SES-10 launched successfully on SpaceX’s flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket

SES-10 at 67 degrees West will provide direct-to-home broadcasting, enterprise and mobility services across Latin America

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.-Friday, March 31st 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announces that the SES-10 satellite was successfully launched into space onboard a flight-proven SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 18:27 EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. SES-10 is the first geostationary commercial satellite to ever launch on a flight-proven first-stage rocket booster.

With a Ku-band payload of 55 36MHz transponder equivalents, of which 27 are incremental, the multi-mission spacecraft is the first SES satellite wholly dedicated to providing service to Latin America. SES-10's high-powered beams will augment SES’s capabilities across the region providing direct-to-home broadcasting, enterprise and mobility services.

SES-10 will replace capacity currently provided by other SES satellites at 67 degrees West, as well as bring additional capacity to Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Pursuant to an agreement with the Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru), the satellite will operate as the Andean Community’s Simón Bolivar 2 providing satellite capacity for each Andean Member State. The Andean satellite project comes from the shared Member States’ interests of having a common satellite network taking advantage of the Andean spectrum resources at 67 degrees West.

“The successful launch of SES-10 on SpaceX's first ever mission using a flight-proven rocket is opening up a new era of spaceflight. We are proud to have partnered with SpaceX on this journey of innovating and using reusable rockets that will make access to space more efficient in terms of cost and manifest management," said Martin Halliwell, Chief Technology Officer at SES. “The additional capacity offered by SES-10 is ideal for providing additional TV services with better picture quality as well as faster broadband services – both of which will be welcomed by millions of people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.”

“We are thrilled to have achieved the successful launch of a flight proven Falcon 9. This is an historic milestone on the path to complete and rapid reusability,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO at SpaceX “We are pleased to have accomplished this milestone with SES, which has been a strong supporter of SpaceX and innovation over the years.”

SES-10 is built by Airbus Defence and Space and is based on the Eurostar E3000 platform. The satellite will utilise an electric plasma propulsion system for on-orbit manoeuvres and a chemical system for initial orbit raising and some on-orbit manoeuvres.

Follow us on:

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Blog: https://www.ses.com/news/blogs
Media Gallery: https://www.ses.com/media-gallery
SES White papers are available under: https://www.ses.com/news/whitepapers

About SES

SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 12 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in four key market verticals (Video, Enterprise, Mobility and Government). It provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions, and businesses worldwide. SES’s portfolio includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) television reach in Europe, and O3b Networks, a global managed data communications service provider. Another SES subsidiary, MX1, is a leading media service provider and offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. Further information available at: www.ses.com

About the Andean Community

The Andean Community is a multi-national integration process founded in 1969 under the Cartagena Agreement. CAN is comprised of four Member States: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The Andean Community’s integration process includes several institutions all with the objective of strengthening integration of the Member States and achieving more balanced and autonomous socio- economic development. Telecommunications development is a priority for the Andean Community and is considered a cornerstone of this integration process. For the Andean Community, this launch represents a significant milestone towards meeting the objectives of the Cartagena Agreement and, in particular, the goal of regional integration.



Contacts

SES
Markus Payer, +352 710 725 500
Corporate Communications
Markus.Payer@ses.com



Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3650/en

Panasonic to Establish US-based Division, Panasonic Media Entertainment Company

OSAKA, Japan -Friday, March 31st 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation today announced that Panasonic Corporation of North America has established a new sales division, Panasonic Media Entertainment Company, that will specialize in serving the needs of the sports and entertainment industries. Officially launching on April 1, the company will be based in Newark, New Jersey within the headquarters of Panasonic’s operations in North America; it will also maintain offices in Denver, Colorado, Los Angeles, California, Orlando, Florida and Coppell, part of the greater Dallas area, Texas.

Panasonic Media Entertainment Company will also work closely with the Media Entertainment Business Division, one of the six industry-oriented business divisions of Panasonic Corporation’s new Connected Solutions Company, which will also be launched on April 1.

Panasonic Media Entertainment Company will develop and sell proprietary technological solutions that incorporate high-performance projectors, large screen LED display systems, broadcast-related equipment, professional audio systems, and energy-saving lighting equipment to diverse customers in the entertainment business including theme parks. The company will also develop and provide original technology solutions for integrated resorts, convention centers, sports stadiums and more. The service component of these solutions will include system design and integration, installation, maintenance, and service support by collaborating closely with its consulting and system integration partners.

“Having already completed major projects for projection mapping, spectacular videoboards and other solutions in iconic sports and entertainment destinations, it’s only natural for Panasonic to widen our vision to plan and deliver innovative next-generation solutions customized for our customers in the entertainment business,” said Masaharu Nakayama, the new company’s president. “We expect to grow this company into a trusted technology partner for our customers in the entertainment world and contribute meaningfully to their business success.”

Name  

Panasonic Media Entertainment Company (PMEC)
(A division of Panasonic Corporation of North America)
Location   Headquarters: Newark, New Jersey
 

Sites: Coppell, Texas / Los Angeles, California / Orlando, Florida / Denver, Colorado
Foundation   April 1, 2017
President   Masaharu Nakayama

Principal
Business
  Development, sales, system integration, installation, maintenance, and service of visual, sound, and lighting equipment for the entertainment business area (theme parks, IR*1/MICE,*2 sports stadiums, and media)
Employees   Approx. 140 (as of April 1, 2017)


Notes:
*1 Integrated Resort
*2 Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions

About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise solutions and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates 474 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.553 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2016. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Public Relations Department
Panasonic Corporation
Tel: +81-(0)3-3574-5664
Fax: +81-(0)3-3574-5699
presscontact@gg.jp.panasonic.com

Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3651/en 

IncellDx Releases CE-IVD Quantitative Single Cell PD-L1 OncoTect iO® Assay

MENLO PARK, Calif.-Thursday, March 30th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IncellDx, Inc. announces the release of their CE marked OncoTect iO® Lung Kit today, March 30, 2017, entering the immunotherapeutic diagnostic market in Europe and countries that accept the CE- mark and declaration of conformity to the European In Vitro Diagnostic Directive 98/79 EC for registration of in vitro diagnostic devices. The OncoTect iO® Lung Kit is a flow cytometry based assay that quantifies Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) on both tumor cells and immune cell subtypes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples (fresh tissue or fine needle aspirates). This assay signals the launch of a new family of multi-parametric molecular products for immune-oncology applications.

The OncoTect iO® Lung assay can also be used in clinical research, pharmaceutical discovery, and trials for other malignancies expressing PD-L1, including bladder, head & neck, and prostate cancers. The multi-parametric capabilities of the IncellDx technology allows for multiple targets to be studied simultaneously from a single sample. Targets can be selected from protein, mRNA and DNA sources, with a potential of up to 8 targets per assay.

The OncoTect iO® Lung Kit is a novel approach to quantify PD-L1 expression on tumor and immune cells. The kit also quantifies tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The methodology incorporates a non-enzymatic single cell tissue homogenization process, using incellPREP™ (CE-IVD and US IVD), for unfixed tumor biopsy samples. The cell suspensions are further labeled with antibodies to CD45, CD8, CD3, PD-L1 and then stained with a Cell Cycle Dye. Final analysis, via Flow Cytometry, allows enumeration of the immune and tumor cell populations, quantification of % of cells expressing PD-L1, and quantification of PD-L1 receptor expression across each cell type. The assay also quantifies PD-L1 expression at various stages of the tumor cell cycle. Automation allows the assay to be performed and analyzed in a 96-well format. This quantitative methodology offers highly reproducible results and expanded information as compared to immunohistochemistry methods.

Dr. Bruce Patterson, MD, IncellDx Founder and CEO observed, “This objective quantitation of PD-L1 expression in tumor and immune cells in NSCLC may allow for better prediction of patient response to the new PD-1 immunotherapies within a work flow that is suited for primary indications where the initial diagnosis may be made using several approaches to sampling the tumor such as fine needle aspiration. Further, the entire assay can be done the same day the sample is taken.”

About IncellDx, Inc.

IncellDx, Inc. is a single cell diagnostic company committed to advancing Precision Medicine by offering transformative diagnostic and prognostic clinical patient information based on an innovative technology platform that enables quantitative, simultaneous cell classification and single cell protein analysis, multiplex RNA in situ hybridization, and DNA cell cycle analysis. The Company develops products designed to address pressing unmet clinical needs in the advancement of cancer care in addition to its virology products.

For more information, visit www.incelldx.com.

OncoTect iO is a registered trademark of IncellDx, Inc.

Contacts

IncellDx, Inc.
Chris Meda, +1 650-777-7630

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3649/en

Takeda’s Dengue Vaccine Candidate Elicited Broad Immune Responses in Children and Adolescents Living in Dengue-Endemic Areas; Interim Phase 2 Analysis Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases

OSAKA, Japan -Thursday, March 30th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

- Analysis showed two doses of the vaccine candidate induced antibody responses against all four types of dengue virus in a large population of participants ages two through 17

- No safety concerns were observed, further supporting the vaccine candidate’s safety profile

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited [TSE: 4502], (“Takeda”) today announced that data from a 6-month interim analysis* of the ongoing DEN-204 trial of its live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate, TAK-003 (also referred to as TDV), have been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.1

The trial investigated the safety and immunogenicity of TAK-003 in 1,794 participants ages two through 17 living in dengue-endemic areas (the Dominican Republic, Panama and the Philippines). At the time of the analysis, participants had either received one dose of TAK-003, two doses of TAK-003 administered three months apart, or a placebo.

The published data showed that TAK-003 elicited a broad antibody response against all four dengue virus types (called serotypes), regardless of previous exposure to the dengue virus.1 The increased presence of antibodies in the blood against the four serotypes (seropositivity) ranged between 87-100% by Month 1 and was sustained at Month 6 (85-100%) in both the one-dose and two-dose groups.1 This analysis also showed that, in participants who were not previously exposed to dengue infection (seronegative) before vaccination, seropositivity rates against dengue virus types 3 and 4 were improved after a second dose of vaccine.1 For this reason, a two-dose regimen, administered three months apart, was selected for Takeda’s ongoing global pivotal Phase 3 efficacy trial.2

This analysis also showed that TAK-003 was safe and well-tolerated in children and adolescents in terms of solicited local reactions and systemic adverse events; no vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred, and the expected immunological responses to the vaccine and associated signs and symptoms (reactogenicity) was limited.1 The number of adverse events reported were similar or lower than those reported for other live attenuated vaccines, and the safety profile was consistent with that observed in earlier Phase 1 and 2 studies of the vaccine candidate.1

Dengue fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne disease caused by any one of four closely related virus serotypes.3 Forty percent of the world lives under the threat of dengue, which can affect people of all ages and is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children throughout the world.4,5

“The levels of immunogenicity induced by TAK-003 against all four dengue serotypes, even in seronegative participants, are encouraging because seropositivity after vaccination may be an important measure of vaccine performance,” said Xavier Sáez-Llorens, M.D., primary author of The Lancet Infectious Diseases publication and Head of Infectious Diseases and Director of Clinical Research at the Panama Children’s Hospital. “Infection with one dengue serotype makes subsequent infection with a different serotype a major risk factor for severe disease, hence the need for a safe and effective vaccine that simultaneously protects against all four serotypes.6 The durability of these antibody responses and the contribution of cell-mediated immune responses to disease protection warrant further study.”

“These and other Phase 1 and Phase 2 safety and immunogenicity data support continued development of this important vaccine candidate,”1,7,8 said Derek Wallace, M.B.B.S., Global Dengue Program Head at Takeda. “We look forward to ongoing studies, which will assess the candidate vaccine’s ability to provide protection against all four dengue serotypes in recipients of all ages, whether or not they have been previously exposed to dengue.”

In September 2016, Takeda initiated its pivotal Phase 3 Tetravalent Immunization against Dengue Efficacy Study (TIDES). The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial is designed to investigate the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of Takeda’s dengue vaccine candidate, administered in two doses, three months apart, in dengue-endemic countries in Latin America and Asia.2 Evaluation of the trial’s primary endpoint, vaccine protection against virologically-confirmed dengue of any severity caused by any serotype regardless of previous exposure, is expected in 2018.2 Secondary endpoints include vaccine efficacy in preventing dengue induced by each serotype, vaccine efficacy in preventing dengue caused by any serotype regardless of participants’ baseline status, vaccine efficacy in preventing hospitalization due to dengue, and vaccine efficacy in preventing severe dengue induced by any serotype.2

*An interim data analysis is a pre-planned evaluation of data from an ongoing trial before final data collection.

About the Phase 2 DEN-204 Study

The Phase 2 DEN-204 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial designed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of either a one- or two-dose schedule of TAK-003 in 1,794 healthy participants living in dengue-endemic areas (the Dominican Republic, Panama and the Philippines).1 Participants were ages two through 17 and were randomized to one of four groups, two of which received a one-dose vaccine schedule, one of which received a two-dose vaccine schedule administered three months apart, and one which received placebo, by the 6 month interim analysis timepoint.1 The primary endpoint of this interim analysis was geometric mean titers (GMTs) of neutralizing antibodies (an indicator of immune response) to the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1-4) in the per protocol immunogenicity subset (PPS), a group of participants who had no major protocol violations and for whom valid pre- and post-dosing blood samples were available and immunogenicity was evaluated at months one, three, and six.1 Secondary endpoints included occurrence of serious adverse events (SAEs), seropositivity rates (percentage of participants who developed antibodies), and adverse events (AEs) in the immunogenicity subset.1

About Takeda’s Dengue Vaccine Candidate (TAK-003)

Takeda’s tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003) is based on a live-attenuated dengue serotype 2 virus (DENV-2), which provides the genetic ‘backbone’ for all four vaccine viruses.9 Takeda’s dengue vaccine is being developed to support the protection of populations and individuals at risk for dengue across geographies whether or not they have had previous exposure to dengue virus, including children and adults, travelers and those living in endemic areas.

Phase 1 data has been published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, Lancet Infectious Diseases and Vaccine. Interim results of DEN-203, a Phase 2, placebo-controlled, multi-center, age-descending trial, were presented during the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) meeting in October 2015.8 Interim results of DEN-204 were also presented during the 5th Annual Pan-American Dengue Research Network Meeting in May 2016 and ASTMH in November 2016.10,11

Takeda’s Commitment to Vaccines

Vaccines prevent more than two million deaths each year and have transformed global public health.12 For 70 years, Takeda has supplied vaccines to protect the health of people in Japan. Today, Takeda’s global vaccine business is applying innovation to tackle some of the world’s most challenging infectious diseases, such as dengue, Zika, norovirus and polio. Our team brings an outstanding track record and a wealth of knowledge in vaccine development, manufacturing and global access to advance a pipeline of vaccines to address some of the world’s most pressing public health needs.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) is a global, R&D-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its research efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas. It also has specific development programs in specialty cardiovascular diseases as well as late-stage candidates for vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as its presence in emerging markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

1 Sáez-Llorens, Tricou, et al. (2017). Safety and immunogenicity of one versus two doses of Takeda's tetravalent dengue vaccine: Interim results of a long-term phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled pediatric trial in Asia and Latin America. Lancet Infectious Diseases. Retrieved March 2017, from http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(17)30166-4/fulltext?elsca1=tlxpr.

2 ClinicalTrials.gov. Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity of Takeda's Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine (TDV) in Healthy Children (TIDES). (2016) Retrieved May 2016, from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02747927?term=den-301&rank=1.

3 World Health Organization, Vector-borne diseases dengue fact sheet. Retrieved March 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs387/en/index2.html.

4 World Health Organization (2016). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved May 2016, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs117/en/.

5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Dengue homepage: Epidemiology. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/dengue/epidemiology/.

6 Scitable by Nature Education. Host Response to the Dengue Virus. Retrieved March 2017, from http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/host-response-to-the-dengue-virus-22402106.

7 Osorio, J. E., Velez, I. D., Thomson, et al. (2014). Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine (DENVax) in flavivirus-naive healthy adults in Colombia: a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 1 study. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 14(9), 830-838. doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(14)70811-4.

8 Wallace, D. (2015). Persistence of neutralizing antibodies one year after two doses of a candidate recombinant tetravalent dengue vaccine in subjects aged from 1.5 to 45 years. Presented at 64th Annual Meeting, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

9 Huang, C. Y.-H., Osorio, J.E., et. Al. (2013). Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Manufacturing Seeds for Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine (DENVax). PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 7(5): e2243. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002243.

10 Saez-Llorens X., et al. (2016). Phase II, double-blind, controlled trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of different schedules of Takeda’s Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine Candidate (TDV) in healthy subjects aged between 2 and <18 years and living in dengue endemic countries in Asia and Latin America. Presented at 5th Pan-American Dengue Research Network Meeting.

11 Wallace, D. (2016). Takeda’s Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine Candidate. Presented at 65th Annual Meeting, American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene.

12 UNICEF. Immunization Facts and Figures (2013). Retrieved September 2015, from http://www.unicef.org/immunization/files/UNICEF_Key_facts_and_figures_on_Immunization_April_2013(1).pdf.

Contacts

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
For media outside of Japan:
Elissa Johnsen
TEL: + 1 224-554-3185
elissa.johnsen@takeda.com
or
For Japanese media:
Tsuyoshi Tada
TEL: +81-3-3278-2417
tsuyoshi.tada@takeda.com

Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3643/en

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Announces International Development Agreement for Expansion into United Arab Emirates

United States-based pizzeria to open five locations in UAE over the next five years; actively pursuing key international markets across the globe for franchise opportunities

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-Thursday, March 30th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria announced today, the company plans to expand internationally by opening five of its world-famous, coal-fired, brick-oven pizzerias in the United Arab Emirates over the next five years. Partnering with Tablez Food Company to ensure a seamless expansion, this international franchise agreement represents Grimaldi's first brand expansion beyond North America.

