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TEMPE, Ariz., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Rockford Corporation today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $0.1 million, compared to a net loss of $0.9 million for the comparable period in 2007.
Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008, decreased 30.1% to $18.4 million compared to $26.4 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower sales in the mass retail, independent specialist and OEM distribution channels. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 included sales of end-of-life product and initial pipeline shipments of Rockford’s 2007 new product line.
As a percent of net sales, gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2008 increased to 34.5% compared to 29.9% for the same period in 2007. The increase in gross margin percentage was primarily due to lower manufacturing variances, lower sales discounts and higher royalty revenue as a percent of sales.
Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2008, decreased 25.8% to $6.2 million compared to the 2007 level of $8.4 million. In the 2007 period operating expenses included a special charge of approximately $1.1 million primarily related to the Retirement and Salary Continuation Agreement for Rockford’s former Chief Executive Officer.
William R. Jackson, Rockford’s President, commented, “The car audio market continues to be tough. We are seeing softness in the mass retail channel and, to a lesser extent, in our specialist dealers.
“We had a number of factors contributing to this quarter’s poor sales performance. Last year we sold an unusually high amount of end of life products, which increased sales but had a negative impact on margins. This year we did not have the end-of-life inventory issue to work through. In addition, the load in during the first quarter of 2007 of an entire new product line to Best Buy and our specialist dealers also contributed to our reduced sales in 2008. This year we made fewer changes to our product line and did not have a sales load in similar to the one we had in 2007.
“Our OEM business has been impacted by the downturn in the car market. Nissan has reported softness in their truck and SUV sales. Since this has represented our largest market segment with Nissan, their softness had a disproportionate impact on our OEM sales. On a more positive note, Mitsubishi continues to do well, particularly in the international markets.
“We have recently received a letter of acceptance from a new OEM partner. This customer will be launching a new vehicle in the second half of 2009 that will offer a Rockford Fosgate branded audio system. The vehicle will be sold globally, but only the US market vehicles will feature the Rockford Fosgate branded audio system. This new OEM customer is smaller in revenue than our current partners. We continue to believe the OEM business remains an excellent growth opportunity for Rockford.
“We are pleased that our margins continue to climb and the reliability of our products remains excellent. Operationally, we continue to execute our outsourcing model, which is on track to be completed by the end of 2008.
“Our team is working closely with our retail and OEM partners and we hope to have a strong summer season. Although the market remains tough and challenging, we believe our brand strength and great products will remain attractive to consumers.”
About Rockford Corporation ()
Rockford is a designer, marketer and distributor of high-performance audio systems for the mobile audio aftermarket and for the OEM market. Rockford’s mobile audio products are marketed primarily under the Rockford Fosgate(R), Rockford Acoustic Design(TM) and Lightning Audio(R) brand names.
Rockford’s primary brand websites include: , , and .
Forward-looking Statement Disclosure
We make forward-looking statements in this press release including but not limited to statements about our results of operations. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,”"will,”"believe,”"expect,”"anticipate,”"estimate,”"continue,” or other similar words.
Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties. Rockford cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as at the date on which they are made. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Rockford disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements to reflect changes in our expectations or changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which our expectations are based.
Rockford’s revenues continued to decline in 2008, primarily attributable to continued weakness in the mobile audio aftermarket and to the elimination in 2008 of end-of-life and new product load in sales that increased sales in the same period in 2007. The U.S. retail environment for mobile audio appeared to become more difficult during 2007 and early 2008, with many retailers reporting decreases in customer traffic. Negative economic headlines, and increased gasoline prices, appear to have contributed to this difficult environment by making customers and retailers become more conservative in their spending. If sales erode more rapidly in 2008, Rockford may not be able to achieve its business objectives. In this event, Rockford could suffer setbacks in its competitive position, ability to improve its aftermarket and OEM businesses, and overall financial performance. Under such circumstances, Rockford might not be able to sustain the return of its business to profitability achieved in 2007.
When considering our forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements identified in Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2008. The risk factors noted throughout the report, particularly those identified in the discussion in Item 1A of the report, and other risk factors that Rockford has not anticipated or discussed, could cause our actual results to differ significantly from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements.
Rockford Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2008
($000s omitted except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
2007 2008
(unaudited)
Net sales $26,372 $18,445
Cost of goods sold 18,492 12,088

Gross profit 7,880 6,357

Operating expenses 8,408 6,241
Operating income (loss) (528) 116

Interest and other expense 339 207
Loss before income taxes (867) (91)
Income tax expense - -
Net Loss $(867) $(91)

Loss per common share:
Net loss
Basic $(0.09) $(0.01)
Diluted $(0.09) $(0.01)

Weighted average shares:
Basic 9,392 8,883
Diluted 9,392 8,883

Rockford Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
At December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008
(In thousands)
December 31, March 31,
2007 2008
ASSETS (unaudited)

Current assets:
Cash $ - $ -
Accounts receivable, net 15,885 18,870
Inventories 14,352 11,942
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,224 1,068

