Business Editors, High Tech Writers
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. & COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2000--
Research Triangle Park, NC-based venture firm invests in XML-based
Internet application integration company (or "B2B integration")
The Aurora Funds, Inc. today announced an investment in FORESIGHT(TM) Corporation, a leader in the Internet Application Integration (IAI) market.
Aurora, along with co-investors River Cities Capital of Cincinnati, Core Capital Partners of Washington D.C. and Fountainhead Capital Investment Partners of Chicago, provided FORESIGHT its initial round of institution funding of $6 million.
FORESIGHT provides web-based solutions that enable companies of all sizes and complexities, as well as government agencies, to extend their web applications and their legacy enterprise business systems utilizing XML and their other proven B2B integration techniques. These advanced capabilities provide cost-effective systems integration, as well as significantly measurable ROI for FORESIGHT's customers and their respective trading partners. FORESIGHT's unique mapping technology simplifies the move to Internet-based applications yielding record-breaking conversions for their business partners.
The company's core product, TradeSite(TM), has rapidly gained acceptance with over two-dozen global companies having implemented TradeSite(TM) to support their internet-based selling, procurement, and logistics initiatives. Customers include Dell Computer, Mellon Bank, Honeywell and General Electric.
"FORESIGHT's suite of products allow Fortune 1000 companies to dramatically extend the functionality of their current enterprise systems and to rapidly integrate them with both large and small trading partners across heterogeneous applications and platforms. The fact that over 30 companies already have implemented FORESIGHT's solution validates the tremendous market need for their technology," stated Rich Brown, a principal at Aurora.
"With our technology leadership and funding in place, FORESIGHT is now in a position to penetrate the IAI marketplace much more aggressively," said Bob Fisher, president and CEO of FORESIGHT. "We are poised to assist businesses in creating their own `technology roadmap' that respects their capital investments in their legacy systems."
About The Aurora Funds, Inc.
The Aurora Funds, Inc. is a family of venture capital funds focused on early-stage technology-based software, mobile Internet, and life science companies primarily in the southeastern US. Aurora has assembled a unique investment team with first-hand operational and entrepreneurial experience that actively partners with entrepreneurs to build companies. Aurora's portfolio consists of over 25 companies, including Alerts.com, Blackboard, Haht Commerce, InterAdNet, Technauts, Xanthon, Cogent Neurosciences, and Virologic (NASDAQ: VLGC). The firm is headquartered in Research Trainable Park, NC, and has offices in Tyson's Corner, VA and Birmingham, AL. For more information, contact Pam Newton, (919) 484-0400, ext. 103; pam@aurorafunds.com or visit the firm's web site www.aurorafunds.com .
About FORESIGHT Corporation
Based in Columbus, Ohio, FORESIGHT is an emerging leader in B2B integration technology. The company's flagship product, TradeSite(R), allows companies to extend their enterprise systems cost-effectively to the web. TradeSite web-enables both legacy and new IT investments - while improving ROI and flexibility. By deploying TradeSite, FORESIGHT's customers quickly extend the reach of existing applications using Internet-based technologies such as XML and HTML. More than 30 leading companies have successfully implemented TradeSite as early adopters to support internet-based selling, procurement, and logistics. Customers included Dell Computer, Mellon Bank, Alcatel, Federated Department Stores, Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, Circle International, Advanced Micro Devices, iVendor, Honeywell, General Electric, and Visa International. For more information visit the company web site at www.foresightcorp.com or call Dave Owens at 1-888-500-0800.
I was recently reminded about the Custom Knives and Guns forum (www.customknivesandguns.com) and visited them again. I confess I'm only a registered member of two or three forums and this is one of them. Made up of famous and not-famous-yet knifemakers and gunsmiths, it's one of those rare birds on the Internet--a civilized open forum. To quote from their website:
"There are rules, and it will NOT be a free for all at CK&G. Trolls and other trouble makers will be dealt with swiftly to preserve an atmosphere of open discussion, collaboration and kinship. CK&G feels particularly strongly about protection of intellectual property fights. People who are known to steal ideas, concepts, or designs from others will NEVER be welcome at CK&G, or at any Internet forum, we hope."