Tablez Food Company, an entity specializing in the development of unique food and beverage concepts, was the premiere partner of choice for Grimaldi’s due to its vast experience in international expansion efforts in the region with other notable franchise ventures. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, one of the most awarded pizzerias in the United States and the only upscale pizzeria to be bestowed the coveted Five Star Diamond Award, represents the first and only pizza concept in Tablez's renowned portfolio.

“Since its inception, Grimaldi's has been singularly focused on serving exemplary food to its guests. That is why we recognized this international franchise opportunity as being an ideal partnership,” explained Grimaldi's Pizzeria CEO Joseph Ciolli. “Not only will we be able to treat new UAE customers to a truly uncompromised, coal-fired New York pizza experience, but also benefit from the reassurance that comes from working with Tablez, far and away the UAE's finest food and beverage group.”

“Our vision of becoming the UAE's leading player in the food & beverage retail sector is clearly furthered by this partnership,” said Tablez Food Company CEO Shafeena Yusuff Ali. “By bringing a world-class brand like Grimaldi's Pizzeria to the region, our customers will enjoy a truly unique offering of great tasting coal-fired pizza, made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Grimaldi's brings a long-standing reputation for excellence – and it is that consistency of product and passion that makes it the ideal brand to introduce to UAE.”

Beyond the Middle East, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has engaged other investment groups in key growth markets around the globe in an effort to secure multi-unit franchise partners to introduce and develop the brand in regions including Southeast Asia, South America, Central America, Europe, Mexico, Canada and Australia.

For more information on Grimaldi’s Pizzeria’s international expansion efforts, visit: https://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/international_growth.aspx

To learn more about international franchise opportunities with Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, visit: https://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/international_qualifications_process.aspx.

To inquire about becoming an international franchisee, click here: https://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/franchise_apply.aspx

About Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Founded in Brooklyn, New York, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has been consistently chosen as America's undisputed favorite coal-fired pizza offering. From its 1200-degree coal-fired ovens that deliver impeccable pies and calzones, topped or filled with the freshest ingredients, Grimaldi's has seen its enthusiastic customers support drive expansion to 50 company-owned restaurants across the United States. The brand's signature coal-burning ovens produce a unique flavor and crust crispness that is just not possible from gas, convection, or wood burning methods. Grimaldi's contends that their ongoing brand success correlates directly with three simple principles – People, Product and Service. For more information, please visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.

About Tablez

Tablez Food Company is the F&B arm of the prestigious Lulu International Group LLC; a highly diversified group headlined by the retail division with presence in Imports & Exports, Trading, Shipping, IT, Travel & Tourism, Hotels, Mall Development, Hyper Markets and Education in addition to F&B in the present day.

Established in 2010, Tablez Food Company specializes in unique home grown, international and local cuisines as well as partnering with leading franchising concepts with renowned success and exceptional food quality. The company dedicates itself to creativity and innovation by bringing new concepts that offer truly inspiring dining experiences to their guests. Currently, Tablez operates 35 outlets in the region with concepts including Peppermill, Bloomsbury’s, London Dairy, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Cold Stone Creamery®, Sugar Factory, Galito’s and Genghis Grill. Tablez will continue to see a series of new food concept launches over the next two years. For more information, visit http://www.tablez.com/.

Contacts

Preferred Public Relations
Emma Williams, 702-254-5704
emma@preferredpublicrelations.com
or
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Investor Relations
David Fieramosca, 702-927-9485
Dfieramosca@grimaldispizzeria.com
















Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3645/en 

News Services Group Receives an Award of Appreciation from AURAK President

Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Thursday, March 30th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

News Services Group (NSG), represented by its CEO Mr. Tony AbiHanna, received today an award of appreciation from the President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), Prof. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, for its exemplary translation and news distribution services rendered to the university.

The recognition is spurred by AURAK’s continued success in positioning the university as one of the top institutions of higher education in the UAE and the region.

Mr. Tony AbiHanna, CEO of NSG, received the award from Prof. Al Alkim in his office in the presence of Mr. Abdulla Abdullatif Al Shahin, Vice-President of Administrative Affairs of AURAK, and Mr. Joseph AbiHanna Regional Relationship Manager of ME NewsWire, the news distribution arm of NSG.

Prof. Al Alkim explained, “As we endeavor to constantly seek greater international recognition and accreditation, NSG assisted us, through its global news distribution and translation services, in painting a bigger picture of our global competitiveness and in bridging us to a wider audience. AURAK offers top-class programs, employ vastly-experienced faculty members, and ensures holistic approach towards equipping students with the right tools to be responsible citizens and highly competent professionals of the wider society.”

He added, “Diversity and multiculturalism are integral factors that make AURAK a university for the world.  NSG understands this and is able to meet our needs in terms of conveying the right message through its sophisticated translation and promoting our message across the globe through its extensive news distribution networks.”

Mr. AbiHanna expressed, “we gratefully accept the award from a prestigious academic institution like AURAK.  It is our privilege and honor to be their company of choice for translation and press release distribution. The award serves as a validation of our steadfast commitment to our core principles of speed, quality and accuracy.  When it comes to these aspects, NSG remains uncompromising.”

He stated further, NSG will continue to assist AURAK in propagating its vision and mission of cultivating the highest standards of education in the region and preparing their students’ futures as they fulfill their roles in building the future of their countries. 

NSG is the exclusive representative of Business Wire in the MENA region; For more information, please visit: www.nsg-me.net / www.me-newswire.net / www.transhouse-me.com

Contacts

News Services Group

Ms. Zyra Tarrosa, +971-4-452-5111

pr@nsg-me.net


Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3642/en

Panasonic Brings Japan Quality Living to the ASEAN Region

OSAKA, Japan -Wednesday, March 29th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation released a video on the housing business in the ASEAN region. It introduces Panasonic’s Japan Quality houses which will solve growing issues in the ASEAN region, including houses with leaky roofs and cracked walls, as well as polluted air inside caused by air pollution and haze outside.

[Video] Japan Quality Living to the ASEAN Region
https://channel.panasonic.com/contents/20334/

POWERTECH
Houses in the ASEAN region are made of bricks and mortar using traditional construction methods, whereas Panasonic uses POWERTECH, a newly developed version of the W-PC method, to construct houses. This method cuts down the construction time by approximately 3 months, and, at the same time, realizes high durability and high leakage resistance.

PURETECH
Panasonic PURETECH effectively removes air pollutants with a high performance filter and supplies clean air indoors. Combined with POWERTECH’s excellent airtight quality, PURETECH keeps the air in houses clean.

By providing Japan Quality technological know-how, Panasonic will work with local developers to provide a new style of living.

The two concepts of “Panasonic Homes & Living” are quality and sustainability. “We hope to bring to life Japan Quality homes, towns, and commercial facilities. Using Panasonic’s collective power, we hope to contribute to ASEAN’s development,” concluded Toru Nishida, Region Head of Southeast Asia and Oceania Region.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise solutions and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates 474 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.553 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2016. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global.

Related Links:
Panasonic Malaysia (Homes)
http://www.panasonic.com/my/homes/

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51532197&lang=en

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation
Global Communications Department
Media Promotion Office
presscontact@gg.jp.panasonic.com


Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3638/en 

Schlumberger and Weatherford to Form OneStim Joint Venture

New company targets North America unconventional resource development


HOUSTON-Sunday, March 26th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Schlumberger and Weatherford today announced an agreement to create OneStimSM, a joint venture to deliver completions products and services for the development of unconventional resource plays in the United States and Canada land markets. The joint venture will offer one of the broadest multistage completions portfolios in the market combined with one of the largest hydraulic fracturing fleets in the industry.

Weatherford will contribute its leading multistage completions portfolio, cost-effective regional manufacturing capability, and supply chain. Schlumberger will provide the joint venture with access to its industry-leading surface and downhole technologies, efficient operational processes and advanced geo-engineered workflows.

Schlumberger and Weatherford will have 70/30 ownership of the joint venture, respectively. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2017, and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the formation agreement, Schlumberger and Weatherford will contribute all their respective North America land hydraulic fracturing pressure pumping assets, multistage completions, and pump-down perforating businesses. Weatherford will also receive a one-time $535 million cash payment from Schlumberger.

Schlumberger will manage the joint venture and consolidate it for financial reporting purposes.

Schlumberger Chairman and CEO Paal Kibsgaard commented, “The joint-venture creates a new industry leader in terms of hydraulic horsepower and multistage completions technologies in North America land, which through its scale offers a cost-effective and highly competitive service delivery platform. OneStimSM is uniquely positioned to provide customers with leading operational efficiency and best-in-class hydraulic fracturing and completions technologies, while at the same time significantly improving full-cycle shareholder returns from this market.”

Weatherford Chairman William E. Macaulay said, “The OneStimSM joint venture creates a leading unconventional products and services provider in North America land. This transaction will allow Weatherford to deleverage its balance sheet while retaining a significant exposure to the unconventional market. This transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors and will create significant value for both parties.”

