Posted by : admin in (Computer)

EMA Announces IT Management Webinars for May

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BOULDER, Colo., April 30 /PRNewswire/ — Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) (), a leading IT management research and consulting firm, today announced it will host a number of free Webinars focused on IT management during the month of May 2008.
The EMA(TM) Webinars set for May include:

Thurs. May 1, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
Expanding IT Support Staff Capabilities While Reducing Workloads

EMA analyst Steve Brasen and Nathan McNeill, co-founder and vice president of product strategy at Bomgar will explore new methods that can improve the efficiency and responsiveness of help desk support organizations.
Tues., May 6, 2008 - 12 p.m. Eastern
SLM and BSM: The Future of IT Management. Are You Ready?

Lisa Erickson-Harris, research director at EMA, and Jimmy Augustine, vice president of marketing at ASG, will discuss the latest trends in Service Level Management (SLM) and business Service Management (BSM). They also will discuss the growing investment in BSM and what is driving the growth.
Tues., May 13, 2008 - 12 p.m. Eastern
Managing business Service Performance in a Virtual Environment

Andi Mann, EMA research director and ASG CTO and SVP of business development, John Connor will discuss some of the key ways to manage business service performance in a virtual environment, avoid pitfalls and align virtualization with business needs.
Thurs., May 15, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
Virtualization and Management: New Research Highlights

EMA research director and virtualization expert Andi Mann will discuss the findings from his most recent study. He will touch on virtualization market trends from 2006-2008, the future for virtualization and best-practice recommendations for IT professionals and vendors.
Wed., May 21, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
How to Show Value for Your CMDB Deployment: Some Do’s and Don’ts for Optimizing Your Investments

During this 1-hour event, EMA vice president Dennis Drogseth and N(i)2 director of business solutions strategy Joseph Bondi will examine effective metrics for assessing Configuration Management Database (CMDB) deployments to optimize time-to-value.
Thurs., May 22, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
Best Practices for Managing IP Telephony as a Service
Larry Burton, EMA senior analyst, and PROGNOSIS global product manager, John Dunne, will lead this one-hour Webinar. They will discuss the unique service level management challenges posed by the use of IP telephony and the convergence of telephony, video and data into a single, unified communications backbone.
Wed, May 28, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
Defining IT Governance, Risk and Compliance in the Real World: Issues, Challenges and Keys to High Performance

EMA research director Scott Crawford will define what IT GRC means to real-world practitioners and share highlights from Enterprise Management Associates’ extensive 2008 survey on IT GRC.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
For more information, contact Guy Murrel at or 303-581-7760 x 17.
About Enterprise Management Associates
Founded in 1996, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) is a leading industry analyst and consulting firm dedicated to the IT management market. The firm provides IT vendors and enterprise IT professionals with objective insight into the real-world business value of long-established and emerging technologies, ranging from security, storage and IT Service Management (ITSM) to the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), virtualization and service-oriented architecture (SOA). Even with its rapid growth, EMA has never lost sight of the client, and continues to offer personalized support and convenient access to its analysts. For more information on the firm’s extensive library of IT management research, free online IT Management Solutions Center and IT consulting offerings, visit .
Enterprise Management Associates

Posted by : admin in (Multimedia)

Web 2.0: Ten Trends Defining the New Internet

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 30 /PRNewswire/ — The South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) will present Jay Berkowitz, CEO of TenGoldenRules.com, at its educational monthly event on Thursday, May 22. Berkowitz, a nationally-recognized expert on Internet trends, will analyze the business revolution being fueled by the latest Internet and Web 2.0 cutting-edge developments. New solutions for creativity, information sharing and collaboration among users are producing Web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and so-called “folksonomies,” all of which will have a major impact on the way business is done in the twenty-first century.
Berkowitz is the president and founder of TenGoldenRules.com, an Internet consulting company. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal as well as numerous regional and local publications. He will discuss how and why trends have an impact on technology product companies, technology service companies, and businesses that use and rely on technology to drive their marketing communications. Among the topics Berkowitz will cover are:
— Which new technologies will be most important to you … and why!
— Who dominates Search Engine Marketing - and why you should care
— Where prospects are ‘hanging out’ - and how you can find them

An open Q&A session will conclude the program. Attendees are invited to submit Internet and Web 2.0 questions or business cases prior to the event at .
SFTA monthly events include business networking, table-top vendor displays and programs of interest to technology companies and any company that relies heavily on information technology.
About the SFTA
With over 11 years of leadership as the most effective regional technology organization, the South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) promotes the growth, success and awareness of the vibrant South Florida technology community. SFTA fosters an exciting network of companies, academia, capital resources, and government for the immediate and future success of technology-related interests in our region.
To register for this event online, go to: .

Contact:
Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739

South Florida Technology Alliance

Posted by : admin in (Entertainment)

New Mexico Business Magazine to Debut in May

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Vertical Ascent, LLC announced today that it is launching a new statewide business magazine called New Mexico business Magazine. The new magazine is aimed at CEOs, high level business executives, managers, owners of small businesses and others in the business community. The magazine will focus on issues important to New Mexico’s growing business community.
New Mexico business Magazine replaces the New Mexico business Journal which ceased operations earlier this year. While not related to the New Mexico business Journal, the magazine is published by Doug Stine who was editor-in-chief for the business Journal. Mr. Stine has also taken over the subscriber list of the business Journal.
The magazine has wide community support, including financial backing and an editorial board that includes community leaders such as Gary Tonjes, President of Albuquerque Economic Development (AED), Alex Romero, president of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce, Wayne Unze, Sr. Vice President of NAI The Vaughan Company and Phil Messuri of the Financial Network and president of the Financial Planning Association. It also has support from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.
“Most business magazines look like trade magazines,” says Mr. Stine. “We believe business is exciting. We want to kick up some dust and bring a new viewpoint to the business community.” The May issue is scheduled to debut May 1 and the June issue will feature in-depth profiles of New Mexico’s candidates for U.S. Senator.
The initial print run will be 12,000 copies, nearly twice that of the New Mexico business Weekly. While more than half of the circulation will be in the greater Albuquerque area, the magazine will be mailed to subscribers state-wide as well as distributed to chambers of commerce, professional associations and networking events. It will also be available in major bookstores and newsstands.
The magazine represents a new leap in creativity for business magazines, with provocative story angles and dramatic graphics designed by a former designer for the Santa Fean magazine, Laurette Luff, along with Big Box Creative Group. The magazine will be printed locally by Starline Printing. Assisting with editorial and sales responsibilities is Karen McCullough, formerly of New at Home Magazine and Camera Arts.
Mr. Stine has spent more than 20 years working for advertising agencies and in various marketing functions in Silicon Valley and holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and an MBA from Santa Clara University. He was formerly the Sr. Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, had his own advertising agency, and published a relocation guide for Albuquerque.
There are also plans for a ground breaking website that will include an Albuquerque business forum, video profiles, and more.
Anyone wishing to send a press release can visit the website at .
Contact:
Doug Stine
Publisher
New Mexico business Magazine
505-798-2502

Vertical Ascent, LLC

Posted by : admin in (Financial)

TCS BaNCS Core Banking Enhances Regulatory Compliance Requirements

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ — TCS Financial Solutions, the strategic business unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), dedicated to providing business application solutions to the banking, insurance and capital markets industries, announced today that TCS BaNCS Core Banking is developing additional functionality in support of US regulatory compliance requirements.
TCS BaNCS Core Banking supports the core processing of a number of the world’s most innovative banks, providing a modern next generation banking platform that supports full lifecycle banking across multiple channels. TCS BaNCS Core Banking automates every aspect of a bank’s operating environment by integrating front, middle, and back office processes. As well as being technically efficient with substantially lower processing costs this real-time, multilingual and multicurrency system supports 24/7, event driven transaction processing.
TCS Financial Solutions has been investing heavily in its US compliance Financial Solutions portfolio for over a 12 month period. To improve its competitive strength TCS Financial Solutions has now engaged with Sheshunoff Consulting Technology to bring the US Compliance portion of TCS BaNCS Core Banking to full market readiness.
According to Robert Hunt, a Research Director in the Retail Banking Practice at TowerGroup, “Most US mid-tier and larger banks continue to process their core systems using systems developed in the 1980s. These systems have become increasingly difficult to maintain and several large banks are now considering replacing their core systems. As banks undertake the replacement effort, they will evaluate systems from both US-based and global core banking systems vendors. This evaluation must consider the ability of the systems to meet US legal and regulatory requirements. It makes perfect sense then, for leading global vendors such as TCS Financial Solutions to work with a US-based firm that has expertise in regulatory requirements to ensure their systems are fully compliant.”
“With the assistance of Sheshunoff Consulting Technology we are developing an advanced set of regulatory compliance processes to attach to TCS BaNCS Core Banking platform,” states N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, President, TCS Financial Solutions. “This long term strategy will assist clients to minimize compliance risks and respond to regulatory compliance policies and procedures in a prompt and effective manner.”
Gabrielle Sheshunoff, CEO, Sheshunoff Consulting Technology adds: “Sheshunoff has been assisting banks throughout the US to achieve regulatory compliance and security best practice. We are delighted to be working with TCS Financial Solutions dedicated team of highly respected banking and IT practitioners to drive synergies forward with our compliance expertise and TCS BaNCS Core Banking business application.”
TCS BaNCS Core Banking also recently secured its position in the Leader’s quadrant of Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for International Retail Core Banking, 2008. In addition, the latest International Banking Systems 2007 Sales League Table recognized TCS BaNCS as the No.2 best selling Universal Banking Solution and No.3 best selling Retail/Private Banking Solution in the world.
About Sheshunoff Consulting Technology
For over 30 years, the experienced consultants at Sheshunoff Consulting Technology have been serving a wide range of banking clients. Sheshunoff experts help banking institutions improve profitability, optimize business process, manage risk, maximize technology, meet regulatory requirements and identify their best opportunities for growth. Sheshunoff is widely recognized as a trusted advisor to the banking industry, providing institutions the tools they need to meet their business goals and improve performance.
About TCS Financial Solutions
TCS Financial Solutions is a strategic business unit of Tata Consultancy Services. Dedicated to providing business application solutions to financial institutions globally, TCS Financial Solutions has compiled a comprehensive product portfolio under the brand name of TCS BaNCS. Our mission is to provide best of breed solutions that will drive growth, reduce costs, mitigate risk and offer a faster speed to market for our clients. With a global customer base in excess of 250 institutions operating in over 80 countries, TCS Financial Solutions delivers state-of-the-art software solutions for the banking, insurance and capital markets industries worldwide. For more information, visit us at
About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, business solutions and outsourcing organization that delivers real results to global businesses, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT and IT-enabled services delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model, recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software development. A part of the Tata Group, India’s largest industrial conglomerate, TCS has over 111,000 of the world’s best trained IT consultants in 50 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $5.7 billion for fiscal year ended 31 March 2008 and is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange in India. For more information, visit us at
TCS Financial Solutions

Posted by : admin in (Auto)

