Sunday, November 2, 2014

Lenovo Completes Acquisition of Motorola Mobility from Google

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif - Friday, October 31st 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Becomes World’s #3 Smartphone Maker

Prepares for Even More Growth

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (PINK SHEETS: LNVGY) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced today that Lenovo’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility from Google is complete.

The acquisition of the Motorola brand and Motorola's portfolio of innovative smartphones like Moto X, Moto G, Moto E and the DROIDTM series, as well as the future Motorola product roadmap, positions Lenovo as the world’s third largest maker of smartphones.

Lenovo will operate Motorola as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Motorola’s headquarters will remain in Chicago. With the completion of the acquisition, Lenovo welcomes the addition of a new portfolio company with nearly 3,500 employees around the world - including about 2,800 in the U.S. - who design, engineer, sell and support Motorola’s outstanding devices.

“Today we achieved a historic milestone for Lenovo and for Motorola - and together we are ready to compete, grow and win in the global smartphone market. By building a strong number three and a credible challenger to the top two in smartphones, we will give the market something it has needed: choice, competition and a new spark of innovation,” said Yang Yuanqing, chairman and CEO, Lenovo. “This partnership has always been a perfect fit. Lenovo has a clear strategy, great global scale, and proven operational excellence. Motorola brings a strong presence in the U.S. and other mature markets, great carrier relationships, an iconic brand, a strong IP portfolio and an incredibly talented team. This is a winning combination.”

“Motorola is in great hands with Lenovo, a company that’s all-in on making great devices,” said Larry Page, CEO, Google.

Liu Jun, Lenovo executive vice president and president of Lenovo’s Mobile Business Group, is chairman of the Motorola Management Board. Rick Osterloh, a Motorola veteran, will remain president and chief operating officer of Motorola.

“Motorola has already built solid momentum in the market, and their recent results show consumers are excited about their exceptional products that stand out for their design and simplicity,” said Liu Jun. “With the complementary strengths of our two companies, we expect to sell more than 100 million mobile devices this year - including smartphones and tablets - by leveraging the Lenovo brand’s leading market position in China, our shared momentum in emerging markets, and Motorola’s strong foothold in mature markets like the U.S.”

Motorola already has strong momentum in the marketplace led by highly successful new product launches and groundbreaking innovations, which have provided solid growth. Beyond smartphones, the Moto 360 watch has captured consumer attention and established Motorola as a company expanding into emerging mobile device areas. As previously stated, Lenovo expects to make the Motorola business profitable in four to six quarters.

Google will maintain ownership of a majority of the Motorola Mobility patent portfolio, while Motorola will receive a license to this rich portfolio of patents and other intellectual property. Motorola will retain over 2,000 patent assets and a large number of patent cross-license agreements, as well as the Motorola Mobility brand and trademark portfolio.

The total purchase price at close was approximately US$2.91 billion (subject to certain post-close adjustments), including approximately US$660 million in cash and 519,107,215 newly issued ordinary shares of Lenovo stock, with an aggregate value of US$750 million, representing about 4.7 percent of Lenovo’s shares outstanding, which were transferred to Google at close. The remaining US$1.5 billion will be paid to Google by Lenovo in the form of a three-year promissory note. A separate cash compensation of approximately US$228 million was paid by Lenovo to Google primarily for the cash and working capital held by Motorola at the time of close.

The transaction has satisfied all regulatory requirements and customary closing conditions, including clearance by competition authorities in the U.S., China, EU, Brazil and Mexico, and by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This is the fifth time since 2005 Lenovo has been cleared by CFIUS to acquire a U.S. business.

ABOUT LENOVO

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $39 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode YOGA brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Motorola brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com.

ABOUT GOOGLE

Google is a global technology leader, focused on improving ways people connect with information. Google’s innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top Internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world.

*DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.

For More information

A press kit is available here: http://news.lenovo.com/MotorolaAcquisition

Contacts

Lenovo

Hong Kong

Angela Lee, +852 2516 4810

angelalee@lenovo.com



or

United States

Brion Tingler, +1 917-528-1992

btingler@lenovo.com



or

Motorola

press@motorola.com



or

Google

press@google.com



Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/12624/en

Saturday, November 1, 2014

GSMA Launches Consumer Protection Campaigns with Governments and Operators in Costa Rica and El Salvador

GSMA Expands Reach and Scope of “We Care” Programme in Latin America

LONDON. - Friday, October 31st 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) The GSMA today announced that it has launched a series of initiatives designed to protect mobile users in Costa Rica and El Salvador, working in collaboration with national governments and mobile operators in each country. The GSMA is expanding the reach and scope of its “We Care” campaign in Latin America, with the goal of providing users with safer, more secure and convenient mobile experiences through programmes focusing on handset theft, child protection and disaster response. The GSMA “We Care” campaign, which was officially launched today in Costa Rica and on 28th October in El Salvador, builds on initiatives currently being implemented by operators and governments in Brazil and Nicaragua.

