Monthly Archives: November 2010

Business, Internet & Online, Technology, Telecom

Morodo Makes Mobile Africa a Reality at AfricaCom 2010

Leave a comment

London – Morodo will be looking to jump start the mobile market in Africa by offering consumers and businesses unique and affordable solutions to communication. Morodo has vast expertise and knowledge operating in the telecommunication sector and will be sharing their vision and views on the mobile revolution that is happening in Africa.

Morodo already operates in over 120 countries and provides low-cost Telephony and Unified Communication services within the mobile and online applications market via its MO-Call product. If you can make a local mobile call, you can make a cheap international MO-Call and save up to 90% over mobile network operator tariffs. At present, MO-Call device footprint is 2,094, which includes the largest software of Java feature phones. This is a group of phones that is the most affordable and most favored among African users. With the pace that manufacturers are releasing new handsets, MO-Call device footprint will continue to increase.

“We feel that Africa is the jewel in the mobile crown with countries like South Africa, mobile phones outnumber fixed lines by eight to one with their usage growing at 50 to 60 percent per year for the whole continent. We want to be part of making a mobile Africa a reality,” says Andrew Reid, CEO of Morodo. “With an estimated 333 million mobile subscriptions in Africa and almost one billion people on the continent now able to afford a mobile phone, mobile phones have not only become more affordable but also the preferred choice for communicating and connecting to the Internet.”

It was not until the beginning of 2010, accessing the Internet overtook traditional fixed usage(International Telecommunication Union, 2010). “Mobile broadband is in its very initial stage but has shown higher growth than fixed broadband and may be Africa’s most promising broadband access technology of the future(Ghana Business News, 2010).” This represents a unique opportunity for investors and mobile operators, looking to expand their products and services and making mobile Africa truly a reality.

Morodo will be attending the 2010 AfricaCom Exhibition, held in South Africa at the Cape Town Convention Centre at stand number D06, Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th November.

About Morodo
Seeking to re-define the way we communicate via mobile devices and the Internet, Morodo helps people with international lifestyles keep in touch with whomever they want, whenever they want, from any device they want.

Morodo provides telecommunications services to hundreds of thousands of people around the world through the MO-Call software applications for mobiles and computers. Simple and seamless to use, MO-Call offers easy access to free and low-cost calling for anyone, anywhere.

Morodo news is available at the company website: www.morodogroup.com
MO-Call specific related news is available from the MO-Call blog: www.mo-call.com/blog

Media and Blogger Contact:
Ving Chou (e-mail: ving.chou@morodo.co.uk)
Morodo Limited

Consumer Services

The Party Season is upon Us – Celebrate with a Sekonda Party Time Watch from Watch

Leave a comment

The Christmas party scene is now upon us and every girl wants to look their best whether it is out with friends, family occasions or the office party.

Herefordshire, UK, November 06, 2010 — The Christmas party scene is now upon us and every girl wants to look their best whether it is out with friends, family occasions or the office party.

Coming off the back of the huge success of the Sekonda Summer Time watch is the launch of the Sekonda Party Time watch. This is perfect for parties as it comes in many colour options to suit any outfit and with its sparkly bezel it really will grab attention.

Watches are an important part of any outfit and add that finishing touch. The party time watch allows you to choose from a wide range of colour options which include the strap and face. The strap is made from rubber which is comfortable on the wrist and is in keeping with the latest fashions offered; it also comes in a presentation box and is covered by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty.

The recommended retail price of the watch is £29.95 but is available for only £25 from leading online watch retailer Watchmad, a saving of £4.95! You can visit the website http://www.watchmad.co.uk to purchase the party time watch at this low price.

Sekonda ( http://www.watchmad.co.uk ) have been a trusted UK watch manufacturer since 1966 and has been the best selling watch brand in the UK for the past 19 years. Sekonda work hard to produce great looking, reliable time pieces and great prices and the party time watch is no exception.

The party time watch is not just great for parties it is also great for everyday use including work. You can look your best at anytime and the watch looks great with both formal and causal wear.

Watchmad offer a wide range of watches on their website http://www.watchmad.co.uk including brands such as ICE-Watch, Emporio Armani, Breil, Calvin Klein, Police, Skagen, D&G and Guess. There is free delivery offered on all watches and prices are continually checked to ensure that you are getting the lowest possible price.

If you are looking for that perfect party accessory or gift for a loved why not check the Sekonda Party Time watch ( http://www.watchmad.co.uk ) out now at Watchmad. It could also just be the ideal Christmas gift.

Press & Media Contact:
Mark Warr
Watchmad
3 The Maltings, Ross On Wye
Herefordshire HR9 7YB UK
01989 565526
ian@watchmad.co.uk
http://www.watchmad.co.uk

Consumer Services

Introducing CottonTailsBaby.co.uk – Traditional Toys At Affordable Prices

Leave a comment

At Cottontails they are passionate about the toys they stock, and whilst they of course recognise the importance of providing a professional and efficient service.

Bishops Frome, UK, November 06, 2010 — Established in 2002, Cottontails is a small family run mail order toy shop which has become a trusted and much loved retailer of some of the finest toys in Europe. They are particularly proud to be the UK’s recommended online retailer for French toymaker Moulin Roty.

At Cottontails they are passionate about the toys they stock, and whilst they of course recognise the importance of providing a professional and efficient service, the dedicated team will also try to take the time to talk to all customers, to appreciate the lovely things they sell, and to offer a truly individual, personal and friendly shopping experience.

Their current selection of products include:

* Moulin Roty traditional toys from France
* Maileg – quirky Danish toys and nursery accessories
* Oskar And Ellen – fabric playsets from Sweden
* Le Toy Van – painted wooden play kitchens
* Ostheimer – hand made wooden animals

Cottontails ( http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk ) is run by mother and daughter team Mary and Charlotte who love to talk to their customers and you certainly wont have to contend with an anonymous sales person or frustrating automated system when placing your order.

For baby toys and gifts that are charming, classic and chic, you need look no further than the amazing world of the online retailer that is Cottontails! ( http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk )

From traditional toys for the little men in your life, like wooden cars and fabric toy animals all the way through to things for his bedroom and playtime environment. There is also a wealth of product ranges for the little girls, with dolls, kitchens and craft items all ready to become your child’s number one toy. Cottontails ( http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk ) don’t just sell toys; they sell toys to be loved and cherished and help to become part of your little one’s imaginary play and learning routine.

So, if you are looking for an extra special gift for your child this year, visit http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk or give them a ring on 01885 490832 and make sure the Christmas present for 2010 will be one to be remembered (and played with) for many years to come!

Press & Media Contact:
Charlotte Evans
CottonTails
Les Blanquettes, Bishops Frome WR6 5AP
01885 490832
cottontails@clearwebservices.com
http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk

Education, Financial

Quest CE to Announce the 2010 NAIC Suitability Regulation Solution

Leave a comment

Quest Continuing Education Solutions (Quest CE) is proud to announce the solution to the 2010 NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. Quest’s simple two-tiered approach will provide an “All-In-One” Solution for Insurers, Distributors and Producers that fall under the NAIC’s new regulation.

Quest’s 4-hour annuity course in Iowa has been approved by the state and meets the Iowa Administrative Rule 191-15.72 for a one-time, four (4) hour annuity training course requirement. In addition, this course is approved for resident CE credit. Per the new NAIC Suitability Regulation, Quest will also provide insurer-product specific training in their Industry Leading Learning Management System, Renaissance.

NAIC Suitability Regulation Training through Quest allows for automated encrypted data and completion feeds. Feeds can be sent on a daily basis or as often as the program administrator desires. Quest’s system also allows for participants in the program to be bulk loaded into the training platform. Ensure your programs compliance with Quest so beginning January 1, 2011 your producers are able to sell your annuities in Iowa.

The NAIC Suitability Regulation Training platform will provide:

• A dedicated location where a producer can complete all of their required training requirements and view the status of each requirement within the Model Regulation;
• Updated training posted to the site subsequent to initial training including additional State Specific Annuity Requirements as they become effective;
• A company specific branded web portal where insurers can comply with the new regulation and update their product-specific training courses in their student profiles;
• The ability to print completion certificates online 24/7;
• An automatic e-mail notification system allowing insurers to instantly notify producers of new or updated product specific training requirements;
• Automated and PGP encrypted customized data feeds with real-time search tools for insurers and Broker/Dealers to satisfy compliance requirements and training.

