Companies news

CANOGA PARK, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne has taken a major step toward powering the nation's next-generation space launch vehicle with the completion of the J-2X engine Critical Design Review (CDR). Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. company.

Starting in 2014, the J-2X rocket engine will power the Ares I rocket into space, helping deliver the Orion crew exploration vehicle, its crew of astronauts and small payloads to the International Space Station. The J-2X will also power launch vehicles to the moon and beyond in coming decades. The heart of the J-2X is proven heritage technology that propelled the Apollo-era Saturn V rockets into space.

"The successful completion of the Critical Design Review is a major milestone in the development of the J-2X -- one of the safest, most affordable and highest performing rocket engines ever to be built," said John Vilja, J-2X program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "It demonstrates our engineering design and development are on sound footing, and takes us another step closer to delivering the nation's next mode of space transportation."

The CDR was conducted in Huntsville, Ala., demonstrating the maturity of the J-2X's design and verifying the engine is ready to proceed to full-scale fabrication and assembly for initiation of development testing. It also allowed the project managers to determine if the technical approach was on track to meet mission performance requirements, including flight and ground systems development, and mission operations.

The first engine hot-fire test is scheduled for late summer 2010 at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

Bryan Kidder Carri Karuhn Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne 818 586-2213 818 586-4963 bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com carri.karuhn@pwr.utc.com

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne

CONTACT: Bryan Kidder, +1-818-586-2213, bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com; Carri
Karuhn, +1-818-586-4963, carri.karuhn@pwr.utc.com, both of Pratt & Whitney
Rocketdyne

Web site: http://www.pratt-whitney.com/

SoftBrands to Webcast Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2008 Conference Call December 4

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SoftBrands, Inc. , a global supplier of enterprise application software, will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss fourth quarter results on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time (4:00 pm Central Time).

This call is being webcast and can be accessed at SoftBrands' website at http://www.softbrands.com/ . Interested parties may also listen to the call by dialing 800-329-9097 or international 617-614-4929 (passcode: 78004714). The replay number is 888-286-8010 and international 617-801-6888 (passcode: 32733010). The audio replay will be available through Dec. 11, 2008 and a replay of the call will also be available on SoftBrands' website.

About SoftBrands

SoftBrands, Inc. is a leader in providing software solutions for businesses in the manufacturing and hospitality industries worldwide. The company has established a global infrastructure for distribution, development and support of enterprise software, and has approximately 5,000 customers in more than 100 countries actively using its manufacturing and hospitality products. SoftBrands, which has approximately 775 employees, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., with branch offices in Europe, India, Asia, Australia and Africa. Additional information can be found at http://www.softbrands.com/ .

Contact: Susan Eich +1 612 851 6205 susan.eich@softbrands.com

SoftBrands, Inc.

CONTACT: Susan Eich of SoftBrands, Inc., +1-612-851-6205,
susan.eich@softbrands.com

Web site: http://www.softbrands.com/

Sonic to Acquire CinemaNowAcquisition to Serve as Foundation of New Sonic Premium Content Group

NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Solutions(R) , the leader in digital media software, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CinemaNow, a privately held online entertainment provider based in Marina Del Rey, California. CinemaNow is at the forefront of digital video distribution, offering over 6,000 high-quality Hollywood movies, TV shows and music videos to users across multiple platforms. The company has relationships with more than 250 content providers, including all major Hollywood studios, and supplies premium entertainment services to a host of PC and consumer electronics device manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Samsung, TiVo, DivX, and ARCHOS.

Sonic(R) and CinemaNow recently announced a collaboration to enable the download and burn of DVD movies by integrating CinemaNow's content delivery system into new Qflix(TM) DVD drives. Qflix drives have recently become available from a number of companies including Dell, Pioneer and Plextor. CinemaNow will combine with Sonic's Qflix team to form a new Premium Content Group under the direction of Mark Ely, Sonic's EVP of Strategy. The group will focus on increasing the placement of CinemaNow's storefront on PCs and consumer electronics devices, and expanding the adoption of the Qflix technology platform.

"With broadband-connected consumer electronics hitting the market in ever greater numbers, there is a growing need for a service that gives consumers one-click access to premium entertainment on any device in the digital home," said David Cook, president and COO, CinemaNow. "The combination of CinemaNow's content and embedded device strategy with Sonic's technical prowess and broad PC and CE distribution promises to fulfill CinemaNow's original mission -- giving consumers easy access to the best of Hollywood from their PCs, TVs, mobile phones, or anywhere in their digital ecosystems."

"The digital delivery of premium content is at a tipping point," said Dave Habiger, president and CEO, Sonic Solutions. "By providing consumers and OEMs user-friendly content services and software that works across multiple platforms, we will make it possible for any device or PC manufacturer to add an online movie store of Hollywood hits to its products. With CinemaNow, we look forward to expanding and deepening our relationship with OEM and retail partners as well as with the millions of consumers that we touch today through our Roxio(R)-branded digital media applications and online services."

As the leading provider of professional software systems used in the creation of Hollywood titles on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Sonic has deep ties to the entertainment industry. Sonic's technology solutions and Roxio applications power the management and playback of Hollywood content on PCs and CE devices ranging from set-top DVD players and game consoles, to in-car entertainment systems and portable media players. CinemaNow's vast content libraries and innovative delivery systems will enable Sonic's product portfolio and technology expertise to span the entire premium entertainment supply chain -- from creation through distribution and consumption.

The acquisition is expected to close shortly. Conference Call Details

Sonic will conduct an investor conference call at 1:30 p.m. PST, or 4:30 p.m. EST, today to discuss details of the transaction. Investors are invited to listen to Sonic's conference call on the 'investor relations - webcast' section of Sonic's website at http://www.sonic.com/ or by dialing 877-591-4959 (for domestic callers) or 719-325-4885 (for international callers). A replay of the web cast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call. An audio replay of the conference call will also be made available shortly after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until midnight PST November 22, 2008, and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 (for domestic callers) or 719-457-0820 (for international callers) and entering the passcode 9174829.

About CinemaNow

CinemaNow, Inc. (http://www.cinemanow.com/) is an innovator in digital entertainment technology, delivering high-quality Hollywood movies, TV shows and music videos to users across multiple platforms. Founded in 1999, CinemaNow has partnered with some of the biggest brands in consumer electronics and digital entertainment including ARCHOS, EchoStar Communications, Hewlett-Packard, Macrovision, Microsoft, Samsung, and Technicolor to deliver thousands of video titles directly to consumers. CinemaNow works with more than 250 licensors including 20th Century Fox, Disney, EMI, HDNet, IFC, Lionsgate, MGM, Miramax, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Sony, Sundance Channel, Vivendi Entertainment and Warner Bros.

About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions (Nasdaq: SNIC; http://www.sonic.com/) enables the creation, management, and enjoyment of digital media content through its Hollywood to Home(TM) products, services, and technologies. Sonic's products range from the advanced authoring systems used to produce Hollywood DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles to the award-winning Roxio-branded photo, video, music, and digital-media management applications and services. Sonic's patented technologies and AuthorScript(R) media engine are relied upon by leading technology firms to define rich media experiences on a wide array of consumer electronics, mobile devices, set-top players, retail kiosks, and PCs. Always an innovator, Sonic has taken a leading role in helping professional and consumer markets make the successful transition to the new high-definition media formats and, through the Qflix(TM) platform, Sonic is defining new models for the digital distribution of Hollywood entertainment. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release and the conference call to discuss the CinemaNow acquisition contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are made as of the date of this press release based upon our current expectations. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenue, projected costs, projected savings, prospects, plans, opportunities, and objectives constitute "forward-looking statements." The words "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "potential" or "continue" and similar types of expressions identify such statements, although not all forward- looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to expectations regarding the expected closing date of the CinemaNow acquisition and the distribution and the market acceptance of CinemaNow technologies and services. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: risks related to the acquisition and the integration of CinemaNow's assets, personnel and systems; the negative impact of current macroeconomic conditions on consumers and associated impact on their ability and inclination to spend on leisure and entertainment related activities and related software and electronics; the timely introduction and acceptance of new products and services, including but not limited to the rate of acceptance of Sonic's Qflix initiative, online services and high-definition products by content owners, original equipment manufacturers and consumers; competing products and services that may, now or in the future, be available to consumers; pricing pressures associated with products or services offered by current or future competitors; Sonic's ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and continue to fund its capital needs; the costs associated with new product and service introductions and the possible adverse effects on gross margins; fluctuations in demand for Sonic products and services; unforeseen increases in operating expenses; loss of significant customers, major distributors or key suppliers; and risks associated with international operations. Additional discussion of these and other risks, uncertainties and factors affecting Sonic's business, prospects and future results is contained in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements unless otherwise required by law.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, AuthorScript, Hollywood to Home, Qflix, and Roxio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sonic Solutions in the United States and/or other countries. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used under license.

Sonic Solutions

CONTACT: Chris Taylor of Sonic Solutions, +1-408-367-5231,
chris_taylor@sonic.com

Web site: http://www.sonic.com/
http://www.cinemanow.com/

McClatchy Reports October 2008 Revenues

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The McClatchy Company today reported that consolidated revenues in October 2008 decreased 17.8% and advertising revenues were down 20.4% compared to revenues in October 2007. The Company noted that the declines in print advertising were partially offset by a 12.4% gain in online advertising revenues in October 2008 compared to October 2007. For the first ten months of the year, total revenues declined 15.5% and advertising revenues declined 17.4%. Online advertising grew 10.9% in the first ten months of 2008.

Pat Talamantes, McClatchy's chief financial officer, said, "October advertising activity turned out to be similar to recent months. The economic slowdown continues to hurt consumer confidence and as a result negatively impacts our advertising customers in the local markets we serve. Online advertising continues to be a bright spot for the company, with online advertising up in all categories except employment advertising. In fact, when employment advertising, which has declined both in print and online as a result of the nation-wide slow down in hiring, is excluded our online advertising revenue was up 57.6% in October 2008 compared to October 2007."

Advertising revenue performance at the company's newspapers is summarized in McClatchy's statistical report that follows.

About McClatchy

The McClatchy Company is the third largest newspaper company in the United States, with 30 daily newspapers, approximately 50 non-dailies, and direct marketing and direct mail operations. McClatchy also operates leading local websites in each of its markets which extend its audience reach. The websites offer users comprehensive news and information, advertising, e-commerce and other services. Together with its newspapers and direct marketing products, these interactive operations make McClatchy the leading local media company in each of its premium high growth markets. McClatchy-owned newspapers include The Miami Herald, The Sacramento Bee, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Kansas City Star, The Charlotte Observer, and The (Raleigh) News & Observer. McClatchy also owns a portfolio of premium digital assets, including 14.4% of CareerBuilder, the nation's largest online job site, and 25.6% of Classified Ventures, a newspaper industry partnership that offers two of the nation's premier classified websites: the auto website, cars.com, and the rental site, apartments.com. McClatchy is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.

Additional Information:

Statements in this press release regarding future financial and operating results, including revenues, operating expenses, cash flows, debt levels, as well as future opportunities for the company and any other statements about management's future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: the duration and depth of an economic recession in markets where McClatchy operates its newspapers may reduce its income and cash flow greater than expected; McClatchy may not consummate contemplated transactions which may enable debt reduction on anticipated terms or at all; McClatchy may not achieve its expense reduction targets or may do harm to its operations in attempting to achieve such targets; McClatchy's operations have been, and will likely continue to be, adversely affected by competition, including competition from internet publishing and advertising platforms; McClatchy's expense and income levels could be adversely affected by changes in the cost of newsprint and McClatchy's operations could be negatively affected by any deterioration in its labor relations, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's publicly filed documents, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2007, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. McClatchy disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this release.

***The McClatchy Company*** Consolidated Statistical Report (In thousands, except for preprints) October Combined Revenues - Net: 2008 2007 % Change Advertising Retail $75,622 $84,923 -11.0% National 15,555 18,056 -13.9% Classified Total 40,363 62,830 -35.8% Automotive 10,302 14,831 -30.5% Real Estate 10,714 18,303 -41.5% Employment 10,658 20,729 -48.6% Other 8,689 8,967 -3.1% Direct Marketing 12,783 15,635 -18.2% Other Advertising 206 158 30.4% Total Advertising $144,529 $181,602 -20.4% Circulation 25,328 26,221 -3.4% Other 6,186 6,356 -2.7% Total Revenues $176,043 $214,179 -17.8% Advertising Revenues by Market: California $25,587 $33,275 -23.1% Florida 21,595 27,374 -21.1% Texas 15,416 18,667 -17.4% Southeast 42,318 53,453 -20.8% Midwest 23,122 27,684 -16.5% Northwest 16,484 20,567 -19.9% Other 7 582 -98.8% Total Advertising $144,529 $181,602 -20.4% Print Only Revenues - Net: 2008 2007 % Change Advertising Retail $70,764 $82,518 -14.2% National 13,773 17,071 -19.3% Classified Total 30,627 51,654 -40.7% Automotive 7,536 12,604 -40.2% Real Estate 9,090 16,978 -46.5% Employment 6,205 13,727 -54.8% Other 7,796 8,345 -6.6% Direct Marketing 12,783 15,635 -18.2% Other Advertising 206 158 30.4% Total Advertising $128,153 $167,036 -23.3% Advertising Revenues by Market: California $22,807 $31,011 -26.5% Florida 19,475 25,730 -24.3% Texas 13,671 17,351 -21.2% Southeast 37,194 48,589 -23.5% Midwest 20,216 25,265 -20.0% Northwest 14,790 18,609 -20.5% Other 0 481 -100.0% Total Advertising $128,153 $167,036 -23.3% Advertising Statistics for Dailies: Full Run ROP Linage 2,502.8 3,147.7 -20.5% Millions of Preprints Distributed 585.3 669.0 -12.5% Average Paid Circulation:* Daily 2,561.7 2,772.7 -7.6% Sunday 3,171.7 3,349.7 -5.3% Online Only Revenues - Net: 2008 2007 % Change Advertising Retail $4,858 $2,405 102.0% National 1,782 985 80.9% Classified Total 9,736 11,176 -12.9% Automotive 2,766 2,227 24.2% Real Estate 1,624 1,325 22.6% Employment 4,453 7,002 -36.4% Other 893 622 43.6% Direct Marketing Other Advertising Total Advertising $16,376 $14,566 12.4% Advertising Revenues by Market: California $2,780 $2,264 22.8% Florida 2,120 1,644 29.0% Texas 1,745 1,316 32.6% Southeast 5,124 4,864 5.3% Midwest 2,906 2,419 20.1% Northwest 1,694 1,958 -13.5% Other 7 101 -93.1% Total Advertising $16,376 $14,566 12.4% * Reflects average paid circulation based upon number of days in period. Does not reflect ABC reported figures. ***The McClatchy Company*** Consolidated Statistical Report (In thousands, except for preprints) October Year-to-Date Combined Revenues - Net: 2008 2007 % Change Advertising Retail $644,292 $708,801 -9.1% National 123,947 150,990 -17.9% Classified Total 437,149 613,236 -28.7% Automotive 115,092 143,095 -19.6% Real Estate 110,648 176,536 -37.3% Employment 132,546 215,911 -38.6% Other 78,863 77,694 1.5% Direct Marketing 118,191 129,166 -8.5% Other Advertising 1,418 1,726 -17.8% Total Advertising $1,324,997 $1,603,919 -17.4% Circulation 223,938 235,803 -5.0% Other 56,694 61,387 -7.6% Total Revenues $1,605,629 $1,901,109 -15.5% Advertising Revenues by Market: California $237,915 $307,392 -22.6% Florida 192,887 248,702 -22.4% Texas 145,273 165,743 -12.4% Southeast 388,093 458,090 -15.3% Midwest 205,959 234,364 -12.1% Northwest 153,978 184,288 -16.4% Other 892 5,340 -83.3% Total Advertising $1,324,997 $1,603,919 -17.4% Print Only Revenues - Net: 2008 2007 % Change Advertising Retail $606,447 $687,856 -11.8% National 110,240 144,619 -23.8% Classified Total 333,320 500,431 -33.4% Automotive 87,687 122,632 -28.5% Real Estate 95,958 163,890 -41.4% Employment 78,577 141,736 -44.6% Other 71,098 72,173 -1.5% Direct Marketing 118,191 129,166 -8.5% Other Advertising 1,418 1,726 -17.8% Total Advertising $1,169,616 $1,463,798 -20.1% Advertising Revenues by Market: California $212,786 $285,524 -25.5% Florida 171,765 230,846 -25.6% Texas 131,407 153,885 -14.6% Southeast 338,350 411,556 -17.8% Midwest 179,249 212,162 -15.5% Northwest 136,059 165,595 -17.8% Other 0 4,230 -100.0% Total Advertising $1,169,616 $1,463,798 -20.1% Advertising Statistics for Dailies: Full Run ROP Linage 23,343.7 27,649.9 -15.6% Millions of Preprints Distributed 5,335.6 5,603.3 -4.8% Average Paid Circulation:* Daily 2,605.0 2,736.8 -4.8% Sunday 3,226.5 3,380.4 -4.6% Online Only Revenues - Net: 2008 2007 % Change Advertising Retail $37,845 $20,945 80.7% National 13,707 6,371 115.1% Classified Total 103,829 112,805 -8.0% Automotive 27,405 20,463 33.9% Real Estate 14,690 12,646 16.2% Employment 53,969 74,175 -27.2% Other 7,765 5,521 40.6% Direct Marketing Other Advertising Total Advertising $155,381 $140,121 10.9% Advertising Revenues by Market: California $25,129 $21,868 14.9% Florida 21,122 17,856 18.3% Texas 13,866 11,858 16.9% Southeast 49,743 46,534 6.9% Midwest 26,710 22,202 20.3% Northwest 17,919 18,693 -4.1% Other 892 1,110 -19.6% Total Advertising $155,381 $140,121 10.9% * Reflects average paid circulation based upon number of days in period. Does not reflect ABC reported figures.

The McClatchy Company

CONTACT: Elaine Lintecum of The McClatchy Company, +1-916-321-1846,
elintecum@mcclatchy.com

Web site: http://www.mcclatchy.com/

Aon eSolutions Participates in Honoring Marriott International as Theodore Roosevelt Award WinnerRecognition for Excellence in Workers' Compensation & Disability Management

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aon eSolutions, the client technology arm of Aon Corporation , today participated in honoring its client Marriott International at the Workers' Compensation & Disability Conference luncheon, where Marriott received the Theodore Roosevelt Workers' Compensation & Disability Management Award -- called the "Teddy Award" for short.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO)

Each year, the Teddy Award committee honors companies and non-profit organizations for their achievements in reducing the number and cost of employee work-related injuries. The award was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who in 1908 introduced and promoted the first piece of important workers' compensation legislation in the United States.

"Innovation, excellence, and service have been the key driving forces within our program," said Bob Steggert, vice president of casualty claims at Marriott International. "As a lodging leader, Marriott has a tradition of providing exceptional quality, service, and value at our hotels. In keeping with this tradition, our workers' compensation and disability management program has experienced outstanding performance and results over the five-year period analyzed for this award. A key part of this success was Aon eSolutions and its iVOS system, which serves as our centralized claims hub."

"We're happy to have played a role in Marriott's program," said Randy Wheeler, managing director of Aon eSolutions. "We knew Marriott had a unique blend of advanced technology, enterprise loss control, world-class safety, nurse advocacy, and supplemental return-to-work-which resulted in nothing less than a cutting-edge program and it's the reason we nominated our client for the award. We're thrilled Marriott won; Bob and his team are very deserving of this honor."

About Aon

Aon eSolutions is the client technology solutions arm of Aon Corporation. We provide innovative products, services and solutions to meet the diverse and varied needs of risk and insurance professionals. Our best-in-class systems -- iVOS, RiskConsole, AonLine, and SafetyLogic -- provide an unparalleled and integrated risk and insurance technology suite. This award-winning technology streamlines business processes and optimizes resources through a personalized and configurable approach and has resulted in measurable value for our clients. For more information on Aon eSolutions, log onto http://www.aon-esolutions.com/.

Aon Corporation is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting. Through its 36,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources, technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008 Insurance Survey. In 2008, Aon ranked highest on the Business Insurance ranking of the world's largest insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues. Aon also was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one insurance broker based on brokerage revenues in 2007 and 2008, and was voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Business Insurance. Sign up to receive Aon news alerts by email or RSS feed at: http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=58.

Media Contact: Tammy Delatorre 661-775-0550 tammydelatorre@yahoo.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Aon Corporation

CONTACT: Tammy Delatorre, +1-661-775-0550, tammydelatorre@yahoo.com, for
Aon Corporation

Web site: http://www.aon.com/

Firefighters, Evacuees Relying on Verizon Wireless Network, Relief EffortsNetwork performance and free airtime making an impact

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As multiple fires threaten communities throughout Southern California, Verizon Wireless' network is delivering reliable wireless coverage and service to keep emergency responders and customers connected. During peak hours of usage in the areas directly affected by the wildfires, traffic on the Verizon Wireless network was up 75 percent over a typical day. All cell sites in the affected areas have continued to process calls and data transmissions during the crisis. Generators from the company's emergency fleet are providing power where commercial power is still out.

Support for emergency responders

Verizon Wireless has donated equipment and service to 19 government agencies, including fire departments and forestry services. To date, the company has donated:

-- More than 90 cell phones to make free phone calls to help battle fires and to keep in touch with family members and 20 BroadbandAccess wireless cards to provide free Internet access -- One repeater at the Orange County Fire Authority Command Center at Irvine Park Support for relief efforts

To assist evacuees, Verizon Wireless volunteers have staffed communication booths at Red Cross relief centers. Employee volunteer teams are shifted as shelters close and others open. Resources for the booths include a total of:

-- More than 100 cell phones to make free phone calls -- 35 BroadbandAccess wireless cards to access the Internet for free Network reliability

Verizon Wireless has made extensive investments and efforts to prepare its network for emergencies and provide the most reliable ongoing wireless service for residents and businesses. Last year, the company invested more than $650 million throughout California to strengthen and enhance its wireless network. The company invested more than $360 million during the first half of 2008. Highlights of Verizon Wireless' 2008 emergency preparation and network enhancements include:

-- The company has a fleet of Cells on Wheels (COWs) and Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs), and Generators on Trailers (GOaTs) that can be deployed to fire command centers or areas that need extra network capacity. -- Verizon Wireless has made arrangements for fuel delivery to mobile units and generators to keep the network operating at full strength even if power is lost for an extended period of time. -- The company has expanded its EV-DO Rev. A wireless broadband network throughout the region. This allows the most advanced wireless services (downloads, location-based applications, video messaging, etc.) and makes the network more reliable for usage by residents and emergency agencies. -- Verizon Wireless added an additional switch in southern California to manage hundreds of the company's cell sites to direct and manage traffic flow on the network. -- Verizon Wireless has invested more than $48 billion in the past eight years to enhance its digital wireless network across the nation. Tips for customers

To help wireless customers stay connected during an emergency, Verizon Wireless offers the following tips:

-- Save emergency phone numbers in your cell phone with one-touch dialing. -- Forward your home phone calls to your wireless number if you have to evacuate. -- Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and friends. -- Limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free up wireless networks for emergency agencies and operations. -- Send brief text messages rather than making voice calls for the same reasons. -- Have additional charged batteries and car-charger adapters available for back-up power. -- Keep phones, laptops, PDAs, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location. -- There's no need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot with BroadbandAccess -- Verizon Wireless' high-speed wireless broadband service gives users mobile access to e-mail and the Internet at broadband speeds. About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 70.8 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Ken Muche of Verizon Wireless, +1-949-286-8193,
Ken.Muche@verizonwireless.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

Mercury Computer Systems Elects William O'Brien to its Board of Directors

CHELMSFORD, Mass., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. , a leading provider of embedded, high-performance computing solutions for image, sensor, and signal processing applications, has elected William K. O'Brien to its Board of Directors.

Mr. O'Brien was Chairman and CEO of Enterasys Networks from April 2002 until March 2006. In this role, he initiated substantial changes in management, products, cost structure, and strategy. Prior to that, he built a 30-year career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served in a number of roles including Chief Operating Officer of the former Coopers & Lybrand, with responsibility for the audit, tax, and financial advisory components of the U.S. business; Managing Partner for the Boston office; and Deputy Chairman in the New York-based National office, responsible for international operations and the development of core competitive competencies.

Mr. O'Brien has served on numerous boards over the years including Camp Dresser & McKee, Color Kinetics, Enterasys Networks, Bentley College, Caritas Christi, The Boston Chamber of Commerce, and The Pike School.

"We're pleased to welcome Bill to the Board, and to add to the team his wealth of experience and knowledge in driving innovation and performance improvement," said Mark Aslett, President and CEO of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.

Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. - Where Challenges Drive Innovation(TM)

Mercury Computer Systems (http://www.mc.com/, NASDAQ: MRCY) provides embedded computing systems and software that combine image, signal, and sensor processing with information management for data-intensive applications. With deep expertise in optimizing algorithms and software and in leveraging industry-standard technologies, we work closely with customers to architect comprehensive, purpose-built solutions that capture, process, and present data for defense electronics, homeland security, and other computationally challenging commercial markets. Our dedication to performance excellence and collaborative innovation continues a 25-year history in enabling customers to gain the competitive advantage they need to stay at the forefront of the markets they serve.

Mercury is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and serves customers worldwide through a broad network of direct sales offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.

Contact: Robert Hult, Chief Financial Officer Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. 978-967-1990 / rhult@mc.com

Challenges Drive Innovation is a trademark of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030930/MERCURYCSLOGO Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Robert Hult, Chief Financial Officer of Mercury Computer
Systems, Inc., +1-978-967-1990, rhult@mc.com

Web Site: http://www.mc.com/

Raven Industries Announces Higher Sales and Earnings for Third Quarter

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raven Industries, Inc. today reported strong demand for Flow Controls Division products lifted revenues and earnings to new highs for the third quarter and year-to-date ended October 31, 2008.

Flow Controls Leads Improved Results for Three and Nine Months

Sales for the third quarter grew 22 percent to $75.5 million compared with $61.8 million at this time last year. While Flow Controls continued to be the largest contributor to growth, Engineered Films and Aerostar also experienced double-digit percentage increases in revenues. Net income for the latest three months, at $8.4 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, rose 13 percent from $7.4 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, for the third quarter one year earlier.

For the nine months, sales of $220.0 million represented a 25 percent improvement from last year's $175.6 million. Net income for the year-to-date expanded 20 percent to $26.1 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, versus $21.8 million, or $1.20 per diluted share.

"The third quarter represented a continuation of the trends we saw in our first and second quarters," said Ronald M. Moquist, chief executive officer. "Flow Controls resellers and customers remained optimistic through the third quarter as demand for our products continued to be driven by the need to enhance grower efficiency in the face of lower crop prices. Operating margin growth at Aerostar came as this business continued to execute on contracts for protective wear. The combination of stronger earnings at these two operations once again more than made up for lower operating profit at Engineered Films and Electronic Systems, which still face soft and highly competitive construction and home-improvement markets."

Higher Revenues, Lower Profits at Engineered Films

Engineered Films Division saw 23 percent growth in third quarter sales, to $26.8 million from $21.8 million at this time last year. This primarily reflected an increase in volume rather than higher selling prices. Operating income, at $3.7 million, was down 7 percent compared with $4.0 million for last year's three months.

Revenues for the year-to-date were $75.3 million, a 16 percent improvement over $65.1 million at this time last year. Operating earnings of $11.1 million were off 22 percent from the $14.3 million seen in last year's nine months as increased raw material costs outstripped the division's ability to raise prices.

"Engineered Films' quarterly revenues again reflected high levels of demand from the oil and gas industry, particularly for pit and pond liners, and geomembranes," Moquist stated. "We also have had good success with our new FeedFresh(TM) silage cover, with its unique oxygen barrier that prevents spoilage. Our long-term direction for this operation is to invest in new products made possible by the capacity expansion we completed last year, to keep tight control of costs and capital expenditures, and to manage raw material inventories in a volatile resin market."

U.S. and International Growth at Flow Controls

For the quarter, sales at the Flow Controls Division expanded 61 percent from a year ago, to $25.9 million versus $16.1 million. This resulted from strong shipments to international markets as well as in the U.S. A 64 percent increase occurred in operating income, to $8.0 million from last year's $4.9 million.

Year-to-date revenues were up 75 percent, reaching $83.5 million from $47.7 million. International sales accounted for 18 percent of revenues during this period, and increased by 91 percent versus last year's nine months. Operating income nearly doubled, to $28.6 million compared with $14.6 million at this time last year.

"Third quarter revenues remained strong," said Moquist. "While all our products performed well during the quarter, our field computers showed the highest growth in demand based on their ability to lower input costs by improving accuracy and control in virtually every production area. This quarter, we introduced the Switch Pro(TM) control console, which provides product control and boom section control to customers that want to upgrade from their existing SCS spray consoles to our field computers more easily. We strive to lead the market with new advances in precision ag technology."

Lower Results at Electronic Systems

Electronic Systems Division sales for the third quarter were $17.9 million compared with $20.3 million, off 12 percent. Operating income, at $1.8 million, decreased 49 percent from $3.5 million for last year's three months.

Sales for the nine months were down 11 percent, to $45.9 million versus $51.5 million a year ago. Operating income was $3.7 million versus $8.4 million for last year's nine months, a 56 percent reduction.

"The trends that have been leading to lower earnings in this business all year are still present," said Moquist. "These include lower levels of new home construction and home improvements negatively affecting our bed-control deliveries, and the loss of a significant account through an acquisition. In addition, in the third quarter we faced a tough comparison with a particularly strong period a year ago. But we are making progress here. We consolidated two manufacturing facilities and continued to provide circuit board assemblies to ease capacity constraints at Flow Controls. As a result, we are beginning to see some sequential improvement in operating margins: to 10.0 percent for the third quarter, from 8.4 percent in the second, and 4.8 percent in the first."

Continued Improvement at Aerostar

Aerostar's revenues reached $5.4 million in the latest three months versus $3.8 million at this time last year, a 42 percent improvement. Operating income tripled, reaching $912,000 compared to $299,000 for the year-ago quarter.

For the year-to-date, sales rose to $17.0 million from last year's $11.7 million, a 45 percent increase. Operating income of $2.4 million was up nearly three times from $817,000 for the nine months a year ago.

"Most of the third-quarter increase came from sales of protective wear," Moquist explained. "This more than offset a delay in shipments of MC-6 parachutes to the Army, which resumed in November."

Balance Sheet, Cash Flows, Remain Strong

On October 31, 2008, cash and investment balances were $31.2 million, up from $23.3 million on that date a year ago. The $7.9 million increase reflected continued solid cash flows from operations and modest capital spending.

"We are committed to returning excess cash flow to shareholders through share repurchases or a special dividend," said Moquist. "As a result, we paid a special dividend of $22.5 million, or $1.25 per share, after the close of our third quarter on November 14-in addition to our regular third quarter dividend of 13 cents per share. After both activities, we still had healthy cash and investment balances of more than $8 million."

Accounts receivable, at $44.3 million, were 26 percent higher than $35.1 million a year ago, due to stronger sales levels. Inventory was $40.5 million versus $32.3 million at the end of last year's third quarter. The 25 percent increase resulted from growth at Flow Controls, higher plastic resin prices for Engineered Films, and the delayed Aerostar parachute shipments.

Operating cash flows for the year-to-date reached $26.6 million, an 11 percent improvement over $23.9 million a year ago. Capital expenditures were a $5.6 million use of cash versus $5.1 million one year earlier. For the entire fiscal year, capital expenditures are expected to be in the $8-9 million range.

The company suspended its share repurchase program during the quarter, in favor of the special dividend. As a result, share repurchases to date this year totaled 161,000 for $5.2 million. Regular quarterly dividends of $7.0 million through the nine months represented an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2007.

Record Year Expected

"The demand for Flow Controls' products in the fourth quarter remains strong, but we expect this division's sales growth rate will come down from the unsustainable level seen in the third quarter," Moquist commented. "While crop prices have moderated from their earlier highs this year, growers in the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and Australia are still interested in reaping the benefits of the precision approach to agriculture that we offer. The environment is uncertain for Engineered Films. Over 40 percent of our third quarter sales came from the oil and gas industry. With softening oil prices, we have seen orders slow down in the fourth quarter. We have reduced staffing levels in this division by 42 employees due to the drop in demand. However, lower selling prices in a competitive marketplace could offset our operational efficiency and expense control efforts.

"We have lowered the cost base at Electronic Systems," Moquist continued. "The loss of a key account will continue to affect results through the fourth quarter, so comparisons are not expected to look better for Electronic Systems until next year. Aerostar should have an excellent fourth quarter, as the parachute orders delayed in the third quarter will ship in the current one. We also look forward to additional sales of tethered aerostats in the coming quarters.

"All of these factors should combine to give us relatively flat sales and net income for the fourth quarter, leading us to another record year. Our plans for the new fiscal year recognize that it will be a difficult period, and that we are not immune to an economic recession. For that reason, we continue to focus on cost, quality and new products to drive results. In addition, our strong operating discipline and balance sheet put us in a better position than most companies to succeed in tough times," Moquist concluded.

About Raven Industries, Inc.

Raven is an industrial manufacturer that provides electronic precision- agriculture products, reinforced plastic sheeting, electronics manufacturing services, and specialty aerostats and sewn products to niche markets.

Conference Call Information

Raven has scheduled a conference call Thursday, November 20 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its third quarter performance and related trends in its business. Interested investors are invited to listen to the call by visiting the company's Web site at http://www.ravenind.com/, or http://www.vcall.com/, a few minutes before the call to download the necessary software.

In addition, a taped rebroadcast will be available beginning one hour after the call ends, and will continue through November 27, 2008. To access the rebroadcast, dial 888-203-1112 and enter this passcode: 5285245. A replay of the call will also be available at http://www.ravenind.com/ for 90 days.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Without limiting the foregoing, the words, "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The company intends that all forward- looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance these assumptions are correct or that these expectations will be achieved. Assumptions involve important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to weather conditions and commodity prices, which could affect sales and profitability in some of the company's primary markets, such as agriculture, construction and oil and gas well drilling; or changes in competition, raw material availability, technology or relationships with the company's largest customers-any of which could adversely affect any of the company's product lines, as well as other risks described in Raven's 10-K under Item 1A. This list is not exhaustive, and the company does not have an obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date these statements are made.

For more information on Raven Industries, please visit http://www.ravenind.com/. FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW ... RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except earnings per share) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended October 31 October 31 Fav Fav (Unfav) (Unfav) 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change Net sales $75,538 $61,842 22% $219,982 $175,598 25% Cost of goods sold 57,537 46,543 164,180 129,518 Gross profit 18,001 15,299 18% 55,802 46,080 21% Selling, general and administrative expenses 5,630 4,359 16,478 13,759 Operating income 12,371 10,940 13% 39,324 32,321 22% Interest income and other, net (177) (314) (471) (815) Income before income taxes 12,548 11,254 11% 39,795 33,136 20% Income taxes 4,163 3,856 13,713 11,355 Net income $8,385 $7,398 13% $26,082 $21,781 20% Net income per common share: -basic $0.47 $0.41 15% $1.44 $1.20 20% -diluted $0.46 $0.41 12% $1.44 $1.20 20% Weighted average common shares outstanding: -basic 18,018 18,118 18,051 18,099 -diluted 18,073 18,241 18,105 18,203 RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. SALES AND OPERATING INCOME BY SEGMENT (In thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended October 31 October 31 Fav Fav (Unfav) (Unfav) 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change Net Sales: Engineered Films $26,829 $21,803 23% $75,338 $65,127 16% Flow Controls 25,892 16,081 61% 83,454 47,696 75% Electronic Systems 17,915 20,308 (12)% 45,933 51,487 (11)% Aerostar 5,444 3,827 42% 17,010 11,726 45% Intersegment Eliminations (542) (177) (1,753) (438) Total Company $75,538 $61,842 22% $219,982 $175,598 25% Operating Income (Loss): Engineered Films $3,718 $3,992 (7)% $11,097 $14,293 (22)% Flow Controls 8,022 4,889 64% 28,628 14,598 96% Electronic Systems 1,804 3,528 (49)% 3,683 8,421 (56)% Aerostar 912 299 205% 2,436 817 198% Intersegment Eliminations (8) 17 (11) (36) Total Segment Income 14,448 12,725 45,833 38,093 Corporate Expenses (2,077) (1,785) (16)% (6,509) (5,772)(13)% Total Company $12,371 $10,940 13% $39,324 $32,321 22% RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited) October 31 January 31 October 31 2008 2008 2007 ASSETS Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $31,194 $22,772 $23,274 Accounts receivable, net 44,307 36,538 35,119 Inventories 40,493 36,529 32,296 Other current assets 5,477 5,030 3,984 Total current assets 121,471 100,869 94,673 Property, plant and equipment, net 35,539 35,743 36,220 Other assets, net 10,905 11,249 11,310 $167,915 $147,861 $142,203 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable $11,365 $8,374 $8,174 Dividend payable 22,510 - - Accrued and other liabilities 15,551 13,734 12,588 Total current liabilities 49,426 22,108 20,762 Other liabilities 8,142 7,478 7,143 Shareholders' equity 110,347 118,275 114,298 $167,915 $147,861 $142,203 RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended October 31 2008 2007 Cash flows from operating activities Net income $26,082 $21,781 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 5,705 5,265 Deferred income taxes 21 (703) Other operating activities, net (5,239) (2,413) Net cash provided by operating activities 26,569 23,930 Cash flows from investing activities Capital expenditures (5,639) (5,139) Other investing activities, net 1,177 (315) Net cash used in investing activities (4,462) (5,454) Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid (7,032) (5,972) Purchase of treasury stock (5,180) (282) Other financing activities, net 93 242 Net cash used in financing activities (12,119) (6,012) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (66) 27 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 9,922 12,491 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 21,272 6,783 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 31,194 19,274 Short-term investments - 4,000 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $31,194 $23,274

Raven Industries, Inc.

CONTACT: Tom Iacarella, Vice President & CFO of Raven Industries, Inc.,
+1-605-336-2750; or Analyst Inquiries, Leslie Loyet, +1-312-640-6672, or Media
Inquiries, Tim Grace, +1-312-640-6667, both of Financial Relations Board, for
Raven Industries, Inc.

Web site: http://www.ravenind.com/

College Attributes Greater Student Achievement to McGraw-Hill Higher Education's Digital Solution by ALEKS CorporationPass rates averaged more than 70 percent higher for students who used the ALEKS system for three different developmental math courses.

NEW YORK, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Students nationwide who are required to take developmental math in college continue to struggle and fail at rates as high as 50 percent due mainly to inaccurate course placement and a lack of prerequisite knowledge necessary for the pace and rigor of college-level math courses. But a program at Middlesex County College in New Jersey is bucking that trend.

For the past 12 months, Middlesex has piloted ALEKS, a web-based software system developed by ALEKS Corporation and made available to colleges and universities nationwide by McGraw-Hill Higher Education, a leading provider of electronic and print learning materials. The objective of the college's pilot program was to increase student retention and foster continuing development of mathematics skills and understanding. The college previously used commonly available online homework systems, however, these trials met with limited success. Students found them difficult to understand and use. Even after successful implementation, homework management systems had a relatively small effect on learning outcomes specifically in developmental math courses.

In the pilot program, pass rates among the students taking developmental math courses that implemented ALEKS rose dramatically. For example, in the fall 2007, the pass rate jumped from 41 percent to 75 percent in the first semester of using ALEKS. In the spring 2008 semester, pass rates in courses that implemented ALEKS jumped to 79 percent compared to only 49 percent in traditional sections. More than 300 students participated in the pilot.

"ALEKS allows students to get through their math courses successfully and with confidence," said Dr. Maria DeLucia, chairperson of the Middlesex County College math department. "Given the college's success with the pilot program, we have expanded the use of the ALEKS system to other departmental courses, reaching many more students."

Kurt Strand, president, McGraw-Hill Higher Education Science, Mathematics and Engineering Group, said, "ALEKS is ideal for measuring a student's mathematical skills with precision. This successful pilot program at Middlesex County College demonstrates how McGraw-Hill is integrating technology into the classroom to help drive student achievement." ALEKS Corporation president Wil Lampros explained, "ALEKS is a powerful tool that zeros in on the strengths and weaknesses of a student's mathematical knowledge, reports its findings to the student and instructor and gives students a continuously updated personalized learning plan to remediate and build skills for success in future courses. The Middlesex pilot is a perfect example of how ALEKS can be used to solve placement problems, lower fail rates, and retain students."

McGraw-Hill Higher Education offers an array of digital products and learning tools designed to provide new paths to educational success for students and instructors. Developed by leading experts in content development and instructional technology, McGraw-Hill's digital products and services include online courses, ebooks, homework management programs, tutoring, assessment solutions and additional resources for students such as iPod content and online learning resources.

About McGraw-Hill Higher Education

McGraw-Hill Higher Education is a premier provider of teaching and learning solutions for the post-secondary and higher education markets worldwide. It is a unit of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/ .

About ALEKS Corporation

ALEKS Corporation is a leader in the creation of Web-based artificially intelligent educational software. ALEKS assessment and learning technologies were originally developed by a team of cognitive scientists and software engineers at the University of California, Irvine, with major funding from the National Science Foundation. ALEKS is founded on groundbreaking research into mathematical cognitive science. Through adaptive questioning, ALEKS accurately assesses a student's knowledge state, and then delivers targeted instruction on the topics a student is most ready to learn.

ALEKS has been used by millions of students in more than 50 academic subjects ranging from Basic Math to Precalculus at thousands of institutions throughout the world. For additional information, visit http://www.aleks.com/.

Contact: Tom Stanton Emily Wennerberg McGraw-Hill Education ALEKS Corporation (212) 904-3214 (714) 245-7191 x153 tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com emilyw@aleks.com

McGraw-Hill Higher Education

CONTACT: Tom Stanton
McGraw-Hill Education
(212) 904-3214
tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com
Emily Wennerberg
ALEKS Corporation
(714) 245-7191 x153
emilyw@aleks.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/
http://www.aleks.com/

Synopsys Unveils Breakthrough Modeling Technology to Address Library Data Size Explosion at 45-nm and BelowEnhanced Composite Current Source (CCS) Modeling Technology Reduces Library Data Size by 75 Percent; Improves EDA Tool Efficiency by up to 60 Percent

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Synopsys, Inc. , a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor design and manufacturing, today announced the introduction of breakthrough Composite Current Source (CCS) base curve modeling technology that reduces digital cell library file size by up to 75 percent while improving application tool runtime and capacity. Starting at 65-nanometers (nm), and becoming critical at 45-nanometers, increased process variation and low power design flows, such as multi-voltage design, require more library corners as well as more complete and accurate power modeling views, causing library file size to increase ten-fold over the previous node. This is presenting a major storage, distribution and EDA tool efficiency challenge for the semiconductor industry.

"Current source modeling is an essential library requirement at 65-nanometers and below process technologies," said Noboru Yokota, general manager, Technology Development Division, Common IP & Technology Development Unit, Fujitsu Microelectronics Ltd. "However, the increase in the number of corners and the library file size can cause a major bottleneck in library deployment and EDA tool efficiency. The enhanced CCS with base curve modeling technology is designed to deliver the smallest, most efficient libraries while maintaining the high accuracy necessary at the latest process geometry nodes."

Base curve technology is an innovative new approach that takes advantage of similarities in timing and power current waveforms across various grid points as well as various cells in the libraries to minimize the amount of data stored without any impact on accuracy. Besides helping reduce library file size by a factor of four, base curve technology improves application tool capacity and allows signoff tools such as the PrimeTime(R) solution to run up to 60 percent faster. The enhanced CCS library format with base curve syntax has been approved by the Liberty(TM) Technical Advisory Board (TAB), a program of the IEEE Industry Standards and Technology Organization (IEEE-ISTO), and is available for immediate download at http://www.opensourceliberty.org/.

"It's great to see the Liberty TAB members collaborating to address real world challenges facing the semiconductor industry at the latest 45-nanometer process technology node," said Peter Lefkin, chief operating officer of the IEEE-ISTO. "The fast pace of innovation in the Liberty library modeling standard will help the industry coalesce around a single standard to improve tool interoperability and speed design flows, offering tremendous benefits to the EDA user community."

About OpenSourceLiberty.org

Open Source Liberty is a comprehensive online resource for the Liberty library modeling standard. In addition to providing up-to-date Liberty format specifications and related tools for download, this site hosts the Liberty Discussion Forum, where members of the semiconductor community can interact with each other and discuss topics relating to Liberty and the Composite Current Source (CCS) modeling technology.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. is a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA), supplying the global electronics market with the software, intellectual property (IP) and services used in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Synopsys' comprehensive, integrated portfolio of implementation, verification, IP, manufacturing and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) solutions helps address the key challenges designers and manufacturers face today, such as power and yield management, system-to-silicon verification and time-to-results. These technology-leading solutions help give Synopsys customers a competitive edge in bringing the best products to market quickly while reducing costs and schedule risk. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has more than 60 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Asia and India. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com/.

Synopsys, Liberty and PrimeTime are registered trademarks or trademarks of Synopsys, Inc. Any other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.

Editorial Contacts: Sheryl Gulizia Synopsys, Inc. 650-584-8635 sgulizia@synopsys.com Lisa Gillette-Martin MCA, Inc. 650-968-8900 x115 lgmartin@mcapr.com

Synopsys, Inc.

CONTACT: Sheryl Gulizia of Synopsys, Inc., +1-650-584-8635,
sgulizia@synopsys.com; or Lisa Gillette-Martin of MCA, Inc., +1-650-968-8900,
ext. 115, lgmartin@mcapr.com, for Synopsys, Inc.

Web site: http://www.synopsys.com/

PacificNet CEO Presents at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PacificNet Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PACT), a leading provider of e-commerce and gaming technology in China, announced today that its CEO, Mr. Victor Tong, presented at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E, http://www.globalgamingexpo.com/ ) in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 2 PM. Mr. Tong presented at a conference session on global gaming titled "Cultural Attitudes: Technology in International Gaming Environments". In addition, Mr. Tong and other key executives of PacificNet are attending the G2E and to meet with customers, business partners, institutional investors and analysts in the gaming industry during the week of the G2E in Las Vegas.

Conference Presentation Information: Cultural Attitudes: Technology in International Gaming Environments Room: N112 ~ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Tuesday, November 18, 2008) http://g2e2008.conferencepath.com/program/?action=viewtrack&trackID=526

The choices in gaming technology are numerous. How to evaluate gaming technology that works in venues other than where it was developed, is adaptive to a given country's gaming idiosyncrasies, is multi-lingual and culturally sensitive, and is cost-effective. Learn from vendors and operators who have dealt with this issue in various international situations.

Moderator: Catherine Burns - Vice President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Bally Technologies, Inc.

Speakers: Kurt Quartier - Vice President International Casino Markets, International Game Technology (IGT)

Jim Morrow - Vice President R&D, Global Games and Platforms, Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

Victor Tong - President & CEO, PacificNet, Inc.

Joseph Pisano - Executive Director & Executive Vice President, Elixir Gaming Technologies, Inc.

"We are honored to be invited back to speak at the G2E for a second straight year," said Mr. Tong. "All leading industry players are attending the G2E and as such, we look forward to showing our latest products and updating attending analysts and investors on our latest developments."

The G2E, held November 18-20, is the world's largest and premier gaming event where gaming executives, buyers, and industry professionals meet each November in Las Vegas to conduct serious business. It is the most in-depth source of new products, networking, ideas and information on the planet. G2E showcases 750+ exhibitors, 140+ conference sessions, exciting special events and F&B at G2E, the only F&B event for the gaming industry.

About PACT

PacificNet (PACT) is a leading provider of gaming and mobile game technology worldwide with a focus on emerging markets in Asia, Latin America and Europe. PacificNet's gaming products are localized to their specific markets creating an enhanced user experience for players and larger profits for operators. PacificNet's gaming clients include the leading hotels, casinos, and gaming operators in Macau, Europe and elsewhere around the world. PacificNet also maintains legacy subsidiaries in the call center and e- commerce business in China. PacificNet employs about 500 staff in its various subsidiaries with offices in the US, Hong Kong, Macau, and China. For more information please visit http://www.pacificnet.com/ and http://www.pactgame.com/ .

For more information, please contact: PacificNet USA office: Jacob Lakhany Tel: +1-605-229-6678 Email: investor@pacificnet.com

PacificNet Inc.

CONTACT: PacificNet USA Office: Jacob Lakhany at +1-605-229-6678 or
ir@pacificnet.com

Web site: http://www.pacificnet.com/
http://www.pactgame.com/
http://www.globalgamingexpo.com/

exiderdome's Visit to Charlotte Cancelled

ATLANTA, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. announced today that exiderdome's stop in Charlotte will be cancelled. After successful stops in four U.S. cities and nearly 5,000 visitors, exiderdome cannot be transferred from a barge to land for the second half of its U.S. tour, due to legal disputes involving key logistics suppliers. The company is currently exploring options for rescheduling the visit to Charlotte after exiderdome's stop in Houston.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )

Alternatively called The World of Automation, exiderdome combines technology displays and expertise delivered through learning events to demonstrate how Siemens brings more to its customers in the manufacturing and commercial facilities segments than any other automation company. For the first half of its U.S. tour, exiderdome was on a barge. After its visit to New York City, exiderdome was scheduled to be taken off the barge and transferred by trucks to remaining five U.S. cities. In addition to Charlotte, which was originally scheduled for Dec. 8-12, 2008, exiderdome is scheduled to visit Orlando (Feb. 2-6, 2009), Los Angeles (March 5-11, 2009), Denver (April 6-10, 2009) and Houston (May 4-8, 2009).

"exiderdome is about generating conversations with our customers and between our customers about best practices, innovations and the challenges facing industry," said Thomas Varney, vice president of communications at Siemens Energy & Automation. "While these legal disputes have resulted in the cancellation of exiderdome in Charlotte, our customers are hungry for ways to improve their efficiency and productivity to remain competitive in the current economic landscape, so we will try to reschedule the visit to Charlotte."

"More than two years and countless hours have been devoted to making exiderdome an extremely rewarding experience for our customers, prospective customers, channel partners, employees and the communities in which Siemens serves," said Varney. "We have received positive feedback from everyone who has experienced exiderdome, so Siemens is doing everything it can to help resolve these issues. We are confident these legal issues will be resolved quickly and exiderdome will resume its scheduled tour of the United States."

About Siemens:

Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. is one of Siemens' operating companies in the U.S. Headquartered in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Ga., Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. manufactures and markets one of the world's broadest ranges of electrical and electronic products, systems and services to industrial and construction market customers. Its technologies range from circuit protection and energy management systems to process control, industrial software and totally integrated automation solutions. The company also has expertise in systems integration, technical services and turnkey industrial systems. For more information: http://www.sea.siemens.com/.

Siemens AG is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and operates in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With nearly 400,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide sales of $96.6 billion in fiscal 2007. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA reported sales of $19.8 billion and employs approximately 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information on Siemens in the United States, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.

CONTACT: Michael Krampe of Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.,
+1-770-751-2211, michael.krampe@siemens.com

Web Site: http://www.sea.siemens.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/908731.html

Fire Fighters, Evacuees Relying on Verizon Wireless Network, Relief EffortsNetwork performance and free airtime making an impact

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As multiple fires threaten communities throughout southern California, Verizon Wireless' network is delivering reliable wireless coverage and service to keep emergency responders and customers connected. During peak hours of usage in the areas directly affected by the wild fires, traffic on the Verizon Wireless network was up 75% over a typical day. All cell sites in the affected areas have continued to process calls and data transmissions during the crisis. Generators from our emergency fleet are providing power where commercial power is still out.

Support for emergency responders

Verizon Wireless has donated equipment and service to nineteen government agencies, including fire departments and forestry services. To date, the company has donated:

-- More than 90 cell phones to make free phone calls to help battle fires and to keep in touch with family members and 20 BroadbandAccess wireless cards to provide free Internet access -- 1 repeater at the Orange County Fire Authority command center at Irvine Park Support for relief efforts

-- More than 100 cell phones to make free phone calls -- 35 BroadbandAccess wireless cards to access the Internet for free Network reliability

-- The company has a fleet of Cells on Wheels (COWs) and Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs), and Generators on Trailers (GOaTs) that can be deployed to fire command centers or areas that need extra network capacity. -- Verizon Wireless has made arrangements for fuel delivery to mobile units and generators to keep the network operating at full strength even if power is lost for an extended period of time. -- The company has expanded its Rev. A EV-DO wireless broadband network throughout the region. This allows the most advanced wireless services (downloads, location-based applications, video messaging, etc.) and makes the network more reliable for usage by residents and emergency agencies. -- Verizon Wireless added an additional switch in southern California to manage hundreds of the company's cell sites to direct and manage traffic flow on the network.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion in the past eight years to enhance its digital wireless network across the nation.

Tips for customers

To help wireless customers stay connected during an emergency Verizon Wireless offers the following tips:

-- Save emergency phone numbers in your cell phone with one-touch dialing -- Forward your home phone calls to your wireless number if you have to evacuate -- Distribute wireless phone numbers to family members and friends -- Limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free-up wireless networks for emergency agencies and operations -- Send brief text messages rather than making voice calls for the same reasons -- Have additional charged batteries and car-charger adapters available for back-up power -- Keep phones, laptops, PDAs, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location -- There's no need to find a WiFi hotspot with BroadbandAccess -- Verizon Wireless' high-speed wireless broadband service gives users mobile access to email and the Internet at broadband speeds About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Ken Muche of Verizon Wireless, +1-949-286-8193,
Ken.Muche@VerizonWireless.com

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

Michael Gregoire Joins ShoreTel Board of DirectorsAdds Broad Experience, Long Track Record of Leading Successful Companies

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ShoreTel(R) , a leading provider of Pure IP Unified Communications (UC) solutions, today announced that Mike Gregoire, chairman, president and CEO of Taleo Corporation, has joined the ShoreTel board of directors. Gregoire brings an impressive range of relevant experience in services, sales, and growth environments to the role, as well as extensive skills in global leadership, strategic direction and technology development.

BACKGROUND ON MICHAEL GREGOIRE -- Taleo: Gregoire is currently chairman, president and CEO of Taleo Corporation, a global on-demand talent management software company. In September 2005, Gregoire led the company through a successful IPO and has grown revenue from $78 million in 2005 to $128 million in 2007. -- PeopleSoft: As executive vice president of PeopleSoft Global Services (PGS), Gregoire was responsible for setting strategic business direction and overseeing the global operations of PeopleSoft Global Services (PGS) divisions, including PeopleSoft Consulting, PeopleSoft Education, PeopleSoft Customer service, and PeopleSoft Hosting. He led a workforce of more than 4,000 professionals, and was responsible for more than $2 billion in annual revenue. Gregoire also designed and implemented a global organizational services structure that increased revenue from $460 million in 2000 to more than $1 billion in 2004. -- EDS: Gregoire spent 12 years at EDS Corporation excelling in several leadership roles, which include his most recent position as executive director of the global financial markets group. In his role as chief technologist of the $50 million manufacturing and energy group, Gregoire led the technology strategy for EDS' Canadian manufacturing division and was the technology spokesperson for EDS Canada. As executive director of the global banking and securities business unit of EDS, he drove improvements in sales, delivery, marketing, and strategy, increasing revenue from $6 million in 1996 to more than $500 million in 1999. QUOTES

John W. Combs, chairman, president and CEO, ShoreTel: "We are extremely fortunate to be able to add Mike to the ShoreTel board. His tremendous insight and experience will prove invaluable as ShoreTel continues its steady growth and matures into a long-established public company and a heavyweight brand in the unified communications industry."

Mike Gregoire, board of directors, ShoreTel - chairman, president and CEO, Taleo Corporation:

"ShoreTel has a powerfully attractive combination of industry-changing technologies that can make businesses more efficient and drive down their communications costs. I look forward to working with the talented group of executives at ShoreTel and to helping the board achieve this innovative company's full potential."

MULTIMEDIA ShoreTel chairman, president & CEO John W. Combs (hi-res version here) RELATED LINKS & CONVERSATION -- ShoreTel Customer Success Stories -- ShoreTel blog -- ShoreTel awards About ShoreTel, Inc.

ShoreTel, Inc., is a leading provider of Pure IP Unified Communications solutions. ShoreTel enables companies of any size to seamlessly integrate all communications - voice, video, messaging and data - with their business processes. Independent of device or location, ShoreTel's distributed software architecture eliminates the traditional costs, complexity and reliability issues typically associated with other solutions. ShoreTel continues to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, ease of use and manageability, while driving down the overall total cost of ownership. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has regional offices in the United Kingdom, Sydney, Australia and Munich, Germany. For more information, visit http://www.shoretel.com/ or call 1-877-80SHORE.