“Throughout Latin America, mobile provides citizens access to a wide range of communications, information and entertainment services, enhancing their everyday lives and offering new economic opportunities,” said Tom Phillips, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA. “We are very pleased to be working with leading mobile operators and authorities in Costa Rica and El Salvador to extend the reach of our 'We Care' initiatives, to ensure that every customer can enjoy mobile’s transformational benefits in a protected and trusted environment.”

Launching “We Care” in El Salvador

In El Salvador, the GSMA is working with operators Claro, Digicel, Telefónica and Tigo, as well as national authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior and Territorial Development and the National Council for Childhood and Adolescence, in a multi-faceted customer protection initiative that focuses on three key areas: handset theft, child protection and disaster response.

In the area of handset theft, operators will expand their participation in the GSMA IMEI Database, which allows them to report stolen or lost devices and block them from operating on their own network, as well as those of participating operators globally. This service also allows organisations including device recyclers, retailers, dealers and others to determine if a specific device may be lost or stolen by using the GSMA Device Check tool. In child protection, the operators will promote the programme, “Alerta Angel Desaparecido,” an initiative from the Attorney General’s Office to find missing children, through SMS campaigns, social networks, events and branding on their websites. To address disaster preparedness, the operators have committed to implement mechanisms outlined in the GSMA Disaster Response “Guidelines for Establishing Effective Collaboration between Mobile Network Operators and Government Agencies.”

“Claro El Salvador is committed to working with the local government to implement initiatives that will help promote child and youth protection programmes, such as 'Angel Desaparecido' which has been implemented by the Attorney General’s Office. We are also supporting additional 'We Care' initiatives, such as contributing with a disaster notification system as part of the disaster response programmes of local government agencies and participating in the GSMA Device Check programme to eradicate the illegal activation and dealings of stolen handsets in El Salvador,” stated Eric Behner, CEO at Claro El Salvador.

Focus on Child Protection in Costa Rica

Costa Rica operators Claro, ICE and Telefónica are working with the National Board for Children (Patronato Nacional de la Infancia or PANI) to promote the 1147 child helpline run by the PANI. Operators will offer free calls to the helpline and will build awareness of the initaitive through SMS, social networks events and promotion on their websites. In the future, the operators will undertake “We Care” programmes in the areas of handset theft, eWaste and human rights.

“For Telefónica, it is important to support social issues such as the helpline initiative driven by PANI, which gives voice to Costa Rican children and youths. We believe in promoting the development of the societies in which we operate, and we work to ensure access to information through our services, protecting young people and children. The GSMA 'We Care' initiative represents an opportunity to integrate the efforts already performed with the other operators in the country, helping to maximise the benefits to society,” said Jorge Abadia, Country Director, Telefónica Costa Rica.

“We are pleased to see the further expansion of the 'We Care' campaign in Latin America, building on the excellent work already underway in Brazil and Nicaragua,” said Nenita La Rose, Executive Director of Child Helpline International (CHI), a global network of 191 organisations aiming to promote and protect the rights of children and teenagers in 145 countries. “We welcome this initiative developed by GSMA Latin America and we look forward to working even more closely with operators in Costa Rica to not only build awareness, but promote the use of the 1147 child helpline run by PANI. This is an important opportunity for us to help ensure the safety of children and young people in Costa Rica.”

For more information about the “We Care” consumer protection initiative, as well as other GSMA programmes in Latin America, please visit www.gsma.com/latinamerica/.

-ENDS-

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. Spanning more than 220 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators with 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and Internet companies, as well as organisations in industry sectors such as financial services, healthcare, media, transport and utilities. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress and Mobile Asia Expo.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

Contacts

Media Contacts:

For the GSMA

Elli Karagiorgas, +44 (0)207 067 0496

elli.karagiorgas@webershandwick.com



GSMA Press Office

pressoffice@gsma.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/12636/en

Systech Raises the Bar for Enterprise Serialization with Compliance-Ready Citadel Platform

Cloud-based solution delivers complete DSCSA adherence

ME NewsWire/Business Wire

CRANBURY, N.J. - Friday, October 31st 2014

Systech International, a global leader in brand protection technologies, today announced that Citadel – Systech’s cloud-based enterprise serialization platform – seamlessly fulfills global regulatory requirements, including the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) lot traceability requirements that will take effect in January 2015. The law requires manufacturers to send Transaction Information, Transaction History, and Transaction Statement (TI/TH/TS) in the form of an advance shipping notices (ASNs) to their wholesalers. Manufacturers using Systech Citadel will be automatically compliant with upcoming FDA requirements and safeguarded against additional adherence deadlines through 2023.

Systech enhanced Citadel’s ASN 856 capabilities to ensure alignment with the Healthcare Distribution Management Association’s (HDMA) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Guidelines for the 856 Advance Ship Notice to Support Implementation of DSCSA, published in July of this year.

Systech Citadel’s unique plug-in frame work and extensible infrastructure allows rapid development for new and changing regulations. This is a critical differentiator for Citadel, as it is able to meet the compliance needs of both global and domestic providers while addressing the long-term needs of each region’s phased-in implementation plans with minimal rework and change over time.

“We are proud to be one of the only truly global solution providers actively committed to the shifting compliance needs and goals of the pharmaceutical landscape,” said Robert DeJean, CEO, Systech. “Demonstrating that Citadel satisfies regulations in markets worldwide proves that Systech is again ahead of the competition in offering solutions that will enable manufacturers to meet global regulations and DSCSA compliance in 2015 and beyond.”

Systech Citadel offers a full suite of features necessary to serialize product and track its movement through the supply chain — enabling regulatory reporting, product authentication, and brand-protection benefits which transcend the mere need for meeting compliance deadlines. All of this is delivered seamlessly through a world-class, cloud-based platform.

Systech Citadel can be used as a standalone solution, or deployed together with the proven Systech Enterprise Serialization® foundation to which it is fully integrated. Companies can also integrate Systech Citadel with existing infrastructure as the fourth layer in the serialization stack, allowing manufacturers to pick, pack and ship products as well as provide initial transaction and shipping information.

To find out more about Citadel, please visit http://www.systech-tips.com/track-and-trace.php.

About Systech International

Systech International is a global leader in brand protection technologies with solutions that address the needs of enterprise serialization, track and trace, and authentication, serving a wide variety of industries ranging from pharmaceutical and medical devices to food and beverage and consumer goods. To learn more about Systech, please visit www.systech-tips.com.

Contacts

LEWIS PR

Jack Bunting / Trish DaCosta

619-677 2700

Systech@lewispr.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/12626/en

Brazil Electoral Commission Uses Smartmatic Technology to Expedite Presidential Election Results

1,464 satellite terminals deployed in Brazil’s rural areas

LONDON - Wednesday, October 29th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Smartmatic, the world's leading voting technology provider, used its satellite technology to expedite the results during the two rounds of presidential elections held in Brazil this October.

The London-headquartered company configured and deployed 1,464 Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) satellite terminals to support voice and data communications across some of the most remote areas in the fifth largest country in the world. In addition, Smartmatic provided maintenance of the equipment, training for operators and technical support to guarantee the deployment was a complete success.

“In this age of immediate communications, speed in transmitting election results is a challenge every electoral commission faces,” said Antonio Mugica, Smartmatic’s CEO. “Over the past two decades, Brazil has built a robust electoral platform to swiftly process the vote of more than 140 million voters. By using satellite technology to expand the reach of its voting platform, Brazil's electoral commission is setting an example many commissions around the world should follow.”

Having provided similar services for the 2012 municipal elections, this is the second consecutive Brazilian election in which Smartmatic has been involved. “Entering the Brazilian market in 2012 was an incredible opportunity for us to demonstrate how we can improve election administration through our innovative technology and unique services,” commented Mugica. “We are delighted to have again collaborated with one of the most forward-looking electoral commissions in the world and to have played such a key part in the closest Brazilian presidential election in more than a century,” added Mugica.

Smartmatic is today the largest single owner of BGAN terminals and antennas in the world. Leveraging on Inmarsat’s network, it has enabled electoral commissions in Argentina, Brazil and the Philippines to efficiently reach voters who live in remote and rural areas.

About Smartmatic

We focus on creating technology and offering services that have a profound social impact. We’ve processed over 2.3 billion auditable, secret and secure votes in more than 3,500 tamper-proof, fraud-free elections. We now lead the electronic voting industry in terms of revenue, profit, product offerings, and quality of support services, geographical presence, and technological advancement. We employ over 800 people in the US, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, Barbados, Haiti, Brazil, Panama, Venezuela, Philippines, India and Taiwan. www.smartmatic.com

Contacts

Mrs. Samira Saba,

+1-561-862-0747

Marketing and Communications Director

Communications@smartmatic.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/12600/en

Global Eagle Entertainment and SES Sign a Strategic Partnership to Deliver Global Ku-Band Satellite in-Flight Connectivity to Airlines

BETZDORF, Luxembourg & LOS ANGELES - Thursday, October 30th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (“GEE”, Nasdaq: ENT), a worldwide leading provider of content, connectivity and digital media solutions to airlines, and satellite operator SES (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) today announced a ground-breaking agreement, whereby SES will provide global, Ku-band satellite bandwidth to GEE for use in GEE’s in-flight connectivity system. As part of the long-term agreement, GEE and SES will work together to enable in-flight connectivity solutions to be provided to airlines around the world.

GEE will offer airlines global connectivity coverage using SES’s worldwide satellite network, greatly expanding GEE’s capabilities and services. The agreement includes access to the existing SES network, as well as to upcoming high throughput satellite (HTS) spot beam-based systems, providing significant increases in bandwidth speeds. This partnership enhances GEE’s position as a leader in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFE&C) market. GEE provides its airline customers with innovative content, connectivity, and digital media solutions that drive passenger engagement and enable new ancillary revenue opportunities.

Under this agreement, SES satellites will provide GEE with Ku-band capacity to support GEE’s worldwide mobile connectivity solution on a combination of SES satellites, along with select teleport services. With a fleet of over 50 satellites today, and with five more under construction, SES is able to support GEE’s airline customers - and their passengers - with robust connectivity on most air routes around the world.

“Entering into this agreement with SES provides a major step forward in the growth of GEE. By partnering with SES, GEE will be offering global connectivity coverage to our airline customers, including the next generation of high throughput satellite systems,” said Dave Davis, Chief Executive Officer of GEE.

