Archive for June 27th, 2014
Statement of Daniel A. Pollack, Special Master in Argentina Debt Litigation
NEW YORK, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Special Master in the Argentina Debt Litigation, Daniel A. Pollack, issued the following statement today: “Counsel for the parties met with me yesterday for several hours, and have also communicated with me telephonically over the course of the last 48 hours. No resolution has been reached. The parties, through their counsel, have agreed to keep the substance of our discussions confidential in order to facilitate the possibility of a future resolution. No further elaboration will be made on this statement.”
Frost & Sullivan: Growth of Major Application Segments Stimulates Demand in Global Powder Coatings Market
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Rapid growth of key application segments in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and rest of the world markets is accelerating demand for high-performance and sustainable powder coatings. With economic contraction and saturation in European and North American markets, demand is shifting to APAC. Powder coating manufacturers will be wise to target this region as it is the strongest regional market in the construction industry, accounting for approximately 40 percent of global construction spending.
Frost & Sullivan
Furthermore, APAC is expected to hold 48 percent of automotive industry demand by 2020. The region is also likely to play a dominant role in the global household appliances market due to its stable economy, increasing disposable income, and rising standard of living, especially in China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. In Europe and North America demand will be for technologically advanced products that meet stringent regional regulations.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Powder Coatings Market, finds that the market earned revenue of $7.77 billion in 2013 and estimates this to reach $12.53 billion in 2020.
For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: http://bit.ly/UJBvc7.
“Powder coatings are gaining popularity as they are priced much lower than liquid coatings and offer several cost advantages over the long-term; for example, the use of a single layer of powder coating is sufficient in an application that requires multiple layers of liquid coatings,” said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials & Food Research Analyst Soundarya Shankar. “The growing demand for powder coatings also emanates from its ability to reduce energy consumption, maximize material reclamation, and optimize production costs by shortening cycle time.”
However, a shortage of raw materials for powder coatings is leading to higher prices and reduced profitability. Powder coating manufacturers are under intense pressure to keep prices low due to the desire of customers such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to remain cost-efficient, especially in the appliances and automotive markets.
The increasing use of plastics – most of which can be molded in color — in the automotive segment is diminishing need for powder coatings. The move towards pre-coated metals by air conditioner OEMs and the deployment of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride material in the architectural segment are also dampening market potential.
In addition, the market is limited as a result of customer reluctance to switch from conventional liquid coating technologies to powder coatings and are not convinced of its superior performance and cost advantages. This reluctance also stems from uncertainty surrounding the return on investment and skepticism about the surface finish and aesthetics that powder coatings can provide.
“Technological advances, including thin-film powders, high-temperature-resistant powders, and radiation technologies are addressing these challenges and making powder coatings more competitive than liquid coatings,” noted Shankar. “Market participants would do well to complement these technological advances with initiatives designed to educate customers on the advantages that powder coatings offer over conventional coatings.”
Global Powder Coatings Market is part of the Chemicals & Materials (http://www.chemicals.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: Analysis of the Industrial Paints and Coatings Market in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, and Analysis of the Egyptian Paints and Coatings Market. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.
Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
- The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
- The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
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Global Powder Coatings Market
ND89-39
Contact:
Ariel Brown
Corporate Communications – North America
P: 
210.247.2481
E: ariel.brown@frost.com
Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan
Facebook: FrostandSullivan
Join our Forum on LinkedIn: Future of Chemicals
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Frost & Sullivan: Platforms at the End of Useful Life Stimulate Demand for Defense Equipment Globally
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The global defense market is gaining momentum as the near end of platform service life in several nations forces investment in new builds and the extensive use of maintenance, repair and overhaul, logistics, and training services. Market participants should target countries such as India, Turkey, Poland, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Brazil, which can now afford to routinely purchase and co-produce state-of-the-art platforms and replace older cold-war era equipment.
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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s Global Defense Outlook finds defense procurement spending stood at $600 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach $660 billion in 2018. Command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) contributed the most to market revenues in 2013 due to the high demand for radars, optical sensors, sonars, and secure flexible networks.
