Today, nearly 15 percent of all new enterprise application functionality is written in COBOL. The programming language also powers many everyday services such as ATM transactions, check processing, travel booking and insurance claims. With more than 200 billion lines of COBOL code being used across industries such as banking, insurance, retail and human resources, it is crucial for businesses to have the appropriate framework to improve performance, modernize key applications and increase productivity.

IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS, enables developers to deliver significant performance improvements in their business critical applications. For example, applications using the new compiler have shown performance increases of 10 to 20 percent.

'COBOL powers many of the critical systems people rely on everyday,' said Kevin Stoodley, Rational chief technology officer and IBM Fellow. 'With this new software, IBM is helping companies reduce operating costs and processing time associated with these applications while delivering new capabilities to take advantage of cloud, Web and mobile devices.

The new software helps companies deliver innovative solutions to their customers and reduce costs by:

· Providing support for Java 7, new UTF-8 built-ins, debugging enhancements, and support for unbounded tables and groups.

· Supporting a new level of z/OS System Management Facilities (SMF) tracking, which allows users who implement sub-capacity tracking to reduce their administrative overhead.

· Improving control over XML documents with the z/OS XML parser, allowing parsing workload to be off loaded to specialty engines to reduce operating costs.

IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS v5.1 compiler works with the latest versions of IBM Customer Information Control System (CICS), Information Management System (IMS) and DB2 software and is expected to be available later this quarter.

IBM was recently named the number one vendor in the Gartner market share for Application Development software with 22.4% share (Gartner, Market Share: All Software Markets, Worldwide, 2012, March 29, 2013).

For more information, visit http://www-03.ibm.com/software/products/us/en/entecoboforzos

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WASHINGTON – Verizon's new head of public policy outlined the framework policymakers in Washington should consider in modernizing the nation's outdated telecom rules and regulations. Verizon believes that obsolete and unnecessary rules – some of which date back to the late 1800s, and were written for the railroads and to create the Interstate Commerce Commission – work against innovation and investment in the Internet ecosystem.

Speaking at the Media Institute on Thursday (May 16), Craig Silliman, Verizon's senior vice president of public policy and government relations, said in prepared remarks: 'A highly innovative 21st century communications marketplace requires a 21st century policy framework to match the Internet ecosystem that broadband and mobile innovations have helped create. We need a framework to address today's issues: not local wireline voice competition, but privacy, cybersecurity, network management, spectrum policy and more, many of which have a global component.'

In his speech, Silliman outlined four principles that he believes policymakers should focus on: protecting consumers, encouraging innovation, incenting investment, and, with rapid changes in the industry, technology-agnostic rules that focus on the needs of consumers and ensure flexibility as new innovations and business models emerge.

'Technology changes too quickly to build legislative or regulatory frameworks on specific technologies,' said Silliman. 'The best approach is to protect consumers and to ensure that the rules aren't obsolete as soon as the ink is dry.'

It has been almost 20 years since Congress overhauled telecom rules – the 1996 Telecommunications Act – when many of today's technologies were closer to science fiction than fact.

'The act could not have anticipated the policy challenges that we would face 20 years later, particularly given the extraordinary rate of innovation,' Silliman said. 'It has been only six years since the first smartphone was released, so 20 years is an eternity. What guidance does the 1996 act provide in a world where everyone is carrying a broadband cloud-access device with them? Where video content can be accessed anytime, from anywhere? Where these technologies are beginning to be applied to broader societal challenges like healthcare, energy management, education and more? Not much. Nor should we expect it to.'

Silliman called for a proactive, flexible policy approach – one that would remain current and effective now and into the future. 'The 1996 Telecom Act succeeded in what it was designed to achieve, but almost two decades later it is leaving the FCC to struggle to shoehorn Internet-era technologies into phone-era regulations,' Silliman said. 'I am not suggesting that the answer is to abolish all regulation. But I am suggesting that we need a 21st century policy framework that is designed for 21st century technologies and marketplaces, not 19th century ones.'

Silliman added that broadband platforms provide extraordinary opportunities to transform healthcare, energy management, education and more. 'By eliminating antiquated rules, focusing on meeting consumer needs, and encouraging investment and innovation, we will create the right environment for delivering the amazing promise of broadband and wireless technologies,' he said. 'And in place of optimistic uncertainty, such policies will create a spirit of innovation and a sense of limitless opportunities.'

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with nearly 99 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500. A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 181,900. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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EPSRC-funded post-doctoral research fellow, Dr Per Ola Kristensson, from the University of St Andrews, has been investigating how to use techniques from artificial intelligence to create more fluid and efficient text input interfaces.

A better understanding of how to increase the efficiency of everyday user interfaces could inform new designs that reduce ergonomic strain and improve the user experience for users with disabilities. The KALQ keyboard has been developed with the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, and Montana Tech.

'The legacy of QWERTY has trapped users with suboptimal text entry interfaces on mobile devices,' said Dr Per Ola Kristensson, Lecturer in Human Computer Interaction in the School of Computer Science at the University of St Andrews.

'However, before abandoning QWERTY, users rightfully demand a compelling alternative. We believe KALQ provides a large enough performance improvement to incentivise users to switch and benefit from faster and more comfortable typing.'

The story was featured widely in the press including The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, The Mail Online, TechCrunch, MIT Technology Review, and on-air at BBC Radio 4, World at One, BBC Scotland, BBC Radio 5, and BBC Radio 2. It also received widespread coverage in specialist press and over 150 international mentions in the media.

KALQ is available as a free app for Android-based smartphones and the keyboard is available free on Google Play.

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MINNETONKA, Minn. - -UnitedHealthcare has made available to nearly all of its employer-sponsored plan participants nationwide myHealthcare Cost Estimator, an integrated online and mobile service that brings a retail shopping experience to health care that enables people to comparison shop for health care services based on quality and cost.

The tool – free to employers and plan participants at www.myuhc.com and through the Health4Me app – helps consumers find quality care while being able to estimate the cost of more than 450 common services with enhanced accuracy. Estimates are personalized to reflect an individual's own health plan benefits, including their real-time account balances when applicable. myHealthcare Cost Estimator provides plan participants the ability to compare quality and cost information for more than 540,000 physicians and 4,500 hospitals.

There are significant price variations for health care services and procedures at hospitals and doctors' offices nationwide. For example, the total cost for a colonoscopy at hospitals in the Phoenix area can be between $1,540 and $6,020. For a knee MRI in Seattle, the cost ranges from $460 to $2,470 at area health care facilities.

The online and mobile service is more precise than cost estimation tools that may rely only on historical claims data or provide estimates based on geographic average. myHealthcare Cost Estimator draws on the company's actual contracted rates with physicians, hospitals, clinics and other health care providers, giving consumers more accurate pricing information.

If consumers have questions about the estimates, they can call the number on the back of their health benefits ID card, or use the click-to-call feature on their Health4me mobile app, to speak with a customer care professional. The tool is also integrated with additional information and resources, including nurse support.

Consumers and employers are looking for help to understand what it will cost to go to the doctor and have the confidence in making the best use of their benefits. In a recent survey of myHealthcare Cost Estimator users, 67 percent of the people surveyed said the tool gave them confidence to make better cost choices, and 84 percent said they would use it again. Employers have embraced the tool as an important capability to engage employees and more effectively manage health care costs. Some employers are taking steps to encourage employees to use the tool, featuring it through webinars, health fairs, mailing campaigns and other marketing efforts.

"Empowering our employees with tools and information that improve their health is key to Nationwide Insurance, and the myHealthcare Cost Estimator is a perfect example of that," said Kathleen Herath, associate vice president of health and productivity at Nationwide Insurance. "We are taking specific and strategic steps to help our workforce use myHealthcare Cost Estimator, which encourages them to make more informed decisions about the quality and cost of health care services. As a result, we are helping to create happier, healthier and more productive employees."

Since myHealthcare Cost Estimator launched last year, thousands of consumers have used the tool to compare the quality and cost of various treatments and services.

"Expanding the availability of myHealthcare Cost Estimator meets a longstanding consumer need for thorough but simple online comparison shopping for health care by putting personalized, relevant and accurate information right at people's fingertips," said Yasmine Winkler, chief product, marketing and innovation officer, UnitedHealthcare. "myHealthcare Cost Estimator enables people to make better care decisions, by better understanding their treatment options, comparing services and anticipating future costs."

myHealthcare Cost Estimator provides pricing and quality information regarding about 170 "episodes of care," which creates a comprehensive view of what consumers should expect throughout their course of treatment for any health issue, from the time they first visit the doctor to the test or procedure, and all the way through to physical therapy or any necessary follow-up care. Quality and cost information is directly connected to hospitals and physicians that participate in UnitedHealthcare's care provider network, and alternate treatment options are provided so consumers can have an informed conversation with their physician.

Collaboration with care providers is critically important when building cost estimators and other consumer support tools to ensure they enhance the overall patient experience – and accurately portray expected costs and treatment options – rather than putting unnecessary focus on just costs.

UnitedHealthcare plan participants can access the tool online at www.myuhc.com. It is also integrated into Health4Me™, UnitedHealthcare's mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphones that helps people with employer-sponsored benefits plans access important health care information on their mobile devices.

A Simple Yet Comprehensive Shopping Experience

myHealthcare Cost Estimator was created based on years of consumer, employer and care provider feedback to ensure a simple, intuitive experience. Key features include:

-cost estimates for more than 165 geographic areas covering more than 170 "episodes of care" that can include 450 individual services, such as surgeries, lab tests, radiology tests and office visits;
-cost estimates that are tailored to a plan participant's specific benefits plan design that identify what will be owed out-of-pocket, costs that will be paid by their employer, and real-time account balances available in an eligible health care account to pay toward the expenses;
-ability to assemble cost estimates by matching physicians with the specific facilities where they practice;
-presentation of common alternate treatment options to educate patients on their choices; and
-educational information about how their benefits work and how costs are determined.

The tool provides estimates based on available fee schedules and actual contracted rates with care providers; if that information is not available, estimates are based on historical claims with the care provider. myHealthcare Cost Estimator builds on the success of UnitedHealthcare's Treatment Cost Estimator, which was created six years ago to help consumers comparison shop for health services and understand how costs differ from doctor to doctor.

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with 780,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,900 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare serves more than 40 million people in health benefits and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

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'Apple would like to thank our incredible customers and developers for topping 50 billion apps downloaded,' said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. 'The App Store completely transformed how people use their mobile devices and created a thriving app ecosystem that has paid out over nine billion dollars to developers. We're absolutely floored to cross this milestone in less than five years.'

The App Store opened in July 2008 with 500 apps. Since its introduction, Apple's incredible developer community has created an app for doing almost everything imaginable on an iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®.

'We were blown away with our success on the App Store back in 2008,' said Rich Riley, CEO of Shazam. 'And almost five years later we continue to be amazed with how much people love using Shazam on their iPhone or iPad. With the App Store, we can effortlessly provide users with updates that give them great new features while making it easy for new users to discover and download Shazam for themselves.'

'We started our company in 2008 as three friends focused on creating great educational apps for our children,' said Caroline Hu Flexer, co-founder of Duck Duck Moose. 'The App Store brought 'Wheels on the Bus' to the world in a big way. Sixteen apps later, a fan base of millions of parents, children and educators and a growing company with 20 full-time employees, we couldn't be happier with our success.'

'The App Store has been integral in getting us into the hands of millions of iOS users and has transformed our business,' said Elizabeth Francis, Chief Marketing Officer of Gilt.com. 'Our apps allow our members to access their favorite sales on Gilt every day, anytime, anywhere. App Store customers have proven to be a loyal shopper base and have been influential in making Gilt the globally recognized brand it is today.'

The revolutionary App Store offers more than 850,000 apps to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users in 155 countries around the world, with more than 350,000 native iPad apps available. App Store customers can choose from an incredible range of apps in 23 categories, including newspapers and magazines offered in Newsstand, games, business, news, sports, health & fitness and travel.

*50 billion unique downloads excluding re-downloads and updates.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, App Store, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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• Customers can place orders on Lenovo's website and pre-order on Best Buy's website starting today
• Yoga 11S is a convertible device with four special modes: laptop, tablet, tent and stand
• Equipped with Windows 8 multi-touch screen and powerful Intel processors

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Lenovo(HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) announced that customers can place orders for the IdeaPad Yoga 11Sbeginning today on www.lenovo.com or pre-order on www.bestbuy.com. The acclaimed 360° flip and fold Yoga 11S premiered in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show, following its popular predecessor, the IdeaPad Yoga 13.

