Dell Completes EqualLogic Acquisition, Broadens Storage Portfolio, Doubles Down on Channel

Dell today announced the completion of its $1.4 billion acquisition of EqualLogic, a leading provider of high-performance storage area network (SAN) solutions designed for virtualization and ease-of-use. The purchase extends Dell’s leadership in simplifying IT for customers and partners. For additional information, click on dell.com/storage.

“Virtualization and iSCSI are two keys to simplifying IT,” said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO, Dell. “Enterprises are creating data and consuming power at an exponential rate, driving up IT cost and complexity. What we did for PCs and servers we are now going to do for storage. Together with our PartnerDirect channel, we will unleash the power of iSCSI and virtualization to make storing and processing data easier and more affordable.”

“Customers face extreme challenges with data growth,” said Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager, Dell storage. “Their ideal solution is secure storage that uses existing infrastructure, installs in minutes not days, manages itself, grows easily as needs increase and plugs into the virtualized IT ecosystem. That’s EqualLogic. And that’s the incredible value we will deliver to customers.”

EqualLogic Expands Dell PartnerDirect
Dell plans to preserve and build on EqualLogic’s successful channel program in addition to offering products directly from Dell. Starting today in the United States and ultimately around the world, current EqualLogic partners will be enrolled into PartnerDirect and eligible for Dell’s newest certification - Enterprise Architecture. Dell modeled its certification requirements and benefits on EqualLogic’s widely-regarded channel program and include access to Dell’s full server and storage product lines.

“The channel is critical to our go-to-market strategy, and we are committed to our partners’ continued success,” said Bob Skelley, director Americas Channel Group. “This is just the beginning. Dell will continue to innovate and differentiate to earn the business of our channel partners.”

In addition to standard benefits offered through PartnerDirect - deal registration, pre- and post-sale support, partner financing and access to Dell’s partner e-commerce site, partners certified in Enterprise Architecture will be able to take advantage of: Free training (once only available to Dell’s direct sales force) for proficiency in Dell’s full enterprise product line, as well as EqualLogic;
EqualLogic’s same competitive pricing model; and
Lead generation and marketing incentive funds.

SunGard Acquires Financial Technology Integrators (FTI)

SunGard (http://www.sungard.com) today announced that it has acquired the assets of Financial Technology Integrators, LLC (FTI). FTI delivers portfolio management, pre-trade compliance, regulatory compliance, integrated performance reporting and modeling systems in a Web services environment. The acquisition, the terms of which were not disclosed, is not expected to have a material impact on SunGard’s financial results.

Founded in 1999, FTI has been a fast-growing provider of ASP-based financial service applications for the bank, trust and investment management community. FTI’s services combine financial data from multiple systems with a customized solution to enhance and streamline investment processes and workflows. FTI provides Web service-based software products, data integration and services that help lower cost and increase return on investment for mission-critical operations in the financial services industry.

“FTI has worked closely with SunGard over the past few years to integrate a number of our wealth management and investment solutions in order to bring added value to the customers we serve,” said Bill McFadden, chief operating officer and founder of FTI. “Joining SunGard’s wealth management business, further integrating our products and collaborating on innovative new solutions will help our customers improve productivity, increase processing efficiencies and streamline investment workflows.”

“Investment managers are facing a new set of complex challenges in managing their businesses,” said Kevin Rafferty, president of SunGard’s wealth management business. “In order to help our customers excel in this changing environment we are pleased that FTI has become part of SunGard’s growing wealth management business. Incorporating FTI’s offerings into SunGard’s suite of end-to-end wealth management solutions will better position us to help our customers attract, service, manage and grow their client relationships.”

About SunGard Solutions for Wealth Management
SunGard is a leading provider of wealth management solutions that help financial advisors, investment managers, bankers, compliance officers and financial services executives grow their businesses by meeting the needs of their mass affluent, high-net worth and institutional customers. SunGard provides an integrated suite of services and best-of-breed point solutions for financial planning, asset allocation, portfolio management, unified managed account programs, trade execution, asset management, custody, trust accounting, compliance and reporting. These solutions are designed to help wealth management firms and practitioners expand client relationships and increase assets while complying with regulatory mandates.

About SunGard
With annual revenue exceeding $4 billion, SunGard is a global leader in software and processing solutions for financial services, higher education and the public sector. SunGard also helps information-dependent enterprises of all types to ensure the continuity of their business. SunGard serves more than 25,000 customers in more than 50 countries, including the world’s 50 largest financial services companies. Visit SunGard at www.sungard.com.

Microsoft Announces Offer to Acquire Fast Search & Transfer

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) today announced that it will make an offer to acquire Fast Search & Transfer ASA (OSE: “FAST”), a leading provider of enterprise search solutions, through a cash tender offer for 19.00 Norwegian kroner (NOK) per share. This offer represents a 42 percent premium to the closing share price on Jan. 4, 2008 (the last trading day prior to this announcement), and values the fully diluted equity of FAST at 6.6 billion NOK (or approximately $1.2 billion U.S.). FAST’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that its shareholders accept the offer. In addition, shareholders representing in aggregate 37 percent of the outstanding shares, including FAST’s two largest institutional shareholders, Orkla ASA and Hermes Focus Asset Management Europe, have irrevocably undertaken to accept the offer. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of calendar year 2008.

“Enterprise search is becoming an indispensable tool to businesses of all sizes, helping people find, use and share critical business information quickly,” said Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division. “Until now organizations have been forced to choose between powerful, high-end search technologies or more mainstream, infrastructure solutions. The combination of Microsoft and FAST gives customers a new choice: a single vendor with solutions that span the full range of customer needs.”

The companies possess a number of complementary strengths that advance a shared vision for helping businesses deliver information worker productivity and improved business results. FAST has a deep talent pool and is respected throughout the technology industry for its expertise in best-in-class, high-end search solutions. Microsoft offers worldwide customer reach and an extensive partner network, and is the recognized leader in business productivity with the popular Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, which combines search with best-in-class collaboration, business intelligence, portal and content management capabilities.

“This acquisition gives FAST an exciting way to spread our cutting-edge search technologies and innovations to more and more organizations across the world,” said John Lervik, CEO of FAST. “By joining Microsoft, we can benefit from the momentum behind the SharePoint business productivity platform to really empower a broader set of users through Microsoft’s strong sales and marketing network. It validates FAST’s momentum and leadership in enterprise search.”

In addition to bolstering Microsoft’s enterprise search efforts, this acquisition increases Microsoft’s research and development presence in Europe, complementing existing research teams in Cambridge, England, and Copenhagen, Denmark, with new and significant capabilities in Norway.

The offer will be subject to customary terms and conditions, including receipt of acceptances representing more than 90 percent of FAST shares and voting power on a fully diluted basis, and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals on terms acceptable to Microsoft. The complete details of the offer, including all terms and conditions, will be contained in the offer document, which is expected to be sent to FAST shareholders during the week of Jan. 14, 2008. The offer will not be made in any jurisdiction in which the making of the offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.

News Teleconference and Playback

At 10:15 a.m. PST Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, Microsoft and FAST will hold a teleconference to discuss the acquisition. To participate, U.S. residents can dial (877) 917-3408, Norwegian residents can dial 800-18393, and those outside the U.S. and Norway can dial +1 (630) 395-0346. The passcode is 5926426. A recording of the call will be available starting one hour after its conclusion and ending Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at 3 a.m. PST. To access this recording, callers can dial (800) 945-5760 (U.S.) or +1 (402) 220-3547 (international).

About FAST

FAST, which was founded in 1997, creates the real-time search and business intelligence solutions that are behind the scenes at the world’s best-known companies with the most demanding information challenges. FAST’s flexible and scalable integrated technology platform and personalized portal connects users, regardless of medium, to the relevant information they need.

FAST is headquartered in Norway and is publicly traded under the ticker symbol ‘FAST’ on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The FAST Group operates globally with presence in Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and the Middle East. For further information about FAST, please visit http://www.fast.no/.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SAP Acquires Software License and Maintenance Business from Exclusive Partner SAP Arabia to Strengthen Operations in the Middle East and North Africa

SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced the acquisition of the software license and maintenance business of SAP Arabia, its exclusive long-term partner in the region. Under the terms of the agreement, SAP will acquire selected existing assets, including all existing software license and maintenance customer contracts, and trademarks from SAP Arabia. Aligned with SAP’s global go-to-market strategies, SAP will first establish subsidiaries in Dubai and Saudi Arabia to reinforce its ongoing commitment to deliver value and continuous innovation to customers in the region.

“SAP Arabia has created a good foundation, which we intend to build upon in our goal to meet growing market demand in the region,” said Ernie Gunst, president, Customer Solutions Operations Europe Middle East and Africa, SAP. “This acquisition brings SAP closer to its customers and partners, enabling us to offer them greater business value and innovation.”

Sergio Maccotta, who was formerly managing director in charge of the SAP Arabia relationship, has been named managing director of SAP in the Middle East and North Africa. In his new role, Maccotta will be responsible for strategic planning, operational excellence, sales and field operations, professional services and overall performance for the region. Maccotta will report into Bernd Kraus, who has overall responsibility for the South East Europe and Middle East Market Unit.

As part of the agreement, the formerly named SAP Arabia will continue to work with SAP AG as a strategic partner and non-exclusive value-added reseller within the scope of the SAP Partner Edge program.

“This important step in the overall SAP business strategy has been part of our ongoing discussions with SAP to bring product development closer to the region,” said Essam Enany, president of SAP Arabia. “With over 13 years of experience we have acquired a deep understanding of the local market and are well positioned to become one of SAP’s strongest partners. In the future, we plan to focus our resources on the emerging markets and specialized sectors such as SME, public sector and education.”

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to be completed in SAP’s fourth quarter of 2007. Financial terms of the all cash transaction were not disclosed.

IBM to Acquire Telelogic to Advance Global Software Delivery Strategy

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of Telelogic AB (Nordic Exchange/MidCap/TLOG). The offer price is 21 Swedish Kronor per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately 5.2 billion Swedish Kronor (or approximately $745 million).

Telelogic is a leading provider of software development solutions, with more than 8,000 customers worldwide, primarily in the aerospace and defense, telecommunications and automotive industries. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, with U.S. headquarters in Irvine, California, Telelogic has more than 1,100 employees and operations in 22 countries worldwide. In 2006, Telelogic reported revenues of approximately $208M, including approximately $89M in license revenue and representing year-to-year growth of 20% overall.

Telelogic products help organizations define, model, build, test, deliver and govern the development of software used in complex systems such as aircraft radar or a car's anti-lock braking system. Together, IBM, Telelogic, and business partners, will accelerate a customer's ability to develop high-quality complex systems. Clients will benefit from the combined technologies and services of both companies, providing them a wider range of software and system development capabilities used to build complex systems.

For example, a consumer electronics company could use IBM and Telelogic technologies to help design the software in an intelligent home network that controls the entertainment devices, security systems, appliances, and lighting. An automotive manufacturer would use IBM and Telelogic solutions to help build and deliver software that runs the navigation systems in vehicles.

"From today's next generation entertainment devices to tomorrow's space-information systems, software is the lifeblood of complex systems," said Dr. Danny Sabbah, general manager, IBM Rational Software. "IBM's acquisition of Telelogic will complement our entire portfolio to help our clients drive efficient and effective software development processes that are vital to product delivery."

"This acquisition will provide our clients with enhanced capabilities to develop and deploy complex systems on a global basis," said Anders Lidbeck, president and CEO, Telelogic. "IBM and Telelogic clients will be able to leverage a broader set of capabilities without the need to replace existing systems."

IBM will acquire the outstanding shares of Telelogic AB after IBM obtains acceptance from more than 90% of the stock ownership in Telelogic, after receipt of all necessary regulatory, governmental or similar clearances, approvals and decisions, in each case on terms which in IBM's opinion are acceptable, and after the offer has been declared unconditional. Upon acquisition close, Telelogic will become part of the Rational Software division of IBM, reporting to Dr. Danny Sabbah, general manager of IBM Rational Software.

This is not the formal announcement of the offer for Telelogic AB. The formal announcement of the offer, that has been drawn up and made public in accordance with Swedish laws and regulations, can be found on www.ibm.com/software/rational/welcome/telelogic/

About Telelogic

Telelogic is the leading global provider of software solutions for Enterprise Lifecycle Management (ELM). Award-winning Telelogic software helps customers design, develop, and deliver the world's most advanced and innovative products, systems, and software more efficiently by aligning and optimizing development lifecycles and business processes with business objectives and customer needs. Telelogic helps customers improve quality and predictability while reducing time-to-market and overall costs. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden with U.S. headquarters in Irvine, California, Telelogic conducts business in more than 40 countries. More than one third of the Fortune Global 500 companies use Telelogic software including market-leading aero/defense, automotive, financial services, software/electronic and telecommunications companies and governments worldwide. For more information, see www.Telelogic.com

SunGard Acquires Aspiren

SunGard (http://www.sungard.com ) today announced that it has acquired Aspiren, a leading specialist software provider focused primarily on the public sector. The transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed, is not expected to have a material impact on SunGard’s financial results.

Aspiren, which was established in London in 2001, provides performance improvement and information management solutions as well as a range of fraud detection and prevention solutions that are delivered as hosted shared technology services. Aspiren will be part of SunGard’s Vivista business unit reporting to its president Bruce Brain.

Mr. Brain commented, “Aspiren brings a range of innovative products that help both public and private organizations to improve effectiveness and efficiency. This acquisition is further evidence of SunGard's commitment to the public sector and will greatly enhance its existing public sector Managed Services business.

About SunGard Vivista
Established in 1971, SunGard’s Vivista business unit, part of SunGard Public Sector, provides information and communications technology and business support services and solutions to UK local and central government, public safety and justice organisations. For more information visit SunGard Vivista at www.sungard.com/vivista

About SunGard
With annual revenue exceeding $4 billion, SunGard is a global leader in software and processing solutions for financial services, higher education and the public sector. SunGard also helps information-dependent enterprises of all types to ensure the continuity of their business. SunGard serves more than 25,000 customers in more than 50 countries, including the world's 50 largest financial services companies. Visit SunGard at www.sungard.com

SAP Acquires Wicom Communications to Deliver Communication-Enabled Business Processes

In a move that will enable companies to streamline and improve the agility of their customer-facing processes, SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced the acquisition of Wicom Communications, a leading, privately-held provider of all-IP contact center and enterprise communications software based in Espoo, Finland. The acquisition will enable SAP to offer companies the ability to better integrate communications technologies and business systems so that they can more effectively serve their customers, regardless of how they connect to the business; connecting functions such as customer service, marketing, finance and sales; and making sure that all customer-facing employees wherever they are located have access to the same relevant knowledge and data. Founded in 1999, Wicom delivers concrete business benefits for approximately 200 contact centers and contact-intensive multi-sited enterprises in 18 countries. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The announcement was made at SAPPHIRE® ’07, SAP’s international customer conference, being held in Vienna, Austria, May 14 – 16.

SAP sees a growing market trend for companies to create, mature and service their business network: including customers, partners, suppliers and competitors; extending business processes beyond the traditional enterprise boundaries. To successfully leverage these network members, companies must be able to build and manage virtual business processes and teams to harness the full range of knowledge, resources and communication channels. With the addition of Wicom, SAP will enable our customers to leverage communication-enabled business processes to more effectively serve and manage their business networks to deliver superior customer experience.