Total current assets 31,461 31,880

Property and equipment, net 1,905 1,886
Other assets 646 554

Total assets $34,012 $34,320

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $5,794 $6,104
Accrued salaries and incentives 1,415 1,357
Accrued warranty and returns 1,267 1,224
Other accrued liabilities 1,640 2,186
Current portion of other long-term
liabilities 760 562
Asset based credit facility 3,475 3,562

Total current liabilities 14,351 14,995

Notes payable 9,582 9,578
Other long-term liabilities 133 39
Total liabilities 24,066 24,612

Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock 94 94
Additional paid-in-capital 38,319 38,369
Retained deficit (27,569) (27,660)
Treasury stock (898) (1,095)
Total shareholders’ equity 9,946 9,708

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $34,012 $34,320

Rockford Corporation

BEIJING, July 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ — eFuture Information Technology Inc. (”eFuture”), a leading provider of front-end supply chain management software and services in China, today announced the appointment and hiring of Mr. Deliang Tong as chief operating officer in charge of business strategy planning and new business development. Mr. Tong currently serves as president of Beijing eFuture Royalstone Information Inc., a subsidiary of eFuture.
“We’re pleased to announce that Mr. Tong, who we appointed in March, has undertaken his role as chief operating officer effective July 1st,” said Mr. Adam Yan, eFuture’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Mr. Tong’s years of successful experience in management and strategic business development will be an invaluable asset to eFuture as we continue to harness China’s rapidly growing retail sector and provide high-performance front-end supply chain management solutions to a growing number of domestic and international clients.”
Mr. Tong founded Guangzhou Royalstone System Integration Co. Ltd (”Guangzhou Royalstone”) in 1992, and served as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer until eFuture acquired Crownhead Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiary Guangzhou Royalstone in August 2007. Under Mr. Tong’s leadership, Guangzhou Royalstone had become a significant player in China’s supply chain management software and service industry with a strong presence in Southern China and a client list that included a number of China’s 100 companies. eFuture subsequently renamed Guangzhou Royalstone to eFuture Royalstone Information Inc., and Mr. Tong has served as the subsidiary’s president since the acquisition.
From 1991 to 1992, Mr. Tong served as general manager of Southern China for Beijing Stone Group and as department manager for Sichuan Xinchao Computing Group from 1989 to 1991. Mr. Tong received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in software engineering from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.
About eFuture Information Technology Inc.
eFuture is a leading provider of front-end supply chain management software and services in China. eFuture provides integrated software and service solutions to manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, logistics companies and retailers in China’s front-end supply chain market, especially in the retail and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (”FMCG”) industries. eFuture currently serves more than 1,000 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, over 770 retailers and over 200 distributors operating in China. eFuture is also one of IBM’s premier business partners in Asia Pacific and is a strategic partner with Oracle, Microsoft, JDA, Motorola and Samsung Network China. The company has over 650 employees and 20 branch offices across China.
For more information about eFuture, please visit .
Safe Harbor
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,”"expects,”"anticipates,”"future,”"intends,”"plans,”"believes,”"estimates” and similar statements.
eFuture may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to first parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: eFuture’s anticipated growth strategies; eFuture’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; expected changes in the company’s revenues and certain cost or expense items; eFuture’s ability to attract customers and leverage its brand; trends and competition in the software industry; the company’s ability to hire, train and retain qualified managerial and other employees; the company’s ability to develop new software and pilot new business models at desirable locations in a timely and cost-effective manner; the expected growth of the Chinese economy and software market in the retail and consumer goods industries; and Chinese governmental policies relating to private managers and operators of software and applicable tax rates.
Further information regarding these and other risks is included in eFuture’s annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of July 4, 2008, and the company undertakes no duty to update such information or any other forward-looking information, except as required under applicable law.
eFuture Information Technology Inc.

BANGALORE, India, April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — CGI Group Inc., (NYSE: GIB; TSX: GIB.A), a leader in IT and business process services, is pleased to announce the inauguration of its new offices in Bangalore. Located in Electronic City, the new office space will enable the expansion of CGI’s high-end software and business process services.
With offices in Bangalore and Mumbai, India is an integral part of CGI’s unique global delivery model capable of serving clients in multiple geographies from eleven Centers of Excellence around the world. CGI began operations in India in 1991, one of the earliest North American companies to invest in operations in India. Today, CGI employs close to 2000 members in India between its Bangalore and Mumbai Centers of Excellence. CGI’s global delivery expansion includes plans for more than 5000 people by 2011. The group’s work in India is focused on high-end software design and development, application maintenance, business process services and infrastructure management.
“CGI’s new offices in Bangalore are a hallmark of our growth in India. I am pleased to be here with our members to inaugurate our new offices,” said Donna Morea, President, US and India. “India continues to play a vital role in support of our global client base as well as CGI’s growth worldwide.”
Among IT companies in India, CGI stands out with one of the lowest attrition rates, under 12%, and nearly half of CGI’s new hires are referrals from existing members. The low attrition rate coupled with the experience of its workforce provides a high degree of continuity and service excellence to clients. With attractive benefits, a stock ownership plan, and opportunities to travel for projects to Canada, the U.S. and Europe, CGI has retained a highly experienced workforce for the benefit of its clients.
CGI in Bangalore is located at Tower 2, #95/2, Electronic City Phase 1 (west), Bangalore, India 560 100
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is one of the largest independent information technology and business process services firms in the world. CGI and its affiliated companies employ approximately 26,500 professionals. CGI provides end-to-end IT and business process services to clients worldwide from offices in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific as well as from centers of excellence in North America, Europe and India. CGI’s annual revenue run rate stands at $3.7 billion and at December 31st, 2007, CGI’s order backlog was $12.04 billion. CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology and MidCap Indices. Website: .
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are “forward-looking information” within the meaning of sections 138.3 and following of the Ontario Securities Act, as amended. These statements and this information represent CGI Group Inc.’s (”CGI”) intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, of which many are beyond the control of the Company. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. These factors include and are not restricted to the timing and size of new contracts, acquisitions and other corporate developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified members; market competition in the rapidly-evolving information technology industry; general economic and business conditions, foreign exchange and other risks identified in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (”MD&A”) in CGI’s Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (filed on EDGAR at ), and in CGI’s annual and quarterly MD&A and Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities authorities (filed on SEDAR at ), as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. The words “believe,”"estimate,”"expect,”"intend,”"anticipate,”"foresee,”"plan,” and similar expressions and variations thereof, identify certain of such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future performance are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or on this forward-looking information.
CGI GROUP INC.