Daimler Achieves EBIT of euro 1,976 million in First Quarter of 2008

STUTTGART, Germany, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today presents its interim report on the first quarter of 2008. Daimler achieved EBIT of euro 1,976 million in the first quarter (Q1 2007: euro 3,292 million).
(Logo: )
The Mercedes-Benz Cars division improved its EBIT and thus compensated for the lower earnings recorded by Daimler Trucks and Daimler Financial Services.
Earnings decreased primarily because EBIT in the first quarter of 2007 included a special gain of euro 1,563 million related to the transfer of EADS shares. In the first quarter of 2008, special gains were realized in connection with the sale of the real-estate properties at Potsdamer Platz (euro 449 million) and in connection with the transfer of EADS shares (euro 102 million). There were opposing effects from expenses of euro 491 million related to Chrysler (special items are shown in the table on page 8).
Net profit amounted to euro 1,332 million (Q1 2007: euro 1,972 million), equivalent to earnings per share of euro 1.29 (Q1 2007: euro 1.89).
Unit sales up by 9% in Q1 2008
In the first quarter of 2008, Daimler sold 503,800 cars and commercial vehicles worldwide, thus surpassing the figure for the prior-year period by 9%.
Daimler’s revenue increased slightly from euro 23.4 billion to euro 23.5 billion in the first quarter of 2008. Adjusted for exchange-rate effects and changes in the consolidated group, revenue growth amounted to 4%.
At the end of the first quarter of 2008, 273,902 people were employed by Daimler worldwide (Q1 2007: 270,986). Of this total, 166,661 were employed in Germany and 24,108 were employed in the United States (end of Q1 2007: 165,753 and 25,114 respectively).
Details of the divisions in the first quarter of 2008
Mercedes-Benz Cars increased its unit sales by 17% to 318,300 vehicles in the first three months of this year, thus setting a new record for the first quarter. The Mercedes-Benz brand sold 284,000 vehicles, an increase of 10%, also achieving a new record for the first quarter. The smart brand almost tripled its unit sales from 10,800 to 31,200 cars. The division’s revenue grew by 4% to euro 12.5 billion. Mercedes-Benz Cars’ EBIT improved by 45% to euro 1,152 million.
The significant increase in earnings was mainly a result of the good development of unit sales for both the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands. Unit sales of the C-Class and the smart fortwo were particularly positive. Further efficiency advances also contributed to the EBIT improvement. Exchange-rate effects and increased raw-material prices had a negative impact on EBIT in the first quarter of 2008.
Daimler Trucks sold 107,700 vehicles worldwide in the first quarter of 2008 (Q1 2007: 119,200). The decrease is primarily due to the significantly lower sales volume in the USA and supplier bottlenecks in Germany. Revenue decreased from euro 7.3 billion to euro 6.3 billion.
The Daimler Trucks division posted EBIT of euro 403 million (Q1 2007: euro 528 million). The decrease in earnings is primarily due to the tense economic situation in the United States and the weaker demand caused by the introduction of the EPA 07 exhaust-emission standards in the U.S. in 2007. Earnings were also reduced in Europe as a result of production losses caused by a supply bottleneck of one supplier. But Daimler Trucks assumes it will be able to compensate for this production loss during the rest of the year. Earnings were positively affected, however, by the ongoing favorable sales trend in Latin America and in some important Asian markets. There were additional positive effects from efficiency improvements and improved product positioning.
The Trucks Europe/Latin America unit (Mercedes-Benz) sold 33,800 vehicles in the first quarter, once again achieving the high level of the prior-year quarter. Trucks NAFTA (Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses) sold 27,500 vehicles, which was significantly lower than in the prior-year quarter (Q1 2007: 46,200). In the first quarter of 2008, there was a significant negative impact on demand from the economic slowdown in the USA. In addition, the introduction of the U.S. emission standard EPA 07 had led to purchases being brought forward until the first quarter of 2007 and a subsequent drop in demand from the large fleet operators. Unit sales of Trucks Asia (Mitsubishi Fuso) increased in the first quarter by 18% to 46,500 vehicles.
Daimler Financial Services increased its contract volume by 2% to euro 58.3 billion in the first quarter of 2008. In the first quarter of 2008, 15 subsidiaries were fully consolidated for the first time (mainly in Eastern Europe and Asia). Adjusted for these consolidation effects and for exchange-rate effects, the increase was 7%. New business of euro 6.7 billion was 2% below the prior-year level. After adjustment for the two aforementioned factors, there was a decrease of 2%.
EBIT of euro 168 million reported by Daimler Financial Services for the first quarter of 2008 was lower than the result for the prior-year period (Q1 2007: euro 214 million). The decrease in earnings was mainly due to the expenses incurred to set up a new financial services organization in the NAFTA region following the transfer of a majority interest in Chrysler. Increased risk costs also had a negative impact, but remained below the long-term average. There was a positive impact on earnings, however, from the increased contract volume.
EBIT of the Vans, Buses, Other segment amounted to euro 371 million (Q1 2007: euro 1,872 million). The decrease in earnings was primarily caused by the lower special gain of euro 102 million related to the transfer of EADS shares (Q1 2007: euro 1,563 million). The sale of the real-estate properties at Potsdamer Platz resulted in a special gain of euro 449 million in the first quarter of 2008.
The Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses units profited from the continued positive development of unit sales and both achieved higher earnings, which are now reported individually for the quarters due to the growing importance of the business. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported EBIT of euro 186 million and Daimler Buses reported EBIT of euro 75 million.
Daimler’s share of the earnings of EADS amounted to euro 22 million (Q1 2007: euro 165 million). The company’s 19.9% interest in Chrysler, which is accounted for using the equity method, reduced EBIT by euro 340 million in the first quarter of 2008; this result includes expenses of euro 94 million resulting from the restructuring actions at Chrysler. As the Group generally applies the equity method of accounting for its interests in EADS and Chrysler with a three-month time lag, these figures mainly reflect the developments in the fourth quarter of 2007.
These results are by no means indicative for the results to be reported by Chrysler Holding LLC due to substantial valuation differences between U.S. GAAP used by Chrysler and IFRS accounting used by Daimler.
In connection with the transfer of a majority interest in Chrysler, the Group retained certain rights contingent upon the development of economic circumstances, in particular the development of residual values of Chrysler vehicles. At the time of the Chrysler transaction, these rights were measured and recognized as an asset in an amount of euro 185 million. In light of falling residual values of Chrysler vehicles, Daimler had to impair these assets by euro 151 million in the first quarter of 2008. Neither the equity result of Chrysler nor the impairment of the assets is cash effective.
The Mercedes-Benz Vans unit increased its unit sales by 11% to 68,600 in the first quarter of 2008, thus setting a new record.
The Daimler Buses unit sold 9,200 buses and chassis in the first quarter of this year, exceeding the high level of the prior-year quarter by 11%. Market developments in Brazil played a particularly important role; unit sales in Latin America increased by 19% to 5,700 vehicles.
Outlook
Although economic growth has slowed down as a result of the international financial crisis - particularly in the United States - making life harder for the automotive industry including Daimler, the Group continues to assume that the unit-sales targets it has set for its divisions will be met in 2008.
Based on the divisions’ planning, Daimler expects its total unit sales to increase in the year 2008 (2007: 2.1 million vehicles).
Mercedes-Benz Cars expects to further increase its worldwide unit sales in 2008, thus surpassing the record level of the prior year. The full availability of the sedan and station-wagon versions of the new C-Class and of the new smart fortwo will make a decisive contribution to this development. Mercedes-Benz Cars expects to achieve a renewed increase in EBIT in 2008.
The Daimler Trucks division anticipates rising unit sales for full-year 2008. This will result on the one hand from the positive development of some Asian markets and on the other hand from higher unit sales in Europe - primarily due to the growth of markets in Eastern Europe. Based on these unit- sales expectations and the ongoing implementation of our Global Excellence program, Daimler Trucks assumes that the division’s earnings in full-year 2008 will be higher than in the prior year.
Daimler Financial Services anticipates a moderate increase in its business volume as the year progresses. Despite the expenses connected with developing its own financial services organization in North America, Daimler Financial Services continues to assume that it will achieve a return on equity of at least 14% in full-year 2008.
Due to the strong demand for the new Sprinter and the positive sales trend of the Vito/Viano, Mercedes-Benz Vans expects a significant increase in unit sales and a new unit-sales record in the year 2008.
Daimler Buses also anticipates a continuation of strong demand and is therefore confident that it will match the high level of unit sales achieved in the prior year.
The Daimler Group assumes that total revenue will increase moderately in full-year 2008 (2007: euro 99.4 billion).
On the basis of the divisions’ confirmed projections, in 2008 the Daimler Group continues to expect to post EBIT from ongoing operations of well above the prior-year level. Effects related to Chrysler are not included therein. In the year 2007, earnings included positive contributions in particular from the transfer of shares in EADS and negative contributions from Chrysler and related to the new management model.
The special items shown in the following table affected EBIT in the first quarters of 2008 and 2007:
Special items affecting EBIT
Amounts in millions of euro Q1 2008 Q1 2007

Mercedes-Benz Cars
Financial support for suppliers - (82)

Vans, Buses, Other
Sale of real estate (Potsdamer Platz) 449 -

Gains related to the transfer of shares in EADS 102 1,563

Restructuring program at Chrysler (94) -

Impairment of rights as a result of lower residual
values of Chrysler vehicles (151) -

Restructuring program at EADS - (114)

Reconciliation
New management model (45) (51)

Further information on Daimler is available on the Internet at .
About Daimler
Daimler AG, Stuttgart, with its businesses Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Daimler Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses, is a globally leading producer of premium passenger cars and the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the world. The Daimler Financial Services division has a broad offering of financial services, including vehicle financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management. Daimler sells its products in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities on five continents. The company’s founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, continued to make automotive history following their invention of the automobile in 1886. As an automotive pioneer, Daimler and its employees willingly accept an obligation to act responsibly towards society and the environment and to shape the future of safe and sustainable mobility with groundbreaking technologies and high-quality products. The current brand portfolio includes the world’s most valuable automobile brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as smart, AMG, Maybach, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built Buses. The company is listed on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt, New York and Stuttgart (stock exchange abbreviation DAI). In 2007, the Group sold 2.1 million vehicles and employed a workforce of over 270,000 people; revenue totaled euro 99.4 billion and EBIT amounted to euro 8.7 billion. Daimler is an automotive Group with a commitment to excellence, and aims to achieve sustainable growth and industry-leading profitability.
This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events. The words “anticipate,”"assume,”"believe,”"estimate,”"expect,”"intend,”"may,”"plan,”"project,”"should” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including an economic downturn or slow economic growth in important economic regions, especially in Europe or North America; the effects of the subprime crisis which could result in a weaker demand for our products particularly in the U.S. but as well in the European market; changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates; the introduction of competing products and the possible lack of acceptance of our products or services; price increases in fuel, raw materials, and precious metals; disruption of production due to shortages of materials, labor strikes or supplier insolvencies; a decline in resale prices of used vehicles; the business outlook for Daimler Trucks, which may be affected if the U.S. and Japanese commercial vehicle markets experience a sustained weakness in demand for a longer period than expected; the effective implementation of cost reduction and efficiency optimization programs; the business outlook of Chrysler, in which we hold an equity interest, including its ability to successfully implement its restructuring plans; the business outlook of EADS, in which we hold an equity interest, including the financial effects of delays in and potentially lower volumes of future aircraft deliveries; changes in laws, regulations and government policies, particularly those relating to vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety, the resolution of pending governmental investigations and the outcome of pending or threatened future legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties, some of which we describe under the heading “Risk Report” in Daimler’s most recent Annual Report and under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Legal Proceedings” in Daimler’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the assumptions underlying any of our forward-looking statements prove incorrect, then our actual results may be materially different from those we express or imply by such statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made.
Figures for the 1st Quarter 2008

Daimler Group Q1 Q1 Change
amounts in euro 2008 2007 08/07

Revenue, in millions 23.455 23.370 0%(1)
EBIT, in millions 1.976 3.292 -40%
Net profit in millions 1.332 1.972 -32%
Net profit from continuing operations, in
millions 1.335 2.715 -51%
Earnings per share (EPS) 1.29 1.89 -32%
Employees (March 31) 273.90 270.98
2 6 1%

EBIT by Divisions Q1 Q1 Change
in millions of euro 2008 2007 08/07

Mercedes-Benz Cars 1,152 792 45%
Daimler Trucks 403 528 -24%
Daimler Financial Services 168 214 -21%
Vans, Buses, Other 371 1.872 -80%
Mercedes-Benz Vans(2) 186 — —
Daimler Buses(2) 75 — —

Revenue by Divisions Q1 Q1 Change
in millions of euro 2008 2007 08/07

Mercedes-Benz Cars 12.497 12.070 4%
Daimler Trucks 6.327 7.290 -13%
Daimler Financial Services 2.243 2.152 4%
Vans, Buses, Other 3.448 2.882 20%
Mercedes-Benz Vans 2.335 2.060 13%
Daimler Buses 919 813 13%

Unit Sales Q1 Q1 Change
in units 2008 2007 08/07

Daimler Group 503.800 460.300 9%
Mercedes-Benz Cars 318.300 271.100 17%
Daimler Trucks 107.700 119.200 -10%
Mercedes-Benz Vans 68.600 61.700 11%
Daimler Buses 9.200 8.300 11%

(1) Adjusted for the effects of currency translation and changes in the
consolidated Group, increase in revenue of 4%.
(2) In light of the growing relative share of the van and bus business,
Daimler Group starts disclosing the EBIT figures for Mercedes-Benz
Vans and Daimler Buses in Q1 2008.

Daimler AG

Posted by : admin in (Computer)

Pointandship Software, Inc. Named Finalist for 2008 American Business Awards(SM)

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire/ — Pointandship Software, Inc. (Point&Ship) has been named a finalist in three categories of The 2008 American business Awards: Best New Product or Service, Most Innovative Company and Best Overall Company.
Known as “the Oscars of the business world,” the American business Awards are the only national, all-encompassing awards program honoring great performances in business. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the “Stevies” recognize outstanding performances in the workplace.
Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Thursday, June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. More than 600 executives from across the U.S.A. are expected to attend. The ceremonies will be broadcast on radio nationwide by the business TalkRadio Network and hosted by Liz Claman of FOX business Network.
“We are honored to be recognized by the American business Awards, and are pleased that our software not only addresses the needs of our clients, but earns the admiration of businesses throughout America,” said Ted C. Mesa, President & CEO of Point&Ship.
More than 2,600 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including, Best Executive, Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program, Best Management Team and Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program.
Founded in 1994 by software entrepreneur Ted C. Mesa, Point&Ship has annual billings in excess of $75 million with a client base of Fortune 100, 500 and Global 2000 companies including banking & financial institutions, technology companies as well as leading universities.
The nomination recognizes Point&Ship’s innovation and solution-driven excellence. Its web-based SEMS(TM) provides an enterprise wide shipping & mailing management solution that simplifies shipping processes, deploys business rules, tracks packages across multiple carriers and accurately and automatically cost allocates all expenses.
Members of the Awards’ Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie Award winners from among Finalists in final judging during the week of May 19. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April through early May.
For more information on Pointandship Software, Inc. visit their website at .
About Pointandship Software, Inc.
Pointandship Software, Inc., founded in 1994 & based in Walnut Creek, CA, is a privately-held, Minority Owned Corporation with over $75 million in annual billings. Shipping Expense Management Software & SEMS are trademarks of Pointandship Software, Inc. For more information, visit .
Pointandship Software, Inc.

Posted by : admin in (Transportation)

Mullen Group Income Fund continues expansion of fluid transportation capabilities

CALGARY, April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — (TSX - MTL.UN) - The Mullen Group Income Fund (”Mullen” and/or the “Fund”) announced today the closing of its acquisition of R.E. Line Trucking (Coleville) Ltd. and David Tuffs Holdings Ltd. (collectively, “R.E. Line”), private companies based in Coleville, Saskatchewan. R.E. Line has been in the business of hauling crude oil, produced water and other fluids associated with the production of crude oil for approximately 50 years. It operates a fleet of approximately 53 units and employs approximately 85 people from its base in Coleville, Saskatchewan.
“We are very pleased to add R.E. Line’s fluid transportation capabilities to our growing fluid business. It has a strong market presence in Coleville, Saskatchewan, an area known to have excellent growth potential. R.E. Line has built an exceptional reputation for providing outstanding service to its customers, which makes it a very good fit into the Mullen business model,” stated Stephen H. Lockwood, President and Co-CEO.
“We are optimistic that R.E. Line will continue to grow its business and expand on its prior year revenue of approximately $20.0 million and continue to generate respectable operating margins in a range consistent with similar business units in the Mullen organization. This acquisition reaffirms our strategic plan of expanding our fluid transportation business in what we believe are growth markets and we will continue to utilize our strong balance sheet to pursue further accretive acquisitions as they arise,” said Stephen Lockwood.
Mullen is also very pleased to announce that David Tuffs, the President of R.E. Line, and his two key operations’ people, Richard Pateman and James Fenton, have all agreed to remain with R.E. Line to oversee its operations. R.E. Line will be added to Mullen’s Oilfield Services segment and will be operated as an independent business unit.
Mullen is an open-ended income fund that owns a network of independently operated businesses. Today the Mullen Group is recognized as the largest provider of specialized transportation and related services to the oil and natural gas industry in western Canada and as one of the leading suppliers of trucking and logistics services in Canada - two sectors of the economy in which the Fund has strong business relationships and industry leadership. Administration of the Fund is delegated to Mullen Group Inc. which, in addition to managing the Fund, provides management and financial expertise, technology and systems support to its independent businesses.
Mullen is a publicly traded income trust listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “MTL.UN”. Additional information is available on our website at .
Mullen Group Income Fund

