Upleaf.com, a new consulting firm, is helping non-profit organizations strengthen their fundraising efforts and social impact through strategic online communications. In the current financial crisis non-profits are being forced to accomplish more with fewer resources, and many are struggling to survive. New technologies and comprehensive online communication strategies offer creative cost-saving alternatives with tangible results.
The tanking economy has created tough times for many non-profit organizations. Individual donations are down, corporate contributions are decreasing, and many local and state government grants have been cut.
Homeless shelters and food programs are overflowing and many organizations are now unable to keep up with demand. According to a report recently released by the Giving USA Foundation, charitable giving in 2008 was down 2% marking the largest decline in over 50 years.
Given these challenges, some non-profits are turning to the Internet to engage new audiences and boost their revenues. Over $15 billion was given online to US non-profits in 2008, according to a Blackbaud analysis of Giving USA data. This marks a substantial increase over the estimated $6.9 billion given online in 2006. Furthermore, a 2008 survey entitled "The Wired Wealthy" found that 51% of wealthy individuals reported that they prefer to give via the Internet, and 46% intend to make more of their donations online in coming years.
Tapping into this vast network of potential donors via the Internet may become a saving grace for many non-profits. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy (May 2009), the total amount of money that major non-profit charities raised online in 2008 increased over the previous year, with 26% more revenue generated from 43% more individual donors.
Creative and well-orchestrated online fundraising strategies can save costs while offering high returns, and new technologies make implementing those strategies easier than ever. Mass emailing offers a timely and virtually free way to stay in touch with constituents. New dynamic content management systems offer an alternative to traditional websites, and enable organizations to engage new audiences and build loyalty over time. Constituent relationship management tools offer highly efficient ways to manage relationships, projects, and grants, in addition to saving costs and increasing social impact.
All of these tools are part of a strategic online communications package offered by Upleaf and tailored to the specific needs of non-profits.
"We created Upleaf.com to offer affordable and creative solutions for non-profits" explains co-founder of Upleaf Elizabeth Beachy, who worked in the non-profit sector for 12 years. "We want to help them reach their project objectives with fewer resources, by harnessing the power of new Internet-based technologies. Part of our approach focuses on training non-profit professionals to manage their own online strategies, which saves them money in both the short and long-term."
Upleaf is a communications firm dedicated to increasing the social impact of non-profit organizations through strategic online communications. Upleaf offers affordable, creative solutions, tailored to the needs of each client.
Upleaf's management team pools years of private-sector marketing and strategic business experience with extensive non-profit fundraising and strategic communications expertise. The team is also trilingual and can develop online strategies and tools in English, Spanish and French.
In addition to offering information regarding the firm's online services, Upleaf.com includes a blog with advice for non-profit organizations regarding online fundraising and communication strategies.
For additional information on this news release, contact Elizabeth Beachy or visit http://upleaf.com.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Accenture Reports Third-Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results
Operating income is $732 million; operating margin expands to 14.2% --
-- Company delivers free cash flow of $971 million and raises free cash flow outlook for full fiscal year --
-- New bookings of $6.57 billion include consulting bookings of $3.21 billion --
Accenture (NYSE: ACN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, ended May 31, 2009, with net revenues of $5.15 billion, in line with the company's guided range. Net revenues declined 16 percent in U.S. dollars and 4 percent in local currency compared with the third quarter last year, reflecting a foreign-exchange impact of negative 12 percent. Diluted earnings per share were $0.68.
Operating income was $732 million, a decrease of 15 percent, primarily due to significant negative foreign-exchange impact, while operating margin expanded 10 basis points, to 14.2 percent.
New bookings for the quarter were $6.57 billion, with consulting bookings of $3.21 billion and outsourcing bookings of $3.36 billion, bringing new bookings for the first three quarters of fiscal 2009 to $18.36 billion.
William D. Green, Accenture's chairman & CEO, said, "In the third quarter we delivered strong overall results, considering the difficult economic environment. Our people have raised their game on behalf of our clients, our company and our shareholders. While we were challenged in terms of top-line growth, revenues were within our guided range, and we delivered operating income of $732 million, expanded operating margin to 14.2 percent and delivered solid earnings per share. In addition, our significant new bookings show momentum even in this economic headwind, and we continue to generate very strong cash flow.
"We are managing our business with tremendous discipline and are staying focused on helping clients adapt to their changing needs. We have continued making important investments to take advantage of future growth opportunities and market rebound. We remain well-positioned to deliver outstanding value to our clients and our shareholders."
Financial Review
Revenues before reimbursements ("net revenues") for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were $5.15 billion, compared with $6.10 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 16 percent in U.S. dollars and 4 percent in local currency. Net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 reflect a foreign-exchange impact of negative 12 percent.
-- Consulting net revenues for the quarter were $2.95 billion, a decrease of 20 percent in U.S. dollars and 9 percent in local currency compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
-- Outsourcing net revenues were $2.19 billion, a decrease of 9 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 3 percent in local currency compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Diluted EPS for the quarter were $0.68, compared with $0.74 in the third quarter last year, a decrease of $0.06, broken down as follows:
-- a $0.03 increase from a lower share count;
-- a $0.02 increase from a lower effective income tax rate compared with the rate in the third quarter last year;
offset by:
-- a $0.02 decrease from lower revenue and operating income in local currency; and
-- a $0.09 decrease from unfavorable foreign-exchange rates compared with the third quarter last year.
Operating income for the third quarter decreased 15 percent, to $732 million, or 14.2 percent of net revenues, compared with $862 million, or 14.1 percent of net revenues, for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. This reflects an operating-margin expansion of 10 basis points.
Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net revenues) was 32.5 percent, compared with 31.5 percent for the third quarter last year, an expansion of 100 basis points. The increase was driven by improved overall outsourcing contract profitability.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the third quarter were $935 million, or 18.2 percent of net revenues, compared with $1,056 million, or 17.3 percent of net revenues, for the third quarter last year. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of net revenues was due to higher selling costs as a percentage of net revenues and to general and administrative costs declining at a lower rate than that of net revenues.
The company's effective tax rate for the third quarter was 28.2 percent. This compares with an effective tax rate of 30.8 percent for the third quarter last year. The lower tax rate in the third quarter this year was primarily a result of final determinations of prior-year tax liabilities recorded in the quarter.
Income before minority interest for the third quarter was $537 million, compared with $608 million for the same period of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 12 percent.
Operating cash flow for the third quarter was $1,015 million, and property and equipment additions were $44 million. Free cash flow, defined as operating cash flow net of property and equipment additions, was $971 million. For the same period last fiscal year, operating cash flow was $1,080 million; property and equipment additions were $66 million; and free cash flow was $1,014 million.
Accenture's total cash balance at May 31, 2009, was $4.00 billion, compared with $3.60 billion at Aug. 31, 2008. Days services outstanding, or DSOs, were 34 at May 31, 2009, compared with 37 at Aug. 31, 2008.
Utilization for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was 83 percent, compared with 85 percent in the same quarter last year. Attrition for the quarter was 8 percent on an annualized basis, compared with 16 percent in the third quarter last year.
New Bookings
New bookings for the third quarter were $6.57 billion. This reflects a negative 13 percent foreign-currency impact when compared with new bookings in the third quarter last year.
-- Consulting new bookings were $3.21 billion, or 49 percent of total new bookings.
-- Outsourcing new bookings were $3.36 billion, or 51 percent of total new bookings.
Net Revenues by Operating Group
Accenture's business continues to be affected by the continuing global economic downturn. As a result, all of the company's operating groups with the exception of Public Service experienced a decline in consulting revenues in local currency compared with the third quarter last year. At the same time, all of the company's operating groups with the exception of Financial Services grew outsourcing revenues in local currency compared with the third quarter last year, although generally at a slower rate than in prior quarters.
Net revenues by operating group for the third quarter were as follows:
-- Communications & High Tech: $1,156 million, compared with $1,388 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 17 percent in U.S. dollars and 5 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 15 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 7 percent in local currency.
-- Financial Services: $1,027 million, compared with $1,303 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 21 percent in U.S. dollars and 9 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 13 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues declined 2 percent in local currency.
-- Products: $1,308 million, compared with $1,611 million for the year-ago period, a decrease of 19 percent in U.S. dollars and 8 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 16 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 5 percent in local currency.
-- Public Service: $745 million, compared with $756 million for the year-ago period, a decrease of 2 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 8 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues increased 12 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 2 percent in local currency.
-- Resources: $905 million, compared with $1,038 million for the same period of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 13 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 1 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 1 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 4 percent in local currency.
Net Revenues by Geographic Region
Net revenues by geographic region in the third quarter were as follows:
-- Americas: $2,265 million, compared with $2,527 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 10 percent in U.S. dollars and 6 percent in local currency.
-- Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): $2,342 million, compared with $3,032 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 23 percent in U.S. dollars and 5 percent in local currency.
-- Asia Pacific: $539 million, compared with $543 million for the year-ago period, a decrease of 1 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 10 percent in local currency.
Share Repurchase Activity
During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, Accenture repurchased or redeemed 10.0 million shares for a total of $283 million, including $113 million for 4.1 million shares repurchased on the open market. Accenture's total remaining share repurchase authority at May 31, 2009, was approximately $1.3 billion.
At May 31, 2009, Accenture had approximately 733 million total shares outstanding, including 614 million Accenture Ltd Class A common shares and minority holdings of 119 million shares (Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holding, Inc. exchangeable shares).
Business Outlook
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2009
Accenture expects net revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to be in the range of $5.0 billion to $5.2 billion. This range assumes a foreign-exchange impact of negative 8 percent compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.
Fiscal Year 2009
Accenture continues to target new bookings for fiscal 2009 in the range of $23 billion to $25 billion.
Accenture has narrowed its range for net revenue growth for the full fiscal year and expects net revenue growth to be flat to slightly positive in local currency.
Accenture expects operating margin for the full fiscal year to be at the lower end of its previously guided range of 13.4 percent to 13.7 percent, representing a minimum year-over-year expansion of 50 basis points.
The company is updating its outlook for diluted EPS for the full fiscal year to the range of $2.67 to $2.70. The company's previous range was $2.60 to $2.67.
Accenture now expects operating cash flow to be $2.65 billion to $2.85 billion; property and equipment additions to be $250 million; and free cash flow to be in the range of $2.4 billion to $2.6 billion. The company's previous outlook was $2.57 billion to $2.77 billion for operating cash flow; $315 million for property and equipment additions; and $2.25 billion to $2.45 billion for free cash flow.
The company now expects its annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 27 percent to 29 percent. The company's previous range was 29 percent to 31 percent.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
Accenture will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT today to discuss its third-quarter fiscal 2009 financial results. To participate, please dial +1 ... [+1 (612) 288-0340 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the call. The conference call will also be accessible live on the Investor Relations section of the Accenture website at www.accenture.com.
A replay and podcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Accenture website beginning at 7:00 p.m. EDT today, Thursday, June 25, and continuing until Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. The replay will also be available via telephone by dialing +1 (800) 475-6701 [+1 (320) 365-3844 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] and entering access code 103988 from 7:00 p.m. EDT today, Thursday, June 25, through 11:59 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 9, 2009.
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 approximately 177,000 people serving clients in more than 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.
-- Company delivers free cash flow of $971 million and raises free cash flow outlook for full fiscal year --
-- New bookings of $6.57 billion include consulting bookings of $3.21 billion --
Accenture (NYSE: ACN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, ended May 31, 2009, with net revenues of $5.15 billion, in line with the company's guided range. Net revenues declined 16 percent in U.S. dollars and 4 percent in local currency compared with the third quarter last year, reflecting a foreign-exchange impact of negative 12 percent. Diluted earnings per share were $0.68.
Operating income was $732 million, a decrease of 15 percent, primarily due to significant negative foreign-exchange impact, while operating margin expanded 10 basis points, to 14.2 percent.
New bookings for the quarter were $6.57 billion, with consulting bookings of $3.21 billion and outsourcing bookings of $3.36 billion, bringing new bookings for the first three quarters of fiscal 2009 to $18.36 billion.
William D. Green, Accenture's chairman & CEO, said, "In the third quarter we delivered strong overall results, considering the difficult economic environment. Our people have raised their game on behalf of our clients, our company and our shareholders. While we were challenged in terms of top-line growth, revenues were within our guided range, and we delivered operating income of $732 million, expanded operating margin to 14.2 percent and delivered solid earnings per share. In addition, our significant new bookings show momentum even in this economic headwind, and we continue to generate very strong cash flow.
"We are managing our business with tremendous discipline and are staying focused on helping clients adapt to their changing needs. We have continued making important investments to take advantage of future growth opportunities and market rebound. We remain well-positioned to deliver outstanding value to our clients and our shareholders."
Financial Review
Revenues before reimbursements ("net revenues") for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were $5.15 billion, compared with $6.10 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 16 percent in U.S. dollars and 4 percent in local currency. Net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 reflect a foreign-exchange impact of negative 12 percent.
-- Consulting net revenues for the quarter were $2.95 billion, a decrease of 20 percent in U.S. dollars and 9 percent in local currency compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
-- Outsourcing net revenues were $2.19 billion, a decrease of 9 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 3 percent in local currency compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Diluted EPS for the quarter were $0.68, compared with $0.74 in the third quarter last year, a decrease of $0.06, broken down as follows:
-- a $0.03 increase from a lower share count;
-- a $0.02 increase from a lower effective income tax rate compared with the rate in the third quarter last year;
offset by:
-- a $0.02 decrease from lower revenue and operating income in local currency; and
-- a $0.09 decrease from unfavorable foreign-exchange rates compared with the third quarter last year.
Operating income for the third quarter decreased 15 percent, to $732 million, or 14.2 percent of net revenues, compared with $862 million, or 14.1 percent of net revenues, for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. This reflects an operating-margin expansion of 10 basis points.
Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net revenues) was 32.5 percent, compared with 31.5 percent for the third quarter last year, an expansion of 100 basis points. The increase was driven by improved overall outsourcing contract profitability.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the third quarter were $935 million, or 18.2 percent of net revenues, compared with $1,056 million, or 17.3 percent of net revenues, for the third quarter last year. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of net revenues was due to higher selling costs as a percentage of net revenues and to general and administrative costs declining at a lower rate than that of net revenues.
The company's effective tax rate for the third quarter was 28.2 percent. This compares with an effective tax rate of 30.8 percent for the third quarter last year. The lower tax rate in the third quarter this year was primarily a result of final determinations of prior-year tax liabilities recorded in the quarter.
Income before minority interest for the third quarter was $537 million, compared with $608 million for the same period of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 12 percent.
Operating cash flow for the third quarter was $1,015 million, and property and equipment additions were $44 million. Free cash flow, defined as operating cash flow net of property and equipment additions, was $971 million. For the same period last fiscal year, operating cash flow was $1,080 million; property and equipment additions were $66 million; and free cash flow was $1,014 million.
Accenture's total cash balance at May 31, 2009, was $4.00 billion, compared with $3.60 billion at Aug. 31, 2008. Days services outstanding, or DSOs, were 34 at May 31, 2009, compared with 37 at Aug. 31, 2008.
Utilization for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was 83 percent, compared with 85 percent in the same quarter last year. Attrition for the quarter was 8 percent on an annualized basis, compared with 16 percent in the third quarter last year.
New Bookings
New bookings for the third quarter were $6.57 billion. This reflects a negative 13 percent foreign-currency impact when compared with new bookings in the third quarter last year.
-- Consulting new bookings were $3.21 billion, or 49 percent of total new bookings.
-- Outsourcing new bookings were $3.36 billion, or 51 percent of total new bookings.
Net Revenues by Operating Group
Accenture's business continues to be affected by the continuing global economic downturn. As a result, all of the company's operating groups with the exception of Public Service experienced a decline in consulting revenues in local currency compared with the third quarter last year. At the same time, all of the company's operating groups with the exception of Financial Services grew outsourcing revenues in local currency compared with the third quarter last year, although generally at a slower rate than in prior quarters.
Net revenues by operating group for the third quarter were as follows:
-- Communications & High Tech: $1,156 million, compared with $1,388 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 17 percent in U.S. dollars and 5 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 15 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 7 percent in local currency.
-- Financial Services: $1,027 million, compared with $1,303 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 21 percent in U.S. dollars and 9 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 13 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues declined 2 percent in local currency.
-- Products: $1,308 million, compared with $1,611 million for the year-ago period, a decrease of 19 percent in U.S. dollars and 8 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 16 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 5 percent in local currency.
-- Public Service: $745 million, compared with $756 million for the year-ago period, a decrease of 2 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 8 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues increased 12 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 2 percent in local currency.
-- Resources: $905 million, compared with $1,038 million for the same period of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 13 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 1 percent in local currency. Consulting revenues declined 1 percent in local currency and outsourcing revenues increased 4 percent in local currency.
Net Revenues by Geographic Region
Net revenues by geographic region in the third quarter were as follows:
-- Americas: $2,265 million, compared with $2,527 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 10 percent in U.S. dollars and 6 percent in local currency.
-- Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): $2,342 million, compared with $3,032 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a decrease of 23 percent in U.S. dollars and 5 percent in local currency.
-- Asia Pacific: $539 million, compared with $543 million for the year-ago period, a decrease of 1 percent in U.S. dollars and an increase of 10 percent in local currency.
Share Repurchase Activity
During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, Accenture repurchased or redeemed 10.0 million shares for a total of $283 million, including $113 million for 4.1 million shares repurchased on the open market. Accenture's total remaining share repurchase authority at May 31, 2009, was approximately $1.3 billion.
At May 31, 2009, Accenture had approximately 733 million total shares outstanding, including 614 million Accenture Ltd Class A common shares and minority holdings of 119 million shares (Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holding, Inc. exchangeable shares).
Business Outlook
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2009
Accenture expects net revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to be in the range of $5.0 billion to $5.2 billion. This range assumes a foreign-exchange impact of negative 8 percent compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.
Fiscal Year 2009
Accenture continues to target new bookings for fiscal 2009 in the range of $23 billion to $25 billion.
Accenture has narrowed its range for net revenue growth for the full fiscal year and expects net revenue growth to be flat to slightly positive in local currency.
Accenture expects operating margin for the full fiscal year to be at the lower end of its previously guided range of 13.4 percent to 13.7 percent, representing a minimum year-over-year expansion of 50 basis points.
The company is updating its outlook for diluted EPS for the full fiscal year to the range of $2.67 to $2.70. The company's previous range was $2.60 to $2.67.
Accenture now expects operating cash flow to be $2.65 billion to $2.85 billion; property and equipment additions to be $250 million; and free cash flow to be in the range of $2.4 billion to $2.6 billion. The company's previous outlook was $2.57 billion to $2.77 billion for operating cash flow; $315 million for property and equipment additions; and $2.25 billion to $2.45 billion for free cash flow.
The company now expects its annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 27 percent to 29 percent. The company's previous range was 29 percent to 31 percent.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
Accenture will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT today to discuss its third-quarter fiscal 2009 financial results. To participate, please dial +1 ... [+1 (612) 288-0340 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the call. The conference call will also be accessible live on the Investor Relations section of the Accenture website at www.accenture.com.
A replay and podcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Accenture website beginning at 7:00 p.m. EDT today, Thursday, June 25, and continuing until Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. The replay will also be available via telephone by dialing +1 (800) 475-6701 [+1 (320) 365-3844 outside the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada] and entering access code 103988 from 7:00 p.m. EDT today, Thursday, June 25, through 11:59 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 9, 2009.
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 approximately 177,000 people serving clients in more than 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.
DocPoint Solutions Implements Document Management Solution for Miami-Dade Housing Authority
DocPoint Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of Quality Associates, Inc., focused on providing Microsoft® SharePoint® to organizations that are looking to expand employee collaboration and increase the exchange of information, today announced the implementation of a new document sharing and management system for the Miami-Dade Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. The customized electronic document management system (EDMS) included the installation of a Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) – software that allows employees to share information and documents over a secure intranet – and a tailored document capture and management software solution.
The Miami-Dade Housing Authority expands affordable housing opportunities in Miami-Dade counties through the administration of federal subsidies and work with builders, developers, lenders, and private housing providers. The Miami-Dade Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list became active in 2008 when 72,000 families applied for the program.
The system implemented by DocPoint Solutions will make it possible to scan hundreds of thousands of pages categorized into more than 250 unique document types, including applications, income certifications, immigration status forms, and birth certificates. Once scanned, the documents will be stored as TIF files. The addition of a MOSS system, scanners, and document capture software will enable the nonprofit’s employees – even those in remote locations – to easily access needed information from their desktops through the SharePoint system.
Quadel Consulting Corporation, a national provider of outsourced management, consulting, and training solutions to the affordable housing industry, was selected by the Miami-Dade Housing Authority in December 2008 to oversee the day-to-day management of its Housing Choice Voucher Program. Quadel brought in DocPoint Solutions under an existing contract to complete the specialized document management system and scanning work.
Bob Dickerson, DocPoint Solutions, vice president, said, “We are glad to have implemented a solution that makes the day-to-day jobs easier for the employees of the Miami-Dade Housing Choice Voucher Program. Sharing needed information about a program participant or potential member was a time-consuming and tedious process. Having the documents available on the new SharePoint server will make it faster and easier for staff to locate and share the information.”
About DocPoint Solutions, Inc.
DocPoint Solutions is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner that specializes in implementing, training, and supporting Microsoft Office SharePoint and its integrated suite of products. With a focus on Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and document capture, the company provides a full range of consultative services and support to a wide range of federal, state, and local governments, as well as private and commercial enterprises seeking to fully utilize the inherent value of Microsoft SharePoint. DocPoint is also an approved SharePoint Deployment Planning Service Provider (SDPS).
By combining state-of-the-art solutions with document management expertise and innovative approaches to systems design and integration, DocPoint Solutions strives to ensure that clients attain new levels of effectiveness and productivity. The company is located in the heart of the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore technology corridor in Fulton, Maryland. For more information, call 301-490-7725 or visit www.docpointsolutions.com.
The Miami-Dade Housing Authority expands affordable housing opportunities in Miami-Dade counties through the administration of federal subsidies and work with builders, developers, lenders, and private housing providers. The Miami-Dade Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list became active in 2008 when 72,000 families applied for the program.
The system implemented by DocPoint Solutions will make it possible to scan hundreds of thousands of pages categorized into more than 250 unique document types, including applications, income certifications, immigration status forms, and birth certificates. Once scanned, the documents will be stored as TIF files. The addition of a MOSS system, scanners, and document capture software will enable the nonprofit’s employees – even those in remote locations – to easily access needed information from their desktops through the SharePoint system.
Quadel Consulting Corporation, a national provider of outsourced management, consulting, and training solutions to the affordable housing industry, was selected by the Miami-Dade Housing Authority in December 2008 to oversee the day-to-day management of its Housing Choice Voucher Program. Quadel brought in DocPoint Solutions under an existing contract to complete the specialized document management system and scanning work.
Bob Dickerson, DocPoint Solutions, vice president, said, “We are glad to have implemented a solution that makes the day-to-day jobs easier for the employees of the Miami-Dade Housing Choice Voucher Program. Sharing needed information about a program participant or potential member was a time-consuming and tedious process. Having the documents available on the new SharePoint server will make it faster and easier for staff to locate and share the information.”
About DocPoint Solutions, Inc.
DocPoint Solutions is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner that specializes in implementing, training, and supporting Microsoft Office SharePoint and its integrated suite of products. With a focus on Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and document capture, the company provides a full range of consultative services and support to a wide range of federal, state, and local governments, as well as private and commercial enterprises seeking to fully utilize the inherent value of Microsoft SharePoint. DocPoint is also an approved SharePoint Deployment Planning Service Provider (SDPS).
By combining state-of-the-art solutions with document management expertise and innovative approaches to systems design and integration, DocPoint Solutions strives to ensure that clients attain new levels of effectiveness and productivity. The company is located in the heart of the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore technology corridor in Fulton, Maryland. For more information, call 301-490-7725 or visit www.docpointsolutions.com.
Manticore Technology Earns Best of SAAS Showplace Award
Manticore Technology™, a leading provider of easy-to-use, powerful, marketing automation solutions, today announced that THINKstrategies named the company the latest winner of the Best of SaaS Showplace (BoSS) Awards program, which is aimed at promoting the measurable business benefits being delivered by today's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions.
The BoSS Awards program is an initiative by THINKstrategies, the leading strategic consulting company focused on the business implications of the on-demand services market, to bring attention to SaaS and cloud computing companies, which are producing tangible business benefits for specific user organizations. These benefits include increased sales, lower costs, higher customer satisfaction, faster operations, and greater profitability.
Manticore Technology is an on-demand, marketing automation solution provider that enables marketers to effortlessly move sales prospects through the pipeline through demand generation, lead management, lead scoring, and lead nurturing, while feeding their sales team valuable insight about the interests of each lead. As a result, Manticore Technology customers increase revenues, lower costs, and gain a competitive edge.
"In today's increasingly competitive environment, it is becoming even more important to gain a greater ROI from your marketing campaigns," stated Jeffrey M. Kaplan, the founder of the SaaS Showplace and Managing Director of THINKstrategies, the strategic consulting firm which conceived and administers the Showplace. "Manticore Technology's SaaS solution helps companies generate greater sales from more effective marketing programs."
Intellitactics, a supplier of security incident and event management (SIEM) products is an example of one of Manticore's customers. Intellitactics wanted to improve its marketing process by implementing a new marketing automation platform that would be affordable and easy to use. More importantly, they wanted a solution that would deliver a clear, solid return on investment (ROI) in terms of improved lead conversions and increased sales.
In January 2008, Intellitactics integrated Manticore Technology's SaaS solution with their existing salesforce.com application to create a comprehensive demand generation platform. Intellitactics achieved a breakeven ROI from the Manticore Technology in two months as a result of a 171% increase in qualified leads and a 30% decrease in the length of the sales cycle.
"Our customers are realizing real, measurable benefits from our marketing automation platform and we're thrilled to be recognized by THINKstrategies for our feature rich products," said Jeff Erramouspe, president, Manticore Technology. "With Manticore Technology, customers are able to align their sales and marketing efforts to drive revenue and decrease the sales cycle."
A full description of the company's winning BoSS Award submission can be found at http://www.saas-showplace.com/awardSummary.php?key=236.
ABOUT MANTICORE TECHNOLOGY
Manticore Technology is an on-demand, marketing automation solution provider that enables marketers to effortlessly move sales prospects through the pipeline through demand generation, lead management, lead scoring, and lead nurturing, while feeding their sales team invaluable insight about the interests of each lead. Manticore Technology has enterprise customers around the globe, including, Jaspersoft, Sharebuilder 401(k) and Xactly Corp. For more information visit www.manticoretechnology.com or call 1-866-Manticore.
ABOUT THINKSTRATEGIES, INC.
THINKstrategies, Inc. is the only strategic consulting services company formed specifically to address the unprecedented business challenges facing IT managers, solutions providers and investors today as the technology industry shifts toward a services orientation. THINKstrategies' mission is to help our clients re-THINK their corporate strategies, and refocus their limited resources to achieve their business objectives. THINKstrategies helps enterprise decision-makers with their sourcing strategies, IT solutions providers with their marketing strategies, and VCs with their investment strategies. In addition to the Software-as-a-Service Showplace, THINKstrategies is also the founder of the Managed Services Showplace, a vendor-independent, online directory and information resource center of managed service solutions. For more information regarding THINKstrategies' unique consulting services, visit www.thinkstrategies.com, or contact us at info(at)thinkstrategies(dot)com.
The BoSS Awards program is an initiative by THINKstrategies, the leading strategic consulting company focused on the business implications of the on-demand services market, to bring attention to SaaS and cloud computing companies, which are producing tangible business benefits for specific user organizations. These benefits include increased sales, lower costs, higher customer satisfaction, faster operations, and greater profitability.
Manticore Technology is an on-demand, marketing automation solution provider that enables marketers to effortlessly move sales prospects through the pipeline through demand generation, lead management, lead scoring, and lead nurturing, while feeding their sales team valuable insight about the interests of each lead. As a result, Manticore Technology customers increase revenues, lower costs, and gain a competitive edge.
"In today's increasingly competitive environment, it is becoming even more important to gain a greater ROI from your marketing campaigns," stated Jeffrey M. Kaplan, the founder of the SaaS Showplace and Managing Director of THINKstrategies, the strategic consulting firm which conceived and administers the Showplace. "Manticore Technology's SaaS solution helps companies generate greater sales from more effective marketing programs."
Intellitactics, a supplier of security incident and event management (SIEM) products is an example of one of Manticore's customers. Intellitactics wanted to improve its marketing process by implementing a new marketing automation platform that would be affordable and easy to use. More importantly, they wanted a solution that would deliver a clear, solid return on investment (ROI) in terms of improved lead conversions and increased sales.
In January 2008, Intellitactics integrated Manticore Technology's SaaS solution with their existing salesforce.com application to create a comprehensive demand generation platform. Intellitactics achieved a breakeven ROI from the Manticore Technology in two months as a result of a 171% increase in qualified leads and a 30% decrease in the length of the sales cycle.
"Our customers are realizing real, measurable benefits from our marketing automation platform and we're thrilled to be recognized by THINKstrategies for our feature rich products," said Jeff Erramouspe, president, Manticore Technology. "With Manticore Technology, customers are able to align their sales and marketing efforts to drive revenue and decrease the sales cycle."
A full description of the company's winning BoSS Award submission can be found at http://www.saas-showplace.com/awardSummary.php?key=236.
ABOUT MANTICORE TECHNOLOGY
Manticore Technology is an on-demand, marketing automation solution provider that enables marketers to effortlessly move sales prospects through the pipeline through demand generation, lead management, lead scoring, and lead nurturing, while feeding their sales team invaluable insight about the interests of each lead. Manticore Technology has enterprise customers around the globe, including, Jaspersoft, Sharebuilder 401(k) and Xactly Corp. For more information visit www.manticoretechnology.com or call 1-866-Manticore.
ABOUT THINKSTRATEGIES, INC.
THINKstrategies, Inc. is the only strategic consulting services company formed specifically to address the unprecedented business challenges facing IT managers, solutions providers and investors today as the technology industry shifts toward a services orientation. THINKstrategies' mission is to help our clients re-THINK their corporate strategies, and refocus their limited resources to achieve their business objectives. THINKstrategies helps enterprise decision-makers with their sourcing strategies, IT solutions providers with their marketing strategies, and VCs with their investment strategies. In addition to the Software-as-a-Service Showplace, THINKstrategies is also the founder of the Managed Services Showplace, a vendor-independent, online directory and information resource center of managed service solutions. For more information regarding THINKstrategies' unique consulting services, visit www.thinkstrategies.com, or contact us at info(at)thinkstrategies(dot)com.
Technology Consulting Firm NouvEON Receives National Award for Top Growth
The Entrex Private Company Index (PCI) recognized Charlotte-based business and technology consulting firm NouvEON for significant revenue growth during the first quarter of 2009. During this time, the company reported 82 percent growth. The PCI is a benchmarking index that measures the monthly revenue performance of private companies in North America.
NouvEON placed third on the PCI’s top ten list for Q1 high-growth companies. Overall, the top ten companies experienced a combined average quarterly revenue increase of 39 percent, with a median of 26 percent. NouvEON posted significant revenue growth of 82 percent between Q1 2009 compared to a year ago.
“The number four company had only 39 percent growth in the same period, so the top three firms on this particular list really excelled” says PCI director.
NouvEON’s CEO T.J. Eberle attributes his company’s off- the-charts growth to increased demand for the company’s expert service offerings that draw a remarkable value for its clients.
“While our clients continue to feel the effects of the economy, they understand and appreciate the benefits provided by NouvEON. Our results stem from the continued high quality of expertise we offer to our clients and the business value generated from our attractive cost to quality ratio,” says Eberle.
Jeff Hobensack, director of finance, also attributes the increase in annual growth to outstanding people and valuable partnerships with clients.
“This company is a great example of the type of mid-market firm that is out there flying under the radar from investors-at-large,” says Stephen H. Watkins, CEO of PCI sponsor company, Entrex. “They’ve doubled and sustained revenue levels over the past 18 months in a business-to-business service sector during an uncertain economic period.”
In addition to receiving the PCI’s Top Ten Growth Company award, NouvEON was recently named the number one best small business in Charlotte and number two in North Carolina by Business Leader Media, a leading business-to-business media and information company.
“NouvEON is the kind of growth company that ultimately becomes the backbone of local and regional economies throughout the U.S.” adds Watkins.
About NouvEON
NouvEON is a regional business and technology consulting firm that specializes in managing and delivering high-value solutions to mid-market and Fortune 1000 companies throughout the Southeast. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, NouvEON represents a “New Era” in consulting services. In this “New Era”, NouvEON provides an excellent Cost to Quality ratio by combining its proprietary LIFT™ model (Local accountability, Industry knowledge, Flexible delivery and Technology Business Solutions) with its Employee Owned Network (EON™) of experienced and highly qualified business professionals. The result: NouvEON value-efficient models have resulted in a 100% referenceable client base.
NouvEON placed third on the PCI’s top ten list for Q1 high-growth companies. Overall, the top ten companies experienced a combined average quarterly revenue increase of 39 percent, with a median of 26 percent. NouvEON posted significant revenue growth of 82 percent between Q1 2009 compared to a year ago.
“The number four company had only 39 percent growth in the same period, so the top three firms on this particular list really excelled” says PCI director.
NouvEON’s CEO T.J. Eberle attributes his company’s off- the-charts growth to increased demand for the company’s expert service offerings that draw a remarkable value for its clients.
“While our clients continue to feel the effects of the economy, they understand and appreciate the benefits provided by NouvEON. Our results stem from the continued high quality of expertise we offer to our clients and the business value generated from our attractive cost to quality ratio,” says Eberle.
Jeff Hobensack, director of finance, also attributes the increase in annual growth to outstanding people and valuable partnerships with clients.
“This company is a great example of the type of mid-market firm that is out there flying under the radar from investors-at-large,” says Stephen H. Watkins, CEO of PCI sponsor company, Entrex. “They’ve doubled and sustained revenue levels over the past 18 months in a business-to-business service sector during an uncertain economic period.”
In addition to receiving the PCI’s Top Ten Growth Company award, NouvEON was recently named the number one best small business in Charlotte and number two in North Carolina by Business Leader Media, a leading business-to-business media and information company.
“NouvEON is the kind of growth company that ultimately becomes the backbone of local and regional economies throughout the U.S.” adds Watkins.
About NouvEON
NouvEON is a regional business and technology consulting firm that specializes in managing and delivering high-value solutions to mid-market and Fortune 1000 companies throughout the Southeast. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, NouvEON represents a “New Era” in consulting services. In this “New Era”, NouvEON provides an excellent Cost to Quality ratio by combining its proprietary LIFT™ model (Local accountability, Industry knowledge, Flexible delivery and Technology Business Solutions) with its Employee Owned Network (EON™) of experienced and highly qualified business professionals. The result: NouvEON value-efficient models have resulted in a 100% referenceable client base.
Global Consulting Firms Towers Perrin, Watson Wyatt to Merge in $3.5 Billion Deal
Global consulting and professional services firms Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby and Watson Wyatt Worldwide Inc. said they've agreed to combine in a deal they dubbed "a merger of equals" with an equity value of $3.5 billion.
The newly merged company, to be called Towers Watson & Co., will be publicly listed, with estimated annual revenues of more than $3 billion. The Arlington, Va.-based Watson Wyatt (NYSE, NASDAQ: WW | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) says it has 7,700 associates in 34 countries, while the Stamford, Conn.-based Towers Perrin says it employs about 6,300 people in 26 countries.
Towers Watson & Co. will focus on three areas -- benefits, "talent and rewards," and risk and financial services -- building on existing staff and research, and operate in four geographic regions -- North America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Latin America.
The combination requires approval by each company's shareholders, with a vote expected in the fourth quarter and a closing date soon after, subject to regulatory approvals.
John Haley, chief executive officer Watson Wyatt, would become CEO of the new company, while Mark Mactas, CEO of Towers Perrin, will become president.
"The combination of Towers Perrin and Watson Wyatt into Towers Watson will create one of the world?s leading professional services firms, well positioned for sustained growth and profitability across all geographies and business segments,? said Haley, in a statement. ?The combination will further strengthen our core service lines while offering our clients an enhanced portfolio of proven offerings across a range of financial, risk and people management areas."
Watson Wyatt services to businesses worldwide include managing the cost and effectiveness of employee benefit programs; developing human resources strategies; advising pension plan sponsors and other institutions on investment strategies; providing strategic and financial advice to insurance and financial services companies; and providing related technology and outsourcing services.
Towers Perrin provides services to businesses worldwide in the areas of human resources strategy, program design and management, and in risk management, insurance and reinsurance intermediary services, and actuarial consulting.
"Our service lines and geographic strengths are also highly complementary, which creates great opportunities for growth," said Mactas, in a statement. The merged companies "will change the landscape of our industry," he said.
Under the, deal, Watson Wyatt shareholders can receive 50% of the combined company?s shares on a fully diluted basis. Towers Perrin shareholders, who are active employees of Towers Perrin, plus a group of Towers Perrin employees to be designated to receive some equity incentive awards, can receive 50% of the combined company?s shares on a fully diluted basis.
The newly merged company, to be called Towers Watson & Co., will be publicly listed, with estimated annual revenues of more than $3 billion. The Arlington, Va.-based Watson Wyatt (NYSE, NASDAQ: WW | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) says it has 7,700 associates in 34 countries, while the Stamford, Conn.-based Towers Perrin says it employs about 6,300 people in 26 countries.
Towers Watson & Co. will focus on three areas -- benefits, "talent and rewards," and risk and financial services -- building on existing staff and research, and operate in four geographic regions -- North America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Latin America.
The combination requires approval by each company's shareholders, with a vote expected in the fourth quarter and a closing date soon after, subject to regulatory approvals.
John Haley, chief executive officer Watson Wyatt, would become CEO of the new company, while Mark Mactas, CEO of Towers Perrin, will become president.
"The combination of Towers Perrin and Watson Wyatt into Towers Watson will create one of the world?s leading professional services firms, well positioned for sustained growth and profitability across all geographies and business segments,? said Haley, in a statement. ?The combination will further strengthen our core service lines while offering our clients an enhanced portfolio of proven offerings across a range of financial, risk and people management areas."
Watson Wyatt services to businesses worldwide include managing the cost and effectiveness of employee benefit programs; developing human resources strategies; advising pension plan sponsors and other institutions on investment strategies; providing strategic and financial advice to insurance and financial services companies; and providing related technology and outsourcing services.
Towers Perrin provides services to businesses worldwide in the areas of human resources strategy, program design and management, and in risk management, insurance and reinsurance intermediary services, and actuarial consulting.
"Our service lines and geographic strengths are also highly complementary, which creates great opportunities for growth," said Mactas, in a statement. The merged companies "will change the landscape of our industry," he said.
Under the, deal, Watson Wyatt shareholders can receive 50% of the combined company?s shares on a fully diluted basis. Towers Perrin shareholders, who are active employees of Towers Perrin, plus a group of Towers Perrin employees to be designated to receive some equity incentive awards, can receive 50% of the combined company?s shares on a fully diluted basis.
Ernst & Young LLP Helps Universities Modify Accounting Curricula to Address International Accounting Standards
Ernst & Young LLP took another significant step in supporting faculty through the Academic Resource Center (EYARC) with the release of the second phase of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) curriculum and teaching materials, as well as a national training session for professors.
EYARC, which represents a $1.5 million investment for the firm, is a collaboration of faculty and professionals dedicated to helping the next generation of accounting professionals meet the fast-changing needs of the global financial markets. The first phase of IFRS curriculum was released in January of this year. The second phase of curriculum provides additional IFRS resources intended to supplement typical US university financial accounting coursework. EYARC's curriculum is unique as it includes comprehensive and flexible materials that compare IFRS with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including a user guide, lecture notes, presentation slides, homework problems, illustrative disclosures, case studies and international spotlight features.
EYARC held its first national IFRS training session in Cleveland last week for more than 60 faculty attendees from across the country. Key speakers at the training included Ken Marshall, Americas IFRS Markets Leader at Ernst & Young LLP, EYARC faculty members Jana Raedy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Irene Wiecek, University of Toronto, who recently published an IFRS primer textbook; and Tim Eaton, Miami University, Ohio, as well as retired Ernst & Young LLP partners John Kiss, Nick Kissel, Peter Nurczynski and Bob Riley.
James Wahlen, Professor of Accounting and Chairman of the MBA Program at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University said, "The EYARC IFRS faculty training was an outstanding experience. Several accounting faculty and retired partners assembled a comprehensive and detailed set of materials that will help me and accounting faculty members all over the country incorporate an understanding of IFRS into our courses. This training is a great example of how practice and academia can partner for the benefit of our students, our teaching and research, and our profession."
Judy Rayburn, Chair of the Accounting Department at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota said, "EYARC IFRS training was a great experience that saved me a lot of time and provided many resources that I will easily be able to assimilate into my classes. The training team was focused and fun, seasoned, and internationally knowledgeable."
Jennifer Blouin, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business said, "Making an effort to maximize pedagogical flexibility, EYARC offered faculty extensive training and materials useful for developing IFRS curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The class notes, cases, and high level spotlights on convergence issues created by EYARC's team of academics and practice professionals will be invaluable as I incorporate IFRS into my syllabus."
Currently, the US is the only industrialized country to not yet adopt IFRS or have a "date certain" for adoption. In the Americas, for example, Canada and South America have adoption dates ranging from 2011 to 2014. In November, the SEC issued a roadmap proposing the adoption of IFRS in the US beginning in 2014. This roadmap is currently open for comment before mandatory adoption is initiated.
"Given the roadmap issued by the SEC and the probability of mandatory adoption of IFRS in the US in the relatively near time frame, we believe it's a matter of when -- not if -- schools will need to realign their educational programs to address IFRS learning," said Ellen Glazerman, Ernst & Young LLP, Americas Director of University Relations. "Even though IFRS is not currently mandated in the US, most of our multinational clients report under IFRS in some capacity, therefore demanding that knowledge from our professionals and the new campus recruits that we hire. We, along with universities, have a shared responsibility in accounting education."
Catherine Banks, EYARC Program Director added, "Students who have an understanding of IFRS will distinguish themselves in the hiring process and will likely have increased career and mobility opportunities. Learning IFRS requires students to build more critical-thinking skills to better understand the substance of transactions, which should make them better accountants."
Faculty who are interested in obtaining access to the private EYARC site should contact Catherine Banks at catherine.banks@ey.com. On this site, faculty have access to not only the EYARC curriculum materials but many other firm resources on IFRS, accounting, auditing and tax.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential.
For more information, please visit www.ey.com.
EYARC, which represents a $1.5 million investment for the firm, is a collaboration of faculty and professionals dedicated to helping the next generation of accounting professionals meet the fast-changing needs of the global financial markets. The first phase of IFRS curriculum was released in January of this year. The second phase of curriculum provides additional IFRS resources intended to supplement typical US university financial accounting coursework. EYARC's curriculum is unique as it includes comprehensive and flexible materials that compare IFRS with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including a user guide, lecture notes, presentation slides, homework problems, illustrative disclosures, case studies and international spotlight features.
EYARC held its first national IFRS training session in Cleveland last week for more than 60 faculty attendees from across the country. Key speakers at the training included Ken Marshall, Americas IFRS Markets Leader at Ernst & Young LLP, EYARC faculty members Jana Raedy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Irene Wiecek, University of Toronto, who recently published an IFRS primer textbook; and Tim Eaton, Miami University, Ohio, as well as retired Ernst & Young LLP partners John Kiss, Nick Kissel, Peter Nurczynski and Bob Riley.
James Wahlen, Professor of Accounting and Chairman of the MBA Program at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University said, "The EYARC IFRS faculty training was an outstanding experience. Several accounting faculty and retired partners assembled a comprehensive and detailed set of materials that will help me and accounting faculty members all over the country incorporate an understanding of IFRS into our courses. This training is a great example of how practice and academia can partner for the benefit of our students, our teaching and research, and our profession."
Judy Rayburn, Chair of the Accounting Department at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota said, "EYARC IFRS training was a great experience that saved me a lot of time and provided many resources that I will easily be able to assimilate into my classes. The training team was focused and fun, seasoned, and internationally knowledgeable."
Jennifer Blouin, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business said, "Making an effort to maximize pedagogical flexibility, EYARC offered faculty extensive training and materials useful for developing IFRS curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The class notes, cases, and high level spotlights on convergence issues created by EYARC's team of academics and practice professionals will be invaluable as I incorporate IFRS into my syllabus."
Currently, the US is the only industrialized country to not yet adopt IFRS or have a "date certain" for adoption. In the Americas, for example, Canada and South America have adoption dates ranging from 2011 to 2014. In November, the SEC issued a roadmap proposing the adoption of IFRS in the US beginning in 2014. This roadmap is currently open for comment before mandatory adoption is initiated.
"Given the roadmap issued by the SEC and the probability of mandatory adoption of IFRS in the US in the relatively near time frame, we believe it's a matter of when -- not if -- schools will need to realign their educational programs to address IFRS learning," said Ellen Glazerman, Ernst & Young LLP, Americas Director of University Relations. "Even though IFRS is not currently mandated in the US, most of our multinational clients report under IFRS in some capacity, therefore demanding that knowledge from our professionals and the new campus recruits that we hire. We, along with universities, have a shared responsibility in accounting education."
Catherine Banks, EYARC Program Director added, "Students who have an understanding of IFRS will distinguish themselves in the hiring process and will likely have increased career and mobility opportunities. Learning IFRS requires students to build more critical-thinking skills to better understand the substance of transactions, which should make them better accountants."
Faculty who are interested in obtaining access to the private EYARC site should contact Catherine Banks at catherine.banks@ey.com. On this site, faculty have access to not only the EYARC curriculum materials but many other firm resources on IFRS, accounting, auditing and tax.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential.
For more information, please visit www.ey.com.
CSC's Dr. Robert M. Wah Advances to Number Nine on 50 Most Powerful Physician Executives List
CSC (NYSE: CSC) announced today that Modern Physician and Modern Healthcare magazines ranked Dr. Robert M. Wah, chief medical officer and vice president of CSC's North American Public Sector business unit, number nine in their annual ranking of the 50 Most Powerful Physician Executives, published in May. Readers from both magazines nominated 4,300 physician executives for the fifth annual ranking. Of the top 100 most-nominated candidates, nearly 28,000 ballots were cast to determine the top 50. This year, Dr. Wah advanced in his ranking from number 10 in last year's poll.
"We congratulate Robert on this recognition of his achievements," said James W. Sheaffer, president of CSC's North American Public Sector. "This prestigious ranking represents Robert's commitment and dedication to transforming healthcare with better information for better decisions, as well as forging a vision for health information technology at the local, regional and national levels."
Currently, Dr. Wah is leading CSC's strategic health initiative to harness thought leadership and experience across the company's public, commercial and global healthcare business lines. This initiative was created to help CSC offer technology solutions to support President Obama's stimulus package and healthcare reform activity.
Dr. Wah continues to be an active leader within the overall healthcare industry, serving on multiple boards and teaching at educational institutions. He is a recognized expert and regularly speaks at industry conferences. On May 18, 2009, he spoke at the Health IT Summit convened by Senator Mark Warner (Va.) about lessons learned from other countries deploying health information technology. He shared the stage with David Blumenthal, the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other government leaders.
Prior to joining CSC, Dr. Wah served as acting deputy national coordinator for health information technology at HHS. He also worked for the Military Health System in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the associate chief information officer and director of information management. In addition, he served 23 years in the Navy Medical Corps, most recently at the rank of captain. Dr. Wah graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Oregon and received an M.D. from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine. In 2008, he graduated from the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.
About CSC
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions and Services, the Managed Services Sector 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 $16.74 billion for the 12 months ended April 3, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com.
"We congratulate Robert on this recognition of his achievements," said James W. Sheaffer, president of CSC's North American Public Sector. "This prestigious ranking represents Robert's commitment and dedication to transforming healthcare with better information for better decisions, as well as forging a vision for health information technology at the local, regional and national levels."
Currently, Dr. Wah is leading CSC's strategic health initiative to harness thought leadership and experience across the company's public, commercial and global healthcare business lines. This initiative was created to help CSC offer technology solutions to support President Obama's stimulus package and healthcare reform activity.
Dr. Wah continues to be an active leader within the overall healthcare industry, serving on multiple boards and teaching at educational institutions. He is a recognized expert and regularly speaks at industry conferences. On May 18, 2009, he spoke at the Health IT Summit convened by Senator Mark Warner (Va.) about lessons learned from other countries deploying health information technology. He shared the stage with David Blumenthal, the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other government leaders.
Prior to joining CSC, Dr. Wah served as acting deputy national coordinator for health information technology at HHS. He also worked for the Military Health System in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the associate chief information officer and director of information management. In addition, he served 23 years in the Navy Medical Corps, most recently at the rank of captain. Dr. Wah graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Oregon and received an M.D. from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine. In 2008, he graduated from the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.
About CSC
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions and Services, the Managed Services Sector 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 $16.74 billion for the 12 months ended April 3, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com.
comScore Selected by Wireless Media Consulting to Help Provide Common Short Code Media Monitoring for CTIA-The Wireless Association(R)
comScore, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today announced it had been selected through a contract with Wireless Media Consulting (WMC) to monitor common short code (CSC) promotional materials for CTIA-The Wireless Association in order to validate that promotional materials used to market short codes comply with the industry's Consumer Best Practices (CBP).
