Tuesday, April 29, 2014

To Address Global Cybersecurity Skills Crisis, ISACA Unveils Comprehensive Cybersecurity Nexus Program

One in five businesses has experienced an APT attack, yet 62% of enterprises are not increasing security training in 2014

ME NewsWire/ Business Wire

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. - Monday, April 28th 2014

One in five IT security professionals say their enterprises have been the target of an advanced persistent threat (APT) yet 62 percent of organizations have not increased security training in 2014, according to the ISACA 2014 APT Survey. A separate study by Cisco estimates that close to 1,000,000 positions for security professionals remain unfilled.1 These indicators of a massive talent shortage are compounded by a skills gap, with few cybersecurity programs emphasizing expertise in business strategy and communication, in addition to technology. To help address this growing worldwide skills crisis, global IT association ISACA today launched the Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX) program at its North America CACS conference.

CSX, developed in collaboration with chief information security officers and cybersecurity experts from leading companies around the world, fills an unmet need for a single, central location where security professionals and their enterprises can find cybersecurity research, guidance, certificates and certifications, education, mentoring and community. All CSX materials are designed to provide security-related information within the larger business context.

“Unless the industry moves now to address the cybersecurity skills crisis, threats like major retail data breaches and the Heartbleed bug will continue to outpace the ability of organizations to defend against them,” said Robert Stroud, ISACA international president-elect and vice president of strategy and innovation for IT Business Management at CA Technologies. “ISACA is proud to help close this gap with a comprehensive program that provides expert-level cybersecurity resources tailored to each stage in a cybersecurity professional’s career.”

The continued growth of cyberattacks comes with a steep price tag. A World Economic Forum/McKinsey report estimates that not changing current approaches to cybersecurity could cost the global economy US $3 trillion.2

CSX, located at www.isaca.org/cyber, includes career development resources, frameworks, community and research guidance such as Responding to Targeted Cyberattacks and Transforming Cybersecurity Using COBIT 5.

The CSX program reflects ISACA’s ongoing collaboration with other global organizations at the center of cybersecurity, such as NIST (U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology) and ENISA (European Union Agency for Network and Information Security). ISACA will also host the World Finals of the EC-Council-run CyberLympics ethical hacking competition at its upcoming EuroCACS/Information Security and Risk Management Conference in Barcelona.

Next Generation of Cyber Defenders

The CSX program marks the first time in its 45-year history that ISACA will offer a security-related certificate. The association’s four certifications—including the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) credential—require both an exam and proof of work experience. Ideal for recent university graduates and IT professionals seeking to change fields, the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate requires applicants to pass a knowledge-based exam that provides objective proof of subject mastery to potential employers.

Student interest in cybersecurity careers is strong. A recent global poll of members of ISACA student chapters shows that 88 percent of the ISACA student members surveyed say they plan to work in a position that requires some level of cybersecurity knowledge. However, fewer than half say they will have the adequate skills and knowledge they need to do the job when they graduate.

“Security is always one of the top three items on a CIO’s mind, yet IT and computer science programs at the university level are not allocating a proportional amount of training to cybersecurity,” said Eddie Schwartz, vice president of global cybersecurity and consulting solutions at Verizon Enterprise Solutions and chair of ISACA’s Cybersecurity Task Force. “Today, there is a sizeable gap between formal education and real world needs. This, in itself, is an area requiring immediate focus so that the industry can get better at detecting and mitigating cyberthreats.”

“Enterprises cannot rely on just a handful of universities to teach cybersecurity. With every employee and endpoint at risk of being exploited by cyber criminals, security is everyone’s business. We need to make cybersecurity education as accessible as possible to the next generation of defenders,” noted ISACA International President Tony Hayes.

Upcoming elements in the Cybersecurity Nexus program include a mentoring program, a practitioner-level cybersecurity certification, SCADA guidance, training courses, implementation guidance related to the US Cybersecurity Framework developed by NIST and teaching materials for professors.

About ISACA

With 115,000 constituents in 180 countries, ISACA® (www.isaca.org) helps business and IT leaders build trust in, and value from, information and information systems. Established in 1969, ISACA is the trusted source of knowledge, standards, networking, and career development for information systems audit, assurance, security, risk, privacy and governance professionals. ISACA offers the Cybersecurity Nexus™, a comprehensive set of resources for cybersecurity professionals, and COBIT®, a business framework that helps enterprises govern and manage their information and technology. ISACA also advances and validates business-critical skills and knowledge through the globally respected Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®), Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT® (CGEIT®) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control™ (CRISC™) credentials. The association has more than 200 chapters worldwide.

Follow ISACA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ISACANews

1 Cisco 2014 Annual Security Report

2 Risk and responsibility in a hyperconnected world: Implications for enterprises, The World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50850558&lang=en

Contacts

ISACA

Joanne Duffer, +1.847.660.5564

Kristen Kessinger, +1.847.660.5512

Rachel Acevedo, +1.847.660.5617

news@isaca.org









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10814/en

Positive CHMP Opinion for Pradaxa® in Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism and Prevention of Repeat Blood Clots

INGELHEIM, Germany - Monday, April 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

    Recommendation for approval brings DVT and PE patients a step closer to a simple treatment option that is as effective as warfarin with significantly lower rates of bleeding1,2,3
    CHMP positive opinion follows recent U.S. FDA approval of Pradaxa® for treatment of and reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE4
    Pradaxa® is already approved for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement surgery5

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For media outside of the U.S., the UK & Canada only

Boehringer Ingelheim announces that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a positive opinion recommending approval of Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate) in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and the prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pradaxa® for DVT and PE patients earlier this month.4

DVT and PE are critical medical conditions: almost one in three PE patients die within three months and four out of 10 patients suffer a repeat blood clot within 10 years of the first. Furthermore, PE as a consequence of a DVT is the leading cause of preventable death in hospital.6,7 To avoid this, and to minimise a patient’s risk of experiencing another blood clot, effective and safe treatment is imperative.

“We are very pleased with this recommendation for European approval, which is an important step towards broadening the indications for which Pradaxa® can be used and extending its proven benefits to more patients,” commented Professor Klaus Dugi, Chief Medical Officer, Boehringer Ingelheim. “With Pradaxa® we aim to offer physicians and patients a new, simple treatment option that is as effective as warfarin, the current standard of care, while providing a favourable overall safety profile.”

The CHMP positive opinion is based on results from four robust phase III clinical trials involving almost 10,000 patients that demonstrated the efficacy of Pradaxa® in the treatment and prevention of repeat DVT and PE compared to warfarin.1,2,3 Data also show a 92% reduction in the risk of recurrent blood clots versus placebo.2 Results showed that DVT or PE patients taking Pradaxa® experienced significantly lower rates of bleeding than those taking warfarin, resulting in a favourable overall safety profile.3

Pradaxa® has the longest clinical trial experience in DVT and PE patients of any novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC).2,8,9 Pradaxa® will offer DVT and PE patients, and their physicians, a treatment option that is more convenient than both warfarin and other NOACs investigated in this indication, as it does not require routine dose monitoring, nor a mandatory dose change during the course of treatment. DVT and PE patients can start taking Pradaxa® in a simple fixed dose regimen after initial treatment with an injectable anticoagulant such as low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).

Clinical experience of Pradaxa® equates to over 2.9 million patient-years in all licensed indications worldwide. It has already been available for more than six years and is approved in over 100 countries to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).10 Pradaxa® 150mg bid is the only NOAC, study of which (RE-LY®) has shown a significant reduction in the incidence of both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes versus warfarin in patients with NVAF.11,12Ischaemic strokes, which account for nine out of 10 strokes experienced by patients with AF, can have devastating consequences and are often fatal or severely disabling.13,14 RE-LY® was a global, phase III, PROBE (prospective, randomized, open-label with blinded endpoint evaluation) design trial comparing two fixed doses of the oral direct thrombin inhibitor Pradaxa® (110mg and 150mg bid) each administered in a blinded manner, with open label warfarin.11,12,15 Pradaxa® 110mg bid, which is indicated for certain patients,5 showed non-inferior efficacy versus warfarin for reducing risk of stroke.11,12

In the EU, Pradaxa® is also approved for primary prevention of VTE (venous thromboembolism, the collective term for DVT and PE) in patients who have undergone elective total hip or total knee replacement surgery.5

~ENDS~

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

http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news/news_releases/press_releases/2014/25_april_2014_dabigatranetexilate.html

Contacts
Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
Friederike Middeke
Phone: +49 (6132) 77-141575
Fax: +49 6132 – 77 6601
E-mail: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Boehringer

More information
www.boehringer-ingelheim.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10812/en

Christie Medical Holdings Unveils Sixth Generation VeinViewer Vision2

Industry Leading Vein Illumination Device Offers Longest Hands Free Reach in Market and First Customizable Color Selection

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Monday, April 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Medical World Americas

(BUSINESS WIRE) Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., the inventor and global leader of direct projection vascular imaging systems, today unveiled VeinViewer® Vision2. VeinViewer is the first and only vein illumination medical device that uses harmless near-infrared light, DLP®, and other technologies to illuminate an exclusive real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface.

