Communications

Phone: +44-020-7638-6856

Email: terhas@bc-uk.com/lynette@bc-uk.com





Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8617/en

Head of Education Department Wins International Stevie Award

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, September 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

The Abu Dhabi Police GHQ has won the Stevie Award, the World's Premier Business Awards, which recognize institutional excellence and business worldwide. Lt. Colonel Khaled Abdullah Al Khouri, Head of the Education Department, at the Human Resources Directorate General, obtained the Gold Stevie Award, the highest ranking in the “Human Resources Executive of the Year” category.  It is noteworthy that Lt. Colonel Al Khouri will receive his trophy during the 2013 Stevie Awards gala banquet, which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in mid- October. 

It is noteworthy that the Stevie Award will also honor other senior leaders in the field of human resources, such as CEO of South Korea's nuclear power plant.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

Photo Caption:

Photo1: International Stevie Award

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8620/en

ZTE Offers the World’s Fastest 4G Mobile Routers for Users in Japan

Available through SoftBank and eAccess, new ZTE 4G routers enable 110Mbps data transfers and offer AXGP/FDD-LTE/W-CDMA multi-network compatibility; perfect for bandwidth-hungry gaming and online video applications on the move

SHENZHEN, China - Saturday, September 28th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, is pleased to offer users in Japan two new 4G mobile routers with data download speeds of 110 Megabits per second, delivering the world’s fastest mobile data access to consumers and businesses.

The ZTE “Pocket WiFi SoftBank 203Z” and “Pocket WiFi (GL09P)” 4G routers, which are made available by major Japanese operators SoftBank and eAccess respectively, are powered by Qualcomm’s new Gobi chipset, supporting LTE Advanced and carrier aggregation technology. The new routers are perfect for bandwidth-hungry applications such as gaming and online videos.

The new ZTE mobile routers offer multi-network compatibility, supporting three network types – AXGP, FDD-LTE and W-CDMA. Both “Pocket WiFi SoftBank 203Z” and “Pocket WiFi (GL09P)” support simultaneous connections by as many as 14 users, and are equipped with an 5,000 mAh high-capacity battery, allowing 900 hours of standby time and 14 hours of continuous use.

ZTE is excited to partner with SoftBank and eAccess on the new LTE routers, and ZTE is committed to delivering best-in-class telecommunications products to the Japan market. As a long-term partner, ZTE has provided SoftBank with five router products, two of which support LTE. The first collaboration between ZTE and eAccess will bring more opportunities for subsequent market expansions.

About ZTE Mobile Devices

ZTE Mobile Devices is a division of ZTE Corporation, a global telecommunications equipment, networks and mobile devices company headquartered in Shenzhen, China. ZTE is a publicly traded company listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges.

ZTE is one of the Top 5 mobile handset and smartphone manufacturers in the world, according to global industry analyst IDC. The company produces a complete range of mobile devices, including mobile phones, tablets, mobile broadband modems and hotspots and family desktop integration terminals.

A global leader, ZTE has partnerships with more than 230 major carriers and distributors in over 160 countries and regions around the globe. It also has strategic partnerships with 47 of the world’s top 50 carriers. In 2012, ZTE applied for more international patents than any other company in the world.

For more information, please visit: www.ztedevices.com

Contacts

ZTE Corporation

Margrete Ma, +86 755 26775207

ma.gaili@zte.com.cn



Edelman PR

Mark Lee / Andres Vejarano, +852 2837 4756 / 2837 4735

mark.lee@edelman.com

andres.vejarano@edelman.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8644/en

Valimo Mobile ID enables mobile identity based secure login for national health service in Finland

VANTAA, Finland - Thursday, September 26th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Valimo, the world leader in mobile identity authentication, has joined forces with leading Finnish telecommunications service provider Elisa to enable strong mobile login and end-user authentication for Taltioni, a nationwide health and well-being service. Taltioni is a Finnish health services cooperative promoting an open ecosystem for well-being services, and Elisa’s customer in the project. Elisa’s many years in the mobile service business combined with Valimo’s strong mobile ID expertise allows anytime anywhere access to the Taltioni eHealth offers.

With Mobile ID, users can securely log in to their eHealth account and authorize healthcare professionals to link medical applications with their personal information. Patients can store, collect, generate and share information received from healthcare professionals, and also the user-collected data. Taltioni stores the data in a protected database that can be accessible, anytime anywhere, with an added layer of protection thanks to Valimo’s mobile ID verification.

Taltioni promotes Mobile ID login via its service platform, providing the safest login and user authentication available. “Data security is essential to Taltioni: each citizen owns his or her information and decides who may access it,” said Taltioni CEO Tuomas Teuri. “eHealth is a global trend with people collecting more and more personal information through different sources and services. They can now control and share their medical history with their mobile – all in one place.”