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
The members act like adults, are polite and quick to help one another. I'd say you can add this site to a very limited list of reputable gun/knife related forums. Tell them we sent you!
Sunnyvale, CA (PRWEB) July 06, 2011
A young woman CEO from Algeria has traveled to Silicon Valley to gain in-depth knowledge to help her launch her venture, the first online discount coupon site in her home country, through TechWomen, a U.S. Department of State program. The program, in its pilot year, pairs women from the Middle East and North Africa with mentors at leading technology companies. Loubna Lahmici, CEO of Ideatic, an Algerian start-up, was one of 37 women from the Middle East and North Africa identified as emerging leaders in technical fields who were paired up with their American counterparts for professional mentorship.
Launched in June 2011, TechWomen paired women from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and the Palestinian Territories with 24 participating Silicon Valley technology companies for the five-week program. Using innovative technologies, cutting-edge content, and social networking tools, TechWomen fosters and develops the next generation of women leaders in the technology field by providing women and girls with the access and opportunity needed to pursue tech-based careers.
Loubna was matched up with LikeList, a website where people discover and share local businesses and positive experiences, to learn how to interface with venture capitalists, to craft online marketing programs, and how to launch a new venture. Since LikeList is located at the Plug and Play Tech Center, Loubna also experienced firsthand how the leading high-tech accelerator's from Sunnyvale more than 300 start-ups from all over the world are thriving in Silicon Valley.
"My experience in the TechWomen program was invaluable, giving me insights into cutting-edge technologies, connecting me with counterparts, and opening up new opportunities for the growth of my business," said Loubna. "I will return to my home country with the latest best practices, new ideas and projects that I will share with my colleagues and team."
Loubna is championing online commerce and changing Internet shopping in Algeria. In a country with more than 8 million Internet users and more than 30 million mobile users, Loubna is changing Algerian consumer behavior by introducing the Internet as a tool to save time and money. Her company, Ideatic, is incubating a new site which is an online site that provides limited, high-value printable coupons and mobile coupons for significant discounts which help to drive traffic and sales to local stores.
"Because of her local knowledge, business relationships and deep understanding of Internet usage and technology limitations in Algeria, Loubna is crafting a solution that's culturally appropriate for Algeria," said Jill Finlayson, senior director of Community at LikeList and Loubna's mentor. "Rather than trying to force a model from other countries onto Algeria, she is taking the best practices and ideas from Silicon Valley and localizing them to help Algeria take the first steps toward online shopping."
About TechWomen
TechWomen, a public-private partnership, was developed to implement President Barack Obama's vision of greater collaboration between the United States and communities with predominantly Muslim populations, as outlined in his June 2009 speech in Cairo. TechWomen is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE), and implemented in partnership with the Anita Borg Institute for Women in Technology (ABI). For more information, please visit: http://www.techwomen.org.
About LikeList
LikeList is a place online for sharing lists of local businesses, positive experiences and hidden gems between people you know, people you trust and people like you. For more information about LikeList, visit http://www.likelist.com.
About Plug and Play Tech Center
Plug and Play Tech Center is Silicon Valley's leading high-tech accelerator and is home to more than 300 technology start-ups. Over the past 2 years, Plug and Play has created a soft landing platform for more than 60 international start-ups, partnered with 15 foreign governments to host their Silicon Valley incubators.
Plug and Play has also partnered with over 170 institutional VC firms, over 40 corporate venture arms and 350 Angels for funding, M&A and business development opportunities and has been hosting a broad spectrum of technologies from digital media, networking, mobile, voice and data communication, enterprise software to wireless, clean-tech and semiconductor.
Since its founding in 2006, companies residing in Plug and Play have raised more than $750 million in funding.
About the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. ECA engages youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and rising leaders in many fields in the United States and more than 160 countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges. Striving to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. ECA exchange program alumni encompass over 1 million people around the world, including more than 40 Nobel Laureates and more than 300 current and former heads of state and government. For more information, visit exchanges.state.gov.
About the Institute of International Education (IIE)
The Institute of International Education collaborates with universities, governments, non-governmental organizations and corporations to develop and implement scholarship, exchange, and training programs that educate and build leadership skills among students, scholars, and professionals worldwide. These include the prestigious Fulbright and Humphrey Fellowship Programs and the International Visitor Leadership Program, administered on behalf of the U.S. Department of State in partnership with other countries, as well as more than 250 other initiatives that benefit over 26,000 men and women from 175 countries each year. IIE has extensive experience working with U.S Embassies and Missions around the world to implement high-profile programs to foster cross-cultural dialogue and public diplomacy on behalf of the U.S. government.
IIE is currently engaged in collaborative program initiatives in 16 countries/territories in the MENA region that reach over 7,000 students, scholars, and professionals each year to promote workforce development, good governance, and gender equity in the region. IIE programs utilize social media to connect emerging leaders worldwide to forge solutions to critical problems, and enhance networking among alumni. IIE's MENA Regional Office in Cairo has also provided training in a wide range of fields to over 10,000 individuals from the public, private and NGO sectors. Through its West Coast Center (IIE/WCC) in San Francisco, IIE has extensive experience and success collaborating with the technology sector and local organizations, especially in the MENA region. For more information, visit http://www.iie.org.
About the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (ABI)
The Anita Borg Institute provides resources and programs to help industry, academia, and government recruit, retain, and advance women technical leaders, resulting in higher levels of technological innovation. ABI programs serve technical women by creating a community and providing tools to help them develop their careers. ABI is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization. ABI Partners include: Google, HP, Microsoft, CA Technologies, Cisco, Facebook, First Republic Bank, IBM, Intel, Intuit, Lockheed Martin, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, NetApp, SAP, Symantec, Thomson Reuters, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Amazon, Broadcom, Motorola Foundation, Raytheon, Salesforce and Yahoo!. For more information, visit http://www.anitaborg.org.
Media Contacts:
Jerri Barrett
Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (TechWomen)
jerrib(at)anitaborg(dot)org
650-857-6095
Mirjana Sasa
Plug and Play Tech Center
shasha(at)plugandplaytechcenter(dot)com
408-524-1439
Ursula Herrick
LikeList
Ursula(at)herrickmedia(dot)com
408-202-0865
###
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/7/prweb8616182.htm
Howell, MI (PRWEB) June 15, 2011
Datapak Services Corporation, a leading single-source provider of marketing and fulfillment solutions for direct to consumer and direct response programs, recently announced a new initiative in quality assurance -- a critical metric in performance.
Datapak Services provides sophisticated marketing, inventory, e-commerce, order processing and management services and solutions for direct to consumer/direct response programs for global consumer goods clients.
Datapak recently completed a Quality Assurance audit, measuring 19 key elements of quality assurance. Companies that comply with the stringent criteria of all phases of the 19 key elements are recognized as being among the superior class of companies who have a focus on quality, accuracy, and a proven continuous improvement plan.
To further its commitment to quality, Datapak engaged the services of a world leader in innovation consulting, YourEncore, to implement a Quality Assurance program that will meet the high standards of quality for its Global Consumer Product clients. The YourEncore consultant leading this project is Greg Rosborough, a former Quality Assurance auditor with a top Global Consumer Goods company. The initiative began in the first quarter of 2011. With an internal leadership and management team put in place, an initial action plan has been developed and approved to move forward to fully implement a Quality Assurance program.
"Implementing a Quality Assurance program reflects our focus on quality and process, and our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement," says David Barker, Executive Vice President. "Quality is one of our core values here at Datapak, from point of sale to delivery of product; we uphold the highest business standards in the fulfillment industry."
About Datapak Services Corporation
Datapak Services Corporation is a leading marketing and fulfillment solutions company, offering technology-driven services to its customers for over 20 years. Its unique, full-service approach provides clients with innovative solutions for direct-to-consumer, e-commerce and retail programs including: fulfillment and distribution; manufacturing on demand services; merchant banking; marketing and creative services; Internet services such as e-mail distribution and Web hosting; customer service; account management; and campaign reporting and analytics. A turnkey, fully integrated operation, Datapak processes orders and provides critical campaign reports all in real-time. Datapak serves leading marketers in a variety of industries including: beauty; health and fitness; music and video entertainment; household items; and others.
Follow Datapak:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DatapakServices
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/@DatapakServices
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/datapak-services-corporation
###
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8569492.htm
Zurich/Delaware (PRWEB) May 27, 2011
One of Payment21(R)'s missions is to educate international merchants who are unfamiliar with demand draft and direct debit transactions like the Check 21 and ACH online payment processes, which accept bank payments from U.S. consumers. The Check 21 and ACH systems will allow these merchants to conduct business with U.S. consumers quickly and securely as never before and without the necessity of a U.S. bank account.
It is virtually impossible for a merchant outside of the States to open a U.S. checking account. Those few banks that are willing to accept international merchants will most likely impose very heavy security deposits while inundating the merchant with seemingly endless amounts of paperwork, and ongoing requirements to the point that most foreign merchants just can't afford the account. Furthermore, U.S. banks most likely simply will not open an account for a U.S. merchant without a Social Security number or an American subsidiary. In general, banks see substantial risk in dealing with foreign merchant account holders. They incorrectly perceive that non-resident businesses will have higher than normal return claims from customers. Also, banks are concerned about enforcing their legal remedies against owners of international merchant accounts. Payment21.com's Check 21 and ACH payment processes change all of this.
Payment21 LLC is a Payment Service Provider, whose most recent offering is Instant eCheck[TM] processing. This payment method allows international merchants to accept U.S. paper checks as a form of payment for goods purchased via the Internet securely and reliably by utilizing the Federal Reserve Board's Check 21 standard as introduced by The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21 Act). The company receives all transaction data from merchants and converts this data into digital check images. The images are then cleared through the banking system then finally with The Federal Reserve Bank. Simply put, international merchants never need to deal with U.S. banks. Payment21(R) takes care of all clearance matters and therefore, no U.S. bank account is required by the merchant. Payment21.com provides international merchants with financial access to more customers than any other payment method. Funds clear faster - same day or overnight. Check 21 and UCC governed. A much lower cost than credit cards.
Payment21.com's ACH (Automated Clearing House) Transaction Processing, their second payment option, quickly automates payments for your U.S. customers, who simply enter their checking account details securely on the merchant's payment page. The checking information is then electronically converted into an ACH transaction. One of Payment21.com's strengths is focusing on processing electronic transactions. The company offers advanced services and personalized support behind every transaction. Payment21.com's ACH Payment Processing is an excellent solution for qualified organizations, reducing the time of receiving paper checks by 1 to 5 days. Depending on your type of business and your check return types and/or averages, Payment21.com settles collected funds via ACH to your business's bank account within 3 to 5 business days.
Payment21.com's Check 21 and ACH electronic check processing represent different transaction and business models, and provide significantly different information flows, legal frameworks, and risk management capabilities. This is actually a good thing, since it enables different products to meet different business needs and market requirements. For more details on the main differences between Check 21 and ACH transactions, visit http://www.payment21.com.
Payment21.com's merchant approval policy is fully compliant with the Patriot Act. Due Diligence is done on all merchants. In order to comply with AML-provisions, beneficial owners related to cross-border payments get identified however and more importantly, all information is protected by data protection laws.
Whether it's a Check 21 or ACH transaction, superior fraud protection such as the customizable Verification Loop[TM] and the proprietary Mitigation Algorithm[TM] ensures that Payment21.com has the solution that will save international merchants money and enable more U.S consumers to buy from them.
Visit Payment21.com's newly designed, user friendly website at: http://www.payment21.com for more details.
###
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/5/prweb8486083.htm
ATLANTA, GA -- The following information was released by the Atlanta Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation:
Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, announces, on behalf of the Northwest Georgia Crimes Against Children Task Force, the following arrest:
Kevin Heumaneus, age 44 of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was arrested without incident on Tuesday, 04/19/2011, in Ringgold, Georgia by agents and officers of the FBI-led Safe Child Task Force after he traveled there to meet a minor child for purposes of having sex.
Heumaneus came to the attention of law enforcement over the Internet wherein he began a series of "chats" with undercover agents/officers regarding his desire to have sex with a minor child.
Heumaneus is currently incarcerated at the Catoosa County Detention Center on State charges related to Computer Pornography and attempted child molestation.