“VeinViewer Vision2 is about listening to the hardest working person in the hospital, the floor nurse, and making the best even better,” said Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing for Christie. “They asked for head-to-toe imaging without needing to reposition the device. They asked for multiple color combinations to put them in control. We delivered. Their skills, our technology, better results when used together.”

VeinViewer Vision2 Features

    Exclusive HD, digital full field (Df2) image using LED illumination
    New ASSESS™ Plus Imaging Suite comes standard with seven modes designed for ultimate image customization, including three new modes: TriColor which gives multiple color combinations for an image tailored to the patient’s skin tone and the clinician’s need, Image Capture collects static images of blood patterns for electronic medical record documentation and MaxBright providing the brightest image in the industry, necessary to adjust to varying lighting conditions
    MaxReach offers an 83 percent longer reach for easy head-to-toe assessment of a standard patient bed without having to reposition the device
    Christie Assure Program*, a revolutionary, industry-leading five-year customer commitment including utilization training, clinical education, warranty and upgrade path. Manufactured in the USA.

Attendees at the Medical World Americas conference in Houston, TX will be the first healthcare professionals to see VeinViewer Vision2 in person. Live demonstrations can be seen in the Christie booth, number 626, from April 28-30.

Proven Results

From the recent Infusion Nurses Society position on “Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices With Short Peripheral Catheters” vein visualization technology can “improve success rates, decrease unsuccessful insertion attempts, and improve patient satisfaction.” Only Christie medical evidence was cited as the three supporting evidence papers in the panel’s research regarding the recommendation.

VeinViewer has been shown to increase peripheral intravenous (PIV) first-stick success by up to 100 percent, reduce medically unnecessary PICC placements by greater than 30 percent and improve patient satisfaction by 100 percent. VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm.

To learn more about Christie product offerings: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.veinviewer.com.

*Please see Christie Assure Program terms and conditions.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, manufactured in the U.S., is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com

Follow us on Twitter @veinviewer

Christie® is a trademark of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., registered in the United States of America and certain other countries.

DLP® is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments.


Contacts

Christie Public Relations
Carmen Robert, 519-572-5824
carmen.robert@christiedigital.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10813/en

The Estée Lauder Companies Appoints Christopher C. Giglio to Vice President, Corporate Global Communications

NEW YORK - Monday, April 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Estée Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL) announced today that Christopher C. Giglio has been appointed Vice President, Corporate Global Communications, effective April 28, 2014. He will report to Alexandra C. Trower, Executive Vice President, Global Communications.

Mr. Giglio will play a key role in ensuring proactive, globally aligned and locally relevant corporate communications, including media relations, internal and external communications, and executive communications for the Estée Lauder Companies. Additionally, he will join Alexandra Trower as a close partner with Investor Relations to help drive strategic financial communications, and liaise with the brand communications teams to create synergies that strengthen the Company’s corporate reputation.

“Chris brings a unique balance of global business acumen and communications expertise. I am thrilled to welcome him to our Company. With his proven leadership in strategic communications and reputation management, he will play a key role in delivering the Company’s long-term growth strategy by elevating and protecting the reputation of The Estée Lauder Companies and its portfolio of prestige beauty brands globally,” said Alexandra C. Trower, Executive Vice President, Global Communications.

“I am excited and honored to join the Estée Lauder Companies – a Company known for its rich history and strong values, and a leader in the prestige beauty industry. I look forward to working with the talented Global Communications team and the business leaders across the Company as well as fostering even greater communications opportunities and efforts to further benefit the Company,” said Mr. Giglio.

A seasoned executive, Mr. Giglio brings to the The Estée Lauder Companies more than 25 years of experience, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of the Corporate and Crisis Communications Practice at HL Group, a marketing and communications firm servicing corporate, consumer, fashion and lifestyle clients. During his tenure with HL Group, Mr. Giglio provided strategic executive and corporate positioning for its clients and established the firm’s crisis communications practice while significantly growing the firm’s client base globally.

Prior to joining HL Group, Mr. Giglio held senior positions in the fields of crisis management, journalism, and communications. He was a Director at Kroll Associates, the leading crisis management and investigations firm, working with teams that provided their diverse client base with complex strategies and business intelligence. During his time at Kroll he was based in Hong Kong for several years and worked extensively in the Middle East. He left Kroll to join NBC News, and became an Investigative Producer on the prime-time news magazine, Dateline. At NBC he specialized in investigative stories, breaking news, and political reporting. Following his tenure at NBC, he joined Rubenstein Associates, and worked closely with the firm's founder, Howard Rubenstein, advising attorneys, executives, and high profile individuals on media relations, corporate positioning, and issues management.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under the following brand names: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, M•A•C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, La Mer, Donna Karan, Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, American Beauty, Flirt!, GoodSkin Labs, Grassroots Research Labs, Tom Ford, Coach, Ojon, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, Aerin Beauty, Osiao, Marni and Tory Burch.

An electronic version of this release can be found at the Company’s Website, www.elcompanies.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50851564&lang=en

Contacts

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Media Relations:

Alexandra Trower, 212-572-4430



Investor Relations:

Dennis D’Andrea, 212-572-4384







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10811/en

Fresh, New POLYBOND® Coupling Agents Ensure Performance for Polyolefin Processors and HFFr Wire and Cable Compounders

Chinaplas 2014

      
SHANGHAI - Monday, April 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Addivant™, the new, global company bringing fresh thinking to the polymer and rubber industries, announces three additions to the POLYBOND® polymer modifier product line at Chinaplas 2014. POLYBOND® 7200 coupling agent offers polyolefin processers the highest level of performance in adhesion and filler coupling. POLYBOND® 3249 and POLYBOND® 3349 coupling agents allow wire and cable compounders, using halogen-free flame retardants (HFFR), to optimize physical polymer properties.

POLYBOND® 7200 coupling agent is specifically designed to deliver optimum dispersion and physical properties in natural-fiber reinforced polyolefin applications such as injection-molded automotive parts, profile extrusion and laminated packaging. Recent customer trials have confirmed the effectiveness of this coupling agent, with processors achieving the highest level of performance in adhesion and filler coupling. POLYBOND® 7200 polymer modifier is now seeing strong adoption in many markets around the world.

When used in conjunction with Mg(OH)2 or ATH halogen-free flame retardants, POLYBOND® 3249 and POLYBOND® 3349 coupling agents allow wire and cable compounders to focus on physical property optimization while achieving excellent flame retardant dispersion and melt flow stability. Applications include building wire, communications cable and automotive wire and cable applications. Both new grades offer compounders a choice of performance and, depending on their final design requirements, the option to select the POLYBOND® grade that delivers the most synergy in their system. POLYBOND® 3249 and POLYBOND® 3349 coupling agents are optimized to offer superior physical property retention and melt flow stability. When combined with Addivant’s portfolio of Antioxidants and UV stabilizers, wire and cable producers can leverage Addivant’s expertise across much of their formulation.

POLYBOND® polymer modifiers lead the market by offering a wide range of benefits to polyolefin customers, in many applications. Benefits include increased efficiency of natural-fiber fillers, improved strength and impact performance in glass-filled applications, enhanced adhesion properties in polypropylene film applications, more uniform dispersion of fillers and increased adhesion in many composite structures. These globally available polymer additives are already driving new demand for Addivant’s innovative solutions and allow customers to create new, differentiated products.

“Addivant’s polymer modifier business is continuing to focus on the needs of the polymer market and our customers, as seen in our new capacity investments, extensive recruitment to support our accelerating growth and innovation and in new product development across all our business units” says Adam Watson, Business Development Manager for Polymer Modifiers..

“These three POLYBOND® coupling agents represent the beginning of a planned series of new product launches in our polymer additives business” adds Adam Watson. He says, In the coming years our POLYBOND® and ROYALTUF® polymer modifiers will continue to see enhancements, designed to offer our global customers the broadest possible portfolio.”

