ITnewsLink

More Than 5,000 Customers Moved to IBM Systems From HP, Sun and EMC

2008-11-21T16:05:00Z

Since 2004, more than 5,000 companies worldwide have replaced their HP, Sun, and EMC products with energy-efficient IBM Systems and Storage. Companies have invested in IBM's System z, Power and System x servers as well as IBM Storage to tackle their most challenging business objectives and to help reduce sprawling data center costs for labor, energy and real estate.
"Our problems with our hardware vendors were snowballing. Rising energy costs, the need for additional servers, poor support (...)

Energid Technologies and MobileRobots Inc Preview Advance in Mobile Manipulation Robots

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-21T15:40:00Z

Energid Technologies and MobileRobots Inc gave robot developers, at the second annual national RoboDevelopment conference in Santa Clara CA, a sneak preview of their new semi-autonomous mobile robotic manipulation system. The new platform, code-named "Dactyl" for the bird-like form of the manipulator, combines MobileRobots autonomous PatrolBot and MobileEyes robot control interface with Energid's Actin arm and advanced manipulation control interface. Dactyl brings many robot applications (...)

iGames Mobilizes Secret "All Out WAR!" Assault in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning

2008-11-21T15:15:00Z

iGames, a LAN center organization, plans to coordinate a secret mission called "All Out WAR!" in the massively multiplayer online game Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning from Mythic Entertainment. Gamers at select iGames LAN centers across the country are called to unite under the banner of Destruction to form a massive WAAAGH! to storm the lands of Order. To retain the element of surprise, details including the specific server and time for the attack are only known by the LAN center staff (...)

Wavefront Launches WaveGuide Training for British Columbia's Mobile Industry

2008-11-21T14:43:00Z

Wavefront, a community-based commercialization center for British Columbia's 1,000 wireless and new media development companies, launches WaveGuide, its technical and executive training program to help the region's developers accelerate the delivery of new mobile applications, content and devices to market.
"Wavefront has partnered to bring world-class tools and resources to the region and keep growing the industry's overall knowledge base," said James Maynard, president of Wavefront. (...)

A2M Acquires Chilean Developer Wanako Games

2008-11-21T14:15:00Z

A2M (Artificial Mind and Movement), Canada's largest independent game developer, announces that it has acquired Wanako Games, a video game studio located in Santiago, Chile. The first and largest game studio in South America, Wanako Games specializes in the production of downloadable interactive content. The studio is acquired by A2M from Activision Blizzard.
With this transaction, A2M is expanding its offering across Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) and Playstation Network (PSN), using Wanako's (...)

The Weather Network's WeatherEye Application Available Free for iPhone and iPod Touch Users

2008-11-21T13:42:00Z

The Weather Network' WeatherEye application for iPhone and iPod touch is available on the Apple App Store. The application reports current conditions and both short-term and long-term weather forecasts, as well as weather watches and warnings for over 5,000 cities in Canada and around the world.
"We're committed to making the best weather information more accessible than ever so our presence on iPhone and iPod touch is very important," said Mark Thompson, director of The Weather Network's (...)

Mark/Space Releases Mac Version of Fliq for Beaming Contacts, Photos and Notes Over a Network

2008-11-21T13:15:00Z

Mark/Space, the creators of The Missing Sync synchronization software, has released the Mac version of Fliq, a social networking application that lets Mac users 'fliq,' or 'beam,' contacts, photos and notes with other Fliq users on the same network. Following the success of Fliq for the iPhone, Mark/Space has created Fliq for the Mac, featuring added capabilities for sending and receiving notes and memos over a network. The Mac version of Fliq works with Address Book and iPhoto to allow (...)

BX.COM Completes $25 Million Acquisition Strategy

2008-11-21T12:42:00Z

BX.COM Incorporated, the 15 year eCommerce software veteran, is announcing its $25 million acquisition strategy. "It took us the better part of this year to finalize the acquisition strategy," says Ken Berquist, EVP, BX.COM, who led the negotiations. "The funds being raised will enable BX.COM to aggressively purchase strategic eCommerce assets."
BX.COM is seeking to acquire eCommerce software companies with a strong client base and convert their shopping cart software packages to BX.COM's (...)

11% of Young Adults Watch TV Online Weekly; Are Heavier Users of Media Overall

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-21T12:27:00Z

In a milestone for consumer media use, 11% of adults ages 18 to 34 now watch TV online at least once a week, according to the latest findings by MultiMedia Mentor(R) (MMM) from Knowledge Networks. These young adults spend 80% more time online than the general 18-to-34 population, and 16% more time (about 1.25 hours per day) with media generally; they are also much more likely to belong to and use social networks. MultiMedia Mentor is the leading resource for targeting consumers more (...)