The public should be reminded that the above are merely allegations and the all persons are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
M2 PRESSWIRE-14 June 2010-PurelyPennyStocks.com: Stock Alert: HIDE.pk -> News Released(C)1994-2010 M2 COMMUNICATIONS
RDATE:14062010
Queens NY -- www.purelypennystocks.com names (Pink:HIDE) Hidenet Secure Architecture as its Merger Alert of the Month!
Visit: www.purelypennystocks.com for current profiles.
To feature your publicly traded company in our alerts email us at alerts@purelypennystocks.com
NEWS RELEASED TODAY!
Nucentcom Chooses Watchguard as Primary Firewall Source
DALLAS, TX 06/14/10 Nucentcom (PINKSHEETS: HIDE) announced that after extensive testing and comparisons, it chooses Watchguard over all other competitors' devices.
"We surveyed the field and found five manufacturers that made appliances suitable for our needs. After that we purchased devices and tested them in our labs to determine which was right for us. The answer was simple, Watchguard," said Sameer Mohan, chief operations officer.
"In an assessment between WatchGuard, Juniper, Fortinet, Cisco, and SonicWall only Watchguard offered the features we were looking for at a price point we knew our customers would like. Combined with the other contracts we've completed, this represents a significant step forward to our goal of a unified services platform. We can now offer a state of the art VOIP PBX with supporting infrastructure from Polycom's HD voice hardware. Also, we can offer 24/7 Intrusion monitoring services backed by Watchguard, the gold standard in this industry. We're also in the process of completing agreements with several large vendors to provide DID origination and termination of domestic and international long distance at substantially discounted prices. This will position us as one of the few companies that can offer any organization, large or small, one office or many the ability to provide bandwidth, VOIP PBX services, firewall monitoring and round the clock security monitoring that can be seen over the internet."
From 10 to 100 to 10,000, Watchguard's security appliances are a blistering fast solution to network management. With adaptable management tools, IT administrators are offered an intuitive centralized console, command line interface and web UI to manage the security and sovereignty of their networks.
About Nucentcom Corporation
Nucentcom's worldwide bandwidth peering agreements and robust voice over internet protocol (VOIP) infrastruction are ideal for small to large organizations looking to link multiple campuses over a distance. Besides VOIP, Nucentcom also offers video conferencing, firewall installation and monitoring, VPN service and is a fully function telecom company.
The Company maintains offices in Dallas, Texas. For additional information about Nucentcom, visit the Company's Internet site on the World Wide Web at http://www.nucentcom.net
CONTACT: Michael Maloneye-mail: alerts@purelypennystocks.com
((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).
A group of the nation's largest media and marketing trade associations released self-regulatory principles to protect consumer privacy in ad-supported interactive media that will require advertisers and Web sites to clearly inform consumers about data collection practices and enable them to exercise control over that information.
This unprecedented collaboration represents the entire marketing-media industry and includes the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). The Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB), a leading organization dedicated to advancing marketplace trust, is also part of the effort and has agreed, along with the DMA, to implement accountability programs to promote widespread adoption of the seven Principles. This cross-industry self-regulatory task force represents the first time that representatives of the entire advertising ecosystem have come together to develop principles for the use and collection of data in this important area to the economy.
This self-regulatory program is expected to be implemented at the beginning of 2010.
"Consumers deserve transparency regarding the collection and use of their data for behavioral advertising purposes. I am gratified that a group of influential associations - representing a significant component of the Internet community - has responded to so many of the privacy concerns raised by my colleagues and myself," said Commissioner Pamela Jones Harbour, Federal Trade Commission (FTC). "These associations have invested substantial efforts to actually deliver a draft set of privacy principles, which have the potential to dramatically advance the cause of consumer privacy. I commend these organizations for taking this important first step. I am hopeful that successful implementation will follow. In the meantime, I encourage the entire privacy community to continue a dialogue that places the interests of consumers first."
"The practice of advertising has clearly been revolutionized by the emergence of the Internet. Today, we can match the content of an ad to the interests of the consumer in ways undreamed of just a few short years ago," said Nancy Hill, President & CEO, 4A's. "We will, of course, be able to continue this interest-based advertising only if we maintain the public's confidence that we are responsible stewards of the data on which it is built. The self-regulatory Principles being announced represent a giant step forward in sustaining that consumer confidence. We are proud to have been one of the driving forces involved in bringing these Principles to life."
