CSCO: Cisco Announces Agreement to Acquire Five Across

Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: CSCO) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Five Across, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., a leading vendor in the social networking marketplace.

The Five Across platform, Connect Community Builder, empowers companies to easily augment their websites with full-featured communities and user-generated content such as audio/video/photo sharing, blogs, podcasts, and profiles. These user-interaction functions help companies improve the interaction with their customers and overall customer experience on their websites. Social networking functions are of unique interest to media companies, sports leagues, affinity groups and any organization wishing to increase its interaction with its online constituency.

"Cisco believes the network is the platform for organizations to connect with their constituents and for individuals to connect with each other," said Dan Scheinman, senior vice president and general manager of the Cisco Media Solutions Group (CMSG). "With the acquisition of Five Across, Cisco is taking an important step towards helping its customers evolve their website experience into something more relevant and valuable to the end-user."

Five Across was founded in 2003 and has 11 employees in San Francisco, Calif.. Upon close of the transaction the Five Across team and product portfolio will be integrated into CMSG led by Scheinman.

The terms of the acquisition 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.

For more information about the Cisco Media Solutions Group, go to: http://www.cisco.com/go/media

GlaxoSmithKline(GSK) and XenoPort(XNPT) announce agreement on late-stage compound for RLS and neuropathic pain

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and XenoPort, Inc. (Nasdaq: XNPT) today announced an exclusive agreement to co-develop and commercialise XP13512, a unique prodrug of gabapentin that improves its bioavailability, in the US and other countries worldwide, excluding certain Asian countries. XP13512 is currently in Phase III development for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and in Phase II development for neuropathic pain. Prior clinical trial results have been encouraging.

XP13512 is a patented, new chemical entity that is designed to improve upon the clinical utility of gabapentin by taking advantage of high-capacity transport mechanisms in the gut to improve absorption.

Under the terms of the agreement, XenoPort is entitled to receive an up-front cash payment of £40 million. XenoPort is also eligible to receive aggregate milestone payments of up to £34 million for development activities leading up to the NDA filing for RLS, up to £111million in other potential development and regulatory milestone payments and up to £153million in potential sales milestone payments based on successful commercialization of XP13512 for RLS and neuropathic pain. In addition to royalties on sales outside the US, XenoPort is entitled to receive tiered, double-digit royalty payments on US sales of XP13512 unless XenoPort elects to co-promote XP13512 with GSK in the US, in which case it will be entitled to participate in a net profit share for XP13512 in the US. If XenoPort decides to co-promote XP13512 in the US, it is also entitled to detail REQUIP products currently in development by GSK, provided they are approved in the US. GSK will have an exclusive right to develop, manufacture and commercialise XP13512 in the US and all countries worldwide except certain Asian countries previously licensed by XenoPort to Astellas Pharma Inc.


In the US, XenoPort will complete the ongoing studies to support RLS development. Subject to positive Phase III clinical data, GSK will file the NDA for RLS for FDA approval. GSK will lead development and registration of XP13512 for all other indications, including neuropathic pain. GSK will also be solely responsible for the manufacture of XP13512 to support its development and commercialization within the licensed territories.


The agreement is subject to review by the US Government under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and will become effective after clearing review.


Moncef Slaoui, chairman of R&D, GSK, commented, “This is another important late-stage programme addition to GSK’s R&D pipeline. We are pleased to work with XenoPort toward bringing a new treatment alternative for the management of these two important disease areas of RLS and neuropathic pain where there is still such a large unmet need.”


Ronald W. Barrett, Ph.D., XenoPort’s chief executive officer, stated, “GSK has demonstrated leadership and innovation in educating doctors and patients about the debilitating aspects of RLS and has helped improve the lives of many patients with RLS. We are excited to be collaborating with GSK to advance the development and commercialization of XP13512 and, most importantly, to be creating a new treatment for patients with RLS and neuropathic pain.”


About XenoPort
XenoPort, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a portfolio of internally discovered product candidates that utilize the body's natural nutrient transport mechanisms to improve the therapeutic benefits of existing drugs. XenoPort's most advanced product candidate, XP13512, is the subject of this announced alliance with GSK. XenoPort also has a second product candidate, XP19986. Positive Phase IIa results have been reported in patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with XP19986.

INTC: Intel and USAID Commit to Broaden Technology Access in Emerging Markets

Intel Corporation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are working together to broaden access and usage of information and communications technology (ICT) in developing communities around the world. The organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), identifying three areas of common focus: increasing the use of ICT in education, enabling last mile Internet connectivity and supporting ICT usage by small- and medium-sized businesses to enhance economic development opportunities.

Intel and USAID share the belief of the importance of ICT in accelerating social and economic development in emerging markets. The two organizations have been working together to develop successful community projects in developing communities preceding the MOU, such as installing WiMAX technology in Vietnam. In 2006, Intel, USAID and Vietnam Data Communication Company worked together to install WiMAX technology in Lào Cai, a city in the mountainous, rural northern Vietnam where telecommunications services are limited. WiMAX offers access to cost-efficient broadband internet and Voice over IP telephony for Lào Cai's citizens, who depend on good communications to build robust economic relationships with neighboring trading partners. Successful project engagements and technology deployments such as these help create a model from which Intel and USAID plan to extend that relationship more broadly.

"This cooperation brings together USAID's extensive network and experience in developing communities with Intel's technology leadership and strong relationship with local industries in emerging markets," said John Davies, vice president of the Intel World Ahead Program. "Synergy from the strengths of the two organisations will amplify our individual efforts in using technology as the catalyst for growth in developing communities, expanding what's possible for citizens in these communities."

"USAID believes in the long-term and sustainable benefits that information and communications technologies bring to developing communities around the world," said Juan Belt, director for Office of Infrastructure and Engineering, USAID. "Our collaboration with Intel exemplifies the importance of public-private partnerships to more broadly extend the benefits of ICT to underserved communities. These benefits include improvements to the business environment, education opportunities, availability of medical services and ultimately the lives of citizens in these communities."

Intel's involvement with USAID is part of the Intel World Ahead Program - the company's comprehensive approach aimed at bringing uncompromised technology to everyone, anywhere in the world, integrating and extending the company's efforts to advance progress in four areas: accessibility to PCs, connectivity, education and content.

SEC Charges Family With a $3.7 Million Insider Trading Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged seven individuals with engaging in an insider trading scheme that netted over $3.7 million in profits and losses avoided over four years. The defendants include a father and his three sons, a family-run hedge fund, and other relatives and friends. The defendants also include accountants and lawyers at some of the nation's largest firms.