Svelte and Powerful Mini-Ultrabook Convertible
Sized well for mobility in a thin, 11.6-inch design, the Yoga 11S Ultrabook convertible comes with choices of a powerful third generation Core i3, i5 or i7 Intel processor giving consumers the ability to create high-performance content and presentations and seamless graphics that make it a great entertainment device.

Yoga in Four Modes
Yoga converts into four special modes to fit the changing ways people are using technology. It offers a new way to experience mobile computing, letting people define which mode works best for them in their environments, from the park and the coffee shop to in transit, at home or at the office.

For example, users can watch movies like never before by putting Yoga in tent mode while enjoying the convertible's rich Dolby Home Theatre audio. They can convert Yoga into stand mode for a different environment; good for things like swiping through family photos using the high definition IPS screen's 10-finger multitouch support. Yoga even supports hand gestures so consumers can just wave their hand in front of the webcam to instantly advance photos, videos and other content.

In tablet mode, Yoga makes exploring Windows 8 apps fun and up close with its 11-inch touchscreen. And in laptop mode, Yoga offers a great typing experience with its comfortable and responsive keyboard. Additionally, the Yoga 11S has a soft-touch exterior and comes in attractive Silver Grey and Clementine Orange colors.

Quote
'Consumers around the world loved our first Yoga for its unique flip and fold and multi-mode design,' said Jay Parker, president, Lenovo, North America. 'We're continuing to develop the Yoga franchise with the new Yoga 11s, and due to Yoga's popularity already, we've created a pre-sale program so customers can get their hands on one before it even hits the shelves.'

'The IdeaPad Yoga 11S is a great example of the commitment Lenovo is making to continued innovation with Windows,' said Jordan Chrysafidis, vice president, Worldwide OEM Marketing, Microsoft Corp. 'The commitment is evident in its beautiful hardware designs that exhibit flexibility, mobility and extended battery life; combining that with the new touch capabilities of Windows 8 provides an experience that is sure to delight customers.'

'Lenovo continues to deliver on its reputation for innovative Ultrabook designs and experiences that people are hungry for with the new IdeaPad Yoga 11S,' said Navin Shenoy, vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobile Client Platforms. 'We created our new line of low power 3rd gen Core processors for products like Yoga, to give people a full PC experience in thinner and lighter convertible designs.'

Pricing and Availability1
Beginning today, customers can place orders on www.lenovo.comand www.bestbuy.com. Models will be available in Best Buy stores starting on June 23. Multiple configurations will be available with suggested list price starting at $799.99

Lenovo offers a full suite of services for the convertibles, including In-Home Warranty upgrades for service at the owner's home or business, and Accidental Damage Protection on select products to help insure against damage from accidents like drops or spills. Lenovo Premium Support's expert technicians are available when needed with convenient over the phone or remote session support from the comfort of home.

About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $US30 billion personal technology company – and one of the top two PC makers globally, serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to building exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo's business is built on product innovation, a highly efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, see www.lenovo.com.

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1Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.

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With the creation of a new Orange Campus site in Senegal, the France Telecom-Orange Group, which is present in some 20 African countries, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its worldwide managerial community and to supporting managers in their daily responsibilities.

Located in the Dakar technology park, the first priority of the Orange Campus international site will be to offer development programmes to the 1,000 managers of the Group's subsidiaries in Western Africa (Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal). Managers from other Orange subsidiaries in French-speaking Africa – the Central African Republic, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – may also benefit from the programmes on offer. In addition, the site will host managers from all of the Group's countries through its international programmes, fostering diversity, which is integral to Orange Campus's identity.

In 2013, more than 20 different managerial development programmes are scheduled at Orange Campus Dakar
The new Orange Campus site consists of several classrooms, a library area and an amphitheatre, and was designed to be configurable to the different teaching methods used during the sessions. Located next to the Orange-Sonatel Competency Development Centre, the site's surface area of more than 300m2 can accommodate up to 160 people.

The programmes to be offered at the Orange Campus Dakar site are focused on three main priorities that are designed to strengthen the international approach favoured in Africa. These include:

• basic courses to give new managers the ability to take up their responsibilities quickly
• collective development programmes – the 'collective challenges' – to enable executive managers to mobilize and develop their teams
• individual development programmes and management fundamentals to reinforce key managerial practices

In addition, a 'made-to-measure' offering builds on existing programmes while targeting the managerial priorities of each country and adapting to the number of managers participating in the session.

The creation of Orange Campus Dakar is an expression of the Group's commitment to preparing its international subsidiaries to take charge of certain training events directly by supplying them with all the necessary educational components and offering them special training sessions for local instructors, both internal and external. Eight internal instructors have already been certified in Africa. These measures will be applied to each country, based on their needs and resources. Each country will receive the necessary support to allow them to independently deploy the Orange Campus programmes.

For all that, the development of the Group's managers in Africa is not new. Since 2011, more than 1,000 managers in 11 countries of Africa, the Middle East and Asia have already benefitted from Orange Campus programmes through sessions organized within the subsidiaries.

About Orange Campus

The Orange Campus concept was created in January 2011 to promote cooperation, interaction and a shared foundation of knowledge and managerial practices common to all of the Group's managers. Under the leadership of Stéphane Richard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of France Telecom-Orange, Orange Campus plays a central role in managerial renewal, with the Group's men and women forming the core of the organization.
All Orange Campus programmes are now carried out at five dedicated sites in Paris, Serock (Poland), Madrid, Marseille (southern France) and Dakar, as well as in two Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean hubs serving several countries which bring together optimum managerial density and diversity.
In two years, more than 20,000 participants with 42 different nationalities have already benefitted from the managerial development activities offered by Orange Campus.

about Orange

France Telecom-Orange is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with sales of 43.5 billion euros in 2012 and has 170,000 employees worldwide at 31 March 2013, including 104 000 employees in France. Present in 32 countries, the Group has a total customer base close to 230 million customers at 31 March 2013, including 172 million mobile customers and 15 million broadband internet (ADSL, fibre) customers worldwide. Orange is one of the main European operators for mobile and broadband internet services and, under the brand Orange Business Services, is one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.

With its industrial project, "conquests 2015", Orange is simultaneously addressing its employees, customers and shareholders, as well as the society in which the company operates, through a concrete set of action plans. These commitments are expressed through a new vision of human resources for employees; through the deployment of a network infrastructure upon which the Group will build its future growth; through the Group's ambition to offer a superior customer experience thanks in particular to improved quality of service; and through the acceleration of international development.

France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris (compartment A) and on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information (on the internet and on your mobile): www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com, www.orange-innovation.tv or to follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Brand Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.

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The ADAIA Phone: Communicator and Lifeguard.

The design of the Android handset, the first product born of this collaboration, will pefectly reflect the multidimensional lifestyle of its users as they move between waves, whitewater and workplace. The package design will intelligently link the diverse user worlds, reflecting smartness and ruggedness in equal measure. The interface design will allow users to choose between 'Adventure' or 'Office' mode. The ADAIA smartphone will be a communication device and personal lifeguard rolled into one: it will have satellite functionality where no terrestrial network is available, including a GPS search and rescue service that can summon emergency assistance. An integrated SOS button will be easy to use even in extremely critical situations. The one-step battery replacement will maintain normal device operation while the battery is swapped in one fluid motion. And hackers don't get a look in: various built-in security features will ensure military-grade security and privacy.

The smartphone will be able to cope with all kinds of outdoor challenges. The design team set out to create an extremely rugged package, researching premium materials used in aerospace and medical product design for attributes that include durability, lightness and precision. Side grip surface wrapping of the entire phone will ensure ergonomic protection while also taking into account the use of gloves. Chamfered corners, all-round O-ring layering, and a rubber structure assembly will further enhance the impression of solidity. Topographical maps inspired the design of the back of the phone, with alluring contour lines telling the story of adventure, adding premium coupled with precision, and acting as a functional grip. This design element will be a timeless and iconic component of the ADAIA design language.

Innovative Concept, Innovative Design.

ADAIA CEO and co-founder Heikki Sarajärvi comments: 'When I destroyed my fourth smartphone last year while sailing, I knew there was a need for a durable smartphone capable of weathering the toughest environments. I also realized the durable function had to be coupled with a dynamic and iconic design for consumers to want to use it. That is exactly why we brought on DesignworkUSA to create a solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.'

'ADAIA was looking for a design studio with experience in the design of premium products and with know-how in designing for the mobile lifestyle,' says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA. 'We have developed a design language that speaks to ADAIA's tough and stylish brand attributes and that translates them into a convincing product and interface design which will give ADAIA a recognizable face in the mobile industry,' he adds.

Expert Summit: Development with Adventurers and Outdoor Enthusiasts.

ADAIA is bringing a group of the world's leading international explorers and adventure athletes on board to join forces with the company and contribute to research, development and testing of the handset on upcoming expeditions. Kevin Vallely, Guinness World Record holder and one of Canada's leading adventurers, will take the phone on a 1,800-mile rowing trip through the Arctic's Northwest Passage, departing July 1st, 2013. World-famous BASE jumper and wingsuit pilot Jeb Corliss will test the ADAIA smartphone on several projects in 2013, battling harsh conditions including high impact, extreme cold and heat, and water.

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

ADAIA

ADAIA aims to become the leading brand in premium communications equipment for high-end niche markets with a focus on security, reliability, and design. ADAIA was born when a group of former Nokia colleagues and mobile industry pioneers came together to realize a vision for a new form of mobile communication. Athletes of all types who need a durable phone tough enough to withstand water, high impact, and the harshest weather conditions will soon have a secure Android smartphone that is stylish and virtually indestructible. Funded by private equity investors, ADAIA is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland with offices in Los Angeles, Vancouver, London and Dubai.

www.adaiadevices.com

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a creative consultancy that's been driving innovation for forty years. Acquired by BMW Group in 1995, DesignworksUSA enables its parent company as well as internationally-renowned clients outside the automotive industry to grow their businesses through design and a portfolio of creative consulting services. With clients including Coca Cola, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, HEAD, HP, Intermarine, John Deere, Microsoft, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Siemens and Varian Medical Systems, DesignworksUSA is deeply immersed in a broad cross-section of industries. Combining cross-fertilized knowledge with strategic long-term perspectives and global context provided by studios in Los Angeles, Munich, and Shanghai, DesignworksUSA draws upon its unique and vibrant resources to create the future.

www.designworksusa.com

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

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The services of Mobistar TV will cease on September 15th. All of the customers affected by the discontinuation of Mobistar TV will be personally contacted between now and the end of May in order to provide them with more information about an alternative satellite TV solution negotiated by Mobistar with TéléSAT and TV Vlaanderen, the leading players in Belgium for providing television by satellite, on the basis of a preferential offer.

Despite substantial investments in recent years, Mobistar has been compelled to recognise that the Belgian residential fixed market suffers from a lack of competition and that it is therefore no longer possible to profitably offer fixed services to residential customers. Moreover, Mobistar is the last significant operator to use the regulated offer of the historical operator in the residential market.

Mobistar regrets the lack of reciprocity of conditions for competition between the fixed and mobile markets in Belgium. While competition is very significant on the mobile market, as shown by the presence of over 40 players on this market, many signs demonstrate that the Belgian residential fixed market is in fact a closed market, dominated by a historical operator-cable operators duopoly. The rate study performed recently by the BIPT at the request of Minister Vande Lanotte highlighted that the cost of 'triple play' offers in Belgium is particularly high compared to their cost in neighbouring countries.

'The fixed rates are regularly ´indexed´ by the historical operator, while in the mobile market each year one sees a reduction in rates of more than 10 %, with an acceleration in recent months', emphasises Mobistar CEO Jean-Marc Harion. 'The Belgian market needs a framework that makes it possible to guarantee healthy competition and which does not favour the historical operators. It isn´t normal to see the market share of the alternative operators in Belgium stagnating at a mere 7 %, while that figure exceeds 50 % in neighbouring countries.'

Mobistar also reconfirms its ambition to be a leading player for convergent services, on both the business and residential markets.

