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March Networks Corporation Adopts Shareholder Rights Plan

Tim — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:11:54 +0000

March Networks(R) Corporation (TSX: MN) (”March Networks” or the “Corporation”) today announced that it has entered into a shareholder rights plan agreement (the “Rights Plan”) to encourage the fair treatment of shareholders in any takeover offer for the Corporation. The Rights Plan is effective immediately and will provide the board of directors of March Networks and the shareholders more time to consider fully any unsolicited take-over bid for the Corporation. It will also allow more time for the board of directors to pursue other alternatives to maximize shareholder value, if appropriate. Shareholders will be asked to confirm the rights plan at the next annual and special meeting of the shareholders scheduled to be held on August 26, 2010.One right has been issued with respect to each of the common shares of the Corporation (the “Shares”) issued and outstanding as of July 23, 2010. These rights will become exercisable only when a person, including any party related to it, acquires or attempts to acquire 20 percent or more of the outstanding Shares without complying with the “Permitted Bid” provisions of the Rights Plan or without approval of the board of directors of March Networks. Should such an acquisition occur or be announced, each right would, upon exercise, entitle a rights holder, other than the acquiring person and related persons, to purchase Shares at a 50 percent discount to the market price at the time.

Under the Rights Plan, a Permitted Bid is a bid made to all holders of the Shares and which is open for acceptance for not less than 60 days. If at the end of 60 days at least 50 percent of the outstanding Shares, other than those owned by the offeror and certain related parties have been tendered, the offeror may take up and pay for the Shares but must extend the bid for a further 10 days to allow other shareholders to tender.

The rights plan has not been adopted in response to any specific proposal to acquire control of the Corporation, nor is the Corporation aware of any such intention. The rights plan has a term of nine years, and its adoption is conditional on regulatory approval and shareholder ratification at the next annual and special meeting of shareholders. The rights plan is also subject to reconfirmation by the shareholders of the Corporation every three years.

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SonicWALL Completes Merger With Thoma Bravo and Ontario Teachers Pension Plan

Tim — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:10:29 +0000

SonicWALL, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNWL), a leading provider of IT security and data backup and recovery solutions, today announced that it has completed its merger with affiliates of an investor group led by Thoma Bravo, LLC, which includes the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan through its private investor department, Teachers’ Private Capital. This follows approval of the transaction by SonicWALL shareholders during a Special Meeting of Shareholders held today.”With strong and supportive partners in Thoma Bravo and Teachers’ Private Capital, we can create exciting new opportunities for SonicWALL and continue building the Company into an IT security leader,” said Matthew Medeiros, SonicWALL’s president and CEO. “We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with the innovation and high quality service and products they have come to expect from SonicWALL. On behalf of SonicWALL’s Board of Directors and management team, I want to thank our employees and customers for their ongoing support.”

“SonicWALL is a business with tremendous momentum and we look forward to partnering with the Company to extend their success within the IT security industry,” said Seth Boro, a Principal at Thoma Bravo.

“We are eager to embark on this new era for SonicWALL, and look forward to supporting the many strategic opportunities available to the company,” added Neil Petroff, Teachers’ Executive Vice-President and Chief Investment Officer.

SonicWALL shareholders will receive $11.50 in cash for each share of SonicWALL common stock they hold. Letters of transmittal allowing SonicWALL shareholders of record to deliver their shares to the paying agent in exchange for payment of the merger consideration will be distributed shortly. SonicWALL shareholders who hold shares through a bank or broker will not have to take any action to have their shares converted into cash, as such conversions will be handled by the bank or broker.

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Verizon Wireless Samsung Haven - A Sanctuary of Features and Simplicity

Tim — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:08:14 +0000

Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announced that the Samsung Haven™ is available for order today. The Samsung Haven has earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal and is ideal for customers who want an easy-to-use wireless phone packed with features.Color: Charcoal Grey

Key features and specifications:

Slim form factor
2.2-inch internal screen
Large, easy-to-read display
Full menu readout for improved accessibility
Text messaging capable
56-note polyphonic ringtones
Adjustable font size
Dedicated keys for one-touch quick access to Emergency 911 (E911), speakerphone, voicemail, voice commands, In Case of Emergency (ICE), and My Pictures
Customers can program the ICE button with up to three personalized contacts that first responders can easily find in the event of an emergency

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Arrow Publications Brings Romance to Comic Fans

Tim — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:06:14 +0000

Superman has Lois Lane. Spiderman has Mary Jane. And now LongBox has Arrow Publications. Today, Arrow Publications, LLC, publisher of MyRomanceStory.com, announced that their popular romance graphic novels will shortly be available through LongBox, Inc.LongBox is making comics and graphic novels available for fans to download on a personal computer, eReader, handheld device or game systems. According to LongBox CEO, Rantz Hoseley, the company is determined to expand comic book readership beyond the usual fan base. The California-based company offers a free application-based platform for the secure distribution, sale and enjoyment of comic books and visual narratives in a digital form. “Offering romance stories fits right into their game plan,” explains Hoseley.

“Arrow Publications is thrilled to provide our romance graphic novels in their original format on the LongBox storefront,” says Pat White, CEO, Arrow Publications. “LongBox is trying to increase its female audience and our content is perfect for that.”

Arrow’s first novels on LongBox, reminiscent of the Bourne Identity franchise, are Top Secret Romance, Part 1: Agent of Desire and Top Secret Romance Part 2: Mission of Love by James Watson and A. J. Neale and illustrated by Enzo Pertile, whose eye catching illustrations can also be found in several MyRomanceStory novels as well as in Paraguay’s Ultima Hora newspaper.

Other titles soon to be available on LongBox from Arrow Publications are Nightmare in the Park, illustrated by recently deceased comic book artist Don Sherwood, Wild Sargasso Sea from Disney artist Ron Randall, Theater of Fright, illustrated by Enzo Pertile and The Hunted, illustrated by prolific Chilean artist Italo Ahumada.

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AT&T U-verse Arrives in Chattanooga

Tim — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:03:14 +0000

Chattanooga residents now have a new choice for their television and communications services powered by the most advanced technology. AT&T* today announced the launch of AT&T U-verse® services in parts of Chattanooga, including AT&T U-verse TV, AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet and AT&T U-verse Voice. The services will be available for order beginning Monday, July 26.”This investment by AT&T is great news for Chattanooga, as it brings exciting new technology and new jobs to our community,” said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. “I applaud the men and women of AT&T for their commitment to our hometown and am honored to help them celebrate this occasion.”

AT&T U-verse services, which are all delivered over AT&T’s advanced Internet Protocol (IP) network, offer a new alternative to cable with a better DVR, better features and apps, and a better TV experience. AT&T U-verse brings together your TV, broadband, home phone and AT&T wireless services - all on one bill - with unique features that provide a new level of integration, convenience and control. AT&T U-verse TV ranked “Highest in Residential Television Service Satisfaction in the South Region Two Years in a Row,” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 and 2009 Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Studies(SM).

“Today’s launch of AT&T U-verse reflects our commitment to make the significant investments to bring Tennessee consumers a new era of true video competition,” said Gregg Morton, president, AT&T Tennessee.

AT&T U-verse is being expanded in Tennessee thanks to The Competitive Cable and Video Services Act of 2008, HB 1421. The law signed by Gov. Bredesen provides an environment that encourages new video providers, such as AT&T Tennessee, to invest in Tennessee to compete against incumbent cable providers. AT&T U-verse launched in Tennessee in December 2008.

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Trident Microsystems Announces Settlement of SEC Option Investigation

Tim — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:16:58 +0000

Trident Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRID) announced today that it has entered into a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (”SEC”) regarding the previously disclosed SEC investigation into the company’s historical stock option practices. Under the terms of the settlement, the company will not pay any penalty or other money damages.The company has agreed to settle with the SEC without admitting or denying the allegations in the SEC’s complaint. The company has consented to entry of a permanent injunction against future violations of anti-fraud provisions, reporting provisions and the books and records requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933.

Subject to court approval, this settlement will conclude the government’s investigations into the company’s historical stock option practices.

About Trident Microsystems, Inc.

Trident Microsystems, Inc., with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, is a leading force in the digital home entertainment market, delivering an extensive range of innovative multimedia semiconductor solutions for digital televisions and set-top boxes — at the heart of today’s digital home. Trident has been making bold moves to expand its market, deepen and more fully leverage its Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, and drive the evolution of the “connected home.” Its acquisition of NXP Semiconductors’ set-top box and television product lines in 2010 establishes Trident as one of the top three semiconductor providers to both the TV and set-top box markets. For further information about Trident and its products, please consult the Company’s web site: http://www.tridentmicro.com.

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IT Employment Sees Continued Growth Despite Anemic Overall Job Market

Tim — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:15:34 +0000

The number of information technology jobs continued to grow at a greater rate than in the overall job market, according to a monthly index of IT jobs developed and published by TechServe Alliance, a collaboration of IT services firms, clients, consultants and suppliers.In June, the number of IT jobs grew 3,600 to 3,864,700 after increasing 9,200 in May. Where the number of IT jobs in June 2010 was almost 0.7% higher than in June 2009, the overall private-sector job growth was still in negative territory—down 0.4% from the previous year.

“We are encouraged that the IT sector continues to outperform the overall job market,” said Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance. “While growth in the IT sector moderated in June, it remains up on a year-over-year basis.”

“While macroeconomic trends always have the potential to derail the growth trajectory of IT employment, we remain heartened by the 6 consecutive months of growth to-date,” observed Roberts.

For complete June 2010 IT Index please visit:

http://www.techservealliance.org/pressroom/documents/IndexreleaseJune2010.pdf

ABOUT TechServe Alliance

TechServe Alliance is a collaboration of IT services firms, clients, consultants and suppliers dedicated to advancing excellence and ethics within the IT services industry. Hundreds of IT staffing, IT solutions and IT consulting firms and tens of thousands of affiliated professionals, count on TechServe Alliance to keep their leadership informed, engaged and connected. TechServe Alliance serves as the voice of the industry before the policymakers and the national and trade press. By providing access to the knowledge and best practices of an entire industry and tapping the “collective scale” of hundreds of companies, TechServe Alliance supports its members in the efficient delivery of best-in-class IT services for clients and exceptional professional opportunities for every IT consultant.

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Combined company has the use of over 30 patents or patents pending

Tim — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:14:17 +0000

VocalTec Communications Ltd. (Nasdaq: VOCL), the inventor of VOIP including the softphone, and YMAX Corp., the creator of magicJack and other products and services have successfully merged and will be traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol (NasdaqGM (Global Markets): CALL). VocalTec stock will cease to be trading using the symbol (NasdaqCM:VOCL) after close of business today July, 16th 2010. It will commence trading using the symbol (Nasdaq: CALL) on Monday, July 19th, 2010. The parties believe that the combined company has an enterprise value of $245 million and a per share value of at least $17.50 on Monday, July 19th, 2010 on a stock split adjusted basis. The previous holders of VocalTec will have 1,173,294 shares of common stock following the merger. VocalTec expects to have revenues ranging from $110 million to $125 million this year. With over $40 million cash/securities on hand and no debt, VocalTec expects to show a profit in the current quarter. For additional information on this announcement we recommend that investors read the entire press release and the VocalTec (Nasdaq: VOCL) press release describing the stock split and review the form 6-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that we expect to be filed on or before Monday, July 19th, 2010, described below.The combined companies have the use of over 30 patents, some dating to when VocalTec invented VOIP. In the current legal world we live in, this protection is crucial. The company believes that its patents, technology, and inventions are prior art to other existing patents and may also expose patent invalidity. The combination of patents and softphone/softswitch technology were the primary drivers of the merger. The combined company is much stronger now.

YMAX brings the success of the magicJack in the form of brand equity, distribution and advertising across many outlets and over 6,500,000 magicJacks sold since 2008. The largest reaching CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier) in the United States in terms of area codes available and certification in number of states, it has its own chip development and application server/softswitch company. VocalTec also adds softswitch, application servers and the softphone to the mix. The combined company will have cost reductions through different synergies.

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Video Game Processors Help Lower CT Scan Radiation

Tim — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:12:48 +0000

A new approach to processing X-ray data could lower by a factor of ten or more the amount of radiation patients receive during cone beam CT scans, report researchers from the University of California, San Diego.Cone beam CT plays an essential role in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), a state-of-the-art cancer treatment. IGRT uses repeated scans during a course of radiation therapy to precisely target tumors and minimize radiation damage in surrounding tissue. Though IGRT has improved outcomes, the large cumulative radiation dose from the repeated scans has raised concerns among physicians and patients.

Reducing the total number of X-ray projections and the mAs level per projection (by tuning down the X-ray generator pulse rate, pulse duration and/or current) during a CT scan can help minimize patient’s exposure to radiation, but the change results in noisy, mathematically incomplete data that takes hours to process using the current iterative reconstruction approaches. Because CBCT is mainly used for treatment setup while patients are in the treatment position, fast reconstruction is a requirement, explains lead author Xun Jia, a UCSD postdoctoral fellow.

Based on recent advances in the field of compressed sensing, Jia and his colleagues developed an innovative CT reconstruction algorithm for graphic processing unit (GPU) platforms. The GPU processes data in parallel — increasing computational efficiency and making it possible to reconstruct a cone beam CT scan in about two minutes. Modern GPU cards were originally designed to power 3D computer graphics, especially for video games.

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US Venture Investment Nears Pre-Recession Levels

Tim — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:11:36 +0000

According to statistics from Dow Jones VentureSource, venture investors put $7.7 billion to work in 744 deals for U.S.-based companies during the second quarter of 2010. This is the highest quarterly total for capital invested since $8.4 billion was put into 699 deals during the third quarter of 2008.”Fueled by investors’ need to keep current portfolio companies funded and to begin investing from new funds, venture capital financing had a strong quarter,” said Jessica Canning, global research director for Dow Jones VentureSource. “Deal activity and capital invested in venture-backed companies is once again near levels seen before the start of the economic recession in 2008.”

The second quarter’s deal count represents a 13% increase from the 656 deals closed during the same period last year, and capital raised is up 26% from the $6.1 billion invested in the year-ago period.

IT Sees Highest Deal Count, But Healthcare Garners More Dollars

Information Technology (IT) and Healthcare continued to be the strongest industries for deals closed and dollars invested though no clear leader emerged as IT garnered the largest proportion of deals but Healthcare claimed more dollars.

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