Archive for March 13th, 2015
Global Ad Network BuzzCity Announces ‘Attribute Clusters’ for Mobile Advertisers
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SINGAPORE /PRNewswire/ — Attribute Clusters is the latest feature launching today from BuzzCity, the leading global mobile advertising network. The new feature leverages proprietary data from regular audience sampling and allows advertisers to target large demographic clusters in the emerging markets with both precision and scale.
BuzzCity continuously obtain insights from its audience of publishers on the network, gathering information on gender, age, location and occupation. Grouping publishers with similar attributes together, the feature will offer brands and agencies the opportunity to target their advertising and actively deliver relevant ads to particular audience segments, to sites where at least 65% of the audience displays that attribute.
In many markets, males are more likely to shop online than females. This finding is reflected in the first launch of the feature; the two attribute clusters being male and young adults. More attributes will be introduced in the coming months to allow advertisers to deliver their brand message to more audience segments.
In 2015, emerging markets will drive global advertising spending, with the advertising marketing projected to grow by 10.7% over the next three years. BuzzCity’s unique approach to attribute clustering offers the best targeting feature catered towards the emerging markets, such as Asia, Africa and LATAM.
“Targeting is really about optimising your spends, but there is no point optimising a campaign until you lose reach,” comments Dr KF Lai, CEO and founder of BuzzCity. “We’ve taken an approach that segments the relevant global audiences without losing scale.”
Segments can be viewed for each country at: planner.buzzcity.com
For more information please contact:
Jo McConnell or Josh Speers at CubanEight
E: buzzcity@cubaneight.com
T: +44-1869–238089
About BuzzCity
BuzzCity is a mobile advertising network that offers brand owners and agencies access to a global display network of publishers. As a leading international player, BuzzCity has developed in-depth knowledge of the mobile consumer and provides marketers with clear opportunities to reach this audience via its advertising and publisher programmes. The network also offers opportunities for publishers, developers and owners of mobile media properties to monetise their traffic through mobile internet advertising.
Additional information can be found at www.buzzcity.com.
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Precision Aviation Group Named Luminator Authorized Repair Center and Distributor
ATLANTA, March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG), a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry has been named a Luminator Technology Group, LLC (Luminator) Authorized Repair Center and Distributor for their Rotorcraft product line.
This agreement authorizes PAG companies -which includes seven FAA / EASA / TC and CASA Approved Repair Stations- to perform Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services on Searchlights manufactured by Luminator, as well as provide outright sales and exchanges on New and Overhauled units – worldwide.
“The agreement expands on PAG’s current relationship with Luminator. Their products are on the aircraft platforms we support and being named an ARC / Distributor will allow us to expand the number of Luminator products and services we can offer to our customers. Additionally, it enables a tremendous convenience to the mission critical operators we support by combining searchlight availability (on our shelves) and a highly experienced sales and technical team,” said Ketan Desai, Vice President, Sales & Marketing of PAG.
“Luminator is excited to announce the new partnership with PAG, a known leader in component MRO and OEM product distribution,” states Steven Boyd, Vice President, Sales & Marketing (Aerospace) of Luminator. “PAG will serve as an Authorized Distributor and Service Center for our rotorcraft product line. We chose PAG because of their industry experience, diverse MRO capability, and global sales team but most importantly for their proven track record of satisfied customers.”
“Building OEM partnerships is critical for our long term success, and we are proud to represent Luminator,” said Desai.
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About Precision Aviation Group (PAG)
Precision Aviation Group (PAG) is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With nine locations and more than 235,000-square-feet of sales and service facilities in the United States, Canada and Australia, PAG uses its distinct business units and customer-focused business model to serve aviation customers through two business functions – Aviation Supply Chain – and its trademarked Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (ISMRO®) services.
PAG provides MRO and Supply Chain Solutions for Fixed and Rotary-wing aircraft through: Precision Heliparts – PHP (www.heliparts.com); Precision Aviation Services – PAS (www.precisionaviationservices.com); Precision Accessories & Instruments – PAI (www.precisionaccessories.com); Precision Heliparts Canada – PHP-C (www.heliparts.ca); Precision Accessories & Instruments Canada – PAI-C (www.precisionaccessories.ca); PHP-Instruments & Accessories – PHP-IA (www.heliparts.la); Precision Aero Technology –PAT (www.precisionaerotechnology.com), Precision Heliparts – Australia – PHP-AU (www.precisionheliparts.com.au), Precision Accessories & Instruments – Australia (PAI-AU) (www.precisionaccessories.com.au) and Aviation Controls, Inc. – ACI (www.aviationcontrolsinc.com). PAG subsidiaries have MRO capabilities on over 35,000 products, including accessories, avionics, engine components, hydraulics, instruments, NDT, starter/generators, and wheels/brakes (www.precisionaviationgroup.com).