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the world’s leading provider of technology for reservoir characterization, drilling, production, and processing to the oil and gas industry. Working in more than 85 countries and employing approximately 100,000 people who represent over 140 nationalities, Schlumberger supplies the industry’s most comprehensive range of products and services, from exploration through production, and integrated pore-to-pipeline solutions that optimize hydrocarbon recovery to deliver reservoir performance.

Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston, London and The Hague, and reported revenues of $27.81 billion in 2016. For more information, visit www.slb.com.

About Weatherford

Weatherford is one of the largest multinational oilfield service companies providing innovative solutions, technology and services to the oil and gas industry. The Company operates in over 90 countries and has a network of approximately 900 locations, including manufacturing, service, research and development, and training facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people. For more information, visit www.weatherford.com and connect with Weatherford on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The opinions, forecasts and projections regarding the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; the expected timing of the completion of the transaction; the parties’ ability to complete the transaction considering the various regulatory approvals and other closing conditions; future opportunities for the joint venture and its products and services; and any other statements regarding the parties’ or the joint venture’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to, among other things, satisfaction of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction, the risk that the proposed transaction does not occur, negative effects from the pendency of the proposed transaction, the ability to realize expected benefits from the proposed transaction, the timing to consummate the proposed transaction, and other risk factors contained in Schlumberger’s and Weatherford’s most recent Forms 10-K as well as each company’s other filings with the SEC available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the parties undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of them in light of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

Schlumberger Limited
Investors
Simon Farrant – Schlumberger Limited, Vice President of Investor Relations
Joy V. Domingo – Schlumberger Limited, Manager of Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 375 3535
investor-relations@slb.com
Christoph Bausch – Weatherford, Acting Chief Executive Officer, EVP and CFO
Tel: +1 713 836 4615
Karen David-Green – Weatherford, Vice President Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications
Tel: +1 713 836 7430


Media
Joao Felix – Schlumberger Limited, Director of Corporate Communication
Tel: +1 713 375 3494
communication@slb.com


Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3617/en

Arthur D. Little Predicts How Future Mobility Solutions Will Affect Automotive OEMs

LONDON -Wednesday, March 29th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arthur D. Little (ADL) today released a new study, “The Future of Automotive Mobility.” Based on a global survey of 6,500 participants, including customers, industry players and regulators, the report examines how the megatrends of electric mobility, car sharing and autonomous driving are likely to impact on the global automotive ecosystem and future OEM sales.

The report notes that the future of mobility will no longer depend primarily on the preferences of customers, but will increasingly be driven by regulation as cities seek to resolve traffic-generated problems such as congestion and poor air quality. Electric mobility, car sharing and autonomous driving solutions all have an important role to play in meeting these challenges – however, the effect on traditional OEMs’ production volume may not be as severe as some experts have predicted.

For example, a key component of autonomous driving will be “mobility-on-demand” solutions, in which customers use “robot taxis.” Based on real mobility data from almost 100 mega-cities, ADL simulated the effect of robot taxis upon mobility behavior and car sales. The findings revealed that even with total market coverage, their effect was not as bad as the predicted worst case scenario.

Klaus Schmitz, Partner in ADL’s Automotive Division, explains: “In a moderate scenario, in which 11 metropolitan regions implement the new form of urban mobility by 2030, global vehicle sales will rise to 121 million vehicles a year, a 39% increase compared to today. In a progressive scenario of 52 pioneer cities, sales will amount to 119 million vehicles, a 34% increase.”

The report details how new roles are being created in the automotive-supplier pyramid, with the shift to the electric drive train and the increasing importance of software being additional factors to consider. However, a major challenge for manufacturers is the loss of direct access to the mobility customer.

Wolf-Dieter Hoppe, author of the study and Associate Director at ADL, warns: “Millions of individual customers will be replaced by a few very large, multinational fleet operators. These could take over the dominant role of OEMs in the ecosystem, as they would have direct customer access as well as considerable volume power. In particular, this would be a problem for today’s premium manufacturers.”

http://www.adlittle.com/downloads/tx_adlreports/ADL_Future_of_Automotive_mobility_short.pdf

Contacts

For Arthur D. Little
Cate Bonthuys
+44-7746546773
cate@catalystcomms.co.uk

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3641/en

Panasonic India Develops "Arbo," a New AI Embedded UI Software for Smartphones

GURGAON, India -Wednesday, March 29th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic India Pvt. Ltd. has developed "Arbo," a software for Android phones that brings to life simple smartphone operation utilizing AI and a new user interface. This software will be available on the "ELUGA RAY MAX" series smartphones that will hit the market on April 5, 2017 (Wed), and will also become available on the "ELUGA PULSE X" designed for the Middle East and African markets.

Panasonic India entered India's smartphone market in 2013. Since then, drawing on the strengths cultivated over the years through its home appliances business, Panasonic has introduced a wide range of products that offer superior usability. New smartphone functions are developed every day and will continue to evolve, however, users only use a specific group of functions day-to-day. Panasonic India developed the new software, "Arbo," with easy (single-hand), quick (up to 3 actions) operation as the concept.

More specifically, using AI, the software will analyze user's behavior based on time and location. Then, according to the time or location, it will automatically display and make suggestions on screen such as:

1. Frequently contacted phone numbers and SNS users
2. Applications
3. Wi-Fi, volume, etc. settings
4. Connection with IoT devices (Bluetooth(R) devices, etc.)

In addition, it features a user interface that displays icons in a circular, radial fashion, enabling single-handed, intuitive operation (patent pending design).

Panasonic India will continue to update this software, to expand the scope of automatic displays and suggestions, to further evolve the user interface, and to enhance usability. Moreover, by combining India's prowess in "software development" and Panasonic's strengths in "product design," Panasonic India will continue to introduce products and services that offer new value to customers.

[Video] Panasonic Eluga RayMax with Arbo AI Assistant (YouTube)
https://youtu.be/9a6TpEOV9mY

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise solutions and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates 474 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.553 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2016. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global.

Related Links:

Panasonic India Smart Phones
Homepage http://www.mobile.panasonic.com/#/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/panasonicsmartphones
Twitter https://twitter.com/panasonic_mob
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/panasonicsmartphones/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/panasonicsmartphone

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51532194&lang=en

Contacts

Panasonic India
Tribhuwan Joshi, +91-9650111769
Tribhuwan.joshi@in.panasonic.com
























Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3640/en

TDK's Subsidiary TDK-Micronas to Acquire ASIC Specialist ICsense to Further Grow Its Sensor Business

● With this acquisition TDK has made another decisive step forward to further grow its sensor business.
● ASICs perform processes essential to sensor products by reading the values detected by sensors and conducting signal processing.

TOKYO-Tuesday, March 28th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TDK Corporation (“TDK”, TOKYO:6762) announced today that TDK’s wholly-owned subsidiary TDK-Micronas GmbH (“TDK-Micronas”), a leading supplier of Hall-effect sensors based in Freiburg, Germany, and ICsense NV have signed an agreement of acquisition of shares, to which TDK-Micronas will make ICsense NV a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Through the acquisition TDK will further boost its sensor and actuator business. TDK is expanding its sensor business by completing a lineup of various sensors, in addition to its own pressure, temperature, current and magnetic sensors. Recently, TDK acquired TDK-Micronas, a leading supplier with the world’s broadest range of Hall-effect sensors and embedded motor controllers for the Automotive and Industrial markets. Furthermore TDK announced the acquisition of the US-based InvenSense, Inc., a global inertial sensor company, and became the majority shareholder of Tronics Microsystems SA, a French MEMS and inertial sensor specialist.

ICsense, Europe’s premier IC design company, is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. It’s core business is ASIC development and the supply and custom IC design services. ICsense has the largest fab-independent European design group with world-class expertise in analog, digital, mixed-signal and high-voltage IC design. The company develops and supplies customer exclusive ASIC solutions for the automotive, medical, industrial and consumer market. ICsense’s core expertise is sensor and MEMS interfacing, high-voltage IC design, power and battery management. After becoming a TDK group company, ICsense will continue to develop innovative ASICs for its existing and new customers worldwide.

ASICs perform processes essential to sensor products by reading the values detected by sensors and conducting signal processing. ASICs can be used not only in magnetic sensors but also in other sensor products and even in non-sensor products. For these reasons, TDK has decided to acquire ICsense, which has an extensive track record as a manufacturer of ASICs for TDK’s magnetic sensors. The ICsense management team will remain unchanged.

“With this acquisition we have taken another decisive step forward in our sensor business, strengthening our position in the automotive and industrial market and providing increased value and services for our customers,” says Matthias Bopp, General Manager of TDK’s Magnetic Sensors Business Group and CEO of TDK-Micronas. ”Our existing strength in magnetic sensor technology, combined with the expertise gained with this acquisition, puts us in the excellent position to shape the era of all kind of applications for the automotive and industrial industry.”

“As a trusted analog, mixed-signal and high-voltage ASIC development partner, we will be the perfect fit for TDK” says Dr. Bram de Muer, CEO of ICsense. “Our innovative ASICs will further support TDK in implementing its product roadmap and enhance the global strategy for sensors. Having TDK as a strong back-end partner will further enhance ICsense’s ASIC development and supply capabilities for new and existing customers.”