Mobistar has made the deployment of the 4G network a priority: as was the case for GSM in its beginnings and later for 3G, Mobistar wishes to play a pioneering role by making the most innovative technologies accessible to the greatest number. 'We wish to offer our customers the highest-performance communication services and the best connectivity at all times, whether they find themselves in a mobility situation or at home', says Jean-Marc Harion. In this perspective, Mobistar believes that the opening of the cable becomes the best option for offering a high-speed connection to Belgian consumers without requiring them to purchase a 'pack', not all of whose components they find useful.

Mobistar welcomes the regulator's recent advances with regard to opening up cable. These advances demonstrate that regulation of cable is henceforth inevitable in Belgium. But while these first steps are promising, they still aren't enough. Mobistar calls on the regulator to continue the reform in order to ensure that the fixed and mobile markets are open under equivalent conditions. In particular, the regulator will have to impose simple processes on the cable operators, as well as wholesale rates that are sufficiently attractive to at last permit the alternative operators to launch innovative and competitive convergent fixed offers on the Belgian market.

For the business market, Mobistar reconfirms its ambition to be a leading player for convergent services to companies. Capitalising on the assets of Mobistar Enterprise Services (former KPN Belgium Business acquired in 2010), Mobistar is accelerating its investments to enrich its portfolio of fixed and mobile convergent IP solutions for all types of companies.

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Sacramento, California, May 14, 2013 - Sams & Associates Inc., the leader in providing quality, consistency and timeliness in independent claims handling, announces the addition of James Thompson their new property adjuster in Southern California and surrounding areas.

James joined Sams & Associates in 2013 after gaining experience as a Project Manager and Estimator for GE Construction and Able Restoration.  He is licensed in Texas, Mississippi and California.  He also holds a California P&C License.  Prior to starting a career as an Insurance Adjuster, James, received his Bachelor's of Art in History from Millsaps College.

'James has the professionalism necessary to handle our claims and the personal touch our clients have come to know as Sams & Associates.  We are excited to have James on board and are looking forward to what he will continue to bring to the table as time goes on', President, Don Sams, stated.

James Thompson, can be reached by phone at (714) 595-6691 or by email at james.thompson@sams-assoc.com

About Sams & Associates:

Sams & Associates is a leading independent insurance adjusting firm serving California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Utah. With claims adjusters throughout the Western United States, Sams & Associates investigates, inspects and adjusts all types of commercial and residential property and liability claims. Sams & Associates has the required licensing and experienced staff for SIU insurance investigations and administration. For more information contact 800-566-7267 or on the web at http://www.sams-assoc.com.

Donald K. Sams
President
(800) 566-7267, ext. 103
don.sams@sams-assoc.com

Corporate Contact:
Bob Lund, C.O.O.
(800) 566-7267, ext. 107
bob.lund@sams-assoc.com 

Claims Contact:
Chet Davis, CEO
(800) 566-7267, ext. 104
chet.davis@sams-assoc.com

Sales & Marketing Contact:
Bobby Phillips, Business Development Manager
(800) 566-7267, ext. 101
bobby.phillips@sams-assoc.com 

— WebWireID174670 —

About eXelate
eXelate is the smart data company that powers smarter digital marketing decisions worldwide for marketers, agencies, platforms, and publishers.  eXelate's smart data platform provides accurate, actionable, and agile data and analytics on online household demographics, purchase intent,  and behavioral propensities.  Through the collection of trillions of directly measured online data points and distribution partnerships with information leaders such as Nielsen, Nielsen Catalina, MasterCard Advisors, Bizo, and more, eXelate makes online, offline and custom modeled data sets actionable across 700M online consumers worldwide. As members of the NAI, IAB, trustE, Council for Accountable Advertising, and Evidon's Open Data Partnership, eXelate is a leader in privacy compliant advertising practices. For more information, please visit http://www.exelate.com.
 
About Drawbridge
Drawbridge has developed the first self-learning ad technology that leverages insights from cross-device behavior to enable advertisers and marketers to reach targeted mobile audiences. Drawbridge's unique approach is built on a foundation of large-scale machine learning algorithms that correlate audience behavior across screens. Through its innovative technology, the company is able to gain insights and a much deeper understanding of mobile audience behavior than was previously possible. The company is located in Silicon Valley and is backed by Sequoia Capital, and Cleaner Perkins Caulfield and Byers. For more information, visit http://www.drawbrid.ge.

— WebWireID174661 —

In the planned initial release, iOS and Android users would be able to experience the immediacy of BBM chats, including multi-person chats, as well as the ability to share photos and voice notes, and engage in BBM Groups, which allows BBM customers to create groups of up to 30 people.

'For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We're excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community,' said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem, at BlackBerry.

BBM is loved by customers for its 'D' and 'R' statuses, which show up in chats to let people know with certainty that their message has been delivered and read. It provides customers with a high level of control and privacy over who they add to their contact list and how they engage with them, as invites are two-way opt-in. iOS and Android users would be able to add their contacts through PIN, email, SMS or QR code scan, regardless of platform. Android users would also be able to connect using a compatible NFC-capable device.

BBM has more than 60 million monthly active customers, with more than 51 million people using BBM an average of 90 minutes per day. BBM customers collectively send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day, nearly twice as many messages per user per day as compared to other mobile messaging apps. Almost half of BBM messages are read within 20 seconds of being received; indicating how truly engaged BBM customers are.

Today, BlackBerry also announced BBM Channels, a new social engagement platform within BBM that will allow customers to connect with the businesses, brands, celebrities and groups they are passionate about. BlackBerry plans to add support for BBM Channels as well as voice and video chatting for iOS and Android later this year, subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play.

If approved by Apple and Google, the BBM app will be available as a free download in the Apple® App StoreSM and Google Play store. Additional details about system requirements and availability will be announced closer to the launch.

###

About BlackBerry

A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BB). For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by Research In Motion Limited (BlackBerry) in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that BlackBerry believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause BlackBerry's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of BlackBerry's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry's forward-looking statements. BlackBerry has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

— WebWireID174657 —

London, UK - Nokia today introduced the Nokia Lumia 925, a new interpretation of its award-winning flagship, the Nokia Lumia 920. The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces a metal design and showcases the latest PureView camera innovation, new features and third party applications coming to the Nokia Lumia range.