"Guided by the seven Principles we have announced, the advertising community is developing one of the most comprehensive self-regulatory programs ever undertaken by the business community. The fast-changing online marketing environment is best addressed by a self-regulatory framework that is transparent, flexible and accountable to consumers' needs and concerns. On behalf of our 360 members, who collectively invest more than $200 billion annually in marketing communications, we look forward to jointly developing a comprehensive business system that respects and honors these Principles," said Bob Liodice, President and CEO, ANA.
"The Council of Better Business Bureaus is delighted to join this effort to provide solid guidelines and meaningful oversight of common sense Principles that should govern the business community as it collects and uses information to deliver advertising of interest to consumers," said Steven Cole, President and CEO, Council of Better Business Bureaus. "We think that what is most important about this effort is the real commitment by a broad coalition of businesses joining in to deliver a transparent and credible monitoring and enforcement program as a complement to the practical and consumer-friendly Principles. We look forward to working closely with the DMA and our other National Advertising Review Council partners to deliver a quality program."
"These Principles are an important step in developing a meaningful self-regulatory framework for companies advertising on-line and represent the culmination of many months of hard work," said John A. Greco Jr., President and CEO, DMA. "As a respected voice in Washington, D.C., and on behalf of our 3,400 members, we look forward to integrating these Principles into DMA Guidelines, which for 35 years have set the standard of best practices through our strict ethical guidelines for business."
"This historic collaboration represents businesses and trade associations working together to advance the public interest," said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO, IAB. "Although consumers have registered few if any complaints about Internet privacy, surveys show they are concerned about their privacy. We are acting early and aggressively on their concerns, to reinforce their trust in this vital medium that contributes so significantly to the U.S. economy."
"The NAI applauds the creation of these Principles and appreciates the opportunity to have been involved in their development," said Charles Curran, Executive Director of the Network Advertising Initiative, a cooperative of online marketing and analytics companies committed to building consumer awareness and establishing responsible business and data management practices and standards. "Our members' long-standing experience under the NAI's code shows the effectiveness of self-regulation in providing consumers with notice and choice about online behavioral advertising. The broadening of industry self-regulatory standards under these Principles will enhance consumer confidence in the online medium, and we commend the associations for their leadership in bringing together thousands of companies to expand transparency and choice across the Internet ecosystem."
Taken collectively, the participating associations represent more than 5,000 leading U.S. companies across all of the key businesses that have played a role in the transformation of the way consumers experience media. According to the "Economic Value of the Advertising-Supported Internet Ecosystem," a recent study commissioned by the IAB, the advertising-supported Internet represents 2.1% of the total U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) contributing $300 billion to the economy and has created 3.1 million U.S. jobs. The Internet itself has become a vital link in the supply chain and communications chain for all businesses, and is a lifeline for the hundreds of thousands of small businesses and publishers that have no equivalently cost-effective means of reaching so wide an audience. The ecosystem includes advertisers, advertising agencies, Web publishers, Internet access services providers, providers of application software such as Web toolbars and Internet Web browsers, search engines and online advertising networks.
In January 2009, the task force announced that it had been working on the development of these Principles in direct response to calls on the Internet ecosystem by the FTC to develop more robust and effective self-regulation of online behavioral based advertising practices that would foster transparency, knowledge and choice for consumers.
The Principles are designed to address consumer concerns about the use of personal information and interest based advertising while preserving the innovative and robust advertising that supports the vast array of free online content and the ability to deliver relevant advertising to consumers. This self-regulatory program consists of the following seven Principles.
•
The Education Principle calls for organizations to participate in efforts to educate individuals and businesses about online behavioral advertising. To this end, the digital media industry intends, in a major campaign that is expected to exceed 500 million online advertising impressions, to educate consumers about online behavioral advertising, the benefits of these practices and the means to exercise choice, over the next 18 months.
•
The Transparency Principle calls for clearer and easily accessible disclosures to consumers about data collection and use practices associated with online behavioral advertising. It will result in new, enhanced notice on the page where data is collected through links embedded in or around advertisements, or on the Web page itself.
