Saturday 30 June 2012

Fasthosts launches 32 core dedicated server

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has launched a powerful new, high quality server to further bolster the Fasthosts Dedicated Server range. The new Fasthosts DS1200 server boasts Solid State Drives (SSD) and 2 x 2TB of storage, providing faster access speed, greater resilience, supreme reliability and amps of storage. The DS1200 can be run via a choice of operating systems including the latest CentOS 6 operating system, includes the Plesk 10 control panel, and features a generous allowance of storage space RAM with RAID1 protection, offering better security and performance for business users.

Dedicated Servers are the ideal solution for IT professionals and businesses that require robust server operations for applications and data storage without the capital expenditure or the physical space required for running hardware 24/7 on their premises. Fasthosts' Dedicated Servers, currently with 50 per cent off for 3 months, offer enterprises a powerful and secure server platform and far greater flexibility than on-premise solutions. 

The flagship DS1200 enables businesses to leverage a best in-class specification and performance without large CAPEX commitment. The server uses 2 x 2.4GHz AMD OpteronTM 16-core processors to deliver powerful, energy-efficient performance, meaning intensive programs can be run simultaneously without the need to slow down. Users enjoy guaranteed access to unlimited bandwidth, and retain complete hands-on (KVM) remote control of their server at all times. The DS1200 guarantees 99.99% network uptime, perfect for multiple complex calculations or to host large websites, mail or media, ensuring you and your customers get the best performance.

The Fasthosts DS1200 Dedicated Server solution also benefits from massive 64GB RAM, 2 x 120GB RAID 1 SSD hard-disk drives and 2 x 2TB RAID 1 SATA hard-disk drives.

Fasthosts also includes free SSL certificates for the first year and  Plesk 10 can be added for a small monthly fee. Currently, all Fasthosts Windows Dedicated Servers are provided with 50GB of free Online Backup. For those not sure which specification would best fit their business needs, the Fasthosts website provides a guide to servers that highlights the features specifically suited to business tasks.

Especially important for business users, all data is hosted in Fasthosts' highly secure state-of-the-art UK data centres, and receives Fasthosts' unlimited bandwidth and 100Mbps high-speed virtual data pipe. Every Fasthosts server is maintained with the latest operating system updates to maximise efficiency and security. Technical support is provided 24/7 from the UK via the phone or online. 

Claire Lewis, Marketing Director, Fasthosts Internet Ltd, said: "Our new 32 core server is an excellent opportunity to access huge processor power on an affordable basis. We are confident that even the most demanding professional users will be impressed with the performance and responsiveness. Our continued investment to build world-class UK-based infrastructure means Fasthosts servers continue to be a sound proposition for many businesses."

As a leading web hosting provider, and Technology Sponsor of The Great Exhibition 2012, Fasthosts offers a comprehensive range of web services including domain name registrations, servers, online backup solutions, reseller web hosting and feature-rich broadband packages. Fasthosts is well placed to deliver a high quality service.

Full details can be found at www.fasthosts.co.uk.

Stolen device tracked and recovered using TAAP

TAAP’s technology has recently been put to good use recovering an expensive mobile device, costing £1,400, which was stolen from the vehicle of one of its utility contractor clients, and was subsequently recovered by police within a few hours of the incident being reported.

Remote management software was used to disable the device and remove any potentially sensitive job information. As a further precaution, the device was monitored and the last co-ordinates of the device were shown, which had been recorded using GPS-related technology within the mobile handset.

This produced a precise location with an associated residential address, which was passed on to local police, who recovered the device and returned it to the employee from whom it had been stolen.

GPS – Global Positioning System data – like that used in sat-nav devices, is used within TAAP’s ‘TiPs’ technology which provides a number of geo-positional applications and capabilities – Current Location (CLOC), Journey, and Vehicle on Route (VORTEX) – which are a critical part of many of its clients’ daily operations as devices communicate their location to a central database at regular intervals.

CLOC can be used for lone-worker situations to ensure an employee is not in trouble or has encountered an incident, because the driver’s location is tracked and displayed on a map. Journey allows the driver’s journey to be displayed as a route on a web-based map, so in situations where a device is stolen, the last position is shown and can be traced.

VORTEX enables better customer service to be provided – the software is configured so that messages are sent to the customer when the driver is in a certain range of proximity. Messages can be sent as texts or emails. This means customers aren’t kept waiting or can return to their address so they are present when the driver arrives.

These technologies allow pinpointed locations to be precisely identified through GPS co-ordinates. They enable organisations which run any type of field service operation to track their vehicles in order to confirm routes and positions.

Steve Higgon, Product Architect, explained “CLOC and VORTEX work using the GPS technology within the mobile device, and display the location of all the organisation’s employees on a web-based map, at any one time. By clicking on a location pin in ‘CLOC,’ which represents an individual employee, a driver’s daily route is highlighted. This means that organisations need to spend less time checking on employees’ locations by telephoning or messaging, because the data is automatically presented visually at regular intervals. VORTEX improves customer service because customers are updated as to the location and proximity of the driver.”

www.ontaap.com

British Airways support rising star at awards event

At the recent Founders Forum, an event for the leading entrepreneurs of today, the owners of Out Fit 7 Ltd. were announced as the lucky winners of the British Airways Rising Star of the Year 2012 award.

Out Fit 7 Ltd. creates simple, engaging apps that people of all ages can enjoy, alone or together.

Narry Singh, chief business guru at Out Fit 7 Ltd made a presentation detailing the company's vision and accomplishments that resulted in winning the award. The prize entitles the company to a Gold British Airways Executive Club membership and 200,000 Avios points to help Outfit7 further spread their entrepreneurial wings.

That's enough Avios to get 22 return flights to Paris, five flights to New York, four to Mumbai or two to Sydney.

The airline, which has a history of supporting growth in small businesses, has already offered free flights to winners of the regional awards in Mumbai, New York and Rio to attend the event.

British Airways also flew 20 of the UK's up and coming entrepreneurs to New York for the Founders Forum event in the city on its business class only London City to New York service in May.

The airline has a proven track record in promoting new talent. Recent initiatives include offering more than £15m worth of tickets to fledgling British and US businesses to help them grow overseas.

Luke Goggin, British Airways' head of corporate sales, who presented the award, said: "The Founders Forum is a great event for debate, ideas generation and networking and as an airline we understand the importance of face to face communication.

"We are delighted to be sponsoring the Rising Star of the Year 2012 award and we're looking forward to welcoming the winner on board as they grow their business overseas."

Samo Login, founder and CEO of Out Fit 7 Ltd., said: "We are delighted to have won this award. With British Airways' reach to more than 150 destinations worldwide, the prize will really help us to grow our business overseas."

Thursday 28 June 2012

New, improved Panasonic Toughbook


Panasonic Toughbook CF-31Improved performance, longer battery life and enhanced connectivity make the Toughbook CF-31 and CF-53 better than ever
Panasonic have announced the latest technology and feature updates to its flagship rugged notebook with the launch of the latest generation Toughbook CF-31 and its market leading semi-rugged notebook, the Toughbook CF-53, which offers mobile workers enhanced performance and flexibility.

Latest Toughbook CF-31mk3 delivers up to 21 hours* of battery life

The Toughbook CF-31mk3, available in two different models (Standard and Performance), offers increased computing power, longer battery life and a range of enhanced management functionality and connectivity.

Designed to access applications and data in the most extreme mobile computing environments, the CF-31 has become the fully rugged device of choice for utilities, emergency services and public safety. Whether working in adverse weather, wet conditions or a cramped work environment, the Toughbook CF-31 ensures that workers perform to their optimum at all times.

Increased performance
Specifically designed for field-based professionals who need advanced graphic performance or access to mapping applications, the new Toughbook CF-31 Performance Model offers the ultimate combination of graphics delivery and supreme ruggedness. Powered by the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i5-3360M vPro™ processor (2.8GHz, up to 3.5GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology) with AMD Radeon™ HD 7750M switchable graphics, the top of the range performance model can switch between enhanced and integrated Intel® HD 4000 graphics performance to save power when on the move. The Standard Model uses the performance Intel® Core™ i5-3320M vPro™ (2.6GHz, up to 3.3GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology) with Intel® HD 4000 graphics.

As well as the new CPU, the CF-31 is also equipped with a low voltage DDR3L RAM module, using less power for more efficiency and a longer battery life. Hard Disk Drive capacity has been raised from 320GB to 500GB with 128GB or 256GB SSD options available.