“SES is pleased to support GEE with its expertise and assets for in-flight connectivity today and in the future,” stated Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer, SES. “The aeronautical mobility sector is a key target market for SES and is poised for strong growth in the coming years. This important agreement delivers a tailored solution for GEE’s global aero connectivity needs, and provides an extended base for GEE’s widely enjoyed service to travelers. ”

“We see this as the beginning of a strong strategic partnership between SES and GEE that enables us to broaden our in-flight connectivity capabilities to airline customers,” explained Aditya Chatterjee, Chief Technology Officer at GEE. “The demand for in-flight connectivity has never been greater, particularly with airlines looking to serve passengers and drive ancillary revenue. As we continue to expand internationally, SES’s broad coverage area, technology capabilities, and sales and service commitments provide us with a solution that meets our airline customers’ short and long-haul needs and the passengers’ desire to always be connected.”

This agreement represents another key element in GEE’s content, connectivity and digital media strategy that it is rolling out to airlines across the globe. Through this important partnership with SES, both companies will jointly deliver superior connectivity technology, sales and service to the aviation industry.

About Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE)

Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: ENT) is a worldwide provider of media content, technology, and connectivity solutions to the travel industry. Through the industry’s most comprehensive product and services platform, GEE provides airlines with a wide range of in-flight solutions. These include Wi-Fi, movies, television, music, interactive software, as well as portable IFE solutions, content management services, e-commerce solutions and original content development. Serving over 150 airlines worldwide, GEE delivers exceptional quality and value to its customers to help them achieve their passenger experience objectives. The company’s headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California, with offices and teams located in North America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Oceania and South America. Find out more at www.globaleagleent.com

About SES

SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of over 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organizations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.

Follow us on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/ses

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel

Blog: http://www.ses.com/blog

SES Pictures are available under: http://www.ses.com/4245221/library

Contacts

GEE

Kevin Trosian

Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

+1 310-740-8624

investor.relations@globaleagleent.com

pr@globaleagleent.com



or

SES

Markus Payer

SES Communications

Tel : +352 710 725 500

Markus.Payer@ses.com

Panasonic Promotes Renewable Energy at Solar Power International

NEWARK, N.J - Thursday, October 30th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Solar Power International 2014

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Shortly after the International Energy Agency predicted that solar power may become the largest global power source by 2050, Panasonic took part in a Solar Power International 2014 panel discussion with solar industry professionals working to help make that prediction a reality.

The panel, one of many at the four-day eco trade show, included Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company's Jamie Evans and focused on the challenges and solutions to going green. It also spotlighted an innovative project in San Francisco in which Panasonic is working with Powertree Services to build 68 stations that combine solar energy generation with battery storage and electric vehicle charging. Panelists included Powertree's CEO Stacey Reineccius, government and utility officials.

Panasonic Promotes Renewable Energy at #SPI

[Video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-RiBTliWPs

[Photos] https://plus.google.com/photos/102894371789579256396/albums/6075835974793996753

Solar Power, Battery Storage, EV Charging in One Station

Panasonic is providing the engineering, construction and procurement services to Powertree to build the charging stations at multi-unit residential properties around the city. The stations are scheduled to be completed by Earth Day 2015.

On the panel, Jamie described Powertree's unique model and pointed out that being first meant being able to take on the challenges, including getting regulatory approvals from authorities who had to understand the concept and working with different stakeholders to move the project forward. "It's critical to have a clear story--what does the tenant get, what does the building get, what does the independent system operator get? If you don't have your story straight, you have conflicts," added Powertree's Stacey Reineccius. Panelists also talked about the Powertree concept being expanded to other U.S. cities. The Panasonic - Powertree collaboration was covered by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Over 15,000 Solar Industry Professionals Gather for SPI 2014

The panel took place in mid-October as part of Solar Power International (SPI) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which brought together approximately 15,000 equipment manufacturers, developers, engineering firms, utility operators, government officials, investors and others. The show bills itself as North America's premier business-to-business event for professionals in solar energy and related fields. Some 20% of SPI's attendees come from outside the U.S.

At SPI, Panasonic showcased its end-to-end solar solution platform including its expanding solar footprint--stretching from Canada to Latin America, the company's global battery storage business and its partnership with Coronal Group--a strategic relationship to facilitate the development of solar projects in the commercial, industrial, municipal and small utility markets. In a panel at the show, Coronal Group managing director Ed Feo spoke to an audience of developers and eco professionals about construction financing for midsize solar projects. Recently Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada launched its first project with Coronal to build a 6 megawatt ground mount solar project in Ontario.

Also drawing attention for Panasonic at the show were four newly announced solar projects for Hertz car rental facilities at major U.S. airports including Denver, Newark, St. Louis and JFK in New York City.

Panasonic employees from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Japan contributed to the total effort at the show. Panasonic's large booth at SPI situated at the entrance to the main exhibition floor made a clear statement of the company's commitment to the industry. "It was virtually impossible to enter the exhibit space without seeing Panasonic Eco Solutions Company as a gateway to the hall," observed one seasoned showgoer.