CALGARY, April 24 /PRNewswire/ — OSUM Oil Sands Corp, the only junior oil sands company with a material position in the established Cold Lake thermal trend, has appointed Steve Spence to its senior leadership team. In his new role as Vice President, Projects, Mr. Spence will provide leadership to OSUM’s business units and direct the development of four distinct projects located in the Cold Lake region and in Alberta’s carbonate reservoirs. Mr. Spence will manage the company’s overall project strategy in these two regions, and foster highly competent teams that will advance the company’s business objectives.
Steve brings deep and broad oil sands experience to OSUM that further enhances its capabilities at Cold Lake and in the emerging giant bitumen resource play found in carbonate reservoirs. Specific thermal oil sands experience includes leading the development and project management for Shell Canada’s proposed 100,000 barrel per day Peace River project, and leading the implementation of the Orion SAGD Project in Cold Lake.
“Throughout his career, Steve has demonstrated outstanding strategic and leadership abilities that will be an incredible asset to OSUM,” said the company’s President and COO Peter Putnam. “His specific experience leading thermal recovery projects in the Cold Lake region will also benefit our company and help us create value as we execute our plans in the years to come.”
In recent months, OSUM has attracted numerous accomplished individuals with significant experience developing thermal projects in the Cold Lake region. Mr. Spence is the company’s fifth key hire in the last six months with Cold Lake experience on existing bitumen projects in the area.
Mr. Spence is an active member of APEGGA, the Canadian Heavy Oil Association, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
About OSUM:
OSUM Oil Sands Corp. is a privately held Alberta based company whose mission is to provide secure, safe energy to North Americans though innovative and environmentally responsible business practice.
Cautionary Information and Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release, including the documents incorporated by reference, may contain projections and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that phrase under Canadian and U.S. securities laws. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions may be used to identify forward-looking statements. Those statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or conditions, including prospective results of operations, financial position, predictions of future actions or plans or strategies.
Certain material factors and assumptions were applied in drawing our conclusions and making those forward looking statements. By their nature, those statements reflect management’s current views, beliefs and assumptions and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, known and unknown, and assumptions, including, without limitation, machinery development or production delays, changing environmental regulations, the ability to attract and retain business partners, the ability to exploit hydrocarbon resources with our technology, future levels of government funding, the need to obtain and maintain proprietary rights over our technology, competition from other technologies, the ability to access the capital required for research, technology development, operations and marketing, the need to generate positive cash flow in the foreseeable future, changes in energy prices and currency levels.
Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions underlying our projections or forward-looking statements prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, plans, events or otherwise.
Our securities are not traded on any stock exchange in Canada and thus, OSUM is not subject to regulation by any Canadian stock exchange. Our securities are also not registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 nor are they traded on any securities or stock exchange in the United States. As a result, we are not presently subject to the reporting, certification or other requirements imposed on U.S. registered issuers under, among other things, U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (”SOX”).
OSUM Oil Sands Corp.

ARLINGTON, Va., April 24 /PRNewswire/ — The Washington business Journal is pleased to announce the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Greater Washington for 2008:
— AIS (Applied Information Sciences)
— Akridge
— Allstate Insurance Company, Capital Region
— Argy, Wiltse & Robinson, P.C.
— Aronson & Company
— Balfour Beatty Construction
— BE&K Building Group
— Bingham McCutchen LLP
— Boland
— Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co.
— Capterra
— Cassaday & Company, Inc.
— Cocke, Szpanka & Taylor, CPAs, PC
— CresaPartners
— Crucial Security, Inc.
— Dataprise, Inc.
— Dickstein Shapiro LLP
— Distributive Networks
— ENSCO, INC.
— Gensler
— Global Engineering Solutions, Inc.
— HITT Contracting Inc.
— Howrey LLP
— Hunton & Williams LLP
— James G. