Technology: `.Asia` Hot-or-Not Contest launches: US$15,000 cash prize!

Identify the ".Asia" Domain Fetching Highest Auction Price to Win!

Hong Kong, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - DotAsia Organisation officially announces the ".Asia" Hot-or-Not Domains Appraisal Contest. Identify the ".Asia" domain fetching the highest auction price in the ".Asia" Sunrise and Landrush Auctions and walk away with US$15,000 cash prize. Since its soft launch earlier, entries have already been received around the world at the contest website: http://www.think.asia, demonstrating the global appeal of the ".Asia" domain.

"It is a fun contest for everyone. We believe it will help raise public awareness on the investment opportunities in the blooming cyber real estate market and give the pros a chance to win bragging rights over the art of domain appraisals," said Edmon Chung, CEO of DotAsia.

Since the public opening of the ".Asia" domain in March, there has been a growing amount of interest. "We are excited to see China, India and Australia among the driving forces of adoption of the ".Asia" domain for the Asia market. While global brands such as SonyEricsson.Asia establish anchor sites, the adoption by small businesses expanding to the Asia market exemplifies the solid growth value of ".Asia" domains," adds Chung.

Revolutionizing the chaotic rush characteristic of previous domain land grabs, DotAsia, the not-for-profit organisation overseeing the ".Asia" registry adopted an auction process for domains receiving more than one qualifying application during the initial launch period. The investment value of ".Asia" domains immediately began to be realized as auctions for popular domains such as sushi.asia and sales.asia reached tens of thousands of dollars while other top winning bids fetched over US$80,000. Recent public auction results such as pizza.com for US$2.6M and Chinese.com for US$1.1M fuels further speculation. The value of toy.asia or coffee.asia could be limitless over time but now everyone has the chance to succeed in the Hot or Not Contest.

Figure out which ".Asia" domain fetches the highest auction price and what price it would be and take home the cash prize! The contest includes 5 weekly prizes of US$1000 each and a grand prize of US$10,000. For those who are not domain investment pros, DotAsia is also providing expert appraisal reports and commentaries from Ename, Sedo, EuroDNS and Pool.com at the contest blog at http://www.think.asia. A live ticker showing auction bids is also available at the site.

Media Contact:
Pavan Budhrani
Tel: +852-3741-0015
Email: pavan@registry.asia
SOURCE: DotAsia Organisation

Business in Asia Today - June 05, 2008

SOUTH KOREA FINES INTEL OVER ANTI-TRUST VIOLATIONS
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - South Korea's anti-trust watchdog on Thursday fined U.S. computer chip giant Intel Corp. 26 billion won (US$25.4 million) for violating fair trade regulations.
Intel said it was considering an appeal against the decision. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) ruled that Intel had abused its dominant market position in transactions under which it offered rebates to computer makers in exchange for sealing exclusive deals and coercing them not to buy products from rivals such as Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
The ruling came amid an ongoing investigation into similar allegations against Intel in the European Union and the United States.
In 2005, Japan advised the U.S. tech giant to rectify such anti-competitive practices.

STRICKEN AUSTRALIAN FUND MANAGER OCTAVIAR FACES REPAYMENT DEMAND
Melbourne (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Octaviar Ltd's (ASX:OCV) woes have deepened after the Public Trustee of Queensland (PTQ) backed up its demand the repayment of A$351 million (US$335.5 million) of debt with a court order to wind up the stricken Australian fund manager.
Octaviar, formerly known as MFS, today confirmed PTQ had moved on its repayment demand issued last week and the state government agency yesterday applied for winding up orders for Octaviar Ltd, Octaviar Investment Notes Ltd, Octaviar Investment Bonds Ltd and Octaviar Financial Services Ltd, in the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Octaviar said it was considering the applications filed yesterday and hoped to discuss the them with the PTQ before any court hearing.

AUSTRALIAN VINTAGE ON TRACK TO SELL LOXTON WINERY
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Australian Vintage Ltd (ASX:AVG) says it is on track to finalise the sale of its Loxton winery in South Australia before September 18.
The company, formerly known as McGuigan Simeon Wines, said the buyer of the winery, the Australian-related bodies corporate of Champagne Indage Ltd, had received approval from the Foreign Investment Review board (FIRB) for the deal.
Australian Vintage said in May it had entered a land sale and business sale agreement to sell the 90,000-tonne capacity winery and Austflavour business to Indage for $60 million.

CALL FOR KRAKATAU STEEL PRIVATIZATION TO BE DONE THROUGH IPO
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Indonesian Enterprises Minister Sofyan Djalil said that the privatization of the state-owned PT Krakatau Steel would have to be done though an Initial Public Offering (IPO) which his ministry had scheduled to take place in September 2008.
"We have decided to privatize Krakatau Steel through an IPO, but the decision is still subject to approval by the House of Representatives (DPR)," Djalil said Wednesday.
He said his ministry would "challenge" the House and the KS management to agree to carry out the IPO as soon as possible. Djalil's statements come amid a controversy on whether the state's sole steel-making company should be privatized through an IPO or a strategic sale.

AUSTRALIA'S WEBJET ENTERS INTO HOTEL ROOM DEAL WITH EBAY
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Online travel agent Webjet Ltd (ASX:WEB) has entered into a deal with eBay to supply, distribute and market hotel rooms online through the auction and shopping website.
Webjet said the partnership brought together Webjet's access to over 50,000 hotels with eBay's customer databases - which totals over five million members in Australia.
"Unlike many other forms of distribution, eBay has a unique and very special community of members of enormous size and marketing strength in the Australian region," Webjet managing director David Clarke said.
"It is the largest single step that Webjet could make in terms of extending its market footprint into the sale of hotels."

TAIWAN'S HON HAI GROUP TO INVEST IN KAOHSIUNG
Kaohsiung (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Hon Hai Group Chairman Terry Gou signed a letter of intent with Minister of Economic Affairs Yiin Chii-ming at a software park in Kaohsiung Wednesday, his first step in a high-profile plan to invest in the largest city in southern Taiwan.
At the signing ceremony, which was witnessed by Vice President Vincent Siew and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu, Gou said the investment in the Kaohsiung Software Park represented his determination to help President Ma Ying-jeou carry out his promise to boost investment in the port city.
Gou said the Hon Hai group - the world's largest contract maker of electronics - will base its Kaohsiung investment at the software park and that the project will center on the cultivation and upgrading in terms of innovation, research, development and design.

VIETNAM'S THAN UYEN TEA CO RECEIVES EUROPEAN QUALITY STATUS
Lai Chau (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Than Uyen Tea Joint Stock Company from Vietnam's northern mountainous province of Lai Chau has received European quality status for its Shan Tuyet green tea.
TQ CSI International granted a ISO 22000:2005 Certificate for Food Safety Management Systems to the company, making it first in the nation's tea industry to receive the European-standard approval.

CHINESE PHARMA LIVZON TO BUY BACK 10 MLN B-SHARES
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - LIVZON Pharmaceutical Group Inc. (SSE:000513) plans to buy back 10 million B-shares at a price below HK$16 per share, as it believes that its stock is severely undervalued.
The buyback volume accounts for 8.18 per cent and 3.27 per cent of the company's listed B-shares and total equity, respectively. Upon completion of the buyback, the company's annual earnings per share are expected to increase by 0.06 yuan, or 3.61 per cent.
The company said that the buyback would not heavily influence its operation.

JAPANESE CO TAKIRON DEVISES BIODEGRADABLE BONE-SET SCREW
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Takiron Co. (TSE:4215) has developed a hollow version of its biodegradable screws used to fasten bones together when mending fractures and performing bone transplants.
The advantage of hollow screws is that they can be positioned directly over the pin for exact placement, but until now strength has been an issue.
Takiron solved the problem and is able to make hollow screws that are nearly as strong as the solid types by forging the starting materials the same way a sword is forged.

IDEMITSU TO MAKE PLASTICS IN CHINA TO MEET REGIONAL DEMAND
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Idemitsu Kosan Co. (TSE:5019) announced plans Wednesday to produce three high-performance plastics in China, with a plant in Guangzhou scheduled to go into operation in October 2009.
The company markets engineering plastics in the U.S., Europe, Japan and other parts of Asia. Production of such plastics sold in Asia is currently outsourced to Chinese firms.
But with the Asian market growing roughly 20 per cent a year, Idemitsu seeks to expand sales even further by launching in-house operations.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - JUNE 05, 2008
published by Asia Pulse


COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: EE Times-India launches two technology Websites

Special Technology Content from Global Sources Covers Microcontrollers & Processors, Digital Signal Processing, Embedded Cores, ESL Design, Software Tools, Test & Measurement, Automotive & Industrial,Green Power Technology, Power Conversion & Management, Portable Power, Power Testing and Supplies & Accessories

Hong Kong, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall-AsiaNet) - Global Sources'(Nasdaq: GSOL) EE Times-India has launched two technology-specific Websites, Embedded Design India ( http://www.EmbeddedDesignIndia.com ) and Power Design India ( http:// www.PowerDesignIndia.com).

Both sites launch with over 1,000 articles each, including design tutorials, white papers, application notes, new product news, discussion forums and webinars.

India's semiconductor revenues are expected to reach US$45 billion by 2015 at a compound annual growth rate of 30 percent, according to India's Ministry of Information Technology.

Embedded system design and power design are two of the fastest growing sectors in India's electronics industry.

"Research shows that the country's electronic engineers strongly prefer online media formats," said Mark A. Saunderson, President of Global Sources' Electronics Business Unit.

"Online whitepapers are among the most-accessed information types within this high-tech community. Embedded systems and power design top the list of technologies searched for by India's engineers.

"The two Websites fill a need for technology-specific information and deepen our content offering for India's design community."

The India design channels will cover the latest development tools and tutorials to help India's design engineers cope with shorter design cycles and increasing design complexity.

Embedded Design India offers up-to-the-minute information on:
-- Microcontrollers & Processors -- MPUs, MCUs and control circuits
-- Digital Signal Processing -- Digital signal processing and DSP development
-- Embedded Cores -- IP cores, processors and controllers and memory
-- ESL Design -- System hardware/software co-design and analysis
-- Software Tools -- Algorithm development, firmware, compilers, debuggers and communications protocols
-- Test & Measurement -- Testing equipment, emulators and debugging

At the Power Design India Website, engineers will learn about:
-- Automotive & Industrial -- Backup systems for automotive, industrial and commercial applications
-- Green Power Technology -- Solar cells, fuel cells and next-generation eco-friendly power sources
-- Power Conversion & Management -- Rectification, regulation, PFC and power monitoring
-- Portable Power -- Power supplies and circuits for portable electronics
-- Power Testing -- Power design testing and measurement
-- Supplies & Accessories - Discrete components, connectors, battery packs and UPS

"To ensure these specialized contents are delivered to the established engineers, as well as the up-and-coming engineering talents in India, Global Sources has launched an aggressive cross-promotional marketing campaign through EE Times-India (http://www.eetindia.com) and the rest of the EE Times-Asia network (http://www.eetasia.com)," Saunderson said.

"Both Websites further expand Global Sources' India portfolio, leveraging a brand already known and trusted by India's electronic engineers."

Global Sources' Design-to-Export Solution for Greater China and Asia's Electronics Industry

EE Times-India is an important part of Global Sources' portfolio of electronics industry media and trade show brands.

Combining 29 online and 11 print media, plus four events which run 14 times across eight cities, Global Sources provides Greater China and Asia's electronics industry with end-to-end support - from product conceptualization through to export of finished products.

Global Sources' key electronics industry event brands include International IC-China Conference & Exhibition ( http://www.english.iic-china.com ), International IC-Taiwan Conference & Exhibition (http://www.english.iic-taiwan.com ) and China Sourcing Fairs: Electronics and Electronics & Components (http://www.chinasourcingfair.com).

For more information about Global Sources, visit http:/www.corporate.globalsources.com.

About Global Sources

Global Sources is a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with Greater China.

The core business is facilitating trade from Greater China to the world, using a wide range of English-language media.

The other business segments facilitate trade from the world to Greater China, and trade within China, using Chinese-language media.

The company provides sourcing information to volume buyers and integrated marketing services to suppliers.

It helps a community of over 700,000 active buyers source more profitably from complex overseas supply markets.

With the goal of providing the most effective ways possible to advertise, market and sell, Global Sources enables suppliers to sell to hard-to-reach buyers in over 230 countries.

The company offers the most extensive range of media and export marketing services in the industries it serves.

It delivers information on 2.6 million products and more than 195,000 suppliers annually through 14 online marketplaces, 13 monthly magazines, over 100 sourcing research reports and 9 specialized trade shows which run 27 times a year across eight cities.

Suppliers receive more than 32 million sales leads annually from buyers through Global Sources Online (http://www.globalsources.com) alone.

Global Sources has been facilitating global trade for 37 years.

Global Sources' network covers more than 69 cities worldwide.

In mainland China, Global Sources has over 2,100 team members in more than 44 locations, and a community of over 1 million registered online users and magazine readers for Chinese-language media.

About eMedia Asia Ltd

eMedia Asia Ltd. is a joint venture between Global Sources and TechInsights, a division of United Business Media, supplying media, professional and marketing services to decision makers in the electronics industry.

The joint venture is a leading provider of new technology content, in print and online for thousands of technology specialists that drive the electronics industry in China and Asia.

eMedia Asia Ltd. serves this community's ongoing need for the right information, at the right time through its integrated, local-language web networks, premier technical
events and industry leading publications -- EE Times-Asia, Electronic Design-China and Electronics Supply & Manufacturing-China.

Global Sources Press Contact in Asia:
Camellia So
Tel: +852-2555-5021
Email: cso@globalsources.com
Global Sources Investor Contact in Asia:
Investor Relations Department
Tel: +852-2555-4777
Email: investor@globalsources.com
Global Sources Press Contact in U.S.:
James W.W. Strachan
Tel: +1-480-664-8309
Email: strachan@globalsources.com
Global Sources Investor Contact in U.S.:
Christiane Pelz & Kirsten Chapman
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, Inc.
Tel: +1-415-433-3777
Email: investor@globalsources.com
SOURCE: Global Sources

Business: Asia Pacific countries lead the way in outsourcing

Asia Pacific countries lead the pack in SSO market: Singapore amongst preferred destinations

Singapore - The global shared services and outsourcing (SSO) landscape is continuously evolving. From banking and insurance to healthcare and transportation, SSO has become an integral part of the business architecture. In recent times, businesses have been steering towards vertical centres of excellence (VCE) instead of function-based offshoring.

Frost & Sullivan's exclusive executive MindXchange summit, the 2008 Global Shared Services and Offshoring Summit, which starts today, focuses on recent trends in the SSO market, key success factors and the benefits of shared services.

The Asia Pacific region has experienced unprecedented growth in SSO operations. Besides India, China and the Philippines, countries like Singapore and Malaysia have emerged strongly as key SSO hubs and tapped into the burgeoning global SSO market.

Ms. Tham Ai Chyn, Assistant Chief Executive of Industry & Cluster Development, at the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) says: "IDA is pleased to note that Singapore's shared services and outsourcing market has grown 9.14 percent from US$1.40 billion in 2006 to US$1.53 billion in 2007 across seven verticals including the technology sector.
"Singapore is equipped with a robust infocomm infrastructure and excellent connectivity. Political stability, strong intellectual property protection, a pro-business environment are also some of the key advantages that make Singapore an ideal location as a trusted hub for IT-enabled shared services."

As the SSO industry matures, the need for innovation and outsourcers' ability to continuously exceed customers' expectations becomes evermore important. Amongst the strategies employed include developing and enhancing domain expertise around specific verticals. This will enable the service provider to customise and respond better to its customer, while harnessing its resources around the most important customer segments.

The future of SSO perhaps would belong to more than just India or China. "The ability of emerging hubs (like Singapore) that can carve a niche by offering a more complete ecosystem for offshoring requirements around specific verticals would provide compelling proposition as Vertical Centres of Excellence.

"The positioning would not only be dependent on economies of scale, but economies of skills," says Kam Soon Siew, Director of ICT Consulting at Frost & Sullivan.

The summit will highlight trends in vertical requirements for SSO globally; location selection based on vertical-based eco-system; critical business environment factors for SSO; outsourcing of customer care; leveraging technology for service delivery and much more.

Apart from an engaging MindXchange program, the delegates will be able to choose from two pre-organised site tours by Frost & Sullivan on day two of the summit.

The site tours will be held at ST Electronics' e-Services centre which provides SSO services for the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) of Singapore and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Trusted Hub processing Ltd.

These site tours will offer a first-hand look at the workings and daily operations of established shared services centres, insights into the workings of global shared services operations, and an exclusive tour of home-grown shared services organisations in Singapore.

Besides a combination of presentations and on-site facility tour, delegates will be able to meet with key department staff members as well.

The IDA is a strategic partner for the summit, while Business Today and ZDNet Asia are the official media partners.

For more information about the summit and 2009 registration, please visit www.frost-gss.com

About Frost & SullivanFrost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth.
The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies.

Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents.

For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com
2007 Global Sourcing Study by Frost & Sullivan, commissioned by Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) Frost & SullivanCorporate Communications Asia Pacific:Surbhi Dedhia, +65-6890-0926 surbhi.dedhia@frost.com or Neethiya Sadagopal, +65-6890-0966
neethiya.sadagopal@frost.com

Business: Elcoteq`s corporate responsibility report published

Hong Kong, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Elcoteq SE's corporate responsibility report 2007 has been published in digital format.

The purpose of the report is to inform stakeholders about the corporate responsibility principles applied by the company, and to describe what Elcoteq has achieved in the various areas of corporate responsibility in 2007.

The report is published only in digital format in English.

Corporate responsibility at Elcoteq means continuous, proactive work in compliance with the principles of sustainable development and taking into account the social, economic and environmental impacts of the company's operations.

Elcoteq aims to minimize the environmental impacts of products during the whole lifecycle and to safeguard appropriate working conditions in the entire supply chain.

View a look-a-like version of the report in InnoReader format and download the report(pdf), please visit: http:/www.innoreader.com/reader/index.php?document=elcoteq .

About Elcoteq

Elcoteq SE is a leading electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company in the communications technology field.

Elcoteq's global service offering covers the entire lifecycle of products, from product development to after-market services.

By further combining mechanics expertise into its service offering, Elcoteq's vision is to be a leading integrated electronics manufacturing services (IEMS) company.

Elcoteq provides global end-to-end solutions consisting of product development services, supply chain management, NPI, manufacturing, and after-market services for the whole lifecycle of its customers' products.

These products include Personal Communications products such as mobile phones and their parts, Home Communications products such as set-top boxes and electronics for flat screen TVs as well as Communications Networks products such as base-stations, tower-top amplifiers, and microwave systems.

Elcoteq operates in 15 countries on four continents and employs some 24,000 people.

The Group's consolidated net sales for 2007 totaled 4.0 billion euros. Elcoteq SE is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki.

For more information visit the Elcoteq website at http://www.elcoteq.com.

For further information:
Judy Tsang Elcoteq
Tel: +852-2486-7770
Email: judy.tsang@elcoteq.com
SOURCE: Elcoteq SE

Business: Thomson Reuters adds routes of synthesis data to its solutions

Thomson Reuters adds routes of synthesis data to its Newport Horizon Premium and Newport Vision Premium solutions

London and Philadelphia - PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ - Thomson Reuters, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, today announced the addition of Prous Science routes of synthesis (ROS) data to the Newport Horizon Premium and Newport Vision Premium solutions.

An ROS focused search allows users to identify active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) according to an intermediate or reagent used, number of available routes or by patents referenced in a given route.

Provided free of charge to current subscribers of the Premium systems, this new dataset, which provides an exciting compliment to the kilogram demand data released in March, enhances product targeting, business development and competitive intelligence by helping users to understand better the chemistry and manufacture of APIs.

The true or original manufacturing process used for a particular API is usually well protected by patents, making it challenging to devise equivalent, cheaper or more efficient processes without infringing on the originator's intellectual property.

The new dataset will help to remedy this by providing extensive information for more than 2,500 APIs, consisting of:
-- Full chemical name
-- CAS number
-- Synthesis route diagram
-- Text commentary (with each step indexed to the diagram)
-- Patent references (linked to the patent page)
-- Intermediate chemicals and CAS numbers
-- Reagent chemicals and CAS numbers
-- Scientific journal references

"Understanding the 'recipe' of how a particular active ingredient is made -- or could be made -- is of vital importance to API manufacturers, generic companies and innovators," said Mike Chace-Ortiz, Senior Director, Product Strategy, Thomson Reuters.

"By providing access to this important data, Newport Horizon Premium and Newport Vision Premium now allow our customers to gauge which patents are involved, what raw materials are needed, the cost and complexity of the process and whether specialized equipment or facilities must be bought or constructed."

For further information on Thomson Reuters API Intelligence solutions, visit: http://scientific.thomsonreuters.com/newport

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people in 93 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

SOURCE: Thomson Reuters
CONTACT: Eoin Bedford, Scientific, +44-2074334691,
eoin.bedford@thomsonreuters.com
Web site: http://www.thomsonreuters.com
http://scientific.thomsonreuters.com/newport/

Technology: Unified Communication see strong growth as Asia Pacific

UC sees strong growth as Asian businesses begin to realise the power of Unified Comms, says Frost & Sullivan

Singapore - Enterprise communications today are enabled by a multitude of devices (desk phones, mobile phones, laptops) through a variety of networks (voice, data, wireless).

CIOs everywhere realise the power of Unified Communications (UC) in eliminating the inefficiencies in enterprise communications by streamlining and unifying the disparate tools available to users.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.enterprisecommunications.frost.com), Asia Pacific Unified Communications Market, finds that the market - covering 14 Asia-Pacific countries - earned revenues of US$4.03 billion in 2007 and estimates this to reach US$8.17 billion by end-2014, at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 10.6 per cent (2007-2014).

The UC market is forecast to grow by 13 per cent in 2008 to reach revenues of US$4.55 billion by the end of this year.
Much of this immediate growth is expected to come from telephony upgrades, IP telephony migration and email upgrades embedded with UC applications.

In the longer term, applications such as conferencing and collaboration, mobility and the presence or instant messaging are expected to be the growth drivers for greater UC adoption.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides service providers, vendors/manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the Asia-Pacific unified communications market, then send an e-mail to Sarah Lourdes at sarah.lourdes@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

"With globalization and the Internet having a significant impact on enterprises and the level of competition they face, the need for enterprises to be agile and quick to respond is critical. The need for communications to be at the forefront of this transition is a reality that CIOs across the region are beginning to heed," says Frost & Sullivan industry manager Shivanu Shukla.

He adds that the ability for the growing mobile workforce to have access to company communications applications while away from the office environment is seen as a high priority.

Some of the early adopters of UC tools are large enterprises with over 250 users and distributed offices throughout the region.

"Distributed teams in multiple locations, cities and countries have increased the need for collaboration within enterprises. Consumer collaboration trends with Web 2.0 technologies are also influencing enterprise collaboration techniques," notes Shukla.

The biggest challenge for UC adoption however is measuring productivity gains and quantifying ROI (return on investments).
This is further compounded by the uncertainty of interoperability of the various UC applications.

Initial deployments as such are expected in phases of one to two UC applications, instead of one-time investments. Roll-outs within organisations are also expected in phases, starting with IT teams, senior executives and mobile workers, rather than company-wide implementations.

Key growth markets with reasonable early deployments include Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea; while markets such as India and China offer clear potential for wider UC uptake, especially for bundled UC applications.

The Asia Pacific Unified Communications Market study is part of the Enterprise Communications Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes research in the following markets: UC quarterly trackers, UC end user studies (selected countries), enterprise telephony quarterly trackers and annual study, and managed telephony services.

All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Analyst interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies.

Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents.

For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com
Frost & SullivanCorporate Communications - Asia Pacific: Sarah Lourdes, +603-6207-1030 sarah.lourdes@frost.com

Business: Solutia raises price On all ascend and vydyne nylon plastics and polymers

St. Louis (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - Solutia Inc. (NYSE:SOA) has announced a price increase of 10% across its Ascend(r) and Vydyne(r) polyamide 66 (PA66) resins worldwide. This increase applies to orders shipped on or after July 1 and will be applied across the Ascend and Vydyne product families.

PA66, which is derived from oil, natural gas and other raw materials, has been driven to unprecedented cost levels this year. In addition, global demand and the rise in transportation and energy prices have impacted shipping and freight costs. To continue to supply quality products and meet growing market demands, it is imperative to implement this price increase.

A world leader in nylon plastics and polymers, Solutia is committed to providing the highest-quality products, superior customer service and world-class technical support. Solutia's Ascend and Vydyne polyamide resins add strength, durability and functionality to products in numerous industries such as automotive components, electronics and consumer goods.

For more information, please visit www.ascendnylon.com and www.vydyne.com.

Note to Editors: Ascend and Vydyne are registered trademarks of Solutia Inc.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "estimated," or "anticipates," or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about the industries in which Solutia operates.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from the future results or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those risk and uncertainties described in Solutia's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under "Cautionary Statement About Forward Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors", and Solutia's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These reports can be accessed through the "Investors" section of Solutia's website at www.solutia.com. Solutia disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or any other occurrence.

Corporate Profile

Solutia is a market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals company. The company focuses on providing solutions for a better life through a range of products, including: Saflex(r) interlayer for laminated glass; CPFilms(r) aftermarket window films sold under the LLumar(r) brand and others; high-performance nylon polymers and fibers sold under brands such as Vydyne(r) and Wear-Dated(r); and technical specialties including the Flexsys(r) family of chemicals for the rubber industry, Skydrol(r) aviation hydraulic fluid and Therminol(r) heat transfer fluid. Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each of their market segments. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 60 locations.

More information is available at www.Solutia.com.
The Solutia Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2620
-0-
CONTACT:
Solutia Inc.
Media
Melissa Hammonds
+1-314-674-5555
Customers (Americas)
Bob Jacobs
+1-314-674-8757
Customers (Asia)
Michael Zhan
+86-21 6361 7826
Customers (Europe)
Ron Bult
+49 2181 1648354

Technology: Mobile Mampaign brings interactive ads to Thani phones

Bangkok - CNW-AsiaNet - Warner Music(C), Sony(R), Paramount Pictures(TM) and Disney(C) Launch Mobile Advertising Campaigns using Award-Winning Software from Consilient(R) Paramount Pictures' big screen adaptation of the legendary super hero Iron Man is coming to cell phones across Thailand in the form of an interactive mobile advertising campaign.

Thailand's largest GSM mobile operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS), is running visually-striking ads for Paramount's blockbuster movie Iron Man that turn into the action-packed game people can play on their phones.

AIS is using Consilient's AdSpotz(TM) software to display the interactive ads on their popular mobile website, MobileLife.

Other prominent advertisers running mobile campaigns with the Thai mobile operator include Warner Music, mTouche, Sony Music, Shinee and Disney.

More than 18 million people visit MobileLife each day on their phones making it a desirable channel for advertisers in Thailand.

The all-in-one mobile site provides news, weather, sports and sign-up information for new services and promotions from the mobile operator. Customers can also download games, ringtones and wallpapers onto their phones from the site which can be accessed on mobile phones at http://www.mobilelife.co.thwap.

The ads appear at the top of the MobileLife page and refresh whenever a new WAP page is opened.
Consilient's AdSpotz service is delivering an average of 600,000 impressions per day or 18 million impressions per month on MobileLife.

The campaigns are averaging a 10% click through rate. (In comparison, most internet campaigns that achieve a click through rate of 3-4% are considered successful.)

"We're on track to deliver more than 20 million impressions per month for AIS, which is an exceptional success rate for mobile advertising," said Trevor Adey, CEO of Consilient.

"When you consider the stability of our AdSpotz server and the load it is capable of handling, our advertisers and carriers are very pleased with its performance," Adey added.

"We will be moving aggressively to commercially implement this technology with mobile operators in Southeast Asia."

AdSpotz from Consilient

AdSpotz(TM) is carrier-grade mobile software that delivers advertising on mobile phones including banner, text and animated full-screen ads. The server is capable of delivering 50 ads per second with a timeout of less than one second. Advertisers can control their mobile campaigns through an easy-to-use management interface that allows them to start and stop campaigns at any time. Advertisers can also generate real-time reports on the status of their campaigns.Consilient's AdSpotz software won the top Mobile Innovation GSMA Asia Award in 2007, in addition to winning the "Most Innovative Consumer Application or Service" category. For more information, go to www.consilient.com

About AIS

Advanced Info Service PLC is Thailand's largest GSM mobile phone operator with 23 million customers as of 2007.

Founded in March 1990 and acquiring Shinawatra Paging in June 1992, the highly profitable company is controlled by the Shin Corporation, headed by Temasek Holdings, a Singapore government owned agency. For more information, go to www.ais.co.th

The Consilient families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks or registered trademarks of Consilient Technologies Corporation. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Consilient
CONTACT: Libby Carew,
Consilient,
+1 (709) 757-3425,
mobile: +1 (709) 749-4556,
libby_carew@consilient.com

Technology: Saigon Premier Container Terminal selects Navis SPARCS OS

Oakland, Calif. (BUSINESS WIRE) - Navis, a Zebra Technologies company (NASDAQ:ZBRA) and the world's first company to automate marine terminal operating systems (TOS), announced today that Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT) will implement the new Navis? SPARCS N4 TOS to streamline operations at its greenfield site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

SPCT is being built in the Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park and involves the construction of a 950 meter quay and facilities on 40 hectares of adjoining land. Development will be phased, with the Navis implementation scheduled to go live in January 2009.

"The design of N4 allows us to customize our TOS which is a key benefit that gives us control of the system," said Henry Kwok, the Asia Pacific Director of Information Technology at DP World, one of SPCT's major shareholders. "We naturally pick the Navis software, because we are confident in the company's products."

The SPCT project is an 80/20 joint-venture between DP World and the Vietnamese state-owned Tan Thuan Industrial Promotion Company (IPC).

Upon completion, SPCT, which is located along the Western shore of the Soa Rap River, will have the capacity to handle 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs ? a standard measure in intermodal transport) a year. Currently, DP World will provide IT support at SPCT and will hand it over to the local staff after SPCT is up and running.

Vietnam is the region's second fastest growing economy with an average annual growth rate of 7.1% since 2000. Ho Chi Minh City, the economic centre of Vietnam, is currently served by various port and terminal facilities along the Saigon River, most of which have been identified for progressive closure over the next 10 to 15 years.

SPCT, located in close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City's industrial hinterland, will eventually handle the cargo that currently moves through these ports as well as attract new volumes of cargo. The container market for Ho Chi Minh City grew by 20% in 2007.

"Our Navis SPARCS N4 product is our most sophisticated terminal operating system to date," said Mark Welles, Navis' Vice President of Sales in the apan and Asia Pacific region. "Combining power, flexibility and ease-of-use, it is designed to help customers move containers intelligently and maximize the utilization of container handling equipment. The end result is a smoother operating yard and better overall return on investment."

About NavisA Zebra Technologies Company Navis, the world's first company to automate marine terminal operating systems (TOS), improves productivity, velocity and visibility of cargo movement through port and intermodal facilities.

In addition to TOS, Navis solutions include automation, asset and cargo visibility, business intelligence, control and optimization. Navis software manages more than 35 percent of the world's container volume. Founded in 1988, Navis is headquartered in Oakland, Calif., and operates in more than 50 countries. On December 14, 2007, Zebra Technologies Corporation acquired Navis. Zebra Technologies helps companies identify, locate and track assets, transactions and people with on-demand specialty digital printing and automatic identification solutions in more than 100 countries. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use innovative and reliable Zebra printers, supplies, RFID products and software to increase productivity, improve quality, lower costs, and deliver better customer service. For more information on Navis and Zebra, please visit www.navis.com and www.zebra.com, respectively.

Navis Orlando De Bruce, +1-510-267-5052 pr@navis.com

Technology: Exinda Networks unveils new tool for Chinese internet traffic

Exinda Networks anounces new capability to control recreational Chinese peer-to-peer internet traffic on corporate networks
Exinda continues leadership in its ability to control recreational peer-to-peer traffic that cripples corporate applications

Melbourne, Australia - Exinda Networks, a leading global provider of WAN optimisation solutions, today announced a new capability that helps global companies control recreational Chinese peer-to-peer Internet traffic that slows critical business applications on corporate networks.

Chinese recreational peer-to-peer traffic such as QQ, Thunder and Lava-Lava, lowers employee productivity in China as employees take time away from their work to instant message, download music and videos or play on-line games.

Employee productivity is also lost when employees must wait for poorly performing business applications to respond. This recreational peer-to-peer traffic also significantly increases a company's Internet communication costs and requires companies to purchase additional bandwidth.

"Companies doing business in China are faced with an immense challenge as widespread use of Chinese peer-to-peer applications are congesting Internet pipes and causing corporate applications to run painfully slow," said Jim Christie, Exinda's vice president of sales for the Asia Pacific region.

"With Exinda's new capability, IT staffs can curtail the negative impact that these recreational applications are having on employee productivity and network operating costs."

According to the state-owned China Internet Network Information Center (CINNC), China's total number of Internet users rose to 210 million at the end of 2007.

CINNC's 21st Statistical Survey report on Internet development in China, from January, 2008, reveals the widespread use of recreational Internet usage. According to the report, 86.8 percent of those surveyed use the Internet for on-line music downloads, 81.4 percent use instant messaging and 59.3 percent use online gaming.

While most WAN optimisation vendors fail to detect, classify and control a broad range of recreational peer-to-peer traffic such as Skype, BitTorrent and MySpace, Exinda continues to lead in this area with its latest capability to detect and control Chinese peer-to-peer applications.

Exinda's WAN optimisation appliances use a heuristics-based classification engine that monitors the behaviour of traffic in order to accurately classify and control it.

Availability Exinda's new capability is now available as part of a firmware update at no charge to Exinda customers who have a current software subscription.

For organisations who wish to purchase an Exinda WAN optimisation solution, visit http://exinda.com/publicpartners.php to find a local Exinda reseller partner.

About Exinda Networks

Exinda Networks is a global supplier of Unified Performance Management that integrates WAN optimisation, application acceleration, application visibility and application response time measurements for enterprise, government and service provider clients.

Founded in 2002, Exinda's mission is to ensure optimal and consistent application performance over the WAN and reduce network operating costs.

Exinda has more than 1,000 customers in more than 35 countries around the world. Exinda's award winning technology is available by contacting leading resellers or Exinda directly.

Research and development offices are located in Melbourne, Australia.

Exinda's U.S. headquarters is located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Additional corporate offices are located in Dubai, Frankfurt, London and Kuala Lumpur. For more information, visit www.exinda.com.

Exinda Networks Mary Hecht-Kissell, 919-846-4949 maryhk@exinda.com

Business: Alcan Packaging launches flexible plant in India

Montreal - CNW-AsiaNet - Alcan Packaging, part of Rio Tinto Alcan, officially inaugurated its newest flexible packaging plant, located in the BHEL Industrial Park in Haridwar, Northern India.

The ceremony was chaired by Ilene Gordon, president and chief executive officer (CEO), Alcan Packaging.

"The dynamic Indian market represents an attractive opportunity for Alcan Packaging's strategy of growth, and we are pleased to make this US$10 million investment which establishes our manufacturing presence in the region to better serve customers," said Ilene Gordon.

"This also expands our presence in emerging markets overall, which today represents approximately 20% of our sales," she added.

The new site, announced in February 2007, currently employs 48 people and is dedicated to producing high-value flexible packaging for the food and personal care segments in India.

"The plant began production on schedule in April 2008 and is already meeting our local and global customers' needs for high-quality packaging solutions," said Jean-Paul Meausoone, President, Alcan Packaging Food Asia.

"We are pleased to be part of this thriving business community in Northern India, and we look forward to growing together with customers and becoming part of the local community as well."

Including the new plant in India, Alcan Packaging now operates 15 sites in six countries, and employs approximately 6,000 people in Asia.

Alcan Packaging is a world leader in value-added specialty packaging. It delivers multi-material, innovative packaging solutions to customers around the world for the food, pharmaceutical, beauty and tobacco markets. Led by Ilene Gordon, president and CEO, Alcan Packaging is headquartered in Paris, France, with 128 facilities and 30,000 employees in 31 countries.

It generated US$6.2 billion in revenues in 2007. For more information, please visit www.alcanpackaging.com

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources.

Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.

Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

SOURCE: Rio Tinto Alcan
CONTACT: Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Paris:
Chrystele Ivins,
+33-1-57-00-24-18,
chrystele.ivins@riotinto.com;
Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Canada:
Stefano Bertolli,
+1-514-848-8151,
stefano.bertolli@riotinto.com;
Alcan Packaging, Paris:
Colette Chauvire,
+33-1-57-00-28-26,
colette.chauviere@alcan.com;
Alcan Packaging - Asia:
Jean-Paul Meausoone,
president,
+65 6410 0870,
jean-paul.meausoone@alcan.com;
Website: www.riotinto.com/riotintoalcan

Business: Singapore's Changi wins Best Airport Award at OAG gala night

Singapore crowned Best Airline for 6th time; Singapore Changi wins Best Airport at the 26th OAG Airline Industry Awards

London (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - EASYJET LANDS BEST LOW COST AIRLINE TITLE, BRITISH AIRWAYS, EMIRATES AND SINGAPORE MULTIPLE AWARD WINNERS
AIR CANADA TEAM AT HEATHROW HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

Singapore was the major winner at the 26th OAG Airline Industry Awards with the country's airline, Singapore Airlines, voted "OAG Airline of the Year", and the country's main international airport, Singapore Changi, voted Best Airport.

The Award winners were announced on the night of Wednesday, 4 June in the art deco setting of The Bloomsbury Ballroom in central London.

"This is a very special night for Singapore," says Alan Glass, CEO of OAG.

"Our congratulations go to the airline, the airport, the Government and the people of Singapore. The level of service and innovation that Singapore Airlines and Singapore Changi have consistently offered the travelling public is reflected by the way OAG subscribers, the world's frequent fliers, have voted.

The slogan for Singapore Changi is 'Enjoy the experience'. Travellers who use the airport and the airline clearly do."

Singapore Airlines last won the coveted Spirit of Flight trophy for "Airline of the Year" back in 2003.

The trophy was presented by President of Boeing UK, Sir Roger Bone, which sponsored the Awards.

Singapore Airlines has now won the "OAG Airline of the Year" award on six occasions since the inception of the awards in 1982, more than any other carrier and one more than British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Other airlines nominated this year for "OAG Airline of the Year" included American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa.

As well as winning "OAG Airline of the Year", Singapore Airlines won awards for Best Airline Based in Asia and Best International First Class.

Singapore Airlines' home base, Singapore Changi, fought off extremely stiff competition to reclaim the Best Airport crown it last won in 2006.

UK-based easyJet took the title of Best Low Cost Airline for the first time, beating last year's winner jetBlue as well as Jetstar, Ryanair and Southwest Airlines.

This was the first time this award has gone to a European low cost carrier.

Multiple winners on the night included last year's "Airline of the Year", British Airways, which retained its crown as Best Transatlantic Airline and also won the Best Business / Executive Class category, an award that had been won for the last five years by Continental Airlines.

Continental Airlines, however, did retain its title as Best Airline Based in North America, for a fifth successive year, and also won the new category for Best Airline Finance Deal for its EETC (enhanced equipment trust certificate).

Emirates retained its title as Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent and also won the category for Best Airline between Europe and Asia/Australasia.

Reflecting the global reach of the OAG awards other regional winners on the night for best airline included Qantas (Australasia / Pacific), LAN Airlines (Central/South America and the Caribbean), South African Airways (Africa), Virgin Atlantic (Western Europe), and CSA Czech Airlines (Central Eastern Europe).

Air New Zealand was voted Best Transpacific Airline and American Airlines was recognised for Best Economy / Coach Class.

Lufthansa Cargo won the Best Freighter Operator Award and AWAS was voted Best Airline Lessor.

"We all know how the airline industry is vital for world trade, our economies and our prosperity," commented Alan Glass, CEO of OAG, during his welcome address, "but we are also cognizant of the significant challenges we face. However we need to put some perspective on all the negative talk. Compared with this time last year, OAG statistics reveal the world's airlines are operating 40,000 more flights and offering 10.1 million more seats, although some rationalization is anticipated".

The aircraft order books are looking pretty healthy, with a 35% increase year on year. This indicates that despite current financial pressures, the industry as a whole is gearing up its investment for long-term sustainability."

Outstanding Service Award

The recipient of the Outstanding Service Award was the Air Canada Customer Service team based at Heathrow Airport. The team of five people were honoured for their personal generosity and effort in making a real difference to the lives of young children in South Africa.

The annual "OAG Airline Industry Awards", sponsored by Boeing, celebrate the very best in global air travel and publicly recognises the highest standards within the industry. The complete list of winners and nominees for the 26th OAG Airline Industry Awards follows, and can also be accessed at www.oagairlineawards.com

The Winners and Nominees for the 26th OAG Airline Industry Awards

OAG Airline of the Year 2008: Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa Outstanding Service Award: Air Canada Customer Services, London Heathrow Presented to Fiona Puglia, John Choules, Wayne Birnie, Shabana Khokhar & Ahjaz Osman Best Airline Based in Asia: Singapore Airlines Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways Sponsored by Bird Group Best Airline Based in Australasia/Pacific: Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Blue Sponsored by 15Below

Best Airline Based in North America: Continental Airlines, Air Canada (Commended), American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines Sponsored by Journal of Commerce Best Airline Based in Central/S. America & Caribbean: LAN Airlines Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Mexicana, TAM Brazilian Airlines Best Airline Based in Western Europe: Virgin Atlantic Air France, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa (commended)

Sponsored by Routes

Best Airline Based in Central/Eastern Europe: CSA Czech Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines (Commended), MALEV Hungarian Airlines, TAROM Romanian Air Transport Sponsored by Daedalus Marketing Consultants Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent: Emirates Etihad, Gulf Air, Jet Airways (Commended), Qatar Airwaysm Sponsored by Bird Group

Best Airline Based in Africa: South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Kenya Airways, Virgin Nigeria Best Transatlantic Airline: British Airways
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Sponsored by Boeing Best Transpacific Airline: Air New Zealand Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines

Sponsored by Boeing

Best Europe - Asia/Australasia Airline: Emirates British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines

Sponsored by Boeing

Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline: easyJet jetBlue, Jetstar Airways, Ryanair, Southwest Airlines Sponsored by Bird Group Best Economy/Coach Class: American Airlines British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines Sponsored by Travelport Best Business/Executive Class: British Airways American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines Sponsored by Travelport Best International First Class: Singapore Airlines British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa Sponsored by Travelport

Best Airport:Singapore Changi Amsterdam Schiphol, Dubai International, Hong Kong International, New York JFK, San Francisco International

Sponsored by Travelplus

Best Freighter Operator: Lufthansa Cargo Air France KLM Cargo, Amerijet International, Cargolux Airlines, Cathay Pacific Cargo Sponsored by OAG Cargo Solutions Best Airline Lessor: AWAS Aviation Capital Group, Babcock & Brown Air Limited, DAE Capital, Engine Lease Finance Corp, Jetscape Award in association with Airline Fleet & Network Management

Best Airline Finance Deal:Continental Airlines EETC (Morgan Stanley/Credit Suisse) Acquisition of GATX Air (Macquarie) Airspeed securitization (RBS Aerospace),
GSI engine sale (Engine Lease Finance Corp), Northwest restructuring (Seabury Group), TAM bond issue.

Award in association with Airline Fleet & Network Management

About the OAG Awards

- These annual awards were established in 1982.
- The awards are presented by OAG to recognise and celebrate the achievements of airlines and airports around the globe
- The Spirit of Flight statue is a specially commissioned bronze figure by sculptor Sara Ingleby-Mackenzie
- These Awards are based on votes polled from a worldwide audience of business travellers who subscribe to OAG travel information and planning products.
- Votes are collected, processed and analysed by an independent research company.

Previous Airline of the Year title holders:
British Airways, Winner 2007, 1988, 1985, 1984, 1982
British Caledonian Winner 1983
Cathay Pacific
Winner 2006
Continental Airlines
Winner 2005, 2004
Emirates
Winner 2000, 1999, 1998, 1994
Singapore Airlines
Winner 2003, 2002, 1997, 1987, 1986
Swissair
Winner 1996, 1989
Virgin Atlantic
Winner 2001, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1990/1

About OAG (Official Airline Guide)

OAG (www.oagcorporate.com) is a global flight information and data solutions company for the passenger aviation, air cargo logistics and business travel markets.

It brings together buyers and sellers of air travel and transport through the management and distribution of airline product information; the supply of corporate travel planning tools; and the promotion of travel and transport products.

The business is underpinned by its data management expertise. It is best known for its airline schedules database which feeds the world's global distribution systems and travel portals and drives the internal systems of many airlines, air traffic control systems, aircraft manufacturers, airport planners and government agencies.

OAG is part of Commonwealth Business Media (www.cbizmedia.com) a wholly owned subsidiary of United Business Media plc (www.unitedbusinessmedia.com).

SOURCE: OAG
CONTACT: Alison Pickering,
Head of Corporate Communications,
OAG,
M: +44 7901 715 894,
T: +44 1582 695477,
apickering@oag.com;
Christopher Pickard,
New Century Media,
T: +44 20 7930 8033,
chrispickard@newcenturymedia.co.uk
Web site: http://www.oagcorporate.com
http://www.cbizmedia.com
http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com

Energy: Buccaneer Energy finalises $US5mln Australian credit facility

New funds for Buccaneer to fund development of projects

HOUSTON - Buccaneer Energy is pleased to announce that it has finalized a $5 million credit facility with Macquarie bank in Australia.

This initial tranche of funding is part of a significantly larger facility being negotiated. The capital will supplement the company's excellent cash flow coming from the two recently drilled wells producing on the Pompano project.

All the funds will be used to continue development of Buccaneer's Pompano and other projects.

Macquarie bank is one of the largest banks in Australia and is an ideal partner for Buccaneer Energy.

In addition to the credit line, Macquarie has received a small number of unlisted options in the company that mature at a $0.40 share price.

"Using Macquarie to supplement our cash flow from production is just one more step in executing our business plan," said Curtis Burton, CEO of Buccaneer Energy.

"Our current cash flow from production, combined with external capital, will allow Buccaneer to rapidly diversify its production and augment its bottom line much more rapidly than simply progressing development on the basis of cash flow."

Buccaneer Energy is off to a running start. After going public in November 2007, the company successfully drilled two wells and put them into production within the first six months of operation as a public company.

The company also has outlined an aggressive drilling program that could include up to eight more wells before the end of 2008.

For more information on Buccaneer and upcoming projects, visit www.BuccEnergy.com.

About BuccaneerBuccaneer Energy's wholly owned subsidiary Buccaneer Resources is based in Houston, Texas, and is an upstream oil and gas company. It specializes in the development and expansion of behind-pipe proved and probable reserves and low-risk exploration plays with growth potential.

Buccaneer's growth strategy is focused on the progressive expansion of oil and gas production and reserves by acquiring significant working interests in low-cost, low-risk development properties possessing significant undeveloped upside.

About MacquarieMacquarie Group Limited (formerly Macquarie Bank Limited) is an Australian merchant bank and financial services group that provides a broad range of products and services to investors, corporations and government.

Its global headquarters are located in Sydney, and it is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). It is the only large, majority Australian-owned investment bank.

Buccaneer Resources, HoustonKen Hooper, 713-780-1243

Technology: Convergys appoints Mike Betzer as Senior Vice President, Relationship Technology Management

(Cincinnati; June 4, 2008) - Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG), a global leader in relationship management, announces the appointment of Mike Betzer as Senior Vice President, Relationship Technology Management (RTM). He will report to Dave Dougherty, president and CEO of Convergys.

In this leadership role, Betzer will be responsible for the overall success and continued growth of RTM. He will oversee the creation of strategic business plans, delivery of solutions and services to Convergys clients, implementation of existing technologies into solutions for new industries and markets, and the development of new Convergys relationship management solutions such as Convergys' recently announced Multichannel Automation Solutions portfolio. According to Betzer, this portfolio effectively combines consulting services, best-of-breed technologies, professional services, and flexible delivery models across live agent and self-service, and exemplifies Convergys' unique ability to bring together a comprehensive set of solutions and services to solve key business challenges for our clients.

Betzer brings more than 20 years experience in the RTM space having most recently held the Vice President, Customer Relationship Management Strategy role at Oracle. Betzer had overall responsibility for Customer Relationship Management product strategy for Siebel when it was acquired by Oracle, and for Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft Enterprise, and Oracle Fusion product lines.

Prior to this role, Betzer served as vice president of product management with overall responsibility for contact centers, service, field service, help desk, knowledge management, mobile, wireless, handheld devices, computer telephony integration (CTI) and software as a service (Saas) products for Siebel and the Oracle E-Business Suite product families.

In 1999, Betzer founded Ineto Services, a provider of hosted intelligent routing software for incoming calls, voicemail, IVR, and chat. Ineto was acquired by Siebel in 2004.

Prior to his roles at Ineto and Siebel, Betzer spent 14 years in telecommunications serving in sales and operations positions including vice president of information technologies and vice president of operations with MCI. He also spent two years as vice president of sales for Pioneer Technologies.

Betzer holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's of business administration in telecommunications from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas.

EDITORS: A digital pic of Mr. Betzer is available.

About Convergys

Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG) is a global leader in relationship management. We provide solutions that drive more value from the relationships our clients have with their customers and employees.
Convergys turns these everyday interactions into a source of profit and strategic advantage for our clients.

For 25 years, our unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence, and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.

Convergys is a member of the S&P 500 and has been voted a Fortune Most Admired Company for eight consecutive years. We have approximately 75,000 employees in 85 customer contact centers and other facilities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and our global headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit
www.convergys.com

(Convergys and the Convergys logo are registered trademarks of Convergys Corporation.)

To receive Convergys news releases by email, click on http://www.convergys.com/news_email.html

Contacts:

Business and Financial Media - John Pratt
+1 513 723 3333 or john.pratt@convergys.com

Trade Media - Jeff Hazel
+1 513 723 7153 or jeff.hazel@convergys.com
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Business: Gen Re LifeHealth opens office in Mumbai

Stamford, Conn. (BUSINESS WIRE) - Gen Re one of the largest reinsurers worldwide is opening a new liaison office for Life/Health reinsurance business in Mumbai, India. After the Indian Regulatory and Development Authority had granted Gen Re's operating company Cologne Reinsurance Company plc. a license to operate a liaison office in Mumbai in November 2007, Gen Re held the official opening ceremony on 2 June 2008 at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. At this event, several senior managers of the Indian life insurance industry came together with a group of Gen Re senior managers, led by Peter L?tke-Bornefeld, Chairman of Cologne Reinsurance Company.

Winfried Heinen, head of Gen Re's international life/health business and a member of Cologne Re's Board of Executive Directors, commented, "With India's economic success and more insurers entering the market, Gen Re sees excellent and sustainable business opportunities here."

Wolfgang Droste, head of Gen Re's life/health business in the AsiaPacific region said, "The competition amongst life insurers will increase the pressure to develop new product ideas, particularly in the field of living assurance products, such as health-related plans offering long-term value to customers. India, together with China, is a key market in the overall strategy of Gen Re's market development in Asia and beyond." He added that, "Gen Re's experience in adapting product and risk management solutions to local environments gives our clients strategic advantages to grow profitably."

Gen Re is now represented in Asia, one of the most populous and dynamic regions in the world, by offices in India, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and Korea.

General Re Corporation, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is a holding company for global reinsurance and related operations. It owns General Reinsurance Corporation and holds a controlling interest in K?lnische R?ckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG (the Cologne Re). Together, General Re and the Cologne Re conduct business as Gen Re. Gen Re is one of the largest reinsurers worldwide. It is represented in all major reinsurance markets through a global network in more than 45 locations, supported by over 2,700 employees worldwide.

General Re Corporation
Sabine Denn, +49 221 9738 610

Technology: Synaptics provides ClearPad(TM) sensor for the SH906i touchscreen mobile phone

ClearPad(TM) enables dynamic user interface with character recognition

Santa Clara, Calif. (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Synaptics Inc. (Nasdaq: SYNA), a leading developer of human interface solutions for mobile computing, communications, and entertainment devices, announced today that its ClearPad(TM) solution is driving the interactive touchscreen in NTT DOCOMO's new SH906i clamshell handset.

Coming from Japan's number-one phone manufacturer, Sharp, the SH906i is the first ClearPad-enabled touchscreen mobile phone in Japan's mobile handset market. This new touchscreen flip phone using Synaptics' intuitive ClearPad technology is available through Japan's premier mobile communications company, NTT DOCOMO.

The SH906i uses Synaptics' ClearPad technology to enable finger-input character recognition capabilities for Japanese character entry. The combination of the SH906i character recognition software and Synaptics ClearPad solution improves usability for regions with more complex alphabets. Capacitive sensing-enabled text entry allows the user to access and control any number of applications and menus on a handheld device in an efficient and intuitive manner -- it is fast, easy to use, and accurate without a stylus. Synaptics' ClearPad sensors recognize a variety of gesture input for an effortless user interface. OEMs can customize their device user interfaces using Synaptics' growing gesture library, which includes gestures such as flick and pinch. The SH906i, for example, uses flick to flip though channels and adjust volume on its mobile-television application.

As the usage model for mobile phones expands into data services, the real estate and usability for touchscreens becomes more important. Managing greater content requires a more sophisticated and efficient user interface. Synaptics is taking a proactive stance to understand how these mobile trends affect the usage of a phone. Synaptics' ClearPad technology allows flexible and intuitive user interfaces to be offered to the end user.

John du Pre Gauntt, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report "Japan Wireless: Marketing to a Mobile Society" said "Flat-rate pricing for 3G services and broadening the scope of industries with a strong interest in mobile services means that mobile marketing and advertising has become all the more important in Japan."

"Synaptics' long history in capacitive sensing technology is a valuable asset as we continue to innovate for enhanced usability," said Yoshi Maeda, president of Synaptics Japan. "We are thrilled to work with leaders such as Sharp and NTT DOCOMO. Japan represents an important market for Synaptics -- we are expanding our team in Tokyo to support this region and meet the needs of the burgeoning mobile market."

The ClearPad solution is part of Synaptics' growing ClearTouch(TM) product portfolio. ClearTouch products are designed for durability, low power consumption, and easy integration into mobile devices. Patented ClearPad technology builds on the capacitive touch sensing technology used in more than 400 million TouchPad(TM) devices. Synaptics has more than a decade of experience in clear, two-dimensional, capacitive touch sensing. All ClearTouch solutions can operate under glass or plastic, resulting in robust devices with slim form factors and sleek industrial designs.

About Synaptics

Synaptics (Nasdaq: SYNA) is a leading developer of human interface solutions for the mobile computing, communications and entertainment industries. The company creates interface solutions for a variety of devices including notebook PCs, PC peripherals, digital music players, and mobile phones. The TouchPad(TM), Synaptics' flagship product, is integrated into a majority of today's notebook computers. Consumer electronics and computing manufacturers use Synaptics' solutions to enrich the interaction between humans and intelligent devices through improved usability, functionality, and industrial design. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. http://www.synaptics.com. See gestures for Synaptics TouchPad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShmqUHR7RO0

Synaptics, ClearPad, ClearTouch, TouchPad, and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries.

All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

For further information, please contact:
Rebecca Parr
Tara Yingst
Synaptics
Edelman
408-454-5178
650-762-2942
rparr@synaptics.com
tara.yingst@edelman.com

SOURCE: Synaptics Inc.
CONTACT: Rebecca Parr of Synaptics Inc.
+1-408-454-5178
rparr@synaptics.com or
Tara Yingst of Edelman
+1-650-762-2942
tara.yingst@edelman.com
for Synaptics Inc.
Web site: http://www.synaptics.com

Financial: Ernst & Young completes groundbreaking globalization move

EY Partners overwhelmingly approve the creation of EMEIA

London (BUSINESS WIRE) - Ernst & Young today announces that its partners across Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa have overwhelmingly approved the proposed integration of its country practices into a single EMEIA Area.

The new Area will be a US$11 billion organization with more than 60,000 people and 3,300 partners. It will operate as a single unit, led by Mark Otty as Area Managing Partner, and a single executive team. EMEIA will be effective from 1 July 2008.

Chairman and CEO Jim Turley said, "I am of course delighted by the tremendous response from our partners in favor of this significant step change in the globalization of our business. I have also been greatly encouraged by the level of feedback I have received from many of our clients across the globe, our young people and our regulators. The feedback is that this is a groundbreaking and positive step both for our own organization, and the profession as a whole.""Our clients tell me this move is important because it is going to enable us to better meet their needs to deliver seamless, consistent high-quality service, not just across EMEIA, but right across the world. Our people want to be in an organization where their opportunities are without boundaries. They want and expect mobility, challenging international assignments and a diverse and teaming culture on a truly global scale," Turley said.

Mark Otty said, "These are exciting times. This integration is a really significant step for Ernst & Young and for our profession. Our people and our clients are really excited about our plans ? our people see the opportunities for them whilst our clients can see how this builds on the level of service we already provide. These will include European companies looking to expand their activities in emerging markets and also, increasingly, new business giants from the Middle East, India, CIS and Africa seeking opportunities in developed markets."

Chief Operating Officer John Ferraro said, "This is a remarkable achievement given the scale and intensity of the process we embarked upon. We do not take the support of our partners for granted and have engaged in a concentrated, active dialog with them about our future. Partner votes were tabulated by an independent organization, which has confirmed that partners in 86 of the 87 countries have overwhelmingly approved the integration. In the remaining country, Sweden, our partners are facing unique local issues and will vote on the EMEIA proposal in the coming months. With this great support, we now will complete the process and begin operating EMEIA on 1 July."

Jim Turley concluded, "At the beginning of this year we said to ourselves ?we should be bold', and I believe we have been. This announcement today, together with the recent integration of our Far East practices, and that of our Americas practices in 2006, differentiates us in the marketplace as the most globally integrated professional services firm."

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential.

For more information, please visit www.ey.com.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services toclients. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

Ernst & Young Global PR
Kevin Russell+44 (0)20 7980 0502 / +44 (0)7884 235 847
kevin.russell@uk.ey.com

Business: Symrise opens new creative center in Shanghai, China

- An investment in the Shanghai location / "Navigator" Launched to focus on consumer research

Holzminden (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - On June 18, 2008 the global fragrances and flavorings manufacturer Symrise is opening its new Creative Center in Shanghai. The new facility will house all functions and creative resources of the Scent & Care division for the Chinese market. It will also serve as the newly established regional hub for North East Asia. This means the center will be the new home for all departments which are critical for an effective creative process: fragrance development, application, consumer research, marketing and sales for all of the business units in the Scent & Care division (Fragrances, Life Essentials, Aroma Molecules and Mint). 51 employees will work at the new Shanghai office; by 2013 this number is expected to increase to 70.

The Center is located in Puxi, the creative heart of Shanghai. The Symrise building is part of an old factory unit which has been renovated and converted into an inspiring home for culture, art and design. The ambience was designed to inspire both employees and clients, encourage a creative exchange and express the company's innovative spirit.

A key component of the Creative Center is its newly-founded consumer research facility, the global Navigator Center. This is where Symrise will implement the Navigator on an international basis, a unique consumer-research system developed by Symrise which combines different approaches and techniques that extend far beyond the possibilities of classic analytical methods. Its software works with an international database being constantly updated by the global consumer insight team network. The Navigator documents consumer trends, analyzes consumers' language about fragrances and flavors, studies the acceptance of products in different categories and provides sensory criteria which are helpful tools in positioning brand products. The Navigator's primary task is to give Symrise insightful information about preferences and consumer trends in the important Asian growth markets such as China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. Beyond that, the system can compare global consumer needs and thus enables Symrise to identify and predict global trends. By creating a "fragrance language" based on the Symrise Genealogy the Navigator will also optimize communications between consumer researchers, perfumers, marketing specialists and clients. Facilities for focus groups and sensory-analysis make it possible to do essential qualitative research on site.

Achim Daub, Global President of Scent & Care, says, "Chinais one of the most important growth markets for Symrise. Opening the new Creative Center in Shanghai is proof of the critical role that the entire Asian market plays in the development of our business. It also shows that we do not see creativity and innovation as decorative details - they are an indispensible part of our corporate strategy. We have created the perfect environment for our employees in Shanghai - an inspiring atmosphere where they can be highly creative and efficient in their work and their interactions with clients."

Thomas Dressler, Regional President, Scent & Care, Asia Pacific, comments, "Sensory and consumer insight is one of Symrise's core competencies, and it is especially critical on the Asian continent, where the average per-capita income is steadily growing. The new Navigator Center in Shanghai will not only gather and analyze information about Chinese consumers, it will take on a key role in all of our company's work in global sensory analysis and consumer research. With the Navigator, we will continue to develop our existing knowledge about trends and consumer behavior, and we will keep working with our clients to translate this knowledge into promising product concepts."

About Symrise

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings and raw materials and active ingredients for the perfume, cosmetics and food industry.

Its sales of EUR1.27 billion in 2007 place the company among the top four in the international flavors and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise is represented in more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States and South America.

With more than 40 first patent applications per year, Symrise is one of the most innovative manufacturers on the market. Used by manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics and foods, our products are an inseparable part of daily life. At Symrise we combine an awareness of consumer trends with cutting-edge technologies, focusing on innovative fashion and lifestyle products that have additional practical value for the consumer.

Symrise - always inspiring more...
http://www.symrise.com

CONTACT: Katja Derow,
red roses communications,
Phone: +49-40-46-96-770-10,
e-mail: k.derow@redroses-pr.com
SOURCE: Symrise

Technology: Progress Software names Eric Lim as Managing Director for Asia

Singapore and Malaysia (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), a leading provider of application infrastructure software to develop, deploy, integrate and manage business applications, has appointed Eric Lim as Managing Director for Asia.

Based in Singapore, Lim will be responsible for all aspects of the business including sales, services, support, marketing and education throughout Southeast Asia, Greater China, Korea and India. A key aspect of the role will be fortifying and expanding the network of sales partners and distributors through which Progress applications are delivered.

Lim is a 23-year veteran of the IT industry and has held a number of senior roles in the software industry.

"Eric Lims appointment will enable Progress to substantially increase its service to customers and partners in the region, and further capitalise on the wide variety of opportunities available," said Larry DiLoreto, vice president for Asia Pacific. "We are seeing strong demand for Progress software tools and applications across a wide variety of industries, fuelled by strong regional economic growth."

Before joining Progress Software, Lim was general manager, Asia, for Software AG and led its webMethods business and was previously general manager for South Asia for the same company before its acquisition by Software AG. Lim has also previously held various management positions with Yahoo!, TIBCO Software and IBM in South and Southeast Asia.

Progress Software has been established in the Asia Pacific region for more than 10 years, in 15 countries.

Progress products are used primarily by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Application Service Providers (ASPs). Its partner solutions span a wide range of applications including: automobile, call centre, management systems, construction management systems, courier services, customer service management, ERP, freight forwarding, healthcare, hotel systems, insurance, legal systems, property management systems, supply chain systems, treasury management systems and warehousing.

About Progress Software

Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS) provides application infrastructure software for the development, deployment, integration and management of business applications. Our goal is to maximize the benefits of information technology while minimizing its complexity and total cost of ownership. Over 60,000 organizations, including 80% of Fortune 100 companies, utilize annually over US$5 billion of our technology, partner applications and services at over 100,000 sites in over 120 countries.

Progress can be reached at http://www.progress.com .

Contact:
Jezmynn Koh
Progress Software
Tel: +65-6303-5013
Email: jkoh@progress.com
SOURCE Progress Software Corporation

Technology: AMD delivers the ultimate HD visual performance

AMD Delivers the Ultimate HD Visual Performance on the Go with Next-Generation Notebook Platform Balanced Notebook Platform Achieves Superior 3D Performance and HD-Image Quality with Increased Energy Efficiency

Taipei, Taiwan (BUSINESS WIRE) - AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the availability of its next-generation notebook platform, delivering the ultimate HD visual performance and increased energy efficiency on the go. The platform features new AMD Turion? X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processors with ATI Radeon? HD 3000 Series Graphics for superior 3D performance and HD image quality, with industry-leading wireless for greater throughput and range. AMD customers overwhelmingly embrace the new platform, as evidenced by more than double the number of design wins compared to the last major AMD Turion processor introduction. These new notebook designs come from leading OEMs including Acer, Asus, Clevo, Fujitsu, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP, MSI, NEC and Toshiba.

This next-generation AMD notebook platform also serves as the foundation for new AMD Business Class, AMD GAME! and AMD LIVE!? notebook solutions.

"AMD is uniquely positioned to deliver balanced platform solutions that tightly couple computing and graphics capabilities for a visually rich user experience," said Dirk Meyer, president and COO, AMD. "Our next-generation AMD notebook platform contains a host of interrelated innovations that together deliver enhanced business productivity and the ultimate in HD visual performance on the go."Capitalizing on a Historic Market Shift Consumers are now using their notebooks for more than just productivity, but also entertainment, such as enjoying and manipulating photos, watching videos and listening to music. Likewise, businesses are adopting Microsoft? Windows Vista? as well as applications that are more graphically intensive. Therefore, a notebook with robust graphics and video capabilities is essential to unlock the best possible experience.

"With the advent of Microsoft Windows Vista, its new graphics and multimedia features, as well as the applications that will be tailored to this operating system, discrete graphics have become a much more important part of the purchase decision," said Bob O'Donnell, Program Vice President, IDC. "With the transition from desktops to laptops, consumers and business professionals are not only seeking the portability and connectivity provided by notebook PCs, they are also unwilling to compromise on the features and performance needed to drive the latest generation operating systems and applications. This next generation of notebooks must deliver the graphics and video capabilities to address this requirement."Superior technologies working together As a part of the new platform,AMD today also announced a new notebook processor and chipset, which together deliver the ultimate in HD visual performance on the go. The AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile processor includes top enhancements including AMD Independent Dynamic Core Technology, a new mobile-optimized memory controller, and
power-optimized HyperTransport? 3.0. The new mobile AMD 7-series chipset, AMD M780G and AMD SB700, features integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics and delivers support for Microsoft DirectX? 10. The integrated graphics deliver up to three times the 3D graphics performance of comparable competitor graphics and offer ATI Avivo? HD Technology for smooth video playback in hi-def format.

Complementing the video capabilities to deliver a rich visual experience, the platform also offers the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3000 series discrete graphics, including the previously announced ATI Mobility Radeon 3400 and 3600 Series, and the new ATI Mobility Radeon? 3800 Series, also introduced today. The 3800 Series delivers the highest levels of graphics performance in the ATI Mobility Radeon HD family, with support for PCI Express? 2.0, the only graphics processor with DirectX 10.1, integrated digital output support for HDMI, DVI and Display Port, and multi-monitor functionality with native support for up to 4 monitors for mainstream notebooks. When using notebooks with both integrated and discrete graphics, users can also benefit from ATI CrossFireX? Technology, a feature of ATI Hybrid Graphics Technology designed to boost graphics performance up to 70 percent by running the integrated and discrete graphics together.

"Windows Vista enhances the overall performance and productivity of the personal computer, offers rich visual experiences and makes the digital lifestyle easier, safer, more entertaining and better connected than ever before," said Steven Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of the OEM division at Microsoft. "The next-generation AMD notebook platform provides optimized technologies that will provide an even richer visual experience for customers running Windows Vista and other graphically demanding applications."Cutting-edge wireless connectivity, enhanced power efficiency The next-generation AMD notebook platform also incorporates the latest in wireless connectivity technologies like 802.11 draft n and 3G from leading Better by Design technology partners including Atheros, Broadcom, and Ralink.
These technologies provide superior range, faster data transfer and allow users to stay connected on the go.

"AMD and Broadcom are technology partners in the Better by Design program and share a common goal of helping our mutual customers create innovative, high-performance notebooks that deliver exceptional user experiences," said Thomas Lagatta, senior vice president, Global Sales, Broadcom Corporation. "The combination of our industry-leading Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and network interface controller solutions and the next-generation AMD Turion X2 Ultra Mobile Processor platform provides notebook users with a variety of ways to stay connected to the people and information that matter to them."

The next-generation AMD notebook platform also incorporates innovative power management technologies, including AMD Enhanced PowerNow!? Technology and ATI PowerXpress? Technology to maximize the efficient use of power for extended battery life. AMD Enhanced PowerNow! Technology provides independent and dynamic control of core performance, and the ability to shut off areas of core logic when not in use to preserve power.
ATI PowerXpress Technology, in turn, provides the high performance of discrete graphics when plugged into a power source and dynamically switches to integrated graphics when unplugged, saving up to 90 minutes of battery life.

"We offer a wide range of price and performance options on our HP Pavilion notebook computers, while at the same time featuring multiple system configurations for users to choose from in order to meet their needs," said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager, consumer notebooks, PSG. "HP welcomes the introduction of the AMD Turion X2 Ultra processor-based platform as it will add even greater visual performance, multimedia and power-efficient choices for customers."Security and manageability features for SMBs Business users increasingly are recognizing the need to support today's graphics-rich applications and operating systems in a more mobile business world. Small- and medium-sized businesses also recognize the ability of notebook PCs to increase productivity, and require improved security to prevent data loss. With designs that enable industry-standard security and manageability such as Trusted Platform Module and Enhanced Virus Protection?*, small- and medium-sized businesses will find the next-generation AMD notebook platform helps meet their needs.

AMD Next-Generation Notebook Platform Availability Systems based on the next-generation AMD notebook platform and the AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor and ATI Radeon HD graphics, are now available from OEM customers.

The AMD next-generation notebook platform press kit offers additional information and collateral material pertaining to this launch.

AMD at ComputexClick here to see more about AMD activities at Computex, including a live broadcast of the press conference, short videos from the show floor, a daily blog, photos and more.

About AMD Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative processing solutions in the computing, graphics and consumer electronics markets. AMD is dedicated to driving open innovation, choice and industry growth by delivering superior customer-centric solutions that empower consumers and businesses worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

* As part of a comprehensive security program, AMD strongly recommends enabling Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) and using up to date third party anti-virus software.?2008. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Turion, and combinations thereof, AMD Enhanced PowerNow!, AMD Live!, Enhanced Virus Protection,ATI Radeon, ATI CrossFireX, ATI PowerExpress, ATI Avivo, ATI Mobility Radeon,ATI Hybrid Graphics Technology are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Microsoft, Windows, DirectX and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other jurisdictions.HyperTransport is a licensed mark of the HyperTransport Technology Consortium. PCI Express is a trademark of the PCI-Sig. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

AMD is pleased to have support from leading OEM customers and wireless partners for the next-generation AMD notebook platform.

"Dedicated to delivering cutting-edge notebook designs, Acer strives to offer solutions that afford exceptional experiences for all customers," said Campbell Kan, executive vice president of Notebooks WW Acer Corporation.

"Consumers today want the latest in multimedia and HD entertainment, while our business users need stable, powerful systems that help them to get the job done at work or on the road. With the next-generation AMD notebook platform with AMD Turion X2 Ultra processors, Acer can offer customers the latest notebook innovations, and we plan to roll out a number of new systems across Acer Aspire and TravelMate product lines."

"ASUS is always committed to bringing customers the most advanced technologies, and we are excited to be among the first to offer systems based on the next-generation AMD notebook platform," said Henry Yeh, General Manager Notebook BU-R&D Div.2, ASUS. "The platform's improved notebook performance, dynamic power coordination and new levels of graphics processing will enable us to deliver products that provide increased business efficiency, as well as enhanced video and multimedia experiences."

"Exceptional wireless performance is a must for consumers and professionals who want?anywhere, anytime?access to the Web and advanced applications, and a great user experience," said Ben Naskar, vice president and General Manager of Wireless Networking Business Unit, Atheros.

"Our single-chip XSPAN Wi-Fi solutions?and the next-generation AMD notebook platform with AMD?Turion X2 Ultra processors are optimized for?802.11n performance and power-efficiency.?As a result, users will benefit from a most satisfying mobile computing experience?with significantly extended battery life.""As a leading notebook manufacturer for 25 years, Clevo strives to flexibly and efficiently meet our notebook customers' individual needs, while offering the latest technologies and superior value," said Donovan Yeh, vice president of Strategic Marketing Center, Clevo.

"With the unparalleled flexibility of the next-generation AMD notebook platform featuring AMD Turion X2 Ultra Mobile Processors, Clevo can deliver the ?on the go' application performance, power-efficiency and rich visual experience our customers demand.""Fujitsu looks forward to working with AMD and plans to incorporate the next-generation AMD notebook platform into the next-generation Fujitsu products," said Akira Nagahara, general manager, Personal Computing Division, Personal Systems Business Unit, Fujitsu Limited.

"The products will provide the improved graphics capabilities, fast wireless connectivity and long battery life of the next-generation AMD notebook platform, and this collaboration will allow Fujitsu to continue to offer PCs that exceed the demands of today's consumers.""At Fujitsu Siemens Corporation, we are increasing our focus on technological innovation giving our customers real useful benefits with the introduction of our AMILO 3000 series of products. One of the areas that needed a better solution was the increased demand for multimedia and gaming capability in notebooks without sacrificing battery life," said Bj?rn Fehrm, head of Strategy and Innovation Consumer EMEA, Fujitsu Siemens Corporation.

"Our technological cooperation with AMD has produced really new and exciting solutions to this problem.""To meet the rigorous multimedia demands and expectations of today's on the go consumers, MSI continually strives to offer a wide variety of notebooks that best meet our customers' specific needs, whether they are casual gamers, video fanatics or music lovers," said Larry Wu, Global Sales VP, MSI. "MSI plans to expand the Gaming (GT730, GX730), Entertainment (EX310) and Professional (PX210, PR211) Series of notebooks with the AMD Turion X2 Ultra Platform, affording exceptional flexibility to design and deliver systems that keep pace with our customers' needs and desires."

"We believe the next-generation AMD notebook platform is the most suitable platform for the multimedia environment of the next-generation PCs, particularly with its high performance on HD content playback capability," Sakae Takatsuka, senior vice president, NEC Personal Products, Ltd.

"By fully utilizing this technology, we are planning to create user-friendly products by offering many more PC usage options. With the close collaboration with AMD, NEC is dedicated to the continuous technological innovation and the growth and enrichment of the PC market which will expand the boundaries of the benefits and excitement for our customers.""AMD and Ralink continue to deliver superior technologies to OEMs, enabling a better notebook PC experience for users around the world," said Kenny Chiu, Vice President of World Wide Business Development, Ralink.

"Ralink, a member of the Better by Design program, delivers wireless LAN solutions that enable large data transfers and the consistent reliability required by today's HD entertainment applications. Next-generation AMD notebooks featuring our RT2800 and RT2700 chipsets on the next-generation AMD notebook platform deliver faster wireless data transfers and HD image quality to improve visual performance from on the go."

"As one of the world's largest laptop manufacturers, Toshiba is always looking to stay ahead of consumer mobile computing needs and desires while delivering stable, affordable and high-performance systems for business users," said Mr Hidejiro Shimomitsu, president and CEO of Toshiba's Personal Computer & Network Company. "With the addition of AMD's next-generation platform to our Satellite line-up, we continue to deliver innovative, powerful and power-efficient mobility to end users."

AMD Suzy Pruitt, 512-602-4392 (PR)suzy.pruitt@amd.com or Ruth Cotter, 408-749-3887(IR)ruth.cotter@amd.com