The Nokia Lumia 925 includes the most advanced lens technology and next generation imaging software to capture clearer, sharper pictures and video, including the best low light images. The Nokia Lumia 925 also introduces the new Nokia Smart Camera mode, coming as an update to all Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Nokia Smart Camera offers an easy way to capture ten images at once and edit the pictures with options like Best Shot, Action Shot, and Motion Focus for creating the perfect high quality image.

Nokia also announced Hipstamatic's new app, Oggl, will arrive on Nokia Lumia smartphones, allowing people to take and share high quality pictures with like-minded creatives and photography enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to sharing photos on Oggl, users can simultaneously share photos on social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr, Flickr and Instagram.

"We keep innovating," said Jo Harlow, executive vice president of Nokia Smart Devices. "We're advancing experiences on the Nokia Lumia portfolio whether that means great new benefits for an existing Lumia owner, or bringing new showcase devices like the Nokia Lumia 925."

The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces metal for the first time to the Nokia Lumia range, bringing appeal and unique benefits like increased robustness. The polycarbonate back comes in white, grey or black. A wireless charging cover can be clipped onto the back of the phone to take advantage of Nokia's extensive wireless charging accessories and ecosystem. Covers, sold separately, come in white, black, yellow, and red.

Leading Nokia services, such as the HERE suite of integrated location and navigation services and Nokia Music for unlimited streaming of free music playlists, add to the great proposition offered by Nokia's latest smartphone.

The Nokia Lumia 925 is being introduced into Europe with Vodafone, along with other operator and retail partners. Patrick Chomet, group director of Terminals at Vodafone said: "The new Nokia Lumia 925 is a sleek and sophisticated smartphone delivering great performance and outstanding imaging. We look forward to offering the Nokia Lumia 925 across our markets on Vodafone Red, as well as other tariffs, enabling customers to make the most of their new smartphone on Vodafone's fast and reliable network. Vodafone customers will also have exclusive access to a 32GB version of the Nokia Lumia 925, giving them even more capacity to store all their content for personal and business use."

Terry Myerson, corporate vice president, Microsoft Windows Phone Division, added: "Together with Nokia, we continue to change the way people think about smartphone cameras. The work Nokia has done with the Lumia 925 further enhances the imaging capabilities of the Lumia smartphones."

In addition to Europe, the Nokia Lumia 925 will be introduced into the US by T-Mobile and into China by China Mobile and China Unicom. Sales are expected to start in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and China in June, followed by the US and a number of other markets. The Nokia Lumia 925 will be priced around 469 EUR before taxes and subsidies. Country-specific pricing and availability will be announced locally.

Nokia Lumia 925

-Operating system: Windows Phone 8
-HERE location and mapping services: Free global HERE Maps and HERE Drive+;Free HERE Transit available in the Store
-Display: 4.5" AMOLED WXGA (1280x768), 2.25 D sculpted Gorilla 2 Glass, ClearBlack, High Brightness Mode, Sunlight Readability, Super Sensitive Touch for glove and nail usage
-Battery: 2000 mAh battery, Wireless Charging supported via an accessory cover
Processor:1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon
-Main camera: PureView 8.7 MP with Optical Image Stabilization, Autofocus, short pulse high power dual LED flash, most advanced lens technology, 1080p HD video at 30fps with Optical Image Stabilization. Includes Nokia Smart Camera mode.
-Front facing camera: 1.2 MP wide angle
-Memory:1GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory; 7 GB free SkyDrive cloud storage

About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia's technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia

----
Downloadable Video:

Available after 1315 GMT on May 14th to Reuters subscribers via World News Express

Non-Reuters Subscribers Download Content via Media Express:

NTSC users:
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— WebWireID174645 —

The OSSii aims to simplify interoperability between OSS systems in a multi-vendor environment. The initiative will provide easy access to interfaces that earlier were subject to restricted use, and will enable interoperability testing services to a wider community. The parties' general guiding principles for the OSSii are openness, fairness, reasonableness and non-discriminatory treatment.

Industrywide interoperability between different vendor OSS systems will reduce OSS integration costs, simplify overall network management, and enable shorter time-to-market for new services. By enabling the implementation of "up-front" multi-vendor OSS interoperability, OSSii will also target the promotion of healthy, win-win competition for network-level OSS systems.

While all three initiating OSSii companies have agreed to cross-license their OSS interfaces for multi-vendor network management, cross-licensing and interoperability testing opportunities will also be offered for third-party OSS vendors and other network equipment providers.

Reciprocal agreements between the three initiating vendors will cover fault, performance, configuration, and basic network event management for the northbound interfaces from Radio Access, Circuit Core and Packet Core network management systems.

Mr. Jiang Wangcheng, President of Huawei's OSS & Service Wireless Networks Business Unit said: "We at Huawei believe the OSSii agreement will greatly forward OSS development, and will provide operators in all markets the ability to fully capitalize on the best OSS solutions available. We are also extremely happy to take part in such an important initiative that takes transparency, openness and fairness as its guiding values."

More details on OSSii can be found in the MoU dated May 13, 2013 on www.ossii.info. A list of the relevant contact partners as well as Q&A documents can also be found on the online portal.

— WebWireID174643 —

Kuwait City, Kuwait – -Zain Kuwait has deployed Nokia Siemens Networks' Customer Experience Management (CEM), ensuring a superior service experience for its mobile broadband customers. Nokia Siemens Networks' CEM helps Zain Kuwait proactively and cost-efficiently improve its service quality, provide tailor-made services, roll out new services faster, and carry out targeted campaigns in order to further satisfy its customers.

'We believe 'the customer is king' and strive to constantly and proactively address aspects related to customer satisfaction in order to ensure a superior service experience for our customers,' said Hani ElKukhun, Chief Operation Officer, Zain Kuwait. 'We worked with our long-standing partner, Nokia Siemens Networks, to develop the best approach to CEM for our specific needs. Once the approach was evolved, Nokia Siemens Networks designed and implemented CEM software cost-efficiently, making all our customers, including high-value customers and international inbound roamers, more empowered with a superior service experience.'