“Mobile ID has had a good start with various service providers in Finland, including electronic government services,” added Perttu Hörkkö, Elisa’s business development manager. “Following this success, the Taltioni service now illustrates Elisa’s and Valimo’s expertise in delivering strong ID authentication using the mobile in the eHealth sector. It’s a significant opportunity for many more service providers to connect with it, and benefit from its embedded mobility and security.”

“The success of Finnish Mobile ID based eGovernment services has demonstrated to new service providers such as healthcare professionals that they can trust the ability of mobile to deliver private and convenient services. This is growing a large potential ecosystem of mobile services providers, powering the Finnish economy and further evidencing its leadership in the digital world. This is in turn driving nationwide mobile ID adoption by citizens,” added Yousaf Ghous, Managing Director of Valimo.

About Valimo

Valimo turns mobile phones into digital identification cards. The new breed of Mobile ID replaces the need for a multitude of passwords and tokens. With Valimo technology, mobile phone users can securely authenticate themselves and legally sign documents, just by using their mobile phone and a simple PIN code. Based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology, Valimo Mobile ID works in every mobile phone with a SIM card inside.

Valimo's mobile signature solutions are global market leaders in terms of installation base and number of active users. Valimo solutions are used by mobile operators, banks, corporations, governments, public sector and other service providers. Founded in 2000, Valimo Wireless is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland. For further information, please visit www.valimo.com.

Contacts
Valimo:
Christian Marc, +33 6 1905 1283
christian.marc@valimo.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8618/en

GIOTRIF® (afatinib)* Approved in Europe for Patients with EGFR Mutation Positive Lung Cancer

INGELHEIM, Germany - Wednesday, September 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

    Patients with EGFR mutation positive lung cancer in the European Union can now benefit from a new targeted treatment option, GIOTRIF®, the first irreversible ErbB Family Blocker
    Afatinib has been shown to delay tumour progression and improve disease related symptoms versus standard chemotherapy1
    Afatinib approval marks the first registration of a targeted treatment from Boehringer Ingelheim's oncology portfolio in the EU

(BUSINESS WIRE) For non U.S. Media Only

Boehringer Ingelheim announced today that the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for afatinib monotherapy, for the treatment of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) TKI-naïve adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutation(s). Afatinib will be marketed in Europe under the brand name GIOTRIF®.

“We are delighted with the decision by the European Commission. We hope this will be the first of many registrations for drugs from our in-house oncology research program,” commented Prof Klaus Dugi, Corporate Senior Vice President Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim. “The approval of afatinib in Europe reinforces our commitment to bringing the right treatments to the right patients. This is a significant step towards meeting the substantial unmet need in lung cancer treatment.”

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, accounting for 1.6 million new cases each year.2 It is the most deadly; more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.3 In Europe alone, lung cancer is responsible for almost 270,000 deaths each year.4 Although incidence rates are higher in men than women it has been suggested that, by 2015, lung cancer will overtake breast cancer as the biggest cause of female cancer death in Europe.4

Because lung cancer is more than one disease, distinct subtypes can be characterised by receptors that are frequently altered or overexpressed in cancer cells. One such molecular marker is EGFR (a member of the ErbB Family of receptors). The prevalence of tumours harbouring EGFR mutations is between 10-15% in Caucasian and 40% in Asian NSCLC patients.5

In clinical trials, afatinib has been shown to offer patients with this type of lung cancer a significant delay in tumour progression, coupled with improvements in their lung cancer related symptoms (e.g. shortness of breath, cough and chest pain) and quality of life.1,6 Therefore, early mutation testing for EGFR status is a crucial step in the treatment-decision pathway, to give patients the opportunity to receive the appropriate personalised therapy from the start.

“Its unique mode of action allows afatinib to block EGFR and other members of the ErbB Family of receptors that play a key role in the growth and spread of cancers associated with a high mortality such as lung cancer,” said Dr. Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and clinical investigator in the LUX-Lung 3 trial. “Clinical data demonstrates afatinib’s efficacy in delaying tumour growth and improving lung cancer related symptoms, making it an important addition to our treatment options in Europe.”

Following recent approvals in the U.S., Taiwan and Mexico, European Union approval of afatinib is based on data from the pivotal LUX-Lung 3 trial and other Phase III and Phase II lung cancer studies. Data from Phase III LUX-Lung 3 trial have shown that patients taking afatinib as a first-line treatment lived for almost one year without their tumour growing again (median progression-free survival (PFS) of 11.1 months) versus just over half a year (PFS of 6.9 months) for those treated with pemetrexed/cisplatin. In addition, a subgroup analysis has shown that NSCLC patients with tumours harbouring the two most common EGFR mutations (Del19 or L858R) taking afatinib lived for well over a year without tumour progression (PFS of 13.6 months) versus just over half a year (PFS of 6.9 months) for those in the comparator arm.1

The most common grade 3 drug-related adverse events observed in the afatinib treatment arm were diarrhoea (14%), rash (16%), and inflammation of the nail bed (paronychia) (11%). The most common drug-related grade 3 adverse events observed in the chemotherapy arm (pemetrexed/cisplatin) were neutropenia (15%), fatigue (13%), and leucopenia (8%). There was a low discontinuation rate associated with treatment-related adverse events in the trial (8% discontinuation rate for afatinib; 12% for chemotherapy). 1% of patients in the afatinib arm discontinued due to drug-related diarrhoea.1

* In the EU, Taiwan and Mexico, afatinib is approved under the brand name GIOTRIF®, and in the U.S. under the brand name GILOTRIFTM for use in patients with distinct types of NSCLC. Afatinib is under regulatory review by health authorities in Asia and other countries.