Quest’s NAIC Suitability Regulation Training Solution is available now and ready for demonstration or implementation. Contact Quest at 877-593-3366 or e-mail Quest at sales@questce.com to speak with one of our dedicated Sales Team Members about guaranteeing your 2010 NAIC Suitability Regulation Training today.

Background
The Financial Reform Act requires individual states to comply with the 2010 NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation (NAIC 2010) by June 16, 2013.

Passage of NAIC 2010 means that fixed annuity producers will have to follow similar rigorous suitability standards as those imposed upon variable annuity producers, which is regulated by FINRA. Producers selling variable annuities are required to be licensed as registered representatives through a FINRA registered broker-dealer.

NAIC 2010 clarifies that the insurer is responsible for compliance with suitability requirements, including the methods their producers use to market annuity products.

The producer must have “reasonable grounds” to believe that the annuity recommendation is suitable based on 12 areas of “suitability information”
disclosed by the consumer. This information includes the consumer’s:

• age,
• tax status,
• intended use of the annuity,
• financial time horizon,
• existing assets,
• source of funds for the annuity,
• other insurance and annuity products,
• investment objectives,
• liquidity needs,
• liquid net worth, and
• risk tolerance.

Producer Training Requirements Under the Model Regulation
Section 7A requires the producer to have adequate product specific training, including compliance with the insurer’s standards for product training, prior to soliciting an annuity product.

In addition, Section 7B requires a one time, minimum 4 (four) credit hour general annuity training course offered by an insurance-department approved education provider and approved by an insurance department in accordance with applicable insurance education training laws or regulations.

For this mandated course, the provider may not train in sales or marketing techniques or product specific information.

Section 7B(3) outlines the minimum required topics for this program of instruction, which can be offered in the classroom or via an insurance department approved self study method.

If a producer is licensed with a life insurance line of authority prior to the effective date of the regulation, there is a six month grace period to comply with the training requirements; producers who obtain the life authority on or after the effective date of the regulation must complete the training prior to the sale of an annuity product.

If a producer receives substantially similar training in another jurisdiction, it would satisfy an insurance department’s training requirements. Prior to allowing a producer to sell its annuity products, insurers shall verify the producer has completed the mandated training.

Because the amendments clearly require insurers to verify completion of training prior to the producer selling annuities on behalf of the insurer, the amendments should not be interpreted to affect producer licensing reciprocity or non-resident producer licensing processes.

About Quest
Over the past 20-plus years, Quest CE has built a reputation of being the premier provider of Compliance Education to the financial services industry. In addition to offeringProvidership Administration and insurance continuing education (CE) for professionals holding insurance licenses and professional designations like the CFP, CPA, CLE, CIMA and CLU/ChFC designations, Quest also provides a complete spectrum of compliance training solutions including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) annually required Firm Element Training for registered representatives, On-demand Annual Compliance Meetings, Annual Compliance Questionnaires, Needs Analysis Surveys, Outside Business Activity Tracking, Gifts and Entertainment Tracking and Political Contributions Tracking.

With a client retention rate of 95.17% and a growth rate of over 400% since January 1, 2005, more and more people are discovering why Quest CE is the Next Generation of Compliance Training Solutions. Quest CE serves more than 180 leading insurance carriers, broker/dealers, banks, and other financial institutions. Quest is a privately held firm which allows us to quickly meet the ever-changing needs of their clients. Quest’s commitment is to provide advanced custom solutions at cost effective rates while providing a level of service that greatly surpasses that of our competitors. Quest provides a single source solution for organizations training and compliance needs, saving you both time and money.

Contact Details: Quest CE
10850 W Park Place
Suite 1000
Milwaukee, WI 53224
877-593-3366
www.questce.com

Business, Internet & Online, Management, Software, Technology, Web 2.0

MindMeister’s Collaborative Mind Maps Now Available on Interact’s Intelligent Intranet Software

Leave a comment

Interact, a leading supplier in intelligent intranet software and MindMeister, providers of on-line mind mapping software, are pleased to announce a strategic technology partnership. The agreement allows the two companies to combine their industry leading software solutions.

MindMeister is the market leading and multiple award-winning web-based collaboration solution that uses proven mind mapping concepts to facilitate multi-user planning, brainstorming, and project management sessions all from within a standard web browser.

Interact Intranet is an easy to use, collaborative turnkey solution trusted by over 250,000 users. It is an intelligent intranet solution that learns as people use it, adapts and automatically connects relevant information to people. Powerful enterprise networking tools actively promote internal communication, collaboration, idea sharing and cross-organisation participation. It is modular in its architecture allowing organisations to add the components, resources, and services that are required as the business evolves and grows.

As a result of the new integration, Interact Intranet users will be able to access the MindMeister mind maps via the intranet to brainstorm or plan new projects. They will be able to simultaneously work with colleagues on the same map and see changes as they happen within the intuitive and familiar intranet interface.

Commenting on the partnership Scott Hitchins, Global Partner Manager at Interact said: “At Interact we are continually looking to establish new strategic alliances to build-upon and reinforce our intranet platform and we are very excited about the partnership with MindMeister.”

“We constantly seek to innovate and develop Interact Intranet to add value for our users. Creativity and collaboration are the basis of every successful business and the MindMeister mind mapping and visual thinking application is a natural extension to our existing collaborative capabilities. Like Interact Intranet, MindMeister has an intuitive user interface so the integration offers the best solution for functionality and ease of use.”

Interact Intranet is an ideal platform for forming strategic relationships. With over 250,000 users worldwide and an ever-expanding list of high-profile customers, opportunities are consistently being produced to cross-promote new solutions for the end-user via the Interact Intranet Partner Program.

Michael Hollauf, COO and Co-founder of MindMeister commented: “As a Software provider, we’re always looking for new and innovative solutions to assist consumers in doing their jobs better. We believe Interact Intranet’s self learning and adaptive technology to be on the cutting edge of today’s business needs. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Interactive Intranet, and look forward to introducing their broad customer base to the endless brainstorming and collaborative possibilities with MindMeister.”

<<<<ENDS>>>>

Notes for Editors

About Interact Intranet
Interact Intranet is intelligent intranet software created by Interact. The flexible and scalable solution has revolutionised the way companies communicate, collaborate, share knowledge, and streamline internal processes. It has a unique Intelligence Store which logs information such as browsing routes, search entries, document ratings and hits and uses this information to promote content to users. Interact Intranet promotes a culture of collaboration and idea sharing by using corporate social networking and micro blogs. Non-technical users can quickly and easily update the intranet. With more than 250,000 users, the company has built a strong reputation of delivering successful and collaborative intranet solutions to leading companies.

About MeisterLabs GmbH
Codemart, the company behind MindMeister, is a privately held software development company specializing in highly usable web applications, mainly built on the Ruby on Rails technology. Our team of skilled nearshore developers provides top quality services at attractive rates. Committed to the “less is more” principle, we think that in software, like in most things, simplicity is the key to success.

Contact Details:

Linda Bolg, Global Marketing Manager, Interact
www.interact-intranet.com
linda.bolg@interact-intranet.com

Tel: +44 (0) 161 927 3222

Consumer Services

Traditional Toys For Boys And Girls This Christmas From CottonTails.co.uk

Leave a comment

CottonTails.co.uk is an leading online retailer of traditional children’s toys, including Wooden toys and gifts for babies, toddlers and children from Moulin Roty, Maileg & Ostheimer.

Bishops Frome, UK, November 05, 2010 — If you are looking for the perfect present for your little girl or boy this Christmas then you need to visit CottonTails.co.uk, one of the leading traditional toy retailers in the UK. ( http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk ) They offer a different type of product in terms quality but at the same time make sure that their prices are some of the most competitive you will find for these ranges anywhere online.

Cottontails is a small family run mail order toy shop established in 2002, which has since gone on to become a trusted and much loved retailer of some of the finest toys in Europe, and are particularly proud to be the UK’s recommended online retailer for Moulin Roty.

The range of products available for this Christmas includes:
Moulin Roty – Moulin Roty is probably one of the best selling ranges at Cottontails. Cottontails ( http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk ) are able to offer the finest selection of Moulin Roty toys in the UK, plus they can especially order most other items directly from France. Having worked closely with this lovely toy maker for many years now, they know the Moulin Roty ranges inside out.

Maileg – From mice to bunny rabbits and clothes to homes, these beautiful gifts and toys are perfect for any child who knows the different quality products make. CottonTails ( http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk ) have a wide range of Maileg products constantly in stock and you can rest assured that when you order a product from this range, you will be astounded by the quality the item will deliver.

Oskar and Ellen – Oskar & Ellen create lovely fabric toys designed to stimulate imagination and role-play. The popular gardening and market baskets really have to be seen, as this range of toys really help to connect play with learning, meaning that your child can learn and have fun at the same time – the perfect present.

Le Toy Van – Honeybake from Le Toy Van is a pretty painted wooden range of kitchen play set including cooker, baking set, breakfast set and tea set. The range of products takes learning and playing to a whole new level, with quality and imagination just beaming from this amazing gift.

So, if you are looking for an extra special gift for your child this year, visit CottonTails.co.uk or give them a ring on 01885 490832 and make sure the Christmas present for 2010 will be one to be remembered (and played with) for many years to come!

About CottoTails:
CottonTails.co.uk ( http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk ) is an leading online retailer of traditional children’s toys, including Wooden toys and gifts for babies, toddlers and children from Moulin Roty, Maileg & Ostheimer.

Press & Media Contact:
Charlotte Evans
CottonTails
Les Blanquettes, Bishops Frome WR6 5AP
01885 490832
cottontails@clearwebservices.com
http://www.cottontailsbaby.co.uk

Consumer Services

ICE is a Girls Best Friend This Christmas at Watchmad

Leave a comment

Watches are a great gift at Christmas and the ICE-Watch is no exception, with so many colour and style options available you are sure to find the perfect watch for your loved one.

Herefordshire, UK, November 05, 2010 — Looking for a special gift for the one you love this Christmas? Fed up with buying the same thing every year? There is an answer this year, an ICE-Watch!

ICE-Watches come in lots of colour combinations and styles and have fast become a big fashion accessory for both men and women. There are also three available sizes, men’s, unisex and ladies. The men’s style is the largest size and the ladies the smallest, the unisex has proved very popular for ladies wanting a slightly larger watch size but at the same time still keeping the bright colour schemes available.

Watches are a great gift at Christmas and the ICE-Watch is no exception, with so many colour and style options available you are sure to find the perfect watch for your loved one.

ICE-Watches ( http://www.watchmad.co.uk ) first came onto the seen in 2007 and has been seen on the wrist of many top celebrities which just shows what a great fashion accessory it has become especially considering its great value retail price.

ICE-Watches are great for not only for fashion wear but also to be used on a daily basis. The watches are water resistant, durable and reliable which make them great to wear to work, for casual events and formal.

Leading online watch retailer Watchmad has a wide range of ICE-Watches on their website http://www.watchmad.co.uk to choose from. Watchmad work hard to make sure that their prices are the lowest possible, ensuring you get the best deal available online. There is also free delivery on all ICE-Watches ordered through the website and if you need it quickly next day delivery is available.

WatchMad ( http://www.watchmad.co.uk ) is part of the David Christopher Jewellery Group – a family business of two generations with fifteen retail stores throughout the Midlands and Southwest. With such experience you can be assured of professional advice on any purchases and a high quality service.

ICE-Watches have been a huge success for Watchmad throughout 2010 and they are set to be huge this Christmas. You can currently save up to £7.00 on some ICE-Watch models through http://www.watchmad.co.uk. Visit the website today to get yours ordered in time for Christmas.

Press & Media Contact:
Mark Warr
Watchmad
3 The Maltings, Ross On Wye
Herefordshire HR9 7YB UK
01989 565526
ian@watchmad.co.uk
http://www.watchmad.co.uk

Technology

ImageSource® Releases New ILINX® Technology at Nexus® ’10 The Northwest’s Priemier Event For ECM Education

Leave a comment

ImageSource to showcase cutting edge ILINX technology, industry experts share knowledge on a variety of subjects & products, and attendees network with industry peers.

