ISA Consulting will be a conference presenter at Oracle Collaborate 2009, a forum focused upon the applications available from Oracle Corporation, May 3-7, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. With a focus on “Best Practices,” Tim Dickens, Vice President of Data Integration (DI) for ISA, will highlight the multitude of DI options currently available to clients of Oracle Enterprise Performance Management System (EPM), Fusion Edition as well as address migration issues associated with the retirement of Hyperion Application Link (HAL).
“We are proud to have Tim Dickens, a leading expert in the area of data integration, present at Oracle Collaborate 2009,” said Colleen Pietrobono, Vice President of Marketing & Alliances for Blue Bell, PA-based ISA Consulting. “We believe that our specialized approach to selecting DI tools will benefit conference attendees and more, with our reputation for outstanding customer service, we believe it is imperative for us to speak to our deep corporate experience in helping customers to find the right data integration solution.”
Presented by the Independent Oracle Users Group, the Oracle Applications Users Group and Quest International Users Group, Collaborate ’09 will provide expert insights and analysis on the ever-changing business and data environments. With presentations that focus upon the unique experiences of high-level technology professionals as well as customer-to-customer interactions, ISA Consulting is well-positioned to provide an important and skilled voice to both as one of the nation’s fastest-growing systems integration firms.
To learn more about ISA Consulting and its Data Integration services, visit: www.isaconsulting.com. To learn additional information on Collaborate ’09, visit www.collaborate09.com.
About ISA Consulting
ISA Consulting is the premier provider of management and technology consulting services in the East, with expertise in the Performance Management, Business Intelligence and Data Integration spaces. ISA responds to the individualized needs of every customer by providing in-depth business knowledge, significant technical expertise and valuable lessons learned from years of working with other industry leading organizations. With a strong corporate culture centered on excellence and integrity, ISA serves customers globally with offices in Atlanta, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington, DC.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
MWW Group and Paratus Launch C3Ready(SM) Services Suite
MWW Group, one of the nation's top ten public relations firms, today announced it has formed a strategic partnership with Paratus, an end-to-end government/business continuity and crisis management consultancy founded by Timothy W. Patterson, a former Naval officer who completed his military service with the White House Military Office, serving with the President's Emergency Operations Center. Together MWW Group and Paratus have launched C3Ready(SM), a suite of multi-disciplinary services designed to integrate organizations' operational and communications responses to anticipated and unforeseen crisis situations. These integrated services will help to minimize operational downtime, mitigate revenue and branding losses, improve leadership continuity and as a result, strengthen the ability to effectively manage all crisis incidents and the requisite communications with internal and external audiences.
C3Ready focuses on the three critical elements of crisis management -- Continuity, Crisis Response and Communications. It approaches crisis management with a proactive enterprise-wide perspective, addressing the full breadth of business operations and communications imperatives, with services ranging from incident response analysis, crisis plan development and scenario-based training, to command center architecture, technology implementation and infrastructure stress testing.
"Far too many organizations impede their business continuity and incident response measures when they task offices, employees and disconnected executives with critically-interdependent operational and communication responsibilities without the proper planning and capabilities," said Timothy W. Patterson, founder and president of Paratus. "We frequently see business operations crisis response directed by the COO or a command center, while the external communications response is directed by the public relations or marketing team with minimal coordination between the two. During an event, it is too late to break down those internal barriers, integrate response activities and deliver crisis communications when every second counts. Today's business environment clearly demonstrates that internal and external crises directly affect an organization's revenue, reputation, business prospects, and, at times, their very existence hangs in the balance."
"Organizations of every shape and size -- whether public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, B2B, B2C, digital or brick-and-mortar -- share a common vulnerability: the impact of time when crises strike," said Michael Kempner, MWW Group president and chief executive officer. "Operational disruption can lead to lost sales, lost leadership and declining confidence among key stakeholders. Likewise, delayed or ineffective communications in a crisis can cause you to lose control of your story, allowing others to run roughshod over your reputation."
"Effectively managing a crisis requires more than simple planning and practice within each department," continued Kempner. "It requires a holistic strategy for your organization, encompassing both the operational and communications perspectives. a re-evaluation and reorganization of critical resources to be leveraged in a crisis and a methodology that not only keeps the lights on and the Website up, but also efficiently manages the process of communicating your status and steps to recovery to internal and external audiences."
MWW Group and Paratus each bring a wealth of crisis management tools and knowledge to the C3Ready offering. Counselors at MWW Group possess a substantial range and depth of crisis communications expertise -- from contingency planning, crisis response training and on-site support for clients in the midst of incidents, to managing the aftermath of crises and the restoration of trust and reputations. Additionally, the agency is a leader in digital crisis communications, including the creation and management of digital and social media tools to be leveraged when crises strike, as well as monitoring the online landscape during incidents and managing connections with critical constituencies through online channels.
On the operations front, Paratus supports the public and private sectors with consultants possessing extensive operational and planning experience at the highest levels of continuity of operations, continuity of government, business continuity and emergency preparedness programs. Many of Paratus' consultants maintain security clearances which enable them to support companies and government agencies that work in highly sensitive arenas. The Paratus team regularly supports government organizations and large private industry corporations in the development and enhancement of their continuity and crisis programs and capabilities. Paratus integrates their strategic, technical and operational expertise with their deep industry relationships to leverage proven methodologies in order to provide client's viable solutions that enhance their resilience and ability to continue essential services and operations.
Specific C3Ready services include:
About MWW Group
MWW Group is one of the nation's top ten public relations agencies and is known for its results-driven approach to public relations and "Aim High... and Deliver" commitment to client service. For the past four years, MWW Group has been honored with the #1 ranking in the Holmes Report agency client satisfaction survey. MWW Group achieved top rankings in the categories of account leadership, strength of account team, creativity, strategy and planning, and program execution. In 2006, MWW Group was named PR Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report and Mid-size PR Firm of the Year by PR News, in recognition of the firm's growth, strategic account leadership and industry-leading employee retention. MWW Group is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG).
About Paratus
Paratus is the Latin word for "Prepared." Paratus is an end-to-end government/business continuity and crisis management firm that provides highly qualified consultants that mitigate risk and provide viable solutions for threat or hazard events affecting normal business operations. Paratus' consultants are certified and have extensive operational, planning and program management experience at the highest levels in both the government and private sectors. Individually and collectively the experience, education, knowledge and technical "know how" allows Paratus to provide top tier continuity and crisis management consulting services across all levels of government and the business world. For more information, visit www.paratus-prepared.com.
C3Ready focuses on the three critical elements of crisis management -- Continuity, Crisis Response and Communications. It approaches crisis management with a proactive enterprise-wide perspective, addressing the full breadth of business operations and communications imperatives, with services ranging from incident response analysis, crisis plan development and scenario-based training, to command center architecture, technology implementation and infrastructure stress testing.
"Far too many organizations impede their business continuity and incident response measures when they task offices, employees and disconnected executives with critically-interdependent operational and communication responsibilities without the proper planning and capabilities," said Timothy W. Patterson, founder and president of Paratus. "We frequently see business operations crisis response directed by the COO or a command center, while the external communications response is directed by the public relations or marketing team with minimal coordination between the two. During an event, it is too late to break down those internal barriers, integrate response activities and deliver crisis communications when every second counts. Today's business environment clearly demonstrates that internal and external crises directly affect an organization's revenue, reputation, business prospects, and, at times, their very existence hangs in the balance."
"Organizations of every shape and size -- whether public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, B2B, B2C, digital or brick-and-mortar -- share a common vulnerability: the impact of time when crises strike," said Michael Kempner, MWW Group president and chief executive officer. "Operational disruption can lead to lost sales, lost leadership and declining confidence among key stakeholders. Likewise, delayed or ineffective communications in a crisis can cause you to lose control of your story, allowing others to run roughshod over your reputation."
"Effectively managing a crisis requires more than simple planning and practice within each department," continued Kempner. "It requires a holistic strategy for your organization, encompassing both the operational and communications perspectives. a re-evaluation and reorganization of critical resources to be leveraged in a crisis and a methodology that not only keeps the lights on and the Website up, but also efficiently manages the process of communicating your status and steps to recovery to internal and external audiences."
MWW Group and Paratus each bring a wealth of crisis management tools and knowledge to the C3Ready offering. Counselors at MWW Group possess a substantial range and depth of crisis communications expertise -- from contingency planning, crisis response training and on-site support for clients in the midst of incidents, to managing the aftermath of crises and the restoration of trust and reputations. Additionally, the agency is a leader in digital crisis communications, including the creation and management of digital and social media tools to be leveraged when crises strike, as well as monitoring the online landscape during incidents and managing connections with critical constituencies through online channels.
On the operations front, Paratus supports the public and private sectors with consultants possessing extensive operational and planning experience at the highest levels of continuity of operations, continuity of government, business continuity and emergency preparedness programs. Many of Paratus' consultants maintain security clearances which enable them to support companies and government agencies that work in highly sensitive arenas. The Paratus team regularly supports government organizations and large private industry corporations in the development and enhancement of their continuity and crisis programs and capabilities. Paratus integrates their strategic, technical and operational expertise with their deep industry relationships to leverage proven methodologies in order to provide client's viable solutions that enhance their resilience and ability to continue essential services and operations.
Specific C3Ready services include:
- Crisis Response / Continuity Planning and Analysis - Establish or enhance integrated policies, plans and procedures across a palate of needs -- Business Continuity, Continuity of Government or operations, internal and external communications, first responder integration, regulatory compliance, evacuation, leadership succession and the digital deployment of response plans.
- Communications Infrastructure Analysis and Testing - Current crisis communication infrastructure capabilities analysis, recurrent stress testing and reporting on operational status of crisis communications resources including command center data streams, primary and redundant digital resources, mobile and satellite communications, on-site video capabilities, crisis team notification tools and in-bound call systems.
- Command Center / Emergency Operations Center Architecture - Planning, development and testing of crisis management centers including physical layout, information management and technology resource optimization, operating procedures and staffing protocols.
- Incident Response Training and Exercise Support - Planning, execution and analysis of crisis response and continuity related training sessions including online and tabletop training exercises, full-dress mock crisis drills, small-group exercises tailored for executive teams and spokesperson training under simulated crisis conditions.
- Tailored 'Best Practice' Audits - Primary and Secondary research and analysis of crisis response and continuity efforts among an organization's peer group and across related sectors to determine and present operational and communications 'Best Practices' and recommended refinements to current plans and capabilities.
About MWW Group
MWW Group is one of the nation's top ten public relations agencies and is known for its results-driven approach to public relations and "Aim High... and Deliver" commitment to client service. For the past four years, MWW Group has been honored with the #1 ranking in the Holmes Report agency client satisfaction survey. MWW Group achieved top rankings in the categories of account leadership, strength of account team, creativity, strategy and planning, and program execution. In 2006, MWW Group was named PR Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report and Mid-size PR Firm of the Year by PR News, in recognition of the firm's growth, strategic account leadership and industry-leading employee retention. MWW Group is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG).
About Paratus
Paratus is the Latin word for "Prepared." Paratus is an end-to-end government/business continuity and crisis management firm that provides highly qualified consultants that mitigate risk and provide viable solutions for threat or hazard events affecting normal business operations. Paratus' consultants are certified and have extensive operational, planning and program management experience at the highest levels in both the government and private sectors. Individually and collectively the experience, education, knowledge and technical "know how" allows Paratus to provide top tier continuity and crisis management consulting services across all levels of government and the business world. For more information, visit www.paratus-prepared.com.
Column 5 Consulting Acquires UK-Based K-twenty Consulting
Column 5 Consulting, a US leader in Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) consulting, today announced its further expansion into Europe with the acquisition of UK-based k-twenty Consulting.
“Due to our increasing number of international clients and domestic clients with international operations, it makes sense for us to further develop capacity in other parts of the world to better serve our customer base,” said David Den Boer, CEO of Column 5. “Additionally, we can offer international clients the advantage of strong US support capabilities. We chose k-twenty because of their team’s long and successful track record in the EPM space and their excellent reputation of implementation success with the SAP EPM suite of solutions. Like Column 5, k-twenty works exclusively with the SAP solutions and specializes in implementing SAP Business Planning & Consolidation (SAP BPC, formerly OutlookSoft). SAP BPC provides a unified enterprise solution for strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial consolidation, reporting, predictive analytics and scorecarding. It features dashboards and workflow management to provide visibility into the business, drive financial processes, and improve productivity, accountability and performance.
k-twenty Consulting works with a range of customers, mainly UK based, including FTSE250 companies and household names. They have established close relationships with these companies and typically are involved in the projects from initial requirements through design and implementation to go-live support. k-twenty founder Martin Lloyd has over 20 years of experience in the EPM space, including past positions with Hyperion Solutions, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and OutlookSoft. “We’re thrilled to join Column 5,” says Lloyd, “they have a reputation as the best of the best, and we’re very excited to bring that added depth of experience to our customers.”
“Column 5 brings not only the top technical expertise in SAP BPC, but we offer our clients performance management consulting that delivers real bottom line results,” says Den Boer. “k-twenty will help us expand these offerings overseas.”
About Column 5 Consulting
Column 5, one of the fastest growing consulting organizations in the U.S., is a full service consulting firm that equips finance managers and CFOs to dramatically improve how they plan and manage their businesses. The company is one of SAP’s leading Enterprise Performance Management partners, supporting solutions such as BPC, PCM, SSM, S&OP, and BusinessObjects. Column 5 consultants have helped more than 250 organizations use these leading EPM tools to develop planning, budgeting, reporting, consolidation, and other management applications. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Column 5 has presence in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. More information is available at www.column5.com or by emailing info@column5.com.
“Due to our increasing number of international clients and domestic clients with international operations, it makes sense for us to further develop capacity in other parts of the world to better serve our customer base,” said David Den Boer, CEO of Column 5. “Additionally, we can offer international clients the advantage of strong US support capabilities. We chose k-twenty because of their team’s long and successful track record in the EPM space and their excellent reputation of implementation success with the SAP EPM suite of solutions. Like Column 5, k-twenty works exclusively with the SAP solutions and specializes in implementing SAP Business Planning & Consolidation (SAP BPC, formerly OutlookSoft). SAP BPC provides a unified enterprise solution for strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial consolidation, reporting, predictive analytics and scorecarding. It features dashboards and workflow management to provide visibility into the business, drive financial processes, and improve productivity, accountability and performance.
k-twenty Consulting works with a range of customers, mainly UK based, including FTSE250 companies and household names. They have established close relationships with these companies and typically are involved in the projects from initial requirements through design and implementation to go-live support. k-twenty founder Martin Lloyd has over 20 years of experience in the EPM space, including past positions with Hyperion Solutions, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and OutlookSoft. “We’re thrilled to join Column 5,” says Lloyd, “they have a reputation as the best of the best, and we’re very excited to bring that added depth of experience to our customers.”
“Column 5 brings not only the top technical expertise in SAP BPC, but we offer our clients performance management consulting that delivers real bottom line results,” says Den Boer. “k-twenty will help us expand these offerings overseas.”
About Column 5 Consulting
Column 5, one of the fastest growing consulting organizations in the U.S., is a full service consulting firm that equips finance managers and CFOs to dramatically improve how they plan and manage their businesses. The company is one of SAP’s leading Enterprise Performance Management partners, supporting solutions such as BPC, PCM, SSM, S&OP, and BusinessObjects. Column 5 consultants have helped more than 250 organizations use these leading EPM tools to develop planning, budgeting, reporting, consolidation, and other management applications. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Column 5 has presence in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. More information is available at www.column5.com or by emailing info@column5.com.
Deloitte Announces Sponsorship of U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams
Deloitte today announced its sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), the 2010 and 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, as well as the 2011 U.S. Pan American Team and the 2010 U.S. Team for the Youth Olympic Games. As a result of its commitment to provide the strengths of its organization for maximum social impact, Deloitte and its subsidiaries will provide support to help the USOC and U.S. Teams operate efficiently and successfully throughout their journey to the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan Am and Youth Olympic Games.