Notes to Editors

https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news/news_releases/press_releases/2013/25_september_2013oncology.html

For more information please visit: www.boehringer-ingelheim.com and www.newshome.com

References

1 Sequist L, Yang J, Yamamoto N, et al. Phase III Study of Afatinib or Cisplatin Plus Pemetrexed in Patients With Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations. J Clin Oncol 2013;DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2012.44.2806.

2 Ferlay J et al. Estimates of worldwide burden of cancer in 2008:GLOBOCAN 2008. International Journal of Cancer. 2010; 127 2893-2917.

3 American Cancer Society. What are the key statistics about lung cancer. Available at http://www.cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-non-smallcell/detailedguide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-key-statistics. Last accessed, September 2013.

4 Malvezzi M et al. European cancer mortality predictions for the year 2013. Annals of Oncology, 2013.

5 Jang, T.W. et al. 2009. EGFR and KRAS Mutations in Patients With Adenocarcinoma of the Lung. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, March; 24(1), pp.48–54.

6 Yang J, Hirsh V, Schuler M, et al. Symptom Control and Quality of Life in LUX-Lung 3: A Phase III Study of Afatinib or Cisplatin/Pemetrexed in Patients With Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations. J Clin Oncol 2013;DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2012.46.1764.

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim

Corporate Communications

Media + PR

Reinhard Malin

55216 Ingelheim/Germany

Phone: +49 6132 – 77 90815

Email: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com

More information

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8616/en

electroCore Strengthens Its Global Management Team

NEW JERSEY - Wednesday, September 25th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JP Errico CEO of electroceutical healthcare company electroCore has spearheaded an overhaul of the companys’ management structure over the last two years. Its top team now better reflects its extensive global ambitions and its culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.

JP commented, “We are moving into a period of rapid growth as we start to bring our therapies to market across the globe. To meet this challenge we have strengthened our management team with a new focus on the commercialization of our non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation nVNS therapy for headache – cluster and migraine - and to further expand the use of nVNS therapies in gastric motility disorders, bronchoconstriction, epilepsy, depression and anxiety. Initially our commercial efforts are focused on headache in Europe, Australia and Canada where we have regulatory approval. In the US we are presently completing the necessary FDA pivotal trial for submission in 2014.”

The electroCore Global Executive Team comprises;

JP Errico, Chief Executive, who founded the company in 2005, has started a number of very successful medical device companies, including Fastenetix, K2 Medical, AD-4 Pharma, E2, and SpineCore. Products conceived by these companies have generated more than $8 billion in sales to date.

Frank Amato, Chief Operating Officer who has extensive commercial pharma experience including Vice President of the Specialty Commercial Operations Group, Merck and Executive Director, Global Business Operations, Schering-Plough joined electroCore in 2011.

Bruce J. Simon, PhD Vice President of Research who spent 16 years as Senior Director of Research at EBI (a division of Biomet, Inc.) where he directed research on the effects of electric and electromagnetic fields on bone, cartilage and soft tissue repair. Bruce joined in 2008.

Steve Mendez, Founder, Chief Science Officer is a research and development executive with 28 years experience driving all phases of product life cycle from concept/patents and design to manufacturing and sales/field support. Steve was previously Vice President of Development with the EBI division of Biomet.

Mike Romaniw, Vice President, Quality Assurance is a quality assurance and regulatory compliance expert with 35 years experience in the medical device industry, including manufacturing, design and development, and quality management. Mike was previously Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance at Blackstone Medical, Inc. and joined electroCore in 2011.

Jason Pesile, Vice President, Finance spent nine years in management consulting, advising a range of life sciences companies on financial, operational and HR matters. He spent 5 years in the pharmaceutical industry – at Merck and Schering-Plough – where he worked on a variety of corporate strategic initiatives. Jason joined electroCore in 2011.

Eric Liebler Vice President, Scientific, Medical and Governmental Affairs has more than 20 years of neurological industry and association experience including co-founding Nautilus Neurosciences, which brought Cambia® for the treatment of acute migraine to market Erichas held leadership positions at Elan, Amarin, Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Questcor Pharmaceuticals, and Pharmacopeia and joined electroCore in 2012.

The most recent addition is Bob Griffing Vice President Global Sales and Marketing who joined in September this year. Prior to joining electroCore Bob spent over 22 years at Merck where he rose to be Vice President of Primary Care Commercial Operations for the Southeast, Global Brand Leader, Oncology Products and National Sales Director, Neuropsychiatry.