For complimentary access to more information on Frost & Sullivan’s Global Defense Outlook analysis, please visit: http://bit.ly/1mqzkEC.
“Market participants have adequate opportunities for growth, with Saudi Arabia, Germany and other countries expanding and upgrading their military capabilities to counter the threat posed by the increased number, range, accuracy, and lethality of land-based missile systems, naval power projection, and basing in North Korea, China, Russia and Iran,” said Frost & Sullivan Aerospace & Defense Senior Industry Analyst Brad Curran.
However, economic uncertainty, particularly in Western nations, has lowered national budgets, causing intense competition for budget share between defense and domestic programs. This is suppressing the demand for military equipment.
“Not surprisingly, market participants are facing a situation of overcapacity, which is forcing the industry to consolidate or enter joint ventures and engage in technology transfer,” noted Curran. “Market participants are also adopting a long-term perspective, maintaining smaller margins, and forging partnerships with commercial providers.”
To prevent further overcapacity, vendors must focus on unmet customer needs, which include submarines, unmanned vehicles, and networked sensors and communications. Strong customer relationships and robust support services are also necessary to strengthen presence in the market.
Global Defense Outlook is part of the Defense (http://www.defense.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: US Defense Geospatial Market, Global Physical Security Information Management Market Assessment, Global Cyber Security Market Assessment, and Global Border and Maritime Security Market Assessment. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Connect with Frost & Sullivan on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, SlideShare and LinkedIn, for the latest news and updates.
Global Defense Outlook
ND73-16
Contact:
Jennifer Carson
Corporate Communications – North America
P: 210.247.2450
E: Jennifer.Carson@frost.com
Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan
Facebook: FrostandSullivan
Linkedin: Frost & Sullivan’s Aerospace, Defence and Security Forum
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.
Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
- The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
- The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
Contact Us: Start the discussion
Subscribe: Newsletter on “the next big thing”
Register: Gain access to visionary innovation
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Birlasoft Enables Customers to Gain from End-to-end IT Governance Solutions
EDISON, New Jersey and NOIDA, India, June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —
Proven capabilities in global consulting and implementation of HP portfolio of Business Technology Optimization (BTO) software solutions
With the increasing pressure on IT where it is required to be working as business enabler, a lack of governance across any section of IT landscape can be challenging and can severely hit the success rate of the IT transformation projects in any organization.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130923/642400 )
Birlasoft has enabled its customers globally in transforming their business with IT governance consulting, implementation, integration, maintenance and support solutions with its expertise in HP portfolio of software solutions.
Preeti Das, CEO, Birlasoft states, “Birlasoft focuses on enabling its customers to optimize business gains from their investment on IT applications. Our technology practices for implementing IT Governance solutions around HP enterprise software product suite are very mature to deliver real business value in every engagement we have.”
One of Birlasoft’s customers, VMware a global leader in virtualization solutions, was facing multiple business challenges, which were affecting throughput. These included IT program delays, frequent change in project status, difficulty in attaining co-operation between different functional areas as well as the completion of several projects which failed to meet their strategic purpose. The need for an IT Governance solution was clear, but the customer had limited expertise to integrate multiple business segments leveraging portfolio performance.
Birlasoft with its team of highly skilled subject matter experts developed custom solutions using HP Project and Portfolio Management tools that resulted in increased efficiency and productivity through better tracking and analysis at both – resource and project level, cost saving, implementing IT Governance across organization to track business initiatives and better program management to achieve business objectives.
Customer derived real business benefits with successfully delivering $100m portfolio year after year through PPM application, effort saving of 4 hours per release, reducing the instance provisioning effort from 24-30 hrs to below 16 hours for production support and PMO enhancements with zero defects among others. The team is currently operating at response and resolution times of 100% and 99% respectively against the target SLAs of 90% and 85% respectively. Customer now considers PPM as source of truth for business units, effort, cost calculations, projects and release approvals.
In words of the Sr. Director, IT PMO at VMware “We could not deliver a successful $100m portfolio year after year without the terrific PPM application Birlasoft has built and supported over the years.”
To know more about Birlasoft capabilities in end-to-end IT Governance solution, visit http://www.birlasoft.com/Services/EnterpriseApplications/ITGovernance.aspx
About Birlasoft:
Birlasoft is a part of 150 year old multi-billion dollar CK Birla Group. Winner of numerous awards for its domain expertise, engagement models, and value additions to clients’ businesses, Birlasoft is a frontrunner in enabling clients to transform their business by providing value-based information technology outsourcing services. Birlasoft has presence across US, UK, Europe, APAC including India. For further information, visit http://www.birlasoft.com
For more information, please contact:
Amit Tiwari
Manager – Global Marketing, Birlasoft
Email: amit.tiwari@birlasoft.com
Philips and Salesforce.com Announce a Strategic Alliance to Deliver Cloud-based Healthcare Information Technology
Philips, a leading healthcare technology company and salesforce.com, the world’s #1 CRM company, team up to drive industry transformation in collaborative care management between patients and healthcare professionals with new platform
AMSTERDAM and SAN FRANCISCO, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — In a move to accelerate the transformation of the healthcare industry, Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG AEX: PHIA) and salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM) today announced a strategic alliance to deliver an open, cloud-based healthcare platform, leveraging Philips’ leading positions in medical technology, clinical applications and clinical informatics and salesforce.com’s leadership in enterprise cloud computing, innovation and customer engagement. Patient relationship management will be at the center of the envisioned platform, allowing caregivers to collaborate closely in support of their patients. The platform will enable medical device and data interoperability — the collection of data and subsequent analysis to enhance clinical decision making by professionals and enabling patients to take a more active role in managing their personal health.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20140625/121787
The collaboration has already resulted in two clinical applications to be launched on the new platform later this summer[i]: “Philips eCareCoordinator” and “Philips eCareCompanion”.
These care collaboration applications will allow the care team to monitor patients with chronic conditions in their homes and will facilitate Philips’ Hospital to Home clinical programs, such as Banner iCare™, being piloted at Banner Health, a pioneer accountable care organization in Arizona, USA. Similar telehealth-based care delivery models for hospitals utilizing the Philips eICU program were shown to reduce mortality by 26 percent and length of stay by 20 percent in a recent large, multi-center study[ii].
“With this strategic alliance, Philips is making great strides to deliver real-time, digital healthcare solutions,” said Frans van Houten, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Philips. “Healthcare data exists in many different forms and in many different systems today. Together with salesforce.com, we have a tremendous opportunity to reshape and optimize the way healthcare is delivered and provide better access to data across the continuum of care.”
“We have entered a new transformative era for healthcare, and technology is enabling the industry to connect to, care for and engage with patients and each other in a profound new way,” said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO, salesforce.com. “Together with Philips, we are creating an open health platform and ecosystem to benefit everyone that cares about one of the most important issues of our time.”
Philips and salesforce.com envision that apps will cover the continuum of care: from self-care and prevention, to diagnosis and treatment through recovery and wellness. The envisioned platform, based on the Salesforce1 Platform, will enable collaboration and workflow, as well as integration of data from multiple sources worldwide, including electronic medical records, diagnostic and treatment information obtained through Philips’ imaging equipment, monitoring equipment, personal devices and technologies like Apple’s HealthKit. Moreover, the cloud-based platform is designed to be highly scalable with built-in privacy and data security. By combining the data, the platform will allow for analysis that will enhance decision making by professionals and engage patients. Both Philips and Salesforce.com foresee that the platform, will utilize Philips’ clinical data stores and medical device interoperability. It is intended to be open to developers and is expected to result in a vibrant ecosystem of partners creating applications. As a result, the envisioned platform has the potential to transform both professional healthcare delivery and continuous personal health management.
A live webcast of a media roundtable with Mark Benioff and Frans Houten can be accessed at 9am CET via this link: http://www.media-server.com/m/p/vwkvvgb7
About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 112,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
About salesforce.com
Salesforce.com is the world’s largest provider of customer relationship management (CRM) software. For more information about salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com
Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase salesforce.com applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce.com has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CRM.” For more information please visit http://salesforce.com, or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE.
“Safe harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to future products and features. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, the company’s results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. Further information on factors that could affect the company’s financial and other results is included in the reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the company’s most recent Form 10-K. These documents are available on the SEC Filings section of the Investor Information section of the company’s website at www.salesforce.com/investor. Salesforce.com, inc. assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
[i] Not yet available for sale; 510(k) pending in the USA
[ii] A Multicenter Study of ICU Telemedicine Reengineering of Adult Critical Care. Lilly et al. CHEST. 2014. Vol. 145, No. 3. March. 500-507 1 A Multicenter Study of ICU Telemedicine Reengineering of Adult Critical Care. Lilly et al. CHEST. 2014. Vol. 145, No. 3. March. 500-507
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20140122/NE50581LOGO
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140625/121787
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140122/NE50581LOGO
Frost & Sullivan: Telecommunications Providers Explore Innovative Business Models for Healthcare Service Delivery in Asia-Pacific
— Strong government backing could assure a favorable regulatory environment and profitable project pipeline
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Telecommunication companies in Asia-Pacific are increasingly exploring vertical markets like healthcare to open up new revenue streams. The market in the region holds great potential for telecommunication service providers owing to the large size and diverse healthcare issues across countries. The active participation of all industry stakeholders towards driving technology adoption in healthcare, along with government initiatives to improve efficiency and resource utilization, will have a profound impact on uptake.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Assessment of Telecommunications Service Providers in Healthcare, finds that although the industry presents promising opportunities, few telecommunication service providers have been able to establish successful business models in this space. Whereas traditional telecom services have achieved strong penetration in the healthcare industry, more sophisticated solutions are only now starting to generate returns and have a long way to go in terms of enabling a new-age healthcare system.
In addition to innovative service offerings telecommunication providers within the region are also turning to the west for ideas as they struggle to develop and communicate a compelling healthcare business strategy. Competition too is brewing as several leading multinational telecommunications companies look to expand their footprint into emerging Asia-Pacific markets.
“Communication service providers are opportunistic in that they seek out products and services that are comparatively easier to monetize based on government priorities and reimbursement policies in the region,” stated Frost & Sullivan Connected Health Senior Analyst Natasha Gulati. “Such products and services lay the foundation for sustainable revenues while more innovative pilot projects, such as telehealth networks for rural areas or mHealth-based educational programs, are tactics to underline their presence in healthcare as well as demonstrate the need for technology adoption.”
Telecommunications companies are also partnering with universities to gain access to turnkey projects. For instance, British Telecom signed a deal with the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University in China to offer healthcare IT consultancy services.
“Building an ecosystem of services is the key to success,” advised Gulati. “The ideal strategy is to create a network of partners that includes software vendors, mobile app companies, medical device companies, pharmaceutical participants and hospital chains, among others, that can deliver holistic solutions to consumers in the Asia-Pacific market.”
To learn more about emerging business models and key success factors for telecoms establishing a healthcare presence, watch Frost & Sullivan’s complimentary webinar at https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/5565/109331.
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Donna Jeremiah, Corporate Communications, at djeremiah@frost.com, with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.
Global Assessment of Telecommunications Service Providers in Healthcare is part of the Connected Health (http://www.connectedhealth.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: Video Telemedicine Market in Europe, Digital Pathology Market in China, Global Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Market for Healthcare, and Healthcare Cloud in APAC. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.
Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
- The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
- The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
Contact Us: Start the discussion
Subscribe: Newsletter on “the next big thing”
Register: Gain access to visionary innovation
Global Assessment of Telecommunications Service Providers in Healthcare
P738-48
Contact:
Donna Jeremiah
Corporate Communications — Asia Pacific
P: +61 (02) 8247 8927
F: +61 (02) 9252 8066
E: djeremiah@frost.com
Carrie Low
Corporate Communications — Asia Pacific
P: +603 6204 5910
F: +603 6201 7402
E: carrie.low@frost.com
Melissa Tan
Corporate Communications — Asia Pacific
P: +65 6890 0926
F: +65 6890 0999
E: melissa.tan@frost.com
Frost & Sullivan Fast Forward to 2022 – The Future of the Chemicals Sector
Why Africa needs to be part of your growth strategy
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —
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WHEN: |
2 July 2014 |
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TIME: |
15:00 (14:00 BST) |
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LOCATION: |
Online, with complimentary registration |
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PRESENTERS: |
Mani James, Operations Manager, |
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Frost & Sullivan Africa |
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Ross McLean, President, Dow Chemicals Africa |
Seven of the fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa. A total of 40 percent of Africans lack access to safe drinking water and only 30 percent of the rural population has access to all-season roads. These challenges will translate into massive opportunities for the chemicals sector over the coming years.
“There are significant opportunities for chemicals manufacturers and suppliers,” notes Frost & Sullivan Operation Manager for Frost & Sullivan Africa, Mani James. “Supply chain efficiencies, for one, will be a key factor to succeed when doing business in Africa. Identifying these areas of opportunity will enable chemicals companies to not only grow and expand their business, but also improve their overall market share.”
This briefing will highlight:
- Mega Trends Frost & Sullivan has predicted for the chemicals sector over the past 5 years and which ones have developed so far
- How Africa should be aligned with the growth strategy of chemicals companies
- Case study – The Dow Chemicals Company success story and how the organisation has improved market share by aligning their growth strategy with the right opportunities in Africa
DOWNLOAD a complimentary copy of the summary slides here – http://ow.ly/yqcnd
This briefing will benefit global and African chemical manufacturers and suppliers, distributors, government agencies, as well as major end users.
A live question and answer session will follow the presentation.
If you are interested in attending the briefing, or wish to receive a copy of the presentation slides and a link to the audio recording, kindly email samantha.james@frost.com your full name, job title, company name, company telephone number, company email address and website, city, state and country.
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About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.
Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
- The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
- The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organisation prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
Contact Us: Start the discussion
Subscribe: Newsletter on “the next big thing”
Register: Gain access to visionary innovation
Contact:
Samantha James
Frost & Sullivan
+27 21 680 3574
samantha.james@frost.com
Twitter: @FrostSullivanSA
Volvo Cars Adds Android Auto to its Next Generation Cars
Volvo Car Group joins the Open Automotive Alliance
GOTEBORG, Sweden /PRNewswire/ — Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) has joined the Open Automotive Alliance to make the Android smartphone platform available to drivers through its new ground-breaking user interface. This move brings together one of the world’s most progressive car companies and the world’s most popular smartphone platform, developed by Google.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/71400558-volvo-smartphone-integration
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140522/683630)
The integration of Android Auto™ promises to add yet another dimension to the Volvo in-car experience. Android Auto brings features and services familiar to Android smartphone and tablet users directly into the car via Volvo Cars’ large centre console touch screen display.
“Google’s approach to user-centricity and the application of technology to improve peoples’ everyday lives makes Android Auto a perfect addition to the Volvo experience,” says Hakan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
The interaction between Android Auto and Volvo Cars’ brand new user interface transforms the look and feel of a car’s interior. Volvo Cars’ interiors will be characterised by their high-tech simplicity and functionality.
“We have worked hard to ensure an enjoyable user experience with Android Auto. This will offer our customers a new degree of fluidity and accessibility in the usage of their mobile devices, and bring the digital ecosystem our customers already enjoy into the car, complementing Volvo Cars’ existing connected car services and applications,” says Hakan Samuelsson.
Android Auto will provide access to Google Search, Google Maps, Google Play Music and specially adapted third party applications, such as Spotify. All phone-based applications can be controlled via voice or steering wheel controls or the car’s touch screen ensuring the entire interaction with Android Auto content is both safe and easy.
Volvo Cars’ portrait touch screen provides users with the benefit of having both Volvo Cars and Android Auto content on the screen simultaneously, removing the need to switch between car and Android phone screens.
“Android smartphone users will feel completely at home in a new Volvo. We have created a wholly-integrated user experience in our large portrait-oriented touch screen that takes the in-car mobile device experience to a new level. That, coupled with the obvious driver safety benefits of an advanced voice control system offered by Google, made Android Auto a perfect match for Volvo,” says Hakan Samuelsson.
Android Auto will be available on all new Volvo cars based on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), starting with the all-new XC90, due to be publically revealed at this year’s Paris Motor Show.
Keywords:
Life Style, Technology, Design, Smartphone, Google, Connectivity, Touch screen, Android Auto
Notes to editor:
- The Open Automotive Alliance is a global alliance of technology and auto industry leaders committed to bringing the Android platform to cars.
- Volvo Cars will also include Apple CarPlay™ interoperability in all new models based on the new Scalable Product Architecture. This will make it possible for Volvo car drivers to connect the most widely used smartphone platforms directly to their car’s touch screen display. For more information please visit Volvo Cars Global Newsroom.
Stefan Elfstrom
Media Relations Manager
Corporate Communications
Volvo Car Corporation
Dept. 50250/PVH50
Goteborg
Sweden
Telephone +46-31-3251878
Stefan.elfstrom@volvocars.com
Video: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/71400558-volvo-smartphone-integration
Simbionix Introduces the First VR Training Module for the Practice of Vaginal Cuff Closure Suturing Using Barbed Sutures With State of the Art Haptics
CLEVELAND /PRNewswire/ — Hysterectomies are one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, with over 600,000 performed each year. Studies show that performing the procedure using a laparoscopic approach is associated with reduced short-term morbidity (less blood loss, wound infections, and postoperative pain), shorter hospital stay, and faster resumption of normal activities when compared with abdominal hysterectomy.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120502/529202-a)
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a relatively complicated procedure to perform, and requires specialized training and considerable skill and experience on the part of the surgeon. Simbionix USA Corporation, the world’s leading provider of medical education and simulation training products for medical professionals and the healthcare industry, developed and introduced the first Hysterectomy VR training module over two years ago.
Simbionix is now proud to release the first VR training module for Cuff Closure Suturing using unidirectional and bidirectional barbed sutures. The hands-on training cases comprise unique educational aids including an anatomical 3D map, real-life videos, and intuitive self-explanatory guidance steps, all intended to help trainees become more confident in this challenging task. Training includes a variety of potential complications such as suspected injury to the bladder, ureters, colon and iliac vessels. This innovative module also features state of the art haptic feedback providing a life like scenario.
“Understanding the importance of promoting women’s health, Simbionix continuously enhances its portfolio of products and solutions to train medical professionals in this field. We keep improving our visualization and simulation technologies in order to support complicated scenes within advanced procedures,” said Simbionix President, Ran Bronstein. “The graphics in this new module are extremely realistic and the enhanced haptic technology enables accurate interaction between the tool and the suture to help physicians acquire the necessary skills to perform the challenging cuff closure suturing before performing the procedure on a patient.”
The new module is part of the extensive LAP Mentor™ library of modules, and will be shown together with the GI-Express Mentor™ at Simbionix booth #14 at the EAES exhibition in Paris, June 26-28.
Simbionix USA Corporation offers a full array of medical training simulators, PROcedure Rehearsal Studio™ for case rehearsal and planning and MentorLearn™ Simulator Training Management. The company is committed to advancing clinical performance and optimizing procedural outcomes through education and collaboration.
Visit: http://www.simbionix.com Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact: Rebecca Levy, Manager of Marketing Communications, at Rebecca@simbionix.com or +1-216-2292040
IPEC Bureau Announces Mou Signing for Strategic Partnership with Isccc of China
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — International Persons Certification (IPEC) Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the strategic partnership with Information Security Certification Centre of China (ISCCC), during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) Readiness Project in Persons Certification (ISO/IEC 17024:2012), held in Jakarta, Indonesia between 14 and 16 April 2014.
The Director of China ISCCC, Dr Zhang Jian (on the left) and the CEO of IPEC Bureau, Dr. Juliana Lim at the MOU signing ceremony during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) Readiness Project in Persons Certification (ISO/IEC17024:2012), held in Jakarta, Indonesia between 14 and 16 April 2014.
Dr. Juliana Lim (seated third from the right) with fellow APEC economies’ representatives from China, Russia, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Brunei, Indonesia and Philippines.
IPEC trusts the collaboration with ISCCC, the leading commercial arm in certification of Information Security for workforce and professionals will foresee in the promotion of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in honour of the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China.
Under the MOU, IPEC and ISCCC will build a framework of dialogue for strengthening mutual cooperative ties. With the framework, both certification organisations seek to forge a closer cooperative and collaborative relationship, wherein they could jointly consider support for those information security related projects such as Information Security Certification and Information Professional Certification that will facilitate the Asia Pacific market. “In line with the 40 years of bilateral relationship forged between Malaysia and China, IPEC aspires to expand its wings to China, the emerging superpower through related field of joined certification that will enhance our positioning in the booming Asia Pacific region and international arena,” said the Chief Executive Officer of IPEC Bureau, Dr. Juliana Lim.
“To further fortify this newly established partnership, IPEC will be attending a meeting with the management of ISCCC in Beijing’, China between 25 to 27 June. Both IPEC and ISCCC have shown intention to exchange knowledge and skills in the certification and training standards development of Information Security Certification Scheme, under the industry scope of Information Technology Management for Asia Pacific Region,” added Dr. Juliana who had earlier attended the APEC project for 3 days along with fellow APEC economies’ representatives from China, Russia, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Brunei, Indonesia and Philippines.
As an accredited certification body by the Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia), IPEC’s active participation in the project has only further ascertained their undivided commitment towards empowering and enhancing the human capital capabilities as well as serving the needs of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA). IPEC was awarded by the National Standards and Accreditation Award its achievement in obtaining accreditation from Standards Malaysia in the field of certification of persons in year 2012.
In compliance with the ISO/IEC 17024 guideline, IPEC is currently engaged in developing and operating certification programs for persons involved in various platforms, such as Beauty Science, Operational & Services Excellence, Oil and Gas, Anti-Money Laundering Industry, Public Sector Management, Life Science and many more with the objective of meeting both consumer and business expectations.
“Our initiatives are driven by the mission to develop and strengthen the industry’s productivity, innovation and efficiency under the manpower transformation scheme that focuses on up-skilling and re-skilling of workforce. In correspondence with the government’s aspiration to attain the status of a high-income nation by year 2020, IPEC sees itself playing a major role in stimulating the macro societal economy that creates new employment opportunities,” she further elaborated.
IPEC’s contribution in this key project serves to provide an assurance to its stakeholders, industry committees, directors and certified members, in an attempt to build a developed nation that endorses industry best practices.
Since its establishment in 2008, IPEC via its dynamic Research and Technology Development Division has been offering unique methodologies for SME & SMI to develop industry defined competency standards that are examinable and measurable. Apart from Certification of Persons, IPEC also caters for Professional Licensing, Public Policy Management and Industry Scheme Customisation, to name a few.
ISCCC is the specialised organisation to implement information security certification, with the approval of the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform and authorised by eight People’s Republic of China’s government authorities and ministries, including Information Work Office of State Council, Ministry of Public Security of People’s Republic of China, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Information Industry of People’s Republic of China, State General Administration of the People’s Republic of China for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), State Secrecy Administration, Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA) and State Cryptography Administration.
For further information about IPEC CERTIFICATION BUREAU, kindly contact:
Tel: +603-2026-7733 (Malaysian No.)
Email: info@ipecbureau.org
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