Going forward, TDK will be able to provide a more detailed response to customers and aims to increase its competitiveness in the global market by offering a diverse range of sensor solutions and services.

Corporate Outline of ICsense

1. Name : ICsense NV

2. Location : Leuven, Belgium

3. Representative : Dr.Bram De Muer

4. Established : 2004

5. Main businesses : Development and supply of ASICs, as well as the design of custom ICs

About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's portfolio includes electronic components, modules and systems* marketed under the product brands TDK and EPCOS, power supplies, magnetic application products as well as energy devices, flash memory application devices, and others. TDK focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2016, TDK posted total sales of USD 10.2 billion and employed about 92,000 people worldwide.

* The product portfolio includes ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, ferrites, inductors, high-frequency components and modules, piezo and protection components, and sensors.

About TDK-Micronas
TDK-Micronas, a TDK group company, is the most preferred partner for sensing and control. TDK-Micronas serves all major automotive electronics customers worldwide, many of them in long-term partnerships for lasting success. While the holding company is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), operational headquarters are based in Freiburg (Germany). Currently, the TDK-Micronas Group employs around 900 persons. For more information about TDK-Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.com.

About ICsense
ICsense’s core business is ASIC development and supply and custom IC design services. ICsense has the largest fab-independent European design group with world-class expertise in analog, digital, mixed-signal and high-voltage IC design. The company develops and supplies customer exclusive ASIC solutions for the automotive, medical, industrial and consumer market compliant with ISO9001, ISO13485, IEC61508-ISO26262.

Contacts

Contacts for media
TDK Corporation (Tokyo, Japan)
Sumio MARUKAWA, +813 6852-7102
pr@jp.tdk.com

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3635/en

23 MARCH 2017—PFA Pension Forms Two Joint Ventures with Spear Street Capital LLC to Acquire a 49% Interest in Two Class A U.S. Office Properties

SAN FRANCISCO-Tuesday, March 28th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- An affiliate of PFA Pension announced the completion of two separate joint ventures with affiliates of Spear Street Capital LLC (“Spear Street”) to acquire a 49% interest in approximately 1.2 million square feet of office properties located in Dallas, Texas and Jersey City, New Jersey (the “Invictus Portfolio”). Formerly 100% owned by certain funds managed by Spear Street, the Invictus Portfolio comprises Galatyn Commons, a 796,200-square foot Class A office campus located in Dallas, Texas and 90 Hudson, a 432,000-square foot Class A office building located in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Spear Street will continue to serve as the manager of the Invictus Portfolio on behalf of the two joint ventures. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Accord Capital Partners LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor in connection with this transaction.

ABOUT PFA PENSION

PFA Pension was founded in 1917 as an independent company by a number of labor organizations, with the sole purpose of ensuring a financially secure future for the employees and their families. Today, PFA has approximately 1.2 million individual customers from a wide range of the largest companies and organizations in Denmark. For further information on PFA, visit: www.english.pfa.dk

ABOUT ACCORD CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC

With headquarters in San Francisco and additional offices in Chicago and London, Accord Group Holdings LLC (“Accord”) harnesses a powerful combination of capital markets, investment management and principal investment capabilities for a wide variety of participants in the real estate private equity industry globally. Through Accord Capital Partners LLC, its broker/dealer affiliate in the United States, Accord provides advisory and capital raising services to its clients. For further information on Accord, visit: www.accord-group.net

Contacts

Accord Group Holdings LLC
Desi Co, +1 415-544-7862
Managing Partner
dco@accord-group.net


Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3629/en

Rimini Street Doubles Oracle and SAP Clients Signed in Israel and Eastern Europe

 Company increases investment in the region amid continued strong growth



LAS VEGAS -Tuesday, March 28th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rimini Street, Inc., the leading global independent provider of enterprise software support services for SAP SE’s (NYSE:SAP) Business Suite, BusinessObjects and HANA Database software and Oracle Corporation’s (NYSE:ORCL) Siebel, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, Oracle Database, Oracle Middleware, Hyperion, Oracle Retail, Oracle Agile PLM and Oracle ATG Web Commerce software, today announced its continued growth and investment in Israel and Eastern Europe due to accelerated demand for the Company’s ultra-responsive, premium enterprise software support for Oracle and SAP licensees. Rimini Street announced that the Company’s total signed clients in the region as of December 31, 2016 increased by 100% over the past year, 1 and today services more than 74 global organizations with operations in Israel and Eastern Europe. The Company also announced that it increased its workforce in the region by 44% over the past year as of December 31, 2016.

Rimini Street opened its Tel Aviv office in 2015, and has already signed five of the 10 largest Israeli companies in the region, as well as local well-known brands including Amiad Water Systems, Central Bottling Company Group, Pelephone Communications Ltd., and Sodastream International Ltd.

Emphasis on Business Transformation Drives Demand for Cost Optimization Solutions

In a recent CIO survey conducted by Harvey Nash and KPMG across 82 countries worldwide, the biggest change in priority focus for CIOs was around customer engagement.2 Increasingly, CIOs are being challenged to push outside their operational boundaries to focus on business transformation and strategy. In addition, the CEO’s priorities are shifting, with 63% preferring that their CIOs focus on IT projects that make the business money rather than save money.3 However, this is a double-edged sword – with budgets largely remaining flat or decreasing, CIOs struggle to find extra IT budget to fund these key initiatives. By switching to Rimini Street support, companies worldwide can save up to 90% on their total maintenance costs, thereby liberating resources for those initiatives that engage customers, create additional revenue streams for their business, and provide a competitive edge.

“In Israel today, the watch words are ‘transform or die’ as increasingly CIOs in the region are pressed to maximize their IT landscape and at the same time find funds to implement new business transformation initiatives,” said Dr. Jimmy Schwarzkoph, research fellow and managing partner, STKI. “Approximately one-third of the top 20 companies in every industry sector will be ‘disrupted’ over the next three years. The savvy CIO recognizes this trend and will seek out solutions that help them initiate strategic programs to engage customers, and help their organization to grow and remain competitive – switching to independent support is a powerful option to help them achieve these goals.”

Built From the Ground Up to Provide Hyper-Responsive, Premium-Level Support

Rimini Street’s global support team delivers excellence in customer service for every client with valuable services not included in standard vendor maintenance, including support for customizations, interoperability support and performance tuning. In addition, every client is assigned a named, regionally based Primary Support Engineer (PSE) with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in their respective applications and technologies, who work closely with a team of specialists around the world who respond to every request 24/7/365. The Company leads the industry in service level commitments, providing a 15-minute or less response time for Priority 1 (P1) critical cases. Rimini Street’s average response time for critical cases is less than five minutes.

“Across Israel and Eastern Europe, CIOs are shifting their focus from an ERP-centric view to digital, customer-facing innovations that deliver real value to their business,” said Jack Oster, general manager of Israel and Eastern Europe, Rimini Street. “We continue to see strong momentum in the region as our proposition gains traction with many C-Suite and IT leaders from companies of all sizes and industries, who are looking to maximize the return on investment from their stable ERP platform and shift their focus and budget from back-office technologies to strategic growth and innovation priorities.”

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street is the global leader in providing independent enterprise software support services. The company has redefined enterprise support services since 2005 with an innovative, award-winning program that enables Oracle and SAP licensees to save up to 90 percent on total support costs. Clients can remain on their current software release without any required upgrades for a minimum of 15 years. Over 1,750 global Fortune 500, midmarket, and public sector organizations from a broad range of industries have selected Rimini Street as their trusted, independent support provider. To learn more, please visit http://www.riministreet.com, follow @riministreet on Twitter and find Rimini Street on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are based on various assumptions. If the risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Rimini Street assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Rimini Street and the Rimini Street logo are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved.

1 Rimini Street preliminary figures, subject to the completion of the Company’s year-end financial audit.

2 ,3 2016 Harvey Nash/KPMG CIO Survey, conducted between December 12, 2015 and April 10, 2016.

Contacts

Rimini Street, Inc.
Michelle McGlocklin, +1 925-523-8414
mmcglocklin@riministreet.com


Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3633/en

ASG Technologies Helps Modern Enterprises Evolve Their ECM with New Content Services

Next generation of Mobius brings access to any content, anywhere at any time through a customizable and flexibly deployable architecture

NAPLES, Fla. -Thursday, March 23rd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)--ASG Technologies has announced Mobius 7.0, a next generation content solution delivering content services for the modern enterprise. Mobius 7.0 provides access to any type of content, at any time and is deployable on-premise, in the cloud, or in a hybrid model, with advanced redaction and storage rules. The solution makes managing content easy, letting employees focus on driving value for the business.

Businesses today are faced with managing a complex architecture of new and legacy applications along with rising regulatory pressures and security needs. To compete, they must be flexible and enable employees to make quick, data-driven decisions. This means information must be easily and securely accessible on any application, from any location. The new Mobius content services architecture allows businesses to customize and embed access to content within and across disparate applications, providing seamless delivery of the information individuals need to be successful. To ensure control and compliance, the solution maintains each asset's native form, keeping policies and rules attached throughout the content lifecycle.