A new regional commercial structure being built in Germany - reporting to COO Frank Amato - will support Europe, Australia and Canada.

The management team is supported by a strong board of directors composed of senior executives drawn from business, pharma, medical devices and medicine.

Full resume of management and board is available at; www.electrocoremedical.com/officers-directors

Contacts

Vane Percy & Roberts

Simon Vane Percy

+44(0)1737 821890

simon@vanepercy.com





 

Quintiles Advances New Approach to Speed Biomarker-Targeted Therapies to Cancer Patients

Undertakes Novel Genomic “Pre-profiling” Feasibility Study to Examine the Promise of Precision Medicine in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

ME Newswire / Business Wire

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - Wednesday, September 25th 2013

Quintiles today announced plans to improve the development of biomarker-targeted therapies through a novel approach that promotes the genomic “pre-profiling” of cancer patients. As a first step, Quintiles is undertaking a study with the participation of US Oncology Research, supported by McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network, to explore the operational feasibility and clinical benefits of an upfront approach to the genomic profiling of tumors from metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. The study will investigate how pre-profiling and genomic sequencing data may support physician treatment decisions, including the identification of appropriate clinical trials for patients.

“Today, the industry’s approach to stratifying patients through genomic screening is sequential – testing for oncology biomarkers one at a time, and often only as part of screening for participation in a single clinical trial,” explained Jeffrey Spaeder, M.D., chief medical and scientific officer for Quintiles. “Early indications from this study suggest that we can provide physicians and patients with early visibility on potentially clinically actionable biomarkers within a rapid two-week timeframe. This level and speed of analysis has promise to save valuable time in administering potentially life-saving therapies to patients, and reduce the development times of precision medicines.”

As cancer research and care enter the era of precision medicine, Quintiles is actively transforming the model for testing new therapies. Pre-profiling may accelerate early testing of new biomarker-targeted therapies by enabling biopharmaceutical companies to focus on molecules with high potential for safety and effectiveness. For cancer patients and physicians, pre-profiling enables the efficient matching of the right patients to the right clinical studies, and increases patient access to innovative therapies.

“Our work is taking a critical step toward making precision medicine a reality,” continued Spaeder. “Quintiles’ end-to-end design and delivery model for connecting genomic testing with clinical trials supports the needs of patients, physicians and drug developers. Our goal is to provide oncology investigators and their patients with access to effective, cutting-edge therapies through a model built upon experience and high-quality cancer care.”

About the “Pre-profiling” Feasibility Study

The primary objective of the study, titled “Feasibility study of Biomarker Analysis for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer,” is to determine the number of genetic changes that occur within mCRC patients that are targeted by U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved therapies, as well as those targeted by therapies in development. The study will perform a broad-based biomarker analysis on mCRC patients, and the results will be reported to the treating physicians in a clinically meaningful format to help identify higher-risk patients and aid in selecting better treatment options.

About Quintiles

Quintiles (NYSE: Q) is the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services with a network of more than 27,000 employees conducting business in approximately 100 countries. We have helped develop or commercialize all of the top-50 best-selling drugs on the market. Quintiles applies the breadth and depth of our service offerings along with extensive therapeutic, scientific and analytics expertise to help our customers navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment as they seek to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of better healthcare outcomes. To learn more about Quintiles, please visit www.quintiles.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, Quintiles’ current expectations and anticipated results of operations, all of which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quintiles’ actual results, performance or achievements, market trends, or industry results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Therefore, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “should,” “targets,” “will” and the negative thereof and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions described under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Quintiles’ prospectus dated May 8, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 9, 2013, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Quintiles’ periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in Quintiles’ filings with the SEC. Unless legally required, Quintiles assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking information to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting such forward-looking information.

Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for Quintiles.

Contacts

Quintiles

Mari Mansfield, + 1-919-998-2639

Media Relations

mari.mansfield@quintiles.com

Mobile: +1-919-259-3298



Karl Deonanan, +1-919-998-2789

Investor Relations

InvestorRelations@quintiles.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8609/en

Thuraya Appoints Vice President of Innovation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, September 24th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading Mobile Satellite Services operator today announced that Randy C. Roberts has joined the Company as Vice President of Innovation. In the newly created role, Roberts will oversee product development, product management and solutions engineering. Roberts will report to Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya and will serve as a member of the Company’s Executive Team.

“I am pleased to welcome Randy Roberts as Vice President of Innovation,” said Halawi. “His extensive experience in product development and management with leading handset OEMs will be a strong asset for Thuraya as we drive new product innovation and expand our offerings, including the Thuraya SatSleeve to new audiences and new sectors.”

Roberts is a seasoned telecommunications executive with over 25 years of experience at leading mobile device manufacturers. He brings to Thuraya a wealth of experience in application, hardware and software development, in addition to a strong background in product development and management.

Roberts joins Thuraya from Siemens Enterprise Communications where he was the Vice President of their Global Mobile Product Portfolio. Roberts has held a variety of leadership roles in product management and development at BlackBerry, Motorola, Nokia and AT&T. Roberts holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas Tech University.