As the Official Professional Services Sponsor of audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services, Deloitte's subsidiaries will contribute by offering a variety of in-kind professional services to the USOC.
"We believe the business community has a powerful role to play in answering the call to service to help nonprofit organizations deliver results," said Barry Salzberg, CEO, Deloitte LLP. "There is no better opportunity to put the intellectual capital and business knowledge of our people to work than through the delivery of our exceptional professional services capabilities for the strategic, operational, and financial benefit of the USOC and U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls."
"We are proud to welcome Deloitte to our family of sponsors and appreciate the expertise and support they bring in preparing America's athletes for the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Stephanie Streeter, USOC Acting Chief Executive Officer. "This contribution and the breadth of capabilities they bring will be instrumental in our mission to enable America's athletes to realize their Olympic and Paralympic dreams."
Deloitte's core values - integrity, strength from cultural diversity, and commitment to each other - are reflected in the Olympic Movement. In addition to Deloitte, other member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu have committed to the international Olympic Movement. Deloitte Canada is the Official Professional Services Supplier to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Deloitte UK is the Official Professional Services Provider of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Separately, subsidiaries of Deloitte have been engaged to provide pro bono services to Chicago 2016 which is bidding for the right to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
About the USOC
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole entity in the United States whose mission involves training, entering and underwriting the full expenses for the U.S. teams in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. In addition to being the steward of the U.S. Olympic Movement, the USOC is the moving force for support of sports in the United States that are on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games.
As the Official Professional Services Sponsor of audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services, Deloitte's subsidiaries will contribute by offering a variety of in-kind professional services to the USOC.
"We believe the business community has a powerful role to play in answering the call to service to help nonprofit organizations deliver results," said Barry Salzberg, CEO, Deloitte LLP. "There is no better opportunity to put the intellectual capital and business knowledge of our people to work than through the delivery of our exceptional professional services capabilities for the strategic, operational, and financial benefit of the USOC and U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls."
"We are proud to welcome Deloitte to our family of sponsors and appreciate the expertise and support they bring in preparing America's athletes for the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Stephanie Streeter, USOC Acting Chief Executive Officer. "This contribution and the breadth of capabilities they bring will be instrumental in our mission to enable America's athletes to realize their Olympic and Paralympic dreams."
Deloitte's core values - integrity, strength from cultural diversity, and commitment to each other - are reflected in the Olympic Movement. In addition to Deloitte, other member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu have committed to the international Olympic Movement. Deloitte Canada is the Official Professional Services Supplier to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Deloitte UK is the Official Professional Services Provider of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Separately, subsidiaries of Deloitte have been engaged to provide pro bono services to Chicago 2016 which is bidding for the right to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
About the USOC
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole entity in the United States whose mission involves training, entering and underwriting the full expenses for the U.S. teams in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. In addition to being the steward of the U.S. Olympic Movement, the USOC is the moving force for support of sports in the United States that are on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games.
SiCortex Response to Intel’s Release of Nehalem Xeon EP
SiCortex President and CEO Christopher Stone says Intel’s (Nasdaq: INTC) Nehalem Xeon EP processor addresses a performance bottleneck in previous Intel chip architectures but does little to address the industry’s need for improved energy-efficiency. According to industry reports, data centers are projected to consume three percent of the United States’ electricity by 2010, doubling in less than five years. The “carbon impact”? According to a McKinsey study, emissions resulting from data centers will surpass the airline industry by 2020*. Stone asserts that this problem is just too big to ignore, and unfortunately, it appears that Intel has. The impact is significant, as the processor will be used to power computers from Apple, Cray, Dell, HP, IBM, SGI and others.
Beyond the environmental impact, many data centers are simply running out of available energy to power computing and to cool hot-running systems. In the same McKinsey study, it is estimated that “90% of organizations running large data centers need to build more power and cooling in the next 30 months.”
Under these circumstances, “The computer industry needs to make a bold commitment to reducing energy consumption at all levels — from the chip to the system architecture to the data center,” says Stone. “We at SiCortex have taken that need to heart, and have developed our computers from the silicon up to radically improve energy efficiency – creating the world’s most energy efficient systems.”
Stone is referring to results posted in the Green Computing Performance Index (GCPI), a tool SiCortex developed in cooperation with industry experts to provide objective energy-efficiency metrics at the computer system level. Based on the HPCC benchmark suite, the GCPI compares a range of established high productivity computers on a performance/watt basis, yielding information to inform purchase decisions. The HPCC benchmark suite, developed by a team led by Dr. Jack Dongarra at the University of Tennessee, is a well-respected set of benchmarks that measure the full range of computer system performance. The GCPI will include Nehalem EP-based processors as soon as performance data is posted.
Nehalem’s major improvement is in the integration of the memory controller on to the same piece of silicon as the processor, significantly improving the memory bottleneck as compared to previous Intel chips. This design is in line with what both AMD, an Intel competitor, and SiCortex have been building into their own processors. “Systems based on the new Nehalem EP processor should deliver improved performance on the desktop and for small clusters, but the new chip is unlikely to significantly impact the speed of large scale systems,” said Jud Leonard, chief architect at SiCortex. “Memory bandwidth is important, but it is only one of three key elements in system design. Unfortunately Intel has reached the practical limit of processor clock speed, and QPI, their interprocessor communications solution, does not scale. The latter is the Achilles heel for thousand-plus processor HPC systems when it comes to delivered performance. Large scale systems built on Nehalem will continue to rely on external I/O interface chips and commodity switches to communicate, impacting performance, energy consumption and cost.”
In spite of these shortcomings, will Nehalem sell? “Hardware manufacturers who have built on Intel have little choice other than to embrace the new processor,” said Stone. “The need to overcome memory bottlenecks experienced by their customers is compelling enough for vendors to bite the bullet and pay the extra expense of the new chip.” Is Nehalem the end of the line for this type of architecture? “The industry needs to pick up the pace of embracing new approaches to computation. We must address the pressing need to rein in data center energy consumption and costs,” added Stone.
About SiCortex
Headquartered near Boston, Mass., SiCortex, Inc. makes the world’s most energy-efficient high-productivity computers. Its proven architecture was designed from the silicon up to provide breakthrough delivered performance at the lowest power consumption in the industry. SiCortex computers scale from 72 to 5,832 processors running a powerful Linux operating environment. SiCortex systems are the compute-power behind some of the most important research initiatives at government agencies, national laboratories and academic institutions. For more information, visit http://www.sicortex.com/.
Beyond the environmental impact, many data centers are simply running out of available energy to power computing and to cool hot-running systems. In the same McKinsey study, it is estimated that “90% of organizations running large data centers need to build more power and cooling in the next 30 months.”
Under these circumstances, “The computer industry needs to make a bold commitment to reducing energy consumption at all levels — from the chip to the system architecture to the data center,” says Stone. “We at SiCortex have taken that need to heart, and have developed our computers from the silicon up to radically improve energy efficiency – creating the world’s most energy efficient systems.”
Stone is referring to results posted in the Green Computing Performance Index (GCPI), a tool SiCortex developed in cooperation with industry experts to provide objective energy-efficiency metrics at the computer system level. Based on the HPCC benchmark suite, the GCPI compares a range of established high productivity computers on a performance/watt basis, yielding information to inform purchase decisions. The HPCC benchmark suite, developed by a team led by Dr. Jack Dongarra at the University of Tennessee, is a well-respected set of benchmarks that measure the full range of computer system performance. The GCPI will include Nehalem EP-based processors as soon as performance data is posted.
Nehalem’s major improvement is in the integration of the memory controller on to the same piece of silicon as the processor, significantly improving the memory bottleneck as compared to previous Intel chips. This design is in line with what both AMD, an Intel competitor, and SiCortex have been building into their own processors. “Systems based on the new Nehalem EP processor should deliver improved performance on the desktop and for small clusters, but the new chip is unlikely to significantly impact the speed of large scale systems,” said Jud Leonard, chief architect at SiCortex. “Memory bandwidth is important, but it is only one of three key elements in system design. Unfortunately Intel has reached the practical limit of processor clock speed, and QPI, their interprocessor communications solution, does not scale. The latter is the Achilles heel for thousand-plus processor HPC systems when it comes to delivered performance. Large scale systems built on Nehalem will continue to rely on external I/O interface chips and commodity switches to communicate, impacting performance, energy consumption and cost.”
In spite of these shortcomings, will Nehalem sell? “Hardware manufacturers who have built on Intel have little choice other than to embrace the new processor,” said Stone. “The need to overcome memory bottlenecks experienced by their customers is compelling enough for vendors to bite the bullet and pay the extra expense of the new chip.” Is Nehalem the end of the line for this type of architecture? “The industry needs to pick up the pace of embracing new approaches to computation. We must address the pressing need to rein in data center energy consumption and costs,” added Stone.
About SiCortex
Headquartered near Boston, Mass., SiCortex, Inc. makes the world’s most energy-efficient high-productivity computers. Its proven architecture was designed from the silicon up to provide breakthrough delivered performance at the lowest power consumption in the industry. SiCortex computers scale from 72 to 5,832 processors running a powerful Linux operating environment. SiCortex systems are the compute-power behind some of the most important research initiatives at government agencies, national laboratories and academic institutions. For more information, visit http://www.sicortex.com/.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Rogue CFO Consulting Moves Towards Servicing Small to Medium Sized Businesses
Rogue CFO & Startup Consultant Chris Benjamin has shifted from servicing seed & startup stage companies to small to medium sized companies. “I’ve found that my expertise and services are far more useful and valuable to companies with a revenue model in place, companies who need help with managing growth. While I am passionate about the startup community as a whole, in order to truly help companies launch successfully, I will focus on those companies who are at a stage of needing a part time CFO ongoing.”
With 12 years experience of which 8 years was with public companies, Startup CFO Chris Benjamin has relevant experience with firms of all sizes and in several industries. Chris has been interviewed by several radio hosts on topics related to the world of entrepreneurism, and has also written several articles on topics related to starting a company, such as how to successfully create a financial forecast, top 10 mistakes when dealing with venture capitalists, and the path to a successful startup.
Chris went on to say “Fundamentally I am not changing my business model, more so I’m changing the profile of a typical client. Seed and early stage companies for the most part are 6 months out from needing a CFO caliber executive on the team, whereas companies who are generating revenue, have raised capital, and are experiencing phenomenal growth absolutely could use a seasoned professional. My passion is using my skills and experience to take these growing companies to new heights.”
Chris Benjamin specializes in working with entrepreneurs who have exciting and new business models. With 12 years of experience as a CFO, a MBA degree from the University of WA in Entrepreneurship and a passion for the business community, Chris Benjamin has helped over 100 companies. Investor-ready business plans, financial forecasts, executive summaries, presentations are specialties, along with ongoing CFO consulting to help new firms locate venture capital.
With 12 years experience of which 8 years was with public companies, Startup CFO Chris Benjamin has relevant experience with firms of all sizes and in several industries. Chris has been interviewed by several radio hosts on topics related to the world of entrepreneurism, and has also written several articles on topics related to starting a company, such as how to successfully create a financial forecast, top 10 mistakes when dealing with venture capitalists, and the path to a successful startup.
Chris went on to say “Fundamentally I am not changing my business model, more so I’m changing the profile of a typical client. Seed and early stage companies for the most part are 6 months out from needing a CFO caliber executive on the team, whereas companies who are generating revenue, have raised capital, and are experiencing phenomenal growth absolutely could use a seasoned professional. My passion is using my skills and experience to take these growing companies to new heights.”
Chris Benjamin specializes in working with entrepreneurs who have exciting and new business models. With 12 years of experience as a CFO, a MBA degree from the University of WA in Entrepreneurship and a passion for the business community, Chris Benjamin has helped over 100 companies. Investor-ready business plans, financial forecasts, executive summaries, presentations are specialties, along with ongoing CFO consulting to help new firms locate venture capital.
American Cybersystems, Inc. Acquires MSI Strategic Solutions
Atlanta-based American CyberSystems, Inc. (ACS), a multinational information technology services company offering IT consulting and staffing services, acquired MSI Strategic Solutions (MSI) a full-service IT recruiting firm, and division of MSI International.
The acquisition of MSI is the latest realization of ACS’s strategy of adding innovative, customer-centric staffing partners, with strong brands and industry reputations, to their growing organization. With its core competency in staffing solutions, MSI broadens the base of seasoned technical professionals and recruiting expertise key to ACS’s business.
"We strive to continually deliver more value to our clients. We believe that our continued investment in expanding the resources of the company will further enhance our ability to exceed our client’s expectations,” stated ACS President and CEO Raj Sardana.
In addition, MSI’s strong presence in the Atlanta market secures future growth opportunities for ACS.
“The acquisition of MSI further expands ACS’s capabilities as a leader in our field, and allows us to utilize our expertise and infrastructure to capitalize upon new opportunities right here in our own back yard,” stated ACS’s John Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“We’re excited to be joining the ACS team, stated Perry Paden, former Managing Director of MSI Strategic Solutions. We’re looking forward to combining our resources with ACS’s to serve an even greater portion of the Atlanta market.”
The acquisition of MSI Strategic Solutions follows other recent acquisitions by ACS, including Infinity Consulting Group, Decision Strategies, Inc., and Computer Managers Inc., all placing ACS’s sales near the $100 million mark.
About MSI Strategic Solutions
As part of MSI International, MSI Strategic Solutions specialized in the placement of contract and permanent technical, accounting and finance, and infrastructure professionals. MSI twice made the list of Inc. magazine’s 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies.
About American CyberSystems, Inc.
Founded in 1998, American CyberSystems, Inc. is a multinational information technology services company, offering IT consulting and staffing services, systems integration, and business solutions to organizations in a variety of industries. Through its extensive resource pool, and offshore development and recruitment centers, ACS offers unparalleled expertise in delivering solutions for Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. ACS works in partnership with clients to understand their challenges, share their vision, and deliver mission-specific solutions.
For more information about the acquisition of MSI Strategic Solutions by American CyberSystems, Inc., please visit www.acsicorp.com.
The acquisition of MSI is the latest realization of ACS’s strategy of adding innovative, customer-centric staffing partners, with strong brands and industry reputations, to their growing organization. With its core competency in staffing solutions, MSI broadens the base of seasoned technical professionals and recruiting expertise key to ACS’s business.
"We strive to continually deliver more value to our clients. We believe that our continued investment in expanding the resources of the company will further enhance our ability to exceed our client’s expectations,” stated ACS President and CEO Raj Sardana.
In addition, MSI’s strong presence in the Atlanta market secures future growth opportunities for ACS.
“The acquisition of MSI further expands ACS’s capabilities as a leader in our field, and allows us to utilize our expertise and infrastructure to capitalize upon new opportunities right here in our own back yard,” stated ACS’s John Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“We’re excited to be joining the ACS team, stated Perry Paden, former Managing Director of MSI Strategic Solutions. We’re looking forward to combining our resources with ACS’s to serve an even greater portion of the Atlanta market.”
The acquisition of MSI Strategic Solutions follows other recent acquisitions by ACS, including Infinity Consulting Group, Decision Strategies, Inc., and Computer Managers Inc., all placing ACS’s sales near the $100 million mark.
About MSI Strategic Solutions
As part of MSI International, MSI Strategic Solutions specialized in the placement of contract and permanent technical, accounting and finance, and infrastructure professionals. MSI twice made the list of Inc. magazine’s 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies.
About American CyberSystems, Inc.
Founded in 1998, American CyberSystems, Inc. is a multinational information technology services company, offering IT consulting and staffing services, systems integration, and business solutions to organizations in a variety of industries. Through its extensive resource pool, and offshore development and recruitment centers, ACS offers unparalleled expertise in delivering solutions for Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. ACS works in partnership with clients to understand their challenges, share their vision, and deliver mission-specific solutions.