The power to last
The latest Panasonic and Intel efficiencies combine to ensure the battery life of the Toughbook CF-31 has been extended by an hour, allowing mobile workers to work for up to 14.5 hours (MobileMarkTM 2007, 60cd/m²) running on Windows® 7 without a recharge. In addition, the CF-31 allows for an optional secondary battery pack to be attached via the multimedia bay in the Standard Model. This addition allows users to hot swap the main battery, ensuring the unit can be operated around the clock by revolving the batteries or simply extending the battery life of the unit by up to 6.5 hours* to a total of 21 hours*.

Screen visibility even in direct sunlight
The ability to see data and applications on screen in bright sunlight is essential for field workers. The CF-31 uses Panasonic’s Circular Polarizing technology to deliver market leading clarity with brightness displays of 1.200cd/m² and a very low reflection ratio on its touchscreen, 13.1” XGA display. The CF-31 also contains a floating mounted LCD design to protect from screen shocks.

Better than ever reliability and durability
With magnesium alloy casing, inside and outside, and Panasonic’s anti-scratch coating, the CF-31 remains the toughest Toughbook to date. It is MIL-STD drop tested and has water, dust, vibration and temperature protection giving it an impressive IP65, MIL STD 810G rating.

With HDD damping and rugged casing systems to optimise drop protection and an HDD heater and Panasonic’s foam packing system to provide flexible seals, the CF-31 can operate in even the harshest conditions.

The CF-31 is equipped with a Hybrid Cooling System combining a passive and active cooling process. In the passive process heat is distributed by pipes from heat critical areas to the cooling hub.

Flexibility to configure
Adapting to fast changing circumstances is also an essential capability for a field device. The CF-31 comes with standard interfaces like 4 USB ports (USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 3), HDMI and a serial port. Additionally the CF-31 offers a built-in configuration slot, which can be equipped with a 2nd LAN, FireWire or modem port on project basis. Other options such as a Smart Card Reader, Fingerprint Reader, GPS and webcam are also available.

For security purposes, the CF-31 also comes with an enhanced Concealed Mode for use in mission critical environments. Using this feature, the Toughbook can go into “concealed mode” at the touch of a button by disabling the fan, backlight, status LED’s, speakers and communication (3G, W-LAN, Bluetooth) as specified.

Performance and flexibility focus of Toughbook CF-53 upgrades
Panasonic also announced major updates to its flagship semi-rugged notebook line, the Toughbook CF-53, offering mobile workers enhanced performance and flexibility. Panasonic and the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ technology have combined to deliver a semi-rugged notebook with improved CPU and graphic performance and a one-hour extended battery life.

Ideal for light field working duties and business road warriors, the Toughbook CF-53 is the notebook for desktop-like performance with all day battery life and has the ability to take knocks and spills that leave conventional business notebooks for dead.

The new Toughbook CF-53 includes the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor & Chipset. The high performance Intel® Core™ i5-3320M vPro™ (2.6GHz, up to 3.3GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology) standard voltage processor with Intel® HD 4000 graphics, ensures the device is capable of handling the most intensive applications.

As well as the new CPU, the CF-53 is also equipped with a low voltage DDR3L RAM module, using less power for more efficiency and a longer battery life. Hard Disk Drive capacity has been raised from 320GB to 500GB with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB SSD options available.

The latest Panasonic and Intel® efficiencies combine to ensure the battery life of the Toughbook CF-53 has been extended by an hour, allowing mobile workers to work for up to 11 hours running on Windows® 7 without a recharge.

An optional high capacity “road warrior” 9 cell / 87Wh battery can be chosen to ensure mobile workers can use the device all day long without recharge.

Listening to customer requests, Panasonic has also added dedicated GPS and RFID options to the latest model. The GPS module is ideal for field workers who want to use GIS mapping applications to locate infrastructure assets in the field. The RFID option provides users with increased security options for accessing their device using two-factor authentication via contactless smartcards and pin.

Better than ever reliability and durability
The Toughbook CF-53, with its in-built special carry handle, maintains all of the semi-rugged design features making it ideal for SOHO and SME business users or mobile workforces. With Toughbook’s durable features and semi-rugged product design, the CF-53 meets military standard criteria, meaning it can withstand drops of 76cm, vibration and even freezing temperature with optional heater-equipped HDD. The Toughbook CF-53 can easily handle the knocks and scrapes of everyday field working or road warrior life due to its magnesium casing, precision steel hinges and flexible mounted Tough-cushioned key components such as display, hard disk drive and water protected keyboard.

In addition to the Standard Model, the CF-53 has two additional varieties.

CF-53 Touchscreen
The Toughbook CF-53 Touchscreen model has been designed for people requiring a touch screen interface working outdoors in bright sunlight; utilizing a high brightness touch screen (up to 1.000nit) with circular polarizer to minimize sunlight reflection.

CF-53 Automotive
The Toughbook CF-53 Automotive model has been designed to be used as a versatile tool for automotive research and development or workshop environments. With its optimised ports and double PC card slot the device can be customized to meet the requirements of technicians in many different roles.

Both Toughbook benefit from the latest Bluetooth® connection for mobile workers
Both new Toughbook includes the latest Bluetooth® 4.0 Smart Ready technology to connect mobile workers faster and more efficiently. Bluetooth® 4.0 (class 1) is fully compatible with Bluetooth® 2.1. Bluetooth® 4.0 Low Energy provides quick connection set-up and improved power consumption.

In addition, both Toughbook come equipped with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, enabling data transfer rates up to 10 times faster than Hi-Speed USB 2.0.

Both devices also continue to offer an optional Ericsson F5521gw HSPA+ (DL: 21 Mbps) module with wireless ready connection manager. It includes a dedicated wireless switch allowing users to switch connections on and off to improve operating time. Available upon request, the device can also be switched into Anti-Theft-Protection mode by choosing the latest Intel® AT technology.

Increased management functionality
The Management Dashboard for Panasonic PC is included in the CF-31 and CF-53 Touchscreen model and is designed to simply and conveniently customize the Toughbook to the user’s preferred settings, providing a user-friendly quick launch interface. The Dashboard also allows easy management of the device using helpful tools, such as the popular Panasonic Power Plan extension Utility and PC Information Viewer utility.

Compatibility that counts
To ensure existing customers can continue to use the peripheral equipment, both devices remain compatible with almost all previous peripherals such as docking stations and batteries in order to provide long-term product lifecycle stability.

Backed by outstanding service
Every Toughbook comes with a 3-year warranty covering hardware failures for systems used as designed; with a 96-hour repair commitment and a 5-year spare parts guarantee.

Availability and pricing
The CF-31 range is available from July 2012, with the Standard model retailing at €3.699 MSRP (excluding vat).

The CF-53 range is available from July 2012, starting at €1.544 MSRP (excluding vat).

Photos of both products can be downloaded at: http://business.panasonic.co.uk/computer-product/panasonic-c...

* Standard model with 2nd battery (MobileMarkTM 2007, 60cd/m²)

Tuesday 26 June 2012

'Fizzy Dating' for iPhone offers free messaging for all

Hong Kong lawyer releases location-aware free dating app

youtube.com/FizzyDating for supporting video.

Terence Lau, Hong Kong lawyer-turned-app-developer with social navigation company, OnDemandWorld today announced their first mobile dating platform, Fizzy Dating, is now available exclusively for iPhone. Fizzy Dating shows who nearby is single and helps them set up a meeting in a safe but fun way.

“Aside from our focus on single professionals, I wanted this app to be totally free” says Lau, “as all the other apps I found charge hidden extras. We let users browse photos and connect with others without charge. Short text messages are the basis of modern dating! That's why we connect new users up and let them send unlimited messages for free”

“There is no doubt mobile is here to stay, and our deep experience in social navigation apps gives us a great platform to help our existing users meet and form new relationships. We are committed to make the best use of smartphones for daily needs, whether it be from eating, travelling, and dating.”

Fizzy Dating is now available for free, and is available world-wide from Apple’s App Store for iPhone and iPod touch, or by visiting www.FizzyDating.com

Please visit www.FizzyDating.com for more information and screenshots of the app, and www.ondemandworld.com for more company information.

OnDemandWorld, an independent, privately-held, profitable web and mobile platform development company based in London, UK, was formed in 2008. Its goal is to deliver applications that are both elegant and useful.

Meru Networks announces enhancements to industry leading integrated BYOD & guest access Wi-Fi solution

Meru Networks, a leader in virtualised 802.11 enterprise wireless networking, has announced availability of Identity Manager the industry’s first integrated Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) provisioning and guest access solution with Property Management System (PMS) capabilities.

Identity Manager greatly simplifies secure guest access and BYOD provisioning for virtually every operating system and network, dramatically reducing IT workload and delivering an easy on-boarding experience for the user. The integrated software platform, deployed at over 2,500 customers, consists of two modules, Smart Connect that enables automated BYOD client provisioning, and the Guest Connect network access solution. Guest Connect integrates seamlessly with property management systems and payment gateways streamlining administration and billing for guest Internet access, allowing customers toeasily accept credit card payments.

With Meru Identity Manager it is now possible for enterprises to easily and effectively serve the thousands of Wi-Fi devices and applications that enter their wireless, providing seamless network access in accordance with corporate IT policies.

FACTFILE:
· Meru Identity Manager now has integrated Property Management System (PMS) functionality that enables businesses, including hotels and convention
centres, to automate service charges for Wi-Fi or Internet access services, and automatically post service charges to over 80 different popular industry billing entities.
· Meru Identity Manager’s vendor-agnostic architecture enables it to provision services over wired or wireless networks.
· Clients supported by Meru Identity Manager include Apple iOS (iPhone and iPad), Apple Mac OS X, Google Android, Linux and Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista and 7).
· Meru Identity Manager is designed to reduce IT workload by automating the device and user on-boarding process without jeopardising network security.
· Enterprise-strength authentication and encryption protect the network and sensitive data, while role- and policy-based provisioning gives IT departments control over whom and what devices get access.
· Identity Manager is designed to deliver the industry’s most complete and comprehensive activity monitoring/reporting for guest users and devices, which is critical for ensuring appropriate use to protect company networks.
· Identity Manager technology is currently deployed in over 2,500 customer accounts worldwide, including many Fortune 500 companies, higher education institutions, large hotel chains, major league sports stadiums and global convention centres.
· Identity Manager is available in a VMware ready format for customers who have chosen a virtualised application platform strategy.

Supporting Resources:
Meru Networks: http://www.merunetworks.com
More Meru news: http://www.merunetworks.com/news-and-events
Meru on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/merunetworks
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/meru-networks
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/merunetworks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MeruNetworks

Meru Networks is a leading supplier of virtualised wireless LAN solutions that provide enterprises with the performance, reliability, predictability and operational simplicity of a wired network with the advantages of mobility. Meru Networks eliminates the deficiencies of multichannel, client-controlled architectures with its innovative, single-channel, virtualised network architecture that easily handles device density and diversity. Meru wireless LAN solutions are deployed in major vertical industries including Fortune 500 businesses, education, hospitality, healthcare and retail supply chain. Founded in 2002, Meru is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., with operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Visit www.merunetworks.com or call (408) 215-5300 for more information.

Mac no longer prmoted as "Virus free"

Apple’s backfired attempt to quietly drop its marketing claims that its hardware is immune to viruses has resulted in a 310% increase in searches for anti-virus software for Macs on a money saving website.

Just a few days after Apple tried to quietly remove its marketing claims that its hardware was immune to viruses, it is clear that Mac owners are starting to panic buy to protect their machines; as searches for anti-virus software specifically for Macs has increased by 310% when compare to the previous week.

Money saving website, VoucherCodesPro.co.uk interrogated its on-site search data to discover the 310% increase after spotting a marked increase in Apple and anti-virus related searches over the last 48 hours.

The site is expecting a further increase in anti-virus software searches for Apple products, as more consumers discover that their Macs are not as safe as they thought.

Kaspersky (38% of clicks) and Norton (34% of clicks) lead the way in terms of the most clicked on products that consumers are looking at to protect their Macs, with McAfee (14% of clicks) coming in third place and the rest of the products in the market place accounting for the remaining percentage.

Speaking about the rise in searches, VoucherCodesPro.co.uk Marketing Director George Charles said,

“Whilst Apple has lost a vital marketing claim about their product they are no doubt reaping the benefits in terms of the increased amount of sales they must be doing of anti-virus software for Macs via their online and offline stores.”

“The increase in searches has been absolutely staggering and we at VoucherCodesPro.co.uk fully expect this to carry on over the next few weeks as Mac owners race to protect their products.”

Twoo believer


Twoo - Meet new people
Twoo.com (/www.twoo.com) releases location-based mobile apps, proving that winning on the web is not the only goal

Just one year after launching, social discovery site Twoo.com is already a force to be reckoned with, with over 8 million unique visitors in May, according to comScore.

To bolster the success of their online presence, Twoo.com has launched two mobile apps, with features exclusive to handheld devices, that give users’ freedom to chat, meet or date who they want, when they want, where they want.

Twoo.com’s app can now be downloaded on Android handsets, in addition to its recently improved iPhone equivalent. To complement the site’s key features, the app uses location-based software so you can see which users are closest to you, real-time.

Twoo.com understands the needs of social single people today; users can’t be confined to desktop searches – they want real time, mobile capabilities that enable meeting on the move, just like in the real world.

As well as new features, there is a growing team based in London, headed up by Nick Lisher, former Strategy Director at mysinglefriend.com, to complement the European HQ in Ghent, Belgium.

Nick is thrilled to be joining Massive Media, the dating site’s parent company, at a time when Twoo.com is on the road to becoming one of the world’s most popular social networks.

Nick Lisher said, “Twoo.com is a force of nature, a phenomenon in the world of social discovery. I am overwhelmingly impressed with the product, as are the 1.5 million members who log into the service every day to meet new people, and have fun. I can’t wait to further introduce the service to US and UK audiences.”

The expanding team and rich functionality are two factors helping to catapult Twoo.com up to third in the list of the most popular personals sites worldwide, according to recent ComScore data, leaving many of the traditional, “old school” dating websites trailing behind.

The fledgling site had 8.42 million unique visitors in May 2012, more than double the amount reported in December, and all within a year of launching.

The success of Twoo.com demonstrates that meeting new people is a huge part online culture. People use the site to meet like-minded people for dating or friendship, and the popularity of Twoo.com’s mobile apps show the importance of keeping up with today’s evolving social landscape.

ActiveXperts Software expands operations into Middle East with strategic partnership with MindSoft Middle East LLC

ActiveXperts Software expands operations into the Middle East by forming a strategic partnership with MindSoft Middle East LLC.

ActiveXperts Software today announces it has expanded its operations into the Middle East market by forming a strategic partnership with MindSoft Middle East LLC., a software solution provider with an impressive presence in the Middle East market.

ActiveXperts specializes in SMS software solutions. With the rapid of growth of mobile phones, almost every person does possess a mobile phone. Rather these days most of the companies are in favor of using the SMS technology as the medium of communication with their customers.

Syed Asim heads the MindsSoft marketing and sales operations for ActiveXperts Software in the Middle East. "We already have proven in time to bind the right customers for ActiveXperts to implement their SMS projects. This includes large customers from UAE, including Al Noor hospital (Hospitals), ADCO (Oil&Gas), RTA (Roads&Transports) and many others" according to Mr. Asim.

"By providing excellent value for money, we have proved that we can deliver affordable SMS solutions to our market. Through our friendly, relaxed way of doing business, we demonstrate each day that we're a reliable, proactive and professional partner to our customers."

"Middle East is a key market for ActiveXperts and the region holds an enormous SMS business potential for both ActiveXperts Software and MindSoft Middle East. Our target is to incrementally increase our marketing and sales in the region and improve on last year’s very positive growth.
We also want to assure our continuous and ongoing support to MindSoft Middle East in the region," said Bart Jonkman, CEO of ActiveXperts Software.

"We expect a high turnout of companies from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq, among others countries from the Middle East region" added Sirp Potijk, head of development of ActiveXperts Software.

About ActiveXperts SMS solutions

ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server is a messaging framework to automatically send, receive and process SMS messages. The framework is designed to implement virtually any project where low-and high volume SMS and e-mail messaging is required. The software works with the most common database engines, including MS SQL Server. For more information on ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server, see http://www.activexperts.com/sms-messaging-server

ActiveXperts Software B.V. - ActiveXperts - is a privately held company headquartered in the Netherlands (Hengelo), with a branch-office in Italy (Milano). ActiveXperts is a leading provider of Windows networking- and communication software. Founded in 2003, we support more than 10,000 customers worldwide.

Its most widely known products are the ActiveXperts Network Monitor and ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server. ActiveXperts sells its software products worldwide through a network of resellers and online through the internet, and provides software development and consulting services to companies all over the world.

For more information on ActiveXpers, see http://www.activexperts.com

Monday 25 June 2012

uberlife release helps you stay in the loop with where and when your friends will hang out next

uberlife app
uberlife the social location-based iOS app with a mission to increase serendipitous and spontaneous hanging out in person with our friends, network and new likeminded people around us release their second version to the public this week.

The latest version comes several months after uberlife’s well received launch at this year’s SxSW Interactive, following on from extensive user feedback that has seen the startup make some core changes including:

1) Faster and more simple posting and sharing hangout "updates" within 3-5 clicks, removing “event forms”, to gear usage towards more casual, every day activities like going shopping, out for coffee, heading to the beach, out for a beer.

2) Replacing need to select specific “start date & time” with looser time selections e.g. "this afternoon", "tonight", "this weekend" more in line with actual user behavior and to allow for more spontaneous and casual updates.

3) Ability to choose the neighbourhood or city you’re going to be hanging out in instead of a venue, with the option to update with a specific venue later or on-the-fly.

4) Ability to post international updates via the app so that if you’re going to be travelling, your hangout update sends an instant push notifications to your followers in that location.

5) Tighter proximity-based push notifications to your friends and followers who are within ½ mile of where you’re going to be hanging out, so if they’re free they can easily stop by to say hi.

6) Option to make your hangout updates visible and open to just your friends.

7) Removing the 5 invite per person limit and enabling users to invite unlimited
friends via SMS/email from address book, FB notification or Twitter DM, so they can stay in the loop with where and when each other will be hanging out next, in case they’re free to join, and to be alerted if they were going to be within ½ mile of each other.

CEO & founder Sanchita Saha commented: “SxSW was a really important moment at the start of our journey with uberlife, giving us a unique opportunity to see first-hand how a tech savvy audience used the app and to hear what they thought.

We came away from that experience and went back to the drawing board challenging some of the core assumptions we had made and this resulted in a 10 week re-build and re-design of the app.

We’re back now with a significantly different version 2 that we’re really happy with, solving the core issues we learned from our users and subsequent focus groups, and we’re now preparing to get back to iterating quickly with some new and really exciting feature releases planned over the next 6 – 8 weeks.”

A design refresh is in the pipeline along with several new features geared around making it easier to keep track of where your friends and network are planning on being next, connecting users offline with new likeminded people around them from the uberlife community and around their favourite, local hangout spots.

While most social apps today are for sharing moments of our lives with our friends and networks, uberlife is about making those moments happen.

The uberlife iPhone app is developed by and is an offshoot of CitySocialising Ltd. CitySocialising Ltd is founded by Sanchita Saha, headquartered in London and raised $1.6 million Series A funding from PROfounders Capital, earning the support and mentoring of UK tech luminaries Michael Birch (Bebo) and Brent Hoberman (Lastminute.com).

Available in the iTunes App Store, uberlife enables you to stay in the loop with where and when your friends, network and likeminded people will be hanging out next. Post and share a "hangout update" to automatically send a push notification to nearby friends and followers so that if they’re free they can stop by and say hi.

Integralis Wins F5 EMEA Customer Support Partner of the Year Award

Integralis, a global provider of IT Security and Information Risk Management solutions, today announces that it has been recognised by F5, the global leader in Application Delivery Networking (ADN) with its prestigious EMEA Customer Support Partner of the Year Award at the F5 AGILITY Summit 2012, held in London.

Integralis has been awarded the F5 EMEA Customer Support Partner of the Year Award in recognition of the investment and the quality of the Support services it has delivered in collaboration with F5 to its customers.

“F5 has worked closely with Integralis for more than a decade.” said Michael Schoenrock, Director Channel Sales, EMEA at F5. “Over the course of the relationship, Integralis has constantly invested in, and delivered support services around, our ADN solutions – especially F5’s security offerings - of the highest quality, helping grow and maintain a healthy, diversified customer base. They are a worthy recipient of our Partner of the Year award for customer support.”

On receiving the award, Simon Church, Chief Operating Officer at Integralis, said: “We have developed a close working relationship with F5 and we are delighted that the strength and success of this collaboration has been recognised with this award. Integralis has a reputation for delivering excellence and for forging strong relationships with our leading edge partners. We continue to invest to ensure that our teams have unparalleled expertise and experience.”

The F5 Awards recognise F5 partner community members that display pre- and post-sales technical excellence, commitment to customer service, knowledge of and focus on strategic F5 solutions, and sales engagement excellence.

F5 is one of Integralis’ core vendor partners and the companies are currently working on a number of projects across a variety of customer sectors. Integralis has been a Gold partner since 2000 and part of the F5 UNITY partner program since its introduction in April 2010.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Comtact Scoops Prestigious IT Europa European Excellence 2012 Award

Comtact a leading managed service provider, has been recognised in the prestigious IT Europa European Excellence 2012 awards, sweeping the board and winning vertical solution of the year within the enterprise category.

Comtact won the prestigious accolade thanks to its innovative WiFi solution deployed at St Andrew’s Healthcare, the UK’s largest charitable provider of secure mental healthcare to the NHS. The solution was deployed as a turnkey wireless solution which allows secure real time communication, personnel and asset tracking, man down and loan worker support. In addition to this a number of mobility applications, running on tablet devices, further enable St Andrew’s to streamline work processes and enhance patient care.

The IT Europa European Excellence Awards are the only pan-European awards which recognise the crucial role that solution providers and systems integrators play in the delivery of real world solutions attracting entries and stiff opposition from 23 countries.

John Chapman, Editorial Director of IT Europa, said of the win "This was a really tough category with the most number of entries and some excellent solutions from right across Europe, so to win is a great accolade for Comtact."

Dominic List, CEO at Comtact Limited added, “We are delighted to win such a prestigious European industry award. To be the outright winner in the increasingly competitive enterprise category is something we are extremely proud of and have worked hard to achieve. Our close working relationship with our customer St Andrew’s Healthcare has, without doubt, enabled us to truly deliver an innovative, up to the minute, WiFi solution that that keeps their staff safe and supported at all times and is testament to being picked as the outright enterprise category winner.”

Monday 18 June 2012

Omniquad warning: New convicing DVLA Email fishing scam -

DVLA Email Phishing ScamOmniquad warns about DVLA Email Phishing Scam – Identity Theft Warning.
London based internet Security Company Omniquad Omniquad is issuing a warning about emails that appear to come from the DVLA. The scam email tells recipients that the DVLA is currently updating their database and all drivers are required to update and verify their driving license details within two weeks of receiving the email.

“Drivers that refuse to upgrade his or her details within two weeks of receiving this verification email will lose his or her driver’s license and will have to take a fresh driving test. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this might have caused you. Thank you for your co-operation.”

These types of messages convey a sense of urgency that can make you respond immediately without thinking.

There is a clickable link that appears to lead to the DVLA website fake DVLA website, but actually leads to a fraudulent website registered in Kenya.

The scam has been traced back to the Philippines, redirecting via a Kenyan-registered domain which points to a US based server, in Texas.

The clickable link redirects unsuspecting recipients to a copy of a DVLA website, where users are requested to give their personal details, driving license number, name, date of birth, address and credit card details including CVV. It looks authentic, unless you scrutinize the domains and the link.

Do not complete this form, it is a scam.

It is important that people are warned to not click on the link and complete the forms, as this is a very convincing identity theft attempt.

Criminals commit identity theft by stealing your personal information. This type of theft can result in fraud that is affecting your personal and financial circumstances. You may for example have problems getting a loan, a mortgage, credit cards, while the situation is sorted out.

Omniquad has updated the filters of their Mailwall Remote Email filtering service, so their customers should not receive this phishing scam email.

What is Phishing?

Phishing typically happens when criminals send convincing looking but fraudulent emails.
These emails are usually sent to thousands of individuals - in the hope that some will be tricked into supplying personal information. This may include user names, email addresses, passwords, bank account, and credit card details.

Phishing attacks will typically encourage victims to enter details on a fake website - which often seems to come from a legitimate organisation, such as in this case, the DVLA.

For more information, and to see screen shots of both the scam email and the fake DVLA website, go to Omnquad news:

http://www.omniquad.com/news/news_015.html

You can also check the Omniquad Security Blog for scams, and internet threats:
http://omniquadsecurityblog.com/

If you are a business user looking for Hosted Email Filtering Solutions, Omniquad is currently offering a 25% discount to new subscribers. Just mention Sourcewire to get your business discount. (Journalists are welcome to contact us for a free trial in you want to review our Mailwall Remote Cloud hosted email filtering solution).

Identify and block!