-Ends-

About Thuraya Telecommunications Company

Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, broadcast media, maritime, military and humanitarian NGO. Thuraya’s superior network enables clear communications and uninterrupted coverage across two thirds of the globe by satellite and across the whole planet through its unique GSM roaming capabilities. The company’s diverse range of technologically superior and highly reliable mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices provide ease of use, value, quality and efficiency. Thuraya remains committed to serving humanity through delivering the essential tools for optimal connectivity, never leaving anyone out of reach. Visit www.thuraya.com

Contacts

Thuraya

Shereen Hanafi, Director of Communications

+ 971-4-4488-888

corporatecomms@thuraya.com

Follow Thuraya on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube

Data presented at EASD support safety profile of Trajenta® (linagliptin) in broad range of adults with Type 2 Diabetes

INGELHEIM, Germany and INDIANAPOLIS, US - Tuesday, September 24th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

    Pooled analysis of trial data showed linagliptin was well tolerated including in the elderly with normal renal function to severe renal impairment
    The overall incidence of adverse events was similar for linagliptin compared to placebo

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For Non-US and Non-UK Media

Poster No. 926 & 986

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company today announced that results from two different pooled analyses of clinical studies support previous observations that the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor linagliptin was shown to be well tolerated in a broad range of adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). These data were presented at the 49th European Association of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting.

General safety analysis

Findings from a pooled comprehensive analysis of safety data in 22 linagliptin clinical trials with 7,400 people with T2D (4,810 received linagliptin, 2,590 received placebo) included the following:1

    Linagliptin was well tolerated overall and across all age groups studied, with a low incidence of hypoglycemic events
    In an exploratory analysis, overall hypoglycaemia was lower for linagliptin compared to placebo (11.5 percent versus 14 percent, p=0.0021)
    Overall incidence of adverse events (AE) or serious adverse events (SAE) with linagliptin was similar to placebo (AE 56.5 percent versus 61.2 percent, and SAE 4.8 percent versus 6.3 percent, respectively)
    The incidence of AEs with linagliptin compared to placebo remained similar irrespective of the age category (≤65 years, 65-74 years, ≥75 years)

“Drug tolerability is an important consideration in the selection of appropriate treatments for people with Type 2 Diabetes, as often different populations will have drug contra-indications and require dose adjustments to manage their disease,” said Prof. Nikolaus Marx, Professor of Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital of Aachen, Germany. “The results presented today support the safety profile of linagliptin.”

Renal safety in the elderly

Results from a post-hoc analysis of pooled data from seven clinical trials including 1,293 people with T2D aged 65 years or older showed:2

    Linagliptin was well tolerated providing clinical efficacy in an elderly population with renal function ranging from normal to severe renal impairment
    Overall renal function was not significantly altered by treatment with linagliptin from baseline to week 24, versus placebo
    Patients taking linagliptin achieved a HbA1c reduction of -0.6 percent from baseline and −0.8 mmol/L for fasting plasma glucose (both values placebo-corrected)
    The overall incidence of AEs with linagliptin was similar to placebo (71.3 percent versus 72.8 percent, respectively)
    Incidence of investigator-defined hypoglycaemia was not higher in patients who received linagliptin compared to those receiving placebo (21.3 percent versus 24.7 percent), with most events occurring in the trials that included a sulphonylurea or basal insulin as background therapy
    Renal and urinary AEs were experienced by 5.5 percent and 4.3 percent of linagliptin and placebo patients, respectively

“The data presented from these analyses supplement the already established evidence demonstrating that linagliptin is a well-tolerated treatment for a broad range of people with Type 2 Diabetes,” said Professor Klaus Dugi, Corporate Senior Vice President Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim. “This should provide physicians further assurance when treating different patient types with linagliptin.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) and several other regulatory authorities worldwide have approved linagliptin for the treatment of adults with T2D as monotherapy or in combination with metformin, metformin + sulphonylurea, and as add-on therapy to insulin. With linagliptin, no dose adjustment is required regardless of renal function or hepatic impairment.3,4

About Linagliptin

Linagliptin (5 mg) is marketed in Europe as Trajenta® (linagliptin) and in the U.S. as Tradjenta® (linagliptin), as a once-daily tablet that is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with T2D. Linagliptin should not be used in patients with Type 1 Diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).3,4

Please click on the link below for ‘Notes to Editors’ and ‘References’

http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news/news_releases/press_releases/2013/24_september_2013linagliptin.html

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH

Dr. Petra Kienle

Launch and Established Products CVM

Email: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Phone: +49 (6132) 77-143877



Lilly Diabetes

Tammy Hull

Communications Manager

Email: hullta@lilly.com

Phone: +1 (317) 651 9116







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8602/en

Pooled analysis data showed improvements in glycaemic parameters, body weight and blood pressure with investigational agent empagliflozin* in adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Pooled data from four Phase III trials presented at the 49th EASD Annual Meeting

ME Newswire / Business Wire

INGELHEIM, Germany & INDIANAPOLIS, US - Tuesday, September 24th 2013

For Non-US and Non-UK Media

Poster No. 943 and 944

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company today announced results from a new analysis of pooled efficacy data from four Phase III trials that showed treatment with investigational compound empagliflozin*, a member of the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class of drugs, improved glycaemic parameters, body weight and blood pressure, in adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).1 Data from this pooled analysis are being presented at the 49th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting.