Products represented at Chinaplas 2014 will include new solutions from Addivant’s advantaged platforms: ANOX® and LOWINOX® phenolic antioxidants; ALKANOX®, WESTON® and ULTRANOX® phosphite antioxidants; OCTAMINE® and NAUGARD® amines; NAUGARD® thioesters; ANOX® and NDB® blends; LOWILITE® light stabilizers; POLYBOND® and ROYALTUF® polymer modifiers; NAUGARD® polymerization inhibitors; and NAUGARD® rubber chemicals and intermediates

About Addivant™

Addivant™ is an innovator in the field of polymer additives, developing customized solutions that provide customers enhanced application performance, safe handling, and reduction in cost of use. The company is recognized industry-wide for its extensive portfolio of specialty additives including antioxidants, light stabilizers, rubber additives, polymer modifiers, metal deactivators, polymerization inhibitors, and intermediates. Addivant™ is an international company, with 11 plants on five continents, as well as research, manufacturing and sales facilities around the globe. Addivant™ maintains its global headquarters in Connecticut, USA, with regional headquarters in: Al Jubaïl, Saudi Arabia; Basel, Switzerland, and Shanghai, China. Addivant™ is an independent portfolio company of SK Capital. Visit www.addivant.com for more information.

About SK Capital

SK Capital is a private investment firm focused on the specialty materials, chemicals and healthcare sectors. The firm has deep experience in and knowledge of Addivant’s products and end markets gained through previous and current portfolio companies in the polymers, plastics and associated additives sectors. Located in New York, NY and Boca Raton, FL, the firm is currently investing from SK Capital Partners III, L.P. a $500 million fund of committed capital. Its portfolio companies generate revenues of over $6.0 billion annually and employ more than 5,000 people. Visit www.skcapitalpartners.com for more information.

ANOX®, ALKANOX®, LOWILITE®, LOWINOX®, NAUGARD®, NDB®, OCTAMINE®, POLYBOND®, ROYALTUF®, ULTRANOX® and WESTON® are brand names of AddivantTM.

Contacts

Addivant
Serge Rogasik
serge.rogasik@addivant.com
+1 203 573 2031



Apple Wu
Apple.Wu@addivant.com
+65-6770-5166







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10819/en

Monday, April 28, 2014

Make-A-Wish International Celebrates World Wish Day

PHOENIX - Monday, April 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Make-A-Wish® International will celebrate its annual World Wish Day® on 29 April, with thousands of people across the globe. This year, Make-A-Wish is asking individuals across the globe to take part by visiting worldwish.org/wwd to make a donation in honor of the organization’s 34th anniversary and the 334,000+ wishes granted since its inception in 1980 – with the goal of raising US$100,000 this month to help make more wishes come true.

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Wish recipients inspire all of us around the world through their incredible stories of courage and positivity illustrated through their wish experiences.

There are thousands of courageous children around the world who could inspire other children and communities by seeing their most cherished wishes become reality – but they cannot do it without your support. Just as UK wish recipient Stephen Sutton has seen, a seemingly simple wish can have a global impact. He chose today to share his wish – to have his story of positivity made into a video and for it to be seen by as many people as possible! His inspirational story has already motivated millions worldwide to do something for the good of others. Please watch and share to make his wish come true.

Your donation in support of World Wish Day will help to make life-changing experiences possible for even more inspiring children like Stephen, Miles Scott (aka Batkid), Eunjeong (15) from Korea, who wished to give clean water to a community in Tanzania, and Fatima (7), who will have her wish to be a princess granted on 29 April in Abu Dhabi.

Make-A-Wish affiliates and supporters worldwide will be celebrating World Wish Day through a series of wishes and events in their communities and online at worldwish.org/wwd. You can take part in granting more wishes by donating and following the campaign via #WorldWishDay.

Make-A-Wish sponsor Mattel, Inc. is joining the celebration again in 2014. Mattel has supported the World Wish Day campaign since 2011, through a generous cash donation and a global social media campaign to spread the word about World Wish Day. This year, Mattel will also help grant Irish wish child Aideen's wish to be a Barbie fashion designer. Together, Make-A-Wish International and Mattel are bringing joy and play to families, and ultimately helping create stronger communities.

Join the global network of Make-A-Wish supporters by making a donation at worldwish.org/wwd and spreading the word via #WorldWishDay on social media to raise awareness and vital funds to help bring more life-changing experiences to children and families worldwide. Help us reach our World Wish Day goal of raising US$100,000 to help more wishes become a reality for courageous children around the globe!

Contacts

Make-A-Wish International

Sioban Kerr, +44 (0)7428 974282

Director, Brand Marketing and Communications

skerr@worldwish.org









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10808/en

APP to Support the Protection and Restoration of One Million Hectares of Forest in Indonesia

Immediate priority to secure wildlife conservation in the Bukit Tigapuluh landscape


JAKARTA, Indonesia - Monday, April 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Asia Pulp and Paper Group (APP) has today announced a plan to restore and support the conservation of one million hectares of rainforest across Indonesia. This ground-breaking initiative has been developed with input from many stakeholders, including WWF, Greenpeace and NGO members of APP’s Solutions Working Group. It will have a significant impact on the landscapes both in and around the plantation concessions in APP’s supply chain.
The commitment, which takes the company well beyond its legal conservation requirements, is approximately equivalent to the total area of plantation from which the company sourced pulp fibre in 2013.
This announcement comes just over a year after APP launched its sector-leading Forest Conservation Policy (FCP), which saw an immediate and permanent cessation of natural forest clearance across its supply chain. Since then, the company has been working closely with stakeholders to implement the policy, with support from The Forest Trust. The company has also been carrying out consultation on how it should prioritise restoration of important areas, following the wide ranging biodiversity assessments in its concessions.
Aida Greenbury, APP’s managing director of sustainability, said: “After over a year of implementing our FCP, it has become clear that the key to success of any efforts to halt deforestation in Indonesia is a landscape level approach to forest restoration and conservation.
“Land cannot be conserved or restored in isolation, the sustainability of the entire landscape must be taken into account and many stakeholders must be involved. We hope that by working with Indonesian and international stakeholders, as well as organisations such as WWF, The Forest Trust and Ekologika, our efforts will be much more effective.
“We believe that by assessing entire landscapes and creating clear tailor made objectives and strategies, the maximum possible level of conservation will be achieved, not just for natural forest in our concessions, but for areas around them as well.”
As a first step, APP will work with an NGO coalition to preserve the natural forest in the 30 Hills landscape (Bukit Tigapuluh) in Jambi, Sumatra – a vital habitat for tiger andelephant populations. This will include increased protection of the corridor road from illegal activities, work on protecting the threatened elephant herd in the Tebo Multi Agro concession, and asessment of the viability of creating an animal corridor in the WKS concession which would connect important forest habitat blocks.
APP is currently in consultation with WWF and other stakeholders, to develop plans for identified priority landscapes in which APP and its suppliers have commercial forestry-based operations, which will then be implemented by the company in close collaboration with other relevant players in the landscape, while observing the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
The focus for each landscape is:
Bukit Tigapuluh, Jambi – provide wildlife corridors and additional buffer areas and restrict access to enhance the function of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, while involving the local community.
Senepis, Riau – support conservation of the Sumatran tiger and peat swamp forest.
Giam Siak Kecil, Riau – secure, protect and restore the core natural forest within the Giam Siak Kecil Biosphere Reserve to provide habitat for many endangered species including Sumatran tiger and Sumatran elephants. Also, ensure sustainable conservation of peat swamp forest, while supporting the livelihood of the local communities.
Kampar Peninsula, Riau – support large landscape protection of peat swamp forest using a multi-stakeholder approach that involves other concession holders.
Kerumutan, Riau – support expansion and connectivity of protected forest areas.
Muba Berbak Sembilang, Jambi and South Sumatra – protect the existing natural forest and assess the possibility of expanding the current protected forest, i.e. by restoring key areas to natural ecosystems and focussing on the protection of Sumatran Tiger and other key species. Additional support will be provided to the national parks.
OKI, South Sumatra – create a wildlife corridor to expand the habitat of Sumatran elephants.
Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan – maintain the integrity of orang-utan habitat and also assess the possibility of expanding the existing mangrove forest to support the conservation of swamp crocodiles.
Kutai, East Kalimantan – support the existing national park, providing buffer and corridor for orang-utan habitat.
Over the coming months, this commitment will be developed into a more detail time-bound plan that will form part of the company’s Integrated Sustainable Forest Management Plans (ISFMPs), which are currently being developed by APP, High Conservation Value (HCV), High Carbon Stock (HCS) and social experts as well as a peatland management team.
APP will also develop with other stakeholders, an independently administered trust fund to manage and finance these conservation measures in order to ensure their sustainability and viability into the future. The trust fund will receive start up funding from APP. Additional funding will be raised on an ongoing basis to successfully manage these conservation landscapes.
In order to manage this new conservation strategy, APP will be creating a multi-stakeholder platform, to be unveiled in due course, that will include a wide range of national and international NGOs and other institutions to guide the implementation of these conservation and restoration commitments.
ABOUT APP
Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) is a trade name for a group of pulp and paper manufacturing companies in Indonesia and China. The APP Group of companies is one of the world’s largest vertically integrated pulp and paper companies, with an annual combined pulp, paper, and converting products capacity of over 18 million tons. APP-Indonesia and APP-China currently market their products in more than 120 countries across six continents. The majority of APP’s production facilities are Chain-of-Custody certified by SVLK, LEI and PEFC.
APP launched its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2020 in June 2012 and its Forest Conservation Policy in February 2013, to further improve its environmental performance, biodiversity conservation, and protection of community rights. More information can be found at www.asiapulppaper.com