About Luminator Technology Group (LTG)
Luminator Technology Group, LLC (LTG) manufactures state of the art LED based lighting, signage and passenger communication systems for the mass transit industry. LTG branded products – Focon, Lawo, Luminator, Mobitec, Axion, VSN and TwinVision – are developed and manufactured around the world to address global customers in a global marketplace and at the same time stay focused on local customer needs. LTG products cover a wide range of applications for the aerospace, bus and rail markets from customized interior passenger lighting, exterior indication and navigation lighting to emergency lighting, signage and searchlights. LTG brands are recognized throughout the industry for their high quality and performance achieved through world class engineering innovation and design. LTG cultivates innovative talent through a forward thinking attitude toward technology. We seek innovative breakthroughs by way of the latest design concepts and up to the minute technological advances.
Sponsored Data to Expand Mobile Connectivity to New Consumers, Cars, Wearables, IoT says Strategy Analytics
BOSTON, March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Sponsored data provides a useful business model for bringing mobile data to new users in emerging markets and to new device types —according to the Strategy Analytics Wireless Operator Strategies (WOS) service report, “Measuring the Success of Sponsored Data”. With sponsored data business models, third party companies like consumer brands, web stores or enterprises can pay the mobile operator for data used by consumers or employees to access their content in a toll-free model, or can offer data rewards like loyalty points.
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Click here for the report: “Measuring the Success of Sponsored Data”https://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=reportabstractviewer&a0=10684
Key findings from the report:
- Sponsored data use cases gaining traction today in emerging markets like Brazil, China, India, Indonesiaand Nigeria range from advertising, free access to online commerce apps, games and app stores, free access for banking apps, to support for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) by enterprises, education and healthcare.
- Opera Software, which recently won an award for its web pass and sponsored web pass in the category “Best Mobile Product, Initiative or Service in Emerging Markets” in the Global Mobile Awards at MWC 2015, has supported successful sponsored data campaigns with ten mobile operators in emerging markets.
- China has been a particularly strong market for sponsored data, with AsiaInfo a key platform vendor supporting the market growth. China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom are all supporting sponsored data offers, with sponsors like Alibaba and Baidu focusing on growing traffic and users to their online stores and apps.
- Leading operators evaluating or launching sponsored data include AT&T, Airtel, Millicom, Telefonica, Telenor, Telkomsel, TIM Brasil and Vodafone; Facebook’s Internet.org is looking to expand its partnerships with operators to create a free data on-ramp to the mobile Internet in emerging markets.
Quotes:
Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Director, Wireless Operator Strategies said: “Wearables, connected car and IoT – these device categories will definitely benefit from new thinking on how data connectivity is offered. Sponsors can be the device makers or other brands, and free data use can even be embedded in specific aps for the devices. People will not have to worry about setting up a wireless account for each new device, and brands like insurance companies, services, and sports drinks will have a new way to reach their target customers.”
Phil Kendall, Executive Director, Wireless Operator Strategies, commented: “Operators are starting small to prove the value of sponsored data use cases for their particular market and find brands with interest. Momentum will build in 2015 as operators and sponsors test what works best and build their strategies for sponsored data. For operators, this needs to be part of a broader move to upgrade systems to support more flexible, agile, and scalable new business models with partners in over-the-top (OTT) services and the broader ecosystem as mobility becomes more central to consumers and enterprises alike.”
About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com
US Contact: Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, +1-617-614-0724, swelshdegrimaldo@strategyanalytics.com
European Contact: Phil Kendall, +44-1908-423620, pkendall@strategyanalytics.com
Seaborn secures metro network and fiber backhaul in Brazil from Netell and Citatel
SAO PAULO and BOSTON, March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Seaborn Networks, Netell Telecom, and Citatel Dutos e Fibras Opticas announced that Seaborn has acquired backhaul and metro fiber network capacity in theState of Sao Paulo from Netell and Citatel for Seaborn’s Brazil-US subsea cable. This contracted capacity provides a diverse, dark fiber backhaul solution from Seaborn’s cable landing station in Santos as well as a dark fiber, mesh network solution to Seaborn’s points of presence in metro Sao Paulo.
Seaborn is the developer of Seabras-1, a new Brazil-US submarine cable that will provide the first direct route between Sao Paulo and New York. The system is being constructed by Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks. Partners Group, the global private markets investment manager, is providing full project equity and is a co-sponsor of the project. Natixis, the corporate, investment, insurance and financial services arm of Groupe BCPE (second largest banking group in France) is providing full project debt with backing from COFACE, the French export credit agency.
The contracting party on behalf of Seaborn for the Netell and Citatel transactions is Seabras 1 Brasil Ltda., which is Seaborn’s Brazilian operator of Seabras-1.
Netell has also purchased a substantial amount of capacity on Seabras-1, which it will use to serve its local, regional and international carrier and enterprise customer base. This follows other recent customer announcements, including that Microsoft is the foundational customer on Seabras-1 and that Tata Communications has also confirmed it is an anchor customer on the system.
Larry Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, Seaborn Networks says, “With construction of Seabras-1 underway, we are extremely pleased to have contracted with Netell and Citatel. This important milestone is the culmination of the strong relationship among the three companies that has developed over the past few years. Equally as important, Netell’s investment for significant capacity purchase on Seabras-1 validates the demand in Brazil for an independent, express submarine cable route between Sao Paulo and New York with seamless extensions to other geographies around the world.”
Wagner Rapchan, Chief Executive Officer, Netell says, “Brazil and the entire South American continent require increasingly more capacity and diversity in international connectivity. This is why we are proud to be supporting Seaborn with metro fiber networks in Sao Paulo and in turn purchasing capacity on the Seabras-1 cable system. When there is greater choice for connecting Brazil to the rest of world, there will be greater opportunity for local innovation in IT and communications services. This is a great step forward for the market.”
Irineu Berardi, a shareholder of Citatel Dutos e Fibras Opticas, says, “With our extensive network of fiber cables in both Sao Paulo and Santos, we are delighted that Seaborn has purchased long-term and high quality, diverse fiber paths between Santos and Sao Paulo from Citatel.”
Seabras-1 is scheduled to be ready for service at the end of 2016.
About Seaborn Networks
Seaborn Networks is a developer and operator of submarine fiber optic cable systems, including Seabras-1 which is the first express submarine cable system between the US and Brazil. Seabras-1 is a 60 Tbps system that will connect New York and Sao Paulo, with a branch that lands in Fortaleza, Brazil. Activation will be in 2016. Seaborn was founded by successful submarine cable and wholesale carrier executives with experience in designing, building and operating many of the world’s largest submarine and terrestrial networks. For additional information, see www.seabornnetworks.com
Seaborn Press Contact: media@seabornnetworks.com
About Netell Telecom
Netell Telecom is a neutral and independent fiber-optic network provider in Brazil. Launched in 2005, Netell Telecom has evolved into one of Brazil’s leading backbone network providers for Sao Paulo’s region. It serves local, regional and international large enterprises, carriers and data centers looking for geographically diverse, secure and reliable connectivity. For additional information, see www.netell.com.br
Netell Press Contact: media@netell.com.br
About Citatel Dutos e Fibras Opticas
Citatel Dutos e Fibras Opticas has provided long-haul fiber network services in Brazil for more than 20 years. Its wholly owned fiber infrastructure crosses the state of Sao Paulo and is trusted by local, regional and international service providers as well as enterprises.
Citatel Press Contact: media@citatel.com.br
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Mercuria Announces Expansion to Minerva Maritime Fuel Business
PRNewswire/ —
Company will Hire 20 to 40 Bunker Fuel Specialists
In a statement today, the global head of trading of Mercuria, one of the world’s largest independent energy and commodities groups, discussed the expansion of the group’s maritime fuel business, Minerva.
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“We believe we are forging a strong new model in the maritime fuel business. This is a transparent and reliable model that puts the client first to ensure the quality and delivery of their energy needs to their marine vessels,” said Magid Shenouda.
“We are investing substantial resources into the bunkering business. Minerva is the natural complement to Mercuria’s fuel oil trading structure,” continued the global head of trading.
“We are building upon Mercuria’s skill sets and balance sheet to expand relationships in the physical fuel oil business. As a result, we are seeking the very best marine fuel talent to join our vigorous trading environment and provide expertise to those that rely on knowledge of the energy space. We look forward to filling these positions in Asia, Europe and the United States,” concluded Shenouda.
For employment opportunities at Minerva, visit http://www.mercuria.com/our-people/vacancies/application-form?vacancy=161
Source: Mercuria
GigaMedia’s Premier Promotion for Three New Games in the United States
TAIPEI /PRNewswire/ — GigaMedia Limited (NASDAQ: GIGM) today announced attendance to the “Game Connection America 2015” event in San Francisco from March 2nd to March 5th. The Company is aiming at introducing new in-house developed games, while exploring overseas partners for more business opportunities to expand its international presence.
The Company had three games for its premier promotion at the event, namely “Fantasy League”, “Deadtopia” and “JaeJae Guardians”. The first two titles were developed in partnership with Korean game studios, whereas the latter title was developed by GigaMedia.
“Fantasy League” is a 3D RPG about collecting Creature characters and quest adventures in a 3D picture book, with a Korean styled art theme experience. Players can make use of creature’s various skills, formation and class effects to form a powerful team to battle against the evil forces.
“Deadtopia” is a cross-platform FPS (first person shooting) game, powered by Unreal Engine 3 for both PC and mobile devices. Featured by various game modes and battle scenes, this game also enables the players to play in virtual reality which increases excitement and involvement. “Deadtopia” is expected to be available on the market in the second quarter of 2015.
“JaeJae Guardians” is a self-developed, tower defense casual mobile game. JaeJae, a famous Taiwanese illustrator and an IP acquired by GigaMedia, is the leading character of the game. The storyline illustrates JaeJae on an adventure to save another character while recruiting companions along her journey for support. “JaeJae Guardians” is featured by its triple row battle strategy where players now must consider enemies coming in three row lines instead of the classic simple line tactic.
All three games received enthusiastic responses from publishers and developers at the event. Publishers from different countries showed high interest in licensing the demonstrated three games. The Company will carefully evaluate and select appropriate publishers for partnership and expect all three games to be released on the market for players in the second quarter this year.
About GigaMedia
Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, GigaMedia Limited (Singapore registration number: 199905474H) is a diversified provider of online games and cloud computing services. GigaMedia’s online games business is an innovative leader in Asia with growing game development, distribution and operation capabilities, as well as platform services for games; focus is on mobile games and social casino games. The company’s cloud computing business is focused on providing enterprises in Greater China with critical communications services and IT solutions that increase flexibility, efficiency and competitiveness. More information on GigaMedia can be obtained from www.gigamedia.com.
The statements included above and elsewhere in this press release that are not historical in nature are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. GigaMedia cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on the company’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Information as to certain factors that could cause actual results to vary can be found in GigaMedia’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in April 2014.
For further information contact:
Amanda Chang
Investor Relations Department
Country/City Code 8862 Tel: 2656-8080
amanda.chang@gigamedia.com.tw
Related stocks: NASDAQ-NMS:GIGM
Marina Bay Sands Unveils “Never Settle” Campaign Starring David Beckham
Global sporting legend headlines advertising campaign for the iconic integrated resort
SINGAPORE /PRNewswire/ — Marina Bay Sands today unveiled its latest advertising campaign starring global sporting legend David Beckham.
Directed by award-winning American director and photographer Anthony Mandler, the multi-million dollar “Never Settle” campaign enables consumers to discover the integrated resort through the eyes of Beckham in a series of print and television commercials. Featuring Beckham at the iconic architecture marvel, the campaign highlights the luxury retail, fine dining, leisure and entertainment experiences that have become synonymous with Marina Bay Sands.
“The Never Settle campaign brings to life the shared values and passion of Marina Bay Sands, our consumers and David Beckham, celebrating the spirit of advancement that inspires an ongoing pursuit of excellence. It’s about experiencing the best that life has to offer. As we progress into 2015, we’re committed to delivering exceptional and memorable experiences that live up to the Never Settle concept,” said George Tanasijevich, CEO and President of Marina Bay Sands.
The four advertisements from the campaign will appear in local and regional dailies, magazines and billboards across Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and China, with the commercial airing on various digital platforms, TV and network cable channels.
In the 2-minute commercial, Beckham can be seen pulling up in a sleek vehicle and entering into the glitzy world of Marina Bay Sands. The many experiences that unfold within the award-winning destination are illustrated through scenes of Beckham experiencing celebrity chef restaurant CUT, making a grand entrance into the Chairman Suite, enjoying the city’s best night views from Sands SkyPark, and raising a toast to fellow party-goers. The energy and excitement of the award-winning property are juxtaposed with scenes of tranquility at the Banyan Tree Spa, the integrated resort’s inner haven.
David Beckham said: “I have collaborated with Marina Bay Sands on a wide range of projects ranging from charity events, inspirational workshops and festive celebrations. This is a brand that always aspires to be the best in everything it does. That’s why I love Marina Bay Sands. I am thrilled to be part of its story for the ‘Never Settle’ campaign, which is about a celebration of an amazing destination.”
Conceptualised by creative agency AR New York, the commercial and print advertisements were shot over two days at Marina Bay Sands in early October 2014, across many of the property’s iconic locations such as the Sands SkyPark, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum and the Lion’s Bridge.
A particularly challenging scene was at the world-famous infinity pool at the Sands SkyPark. Not only did the crew have to ensure that its set-up and tear-down process did not affect the guest experience, it had to work around the limits accorded by the parameters of the 150-metre pool. To capture a panoramic view of the entire cityscape with Beckham in the frame, the crew built a custom-made platform for the star to walk across the pool and stand suspended above the water. The light-weight steel platform was set up and dismantled within a period of four hours, in time to catch the magical evening light without disrupting key operations. The result? Perfect shots of Beckham taking in the soaring views of the Singapore skyline from the infinity pool, 200 meters above the ground.
“It was essential for us to capture the excitement and energy of Marina Bay Sands with this commercial. We wanted to show our audience that when they visit, they should and will never settle, with the very best dining options, the ultimate entertainment, the most coveted luxury shopping and more. David is our master of ceremonies, taking us with him through the cinematic adventure that is the Marina Bay Sands experience. At every turn, there’s something more dramatic, more exuberant and more beautiful,” said Anthony Mandler, a sought-after collaborator of Beckham and other celebrities such as Rihanna, Jay Z and Beyonce.
In conjunction with the campaign, Marina Bay Sands will be hosting an interactive online game themed around the “Never Settle” concept from 16 March. Each week, participants from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia will need to identify 10 locations and experiences around the property. The highest scores will win complimentary 2N stays at Marina Bay Sands. Participants can double their points if they share their results on social media. The Grand Prize is a trip to Singapore, accommodation at Marina Bay Sands and vouchers from The Shoppes.
FUN FACTS
From the filming of the “Never Settle“ commercial with David Beckham at Marina Bay Sands
- Filming took place over two days, involving overnight shoots that began at 4am on the first day. Most of the filming was done within cordoned off areas, under tight security conditions and in the wee hours of the morning – this was to ensure minimal disruption to the guest operations of Marina Bay Sands, which welcomes nearly 110,000 visitors on a daily basis.
- A total of 25.5 hours were spent filming the commercial to gather eight hours of footage, which were edited down to a 2 minute full commercial, and shorter 30- and 60-second versions.
- Over 100 Team Members were involved in the filming process to support the 125-pax professional crew on site. These behind-the-scenes heroes, spanning across MICE and Hotel operations, banquet, Visual Media, security, butler service and facilities, were responsible for providing a total of 500 hot meals, coordinating traffic flow, transporting tons of equipment from various locations, providing security and helping set the stage for each scene.
- The production offices which housed wardrobe and equipment for the commercial was as big as a Sands Expo and Convention Centre ballroom, which is equivalent to a 3-room HDB flat.
- One of the taxi stands was temporarily moved to the Convention Centre in order to cater for David Beckham’s drive-in scene.
- The ArtPath installations provided a key backdrop for many of the scenes in the commercial. As one of the largest art commissions ever completed as part of an integrated architectural process, the Art Path comprises 11 large-scale art installations created by eight internationally renowned artists.