Press Contact: Rachel Shelton Eastwick Communications Tel: +650-480-4069 rshelton@eastwick.com

ShoreTel, Inc.

CONTACT: Rachel Shelton of Eastwick Communications, +1-650-480-4069,
rshelton@eastwick.com, for ShoreTel, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.shoretel.com/
http://www.taleo.com/

Microsoft Provides Update on Growth Opportunities and Innovation Outlook at Annual Shareholder MeetingHighlights how the company will continue to deliver value in a challenging economic environment

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today held its Annual Shareholder Meeting, where Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer discussed the company's plans to drive continued long-term growth and shareholder value in a challenging economic environment. Ballmer also highlighted the new Windows Azure and Azure Services Platform technologies that position Microsoft as a leader in the transformation to software plus services.

"Windows Azure and the Azure Services Platform are the result of a multi- year investment and they are vital to the future of the company. They represent our belief that the key to delivering value today and in the future lies in combining the best aspects of software running on PCs, servers, and devices with the best aspects of services running on the Web," Ballmer said.

Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, discussed the role Microsoft and technology will play in transforming the way people interact with each other and understand the world. Gates also thanked retiring Board Member Jon Shirley for his 25 years of service to the company.

At the annual shareholder meeting, the following proposals were acted on by the company's shareholders:

-- Elected nine directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders -- Approved material terms of the performance criteria under the Executive Officer Incentive Plan -- Approved amendments to the 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors -- Ratified the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's independent auditor for fiscal year 2009 -- Voted down three shareholder proposals

All director nominees and other proposals that were approved received a vote of over 90 percent.

The shareholder proposals that were not approved each received a vote of less than 6 percent.

Microsoft's board of directors consists of William H. Gates, Microsoft chairman; Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft chief executive officer; James I. Cash Jr., Ph.D., emeritus James E. Robison professor of business administration at Harvard Business School; Dina Dublon, former chief financial officer of JPMorgan Chase; Raymond V. Gilmartin, former chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck & Co. Inc.; Reed Hastings, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Netflix Inc.; David F. Marquardt, general partner at August Capital; Charles H. Noski, former vice chairman of AT&T Corp.; and Dr. Helmut Panke, former chairman of the board of management at BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. Seven of the nine board members are independent, consistent with the requirement in the company's governance guidelines that a majority be independent.

The board has five committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Finance Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, and an Antitrust Compliance Committee. The Audit Committee members are Cash, Dublon, and Noski (chairperson). The Compensation Committee members are Dublon (chairperson), Hastings and Panke. The Finance Committee members are Hastings, Marquardt (chairperson) and Noski. The Governance and Nominating Committee members are Cash and Gilmartin (chairperson). The Antitrust Compliance Committee members are Cash (chairperson), Gilmartin and Panke.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com,
of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, for Microsoft Corp.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/

Gresham, Ore., Awards Video Franchise to VerizonVote Paves the Way for Innovative, Competitive Choice for TV Service, Delivered Over the Nation's Most Advanced, All-Fiber-Optic Network Straight to Consumers' Homes

BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents of Gresham are a major step closer to having a real choice for television service, thanks to a newly approved agreement authorizing Verizon to offer its FiOS TV service, delivered over the most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes.

The Gresham City Council voted Tuesday (Nov. 18) to grant a franchise to Verizon, paving the way for video choice in the community. The vote brings to 20 the total number of Oregon communities that have approved video franchises for Verizon.

"Approval of Verizon's video franchise is great news for the residents of Gresham, who will soon have more choice for their video entertainment," said David S. Valdez, senior vice president for Verizon's Pacific Northwest region. "We commend the mayor, City Council and city staff for their dedication and hard work throughout this process. They recognize and support the technological advantage and competitive benefits, as well as the distinctive edge in economic development and quality of life, that fiber will bring to their communities.

"We look forward to reaching similar agreements with other Oregon communities," said Valdez.

The franchise votes give Verizon the authority to offer FiOS TV to up to 24,000 households in Gresham.

Gresham joins a growing list of Oregon communities that are paving the way for competition and choice in the television market. Verizon has been granted video franchises in the following cities and counties: Beaverton, Cornelius, Damascus, Durham, Dundee, Forest Grove, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, King City, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Newberg, Rivergrove, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville, and Washington and Yamhill counties.

FiOS TV Service Highlights FiOS TV service highlights include: -- More than 400 all-digital channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news, shopping, movies and family, making it easy for audiences to find their favorite programming. -- Availability of 98 HD channels in the local market, with extraordinary clarity and theater-quality sound. -- An industry-leading library of more than 11,000 video-on-demand (VOD) titles each month, 8,500 of which are free. In addition, Verizon offers 1,000 HD VOD titles per month. -- An innovative interactive media guide (IMG) that helps customers quickly and easily find and enjoy content from TV listings, VOD catalogs and the digital video recorder (DVR) as well as personal music and photos from a home network. Among the features of the IMG are: -- Multi-Room DVR -- Verizon's Home Media DVR allows customers to stream recorded HD and standard-definition (SD) programs to up to six other TV sets throughout the home. This includes the ability to watch three separately recorded shows on three TV sets at the same time, plus pause recorded programming in one room and continue watching in another. -- Widgets -- Customers have one-touch, on-demand access to local weather and traffic reports shown on TV screens. Widgets also provide daily local and national news headlines, daily national sports headlines, community news and daily horoscopes. -- Free casual games -- With the remote control and an HD set-top box, customers can access chess, solitaire, wordplay and Sudoku. -- "What's Hot on FiOS TV" -- Features information on the most- popular programs currently being broadcast in the region and the most popular VOD titles. -- Channel sorting options -- Customers can create two separate lists of favorite channels for family members. Customers also can filter channels in the guide by genre, for instances where a customer may only want to see HD content, international channels or kids programming, among others.

Programming choices for Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Russian and other multicultural audiences are available in every market, making FiOS TV an outlet for emerging and independent networks to showcase their diverse programming.

Consumers can check online at http://www.verizon.com/fios for more information or to request that Verizon contact them when FiOS TV becomes available. Customers also can call their local Verizon sales office or 888-GET FiOS (888-438-3467).

FiOS TV is delivered over Verizon's all-fiber-optic network, which brings the power and capacity of fiber optics directly into people's homes and has industry-leading quality and reliability. Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 50 Mbps* (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps, as well as high-quality voice services.

* NOTE: actual (throughput) speeds will vary.

Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Verizon

CONTACT: Jon Davies of Verizon, +1-805-372-6969, jon.davies@verizon.com

Web Site: http://www.verizon.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

Microsoft et Novell célèbrent deux années de progrès en matière d'interopérabilité

REDMOND, Washington et WALTHAM, Massachusetts, November 19 /PRNewswire/ --

- La forte demande des clients, le succès commercial et de la collaboration technique confirment la justesse de la stratégie et du modèle de partenariat des deux sociétés.

Ã€ l'occasion du deuxième anniversaire de leur accord visant à créer une passerelle entre SUSE Linux Enterprise Server et Windows, Microsoft Corp. et Novell, Inc., célèbrent aujourd'hui une forte demande de la clientèle pour leur modèle d'entreprise et leur stratégie, lesquels offrent interopérabilité et tranquillité d'esprit en matière de propriété intellectuelle (PI). Microsoft et Novell annoncent deux étapes jalons fondamentales résultant de leur collaboration technique : la disponibilité prochaine d'un pack de gestion avancée pour SUSE Linux Enterprise pour Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 et une version pilote téléchargeable gratuite de l'application multimédia riche Moonlight de Novell. Les sociétés réitèrent également le fait que le nouveau programme d'abonnement avec support étendu pour le SUSE Linux Enterprise Server de Novell sera mis en oeuvre par la vente par Microsoft de certificats pour le service Novell.

(Logo : http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )

<< L'intérÃªt et l'acceptation des clients ont largement dépassé nos attentes >>, indique Susan Heystee, directrice générale des alliances stratégiques mondiales chez Novell. << L'élan soutenu que notre relation stratégique avec Microsoft a généré est à l'origine des solutions et des technologies innovantes dévoilées par nos deux sociétés aujourd'hui. Nous observons une forte demande tout particulièrement pour le centre de données. En effet, les environnements en source mixte constituent de plus en plus la norme et c'est dans ce domaine que notre proposition d'une véritable interopérabilité est un avantage substantiel. >>

Pendant la deuxième année de leur accord de collaboration, Microsoft et Novell ont ajouté plus de 200 nouveaux clients communs à leur portefeuille, notamment Alticor Inc., BP Oil International Ltd. et China Mobile Ltd., qui reçoivent des certificats de Microsoft pour des abonnements de support prioritaire de trois ans pour le SUSE Linux Enterprise Server de Novell. Lorsque le contrat de cinq ans a été signé en novembre 2006, Microsoft a acheté des certificats pour les vendre à ses clients, qui ont ensuite utilisé ces certificats auprès de Novell pour obtenir un abonnement à SUSE Linux Enterprise. Au cours des deux premières années de l'accord, Novell a facturé plus de 70 % du montant d'achat du certificat d'origine.