"With multiple content repositories existing across our organization, on-premise and in the cloud, we wanted a system to help us effectively manage content in a way that wasn't going to slow down productivity or be resource intensive," said Bryan Harrison, Principle Software Developer, Liberty Mutual Insurance. "Mobius allows us to aggregate content across the business in a cost-effective way and give employees a customized user interface from which they can access appropriate content. This has helped our team become more nimble while freeing up IT system support costs and complexity."

New in Mobius 7.0 is a content services architecture that enables the modern enterprise to be successful. Key features include:

    REST API: Allows organizations to provide content as a service from anywhere, including custom applications and end user applications, from one sign-on screen; Enables storage and retrieval of content from applications inside and outside the firewall
    Flexible Deployment: Deployable on-premise, in the cloud and in hybrid environments; allows businesses to cost-effectively keep decades of infrastructure investment while leveraging benefits of cloud-based computing to deliver responsive content access, distribution and retention
    Flexible Storage and Aggregation: Offers hybrid storage options allowing enterprises to store information in many ways: files under Mobius management, in Mobius data repository through virtual folder structures, or in the cloud through integration with the AWS console; Flexible storage automatically backs up data and places content where it will be most effective from an economic, legal and security perspective
    Granular Policy Management and Control: Enables the creation of rules and policies that travel with the content throughout its lifecycle – including access rights, native redaction, archiving and secure viewing capabilities; Users can achieve compliance and manage records from one place, with no effort required elsewhere
    Embedded Redaction Capability: Native redaction services within can be automated based on a set of defined business rules and user roles while partial redaction is supported to query reports for personal and sensitive information; Redaction capabilities ensure compliance through hidden patterns

"Content can be a huge, resource-intensive challenge for enterprises with many applications and a diverse, complex IT infrastructure. There is a growing need for end-to-end solutions that unify content across the organization while effectively managing access and security," said Swamy Viswanathan, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, ASG Technologies. “Because of its ability to integrate with existing systems and work across disparate applications, the Mobius content services architecture meets the needs of modern enterprises by controlling content and breaking down barriers to access without the resource intensive IT processes.”

Learn more about Mobius by visiting the web page.

About ASG Technologies
ASG Technologies Group, Inc. brings peace of mind to every enterprise with information access, management and control for our customers. These solutions empower businesses to enhance workforce productivity, gain an accurate and timely understanding of the information that underpins business decisions and address compliance needs with improved visibility of cross-platform data from legacy to leading edge environments. More than 70 percent of global Fortune 500 companies trust ASG Technologies to optimize their IT investments. ASG Technologies is a global provider of technology solutions with more than 1,000 people supporting more than 4,000 midmarket and enterprise customers around the world. For more information, visit www.asg.com.

Contacts

Version 2.0 Communications for ASG Technologies
Katie Byrne/Jen Kaye, 617-426-2222
asg@v2comms.com


Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3600/en

BenQ Flagship Photographer Monitor SW320 Recaptures Vibrant Moments with High-Precision Colour and HDR

 The true 10-Bit IPS Display Offers Adobe RGB and Precision Colour Tools



Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Thursday, March 23rd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

Internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle devices, BenQ announces the launch of their SW320 photographer monitor- a 31.5-inch 4K display with class-leading colour performance and High Dynamic Range (HDR) capability. Building on the success of its award-winning predecessor, BenQ sets a new benchmark for wide gamut monitors with the SW320 photographer monitor.

Spanning a wide colour gamut covering 99% of Adobe RGB and 100% of sRGB, Rec. 709, and the digital cinema industry’s DCI-P3 colour space, SW320’s true 10-bit IPS panel and advanced 14-bit lookup table (LUT) deliver spectacular colour quality.

Augmenting its impressive 31.5-inch IPS panel with 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution and 178˚ H/V viewing angles, SW320 features the following state-of-the-art colour technologies:

99% Adobe RGB Colour Gamut and Technicolor® Colour Certification: SW320 delivers an ultra-wide colour gamut to reach 99% of Adobe RGB, a significantly larger colour space than sRGB and Rec. 709. Also, supporting DCI-P3 as well as 100% of sRGB and Rec. 709, SW320 is certified by Technicolor to meet strict standards for colour accuracy used in Hollywood and throughout the media and entertainment industries, with consistent, precise colour exactly as content originators intended.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) content support: Increasing the dynamic range between black and white for naturally realistic images, SW320 supports HDR signals through both its HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.

True 10-Bit Colour Depth, 14-Bit 3D LUT, ΔE ≤ 2: Producing over a billion colours for ultra-smooth gradations, SW320’s 14-bit colour lookup table guarantees absolute colour accuracy as defined by Comission Internationale de l’Eclairge’s (CIE) Delta E deviation of less than 2, designating the finest colour fidelity exceeding the limits of human vision.

Palette Master Element Colour Calibration: SW320 can be hardware calibrated with a colorimeter and Palette Master Element calibration software for professional work.

Brightness Uniformity Function: For an authentic and consistent viewing experience, SW320 achieves immaculate brightness uniformity across the entire screen via a meticulous fine-tuning process of hundreds of sub-regions with high-precision apparatus.

GamutDuo and Advanced Black and White Modes: GamutDuo Mode allows simultaneous side-by-side display of content in two different colour spaces, such as Adobe RGB and sRGB. Photos can also be viewed in a black and white film effect, with three presets for photo previews prior to post-processing adjustments

Hotkey Puck and Pro Shading Hood: The unique “Hotkey Puck” remote control enables instant switching between colour modes and image settings, and the included detachable shading hood works in both portrait and landscape orientations to block ambient light and glare for superb colour accuracy.

Finished in a minimalist bezel and adjustable stand design engineered to reduce reflection, SW320 provides comprehensive connectivity, including a media card reader, USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 2.0a, and DisplayPort / miniDisplayPort 1.4 supporting Mac Thunderbolt output.

To find out more about BenQ professional monitors, please visit http://www.benq.com/product/monitor/color-management/

About BenQ Corporation

Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life”, BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today – lifestyle, business, healthcare and education – with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning. Such means include a delightful broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, audio products, cloud consumer products, mobile communications and lifestyle lighting. Because it matters. 

About BenQ Group

The BenQ Group is a $22+ billion powerhouse comprised of nearly 20 independent companies operating in over 30 countries across numerous industries with a combined workforce of over 100,000 employees.  Each Group member is a recognized leader in its own field, contributing to the BenQ Group’s vast resources, broad R&D, and distinct strategic strengths.  By leveraging each company’s vertical specialization to create true scale across horizontal markets, the BenQ Group controls a highly efficient value chain with the unrivaled ability to deliver critical components and world-class solutions in the following industries: TFT-LCD, green energy, fine chemicals and advanced materials, lighting, IC design, precision components, system integration, branded business, and service.  The Group is committed to profitable and sustainable businesses that share its long-standing vision of Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life.

The BenQ Group companies are:  BenQ Corporation, AU Optronics Corporation (world’s top manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels), Qisda Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corporation, BenQ ESCO Corp., BenQ Materials Corp., BenQ Guru Corp., BenQ Medical Center, BenQ Medical Technology Corp., BenQ AB DentCare Corp., Daxin Materials Corp., Dazzo Technology Corp., Darwin Precisions Corp., Lextar Electronics Corp., LILY Medical Corp. and Raydium Semiconductor Corp.



Contacts

Marissa Pinto

Absolute Public Relations  , +971-50-754-1420

MarissaP@absolutecg.net  

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3603/en

GSMA Announces Speakers for Mobile 360 Series – West Africa

Côte d’Ivoire Programme Features Executives from Organisations including African Development Bank, Airtel, Esoko, Etisalat, IFC and Orange

LONDON-Tuesday, March 28th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The GSMA today announced the first speakers for the 2017 Mobile 360 Series – West Africa conference, which will take place 27 April at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Abidjan Airport in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Additionally, MTN has been confirmed as Platinum Sponsor for the event and Huawei is the Global Industry Supporter for the full Mobile 360 Series of conferences taking place throughout 2017.

“The mobile industry is playing a key role in driving digital, financial and social inclusion in many African countries by providing access to essential information and services,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “We are excited to be bringing the Mobile 360 Series to West Africa, convening key stakeholders to examine the practical steps needed to overcome critical roadblocks in technology, governance, business models and investment.”