“To successfully create an agile enterprise, executives must radically alter how they harness their communications to create more-effective business processes,” said Bern Elliot, Gartner, Inc. “These changes will result in faster response times, more accurate interactions and better social context for the communications.”1

In today’s global business marketplace, people, processes, knowledge and contact points are distributed across multiple geographies, functions and organizations. At the same time, customers are increasingly seeking service by connecting to companies’ personnel through multiple channels; including voice, SMS, Web, e-mail and mobile phones; making it challenging to synchronize activity across these communication silos. With Wicom Communications, SAP will deliver a multichannel all-IP, end-to-end contact center solution, integrating communication processes into customer service. This solution will help customers streamline the integration of disparate hardware and software components while allowing for central management and reporting of dispersed resources and processes.

“Wicom firmly established itself as an innovator in improving the performance and quality of customer service, telesales and daily business interactions for our growing customer base,” said Ilkka Kivimäki, CEO, Wicom. “Together, SAP and Wicom will support communication-enabled business processes, starting with a complete solution for a multichannel all-IP contact center. Joining SAP opens up our innovation to a larger set of business and development opportunities. I’m excited for our employees to join the SAP team and for our customers, who will benefit from a unified solution to manage communication-enabled business processes.”

Today, Wicom solutions focus primarily on improving the performance and quality of business processes within contact centers and contact intensive multi-sited enterprises. The company’s current solution can be deployed flexibly (using hosted, on-premise or hybrid deployment models) and provides standard Web service-based integration to SAP® Customer Relationship Management (SAP CRM). Wicom capabilities are complementary to and integrate with SAP’s existing contact center application, SAP® Interaction Center, which will continue to integrate with a range of different telephony options and vendors, meeting a broad range of customer needs.

“The market is moving to a more communications-intensive enablement of business processes, and SAP’s acquisition positions us to leverage our leadership in CRM, and our unique understanding of business process to help customers benefit from the transition,” said Bob Stutz, senior vice president and general manager, SAP CRM Strategy and Product. “With the addition of Wicom Communications, SAP will offer game-changing communication-enabled business processes to organizations to help improve the customer experience, streamline operations and lower TCO. At the same, our powerful ecosystem provides customers with the best possible range of choices and options for the deployment and execution of CRM and communications technologies. We welcome the Wicom team, partners and customers to the SAP family.”

The transaction with Wicom Communications is continuing evidence of the SAP strategy to use well-placed, fill-in acquisitions to add to its broad solution offering by gaining specific technologies and capabilities that meet the needs of its customers, within industries or across industries, while maintaining its successful organic growth track record. SAP reported that the acquisition of Wicom was completed on May 7, 2007, and integration planning is underway.

1 Gartner, Inc., “Achieving Agility Through Communication-Enabled Business Processes,” by Bern Elliot, Steve Blood and Bob Hafner, April 4, 2006.

About Wicom
Wicom Communications is a leading European provider of all-IP contact center and enterprise communications software. The Wicom solution replaces all traditional telephone systems, offering the functions of a PBX, mobile PBX and contact center as a single centrally managed system. Wicom software ensures the availability of services and personnel regardless of time, location and contact channel. Currently used in 18 countries with 200+ client organizations, Wicom solutions are available through selected partners throughout Europe. Wicom has been commended for its innovative technology by leading industry experts such as Frost & Sullivan and Red Herring. For more information, please visit www.wicom.com

About SAP® Customer Relationship Management
SAP offers market-leading customer relationship management (CRM) solutions that help companies drive new growth, maintain competitive agility and attain operational excellence through customer-centric processes. Delivering best-in-class front-office capabilities and enabling end-to-end, industry-specific processes, the SAP® CRM application is simple, flexible and comprehensive, driving rapid user adoption and enhanced productivity. The software helps companies empower employees with the real time information and analysis they need to gain customer insight, acquire new customers, boost customer loyalty and build lasting relationships. With on-demand, on-premise and hybrid-delivery options, SAP offers flexible CRM deployment models that enable quick time to value and strategic CRM initiatives meeting both current and future business needs.

About SAP
SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software*. Today, more than 39,400 customers in more than 120 countries run SAP® applications—from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small businesses and midsize companies to suite offerings for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver® platform to drive innovation and enable business change, SAP software helps enterprises of all sizes around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP solution portfolios support the unique business processes of more than 25 industries, including high tech, retail, financial services, healthcare and the public sector. With subsidiaries in more than 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol “SAP.” (Additional information at <http://www.sap.com>)

(*) SAP defines business software as comprising enterprise resource planning and related applications such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, product life-cycle management and supplier relationship management.

Continental to Acquire 51 Percent of Matador Rubber Group

Continental AG, Hanover, is set to acquire a 51 percent stake in the rubber and conveyor belt business of Matador Group, Puchov, Slovakia, subject to the ap­proval of antitrust authorities. "With this move we are strengthening our ties to our highly successful joint venture partner. At the same time we are expanding our operational base in Eastern Europe markets as well as our production capacities for PLT in low-cost countries," said Continental’s Executive Board chairman Manfred Wennemer on April 11 in Hanover. Continental (76 percent) and Matador (24 percent) have been aligned in a joint venture for the production of truck tires in Puchov since 1998. The two parties agreed not to disclose the details of the agreement, including the financial volume.

In 2006 Matador Group had 4,770 employees and posted sales of approx. €450 million. “With this strategic alliance we will further improve the quality and volume of Matador tire production, open new markets and increase the value of the Matador brand. After excellent experiences with our truck tire joint venture, we are sure that this partnership will be the best solution for the future of Matador and also for our employees. We are, moreover, also strengthening our position in Automotive - our second strategic business,” said Štefan Rosina, CEO of the Matador Group.

“In combining forces and experience, we will improve our market positions in Central and Eastern Europe and get additional sales opportunities in Russia, Ukraine and the Stan States. Especially our position in Russia will be expanded, as we are not only improving our access to the market but getting a production facility in Omsk as well,” Wennemer empha­sized. “Operationally we intend to integrate Matador into our brand portfolio and invest in expanding annual production capacities for PLT from 5.5 to more than 7 million. This gives us a highly efficient tool to be used against low-cost competition,” Wennemer added. The Matador ma­chinery factory in Puchov will be integrated into the machinery factory in Hanover-Stöcken as a second pillar. On top of that, Continental gets additional capacities for research and devel­opment.

The ContiTech Conveyor Belt Group also stands to benefit from the acquisition. “Adding Matador’s business to ours makes sense strategically,” said Gerhard Lerch, member of Con­tinental’s Executive Board and responsible for the ContiTech division. “The company is very well-positioned in the Eastern Europe.” With a workforce of 160, Matador manufactures a wide range of textile belts in Slovakia. The ContiTech Conveyor Belt Group has eight loca­tions in Chile, China, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, and Mexico. With its approximately 2,700 employees, it posted sales of €379 million in 2006.

Cisco Completes Acquisition of NeoPath Networks

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced it has completed the acquisition of privately-held NeoPath Networks, the leading provider of high performance and highly scalable file storage management solutions.

NeoPath's patented SMART virtualization technology and its File DirectorTM family of products simplify the management of network attached storage (NAS) and other file servers.

With the close of the transaction, the NeoPath team and product portfolio are now integrated into the Datacenter Switching and Security Technology Group (DSSTG), reporting up into Jayshree Ullal, Senior Vice President.

CSCO: Cisco Announces Agreement to Acquire SpansLogic

Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held SpansLogic Inc., of Mountain View, Calif. SpansLogic is a leading provider of processors that dramatically improve packet processing speeds across the network.

With each generation of Ethernet offering a 10x increase in speed, embedding SpansLogic performance into Cisco's switch platforms will lead to new levels of feature efficiency.

"It is imperative that the network be tightly integrated with very high speed processing capabilities eliminating bottlenecks," said Tom Edsall, Senior Vice President, Datacenter Business Unit (DCBU). "With SpansLogic, Cisco will be able to improve overall traffic efficiency and throughput across the network"

SpansLogic was founded in 2004 and has 14 employees in Mountain View, Calif.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2007, ending April 28, 2007.

Upon close of the transaction, the SpansLogic team and products will be integrated into DCBU reporting into Edsall.

HPQ: HP to Acquire Tabblo, Aims to Make Printing from Web Easier

HP today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Tabblo Inc., a privately-held developer of web-based software located in Cambridge, Mass.

HP plans to leverage Tabblo’s technologies to make printing from the web easier and more convenient than it is today. Tabblo’s technology allows people to simply and efficiently arrange and print text, graphics and photos from the web. This is made possible by Tabblo’s custom template engine, using an AJAX-enriched interface.

HP plans to make this simple-to-use web-printing experience broadly available to people by working with other companies to integrate the technology into their websites. Together, HP and its partner companies will provide customers with a vastly improved web-based printing experience to meet the ever-growing need for simplified Internet-based printing.

“HP’s goal is to make printing content from the web the easiest and best experience possible for people – whether they are printing a simple map or a book of their favorite blogs,” said Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. “By acquiring Tabblo’s technology and making it available to companies that host popular websites, HP will be firmly on the path to becoming the print engine of the web.”

The acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CSCO: Cisco Completes Acquisition of Reactivity

Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced it has completed the acquisition of privately-held Reactivity, Inc., of Redwood City, California. Reactivity is a leading XML (eXtensible Markup Language) gateway provider for organizations ranging from commercial enterprises to the Global 500.

Customers and major software providers are evolving their enterprise software architectures from a client-server paradigm to a service-oriented architecture. In addition, customers are deploying a variety of Web 2.0 capabilities that are collectively transforming the World Wide Web from a collection of relatively static web sites to a services rich computing platform.

The Reactivity acquisition demonstrates Cisco's commitment to the expanding Application Networking Services (ANS) Advanced Technology segment, which is an important part of Cisco's Service-Oriented Network Architecture (SONA) strategy and vision. Reactivity complements and extends the capability of Cisco's ANS portfolio for these emerging application architectures.

With the close of the transaction, the Reactivity team and product portfolio are now integrated into the Cisco's Datacenter Switching and Security Technology Group (DSSTG), reporting into Jayshree Ullal, Senior Vice President.

Cisco Announces Agreement to Acquire WebEx

Cisco and WebEx today announced a definitive agreement for Cisco to acquire WebEx. WebEx is a market leader in on-demand collaboration applications, and its network-based solution for delivering business-to-business collaboration extends Cisco's vision for Unified Communications, particularly within the Small to Medium Business (SMB) segment.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will commence a cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of WebEx for $57 per share and will assume outstanding share-based awards, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.2 billion, or approximately $2.9 billion net of WebEx's existing cash balance. The transaction will be accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the acquisition of WebEx is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2007. Cisco anticipates this transaction will be neutral to its non-GAAP FY2008 earnings.

The acquisition has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is subject to various standard closing conditions, including approval under Hart Scott Rodino and similar laws outside the U.S.

"As collaboration in the workplace becomes increasingly important, companies are looking for rich communications tools to help them work more effectively and efficiently," said Charles H. Giancarlo, Chief Development Officer at Cisco. "The combination of Cisco and WebEx will deliver compelling solutions accelerating this next wave of business communications.

Cisco believes the network is a platform for all forms of communications and collaboration, and WebEx's technology and services portfolio complement Cisco's leadership in the Unified Communications and collaboration market, while providing Cisco with a new and unique business model to expand its presence in the fast-growing SMB market," Giancarlo continued.

"Cisco and WebEx share a vision of web collaboration as a key to accelerating business processes and critical to durable competitive advantage," said Subrah S. Iyar, CEO of WebEx. "Cisco's global reach and customer focus will help us extend our core web collaboration applications and continue to broaden the services we offer through the WebEx Connect platform."

WebEx's service portfolio includes technologies and services that allow companies to engage in real-time and asynchronous data conferences over the Internet as well as share web-based documents and workspaces that help improve productivity, performance and efficiency of workers in any size organization. WebEx's subscription-based services strategy has been key to its success, and Cisco plans to preserve this business model going forward.

Following the close of the transaction, WebEx will become a part of Cisco's Development Organization while maintaining its unique business model. Mr. Iyar will report directly to Mr.Giancarlo.

WebEx was founded in 1995 and held its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in July 2000. The company has close to 2200 employees. For FY2006, which ended December 31, 2006, WebEx reported revenues of $380 million.


About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com

About WebEx
With 2.2 million registered users, WebEx (NASDAQ: WEBX) is the global leader in on-demand applications for collaborative business on the web. These applications enhance high-touch business processes, such as sales and training, with efficient web-touch interactions. As an on-demand provider, WebEx is able to facilitate both internal and external collaboration. WebEx delivers its range of applications over the WebEx MediaTone Network, a global network specifically designed for the secure delivery of on-demand applications. WebEx applications support multipoint videoconferencing, web conferencing and application remote control. WebEx is based in Santa Clara, California and has regional headquarters in Europe, Asia and Australia. Please call toll free 877-509-3239 or visit www.WebEx.com for more information.

GE and The Blackstone Group Join to Acquire PHH Corporation for $1.8 billion

GE Capital Solutions, the business-to-business leasing, financing and asset management unit of General Electric Co. (NYSE:GE) and The Blackstone Group, through its affiliates, today agreed to acquire PHH Corporation (NYSE:PHH) in an all-cash transaction for $31.50 per share or approximately $1.8 billion.

Headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ, PHH Corporation comprises PHH Arval, a North American fleet management services provider, and PHH Mortgage, a retail originator and servicer of residential mortgages in the United States. PHH Corporation will be purchased by GE, which will retain PHH Arval and sell PHH Mortgage to Blackstone immediately after closing.

Based in Sparks, MD, and with approximately $5 billion in assets, PHH Arval provides outsourced vehicle fleet management solutions to corporate clients, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 500 companies. Through consultative expertise, flexible customer service, and award-winning Internet technology, PHH Arval helps clients reduce costs and increase productivity in managing their fleets. PHH Arval has been serving the fleet industry for more than sixty years.

"We believe the integrated financing and services we offer can help customers optimize fleet performance by helping them acquire, manage and sell company vehicles," said Richard Laxer, president and CEO, GE Capital Solutions. “Combining with PHH will enable us to provide our customers with a greater level of service to meet their growing needs and challenges.”

“The fleet management industry is changing rapidly, and issues such as the environment, safety, telematics, global reach and continued cost effectiveness are increasingly important,” said George J. Kilroy, president and CEO of PHH Arval. “PHH Arval and GE together can bring the focus needed for these opportunities to expand the impact of fleet management and create measurable value for our customers.”

“Our businesses share a common commitment to customer service, innovation and using technology to maximize the value of our customers’ fleets. The combination of our businesses will allow us to better serve our customers in achieving their sales, service and delivery performance goals,” added Bob Mitchell, president and CEO of GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services.

The acquisition is subject to PHH shareholder and regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. It is expected to close in the third quarter of 2007.

Lehman Brothers advised GE and Blackstone on this transaction. JP Morgan also served as an advisor to Blackstone. Legal representation was provided by Weil, Gotshal, & Manges LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP to GE and Blackstone, respectively.

