Press Release Author: Shad Storhaug

Industry: Construction

Press Release Summary: ShutterContractor.com, a retail marketplace for vinyl exterior shutters has merged with ESSCO Exterior Products, Incorporated, the largest wholesale distributor of exterior shutters in the western United States

Press Release Body: Retail Exterior Shutter Store ShutterContractor.com Merges with ESSCO Exterior Products, Inc.

ShutterContractor.com, a retail marketplace for vinyl exterior shutters has merged with ESSCO Exterior Products, Incorporated, the largest wholesale distributor of exterior shutters in the western United States.

ShutterContractor.com has used ESSCO Exterior Products in the past as its principal supplier of exterior window shutters. The merger is a “natural step” in the progression of the company, which promises to improve its customer service, delivery times, and product offering as a result.

ShutterContractor.com was founded in 2002 as an Internet-based retailer of standard-sized and custom vinyl exterior shutters and was an overnight success. Building on its early foundations, ShutterContractor.com became a household name in the exterior shutter industry.

ESSCO Exterior Products, Inc. was founded in 1992 as a wholesale distributor to professional siding and window contractors supplying vinyl siding, vinyl windows, and vinyl exterior shutters. As ESSCO evolved, it built on its most successful product lines and dropped its vinyl siding offerings. During the 1990’s ESSCO added to its product offering with the acquisition of 17 competing companies.

ESSCO has since become a major vendor to building material dealers, specializing in supplying custom exterior window shutters for the new construction market. Very competitive pricing and fast delivery times meant that dealers could rely on just-in-time inventory to supply their customers’ needs cost effectively.

Today ESSCO specializes in exterior shutters and related hardware and it carries a diverse range of products including its own custom line of Mid-America exterior shutters. With ESSCO’s entry into the Internet market along with its traditional marketing efforts, the marriage of “brick and mortar” with E-Commerce puts ESSCO Exterior Products on a level playing field in a changing marketplace.

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

Contact Details: Brian Thorsteinson
11386 Amalgam Way
Gold River, ca. 95670
ph: 916-852-7252 fx: 916852-0596
essco2@sbcglobal.net

Released on: October 10, 2007, 6:59 am

Press Release Author: Phil Vogel

Industry: Electronics

Press Release Summary: Test Equipment Connection Corporation today announced the companyРІР‚в„ўs new affiliate, TE Connection Asia Limited, is now operational based in Hong Kong.

Press Release Body: “We are excited about establishing a local presence in Hong Kong to provide quality test equipment solutions at competitive prices for our growing customer base in the Pacific Rim,” commented President John Bahng. “Our brand name is known world wide and we intend to make it easy for our Asia customers to access our expansive inventory of test and measurement equipment.”

Test Equipment Connection Corporation and TE Connection Asia Limited:
Test Equipment Connection Corporation and TE Connection Asia Limited when combined are one of the largest vendors of New and Refurbished electronic test and measurement (“T&M”) equipment. The companies sell, rent, lease, buy, trade, repair and calibrate over 200 manufacturers with thousands of products available New and Refurbished. The companies are a single source supplier with in-house calibration laboratories assuring that customers receive only the highest quality T&M equipment and support. Test Equipment Connection Corporation has over 200,000 customers, a 45,000 square foot warehouse and repair facility in the US, and over 14 years of profitability and financial strength. The Company web sites are located at www.teconnectionasia.com and www.testequipmentconnection.com. For More Information Contact: info@teconnectionasia.com

China
Phone:136- 5009-4294
Fax: (755) 6164-0636

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

Contact Details: Press Release Contact Information:
Phil Vogel - business@testequipmentconnection.com
Business Development Manager
Test Equipment Connection Corporation
(800) 615-8378 x 141

LinkedIn Competitor Viadeo Raises €5 Million

Viadeo, a European social network for business contacts which is quite similar in idea and execution to LinkedIn, has raised a further €5 million in funding from its existing investors, AGF Private Equity and Ventech. The extra cash will be used to fuel the growth of Viadeo in Asia; so far, the network has been doing very well in Europe, with over 1.3 million members.

DailyMotion Raises $34 Million; Another Copyright Infringing Success Story

French social video site DailyMotion has raisedР’В a $34 million round from Advent Venture Partners LLP and AGF Private Equity, a division of Allianz AG. The new round comes on top of $9.5 million in previous financingР’В from Atlas Ventures and Partech International. The round puts DailyMotion’s total financing beyond that of their competitors, even MetaCafe’sР’В $45 million total financing. Dailymotion’s executive chairman, Mark Zaleski, said the new funds will ‘allow us to reach operating profitability‘.

VersionTracker Acquired by CNET

VersionTracker, an online publication for software updates, has been acquiredР’В by CNET. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. With this integration deal, VersionTracker and its sister sites iPhone Atlas and MacFixIt will be incorporated into the CNET family as well. This gives VersionTracker a larger audience and access to more resources, while CNET expands its niche sites and grows its offerings of Mac information on the web.

Microsoft Acquires Enterprise Group Chat Company Parlano

Microsoft has announced that it has agreed to acquireР’В Chicago-based Parlano, the maker of the enterprise group chatР’В platform MindAlign. Microsoft said that it would use Parlano’s group chatР’В functionality to improve Microsoft Office Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator.

SayNow Lands $7.5 Million Series A

SayNow, a service that enables ‘celebritiesР’В to connect to their audience over the phone’ will announce $7.5 million Series A fundingР’В September 12, in a round led by Shasta Partners. Tugboat Ventures’ Dave Whorton, a SayNow advisor since early 2006, also participated in the round as did Costella Kirsch. Rob Coneybeer, MD of Shasta Ventures will join the SayNow board of directors …

Zivity’s Model Contest Site Raises $1M in Funding

Zivity, the social networkР’В aiming to be a user-generated Playboy Magazine online, has received $1 million in funding in a Series A round of funding, from private investors. We mentioned Zivity yesterday and you can read about it here…

The New York Times to Acquire Freakanomics Blog, and More

The New York Times is acquiring the popular FreakanomicsР’В blog, which was launched as a sort of spin-off to the success of the book, keeping up with its momentum. This will be the first blog that the New York Times acquires and adds to its larger media family, but there’s word that the newspaper plans to acquireР’В even more blogs in the not-too-distant future. Seems like blogs are getting acquired left and right these days, which is good for the creators, writers and publishers of these blogs, and good for the economics surrounding the blogosphere.

TheFind.com Acquires Glimpse

Shopping search engine startup TheFindР’В has acquiredР’В the high-fashion shopping site Glimpse.com for an undisclosed amount. It’s an early deal for Glimpse, which just launched this year. TheFind is a comparison shopping search engineР’В that crawls many shopping sites across the internet (190 million products at over 500,000 stores).

Maya’s Mom Acquired by BabyCenter

Maya’s Mom, the social networking siteР’В for mothers, has been acquiredР’В by BabyCenter, the mom-centric parenting network, making this its first acquisition. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. According to the deal, Maya’s Mom will remain a standalone product, and its back-end software will be utilized across BabyCenter’s network of global websites.

SeatSmart’s Ticket Search Funded in Angel Round

SeatSmart, the search engine dedicated to finding ticketsР’В for concerts, games and events, has raised a round of angel fundingР’В for an undisclosed amount. The company is a ticket search aggregator of sorts, perusing Stubhub, Razorgator, eBay, and other major ticket-selling sites to bring you a variety of search results.

Jaxtr Closes $10 Million Series A; Announces 1 Million Users

JaxtrР’В has raised a $10 million Series A round led by August Capital with Mayfield Fund, Draper Richards, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Luxemburg-based Mangrove Capital participating. They’ve also doubled their registered user base over last month, totalling 1 million users. They plan on getting to a break even point on the investmentР’В and to total 20 million users by the end of next year.

SpiceWorks Raises $8 Million; Google Adsense Even Supports IT Software

IT software maker SpiceWorks just closed an $8 million in series B financing. The funding round was led by Shasta Ventures with participation from Spiceworks series A investor, Austin Ventures. Their series A was $5 million. Shasta Ventures co-founder and managing director, Ravi Mohan, and former Dell senior executive, John Hamlin, have joined the Spiceworks board of directors. The money will be used to support over 120,000 users as well as software developmentР’В and sales and marketing.

Wis.dm Raises $5M for Bookmarking and Media-Sharing Site

Wis.dm, the social bookmarkingР’В and media-sharing site that’s relaunched with a Q&A slant, has received $5 million in funding. The funding was provided by North Bridge Venture Partners, with its Michael Skok joining the board.

MocoSpace Raises $3M for Mobile Network

MocoSpace, a mobile social network, has received $3 million in a Series A round of funding. The round was led by General Catalyst, and Pilot Group and Michael Daring, a former eBay executive, participated as well. The funding will be used to expand the company’s sales and marketing.

Fotolog Acquired by Hi Media, French AdР’В Network

EXCLUSIVE: We had previously speculatedР’В that New York-based Fotolog would be the next one to get acquired. And we were right. It has been acquired by Hi Media, a Paris-based interactive media company for roughly $90 million - a combination of cash and stock, according to well-placed sources. The announcement is likely to be made later today.

FM Raises Another $4.5M; Are They Having Difficulty Filling Inventory?

Reports from PEHubР’В and MashableР’В indicate a new $4.5 million Series B round of fundingР’В for Federated Media. Congrats! Federated Media provides advertisingР’В for some of the world’s largest blogs including: TechCrunch (TC is in “open warfare” and looking for a replacement), Read/WriteWeb, GigaOm, Mashable, ArsTechnica, TechDirt and about 100 other blogs.

DivX Acquires Veatros to Create Enhanced Video Search & Discovery for the Home

DivX has acquiredР’В Veatros, creators of a video identification technology, for $4.25 million. The acquisition of Veatros will be used for DivX to create an improved video searchР’В and discovery service on the DivX Connected platform, incorporating metadata like cover art, information on videos’ directors and actors, and titles.

LendingClub To Close $10.26 Million Series A

Peer to peer lendingР’В service Lending Club will close a $10.26 million series A round of financingР’В from Norwest Venture Partners and Canaan Partners tomorrow. This comes a few months after the company’s $2 million angel round. Coinciding with the investment, Jeff Crowe and Dan Ciporin (former ceo of shopping.com) are joining Lending Club’s board of directors.

Conduit Labs Closes $5.5 Million Series A Funding

Conduit Labs, a yet-to-launch gaming virtual world, just closed a $5.5 million series A round with Charles River Ventures and Prism Venture Works. In addition to the financing, CRV’s Susan Wu and Prism’s Will Kohler have joined the company’s Board of Directors.

SINOHUB Receives New RMB 23.5 Million Letter of Credit Line from Commercial Industrial Bank

SinoHub Technology Company, Ltd. today announced that it has successfully closed a RMB 23.5 Million Letter of CreditР’В facility with the Commercial Industrial Bank . The company will use the funds to expand its electronic component procurement fulfillmentР’В business in China. Already a leading company in the rapidly growing field of electronic component supply chain management services in China (import, buffer inventory, procurement fulfillment, VMI, just-in-time delivery, export and other services), SinoHub will use these funds to propel itself into a dominant position in this field.

StreetBee Acquires JamJunky; Rebrands as GetYourGrooveOn

StreetBeeР’В has acquiredР’В JamJunky, a musicР’В composition review service. CN reviewedР’В the service when it launched three months ago and JamJunky added a Facebook applicationР’В in July. CN described JamJunky as, ‘Basically JamJunky is a way for you to upload your own authored music and get feedback from your friends and other song writers to help perfect your songs.’

Google reveals stake in Chinese social Web site

Google revealed on Monday that it had acquiredР’В a stake in Chinese community Web site Tianya.cn, indicating a foray by the global search leader into social networkingР’В in the world’s second-largest Internet market.

Global Grind’s Pageflakes Clone Raises $4.5M in Series A Round

Global Grind, the niche start page for hip-hopР’В news and information, has raised $4.5 million in a Series A round of funding. The round was led by Accel Ventures. New York-based Global Grind was founded by three creators of 360hiphop, which is a social network which was acquired by BET Interactive.

The Filter Brings Home $5M in Second Round of Funding

The Filter, a UK-based music recommendationР’В company, has received $5 million in a second round of funding. Peter Gabriel has led the round, along with Eden Ventures, with both parties participating in the first round of funding, bringing the grand total to $6.8 million.

TripAdvisor Reportedly Acquires Where I’ve Been for $3 Million

In what is by far the largest Facebook application acquisitionР’В to date, travel company TripAdvisor has reportedly acquiredР’В Where I’ve Been from Craig Ulliott for $3 million. The acquisition marks the first major successful exit of a Facebook application since the Platform launched just under three months ago. With 2.3 million users, Where I’ve BeenР’В established itself as by far the biggest travel applicationР’В on Facebook, leading #2 Cities I’ve VisitedР’В (also TripAdvisor owned) by over 1 million users.

Kongregate Closes $5 Million Series A For Casual Gaming

Casual gaming community KongregateР’В has closed a $5 million series A round led by Greylock today. This is on top of a $1 million angel round they raised from Reid Hoffman, Joe Kraus, Jeff Clavier and Richard Wolpert, among others. The casual gamingР’В category consists of all those addictive online flash gamesР’В that often distract you during your downtime (remember desktop tower defense?). James Slavet of Greylock pegs the casual game market at $500 million and expects it to grow even larger.

MTVN Acquires Another LGBT Network

MTV Networks has acquired DowneLink, a multicultural, LGBTQ (Lesbian / Gay / Bisexual / Transgender / Questioning) social networking site. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. DowneLink has a reported 400,000 members, more than 72% of which are African-American, Asian or Latino, making it a good buy for MTVN, which seems to be broadening its scope of LGBT sites and demographics.

YFonGlobal Acquiring Splinternet Holdings

YFonGlobal, the turn key, white label solution for social networksР’В and their necessary platforms, has begun the process of acquiring Splinternet Holdings, the developer of Internet telephonyР’В products and services. The financials of the deal were not disclosed, but the deal is scheduled to close within the next two months.

SocialMedia Raises $1M for Facebook App Network

SocialMedia, the aforementioned Facebook apps and MySpace widgetsР’В company that will combine hosting, promotion and an ad network, has raised $1 million in funding in a round led by CRV Ventures, SoftTech VC and the Hitforge seed fund.

Doppelganger Gets $11M in New Funding

Doppelgagner, the company that offers programmed virtual worldsР’В for the teen demographic, has raised $11 million in funding, led by new investor ComVentures, and existing investors Draper Fisher Jurveston, Trident Capital, Draper Richards, KPG Ventures and Greycroft Partners. That brings the grand total to $25 million.

Diet Television Trims Name, Takes $2 Million

Later this week, weight lossР’В community Diet Television will announce it’s shortened its name to DietTv.com and raised a $2 million series A. The round was led by MentorTech Ventures.

Kontera closes second round, faces competition by Vibrant Media and LinkedWords

Kontera, an Israel-based startup (officially headquartered in San Francisco), is raising $10.3 Million second round from Sequoia and other investors. It seems that the ad networksР’В online are very hot these past months after the major acquisitionsР’В done by Google, Microsoft, AOL and others.

VOIP Startup Fring Raises $12 Million Series B

Israeli-based VOIPР’В start-up Fring has closed an estimated $12 million second round, led by US VC fund North Bridge Venture Partners. VenFin and previous investors Pitango, Veritas and Yossi Vardi also participated. If the investment estimate is accurate, it would be one of the larger rounds for a VOIP company.

Technology Blog Xconomy Funded

Xconomy,Р’В a Boston-area-based technology and news blog, has received funding in a Series A round, led by CommonAngels. CommonAngels is an investment group in Lexington, MA, and it contributed funds from its investment pool as well as individual members. The financial terms were not disclosed.

CyclingTV Acquired by JumpTV

JumpTV, an online video aggregator, has acquired CyclingTVР’В for around $4.95 million, which is broken down into $2.21 million in cash, and $2.74 million in common stock, to be issued later this year.

The NBC and News Corp. joint venture Gets $100M in Funding

The NBCР’В and News Corp. joint venture, which has been dubbed the YouTube Killer, has received $100 million in funding from Rhode Island-based investment firm Providence Equity Partners.

Pay Per Call Company VoiceStar Acquired by Marchex

Pay per callР’В advertising service VoiceStarР’В has been acquired by local advertising company Marchex. Marchex total anticipated investment to acquireР’В VoiceStar will be $28 million, consisting of approximately $20 million in transaction consideration and $8 million in company investment.

Blockbuster Desperate To Do Something, Buys A Loser

Blockbuster announced the acquisitionР’В of movie download site MovielinkР’В this evening. The price is not being disclosed (meaning it isn’t ‘material’ to Blockbuster’s shareholders), although the Wall Street Journal saysР’В it was less than $20 million.

Pickle Purchased For $4.1 Million

Photo and video-sharingР’В site Pickle.comР’В has been purchasedР’В by Scripps Networks for a reported $4.1 million. Scripps is the company behind many lifestyles brands like DIY, the Food Network, HGTV, and Great American Country. This is their second web purchase after Recipezaar last month.

JS-Kit Closes $1.2 Million Seed Round

Web widget provider JS-KitР’В has been doing a lot of growing up since starting as a simple commenting widget, founder Lev Walkin’s pet project in his off hours. Since then, that single widget has grown into a company with the addition of CEO Kris Loux, 12 engineers from Filmloop, and today’s $1.2 million round of financing led by the Entrepreneur’s Fund III.

Scrybe Closes Series A

Scrybe, the online/offline calendarР’В and organizer, has closed their series A round of financingР’В from Adobe Systems Incorporated and LMKR. In what is becoming an annoying trend, the company is not disclosing the size of the round.

Kaboodle Acquired by Hearst Magazines

Kaboodle, the social shopping siteР’В that looked like a better fit for eBayР’В than a media conglomerate, has been acquiredР’В by Hearst Corporation for an undisclosed amount. Kaboodle had taken $5 million in first round funding from 10 investors including Ron Conway.

Acquisition for Clipmarks

New York based Clipmarks, a del.icio.us-like social bookmarkingР’В service, may have been acquiredР’В by Forbes. We have no information on the size of the transaction, but my guess is that it was on the very low side. The service allows users to bookmark all or a portion of a web page and annotate it.

Amie Street Closes Series A Financing Led By Amazon.com

Social music marketplaceР’В Amie Street has closed a Series A round of financingР’В led by Amazon.com, along with some new partnerships and a site redesign. The amount of Amazon’s investment and the terms are not disclosed.

Worldwide Biggies Funded by NBC and Hearst

Worldwide Biggies,Р’В a digital entertainment studioР’В headed by former Nickelodeon and Spike TV President Albie Hecht, has closed a $9 million Series A round of funding. The round was led by NBC Universal and Platform Equity, also getting a large chunk of that change from Hearst Corporation, Alan Patricoft’s Greycroft Partners and Prism Venture works.

Insightful Corporation Sells InFact

Insightful Corporation (NASDAQ: IFUL), announced today the sale of its InFact search technologyР’В and associated intellectual property rightsР’В to Hypertext Solutions Inc. for $3.65 million in cash. Hypertext is a Seattle-based startup company focused on making information on the web more ‘intelligent’. The transaction closed today.

College Boy Stalwart eBaum’s World Bought For $17.5M

Today San Francisco-based HandHeld Entertainment says it is acquiringР’В Rochester, NY-based eBaum’s World. HandHeld said it will pay $17.5M for eBaum’s World ($15M in cash, $2.5M in stock, and $2.5M in stock with a one-year hold back.) The company also said that it may pay up to $32.5M in earnouts over three years to the owner’s of eBaum’s world.

Online Travel White Labeler EZRez Raises $15M

EzRez was founded in 2002 in Honolulu, Hawaii where it built a white label system for regional airlines, wholesalers, rental car companies, hotels, activity providers and more. Today the company raised $15M led by Canaan PartnersР’В with Azure Capital Partners and existing investors.

Content Personalization Widget Maker Minekey Raises First $3M

Sunnyvale, CA-based Minekey has raised $3M in Series A funding for their personalized news recommendationР’В widget. The funding round was led by NEA IndoUS Ventures, which had previously invested $600K in a seed round.

Stealth Mode TuneUp Media Raises VC Funding To Help You Manage Your Music Files

Gabe Adiv, who previously worked the biz dev levers at Gracenote, has a new startup in stealth mode called TuneUp Media, that he claims has raised VC funding. What problem will the startup address? Our digital music lives are too complex the company finds and needs a better system.

Associated Content Raises $10M For Crowd-sourced News

NYC-based Associated Content has raised $10M in a 2nd round from Canaan Partners. The company is slightly controversial because of the backing of Google sales exec Tim Armstrong who invested in the company’s first $5.4M round and is back in at this round along with Softbank.

Streetline Funded For Smart Cities Tech

Streetline has completed pilot projects and studies for Los Angeles and San Francisco. The LA project has learned that despite two-hour time limits, the average driver stays parked for four hours. In San Francisco, Streetline learned that only 5.4% of parking violationsР’В in San Francisco receive tickets. Streetline has raised $250K+ so far from individual investors including Internet pioneer Gordon Bell and it is planning a Series A round. They indicate on job postings that they have raised venture capitalР’В so that round may be closed but the company has not responded to confirm.

DecisionView Announces $7 Million in Series C Investment

DecisionView, Inc., the leading provider of business performance optimizationР’В applications for the Life Sciences industry, today announced the close of a $7 million Series C round of fundingР’В led by new investor, firstVentury, as well as existing investors Partech International and Granite Ventures.

Accoona Files for IPO

Internet company Accoona Corp. filed Friday for an initial public offeringР’В of its common stock. The Jersey City, N.J.-based company said it expects to use proceeds from the offering for research and development, business expansion and general corporate purposes. Accoona may also use a portion of the proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary companies and technologies.

SEM Firm iCrossing Buys Web Builder Proxicom

Arizona-based SEM giant iCrossing has acquiredР’В Proxicom for an un-disclosed amount from Gores Technology. The deal was financed by a funding roundР’В last week by iCrossing where it raised $62M from Goldman Sachs and some VC firms.