Olympia, WA, November 05, 2010 — ImageSource, Inc. is pleased to announce that the excitement and buzz around Nexus ’10 is at an all-time high with higher participation than any other year to date. The two-day conference on Enterprise Content Management will be held at the contemporary Meydenbauer Convention Center in Bellevue, Washington, and will feature the latest in ILINX ECM technologies.

“It’s exciting to see Nexus continue to grow and mature,” said Terry Sutherland, CEO, ImageSource. “This event has really become the foundation for ECM education on the west coast. Featuring fresh content and the latest technology offerings, Nexus is a content management event you don’t want to miss.”

This year’s theme, “Ignite Your Information,” transpired from the concept that if you’re not leveraging your content to be faster and leaner, it’s time to fire it up. The annual Enterprise Content Management solutions conference hosts world-class speakers, technology experts, cutting edge technology and valuable networking to explore how to light a fire under your information process through advanced paperless technologies.

Attendees in 2010 will gain insight from professionals and will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers to discover what has been beneficial in their solutions. Ideas will be presented that have proven successful for Fortune 1000 companies, government entities, healthcare organizations, financial services, higher education, as well as others.

Keynote presenters include John Mancini, AIIM President presenting on “The Rapidly Changing ECM Marketplace: Finding the Right Solution in Chaotic Times” and Dr. James T. Brown, PMP PE CSP, President of SEBA® Solutions Inc. presenting on “Change Management: The Secret Ingredient for Success.”

Because of the high degree of educational content offered at this conference, ImageSource earned the Registered Education Provider (R.E.P) status through PMI and offers 12 PDU credits to Project Managers with PMP certification. Nexus 2010 will also provide ICRM CMP Maintenance Hours for Certified Records Managers and AHIMA credits for healthcare professionals.

To register online or to learn more about Nexus 2010, visit http://www.NexusECM.com.
To follow the latest Nexus updates follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ImageSourceInc.

About ImageSource:
ImageSource, Inc. is a leading provider of Enterprise Content Management solutions and integration services. ImageSource prides itself on delivering superior solutions and results to our Customer Partners. Using our Total Lifecycle Solutions approach we deploy only the very best technology products for our customers. For more information please visit our website at http://www.imagesourceinc.com

Press & Media Contact:
Debbie Horton, Communications Director
ImageSource, Inc
612 5th Ave SW
Olympia, WA 98501 USA
360-943-9273
debbieh@imagesourceinc.com

Home

Biotech, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Science

‘Drug Discovery On Demand’ Service Launched By David Leahy and Vladimir Sykora From Molplex

Leave a comment

England, November 5th 2010 – An innovative new online “drug discovery on demand” platform has been launched by Molplex, a company specializing in products and services for the life sciences. Designed to help drug discovery groups working anywhere in the world, it aims to eliminate the high start-up costs and minimize the financial risks traditionally associated with inventing new medicines.

Molplex CEO David Leahy said: “As the pharmaceutical industry changes, a new ecosystem of small, flexible teams operating as “Micro Pharmas” is emerging. Molplex will provide the services they need to succeed at inventing better medicines at lower cost”.

The first version of the new Molplex system launched today offers free access to sophisticated drug design systems, high quality assay-ready stock chemicals and high content biological screening at www.molplex.com.

Editor’s Note

For more information contact: info@molplex.com, Tel: US:
1-408-905-2900 Europe: 44-191-211-1965 www.molplex.com

About Molplex
Molplex was created by David Leahy and Vladimir Sykora to help anyone anywhere in the world invent new medicines by making sophisticated drug discovery information and laboratory systems available on-line and on demand. CEO David Leahy previously founded Cyprotex PLC, now the world’s largest ADME Tox service supplier. COO Dr Vladimir Sykora has extensive drug discovery experience and has developed sophisticated software systems for automated drug design. They are joined as VP for Asia-Pacific by Dr Brian O’Keeffe who has considerable commercial and senior management experience in drug development including President of Asia-Pacific for Quintiles.

Contact Details: i6, Charlotte Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, NE1 4XF
info@molplex.com US: 1-408-905-2900 Europe: 44-191-211-1965