Imaging3 to Debut 3D Real-Time Imaging Software and Perspective Interface

2008-11-21T11:38:00Z

Imaging3, Inc. (OTCBB: IMGG), developer of a medical imaging device that produces 3D medical diagnostic images of virtually any part of the human body in real-time, provided insight into the Company's plans to introduce the first production-level 3D imaging software for the Dominion Vi Scanner (DViS) at the RSNA, Radiological Society of North America, trade show which is held annually in Chicago, IL. The RSNA trade show occurs this year from November 30, 2008 through December 4, 2008 and is (...)

New York Debate Audience Can't Decide if Google Is "Evil"

2008-11-20T16:05:00Z

Intelligence Squared U.S., the Oxford style debate series sponsored by The Rosenkranz Foundation, presents the results of its fourth debate of the Fall 2008 season, "Google violates its 'don't be evil' motto." A sold out audience at Rockefeller University's Caspary Auditorium, New York City voted 47% for the motion and 47% against at the conclusion of the debate. 6% were undecided, resulting in a tie, but with more of the undecided voters being swayed to the side arguing for the motion. (...)

Leader Sues Facebook for Patent Infringement

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T15:00:00Z

Leader Technologies Incorporated of Columbus, Ohio, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Facebook, Inc. of Palo Alto, California. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and alleges that Facebook infringes Leader's U.S. Patent No. 7,139,761 issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on November 21, 2006.
The '761 Patent generally relates to a method and system for the management and storage of electronic information. (...)

Disney Interactive Studios Emnarks on a "Fully Awesome" adventure with Disney's Bolt

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T14:17:00Z

Bolt, the superdog, and his companion Penny are ready to spring into action. Disney Interactive Studios announced that the Disney's Bolt video game will be available at retail stores throughout Canada starting this week, just in time for the film's opening on Friday, November 21. Inspired by the animated comedy adventure of the same name from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Bolt game versions are available for the Xbox 360� video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii� home (...)

RealArcade Announces FremantleMedia's "Million Dollar Password 2009 Edition" on Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch

2008-11-20T13:38:00Z

The casual games business unit for digital entertainment services company RealNetworks, Inc., and FremantleMedia Enterprises, the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, have made available "MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD 2009 Edition" for iPhone and iPod Touch. This new game is a part of the previously announced multi-year licensing agreement between RealNetworks and FremantleMedia Enterprises to develop MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD as a casual game title for PC, Mac and mobile platforms.
"MILLION (...)

VIZIO and Competitors Reach Business Resolution, MPEG-2 Patent Lawsuit Dismissed

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T13:19:00Z

VIZIO, "the fastest growing brand of flat panel HDTV's in North America", has entered into a business resolution settling a patent infringement lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit was brought by several VIZIO competitors who license their MPEG-2 patents through MPEG-LA. As part of the settlement, VIZIO has entered into an MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License, and the lawsuit will be dismissed.
"We are pleased that we have reached a mutually (...)

McAfee completes acquisition of Secure Computing

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T13:08:00Z

McAfee, Inc. (NYSE:MFE) has completed the acquisition of Secure Computing Corporation (NASDAQ:SCUR) for $5.75 per common share in cash, representing an equity value for Secure Computing's common stock of approximately $418 million in the aggregate. In addition, Secure Computing's outstanding shares of preferred stock were redeemed for an aggregate of approximately $85 million in cash. In total, net of cash held by Secure Computing, the transaction is valued at approximately $462 million. As (...)

Sonic to Acquire CinemaNow

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T12:34:00Z

Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ:SNIC), the leader in digital media software, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CinemaNow, a privately held online entertainment provider based in Marina Del Rey, California. CinemaNow is at the forefront of digital video distribution, offering over 6,000 high-quality Hollywood movies, TV shows and music videos to users across multiple platforms.
The company has relationships with more than 250 content providers, including all major Hollywood (...)

Microsoft and Novell Mark Two Years of Interoperability Progress

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T11:58:00Z

Marking the two-year anniversary of their agreement to build a bridge between SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Windows, Microsoft Corp. and Novell, Inc., are celebrating strong customer demand for their business model and strategy that provides interoperability and intellectual property (IP) peace of mind. The companies are announcing two significant milestones resulting from the Microsoft and Novell technical collaboration: the coming availability of an Advanced Management Pack for SUSE (...)

Sony Creative Software Introduces New Download Delivery Option for All Products in Its Royalty-Free Content Line

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T11:37:00Z

Sony Creative Software has introduced a download delivery option for its entire royalty-free content catalog. All Sony Creative Software loop libraries, Cinescore Themes, sound effects and Vision Series content collections, including previously discontinued titles, are now available for purchase via download at discounted prices. Instant access to Sony Creative Software's popular content collections will help producers to rapidly get the production assets they need to beat deadlines while (...)

Havok Releases Behavior Tool Download for Game Character Design

Itnewslink.com — 2008-11-20T11:03:00Z

Havok, the premier provider of interactive software and services to digital creators in the games and movies industries, today from the Montreal International Game Summit announced that the company will offer unprecedented access to its acclaimed Havok Behavior Tool for designers and animators of 3D video and PC game characters.
Starting tomorrow, professional game developers, educational institutions, and enthusiasts alike can download and use the Havok Behavior Tool from (...)

Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Softimage

2008-11-19T16:05:00Z

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Softimage - a developer of 3D technology for the film, television and games markets - for approximately $35 million. On October 23, 2008, Autodesk announced it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Softimage from Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID).
"We welcome Softimage customers, strategic partners and employees to Autodesk," said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & (...)

searchMuze 2.0 Launches in UK and Europe

2008-11-19T15:45:00Z

Muze Inc., an independent provider of entertainment information products and discovery services, has launched searchMuze 2.0, its powerful media information search solution. Completely redesigned with a new look, new features and enhanced capabilities, searchMuze 2.0 provides businesses access to Muze's normalized commercial metadata, streaming audio samples and rich editorial content for video, music and games to inform buying decisions and to support in-store customer service. (...)

IBM Plans to Acquire Transitive

2008-11-19T15:15:00Z

IBM (NYSE: IBM) plans to acquire Transitive Corporation, a privately held technology company headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with a research and development team in Manchester, United Kingdom. Financial terms were not disclosed. Transitive is specialised in cross-platform virtualization and a pioneer in developing technologies that allow applications written for one type of microprocessor and operating system to run on multiple platforms — with little or no modification. As a (...)

CompanionLink for Google a Powerful Alternative to Google Calendar Sync

2008-11-19T14:49:00Z

CompanionLink Software, a company specialised in mobile synchronization solutions, was the first to release two-way synchronization for Microsoft Outlook contacts, calendar, and tasks with Google. CompanionLink for Google has more features, includes free live technical support, and is compatible with more versions of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Outlook than the Google Calendar Sync tool developed by Google.
CompanionLink for Google synchronizes Microsoft Outlook contacts, addresses, (...)

Ribbit Launches the First Platform for "Programmable Telephony"

2008-11-19T14:15:00Z

Ribbit has made available the Ribbit developer platform, opening the doors to software developers, integrators, and carriers around the globe that are looking for ways to develop and deploy the next-generation of telecommunications services. Ribbit launched the platform just 4 months after their acquisition by BT, at the Adobe MAX conference. Adobe MAX is the premier venue for the next-generation Web developers that populate Ribbit's 7,500-plus community.
This launch has implications for (...)

Fonix Speech VoiceIn Application Software Powers Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's EndWar Video Game

2008-11-19T13:48:00Z

Tom Clancy's EndWar, now available at video game retailers, features Fonix VoiceIn technology for its voice command interface. EndWar, initially available in US and UK English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Polish is available for both the Microsoft Xbox and the Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems. A PC version in the same languages will launch in Q1 2009.
"Ubisoft chose Fonix speech software for its convenient user interface, low memory and (...)

Cynergy.ME and Ooyala Partner on Content Creation and Delivery for Media & Entertainment

2008-11-19T13:15:00Z

Cynergy.ME, which designs and develops rich, immersive online experiences for the media and entertainment industry, has entered a partnership with Ooyala, uniting Cynergy's software expertise that gives life to today's brilliant new media and content ideas with Ooyala's innovative 'Backlot' video platform for content management, delivery, and monetization.
Cynergy.ME, the new division of Cynergy Systems, Inc., the global leader in rich internet applications (RIA), provides publishers and (...)

CIO Survey: E-mail, In-Person Conversations Preferred Forms of Communication

2008-11-19T12:47:00Z

While smartphones, instant messaging and other communication tools may be distracting at times, there appears to be an upside: A majority (57 per cent) of chief information officers (CIOs) interviewed recently said they feel more connected to colleagues given the prevalence of new technologies in the workplace. Still, e-mail and in-person conversations remain the preferred ways to communicate, according to 49 per cent and 34 per cent of CIOs, respectively.
The survey was developed by Robert (...)

Infineon Offers Ultra-Low Cost Dual SIM Integrated on a Single Platform

2008-11-19T12:15:00Z

Infineon Technologies AG (FRANKFURT: IFX) (NYSE: IFX) introduced its latest chips for Ultra-Low Cost mobile phones, optimizing the system performance by factor five and also again reducing the bill-of-material (BOM) by almost 10 percent compared to currently available Infineon platform solutions. Infineon's single-chip solution, the X-GOLD 102, enables handset manufacturers to differentiate in the market by providing the lowest cost solutions based on technologies already available in high (...)

Service Providers Boost Managed Services Opportunities With Cisco Integrated Services Router

2008-11-19T11:44:00Z

Managed service providers worldwide are harnessing its Empowered Branch platform featuring Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISRs). The dozens of managed services based on the Cisco ISR platform available today are helping enterprises of all sizes drive innovation in their branches and simplify branch operations. By combining the Cisco Empowered Branch platform with the expertise, reach and scalability of managed network solutions providers, enterprises benefit from reduced branch costs, (...)