About PHH Corporation

Headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, PHH Corporation is a leading outsource provider of mortgage and vehicle fleet management services. Its subsidiary, PHH Mortgage, is one of the top ten retail originators of residential mortgages in the United States and its subsidiary, PHH Arval, is a leading fleet management services provider in the United States and Canada. For additional information about the company and its subsidiaries, visit www.phh.com

About The Blackstone Group

The Blackstone Group, a global private investment and advisory firm, was founded in 1985. Blackstone’s Private Equity arm has a long track record investing in the financial services sector and is currently investing an $18 billion private equity fund. In addition to Private Equity, Blackstone’s other core businesses include, Private Real Estate Investing, Corporate Debt Investing, Hedge Funds, Mutual Fund Management, Private Placement, Marketable Alternative Asset Management and Investment Banking Advisory Services. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com

About GE Capital Solutions

GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services (www.gefleet.com) based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a global fleet management company. It is part of GE Capital Solutions and has operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

GE Capital Solutions (www.ge.com/capitalsolutions) provides leasing, lending and capital investment products and services to help business customers grow. It has over $100 billion in assets, serves more than a million clients around the world and is headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut.

GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.ge.com

Cisco Announces Agreement to Acquire NeoPath Networks

Cisco Systems® today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held NeoPath Networks, the leading provider of high performance and highly scalable file storage management solutions.

NeoPath's patented SMART virtualization technology and its File DirectorTM family of products simplify the management of network attached storage (NAS) and other file servers.

"Enterprise customers are asking Cisco how they can make better use of their existing IT infrastructure, and NeoPath is part of the answer," said Jayshree Ullal, Senior Vice President, Datacenter Switching and Security Technology Group (DSSTG). "NeoPath's technology will enhance Cisco's Services Oriented Network Architecture (SONA) direction and vision by establishing tighter linkages between file based data and network accelerated services."

The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the third quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2007, ending April 28, 2007. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

NeoPath was founded in 2002 and has 55 employees based primarily in Santa Clara, Calif.

Upon close of the transaction, the NeoPath team and products will be integrated into DSSTG reporting up into Ullal.

CSCO:Cisco Completes Purchase of Selected Assets of Utah Street Networks, Inc.

Cisco Systems® (NASDAQ: CISCO) today announced that it has completed the purchase of select assets of privately-held Utah Street Networks, Inc., the operator of the social networking site Tribe.net.

Utah Street Networks uses a proprietary software infrastructure to create and maintain online communities on the Tribe.net website. As part of the asset purchase, this software will be integrated into the Cisco Media Solutions Group (CMSG), which is focused on infrastructure products to help digital media content owners improve the consumer experience. Employees from Utah Street Networks, Inc. will also be joining Cisco to continue software development.

Other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Utah Street Networks was founded in 2003 and has seven employees based in San Francisco, Calif. The Utah Street Networks technology and certain members of team will join CMSG led by Dan Scheinman, Senior Vice President and General Manager. The deal does not include the Tribe.net site, which will remain completely independent of Cisco.

Cisco also announced the close of the acquisition of Five Across. With the close of the transaction, the Five Across team and technology now report into Scheinman.

GE Capital Solutions Acquires Trustreet Properties

GE Capital Solutions, the business-to-business leasing, financing and asset management unit of General Electric (NYSE: GE), today finalized its acquisition of Trustreet Properties for $17.05 per share of common stock, or approximately $3 billion. Trustreet Properties is now part of Scottsdale, Ariz., -based GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance. This significantly expands financial services offerings in the restaurant industry for GE.

“We’ve strengthened our product portfolio and our reach so we can serve more kinds of customers in more places,” says Darren Kowalske, president and CEO, GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance.

The acquisition enables GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance to significantly increase market share and to create a more dynamic business. The mortgage products and sale-leaseback capabilities of GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance give restaurant owners/operators a more extensive suite of products and services to choose from when tailoring their financial needs.

“We have assumed Trustreet operations and are conducting all sale-leaseback financing and related asset management with the same high level of service and reliance our respective customers have come to expect,” says Kowalske. “Additionally, the restaurant 1031 trading platform (www.Trustreet1031.com) is now part of GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance, providing valuable information to customers and to the industry.”

GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance, is maintaining the former Trustreet office in Orlando, as well as its current offices in Scottsdale and Bellevue, and now is a leading provider of triple-net lease financing to operators of national and regional restaurant chains.

About GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance

GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance is a leading lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition. With more than 30 years of experience and $11 billion in served assets, we serve more than 6,000 customers and more than 20,000 property locations, primarily in the restaurant, hospitality, branded beverage, power sports, and automotive after-market industries. We offer customers access to capital with a menu of products featuring flexible structuring, including financing for acquisitions, refinancing, construction of new units, and remodels for single- and multi-unit operators/chains. More information is available at www.gefranchisefinance.com or by calling toll-free 866-GET-GEFF (438-4333).

GE Capital Solutions provides leasing, lending, and capital investment products and services to help business customers grow. It has over $100 billion in assets, serves more than a million clients around the world, and is headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, USA. For more on GE Capital Solutions, go to www.ge.com/capitalsolutions

CSCO: Cisco Announces Agreement to Acquire Reactivity

Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Reactivity, Inc., of Redwood City, California. Reactivity is a leading XML (eXtensible Markup Language) gateway provider for organizations ranging from commercial enterprises to the Global 500.