'For operators such as Zain Kuwait, understanding customer experience parameters across the entire network and having a unified technical and customer-centric business view are crucial to ensuring a superior customer experience,' said Lassaad Essafi, head of Customer Insight and Experience at Nokia Siemens Networks. 'Understanding exactly what Zain Kuwait required, we optimized its network and enriched mobile broadband experience for its subscribers. In addition, we are committed to constantly improving customer experience at Zain Kuwait by working with its team to further evolve our CEM on Demand offering.'

Nokia Siemens Networks developed and deployed a new Geo Information System (GIS) for Zain Kuwait, displaying network performance related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for its customer base geographically located all over Kuwait – with the possibility to drill down to district level, block level and even cell IDlevel. The company also integrated important commercial KPIs into this GIS, which gives Zain Kuwait the unique capability to display and compare network performance KPIs with commercial KPIs within the same CEM solution. As a result, GIS has become a primary input tool for Zain Kuwait's strategic decisions.

Nokia Siemens Networks also implemented its three CEM on Demand content packs: High Value Customer Insight (HVCI), Customer Experience Index (CEI), and Roaming Insight (RI). The real-time insights help Zain Kuwait instantly resolve quality issues, and allow various departments to prioritize their respective actions and investments accordingly. Zain Kuwait plans to extend the CEI pack to include KPIs of customer care experiences and additional 'soft facts' that will give Zain an even better understanding of their customers' experience.

Serve atOnce Traffica was also part of the deployment in order to monitor Zain Kuwait's network performance, service quality, and service use in real-time to proactively improve the service quality. The company's Serve atOnce Intelligence (SAI) provides customer insights to help tailor Zain Kuwait's customer acquisition strategy and marketing campaigns. Its Serve atOnce Device Manager (SADM) enables the operator to make the right marketing and business development decisions as well as target the most appropriate customer groups when introducing new services.

Nokia Siemens Networks also provided its full technical and business consultancy as well as implementation services to Zain Kuwait.

For more information on Nokia Siemens Networks' offering for customer experience management, follow this link. To share your thoughts on the topic, join the @NokiaSiemensNet discussion on Twitter using #CSPCX or join the industry discussion on Customer Experience Management in LinkedIn CSPCX-Group.
About Zain Group

Zain is a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East and North Africa providing mobile voice and data services to over 44.1 million active customers as of 31 March, 2013. With a commercial presence in 8 countries, Zain operates in: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and South Sudan. In Lebanon, the Group manages 'touch' on behalf of the government. In Morocco, Zain has a 15.5% stake in Wana Telecom, now branded 'INWI', through a joint venture. Zain is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (stock ticker: ZAIN).

For more, please email info@zain.com or visit:

www.zain.com

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is the world's specialist in mobile broadband. From the first ever call on GSM, to the first call on LTE, we operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world's most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly.

With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, we operate in over 120 countries and had net sales of approximately 13.4 billion euros in 2012. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

— WebWireID174642 —

Nicole Vrbicek, CEO of Introdooce, will speak during iDate's "CEO Therapy" session. The session covers startups and provides advice from peers.  Nicole will discuss the next wave of dating tech, how mobile plays a defining role in the future of the industry, and how location-based dating apps are surpassing the online dating model in ease of use, convenience and compatibility.  She'll also discuss the importance of finding new ways to monetize via gifting and brand partnerships.
 
The conference coincides with the Viral Summit ( http://www.viralsummit.com ), also taking place in Los Angeles on the same days. Those that register to one event are able to attend both.
 
About Introdooce
 
Introdooce is an ambient social platform for mobile that allows users to see and search for like-minded people nearby.  The app allows users to create a profile, set their preferences, check into high volume venues and buy each other gifts such as drinks, coffees, etc.  in order to break the ice and start a conversation.  By focusing on high traffic venues with high levels of social interaction, Introdooce is making people stand out from the crowd, get found, and get dating.
 
Introdooce is available on iOs and Android.  Find out more at www.introdooce.com
 
About the iDate Dating Industry Conference
 
Since 2004, the iDate Dating Industry Conference is the largest conference and dating business event.  CEOs and senior executives from major dating companies attend each event, which discusses online dating, social dating, speed dating, matchmaking, mobile dating, software, dating affiliates, social media, dating services and other forms of the industry.
 
iDate was the first event to provide senior dating and matchmaking industry executives education, ideas, insight and networking to identify new opportunities, gain higher levels of traffic and revenue.
 
For more information, please visit the website http://www.InternetDatingConference.com or contact:
 
Ticonderoga Ventures, Inc.
Marketing and Logistics Representative
Tel /Fax         USA +1 (212) 722-1744 ext 71
E-mail: info-17@internetdatingconference.com
Twitter:  @idateconference
Linkedin Industry Group: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2190639
 
Media Relations:
Mark Brooks, Online Personals Watch
Tel: USA +1 (212) 444-1636         
Email: mark@onlinepersonalswatch.com
 

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, particularly as related to the business plans of the company, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are subject to the safe harbor created by these sections. Actual results may differ materially from the company's expectations and estimates.
 

— WebWireID173601 —

The session will be moderated by Mr. Mike Camara, General Manager of ABC Disposal Service, Inc.
 
Visit FleetMind at Waste Expo 2013 in Booth #2347 or contact Mr. Padilla at dpadilla@fleetmind.com .
 
About FleetMind
 
FleetMind Solutions, Inc. is the award-winning technology leader for fleet management solutions. FleetMind's technology is derived from over 10 years and millions of dollars invested in developing the industry's best and most advanced fleet solutions specifically designed for waste and recycling environments. FleetMind solutions have been successfully installed in thousands of vehicles across North America. Our products have allowed the industry's largest waste and recycling fleets to link their drivers and vehicles to business operations in real-time to ensure improved productivity, safety, sustainability, profitability and customer service.
 
For more information, visit us at www.FleetMind.com.

— WebWireID174558 —

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., and ZURICH, Switzerland - VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (Nasdaq: VDSI; www.vasco.com), a leading software security company specializing in authentication products, announces that HSBC Bank Brazil, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings, one of the largest financial conglomerates in the world, deployed the DIGIPASS for Mobile technology for an enhanced group of retail and corporate customers, while expanding the offered online and mobile services. Currently, more than 90,000 account holders use their mobile device to access all self-service channels to execute financial transactions. With this enhancement, HSBC Brazil is the first and only financial institution worldwide to fully integrate access to internet banking, mobile services, contact center, ATMs and e-commerce.