“Management of Type 2 Diabetes in people with elevated cardiovascular risk represents a challenge for physicians” said John E. Gerich, M.D. Professor of Medicine and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine. “Results from this pooled analysis showed that empagliflozin was associated with reductions of elevated blood pressure and modest body weight loss, in addition to improving glycaemic parameters. These are important considerations for people with Type 2 Diabetes.”

The pooled analysis of four Phase III trials was based on efficacy data from 2,477 patients treated with empagliflozin (10mg or 25mg) for 24 weeks either as monotherapy or as add-on to metformin, metformin with sulphonylurea, or pioglitazone with or without metformin. This abstract only presented pooled efficacy data; pooled safety results were presented in a separate analysis.2

At week 24, patients administered empagliflozin 10mg and 25mg showed:1

    Significant reductions from baseline in HbA1c of 0.70 percent and 0.76 percent respectively, compared to a change of -0.08 percent for placebo
    Loss of 2.05kg and 2.25kg of body weight respectively from baseline, compared to a reduction of 0.24kg for placebo
    Reductions in systolic blood pressure of 3.9mmHg and 4.3mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure of 1.8mmHg and 2.0mmHg, respectively. Reductions of 0.5mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 0.6mmHg in diastolic blood pressure were achieved by patients treated with placebo
    Changes from baseline in LDL cholesterol of +3.1mg/dL and +3.9mg/dL respectively, versus a change of +0.8mg/dL for placebo
    Changes from baseline in HDL cholesterol of +2.7mg/dL for both doses, versus a change of 0mg/dL for placebo
    Changes from baseline in triglyceride levels of -9.7mg/dL and -1.8mg/dL respectively, versus a change of +2.7mg/dL for placebo

“The results presented today encourage us to further investigate the efficacy and cardiovascular safety of empagliflozin as a potential new treatment option for people with Type 2 Diabetes,” said Professor Klaus Dugi, Senior Vice President Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim.

In addition to the pooled analysis of efficacy data, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly are also presenting the design of the empagliflozin cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trial at the EASD annual meeting.

The long-term impact of treatment with empagliflozin on CV events is being investigated in a CV outcomes event trial in patients with T2D. The approximately four-year study of more than 7,000 patients with T2D at elevated CV risk, is investigating the long term treatment of empagliflozin versus placebo on CV morbidity and mortality in 42 countries at more than 620 sites.3

The primary endpoint is time to first occurrence of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (heart attack) or non-fatal stroke. In addition, the study is assessing long term blood glucose lowering efficacy, body weight changes, the incidence of hypoglycaemia and other safety measures. Recruitment for EMPA-REG OUTCOME™ completed in April 2013 and the study is currently expected to complete in 2018.

About the empagliflozin Phase III clinical trial programme

Empagliflozin is being investigated in adults with T2D in a Phase III clinical trial programme, which has enrolled more than 14,500 patients. This programme comprises more than 10 multinational clinical trials.

* Empagliflozin is an investigational compound. Its safety and efficacy have not been established.

Please click on the link below for “Notes to Editors” and “References” http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news/news_releases/press_releases/2013/24_september_2013empagliflozin.html

Contacts

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH

Marco Winkler

Product Communication Manager

Email: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Phone: +49 (151) 689 46812



Lilly Diabetes

Tammy Hull

Communications Manager

Email: hullta@lilly.com

Phone: +1 (317) 651 9116







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8601/en

New Service Enables eBay Sellers to Offer Collection at Argos

eBay and Argos trial national service offering Click & Collect opportunity to eBay merchants

LONDON - Tuesday, September 24th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) eBay, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces and Argos, the UK’s leading general merchandise retailer, have joined forces to offer a Click & Collect service, enabling shoppers to purchase products from selected eBay merchants and pick them up at Argos stores throughout the UK.

eBay’s marketplace and Argos’ store network make a powerful and unique combination - a first for the UK. At least 50 eBay merchants will participate in this trial, enabling a wide range of merchandise to be readily available for collection by customers from around 150 Argos stores in primary locations nationally.

As shoppers continue to use digital channels and demand a variety of convenient fulfilment methods for their orders, Click & Collect is expected to grow significantly in the UK. According to the Econsultancy Online Shopping Survey, 40% of UK shoppers used some form of Click & Collect service over Christmas 2012.