Customers and major software providers are evolving their enterprise software architectures from a client-server paradigm to a service-oriented architecture. In addition, customers are deploying a variety of Web 2.0 capabilities that are collectively transforming the World Wide Web from a collection of relatively static web sites to a services rich computing platform. XML- and Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)-based web services are becoming the de facto communications and information exchange standard for this new model of applications. Reactivity's industry leading XML gateways enable customers to efficiently deploy, secure, and accelerate XML and web services.

The acquisition demonstrates Cisco's commitment to the expanding Application Networking Services (ANS) Advanced Technology segment, which is an important part of Cisco's Service-Oriented Network Architecture (SONA) strategy and vision. Cisco ANS provides customers with shared application-aware services to improve the availability, performance, and security of applications delivered from the network platform. Reactivity complements and extends the capability of Cisco's ANS portfolio for these emerging application architectures.

"Customers continue to validate our on-going strategy of building more application services on the network platform," said Jayshree Ullal, Senior Vice President, Datacenter Switching and Security Technology Group (DSSTG). "Reactivity together with our Application Control Engine (ACE) provides a highly capable solution for customers' application delivery needs in the data center."

Under the terms of this agreement, Cisco will pay approximately $135 million in cash and assumed options of Reactivity. The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the third quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2007, ending April 28, 2007.

Reactivity was founded in 1998 and has 56 employees in Redwood City, Calif.

Upon close of the transaction, the Reactivity team and products will be integrated into DSSTG reporting up into Ullal.

IBM Completes Acquisition of Vallent

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has completed its acquisition of Vallent Corporation, a privately held software company based in Bellevue, Washington with more than 400 employees. IBM announced a definitive agreement to acquire Vallent on November 28, 2006. Vallent's operations will be integrated into the IBM Software Group's Tivoli Software unit.

Vallent's software helps service providers manage the performance of their network infrastructure through monitoring and reporting problem areas such as dropped telephone calls and traffic bottlenecks. The software also helps service providers improve service quality and identify network problems before they impact a customer's experience. Vallent adds significant wireless telecommunications expertise and technology to IBM.

Vallent has more than 200 clients, including Bharti, China Mobile and Brasil Telecom, as well as equipment providers such as Alcatel-Lucent and Motorola.

"Since we are a customer of both Vallent and IBM, the acquisition aligns well with our OSS strategy," said Sasho Mitov, Operations and Maintenance Division Director of Mobiltel. "We look forward to expanding our business relationship and supporting our rapid roll-out of high quality services."

The acquisition of Vallent extends IBM Service Management capabilities including the Netcool operations support system portfolio acquired with Micromuse in February of 2006. With Vallent technology, IBM can now offer distinctive capabilities across wireline, wireless, IP, and IT infrastructure to help clients manage services end-to-end, from the content server to the handset. Vallent further extends IBM's ability to help service providers address emerging opportunities in next generation network transformation, fixed/mobile convergence, and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) deployment.

For more information, go to http://www-306.ibm.com/software/tivoli/welcome/vallent/

IBM to Acquire Softek

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Softek Storage Solutions Corporation, a privately held company based in Vienna, Virginia. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Upon completion of the agreement, Softek will become part of the Storage and Data Services business unit in IBM Global Technology Services.

The acquisition of Softek is the latest example of IBM's continuing strategy to blend software, hardware, and research into higher-margin, standardized services that can be used with multiple clients to help them transform their businesses.
IBM will integrate Softek's data mobility technology and best practices with IBM's methods and expertise in storage and data services. As a result, IBM and its business partners will help clients increase the flexibility, efficiency and reliability of moving data, enabling them to quickly respond to market needs and seize new opportunities.

Softek's patented Transparent Data Migration Facility (TDMF) solution enables a simple, unified approach to the non-disruptive movement and management of data across storage vendor platforms and operating system environments, as part of an information technology (IT) infrastructure change. By using Softek's solutions, clients can improve their ability to migrate data while keeping data online and applications available for end users.

Businesses increasingly require the ability to cost-effectively move data in a standard, reliable and timely manner, without impacting business operations. IBM has a significant opportunity to meet the market need for a standard solution for data migration, while extending its leadership in storage and data services.

"As data capacity and compliance requirements continue to increase, companies depend on continuous access to their business-critical information," said Val Rahmani, general manager, IBM Global Technology Services. "Softek's data migration technology will complement IBM's Information on Demand strategy and significantly bolster our Storage and Data Services portfolio."

Softek's clients include British Telecom, KeyCorp, Lufthansa, the Principal Financial Group and more than half of the Fortune 1000 companies. IBM has been a Softek global partner since 1996, and has used Softek's award-winning products to migrate data on thousands of services engagements worldwide. In addition to IBM, Softek has a strong global network of partners, distributors and resellers.

"Clients are looking for greater flexibility and choice when selecting solutions that can reduce the risk and complexity associated with managing and moving data regardless of distance or vendor," said Steven Murphy, president and chief executive officer of Softek. "Our market-leading TDMF solution is trusted by many of the world's top companies to move data non-disruptively. We are excited to become a key player in IBM's strategy to provide clients a simple and unified portfolio of services that help them minimize business interruptions when optimizing and transforming their businesses."

The transaction is anticipated to close during the first quarter of the 2007 calendar year.

For more information about IBM, go to www.ibm.com For more information about Softek, go to www.softek.com