The SEC's complaint, filed in federal court in New York, alleges that the father, Zvi Rosenthal, formerly an executive with Taro Pharmaceuticals Industries, tipped his sons with confidential information concerning at least 13 separate Taro announcements, including earnings results and FDA drug approvals. The family pooled their money into a hedge fund in order to help conceal their trading in Taro securities from detection. In addition to trading in Taro stock and options in advance of the announcements, one of the sons tipped his supervisor at his law firm, a friend who worked at an accounting firm, and his father-in-law. Two of the defendants are also charged with using confidential information obtained from their employers, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Ernst & Young (E&Y), concerning two possible mergers.

Mark K. Schonfeld, Director of the Commission's Northeast Regional Office, said, "This case is particularly troubling, not just because this appears to have been a 'family business' built on insider trading, but also because the defendants include accountants and lawyers at prominent firms. These are professionals who understand their obligation not to use confidential information for their own benefit."

The Commission's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, charges seven individuals, two hedge funds, one investment adviser, and two relief defendants, including the following.

• Zvi Rosenthal (Zvi), age 62, was, from 2001 to January 2006, Taro's Vice President of Materials Management and Logistics in Taro's office in Hawthorne, N.Y.
   


• Amir Rosenthal (Amir), age 28, is Zvi's middle son. From September 2004 to April 2006, Amir was a corporate attorney at a large New York-based law firm.
   


• Oren Rosenthal (Oren), age 30, is Zvi's eldest son. From September 2003 to January 2007, Oren was a litigation associate in the New York and Los Angeles offices of a large California-based law firm.
   


• Ayal Rosenthal (Ayal), age 26, is Zvi's youngest son and a certified public accountant. From 2001 to May 2006, Ayal worked at PwC, first as an auditor and, subsequently, in the Transactions Services Group.
   


• Aragon Partners, LP and Aragon Capital Advisors, LLC (together, Aragon), is a Rosenthal family-owned and controlled hedge fund and investment adviser.
   


• David Heyman (Heyman), age 29, is a certified public accountant. From 1999 to January 2006, Heyman was an E&Y auditor and, ultimately, a senior manager in E&Y's On-Call Consulting Group.
   


• Heyman & Son Investment Partnership LP is a limited partnership and hedge fund with Heyman as its general partner.
   


• Bahram Delshad (Delshad), age 55, is Amir's father-in-law. Delshad is a retired jewelry shop owner.
   


• Young Kim (Kim), age 34, was Amir's supervisor at a large New York-based law firm where he was a corporate attorney in the Structured Finance Group.

The Taro Scheme

In its complaint, the Commission alleged that Zvi, a Vice President at Taro, abused his position at Taro by systematically stealing material, nonpublic information concerning 13 separate company announcements, including earnings results and pending generic drug approvals by the Food and Drug Administration. Typically, Zvi provided information to Amir who traded in personal accounts he controlled, and in Aragon's account. Amir also tipped his brothers, Oren and Ayal; his father-in-law, Delshad; his best friend, Heyman; and his work supervisor, Kim, with information he received from Zvi, and each of them traded. Allegations of the Taro scheme include the following.

• Taro's internal policies specifically prohibited Zvi or any member of his family from trading in Taro securities during specific blackout periods before and after public earnings announcements.
   


• The defendants aggressively traded Taro options instead of Taro stock to maximize their profits on the information Zvi stole from Taro. In some instances, the defendants liquidated stock positions and bought options to maximize profits.
   


• In 2003, Amir created a hedge fund and an unregistered investment adviser, Aragon, to obscure the family's identity and pool money from family members to trade in Taro securities. Amir also used his wife's account to hide the identity of his trades.
   


• Two of the defendants paid kickbacks to Amir in exchange for profitable tips. Heyman gave Amir at least $6,300 in cash to pay for a plasma television. Delshad paid Amir $66,000 in $11,000 installments that Delshad routed through his children.

Insider Trading in Other Securities

In its later stages, certain defendants broadened the scheme to include trading on nonpublic information stolen from entities other than Taro. On at least two occasions, Ayal and Heyman misappropriated material, nonpublic information concerning impending mergers from their respective employers, PwC and E&Y, and tipped Amir with the information. Amir immediately traded on the information using Aragon's account. Amir also tipped Kim with the information from Ayal and Heyman, and Kim traded on the information.

The insider trading scheme generated for the defendants total profits and losses avoided in excess of $3.7 million.

The complaint charges all of the defendants with illegal insider trading in violation of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. In its complaint, the Commission seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of all illegal profits and losses avoided plus prejudgment interest, and the imposition of civil monetary penalties. The complaint also seeks an officer and director bar against Zvi.

The Commission has reached an agreement with Kim to settle the insider trading charges against him. Kim has consented to a final judgment permanently enjoining him from future violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, and ordering him to pay $4,287.71 in disgorgement of his ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest, and $41,702.29 in civil penalties. Kim consented to the final judgment without admitting or denying the allegations in the complaint. The Commission will file the proposed judgment with the U.S. District Court in New York, New York for consideration and approval.

The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the investigation of this matter.

GE Healthcare Grants License for Biomagnetic Isolation of Nucleic Acids to Applied Biosystems

GE Healthcare announced today that it has completed a license agreement with Applied Biosystems, granting Applied Biosystems access to GE Healthcare patents for the biomagnetic isolation of nucleic acids. The license, which is valid for the lifetime of the patents, grants Applied Biosystems certain rights with respect to the isolation and purification of nucleic acids using GE Healthcare’s proprietary magnetic separation technology.

GE Healthcare’s patented methods for magnetic separation offer significant advantages over conventional techniques for the isolation and purification of biomolecules such as DNA and RNA from laboratory and clinical samples. Benefits include greater yields of product and elimination of clogging associated with filter-based methods

“This license recognizes the considerable value that our biomagnetic isolation technology brings to genomics researchers” said Eric Roman, General Manager, Genomic Sciences, GE Healthcare. “We are pleased to grant Applied Biosystems access to our patents in this area, which will allow them to use our proprietary magnetic separation protocols in conjunction with their MagMaxTM range of products for nucleic acid isolation”

GE Healthcare has an active program to grant licenses for access to its patents for biomagnetic isolation. Financial terms were not disclosed.

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care. Our expertise in medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, performance improvement, drug discovery, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies is helping clinicians around the world re-imagine new ways to predict, diagnose, inform, treat and monitor disease, so patients can live their lives to the fullest.

GE Healthcare's broad range of products and services enable healthcare providers to better diagnose and treat cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases and other conditions earlier. Our vision for the future is to enable a new "early health" model of care focused on earlier diagnosis, pre-symptomatic disease detection and disease prevention. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, GE Healthcare is a $17 billion unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). Worldwide, GE Healthcare employs more than 46,000 people committed to serving healthcare professionals and their patients in more than 100 countries. For more information about GE Healthcare, visit our website at www.gehealthcare.com

New AMD Opteron Processors Unveiled for Ultimate Datacenter Performance-Per-Watt

Delivering on its commitment to industry-leading datacenter performance and performance-per-watt, AMD (NYSE:AMD) today announced availability of new AMD Opteron™ processor models in both highly efficient (68 watt) and mainstream (95 watt) thermal envelopes.