For more information about the acquisition of MSI Strategic Solutions by American CyberSystems, Inc., please visit www.acsicorp.com.
Roseland Property Company Launches New Consulting Division to Offer Clients Asset Recovery Services
Roseland Property Company of Short Hills, NJ has launched a new consulting division to offer asset recovery services to financial institutions and other lender/owners.
The privately-owned, full-service company will focus its consulting work on situations where the firm's skills in large-scale land development, construction completion and residential management will bring the most benefit to clients exposed to the current variables affecting development land, partially and substantially completed buildings and property values, according to Principal Bradford R. Klatt.
"Roseland's outstanding track record, proven experience and passion for excellence have established the company as one of the country's leading real estate development firms," notes Mr. Klatt. "This is the aspect of the real estate industry that we began in the early 1990s and our achievements are rooted in our collection of cross-disciplinary, in-house resources and special outside relationships among prominent financial institutions, development partners, private investors and municipal and state agencies, allowing us to address challenges and opportunities during all cycles and in all elements of the real estate development process."
Roseland's consulting services offer a "hands on" turn-key property and asset management operation where the company has intimate familiarity with the assessment of approvals and the potential value of a project. Roseland will direct planning, entitlements, and regulatory compliance of these projects to regain value and eventually "recycle" them back into the market. Furthermore, the company will take responsibility to assess and complete construction of partially built projects, manage the marketing, leasing and on-going property management and prepare and sell assets to create incremental value and a pathway to liquidity.
"No other advisory firm can offer the breadth, quality and integrity of such expertise," declares Roseland Principal Carl J. Goldberg.
Roseland's unique skill set is best exemplified through its large-scale, multiphase high-density urban and suburban sites, Mr. Goldberg points out. These include the 200-acre, mixed-use Port Imperial community along the Hudson River waterfront in New Jersey; the 471-unit, two-tower Battery Park City project in Lower Manhattan and the 93-acre, master-planned Overlook Ridge community in Malden and Revere, Mass.
"Combined with Roseland's community building skills, master planning, environmental remediation expertise and accessibility to public and private sources of capital," Mr. Klatt notes, "our asset recovery services will help clients stabilize their investments and recover as much capital as possible on these."
About Roseland Property Company
Founded in 1992, Roseland Property Company is a leading developer of high-end multifamily, luxury residential communities and large mixed-use, multiphase land developments. The company and its principals have developed more than 40,000 residential units. For more information, call 973-21... or visit www.roselandproperty.com.
The privately-owned, full-service company will focus its consulting work on situations where the firm's skills in large-scale land development, construction completion and residential management will bring the most benefit to clients exposed to the current variables affecting development land, partially and substantially completed buildings and property values, according to Principal Bradford R. Klatt.
"Roseland's outstanding track record, proven experience and passion for excellence have established the company as one of the country's leading real estate development firms," notes Mr. Klatt. "This is the aspect of the real estate industry that we began in the early 1990s and our achievements are rooted in our collection of cross-disciplinary, in-house resources and special outside relationships among prominent financial institutions, development partners, private investors and municipal and state agencies, allowing us to address challenges and opportunities during all cycles and in all elements of the real estate development process."
Roseland's consulting services offer a "hands on" turn-key property and asset management operation where the company has intimate familiarity with the assessment of approvals and the potential value of a project. Roseland will direct planning, entitlements, and regulatory compliance of these projects to regain value and eventually "recycle" them back into the market. Furthermore, the company will take responsibility to assess and complete construction of partially built projects, manage the marketing, leasing and on-going property management and prepare and sell assets to create incremental value and a pathway to liquidity.
"No other advisory firm can offer the breadth, quality and integrity of such expertise," declares Roseland Principal Carl J. Goldberg.
Roseland's unique skill set is best exemplified through its large-scale, multiphase high-density urban and suburban sites, Mr. Goldberg points out. These include the 200-acre, mixed-use Port Imperial community along the Hudson River waterfront in New Jersey; the 471-unit, two-tower Battery Park City project in Lower Manhattan and the 93-acre, master-planned Overlook Ridge community in Malden and Revere, Mass.
"Combined with Roseland's community building skills, master planning, environmental remediation expertise and accessibility to public and private sources of capital," Mr. Klatt notes, "our asset recovery services will help clients stabilize their investments and recover as much capital as possible on these."
About Roseland Property Company
Founded in 1992, Roseland Property Company is a leading developer of high-end multifamily, luxury residential communities and large mixed-use, multiphase land developments. The company and its principals have developed more than 40,000 residential units. For more information, call 973-21... or visit www.roselandproperty.com.
Leading Shiftwork Consulting Firm Outlines How to Manage Shiftwork Operations During a Recession
A leading shiftwork consulting firm, Shiftwork Solutions LLC, noted that when the economy is healthy and growing, managers of shiftwork operations tend to focus on increasing sales and expanding the business - often by changing their employee work schedules to enable 24/7 coverage.
During a recession, however, most executives focus on reducing capacity and cutting costs, which may mean operating only 5 or 6 days a week. Shiftwork Solutions explained the most efficient ways to approach these goals.
Reduce Capacity
When demand for a company's products drops for an extended period of time, it may be necessary to curtail production. In many shiftwork operations, the number of people required may not change when the output changes. For example, a facility may need 15 people when it is producing 250 cases an hour. It may need the same 15 people when it is producing only 25 cases an hour. In these situations, it is best to operate equipment at its most efficient production rate, and reduce the time the equipment is running to less than the full 168 hours per week.
Cut Costs
When cost cutting is the goal, staffing levels are often the first item looked at. Other opportunities to improve productivity and lower the labor costs per unit of production are often overlooked, for example:
Management decisions
According to Dan Capshaw, a partner with Shiftwork Solutions LLC, "Managers may be reluctant to change their shift schedules, especially if they put a lot of effort into changing to a 24/7 culture. They may now be afraid that backing off from continuous operations will waste the effort invested to get to the 24/7 schedule." Shift schedules that don't match the workload are very expensive. For example, if you have 300 employees making $15 an hour, a 5% mismatch between the required coverage hours and the scheduled hours would cost about $468,000 a year for wages alone.
If you change the shift schedule, what happens when demand goes back up? Jim Dillingham, also a partner at Shiftwork Solutions LLC, says that the answer is to prepare the workforce to return to their 24/7 schedule even before you change it. Carefully communicating the need to change today, as well as the likely need to return to higher capacity schedules in the future can keep the door open for variable economic conditions. You are much better off continuing to respond to your business requirements, and fostering a culture of flexibility and responsiveness rather than keeping an inefficient schedule in place because it was hard to implement.
Consultants from Shiftwork Solutions LLC have helped hundreds of companies in a variety of industries to develop shiftwork solutions that satisfy business requirements, employee preferences, and health/safety considerations. The company's two partners, Dan Capshaw and Jim Dillingham, have worked as consultants in this specialized field for more than 17 years apiece.
During a recession, however, most executives focus on reducing capacity and cutting costs, which may mean operating only 5 or 6 days a week. Shiftwork Solutions explained the most efficient ways to approach these goals.
Reduce Capacity
When demand for a company's products drops for an extended period of time, it may be necessary to curtail production. In many shiftwork operations, the number of people required may not change when the output changes. For example, a facility may need 15 people when it is producing 250 cases an hour. It may need the same 15 people when it is producing only 25 cases an hour. In these situations, it is best to operate equipment at its most efficient production rate, and reduce the time the equipment is running to less than the full 168 hours per week.
Cut Costs
When cost cutting is the goal, staffing levels are often the first item looked at. Other opportunities to improve productivity and lower the labor costs per unit of production are often overlooked, for example:
- Shift-to-shift communication practices. Smooth shift hand-offs allow operating efficiency to be maintained throughout the day, improving labor and equipment utilization.
- Shift routines. Do machines need to be cleaned after every shift, or should they be cleaned only when they're dirty? End-of-shift cleaning routines often become an excuse to line up at the time clock at the end of each shift.
- Maintenance and production scheduling conflicts.
- Unnecessarily starting and stopping equipment at breaks, lunches, and shift change. This can lower quality, increase equipment breakage and downtime, and results in lost time to perform the stop/start routine.
- Travel time and unauthorized break extensions result in lost time, production, and poorer service.
Management decisions
According to Dan Capshaw, a partner with Shiftwork Solutions LLC, "Managers may be reluctant to change their shift schedules, especially if they put a lot of effort into changing to a 24/7 culture. They may now be afraid that backing off from continuous operations will waste the effort invested to get to the 24/7 schedule." Shift schedules that don't match the workload are very expensive. For example, if you have 300 employees making $15 an hour, a 5% mismatch between the required coverage hours and the scheduled hours would cost about $468,000 a year for wages alone.
If you change the shift schedule, what happens when demand goes back up? Jim Dillingham, also a partner at Shiftwork Solutions LLC, says that the answer is to prepare the workforce to return to their 24/7 schedule even before you change it. Carefully communicating the need to change today, as well as the likely need to return to higher capacity schedules in the future can keep the door open for variable economic conditions. You are much better off continuing to respond to your business requirements, and fostering a culture of flexibility and responsiveness rather than keeping an inefficient schedule in place because it was hard to implement.
Consultants from Shiftwork Solutions LLC have helped hundreds of companies in a variety of industries to develop shiftwork solutions that satisfy business requirements, employee preferences, and health/safety considerations. The company's two partners, Dan Capshaw and Jim Dillingham, have worked as consultants in this specialized field for more than 17 years apiece.
Deloitte, Loons Teaming up on "Ks for Kids" Fundraiser
This season, Deloitte LLP and the Great Lakes Loons will bring the heat in a unique effort to meet the needs of at-risk children in our community.
Deloitte and the Loons will hold a season-long "Ks for Kids" fundraiser that will contribute $5 for every strikeout by a Loons pitcher to five local agencies working with area children.
With Loons pitchers notching 1,120 strikeouts last year, the program should raise more than $5,000 on behalf of Girls on the Run, Junior Achievement of Central Michigan, Boy Scouts of America (Lake Huron Council), Shelter House and West Midland Family Center.
Details on Ks for Kids will be announced during a 5:30 p.m. reception on Monday, March 30, at Dow Diamond. Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau will introduce the program along with Don Riegger, Managing Partner of Deloitte's Midland office.
"At the end of the year it's the children who will be the star of the game," said Riegger. "We will have not only raised significant funds, but we will have drawn attention to the fact that the well being of children in this area is more of an issue than what people may think, particularly in today's economy."
"This effort brings baseball, business and the needs of the community all in one place in order to make an impact," Barbeau said. "The Great Lakes Loons are very proud to help facilitate a unique way to address to a critical need."
Riegger also said Deloitte is also using the program as a way to encourage more of its local employees to volunteer with the five agencies.
"Funds are important, but non-profits need our time and our talents, too," Riegger said. "Deloitte is involved at some level with these agencies, and this event will help us channel even more people power their way."
The Great Lakes Loons are the third-year Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and members of the Midwest League. Tickets for the 2009 season are now on sale. For more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com.
Deloitte and the Loons will hold a season-long "Ks for Kids" fundraiser that will contribute $5 for every strikeout by a Loons pitcher to five local agencies working with area children.
With Loons pitchers notching 1,120 strikeouts last year, the program should raise more than $5,000 on behalf of Girls on the Run, Junior Achievement of Central Michigan, Boy Scouts of America (Lake Huron Council), Shelter House and West Midland Family Center.
Details on Ks for Kids will be announced during a 5:30 p.m. reception on Monday, March 30, at Dow Diamond. Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau will introduce the program along with Don Riegger, Managing Partner of Deloitte's Midland office.
"At the end of the year it's the children who will be the star of the game," said Riegger. "We will have not only raised significant funds, but we will have drawn attention to the fact that the well being of children in this area is more of an issue than what people may think, particularly in today's economy."
"This effort brings baseball, business and the needs of the community all in one place in order to make an impact," Barbeau said. "The Great Lakes Loons are very proud to help facilitate a unique way to address to a critical need."
Riegger also said Deloitte is also using the program as a way to encourage more of its local employees to volunteer with the five agencies.
"Funds are important, but non-profits need our time and our talents, too," Riegger said. "Deloitte is involved at some level with these agencies, and this event will help us channel even more people power their way."
The Great Lakes Loons are the third-year Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and members of the Midwest League. Tickets for the 2009 season are now on sale. For more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com.
CSC Wins $25 Million (AUD$36.4 Million) Contract Extension With Kmart Australia
CSC (NYSE: CSC) today announced a five-year information technology (IT) contract extension with leading retailer Kmart Australia, valued at approximately $25 million (AUD$36.4 million).
Under terms of the agreement, CSC will continue to provide comprehensive infrastructure systems and operations support services for more than 400 Kmart, Kmart Tyre and Auto retailers. This award extends a contract CSC signed in 2004 with Coles Myer, which owned Kmart at the time.
"CSC has worked hard to build a strong relationship with Kmart and the professionalism and quality of service from them has been a contributing factor in this major decision," said Ian Baily, chief operating officer, Kmart Australia. "We are working closely together and leveraging skills to drive improvements that benefit both companies."
"During tough economic times, this contract extension is a testament to our ability to deliver the results our clients need," said Nick Wilkinson, president of CSC's operations in Australia. "We are 100 percent committed to continue working alongside Kmart to help them fulfill their business objectives and look forward to further strengthening an already solid relationship."
CSC is a leading provider of IT services in Victoria with a portfolio of clients that include ITSS, Powercor-Citipower, D&B Australia and Tenix Solutions.
About Kmart Australia
Kmart is one of Australia's largest discount department store retailers, with 184 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and more than 25,000 team members. Key categories for Kmart are Toys, Leisure, Entertainment, Home, Menswear, Womanswear, Childrenswear, Footwear, Beauty, Underwear and Consumables. Kmart offers customers a mix of own brands such as Girl Xpress, Now, Apha and Jackeroo as well as national brands such as Revlon, Sony, Bonds and Kodak.
About CSC
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions & Services, Global Outsourcing Services and the North American Public Sector. CSC's advanced capabilities include systems design and integration, information technology and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, mission support and management consulting. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., CSC has approximately 92,000 employees and reported revenue of $17.1 billion for the 12 months ended Jan. 2, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com.
Under terms of the agreement, CSC will continue to provide comprehensive infrastructure systems and operations support services for more than 400 Kmart, Kmart Tyre and Auto retailers. This award extends a contract CSC signed in 2004 with Coles Myer, which owned Kmart at the time.
"CSC has worked hard to build a strong relationship with Kmart and the professionalism and quality of service from them has been a contributing factor in this major decision," said Ian Baily, chief operating officer, Kmart Australia. "We are working closely together and leveraging skills to drive improvements that benefit both companies."
"During tough economic times, this contract extension is a testament to our ability to deliver the results our clients need," said Nick Wilkinson, president of CSC's operations in Australia. "We are 100 percent committed to continue working alongside Kmart to help them fulfill their business objectives and look forward to further strengthening an already solid relationship."
CSC is a leading provider of IT services in Victoria with a portfolio of clients that include ITSS, Powercor-Citipower, D&B Australia and Tenix Solutions.
About Kmart Australia
Kmart is one of Australia's largest discount department store retailers, with 184 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and more than 25,000 team members. Key categories for Kmart are Toys, Leisure, Entertainment, Home, Menswear, Womanswear, Childrenswear, Footwear, Beauty, Underwear and Consumables. Kmart offers customers a mix of own brands such as Girl Xpress, Now, Apha and Jackeroo as well as national brands such as Revlon, Sony, Bonds and Kodak.
About CSC
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions & Services, Global Outsourcing Services and the North American Public Sector. CSC's advanced capabilities include systems design and integration, information technology and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, mission support and management consulting. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., CSC has approximately 92,000 employees and reported revenue of $17.1 billion for the 12 months ended Jan. 2, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com.
Accenture Opens Management Consulting Innovation Centre in Singapore
Accenture has officially opened its Management Consulting Innovation Center in Singapore to serve as a regional hub for developing innovative strategies that focus on maximizing opportunities and minimizing risk in a rapidly changing economy and increasingly global business environment.