Developed with the U.S. carriers, the "CSC Auditing and Monitoring Initiative" provides wireless operators with an ongoing and rigorous assessment of third-party content providers' compliance with the CBP. By having a single set of CSC monitoring requirements, the compliance process is more transparent and valuable for all participants in the "ecosystem" - from content providers to consumers.
The addition of media monitoring has expanded the ability of the wireless industry's "CSC Auditing and Monitoring Initiative" to provide greater consumer protection from entities that are non-compliant. The new process will capture the promotional campaign information that is offered in print, online, radio and television advertisements.
"With 92 percent of in-market advertising for common short codes occurring online, comScore's unparalleled capabilities in tracking online advertisements are an integral part in helping WMC ensure it has robust coverage and capture of in-market advertising to perform this contract," said Ian Matthews, WMC president and COO.
"We look forward to contributing to this development in the wireless industry," said Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore, Inc. "Given the breadth of comScore's online data capture and WMC's industry leading experience in monitoring CSCs, our two companies were a natural fit. We are delighted to partner with WMC in this initiative and look forward to expanding our relationship and activity in the space."
About Wireless Media Consulting (WMC)
Wireless Media Consulting (WMC) is the exclusive provider of in-market compliance monitoring to Tier 1 U.S. wireless carriers. Every month, WMC's team of highly trained media analysts intercepts in market--as the consumer experiences them--more than 25,000 PSMS advertising campaigns and audits the associated creative for compliance with Mobile Marketing Association Consumer Best Practices and carrier-specific policies. Then, WMC reports its findings to carrier clients and assists with enforcing established standards. WMC media analysts also audit and report on SMS message flows generated during program opt-in and participation. In addition, WMC assists carriers with PSMS program preapproval services and industry consulting services.
About comScore
comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a global leader in measuring the digital world and preferred source of digital marketing intelligence. For more information, please visit www.comscore.com/companyinfo.
Developed with the U.S. carriers, the "CSC Auditing and Monitoring Initiative" provides wireless operators with an ongoing and rigorous assessment of third-party content providers' compliance with the CBP. By having a single set of CSC monitoring requirements, the compliance process is more transparent and valuable for all participants in the "ecosystem" - from content providers to consumers.
The addition of media monitoring has expanded the ability of the wireless industry's "CSC Auditing and Monitoring Initiative" to provide greater consumer protection from entities that are non-compliant. The new process will capture the promotional campaign information that is offered in print, online, radio and television advertisements.
"With 92 percent of in-market advertising for common short codes occurring online, comScore's unparalleled capabilities in tracking online advertisements are an integral part in helping WMC ensure it has robust coverage and capture of in-market advertising to perform this contract," said Ian Matthews, WMC president and COO.
"We look forward to contributing to this development in the wireless industry," said Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore, Inc. "Given the breadth of comScore's online data capture and WMC's industry leading experience in monitoring CSCs, our two companies were a natural fit. We are delighted to partner with WMC in this initiative and look forward to expanding our relationship and activity in the space."
About Wireless Media Consulting (WMC)
Wireless Media Consulting (WMC) is the exclusive provider of in-market compliance monitoring to Tier 1 U.S. wireless carriers. Every month, WMC's team of highly trained media analysts intercepts in market--as the consumer experiences them--more than 25,000 PSMS advertising campaigns and audits the associated creative for compliance with Mobile Marketing Association Consumer Best Practices and carrier-specific policies. Then, WMC reports its findings to carrier clients and assists with enforcing established standards. WMC media analysts also audit and report on SMS message flows generated during program opt-in and participation. In addition, WMC assists carriers with PSMS program preapproval services and industry consulting services.
About comScore
comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a global leader in measuring the digital world and preferred source of digital marketing intelligence. For more information, please visit www.comscore.com/companyinfo.
Friday, June 26, 2009
PeopleSoft Consulting Firm Beacon Application Services Acquires Newmerix Business
Beacon Application Services Corporation, a leading integrator of Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Applications, today announced the acquisition of the majority of the global assets of Newmerix, including its Automate! application testing, management and control suites for Oracle’s PeopleSoft Enterprise Applications and E-Business Suite.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Separately, Beacon has hired former Newmerix staff for product support, consulting and development roles. In addition, all Newmerix PeopleSoft customers have been returned to active maintenance status and will remain on maintenance at no charge until July 31st, 2009.
Newmerix Automate! is the only comprehensive application lifecycle management suite designed to strategically manage the entire lifecycle of change across PeopleSoft application environments. It enables IT organizations to reduce operating costs and exceed the demands of their user business partners. No other approach delivers testing, configuration management, change management and release management as effectively or efficiently as Newmerix Automate.
“We are excited about this development,” said Steve Carroll, CIO for The Rockefeller Group, which is both a Beacon and Newmerix customer. “Beacon provides us with excellent service. It helps ensure our Oracle applications are meeting the needs of our organization. We look forward to Beacon’s high level of support and technical excellence applied to Newmerix.”
Beacon, an Oracle Advantage Certified Partner, began working with PeopleSoft application customers in 1993 and is one of the most experienced providers of PeopleSoft consulting services, with nearly 300 customers. Its full range of services include package evaluation and implementation of best practices within the PeopleSoft applications, supported by project management, technical, upgrade and value-add services.
“The Newmerix offerings are excellent products specifically designed to integrate tightly with the PeopleSoft/PeopleTools environments,” said Dan Maude, president of Beacon Application Services. “Our first job is to reach out to Newmerix clients to optimize their existing investments, while bringing significant additional value by leveraging our deep knowledge of PeopleSoft business processes and technology. With this acquisition, our customers will benefit from immediate access to a broad range of product solutions, in effect offering “services as packaged software” while also receiving the highest levels of service and trusted advice to which they are accustomed.”
Further detailed information about Beacon or Newmerix is available by emailing Dan_Maude@beaconservices.com.
About Beacon Application Services
Beacon Application Services is a leading integrator of Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise application software. With nearly 300 successful implementation and upgrade projects in the past fifteen years, Beacon has developed an outstanding reputation for customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Framingham, Mass., Beacon has over 100 Certified Consultants nationwide specializing in PeopleSoft applications, including Human Capital Management, Financials and Supply Chain.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Separately, Beacon has hired former Newmerix staff for product support, consulting and development roles. In addition, all Newmerix PeopleSoft customers have been returned to active maintenance status and will remain on maintenance at no charge until July 31st, 2009.
Newmerix Automate! is the only comprehensive application lifecycle management suite designed to strategically manage the entire lifecycle of change across PeopleSoft application environments. It enables IT organizations to reduce operating costs and exceed the demands of their user business partners. No other approach delivers testing, configuration management, change management and release management as effectively or efficiently as Newmerix Automate.
“We are excited about this development,” said Steve Carroll, CIO for The Rockefeller Group, which is both a Beacon and Newmerix customer. “Beacon provides us with excellent service. It helps ensure our Oracle applications are meeting the needs of our organization. We look forward to Beacon’s high level of support and technical excellence applied to Newmerix.”
Beacon, an Oracle Advantage Certified Partner, began working with PeopleSoft application customers in 1993 and is one of the most experienced providers of PeopleSoft consulting services, with nearly 300 customers. Its full range of services include package evaluation and implementation of best practices within the PeopleSoft applications, supported by project management, technical, upgrade and value-add services.
“The Newmerix offerings are excellent products specifically designed to integrate tightly with the PeopleSoft/PeopleTools environments,” said Dan Maude, president of Beacon Application Services. “Our first job is to reach out to Newmerix clients to optimize their existing investments, while bringing significant additional value by leveraging our deep knowledge of PeopleSoft business processes and technology. With this acquisition, our customers will benefit from immediate access to a broad range of product solutions, in effect offering “services as packaged software” while also receiving the highest levels of service and trusted advice to which they are accustomed.”
Further detailed information about Beacon or Newmerix is available by emailing Dan_Maude@beaconservices.com.
About Beacon Application Services
Beacon Application Services is a leading integrator of Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise application software. With nearly 300 successful implementation and upgrade projects in the past fifteen years, Beacon has developed an outstanding reputation for customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Framingham, Mass., Beacon has over 100 Certified Consultants nationwide specializing in PeopleSoft applications, including Human Capital Management, Financials and Supply Chain.
Capgemini Signs Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) Lease Agreement With Digital Realty Trust
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. , the world's largest wholesale datacentre provider, has completed a Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) lease agreement with Capgemini (www.capgemini.com), one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. Under this agreement, Capgemini will establish a new datacentre in a Digital Realty Trust property in France during the summer to support the growth of its datacentre infrastructure.
"We are delighted to be working with Capgemini on this important datacentre project for its global IT strategy. Our Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) is an ideal solution for corporate customers such as Capgemini, allowing them to focus on deploying their IT systems in a timely, cost effective manner with a datacentre infrastructure partner they can rely on for the long term," said Bernard Geoghegan, Senior Vice President, International Operations of Digital Realty Trust.
Over the past two years Capgemini has put much effort into upgrading its hosting offering in order to provide its clients with maximum resilience and security levels, optimisation of energy costs, together with a high level quality of services. Capgemini chose Digital Realty Trust because it specialises in datacentre facilities, has international operations, and is financially sound. "By leasing space in its facility, we are able to move forward immediately with our datacentre plans without the significant capital investment ordinarily associated with large hosting projects," said Olivier Herrmann, Capgemini's Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Outsourcing Services. "We also chose Digital Realty Trust because of the company's proven track record of supplying reliable solutions to the world's leading companies."
Digital Realty Trust Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) facilities provide state-of-the-art environments for supporting mission critical infrastructure, with advanced cooling, power, redundancy, and sustainability features to ensure that critical applications are available while optimising energy efficiency. Digital Realty Trust's Turn-Key Datacentres(SM) are scalable from hundreds of kilowatts of IT Load to megawatts of IT load and are located in markets throughout North America and Europe. Each Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) facility is physically secure and features a state-of-the-art power and cooling architecture that has been optimised for green operation. Every Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) is built using the company's proprietary POD Architecture(SM) and uses metered power to ensure that clients pay only for the power that they use.
About Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Digital Realty Trust owns, acquires, redevelops, develops and manages technology-related real estate. The Company is focused on providing Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) and Powered Base Building(SM) datacentre solutions for domestic and international tenants across a variety of industry verticals ranging from information technology and internet enterprises, to manufacturing and financial services. Digital Realty Trust's 75 properties, excluding one property held as an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture, contain applications and operations critical to the day-to-day operations of technology industry tenants and corporate enterprise datacentre tenants. Comprising approximately 1.2 million square metres (13.0 million square feet) as of April 30, 2009, including approximately 111,000 square metres (1.2 million square feet) of space held for redevelopment, Digital Realty Trust's portfolio is located in 27 markets throughout Europe and North America. For additional information, please visit Digital Realty Trust's website at www.digitalrealtytrust.com.
About Capgemini
Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, enables its clients to transform and perform through technologies. Capgemini provides its clients with insights and capabilities that boost their freedom to achieve superior results through a unique way of working, the Collaborative Business Experience(TM). The Group relies on its global delivery model called Rightshore(R), which aims to get the right balance of the best talent from multiple locations, working as one team to create and deliver the optimum solution for clients. Present in more than 30 countries, Capgemini reported 2008 global revenues of EUR 8.7 billion and employs over 90,000 people worldwide.
More information is available at www.capgemini.com.
Capgemini Outsourcing Services (OS) draws on the expertise of more than 25,000 employees to manage, innovate and improve the IT systems and business processes of its clients. Capgemini OS offers a full spectrum of services including Applications Outsourcing, Infrastructure Outsourcing, Business Process Outsourcing and Transformational Outsourcing. For more information: http://www.capgemini.com/services/outsourcing/.
"We are delighted to be working with Capgemini on this important datacentre project for its global IT strategy. Our Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) is an ideal solution for corporate customers such as Capgemini, allowing them to focus on deploying their IT systems in a timely, cost effective manner with a datacentre infrastructure partner they can rely on for the long term," said Bernard Geoghegan, Senior Vice President, International Operations of Digital Realty Trust.
Over the past two years Capgemini has put much effort into upgrading its hosting offering in order to provide its clients with maximum resilience and security levels, optimisation of energy costs, together with a high level quality of services. Capgemini chose Digital Realty Trust because it specialises in datacentre facilities, has international operations, and is financially sound. "By leasing space in its facility, we are able to move forward immediately with our datacentre plans without the significant capital investment ordinarily associated with large hosting projects," said Olivier Herrmann, Capgemini's Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Outsourcing Services. "We also chose Digital Realty Trust because of the company's proven track record of supplying reliable solutions to the world's leading companies."
Digital Realty Trust Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) facilities provide state-of-the-art environments for supporting mission critical infrastructure, with advanced cooling, power, redundancy, and sustainability features to ensure that critical applications are available while optimising energy efficiency. Digital Realty Trust's Turn-Key Datacentres(SM) are scalable from hundreds of kilowatts of IT Load to megawatts of IT load and are located in markets throughout North America and Europe. Each Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) facility is physically secure and features a state-of-the-art power and cooling architecture that has been optimised for green operation. Every Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) is built using the company's proprietary POD Architecture(SM) and uses metered power to ensure that clients pay only for the power that they use.
About Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Digital Realty Trust owns, acquires, redevelops, develops and manages technology-related real estate. The Company is focused on providing Turn-Key Datacentre(SM) and Powered Base Building(SM) datacentre solutions for domestic and international tenants across a variety of industry verticals ranging from information technology and internet enterprises, to manufacturing and financial services. Digital Realty Trust's 75 properties, excluding one property held as an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture, contain applications and operations critical to the day-to-day operations of technology industry tenants and corporate enterprise datacentre tenants. Comprising approximately 1.2 million square metres (13.0 million square feet) as of April 30, 2009, including approximately 111,000 square metres (1.2 million square feet) of space held for redevelopment, Digital Realty Trust's portfolio is located in 27 markets throughout Europe and North America. For additional information, please visit Digital Realty Trust's website at www.digitalrealtytrust.com.
About Capgemini
Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, enables its clients to transform and perform through technologies. Capgemini provides its clients with insights and capabilities that boost their freedom to achieve superior results through a unique way of working, the Collaborative Business Experience(TM). The Group relies on its global delivery model called Rightshore(R), which aims to get the right balance of the best talent from multiple locations, working as one team to create and deliver the optimum solution for clients. Present in more than 30 countries, Capgemini reported 2008 global revenues of EUR 8.7 billion and employs over 90,000 people worldwide.
More information is available at www.capgemini.com.
Capgemini Outsourcing Services (OS) draws on the expertise of more than 25,000 employees to manage, innovate and improve the IT systems and business processes of its clients. Capgemini OS offers a full spectrum of services including Applications Outsourcing, Infrastructure Outsourcing, Business Process Outsourcing and Transformational Outsourcing. For more information: http://www.capgemini.com/services/outsourcing/.
MAS Consulting Sponsors Network Services for the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, July 15-21, 2009
MAS Consulting is excited to announce that the MAS Network consulting team will be sponsoring the IT services for the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, July 15-July 21, 2009. MAS Consulting currently partners with Chicago Yacht Club to provide annual Network and Telecom managed services to support the Chicago Yacht Club IT Network and Voice Over IP AltiGen telephone system. The Chicago Yacht Club is a valued MAS client and MAS is excited to join as a Race to Mackinac Event Supplier and Supporter this year.
The Race to Mackinac is Chicago Yacht Club's premier event, and at 333 miles, is the longest annual freshwater distance race in the world. MAS Consulting is proud to showcase its support of one of the nation's most distinguished yacht clubs and one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing races. For over 100 years the Race to Mackinac has attracted some of the best sailors in the world, with an average of 300 boats with approximately 3,000 sailors competing in this world class sporting event annually.
MAS is excited to join the Chicago and the worldwide yachting community as a Race to Mackinac Supporter/Supplier. MAS will be providing the Network and IT infrastructure to support kiosk stations in order to view race and event information including weather conditions, race standings, and GPS locations of the boats. Boats are tracked by GPS satellite technology and displayed on the MAS hosted kiosk computers stations and screens at the start and finish, enabling friends, families, and other spectators on shore to follow the race in real time on the web. MAS will provide internet connectivity to spectators at both the Chicago Monroe Station starting location and the Mackinac Island finish tent. You can also visit www.cycracetomackinac.com for online tracking of the Race to Mackinac.
Please join MAS Consulting and the Chicago Yacht club Saturday, July 18 from 10am-2pm for the Parade of Boats at Navy Pier in Chicago. This is a great opportunity for the public to see all of the Race to Mackinac boats before they head out to the racecourse.
MAS Consulting is proud to sponsor this world-famous event in sailing. Events for 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac begin Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the Chicago Monroe Station and the Race begins Friday, July 17, 2009. To learn more about the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, go to the official website at www.chicagoyachtclub.org/racetomackinac or visit MAS Consulting's website at www.mcas.com/racetomackinac.
About MAS Consulting
MAS Consulting is an established, technology consulting firm that partners with companies that are clear leaders in providing integrated Microsoft business solutions. MAS is a well-established Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Cisco Select Partner, and Certified AltiGen Communications Partner. MAS Consulting has implemented Microsoft solutions for hundreds of companies throughout Chicago-land and the Midwest region. MAS Consulting provides valuable Integrated Business Solutions through consulting, software, and IT implementation including business assessments, managed services, Microsoft Business Solutions, Microsoft Classic Solutions - Network and Infrastructure solutions, and traditional and VOIP Telecom Solutions. MAS Consulting is proud to offer all aspects of technology solutions, in order to provide the complete solution to meet your business requirements. Based in downtown Chicago, MAS Consulting has cultivated an exceptionally strong client base, including many Fortune 1000 companies.
As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, MAS is recognized among the elite Microsoft Business Partners who earn the highest customer endorsements and certifications. MAS Consulting has achieved Microsoft competencies in Microsoft Business Solutions, Networking Infrastructure Solutions, and Information Worker Solutions. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, MAS Consulting provides extensive technology resources and delivers proven Microsoft expertise through an effective Microsoft Sure Step project methodology. MAS Consulting wants to be your technology partner. Please read the MAS Consulting brochure for more information http://www.mcas.com/company/brochure.html. Please contact MAS representative Amanda Evans at (312)922-5511 x110 or aevans@mcas.com for more information.
The Race to Mackinac is Chicago Yacht Club's premier event, and at 333 miles, is the longest annual freshwater distance race in the world. MAS Consulting is proud to showcase its support of one of the nation's most distinguished yacht clubs and one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing races. For over 100 years the Race to Mackinac has attracted some of the best sailors in the world, with an average of 300 boats with approximately 3,000 sailors competing in this world class sporting event annually.
MAS is excited to join the Chicago and the worldwide yachting community as a Race to Mackinac Supporter/Supplier. MAS will be providing the Network and IT infrastructure to support kiosk stations in order to view race and event information including weather conditions, race standings, and GPS locations of the boats. Boats are tracked by GPS satellite technology and displayed on the MAS hosted kiosk computers stations and screens at the start and finish, enabling friends, families, and other spectators on shore to follow the race in real time on the web. MAS will provide internet connectivity to spectators at both the Chicago Monroe Station starting location and the Mackinac Island finish tent. You can also visit www.cycracetomackinac.com for online tracking of the Race to Mackinac.
Please join MAS Consulting and the Chicago Yacht club Saturday, July 18 from 10am-2pm for the Parade of Boats at Navy Pier in Chicago. This is a great opportunity for the public to see all of the Race to Mackinac boats before they head out to the racecourse.
MAS Consulting is proud to sponsor this world-famous event in sailing. Events for 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac begin Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the Chicago Monroe Station and the Race begins Friday, July 17, 2009. To learn more about the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, go to the official website at www.chicagoyachtclub.org/racetomackinac or visit MAS Consulting's website at www.mcas.com/racetomackinac.
About MAS Consulting
MAS Consulting is an established, technology consulting firm that partners with companies that are clear leaders in providing integrated Microsoft business solutions. MAS is a well-established Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Cisco Select Partner, and Certified AltiGen Communications Partner. MAS Consulting has implemented Microsoft solutions for hundreds of companies throughout Chicago-land and the Midwest region. MAS Consulting provides valuable Integrated Business Solutions through consulting, software, and IT implementation including business assessments, managed services, Microsoft Business Solutions, Microsoft Classic Solutions - Network and Infrastructure solutions, and traditional and VOIP Telecom Solutions. MAS Consulting is proud to offer all aspects of technology solutions, in order to provide the complete solution to meet your business requirements. Based in downtown Chicago, MAS Consulting has cultivated an exceptionally strong client base, including many Fortune 1000 companies.
As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, MAS is recognized among the elite Microsoft Business Partners who earn the highest customer endorsements and certifications. MAS Consulting has achieved Microsoft competencies in Microsoft Business Solutions, Networking Infrastructure Solutions, and Information Worker Solutions. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, MAS Consulting provides extensive technology resources and delivers proven Microsoft expertise through an effective Microsoft Sure Step project methodology. MAS Consulting wants to be your technology partner. Please read the MAS Consulting brochure for more information http://www.mcas.com/company/brochure.html. Please contact MAS representative Amanda Evans at (312)922-5511 x110 or aevans@mcas.com for more information.
Strategy Analytics: Nuance and SVOX Making a Noise in Voice Technology
Human Machine Interface (HMI) technologies, particularly voice, haptic controls and touch screens, are being adopted strongly in automotive markets. Key players, Nuance and SVOX, are starting to build a strong market lead in voice technology; while Alpine, Clarion, Continental, Harman, Sharp, and Toshiba-Matsushita show a strong showing in multimedia systems and displays markets. Leading car makers investing in HMI technologies include Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Fiat. The automotive voice and touch screen market will reach $2.9B in 2015, according to Strategy Analytics research, "Automotive HMI: Market Leaders Maintaining Strong Positions."
While the most advanced systems remain in luxury vehicles, HMI technology is migrating into mainstream vehicle markets at an accelerating pace. "Demand is growing for voice technology and touch screen capability in popular, affordable cars. Car makers can differentiate offerings by price points," says John Canali, Automotive Analyst at Strategy Analytics and author of this report. "HMI technology has progressed so well partly because OEMs, especially luxury OEMs, cannot risk having second-rate HMI technology when the market recovers.
"The automotive HMI market has seen voice and touch screen technology make tremendous strides in terms of quality and price," commented Joanne Blight, Automotive Director. "To target opportunities in the HMI market, collaboration is essential, not only to create relevant solutions but also to achieve economies of scale."
About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides timely and actionable market intelligence focused on opportunities and disruptive forces in the areas of Automotive Electronics and Entertainment, Broadband Connected Home, Mobile & Wireless Intelligent Systems and Virtual Worlds. Headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, S. Korea and China, Strategy Analytics works with clients through annual multi-client services, management team workshops and custom consulting engagements. For more information, please visit http://www.strategyanalytics.com/.
While the most advanced systems remain in luxury vehicles, HMI technology is migrating into mainstream vehicle markets at an accelerating pace. "Demand is growing for voice technology and touch screen capability in popular, affordable cars. Car makers can differentiate offerings by price points," says John Canali, Automotive Analyst at Strategy Analytics and author of this report. "HMI technology has progressed so well partly because OEMs, especially luxury OEMs, cannot risk having second-rate HMI technology when the market recovers.
"The automotive HMI market has seen voice and touch screen technology make tremendous strides in terms of quality and price," commented Joanne Blight, Automotive Director. "To target opportunities in the HMI market, collaboration is essential, not only to create relevant solutions but also to achieve economies of scale."
About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides timely and actionable market intelligence focused on opportunities and disruptive forces in the areas of Automotive Electronics and Entertainment, Broadband Connected Home, Mobile & Wireless Intelligent Systems and Virtual Worlds. Headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, S. Korea and China, Strategy Analytics works with clients through annual multi-client services, management team workshops and custom consulting engagements. For more information, please visit http://www.strategyanalytics.com/.
Slalom Consulting Delivers Ground-Breaking Medical iPhone Application for Interactive Mobile Learning
Slalom Consulting, ranked one of the best consulting firms to work for in the U.S. by Consulting Magazine, announced today the development of SonoAccess(TM), the first free interactive mobile learning application for point-of-care medical ultrasound. This innovative use of technology was the result of a collaborative effort between Slalom and SonoSite, the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound. The application is available for download directly from iTunes or the App Store to the iPhone® or iPod Touch®.
"SonoSite is dedicated to providing clinicians with tools to improve the way they access information, and there is no better way to do this than having it at the point-of-care via a mobile application," said David Uhler, Slalom Consulting's national director of research and development. "Slalom took SonoSite's concept and brought it to life through an innovative technology infrastructure and software solution. Through our partnership with SonoSite, we've delivered an iPhone app that will serve as an educational tool and resource initially tailored for those medical professionals in emergency medicine, critical care and anesthesia departments."
SonoSite sought the expertise of Slalom consultants for the development of an iPhone reference application that doctors could conveniently use at the point-of-care -- be it in the emergency room or by a patient's bedside. SonoSite and Slalom jointly designed the SonoAccess app which, at the tap of a finger, provides an on-demand educational library of high quality clinical and instructional videos, case studies, reimbursement information and reference guides on point-of-care ultrasound applications.
The architecture behind the application enables users to create a customized profile, complete with content specific to their practice. Based on the application's heavy use of video as well as its potential for growth, Slalom recommended that SonoSite utilize Amazon Web Services for its flexibility and scalability as both content and user demand increases.
"Physicians need practical tools that provide quick and easy access to information," said Gina Kelly, director of clinical training and learning products at SonoSite. "SonoAccess takes the concept of a pocket reference guide to a whole new level and places a comprehensive library of ultrasound videos and information right in the palm of a clinician's hand. SonoSite has been at the forefront of the medical industry in bringing diagnostic tools to the patient. The release of SonoAccess is yet another innovative solution for physicians to enhance their bedside assessment skills."
To view a demo video of SonoAccess, visit www.sonosite.com/products/sonoaccess.
About SonoSite
SonoSite, Inc. is the innovator and world leader in hand-carried ultrasound. Headquartered near Seattle, the company is represented by ten subsidiaries and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. SonoSite's small, lightweight systems are expanding the use of ultrasound across the clinical spectrum by cost-effectively bringing high performance ultrasound to the point of patient care. The company employs approximately 700 people worldwide.
About Slalom Consulting
Slalom Consulting is a national business and technology consulting firm, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Seattle. Following its motto, "Business is a Race. Win it." Slalom's services range from broad areas including project and program management, business process improvement, and software development, to specialized solutions such as ERP, business intelligence, CRM and more. As a winner of Consulting Magazine's "Top Ten Firms to Work For," Slalom is best known for its highly-experienced, locally-based teams and consultants who consistently take client projects from strategy through successful implementation. In addition to Seattle, Slalom has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland and San Francisco.
"SonoSite is dedicated to providing clinicians with tools to improve the way they access information, and there is no better way to do this than having it at the point-of-care via a mobile application," said David Uhler, Slalom Consulting's national director of research and development. "Slalom took SonoSite's concept and brought it to life through an innovative technology infrastructure and software solution. Through our partnership with SonoSite, we've delivered an iPhone app that will serve as an educational tool and resource initially tailored for those medical professionals in emergency medicine, critical care and anesthesia departments."
SonoSite sought the expertise of Slalom consultants for the development of an iPhone reference application that doctors could conveniently use at the point-of-care -- be it in the emergency room or by a patient's bedside. SonoSite and Slalom jointly designed the SonoAccess app which, at the tap of a finger, provides an on-demand educational library of high quality clinical and instructional videos, case studies, reimbursement information and reference guides on point-of-care ultrasound applications.
The architecture behind the application enables users to create a customized profile, complete with content specific to their practice. Based on the application's heavy use of video as well as its potential for growth, Slalom recommended that SonoSite utilize Amazon Web Services for its flexibility and scalability as both content and user demand increases.
"Physicians need practical tools that provide quick and easy access to information," said Gina Kelly, director of clinical training and learning products at SonoSite. "SonoAccess takes the concept of a pocket reference guide to a whole new level and places a comprehensive library of ultrasound videos and information right in the palm of a clinician's hand. SonoSite has been at the forefront of the medical industry in bringing diagnostic tools to the patient. The release of SonoAccess is yet another innovative solution for physicians to enhance their bedside assessment skills."
To view a demo video of SonoAccess, visit www.sonosite.com/products/sonoaccess.
About SonoSite
SonoSite, Inc. is the innovator and world leader in hand-carried ultrasound. Headquartered near Seattle, the company is represented by ten subsidiaries and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. SonoSite's small, lightweight systems are expanding the use of ultrasound across the clinical spectrum by cost-effectively bringing high performance ultrasound to the point of patient care. The company employs approximately 700 people worldwide.
About Slalom Consulting
Slalom Consulting is a national business and technology consulting firm, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Seattle. Following its motto, "Business is a Race. Win it." Slalom's services range from broad areas including project and program management, business process improvement, and software development, to specialized solutions such as ERP, business intelligence, CRM and more. As a winner of Consulting Magazine's "Top Ten Firms to Work For," Slalom is best known for its highly-experienced, locally-based teams and consultants who consistently take client projects from strategy through successful implementation. In addition to Seattle, Slalom has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland and San Francisco.
IT Consulting Firm Advanced Systems Group Sees New Business Growth
Advanced Systems Group (ASG) http://www.virtual.com, the Denver-based IT consulting, integration, and project management firm, today announces it has hired Doug Olson as the new account executive to fill out the sales team in its Portland office and support expanding growth in the Northwest region.
Patrick Smith, Vice President of Sales, explains, "The Portland and Seattle offices we added fairly recently have quickly become a successful and well-established source of business for ASG in the Northwest region."
"Our teams there have done a great job of helping clients balance their IT needs with their overall revenue goals. That has certainly been a significant contribution to our growth and success, says Smith.
In nearly two decades of experience, Doug Olson has helped his clients develop into more responsive, productive, and resilient companies. He has centered his career on assessing client needs and pursuing customer satisfaction as a top priority. Previously, Olson worked for well-known organizations like Sprint Business Services and Sun Microsystems.
As a new ASG account executive, Olson will focus on developing new business throughout the Northwestern United States. He will specialize in building rapport with customers, and effectively communicating highly complex technical and business concepts to all levels of organizations.
Olson is one of several new account executives and systems consultants ASG hired recently to support a 32 percent increase in its customer base this fiscal year and new professional services certifications for the company. Earlier this year, ASG became the first Certified Solutions Provider for the Hitachi Content Archive Platform. Other new account executives and systems consultants join ASG offices in Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City.
ASG is a leading provider of enterprise IT consulting, architecture services and complete IT infrastructure solutions. As a consistent member of the VAR Business Top 500, ASG pursues active involvement in the industry, maintaining the highest level of engineering certifications with partners and the vendor community.
About Advanced Systems Group (ASG)
Since 1981, Advanced Systems Group (ASG) has provided complete Information Technology (IT) solutions including comprehensive consulting services, successful storage and data management solutions, assessments and implementation services. In particular, ASG focuses on customer needs, customizing unique solutions for companies and successfully addressing their particular IT challenges. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Advanced Systems Group (ASG) also has offices throughout the western and southern United States including Baton Rouge, Boise, Colorado Springs, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Orange County, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. To learn more, visit http://www.virtual.com.
Patrick Smith, Vice President of Sales, explains, "The Portland and Seattle offices we added fairly recently have quickly become a successful and well-established source of business for ASG in the Northwest region."
"Our teams there have done a great job of helping clients balance their IT needs with their overall revenue goals. That has certainly been a significant contribution to our growth and success, says Smith.
In nearly two decades of experience, Doug Olson has helped his clients develop into more responsive, productive, and resilient companies. He has centered his career on assessing client needs and pursuing customer satisfaction as a top priority. Previously, Olson worked for well-known organizations like Sprint Business Services and Sun Microsystems.
As a new ASG account executive, Olson will focus on developing new business throughout the Northwestern United States. He will specialize in building rapport with customers, and effectively communicating highly complex technical and business concepts to all levels of organizations.
Olson is one of several new account executives and systems consultants ASG hired recently to support a 32 percent increase in its customer base this fiscal year and new professional services certifications for the company. Earlier this year, ASG became the first Certified Solutions Provider for the Hitachi Content Archive Platform. Other new account executives and systems consultants join ASG offices in Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City.
ASG is a leading provider of enterprise IT consulting, architecture services and complete IT infrastructure solutions. As a consistent member of the VAR Business Top 500, ASG pursues active involvement in the industry, maintaining the highest level of engineering certifications with partners and the vendor community.
About Advanced Systems Group (ASG)
Since 1981, Advanced Systems Group (ASG) has provided complete Information Technology (IT) solutions including comprehensive consulting services, successful storage and data management solutions, assessments and implementation services. In particular, ASG focuses on customer needs, customizing unique solutions for companies and successfully addressing their particular IT challenges. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Advanced Systems Group (ASG) also has offices throughout the western and southern United States including Baton Rouge, Boise, Colorado Springs, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Orange County, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. To learn more, visit http://www.virtual.com.