Highest Energy Efficiency
AMD has expanded the breadth of its low-power solutions with AMD Opteron processor Models 1218 HE, 2218 HE and 8218 HE. Designed to offer industry-leading performance-per-watt at only 68-watt maximum thermal design power, these processors are ideal for energy-conscious customers looking to reduce power and cooling bills and to achieve greater density in the datacenter. AMD Opteron HE processor models now include three 1000 Series models, bringing the benefits of reduced thermals over previous AMD Opteron 1000 Series processors to entry-level server customers while preserving the enterprise reliability they value.

All of the new processors feature AMD PowerNow!™ technology which is designed for reduced system level energy consumption, with multiple levels of lower clock speed and voltage states that can reduce processor power consumption by as much as 75 percent during idle times.

“Datacenter managers often tell me how important power management technology is for staying within their energy budgets,” said Jonathan Koomey, consulting professor at Stanford University and one of the world's foremost experts on electricity use in datacenters. “Having the ability to significantly reduce power at idle times is increasingly critical, particularly for datacenters that have extreme fluctuations in workloads from peak to off-peak times.”

Industry-leading Performance in a Non-disruptive Platform
The scalability and efficiency of the unique AMD Direct Connect Architecture deliver an overall performance advantage over the competition’s dual-core two- and four-socket offerings and enable systems to draw less power. Top-performing AMD Opteron processor Models 2220 and 8220 (2.8 GHz) are now immediately available in the 95-watt maximum thermal design power. These new processors, along with AMD Opteron processor Model 1220, are designed to offer leading-edge performance-per-watt and price-performance for mainstream server and workstation customers.

The latest AMD Opteron processors, part of the industry’s most stable roadmap, will complement and are designed to enable a seamless upgrade path to AMD’s native quad-core processors, codenamed “Barcelona.” These processors are expected to feature substantial core enhancements in mid-2007 and to offer a 40-percent performance advantage over the competition’s quad-core offerings, all based on the same infrastructure and thermal envelopes customers depend on today.

“With our design leadership focused on performance and performance-per-watt, it is clear that AMD is the smart choice for IT professionals and datacenter managers today and tomorrow,” said Randy Allen, corporate vice president, Server and Workstation Division, AMD. “This long-term approach means our OEM and system builder partners benefit from a consistent and common architecture that scales to meet changing customer needs and escalating demands on quad-core ready platforms today. AMD can provide IT professionals what they truly need: reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) and platform stability that is second to none.”

STRATO AG, one of the market leaders among European Internet service providers, recognizes the TCO and performance-per-watt advantages offered by AMD and has standardized its high-performance computing centers for hosting and other Web services on the AMD Opteron HE processors.

“As one of Europe’s leading Web hosting providers, STRATO relies on AMD Opteron HE processors to deliver optimal energy-efficiency and unbeatable performance-per-watt. The latest high-performance, yet energy-efficient dual-core processors from AMD can significantly improve the price-performance ratio of STRATO’s servers,” explains Markus Schrodt, member of the STRATO AG Managing Board. “With more than 20,000 rental servers for small- and medium-sized businesses, STRATO with the help of AMD, is able to successfully combine reduction of energy costs - a critical survival factor for businesses - with environmental responsibility.”

Widespread Hardware Partner Support
Global tier one server providers Dell, Inc., Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP, IBM and Sun Microsystems plan to incorporate the new AMD Opteron processors into their platforms, along with leading platform providers such as Appro International, Cray, Rackable Systems and Verari Systems.

Pricing
For pricing information, visit www.amd.com/pricing

HPQ: HP Simplifies Migration for Sun Solaris Customers to More Affordable, Higher-performing HP ProLiant Systems

HP is making it easier for dissatisfied Sun Microsystems server customers to migrate to higher performing, more affordable x86-based HP ProLiant platforms.

By expanding certification of the 64-bit version of the Solaris 10 operating system on seven of its existing Intel® Xeon™-based HP ProLiant servers, HP is providing users of Solaris on SPARC-based servers more options than ever for adopting industry-standard computing.

Since 1996, HP has certified various versions of Solaris in both 32- and 64-bit mode on select AMD Opteron™- and Intel Xeon-based HP ProLiant servers. The certifications announced today include the HP ProLiant BL20p G4, BL460c, BL480c, DL360 G5, DL380 G5, DL580 G4 and ML570 G4 servers.

HP shipped more than a half million more x86-based servers worldwide than Sun in the third quarter of 2006. In the same period, HP grew its shipments year-over-year by almost two times the entire number of platforms Sun shipped. In addition, HP is the No. 1 provider of UNIX on x86, shipping more than three times the number of UNIX servers on x86 than Sun in the quarter.(1)

HP offers a comprehensive set of automated tools, system trade-ins, financial incentives, migration assistance and integrated support capabilities to help customers migrate from Sun to HP ProLiant, BladeSystem, Integrity and StorageWorks platforms. Since 2004, HP has generated more than $1 billion in revenues from moving Sun customers to HP servers.

HP's robust UNIX operating system, HP-UX 11i, benefits Solaris customers challenged with highly demanding workloads. HP-UX, together with HP Virtual Server Environment and HP Serviceguard, make virtualization fast and easy for mission-critical applications.

“HP’s 10 years of leadership in the industry-standard server market has allowed ProLiant servers to drive into all areas of the data center,” said James Mouton, senior vice president and general manager, Industry Standard Servers, HP. “As standards-based computing continues to be the end goal for customers, more and more Solaris customers are coming to HP for its full portfolio of x86 servers, management tools and services.”

HP additionally announced a relationship with Transitive® Corporation, a leading provider of software that enables transportability of applications across multiple processor and operating system pairs.

Together, HP and Transitive will provide hardware virtualization and infrastructure solutions best run for companies migrating away from SPARC technology to achieve the benefits in price/performance and flexibility from HP ProLiant servers.

Transitive’s QuickTransit for Solaris/SPARC-to-Linux/x86-64 solution seamlessly enables applications that have been compiled for the Solaris operating system and the SPARC processor to run on certified 64-bit HP ProLiant platforms running Linux without requiring any source code or binary changes.