Contacts
Asia Pulp and Paper Group
Darragh Ooi, (62-21) 29650800
Global Head of Communications
darragh_ooi@app.co.id



Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10809/en

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Hilton HHonors Announces Double Your HHonors Promotion

Members Receive Double HHonors Points or Double Airline Miles for Stays Between May 1 and July 31, 2014

MCLEAN, Va. - Thursday, April 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, announces the return of one of its most popular promotions, Double Your HHonors. Through Double Your HHonors, members can choose between either earning Double HHonors Points or Double Airline Miles for qualified hotel stays completed between May 1 and July 31, 2014, at participating Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.

“Last year members earned more than four billion points with this popular promotion and we are excited to launch it in advance of the busy summer travel season,” said Mark Weinstein, vice president, Commercial Services Strategy, Loyalty Programs & Partnerships. “With more points or miles, HHonors members get to choose what earning style works for them, making it even easier to earn more points or miles that can be turned into unforgettable travel adventures with family and friends.”

To participate in the Double Your HHonors promotion, members must register before checking out of their stay, now through July 31, 2014, at HHonors.com/Double. During registration, participants will be asked to choose to earn either Double Points or Double Miles for the duration of the promotion. To earn Double Miles, members must select “Points & Miles” as their MyWay Earning Style preference, and must have their preferred airline partner selected. For more information or to become a Hilton HHonors member, visit HHonors.com.

This promotion continues a campaign by Hilton urging travelers to “Be a Weekender.” During 2014, Hilton HHonors members have the chance to win a weekend trip every week throughout the year. For more information or to enter the Ultimate Weekender Sweepstakes, members can visit Hilton.com/Weekender and join the pledge to make the most of their weekends.

About Hilton HHonors

Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, offers approximately 38 million members more ways to earn and redeem points than any other guest-loyalty program, enabling them to create experiences worth sharing at more than 4,000 hotels in 90 countries and territories. HHonors members can now redeem points for any room, anywhere, anytime, including the most luxurious suites, using any of four room rewards: Premium Room Rewards, Room Upgrade Rewards, Points & Money Rewards and Standard Room Rewards. In addition, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions and more. HHonors is also the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘No Blackout Dates’ and ‘Points & Miles’ for the same stay at its properties worldwide, including participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels& Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting www.HiltonHHonors.com or connect with Hilton HHonors at news.hiltonhhonors.com. Members can now also book reservations, manage their accounts and redeem special offers with the new Hilton HHonors mobile app for iPhone.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 94 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of ten world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,000 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with nearly 672,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®.

Contacts

Blake Rouhani

Hilton Worldwide

(703) 883 6615

blake.rouhani@hilton.com

news.hiltonhhonors.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10770/en

Thuraya Collaborates with Western Union

ME Newswire / Businesswire

Western Union QuickPay service will allow Thuraya satellite phone users to conveniently top-up prepaid SIM balances with no extra fee

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, April 24th 2014

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading Mobile Satellite Services operator and The Western Union Company, a leader in global payment services, today announced their agreement to offer top-up services for Thuraya prepaid SIMs for voice and data services using the Western Union® Quick PaySM service. The service is available at participating Western Union agent locations in the majority of the 200+ countries and territories in which the company provides services. This new and convenient method of payment enables Thuraya customers to recharge their pre-paid SIMS with no extra fee.

Michel Foricher, Vice President, Service Delivery, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe & CIS, Western Union said, “We are very pleased to collaborate with Thuraya. The Western Union QuickPay service will provide Thuraya customers the convenience of topping up their prepaid SIM cards at participating Western Union agent locations in our network, a quick and convenient facility for Thuraya customers, particularly those who may be in remote locations.”

 “Our agreement with Western Union marks the first time in the world that a satellite telecoms operator is providing such a service. The service is a great convenience for customers who may be located in remote areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Thuraya customers can now top up their prepaid SIM cards easily and efficiently through Western Union’s global network of agent locations that offer the Western Union Quick Pay service. This is yet another example of Thuraya’s commitment to developing innovative solutions and enhancing our services for our growing customer base in emerging markets, with special focus of this deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa and CIS countries,” said Bilal El Hamoui, Vice President of Distribution at Thuraya.

The Western Union Quick Pay service enhances and complements Thuraya’s existing distribution channel by offering an easy way for Thuraya customers to recharge their pre-paid SIMs. To top-up a Thuraya prepaid SIM card, a customer can simply visit a participating Western Union agent location, provide identification and their Thuraya phone number and  re-load their prepaid SIM card with a cash payment. Family, friends and colleagues can add pre-paid credit on behalf of a Thuraya user traveling abroad.

Contacts

Thuraya

Shereen Hanafi, +971-4-4488-888

corporatecomms@thuraya.com



Western Union

Rania Chidiac, +971-4-4373642

rania.chidiac@westernunion.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10772/en

Schlumberger Announces Second-Quarter 2014 Results Conference Call

PARIS - Saturday, April 26th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) will hold a conference call on July 18, 2014 to discuss the results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2014.

The conference call is scheduled to begin at 7:00 am (US Central Time), 8:00 am (US Eastern Time), 2:00 pm (Paris time). A press release regarding the results for the second quarter will be issued on July 17, 2014 after the close of markets.

Going forward, absent conflicts with market holidays, Schlumberger will hold its conference calls to discuss earnings results on the third Friday of the month following the end of a fiscal quarter, beginning at 7:00 am (US Central Time), 8:00 am (US Eastern Time).

To access the conference call, listeners should contact the Conference Call Operator at +1 (800) 230-1059 within North America or +1 (612) 234-9959 outside of North America approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call, and ask for the “Schlumberger Earnings Conference Call.”

A webcast of the conference call will be broadcast simultaneously at www.slb.com/irwebcast on a listen-only basis. Listeners should log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to test their browsers and register for the webcast. Following the end of the conference call, a replay will be available at www.slb.com/irwebcast until August 18, 2014, and can be accessed by dialing +1 (800) 475-6701 within North America or +1 (320) 365-3844 outside of North America, and giving the access code 325481.

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing 123,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in more than 85 countries, Schlumberger provides the industry’s widest range of products and services from exploration through production.

Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston and The Hague, and reported revenues from continuing operations of $45.27 billion in 2013. For more information, visit www.slb.com.

Contacts
Schlumberger Limited
Simon Farrant, Vice President of Investor Relations
Joy V. Domingo, Manager of Investor Relations
Office + 1 (713) 375-3535
investor-relations@slb.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10798/en

Allegion-Sponsored Safety and Security Museum Opens in Shanghai

SHANGHAI - Thursday, April 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Allegion plc (NYSE: ALLE), a leading global provider of security products and solutions celebrated the grand opening of The Safety and Security Museum in the Jinshan District of Shanghai, China this week, with a ceremonial Chinese-paper ribbon cutting. The museum, which features fire prevention and security education exhibits, is the result of a partnership between Allegion Security Technologies of China, the People’s Government of Jinshan District and the Shanghai Fengjing Historical-Town Tourism Developing Co.

“Today, we are very proud to make such a positive contribution to fire prevention and security education,” said William Yu, Allegion president of the Asia-Pacific region. “The museum project is just the beginning. Allegion is dedicated to improving the safety and security of schools, hospitals and factories in China through partnerships such as this.”

Allegion Chairman, President and CEO, Dave Petratis joined the festivities during a week-long visit to the region.

“Allegion is committed to promoting safety and security knowledge in the communities we call home. The museum provides an excellent learning experience for visitors of all ages,” Petratis said. “Allegion’s business in China is also growing quickly. We are committed to sustainable development in China, while offering reliable products. So while we’re increasing investment in the country, Allegion is also dedicated to serving the area through activities and partnerships that promote safety and security.”