- At the Lion’s Bridge, David Beckham is seen looking at the shiny surface of Zhan Wang’s Artificial Rock #71 and #86 which are abstract sculptures inspired by The Scholar’s Rock in China. In other scenes, Antony Gormley‘s Drift, the 3D stainless steel matrix that hangs cloud-like in the air at Hotel Tower 1, makes its appearance. David Beckham was also filmed in front of Ned Khan’s Wind Arbor, made up of 260,000 aluminum metal “flappers” covering the facade of the Hotel.
- Due to the secrecy of the campaign, David Beckham had to travel to the various locations through the back-of-house routes, and only appearing right before filming commenced. The tons of equipment also follow the same routes in the labyrinth of passages known as the Heart of House — an area that has its own 7-Eleven store, ATM machines, clinic, a Uniform Room and Dining Rooms that serve over 8,000 meals a day for Team Members.
- Still, David Beckham took a walk around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands — much to the delight of guests, who took quick snaps of the star during these rare public moments. The pictures went viral on social media and gave rise to speculations that Beckham was in Singapore to film an advertisement for a fashion brand, when it was actually for the ‘Never Settle’ campaign.
About Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd
Marina Bay Sands is the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It features large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants and an outdoor event plaza. Its two theatres showcase a range of leading entertainment performances including world-renowned Broadway shows. Completing the line-up of attractions is ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands which plays host to permanent and marquee exhibitions. For more information, please visitwww.marinabaysands.com.
SOURCE: Marina Bay Sands
Expedia Extends Mobile Dominance with its Recent Acquisition Strategy
— Consumers rely on Expedia more when using their mobile devices
PRNewswire/ — According to the recent report Priceline versus Expedia: The Battle for the Future published by Strategy Analytics the two Online Travel Agencies are successfully courting distinct users. But the strategy has led Expedia to own more than 60% of all sessions despite a smaller installed base.
Installed Base of Priceline and Expedia
Installed Base of Priceline and Expedia
Click here for the report: http://bit.ly/1AgjSyB
Despite appealing to different demographics both Priceline and Expedia face challenges in growing the overall market. Today, less than 6% of AppOptix panelists have Expedia or Travelocity installed on their mobile device and just .5% have both apps installed.
The biggest question the companies face is which strategy will help them succeed in the long term? As travel becomes a more local experience Priceline’s acquisition of OpenTable – if integrated into the broader Priceline ecosystem – could be an important tool and an indication their strategy is best devised. Today, just 37% of the Priceline installed base also has OpenTable Installed. This figure represents less than 25% of the entire OpenTable Installed base presenting a good branding opportunity.
Expedia on the other hand may want to consider utilizing the installed base of newly acquired apps to bolster usage of its main application. Orbitz in fact has a higher installed base than either Priceline or Expedia with just a 27% shared installed base with Expedia. Travelocity has a much smaller installed base and integrating into the main Expedia app could provide sufficient cost savings.
According to Josh Martin, Travel Analytics Research Service Director, “Priceline and Expedia are both developing unique and interesting growth strategies. By understanding the user bases of recent and potential acquisitions and mapping that to future growth these companies can determine the best promotion and integration strategies. In addition, companies may purchase hidden gems such as Orbitz which has proven very strong in mobile.”
Priceline versus Expedia: The Battle for the Future – which provides in depth analysis of these OTAs as well as the best ways to reach their respective installed bases is now available.
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Source: Strategy Analytics
Micrel Introduces 20A IntelliMOS(TM) Power Stage Family With Innovative Phase Splitting Architecture In Compact 4mm x 6mm TQFN Package
PRNewswire/ — Micrel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in high performance linear and power solutions, LAN and timing and communications solutions, today announced the MIC4520/MIC4521, an IntelliMOS™ power stage family capable of delivering up to 20A in a compact 4mm x 6mm TQFN package. The MIC4521 is a two-phase power stage (includes MOSFET drivers and power MOSFETs) featuring integrated current and temperature sensing. The MIC4521 can be interfaced with a single-phase controller (such as Micrel’s MIC2111) to build a complete high-current and high-performance power converter. The MIC4520 is a single-phase power stage that can operate with a single-phase or multi-phase controller. These power stages can be used in a wide variety of point of load applications for end markets such as networking, servers, storage, base stations and graphic cards. The MIC4520/21 devices are available in volume quantities with 1,000 quantity pricing starting at $2.34/$2.57 respectively. Samples can be ordered on line at: http://www.samplecomponents.com/scripts/samplecenter.dll?micrel.
The MIC4520/MIC4521 utilizes Micrel’s high performance FETZilla™ DMOS technology to achieve high efficiency (over 90 percent peak). Micrel’s IntelliMOS power MOSFETs have been optimized for low gate capacitance to enable fast switching performance (up to 1.2MHz) for minimal switching losses while their low on-resistance reduces conduction losses.
“Board space and heat dissipation constitute major challenges in cloud computing systems, so designers need high efficiency and compact DC-DC solutions. Micrel’s IntelliMOS power stage solution meets these challenges and enables designers to reduce their solution size by operating at higher switching frequency while maintaining very high efficiency,” stated Brian Hedayati, vice president of marketing for high performance linear and power solutions at Micrel. “Micrel’s IntelliMOS solutions provide accurate monitoring and protection when used with Micrel’s MIC21000 digital controller. Designers can build a complete point of load solution with full monitoring, dynamic scaling of output voltage and fault protection.”
The MIC4521 offers higher levels of intelligence and telemetry than traditional DrMOS power stages. The integrated current and temperature sensing of the MIC4521 enables power system designers to accurately measure and monitor the condition of each power converter to enhance system reliability. Both the MIC4520 and MIC4521 utilize Micrel’s propriety bi-directional fault communication protocol to provide system protection against faults.
The MIC4520/MIC4521 operate over an input voltage range of 7V to 16V. The devices can be configured for continuous or discontinuous conduction operation and support diode emulation mode for improved light load efficiency. The MIC4520/MIC4521 have a junction temperature range from -40-deg C to +125-deg C.
Source: Micrel, Inc.
Volcano receives CE mark for iFR Scout Pullback software to help diagnose serial lesions and diffuse coronary disease
PRNewswire/ — Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA), today announced that Volcano, a Philips business, has received CE Mark for the iFR Scout pullback software, a functional extension of its existing iFR Modality, optimized to assess serial lesions and diffuse coronary disease. Limited Market Release will commence immediately at leading European and Japanese medical centers. This software is currently pending 510(k) clearance at the US FDA. It is not available for sale in the US.
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The iFR Modality is a physiologic measurement performed using the same Volcano pressure measurement guide wires and equipment used by catheterization labs for Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), but it avoids the administration of hyperemic agents into the patient that induce stress to the heart to increase blood flow. This allows for a meaningful, lesion-specific assessment in seconds by amplifying the signal at rest. The iFR Modality is currently installed on over 2,000 systems worldwide.
Physicians have historically used a pressure wire pullback technique with FFR, under hyperemic conditions, to assess the type of underlying disease severity, whether focal or diffuse, to help determine the appropriate treatment for the patient. With the iFR Scout pullback software, this same functionality to ‘scout out’ the most treatable lesions will now be available without the administration of a hyperemic agent, thereby potentially reducing procedural time and cost to the facility, as well as improving patient comfort.
“Up to now, many operators felt uncomfortable in the frequent scenario of FFR interrogation in vessels with more than one stenosis, as interpretation is more difficult, and intravenous infusion is mandatory for FFR pullbacks,” stated Dr. Javier Escaned, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain. “The great attractiveness of iFR pullback is that resting flow is much more constant, and stable in these cases, allowing for more predictable interpretation of results. Further, we will now be able to conduct pullback without the need for administration of hyperemic agents. This may contribute to a wider adoption of physiological vessel mapping and, therefore, to a better, tailored treatment of patients with multiple coronary stenoses.”
“The iFR Scout release represents another innovative step forward in making coronary physiology faster, and simpler, so that more patients worldwide can benefit from the value that physiology-guided treatment brings over angiography alone,” commented Joe Burnett, General Manager Image Guided Therapy Devices at Volcano, a Philips business. “Globally, more than 2,000 systems have been activated with iFR, truly surpassing our expectations for adoption of this novel technology. Our teams are very excited to bring the iFR Scout capability to institutions so that clinicians can see first-hand the value that physiologic pullback provides in helping guide appropriate treatment to patients with serial stenoses, diffuse disease and other challenging clinical scenarios.”
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