More information for customers looking to make the switch from Sun to HP is available at www.hp.com/go/maketheswitch

More information on HP ProLiant servers certified for Solaris is available at www.hp.com/wwsolutions/solaris/index-all.htm . More information on HP-UX and HP Integrity offerings is available at www.hp.com/go/suntointegrity

BAC: Bruno Stanziale Joins Energy Sales Team at Bank of America

Bank of America today announced that Bruno Stanziale has joined the firm as Principal in Commodities Sales responsible for marketing energy derivatives to the bank's corporate and institutional client base. Based in New York, he reports to Stephen Griffin, Head of Commodities Sales.


Stanziale brings to Bank of America nearly 13 years of energy commodities sales and general financial markets experience.

"We are thrilled to have such an experienced and successful energy derivatives marketer as Bruno join our team and look forward to leveraging his expertise as we continue to grow the Commodities platform at Bank of America," said Richie Prager, global head of Commodities.

Stanziale holds a B.S. in Finance from Fairfield University.

GE: Jeff Zucker Named President and CEO of NBC Universal Succeeding Bob Wright, Who Will Remain Vice Chairman of GE

General Electric Company Chairman and CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt today announced the appointment of Jeff Zucker as President and CEO of NBC Universal, succeeding Bob Wright, who has served with distinction in this role for 21 years and will continue to serve as a GE vice chairman. Zucker’s appointment is effective today.

“Jeff will succeed one of the true giants in media -- Bob Wright -- to whom we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for helping to build this great media company,” Immelt said. “By any measure, Bob is one of the most successful media executives ever. He transformed NBC from a broadcast network into a diversified global media company. He was always able to see what was coming next, whether it was cable, satellite, Hispanic broadcasting or digital media. Bob’s strategic vision and execution kept NBC growing.”

Zucker, 41, is a 21-year veteran of NBC Universal. As president and CEO, he will have responsibility for the strategic direction and operations of all NBC Universal properties. Zucker is one of the industry’s most experienced executives and has spent much of his career working in NBC’s news, sports, and entertainment divisions. As CEO of the NBC Universal Television Group since 2005, Zucker has overseen the company’s television programming and distribution operations, which account for two-thirds of the company’s overall profits.

“Jeff Zucker is a terrific talent and the right person to guide NBC Universal on the next stage of its growth,” Immelt said. “Jeff’s 20-plus years with NBC give him deep knowledge of the company’s strategy, people and culture. In the past few years, Jeff has shown that he is an energetic, focused leader who can rise to a challenge. His creative experience, expertise in news and broadcasting and intense passion for the business were immensely appealing to the Board and to me during this succession process.

“We have real business momentum, and the time is right to make this important transition,” Immelt said. “I like the team we have in place today, and believe that the future for NBCU is bright.”

In addition to serving as a vice chairman of GE, Wright will assist with the leadership transition at NBCU.

Immelt said, “Bob Wright has been a great GE leader. I am pleased that he will continue to serve as a GE vice chairman and that I will continue to have his counsel in our executive office and boardroom on a broad array of issues.”

Zucker said, "Bob has been a terrific mentor to me throughout my career, and I am honored to be his successor and fortunate to assume responsibility of a company that is so well positioned for future growth. I’ve spent my entire career at NBC and had the privilege to work with the best in the business every day. I look forward to continuing to work with this talented management team as we take NBC Universal to the next level.”

As CEO of NBCU’s television group, Zucker has overseen the company’s news, sports, and entertainment divisions; owned-and-operated television stations; cable entertainment properties, including USA, Sci Fi, and Bravo; cable news properties, CNBC and MSNBC; Spanish language network Telemundo; and the company’s television studio, first-run syndication, and global distribution efforts. Previously, Zucker had served as president of the NBC Entertainment, News & Cable Group. Before that, he served as president of NBC Entertainment.

A five-time Emmy winner, Zucker also served as executive producer of the “Today” show, where he turned the morning news program into the single-most profitable program on television. Additionally, Zucker served as executive producer of NBC’s coverage of several major events, including the “Decision 2000” election broadcast, the 1993 and 1997 presidential inaugurations, and the Persian Gulf War. His full biography can be accessed HERE.

Zucker graduated from Harvard College in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in American History. He served as president of The Harvard Crimson from 1985 to 1986. He and his wife, Caryn, have four children.

Under Wright’s leadership, NBC’s revenues grew from $3 billion in 1986 to more than $16 billion in 2006. During his tenure, the company expanded its ownership of broadcast television stations, launched groundbreaking cable networks such as CNBC and MSNBC, and acquired fast-growing media assets such as Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo and the arts and entertainment cable network, Bravo. In 2004, Wright led NBC’s acquisition of Vivendi Universal Entertainment, creating NBC Universal. The acquisition added such key assets as the USA Network, SciFi Channel, Universal Studios and Universal Parks in Orlando, FL and Hollywood, CA, expanding the company’s portfolio and establishing NBC Universal as a leader in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

Wright, 63, became chairman and chief executive officer of NBC Universal in May 2004 in conjunction with the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment. He became president and chief executive officer of NBC on Sept. 1, 1986, and became chairman and chief executive officer on June 4, 2001.

“It has been an honor and privilege to lead NBC Universal for the past twenty years,” Wright said. “I hand over the reins now with great pride in what we’ve accomplished and great confidence about what NBC Universal will become. We have momentum, outstanding support from GE and Vivendi, and a terrific executive in Jeff Zucker. I look forward to watching the next chapters of this wonderful company unfold under Jeff’s leadership.”

Before leading NBC, Wright served as president of General Electric Financial Services and, before that, as president of Cox Cable Communications. He has had a diversified career in general management, marketing, and broadcasting. Much of it has been with General Electric. In 2005, Wright and his wife, Suzanne, founded Autism Speaks after their grandson was diagnosed with the disorder. The nonprofit foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness about autism and funding biomedical research, has already raised more than $50 million. Wright's full bio is available HERE.

NBC Universal is 80% owned by GE and 20% owned by Vivendi. The company’s board of directors comprises senior executives from GE/NBCU and Vivendi.

IBM Supercharges Mainframe Virtualization

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced expanded scalability enhancements to the industry's most powerful virtualization technology z/VM. With this new release, z/VM version 5.3 can now host the industry's largest number of virtual images on a single hypervisor -- virtualization technology that makes one computer look like multiple computers -- allowing customers to further optimize and consolidate their infrastructures.

Internal testing conducted by IBM reveals that the new virtualization product release can host more than 1,000 virtual images on a single copy of z/VM. The new software, which can be used to replace many physical servers with "virtual" ones running in a single mainframe, helps customers lower energy consumption and other costs associated with data centers that have large numbers of single-application servers.

The announcement follows a year of remarkable growth and interest in the mainframe at IBM, as System z has chalked three consecutive quarters of growth, thanks in part to its advanced virtualization capabilities.

The latest z/VM release helps clients prepare for data center growth by offering support for larger memory configurations which are designed to help clients eliminate the need to spread large virtual-machine based workloads across multiple copies of z/VM.

In addition to enhancing memory utilization, the new software plans to deliver increased CPU capacity with support for up to 32 Processor Units -- raising the limit from 24 to 32 processors -- a 33 percent increase over the previous release of z/VM. Combined with Linux on System z, the software makes more informed choices about how memory is managed allowing z/VM to run more virtual servers in the same amount of memory.

Customers worldwide are already testing this technology. Marist College sees the benefit of having increased scalability as they look to grow their data center. The college currently has a research project where each student is provided with their own virtual Linux server through the use of z/VM.

"We started with a dozen images about five years ago, have now scaled up to more than 600 Linux images hosted by z/VM on a System z9 Business Class. We expect continued growth and we can accommodate this growth without requiring additional hardware or having to distribute our workload on multiple systems," said Martha McConaghy, Strategic Planner and Project Manager, Marist College. "The scalability of the z/VM allows us to provide resources to our students that we couldn't have afforded if we had to provide physical hardware for each of them."

"IBM recognizes that clients are challenged with growing amounts of data, at the same time that costs related to energy consumption, floor space and maintenance are making them wary of server sprawl," said Mark Anzani, vice president, System z Products, IBM Systems and Technology. "With this latest breakthrough, IBM continues to make substantial investments to grow its industry-leading virtualization technology so that clients can accommodate larger workloads while minimizing IT costs."

With the introduction of a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server and associated client services, z/VM provides a more comprehensive security solution with new user authentication, authorization and auditing capabilities. Security capabilities are also enhanced through the use of password phrases. Additional data protection capabilities are provided by exploitation of drive-based data encryption provided by the IBM System Storage TS1120, IBM's tape encryption solution.

When used in conjunction with z/VM, IBM Tivoli OMEGAMON XE helps identify, isolate and correct problems across the mainframe virtualization software providing views and monitoring workloads for virtual machines, groups, response times and LPAR reporting. Tivoli software solutions such as OMEGAMON XE provide the basis for a service management platform that enables process automation and integration to achieve the operational efficiencies and effectiveness that our customers demand for their IT environments.

z/VM virtualization technology is designed to give clients the capability to run thousands of Linux servers on a single mainframe running either with other System z operating systems, such as z/OS, or as a large-scale Linux-only enterprise server solution. z/VM V5.3 can also help to improve productivity by hosting non-Linux workloads such as z/OS, z/VSE and z/TPF. z/VM V5.3 runs on IBM System z9 (z9 EC and z9 BC) and IBM eServer zSeries (z800, z900, z890, z990) servers.

IBM z/VM version 5.3 will be available for purchase on June 29, 2007 through IBM and IBM Business Partners. For information about IBM and its virtualization solutions, please visit http://www.ibm.com

Dell Adds Anti-Theft Security for Notebook Computers

Dell and Absolute Software have teamed to provide notebook computer theft recovery services for Dell’s U.S. consumer customers.

The move makes Dell the first PC manufacturer to deliver a higher degree of peace of mind by combining theft recovery measures with accidental damage protection.

With the purchase of select DellTM InspironTM notebooks, customers who opt for CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service1 with prices ranging from $99 to $139, now will receive Computrace® LoJack® for Laptops2 theft recovery service, valued at between $49 and $119 This service is available for systems with 1 - 4 year warranties.

Dell’s CompleteCareTM Accidental Damage Service, available in most states, provides coverage for issues not covered under the standard limited warranty. These include spills, drops and electrical surges. Computrace LoJack for Laptops gives consumers additional benefits by providing security software that helps track down a notebook computer if lost or stolen and helps protect any personal data on the system.

“Losing a computer is costly, even potentially devastating, when you consider the value of the data and personal information stored on today’s notebooks,” said Rocky Mountain, of Dell’s U.S. Consumer business. “Combining accidental damage protection with theft recovery service is a huge win for consumers who want increased security.”

Dawn Burnett, a student at the University of Massachusetts, found this out the hard way. “When I purchased my Dell notebook last year, I wanted to keep my investment safe and secure, so I bought both CompleteCare and the LoJack for Laptops,” Burnett said. “It really paid off when my computer was stolen from my dorm room. The companies came to my rescue. Absolute tracked down and recovered my computer, and Dell fixed the damage that occurred during the theft.”

“Mobile computing is becoming the standard for individual consumers, and with it comes increased exposure to identity theft and data loss from loss or theft,” said John Livingston, chairman and CEO of Absolute Software. “Dell clearly understands this risk and has become the first PC manufacturer to offer an integrated accidental damage and theft recovery solution to help protect its customers.”

“Absolute has been reuniting Dell business and institutional customers with their lost and stolen notebooks for almost 10 years and looks forward to extending our industry-leading theft protection service to Dell’s home users,” said Livingston.

Computrace LoJack for Laptops is also available for purchase as a standalone product on the Dell Software and Peripherals site for prices ranging from $49 - 139.

Dell received the Computer Shopper 2006 Shoppers’ Choice Award for best customer service and support recently. This caps off a year when Dell invested $150 million in customer service and support improvements.




1 CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service: CompleteCare service excludes theft, loss, and damage due to fire, flood or other acts of nature, or intentional damage. CompleteCare not available in all states. Customer may be required to return unit to Dell. For complete details, visit www.dell.com/servicecontracts


2 Computrace LoJack for Laptops: Not a Dell offer. Certain conditions apply. Only if the Customer Computer has not been Recovered during the Recovery Period and the Customer has fully complied with all of the Money-Back Guarantee Terms and Conditions: CRI or ASC will pay the Customer the lesser of the amount equal to the actual price paid by the customer for the recovery service (exclusive of taxes, shipping or handling charges) or the U.S. Suggested Retail Price for the Service Term purchased, regardless of the amount of service remaining. For full details, see terms and conditions at www.lojackforlaptops.com

HPQ: HP Expands Software Portfolio with Acquisition of Bristol Technology

HP today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bristol Technology Inc., a leading provider of technologies that monitor business transactions, to further enhance HP Software’s leadership in Business Technology Optimization (BTO).

Bristol Technology’s solutions help customers monitor complex business transactions occurring within their organization, such as insurance claim processes, product orders and inventory management, across heterogeneous and distributed IT environments. The technology complements HP’s recent acquisition of Mercury, enables end-to-end management of real-time business transactions, and extends HP Business Availability Center capabilities to the mainframe.

Headquartered in Danbury, Conn., Bristol Technology is a private company that primarily serves customers in the financial services and insurance industries in the United States and the United Kingdom. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“For the first time, customers will have a single software vendor that enables them to manage end-to-end business transactions, beginning with end-users all the way through custom applications and mainframe environments,” said Deborah Traub, vice president of products, Management Software, Software, HP. “The acquisition of Bristol Technology extends our business service management solution and BTO offerings by helping customers better manage the performance, availability and impact of these business processes.”