Posted by : admin in (Computer)

RightNow Technologies Announces First Quarter 2008 Financial Results

BOZEMAN, Mont., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — RightNow(R) Technologies, Inc. , today announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. Total revenue in the first quarter of 2008 was $32.9 million, a 28% increase over $25.7 million in the first quarter of 2007. Net loss in the first quarter of 2008 was $(3.4) million or $(0.10) per share, compared to a net loss of $(6.0) million, or $(0.18) per share, in the first quarter of 2007. Non-GAAP net loss per share in the first quarter of 2008, which excludes stock-based compensation charges of $1.3 million, was $(0.06), compared to $(0.14) in the first quarter of 2007.
New, renewed and expanded customer relationships during the first quarter of 2008 included Applied Biosystems, Cabela’s, Concur, Corel, eHarmony, Guthy Renker, Hawaiian Airlines, Nike China, Reader’s Digest, Scholastic, Telstra BigPond, and Vodafone.
“With first quarter revenue and earnings ahead of guidance we are off to a great start to the year,” stated Greg Gianforte, founder and CEO. “Our customers tell us that the ease of use and rapid deployment of RightNow 8 enables them to quickly generate return on investment from our solutions. RightNow 8 leverages our competitive edge in solution innovation and we believe this is creating new opportunities around the world to grow our business.”
“Our strategy to land new business quickly and then expand throughout large organizations is driving more predictable, recurring revenue growth,” said Jeff Davison, CFO. “Our international business contributed more than 30% of revenue in the first quarter of 2008, which demonstrates our global presence and the multi-lingual capabilities of RightNow 8. We remain positive about the growth opportunities we see in 2008 and are raising our full year guidance to reflect our strong first quarter performance.”
Guidance
* For the full year 2008, the Company expects revenue in the range of
$136 to $141 million, with recurring revenue growth of approximately
25%.
* Net loss per share for the full year 2008 is expected to be in the
range of $(0.32) to $(0.25). Non-GAAP net loss per share, which
excludes stock-based compensation, is expected to be in the range of
$(0.12) to $(0.05).
* Cash from operations for the full year 2008 is expected to be in the
range of $25 to $30 million.
* For the second quarter of 2008, revenue is anticipated to be in the
range of $34 to $35 million. The second quarter net loss per share is
expected to be in the range of $(0.12) to $(0.10). Non-GAAP net loss
per share, which excludes stock-based compensation, is expected to be
in the range of $(0.07) to $(0.05).

Quarterly Conference Call

RightNow Technologies will discuss its quarterly results via teleconference at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.) To access the call, please dial 877-419-6600, or outside the U.S. 719-325-4908, at least five minutes prior to the 2:30 p.m. MT start time. A live webcast of the call will also be available at under the Investor Webcasts menu. An audio replay will be available between 5:30 p.m. MT April 30, 2008 and 9:59 p.m. MT May 14, 2008 by calling 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820, with passcode 4964096. The replay will also be available on our website at .
About RightNow Technologies
RightNow delivers the high-impact technology solutions and services organizations need to cost-efficiently deliver a consistently superior customer experience across their frontline service, sales and marketing touch-points. Approximately 1,800 corporations and government agencies worldwide depend on RightNow to achieve their strategic objectives and better meet the needs of those they serve. RightNow is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. For more information, please visit .
RightNow is a registered trademark of RightNow Technologies, Inc. NASDAQ is a registered trademark of the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
All statements included in this press release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “anticipates,”"expects,”"intends,”"plans,”"predicts,”"believes,”"seeks,”"estimates,”"may,”"will,”"should,”"would,”"could,”"potential,”"continue,”"ongoing,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projected results of operations and management’s future strategic plans. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to, risks associated with our business model; our ability to develop or acquire, and gain market acceptance for, new products in a cost-effective and timely manner; the market success of our RightNow 8 product; the gain or loss of key customers; competitive pressures; our ability to expand operations; fluctuations in our earnings as a result of the impact of stock-based compensation expense; interruptions or delays in our hosting operations; breaches of our security measures; our ability to protect our intellectual property from infringement, and to avoid infringing on the intellectual property rights of third parties; our ability to manage and expand our partner relationships; and our ability to expand, retain and motivate our employees and manage our growth. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports of Form 10-Q, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason.
FRNOW
RightNow Technologies, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

March 31, Dec 31,
2008 2007
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $44,591 $43,681
Short-term investments 36,585 52,644

Accounts receivable 27,503 29,480
Term receivables, current 9,616 13,069
Allowance for doubtful accounts (2,056) (1,918)
Net receivables 35,063 40,631

Deferred commissions 3,485 3,336
Prepaid and other current assets 3,288 2,643
Total current assets 123,012 142,935

Long-term investments 17,810 –
Property and equipment, net 10,807 10,856
Term receivables, non-current 8,059 9,859
Intangible assets, net 7,606 7,996
Deferred commissions, non-current 1,962 1,680
Other 448 460
Total Assets $169,704 $173,786

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Accounts payable $6,148 $4,386
Commissions and bonuses payable 3,531 5,044
Other accrued liabilities 11,998 11,404
Current portion of long-term debt 44 43
Current portion of deferred revenue 73,575 76,995
Total current liabilities 95,296 97,872

Long-term debt, less current portion 57 68
Deferred revenue, net of current portion 38,079 37,665

Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock 34 33
Additional paid-in capital 97,107 95,377
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (536) (292)
Accumulated deficit (60,333) (56,937)
Total stockholders’ equity 36,272 38,181
Total Liabilities Stockholders’ Equity $169,704 $173,786

RightNow Technologies, Inc.
Consolidated Operating Statements
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2008 2007
Revenue:
Software, hosting and support
Recurring * $24,412 $19,225
Perpetual 144 594
Professional services 8,342 5,883
Total revenue 32,898 25,702

Cost of revenue:
Software, hosting and support 5,035 4,394
Professional services 7,285 5,171
Total cost of revenue 12,320 9,565

Gross profit 20,578 16,137

Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing 16,818 15,727
Research and development 4,486 4,296
General and administrative 3,516 2,860
Total operating expenses 24,820 22,883

Loss from operations (4,242) (6,746)

Interest and other income, net 938 828

Loss before income taxes (3,304) (5,918)
Provision for income taxes (92) (84)
Net loss $(3,396) $(6,002)

Net loss per share:
Basic $(0.10) $(0.18)
Diluted $(0.10) $(0.18)

Shares used in the computation:
Basic 33,532 32,858
Diluted 33,532 32,858

Supplemental information of stock-based
compensation expense included in:
Cost of software, hosting and support $77 $58
Cost of professional services 153 125
Sales and marketing 538 658
Research and development 235 226
General and administrative 263 235
Total stock-based compensation $1,266 $1,302

* Recurring revenue includes software, hosting and support revenue from
term license and subscription agreements, and post contract support
services.

RightNow Technologies, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2008 2007
Operating activities:
Net loss $(3,396) $(6,002)
Non-cash adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization 1,954 1,675
Stock-based compensation 1,266 1,302
Provision (recoveries) for losses
on accounts receivable 89 (69)
Changes in operating accounts:
Receivables 7,447 15,427
Prepaid expenses (448) (584)
Deferred commissions (404) (887)
Accounts payable 1,758 (1,133)
Commissions and bonuses payable (1,523) (1,171)
Other accrued liabilities 534 2,881
Deferred revenue (3,434) (6,056)
Other (173) (23)
Cash provided by operating activities 3,670 5,360

Investing activities:
Net change in investments (1,970) 1,549
Acquisition of property and equipment (1,509) (1,987)
Other (15) (29)
Cash (used in) investing activities (3,494) (467)

Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 414 643
Excess benefit of stock options exercised 53 49
Payments on long-term debt (11) (7)
Cash provided by financing activities 456 685

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash
and cash equivalents 278 113

Increase in cash and cash equivalents 910 5,691

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 43,681 39,208
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period $44,591 $44,899

RightNow Technologies, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measurements
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

Diluted Earnings Per Share Reconciliation

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2008 2007
Net loss as reported $(3,396) $(6,002)
Add stock-based compensation (”SBC”) 1,266 1,302
Net loss before SBC $(2,130) $(4,700)

Net loss per share, as reported $(0.10) $(0.18)
Net loss per share, before SBC $(0.06) $(0.14)

Shares outstanding, as reported 33,532 32,858
Shares outstanding, excluding the
effect of SBC 33,532 32,858

Forward-Looking Guidance Reconciliation

GAAP Guidance Non-GAAP Guidance
Quarter ending From To Adjustment From To
June 30, 2008
Net loss $(3,500) $(4,200) $ 1,900 [a] $(1,600) $(2,300)
EPS $(0.10) $(0.12) $(0.05) $(0.07)
Shares 33,800 33,800 33,800 33,800

Year ending
December 31, 2008
Net loss $(8,400) $(10,800) $ 6,600 [a] $(1,800) $(4,200)
EPS $(0.25) $(0.32) $(0.05) $(0.12)
Shares 34,000 34,000 34,000 34,000

[a] Estimated stock-based compensation expense to be recorded for the
periods indicated in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payments, (”SFAS 123R”)
which is effective for periods beginning January 1, 2006.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP net loss and diluted net loss per share are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be used in isolation and should not be considered a substitute for net loss and net loss per share or any other performance measure determined in accordance with GAAP. We present non-GAAP net loss and net loss per share because we consider each to be an important supplemental measure of our performance.
Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to make operational decisions, evaluate the Company’s performance, prepare forecasts and determine compensation. Further, management believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing the Company’s performance when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. Our stock-based compensation expenses are expected to vary depending on the number of new grants issued, changes in our stock price, stock market volatility, expected option lives and risk-free rates of return, all of which are difficult to estimate. In calculating non-GAAP net loss and net loss per share, management excludes stock-based compensation expenses to facilitate its review of the comparability of the Company’s operating performance on a period-to-period basis because such expenses are not, in management’s view, related to the Company’s ongoing operating performance. Management uses this view of its operating performance for purposes of comparison with its business plan and individual operating budgets and resource allocation.
Management further believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in providing greater transparency to the information used by management in its operational decision making. We believe that the use of non-GAAP net loss and net loss per share also facilitate a comparison of RightNow’s underlying operating performance with that of other companies in our industry, which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results.
Calculating non-GAAP net loss and net loss per share have limitations as an analytical tool, and readers should not consider these measures in isolation or as substitutes for GAAP net loss and GAAP net loss per share. In the future, we expect to incur additional stock-based compensation expenses and the exclusion of these expenses in the presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that these costs are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Investors and potential investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool, which include:
* Other companies inside and outside of our industry may calculate
non-GAAP net loss and net loss per share differently than we do,
limiting their usefulness as a comparative tool; and
* The Company’s income tax expense or benefit will be ultimately based
on its GAAP taxable income and actual tax rates in effect, which may
differ significantly from the effective tax rate used in our non-GAAP
financial measures.

In addition, the adjustments to our GAAP financial measures reflect the exclusion of stock-based compensation expenses that are recurring and will be reflected in the Company’s financial results for the foreseeable future. The Company compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amount excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures. The Company further compensates for the limitations of our use of non-GAAP financial measures by presenting comparable GAAP measures more prominently. The Company evaluates the non-GAAP financial measures together with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
Investors and potential investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures contained within this press release with our GAAP net loss and net loss per share. For more information, see the consolidated operating statements and reconciliation of non-GAAP measurements contained in this press release.
RightNow Technologies, Inc.

Posted by : admin in (Health)

Allscripts Reports First Quarter 2008 Results

CHICAGO, April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Allscripts, the leading provider of clinical software, connectivity and information solutions that physicians use to improve healthcare, today announced results for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
(Logo: )
Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $72.1 million, compared to $65.0 million for the same period last year, increasing by 11%. Revenue from software and related services for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $58.6 million, compared to $51.2 million for the same period last year, increasing by approximately 14%.
Gross margin percentage was 50.0% for the first quarter of 2008, compared to 49.6% during the first quarter of 2007.
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $0.1 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.5 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $5.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP adjusted earnings of $6.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share for the same period last year. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are comprised of net income giving effect to the add-back of acquisition-related amortization of $2.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, or $0.04 and $0.02 per diluted share, respectively, net of tax, and total stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, or $0.02 and $0.01 per diluted share, respectively, net of tax. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2008 also give effect to the add-back of transaction-related expenses of $1.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, net of tax. Please see “Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a discussion of non-GAAP adjusted earnings and earnings per share.
As of March 31, 2008, the Company had cash and marketable securities of $61.4 million.
“Allscripts delivered a solid sales performance during the first quarter of 2008 and we continue to make progress in deploying our TouchWorks electronic health record,” said Glen Tullman, Chief Executive Officer of Allscripts. “When you consider that the first quarter is traditionally the slowest of the year, our sales performance demonstrates the strength of the market, the strength of the Allscripts brand, and the confidence our clients and prospects have in our company and our commitment to improving healthcare.”
Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Allscripts reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. To supplement this information, Allscripts presents in this press release non-GAAP net income (and related per share amounts), which is a non-GAAP financial measure under Section 101 of Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Non-GAAP net income consists of GAAP net income, excluding acquisition-related amortization, stock-based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123R, and transaction-related expenses, in each case net of any related tax benefit.
— Acquisition-Related Amortization. Acquisition-related amortization
expense is a non-cash expense arising from the acquisition of
intangible assets in connection with acquisitions or investments.
Allscripts excludes acquisition-related amortization expense from
non-GAAP net income because it believes (i) the amount of such
expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the
underlying performance of Allscripts business operations and (ii) such
expenses can vary significantly between periods as a result of new
acquisitions and full amortization of previously acquired intangible
assets. Investors should note that the use of these intangible assets
contributed to revenue in the periods presented and will contribute to
future revenue generation and should also note that such expense will
recur in future periods.
— Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Stock-based compensation expense is
a non-cash expense arising from the grant of stock awards to
employees. Allscripts excludes stock-based compensation expense from
non-GAAP net income because it believes (i) the amount of such
expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the
underlying performance of Allscripts business operations and (ii) such
expenses can vary significantly between periods as a result of the
timing of grants of new stock-based awards, including grants in
connection with acquisitions. Investors should note that stock-based
compensation is a key incentive offered to employees whose efforts
contributed to the operating results in the periods presented and are
expected to contribute to operating results in future periods and
should also note that such expense will recur in future periods.
— Transaction-Related Expenses. Transaction-related expenses are fees
and expenses, including legal, investment banking and accounting fees,
incurred in connection with announced transactions. Allscripts
excludes transaction-related expenses from non-GAAP net income because
it believes (i) the amount of such expenses in any specific period may
not directly correlate to the underlying performance of Allscripts
business operations and (ii) such expenses can vary significantly
between periods.

Management also believes that non-GAAP net income (and related per share amounts) provides useful supplemental information to management and investors regarding the underlying performance of the Company’s business operations and facilitates comparisons to our historical operating results. Management also uses this information internally for forecasting and budgeting as it believes that the measure is indicative of the Company’s core operating results. Note however, that non-GAAP net income is a performance measure only, and it does not provide any measure of the Company’s cash flow or liquidity. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. Non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with Allscripts results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures with GAAP financial measures contained within the attached condensed consolidated financial statements.
Allscripts will conduct a conference call on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (800) 374-1376 and requesting the Allscripts earnings call, or via the Internet at . A recording of the conference call will be available for two weeks following the call at or by calling (800) 642-1687, ID # 44636385.
About Allscripts
Allscripts is the leading provider of clinical software, connectivity and information solutions that physicians use to improve healthcare. The company’s unique solutions inform, connect and transform healthcare, delivering improved care at lower cost. More than 40,000 physicians and thousands of other healthcare professionals in clinics, hospitals and extended care facilities nationwide utilize Allscripts to automate everyday tasks such as writing prescriptions, documenting patient care, managing billing and scheduling, and safely discharging patients, as well as to connect with key information and stakeholders in the healthcare system. To learn more, visit Allscripts at .
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events, developments, the Company’s future performance, as well as management’s expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outlined below. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: the volume and timing of systems sales and installations; length of sales cycles and the installation process; the possibility that products will not achieve or sustain market acceptance; the timing, cost and success or failure of new product and service introductions, development and product upgrade releases; competitive pressures including product offerings, pricing and promotional activities; our ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships; undetected errors or similar problems in our software products; compliance with existing laws, regulations and industry initiatives and future changes in laws or regulations in the healthcare industry; possible regulation of the Company’s software by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; the possibility of product-related liabilities; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; our ability to identify and complete acquisitions, manage our growth and integrate acquisitions; maintaining our intellectual property rights and litigation involving intellectual property rights; risks related to third-party suppliers; our ability to obtain, use or successfully integrate third-party licensed technology; breach of our security by third parties; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K available through the Web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at . The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

March 31, December 31,
Assets 2008 2007

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $43,721 $43,785
Marketable securities 10,196 5,759
Accounts receivable, net 80,997 81,351
Deferred taxes, net 17,700 16,650
Inventories 6,300 4,178
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets 19,534 17,401
Total current assets 178,448 169,124

Long-term marketable securities 7,464 13,459
Fixed assets, net 21,209 18,238
Software development costs, net 25,509 24,115
Intangible assets, net 104,070 107,503
Goodwill 240,545 240,452
Other assets 4,498 5,252
Total assets $581,743 $578,143

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $14,284 $15,911
Accrued liabilities 23,615 22,707
Accrued acquisition obligation - 8,946
Deferred revenue 55,589 45,940
Current portion of long-term debt 285 279
Other current liabilities - 274
Total current liabilities 93,773 94,057

Long-term debt 135,089 135,162
Deferred income taxes 8,236 6,179
Other liabilities 2,198 2,105
Total liabilities 239,296 237,503

Stockholders’ equity 342,447 340,640

Total liabilities and
stockholders’ equity $581,743 $578,143

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands, except per-share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2008 2007

Revenue:
Software and related services $58,618 $51,240
Prepackaged medications 9,595 10,229
Information services 3,876 3,553
Total revenue 72,089 65,022

Cost of revenue:
Software and related services 25,919 22,382
Prepackaged medications 7,613 8,308
Information services 2,516 2,059
Total cost of revenue (a) 36,048 32,749

Gross profit 36,041 32,273

Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
expenses (b) 31,393 22,374
Amortization of intangibles 3,439 2,576
Income from operations 1,209 7,323

Interest expense (1,644) (933)
Interest income 570 1,049
Other expense, net (5) (12)
Income before income taxes 130 7,427

Income taxes (50) (2,960)
Net income $80 $4,467

Net income per share - basic $0.00 $0.08

Net income per share - diluted $0.00 $0.08
Weighted average shares of common stock
outstanding used in computing basic net
income per share 56,503 54,639

Weighted average shares of common stock
outstanding used in computing diluted net
income per share (c) 57,503 64,462

(a) Includes stock-based compensation of $347 and $82 for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

(b) Includes stock-based compensation of $1,612 and $574 for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

(c) Weighted average diluted shares for the three months ended March 31,
2007 include 7,329 common shares related to the Company’s 3.5%
Senior Convertible Notes. Such shares were antidilutive for the
three months ended March 31, 2008. Interest expense, net of tax,
totaling $522 has been added back to net income for the net income
per diluted share calculation for the three months ended March 31,
2007.

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings and Non-GAAP Adjusted
Earnings Per Share
(amounts in thousands, except per-share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2008 2007

Net Income $80 $4,467

Stock compensation expense (tax effected
at 39% for 2008 and 40% for 2007) 1,195 393
Deal-related amortization (tax effected at
39% for 2008 and 40% for 2007) 2,098 1,545
Transaction-related expenses (tax effected
at 39% for 2008) 1,621 -

Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings $4,994 $6,405

Weighted average shares of common stock
outstanding used in computing diluted
non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share (a) 57,503 64,462

Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings Per Share - diluted $0.09 $0.11

(a) Weighted average diluted shares for the three months ended March 31,
2007 include 7,329 common shares related to the Company’s 3.5% Senior
Convertible Notes. Such shares were antidilutive for the three
months ended March 31, 2008. Interest expense, net of tax, totaling
$522 has been added back to net income for the net income per diluted
share calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.

Posted by : admin in (Semiconductors)

GSI Group Reports First Quarter Results

BILLERICA, Mass., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — GSI Group Inc., , a supplier of precision technology and semiconductor systems, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 28, 2008.
First quarter revenue was $71.7 million, compared to $86.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 and $74.2 million for the first quarter of 2007. Excluding restructuring charges, operating profit was $1.5 million in the first quarter versus $7.7 million in the fourth quarter and $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2007. GAAP net income for the quarter was $2.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to the fourth quarter results of $4.7 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, and $3.2 million, or $0.08 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2007.
First quarter bookings were $56.1 million, compared to $87.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 and $76.9 million in the first quarter of 2007. The book-to-bill ratio was 0.78.
The backlog as of March 28, 2008 was $74.8 million, compared with $79.3 million in the first quarter of 2007. The backlog as of March 28, 2008 includes deferred revenue of $11.7 million.
Dr. Sergio Edelstein, President and CEO commented, “I am pleased with the gains we have made in our Precision Technology segment. The semiconductor and printed circuit board markets softened during the first quarter and we are using this cyclical period to position ourselves for the next upturn and to gain greater operational efficiency. We remain focused on executing our strategy of market penetration, new product launches, building our presence in Asia and integrating our company to optimize efficiency.”
Gross margin was 38.1% in the first quarter, versus 38.0% in the fourth quarter 2007. Operating expenses, excluding restructuring charges were $25.9 million in the first quarter compared to $25.2 million in the fourth quarter. Stock based compensation was $0.8 million in the first quarter versus $0.7 million in the fourth quarter 2007.
Cash and cash equivalents were $170.7 million, down $1.1 million from the fourth quarter. First quarter cash usage includes disbursements of $3.1 million in connection with the Company’s previously announced stock buyback program.
The Company anticipates the following for the second quarter of 2008:
— Revenue to be in the range of $64.0 million to $68.0 million
— Diluted earnings per share, including restructuring charges, at
approximately breakeven.

Dial In: May 1st at 8:30 a.m. ET

GSI Group will host a conference call for investors at 8:30 a.m. Eastern on May 1st. Participants are invited to join by dialing (706) 634-5123 with an access code: 43049719. The replay will be available for two weeks by dialing (706) 645-9291 with the replay passcode: 43049719. The conference call also will be broadcast live over the Internet at .
About GSI Group Inc.
GSI Group Inc. supplies precision technology to the global medical, electronics, and industrial markets and semiconductor systems. GSI Group Inc.’s common shares are listed on Nasdaq (GSIG). Certain statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings, market conditions, tax issues and other matters. All statements contained in this news release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, and are generally identified by words such as “anticipate,”"believe,”"estimate,”"expect,”"intend,”"plan,”"objective” and other similar expressions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward- looking statements contained in this news release. Such statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in condition, significance, value and effect. Other risks include the fact that the Company’s sales have been and are expected to continue to be dependent upon customer capital equipment expenditures, which are, in turn, affected by business cycles in the markets served by those customers. Other factors include volatility in the semiconductor industry, the risk of order delays and cancellations, the risk of delays by customers in introducing their new products and market acceptance of products incorporating subsystems supplied by the Company, risks of currency fluctuations, risks to the Company of delays in its new products, our ability to continue to reduce costs and capital expenditures, our ability to focus R&D investment and integrate acquisitions, changes in applicable accounting standards, tax regulations or other external regulatory rules and standards, and other risks detailed in reports and documents filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and with securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Such risks, uncertainties and changes in condition, significance, value and effect, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, could cause the Company’s actual results and other future events to differ materially from those anticipated. The Company does not, however, assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements. For more information contact: Investor Relations, 978-439-5511, Ray Ruddy, (ext. 6170)
GSI GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(U.S. GAAP and in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts)

March 28, December 31,
ASSETS 2008 2007
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $170,652 $171,714
Accounts receivable, less allowance of
$408 (December 31, 2007 - $372) 72,629 73,527
Income taxes receivable 13,129 12,241
Inventories 66,926 65,522
Deferred tax assets 8,264 8,249
Other current assets 6,926 7,394

Total current assets 338,526 338,647
Property, plant and equipment, net of
accumulated depreciation of $33,103
(December 31, 2007 - $32,263) 33,439 30,817
Deferred tax assets 9,982 9,887
Other assets 1,051 713
Long-term investments 975 854
Intangible assets, net of amortization
of $9,203 (December 31, 2007 - $8,603) 12,349 12,817
Patents and acquired technology, net of
amortization of $41,348 (December 31,
2007 - $40,122) 18,993 20,054
Goodwill 26,421 26,421
Total Assets $441,736 $440,210

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable $14,505 $17,504
Income taxes payable 1,018 1,411
Accrued compensation and benefits 8,537 10,369
Deferred revenue 11,688 9,949
Deferred tax liabilities 286 286
Other accrued expenses 9,729 9,353

Total current liabilities 45,763 48,872
Deferred tax liabilities 7,645 7,589
Accrued long term restructuring 1,019 938
Income taxes payable 3,253 3,537
Accrued pension liability 4,681 4,481
Other long term liabilities 1,106 676

Total liabilities 63,467 66,093
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common shares, no par value; Authorized
shares: unlimited; Issued and outstanding:
41,855,293 (December 31, 2007- 42,161,592) 307,875 310,970
Additional paid-in capital 9,043 8,245
Retained earnings 50,436 48,329
Accumulated other comprehensive income 10,915 6,573

Total stockholders’ equity 378,269 374,117

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’
Equity $441,736 $440,210

GSI GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(U.S. GAAP and in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended
March 28, 2008 March 30, 2007
Sales $71,680 $74,204
Cost of goods sold 44,353 44,769
Gross profit 27,327 29,435
Operating expenses:
Research and development and engineering 7,875 7,657
Selling, general, administrative and other 16,317 13,939
Amortization of purchased intangibles 1,679 1,729
Restructuring expense (benefit) (317) 2,353

Total operating expenses 25,554 25,678

Income from operations 1,773 3,757
Other income (expense) 121 47
Interest income 1,166 1,545
Interest expense (18) (57)
Foreign exchange transaction (losses) gains 59 (371)

Income before income taxes 3,101 4,921
Income tax provision 994 1,721

Net income $2,107 $3,200

Net income per common share:
Basic $0.05 $0.08
Diluted $0.05 $0.08

Weighted average common shares outstanding
(000’s) 41,972 42,001
Weighted average common shares outstanding
for diluted net income per common share (000’s) 42,204 42,252

GSI GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(U.S. GAAP and in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Three Months Ended
March 28, March 30,
2008 2007
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income for the year $2,107 $3,200
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Earnings from equity investment (106) (47)
Depreciation and amortization 3,867 4,124
Unrealized loss on derivatives 14 53
Stock-based compensation 790 329
Deferred income taxes (53) 15
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 557 (5,107)
Inventories (870) 1,529
Other current assets 290 6,010
Accounts payable, accruals and taxes
receivable (2,660) (2,173)

Cash provided by operating activities 3,936 7,933
Cash flows (used in) from investing activities:
Other additions to property, plant and equipment (4,202) (1,842)
Other disposals to property, plant and equipment - 54
Increase in other assets (338) (2)
Decrease in other liabilities 501 18

Cash (used in) from investing activities (4,039) (1,772)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:
Purchase of treasury stock (3,113) (474)
Excess tax benefit of stock options - 54
Issue of share capital (net of issue costs) 18 3,233

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (3,095) 2,813
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 2,136 147

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1,062) 9,121
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 171,714 138,315

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $170,652 $147,436

GSI GROUP INC.
Consolidated Analysis By Segment (unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars)

Three Months Ended
March 28, March 30,
2008 2007
Sales:
Precision Technology business $44,035 $43,625
Semiconductor Systems business 28,767 31,857
Intersegment sales elimination (1) (1,122) (1,278)
Total $71,680 $74,204

Gross profit %:
Precision Technology business 38.4% 35.9%
Semiconductor Systems business 36.0% 43.6%
Intersegment sales elimination (6.2%) 8.2%
Total 38.1% 39.7%

(1) Sales of Precision Technology products to Semiconductor segment

Consolidated Sales Analysis By Geographic Region (unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 28, 2008 March 30, 2007
% of % of
Sales Total Sales Total

North America $31.9 45% $24.1 32%
Latin and South America 0.1 - 0.2 -
Europe (EMEA) 12.3 17 12.8 17
Japan 12.8 18 13.8 19
Asia-Pacific, other 14.6 20 23.2 32
Total $71.7 100% $74.2 100%

GSI Group Inc.