Mobile 360 – West Africa is an invite-only leadership forum, bringing together senior policymakers and executive-level industry representatives from across West Africa. At the event, attendees will discuss what is needed to enhance digital transformation in the region in a way that is sustainable for business, government and society. The first speakers confirmed to present at Mobile 360 – West Africa include:

    Pierre Guislain, Vice-President, Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, African Development Bank
    Daddy Mukadi Bujitu, Chief Regulatory Officer, Airtel
    Daniel Asare-Kyei, Managing Director, Esoko
    Matthew Wilshere, CEO, Etisalat Nigeria
    John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA
    Mamadou Bamba, CEO, Orange Côte d’Ivoire



The event will convene local and international policy, regulatory and mobile industry leaders to discuss how to harness the power of mobile technologies for the digital transformation and sustainable development of the region. Discussions will address how MNOs can collaborate with public and private stakeholders to deliver social impact and drive growth. The conference will tackle different aspects of mobile empowerment, with sessions such as ‘Mobile as the Foundation for Digital Transformation in West Africa’; ‘Building an Environment Conducive to Expanding Mobile Broadband Connectivity’; ‘Stimulating the Development of Scalable, Life-enhancing Services’; and ‘Fostering Growth, Inclusion and Innovation’. The full conference agenda is available at www.mobile360series.com/west-africa/agenda.

In addition to the conference, Mobile 360 – West Africa will highlight the initiatives and activities undertaken by the GSMA Mobile for Development programme. The event will focus on the GSMA’s work to increase access to and use of life-enhancing mobile services, the acceleration of socio-economic improvements for the underserved, especially women, rural and youth, and particularly digital and financial inclusion and identity for the unregistered.

Mobile 360 – West Africa Registration Now Open
Registration for Mobile 360 – West Africa is now open; individuals wishing to attend should visit https://www.mobile360series.com/west-africa/attend/.  

Get Involved at Mobile 360 – West Africa
The 2017 GSMA Mobile 360 Series – West Africa is the first in a series of eight industry-focused events held in major cities across the world. For information on Mobile 360 – West Africa, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.mobile360series.com/west-africa/overview/sponsors-partners. Follow developments and updates on Mobile 360 – West Africa (#m360WA) on Twitter @GSMA, on Facebook www.facebook.com/Mobile360Series and LinkedIn on www.linkedin.com/company/gsma-mobile-360-series.


About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.



Contacts

Media Contacts:

For the GSMA

Sophie Waterfield

+44 77 7945 9923

Sophie.Waterfield@webershandwick.com



David Ntwampe Maila

+ 27 72 015 4702

dmaila@webershandwick.com



GSMA Press Office
pressoffice@gsma.com



















Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3628/en

Grassi & Co. Introduces COMPASS-Regulatory and Compliance Advisers and Welcomes Gary Swiman and Larry Wagner

NEW YORK-Tuesday, March 28th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Grassi & Co. continues to invest in the Compliance and Regulatory Consulting space and is proud to announce the affiliation of COMPASS-Regulatory and Compliance Advisers—led by Gary Swiman as its President, and Larry Wagner, its Managing Director. The practice will be based out of Grassi & Co.’s Manhattan office.

Prior to joining Grassi & Co., Gary has held CCO and senior regulatory positions at major broker-dealers as well as large international asset managers. Gary also served as a partner and head of regulatory and compliance services at two top 30 accounting firms. Gary has more than 25 years of experience implementing compliance programs for hedge funds, private equity funds, registered investment advisers, investment banks and broker-dealers. He works with financial industry clients to navigate evolving regulatory requirements, and works closely with clients, law firms and regulators on high level enforcement matters. A Certified Public Accountant, Gary graduated Cum Laude with a Juris Doctorate from Fordham Law School. Gary also holds CAMS, CFF and CFE licenses.

Larry Wagner is a seasoned executive with 30+ years of achievement in small to large-sized businesses, capital markets, investment banking, hedge funds, private equity and alternative asset management industries. As an experienced CFO, Larry gained a unique perspective of finance having spent significant time in both private and multi-national public entities.

Larry was the CFO of Nomura Holdings America (Investment Bank, Private Equity and Asset Management Companies) and the CFO of ING Financial Services LLC and earned his B.S. in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. Larry holds a CPA and CAMS license.

“As regulatory and compliance focus on the financial services industry continues to intensify, we are excited to bring an established compliance and regulatory practice to Grassi & Co. and be able to offer these value added services to our clients,” said Louis C. Grassi, Managing Partner and CEO of Grassi & Co. “Gary and Larry’s approach is unique in providing practical subject matter expertise tailored to each client’s industry and business model. This approach results in meeting the client’s regulatory objectives at a fair price without disrupting the client’s business initiatives.”

Both professionals have been widely quoted and looked upon as experts in such publications as the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times.

Among other financial institutions the team serves broker dealers, banks, investment advisers and investment companies. The team advises financial institutions on regulatory and compliance matters, implementing compliance best practices, compliance program development, policy and procedure revision, forensic testing and monitoring, on-site training, governance processes and reporting, investment company regulations, banking regulations, Broker-dealer and Investment Adviser registrations, anti-money laundering policies, procedures and enforcement remediation and enforcement legal support. The team has successfully negotiated settlements and changed the direction of regulatory examinations conducted by the SEC and FINRA, and other Federal and State regulators.

About Grassi & Co.: Grassi & Co., the 70th largest firm in the U.S., is a premier professional service organization specializing in accounting, auditing, tax, technology, and business consulting services. Grassi & Co. has offices in Manhattan, Long Island and Rockland County, NY as well as internationally through its association with Moore Stephens International. Grassi & Co. specializes in professional services for the Not-for-Profit, Construction, Architecture & Engineering, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Manufacturing & Distribution, Retail, Technology, Media & Telecommunication, Transportation, Energy & Natural Resources, and Healthcare industries, among others.

Contacts

Grassi & Co.
J. Maizel, 516-918-5927
jmaizel@grassicpas.com

Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3634/en

The First Group Showcases Unparalleled Opportunities in Dubai’s Booming Property Sector to Chinese Investors

Leading developer set to support awareness of surging interest in Dubai’s property market by exhibiting at this week’s Dubai Property Show in Shanghai

Shanghai, China.-Sunday, March 26th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

Leading developer The First Group is showcasing the unrivalled opportunities in Dubai’s property market to Chinese investors at this week’s Dubai Property Show in Shanghai.

The British-owned firm, which is one of Dubai’s most respected international hotel & property developers, is presenting its portfolio of more than a dozen existing and up-and-coming UAE-based properties at the event.

Best known for its collection of highly popular aparthotels in Dubai, The First Group has more recently forged a successful path developing landmark, upscale hotels in the emirate.

The First Group currently has four hotel properties under development in Dubai, which will be managed by world-class operators and corporate partners Wyndham Hotel Group and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.

Millennium Place Business Bay, Millennium Place JVT Dubai, Ramada Plaza JVC and The One Dubai Marina, all of which are scheduled to open before 2020, will expand The First Group’s hotel portfolio to five properties. The firm’s first hotel, Wyndham Dubai Marina, opened in February 2016. These forthcoming additions have already attracted considerable international acclaim for their cutting-edge approach to architectural design. Ramada Plaza JVC was named ‘Hotel of the Future’ at the highly respected id Design Awards 2016 and also picked up the trophy for Leisure and Hospitality Project of the Year at last year’s Middle East Architect Awards.

Now, marking a major milestone for The First Group’s growing presence in China, Millennium Place JVT Dubai last night received the prestigious Best New Design & Construction 2016 at a glittering UC Forward Gala Ceremony held at Shanghai International Trade Centre. UC Forward is a real estate sales and marketing consultancy and an exclusive partner of Fang.com, China’s largest online property portal with a 70 percent market share. With more than 34 million active members and 9 million unique users each month, Fang.com is the world’s most popular real estate website.

A high-profile addition to Dubai’s famous skyline, the 34-storey Millennium Place JVT Dubai will bring 579 new rooms to Dubai’s inventory when it opens in 2019, just in time for Expo 2020 Dubai. The UC Forward award is the second honour bestowed on Millennium Place JVT Dubai in recent months with the property also receiving the Highly Commended Award in the ‘Best New Hotel Design & Construction’ category at the 2016-17 Africa & Arabia Property Awards.

Just as The First Group is intent on expanding its presence in China, the company has moved quickly to capitalise on emerging market interest in Dubai’s property sector, opening offices in 10 countries including India, Russia and Turkey. “Its rapid international expansion mirrors Dubai’s growing reputation as a global property investment hotspot,”- said Rob Burns, The First Group COO. “While established property investment markets are stagnating, Dubai continues to offer international investors significant opportunities,” he continued. Burns noted that Chinese investment in Dubai has grown substantially in the past decade.

“There are more than 4,000 Chinese firms operating in Dubai and the country now ranks as the emirate’s largest trading partner,” he said. “Chinese investment in Dubai property is at an all-time high of AED1.6 billion ($430 million), and the country’s expat population in the emirate has grown by more than 50 percent in the past five years. China is shaping up as arguably the most important source market for investment in Dubai in the coming decade.” Burns noted that Dubai remains a stable and dynamic investment market that offers investors consistent returns. “This factor, combined with Dubai’s world-class property regulations that safeguard investors; the standard of living on offer; its unrivalled infrastructure and growing reputation as a global tourism and business hub, make the emirate the perfect destination for Chinese investors.”