•
The Consumer Control Principle provides consumers with an expanded ability to choose whether data is collected and used for online behavioral advertising purposes. This choice will be available through a link from the notice provided on the Web page where data is collected.
The Consumer Control Principle requires "service providers", a term that includes Internet access service providers and providers of desktop applications software such as Web browser "tool bars" to obtain the consent of users before engaging in online behavioral advertising, and take steps to de-identify the data used for such purposes.
•
The Data Security Principle calls for organizations to provide reasonable security for, and limited retention of data, collected and used for online behavioral advertising purposes.
•
The Material Changes Principle calls on organizations to obtain consent for any material change to their online behavioral advertising data collection and use policies and practices to data collected prior to such change.
•
The Sensitive Data Principle recognizes that data collected from children and used for online behavioral advertising merits heightened protection, and requires parental consent for behavioral advertising to consumers known to be under 13 on child-directed Web sites. This Principle also provides heightened protections to certain health and financial data when attributable to a specific individual.
•
The Accountability Principle calls for development of programs to further advance these Principles, including programs to monitor and report instances of uncorrected non-compliance with these Principles to appropriate government agencies. The CBBB and DMA have been asked and agreed to work cooperatively to establish accountability mechanisms under the Principles.
View the complete document at: www.bbb.org/us/behavioral-advertising-principles Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5999287&lang=en
Keywords: Entertainment, Technology, Online Retail, Internet, Blogging, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Opt, Advertise, Advertising, Data Management, Data Security, Economics, FTC, Federal Trade Commission, Finance, Financial, Gross Domestic Product, Information Technology, Internet, Internet Privacy, Investing, Investment, Marketing, Pediatrics, Software, Trade Commission, World Wide Web, 4A's & ANA & BBB & DMA & IAB.
This article was prepared by Internet Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Internet Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.
Disaster Recovery Communications are Being Deployed Immediately
HOUSTON -- CapRock Communications, a leading global satellite communications provider, is deploying disaster recovery communication packages to clients with critical operations throughout the Gulf Coast area. Activating its emergency response plan to expedite the deployment of new communications services, CapRock has deployed the majority of services within 48 hours from when the customer calls to place the order. Many customers received the service the same day it was requested.
CapRock is deploying disaster recovery packages to clients who have lost their traditional communications and require backup communications to implement their own recovery plans and to maintain connectivity with their critical remote sites. Since the storm, CapRock has deployed emergency packages to shore bases, corporate and regional offices and vessels, providing bandwidth from 256 Kbps up to multi-megabit. The Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) packages are complete mobile communications solutions, providing true broadband Internet and voice services when traditional means are unavailable.
Throughout Hurricane Ike, CapRock's Houston teleport performed exceptionally well and remained operational. In the event that the Houston teleport had been adversely impacted, CapRock has an alternate teleport in Dallas where dedicated earth stations, modems and networking equipment are pre-configured and in standby mode.
Clients continued to have 24/7 access to live CapRock support specialists before, during and after Hurricane Ike. Operating dual Service Management Centers (SMC) in Houston and Aberdeen, Scotland, CapRock was able to route all of the Houston facility's incoming calls to the Aberdeen SMC where technicians were available to ensure prompt and reliable support. As the hurricane passed and employees were able to safely return to the Houston SMC, calls were again taken from the Houston office. In addition to providing this redundant support during emergencies, the two SMC's are capable of remotely monitoring and operating earth stations and networks at each facility.
"Our preparedness is what has enabled us to respond so quickly to our customers," said CapRock CEO Peter Shaper. "We pre-staged communication packages in our Lafayette and New Orleans offices, forwarded a team of support specialists to the alternate teleport in Dallas and utilized our SMC in Aberdeen to provide superior customer support throughout the storm and during recovery."
Based on the market's response, CapRock continues to offer its DR-VSAT([TM]) packages, which launched in 2006. The DR-VSAT program enables subscribing customers to reserve equipment upfront, guaranteeing equipment and service availability in the event of an emergency.
"The reservation program provides peace of mind for our customers," Shaper said. "They know that during emergencies, when order volumes are high and quantities are limited, they can be guaranteed the communication packages that meet their needs. We also recognize, however, that some customers don't have the luxury to pre-reserve equipment, and after a storm they count on CapRock for communications. I am pleased that we have been able to quickly respond to all of our customers, regardless of the situation, to provide them with reliable communications."