This trial delivers what shoppers want: choice, convenience and speed – the opportunity to shop anytime, anywhere, on any device. Customers want to feel inspired by the product on offer; engage in the shopping experience; feel reassured that their transaction is secure and that their purchase will be delivered on time to a location convenient to them.

As Devin Wenig, President, eBay says;

“The distinction between offline and online shopping continues to blur. At eBay we continue to find new ways to connect buyers and sellers. Our mission is connecting people with the things they need and love. Traditional retail isn’t going away; it is transforming. Smart retailers are innovating, reimagining the store and what it means to shop. We’re proud to join Argos on this journey. Their unique store network and operating model is fit for serving customers in a digital future. This exciting pilot takes us one step nearer to our goal of offering customers an inspired and seamless shopping experience.”

John Walden, Managing Director, Argos said:

“With the continuing growth of online shopping, customers increasingly expect faster, cheaper and more convenient fulfilment of their orders. Few companies move as many products as effectively as Argos through a national network of local stores, served by friendly and well-trained colleagues. Having pioneered Click & Collect in the year 2000, it now accounts for around a third of our business and continues to grow. eBay, an innovator in digital and leading online marketplace connecting sellers and consumers, is already a strong partner with Argos and a logical partner for the trial. We look forward to assessing the opportunity for Argos to provide fulfilment for eBay’s merchants, including the operational requirements, attractiveness to sellers and consumers, and opportunity for increased customer footfall."

Notes to editor

    In a further milestone, eBay has also today announced that all of its retail partners who have an existing Click & Collect capability will soon (Q4) be able to offer this service to their eBay customers.
    Argos has led the way pioneering Click & Collect since 2000. This segment of Argos’ business has now grown to around a third of sales.

About eBay

eBay (Nasdaq:EBAY) delivers one of the world’s largest online marketplace to customers via any connected device, connecting people with the things they need and love. Founded in 1995 and opening in the UK in 1999, eBay has more than 18 million active users in the UK. Around 70% of listings are for new, fixed-price items and the UK site is home to more than 100 top brands and retailers.

eBay, Inc. enables commerce by delivering flexible and scalable solutions that foster merchant growth through its eBay Marketplaces, PayPal and eBay Enterprise brands. For more information visit www.ebayinc.com

About Argos

Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 29,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos continues to be the UK’s largest high street retailer online with 635 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2013. Argos serves around 124 million customers a year through its network of around 735 stores.

In the financial year to February 2013, Argos sales were £3.9 billion and it employed some 30,000 people across the business.

Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.

Contacts

Argos

Chris Wermann, 0845 120 4365

media.relations@argos.co.uk



eBay

Blue Rubicon

Claire Lundie, +44 20 7260 2700

ebay@bluerubicon.com

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/8599/en

Rimini Street Appoints Jack L. Acosta to Board of Directors

ME NewsWire / BusinessWire

Software Industry Veteran and Former CFO of Sybase and Portal Software Appointed Independent Director and Chairman of Audit Committee for Leading Enterprise Software Support Company

SAN FRANCISCO - Tuesday, September 24th 2013

Oracle OpenWorld 2013

Oracle OpenWorld 2013 – Rimini Street, Inc., the leading third-party maintenance and support provider for enterprise software, including SAP AG’s (NYSE:SAP) Business Suite and BusinessObjects software and Oracle Corporation’s (NYSE:ORCL) Siebel, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, Oracle Database, Hyperion and Oracle Retail software, today announced that Jack L. Acosta has been appointed to its Board of Directors as an Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Acosta, 65, is a veteran of the enterprise software industry with decades of board and operating experience. He currently serves on several technology company boards, with his most recent operational role serving as chief financial officer at Portal Software, Inc. (now part of Oracle). Prior to that, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Sybase, Inc. (now part of SAP).

Prior to these roles, Acosta served as vice president, engineering services, integration and business management for Sybase. He also served as president, COO, and a director of Tanon Manufacturing, Inc. Earlier, Acosta held various management positions at Ungermann-Bass, Inc., Atari, Inc., Diablo Systems, Inc., and Ford Motor Company. Acosta holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Relations and a Masters of Science in Management Sciences. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from California State University East Bay (formerly Hayward).

“I have spent a majority of my career with successful companies who had the vision and capability of changing the global technology landscape through disruptive innovation, and I am excited to join Rimini Street’s board and work with this passionate, client-focused team to help further accelerate Rimini Street’s global expansion,” said Acosta. “Rimini Street is a well-run, high-growth organization with years of clean audited financial statements, and is redefining the enterprise software support space with its award-winning service offering that is already being enthusiastically embraced by nearly 700 clients around the world.”

“We are pleased to have someone with Jack’s extensive background and industry successes join Rimini Street’s Board of Directors and look forward to his contributions as we continue to accelerate global growth in accordance with our business plan,” said Seth Ravin, Rimini Street CEO. “Jack’s appointment to the important role of Chairman of the Audit Committee is a continuation of Rimini Street’s commitment to transparent and disciplined financial management and oversight that includes a rigorous focus on internal financial processes, systems and audits.”