In addition to lucrative property investment opportunities, The First Group provides investors access to a host of benefits in conjunction with internationally renowned partners such as Emirates Skywards and Jumeirah Group. Owner rewards include free Dubai holidays, access to a travel concierge service, and premium membership of Jumeirah Group and Emirates loyalty programmes. In addition, investors in property through The First Group can benefit from locally tax-free returns, investment property credit and cash rewards for referrals.

About The First Group

The First Group is a British-owned international hotel & property development company, whose principals have built up their expertise and success in the global market over the last 30 years. The First Group management team draws from strong and diverse backgrounds in the fields of global property, finance, acquisition, marketing and product development. Its expert eye for emerging property market potential and prestigious partnerships with industry leaders means that their clients can enjoy secure and attractive returns from one of the world’s most vibrant hotel markets. With its headquarters in Dubai and global presence spanning Algeria, Azerbaijan, Ghana, India, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, The First Group’s client base is expanding rapidly. For more details visit www.thefirstgroup.com.

 About UC Forward

UC Forward is a real estate marketing consultancy with a focus on promoting the Dubai property market to Chinese investors through multiple channels. UC Forward has the exclusive rights to operate and market Dubai property with the #1 real estate web platform in China, Fang.com. It provides services to property developers and agents who share its vision of growing the interest of Chinese investors in the Dubai property market. With its tremendous reach to Chinese affluent and clientele, UC Forward continue to be the best and most professional platform connecting the UAE with China. For more details visit Dubai.fang.com or register at www.amazingdraw.com



Contacts

THE FIRST GROUP

Eve Humphreys

Director of Brand & Marketing Communications

+971-4-438-7458, Eve.Humphreys@thefirstgroup.com



Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3587/en

Regulators to address international spectrum issues at DSA Global Summit as policy makers look to define universal service in the 5G world

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -Monday, March 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulators from around the world are set to attend the fifth annual Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Global Summit, to continue discussions on effective spectrum management and the role of dynamic spectrum access in enabling new connectivity solutions.

The Summit, which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 9-11 May 2017, will welcome regulators from around the world, including:

    Mr. Pakamile Kayalethu Pongwana, CEO, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
    Hon. Hector Huici, Secretary of Communications and Information Technologies, The Ministry of Communications, Argentina
    Dr. Martha Liliana Suárez Peñaloza, Director, Agência Nacional del Espectro (ANE), Colombia
    Dr. Agostinho Linhares, Manager, Spectrum, Orbit and Broadcasting Division, Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL), Brazil
    Mr. Peter N. Ngige, Assistant Director, Frequency Planning, Communications Authority Kenya
    Mr. Mario Maniewicz, Deputy Director, Radiocommunications Bureau of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Geneva

“As the demand for connectivity increases, the emphasis is being placed on efficient and effective spectrum management. Moving society from spectrum scarcity to spectrum abundance is the only way to maximise the true potential of 5G and IoT. Dynamic access technology, coupled with unlicensed spectrum, will help in driving the necessary availability and innovation,” commented Kalpak Gude, DSA President.

He added: “Regulators play a key role in spectrum management decisions that drive investment in new wireless technologies. These regulatory decisions help create the canvas upon which wireless internet access solutions are drawn. We look forward to open discussions on spectrum policies from regulators and industry leaders from around the world. We’re interested in learning what challenges regulators from different regions are facing and how they are seeking to address those issues. We also look forward to hearing from industry leaders regarding technological advancements that will enable the bridging of the digital divide as well as expanding access capacity to handle the vastly larger data flows that are expected.”

Since the 2016 Global Summit, which was held in Bogota, Colombia, the previous co-host, ANE, has had a busy year. Most recently, the regulator has submitted a proposal to develop rules for licence-exempt access to TV White Space (TVWS) technology. This would not only enable the efficient use and management of spectrum TV bands in Colombia, but it would also bring connectivity to the most remote areas of the country. During a successful pilot project in 2016, TVWS technology connected schools in the village of Rio Arriba, Aguadas, for the first time.

“The Global Summit we co-hosted in 2016 in Bogota, Colombia, was a great opportunity to discuss the current state of broadband access and state of the art spectrum access technologies worldwide. In the specific case of Colombia, this event contributed invaluable information and discussions for ANE's TVWS regulatory project. An initiative that is helping to promote affordable internet access in remote areas, and especially in public schools,” said Dr. Martha Liliana Suárez Peñaloza, Director, Agencia Nacional del Espectro (ANE).

DSA members including Adaptrum, 6Harmonics, and C3 in partnership with Microsoft have also launched successful TVWS pilot projects across Africa. The latter partnership has recently been involved with a project with UNHCR in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, where last-mile connectivity is bringing the Internet to those who need it most. Connectivity, through TVWS technology, is bringing new opportunities to the 28,000 refugees residing in the camp providing affordable access to enable better communication, access to learning, and empowering them to build a sustainable future. More information about the project can be read here.

To secure your place at the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance’s fifth annual Global Summit in Cape Town, South Africa (9-11 May 2017), or for more information please visit: http://dynamicspectrumalliance.org/global-summit/.

About the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance

The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance is a global organization advocating for laws and regulations that will lead to more efficient and effective spectrum utilization. The DSA’s membership spans multinationals, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and academic, research, and other organizations from around the world, all working to create innovative solutions that will increase the amount of available spectrum to the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.

For further information about the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, please visit www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org/, or follow @dynamicspectrum on Twitter. Alternatively join the Alliance on Facebook or LinkedIn.



Please replace any links to the full release or source version on Business Wire with the following:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170327005514/en/



Contacts

Proactive PR for Dynamic Spectrum Alliance
Sian Borrill
sian.borrill@proactive-pr.com
+44 1636 812152



Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3627/en

Toyota and NTT Agree to Collaborate on ICT Platform R&D for Connected Cars

Collaboration seeks to establish technologies for the creation of a Smart Mobility Society

TOKYO-Monday, March 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toyota Motor Corporation (Head Office: Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan; President and Representative Director: Akio Toyoda; “Toyota”) and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Hiroo Unoura; “NTT”) have agreed to collaborate on developing, verifying, and standardizing technology in the connected car field, combining the automotive vehicle-related technologies of Toyota with the information and communication technologies (ICT) of NTT Group companies.

1. Aims of the Collaboration

Toyota and the NTT Group, sharing their technologies, knowledge and expertise, and making use of Big Data obtained from automotive vehicles, will carry out joint research and development of technologies necessary for solving various issues facing society, including traffic accidents and congestion, and for providing customers with new mobility services, aimed at realizing a sustainable Smart Mobility Society in the future at global level.

2. Areas of Collaboration

(1) Platform for data collection, accumulation, and analysis

    Create technologies for building and administering a platform to realize collection and accumulation of huge amounts of vehicle information and other data received from large numbers of vehicles, for distributing large amounts of data, and for analyzing and processing the collected Big Data in real time.

(2) IoT networks and data centers

    Study the network topology of global infrastructure and optimal data center deployment necessary for safe and reliable collection and distribution of large amounts of data, based on assumption of vehicle use cases.

(3) Next-generation communication technologies (5G, edge computing)

    Conduct studies to determine the optimal mobile communications system considering vehicle use cases and perform connection tests of such systems to promote 5G standardization for automotive vehicles, and verify the applicability of edge computing technology.

(4) Agents

    Develop technologies for providing drivers with user-friendly services by combining driving advice based on understanding of the environment inside and outside the vehicle, voice interaction technology, and other technologies by using AI (artificial intelligence).

3. Roles of Each Company

Toyota:
   


   

Based on its knowledge of vehicle use cases and data requirements on the vehicle side, will research and develop an ICT platform for connected cars, aimed at mobility service value creation.



NTT Group:
   


   

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           

NTT DATA Corporation

___________________________
   


   

Based on its advanced analytics capability and experiences in supporting the social infrastructure in Japan, NTT DATA will develop technologies for building platform to realize collection, accumulation, and analysis of huge amounts of vehicle information.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           

NTT Communications Corporation

_____________________
         

Will establish next-generation global ICT infrastructure optimized to the IoT by leveraging its globally expanding ICT services (Tier 1 IP backbone, VPN and data centers).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           

NTT DOCOMO, Inc.

_____________________
         

Building on its role in leading standardization efforts for the next-generation 5G mobile communications system and in conducting advanced R&D, will promote 5G standardization for automotive vehicle use and lead the way in 5G mobile communication system trial.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           

NTT

_______________________
   


   

Will conduct R&D on edge computing technology and promote international standardization. Will also carry out R&D on driving advice and voice interaction technologies, making use of know-how from the NTT Group AI technology corevo®.*

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           

*corevo® is a registered trademark of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation.





4. Coming Developments
A field trial is planned for 2018 to assess the feasibility and usability of representative services in the connected car field.

Contacts

For further information about the contents of this release:
Toyota Motor Corporation
Public Affairs Division
(Tokyo Headquarters) +81-3-3817-9111 to 9117
(Nagoya) +81-52-552-0603 to 0609



or
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Public Relations Office
Hiroyuki Sakura
ntt-cnr-ml@hco.ntt.co.jp

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3624/en