About CapRock Communications
With more than 25 years of experience, CapRock Communications is a premier global satellite communications provider for the energy, maritime, engineering and construction, commercial shipping, mining and disaster recovery industries, as well as for government services. The Company utilizes the latest field-proven satellite technologies to deliver highly reliable managed communication services for broadband networking, real-time video and digital telephony to the world's harshest and most remote locations. CapRock delivers on its promise to be the market's reliability leader by leveraging "best of breed" partnerships, technical expertise and a robust global infrastructure that includes five international teleports and eleven regional support centers across the U.S., Central and South America, Europe, West Africa and Asia Pacific. More information about CapRock is available at www.caprock.com.
Capscan OnDemand has enabled Electricity 4 Business to build a database that improves service to existing business clients and marketing to prospective ones
Penetrating a target market of over 1.4 million UK SME customers requires a robust sales strategy. Electricity 4 Business, the UK business electricity supplier to SMEs, supports its sales efforts with field teams, telemarketing agents, a website and a network of 140 agents and brokers.
It has integrated Salesforce.com into its back office billing system, the EDW Energy Retail Suite. Prospect data is captured and entered into Salesforce. com, joining 380,000 records in the database. The hosted CRM system integrates directly with Electricity 4 Business's Internet- based point-of-sale (POS) system used by field agents and its corporate website. Leads from the site are then sent straight to the telemarketing team. Fast, efficient and accurate capture of prospect or customer data is paramount to ensuring efficient customer service.
Electricity 4 Business sales and marketing director Graham Paul says: "We rely heavily on accurate business address data to assist our sales and marketing strategies. Our field agents use postcode sectors - the first three or four characters of a postcode - for grouping sales leads into 'field territories', making postcode accuracy critical to an efficient targeted campaign.
"Without a way to validate the data coming in, duplicates could enter the system with a risk of targeting the same business twice - whether this is through the telemarketing teams or direct mail - potentially damaging our image."
The company used QAS software before installing Salesforce.com, but found it did not integrate with the new system. It wanted a more fluid way to validate address data while it was being entered without having to access another application. It also required the ability to enhance data as it is validated, to add value to the database and assist targeting, especially for field teams.
"We selected Capscan OnDemand for Salesforce.com because it was the only solution that met our stringent specifications. It was designed specifically for use within Salesforce.com, so we knew installation would be simple and quick," says Paul.
Because Capscan OnDemand for Salesforce.com is priced based on the volume of data validated, it is more cost-efficient than investing in a full enterprise application designed for more frequent use, as well as requiring licenses for each of the 120 users of Salesforce.com.
Electricity 4 Business also bought access to extra business datasets, including standard industrial classification (SIC) codes, telephone and fax numbers. SIC codes are used to identify and categorise types of industry and business in the UK and Europe - an essential reference tool.
New records are entered into the POS system or website and then flagged up for entry into Salesforce.com and address validation using Capscan OnDemand at the same time. Paul estimates that a total of around 5,000 new business addresses are being validated a month as they are entered by users from all channels.
"Capscan OnDemand has met all our requirements and more. We are confident that bills reach our customers safely and money is not being wasted on duplicate direct mail or targeting the same prospect twice. With accurate postcode data, we also receive discounts on our mailing. It all contributes to being able to offer our customers a low cost product," says Paul.
The ability to append and expand records with commercial data has considerably increased the effectiveness of Electricity 4 Business' marketing and sales activity. "Sometimes, when we buy lead data, or a field agent captures it using the POS system, it is not as complete as we would like. We use the commercial data sets to enhance the prospect records to perform customer profiling," says Paul.
He concludes: "Capscan OnDemand has enabled us to build a quality database that not only ensures the bills get to our customers at the right place, but strongly backs up our sales strategies, ensuring they are more effective. We work on a basis of cost avoidance - we know that each new address we enter into Salesforce.com is complete, accurate and valid, so not only is there less risk of wasted mail costs and brand damage, but we have the ability to add value to the data we hold."
Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors
