IE Effects Takes Visuals to Third Dimension With Isilon Scale-Out NAS Tweet

VFX Studio Deploys Isilon Data Storage as Primary Repository for 3D Post-Production, Unifying Multiple Effects Applications onto a Single File System to Accelerate Time-to-Delivery.

SEATTLE -- Isilon® Systems (Nasdaq: ISLN) announced that IE Effects, a leading 3D visual effects and post-production studio, has deployed Isilon scale-out NAS as the primary storage repository for its entire post-production operation, including 3D effects for Michael Jackson's This Is It and various Disney and Motorola commercial campaigns. Using Isilon's X-Series, IE Effects has unified all of its visual effects, editorial, and color grading applications onto a single, shared storage resource, increasing workflow efficiency and accelerating project time-to-delivery. With Isilon IQ, IE Effects can cost-effectively scale its storage in-step with application demand, enabling it to process more visual effects projects in less time and expand its bandwidth to accommodate new business opportunities across movies, television, commercials and theme parks.

"The increasing demand for 3D entertainment is creating significant challenges for VFX workflows as 3D doubles the size of a given project and requires significantly higher data performance to meet deadlines," said David Kenneth, executive producer, IE Effects. "Until Isilon, we hadn't seen a storage system capable of delivering the concurrent throughput and ease of management needed to consistently deliver leading-edge 3D effects. Now, we can process 3D and 2D projects simultaneously from multiple locations, increasing our bandwidth for new business and allowing us to grow at a previously impossible rate."

IE Effects delivers leading-edge 2D and 3D visual effects for movies, television, commercials and theme parks, including Disney, Honda and Motorola, among others. Prior to using Isilon scale-out NAS, IE Effects didn't have a central storage system, leaving valuable content stranded in disparate data silos and limiting data access. Without a shared content repository, IE Effects artists and contractors couldn't easily interface with production content, hindering collaboration and slowing project completion times.

Working with Isilon systems integrator Integrated Media Technologies (IMT), IE Effects deployed Isilon IQ, featuring its OneFS® operating system, to unify its entire post-production operation onto a single, shared, easy to use storage resource, aggregating a variety of performance-intensive effects applications to improve productivity and collaboration. Using Isilon's SnapshotIQ® data protection software, IE Effects can take unlimited data snapshots, while simultaneously running multiple 2D and 3D effects applications, providing the studio with flexible, reliable data protection that reduces risk and system management. With Isilon scale-out NAS, IE Effects has been able to accelerate production cycles and reduce storage costs, driving increased operating leverage throughout its business.

"The need to aggregate applications and drive more efficient team collaboration is critical to business success regardless of the industry," said Sam Grocott, vice president of marketing, Isilon Systems. "Add to that the need to do so at less cost, and traditional SAN and NAS systems simply aren't up to the task. IE Effects use of Isilon scale-out NAS to unify its operations and accelerate project delivery times is another compelling example of Isilon's benefits for data-intensive IT environments."

About Isilon Systems

Isilon Systems (Nasdaq: ISLN) is the proven leader in scale-out NAS. Isilon's clustered storage and data management solutions drive unique business value for customers by maximizing the performance of their mission-critical applications, workflows, and processes. Isilon enables enterprises and research organizations worldwide to manage large and rapidly growing amounts of file-based data in a highly scalable, easy-to-manage, and cost-effective way. Information about Isilon can be found at http://www.isilon.com.

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Hello Direct Introduces Hands-Free, Unified Communications Solutions to Government Agencies Tweet

Leading Retailer Offers Products Aligned with Green Legislation, Telecommute Initiatives and Security Protocols.

NASHUA, N.H. -- Hello Direct, the leading developer and direct marketer of innovative, hands-free, integrated talking solutions for business and government, announced a new public sector initiative aimed at capturing additional market share with federal agencies and institutions. The initiative is being kicked off at the Jabra Innovation Lab, hosted at the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C., by one of Hello Direct's premier partners, Danish headset manufacturer Jabra. From green legislation to work-from-home initiatives, the lab provides government agencies with an in-depth look at how the right headsets can increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace, streamline and unify communications, establish secure connections, and assist with disaster recovery planning.

The Jabra Innovation Lab is not Hello Direct's first foray into the public sector; the retailer has extensive experience servicing such federal institutions as the General Services Administration (GSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Agriculture (USDA), United States Postal Service (USPS), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). With a dedicated public sector sales team focused on meeting the endpoint solution needs of these agencies and capturing new business opportunities, Hello Direct offers unique services and account management including onsite needs analysis and product demos for customers, product testing and implementation plans, special government pricing and procurement options.

"IT decisions for government agencies are not easily made given a variety of factors, ranging from new legislation to compliance issues and security needs," said Jerry Mayo, president, GN Netcom Inc. "Hello Direct's account managers are pros at servicing the public sector and their client roster is proof of that. We are proud to supply quality products that meet the needs of their customers."

Hello Direct offers products that are designed to maximize employee health and productivity and to eliminate barriers in information technology by creating new opportunities for people with disabilities. Hello Direct offers Section 508 compliant products as well as eLearning solutions that help clients comply with accessibility requirements. The products are also meticulously evaluated and tested for quality, reliability, comfort, ease of use, and ease of installation, and meet rigorous U.S. military specifications.

"The wireless headset category is one of Hello Direct's strong points and the public sector continues to turn to us for our expertise," said Deborah Wenger, Chief Operating Officer, GN Netcom Inc. "In this sector, the Jabra GN9300 series along with new Jabra PRO 9400 and Jabra GO 6400 are some of our best-sellers, which can be attributed to these products being turn-key and profit-ready."

Hello Direct's current product offerings include:

* Corded and wireless office headsets
* Bluetooth® cell phone headsets for mobile professionals
* Multi-use wireless headsets for both office and cell phone use
* Corded and wireless audio and video conferencing systems
* Single and multi-line expandable cordless phone systems
* Business phone systems
* VoIP phone systems and services
* 2-way radios, tour systems, and GPS systems


For more information, visit www.HelloDirect.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/hellodirect.

About Hello Direct

Hello Direct, the leading developer and direct marketer of innovative, hands-free, integrated talking solutions for business and government, is proudly based in Nashua, New Hampshire, employing a workforce of dedicated professionals focused on serving telephony needs. After two decades in business and nearly 2 million customers, the company has emerged as a highly recognized and respected brand name in the telecom solutions industry. In the company's 20 years of serving private-sector businesses, Hello Direct has also worked to develop special services and pricing exclusively for corporate and public sector customers, with all of the support necessary for a successful implementation. Hello Direct currently offers more than 1,400 high-quality talking solutions, including Hello Direct, GN, and Jabra brand headsets as well as products from such leading manufacturers as Polycom, AT&T, Nortel, Panasonic, Siemens, Motorola, along with Avaya compliant tested solutions from Jabra now proudly servicing the Avaya and Nortel user communities.

For further information, please visit www.hellodirect.com.

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HTML5 is Just the Beginning as FreeWheel Releases Full Suite of Portable Device Capabilities Tweet

Company brings monetization technology to bear across all devices running Android, Cocoa, Flash, HTML5, and Silverlight.

SAN MATEO, Calif. -- Video monetization technology company FreeWheel announced that the video ad serving capabilities offered by its flagship product Monetization Rights Management® (MRM), fully supports Android, Cocoa, Flash, HTML5, and Silverlight – the environments used across a multitude of portable devices. Dozens of leading media companies are already leveraging FreeWheel's capabilities to manage their ad-supported video businesses. This includes monetizing video on the web, on portable web browsers, and in applications running on Apple and Android devices including the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Motorola Droid, and HTC Nexus One.

Recently updated to version 3.0, MRM enables global media companies and content distributors to effectively manage ad sales rights, produce cross-device inventory forecasts, deliver a yield-optimized set of ads, and analyze video business performance. MRM was developed to help publishers manage their advertising inventory across multiple run-time environments and devices.

"Media companies face a major challenge when trying to manage and monetize distributed video content," said Doug Knopper, co-founder and co-CEO of FreeWheel. "MRM was designed to excel in a fragmented, chaotic technical space. So, the more devices that come to market promising better viewer experiences, the better it is for us and for our clients."

FreeWheel recently announced further integration with leading online video platform, Brightcove, to bring an HTML5 video advertising solution to Brightcove's player through the utilization of FreeWheel's HTML5 SDK. Easily employed with any HTML5 video player, Freewheel's HTML5 SDK is a standards-compliant JavaScript AdManager. Additionally, HTML5 support solutions are underway with other online video players integrated with FreeWheel, including Ooyala, thePlatform, and Kyte.

Along with existing Flash capabilities, FreeWheel has also created a Cocoa SDK that delivers MRM's full capabilities for serving ads into iPad and iPhone applications. Additionally, FreeWheel will ensure that their current Flash SDK is fully compliant with the Abode Flash Player 10.1 that Adobe plans to release in the coming months. This functionality will be available on Android devices within the browser setting.

About FreeWheel

FreeWheel offers the most formidable system for digital video ad management and monetization. Built from the ground up by a handful of former DoubleClick executives, FreeWheel's solution-set has already armed companies like Turner Broadcasting System, ESPN, Warner Brothers, CBS, VEVO, Discovery Communications, and others with the tools and services necessary to make more money from their video content. For more information, please visit: http://www.freewheel.tv. Follow the company on Twitter @FreeWheeldotTV.

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Siegel+Gale Appoints Justin Peters as Global Executive Creative Director Tweet

NEW YORK -- Global strategic branding firm Siegel+Gale announced the appointment of Justin Peters as global executive creative director.

Having solved business challenges through design for top-tier business, consumer and government brands in North America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia for two decades, Peters brings a breadth of global experience to clients served through Siegel+Gale's eight offices worldwide.

In his new role, Peters will lead an inspired, global, creative community that develops surprisingly fresh design strategies, stories and experiences for growing brands.

"With Siegel+Gale continuing to expand, his internationalist perspective is simply crucial for our creative teams that are across all media," says Howard Belk, co-president and chief executive officer. "After five years of demonstrating passion, dedication, creative magic and respect for clients and staff -- it's clear that Justin is the right person to lead the firm into the next evolution of brand design."

Since joining Siegel+Gale in 2005, Peters has led creative development for clients in the New York, London and Dubai offices. He began his travels in 2008 when he left the New York office to champion creative branding solutions for clients in London. In 2009, Peters relocated to Dubai to deliver world-class creative strategies to a variety of clients in the Middle East. While there, he lectured at universities across the United Arab Emirates and was a recurring panelist on Dubai talk radio.

"It's been a privilege to work for Siegel+Gale in such a variety of regions," says Peters. "The experience has proven how eager organizations and governments around the world are to build brands that stand out from the local level to the global stage. I look forward to connecting with the creative teams across all of Siegel+Gale's offices to ensure we're equipped to help brands meet this challenge."

In his tenure at Siegel+Gale, Peters has built on a roster of clients that includes: the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, Dubai Media Event Management Corporation, Intelsat, GE, Ingersoll-Rand, Tata Consultancy Services, Chemtura, SunTrust Bank, Mexico's Tres Rios Luxury Hotels, Qatar Telecom and the groundbreaking King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to joining Siegel+Gale, Justin worked as creative director at Carbone Smolan Agency where, for nearly 15 years, he oversaw the conceptual development, design and implementation of identity programs, print communications, branded environments and interactive experiences for clients including Kodak, Sesame Workshop, Disney, Publicis, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Anguilla's Malliouhana Hotel, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and I.M. Pei's Miho Museum in Shiga, Japan. In 1999, Justin worked directly with President Clinton and the First Lady to develop and launch the Official Symbol for The White House Millennium Council.

Peters holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and has earned certificates from the Rhode Island School of Design and Parsons School of Design.

About Siegel+Gale

Siegel+Gale (siegelgale.com) is one of the world's premier strategic branding companies and a pioneer in simplifying complex customer communications. Since it was founded by Alan Siegel in 1969, the firm has built world-class brands for many of the world's most successful companies through elegantly simple strategies, communications and experiences. Driven by its philosophy of "Simple is Smart," Siegel+Gale has led the way in bringing innovation to the corporate branding field, including transforming complex, incomprehensible customer communications into plain English; helping clients create distinctive brand voices across all their communications; transporting brands onto the Internet; and aligning the brand experience with the brand promise.

The firm's clients include AARP, Aetna, American Express, Bank of America, Dell, The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Internal Revenue Service, Lexus, Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, Motorola, the National Basketball Association, Pfizer and Sony PlayStation. Siegel+Gale has offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Hamburg, Dubai and Shanghai and strategic partnerships around the world.

Siegel+Gale is part of the Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicom.com), a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms serve over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

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Smartclip Launches New Multi-Screen Video Advertising Platform in Europe Tweet

Digital video advertising network unveils first campaign available on four screens; Smartclip North America targets multi-screen platform rollout in late 2010.

NEW YORK and HAMBURG, Germany -- A new multi-screen video advertising platform from Smartclip AG allows advertisers for the first time to use the same ad format on a number of devices, including PCs, smartphones, TVs and game consoles, to increase the reach and impact of campaigns.

"With our multi-screen platform, advertisers can create unique brand experiences for their customers by reaching them wherever they are, no matter the device they are using," said Matt Prohaska Smartclip North America CEO. "Consumers are already operating in a multi-screen world. However, it has taken all of us in the digital video ecosystem, including publishers, platforms, advertisers and researchers, a bit longer to get in place to properly serve consumers' growing needs."

OTTO, a leading direct marketer in Germany, is the first advertiser to leverage the new multi-screen video advertising platform from Smartclip. Otto has premiered a standardized format for video advertising on portable devices including PCs, iPhones, TVs from Samsung, Philips and Panasonic, and gaming consoles PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable.

"Many young people are now consuming video online, on smartphones, gaming consoles or TV, so it is essential that we engage with our target audience and address them online as that is where they are," said Stefanie Gauger, director for brand and client communication at OTTO. "With this multi-screen campaign, we have once again demonstrated our innovative approach and are sure that this is just one of many milestones in tomorrow's brand communication."

Smartclip and OTTO are working together to place video ads on Internet portals owned and operated by Axel Springer, one of Germany's largest publishers. The sites include bild.de, tvdigital.de and sevenload.com, and compliment the Summer 2010 Fashion campaign on www.otto.de, to present the new summer line from the brand. The innovative multi-screen campaign was presented at the dmexco Night Talks in Munich entitled, "TV everywhere – multi-screen sales in action."

Smartclip AG Chief Operating Officer Roland Schaber added, "In the age of personalization, our research shows users are more engaged with content they have selected themselves. This means that advertising is more readily accepted and helps to boost the overall effectiveness of the campaign. Our multi-screen offering is the key to unlocking this potential and we look forward to working with clients across Europe and the United States to enhance their online campaigns."

Smartclip North America's goal is to launch the multi-screen platform with top publishers, platforms and advertisers in the U.S. before the end of the year.

About Smartclip

Smartclip LLC (www.smartclip.com) launched at the end of 2009 as a second-generation, premium digital video advertising network. The company offers advertisers a blend of innovative ad formats, exclusive online inventory including social media, reach partnerships and extensive tracking resources. Smartclip is part of Smartclip AG, the largest video advertising network in Europe, launched in early 2008. Together, they provide publishers and marketers with an efficient, global multi-screen delivery network.

For further information on OTTO, please see www.otto.com.

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UBM TechInsights Verifies That the Samsung Wave S8500 Features the Same ARM Core as the Apple iPad Tweet

OTTAWA, Ontario -- UBM TechInsights announced an important discovery in the application processors of two popular consumer electronics devices. UBM TechInsights analysis has revealed that the just-released Samsung Wave S8500 features the same 1 GHz ARM CORTEX A8 core as that found in the very popular Apple iPad.

"By investigating the Samsung S5PC110A01 application processor and comparing it to the A4 application processor found in the Apple iPad using our specialized lab techniques, we were able to confirm that not only is Samsung the manufacturer of both application processors, but both application processors feature the same 1 GHz ARM CORTEX A8 core manufactured using a 45-nanometer low-power fabrication process," said Young Choi, Senior Manager of the Technical Intelligence Group. "With this find, we begin to see how Samsung is successfully asserting itself as the leader in the wireless and mobile applications processor market."

With the recent surge in sales of the iPad, speculation that the next generation Apple iPhone will also feature the same A4 processor as that of the iPad, and the belief that the soon-to-be released Android OS-enabled Samsung Galaxy S Smartphone will also use the S5PC110A01, sales of Samsung manufactured processors is expected to reach very high-levels. With these key sockets in place Samsung will easily maintain its position as the market leader in application processors that it originally attained in 2009.

UBM TechInsights used the best and latest technical expertise and analysis tools, in combination with years of experience in all aspects of the IP / Technology Lifecycle, to make our determination of the similar ARM cores in the Samsung S5PC110A01 and the Apple A4. Information about UBM TechInsights research on the Apple A4 processor can be found at ubmtechinsights.com. For more information about available research on the Samsung S5PC110A01, please mailto:sleclaire@ubmtechinsights.com.

About UBM TechInsights

UBM TechInsights is the preeminent firm for the provision of sophisticated information and advice to technology companies. We assist in the management of their technology and intellectual property portfolios, ensuring the reduction of risk and maximizing return on investment. Our leadership position is founded upon our commitment to the utmost integrity, and sustained by the ongoing investment and acquisition of the knowledge and capabilities necessary to meet our clients' evolving needs. When companies need assistance in managing their most complex technology or IP challenges, they turn to UBM TechInsights for assured results. For more information about UBM TechInsights, go to www.ubmtechinsights.com.

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Time to Trade Up? ShopSmart Highlights the Latest Advances in Appliances and Electronics Tweet

Cool New Product Features to Make Your Life Easier - and More Fun.

YONKERS, N.Y. -- It's not always easy to part with a trusty old computer or fridge, but the latest innovations in home products offer plenty of reasons to consider an upgrade. A new guide in the July 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, shares the latest and greatest developments in appliances and electronics to help consumers decide if trading up is worth the money.

"Appliances are getting faster, smarter, and more energy efficient," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in- chief of ShopSmart. "So ShopSmart has put together a lineup of the most recent improvements in all major categories of home products along with the latest brand data, to ensure that readers know which products are reliable—and which they should avoid. Best of all, many upscale features are now available on lower-priced models. "

ShopSmart's "Time To Trade Up!" features new developments across 12 categories of appliances and electronic gadgets, which brands needed the fewest (and the most) repairs, the latest brand data based on surveys of more than a million readers, the magazine's picks for the best products in each category, as well as a sneak peek into the next generation of gadgets. Below is a sampling of some of ShopSmart's advice.

What's New in Appliances

RANGES

* More double ovens: Ovens are being made big enough for turkeys, roasts, and multiple dishes with the added bonus of an additional oven designed for single frozen entrees, pizza, or a batch of brownies.
* Steam-cleaning cycles: They're best for spot-cleaning right after you cook so that you don't have to run the longer self-cleaning cycle. But you'll still have to wipe up the spill.
* Griddle pans: A griddle spanning two burners or an oval burner is ideal for making batches of pancakes, eggs, paninis, or grilled-cheese sandwiches.
* Convection for less: Ovens with convection help reduce roasting time, and instead of the usual $1,200 and up, you can now find the feature on ranges for $800 to $900, such as the Kenmore 9745 and Amana AER6011VA.


MICROWAVE OVENS

* More shortcut keys: Besides old standbys like popcorn and pizza, there are now some models with over 100 automatic options.
* Oven capabilities: Some units combine the browning and baking abilities of a convection oven with the speed of a microwave. GE's Advantium, about $750, uses microwaves and high-powered lights to bake, broil, grill, and brown like a conventional oven, but in about a quarter of the time.


CLOTHES WASHERS AND DRYERS

* Bigger capacity: Some new washers are now big enough to hold hefty 18-pound-and-up laundry loads and bulky comforters—they haven't gotten wider, just a couple of inches deeper.
* Energy-saving cycles: These cycles have gotten shorter and use less energy than regular cycles.
* Smarter detergent dispensers: These hold six months' worth of detergent and figure out how much you need, based on the load size, water level and hardness, and even the kind of fabric. A ShopSmart top pick is GE's Profile steam washer WPDH8900J, $1,000.


What's New in Electronics

TVS

* 3D: The quality is movie-theater impressive. Watch for 3D programs on ESPN and other channels and 3D movies on Blu-ray discs.
* Internet connectivity: You can get streaming video from Netflix and others; photo albums from Flickr and Picasa; and access to YouTube, Twitter, and Skype.
* Energy-saving features: Look for LED backlighting on LCD sets, motion sensors that shut off power in an empty room, and new Energy Star 4.0 certifications that meet stricter government guidelines.
* Better LCDs: Many sets now have 120Hz or 240Hz frame rates, which reduce motion blur in fast-action scenes. We like the Samsung LN46C630, a 46-inch, 120Hz LCD, $1,000.


CAMERAS

* Digital SLRs that shoot high-def video: Don't juggle a camera and camcorder; take both photos and video with an SLR, using a telephoto or wide-angle lens.
* Slim SLRs: The new SLR/point-and-shoot hybrids give you advanced features in a compact camera.
* Super-tough shells: Some of the newest cameras are waterproof, dropproof, freezeproof, and shockproof. ShopSmart's top rated is the Canon's PowerShot D10, $400.


PHONES

* 4G technology: This high-speed network makes it possible to send high-def photos and videos.
* Touch screens: Many new phones can be operated with the pinch, poke, or swipe of your finger.
* Improved GPS: Phones with higher resolution, larger screens—up to 4.3 inches—and improved maps and features might make separate GPS devices a thing of the past.
* Built-in Wi-Fi hot spots: Use phones like Verizon's Palm Pre Plus, $30, and Pixi Plus, $30, to create portable wireless Internet hot spots for your laptop.
* More iPhone-like models: Android phones are now offered by all major carriers. The HTC Droid Incredible, $200, even has a larger display and a higher-megapixel camera than the iPhone.


About ShopSmart magazine:

Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports' celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and "best of the best" lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.shopsmartmag.org.

ShopSmart is now available 10 times a year. Subscribe at www.ShopSmartmag.org

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