Related Links:

Panasonic and Coronal Group Complete Nine Solar Projects to Provide Clean, Renewable Energy to Southern California Edison Customers (October 1, 2014) http://news.panasonic.net/archives/2014/1001_29379.html

Panasonic and Coronal Group Finalize Acquisition of Balsam Lake Solar Project in Ontario, Canada (October 7, 2014) http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=711018&modelNo=Content10072014110111847&surfModel=Content10072014110111847

Panasonic North America: http://www.panasonic.com/us

Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company: http://www.panasonic.com/business/pesna/av-solutions/

Panasonic Eco Construction Solutions: http://www.panasonic.com/business/pesna/eco-construction-solutions/

Solar Power International (SPI): http://www.solarpowerinternational.com/

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50972271&lang=en

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation

Global Communication Group

Public Relations Office

+81-3-3574-5729

presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/12615/en

Tata Communications Ushers in a New Era of Internet to Drive Hybrid Cloud Adoption

LONDON - Thursday, October 30th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

IZO™, the world’s most comprehensive cloud enablement platform, launches today with:

    IZO™ Internet WAN: business-class SLAs over the public internet in partnership with over 20 service providers
    IZO™ Private: private connectivity to cloud service providers including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure
    IZO™ Public: prioritised content for Tata Communications’ enterprise customers

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tata Communications, a leading provider of A New World of Communications™, today launches IZO™, a global network platform for enhanced hybrid cloud enablement. A game changing new network platform – IZO™ brings a new way of tackling the complications and challenges that businesses face in realising the potential of the cloud. For the first time, a single provider offers access to a full ecosystem of network, cloud and data centre connectivity, making it simple for a business to connect and build its cloud, their way – be it private, hybrid or public.

The IZO™ network platform takes the public internet and uniquely engineers it for predictable routing, together with enterprise cloud connectivity and interconnected data centres. Bringing together a growing ecosystem of over 20 service providers reaching 85% of the world’s GDP, two of the largest cloud platforms – Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure – and over 50 data centres across the globe, the IZO™ network delivers the most comprehensive cloud enablement platform available today.

The platform comprises IZO™ Internet WAN, IZO™ Private and IZO™ Public – each of which tackles a significant issue faced by enterprises managing cloud solutions.

A first of its kind, IZO™ Internet WAN brings the security, flexibility and predictability of a private network to the public internet – with the global reach of the internet. Through partnerships with 20 service providers around the world, IZO™ Internet WAN provides multi-national organisations deterministic routing of traffic with guaranteed end-to-end SLAs and business standard reporting. Multi-national businesses will now experience faster deployment times, whilst reducing their total cost of ownership by up to 30%, fostering more secure ways to capitalise on the cloud evolution.

IZO™ Private connects businesses to cloud service providers via private network connectivity. Through a global partnered interconnect arrangement under the AWS Direct Connect program with Amazon Web Services and Azure ExpressRoute program with Microsoft, companies now have access to a one-stop-shop for end-to-end management to ensure network performance and end-user experience.

Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Communications, says, “We’re taking the necessary steps towards making the Internet Fit For Business™ by bringing a new level of predictability and reliability to the public internet that does not exist today. This isn’t something we can do alone and we’re joined in this initiative to bring about a new era of internet by some of the world’s leading ISP and cloud providers as we collaborate to achieve a common goal. Cloud, in every form, continues to transform the way businesses operate, innovate and generate revenue. Our role is to make sure that we’re delivering a network that supports and enhances everybody’s network cloud.”

The third element of the platform is IZO™ Public which tags and prioritises content with guaranteed performance for Tata Communications enterprise customers. For businesses looking to deliver large volumes of content over the internet, this service provides unparalleled performance, reach, and capacity ensuring a consistently good user experience.

Melanie Posey, Research Vice President at IDC, says, “The cloud is the new IT architecture for the next-generation enterprise. However, next-generation network architectures that are similarly dynamic and scalable have been slow to emerge. Neither enterprise WANs (expensive, static, and complex) nor the public internet ("best-efforts" reliability, performance, and security) provide the right mix of scalability, rapid deployment capabilities, and multi-carrier reach required for secure, enterprise-grade connectivity to an ever expanding array of cloud-based IT and application resources. Tata Communications' IZO™ enterprise WAN and cloud enablement platform leverages its extensive global network and the reach of its partner ecosystem to enable global organisations to harness the cloud – be it private, hybrid or public.”

The IZO™ network platform gives multi-national organisations the freedom to choose a cloud environment suited to their requirements with a platform backed by Tata Communications’ leading global network and global partnerships. Today, over 24% of the world’s internet routes travel over Tata Communications’ network and the company is the only Tier-1 provider that is in the top five by routes in five continents.

Watch this space for further news on key industry players that are joining Tata Communications to make IZO™ a global phenomenon in the new internet era.

For more information: www.tatacommunications.com/izo IZO™ twitter hashtag: #networkcloud and #yourIZO

IZO™ Internet WAN: launch partner quotes

Maciej Krzyzanowski, CEO of ATM S.A. “Businesses are adopting cloud applications and platforms faster than ever before which makes the internet a critical building-block of IT (WAN) architecture. ATMAN, the operator of fibre network in Poland and leader of the Polish data centre market, is proud to be a part of the Tata Communications’ global initiative to make the internet more predictable – delivering better quality of service to businesses.”

Richard Fung, CEO, China Broadband Communications Co. Ltd. “Industry experts predict that the majority of all new applications will be delivered via the cloud in the next few years. As enterprises accelerate cloud adoption in-line with this growth, having a network that is secure, flexible and predictable for the hybrid cloud becomes a critical success factor for businesses. CBCcom is committed to working together with Tata Communications to deliver business-class SLAs over the public internet for multi-national organisations – making the global internet more fit for this business purpose.”

Sui-lun Lo, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Owner, Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited “IZO™ Internet WAN is set to provide the next level of internet solutions with high stability, performance and determinist routing to deliver end-to-end business grade SLAs and high-performance connections. As an eco-system partner of this ground-breaking global service, HKBN, with ongoing expansions to our fibre network infrastructure and core network switching platform, continues to follow our commitment of being at the forefront of communications technologies. We are proud to work with Tata Communications, who is taking big strides in making the internet usable for enterprise WANs and our multi-national business customers.”

Murray Goodman, Head of Product, Kordia “Our relationship with Tata Communications fits Kordia’s best-connected network service philosophy. The provision of a well-managed and high-performance network is key to the enablement of cloud services. We’re excited to partner with Tata Communications to provide a market-leading platform that helps enterprises meet their needs.”

Ted Higase, KVH President and Chief Executive Officer, KVH Co. Ltd. “Enterprises around the world continue to make significant investments toward cloud adoption and we understand that cloud connectivity is soon expected to be the most important feature in today’s hyper-connected world. As the needs of enterprises are evolving, enterprise networks are becoming more complex with trends like BYOD, enterprise mobility, remote connectivity, and migration to the cloud. We expect the internet to be a key building block in our networks. KVH is keen to work with Tata Communications on this journey to cloud adoption.”

Mateo Ward, CEO, Neutrona Networks International LLC “Businesses today are moving forward with cloud deployments at a rapid rate. In order for these cloud deployments to be successful, the right network infrastructure that enables cloud services over both private and public internet will be critical, especially due to the adoption of the hybrid cloud. Neutrona shares the same vision as Tata Communications in making the global public internet more fit for this business purpose by adding enterprise-grade security, flexibility and predictability to its internet services.”

Manuel Eanes, Executive Board Member, NOS Comunicações, S.A. “The internet has become the fastest growing WAN network in the world over the last decade. Analysts believe that the growth trend will continue and this has changed the way enterprises carry out their business. It becomes the major network component embraced by enterprises, especially for the hybrid cloud deployment. NOS is thrilled to be one of Tata Communications’ strategic partners to enable an internet that is fit for business.”

Nico Alcoseba, Corporate Business Solutions Head, PLDT “Industry analysts foresee that by the end of 2017, nearly half of large enterprises will have hybrid cloud deployments and a state-of-the-art platform is key to the success of this type of cloud implementation. PLDT is pleased to partner with Tata Communications to provide a market-leading platform that helps enterprises to meet their business needs.”

Alexander Rusli, President Director and CEO, PT Indosat TbK “Global IP traffic has increased more than fivefold in the past five years, and market forecasts indicate that this will further increase threefold over the next five years with enterprise adoption of hybrid cloud. The right network connectivity is at the heart of supporting this trend – one that provides the security, flexibility and predictability of a private network to the public network. Indosat joins forces with Tata Communications in this global initiative that will boost performance and improve the quality of service in global internet for enterprises around the world.”

Sylvain Roy, Senior Vice-President, Wholesale at Rogers Communications “We are thrilled to be working with Tata Communications to address the connectivity needs of multi-national businesses in the Canadian market. The IZO™ platform will allow global businesses to operate smoothly and exchange data securely in their Canadian locations and we look forward to developing our relationship with Tata Communications to benefit our Canadian business customers.”

Benjamin Tan, VP International Business, StarHub “Enterprise adoption of cloud and the use of dedicated business internet access has been on the rise in the past few years. These trends are here to stay and rapid growth is expected in the coming years. In Singapore, StarHub operates an extensive fixed business network that provides a wide range of data, voice and wholesale services to serve businesses of any size. We are pleased to partner with Tata Communications to address opportunities emerging from these ICT trends.”

Charles Bligh, Managing Director, TalkTalk Business “Today the key pointers in the global ICT landscape are the need for elastic bandwidths, cost-effective secure access, superior application experiences, remote workforces and more. All of which point to the need for rapid cloud adoption. IZO™ Internet WAN is a game-changing deployment of a global internet-based WAN service that gives businesses the flexibility and predictability of a private network, with the global reach of the internet – an enabler for businesses to stay competitive. TalkTalk is delighted to be the first UK connectivity supplier to Tata Communications for this service.”

Phung Van Cuong, Deputy General Director, Viettel “Emerging markets play an important role in global connectivity solutions. With the rapid growth of the internet and hybrid cloud strategies being deployed globally, it is imperative that the internet’s strengths are leveraged to scale enterprise connectivity requirements and cloud access. Viettel sees Tata Communications’ initiative as the right direction to bring the industry together to address the needs of enterprises with its IZO™ platform.”

About Tata Communications

Tata Communications Limited (CIN no: L64200MH1986PLC039266) along with its subsidiaries (Tata Communications) is a leading global provider of A New World of Communications™. With a leadership position in emerging markets, Tata Communications leverages its advanced solutions capabilities and domain expertise across its global and pan-India network to deliver managed solutions to multi-national enterprises, service providers and Indian consumers.

The Tata Communications global network includes one of the most advanced and largest submarine cable networks and a Tier-1 IP network with connectivity to more than 240 countries and territories across 400 PoPs, as well as nearly 1 million square feet of data centre and collocation space worldwide.

Tata Communications’ depth and breadth of reach in emerging markets includes leadership in Indian enterprise data services and leadership in global international voice.

Tata Communications Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India. http://www.tatacommunications.com

About ATM S.A.

ATM S.A. is a Polish public company (WSE: ATM) providing innovative ICT solutions for business since 1991. Under the brands of ATMAN and Thinx Poland the company offers telecommunications services based on its own fiber networks and three data centers in Poland, with 10,600 sq m (ca. 114,100 sq feet) of state-of-the-art colocation space.

Key elements of ATM’s offer include: colocation and hosting, broadband data transmission and internet access. In particular, carriers, internet portals, traditional media and financial institutions may be found among the receivers of ATM services.

The company is the only Polish operator present in all four of Europe's largest interconnect nodes: AMS-IX Amsterdam, DE-CIX Frankfurt, LINX London and MSK-IX Moscow. More information at www.atman.pl andwww.thinx.pl.

About China Broadband Communications Co., Ltd (CBCcom)

China Broadband Communications Co., Ltd (CBCcom) is established with the mission to be the leader of ICT service providers in China. CBCcom provides high-quality telecom end-to-end solutions, integrated IT services and cloud computing IaaS、PaaS、SaaS services to support customers to optimize network infrastructure and management ability, thereby to improve the efficiency of IT investment and enhance an enterprise's core competitiveness. Based on high-quality products and excellent service, CBCcom provides comprehensive solutions to all types of users to satisfy the business enterprise's high-end information service needs.

About Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”) is the leading provider of residential symmetric 100 Mbps and above broadband services in Hong Kong with a core purpose to “Make Our Hong Kong a Better Place to Live”. HKBN offers an array of world-class enterprise solutions, carrier services, as well as a diversified portfolio of innovative residential broadband and Wi-Fi access, communication and entertainment services to over 1.4 million subscribers. HKBN takes great pride in developing its 2,500-strong Talent force into a competitive advantage. In May 2012, the company underwent a management buy-out and is now majority-owned by funds advised by CVC Capital Partners and 87 HKBN managers.

About Kordia

Kordia is a highly focused, New Zealand specialist telecommunications and media business with the strength and security of being a State Owned Enterprise (SOE). We’ve been driving business, delivering innovative and super-reliable enterprise-grade broadcast, telecommunications and specialised networks for over sixty years.

About KVH Co. Ltd.

KVH is an Asia Pacific IT Services and Data Center Services Provider established in Japan. KVH’s Information Delivery Platform delivers integrated cloud and network solutions and best-in-class service to its customers. KVH owns infrastructure and provides services that enable clients to store, process, protect and deliver their vital business information. KVH provides IT Services, Cloud Services, Data Center Services, Managed Network Services, and Professional Services.

KVH operates the lowest latency network in Japan, and with over 500 financial services customers, is the leading provider of ultra low-latency network and proximity hosting solutions to the high-frequency trading community in Tokyo and Osaka. KVH also offers low-latency connectivity services between major financial markets in the Asia/Pacific region and the US, including Tokyo, Chicago, Aurora, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul/Busan, and Sydney. More information on KVH can be found at www.kvhasia.com.

About Neutrona Networks International LLC

Neutrona Networks is a neutral and independent Latin American Carrier with more than 15 years of experience in the industry to deliver advanced data networking solutions to international carriers in a one-stop-shop experience. Neutrona’s direct presence in 15 countries and extensive network partnerships cover any location at any city in Central & South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond.

Neutrona is the only Latin American network to run on multiple sub-sea cable systems and terrestrial fiber rings combined with extensive network interconnections with most local access networks in the region. We follow a Carrier Partner Philosophy dedicated to a seamless and integrated experience.

You get access to a full suite of solutions that closely align with the same technologies your customers demand—MPLS, Ethernet Private Line, Colocation, Logistics, and Professional Services.

About NOS Comunicações, S.A.

NOS Comunicações, S.A., is the biggest communications and entertainment group in Portugal, leading in Pay TV, Next Generation Broadband services and Cinema Exhibition and Distribution.

NOS offers its customers latest generation television, the fastest internet, unlimited telephone and mobile phone for everyone, as well as including a 4G network, covering more than 90% of the Portuguese population, and free internet at more than 600 thousand hotspots in Portugal and 12 million across the world.

NOS also operates more than 200 cinemas in Portugal, and for those who prefer to stay at home, NOS has the biggest video club in the country with more than 19 thousand films, drama series, cartoons and documentaries.