Bristol’s solutions can help manage a wide range of composite applications and environments, including J2EE or .NET application servers, middleware, integration brokers, mainframes and multiple operating systems.

“The combination of HP and Bristol Technology will allow us to provide our customers with access to the industry’s broadest portfolio of enterprise IT management software,” said Ken Blackwell, chief technical officer, Bristol Technology. “Bristol Technology already had a strong partnership with HP, and our TransactionVision product is already integrated with the HP Business Availability Center and Universal CMDB software products, so joining with HP makes a lot of sense for our company, customers and partners.”

The acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions and is expected to be completed within approximately 30 days. Following completion, the business will be fully integrated into the HP Software unit within HP’s Technology Solutions Group.

About Bristol Technology

Bristol Technology provides end-to-end process visibility of business transactions. Its TransactionVision product monitors the performance and reliability of transactions, thus ensuring higher service levels, while lowering risk. Bristol is headquartered in Danbury, Conn. For additional information, visit www.bristol.com

AAPL: Apple Inc. and The Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. Enter into New Agreement

Apple® Inc. and The Beatles’ company Apple Corps Ltd. are pleased to announce the parties have entered into a new agreement concerning the use of the name “Apple” and apple logos which replaces their 1991 Agreement. Under this new agreement, Apple Inc. will own all of the trademarks related to “Apple” and will license certain of those trademarks back to Apple Corps for their continued use. In addition, the ongoing trademark lawsuit between the companies will end, with each party bearing its own legal costs, and Apple Inc. will continue using its name and logos on iTunes®. The terms of settlement are confidential.

Commenting on the settlement, Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO said, “We love the Beatles, and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks. It feels great to resolve this in a positive manner, and in a way that should remove the potential of further disagreements in the future.”

Commenting on the settlement on behalf of the shareholders of Apple Corps, Neil Aspinall, manager of Apple Corps said, “It is great to put this dispute behind us and move on. The years ahead are going to be very exciting times for us. We wish Apple Inc. every success and look forward to many years of peaceful co-operation with them.”

AMD Appoints Douglas Grose to Lead Worldwide Technology Development and Manufacturing Operations

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that Douglas Grose has been appointed to the role of senior vice president of technology development, manufacturing and supply chain at AMD. In this role, Grose will have global responsibility for AMD’s global manufacturing and process technology operations as well as overall supply chain management. Manufacturing responsibilities include AMD-owned facilities as well as all current foundry relationships.

Grose joins AMD from IBM where he served as the general manager of technology development and manufacturing for the systems and technology group. Grose will succeed Daryl Ostrander, who will retire in 2007, after a long and distinguished career at AMD that saw the company scale manufacturing operations at an unprecedented level.

“Over the last decade AMD’s manufacturing operations have risen to a leadership position in the industry, with our fabs recognized for their high levels of technology innovation, productivity and efficiency,” said Dirk Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer, AMD. “Doug joins AMD with a proven track record of operational excellence, and we look forward to his leadership as we intelligently scale our capacity and execute on a number of major strategic initiatives to further enhance our manufacturing capabilities in the coming years. I would alsolike to thank Daryl Ostrander for his tremendous drive and commitment in delivering best-in-class manufacturing capabilities for our customers during his tenure. Our growth as a company would not have been possible without it.”

Prior to joining AMD, Doug spent the last two years as the general manager of technology development and manufacturing for IBM’s system and technology group. In this role Doug oversaw IBM’s microprocessor production, process technology development and packaging operations. Before joining IBM, Grose was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Nanotech Resources, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that develops and deploys advanced technology throughout New York State by coordinating nanotechnology education and research programs within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Prior to joining IBM, Grose was the chief operating officer of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, a subsidiary business of Hitachi Ltd. that was formed through a merger with IBM’s Storage Technology Business. Grose previously served as General Manager of this IBM business unit and played a key leadership role in the success of this deal.

“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to assume a leadership position like this at AMD,” said Grose. “With a tremendous foundation already in place, I look forward to applying my skills as we build a unique hybrid manufacturing model that delivers highest levels of responsiveness and value to our customers.”

Grose holds a doctorate degree in materials engineering, a master’s degree in business administration and science and a bachelor’s of science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

BRCM: Broadcom Establishes Mobile Technology Leadership with World's First 65nm and Smallest EDGE Transceiver

Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced the industry's first 65 nanometer EDGE radio frequency (RF) transceiver. Designed as a monolithic die in pure digital CMOS process technology, this new Broadcom® device integrates all transceiver and analog baseband functionality to deliver unparalleled savings in power consumption, size and cost. Introduction of this product marks a significant milestone for the wireless industry, as Broadcom applies years of research and development and extensive expertise in CMOS radio devices to the cellular market to forge an integration path towards a monolithic EDGE system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution.

EDGE is currently operating on nearly 200 networks worldwide and represents the next step on the evolutionary path to third generation (3G) cellular services. With data rates up to three times the capacity of old GPRS networks, EDGE allows the delivery of advanced mobile services such as the downloading of video and music clips, full multimedia messaging, high-speed color Internet access and email on-the-go. According to the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association), most GPRS networks will convert to EDGE as part of the evolution to 3G, with 258 networks in 136 countries committed to deploying EDGE. Of those networks, 196 are commercial in 105 countries. According to market research firm iSupply, EDGE represents the single largest segment of the mobile phone market with 470 million units expected to ship in 2010. Additionally, market analysts expect the standalone RF transceiver market to approach $6 billion by 2010.

"With the introduction of our new EDGE transceiver, we are taking the next big step towards fulfilling Broadcom's vision of a complete mobile platform solution," said Charlie Wilcoxson, Senior Director of Broadcom's Cellular RF line of business. "Broadcom has proven its industry-leading expertise in pure digital CMOS radio design with leadership in both the Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® markets, having shipped hundreds of millions of high performance CMOS radios into the most demanding consumer and enterprise products. We are now poised to extend this leadership into the cellular radio market by offering our customers the industry's most advanced EDGE transceiver and providing a solid migration path to 3G."

With a goal to capitalize on the widespread transition to EDGE networks, Broadcom today announces the BCM2085 EDGE cellular RF transceiver. This highly integrated single-chip solution is designed in a 65nm CMOS process that delivers the industry's lowest power consumption (helping to extend battery life), as well as the lowest bill of materials (BoM) cost. Combining low power, high integration and low cost, the BCM2085 is compatible with all DigRF-compliant basebands, enabling lower cost and reducing the RF board area by more than 50 percent for EDGE mobile devices.

Technical Information

The BCM2085 EDGE transceiver draws upon Broadcom's extensive experience in pure digital CMOS radio design to deliver outstanding RF performance while achieving both low cost and low power consumption. The highly integrated transceiver also includes the analog baseband and DigRF interface. A novel polar transmit architecture is employed to provide low transmit power, eliminate any filters in the transmit path and use standard linear power amplifiers readily available from multiple sources. The receiver is based on a proven low-IF architecture providing suppression of DC offsets, avoiding the issues related to direct conversion receivers and simplifying integration with basebands.

The transceiver also includes Broadcom's proprietary SmartRadio™ technology, which employs continuous real-time calibration techniques. SmartRadio delivers superior radio performance in a pure digital CMOS process without baseband intervention, enabling RF performance typically previously achieved only by radios that use more expensive specialty silicon processes. Broadcom's SmartRadio technology was originally developed and deployed in the company's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, which have been field proven in hundreds of millions of transceivers for over 5 years. As a result, the BCM2085 will accelerate customers' time to market by simplifying design while ensuring a robust solution for manufacturing.

Availability

Samples of the quad-band Broadcom BCM2085 EDGE RF transceiver are available this month. Housed in a 4mm x 4mm BGA package, the BCM2085 is priced at $5.00 in volume quantities of 100,000 units or more.

BAC: Bank of America Expands Hybrid Vehicle Program Nationally

Bank of America today announced that it is expanding its program to reimburse $3,000 to associates purchasing a new hybrid vehicle. The program will now be available to more than 185,000 U.S.-based associates. Last June, the company introduced the program to associates living within 90 miles of the three pilot program cities, Boston, Charlotte, and Los Angeles.


"Our associates were very enthusiastic about this program and have responded well to the opportunity," said Anne Finucane, Bank of America chief marketing officer and head of the company's environmental council. "In fact, since we launched the program and within the three cities where it was piloted, hybrid vehicle purchases by our associates have more than quadrupled. The program continues to expand our commitment to the environment and offers our associates a way to participate in making a difference while cutting down on their commuting costs."

The company will continue to evaluate the program, assessing how it could be rolled out to associates outside of the U.S. The program mirrors the Internal Revenue Service's hybrid vehicle tax credit program and applies toward a new hybrid vehicle as defined by the agency. Associates are eligible for this reimbursement only once, and the reimbursement is subject to all applicable federal, state and local withholdings. All full-time and part- time, U.S.-based associates working at least 20 hours per week are eligible.

Bank of America is committed to continued leadership on environmental issues. The bank's environmental initiatives include:

  Facilities and operations:
   -- The company is building the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park
      in Manhattan, which will be the world's most environmentally-sound
      sky scraper.
   -- The company is also building a 32-story office tower in Charlotte,
      which will be one of the most environmentally-sound office towers in
      the Southeast.
   -- The company has set aggressive, voluntary goals to reduce greenhouse
      gas emissions across the company nine percent by 2009 through the
      reduction of its energy consumption.  On track to achieve this target,
      the company reduced electric consumption by four percent through 2005
      by taking steps such as monitoring and controlling energy consumption
      in many bank buildings across the franchise.

  Paper usage and recycling:
   -- From 2000-2005, the company reduced operational paper usage 32 percent
      even as its customer base grew 24 percent.
   -- Annually, the bank recycles nearly 50,000 tons of paper, effectively
      recycling more paper than it uses for internal operations.
   -- The bank has an industry-leading paper procurement policy that
      furthers paper reduction and recycling, addresses illegal logging,
      promotes sustainable forest practices and protects endangered forests.
   -- The company offers online banking customers the option of electronic
      statements in place of paper, for which more than 5 million customers
      have signed up.  Additionally, for every paper statement suppressed,
      Bank of America donated $1 to The Nature Conservancy's reforestation
      programs, up to a total donation of $500,000.

  Lending practices:
   -- Bank of America has comprehensive policies covering forestry and
      biodiversity issues that prohibit the bank from financing projects
      that would destroy primary moist tropical rainforests, certain
      endangered forests or from financing companies involved in illegal
      logging.
   -- Bank of America works with its energy and utility customers to reduce
      greenhouse gas emissions in their operations.
   -- Through Community Development Banking, we have financed the
      construction of notable "green" buildings including 1400 Fifth Avenue,
      NYC -- the largest "green," affordable mixed-use condominium
      development in the U.S.

  External reporting:
   -- We report on environmental issues annually through the Global
      Reporting Initiative,
    http://www.bankofamerica.com/environment/pdf/EnvironmentalReport_FN2.pdf

GNW: Genworth Financial Names Cheryl C. Whaley to Lead Expanded Capital Markets Group

Genworth Financial Inc. (NYSE: GNW) has named Cheryl C. Whaley senior vice president in charge of the company's newly expanded capital markets and growth ventures unit, created as part of the company's recently announced organizational realignment.

"Leveraging the capital markets in the most effective manner is an important part of our strategy and our future, and Cheryl is uniquely qualified to lead this effort," said Michael D. Fraizer, chairman and chief executive. "Doing so helps us manage risk, optimize our use of capital and product profitability, and support new business models. Genworth has been a market leader in this area, as exemplified by our pioneering term and universal life reserve securitization transactions."

In her new role, Whaley will lead strategies which take advantage of capital markets access and structures across Genworth's business segments and oversee specialized teams with expertise in these areas.

Genworth recently announced a significant repositioning into three operating segments. An expanded Retirement and Protection segment will include retirement income, managed money, life insurance, long term care insurance, and institutional. A new International segment will include international mortgage insurance and payment protection insurance. U.S. Mortgage Insurance is the third operating segment.

"As part of our intensified focus on markets where we have scale and leadership, we must create capital markets solutions that leverage our strengths and enhance our profitability," Whaley said. "I am excited to be working with wonderful teams across our businesses to devise new and improved solutions that help our customers, distributors and investors."

Whaley had been head of Genworth's growth ventures team and a key catalyst in its efforts to build and strengthen competitive strategies.

Prior to joining Genworth, Whaley spent nine years at Genworth's pre-IPO insurance businesses and other GE Insurance entities. She held leadership roles at GE Financial Assurance, including president and CEO of GE Capital Life Assurance Company of New York and American Mayflower Life Insurance Company of New York and previously was the managing director, public finance, at Financial Guaranty Insurance Corporation.

Whaley also has held strategic planning and business development posts at CNBC, and earlier worked at CS First Boston, Northwest Airlines and Bain & Company. Whaley graduated from Wellesley College and holds an MBA from Harvard University.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth is a leading financial security company meeting the retirement, longevity and lifestyle protection, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers, with a presence in more than 25 countries. For more information, visit http://www.genworth.com

RNOW: RightNow Technologies Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Financial Results

RightNow(R) Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNOW), today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006. Fourth quarter revenue was $28.8 million, and full year revenue was $110.4 million, representing increases of 17 percent and 27 percent over the comparable 2005 periods, respectively.

The net loss in the fourth quarter of 2006 was $(2.3) million or $(0.07) per share, compared to net income of $3.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2005. Fourth quarter 2006 non-GAAP net loss per share was $(0.04) which excludes stock-based compensation charges of $1.1 million. The net loss for the full year 2006 was $(5.0) million or $(0.16) per share, compared to net income of $7.7 million or $0.23 per diluted share for the full year 2005. Full year 2006 non-GAAP net loss per share was $(0.01) which excludes stock-based compensation of $4.6 million.

RightNow added more than 75 new customers in the fourth quarter and more than 500 new customers for the year. New, renewed and expanded customer relationships during the fourth quarter of 2006 included the AICPA, Ceridian Corporation, Nikon, Restoration Hardware, Samsung Electronics America, Sovereign Bank, SunRocket, UCLA, and the U.S. Census Bureau.

"Overall, 2006 was a strong year," stated Greg Gianforte, founder and CEO. "We grew bookings 50% and cash flow from operations more than 80%. Our products served 1 billion customer interactions during the year, providing the backbone for high customer satisfaction and tangible cost savings. We’re pleased to announce that our first customers are now live on RightNow 8." Susan Carstensen, CFO, added, "As noted in our preliminary announcement, we are seeing an accelerating shift toward recurring revenue agreements in our customers’ buying decisions. Beginning in 2007, we are essentially eliminating perpetual revenue from our business model by taking them off our product price list. For those customers in our pipeline and our existing customers that prefer perpetual licenses, we will work to structure ratable arrangements. While this model change reduces our overall revenue and earnings guidance for 2007, we still expect to drive approximately 40% growth in recurring revenue and 30% growth in cash from operations."

"Change that aligns us with our customers' preferences is good for our business" said Gianforte. "We expect to return to profitability in 2008 and to create greater shareholder value as a result of these changes. We are excited about the opportunities in front of us and look forward to another successful year in 2007."

Guidance
For the full year 2007, the Company expects revenue in the range of $116 to $120 million, composed of 40 percent growth in recurring revenue and 15 percent growth in professional services revenue. The Company’s previous guidance for perpetual revenue was approximately $25 million for 2007. Given the business model changes, the Company now expects this business to produce approximately $2 million in revenue in 2007.

The net loss per share for the full year 2007 is expected to be in the range of $(0.56) to $(0.64). Non-GAAP net loss per share, which excludes stock-based compensation, is expected to be in the range of $(0.36) to $(0.44). This compares with the Company’s previous guidance for non-GAAP net income per share was $0.30 to $0.35, with the vast majority of the earnings change resulting from the substantial decline of perpetual revenue.

Cash from operations for the full year 2007 is expected to be in the range of $32.5 to $37.5 million.

For the first quarter of 2007, revenue is anticipated to be in the range of $24 to $25 million. The first quarter net loss per share is expected to be in the range of $(0.23) to $(0.25). Non-GAAP net loss per share, which excludes stock-based compensation, is expected to be in the range of $(0.19) to $(0.21).


Quarterly Conference Call
RightNow Technologies will discuss its quarterly results via teleconference at 4:30 p.m. (ET)/2:30 p.m. (MT) today, January 31, 2007. To access the call, please dial (877) 502-9272, or outside the U.S. (913) 981-5581, at least five minutes prior to the start time. An audio webcast of the call will also be available at www.shareholder.com/rnow/medialist.cfm A replay of today’s conference call will be available on the company Web site at www.shareholder.com/rnow/, under the Investor Webcasts menu, from 5:30 p.m. (MT) on January 31, 2007 until 10:00 p.m. (MT) February 14, 2007. You may also access a replay of today’s call by dialing (719) 457-0820 or (888) 203-1112 with the replay passcode 7121442.

For the full report and complete SEC filing information and details please visit:
RightNow Technologies Q406 complete SEC details

Michael Dell Assumes Duties as Chief Executive Officer of Dell Inc.

Dell Inc. announced today that Michael Dell will assume the duties of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Dell, who will retain his duties as Chairman of the Board, will replace Kevin Rollins.

“The Board believes that Michael’s vision and leadership are critical to building Dell’s leadership in the technology industry for the long-term,” said Samuel A. Nunn, presiding director of Dell’s Board. “There is no better person in the world to run Dell at this time than the man who created the Direct Model and who has built this company over the last 23 years.”

Michael Dell founded the company in 1984 with $1,000 and an unprecedented idea - to bypass the middleman and sell computer systems directly to the customer. He has served as the company’s Chairman of the Board, since its founding, and served as CEO until 2004.

“Dell has tremendous opportunities ahead of it,” said Mr. Dell. “I am enthusiastic about Dell 2.0, which includes our plan to provide the best customer experience, build a strong global services business and ensure our products deliver the best long-term customer value.”

Mr. Rollins has resigned, effective immediately, from his position as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors.

“Kevin has been a great business partner and friend,” said Mr. Dell. “He has made significant contributions to our business over the past ten years. I wish him much success in the future.”

In 1992, Mr. Dell became the youngest CEO ever of a Fortune 500 company. Mr. Dell serves on the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, the executive committee of the International Business Council and is a member of the U.S. Business Council.

The Company also said that it expects its fourth quarter Fiscal Year 2007 results to be below the average of First Call Estimates for both revenue and earnings per share.

PFE:Court Rules In Pfizer's Favor In Norvasc Patent Case, Finds Synthon Obtained Patent By Inequitable Conduct

The federal district court in the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria) has ruled that Synthon IP obtained, by inequitable conduct, two U.S. patents alleged to cover a process and an intermediate compound used to make the active ingredient in Pfizer's widely-prescribed hypertension medication, Norvasc, Pfizer said today.

Pfizer said the court found that Synthon had knowingly failed to disclose to the U.S. Patent Office Pfizer publications and other information it had in its possession that described the process Synthon sought to patent. "It's very difficult to meet the standards for establishing inequitable conduct," said Allen Waxman, Pfizer's general counsel. "But in this case it is clear that Synthon improperly used Pfizer's own published material to obtain a patent that it then tried to enforce against us."

Pfizer said it intends to seek attorneys' fees from Synthon. The case may be appealed.

Synthon had asserted that Pfizer's process for manufacturing Norvasc -- a process Pfizer had not only published but has been using for 15 years -- infringed Synthon patents issued in 2003 and 2005. In August of last year, a jury unanimously ruled that one of those patents was not infringed by Pfizer and was invalid on multiple grounds, principally because it was based on Pfizer's prior published work. Synthon had dropped its claim of infringement on the second patent prior to trial.