Compete Ups Ante With $10M In Funding

Today Compete has raised another round of fundingР’В at $10M in Series III funding from return backersР’В Charles River Ventures, idealab, Split Rock Partners and William Blair Capital Partners. Compete has raised $43M since 2000.

Disney Acquires Club Penguin For Up To $700 million

Club Penguin, a social networkР’В / virtual worldР’В that has been on the market for some time, was acquiredР’В by The Walt Disney Company and announced today. An earlier deal with Sony fell apart over valuation and Club Penguin’s policy of donating a substantial portion of profits to charity. The company, which launched in October 2005, has 700,000 current paid subscribers and 12 million activated users, primarily in the U.S. and Canada.

Discovery Acquires TreeHugger.com For $10million

Discovery Communications has announced the acquisitionР’В of TreeHugger.comР’В for what is believed to be $10 million. TreeHugger.com started as an environmentally focused blog in 2004 and grew to include forums, green guidesР’В and other related features. The site sits in the Top 20 blogs worldwide according to Technorati and is said to have 1.4 million unique visitors a month. Alexa ranks the site at 5,395.

PayScale Gets $10.3M in Series C Round of Funding

PayScaleР’В is an online service that lets you know how you compare to others that do the same job as you. It’s just raised another $1.5 million in a Series C round of funding, led by SAP Ventures. This closes the round at $10.3 million. Previous investors include Allen & Co., Corporate Executive Board, Trinity Ventures, Madrona Venture Group, Fluke Venture Partners and Buerk Dale Victor.

Vringo Raises $12M in Series B Funding

Vringo, the video ringtoneР’В provider, has closed on a $12 million Series B round of venture capital funding. The round was led by Warburg Pincus, a global equity firm. The funding will be used to take Vringo around the world, as it expands markets in the US, Europe and Asia.

Curse Raises $5M in Series A for MMOG Network

Curse, the gaming portal, has received $5 million in a Series A round of funding. The round was led by a French venture capital firm AGF Private Equity, and some angel investors participated as well. The MMOG company already raised about $800,000 in funding from angel investorsР’В prior to this Series A round.

Press Release Author = Skype

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = Salesforce.com customers can now deploy extensive Skype functionality within their Salesforce implementations

Press Release Body = Skype and salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM), the market and technology leader in on-demand customer relationship management (CRM), have announced the availability of a new version of Skype for Salesforce via salesforce.comРІР‚в„ўs AppExchange. Skype for Salesforce provides seamless Skype integration into Salesforce on-demand CRM applications and aims to improve workforce productivity and to streamline customer and partner communication.

“As more and more people around the world use Skype (http://www.skype.com/) to talk to their friends and family, they are increasingly adopting Skype in the workplace to also talk to colleagues and customers,” said Scott Miller, director of business development with Skype. “We now offer the tools to integrate Skype communication with the salesforce.com experience via the AppExchange. Besides saving money on telephone bills, this will also enable salesforce.com customers in the small and mid-sized business sector to build stronger relationships and improve the way they manage their contact with colleagues, customers and prospects.”

Skype for Salesforce enables salesforce.com customers to easily make and receive Skype calls or initiate text chats directly with other people whose Skype contact names and presence indicators can now be added manually or imported automatically into Salesforce. SkypeOut (http://www.skype.com/products/skypeout/) calls to non-Skype usersРІР‚в„ў traditional phone numbers can also be initiated with a single click. Conference calls of up to 10 participants (including the host) can now be conducted using Skype for Salesforce and can accommodate any combination of Skype and non-Skype users.

Calls from one Skype user to another are free, while SkypeOut calls are billed at low per-minute rates. Customers can also sign up for one of Skype’s premium Internet communications subscription packages for unlimited domestic SkypeOut calling – Skype Pro (http://www.skype.com/go/skypepro/) in Europe and Asia or the Skype Unlimited Calling (http://www.skype.com/products/skypeout/) plan in the U.S. and Canada.

Skype for Salesforce also integrates with salesforce.comРІР‚в„ўs computer telephony (CTI) adapter to enable click-to-call for phone numbers of those customers or business partners listed within Salesforce SFA or Salesforce Service & Support applications. Furthermore, inbound Skype calls from parties listed in Salesforce will instantly pop-up the userРІР‚в„ўs record. This way, the Salesforce user can immediately add notes about the conversation or transaction into the appropriate record for future reference.

Model Metrics, the leading on-demand CRM consulting firm in the Midwest, is one of the first customers using the new version of Skype for Salesforce. Model Metrics helps its mid-sized and Fortune 500 clients successfully implement on-demand business solutions. These clients are increasingly interested in finding ways to integrate Skype into their call centers for both text chat and telephony.

Model Metrics also uses salesforce.com to run its own business. The companyРІР‚в„ўs teams of consultants currently use Skype to communicate internally and to conduct conference calls with clients. The company views SkypeРІР‚в„ўs click-to-call and SkypeIn functionality as a potential option with which to replace its aging PBX, a step that will improve its employeesРІР‚в„ў and managersРІР‚в„ў visibility into sales and support call logs.

John H. Barnes, vice president of technology for Model Metrics said, “Skype for Salesforce has already helped our staff interact and work more closely with our customers. We anticipate that this easy-to-use integrated solution will enable our clients to better manage their communications, while also reducing costs.”

“Skype’s initial AppExchange application coincided with the launch of AppExchange in January 2006 and was very well received by the salesforce.com community, as it enabled them to stay in touch with their customers, suppliers and colleagues spread around the world,” said Matt Holleran, vice president, AppExchange partners, salesforce.com. “The new Skype for Salesforce application further revolutionizes business communications by making team collaboration and effective communication a seamless part of every workday. Salesforce.com customers can get it from the AppExchange with just a few clicks to enable a whole new set of functions to enhance how they communicate with their clients and prospects.”

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype is not a replacement for a traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts, associated logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

Salesforce.com is a registered trademark of salesforce.com, and AppExchange, The Business Web, IdeaExchange and Successforce are trademarks of salesforce.com, Inc., San Francisco, California. Other names used may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Web Site = http://www.skype.com/

Contact Details = Skype PR Contact:
Stephanie Zari
Skype
2 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1AN
+44 (0)121 288 3779

Released on = August 27, 2007, 9:05 am

Press Release Author = RoomsNet International Limited

Industry = Consumer Services

Press Release Summary = RoomsNet announce that they have integrated with Synxis’ electronic distribution system in order to market and distribute hotels on the Synxis platform via RoomsNet’s online hotel distribution network

Press Release Body = SynXis is a distribution technology and services provider which also has a sizeable existing base of hotels, both independent and chains that use their IDS and electronic distribution services. Integration with Synxis will provide RoomsNet with the opportunity to increase their hotel base and to be able to better serve their customers with a wider choice of hotels and a wider coverage of destinations in all the major regions.

Hotels using the Synxis system will now be able to gain more exposure for their hotels using RoomsNet’s highly successful niche distribution model which is able to identify and target customer needs in a highly relevant manner. RoomsNet is able to target specific groups of properties to specific target markets. For example, if a hotel is situated near the Theatreland area in London (http://roomsnet.com/london_hotels/theatreland_hotels-S0136-D005.html), RoomsNet will be able to position them so as to provide maximum exposure of that hotel to the theatre lovers visiting London. If pets are welcome in a hotel (http://roomsnet.com/london_hotels/pets_allowed_hotels_london-S0167-D027.html), RoomsNet will ensure that this feature is given prominence so that visitors to London who want to bring their pets along will find suitable accommodation in London (http://roomsnet.com/london_hotels/) for themselves as well as their pets.

In the dynamic and highly fragmented online travel environment of today, RoomsNet is capable of matching the unique strengths of each property with the needs of specific customers and is a pioneer in developing long-tail distribution strategies in the online lodging industry.

Recent industry research has shown that the average online travel buyer spends only around 19 minutes online on a travel site. Time is therefore at a premium for the online travel buyer, and with such a ’short’ shopping window, positioning a hotel properly in the correct ’search’ context of the online buyer can result in greatly improved booking rates. RoomsNet is committed to optimizing this positioning for every single hotel on its network and maximizing the value of the time spent by customers and increasing reservations to its inventory partners.

With this strategy in mind, Roomsnet will continue strengthening their relationship with Synxis and other partners to reinforce their position as a leading online lodging distribution network which targets the long tail in distribution to ensure customers get the best possible hotels to suit their requirements and hotels will get the most suitable exposure for their hotels online.

About RoomsNet International (http://roomsnet.com/about_us.html):
Founded in 2000, RoomsNet is the leading niche online lodging distribution network with coverage of all popular travel destinations in the world. RoomsNet works on the cutting edge of online distribution technology and marketing which is the foundation of the company’s market leadership in niche online lodging distribution. For further press information, visit http://roomsnet.com/

About Synxis:
SynXis is a leading travel distribution technology and services provider. SynXis is the preferred provider of reservation products and services for over 7,000 properties around the world. Synxis is a subsidiary of Sabre Holdings - a Fortune 500 company and a leader in travel.

Web Site = http://roomsnet.com/

Contact Details = Roomsnet PR contact:
Yemiena Pallie,
RoomsNet International Limited,
2nd Floor,
45 Craven Road,
London,
W2 3BX,
United Kingdom,
+44 207 402 8192

Released on = August 27, 2007, 3:15 am

Press Release Author = Skype

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = Skype Certified Hardware and Pre-Paid Cards for Skype Now Available in 1,800 U.S. Wal-Mart Stores

Press Release Body = Skype, the leading Internet communications company, has announced that it is teaming up with Wal-Mart, the worldРІР‚в„ўs largest retailer, to address the growing popularity and demand for Internet communications among U.S. consumers. Wal-Mart is offering Skype Certified hardware in the Internet and voice communications area of 1,800 of its stores throughout the country, providing more opportunity and accessibility for people looking for affordable calling options. This partnership gives shoppers immediate hands-on access to headsets, webcams and handsets designed to work with Skype, as well as the first pre-paid cards for Skype available in the U.S.

The addition of Skype Internet communications (http://www.skype.com/products/) products to Wal-Mart stores comes at a time when Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) adoption among U.S. households is growing rapidly. According to the Telecommunications Industry Association, 9.9% of all landlines in the U.S. were VoIP (http://www.skype.com/help/guides/voip/) lines in 2006, and this will rise to 34.1% by 2010. In addition, Skype (http://www.skype.com/) is the number one software-based VoIP application in the U.S. by market share, according to a March 2007 report by In-Stat.

“We applaud Wal-Mart for recognizing the popularity of Skype and making it more accessible to Wal-Mart shoppers. This relationship with Wal-Mart will increase exposure for Skype and our hardware partners in a single dedicated Internet communications section,” said Don Albert, vice president and general manager of Skype North America. “Our research suggests that when users add a Skype Certified accessory like a headset, handset or webcam, it greatly enhances their experience and they use Skype more to connect with family, friends and business colleagues.”

Today, Skype is enjoyed by more than 196 million registered users around the world. Users download Skype software to make free voice and video calls and send instant messages over the Internet. Skype also offers paid-for products which let users make, receive and forward calls to and from landlines and mobile phones. To enhance the Skype user experience, hardware devices and accessories are available from approximately 50 leading manufacturers. These products certified by Skype give users the additional flexibility to talk more freely and naturally when placing Skype Internet calls (http://www.skype.com/products/skypetogo/).

“We have taken a sharp focus to launch the products and brands that consumers are moving toward at the most affordable prices,” said Kevin O’Connor, vice president and general merchandise manager, Wal-Mart Electronics. “The Skype hardware and pre-paid cards are a great fit with Wal-Mart because they offer long-term money-saving solutions at the right time for many customers — parents, grandparents, college students and military families.”

Wal-Mart is the first and currently only retailer in the U.S. to offer SkypeРІР‚в„ўs pre-paid cards. Shoppers can purchase a $20 pre-paid card and redeem it for Skype credit to make inexpensive international calls at rates as low as 2.1 cents per minute. Another pre-paid card is available in stores for a three-month subscription to the Skype Unlimited Calling Plan for just $8.85. This gives consumers three months of unlimited Skype calls to any landline or cell phone number in the U.S. and Canada.

About Skype
Skype sets conversations free by providing new and easy ways to stay in touch over the internet. Millions of people every day make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and send instant messages using our software. Some pay a little per minute for long-distance and international calls to phones and mobiles and for SMS, voicemail and call forwarding, or they buy subscriptions that give unlimited calls nationwide. Skype certify and sell hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners and work with third-party developers to create software to extend SkypeРІР‚в„ўs functionality. Skype has been downloaded more than half a billion times and over 196 million people from almost every corner of the globe have registered.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts, associated logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

Web Site = http://www.skype.com/

Contact Details = Skype PR Contact:
Stephanie Zari
Skype
2 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1AN
+44 (0)121 288 3779

Released on = August 23, 2007, 2:08 am

Press Release Author = Parcel2go.com

Industry = Transportation & Logistics

Press Release Summary = Parcel2go, the UK and USA delivery and collection postal service are now offering a 10 percent discount for eBay users.

Press Release Body = Parcel2go, the UK and USA delivery and collection postal service, are now offering a 10 percent discount for eBay users.

Gaining more and more users each day, the customers of the largest online auction site eBay, can now take advantage of a 10 percent shipping discount being offered by the delivery service Parcel2Go. With more people using eBay to buy and sell than ever before, there is high demand for reliable and cheap shipping (http://www.parcel2go.com/parcel-delivery.aspx) to customers.

By placing the Parcel2go.com logo into the body of the description of an item on eBay up for auction, sellers will receive a 10 percent discount on shipping fees. Simple instructions on how to integrate the Parcel2go.com logo into eBay ads can be found on Parcel2go.com’s website. All it takes is a quick cut and paste and Parcel2go.com will send sellers a promotional code to receive the discount.

Parcel2go.com also offers free delivery on all packaging and shipping (http://www.parcel2go.com/packaging.aspx) supplies. Essential resources for anyone selling items on eBay, Parcel2go.com offers a wide range of packing and wrapping products to ensure items are received in pristine condition. From the smallest in padded envelopes, to boxes and even large pallet wrap rolls, anything needed to pack a parcel can be found on their website complete with pictures of all their products.

Parcel2go.com also boasts a range of services that can be used online to track packages and find postcodes. The postcode finder (http://www.parcel2go.com/postcode-finder.aspx) is designed to be used to find postcodes of addresses where the postcode has been forgotten or can be used to find potential addresses of particular postcodes. Users can also track the movements of their packages online to destinations worldwide. The ability to track packages enables users to give customers the latest information regarding the time shipments can be expected. The comprehensive services provided by Parcel2go.com make it a one-stop-shop for shipping and packaging needs.

About Parcel2Go:
Parcel2go.com (http://www.parcel2go.com/) is the trading name of Parcel2go Ltd., registered in England and Wales and was founded in 1990. The company operates a cost effective collection and delivery service available throughout the UK and USA mainland. Through various delivery partners they are able to offer high levels of service backed up by a dedicated customer service team.

Parcel2go.com offers a comprehensive range of services to residents living within the UK or USA. Home and business users can benefit from services available domestically and internationally.

Web Site = http://www.parcel2go.com/

Contact Details = PR Contact:
Richard Mercer,
Parcel2go.com,
Coe House,
Coe Street,
Bolton,
BL3 6BU,
Tel: +44 (0)1204 488 906

Released on = August 22, 2007, 7:16 am

Press Release Author = Skype

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = Skype announce that Toshiba’s Digital Products Division will market the Skype Internet communication software on the company’s notebook computers

Press Release Body = Skype, the leading Internet communications company, has announced that Toshiba’s Digital Products Division will market the Skype Internet communication software on the company’s notebook computers, including the Satellite, Tecra, Portege and Qosmio product lines. These new Toshiba notebooks featuring Skype are currently available through both retail and online channels in the U.S., including Toshiba’s online store.

The addition of Skype on select Toshiba notebook computers with built-in webcams and microphones creates an all-in-one internet communications solution for customers. Initially, Toshiba notebooks featuring webcams will include select configurations of the Satellite A215, Satellite X205, Tecra M8 and Qosmio F45 series. Customers will be able to see the branded offering with a Skype logo found adjacent to the units’ built-in webcam. In addition, customers will be able to access a Skype icon available on the desktop to quickly and easily download the latest Skype client software from a co-branded Skype and Toshiba landing page.

Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. said, “Toshiba is dedicated to offering innovative notebook computers which provide users with the right balance of functionality and performance to enhance its customers overall mobile computing experience. Toshiba is confident users will appreciate the ability to connect with families, friends and colleagues across the world via Skype’s unique Internet communication tool.”

This marketing agreement with one of the nation’s leading notebook computer vendors, further builds on Skype’s momentum and reach to U.S. consumers. Last month, Skype announced plans to sell Skype Certified devices and accessories and pre-paid cards for Skype in 1,800 Wal-Mart stores throughout the country.

“Skype is always looking for meaningful ways to extend its reach in the marketplace and we believe this relationship will make it easier for the millions of Toshiba notebook users in the U.S. to experience the benefits of Skype Internet calling (http://www.skype.com/products/skypetogo/),” said Don Albert, vice president and general manager of Skype North America. “Teaming up with Toshiba will directly present Skype’s offerings to more potential users and will provide an ideal communications PC solution for them to stay in touch with their friends, family and business colleagues from home, in the office or on the go.”

Skype’s free software makes it possible for anyone with an internet connection to take advantage of its rich features and make free, high quality voice and video calls, to send instant messages or share files over the internet and to conduct conference calls (up to 10 people) and public chats (up to 150 people). Skype also offers low-cost products which include an annual subscription unlimited calling plan within the U.S. and Canada for $29.95, international calling to landlines and cell phones for pennies a minute, call-forwarding (http://www.skype.com/products/callforwarding/), Skype Voicemail (http://www.skype.com/products/skypevoicemail/) and more.

About Skype:
Skype sets conversations free by providing new and easy ways to stay in touch over the internet. Millions of people every day make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and send instant messages using our software. Some pay a little per minute for long-distance and international calls to phones and mobiles and for SMS, voicemail and call forwarding, or they buy subscriptions that give unlimited calls nationwide. Skype certify and sell hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners and work with third-party developers to create software to extend Skype’s functionality. Skype has been downloaded more than half a billion times and over 196 million people from almost every corner of the globe have registered.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype is not a replacement for a traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts, associated logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

Web Site = http://www.skype.com/

Contact Details = Skype PR Contact:
Stephanie Zari,
Skype,
2 Stephen Street,
London,
W1T 1AN,
+44 (0)121 288 3779

Released on = August 20, 2007, 6:24 pm

Press Release Author = Henry T Cochran

Industry = Transportation & Logistics

Press Release Summary = Company Will Use New Funding to Rapidly Expand Electronic Component Procurement Fulfillment Business

Press Release Body = SHENZHEN, PR CHINA, August 21, 2007 – SinoHub Technology Company, Ltd. today announced that it has successfully closed a RMB 23.5 Million Letter of Credit facility with the Commercial Industrial Bank. The company will use the funds to expand its electronic component procurement fulfillment business in China. Already a leading company in the rapidly growing field of electronic component supply chain management services in China (import, buffer inventory, procurement fulfillment, VMI, just-in-time delivery, export and other services), SinoHub will use these funds to propel itself into a dominant position in this field.

Latest reports show the volume of electronic components being imported into PR China has crossed the US$ 5 billion per month mark and that the development of new fabrication facilities for electronic components inside China is proceeding very quickly. To support this growth, specialized supply chain management services (SCM) companies are starting to take over the home grown import logistics services of suppliers which have been at best a distraction and at worst an inefficient waste of money. At the same time, SCM companies are helping OEMs/EMS providers reduce inventories and outsource non-core operations by providing VMI/Just-In-Time delivery and procurement fulfillment services.

“SinoHub is well on the way to branding their name to be synonymous with world-class electronic component supply chain management services in China,” said Mr. Zhang, President of Commercial Industrial Bank. “Part of our due diligence involved talking with some of SinoHubРІР‚в„ўs customers. Frankly the people we spoke with couldnРІР‚в„ўt be happier with the level of service from SinoHub and with the information they get from SinoHubРІР‚в„ўs online MIS system 24×7. No wonder SinoHub is growing so rapidly.”

“This commitment from Commercial Industrial Bank provides solid backing for SinoHub to take our procurement fulfillment business to the next level. CIB has helped us become better prepared to handle the large electronic component purchase volumes of our contract manufacturer customers,” said Harry Cochran, CEO of SinoHub. “Our business is extremely scalable. We have the ability to deploy new funding profitably at a very fast rate. Now that we have reached the exponential part of the growth curve, I expect SinoHub to move quickly into a dominant market position.”

SinoHub Service and Software Solution Offerings
The Integrated Supply Chain service platform provided by Sinohub, SinoHub SCM, is tailored to the electronic components business requirements in China. It helps electronic component industry participants reduce inventory costs, shorten purchasing lead-time and solve RMB purchasing and VAT invoicing problems.

“Commercial Industrial Bank’s strong support of SinoHub is a real testament to our unique business model”, said Willa Li, SinoHub’s CFO. “Many businesses see their growth slow as they get to volume, but we are in such a big market that we expect to see our rate of growth continue to increase in the foreseeable future.”

New Customer Opportunities
“With this new credit facility, SinoHub can now take better advantage of the robust platform we have built over the past 6 years to offer a true one-stop-shop SCM service experience for our customers,” commented Lei Xia, President. “We decided to focus on the mobile phone producers this year, and that decision is really paying off. China will produce about 1 billion phones this year. Being in the thick of that market has driven us to hone our skills so that I am now confident SinoHub is offering the best electronic component supply chain management services in China.”

About SinoHub
SinoHub Technology Company, Ltd. was organized in Shenzhen in September 2000 by veteran entrepreneur Harry Cochran and electronic component industry veteran Lei Xia to facilitate the electronics revolution in China by providing world-class services and MIS for all participants in the supply chain of electronic components. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.sinohub.com.

Web Site = http://www.sinohub.com

Contact Details = SinoHub Technology Company, Ltd.
Falicia Chang
Tel: +86-755-2601-2481
Fax: +86-755-2601-2224
email: falicia@sinohub.com
Address: Room B, 2nd Floor,
M-10, Central (W.),
Shenzhen High-Tech Park,
Shenzhen, China