The Center will enable clients to work with experienced consulting teams to further develop and align their business strategies in such areas as operational excellence, cost management and sustainability. Accenture will provide tangible solutions through case studies, diagnostic tools, simulation scenarios and hands-on demonstrations of leading-edge practices. The Center will also be a resource to help clients identify and enter new markets, increase revenues in existing markets and deliver their products and services more effectively and efficiently.
On a rotating basis, Accenture experts from around the world will work with clients in collaborative workshops and will develop thought leadership, research and intellectual property. These consultants will also work with professionals in other Accenture innovation centers and teams around the globe to integrate management consulting capabilities with insights from the company’s technology consulting, systems integration and outsourcing experts to better serve clients in the Asia Pacific region.
“We have created a unique environment in Singapore that brings together highly skilled individuals with the experience, knowledge, tools and technology to help our clients lay the foundation for their future growth,” said Mark Foster, Accenture’s group chief executive, Management Consulting & Integrated Markets. “With businesses facing issues more challenging than ever, those who regularly review, refine and adopt their strategies to respond to market trends will come out of the current economic climate better positioned for the future. Our Innovation Center is designed to help clients adopt strategies that will ensure that success.”
According to Teo Lay Lim, Accenture’s country managing director for Singapore, “Singapore serves as the regional headquarters for more than 4,000 multinational corporations, is a regional hub for innovation and also boasts one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world. This was the basis for our decision to open Accenture’s first Management Consulting Innovation Center here. As we help organizations navigate the new business landscape that is unique to Asia Pacific, the Center draws on Accenture’s global intellectual property and insights from the region and around the world, and combines that with innovation and technology to help drive business results.”
Accenture has partnered with the Economic Development Board in Singapore to open this Center. "We are delighted that Accenture has chosen Singapore as the location for its innovation center. Accenture can leverage Singapore’s position as the ‘home base’, away from home for these multi-national companies to address business challenges faced by clients across the different cultural, political and socio-economic climates in Asia," said Dr. Beh Swan Gin, managing director, Singapore Economic Development Board.
Through tailored workshops, Accenture’s management consultants will work with clients initially on six key business imperatives:
· Rapid and sustained cost management
· Operational excellence
· Sustainability
· Effective mergers and acquisitions
· Customer acquisition and retention
· Innovation
Accenture established operations in Singapore in 1975 and today has a strong presence in the market, serving domestic and international clients on transformation programs across a wide range of industries, including energy, telecommunications, high technology, financial services, consumer packaged goods and transportation, as well as with organizations in the publicservice sector.
The Center will enable clients to work with experienced consulting teams to further develop and align their business strategies in such areas as operational excellence, cost management and sustainability. Accenture will provide tangible solutions through case studies, diagnostic tools, simulation scenarios and hands-on demonstrations of leading-edge practices. The Center will also be a resource to help clients identify and enter new markets, increase revenues in existing markets and deliver their products and services more effectively and efficiently.
On a rotating basis, Accenture experts from around the world will work with clients in collaborative workshops and will develop thought leadership, research and intellectual property. These consultants will also work with professionals in other Accenture innovation centers and teams around the globe to integrate management consulting capabilities with insights from the company’s technology consulting, systems integration and outsourcing experts to better serve clients in the Asia Pacific region.
“We have created a unique environment in Singapore that brings together highly skilled individuals with the experience, knowledge, tools and technology to help our clients lay the foundation for their future growth,” said Mark Foster, Accenture’s group chief executive, Management Consulting & Integrated Markets. “With businesses facing issues more challenging than ever, those who regularly review, refine and adopt their strategies to respond to market trends will come out of the current economic climate better positioned for the future. Our Innovation Center is designed to help clients adopt strategies that will ensure that success.”
According to Teo Lay Lim, Accenture’s country managing director for Singapore, “Singapore serves as the regional headquarters for more than 4,000 multinational corporations, is a regional hub for innovation and also boasts one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world. This was the basis for our decision to open Accenture’s first Management Consulting Innovation Center here. As we help organizations navigate the new business landscape that is unique to Asia Pacific, the Center draws on Accenture’s global intellectual property and insights from the region and around the world, and combines that with innovation and technology to help drive business results.”
Accenture has partnered with the Economic Development Board in Singapore to open this Center. "We are delighted that Accenture has chosen Singapore as the location for its innovation center. Accenture can leverage Singapore’s position as the ‘home base’, away from home for these multi-national companies to address business challenges faced by clients across the different cultural, political and socio-economic climates in Asia," said Dr. Beh Swan Gin, managing director, Singapore Economic Development Board.
Through tailored workshops, Accenture’s management consultants will work with clients initially on six key business imperatives:
· Rapid and sustained cost management
· Operational excellence
· Sustainability
· Effective mergers and acquisitions
· Customer acquisition and retention
· Innovation
Accenture established operations in Singapore in 1975 and today has a strong presence in the market, serving domestic and international clients on transformation programs across a wide range of industries, including energy, telecommunications, high technology, financial services, consumer packaged goods and transportation, as well as with organizations in the publicservice sector.
Open Group Conference Outlines Critical Requirements for Enterprise Architects During Global Economic Recession
The Open Group, a vendor- and technology-neutral consortium focused on open standards and global interoperability within and between enterprises, today announced the program agenda and preliminary speaker line-up for its 22nd Enterprise Architecture Practitioners Conference to be held in London, April 27 - 30, 2009 at the Central Hall Westminster. Realizing the increasingly critical role of enterprise architecture (EA) in effecting greater alignment between business and IT and creating internal efficiencies, The Open Group will assemble industry veterans and thought leaders to discuss the how enterprise architects can help chart organizational change during these turbulent times.
The opening plenary sessions on Tuesday, April 28 will formally launch TOGAF(TM) version 9 in Europe with keynote sessions presented by Mike Turner, enterprise architect, Capgemini and Steve Kirby, principal enterprise architect, SAP. In addition, Judith Jones, CEO, Architecting the Enterprise, will outline how TOGAF 9 facilitates the alignment between business and IT - an essential function during an economic slowdown to demonstrate immediate business benefits and faster return on investment on EA infrastructure projects. As part of a special spotlight on the global recession, targeted session streams will address how to use EA to focus on a client's strategic objectives and how to get serious about EA. Presenters include Grant Brown, senior manager, Performance Improvement Consulting, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Bhavish Kumar, deputy practice leader, Cognizant Technology Solutions.
Enterprise architecture can be the backbone that supports organizations as they weather today's relentless changes - be it from mergers and acquisitions, organic growth, leadership or technological advances. It is all the more imperative for business leaders and enterprise architects to reinforce an organization's existing IT architecture to best withstand the negative impacts of a global recession. As such, The Open Group will host a plenary panel on Tuesday, April 28 that will discuss in detail the role that enterprise architecture and EA frameworks, such as TOGAF, play in the economic downturn. Moderator Kevin White, content director at CIO Connect, the leading independent membership and development organization dedicated solely to the CIO, will lead the interactive discussion between Capgemini's Mike Turner, Forrester principal analyst Henry Peyret, Infosys principal architect Thomas Obitz, Transport for London group CIO Phil Privett, and MITRE Corporation associate department head Terry Blevins.
The conference will also hold a variety of focused tracks addressing key issues facing the enterprise architecture community, such as business architecture and business analysis, SOA, enterprise financial systems architecture, EA governance and best practices and the EA lifecycle. Ron Tolido, CTO Continental Europe & Asia Pacific, Capgemini will host a detailed stream of sessions focused solely on business analysis relative to the current economic environment. Additional session speakers include: Ann Rosenberg, BTC Global Practice Ownership for Business Process Management, SAP; Dr. Nigel Dix, chief architect, London Underground Information Management; John McNaughton, The Salamander Organization; Ahmed Fattah, executive IT architect, IBM; and Tarmo Ploom, Credit Suisse.
"With no business today being immune to the economic recession, the advancement of thought-leadership and proven standards related to enterprise architecture are more important than ever," said Allen Brown, president and CEO, The Open Group. "Effective enterprise architecture is a critical component in creating robust, efficient organizations that can stay competitive, both in good times and in bad. We're pleased to be able to bring together experts at some of the leading end-user and vendor organizations in the world to focus on this critical subject at our London conference."
Registration, Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities
Registration is open to both members and non-members of The Open Group. For more information, or to register for the conference in London please visit: http://www.opengroup.org/london2009-apc/. Registration is free for members of the press and industry analysts.
The Open Group also offers various sponsorship and exhibit opportunities. For more information, please visit: http://www.opengroup.org/london2009-apc/sponsor-exhibit.htm.
About The Open Group
The Open Group is a vendor-neutral and technology-neutral consortium, which drives the creation of Boundaryless Information Flow(TM) that will enable access to integrated information within and between enterprises based on open standards and global interoperability. The Open Group works with customers, suppliers, consortia and other standard bodies. Its role is to capture, understand and address current and emerging requirements, establish policies and share best practices; to facilitate interoperability, develop consensus, and evolve and integrate specifications and open source technologies; to offer a comprehensive set of services to enhance the operational efficiency of consortia; and to operate the industry's premier certification service. Further information on The Open Group can be found at http://www.opengroup.org.
The opening plenary sessions on Tuesday, April 28 will formally launch TOGAF(TM) version 9 in Europe with keynote sessions presented by Mike Turner, enterprise architect, Capgemini and Steve Kirby, principal enterprise architect, SAP. In addition, Judith Jones, CEO, Architecting the Enterprise, will outline how TOGAF 9 facilitates the alignment between business and IT - an essential function during an economic slowdown to demonstrate immediate business benefits and faster return on investment on EA infrastructure projects. As part of a special spotlight on the global recession, targeted session streams will address how to use EA to focus on a client's strategic objectives and how to get serious about EA. Presenters include Grant Brown, senior manager, Performance Improvement Consulting, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Bhavish Kumar, deputy practice leader, Cognizant Technology Solutions.
Enterprise architecture can be the backbone that supports organizations as they weather today's relentless changes - be it from mergers and acquisitions, organic growth, leadership or technological advances. It is all the more imperative for business leaders and enterprise architects to reinforce an organization's existing IT architecture to best withstand the negative impacts of a global recession. As such, The Open Group will host a plenary panel on Tuesday, April 28 that will discuss in detail the role that enterprise architecture and EA frameworks, such as TOGAF, play in the economic downturn. Moderator Kevin White, content director at CIO Connect, the leading independent membership and development organization dedicated solely to the CIO, will lead the interactive discussion between Capgemini's Mike Turner, Forrester principal analyst Henry Peyret, Infosys principal architect Thomas Obitz, Transport for London group CIO Phil Privett, and MITRE Corporation associate department head Terry Blevins.
The conference will also hold a variety of focused tracks addressing key issues facing the enterprise architecture community, such as business architecture and business analysis, SOA, enterprise financial systems architecture, EA governance and best practices and the EA lifecycle. Ron Tolido, CTO Continental Europe & Asia Pacific, Capgemini will host a detailed stream of sessions focused solely on business analysis relative to the current economic environment. Additional session speakers include: Ann Rosenberg, BTC Global Practice Ownership for Business Process Management, SAP; Dr. Nigel Dix, chief architect, London Underground Information Management; John McNaughton, The Salamander Organization; Ahmed Fattah, executive IT architect, IBM; and Tarmo Ploom, Credit Suisse.
"With no business today being immune to the economic recession, the advancement of thought-leadership and proven standards related to enterprise architecture are more important than ever," said Allen Brown, president and CEO, The Open Group. "Effective enterprise architecture is a critical component in creating robust, efficient organizations that can stay competitive, both in good times and in bad. We're pleased to be able to bring together experts at some of the leading end-user and vendor organizations in the world to focus on this critical subject at our London conference."
Registration, Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities
Registration is open to both members and non-members of The Open Group. For more information, or to register for the conference in London please visit: http://www.opengroup.org/london2009-apc/. Registration is free for members of the press and industry analysts.
The Open Group also offers various sponsorship and exhibit opportunities. For more information, please visit: http://www.opengroup.org/london2009-apc/sponsor-exhibit.htm.
About The Open Group
The Open Group is a vendor-neutral and technology-neutral consortium, which drives the creation of Boundaryless Information Flow(TM) that will enable access to integrated information within and between enterprises based on open standards and global interoperability. The Open Group works with customers, suppliers, consortia and other standard bodies. Its role is to capture, understand and address current and emerging requirements, establish policies and share best practices; to facilitate interoperability, develop consensus, and evolve and integrate specifications and open source technologies; to offer a comprehensive set of services to enhance the operational efficiency of consortia; and to operate the industry's premier certification service. Further information on The Open Group can be found at http://www.opengroup.org.
Deloitte & Touche LLP Announces Leadership Changes
Nick Tommasino, Chairman and CEO of Deloitte & Touche LLP, has announced the following key leadership deployments.
Steve Van Arsdell has been appointed Deputy Managing Partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP with responsibility for the Professional Practice Network, succeeding Jim Schnurr who will become a Senior Client Partner in Deloitte's Audit and Enterprise Risk Services practice. The Professional Practice Network supports Deloitte's clients by providing tools, policies and guidance to Deloitte's client service teams and by addressing accounting, audit, risk management, regulatory, reporting, and quality assurance matters.
"Steve brings an ideal combination of client service, technical and team leadership skills to the position Throughout Steve's 35-plus year career, he has served as the Lead Client Service Partner on some of our most prominent clients and across various sectors, including aerospace & defense, manufacturing, financial services, and consumer products," said Tommasino.
Van Arsdell, who will continue to be an Advisory Partner to a number of Deloitte's premier clients, is currently Vice Chairman of the Deloitte LLP Board of Directors and serves as Chairman of the Board's Governance Committee, positions he will hold through the end of his term later this calendar year. He will continue in his role as chair of succession planning committee of Deloitte LLP.
He is also a past Chairman of the Board's Risk and Finance & Audit Committees. Prior to joining Deloitte, Van Arsdell worked for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) as a member of the technical research staff and as a technical assistant to the board's chairman.
"We are delighted that Steve is assuming this new and critically important role. At the same time, I am pleased that he will continue to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board until the conclusion of his term and also as Chairman of the succession planning committee," said Sharon Allen, Chairman of the Board of Deloitte LLP.
Schnurr served as Deputy Managing Partner with responsibility for the Professional Practice Network for the past three years and is credited with expanding and broadening the scope and quality of services provided to Deloitte's clients and practitioners through the Professional Practice Network. Most recently, Schnurr served as co-chair of a task force that undertook a comprehensive assessment of Deloitte's professional practice organization.
In his new role, Schnurr will focus on assisting select Deloitte clients and will address significant accounting, auditing, and financial reporting issues. He will also continue to participate in, and represent Deloitte among, various regulatory and professional groups in which he currently is a member, including the Standing Advisory Group of the PCAOB.
"Jim's leadership has helped guide AERS and our clients through a time of unprecedented change to both the regulatory environment and the accounting profession," said Tommasino. "His stewardship of our Professional Practice Network has been one of the critical elements that has helped us successfully navigate an increasingly complex environment."
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte & Touche LLP and Deloitte Services LP, which are separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
Steve Van Arsdell has been appointed Deputy Managing Partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP with responsibility for the Professional Practice Network, succeeding Jim Schnurr who will become a Senior Client Partner in Deloitte's Audit and Enterprise Risk Services practice. The Professional Practice Network supports Deloitte's clients by providing tools, policies and guidance to Deloitte's client service teams and by addressing accounting, audit, risk management, regulatory, reporting, and quality assurance matters.
"Steve brings an ideal combination of client service, technical and team leadership skills to the position Throughout Steve's 35-plus year career, he has served as the Lead Client Service Partner on some of our most prominent clients and across various sectors, including aerospace & defense, manufacturing, financial services, and consumer products," said Tommasino.
Van Arsdell, who will continue to be an Advisory Partner to a number of Deloitte's premier clients, is currently Vice Chairman of the Deloitte LLP Board of Directors and serves as Chairman of the Board's Governance Committee, positions he will hold through the end of his term later this calendar year. He will continue in his role as chair of succession planning committee of Deloitte LLP.
He is also a past Chairman of the Board's Risk and Finance & Audit Committees. Prior to joining Deloitte, Van Arsdell worked for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) as a member of the technical research staff and as a technical assistant to the board's chairman.
"We are delighted that Steve is assuming this new and critically important role. At the same time, I am pleased that he will continue to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board until the conclusion of his term and also as Chairman of the succession planning committee," said Sharon Allen, Chairman of the Board of Deloitte LLP.
Schnurr served as Deputy Managing Partner with responsibility for the Professional Practice Network for the past three years and is credited with expanding and broadening the scope and quality of services provided to Deloitte's clients and practitioners through the Professional Practice Network. Most recently, Schnurr served as co-chair of a task force that undertook a comprehensive assessment of Deloitte's professional practice organization.
In his new role, Schnurr will focus on assisting select Deloitte clients and will address significant accounting, auditing, and financial reporting issues. He will also continue to participate in, and represent Deloitte among, various regulatory and professional groups in which he currently is a member, including the Standing Advisory Group of the PCAOB.
"Jim's leadership has helped guide AERS and our clients through a time of unprecedented change to both the regulatory environment and the accounting profession," said Tommasino. "His stewardship of our Professional Practice Network has been one of the critical elements that has helped us successfully navigate an increasingly complex environment."
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte & Touche LLP and Deloitte Services LP, which are separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
Hyundai Motor America Renews Relationship Management Solutions Contract with Convergys to Raise the Bar on Customer Experience
Convergys Corporation , a global leader in relationship management, announced today that Hyundai Motor America has signed a three-year contract renewal for Convergys’ industry-leading customer management solutions. Hyundai first became a Convergys client in 2005.
Convergys’ relationship management solutions include dedicated and experienced customer service agents who are the first point of contact for vehicle owners contacting Hyundai’s Consumer Affairs for sales and service related concerns. Convergys provides case management, fulfillment, self-service, and back office solutions to Hyundai. Convergys also provides analytical expertise to Hyundai, leveraging the customer satisfaction surveys it conducts on behalf of the company to offer Hyundai actionable customer intelligence.
Hyundai Motor America, which has more than 790 dealerships across the United States, is focused on providing a superior customer experience to drive continued high levels of customer loyalty and retention. Throughout its multi-year relationship with Hyundai, Convergys’ continuous improvement initiatives, experienced staff, proactive training initiatives, and ability to capture and report actionable customer intelligence in areas including product design and the dealership experience, illustrate Convergys’ value as Hyundai’s relationship management partner.
“At Hyundai, we know that providing the highest level of service to our customers throughout their relationship with our company is a key driver of continued loyalty,” said Kelly Kawaguchi, Hyundai’s National Manager of Consumer Affairs. “Convergys’ experienced and knowledgeable agents ensure our owners have an excellent service experience each and every time they contact us. In addition, Convergys’ extensive reporting capabilities give us the insight we need to take positive action on trends and issues that can impact customer satisfaction.”
“Car buyers and owners are sophisticated when it comes to the purchase and maintenance of their vehicles. Providing a consistent customer experience across all channels throughout the customer’s relationship with a particular brand is a key differentiator for manufacturers and dealers and a solid predictor of return business,” said Jim Boyce, Convergys President, Global Business Units. “Convergys’ experience in the auto industry, coupled with our live agents and self-service solutions, is a key component of Hyundai’s strategy to maintain high customer satisfaction levels and drive profitable growth.”
With more than 30 years of customer support experience in the automotive industry, Convergys partners with clients to improve operational effectiveness, increase customer satisfaction, and accelerate revenue growth to create a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace for its clients.
About Hyundai
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.
About Convergys
Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG) is a global leader in relationship management. We provide solutions that drive more value from the relationships our clients have with their customers and employees. Convergys turns these everyday interactions into a source of profit and strategic advantage for our clients.
For more than 30 years, our unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence, and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.
Convergys is a member of the S&P 500 and has been voted a Fortune Most Admired Company for nine consecutive years. We have approximately 75,000 employees in 84 customer contact centers and other facilities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and our global headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.convergys.com
Convergys’ relationship management solutions include dedicated and experienced customer service agents who are the first point of contact for vehicle owners contacting Hyundai’s Consumer Affairs for sales and service related concerns. Convergys provides case management, fulfillment, self-service, and back office solutions to Hyundai. Convergys also provides analytical expertise to Hyundai, leveraging the customer satisfaction surveys it conducts on behalf of the company to offer Hyundai actionable customer intelligence.
Hyundai Motor America, which has more than 790 dealerships across the United States, is focused on providing a superior customer experience to drive continued high levels of customer loyalty and retention. Throughout its multi-year relationship with Hyundai, Convergys’ continuous improvement initiatives, experienced staff, proactive training initiatives, and ability to capture and report actionable customer intelligence in areas including product design and the dealership experience, illustrate Convergys’ value as Hyundai’s relationship management partner.
“At Hyundai, we know that providing the highest level of service to our customers throughout their relationship with our company is a key driver of continued loyalty,” said Kelly Kawaguchi, Hyundai’s National Manager of Consumer Affairs. “Convergys’ experienced and knowledgeable agents ensure our owners have an excellent service experience each and every time they contact us. In addition, Convergys’ extensive reporting capabilities give us the insight we need to take positive action on trends and issues that can impact customer satisfaction.”
“Car buyers and owners are sophisticated when it comes to the purchase and maintenance of their vehicles. Providing a consistent customer experience across all channels throughout the customer’s relationship with a particular brand is a key differentiator for manufacturers and dealers and a solid predictor of return business,” said Jim Boyce, Convergys President, Global Business Units. “Convergys’ experience in the auto industry, coupled with our live agents and self-service solutions, is a key component of Hyundai’s strategy to maintain high customer satisfaction levels and drive profitable growth.”
With more than 30 years of customer support experience in the automotive industry, Convergys partners with clients to improve operational effectiveness, increase customer satisfaction, and accelerate revenue growth to create a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace for its clients.
About Hyundai
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.
About Convergys
Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG) is a global leader in relationship management. We provide solutions that drive more value from the relationships our clients have with their customers and employees. Convergys turns these everyday interactions into a source of profit and strategic advantage for our clients.
For more than 30 years, our unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence, and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.
Convergys is a member of the S&P 500 and has been voted a Fortune Most Admired Company for nine consecutive years. We have approximately 75,000 employees in 84 customer contact centers and other facilities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and our global headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.convergys.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Deloitte Australia Links Stronger Employee Engagement With Higher Revenue Growth; Implements SuccessFactors to Identify Top Talent
SuccessFactors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFSF), the global leader in on-demand performance and talent management solutions, today announced that Deloitte Australia, a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, one of the world’s leading professional services organizations, has deployed the SuccessFactors Performance and Talent Suite to manage the goals and performance of its 4,000 employees.
A trusted global brand, Deloitte Australia is part of a $27.4 billion global network of associated firms operating in nearly 140 countries, with 165,000 people. In Australia, Deloitte has 12 offices, 400 partners and over 4,500 people who provide audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients across the country. Deloitte strives to be an “employer of choice,” and saw SuccessFactors as an ideal solution to identify and retain the top talent it requires to maintain strong revenue growth rates.
Deloitte believes its people are its competitive advantage, so the firm sought a system to consistently measure, develop, and reward them. A core requirement was to align employee objectives to the corporate strategy so employees would deliver the work that matters most. SuccessFactors was selected due to its leadership in the employee performance management market, the flexibility of the system to meet Deloitte’s specific business requirements, and its cost-effective, on-demand delivery model. Deloitte’s core competencies, which were created to drive the business and differentiate the firm from its competitors, are embedded in SuccessFactors to inspire its employees and enable them to deliver outstanding value to their clients, markets, and communities.
Alec Bashinsky, National Partner - People & Performance from Deloitte Australia, said, “An engaged and aligned workforce is at the foundation of being a great company, which Deloitte Australia aspires to continuously achieve. Our deployment of SuccessFactors has been incredibly productive; 95% of our employees used the system for reviews and we’ve already seen healthy performance discussion across our offices. The system also provides our management team immediate access to reporting tools to monitor the business. It’s also nice to work with partners who think globally and act locally, as we continue to get value from the SuccessFactors team in Australia.”
SuccessFactors Expands Presence across Australia and Asia Pacific
SuccessFactors has significantly expanded its operations across Asia Pacific with dedicated product, sales, and implementation teams to support its growing customer base. The company enjoys relationships with customers in the automotive, education, financial services and manufacturing industries, among many others.
“This current global economic environment provides unique opportunities for companies to cultivate its top talent and future leaders to weather the storm. Enlightened companies still see their people as key to future growth, which is why SuccessFactors is thrilled work with Deloitte Australia,” said Lars Dalgaard, SuccessFactors’ founder and chief executive officer. “SuccessFactors has and will continue to strategically invest in regions we believe will produce big results. Everything we see across Asia Pacific leads us to optimism.”
With a 160 percent compounded annual growth rate since early 2006, SuccessFactors has grown its customer base more than 85 percent year-over-year and now has more than 550 customers and 270,000 users with a presence in Asia Pacific, with logins up nearly 100% to 4.4 million in the last 12-months alone. SuccessFactors is also seeing great traction and discernable potential in Japan, Australia, China, Singapore, Korea, New Zealand and India.
SuccessFactors performance and talent management software includes recruiting management, goal management, succession management, 360-degree review, compensation planning, learning and development, and analytics and reporting applications. The solution creates a company-wide network of information related to employee performance, including skill-sets, interests, career aspirations, ability to relocate, experience, languages spoken and more. By providing deep, real-time, company-wide visibility into such critical performance data, companies are able to make better, more informed decisions about how to promote, recruit, compensate, reward and manage their entire employee base.
About SuccessFactors, Inc.
SuccessFactors is one of the fastest growing public software companies and the leading provider of on-demand employee performance and talent management solutions. The company enables organizations of every size, and across every industry and geography, to achieve high-performing workforces through goal alignment and execution, talent development and planning, and pay-for-performance initiatives. From 92 customers and approximately 282,000 end users in 2003 to more than 2,590 customers and 4.5 million end users today, SuccessFactors’ solutions are widely deployed across 60 industries in over 185 countries in 31 languages. Founded in 2001 with offices around the world, the company employs passionate people focused on revolutionizing the future of work. For more information, visit: http://www.successfactors.com.
A trusted global brand, Deloitte Australia is part of a $27.4 billion global network of associated firms operating in nearly 140 countries, with 165,000 people. In Australia, Deloitte has 12 offices, 400 partners and over 4,500 people who provide audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients across the country. Deloitte strives to be an “employer of choice,” and saw SuccessFactors as an ideal solution to identify and retain the top talent it requires to maintain strong revenue growth rates.
Deloitte believes its people are its competitive advantage, so the firm sought a system to consistently measure, develop, and reward them. A core requirement was to align employee objectives to the corporate strategy so employees would deliver the work that matters most. SuccessFactors was selected due to its leadership in the employee performance management market, the flexibility of the system to meet Deloitte’s specific business requirements, and its cost-effective, on-demand delivery model. Deloitte’s core competencies, which were created to drive the business and differentiate the firm from its competitors, are embedded in SuccessFactors to inspire its employees and enable them to deliver outstanding value to their clients, markets, and communities.
Alec Bashinsky, National Partner - People & Performance from Deloitte Australia, said, “An engaged and aligned workforce is at the foundation of being a great company, which Deloitte Australia aspires to continuously achieve. Our deployment of SuccessFactors has been incredibly productive; 95% of our employees used the system for reviews and we’ve already seen healthy performance discussion across our offices. The system also provides our management team immediate access to reporting tools to monitor the business. It’s also nice to work with partners who think globally and act locally, as we continue to get value from the SuccessFactors team in Australia.”
SuccessFactors Expands Presence across Australia and Asia Pacific
SuccessFactors has significantly expanded its operations across Asia Pacific with dedicated product, sales, and implementation teams to support its growing customer base. The company enjoys relationships with customers in the automotive, education, financial services and manufacturing industries, among many others.
“This current global economic environment provides unique opportunities for companies to cultivate its top talent and future leaders to weather the storm. Enlightened companies still see their people as key to future growth, which is why SuccessFactors is thrilled work with Deloitte Australia,” said Lars Dalgaard, SuccessFactors’ founder and chief executive officer. “SuccessFactors has and will continue to strategically invest in regions we believe will produce big results. Everything we see across Asia Pacific leads us to optimism.”
With a 160 percent compounded annual growth rate since early 2006, SuccessFactors has grown its customer base more than 85 percent year-over-year and now has more than 550 customers and 270,000 users with a presence in Asia Pacific, with logins up nearly 100% to 4.4 million in the last 12-months alone. SuccessFactors is also seeing great traction and discernable potential in Japan, Australia, China, Singapore, Korea, New Zealand and India.
SuccessFactors performance and talent management software includes recruiting management, goal management, succession management, 360-degree review, compensation planning, learning and development, and analytics and reporting applications. The solution creates a company-wide network of information related to employee performance, including skill-sets, interests, career aspirations, ability to relocate, experience, languages spoken and more. By providing deep, real-time, company-wide visibility into such critical performance data, companies are able to make better, more informed decisions about how to promote, recruit, compensate, reward and manage their entire employee base.
About SuccessFactors, Inc.
SuccessFactors is one of the fastest growing public software companies and the leading provider of on-demand employee performance and talent management solutions. The company enables organizations of every size, and across every industry and geography, to achieve high-performing workforces through goal alignment and execution, talent development and planning, and pay-for-performance initiatives. From 92 customers and approximately 282,000 end users in 2003 to more than 2,590 customers and 4.5 million end users today, SuccessFactors’ solutions are widely deployed across 60 industries in over 185 countries in 31 languages. Founded in 2001 with offices around the world, the company employs passionate people focused on revolutionizing the future of work. For more information, visit: http://www.successfactors.com.
DecisionSoft Signs Five Year Agreement with HMRC to Streamline E-Filing Business Rules
he UK tax authority, HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”), has signed a long term services contract with DecisionSoft, a leading XML tools and services vendor based in Oxford, to deliver a centralised and streamlined mechanism to define the way that taxpayer software interacts with HMRC’s e-filing systems.
The Rules and Interface Management Service (“RIM”), which is delivered through HMRC's Aspire IT outsourcing partnership with Capgemini, helps business experts working inside HMRC define what information needs to be collected from taxpayers and the validation rules that are used to determine that the data has been submitted correctly.
In addition to standardised interface specifications, the service generates computer-readable validation rules for each filing service. The rules are plugged directly into HMRC’s processing architecture, and can be used by third party software developers within their own software.
“RIM makes it much easier to work with HMRC to develop high quality filing software,” said Kathryne Jobling, Operations Director at Pegasus Software. “We can rely on the consistent presentation of business rules and validation code.”
The service will provide common interface definitions for all HMRC's e-filing systems, allowing HMRC to re-use data and validation requirements across the organisation, enforcing consistency between its different online services. “RIM allows HMRC to take a 'joined-up' approach across its entire estate,” said Philip Allen, Chairman and Founder of DecisionSoft. “It cuts the risk of adding new services, for both HMRC and for third party software vendors.”
About HMRC
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was formed on the 18 April 2005, following the merger of Inland Revenue and HM Customs & Excise. HMRC is responsible for the collection and administration of direct and indirect taxes in the United Kingdom, and for the payment of child benefit, and tax credits.
About Aspire
Aspire is HMRC’s contract with Capgemini for the provision of IT and related services. Capgemini delivers the services through a consortium of major IT providers. The 13 year contract runs to June 2017.
About DecisionSoft Limited
DecisionSoft Limited is a leading XML tools and services provider, specialising in the design, publication and validation of XML and XBRL documents and interfaces. Founded in 1997, DecisionSoft provides core modelling and validation technology used by government departments and other large organisations around the world.
The Rules and Interface Management Service (“RIM”), which is delivered through HMRC's Aspire IT outsourcing partnership with Capgemini, helps business experts working inside HMRC define what information needs to be collected from taxpayers and the validation rules that are used to determine that the data has been submitted correctly.
In addition to standardised interface specifications, the service generates computer-readable validation rules for each filing service. The rules are plugged directly into HMRC’s processing architecture, and can be used by third party software developers within their own software.
“RIM makes it much easier to work with HMRC to develop high quality filing software,” said Kathryne Jobling, Operations Director at Pegasus Software. “We can rely on the consistent presentation of business rules and validation code.”
The service will provide common interface definitions for all HMRC's e-filing systems, allowing HMRC to re-use data and validation requirements across the organisation, enforcing consistency between its different online services. “RIM allows HMRC to take a 'joined-up' approach across its entire estate,” said Philip Allen, Chairman and Founder of DecisionSoft. “It cuts the risk of adding new services, for both HMRC and for third party software vendors.”
About HMRC
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was formed on the 18 April 2005, following the merger of Inland Revenue and HM Customs & Excise. HMRC is responsible for the collection and administration of direct and indirect taxes in the United Kingdom, and for the payment of child benefit, and tax credits.
About Aspire
Aspire is HMRC’s contract with Capgemini for the provision of IT and related services. Capgemini delivers the services through a consortium of major IT providers. The 13 year contract runs to June 2017.
About DecisionSoft Limited
DecisionSoft Limited is a leading XML tools and services provider, specialising in the design, publication and validation of XML and XBRL documents and interfaces. Founded in 1997, DecisionSoft provides core modelling and validation technology used by government departments and other large organisations around the world.
Keane Appoints Two Executive Vice Presidents to Enhance Client Management and Service Delivery in North America
Keane, Inc., a global services firm that specializes in optimizing IT investments, today announced that it has appointed two seasoned executives to manage the Company's sales, client management and service delivery functions in the U.S.
Bob Gray, who will be based in Atlanta, will serve as Executive Vice President, Global Services responsible for client management and service delivery in the South, Southwest and Western region of the U.S.
Jim Milde, who will be based in New York, will serve as Executive Vice President, Global Services responsible for client management and service delivery in the metro New York, Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S.
Both Mr. Gray and Mr. Milde have also been named members of Keane's Executive Leadership Council and will report directly to Mani Subramanian, Chief Executive Officer of Keane.
Mr. Gray has spent his entire career in management consulting and information technology services serving in various client and practice leadership roles at Anderson Consulting (now Accenture), Gemini Consulting, Ernst & Young Consulting, Capgemini, and BearingPoint. During his career, he developed and led some of the largest client relationships worldwide. He has led global and national merger and acquisition, supply chain, and IT practices and worked with clients across numerous industries. His international experience includes Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. His clients of note have included ABB, BellSouth, Blackstone, Bridgestone/Firestone, Citibank, Citrix, Elmer's Products, FedEx, Fluor Daniel, General Motors, Goodrich, Kimberly-Clark, Michelin, Southwest Airlines, Syngenta, United Airlines, and UPS. Bob is a graduate of Purdue University (BS, Industrial Engineering) and the University of Chicago (MBA, Financial Management) and he has been a frequent speaker, author and contributor to various publications. He serves at the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Swift School, a leading private school in Atlanta serving children with dyslexia and learning disabilities.
Mr. Milde started his career with Anderson Consulting and later held various executive leadership roles serving as COO and CIO with companies such as Random House, Pepsi Bottling, Sony Electronics and United Rentals. Most recently, he served as a principal at Summit Advisors focused on the evaluation and optimization of the supply chain and information technology functions for portfolio companies of various private equity firms. He received his Bachelor's from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from Clarkson University. Jim is board member and advisor to various public and not for profit organizations.
"These appointments represent another step towards aligning our practices and organizational structure to address our clients' needs and provide the ability to take decisive actions on behalf of our clients. Both Bob and Jim also have significant experience with, and exposure to, the C-level of Fortune 100 companies, as well as substantial track records in Client Management and Sales. This is a key quality for us to accelerate growth in existing clients, develop new client wins and top line growth within North American-based global accounts," said Mani Subramanian, Chief Executive Officer of Keane. "Bob and Jim will provide valuable leadership and oversight throughout the organization to ensure the right level of collaboration, alignment, and general concentrated efforts on a global basis."
About Keane
Keane partners with businesses and government agencies to optimize IT investments by delivering exceptional operation, maintenance, and evolution of mission-critical systems and business processes. Keane helps clients realize the greatest value from their IT investments by leveraging an insider's hands-on understanding of the nuances and subtleties of their applications, processes and infrastructure making the recommendations we give more actionable, the work we do more pragmatic, and the results realized more measurable.
In business since 1965, Keane is an agile, midsized, full service IT services firm with headquartered in the United States and more than 13,000 employees globally. For more information on Keane's services, solutions, and locations, please visit www.keane.com.
Bob Gray, who will be based in Atlanta, will serve as Executive Vice President, Global Services responsible for client management and service delivery in the South, Southwest and Western region of the U.S.
Jim Milde, who will be based in New York, will serve as Executive Vice President, Global Services responsible for client management and service delivery in the metro New York, Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S.
Both Mr. Gray and Mr. Milde have also been named members of Keane's Executive Leadership Council and will report directly to Mani Subramanian, Chief Executive Officer of Keane.
Mr. Gray has spent his entire career in management consulting and information technology services serving in various client and practice leadership roles at Anderson Consulting (now Accenture), Gemini Consulting, Ernst & Young Consulting, Capgemini, and BearingPoint. During his career, he developed and led some of the largest client relationships worldwide. He has led global and national merger and acquisition, supply chain, and IT practices and worked with clients across numerous industries. His international experience includes Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. His clients of note have included ABB, BellSouth, Blackstone, Bridgestone/Firestone, Citibank, Citrix, Elmer's Products, FedEx, Fluor Daniel, General Motors, Goodrich, Kimberly-Clark, Michelin, Southwest Airlines, Syngenta, United Airlines, and UPS. Bob is a graduate of Purdue University (BS, Industrial Engineering) and the University of Chicago (MBA, Financial Management) and he has been a frequent speaker, author and contributor to various publications. He serves at the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Swift School, a leading private school in Atlanta serving children with dyslexia and learning disabilities.
Mr. Milde started his career with Anderson Consulting and later held various executive leadership roles serving as COO and CIO with companies such as Random House, Pepsi Bottling, Sony Electronics and United Rentals. Most recently, he served as a principal at Summit Advisors focused on the evaluation and optimization of the supply chain and information technology functions for portfolio companies of various private equity firms. He received his Bachelor's from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from Clarkson University. Jim is board member and advisor to various public and not for profit organizations.
"These appointments represent another step towards aligning our practices and organizational structure to address our clients' needs and provide the ability to take decisive actions on behalf of our clients. Both Bob and Jim also have significant experience with, and exposure to, the C-level of Fortune 100 companies, as well as substantial track records in Client Management and Sales. This is a key quality for us to accelerate growth in existing clients, develop new client wins and top line growth within North American-based global accounts," said Mani Subramanian, Chief Executive Officer of Keane. "Bob and Jim will provide valuable leadership and oversight throughout the organization to ensure the right level of collaboration, alignment, and general concentrated efforts on a global basis."
About Keane
Keane partners with businesses and government agencies to optimize IT investments by delivering exceptional operation, maintenance, and evolution of mission-critical systems and business processes. Keane helps clients realize the greatest value from their IT investments by leveraging an insider's hands-on understanding of the nuances and subtleties of their applications, processes and infrastructure making the recommendations we give more actionable, the work we do more pragmatic, and the results realized more measurable.
In business since 1965, Keane is an agile, midsized, full service IT services firm with headquartered in the United States and more than 13,000 employees globally. For more information on Keane's services, solutions, and locations, please visit www.keane.com.
Exervio Management Consulting reaches 137% of ASC Fundraising Goal
Exervio Management Consulting celebrates its 3rd Annual Arts and Science Council (ASC) Campaign which ended March 2nd, 2008. Exervio achieved 137% of its goal to raise $4,100 through company-wide participation.
One of Exervio’s Core Values, Stewardship, is seen through the company’s commitment to the Charlotte community and its growth. Due to the common threads between Exervio’s commitment to the cultural growth of the city and the ASC’s role in the community, the Exervio team continues to show great enthusiasm to support this local philanthropy.
“I am thrilled with not only the participation but also the support exhibited by Exervio and our employees” says Mark Heisig Exervio Management Consulting Partner and Arts and Science Council Board Member. “Our employees continually go above and beyond to support our community and despite the impact economy is having n them, they see the ASC as critical conduit to arts, science and history in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
About Exervio
Exervio Management Consulting provides process improvement, business and operations analysis and information technology solutions. The company includes over 60 seasoned consulting professionals, with offices in Atlanta and Dallas and headquarters in Charlotte, NC. Exervio delivers value to local clients by deploying small teams to define business strategies, improve operational effectiveness and execute the projects required to achieve results. Additional information is available at www.exervio.com.
One of Exervio’s Core Values, Stewardship, is seen through the company’s commitment to the Charlotte community and its growth. Due to the common threads between Exervio’s commitment to the cultural growth of the city and the ASC’s role in the community, the Exervio team continues to show great enthusiasm to support this local philanthropy.
“I am thrilled with not only the participation but also the support exhibited by Exervio and our employees” says Mark Heisig Exervio Management Consulting Partner and Arts and Science Council Board Member. “Our employees continually go above and beyond to support our community and despite the impact economy is having n them, they see the ASC as critical conduit to arts, science and history in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
About Exervio
Exervio Management Consulting provides process improvement, business and operations analysis and information technology solutions. The company includes over 60 seasoned consulting professionals, with offices in Atlanta and Dallas and headquarters in Charlotte, NC. Exervio delivers value to local clients by deploying small teams to define business strategies, improve operational effectiveness and execute the projects required to achieve results. Additional information is available at www.exervio.com.
Menzies Consulting Hosting 'Facebook Fridays' Seminars in April
Strategic messaging and online publishing firm Menzies Consulting, Inc. will be hosting "Facebook Fridays" seminars throughout April to provide live, interactive Q&A on the basics of good public and media relations.
Veteran communicator David D. Menzies, company president, will be available to take questions from members of the business community between 10-11 a.m. on April 3, 10, 17 and 24 on the Menzies Consulting, Inc. Facebook page.
"There are so many good stories out there in the business community, in North Carolina and across the country, but in many cases a business with a great story doesn't know how to tell it so nobody hears about it," Menzies said.
The types of questions Menzies said he usually gets from PR novices have to do with messaging, delivery and audience.
"Often people know what they do but aren't sure how to explain it, much less how to get their message out and who to get it to," he said, adding he will be providing a "PR-101" video presentation link on his company's Facebook page prior to each live chat. The PR-101 piece will cover such topics as public relations tools and methodologies; what news is actually newsworthy; and how to supply media outlets with solid information that is useful to their readers, viewers or listeners.
Menzies said he chose to host the seminars on Facebook due to the business community's growing familiarity with the social networking site in addition to the quality of its interactive features and applications. Many businesses promote "Facebook Fridays" to their workers to allow an hour of free time to decompress after a busy work week.
To participate in the Facebook Friday seminars, individuals need to signup for a free Facebook account and submit a Facebook request to be "friended" by Menzies Consulting. For more information email David Menzies at dmenzies@menziesconsulting.com.
About Menzies Consulting, Inc. Menzies Consulting, Inc. is an independent communications consultancy, providing full-service strategic messaging and online publishing solutions that enable our clients to achieve their goals. We help businesses and organizations figure-out what they are trying to say, who they are trying to say it to, and then deliver that message via proven public relations and marketing tools and methodologies. For more information, visit www.menziesconsulting.com.
Veteran communicator David D. Menzies, company president, will be available to take questions from members of the business community between 10-11 a.m. on April 3, 10, 17 and 24 on the Menzies Consulting, Inc. Facebook page.
"There are so many good stories out there in the business community, in North Carolina and across the country, but in many cases a business with a great story doesn't know how to tell it so nobody hears about it," Menzies said.
The types of questions Menzies said he usually gets from PR novices have to do with messaging, delivery and audience.
"Often people know what they do but aren't sure how to explain it, much less how to get their message out and who to get it to," he said, adding he will be providing a "PR-101" video presentation link on his company's Facebook page prior to each live chat. The PR-101 piece will cover such topics as public relations tools and methodologies; what news is actually newsworthy; and how to supply media outlets with solid information that is useful to their readers, viewers or listeners.
Menzies said he chose to host the seminars on Facebook due to the business community's growing familiarity with the social networking site in addition to the quality of its interactive features and applications. Many businesses promote "Facebook Fridays" to their workers to allow an hour of free time to decompress after a busy work week.
To participate in the Facebook Friday seminars, individuals need to signup for a free Facebook account and submit a Facebook request to be "friended" by Menzies Consulting. For more information email David Menzies at dmenzies@menziesconsulting.com.
About Menzies Consulting, Inc. Menzies Consulting, Inc. is an independent communications consultancy, providing full-service strategic messaging and online publishing solutions that enable our clients to achieve their goals. We help businesses and organizations figure-out what they are trying to say, who they are trying to say it to, and then deliver that message via proven public relations and marketing tools and methodologies. For more information, visit www.menziesconsulting.com.
Accenture Drops In After-Hours Following Q2 Release
Accenture Ltd. is plummeting during Thursday's after-hours trading following the release of quarterly results. At 4:53 pm ET the stock is trading at $29.46 down $2.50 from Thursday's close.
With the decline, the stock is indicated to open at its lowest level in about two weeks.
The company posted second quarter net income of $498.77 million, or $0.63 per share, compared to $530.40 million, or $0.64 per share, in the same period last year.
On average, 18 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.62 per share.
Quarterly revenues decreased to $5.65 million from $6.05 million in the previous year period. Revenues before reimbursements for the second quarter were $5.27 billion, compared to $5.61 billion in the second quarter last year.
Eighteen Wall Street analysts expected revenues of $5.53 billion.
With the decline, the stock is indicated to open at its lowest level in about two weeks.
The company posted second quarter net income of $498.77 million, or $0.63 per share, compared to $530.40 million, or $0.64 per share, in the same period last year.
On average, 18 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.62 per share.
Quarterly revenues decreased to $5.65 million from $6.05 million in the previous year period. Revenues before reimbursements for the second quarter were $5.27 billion, compared to $5.61 billion in the second quarter last year.
Eighteen Wall Street analysts expected revenues of $5.53 billion.
Lockheed Martin Wins GSA Contract to Support Application Needs for Federal Acquisition Service
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been awarded a Basic Purchase Agreement with a ceiling value of $400 million by the General Services Administration to provide software and systems support to the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS).
Under the contract, known as the FAS Applications, Maintenance and Enhancements (FAME) program, Lockheed Martin will perform task orders consisting of mission critical applications, contract transition activities, and program management. The contract is expected to expand to additional operation and maintenance and modernization.
Peggy Burns, vice president for Information and Knowledge Solutions at Lockheed Martin, said, "We are excited to be able to serve the mission application needs of GSA and the Federal Acquisition Service, as they strive to leverage their buying power to get the best value for agencies across the Federal Government. We commit to delivering excellent services to this valued customer."
The single-award BPA was awarded under the GSA Schedule 70 contracting vehicle.
Lockheed Martin is joined by teammates Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va.; Dynanet Corporation, Elkridge, Md.; CGI Group, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Applied Engineering Management Corporation, Chantilly, Va.; TEK Systems, Hanover, Md.; MacQuarium, Atlanta, Ga.; Emesec, Inc., Herndon, Va.; and UPP Business Systems, Downers Grove, Ill.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com
Under the contract, known as the FAS Applications, Maintenance and Enhancements (FAME) program, Lockheed Martin will perform task orders consisting of mission critical applications, contract transition activities, and program management. The contract is expected to expand to additional operation and maintenance and modernization.
Peggy Burns, vice president for Information and Knowledge Solutions at Lockheed Martin, said, "We are excited to be able to serve the mission application needs of GSA and the Federal Acquisition Service, as they strive to leverage their buying power to get the best value for agencies across the Federal Government. We commit to delivering excellent services to this valued customer."
The single-award BPA was awarded under the GSA Schedule 70 contracting vehicle.
Lockheed Martin is joined by teammates Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va.; Dynanet Corporation, Elkridge, Md.; CGI Group, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Applied Engineering Management Corporation, Chantilly, Va.; TEK Systems, Hanover, Md.; MacQuarium, Atlanta, Ga.; Emesec, Inc., Herndon, Va.; and UPP Business Systems, Downers Grove, Ill.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Accenture Helps Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation Modernize Technology and Streamline Licensing and Regulatory Processes
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has helped Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) implement a significant operational and technology upgrade on-budget and ahead of schedule. The implementation of OFR’s Regulatory Enforcement and Licensing (REAL) system has streamlined and improved the efficiency of OFR’s licensing and regulatory services.
OFR is a statewide agency responsible for licensing, chartering, examining and regulating depository and non-depository financial institutions and financial service companies.
The REAL project, which began in early 2007 and was completed this January, replaced more than 20 legacy information technology systems to provide OFR with an integrated financial regulatory management system. Drawing on its global systems integration expertise, Accenture helped design, develop and implement the new system to combine and automate some core processes for fiscal, licensing, investigations, examination, legal and complaint functions that previously required significant manual input.
The REAL project established new self-service functions and extended the back-office licensing processes in order to improve overall processing times. As a result of these new features, 100 percent of initial applications from the mortgage industry and all mortgage industry renewals may now be received online. The average processing time for mortgage industry renewals declined from more than 12 days at the project outset to less than an hour today. The new system also strengthens OFR’s capability to assess license applicants and to monitor regulatory compliance of financial institutions.
“The REAL system helps state workers deliver higher-quality services to Florida businesses, while at the same time making it easier for companies to conduct their business with the state,” said David Moskovitz, managing director of Accenture’s U.S. state and local practice. “Streamlining business processes, improving customer service and implementing new technological capabilities have helped modernize this vital state agency.”
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With more than 186,000 people serving clients in over 120 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$23.39 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2008. Its home page is www.accenture.com.
OFR is a statewide agency responsible for licensing, chartering, examining and regulating depository and non-depository financial institutions and financial service companies.
The REAL project, which began in early 2007 and was completed this January, replaced more than 20 legacy information technology systems to provide OFR with an integrated financial regulatory management system. Drawing on its global systems integration expertise, Accenture helped design, develop and implement the new system to combine and automate some core processes for fiscal, licensing, investigations, examination, legal and complaint functions that previously required significant manual input.
The REAL project established new self-service functions and extended the back-office licensing processes in order to improve overall processing times. As a result of these new features, 100 percent of initial applications from the mortgage industry and all mortgage industry renewals may now be received online. The average processing time for mortgage industry renewals declined from more than 12 days at the project outset to less than an hour today. The new system also strengthens OFR’s capability to assess license applicants and to monitor regulatory compliance of financial institutions.
“The REAL system helps state workers deliver higher-quality services to Florida businesses, while at the same time making it easier for companies to conduct their business with the state,” said David Moskovitz, managing director of Accenture’s U.S. state and local practice. “Streamlining business processes, improving customer service and implementing new technological capabilities have helped modernize this vital state agency.”
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With more than 186,000 people serving clients in over 120 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$23.39 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2008. Its home page is www.accenture.com.
Deloitte Study: Recession-Minded Shared Services Organizations Focusing on Cost, Customer Satisfaction
Cost reduction and customer satisfaction are top of mind for shared services leaders as they work to support their businesses through the recession, according to a new study presented by Deloitte today at the 13th Annual Shared Services Week in Orlando, Florida.
Shared services are defined as the practice of shifting support processes out of a company's business units or divisions and into a separate service-focused organization. The 2009 survey marks the fifth in Deloitte's continuing series of research studies about shared services organizations (SSOs).
"Across the globe, organizations are trying to minimize their overall structural costs, so it is not surprising that cost control was one of the most prominent themes in this year's results," said Susan Hogan, principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP and leader of Deloitte's shared services practices. "Even though cost reduction has always been a primary goal of shared services organizations [SSOs], it's obvious that the recession has increased the sense of urgency around delivering financial savings to the bottom line."
Cost reduction was the most frequently cited driver for a number of planned shared services initiatives, including:
Survey respondents are also placing greater emphasis on customer satisfaction than they did in 2007. "In a tough economy, shared services leaders know that they have to not only deliver value, but strengthen relationships with their customers and with corporate to work effectively," says Hogan.
In this year's study, maintaining high customer service levels displaced output quality as the most frequently cited people challenge, with 27 percent of the 2009 respondents identifying it as an "extremely significant" challenge. Forty-three percent of the 2009 respondents also reported that increasing customer satisfaction would be a top priority over the next two years.
The concern with cost has also not kept SSOs from striving to increase their value to the business. SSOs continue to expand into advisory services, a trend that was especially noticeable in areas that have historically been slower to migrate into shared services, including facility management, fleet management, engineering, marketing, R&D, and production planning. Fifty-seven percent of the 2009 respondents reported they planned to increase the number of advisory processes in their SSOs, up from 47 percent in 2007.
Respondents had a very positive view of the impact of their SSOs on the business. Ninety-one percent of respondents reported that their SSOs had improved process efficiency, and 91 percent reported shared services had improved process quality. Eighty-six percent reported that their SSOs had had a positive impact on cost reduction, and 85 percent reported that shared services had improved service levels. In addition, more than 90 percent of respondents reported that their SSOs had achieved consistent annual productivity improvements.
As in previous surveys, internal controls and compliance continue to be one important area in which SSOs reduce costs. 79 percent of respondents reported that their SSOs lowered the cost of maintaining and complying with internal control requirements (such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). Additionally, 85 percent believe that their SSOs will play an active role in the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Talent is another area in which SSOs deliver business value. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported that SSO employees "sometimes" (51 percent) or "very often" (12 percent) move to positions in the business, suggesting that many companies are coming to view SSOs as a breeding ground for talent.
About the Survey
Deloitte surveyed 265 shared services leaders around the world who provided data on 733 individual shared services facilities. Participants came from companies in all major industry groups. The median annual revenue of responding companies was approximately $10.5 billion.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Tax LLP and Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, which are separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
Shared services are defined as the practice of shifting support processes out of a company's business units or divisions and into a separate service-focused organization. The 2009 survey marks the fifth in Deloitte's continuing series of research studies about shared services organizations (SSOs).
"Across the globe, organizations are trying to minimize their overall structural costs, so it is not surprising that cost control was one of the most prominent themes in this year's results," said Susan Hogan, principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP and leader of Deloitte's shared services practices. "Even though cost reduction has always been a primary goal of shared services organizations [SSOs], it's obvious that the recession has increased the sense of urgency around delivering financial savings to the bottom line."
Cost reduction was the most frequently cited driver for a number of planned shared services initiatives, including:
- Shared services center relocation. Among respondents who planned to relocate one or more of their shared services facilities, 92 percent reported that cost reduction was an important reason for the anticipated relocation.
- Changing the number of shared services centers. Forty-eight percent of respondents planned to increase the number of shared services facilities over the next five years; of these, 46 percent reported that cost reduction was the main driver of the increase. Of the 16 percent of respondents who reported they planned to decrease the number of shared services facilities over the next five years, 71 percent cited cost reduction as the main driver of the reduction.
- Driving incremental value. Seventy-two percent of respondents reported that cost reduction was one of their top three priorities for driving incremental value from their SSOs in the next two years. In addition, 62 percent reported that improving processes - a vital contribution to cost reduction - was among their top three priorities.
Survey respondents are also placing greater emphasis on customer satisfaction than they did in 2007. "In a tough economy, shared services leaders know that they have to not only deliver value, but strengthen relationships with their customers and with corporate to work effectively," says Hogan.
In this year's study, maintaining high customer service levels displaced output quality as the most frequently cited people challenge, with 27 percent of the 2009 respondents identifying it as an "extremely significant" challenge. Forty-three percent of the 2009 respondents also reported that increasing customer satisfaction would be a top priority over the next two years.
The concern with cost has also not kept SSOs from striving to increase their value to the business. SSOs continue to expand into advisory services, a trend that was especially noticeable in areas that have historically been slower to migrate into shared services, including facility management, fleet management, engineering, marketing, R&D, and production planning. Fifty-seven percent of the 2009 respondents reported they planned to increase the number of advisory processes in their SSOs, up from 47 percent in 2007.
Respondents had a very positive view of the impact of their SSOs on the business. Ninety-one percent of respondents reported that their SSOs had improved process efficiency, and 91 percent reported shared services had improved process quality. Eighty-six percent reported that their SSOs had had a positive impact on cost reduction, and 85 percent reported that shared services had improved service levels. In addition, more than 90 percent of respondents reported that their SSOs had achieved consistent annual productivity improvements.
As in previous surveys, internal controls and compliance continue to be one important area in which SSOs reduce costs. 79 percent of respondents reported that their SSOs lowered the cost of maintaining and complying with internal control requirements (such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). Additionally, 85 percent believe that their SSOs will play an active role in the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Talent is another area in which SSOs deliver business value. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported that SSO employees "sometimes" (51 percent) or "very often" (12 percent) move to positions in the business, suggesting that many companies are coming to view SSOs as a breeding ground for talent.
About the Survey
Deloitte surveyed 265 shared services leaders around the world who provided data on 733 individual shared services facilities. Participants came from companies in all major industry groups. The median annual revenue of responding companies was approximately $10.5 billion.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Tax LLP and Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, which are separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
BestIT Operation Expands as Client Demand Grows
In the past three months, BestIT -- the premier independent distributor of top-tier software/hardware products and unique IT consulting -- has doubled in size in both the United States and abroad in China.
As a company that is knowledgeable and skilled in enterprise technology systems, BestIT effectively satisfies the mounting demand for special IT services. Their clients are comprised of many different businesses that need a tailored IT solution specific to their company's end goals.
Most of the customers who opt for BestIT's offerings are looking for a solution that can answer the challenging economic conditions with resounding efficiency and competence. Companies both large and small are growing more concerned with the prospect of devoting extra time and resources to matters that can be better achieved through IT Outsourcing.
"Senior executives are looking for low-cost IT solutions to keep themselves ahead of the curve in a difficult global market," says Vice President of Sales, Peter Hand. "These companies have been looking to BestIT to fulfill this need."
It is not just a matter about finding outsourced IT solutions; it's about finding someone who can understand that "high quality" and "discount IT services" are not mutually exclusive ideas. With several consecutive quarters of continuous growth, BestIT is able to prove their caliber and clear comprehension of this concept.
About BestIT
BestIT is a unique provider of robust IT business and technology solutions. They have a comprehensive portfolio of exceptional consulting services, Oracle certified technology, software and applications. They can assist with any information technology initiative -- from start to finish, large or small -- in the most cost-effective manner possible. Ultimately, BestIT does its best to allow businesses to focus on their core priorities and competencies while simultaneously providing them an excellent level of service.
As a company that is knowledgeable and skilled in enterprise technology systems, BestIT effectively satisfies the mounting demand for special IT services. Their clients are comprised of many different businesses that need a tailored IT solution specific to their company's end goals.
Most of the customers who opt for BestIT's offerings are looking for a solution that can answer the challenging economic conditions with resounding efficiency and competence. Companies both large and small are growing more concerned with the prospect of devoting extra time and resources to matters that can be better achieved through IT Outsourcing.
"Senior executives are looking for low-cost IT solutions to keep themselves ahead of the curve in a difficult global market," says Vice President of Sales, Peter Hand. "These companies have been looking to BestIT to fulfill this need."
It is not just a matter about finding outsourced IT solutions; it's about finding someone who can understand that "high quality" and "discount IT services" are not mutually exclusive ideas. With several consecutive quarters of continuous growth, BestIT is able to prove their caliber and clear comprehension of this concept.
About BestIT
BestIT is a unique provider of robust IT business and technology solutions. They have a comprehensive portfolio of exceptional consulting services, Oracle certified technology, software and applications. They can assist with any information technology initiative -- from start to finish, large or small -- in the most cost-effective manner possible. Ultimately, BestIT does its best to allow businesses to focus on their core priorities and competencies while simultaneously providing them an excellent level of service.
American CyberSystems, Inc. Acquires MSI Strategic Solutions ACS Expands by Acquiring MSI Strategic Solutions
Atlanta-based American CyberSystems, Inc. (ACS), a multinational information technology services company offering IT consulting and staffing services, acquired MSI Strategic Solutions (MSI) a full-service IT recruiting firm, and division of MSI International.
The acquisition of MSI is the latest realization of ACS’s strategy of adding innovative, customer-centric staffing partners, with strong brands and industry reputations, to their growing organization. With its core competency in staffing solutions, MSI broadens the base of seasoned technical professionals and recruiting expertise key to ACS’s business.
"We strive to continually deliver more value to our clients. We believe that our continued investment in expanding the resources of the company will further enhance our ability to exceed our client’s expectations,” stated ACS President and CEO Raj Sardana.
In addition, MSI’s strong presence in the Atlanta market secures future growth opportunities for ACS.
“The acquisition of MSI further expands ACS’s capabilities as a leader in our field, and allows us to utilize our expertise and infrastructure to capitalize upon new opportunities right here in our own back yard,” stated ACS’s John Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“We’re excited to be joining the ACS team, stated Perry Paden, former Managing Director of MSI Strategic Solutions. We’re looking forward to combining our resources with ACS’s to serve an even greater portion of the Atlanta market.”
The acquisition of MSI Strategic Solutions follows other recent acquisitions by ACS, including Infinity Consulting Group, Decision Strategies, Inc., and Computer Managers Inc., all placing ACS’s sales near the $100 million mark.
About MSI Strategic Solutions
As part of MSI International, MSI Strategic Solutions specialized in the placement of contract and permanent technical, accounting and finance, and infrastructure professionals. MSI twice made the list of Inc. magazine’s 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies.
About American CyberSystems, Inc.
Founded in 1998, American CyberSystems, Inc. is a multinational information technology services company, offering IT consulting and staffing services, systems integration, and business solutions to organizations in a variety of industries. Through its extensive resource pool, and offshore development and recruitment centers, ACS offers unparalleled expertise in delivering solutions for Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. ACS works in partnership with clients to understand their challenges, share their vision, and deliver mission-specific solutions.
The acquisition of MSI is the latest realization of ACS’s strategy of adding innovative, customer-centric staffing partners, with strong brands and industry reputations, to their growing organization. With its core competency in staffing solutions, MSI broadens the base of seasoned technical professionals and recruiting expertise key to ACS’s business.
"We strive to continually deliver more value to our clients. We believe that our continued investment in expanding the resources of the company will further enhance our ability to exceed our client’s expectations,” stated ACS President and CEO Raj Sardana.
In addition, MSI’s strong presence in the Atlanta market secures future growth opportunities for ACS.
“The acquisition of MSI further expands ACS’s capabilities as a leader in our field, and allows us to utilize our expertise and infrastructure to capitalize upon new opportunities right here in our own back yard,” stated ACS’s John Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“We’re excited to be joining the ACS team, stated Perry Paden, former Managing Director of MSI Strategic Solutions. We’re looking forward to combining our resources with ACS’s to serve an even greater portion of the Atlanta market.”
The acquisition of MSI Strategic Solutions follows other recent acquisitions by ACS, including Infinity Consulting Group, Decision Strategies, Inc., and Computer Managers Inc., all placing ACS’s sales near the $100 million mark.
About MSI Strategic Solutions
As part of MSI International, MSI Strategic Solutions specialized in the placement of contract and permanent technical, accounting and finance, and infrastructure professionals. MSI twice made the list of Inc. magazine’s 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies.
About American CyberSystems, Inc.
Founded in 1998, American CyberSystems, Inc. is a multinational information technology services company, offering IT consulting and staffing services, systems integration, and business solutions to organizations in a variety of industries. Through its extensive resource pool, and offshore development and recruitment centers, ACS offers unparalleled expertise in delivering solutions for Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. ACS works in partnership with clients to understand their challenges, share their vision, and deliver mission-specific solutions.
mobiclear to Collaborate With NUCSOFT Ltd to Provide Security Protection for its Clients in India
mobiclear, Inc., owner of the unique, patent-pending, Personal Identification Verification On-Time (PIVOT) solutions system to significantly decrease worldwide credit and debit card fraud, and other state-of-the-art computer security products, said today that it has entered into an agreement with NUCSOFT Ltd, a global IT company headquartered in India, to commence testing of mobiclear's PIVOT security solutions for the delivery to NUCSOFT's clients in India.
Once testing is completed, NUCSOFT will provide mobiclear's PIVOT security system to clients to ensure that its customers' card transactions are secure. There is also agreement that mobiclear will continue to develop and expand other ways of ensuring that the electronic commerce products of NUCSOFT Ltd's clients are free from fraud or abuse.
NUCSOFT is an IT consulting and software developer for the world's leading banking and financial services companies, leveraging a streamlined on-site and offshore development model, since its incorporation in 1994. It cost-effectively assists clients with world-class solutions. NUCSOFT is noted for giving the right mix of functional expertise coupled with software development and project management experience to create lasting value for the customer. It focuses exclusively on maximizing client returns from on-site consulting and off-shore facilities.
"We look forward to providing protection for the customers of NUCSOFT Ltd with our leading edge PIVOT security," said Stephen P. Cutler, mobiclear CEO. "Our PIVOT system requires an immediate cellphone/telephone PIN confirmation via an encrypted voice net by the card holder for a credit card or debit card transaction to be approved."
"NUCSOFT, on the cutting edge of IT, looks for assistance from companies that are also in the forefront of their industry sectors. We have enormous confidence that mobiclear is a leader internationally in protecting against computer, debit and credit card fraud and we look forward to its assistance for our customers," said Arun Shekhar Aran, Founder and CEO.
About NUCSOFT Ltd
NUCSOFT Ltd headquartered in Mumbai, India with offices in London, UK and New Jersey, USA, was formed by Arun Shekhar Aran and a team of entrepreneurs in 1994 with the goal of becoming a global IT company. NUCSOFT has developed a Centric Development Model which, backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure, and hardware and software resources, communication and data links, creates a "Virtual Software Center" for its clients, enabling them to stretch their IT budgets with assurance of excellent deliverables.
About mobiclear, Inc.
mobiclear, headquartered in Manila, Philippines, offers a range of solutions to credit card and debit card fraud based on its patent-pending Personal Identification Verification On-Time system. It also offers products to ensure against fraud in all electronic transactions, including telephone and Internet transactions.
Once testing is completed, NUCSOFT will provide mobiclear's PIVOT security system to clients to ensure that its customers' card transactions are secure. There is also agreement that mobiclear will continue to develop and expand other ways of ensuring that the electronic commerce products of NUCSOFT Ltd's clients are free from fraud or abuse.
NUCSOFT is an IT consulting and software developer for the world's leading banking and financial services companies, leveraging a streamlined on-site and offshore development model, since its incorporation in 1994. It cost-effectively assists clients with world-class solutions. NUCSOFT is noted for giving the right mix of functional expertise coupled with software development and project management experience to create lasting value for the customer. It focuses exclusively on maximizing client returns from on-site consulting and off-shore facilities.
"We look forward to providing protection for the customers of NUCSOFT Ltd with our leading edge PIVOT security," said Stephen P. Cutler, mobiclear CEO. "Our PIVOT system requires an immediate cellphone/telephone PIN confirmation via an encrypted voice net by the card holder for a credit card or debit card transaction to be approved."
"NUCSOFT, on the cutting edge of IT, looks for assistance from companies that are also in the forefront of their industry sectors. We have enormous confidence that mobiclear is a leader internationally in protecting against computer, debit and credit card fraud and we look forward to its assistance for our customers," said Arun Shekhar Aran, Founder and CEO.
About NUCSOFT Ltd
NUCSOFT Ltd headquartered in Mumbai, India with offices in London, UK and New Jersey, USA, was formed by Arun Shekhar Aran and a team of entrepreneurs in 1994 with the goal of becoming a global IT company. NUCSOFT has developed a Centric Development Model which, backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure, and hardware and software resources, communication and data links, creates a "Virtual Software Center" for its clients, enabling them to stretch their IT budgets with assurance of excellent deliverables.
About mobiclear, Inc.
mobiclear, headquartered in Manila, Philippines, offers a range of solutions to credit card and debit card fraud based on its patent-pending Personal Identification Verification On-Time system. It also offers products to ensure against fraud in all electronic transactions, including telephone and Internet transactions.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Genesis M.O. Supports the Gunnison Consulting Group to Provide Expert Technical Oversight for the U.S. Census Bureau
Selected as a sub-contractor by the Gunnison Consulting Group, Genesis M.O. now provides senior-level advisory assistance for the U.S. Census Bureau. The company conducts expert technical-oversight for the multi-billion dollar 2010 Census. It is involved in various facets of the project's implementation, working jointly with the extended Gunnison team, the U.S. Census Bureau and application developers that include IBM and Lockheed Martin.
"Genesis M.O. is a valuable partner in providing IT services to our client, the U.S. Census Bureau," said Christine Krahulec, Vice President of Gunnison Consulting Group. "Our group's focus is to provide quality expert services and value-add to our government clients. When selecting partners, we look to those who share our values. Genesis M.O. definitely does - they provide the required senior expertise, are dedicated to delivering top-quality IT services and they firmly value teamwork."
Genesis M.O. currently participates in the monitoring of the overall implementation of the Decennial Response Integration System (DRIS) Workflow, Control & Management (WCM) solution. The company provides expertise to the Project Management Office's Integrated Project Team (IPT) for independent validation and verification activities. The services provided focus on ensuring that the testing of the WCM components strictly meets the Census Bureau's requirements and standards. Additional areas of support include the review and evaluation of the performance standards for the telephony solution, the schedule development for the review of test scenarios of the WCM solution, the monitoring of integration tests and the identification of potential risks and issues.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to assist the Gunnison Consulting Group in their work with the U.S. Census Bureau," said Karim Morsli, Principal at Genesis M.O. "This project provides the challenges, complexity and opportunities for us to put our skills to use. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with Gunnison and to supporting government agencies to reap the most out of their technology investments."
Genesis M.O. was selected by Gunnison Consulting Group for the specialized skills and knowledge it brings to the project. The company provides expert IT and marketing services with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, methodologies, best practices and clear communication. The company's marketing communications services are a recent addition to its portfolio. The combination of technical and communication services helps organizations build effective and efficient solutions.
About Genesis M.O.
Genesis M.O. provides government and industry clients with specialized IT and Communications services. The company offers high-end technical expertise along with marketing communication and branding services. Our M.O. is to creatively apply strategic thinking, methodologies, project management and industry best-practices to ensure top-notch service delivery. Genesis M.O. is woman-owned, small business. For more information, visit www.GenesisMO.com.
"Genesis M.O. is a valuable partner in providing IT services to our client, the U.S. Census Bureau," said Christine Krahulec, Vice President of Gunnison Consulting Group. "Our group's focus is to provide quality expert services and value-add to our government clients. When selecting partners, we look to those who share our values. Genesis M.O. definitely does - they provide the required senior expertise, are dedicated to delivering top-quality IT services and they firmly value teamwork."
Genesis M.O. currently participates in the monitoring of the overall implementation of the Decennial Response Integration System (DRIS) Workflow, Control & Management (WCM) solution. The company provides expertise to the Project Management Office's Integrated Project Team (IPT) for independent validation and verification activities. The services provided focus on ensuring that the testing of the WCM components strictly meets the Census Bureau's requirements and standards. Additional areas of support include the review and evaluation of the performance standards for the telephony solution, the schedule development for the review of test scenarios of the WCM solution, the monitoring of integration tests and the identification of potential risks and issues.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to assist the Gunnison Consulting Group in their work with the U.S. Census Bureau," said Karim Morsli, Principal at Genesis M.O. "This project provides the challenges, complexity and opportunities for us to put our skills to use. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with Gunnison and to supporting government agencies to reap the most out of their technology investments."
Genesis M.O. was selected by Gunnison Consulting Group for the specialized skills and knowledge it brings to the project. The company provides expert IT and marketing services with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, methodologies, best practices and clear communication. The company's marketing communications services are a recent addition to its portfolio. The combination of technical and communication services helps organizations build effective and efficient solutions.
About Genesis M.O.
Genesis M.O. provides government and industry clients with specialized IT and Communications services. The company offers high-end technical expertise along with marketing communication and branding services. Our M.O. is to creatively apply strategic thinking, methodologies, project management and industry best-practices to ensure top-notch service delivery. Genesis M.O. is woman-owned, small business. For more information, visit www.GenesisMO.com.
IBM Advisory Unit to Open 4 New Offices in China
IBM Global Business Services (GBS), IBM's consulting unit, expects to open four new offices in Mainland China in the coming one year, an effort to speed up the growth of its China business despite an economic slowdown, said Marc Chapman, general manager for Greater China Group at GBS.
The number of offices will climb to ten from six now. For the moment, GBS is scheduled to have the six offices in the six cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou in 2009, and the other two will be located in Nanjing and Shenzhen. In addition, it is to set up the four offices in Shenyang, Xi'an, Wuhan, and Jinan.
Its clients include Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. And Suning Appliance Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 002024). Huawei is the leader in China's networking and telecommunications equipment manufacturing industry. Suning is one of the nation's two largest home appliance retailers.
The number of offices will climb to ten from six now. For the moment, GBS is scheduled to have the six offices in the six cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou in 2009, and the other two will be located in Nanjing and Shenzhen. In addition, it is to set up the four offices in Shenyang, Xi'an, Wuhan, and Jinan.
Its clients include Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. And Suning Appliance Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 002024). Huawei is the leader in China's networking and telecommunications equipment manufacturing industry. Suning is one of the nation's two largest home appliance retailers.
RSA Corp Establishes IBM Partnership to Broaden Application Infrastructure Solutions
RSA Corp, a Houston-based business technology services and IT staffing firm, wins IBM partnership through demonstrated competency in application development and enterprise software implementation. As an IBM Advanced Business Partner, RSA Corp provides consulting and integration for WebSphere, Tivoli and Rational software. The offering focuses on planning, management and execution of projects related to application lifecycle and infrastructure.
"We help companies realize the functionality, reliability and performance benefits of their software integration initiatives," said George Black, president and CEO of RSA Corp. "Getting implementations off the ground and running with high availability is crucial to realizing these benefits."
Technology firms must demonstrate qualified skills, revenue achievement and successful implementation of IBM-based solutions to qualify for Advanced Business Partner. RSA Corp presented three case studies in which it engineered a network infrastructure, managed and executed an enterprise architecture software implementation, and delivered enterprise management practices.
IBM offers a comprehensive and broad portfolio of middleware technologies that allows companies to leverage a combination of optimization and innovation techniques. These technologies enable IT to run more efficiently and transform it to better align with business needs.
RSA Corp helps companies leverage middleware for:
* Service-oriented architecture (SOA): Design, implementation and management of an architecture built for flexibility, which builds applications and processes to allow for integration and reuse of resources.
* Information on-demand: Consolidate information management infrastructure to integrate data at a lower cost and deliver the right information to the right people, when and where they need it.
* Service management and governance: Connect and manage all services efforts across an IT organization with an emphasis on supporting evolving business strategy and objectives. RSA Corp helps businesses create the visibility and accountability needed to ensure that IT stays aligned with the business.
RSA Corp partnered with IBM software group to provide services around the WebSphere, Tivoli and Rational product lines. These services help companies deploy and utilize software products efficiently and with the goal of meeting business needs.
"Companies can transform diverse and disjointed application development into a more efficient software factory," said Bob Keathley, IBM Practice Manager at RSA Corp. "Improving efficiencies accelerates software delivery, improves software quality and allows companies to meet audit and compliance requirements."
About RSA Corp
Founded in 1980 as Robert Shields & Associates, RSA Corp is a Houston-based business technology services firm that solves business problems and helps companies grow through technology. RSA Corp offers enterprise resource planning (ERP) consulting and systems integration, business technology consulting services and managed IT services. As a strategic partner, RSA Corp examines each client's business vision and then innovates technology solutions to support that vision.
RSA Corp also provides IT staffing services, focusing on network engineers, software engineers, developers and niche consultants specialized in PeopleSoft, Oracle, JD Edwards, Java and .NET. RSA Corp connects with highly skilled candidates from across the globe and offers contract staffing, contract-to-hire, direct hire and payroll services. For three years, RSA Corp has been recognized by the Houston Business Journal and FastTech 50 as one of Houston's fastest-growing technology companies. In 2007, RSA was acknowledged by Inc. magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing U.S. companies. For more information, visit www.RSACorp.com.
"We help companies realize the functionality, reliability and performance benefits of their software integration initiatives," said George Black, president and CEO of RSA Corp. "Getting implementations off the ground and running with high availability is crucial to realizing these benefits."
Technology firms must demonstrate qualified skills, revenue achievement and successful implementation of IBM-based solutions to qualify for Advanced Business Partner. RSA Corp presented three case studies in which it engineered a network infrastructure, managed and executed an enterprise architecture software implementation, and delivered enterprise management practices.
IBM offers a comprehensive and broad portfolio of middleware technologies that allows companies to leverage a combination of optimization and innovation techniques. These technologies enable IT to run more efficiently and transform it to better align with business needs.
RSA Corp helps companies leverage middleware for:
* Service-oriented architecture (SOA): Design, implementation and management of an architecture built for flexibility, which builds applications and processes to allow for integration and reuse of resources.
* Information on-demand: Consolidate information management infrastructure to integrate data at a lower cost and deliver the right information to the right people, when and where they need it.
* Service management and governance: Connect and manage all services efforts across an IT organization with an emphasis on supporting evolving business strategy and objectives. RSA Corp helps businesses create the visibility and accountability needed to ensure that IT stays aligned with the business.
RSA Corp partnered with IBM software group to provide services around the WebSphere, Tivoli and Rational product lines. These services help companies deploy and utilize software products efficiently and with the goal of meeting business needs.
"Companies can transform diverse and disjointed application development into a more efficient software factory," said Bob Keathley, IBM Practice Manager at RSA Corp. "Improving efficiencies accelerates software delivery, improves software quality and allows companies to meet audit and compliance requirements."
About RSA Corp
Founded in 1980 as Robert Shields & Associates, RSA Corp is a Houston-based business technology services firm that solves business problems and helps companies grow through technology. RSA Corp offers enterprise resource planning (ERP) consulting and systems integration, business technology consulting services and managed IT services. As a strategic partner, RSA Corp examines each client's business vision and then innovates technology solutions to support that vision.
RSA Corp also provides IT staffing services, focusing on network engineers, software engineers, developers and niche consultants specialized in PeopleSoft, Oracle, JD Edwards, Java and .NET. RSA Corp connects with highly skilled candidates from across the globe and offers contract staffing, contract-to-hire, direct hire and payroll services. For three years, RSA Corp has been recognized by the Houston Business Journal and FastTech 50 as one of Houston's fastest-growing technology companies. In 2007, RSA was acknowledged by Inc. magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing U.S. companies. For more information, visit www.RSACorp.com.
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