By further integrating DIGIPASS for Mobile, HSBC offers its customers a secure and convenient way to secure their online transactions. The customer downloads the DIGIPASS for Mobile app on his mobile device to generate one-time passwords (OTPs). Every time he logs on, a unique dynamic password is created that, as a consequence, can only be used once. The client doesn't need to remember multiple passwords with different shapes and sizes anymore to confirm and operate the various channels.

DIGIPASS for Mobile is a cost efficient solution and is deployed on a large scale. Installing an application on a mobile device is part of a daily routine for the consumer, so the solution is easily accepted. It clearly facilitates the access and use of the HSBC banking services, resulting in a higher customer satisfaction and retention.

An HSBC Brazil client that download the DIGIPASS for Mobile app can withdraw money at an ATM without the use of their bank card, but by only using his mobile phone and the OTP password. Moreover, the customer can call the HSBC Contact Center just by clicking an application button. Automatically, this application verifies the client's credentials, makes the phone call and executes the security procedures (identification and password verification) without human interaction. After verification, the client can execute financial operations directly.

VASCO's technology also offers synchronization between server and platform time considering "daylight savings time". This means that DIGIPASS for Mobile remains fully operational, even when the customer travels to different time zones. This mobile solution can thus be used anytime and anywhere.

Marcello Veronese, Director of Digital Channels at HSBC, says; "The enhancement of this broader DIGIPASS for Mobile deployment is the result of more than five years of research and development. We wanted to ensure that our customers would profit from an innovative and easy-to-use authentication solution, not only in Brazil, but also worldwide. Thanks to the partnership with VASCO, we created a state–of-the-art solution. It's a significant advantage for the Brazilian market where cards with static passwords are still widely in use"

According to a survey conducted by the Brazilian Federation of Banks (FEBRABAN) in 2011, the damage caused by attacks in electronic customer service channels (phone, internet, mobile banking, ATMs, credit and debit cards) reached R$ 1.5 billion of loss for Brazilian banks. In Brazil, more than 90% of banking transactions are conducted through self-service channels. As a logic consequence, increasing the level of security in this environment has been a priority for all banks. Simplicity in access without giving in on security is the basis of this new model of customer relationship. The multichannel concept HSBC introduced before and expands now implies a maximum level of technology integration and building people relationship through as many channels as possible.

"VASCO's DIGIPASS for Mobile enables HSBC Bank Brazil to position itself as a highly innovative bank in one of the most competitive markets in the world of technology solutions, playing a pioneer role worldwide", complements Veronese.

Jan Valcke, COO and President VASCO Data Security, adds: 'We are very proud to cooperate with HSBC Brazil to facilitate its customers to secure access to the banking services. This will result in satisfied customers and a safer environment.'
About HSBC

HSBC Bank Brazil is a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings Plc., one of the biggest financial organizations of the world. Headquartered in London, HSBC Group is present in 86 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Oceania.
For more information visit: www.hsbc.com.br
About VASCO
VASCO is a leading supplier of strong authentication and e-signature solutions and services specializing in Internet security applications and transactions. VASCO has positioned itself as a global software company for Internet security serving a customer base of approximately 10,000 companies in more than 100 countries, including approximately 1,700 international financial institutions. VASCO's prime markets are the financial sector, enterprise security, e-commerce and e-government.

Forward Looking Statements:
Statements made in this news release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements (1) are identified by use of terms and phrases such as 'expect', 'believe', 'will', 'anticipate', 'emerging', 'intend', 'plan', 'could', 'may', 'estimate', 'should', 'objective' and 'goal', 'possible', 'potential', and similar words and expressions, but such words and phrases are not the exclusive means of identifying them, and (2) are subject to risks and uncertainties and represent our present expectations or beliefs concerning future events. VASCO cautions that the forward-looking statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors have been described in greater detail in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include, but are not limited to, (a) risks of general market conditions, including currency fluctuations and the uncertainties in world economic and financial markets, (b) risks inherent to the computer and network security industry, including rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, increasing numbers of patent infringement claims, changes in customer requirements, price competitive bidding, and changing government regulations, and (c) risks specific to VASCO, including, demand for our products and services, competition from more established firms and others, pressures on price levels and our historical dependence on relatively few products, certain suppliers and certain key customers. Reference is made to VASCO's public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further information regarding VASCO and its operations.

This document may contain trademarks of VASCO Data Security International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including VASCO, the VASCO 'V' design, DIGIPASS, VACMAN, aXsGUARD and IDENTIKEY.

For more information contact Jochem Binst, +32 2 609 97 00, jbinst@vasco.com

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/VASCODataNews

— WebWireID174623 —

Telstra Digital Executive Director, Gerd Schenkel, said the event will give 50 aspiring developers one week to collaborate and create an app or startup concept that solves a real-world problem for one of four deserving charities or not-for-profit organisations.

'Technology and innovation have the power to transform our world and make it a better place. Corporate Australia has an important role to play in facilitating digital innovation and as a leader in its industry, Telstra is eager to contribute.

'From finding easier ways to donate or reducing carbon footprint, our 50 developers will collaborate with one of four organisations – including Planet Ark and the Australian Red Cross – to create apps that can help make a positive difference to the community.

'We're looking for passionate individuals – from a professional or amateur background – to participate in what's set to be an exciting and ambitious competition,' Gerd said.

Pollenzier CEO, Phil Morle, added: 'The start-up community has developed so much talent and a discipline for rapid innovation. This is a great opportunity for passionate developers to come together, code for a cause and create a working prototype for a worthy organisation.

'Working alongside some of Telstra's senior leaders and well-known practitioners from the start-up and digital community, including Mi9 CEO Mark Britt and ex-Spreets founder Dean McEvoy, this event will be a live competition to see who's got the best idea and the skills to bring it to life in just three days.'

The winning app will be judged by a panel of judges including Kate McKenzie, General Managing Director of Telstra Innovation Products and Marketing; and Will Irving, General Managing Director of Telstra Business.

The Appiness Hackathon will be held on 24 – 25 May and 1 June. Places are strictly limited to 50 attendees. To register for attendance or for more information, visit: http://sydneyappiness.com/

— WebWireID174612 —