About PLDT

PLDT is the leading telecommunications service provider in the Philippines. Through its principal business groups – fixed line, wireless and others – PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone and fixed line and cellular networks.

PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine-listed companies. Visit www.pldt.com.ph for more information.

About PT Indosat Tbk

Indosat is the leading telecommunication and information operator in Indonesia that provides cellular services, fixed line, data communications and internet (MIDI). In the 1st half of 2014, the company has 54.9 million mobile subscribers through a variety of brands, among others: IM3, Mentari and Matrix. Indosat operates international direct dialing (IDD) through the access codes 001, 008 and Flatcall 01016. The company also offers corporate and SME solutions, namely Indosat Business that is supported by integrated telecommunications network throughout Indonesia as well as satellite services via satellite Palapa-C2 and Palapa-D. Indosat also has a very broad digital services program, including a dedicated digital services unit (www.indosat.com/digital), Indonesia’s first innovation competition IWIC, and Indonesia’s leading startup incubator Ideabox (www.ideabox.co.id). Indosat is a subsidiary of the Ooredoo Group. Indosat's shares are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX: ISAT).

About Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications is a leading diversified public Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed internet and telephony services to consumers and businesses. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit rogers.com.

About StarHub Ltd.

StarHub is Singapore's fully-integrated info-communications company, offering a full range of information, communications and entertainment services for both consumer and corporate markets. StarHub operates a mobile network that provides 4G, 3G and 2G services. It also manages an islandwide HFC network that delivers multi-channel pay TV services (including HDTV, Internet TV and on-demand services) as well as ultra-high speed residential broadband services. StarHub operates an extensive fixed business network that provides a wide range of data, voice and wholesale services. Over Singapore’s fibre-based Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network, StarHub offers a broad range of home and business broadband plans along with a host of advanced media-rich value-added services, such as IPTV for commercial entities.

Launched in 2000, StarHub has become one of Singapore's most innovative info-communications providers, and the pioneer in 'hubbing' – the ability to deliver unique integrated and converged services to all its customers. StarHub, listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange since October 2004, is a component stock of the Straits Times Index and the MSCI Singapore Free Index.

About TalkTalk Business

TalkTalk Business provides communications solutions to UK organisations, serving the needs of over 180,000 business and public sector customers and working with over 350 wholesale partners nationwide.

The company has been dedicated to serving the needs of its customers across the UK since 1993.

TalkTalk Business provides a full range of communications products including one of the best data networks in the UK (Ethernet, EFM, Fibre to the Cabinet and Broadband across 3000+ exchanges, making it the largest Ethernet network in the UK), Next Generation Voice products (VOIP), Hosted Voice and Legacy Voice products for Channel Partners and Direct Customers.

Following an investment of over £600M, TalkTalk Business has designed, built and now operates Britain’s biggest Next Generation Network, with 94.5% coverage across the UK, for broadband and voice.

About Viettel Group

Viettel Group is listed to be among the top 100 most valuable mobile telecoms brands of the world. The past 25 years witnessed the impressive growth of Viettel to step out to the world, starting up from an unknown company to a multi-national group with its presence in 10 countries across 3 continents in the world. In Vietnam, Viettel is a leading Telecom Group with its subscriber number of 68 million and turnover of USD 8 billion. It is the first enterprise to break the monopoly in Vietnam’s telecom sector which popularized the telephone services to the rural areas across Vietnam.

Viettel Group was honored with the Best Service Provider in Emerging Markets and the Best Operator in a Developing Market in 2009, 2010, 2012.

With its strong infrastructure in Vietnam as well as in countries where Viettel has its presence, Viettel commits to offering the best tailored telecom solutions to enterprises through its long-built business philosophy which serves each customer as an individual. Viettel desires to positively contribute to the sustainable development of enterprises worldwide.

Forward-looking and cautionary statements

Certain words and statements in this release concerning Tata Communications and its prospects, and other statements, including those relating to Tata Communications’ expected financial position, business strategy, the future development of Tata Communications’ operations, and the general economy in India, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including financial, regulatory and environmental, as well as those relating to industry growth and trend projections, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tata Communications, or industry results, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, among others, failure to increase the volume of traffic on Tata Communications’ network; failure to develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; failure to successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services, including voice transmission services; failure to stabilize or reduce the rate of price compression on certain of the company’s communications services; failure to integrate strategic acquisitions and changes in government policies or regulations of India and, in particular, changes relating to the administration of Tata Communications’ industry; and, in general, the economic, business and credit conditions in India. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, many of which are not in Tata Communications’ control, include, but are not limited to, those risk factors discussed in Tata Communications’ various filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Tata Communications is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements.

@tata_comm | http://tatacommunications-newworld.com | www.youtube.com/tatacomms

© 2014 Tata Communications. All rights reserved. TATA COMMUNICATIONS and TATA are trademarks of Tata Sons Limited in certain countries.

Contacts

Tata Communications

Natalie Chak

+44 (0)7833 043 779

natalie.chak@tatacommunications.com



or

Hill & Knowlton Strategies

Paul Crouch

+44 (0)20 74133713

Paul.Crouch@hkstrategies.com







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