<< L'interopérabilité et la tranquillité d'esprit en matière de PI que notre accord offre à nos clients ont clairement joué un rôle >>, a déclaré Susan Hauser, directrice générale des partenariats stratégiques et des licences chez Microsoft. << Ces deux années couronnées de succès sont la preuve incontestable que notre modèle d'entreprise est efficace et nous allons poursuivre notre collaboration afin de proposer des solutions innovantes à nos clients. De plus, avec la vente des certificats pour le nouveau programme de support étendu de Novell, un nombre encore plus important de clients, y compris ceux utilisant Red Hat Enterprise Linux, pourront tirer profit de notre relation avec Novell. >>

Dans le cadre de l'annonce d'aujourd'hui, Microsoft et Novell révèlent les détails de deux nouvelles offres, résultant de leur collaboration technique. Novell annonce la disponibilité générale de son pack de gestion avancée (Advanced Management Pack) pour SUSE Linux Enterprise pour Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2, disponible au premier semestre 2009. Ce pack a été présenté en avant-première technique au début de ce mois lors de la conférence Tech*Ed EMEA IT Professionals 2008 qui s'est déroulée à Barcelone (Espagne). Le calendrier du pack coÃ¯ncide avec la sortie de Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2, dont la commercialisation est également prévue pour le premier semestre 2009. Le travail de collaboration de Microsoft et Novell en matière de gestion des systèmes vise à faciliter la gestion d'environnements informatiques hétérogènes par les clients.

Le pack de gestion avancée pour SUSE Linux Enterprise pour Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 étend la capacité de suivi Linux inter-plateforme de Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 et permet l'évaluation et la gestion de serveurs basés sur Windows et sur Linux à partir d'une seule console unifiée, éliminant ainsi les coÃ»ts et les défis associés à la présence de plusieurs consoles de gestion. Cela réduit également les frais de formation et optimise les ressources en personnel, car chaque personne n'a besoin d'Ãªtre formée que sur un seul outil de gestion. En outre, une seule équipe peut gérer à la fois des environnements Windows et Linux.

L'autre nouvelle initiative annoncée par les sociétés est la disponibilité prochaine de la version pilote de Moonlight, une version en source ouverte de Microsoft Silverlight qui fournit aux utilisateurs basés sur Linux les mÃªmes fonctions multimédias riches et haute définition que celles actuellement disponibles pour les environnements Windows et Apple. Moonlight sera proposé sous la forme d'une extension en source ouverte pour le navigateur Web Firefox.

Depuis la signature de leur premier accord de collaboration commerciale et technique il y a deux ans, Novell et Microsoft ont continué d'investir des ressources considérables dans leur relation. Le programme de support étendu de Novell comprend un abonnement de trois ans à SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, lequel permet également aux clients de transiter vers SUSE Linux Enterprise Server sur une période de deux ans tout en recevant un support technique pour leurs déploiements Linux existants. En se fondant sur sa forte relation avec Novell, construite sur un engagement à répondre aux exigences des clients, Microsoft soutient le nouveau programme par la vente de certificats pour le support technique de Novell. Par conséquent, un nombre encore plus important de clients pourra bénéficier de l'interopérabilité et la tranquillité d'esprit en termes de propriété intellectuelle fournies grâce au partenariat entre Microsoft et Novell.

Les distributeurs revendeurs des deux sociétés ont vite fait de souligner les avantages du modèle d'entreprise de Microsoft et Novell.

<< La coopération entre Microsoft et Novell pour fournir un support étendu aux utilisateurs de SUSE Linux Enterprise est une bouffée d'air frais >>, explique Joe Szalkiewicz, vice-président pour la région occidentale de The Pinnacle Group. << La capacité à effectuer une transition à partir d'autres déploiements Linux, notamment Red Hat, tout en rachetant des certificats d'abonnement à Microsoft pour le support étendu de Novell, est remarquable : c'est quelque chose qu'on n'a nulle part ailleurs. C'est exactement ce que nos clients recherchent pour les aider à effectuer la transition à partir d'autres formes de Linux vers Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. >>

Independent Television PLC (ITV), un réseau de diffuseurs de télévision commercial britannique de service public, a également tôt fait d'exprimer son soutien à la nouvelle offre.

<< Chez ITV nous utilisons de plus en plus Microsoft Windows Server et SUSE Linux Enterprise Server comme normes en tant que composantes clés de notre stratégie de serveur d'entreprise >>, affirme Nick Leake, directeur des opérations et de l'infrastructure chez ITV. << Nous ne voulions pas nous retrouver dans une situation oÃ¹ nous aurions toutes sortes de distributions Linux différentes installées car nous souhaitions minimiser nos risques opérationnels Linux et nos coÃ»ts en standardisant l'utilisation d'une seule distribution largement supportée. L'accord de partenariat de Microsoft et Novell signifie que vous pouvons désormais n'utiliser que Microsoft Windows Server et SUSE Linux Enterprise Server dans l'ensemble de notre entreprise et que nous savons que ces plateformes seront optimisées en termes d'interopérabilité, en particulier en ce qui concerne la virtualisation. Les garanties de propriété intellectuelle supplémentaires fournies par l'accord sont un bonus et contribuent au bon positionnement de SUSE Linux Enterprise Server en tant que distribution Linux de classe entreprise. Le prolongement récent de l'accord montre qu'il ne s'agissait pas d'une transaction unique mais qu'il fait partie d'un accord à plus long terme entre Microsoft et Novell. Puisse-t-il se poursuivre longtemps, car il détermine la nouvelle référence dans le secteur des technologies que d'autres fournisseurs doivent désormais s'efforcer d'atteindre. >>

Pour plus d'informations concernant l'accord entre Microsoft et Novell, veuillez consulter le site http://www.moreinterop.com.

Ã€ propos de Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq : NOVL) propose à ses clients dans le monde entier, outre la plateforme Linux la mieux conçue et la plus interopérable, un portefeuille de logiciels de gestion informatique intégrée qui leur permet de minimiser coÃ»ts, complexité et risques. Grâce à ses logiciels d'infrastructure et à son écosystème de partenaires, Novell intègre en toute harmonie des environnements informatiques hétérogènes, assurant ainsi une véritable collaboration entre l'homme et les machines. Pour plus d'informations, consultez le site http://www.novell.com.

Ã€ propos de Microsoft

Fondée en 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq : MSFT) est le leader mondial en matière de logiciels, services et solutions qui aident les personnes et les entreprises à réaliser leur plein potentiel.

Novell et SUSE sont des marques déposées de Novell Inc. aux Ã‰tats-Unis et dans d'autres pays. Linux est une marque déposée de Linus Torvalds. Les noms des sociétés et produits mentionnés ici peuvent Ãªtre les marques de leurs détenteurs respectifs.

Microsoft Corp.

Ã‰quipe de réponse rapide de Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, pour Microsoft ; ou Ian Bruce de Novell, +1-781-464-8034, ibruce@novell.com. NOTE AUX RÃ‰DACTEURS : Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus à propos de Microsoft, veuillez consulter le site Web de Microsoft, http://www.microsoft.com/presspass et plus particulièrement les pages d'informations d'entreprise de Microsoft. Les liens hypertextes, numéros de téléphone et titres étaient corrects au moment de la publication mais peuvent avoir changé depuis. Pour toute assistance, les journalistes et analystes peuvent contacter l'équipe de réponse rapide de Microsoft ou tout autre contact approprié mentionné sur http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx. Photo : NewsCom : http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO

Cooking Mama Responds to PETA by Highlighting Vegetarian Offerings in Latest Wii(TM) Videogame Release - Cooking Mama World Kitchen

EDISON, N.J., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Food lover and culinary cutie Cooking Mama is a virtual chef who believes that good home cooked food, properly prepared from the best ingredients, can bring people together around the table and make the world a happier place. That's why Mama is taking a stand with oven mitts raised high against the latest PETA objection targeting her freshly released videogame, Cooking Mama World Kitchen, that shipped this week for Wii(TM) from Majesco Entertainment Company . Mama wants people to know that World Kitchen includes 51 recipes from around the world, ranging from vegetarian fare like miso soup and rice cakes to international delicacies like ginger pork and octopus dumplings.

"I would never put rat in my Ratatouille," said a feisty Mama while beating some eggs. "Like any accomplished cook, I create my recipes to appeal to a broad range of tastes and preferences. My only goal is to ensure you leave the table well fed."

Cooking Mama World Kitchen includes more than 25 vegetarian-friendly recipes including delicious breakfast, dinner, dessert and snack options. And, while Mama is not a vegetarian, she fully supports the humane treatment of animals, particularly for her canine protege Max who makes his doggie debut in World Kitchen.

About Cooking Mama World Kitchen

Developed by Cooking Mama Limited, the second installment of the fan favorite Wii series is filled with new features including kitchen mini-games, 3D graphics, chef customization and 2 player cooperative cooking. In the game, players use the Wii Remote as a universal cooking utensil to chop, grate, slice and stir their way through 51 all-new recipes, ranging from parfait to Ratatouille to pancakes and French fries. A range of modes lets players cook for Mama's approval, their friends' picky palates or together as a team to create dishes in a new cooperative mode. A bonus hidden mode will even surprise gamers with competitive play against the original "master cook!" In World Kitchen, preparation mistakes are events unto themselves since new mini-games add hilarious fun with Mama's lovable canine, Max. Finally, a new customization feature lets players create their own personal chef or even an adorable mini Mama!

Cooking Mama World Kitchen for Wii is rated E for Everyone and available now for the suggested retail price of $49.99. To watch the official trailer and find out more, please visit http://www.cookingmama.com/.

About Majesco Entertainment Company

Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on leading console and portable systems. Product highlights include Cooking Mama(TM) and Cake Mania(R)2 for Nintendo DS(TM), and Cooking Mama World Kitchen and Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 for Wii(TM). The company's shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online at http://www.majescoentertainment.com/.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "intend," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to, the demand for our products; our ability to complete and release our products in a timely fashion; competiti