ARCADIS Plans to Merge With Malcolm Pirnie, Creating a Major Position in the Global Water Market
ARCADIS (EURONEXT: ARCAD), the international consultancy, design, engineering and management services company, announced today that it has signed a merger agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Malcolm Pirnie, a White Plains, New York based company predominantly active in water and environmental consulting and engineering, currently owned by about 80 internal shareholders. At closing, Malcolm Pirnie will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARCADIS U.S. Malcolm Pirnie has more than 1,700 employees, 2008 gross revenues of $392 million (EUR280 million), net revenues of $294 million (EUR210 million) and profitability close to ARCADIS overall target EBITA margin of 10%.
ARCADIS will finance this merger by issuing 5.74 million shares to present Malcolm Pirnie shareholders and key employees, in addition to a cash amount of $135 million, for which ARCADIS has secured a new debt facility from Rabobank, ING and RBS. The shares have a lock up period of 6 months with incentives to hold them for at least 18 months after closing. The enterprise value paid represents a multiple of EBITA in the range of our recent larger transactions. ARCADIS' net debt to EBITDA ratio at closing (as measured according to the bank covenants) will be below 2. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share (based on net income from operations which excludes amortization).
The merger is contingent on Malcolm Pirnie shareholder approval and related closing requirements. It is anticipated that the merger will be completed in July 2009. The major shareholders comprising ownership of 48% of the outstanding shares have provided irrevocable support of the merger.
Malcolm Pirnie, having roots going back to 1895, provides infrastructure consulting and engineering services in water and wastewater treatment, environmental services, and through its Red Oak division management consulting services. With over 60 offices, the company is represented in most of the top 20 major metropolitan areas of the United States. The client base of Malcolm Pirnie consists mostly of public sector clients including municipalities and the U.S. Federal Government. Private sector clients include companies from the energy, mining, and transportation market sectors. Malcolm Pirnie is also active internationally in the Asia-Pacific region, Middle East, Puerto Rico and Chile.
The combination of both companies is expected to generate significant business and operational synergies. Malcolm Pirnie brings an established world-class water brand, with specializations in water quality, treatment, strategic planning and project delivery. Combined with ARCADIS' international position in water management and coastal engineering, the merger creates a major position in the global water market with annual revenues approaching $500 million, representing about 17% of combined revenues. Additional benefits include a significantly stronger position with the U.S. Federal Government to pursue both water and environmental projects. Malcolm Pirnie's strong industrial environmental practice brings additional services and a complementary client base that now can be offered services through ARCADIS' global platform. Finally, both companies have similar client-focused business models which will greatly facilitate the integration efforts that are planned for the next 18-24 months.
Commenting on the merger, ARCADIS CEO Harrie Noy said: "This is a major step for ARCADIS which very well fits our strategic goals. Together with Malcolm Pirnie we are in the top 10 of consulting engineers in the international water market. Clean water availability and water quality are increasingly important issues. In order to capitalize on the expected strong growth in this market, water will become a separate business line within ARCADIS. In addition the merger brings us into the top 10 in the U.S. design, consultancy and engineering market, with a more balanced services portfolio. Also, the largely public client base of Malcolm Pirnie serves to balance our existing private sector client base in the U.S., thus contributing to long-term stability. Together we are well positioned to benefit in the short-term from the government stimulus package."
William P. Dee, President & CEO of Malcolm Pirnie added: "We believe that this step allows Malcolm Pirnie to fulfill several strategic goals in one step. First, it will provide us rapid access to international markets, where we have a stated goal to position ourselves as a world leader in water-related engineering and consulting services. Second, it strengthens our position in the Federal market and industrial environmental market, where we can now use ARCADIS' technology and GRiP(R) approach to serve our clients in more ways. Third, this offers many career opportunities for our staff to work on the most exciting challenges on a global basis, which is an important issue for future success. Our Board has unanimously recommended the merger with ARCADIS to Malcolm Pirnie shareholders."
Harrie Noy commenting on market circumstances said: "Recent developments in ARCADIS are generally in line with the trends we have seen in the first quarter. The infrastructure market is robust, driven by government investments. The environmental market continues to slow as industrial clients curtail spending, however, due to strong cost management, margins are holding up. The buildings market continues to be under pressure with particularly challenging circumstances in the United Kingdom. Although the impact of the economic downturn in the short term is still uncertain, the long-term outlook for our business is positive."
About ARCADIS
ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and buildings, to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With more than 13,500 employees and over EUR 1.7 billion in gross revenues, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions. Visit us on the internet: http://www.arcadis-global.com
About Malcolm Pirnie
Malcolm Pirnie Inc, is a century -old environmental consulting firm, provides governmental and industrial clients with comprehensive services in water and wastewater engineering, solid and hazardous waste management, environmental sciences and, through its Red Oak Consulting Division, a wide range of management and IT consulting services. With a diversified staff of over 1700 engineers, scientists and consultants in 60+ offices, Pirnie has won over 200 professional awards for project excellence. For more information visit http://www.pirnie.com.
ARCADIS will finance this merger by issuing 5.74 million shares to present Malcolm Pirnie shareholders and key employees, in addition to a cash amount of $135 million, for which ARCADIS has secured a new debt facility from Rabobank, ING and RBS. The shares have a lock up period of 6 months with incentives to hold them for at least 18 months after closing. The enterprise value paid represents a multiple of EBITA in the range of our recent larger transactions. ARCADIS' net debt to EBITDA ratio at closing (as measured according to the bank covenants) will be below 2. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share (based on net income from operations which excludes amortization).
The merger is contingent on Malcolm Pirnie shareholder approval and related closing requirements. It is anticipated that the merger will be completed in July 2009. The major shareholders comprising ownership of 48% of the outstanding shares have provided irrevocable support of the merger.
Malcolm Pirnie, having roots going back to 1895, provides infrastructure consulting and engineering services in water and wastewater treatment, environmental services, and through its Red Oak division management consulting services. With over 60 offices, the company is represented in most of the top 20 major metropolitan areas of the United States. The client base of Malcolm Pirnie consists mostly of public sector clients including municipalities and the U.S. Federal Government. Private sector clients include companies from the energy, mining, and transportation market sectors. Malcolm Pirnie is also active internationally in the Asia-Pacific region, Middle East, Puerto Rico and Chile.
The combination of both companies is expected to generate significant business and operational synergies. Malcolm Pirnie brings an established world-class water brand, with specializations in water quality, treatment, strategic planning and project delivery. Combined with ARCADIS' international position in water management and coastal engineering, the merger creates a major position in the global water market with annual revenues approaching $500 million, representing about 17% of combined revenues. Additional benefits include a significantly stronger position with the U.S. Federal Government to pursue both water and environmental projects. Malcolm Pirnie's strong industrial environmental practice brings additional services and a complementary client base that now can be offered services through ARCADIS' global platform. Finally, both companies have similar client-focused business models which will greatly facilitate the integration efforts that are planned for the next 18-24 months.
Commenting on the merger, ARCADIS CEO Harrie Noy said: "This is a major step for ARCADIS which very well fits our strategic goals. Together with Malcolm Pirnie we are in the top 10 of consulting engineers in the international water market. Clean water availability and water quality are increasingly important issues. In order to capitalize on the expected strong growth in this market, water will become a separate business line within ARCADIS. In addition the merger brings us into the top 10 in the U.S. design, consultancy and engineering market, with a more balanced services portfolio. Also, the largely public client base of Malcolm Pirnie serves to balance our existing private sector client base in the U.S., thus contributing to long-term stability. Together we are well positioned to benefit in the short-term from the government stimulus package."
William P. Dee, President & CEO of Malcolm Pirnie added: "We believe that this step allows Malcolm Pirnie to fulfill several strategic goals in one step. First, it will provide us rapid access to international markets, where we have a stated goal to position ourselves as a world leader in water-related engineering and consulting services. Second, it strengthens our position in the Federal market and industrial environmental market, where we can now use ARCADIS' technology and GRiP(R) approach to serve our clients in more ways. Third, this offers many career opportunities for our staff to work on the most exciting challenges on a global basis, which is an important issue for future success. Our Board has unanimously recommended the merger with ARCADIS to Malcolm Pirnie shareholders."
Harrie Noy commenting on market circumstances said: "Recent developments in ARCADIS are generally in line with the trends we have seen in the first quarter. The infrastructure market is robust, driven by government investments. The environmental market continues to slow as industrial clients curtail spending, however, due to strong cost management, margins are holding up. The buildings market continues to be under pressure with particularly challenging circumstances in the United Kingdom. Although the impact of the economic downturn in the short term is still uncertain, the long-term outlook for our business is positive."
About ARCADIS
ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and buildings, to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With more than 13,500 employees and over EUR 1.7 billion in gross revenues, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions. Visit us on the internet: http://www.arcadis-global.com
About Malcolm Pirnie
Malcolm Pirnie Inc, is a century -old environmental consulting firm, provides governmental and industrial clients with comprehensive services in water and wastewater engineering, solid and hazardous waste management, environmental sciences and, through its Red Oak Consulting Division, a wide range of management and IT consulting services. With a diversified staff of over 1700 engineers, scientists and consultants in 60+ offices, Pirnie has won over 200 professional awards for project excellence. For more information visit http://www.pirnie.com.
IT Support Services Offer Southern California Businesses a Way to Save Cash
Cal Net Technology Group (www.CalNetTech.com), which offers clients comprehensive, customizable IT solutions on-demand, has reported an increase in their signature managed services solutions, TECManage and CoManage, as businesses look to cut costs. Both IT outsourcing solutions were developed to provide cost-effective IT solutions for both small and large businesses.
TECManage provides the capabilities of an entire IT department at an affordable overall cost, while CoManage augments existing IT departments with the specific skills necessary to meet clients' needs. Both services involve a combination of the following core services:
-- Technology management
-- System engineering
-- Emergency support
-- Systems management
-- Staff training
-- IT procurement
-- Data management
"We know that technical operations are critical to keeping a business running smoothly, as we have years of experience working over a broad network area," remarked CEO, Zack Schuler. "When your company makes changes to its computer network, securing expert IT assistance can allow your staff to focus on their own job -- while we take care of technical adjustments."
Currently, over 200 companies are relying on Cal Net Technology Group to fulfill their IT consulting and computer support needs. The company serves a myriad of industries including healthcare, entertainment, education, government, not-for-profit, banking, manufacturing and professional services.
About Cal Net Technology Group
Founded in 1995, Cal Net Technology Group provides Southern California's businesses with technology solutions expertise ranging from outsourced I.T. services to ongoing support and consultation.
TECManage provides the capabilities of an entire IT department at an affordable overall cost, while CoManage augments existing IT departments with the specific skills necessary to meet clients' needs. Both services involve a combination of the following core services:
-- Technology management
-- System engineering
-- Emergency support
-- Systems management
-- Staff training
-- IT procurement
-- Data management
"We know that technical operations are critical to keeping a business running smoothly, as we have years of experience working over a broad network area," remarked CEO, Zack Schuler. "When your company makes changes to its computer network, securing expert IT assistance can allow your staff to focus on their own job -- while we take care of technical adjustments."
Currently, over 200 companies are relying on Cal Net Technology Group to fulfill their IT consulting and computer support needs. The company serves a myriad of industries including healthcare, entertainment, education, government, not-for-profit, banking, manufacturing and professional services.
About Cal Net Technology Group
Founded in 1995, Cal Net Technology Group provides Southern California's businesses with technology solutions expertise ranging from outsourced I.T. services to ongoing support and consultation.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Technology Consulting Firm Catapult Systems Wins Elite Microsoft Worldwide Partner Award
Catapult Systems, a leading Microsoft technology consulting firm, announced today it has won the 2009 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference Award for Custom Development Solutions, Web Development. The company was chosen from an international field of top Microsoft partners for delivering market-leading customer solutions built on Microsoft technology.
"We have worked closely with Microsoft for many years and have long aspired to win a Worldwide Partner of the Year Award," said Sam Goodner, Catapult Systems chief executive officer. "It's a tremendous honor to receive this award and for our entire organization to be recognized in this fashion."
The Web Development Partner of the Year Award recognizes exceptional, innovative partners who focus on the development of customized Web solutions built on the Microsoft Visual Studio family of products and other Microsoft technologies. This coveted award was won based on the custom application that Catapult Systems developed for Wisenbaker Building Services, Inc. A video case study of the Wisenbaker project can be viewed at http://bit.ly/wisenbaker. A PDF of the Microsoft customer solution case study can be viewed at http://bit.ly/wisenbakerprint.
"We are excited to announce Catapult Systems as the Custom Development Solutions, Web Development Partner of the Year," said Robert Deshaies, vice president, U.S. Partner Group, Microsoft Corp. "Catapult Systems has built applications that enable their customers to increase their revenue, lower their costs, increase productivity, and build closer relationships with customers and partners."
The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions over the last year. The web development award is the latest in a series of Microsoft awards that Catapult Systems has achieved including the esteemed South Central District General Manager award among others.
About Catapult Systems
Catapult Systems, Inc. provides Microsoft consulting services in enterprise integration, infrastructure and custom application development. With offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Denver and Tampa, Catapult implements secured, innovative technology solutions, enabling our clients to achieve their business priorities while deriving the maximum value from their Microsoft technology investments. Catapult is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and National Systems Integrator (NSI). To date we hold 11 Microsoft competencies, placing Catapult in the top 1% of Microsoft partners globally. For more information about Catapult and our services, please visit www.CatapultSystems.com.
"We have worked closely with Microsoft for many years and have long aspired to win a Worldwide Partner of the Year Award," said Sam Goodner, Catapult Systems chief executive officer. "It's a tremendous honor to receive this award and for our entire organization to be recognized in this fashion."
The Web Development Partner of the Year Award recognizes exceptional, innovative partners who focus on the development of customized Web solutions built on the Microsoft Visual Studio family of products and other Microsoft technologies. This coveted award was won based on the custom application that Catapult Systems developed for Wisenbaker Building Services, Inc. A video case study of the Wisenbaker project can be viewed at http://bit.ly/wisenbaker. A PDF of the Microsoft customer solution case study can be viewed at http://bit.ly/wisenbakerprint.
"We are excited to announce Catapult Systems as the Custom Development Solutions, Web Development Partner of the Year," said Robert Deshaies, vice president, U.S. Partner Group, Microsoft Corp. "Catapult Systems has built applications that enable their customers to increase their revenue, lower their costs, increase productivity, and build closer relationships with customers and partners."
The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions over the last year. The web development award is the latest in a series of Microsoft awards that Catapult Systems has achieved including the esteemed South Central District General Manager award among others.
About Catapult Systems
Catapult Systems, Inc. provides Microsoft consulting services in enterprise integration, infrastructure and custom application development. With offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Denver and Tampa, Catapult implements secured, innovative technology solutions, enabling our clients to achieve their business priorities while deriving the maximum value from their Microsoft technology investments. Catapult is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and National Systems Integrator (NSI). To date we hold 11 Microsoft competencies, placing Catapult in the top 1% of Microsoft partners globally. For more information about Catapult and our services, please visit www.CatapultSystems.com.
Booz Allen Receives Innovation Award for Successful Implementation of Social Software
Booz Allen Hamilton has been honored with the Open Enterprise 2009 Innovation Award -- an industry salute to the work it has done to embrace collaborative and transformative enterprise 2.0 tools -- at TechWeb's Enterprise 2.0 Conference on June 23, 2009, in Boston. The conference is attended by vendors who build Web 2.0 and social networking technologies for the enterprise, as well as IT practitioners who have implemented the applications within their organizations.
Booz Allen received the award for its Enterprise 2.0 portal, hello.bah.com, which was established in August 2008. The portal enables Booz Allen's staff to blog, create wikis, and communicate with those with similar interests. Employees find information faster, contribute to professional and alumni communities, locate mentors, build their brands as subject matter experts, and network with colleagues in offices across the U.S.
The innovative portal is easy to use: It features tools with which employees are already familiar, such as blogs, podcasts, RSS, and wikis. Its homepage consists of Communities, People, Forums, Blogs, Wikis, and Bookmarks. Communities aggregate their activities around Alumni, Business, Diversity, and Technology topics. There are over 300 communities around interests such as Wireless Communications, Emerging Technologies, and Cyber Security.
As the winning organization, Booz Allen presented a case study on the portal along with other organizations before the 1,500 member crowd at the TechWeb conference.
In accepting the award on behalf of the firm, Booz Allen Senior Associate Walton Smith said, "We're honored to receive this award. Hello highlights the strength of innovation across the firm, our people and our connections to the communities that tie us together."
The award is part of a larger project called "Open Enterprise 2009" which sought to identify the core qualifications of what it means to be "Enterprise 2.0" and identify the leading businesses that have moved beyond pilot projects and department-level installations to true "Enterprise 2.0" status.
To read more about Booz Allen's Enterprise 2.0 portal, visit www.boozallen.com.
About Booz Allen
Booz Allen Hamilton has been at the forefront of strategy and technology consulting for 95 years. Every day, government agencies, institutions, corporations, and infrastructure organizations rely on the firm's expertise and objectivity, and on the combined capabilities and dedication of our exceptional people to find solutions and seize opportunities. We combine a consultant's unique problem-solving orientation with deep technical knowledge and strong execution to help clients achieve success in their most critical missions. Providing a broad range of services in strategy, operations, organization and change, information technology, systems engineering, and program management, Booz Allen is committed to delivering results that endure.
With 20,000 people and $4 billion in annual revenue, Booz Allen is continually recognized for its quality work and corporate culture. In 2009, for the fifth consecutive year, Fortune magazine named Booz Allen one of "The 100 Best Companies to Work For," and Working Mother magazine has ranked the firm among its "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" annually since 1999.
Booz Allen received the award for its Enterprise 2.0 portal, hello.bah.com, which was established in August 2008. The portal enables Booz Allen's staff to blog, create wikis, and communicate with those with similar interests. Employees find information faster, contribute to professional and alumni communities, locate mentors, build their brands as subject matter experts, and network with colleagues in offices across the U.S.
The innovative portal is easy to use: It features tools with which employees are already familiar, such as blogs, podcasts, RSS, and wikis. Its homepage consists of Communities, People, Forums, Blogs, Wikis, and Bookmarks. Communities aggregate their activities around Alumni, Business, Diversity, and Technology topics. There are over 300 communities around interests such as Wireless Communications, Emerging Technologies, and Cyber Security.
As the winning organization, Booz Allen presented a case study on the portal along with other organizations before the 1,500 member crowd at the TechWeb conference.
In accepting the award on behalf of the firm, Booz Allen Senior Associate Walton Smith said, "We're honored to receive this award. Hello highlights the strength of innovation across the firm, our people and our connections to the communities that tie us together."
The award is part of a larger project called "Open Enterprise 2009" which sought to identify the core qualifications of what it means to be "Enterprise 2.0" and identify the leading businesses that have moved beyond pilot projects and department-level installations to true "Enterprise 2.0" status.
To read more about Booz Allen's Enterprise 2.0 portal, visit www.boozallen.com.
About Booz Allen
Booz Allen Hamilton has been at the forefront of strategy and technology consulting for 95 years. Every day, government agencies, institutions, corporations, and infrastructure organizations rely on the firm's expertise and objectivity, and on the combined capabilities and dedication of our exceptional people to find solutions and seize opportunities. We combine a consultant's unique problem-solving orientation with deep technical knowledge and strong execution to help clients achieve success in their most critical missions. Providing a broad range of services in strategy, operations, organization and change, information technology, systems engineering, and program management, Booz Allen is committed to delivering results that endure.
With 20,000 people and $4 billion in annual revenue, Booz Allen is continually recognized for its quality work and corporate culture. In 2009, for the fifth consecutive year, Fortune magazine named Booz Allen one of "The 100 Best Companies to Work For," and Working Mother magazine has ranked the firm among its "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" annually since 1999.
Management Consultancy Auxis Expands Supply Chain Excellence Practice
Auxis, Inc., a management consulting firm, announced that Marcos Corminas has joined the firm as Senior Manager for its Management Consulting Division. Marcos’ hiring supports the expansion of the company’s Supply Chain Excellence Practice, which provides practical, “real world” methodologies and services for supply chain operations that are anchored by solid financial analysis and results.
Marcos brings to Auxis more than 12 years of extensive experience and knowledge in developing and implementing “Best-in-Class” business practices in product development, manufacturing and procurement / sourcing operations for retailers and suppliers in a broad range of industries, including the consumer products industry. Marcos has worked in multiple countries across The Americas, Europe and Asia throughout his career.
Prior to joining Auxis, Marcos has successfully built professional service practices and most recently served as the Senior Manager of Kurt Salmon Associates, a global management consulting firm. He brings integrated strategy, process and technology deployment solutions to the supply chain and retail operations across a broad range of products and industries.
About Auxis
Auxis is a management consulting firm that creates value and enables growth for its customers. Auxis works with executive management to develop and implement robust business models that generate superior business performance. Auxis’ core belief is that success is measured by the ability to deliver practical, measurable and sustainable financial results. Auxis is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida with other offices in South Florida, and Washington D.C. For more information about Auxis visit www.auxis.com.
Marcos brings to Auxis more than 12 years of extensive experience and knowledge in developing and implementing “Best-in-Class” business practices in product development, manufacturing and procurement / sourcing operations for retailers and suppliers in a broad range of industries, including the consumer products industry. Marcos has worked in multiple countries across The Americas, Europe and Asia throughout his career.
Prior to joining Auxis, Marcos has successfully built professional service practices and most recently served as the Senior Manager of Kurt Salmon Associates, a global management consulting firm. He brings integrated strategy, process and technology deployment solutions to the supply chain and retail operations across a broad range of products and industries.
About Auxis
Auxis is a management consulting firm that creates value and enables growth for its customers. Auxis works with executive management to develop and implement robust business models that generate superior business performance. Auxis’ core belief is that success is measured by the ability to deliver practical, measurable and sustainable financial results. Auxis is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida with other offices in South Florida, and Washington D.C. For more information about Auxis visit www.auxis.com.
Legend Power Announces Engagement of Phoenix Alliance Corp.
Legend Power Systems Inc. announces that it has recently entered into a management consulting agreement (the "Consulting Agreement") with Phoenix Alliance Corp. ("Phoenix") of Vancouver, British Columbia. Phoenix, a business consulting firm, has been retained to provide strategic planning, and financial and management consulting services (the "Services") designed to assist in securing financing for Legend Power through one or more offerings (each an "Offering").
As consideration for providing the Services, the Company has agreed to pay Phoenix an initial non- refundable payment of $25,000 (the "Initial Payment"), as well as additional payments, in proportion to the overall benefit received by Legend Power, of up to $825,000 in cash and up to 1,000,000 common shares in the capital of Legend Power ("Shares"). All Shares issued pursuant to the Consulting Agreement will be at a deemed price per Share equal to the price at which the Shares are issued pursuant to the applicable Offering, and will be subject to a hold period ranging in length from four months plus one day from the date of issuance up to ten months plus one day from the date of issuance. The payments by Legend Power to Phoenix, other than the Initial Payment, will be reduced by any fees or expenses payable to any licensed broker-dealer engaged by Legend Power.
The initial term of the Consulting Agreement is six months from May 28, 2009 (the "Term"), such term being automatically renewed for additional periods of one month each, provided that, at the time of renewal, (a) an Offering is then in progress, or (b) Phoenix has demonstrated to Legend Power's reasonable satisfaction that progress has been made, and in each case Legend Power confirms the continuation of the Term.
The Exchange has accepted the terms of the Consulting Agreement. In accordance with the Exchange's policies, final Exchange acceptance of the issuance of Shares pursuant to the Consulting Agreement requires notice by Legend Power of each such issuance.
Legend Power has also entered into a finder's fee agreement with Phoenix (the "Finder's Fee Agreement"). Pursuant to the Finder's Fee Agreement and in accordance with the Exchange's policies, Legend Power has agreed to pay Phoenix a cash fee equal to 5% of the value of the subscriptions paid by investors, in an Offering, who were introduced to Legend Power by Phoenix (the "Finder's Fee"). The Finder's Fee will be reduced by any additional broker's or finder's fees or expenses paid by Legend Power in respect of the applicable Offering.
About Legend Power Systems Inc.
Legend Power Systems Inc. is a leading electrical energy conservation company that manufactures and markets a patented device to help commercial and industrial customers achieve significant energy savings through voltage optimization. Legend Power's Electrical Harmonizer-AVR eliminates inefficiencies by delivering the optimal level of voltage a user needs. Many customers receive higher voltage levels than required at certain points of the grid from electrical utilities delivering higher levels to compensate for line loss across the feeder length. Higher than nominal voltage can affect the lifespan of electrical equipment and result in high monthly utility bills. By delivering the optimal voltage to the user, Legend Power's Electrical Harmonizer-AVR helps companies reduce their electricity bills, maintenance costs and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the life of electrical equipment. The technology also decreases capital and operating costs for electrical utilities.
As consideration for providing the Services, the Company has agreed to pay Phoenix an initial non- refundable payment of $25,000 (the "Initial Payment"), as well as additional payments, in proportion to the overall benefit received by Legend Power, of up to $825,000 in cash and up to 1,000,000 common shares in the capital of Legend Power ("Shares"). All Shares issued pursuant to the Consulting Agreement will be at a deemed price per Share equal to the price at which the Shares are issued pursuant to the applicable Offering, and will be subject to a hold period ranging in length from four months plus one day from the date of issuance up to ten months plus one day from the date of issuance. The payments by Legend Power to Phoenix, other than the Initial Payment, will be reduced by any fees or expenses payable to any licensed broker-dealer engaged by Legend Power.
The initial term of the Consulting Agreement is six months from May 28, 2009 (the "Term"), such term being automatically renewed for additional periods of one month each, provided that, at the time of renewal, (a) an Offering is then in progress, or (b) Phoenix has demonstrated to Legend Power's reasonable satisfaction that progress has been made, and in each case Legend Power confirms the continuation of the Term.
The Exchange has accepted the terms of the Consulting Agreement. In accordance with the Exchange's policies, final Exchange acceptance of the issuance of Shares pursuant to the Consulting Agreement requires notice by Legend Power of each such issuance.
Legend Power has also entered into a finder's fee agreement with Phoenix (the "Finder's Fee Agreement"). Pursuant to the Finder's Fee Agreement and in accordance with the Exchange's policies, Legend Power has agreed to pay Phoenix a cash fee equal to 5% of the value of the subscriptions paid by investors, in an Offering, who were introduced to Legend Power by Phoenix (the "Finder's Fee"). The Finder's Fee will be reduced by any additional broker's or finder's fees or expenses paid by Legend Power in respect of the applicable Offering.
About Legend Power Systems Inc.
Legend Power Systems Inc. is a leading electrical energy conservation company that manufactures and markets a patented device to help commercial and industrial customers achieve significant energy savings through voltage optimization. Legend Power's Electrical Harmonizer-AVR eliminates inefficiencies by delivering the optimal level of voltage a user needs. Many customers receive higher voltage levels than required at certain points of the grid from electrical utilities delivering higher levels to compensate for line loss across the feeder length. Higher than nominal voltage can affect the lifespan of electrical equipment and result in high monthly utility bills. By delivering the optimal voltage to the user, Legend Power's Electrical Harmonizer-AVR helps companies reduce their electricity bills, maintenance costs and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the life of electrical equipment. The technology also decreases capital and operating costs for electrical utilities.
UMT Consulting Group Receives “Best PPM Strategy Service Provider” Award
UMT Consulting Group, the Project & Portfolio Management Consultants, today announced it has been awarded the prestigious ‘Best Project & Portfolio Management Strategy Service Provider’ award for 2009. The award is a testament to UMT CG’s leadership role and consistent high quality delivery at Fortune 1000 client sites. The awards were presented on June 17th, at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, CA.
The Project & Portfolio Management Summit brought together over 150 senior executives from the Project & Portfolio Management business community with Gartner analysts and leading and emerging vendors. The event focused on initiatives and issues specific to the buyers and sellers of Project & Portfolio Management solutions, with a business intensive format that included industry insight sessions from Gartner and UMT Consulting Group as well as Private Boardroom Appointments, a showcase of exhibits, and networking functions.
UMT Consulting Group was awarded the ‘Best Project & Portfolio Management Strategy Service Provider’ an award that is provided for excellence in implementing PPM solutions, including process and governance design, along with software implementation. According to Gil Makleff, “This nomination reflects a combination of high quality delivery, 20 years of successful PPM deployments, and a great partnership with Microsoft. The Microsoft Solution, this year’s recipient of the ‘Best Solution: PPM Technology’ Award, has made successful deployments possible by enabling the functionality and the collaborative environment needed for successful enterprise deployments. Although this award is a reflection of the current applications, the Microsoft roadmap seems to be extremely exciting with the 2010 product eliciting the clarification of ‘Cool’ from Daniel Stang, a leading Gartner Analyst”.
Seth Patton, Director of Microsoft Project Product Management Group added, “The high level of innovation and customer focus delivered by our partner community is a big part of what makes our customers successful. This award reflects the success and commitment UMT Consulting Group repeatedly brings to our customers.”
For additional information on the Project & Portfolio Management Summit, visit: http://www.everythingchannelevents.com/ppm09
About UMT Consulting Group
Founded in 1989, UMT Consulting Group has pioneered the use of modern Project & Portfolio Management techniques for supporting effective business decision-making. Leveraging 20 years of experience in project management, process design, governance , change management, software implementation, and training, UMT's methodologies drive strategic alignment, curb rogue spending, and increase fund allocation transparency.
UMT Consulting Group’s offerings cover five core areas including Comprehensive Enterprise Project and Portfolio Management (Comprehensive EPM), New Product Development (NPD), Project Management Office (PMO) Setup, Application Portfolio Management (APM), and comprehensive training via the UMT Institute.
For more information on UMT's service offerings and upcoming Webcasts go to www.umt.com or call directly for a UMT sales representative at: Tel: 888-965-0550.
About Everything Channel (www.everythingchannel.com, www.channelweb.com)
Everything Channel is the one-stop shop for accessing, enabling, managing and accelerating technology sales channels. From branding and recruiting to marketing and sales, Everything Channel offers technology marketers the unmatched breadth and depth of global brands and market intelligence combined with unparalleled audience loyalty and credibility serving all technology sales channels through an extensive database. Everything Channel provides innovative sales and marketing solutions to arm the sellers of technology with the resources they need to achieve measurable and significant results.
About United Business Media Limited (www.unitedbusinessmedia.com)
UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetisation of B2B communities and markets. UBM’s businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities - from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewellery traders, from farmers to pharmacists – with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.
The Project & Portfolio Management Summit brought together over 150 senior executives from the Project & Portfolio Management business community with Gartner analysts and leading and emerging vendors. The event focused on initiatives and issues specific to the buyers and sellers of Project & Portfolio Management solutions, with a business intensive format that included industry insight sessions from Gartner and UMT Consulting Group as well as Private Boardroom Appointments, a showcase of exhibits, and networking functions.
UMT Consulting Group was awarded the ‘Best Project & Portfolio Management Strategy Service Provider’ an award that is provided for excellence in implementing PPM solutions, including process and governance design, along with software implementation. According to Gil Makleff, “This nomination reflects a combination of high quality delivery, 20 years of successful PPM deployments, and a great partnership with Microsoft. The Microsoft Solution, this year’s recipient of the ‘Best Solution: PPM Technology’ Award, has made successful deployments possible by enabling the functionality and the collaborative environment needed for successful enterprise deployments. Although this award is a reflection of the current applications, the Microsoft roadmap seems to be extremely exciting with the 2010 product eliciting the clarification of ‘Cool’ from Daniel Stang, a leading Gartner Analyst”.
Seth Patton, Director of Microsoft Project Product Management Group added, “The high level of innovation and customer focus delivered by our partner community is a big part of what makes our customers successful. This award reflects the success and commitment UMT Consulting Group repeatedly brings to our customers.”
For additional information on the Project & Portfolio Management Summit, visit: http://www.everythingchannelevents.com/ppm09
About UMT Consulting Group
Founded in 1989, UMT Consulting Group has pioneered the use of modern Project & Portfolio Management techniques for supporting effective business decision-making. Leveraging 20 years of experience in project management, process design, governance , change management, software implementation, and training, UMT's methodologies drive strategic alignment, curb rogue spending, and increase fund allocation transparency.
UMT Consulting Group’s offerings cover five core areas including Comprehensive Enterprise Project and Portfolio Management (Comprehensive EPM), New Product Development (NPD), Project Management Office (PMO) Setup, Application Portfolio Management (APM), and comprehensive training via the UMT Institute.
For more information on UMT's service offerings and upcoming Webcasts go to www.umt.com or call directly for a UMT sales representative at: Tel: 888-965-0550.
About Everything Channel (www.everythingchannel.com, www.channelweb.com)
Everything Channel is the one-stop shop for accessing, enabling, managing and accelerating technology sales channels. From branding and recruiting to marketing and sales, Everything Channel offers technology marketers the unmatched breadth and depth of global brands and market intelligence combined with unparalleled audience loyalty and credibility serving all technology sales channels through an extensive database. Everything Channel provides innovative sales and marketing solutions to arm the sellers of technology with the resources they need to achieve measurable and significant results.
About United Business Media Limited (www.unitedbusinessmedia.com)
UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetisation of B2B communities and markets. UBM’s businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities - from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewellery traders, from farmers to pharmacists – with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.
Dynadec Partners With International Workforce Management Software and Consulting Provider
Dynadec, a developer of next-generation optimization technology, today announced an OEM partnership with XIMES, a workforce management software developer and consulting firm based in Vienna, Austria.
News ImageDynadec develops advanced optimization technology and solutions that help companies solve their most complex operational problems under uncertainty - the next frontier of optimization. Dynadec's solutions are built on its powerful, next-generation Comet™ platform. By utilizing real-time data, Comet enables organizations to improve staff allocation and scheduling for optimal workforce efficiency and effectiveness.
"Comet is an impressive technology platform, and we are excited to work with Dynadec to explore the possibilities of enhancing our workforce management solutions," said Johannes Gaertner of XIMES. "The complex staffing and scheduling issues that face today's dynamic enterprises are growing rapidly. Our customers are extremely excited about the flexibility that the Comet platform provides."
"This partnership gives Dynadec a great opportunity to continue to expand its footprint in this critical area of optimization," said Dynadec Chairman Christian Heidelberger. "XIMES has an established track record as a provider of best-of-breed workforce management solutions. We are excited to partner with them, and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship."
About XIMES
Based in Vienna, Austria, XIMES offers software and consulting services for workforce/working hours management efficiency for clients in a wide variety of industries. The company offers tools for optimum staffing levels, shift rotation, and calculation and forecasting of workforce requirements, and is a leading provider of workforce consulting services in Europe. For more information, visit www.ximes.com.
About Dynadec
Dynadec develops next-generation business decision optimization solutions that enable enterprises to solve their most challenging and complex operational problems. Dynadec's hybrid optimization solutions for workforce management, vehicle routing, and resource scheduling are based on the company's proprietary Comet™ platform, which includes patent-pending dynamic stochastic combinatorial optimization algorithms developed by world-renowned optimization expert Pascal Van Hentenryck, Dynadec's founder. Comet™-enabled solutions are used by both large enterprises and mid-market companies in a variety of industries including transportation, CPG, healthcare and energy. For more information, visit www.dynadec.com.
News ImageDynadec develops advanced optimization technology and solutions that help companies solve their most complex operational problems under uncertainty - the next frontier of optimization. Dynadec's solutions are built on its powerful, next-generation Comet™ platform. By utilizing real-time data, Comet enables organizations to improve staff allocation and scheduling for optimal workforce efficiency and effectiveness.
"Comet is an impressive technology platform, and we are excited to work with Dynadec to explore the possibilities of enhancing our workforce management solutions," said Johannes Gaertner of XIMES. "The complex staffing and scheduling issues that face today's dynamic enterprises are growing rapidly. Our customers are extremely excited about the flexibility that the Comet platform provides."
"This partnership gives Dynadec a great opportunity to continue to expand its footprint in this critical area of optimization," said Dynadec Chairman Christian Heidelberger. "XIMES has an established track record as a provider of best-of-breed workforce management solutions. We are excited to partner with them, and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship."
About XIMES
Based in Vienna, Austria, XIMES offers software and consulting services for workforce/working hours management efficiency for clients in a wide variety of industries. The company offers tools for optimum staffing levels, shift rotation, and calculation and forecasting of workforce requirements, and is a leading provider of workforce consulting services in Europe. For more information, visit www.ximes.com.
About Dynadec
Dynadec develops next-generation business decision optimization solutions that enable enterprises to solve their most challenging and complex operational problems. Dynadec's hybrid optimization solutions for workforce management, vehicle routing, and resource scheduling are based on the company's proprietary Comet™ platform, which includes patent-pending dynamic stochastic combinatorial optimization algorithms developed by world-renowned optimization expert Pascal Van Hentenryck, Dynadec's founder. Comet™-enabled solutions are used by both large enterprises and mid-market companies in a variety of industries including transportation, CPG, healthcare and energy. For more information, visit www.dynadec.com.
Swisscom IT Services acquires 60% stake in Sourcag
Swisscom IT Services, Ltd. has acquired a 60% stake in Sourcag AG, a provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) services to the financial sector, from Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB) and Basler Kantonalbank (BKB).
Swisscom IT Services is provider of information technology (IT) consulting, project management, and system integration services. All the companies involved in the transaction are based in Switzerland.
Both BLKB and BKB are providers of banking services and will retain 20% stake each in Sourcag.
Deal Type Acquisition
Sub-Category Majority Acquisition
Deal Status Completed: 2009-06-23
Deal Participants
Target (Company) Sourcag AG
Acquirer (Company) Swisscom IT Services, Ltd.
Vendor 1 (Company) Basler Kantonalbank
Vendor 2 (Company) Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB)
Deal Rationale
The acquisition would enable Swisscom IT Services to strengthen its position as a provider of back-office services for financial institutions. It would also facilitate Swisscom to cover the entire value-added chain for banks: from business process outsourcing to application management and IT infrastructure operations through to telecommunications services.
Swisscom IT Services is provider of information technology (IT) consulting, project management, and system integration services. All the companies involved in the transaction are based in Switzerland.
Both BLKB and BKB are providers of banking services and will retain 20% stake each in Sourcag.
Deal Type Acquisition
Sub-Category Majority Acquisition
Deal Status Completed: 2009-06-23
Deal Participants
Target (Company) Sourcag AG
Acquirer (Company) Swisscom IT Services, Ltd.
Vendor 1 (Company) Basler Kantonalbank
Vendor 2 (Company) Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB)
Deal Rationale
The acquisition would enable Swisscom IT Services to strengthen its position as a provider of back-office services for financial institutions. It would also facilitate Swisscom to cover the entire value-added chain for banks: from business process outsourcing to application management and IT infrastructure operations through to telecommunications services.
Healthcare IT Consulting Firm Introduces Milestone-Based Contracts for Hospitals Striving to Meet Stimulus Mandates
SynaptiCore, a Houston-based healthcare IT consulting firm, announced today that it is offering hospitals new milestone-based consulting agreements that link payments for services during an engagement directly to the completion of specific outcomes.
In a departure from traditional “time and material” contracts often used in healthcare IT consulting, SynaptiCore’s initiative recognizes that hospitals face an era of profound change being driven by the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). In response, SynaptiCore’s milestone-based contracts for ARRA consulting seek to deliver the industry’s highest level of accountability in helping hospitals successfully meet the upcoming regulatory requirements and deadlines.
“The tidal wave of regulatory mandates hospitals face today from ARRA and other state and federal initiatives is driving unprecedented new investments in healthcare IT,” said Mustafa Raja, Founder and President of SynaptiCore. “Our world is changing, and with change comes uncertainty and risk. As we assist clients in meeting these mandates, we believe that milestone-based contracts are an innovative way to reduce both uncertainty and risk as hospitals make these sizable new investments in healthcare IT.”
SynaptiCore, which specializes in ARRA strategic consulting, EHR implementations and enterprise-wide clinical systems, is confident that hospitals will react favorably to any consulting firm that builds this kind of accountability into a service engagement.
“I don’t think there’s any question that hospital administrators will find milestone-based contracts to be an attractive proposition,” said Jason Aranda, Clinical Informatics Manager for Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California and a SynaptiCore client. “With the new stimulus law there is so much at stake, both financially and operationally, that quality assurance becomes very important. Vendors need to apply a more creative non-traditional approach to providing services. I believe SynaptiCore is making a wise move that others may follow.”
In addition to milestone-based contracts, SynaptiCore is moving to provide streamlined consultative methodologies and processes to contain costs and maximize value for clients.
ABOUT SYNAPTICORE
SynaptiCore is a healthcare IT consulting firm that delivers value with world-class, personalized service and the industry’s most accountable quality assurance program for small and mid-size hospitals. Using streamlined consultative methodologies, milestone-based contracts and other cost-containment tools, SynaptiCore provides innovative IT capabilities to maximize your ROI. SynaptiCore’s top executives provide face-to-face leadership during all client engagements to ensure timely delivery of projects, on-budget and customized to meet your unique needs. One of the fastest growing healthcare consultancies in North America, SynaptiCore specializes in helping clients manage change in the areas of Enterprise-wide Clinical Systems, ARRA Strategic Consulting, and EHR Implementation. SynaptiCore’s greatest value is being your long-term strategic partner.
In a departure from traditional “time and material” contracts often used in healthcare IT consulting, SynaptiCore’s initiative recognizes that hospitals face an era of profound change being driven by the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). In response, SynaptiCore’s milestone-based contracts for ARRA consulting seek to deliver the industry’s highest level of accountability in helping hospitals successfully meet the upcoming regulatory requirements and deadlines.
“The tidal wave of regulatory mandates hospitals face today from ARRA and other state and federal initiatives is driving unprecedented new investments in healthcare IT,” said Mustafa Raja, Founder and President of SynaptiCore. “Our world is changing, and with change comes uncertainty and risk. As we assist clients in meeting these mandates, we believe that milestone-based contracts are an innovative way to reduce both uncertainty and risk as hospitals make these sizable new investments in healthcare IT.”
SynaptiCore, which specializes in ARRA strategic consulting, EHR implementations and enterprise-wide clinical systems, is confident that hospitals will react favorably to any consulting firm that builds this kind of accountability into a service engagement.
“I don’t think there’s any question that hospital administrators will find milestone-based contracts to be an attractive proposition,” said Jason Aranda, Clinical Informatics Manager for Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California and a SynaptiCore client. “With the new stimulus law there is so much at stake, both financially and operationally, that quality assurance becomes very important. Vendors need to apply a more creative non-traditional approach to providing services. I believe SynaptiCore is making a wise move that others may follow.”
In addition to milestone-based contracts, SynaptiCore is moving to provide streamlined consultative methodologies and processes to contain costs and maximize value for clients.
ABOUT SYNAPTICORE
SynaptiCore is a healthcare IT consulting firm that delivers value with world-class, personalized service and the industry’s most accountable quality assurance program for small and mid-size hospitals. Using streamlined consultative methodologies, milestone-based contracts and other cost-containment tools, SynaptiCore provides innovative IT capabilities to maximize your ROI. SynaptiCore’s top executives provide face-to-face leadership during all client engagements to ensure timely delivery of projects, on-budget and customized to meet your unique needs. One of the fastest growing healthcare consultancies in North America, SynaptiCore specializes in helping clients manage change in the areas of Enterprise-wide Clinical Systems, ARRA Strategic Consulting, and EHR Implementation. SynaptiCore’s greatest value is being your long-term strategic partner.
Kim Nicholl, Managing Director, Leader, Public Sector Retirement Consulting Practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to Speak at KC’s Event on 401(k) Plan
The Knowledge Group/The Knowledge Congress Live Webcast Series, the leading producer of regulatory focused webcasts has announced today that Kim Nicholl, Managing Director, Leader, Public Sector Retirement Consulting Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will speak at the Knowledge Congress’ webcast entitled: “The Rocky Road for 401(k) Plans”. This event is scheduled for July 23, 2009, at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT. (For further details, please visit: http://knowledgecongress.org/event_2009_Rocky.htmll)
Event Synopsis:
401(k)’s have long been considered as a rock solid way to plan for retirement. In the wake of the recent economic Tsunami, personal wealth has plunged leaving many employees form the executive suite to the mail room scrambling to reassess their 401(k) next egg. Studies have shown that many employees remain uneasy about their investment options and are holding off until the markets stabilize. People are fearful and in some cases angry leading forcing some companies to shutter their 401(k) plans.
The Rocky Road for 401(k) plans live Webcast will provide benefits, finance executives, and fund manager with a comprehensive update on this topic. A key panel of thought leaders and experts will cover many of the most critical issues surrounding the 401(K) crisis with the goal to help you navigate through the pitfalls in the wake of these turbulent economic times.
About Kim Nicholl
Kim Nicholl is a managing director and leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers Public Sector Retirement Consulting practice. She has over 25 years of experience, 15 of which includes supporting the design and financing of retirement and other employee benefit programs. Kim has actuarial and consulting experience with a wide variety of clients in the corporate and public sectors. Her experience includes all aspects of employee benefit programs.
Experience
• Supervising, reviewing, and certifying actuarial valuations and studies for defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement health care plans, including FASB disclosure for corporate clients and GASB disclosure for public pension plans.
• Consulting on design and interpretation of plan provisions for defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans and their relationship to ERISA, IRS regulations, and new legislation.
• Analyzing benefits provided from defined benefit, defined contribution and postretirement health care plans for purposes of restating retirement income policies, with recommendations based on client goals.
• Performing experience analysis studies resulting in changes to actuarial assumptions used in the actuarial valuations of defined benefit retirement plans.
• Performing asset/liability modeling studies for large retirement plans, including projection forecasts under various funding and investment scenarios, resulting in recommended changes to investment and funding policy.
• National Director of Governmental Consulting, Buck Consultants, 1993 - 2007.
Education & Achievements
• B.S. in Mathematics from Loyola University
• Fellow of the Society of Actuaries
• Member of the American Academy of Actuaries
• Enrolled Actuary under ERISA
• Frequent speaker and presenter at professional organizations and to Boards of public pension funds
About PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 146,000 people in 150 countries across their network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.
For more information about Kim Nicholl, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, please visit: http://www.pwc.com.
About The Knowledge Group, LLC/The Knowledge Congress Live Webcast Series
The Knowledge Congress is a series of live webcasts produced by The Knowledge Group, LLC, which examine trends, regulatory, and technology changes across a variety of industries. “We bring together the world's leading authorities and industry participants through informative two-hour webcast that study the impact of changing regulations and help businesses succeed through proper regulatory compliance.” To contact or to register to an event, please visit: www.knowledgecongress.org.
Event Synopsis:
401(k)’s have long been considered as a rock solid way to plan for retirement. In the wake of the recent economic Tsunami, personal wealth has plunged leaving many employees form the executive suite to the mail room scrambling to reassess their 401(k) next egg. Studies have shown that many employees remain uneasy about their investment options and are holding off until the markets stabilize. People are fearful and in some cases angry leading forcing some companies to shutter their 401(k) plans.
The Rocky Road for 401(k) plans live Webcast will provide benefits, finance executives, and fund manager with a comprehensive update on this topic. A key panel of thought leaders and experts will cover many of the most critical issues surrounding the 401(K) crisis with the goal to help you navigate through the pitfalls in the wake of these turbulent economic times.
About Kim Nicholl
Kim Nicholl is a managing director and leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers Public Sector Retirement Consulting practice. She has over 25 years of experience, 15 of which includes supporting the design and financing of retirement and other employee benefit programs. Kim has actuarial and consulting experience with a wide variety of clients in the corporate and public sectors. Her experience includes all aspects of employee benefit programs.
Experience
• Supervising, reviewing, and certifying actuarial valuations and studies for defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement health care plans, including FASB disclosure for corporate clients and GASB disclosure for public pension plans.
• Consulting on design and interpretation of plan provisions for defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans and their relationship to ERISA, IRS regulations, and new legislation.
• Analyzing benefits provided from defined benefit, defined contribution and postretirement health care plans for purposes of restating retirement income policies, with recommendations based on client goals.
• Performing experience analysis studies resulting in changes to actuarial assumptions used in the actuarial valuations of defined benefit retirement plans.
• Performing asset/liability modeling studies for large retirement plans, including projection forecasts under various funding and investment scenarios, resulting in recommended changes to investment and funding policy.
• National Director of Governmental Consulting, Buck Consultants, 1993 - 2007.
Education & Achievements
• B.S. in Mathematics from Loyola University
• Fellow of the Society of Actuaries
• Member of the American Academy of Actuaries
• Enrolled Actuary under ERISA
• Frequent speaker and presenter at professional organizations and to Boards of public pension funds
About PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 146,000 people in 150 countries across their network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.
For more information about Kim Nicholl, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, please visit: http://www.pwc.com.
About The Knowledge Group, LLC/The Knowledge Congress Live Webcast Series
The Knowledge Congress is a series of live webcasts produced by The Knowledge Group, LLC, which examine trends, regulatory, and technology changes across a variety of industries. “We bring together the world's leading authorities and industry participants through informative two-hour webcast that study the impact of changing regulations and help businesses succeed through proper regulatory compliance.” To contact or to register to an event, please visit: www.knowledgecongress.org.
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