Shen Huadi, deputy district chief of the People’s Government of Jinshan District, Shanghai, praised Allegion’s sponsorship of the facility. “The newly built Safety and Security Museum will offer a fantastic safety education,” Huadi said. “Allegion is a leading global provider of security products and solutions and is leading the growth of the security industry in China by promoting innovation through world-class security technologies and expertise. We are confident that the opening of the safety and security museum will contribute a lot for the safety and security of Jinshan District and Shanghai.”

The museum is located in the fire station of the East District, which was founded during the period of the Republic of China. It is the only completely modern fire control institution in Shanghai.

About Allegion

Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) creates peace of mind by pioneering safety and security. As a $2 billion provider of security solutions for homes and businesses, Allegion employs more than 8,000 people and sells products in more than 120 countries across the world. Allegion comprises 27 global brands, including strategic brands CISA®, Interflex®, LCN®, Schlage® and Von Duprin®.

For more, visit www.allegion.com

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50849387&lang=en

Contacts
Allegion plc
U.S.
Susana Duarte de Suarez, 317-810-3393
Susana.DuartedeSuarez@allegion.com



China:
Xiaolei Chen, +22081932
Xiaolei.Chen@allegion.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10776/en

Toshiba's 920MHz Wireless Adaptor with Home Gateway Receives Global Communication Standard "Wi-SUN Profile for ECHONET Lite" Certification

TOKYO - Friday, April 25th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that the integrated set of Toshiba’s 920MHz band wireless adaptor and Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation’s home gateway is first(*1) in the industry to receive the Wi-SUN Alliance(*2) Global Standard Certification of “Wi-SUN Profile for ECHONET Lite” as a HEMS(*3) controller.

“Wi-SUN Profile for ECHONET Lite” is a global standard specification, specified by the Wi-SUN Alliance for 920MHz band wireless communication between smart meters and HEMS controllers, otherwise called “Route B”.

Inserting Toshiba’s 920MHz band wireless USB dongle into TLT’s home gateway enables data communication between smart meters and HEMS controllers, making it possible to obtain a wide range of data, including total power consumption.

(*1) As of April 25, 2014, Toshiba survey. (*2) Wi-SUN Alliance: An association of companies working together to enable reliable, cost-effective, low-power wireless utility products based on the open global standard IEEE 802.15.4g. (http://www.wi-sun.org.) (*3) HEMS: Home Energy Management System: An energy control system used to control home appliances and home equipments to realize energy efficiency.

* Wi-SUN is a trademark or registered trademark of the Wi-SUN Alliance. * ECHONET is a trademark of the ECHONET Consortium.

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/20140425005209/en

Contacts

Media Inquiries:

Toshiba Corporation

Semiconductor & Storage Products Company

Chiaki Nagasawa, +81-3-3457-4963

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









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10793/en

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Conrad Hotels & Resorts Connects Guests and Film Enthusiasts to Tribeca Film Festival

During its Third Year as an Official Sponsor, Conrad is the Destination for Major Festival Events Including the Tribeca Film Festival Awards Ceremony April 24

MCLEAN, Va - Thursday, April 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ New York flagship property, Conrad New York, will serve as a convenient hive of activity during this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, April 16 – 27, 2014. Connecting festival attendees and guests to variety of events and activities held during the week, Conrad will also host the TFF Awards Night ceremony on April 24 at Conrad New York.

For the first time in Tribeca Film Festival history, Conrad Hotels & Resorts will provide fans with behind-the-scenes and red carpet access to major festival events through a Twitter Mirror activation April 24 held during the star-studded official closing Awards Ceremony at Conrad New York. Fans who are eager to join in the film and red carpet-style conversation can stay connected through Conrad’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social accounts, which will all be manned by guest social correspondent Fiona Byrne of The Byrne Notice.

While celebrities snap selfies on the Twitter Mirror at Conrad New York, movie goers at the Bow Tie Cinemas and Family Fair venues are also invited to pose in front of classic movie posters, courtesy of a green screen and a little behind-the-scenes magic. For the first three days of the festival, fans are able to vote on the most creative poster uploads via a dedicated Facebook tab (www.facebook.com/conradhotels) where winners are awarded with film screening passes. On Saturday, April 26, families attending the Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Harrison Street between West Street and Hudson Street) will be able to participate for the chance to win a one-night stay at any one of the 23 Conrad Hotels & Resorts around the world.

Festival goers and hotel guests will be able to enjoy a taste of Tribeca with a signature festival cocktail – the Conrad 6100 Gimlet – crafted by mixologists at lobby restaurant Atrio with VDKA 6100, a new premium vodka endorsed by the Tribeca Film Festival’s creator. Representatives will be roving the hotel and festival events, handing out 4,000 complimentary cocktail cards*.

"The energy that pulses through New York City during the Tribeca Film Festival is truly inspiring,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, luxury brands, Hilton Worldwide. "We are looking forward to celebrating this year's festival by offering attendees and guests of Conrad New York unique and stylish experiences.”

Finally, the Conrad New York also offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether checking-in while in-transit from the airport, pre-selecting bath amenities or ordering in-room dining service, guests can access a variety of features at any of the 23 Conrad hotels worldwide by using the app.

Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at www.conradhotels.com. Media can access additional information at http://news.conradhotels.com.

*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

About Conrad Hotels and Resorts

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travelers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly interact – people who know that the greatest luxury is the luxury of being yourself. A global luxury brand consisting of 23 properties across 5 continents, Conrad offers guests personalized experiences with sophisticated, locally inspired surroundings and connections to people and places around the corner or halfway around the world. Intuitive service is delivered with the Conrad Concierge mobile app that puts Conrad’s services and amenities at the guest’s fingertips, whether pre-checking in or ordering room service to customizing the room’s pillow options or arranging reservations at our locally inspired cuisine and spa offerings. Conrad is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Connect with Conrad by booking at www.conradhotels.com or www.conradhotels.com/offers. Learn more about the brand by visiting http://www.news.conradhotels.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 94 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of ten world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,000 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 678,000 rooms in 91 countries and territories, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®.

Contacts
John Walls
Hilton Worldwide
+1 703 883 5232
john.walls@hilton.com



Dave McNamee
For Hilton Worldwide
+1 646 274 3635
dmcnamee@hlgrp.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10777/en

Quintiles and Biogen Idec Announce Comprehensive Clinical Development Partnership

ME Newswire / Businesswire

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - Thursday, April 24th 2014

Quintiles, the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services, and Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) have entered into a five-year strategic clinical development agreement. The multi-year collaboration is designed to leverage the expertise and experience from both organizations to optimize Biogen Idec’s clinical development processes.

The collaboration is structured to increase clinical trial efficiency, with a focus on transparency, quality, innovation and operational excellence. Under the agreement, a dedicated team from Quintiles will work with Biogen Idec on the design, planning and execution of Biogen Idec’s phase II-IV studies and select phase I studies. In addition, Biogen Idec will leverage Quintiles’ technology and systems across its growing portfolio.

“Our partnership with Biogen Idec exemplifies the ongoing evolution of drug development collaboration and reinforces the increasingly important role that biopharmaceutical service providers such as Quintiles have in these efforts,” said Tom Pike, chief executive officer, Quintiles. “We are extremely excited about this agreement and the increased interest we are seeing for these types of innovative development deals. We believe Quintiles is uniquely positioned to help our customers improve their probability of success through these collaborations, and we look forward to working closely with Biogen Idec.”

The Biogen Idec and Quintiles collaboration is already underway. New projects are being initiated through the collaboration, and several of Biogen Idec’s ongoing studies are currently transitioning to Quintiles.

“As we have continued to build our research and development organization, it was important for us to identify a strong clinical development partner to complement our focus on developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative, hematologic and autoimmune diseases,” said Alfred Sandrock, M.D., Ph.D., group senior vice president, Development Sciences and chief medical officer, Biogen Idec. “What attracted us to Quintiles was their depth and breadth of experience, which we believe will enhance the design, planning and operational elements of our clinical programs."

About Quintiles

Quintiles (NYSE: Q) is the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services with a network of more than 28,000 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

About Biogen Idec

Through cutting-edge science and medicine, Biogen Idec discovers, develops and delivers to patients worldwide innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hemophilia and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is the world’s oldest independent biotechnology company. Patients worldwide benefit from its leading multiple sclerosis therapies. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about Biogen Idec, please visit www.biogenidec.com.