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street is the leading third-party provider of enterprise software support services. The company is redefining enterprise support services with an innovative, award-winning program that enables Oracle and SAP licensees to save up to 90 percent on total support costs over a decade, including saving 50 percent on annual support fees. Clients can remain on their current software release without any required upgrades or migrations for at least 10 years. Hundreds of global, Fortune 500, midmarket, and public sector organizations from virtually all industries have selected Rimini Street as their trusted, independent support provider. To learn more, please visit www.riministreet.com or call within the USA 888-870-9692 or internationally +1 702-839-9671.

Rimini Street and the Rimini Street logo are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved.

Contacts

Rimini Street, Inc.

Alma Park, +1 323-229-7282

apark@riministreet.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8594/en

Gemalto, Oracle and V2COM Collaborate to Deliver M2M Technology for Smart Grid Solutions in Latin America

ME NewsWire / Business Wire

AMSTERDAM - Tuesday, September 24th 2013

Regulatory News:

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces that it is working with Oracle and V2COM, a leading developer of Smart Grid systems, in delivering a flexible smart energy solution. This advanced Smart Grid Platform leveraging Gemalto’s Cinterion modules with Oracle Java ME Embedded and Oracle Java SE Embedded, will help to modernize electrical power delivery throughout Latin America. The unique combination of data security and modular, Java-based solutions will help enable leading-edge smart metering, along with “big data” integration and power network automation, to improve overall energy efficiency, as well as quality of service for utility companies.

V2COM’s innovative solution uses Gemalto’s Cinterion modules with Oracle Java ME Embedded to securely and reliably communicate energy usage data over wireless networks. These modules seamlessly communicate with V2COM’s Intellligenceware Suite, which uses Oracle Java SE Embedded, Oracle Utilities Meter Data Management (MDM) and GlassFish Server Open Source Edition to connect meter and sensor data into back-end utility IT systems. This allows electric companies to reduce energy losses and fraudulent incidents by improving remote monitoring and management of energy consumption. Quality of service to customers is also improved with faster response times when outages or other issues occur. The intelligent design is scalable, flexible and robust, and can be quickly customized to the individual demands of local market energy providers.

“Gemalto’s M2M solutions integrate seamlessly with V2COM and Oracle’s technologies. Together, we provide a simple, scalable and cost-effective smart energy architecture,” said Nandini Ramani, vice president of development, Java Platform, Oracle. “Supported by the world’s largest community of developers and deployed in over three billion devices worldwide, Java enables smart energy companies to rapidly create and adapt sophisticated M2M solutions that improve business. V2COM also works very closely with our dedicated Utilities Business Unit, implementing the leading Oracle Utilities Meter Data Management solution, which is key to the successful rollout of smart meters. It offers scalable, robust functionality, together with a full suite of analytics, to support utilities in Brazil and across the world.”

“We relied on Gemalto’s market-proven security expertise to design a solution that is unique in the market for safeguarding the integrity of the power grid infrastructure,” said Guilherme Spina, Managing Director, V2COM. “This solution is already deployed in various countries across Latin America, including Brazil which currently has 69 million installed energy meters and adds six to seven million new meters every year. In Colombia, for example, automated network management reduced response times to issues like power outages by 40 percent.”

“The modernization of the Brazilian electricity network requires a $23 billion investment by 2030 for various operational and technical improvements including smart meters, billing automation and quality control,” added Ramzi Abdine, Regional Manager for M2M at Gemalto Latin America. “Gemalto’s extensive expertise in smart metering and remote monitoring, and its customizable, reliable Java-based technology enable our customers to offer the most comprehensive solutions to utility companies that are upgrading their systems.”

Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2012 annual revenues of €2.2 billion and more than 10,000 employees operating out of 83 offices and 13 Research & Development centers, located in 43 countries.

We are at the heart of the rapidly evolving digital society. Billions of people worldwide increasingly want the freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain and work – anytime, everywhere – in ways that are enjoyable and safe. Gemalto delivers on their expanding needs for personal mobile services, payment security, authenticated cloud access, identity and privacy protection, eHealthcare and eGovernment efficiency, convenient ticketing and dependable machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. We develop secure embedded software and secure products which we design and personalize. Our platforms and services manage these products, the confidential data they contain and the trusted end-user services made possible.

Our innovations enable our clients to offer trusted and convenient digital services to billions of individuals. Gemalto thrives with the growing number of people using its solutions to interact with the digital and wireless world.

For more information visit www.gemalto.com, www.justaskgemalto.com, blog.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

Contacts

Gemalto Media Contacts:

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Peggy Edoire, +33 4 42 36 45 40

peggy.edoire@gemalto.com



Asia Pacific

Pierre Lelievre, +65 6317 3802

pierre.lelievre@gemalto.com



North America

Nicole Smith, +1-512-758-8921

nicole.smith@gemalto.com



Latin America

Ernesto Haikewitsch, +55 11 5105 9220

ernesto.haikewitsch@gemalto.com



Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/8598/en