FireSIGHT and FireAMP Mobile Provide Visibility and Control Needed to Identify and Block Mobile Malware on Enterprise Networks

 Sourcefire, Inc., a leader in intelligent cybersecurity solutions, today announced new advancements for delivering increased visibility and control to help enterprises protect against advanced threats that result from mobility and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) challenges. The combination of FireSIGHT® and the newly introduced FireAMP™ Mobile solution provide organisations with Information Superiority that helps them identify mobile devices connecting to the network, determine whether a device is at risk and then take measures to protect it.

As organisations seek to securely integrate mobile, and especially employee-owned, devices into their corporate enterprises, Sourcefire provides significant and critical environmental data – delivering comprehensive visibility into threats, vulnerabilities, devices, operating systems, applications, users, network behavior and files on the network. The company then applies intelligence to this data so that users can create a baseline for decision-making and rapidly adapt and respond to new changes and threats introduced.

“In today’s mobile enterprise, where BYOD is becoming the norm, organisations need an increased level of intelligence that allows them to identify risky behavior and applications on employee devices, so that they can take measures to protect corporate assets,” said Martin Roesch, founder and CTO of Sourcefire. “Sourcefire’s approach to Information Superiority provides organizations with an unparalleled level of context and intelligence so that they can take the appropriate measures to block mobile malware from spreading through the corporate network.”

With FireSIGHT, enterprises benefit from increased visibility into the number and types of devices connecting to the network (iPhones/iPads, BlackBerries, Android devices and more), as well as the applications they are running. It then inspects mobile protocols to identify vulnerabilities and potential attacks against these devices.

FireAMP Mobile integrates cloud-based analysis capabilities to determine if a mobile application is malware, enabling it to deliver real-time protection against newly discovered threats. It also empowers organisations to block and control malicious applications, and unwanted applications, while allowing those deemed trustworthy.

FireAMP Mobile also enables users to generate powerful reports that provide important threat intelligence, specific to their environments. These reports include the top mobile malware incidents and blacklisted and/or non-whitelisted apps that have been installed on mobile devices.

FireSIGHT and FireAMP Mobile are available now.

FACTFILE:
Sourcefire, Inc. (Nasdaq:FIRE), a world leader in intelligent cybersecurity solutions, is transforming the way global large- to mid-size organizations and government agencies manage and minimize network security risks. With solutions from a next-generation network security platform to advanced malware protection, Sourcefire provides customers with Agile SecurityTM that is as dynamic as the real world it protects and the attackers against which it defends. Trusted for more than 10 years,

Sourcefire has been consistently recognised for its innovation and industry leadership with numerous patents, world-class research, and award-winning technology. Today, the name Sourcefire has grown synonymous with innovation, security intelligence and agile end-to-end security protection. For more information about Sourcefire, please visit www.sourcefire.com.

Flexiant’s Tony Lucas Speaks at GigaOM’s Structure Event

Sharing personal experience on how to build an international cloud platform, Wednesday June 20 at 8.55am

Flexiant, a top European provider of cloud orchestration software for on-demand, fully automated provisioning of cloud services, today announced that Tony Lucas, Senior Vice President and founder of Flexiant, will be speaking at GigaOM’s Structure conference in San Francisco, 20 June 2012.

Drawing on his experience building Europe’s first cloud platform at the hosting company XCalibre in 2007, and more recently from his founding of Flexiant, Lucas will be sharing his thoughts and vision on how service providers can successfully build, manage and expand international cloud platforms.

“Cloud technology is disrupting the service provider market, not least because it is threatening existing business models and changing them forever,” states Lucas. “The cloud is not a disruptive threat, but an international market opportunity for those service providers who can overcome the challenges of delivering a consistent, cross-border cloud service. The first challenge that service providers must face however is building a cloud platform that is genuinely agile, flexible and scalable. Only once they have achieved this can they look to take their offering international.”

The 5th annual Structure conference brings together the leaders innovating, shaping and defining the evolution of cloud computing. Organised by GigaOM, the leading provider of online media, events and research for global technology innovators, Structure looks beyond the impact the cloud has on the way IT is organised, to its broader impact on all the building blocks of the computing industry.

See below for full details of Lucas’s speaking slot:

A cloud without borders: International market perspectives
There are no international border controls in the business of cloud computing. Your customer here is as close as your customer in Asia. But this mondo cloud computing market also presents major challenges before the major rewards flow, such as payments, language and local business cultures. We talk to three major vendors from Chinese, British and German markets about their perspective on international cloud markets and what needs to be solved before the cloud truly flows into a global market.

Moderated by:
Joe Weinman - SVP, Telx

Speakers:
Tony Lucas - Founder, Flexiant
Juergen Urbanski - VP Cloud Architectures and Technologies, T-Systems
Jinzy Zhu - SVP, Global IT Strategy and Business Development Department, Huawei Technologies Co.

Resources
• Read Tony Lucas’s account of building Europe’s first cloud computing platform in this whitepaper: How to overcome the barriers to building a truly scalable cloud infrastructure
• Visit the Learning Centre for a range of customer videos, case studies and whitepapers.

BJP storms Apple charts

BJP App Summer Edition
British Journal of Photography’s bespoke iPad app continues to be recognised on the Apple Newsstand amongst titles such as The Guardian, Wired and Top Gear.

Launched in September 2011, the BJP app has now generated over 160,000 downloads, a figure which dwarfs the 8000 readers of its niche print edition.

The Summer edition (Issue 4) is out now. Optimised for the Retina display of Apple's latest iPad, it features the work of Thomas Ruff, Peter Fraser, Simon Roberts, Olivia Arthur, Maria Gruzdeva, and Julían Barón among many others.

Issue 4 profiles four photographers, Owen Silverwood, Josh Cole, Seamus Murphy and Timothy Saccenti, who have made the move from still imagery to the world of music video. They bring their style to the genre and the cover story, including Seamus Murphy and his work for PJ Harvey and Owen Silverwood, who, along with Dave Bullivant, has created a series of videos for Jon Hopkins.

Also included is a review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D4, and, in an exclusive feature for BJP, Magnum photographer David Hurn was asked to review Fujifilm's X-Pro 1 compact interchangeable lens camera.

The BJP app also won the "Best use of Mobile" award at the inaugural British Media Awards, in April. "I am delighted that the British Journal of Photography app has been recognised at the British Media Awards, and especially when up against such stiff competition as The Economist and Citywire," says Marc Hartog, group publishing director. "The team have worked hard to bring a completely new version of BJP to the tablet and we have stuck to our guns in terms of making it a completely immersive and interactive experience, worthy of a premium price. With downloads now topping 160,000 and paid subscribers getting close to the number of print subscribers, we are excited about the future and it is great that the British Media Awards judges agreed".

The BJP app is created using the Mag+ platform. All back issues have now also been optimised for Retina display.

Issue 4 of the BJP app is available on the App Store for GBP 6.99/ Euro 7.99/ USD 9.99. A 50 page preview is also available to download free. A six-month subscription is available at the special price of GBP 9.99/ Euro 10.99/ USD 13.99. For more information, video previews and download details, visit http://www.bjpapp.com

Sunday 17 June 2012

DatacenterDynamics launches the 2012 Global Data Centre Industry Census

DatacenterDynamics has committed to donating $5 for every completed survey to UNICEF

Set to be the largest and most far-reaching global research study of the market, the DatacenterDynamics 2012 Global Data Centre Industry Census aims to obtain over 8,000 responses from data centre professionals worldwide.

This year’s survey is supported by key industry organisations Siemens Building Automation, Cummins Power Generation and BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

DatacenterDynamics has committed to donating $5 for every completed survey to the United Nations children’s charity UNICEF.

Launching the 2012 Global Data Centre Industry Census, co-founder of DatacenterDynamics George Rockett, said: “This will provide the industry with the most comprehensive and statistically rigorous insight into the worldwide data centre marketplace. With the valued help of this year’s supporters, Siemens Building Automation, Cummins and BCS who will assist in its distribution and marketing, we are extending the reach and depth of the research.”

Data centre professionals can take the survey here: http://www7.intellisurvey.com/run/dcdcensus_intro

Rockett said: “By donating $5 per completed survey, we’re expecting to be able to donate $40,000 to the fantastic work of UNICEF in supporting children around the globe. The more data centre professionals who respond the greater that amount could be.”

Last year’s survey was well received by the industry and provided comprehensive and accurate information on the market, trends, issues and growth. Early indications are that the forecasts made from 2011 data are being borne out as 2012 unfolds.

The 2012 Global Data Centre Industry Census will significantly add to the already captured body of data and again provide statistically valid information on a global, regional and country by country level.

Micheal Garcea, data centre leader at Cummins Power Generation, said: “The DatacenterDynamics 2012 census will provide a tremendously important snapshot and allow the industry to project forward with real insight.”

“Having a comprehensive worldwide overview of the data centre industry will give professionals invaluable information on new technologies and investment,” said Dr Sascha Brozek, senior vice president global solutions at Siemens Building Automation.

Chris Wallace, product manager for green IT at BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, agreed. "With the data centre sector being a key provider of the infrastructure for the IT industry, this census will help in the delivery of knowledge to our members. The 2012 DatacenterDynamics survey supports our mission of providing the industry with intelligence, professional certification and career paths,” he said.

Open to all data centre professionals the survey can be completed here: http://www7.intellisurvey.com/run/dcdcensus_intro

KISSBANK: A Tsunami Of Kisses To Make A Better World

Kissbank.com– the online hub of global kindness – today launched a campaign to ‘Kiss the World Better’ to counter the tide of violent and cruel images on screens around the world.

“Our mission is to make KissBank’s 'Kiss of Kindness’ the global sign of kindness”, said KissBank co-founder Bob Duffield.

“We are daily bombarded with news reports and images of violence and cruelty,” said Bob. “But there is a better, kinder side to human nature which rarely makes the news.

“We aim to disperse over SEVEN BILLION KISSES OF KINDNESS – that’s one for every person on the planet. They will show up everywhere – on walls, on Facebook, in photographs, in emails. We are inviting people all over the world to join us. Every time you see a ‘Kiss of Kindness’ you will be reminded that kindness exists in the world.”

“It’s easy to download the ‘Kiss of Kindness’ from KissBank.com. Then send it on to everyone you know. With your help it will go viral and lift our spirits in these dark times.” said Bob.

The kindness philosophy behind KissBank is based on scientific evidence that human genes for kindness and compassion are at the heart of our evolutionary success.

KissBank.com is home to a new kind of journalism, with films and reports about human beings at their best. It is also the hub of a new global currency of kindness – ‘Kisses’ – which are sent and received to reward kind people.

Bob Duffield adds: “There is little we can do to reverse the bad side of human nature – but we can amplify the good side.

“Kissing the World Better” seeks to re-affirm that we are surrounded by kind people. All we have to do is to "See Kindness. Send a Kiss".

Thursday 14 June 2012

Innovative software provider receives 1,162 job applications for its six graduate positions

A new graduate recruitment scheme by leading business software solutions provider m-hance attracted over 1,000 applications following its launch last month. In total, m-hance has received 1,162 job applications in just four weeks for its graduate positions which will be based at its headquarters in Stockport from July 2012.

Mark Thompson, CEO of m-hance says, “We have been delighted by the volume and quality of applications we have received from outstanding graduates from all over the UK. Although our selection screening process is currently well underway, there is a limited period in which interested candidates can still apply.”

m-hance’s graduate scheme, which has been developed in partnership with specialist recruitment firm, Discovery Graduates, is offering six salaried positions within the business areas of product management, marketing, consulting, support, finance and sales. The most suitable candidates will be invited to attend one-to-one interviews and an assessment day which will be held at a hotel in central Manchester on 28 June.

In addition to being given permanent full-time paid positions, graduates will also receive in-house support from a dedicated m-hance mentor and regular offsite training through Discovery’s OPEN programme.

Thompson comments, “m-hance is a young, energetic and enthused company which is exactly the kind of people we’re hoping to attract through our graduate scheme. Within our walls, graduates will find years of experience and expertise in delivering world-class IT solutions, and the financial backing to provide our staff with security and support through ongoing training and development.”

m-hance was formed in November 2011 through acquisition. It is now the UK’s fastest growing provider of innovative business software solutions to mid-sized organisations and is supported by 230 staff from offices in Manchester, London, Loughborough, Dublin and Glasgow. m-hance also has a sales and operations presence in the United States and offshore development capabilities in India.

m-hance’s graduate recruitment scheme is part of an ongoing recruitment drive. Interested applicants should visit www.m-hance.com/about-us/careers/

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Stay in Charge of Essential Gadgets - Crosskase launches Solar 15 backpack with solar power to charge handheld devices

Solar 15 in GreyWhether you are a traveller, business commuter, gamer, or all three and more at different times, you’ll often seek the power to keep your essential gadgets going as well as a secure and protective way to carry your belongings. Now these two lifestyle needs have been met in one stylish, feature-packed accessory: the Crosskase Solar 15 backpack.
Key Features of the Crosskase Solar 15 backpack:

* Integrated 3 Watt solar panel on the front of the bag soaks up natural light and stores the energy generated inside the internal battery.

* High capacity battery can charge most handheld devices on-the-go (phones, music players, GPS, pocket consoles)

* Speedy 2 hour charge time for many devices i.e. iPhone 4, iPod nano 6G, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, Nokia N95, Blackberry Curve.

* Stores enough power to charge most devices twice over and can be used again and again, as the battery will recharge from:

* Solar power (8 hours)
* Mains power (3 hours)
* USB power connection (4 hours)

* Additional battery packs can be purchased to supply even more charge to those with higher demands on battery life.

* The Solar 15 doesn’t need strong sunlight to work as it also trickle charges in standard daylight or artificial light and, with splashproof material and panelling, even works in the rain! This versatility in all weathers makes it suitable for use indoors and outdoors both in the UK and abroad.

* Internal battery features lights to indicate remaining charge level

* Comes with 9 alternative adapter fittings to connect a wide variety of devices, including:

* Micro USB
* Mini USB
* Apple
* Samsung
* Sony Ericsson
* Motorola
* Nokia
* TomTom
* Plus other devices can connect via the standard manufacturer-supplied USB 2.0 lead.

* Constructed from high-grade 1680D Ballistic Nylon, offering water repellent properties and a robust, highly protective shell.

* 25 litre capacity provides ample space for all of your belongings

* In-built pockets offer extra protection, including storage for 13”, 14” and 15” laptops and iPad/iPod devices.

* The rear of the backpack is padded with a special airflow system providing comfort, support and coolness.

* Includes a clever hide-away rain cover which can be pulled out for waterproof protection.

* Priced at an affordable £139.99 including VAT

Solar power delivers on-the-go charge for handheld devices:

Running out of charge can lead to all sorts of problems from the mildly irritating through to life threatening, and the Solar 15 backpack can help to reduce this potential pitfall. The thoughtfully designed 25 litre bag is lightweight yet robust, and cleverly stores power to use for charging hand-held devices, wherever and whenever it’s needed. Featuring an integral solar panel, the Solar 15 delivers power on-the-go thanks to a high capacity battery which can be conveniently recharged through both regular mains power and from harnessing the power of natural light.

The Solar 15 backpack is one of the most powerful solar bags on the market – converting up to 3W in optimum light conditions and storing enough power to charge most devices twice over. What’s more, you won’t need to worry about the lack of sunshine in the UK, since the Solar 15 will work and trickle charge in standard (overcast)
daylight and even indoors!

Stylishly practical construction suited for both work and play:

This stylish, practical and premium-grade backpack is suitable for both work and leisure use without compromising comfort or security. Featuring multiple protective pockets it is padded with a special airflow system providing comfort and coolness. A clever hide-away rain cover can be pulled out to add extra waterproof protection when you get caught out by the rain.

With the Solar 15 backpack, you can carry everything you need and charge up your devices (including phones, iPod and GPS) without the need to find a mains power supply or carry an external battery pack. This incredible array of features gives you the freedom to carry on with your day, enjoying total peace of mind that your gadgets will be full of life when you need them the most.

Five examples of how Crosskase Solar 15 can help:

1. You’re bored on a journey and want your handheld gaming console to keep you company, but its run out of battery halfway. Plug it into the Solar 15 and you won’t have your games interrupted after all. When you reach your destination, pop it into the protective bag and it will continue to charge and stay safe and secure until you need it next.

2. You’re lost 10,000 feet high on a snow capped mountain and need help but your phone has no battery and your GPS has died. Plug either of them into the Solar 15 and you’ll have the power to make that emergency call or find directions and be safe and sound in no time. With water repellent material and a pull-out rain cover you can make sure your gadgets stay dry even in the worst weather conditions.

3. You’re in the boardroom for a business meeting and rely on your smartphone for your presentation notes, but you’ve left the charger at home. Plug it into the Solar 15 and you can avoid an embarrassing moment in front of the boss. With a stylish, high-tech design it will be the envy of all of your work colleagues, too.

4. You’re training for the marathon in the Olympic spirit and need some tunes to keep your motivation high, but your MP3 player is running low on battery life. Just pop the device into the protective pocket, connect it to the charger and your only limit will be yourself. With the lightweight design and back support panel, you’ll
be able to stay cool and comfortable with every step.

5. You’re rocking out at a summer festival and you’ve lost your friends en route to a band. Instead of wasting time queuing at a phone point, the Solar 15 lets you connect, charge and carry on without missing a beat. With a robust, highly protective construction, you can be secure in the knowledge that your gadgets will be protected even in the middle of the crowd.

Pricing and Availability

The Crosskase Solar 15 is priced at £139.99 inc VAT RRP, and is available now from
www.crosskase.com, amazon.co.uk and store.apple.com/uk

Additional battery packs available from www.crosskase.com, pricing tbc.

Technical Specification

Solar Charger Specifications:

* One 3.0 Watt Solar Panel to generate power in sunlight. It is waterproof, lightweight and built to withstand abuse.
* Panel Power: 3 Watts total peak. 
* Cell Efficiency: 16%
* Charge Times: 6-8 hours in the sun will fully charge a typical phone, 2 hours will provide about 3 hours of talk time.
* Universal USB Battery stores power for use anytime and is
* specially designed to charge efficiently from solar. When not in the
* sun, the battery can be charged using the USB Power Cable or
* optional AC travel charger.
* Charge Times: Battery will be fully charged from 8 hours of direct sun, 4 hours from USB port on laptop and 3 hours from AC mains power.
* Capacity: 2,200mAh
* Input: 5V, 700 mA
* Output: 5V, 500mA via USB port

Bag Specifications:

* Dimensions: 45cm high x 37cm wide x 12cm deep)
* Weight: 1.7kgs including battery and solar panels
* Fabric: 1680D ballistic nylon shell, waterproof and lightweight.
* Volume: 25 litres.

FACTFILE:
Launched in 2012, British company and brand Crosskase laid out what the average person carries, and intelligently designed these needs into a backpack which protects and secures personal electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and phones.

Using premium, high-grade materials, the range suits both work and leisure demands, with a design which is comfortable, protective and stylish. With the solar range, users can also charge their gadgets by using the sun as a power point.

Sharing many qualities with the turtle (hence the logo), Crosskase bags are waterproof, tough, long lasting, streamlined, protective, adaptable and breathable. Crosskase aims to become the market leader in bag design and technology by keeping ahead of fast-moving technology and developing quality products to suit customers no matter what their lifestyle.

Monday 11 June 2012

Ve Interactive Acquires Adaptive Consultancy and Launches World’s First Ecommerce Platform with Integrated Cart Recovery Software

Ve Interactive & Adaptive principals
Ve Interactive & Adaptive principals
London, Monday 11th June 2012: Tech City’s Ve Interactive, the data-driven-services experts today announced the acquisition of Adaptive Consultancy, a London digital marketing agency with a proprietary ecommerce platform.

As part of the acquisition, the newly branded VeCommerce has today been re-launched as the world’s first ecommerce software to have built-in cart-recovery and remarketing technology. As a result, it is expected to be an extremely high-converting ecommerce platform, ideal for the contemporary demands of today’s ecommerce market.

“We are delighted to welcome Adaptive Consultancy,” commented David Brown, co-Founder CEO, Ve Interactive. “This transaction represents a major step in the development of Ve Interactive’s strategy. Adaptive are such an exciting company with strong leadership, talent and capability, and an impressive reputation for delivering product and services of high quality and value. The VeCommerce platform is going to be a powerful proposition for our international client-base. In addition, we are excited to have Adaptive’s team members on board and embedding their expert digital skills will help bring many other valuable contributions to our clients.”

Five years in development, the Adaptive ecommerce platform was created in order to provide a more flexible and intuitive solution for the market place. Designed with the marketer in mind and providing advanced reporting systems, clients include: theletteroom.com, laraventura.co.uk, ichibaninternational.com, ollieandnic.com and daisyknights.com. Ve Interactive will continue to operate this client base.

Ve Interactive recently worked with Adaptive to integrate its multi award-winning VeCapture and VeContact cart recovery and remarketing software directly within the platform. Explained Brown, “Ve Interactive has always been proud of our drive to provide renewed relevancy, to better serve the interests of our clients and their consumers, and Adaptive share this ethos of constant innovation. The launch of VeCommerce as the first truly integrated solution, marks a revolutionary step-change in the ecommerce industry’s ability to address the productivity needs of online merchants today.”

In addition to cart recovery and remarketing, features of the newly-launched VeCommerce platform include; efficient product management, easy content editing, marketing integration, merchandising tools, multiple automated promotional options, centralised order management, customer management, management reports, trade log-in and social network integration. All this, combined with Ve Interactive’s existing data-driven-services and insight, means that VeCommerce will improve a merchant’s prospects for customer acquisition, conversion and retention, making Ve Interactive one of the most exciting and active ecommerce and online efficiency companies in the marketplace today.

“We are thrilled to become part of the Ve Interactive vision,” said Roddy Scaife - CEO, Adaptive Consultancy. “Ve Interactive’s proven operational expertise and international reputation for being best–in-class in shopping cart efficiency, with a record of generating returns that are among the highest in the industry, creates tremendous potential for growth opportunities. Where an online merchant can’t achieve satisfactory conversions with their current ecommerce platform, VeCommerce will now provide a powerful alternative solution. It will certainly be ideal for merchants wanting to migrate their businesses online, or for those starting a completely new build, since a full CMS (Content Management System) interface is included within the platform.“

Scaife will now take on the role of Creative Director at Ve Interactive.

Both companies share a responsible business culture that revolves around putting people first and there will be significant opportunities for career growth as a result of this winning combination too.

Sunday 10 June 2012

Bellco’s Ion Air Mouse Computer Glove has growing sales


Bellco, just nine months ago, was a brand-new startup with a new product the Ion Wireless Air Mouse Computer Glove. After months of promotions and the help of the distribution networks of Ergoguys & Ingram Micro along with the tech gadget reviews from Brain Westover of PC Magazine, Chance Daniels the Tech Enthusiast & Jason of Ergonomic info, Bellco continues to grow.

Pete Bell Founder of Bellco Says, “A Big Thank You, to everyone who has been part of bringing the Ion wireless air mouse to the world market."

Bellco believes startups are like newborn babies; new business owners must take care to make sure the business grows healthy and strong. It is a good idea to surround the business with others that have related interest, by networking the business and product can gain world exposure. “Some people would ask is it possible to start a new business in these economic times"? Pete Bell says, "Yes, with the Internet the whole world is open for business with thousands of great unknown products for sale." "Anyone with a dream, Idea or vision that is willing to do a little research, write a few e-mails & make a few phone calls will connect and be on their way.” Bell says, "there is an old quote” (if one loves what they do, they will never work again). Bellco, offers a re-sellers business opportunity at its website.

Pete Bell says, summer is upon us and the holiday season will be here by the time companies prepare and stock up. Bellco is looking forward to adding new products to its lineup for the upcoming holiday season. The Ion wireless air mouse glove comes in gray or black; it operates with Windows, Mac, Linux and Android. It is simple to set up just plug in the mini USB module, and the air mouse glove is ready to go. The Ion wireless air mouse glove has a mobile range of 35 ft.

Bellco says, "Go big, connect the computer to the big-screen TV with a HDMI cable, enjoy sitting back relaxing in the big chair with the Ion air mouse glove and a wireless keyboard, playing online games, surfing the net and checking e-mails becomes a more comfortable experience."
The Ion Air Mouse Glove is available online for $79.95

For more information visit www.ionwirelessairmouse.com

Friday 8 June 2012

$3.7 million order for Software Radio Technology PLC

SRT is pleased to announce that it has received an order worth $3.7 million from an existing customer. The order is for the company’s recently launched Identifier product and will be delivered to the customer in two batches before the end of December 2012, with SRT being paid after each delivery. Rapid manufacture and delivery of the first batch will be facilitated by a strategic stock of components purchased earlier in 2012.

The ultimate customer for the Identifiers is a government in the Americas and the order of $3.7 million represents approximately one fifth of their estimated total requirement which is expected to be ordered during the course of the next three years. The exact schedule for further orders to complete the fleet rollout is dependent on the actual speed of installation across the target vessel fleet.

The Identifiers are being deployed as part of a regional maritime security program and will enable authorities to reliably and accurately identify and track vessels along thousands of miles of coastline. The Identifier provided the ideal solution for the end customer due to its fully integrated design, advanced core AIS technology and ease of deployment due to its internal battery power source.

Commenting on the contract win, SRT Chief Executive Simon Tucker, said: “This is one of many significant project type opportunities on which we have been working with our partners for many years. These are huge projects which take time for all the various logistics, legal and commercial issues to be settled. But as can be seen from the size of this single order and the scale of the total requirement for this single market it is well worth the effort and wait. We will now focus on manufacturing and delivering the Identifiers that this customer has ordered, whilst continuing to address the many other project opportunities and growing our core everyday commercial and leisure business.”

Spam Campaigns Abound on Tumblr, claims GFI Software

Popular micro-blogging site targeted with multiple cybercrime campaigns

GFI Software today released its VIPRE® Report for May 2012, a collection of the 10 most prevalent threat detections encountered last month. In May, GFI threat researchers observed a number of attacks focused on Tumblr® users including two spam campaigns centred around a fake “Tumblr Dating Game” which lead to surveys, fake advertising spam asking for personally identifiable information in exchange for ad revenue generated by the victim’s tumblelog, and a phishing site posing as the Tumblr login page. Cybercrime campaigns were also seen targeting Google Play users searching for AndroidTM apps.

“Tumblr continues to be a site that is well-trafficked by cybercriminals looking to victimise micro-bloggers with minimal effort,” said Christopher Boyd, senior threat researcher at GFI Software. “More and more, cybercriminals are exploiting the familiarity of terms and images in order to distract the victim from the dangers that are present as they sign away their personal information and click on links that lead to nothing but trouble.”

Multiple rounds of spam were encountered on Tumblr during May which directed users to a phony dating site that included pop-up ads meant to generate cash for the spammers whenever a user unwittingly signed up. The fake dating site and the spam that directed users to it were rife with pop culture references including internet memes and an allusion to a slogan used by the British government during WWII which has become a popular catchphrase in recent years. These references were meant to fool potential victims into thinking the sites were legitimate and associated with internet content that they viewed as familiar.

Tumblr users were also targeted by a spam account which followed potential victims to gain their attention and redirected them to a fake Tumblr login page in order to steal the login information submitted by the user. Users who do not regularly sign out of their Tumblr accounts were less likely to notice that the phishing page was modelled after an outdated version of the Tumblr login screen. Finally, Tumblr users were confronted with a relatively new form of Tumblr spam called “Tumblr Tasks” that promised to provide users with a kit to monetise their tumblelog in exchange for filling out a form and paying a small fee. This campaign leveraged the fact that Tumblr’s plans to advertise on the site have recently become a hot topic in the social media world.

Elsewhere, shoppers at Google Play looking for Android apps, e-books, movies and music files were faced with a large number of spam applications designed to lure users into installing them by exploiting the brand recognition of popular movie franchises, musicians, video games and stores. Each of the malicious apps spammed the victim’s mobile device with surveys and advertising offers while failing to perform functions as advertised.

“Users can avoid an entire world of worry by simply checking the basic details when confronted with a link or offer from an unknown source. Cybercriminals are banking on the fact that social media users want to quickly share content and that they won’t thoroughly investigate links before spreading them to friends,” continued Boyd. “It is amazing how helpful little things can be when trying to keep yourself safe online. For example, holding the cursor over a link to check if it is directing you to the correct site, reviewing the basic details of an app before installing it on a mobile device or simply asking ‘is this offer too good to be true’ are basic yet impactful ways to identify and avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.”

Top 10 Threat Detections for May

GFI’s top 10 threat detection list is compiled from collected scan data of tens of thousands of GFI VIPRE Antivirus customers who are part of GFI’s ThreatNet™ automated threat tracking system. ThreatNet statistics revealed that Trojans once again dominated the month, taking half of the top 10 spots.

DetectionTypePercent
Trojan.Win32.Generic-----------------------Trojan---------------------32.62
Trojan.Win32.Fakealert.cn (v)-------------Trojan---------------------3.36
GamePlayLabs-------------------------------Browser Plug-in---------5.41
Yontoo------------------------------------------Adware--------------------2.39
Trojan.Win32.Sirefef.pq (v)----------------Trojan----------------------1.42
INF.Autorun (v)-------------------------------Trojan-----------------------1.18
GameVance----------------------------------Adware (General)---------1.15
Trojan.Win32.Ramnit.c (v)----------------Trojan------------------------1.08
Worm.Win32.Downad.Gen (v)-----------Worm.W32-----------------0.96
Virus.Win32.Sality.at (v)--------------------Virus.W32------------------0.91


GFI Labs specialises in the discovery and analysis of dangerous vulnerabilities and malware. The team of dedicated security specialists actively researches new malware outbreaks, creating new threat definitions on a constant basis for the VIPRE home and business antivirus products.

GFI Software provides web and mail security, archiving and fax, networking and security software and hosted IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) via an extensive global partner community. GFI products are available either as on-premise solutions, in the cloud or as a hybrid of both delivery models. With award-winning technology, a competitive pricing strategy, and a strong focus on the unique requirements of SMBs, GFI satisfies the IT needs of organisations on a global scale. The company has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Austria, Australia, Malta, Hong Kong, Philippines and Romania, which together support hundreds of thousands of installations worldwide. GFI is a channel-focused company with thousands of partners throughout the world and is also a Microsoft Gold ISV Partner.

www.gfi.com.

Istambul to host datacentre summit

International consulting firm BroadGroup has announced the launch of the first regional summit for datacentres across Turkey and CIS countries.The event will take place in Istanbul 27 September 2012.

Datacentres Eurasia will include a special focus on regional and international enterprise customers of datacentres and their outsourcing needs, emerging cloud services, new technologies and market development.

Research by BroadGroup suggests that the Turkey/CIS region is undergoing rapid datacentre development through local demand, fibre deployment and outsourcing opportunities across the key metropolitan areas. Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Kazakhstan in particular have witnessed significant growth.

As a truly Eurasian networking hub, the event will be the largest regional gathering of datacentre operators, enterprise users, suppliers and other professional intermediaries engaged in the sector. Attendees gain special benefits from networking with peers, C level decision makers and influencers, ongoing business opportunities and lead generation.

The programme includes a regional leadership panel, a market perspective of Eurasia, with current trends in demand in datacentre markets across the region and growth forecasts, datacentre finance and investment, colocation business models, energy availability and pricing, sustainability and efficiency in datacentres, modular datacentres, fibre connectivity and cloud services evolution.

“The programme will provide compelling content focused on this expanding region,” commented Warwick Dunkley, vice president at BroadGroup. “The event has an exciting line-up of expert speakers, and will offer a stellar networking platform for a diverse region that is poised to experience tremendous growth in the coming years.”

Media partners for the event include Datacentre News and F&I, Finance and Investment for Datacentres monthly tracker.

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Minimising the Risks Associated with Change

Announcing the itSMF UK’s second Change, Configuration and Release Management Seminar on 14th June 2012 in London

itSMF UK, the UK’s largest service management user group, is pleased to announce the next event in its 2012 UK Seminar series. Change, Configuration and Release Management is targeted at service managers who want to ensure that changes are successfully released into the live environment with minimal risk.

The seminar takes place on 14th June 2012 from 9.00 to 16.00 at The Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, and is sponsored by LANDesk, a leading service, asset and process management solutions provider. Key speakers on the day include Mal Young from the Land Registry, who discusses the creation of a culture of excellence in a high performance organisation; and Richard Hawthorn from HM Revenue and Customs who talks about the implementation of successful changes in a complex environment. Steve Jones from Aviva explains how to design, implement and maintain an accurate, effective configuration management database; and independent consultant Caspar Braithwaite describes the journey from configuration management to knowledge excellence.

ITIL advises that an effective configuration management system is fundamental to operating IT service management, yet only a small percentage of organisations claim to have one. Why is this? Deploying new releases and making changes to IT services and technology is a regular activity, so organisations should be able to do this efficiently and effectively; but the biggest cause of disruption to users is the implementation of changes and releases. This seminar will help attendees to put effective risk assessments, configuration tools, change and release policies, processes and procedures in place to help avoid major disruptions to the business.

Martin Neville, CTO and Head of Service Management at the Audit Commission and a member of itSMF UK’s Events Committee, commented on the seminar:

“IT departments are constantly working to keep up with the pace of change. But this is not without risk: most incidents are caused by a change to the live environment. Balancing the need for change with the need for stability is one of the biggest challenges facing IT departments today. Good change, release and configuration practice and procedures help reduce the risks.”