Quintiles 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, including those described under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Quintiles’ annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 13, 2014, as such factors may be amended or 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.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50849564&lang=en

Contacts

Quintiles

Phil Bridges, Media Relations

+ 1-919-998-1653 (office), +1-919-457-6347 (mobile)

phil.bridges@quintiles.com



Karl Deonanan, Investor Relations

+ 1-919-998-2789

InvestorRelations@quintiles.com



Biogen Idec

Kate Niazi-Sai, Public Affairs

+ 1-781-464-2079

public.affairs@biogenidec.com



Carlo Tanzi, Ph.D, Investor Relations

+ 1-718-464-2442

IR@biogenidec.com



Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10782/en

StepStone Group Opens Office in Brazil

Two Executives Join StepStone in São Paulo to Direct Firm's Growing Investment Activity and Client Base in Latin America

NEW YORK & SÃO PAULO - Thursday, April 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- StepStone Group LP (“StepStone” or the “Firm”), a leading global private markets firm, today announced that it has opened its first Latin American office in São Paulo, Brazil, and that the Firm has named Duncan Littlejohn and Bruna Riotto, both formerly of Paul Capital in Brazil, as Partner and Vice President, respectively. Their appointments are effective May 1, 2014. The Firm’s new office will be located at Rua Samuel Morse, 120 Cj. 83, 04576-060 São Paulo SP, Brazil.

Mr. Littlejohn and Ms. Riotto will be responsible for the Firm's investment activities in Latin America, including reviewing primary, secondary and co-investment opportunities, and leading research efforts. They will also handle client development in Brazil and the wider Latin America region.

“These strong additions to our team and office expansion allow us to enhance our global coverage of the private markets,” said Monte Brem, CEO of StepStone. “Investors, including institutions and family offices, increasingly want access to private markets opportunities in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, which has the largest economy and population in the region. As our clients increase the capital they deploy there and Latin American clients look at global opportunities in alternative investments, we are pleased to be able to offer a full-service local presence.”

“We welcome Duncan and Bruna to the StepStone team,” added StepStone partner Jose Fernandez. “With talented and experienced Brazilians heading our new office, we will be well-positioned as we continue to invest in Latin America and serve our clients based in the region. We believe in building local teams with deep expertise in the markets in which we operate and we are sure that strategy will serve StepStone and its clients well in São Paulo.”

Mr. Littlejohn, 60, a 25 year veteran of the private equity industry in Latin America, joins StepStone from Paul Capital, where he had led the firm's Latin American efforts since 2008. Previously, he was a Partner of BPE Investimentos and its predecessor, Brasilpar, a Brazilian primary private equity fund manager, which he joined in 1995. Prior to that, he worked in executive roles for companies such as AVM Auto-equipamentos Ltda, Pirelli Fintec Ltda, S&W Berisford (UK) Group, and Productos Ecuatorianos (Prodec). Mr. Littlejohn holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. He has served on the boards of multiple portfolio companies, non-profit organizations, ABVCAP (the Brazilian private equity and venture capital association), and on various Latin American private equity fund advisory boards.

Ms. Riotto, 29, also joins StepStone from Paul Capital, where she had been since 2010. While at Paul Capital, Ms. Riotto was involved in all aspects of diligence, including company research, valuation, portfolio analysis, and transaction structuring. Previously, she worked as a financial analyst within the M&A team at Grupo Stratus. Ms. Riotto began her career with the Financial Controller team at Siemens. She earned her BBA with a concentration in Finance from Fundação Getúlio Vargas in São Paulo, where she was also a member of the University’s consulting team.

About StepStone

StepStone is a leading private markets firm that oversees approximately US$60 billion of private capital allocations, including US$11 billion of assets under management. It is a global firm with offices in New York, London, Beijing, San Diego, Hong Kong, Seoul and São Paulo. StepStone creates customized and targeted portfolios for the world’s most sophisticated investors using a highly disciplined research-focused approach that integrates primary, secondary, mezzanine and co-investments. StepStone is an active investor in all private markets strategies, including buyout, credit, venture, distressed, mezzanine, energy, infrastructure and real assets in all major geographies, including North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. For more information about the Firm, its philosophy and services, please visit www.stepstoneglobal.com.

Contacts
Owen Blicksilver Public Relations
Caroline Luz, 203-656-2829
caroline@blicksilverpr.com








Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10775/en

Viber Releases New Design for iPhone and Comes to BlackBerry 10 for the First Time

Popular Messaging And Voice App Viber Unveils Version 4.2 For iPhone With A Redesigned Look, Many New Feature Updates, And Long Awaited BlackBerry 10 App

LONDON. - Wednesday, April 23rd 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Viber, (www.viber.com) the leading mobile communications platform offering free messaging and HD-quality phone calls, announced today the release of its redesigned iPhone app that is designed for iOS 7, bringing multiple enhancements to iPhone users. The company has simultaneously released a new mobile app for BlackBerry 10, bringing Viber to BlackBerry’s latest OS with many of the most popular Viber features for the first time.

“Viber has been redesigned from the start for simplicity and ease of use. For our iPhone release we took our cue from the clean, flat look of iOS 7, we wanted Viber to feel like a completely seamless part of the device,” said Talmon Marco, CEO of Viber. “Our BlackBerry 10 app is a beautiful twist on our design delivering the most up to date experience for our users.”

Both the iPhone and BlackBerry apps have been enhanced with powerful new features that expand the functionality of the platform. Importantly, Viber 4.2 for iPhone allows users to send multiple photos and videos at the same time and create a block list of unwanted numbers or contacts.

Additional iPhone updates include:

    Send longer video messages
    Show status when a user is typing on Android Tablet, Linux, Mac, PC or Windows 8
    Bug fixes

Top amongst the BlackBerry 10 features are Viber Out and the Viber Sticker Market, which provide users with ways to use the platform, communicate with their friends, and have fun in the process.

In addition, the version features a host of classic features that BlackBerry 10 users have been waiting for:

    Text with your friends in one-on-one and group conversations
    Make free calls with HD sound quality
    Share photos, videos, voice messages, locations, stickers and emoticons
    Push notifications guarantee that you never miss a message or call, even when Viber is off
    Support for the Viber Desktop application on Windows and Mac
    Translated into 34 languages

About Viber:

Viber is a pioneering mobile messaging, voice and video service. Viber lets everyone in the world connect. Freely. Users can send free text messages, fun stickers, photos, videos and doodles, share locations anywhere in the world, make free HD-quality calls and communicate with Push-To-Talk. With Viber Out, users can make low-cost calls to any phone number around the world. Viber is available for iPhone®, Android™ phones and tablets, Windows Phone, BlackBerry®, Blackberry® 10, Windows®, Windows 8®, Mac, Linux, Symbian, Nokia S40 and Bada devices over 3G/4G or WiFi connections. With over 300 million users in 193 countries, Viber is constantly innovating by introducing new platforms and adding fun new features. Viber is a Rakuten Group company.

See more at:

https://www.facebook.com/viber

https://twitter.com/viber


Contacts

Viber Media Contact:
Ayelet Noff, 1-917-675-3245
Blonde 2.0 for Viber
Ayelet@blonde20.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10765/en

Toshiba Wins Contract in Mexico to Supply Steam Turbines for Major Thermal Power Plant Retrofit and Modernization Project

TOKYO - Thursday, April 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502), one of the world's leading suppliers of thermal power generation equipment, today announced that it has been selected to supply thermal power generation equipment for the retrofit and modernization of the Altamira Thermal Power Plant in Tamaulipas State, northeastern Mexico. Under the terms of the contract, Toshiba will supply Isolux Corsán a major constructor of EPC generation plants, with two high-efficiency 165MW steam turbines and related equipment. Altamira is currently equipped with two 158MW steam turbines and generators that Toshiba shipped to Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Mexico's state-owned electricity utility, in the early 1970’s.

CFE, the owner of Altamira, awarded an Isolux Corsán -led consortium, an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the retrofit and upgrade of the plant, including fuel conversion from oil to petroleum coke. Isolux awarded the steam turbine contract to Toshiba on the strength of the company’s comprehensive technological and supply capabilities and its extensive experience in Mexico. Toshiba will deliver the equipment in 2016, and the upgraded power plant is scheduled to start commercial operation in 2017.

Mexico currently meets over 70% of its energy needs with thermal power. Under its 2013-2027 Energy Strategy, the country aims to generate cleaner and more efficient energy, and to achieve the balanced generation mix essential for ensuring a long-term, stable and secure power supply. In coming years, this plan, and investments in advanced new power plants, will support Mexico in further strengthening its energy independence.

Toshiba is an established presence in the North American thermal power steam turbine market, and has a reputation for advanced technical capabilities, competitive products and reliable delivery and operation. In the United States and Canada, Toshiba is a market leader in orders received and has supplied over 90 units. In Mexico, too, Toshiba is a major player. Since entering the market in 1973, the company has delivered 23 steam turbines and generators, including equipment for two combined-cycle projects—Valladolid, which started operation in 2006,and 264 CC Centro, now under construction, and geothermal plants.

Toshiba will continue to reinforce its thermal power plant business in North America, including plant retrofits and modernizations, by providing highly efficient and reliable equipment and services.


Project Outline

1. Project:
         

Retrofit and Modernization Project 258RM CT Altamira Thermal Power Plant in Tamaulipas State, Mexico

2. Owner:
         

Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)

3. EPC contractor:
         

A consortium of Isolux Ingeniería S.A., Isolux de México S.A de CV and Alstom Mexicana S.A. de CV.

4. Site location:
         

Tamaulipas, Mexico

5. Supply by Toshiba:
         

Two sets of 165MW steam turbines and related equipment

Contacts

TOSHIBA CORPORATION

Midori Hara, +81-3-3457-2100

Corporate Communications Div.

media.relations@toshiba.co.jp









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10778/en

Friday, April 25, 2014

Mavenir Systems Introduces Mobile Videomail

RICHARDSON, Texas - Wednesday, April 23rd 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mavenir Systems (NYSE: MVNR), a leading provider of software-based networking solutions, today announced its Converged Video and Voicemail solution, which enables mobile operators to offer an exciting new, differentiated service for their subscribers and enhances their Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service offering.

Mavenir’s Converged Video and Voicemail solution utilizes common functional components, such as cloud storage, message delivery and notifications that are needed to enable VoLTE and Rich Communications Services (RCS), while providing valuable cost efficiencies and synergies needed to seamlessly transform mobile operator networks to 4G LTE. It improves the user experience by extending the mobile operator’s call completion service offering, while providing meaningful cost savings through network consolidation and virtualization.

“Videomail is taking messaging to a whole new level, allowing subscribers to send and receive video messages,” said Pardeep Kohli, President and CEO, Mavenir Systems. “Our unique approach of having a single solution that enables mobile operators to replace existing legacy Voicemail while adding new cloud-based Videomail service, has already been well received by our customers where we already have three contracts with Tier 1 mobile operators globally.”

As part of Mavenir's virtualized portfolio of solutions, Converged Video and Voicemail leverages Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) to optimally scale and deploy on mobile operator cloud-based infrastructure. It is based on Mavenir’s mOne® Convergence Platform and proven technology including Telephony Application Server (TAS), Rich Messaging Server (RMS) and mStore™ products.

About Mavenir Systems:

Mavenir Systems (NYSE: MVNR) provides software-based networking solutions that enable mobile service providers to deliver next generation services over 4G LTE networks. Mavenir™ has a fully virtualized end to end portfolio of Voice/Video, Messaging and Mobile Core products that include IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and Session Border Controller (SBC). Mavenir’s solutions, based on the award-winning mOne® software platform, leverage NFV and SDN technologies for deployments on cloud-based infrastructure.

www.mavenir.com

© 2014 Mavenir Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Mavenir Systems®, mOne®, AirMessenger, Mavenir™, mOne®, mStore™ and mCloud™ are trademarks and registered trademarks of Mavenir Systems, Inc.

Contacts
Mavenir Systems
Maryvonne Tubb, +1-469-916-4393
pr@mavenir.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10758/en

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Glass Roof for Player Benches Unveiled

AGC Showcases New Possibilities of Chemically Strengthened Glass

ME NewsWire/ Business Wire

TOKYO & SAO PAULO - Thursday, April 24th 2014

AGC today unveiled the official glass roof for player benches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. The glass roof, made from chemically strengthened glass, provides unparalleled visibility, durability and damage resistance, and is an evolution from the model provided last year by AGC to the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

It also shows that this technology, originally developed to protect small electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, can be applied to large fixtures, paving the way for greater potential for chemically strengthened glass to be explored by architects and designers.

The player benches, composed entirely of AGC-made materials such as fluoropolymer-coated frames made with fiber reinforced plastic, will be supplied to all 12 venues, and be used at all matches of the world’s biggest sporting event taking place between June 12 and July 13.

One of the key attributes of the glass roof for player benches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ is clear visibility. The rear portion of the bench is applied with anti-reflective coating, making its reflective properties 13 times lower than conventional glass to ensure the best-possible visual experience for football fans.

Protection for players and staff on the bench is provided by a double layer of chemically strengthened Dragontrail™ X, considered the world’s strongest cover glass for electronic devices. Dragontrail X is characterized by low center tension and the world’s highest compression stress. The technology, first showcased at CES 2014, makes glass exceedingly durable against external shock. Dragontrail X is the latest offering in AGC’s Dragontrail line that first debuted in 2011, and is 30% stronger than conventional Dragontrail products, and up to eight times stronger than soda lime glass.

Like the Confederations Cup version, the new glass roof is also highly resistant to scratching, as well as deformation and discoloration, promising years-long product life even in outdoor environments characterized by fluctuating temperature and humidity.

“I’m proud that the bench featuring AGC’s new glass technology developed by our diligent engineers and workers will be shared with the players and thousands of football fans at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™,” stated Kazuhiko Ishimura, President & CEO of AGC Asahi Glass, on the occasion of the unveiling of the bench in Sao Paulo. “This glass bench roof represents new possibilities for the application of our chemically strengthened glass technology in a variety of purposes.”

Thierry Weil, FIFA Marketing Director, welcomed AGC’s involvement at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, stating; “We’re happy to have the support of a strong and innovative company like AGC, who is constantly looking to develop and improve their product. The quality of AGC’s product is extremely high and will fit in very well at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ stadia.”

In October 2012, AGC was named a 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Branded Licensee as the first B-to-B company to market the “Official Licensed Glass Roof of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Player Benches” for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

About the AGC Group

The AGC Group, with Tokyo-based Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. at its core, is a world-leading supplier of flat, automotive and display glass, chemicals and other high-tech materials and components. Drawing on more than a century of technical innovation, the AGC Group has developed world-class expertise in fields including glass, chemistry and ceramics technologies. The group employs some 50,000 people worldwide and generates annual sales of approximately 13 billion USD through business in about 30 countries. For more information, please visit www.agc-group.com.

About Dragontrail™

Dragontrail is AGC’s damage- and scratch-resistant specialty glass that has been adopted for use as cover glass in numerous smartphones and tablet PC models. For more information, visit http://Dragontrail.agc.com/en/

(Reference)

Official Licensed Glass Roof of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Player Benches

Bench Statistics (Players bench)

Dimensions
         

Length:
         

11.5 meters

Height:
         

1.9 meters

Depth:
         

1.0 meter

Weight
         

Approximately 760 kilograms

Glass thickness (backpanel)
         

Approximately 3.5 millimeters

Number of seats
         

23

Manufacturing location
         

Japan
           

Bench characteristics

Component
         

Material
         

Key features

Roof/backpanel
         

Dragontrail™ X
         

- Achieves world’s highest level of surface strength

Glass coating
         

Anti-reflection coating
         

- Reduces reflection rate to 1/13 that of conventional glass

Frame
         

Fiber reinforced plastic
         

- Stronger than steel, enables creative designs

Frame coating/paint
         

LUMIFLON™ fluoropolymer coating
         

- Highly weather-resistant, lowers life cycle costs of large-scale constructions

Seat
         

Carboglass™ polycarbonate sheet
         

- Special coating technology ensures seat retains factory-grade transparency

Seat cushion
         

Polypropylene glycol used in polyurethane foam
         

- High-quality seating comfort by optimized body pressure distribution

Contacts

Media Contact

Junichi Kobayashi

General Manager, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations



Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.

Aoi Takahashi, +81-3-3218-5603

info-pr@agc.com







Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10771/en

Thursday, April 24, 2014

AGC's Dragontrail™ Now Carried by 37 Electronic Device Brands

TOKYO & SAO PAULO - Thursday, April 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AGC, a world-leading supplier of glass, chemicals, ceramics and other high-tech materials and components, today announced that its Dragontrail™ damage- and scratch-resistant glass is now carried by 37 major brands of electronic devices worldwide. Sales of Dragontrail, a specialty glass used as protective cover glass in smartphones and tablets and other electronic devices, have grown 500% since its launch three years ago.

AGC produces Dragontrail with superior efficiency to stably meet global mobile device makers’ growing demand for cover glass used in smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. Dragontrail created a sensation in January of 2011 with strength no less than six times greater than that of conventional soda-lime glass and with its pristine scratch-free finish.

Since the launch of Dragontrail, AGC has been upgrading and enhancing its technology and properties. Just recently, at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the company introduced Dragontrail™ X as the newest addition to the lineup.

Dragontrail X is distinguished by low center tension and the world’s highest level of compression stress, resulting in an extra-tough glass offering 30% greater strength than its predecessor. Its surface strength is up to eight times stronger than soda-lime glass, further enhancing the toughness of devices equipped with the product. Dragontrail X has already been favorably received by several electronics manufacturers, and is expected to be marketed in the near future.

Going forward, AGC will continue to develop technologically advanced glass solutions for customers and users worldwide.

About the AGC Group

The AGC Group, with Tokyo-based Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. at its core, is a world-leading supplier of flat, automotive and display glass, chemicals and other high-tech materials and components. Drawing on more than a century of technical innovation, the AGC Group has developed world-class expertise in fields including glass, fluorine chemistry and ceramics technologies. The group employs some 50,000 people worldwide and generates annual sales of approximately 13 billion USD through business in about 30 countries. For more information, please visit www.agc-group.com/.

Reference: Dragontrail X will make an appearance as a glass roof for player benches at the largest sporting event in the world taking place in June this year in Brazil. Featuring one of the world’s highest levels of strength and durability, along with greater transparency thanks to anti-reflective coating, the glass roof will add to the excitement of the world’s top level games.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50847100&lang=en

Contacts

Media Contact

Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.

Junichi Kobayashi

General Manager

Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Aoi Takahashi (Ms.), +81-3-3218-5603

info-pr@agc.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/10768/en

Toshiba Starts Mass Production of World's First 15nm NAND Flash Memories

TOKYO - Wednesday, April 23rd 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has developed the world’s first 15-nanometer (nm)*1 process technology, which will apply to 2-bit-per-cell 128-gigabit (16 gigabytes) NAND flash memories. Mass production with the new technology will start at the end of April at Fab 5 Yokkaichi Operations, Toshiba’s NAND flash fabrication facility (fab), replacing second generation 19 nm process technology, Toshiba’s previous flagship process. The second stage of Fab 5 is currently under construction, and the new technology will also be deployed there.

Toshiba has achieved the world’s smallest class chip size with the 15nm process plus improved peripheral circuitry technology. The new chips achieve the same write speed as chips formed with second generation 19 nm process technology, but boost the data transfer rate to 533 megabits a second, 1.3 times faster, by employing a high speed interface.

Toshiba is now applying the 15nm process technology 3-bit-per-cell chips, and aims to start mass production in the first quarter of this fiscal year, to June 2014. The company will develop controllers for embedded NAND flash memory in parallel and introduce 3-bit-per-cell products for smartphones and tablets, and will subsequently extend application to notebook PCs by developing a controller compliant with solid state drives (SSD).

Toshiba continues to closely follow its process technology development roadmap and will strengthen product competitiveness and performance by applying leading-edge process to production. Looking to the future, Toshiba will reinforce its market leadership by promoting product innovation and development and ensuring that it is able to respond to a wide variety of clients' product needs, including smartphones, tablets, slim notebook PCs and enterprise products requiring high reliability, including SSD for data centers.

*1 As of April 23, 2014. Toshiba survey. *2 1 nanometer is 1 x 10-9 or 1 / 1,000,000,000 m.

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/20140422006898/en

Contacts

Toshiba Corporation

Semiconductor & Storage Products Company

Megumi Genchi / Kota Yamaji, +81-3-3457-3576

Communication IR Promotion Group

Business Planning Division

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









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10759/en

Toshiba's Paper Reusing System Saves Paper Wastage in Logistics

Case Studies: “Onest Logistics” in Mexico and “Pilot Pen” in Australia

TOKYO. - Thursday, April 24th 2014 [ME NewsWire]
(BUSINESS WIRE) Toshiba TEC, a global leader in printing, imaging solutions and services, is proud to announce to the Logistics industry, the e-STUDIO306LP/RD30. It is the world’s first multifunction printer (MFP) to incorporate a unique erasable toner enabling the output to be erased and re-used multiple times.
The e-STUDIO306LP/RD30 is a revolutionary MFP system like no other on the market. By using regular office paper, the e-STUDIO306LP can print documents with an erasable blue toner that is easily identifiable in any work environment. One sheet of paper can be reused multiple times once fed or passed through the e-STUDIO RD30 eraser unit. At the same time it can be scanned and archived electronically to a designated file location.
Since its launch, the e-STUDIO306LP/RD30 has been installed in several organisations all endeavouring to reduce the amount of paper used on site as well as reduce their carbon footprint. We believe, the logistics industry can benefit greatly by utilising this innovative system.
In a warehouse environment, the life span of documents such as order sheets, picking slips and inventory reports are short lived and often printed in excessive volumes. However, the need to reduce these paper levels is highly desirable within many businesses. Toshiba’s paper reusing system reduces paper, cost and carbon emissions by reusing the same paper several times. It also improves warehouse efficiency by scanning and sorting the paper automatically.
Onest Logistics
Onest Logistics is the second largest logistics and warehousing solution provider in Mexico stretching across 22 offices in Mexico. The company is conscious about social responsibility and often takes initiative in promoting environmental conservation activities. The company introduced the Toshiba e-STUDIO306LP/RD30 to their business environments having discovering the benefits of adopting Toshiba’s revolutionary paper reusing system.
Onest Logistics focused on the total amount of paper used in their company. They print 500,000 pages a month, most of which are thrown away only a few days after being printed. To reduce paper consumption, the e-STUDIO306LP/RD30 has been installed in their Head Office and warehouses. Employees are currently printing order-confirmation reports, picking orders, inventory validation reports and order dispatch sheets with Toshiba’s e-STUDIO306LP. Noticeably they have found that productivity is maintained whilst also achieving their corporate environmental goals.
Pilot Pen Australia
Pilot Pen Australia has installed the Toshiba e-STUDIO306LP/RD30 in its national warehouse. They understand the challenges of day to day paper usage and the critical part paper plays within a business environment. On average, 500 picking slips are printed per day in the warehouse.
Today, Pilot Pen is printing picking slips with an e-STUDIO306LP and the warehouse staff ticks off items with a Pilot Frixion erasable-ink pen. After checking the picking list, the paper is then fed through the e-STUDIORD30 erasing unit where the erasing process begins. That same paper can then be reused through the e-STUDIO306LP.
By using Toshiba’s e-STUDIO306LP/RD30, Pilot Pen Australia has reduced their paper consumption by more than 90% and have adapted to this system at their warehouse.
Given Pilot Pen Australia were satisfied with the performance of the e-STUDIO306LP/RD30, they purchased a second e-STUDIO 306LP/RD30 which is being utilised by the rest of their head office, including accounts payable, finance and marketing. Internal documents within the business have been streamlined to be printed, archived and erased. Usage of this system at their office has also resulted in less filing cabinets occupying precious office space.
Cases of Onest Logistics and Pilot Pen Australia prove that there are many opportunities to decrease temporary paper use in warehouses/distribution centres for logistics and in various other industries such as manufacturing and retail. The system improves work efficiency, and makes more economical use of paper. This is a whole new way to be more environmentally friendly, more efficient and more create economical work processes.
For more information about e-STUDIO 306LP/RD30, please visit YOUTUBE.
About Onest Logistics
http://www.onestlogistics.com/en/
About Pilot
http://www.pilotpen.com.au/newpp/index.html
About Toshiba TEC Corporation
Toshiba TEC Corporation, a Toshiba company, designs and markets worldwide an extensive range of technology products and service solutions, in several industries such as retail, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, education and general office.
Please visit http://www.toshibatec.co.jp/en.
In the USA: http://business.toshiba.com/usa/home.html
In Australia: http://www.eid.toshiba.com.au/
In Europe: http://toshiba-europe.com/tec
Unless otherwise specified and/or credited all images, artwork, text and graphics, logos and logotypes are the copyright and/or trademark of the respective owners. All rights reserved.
Contacts
Toshiba Business Solutions Latin America Headquarters
Koichi Moriya, +1-949-462-6610
Assistant General Manager
Koichi.Moriya@tabs.toshiba.com

Toshiba (Australia) Pty Ltd
Andrew Simpson, +61-2-9887-6043
Product Manager
Marketing Department
Electronic Imaging Division
asimpson@toshiba-tap.com

Toshiba TEC Corporation
Toshihiko Minato, +81-50-3681-5528
Senior Manager
Marketing Dept.
Printing Solutions Operations
Global Solutions Business Group
Toshihiko_Minato@toshibatec.co.jp


Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10769/en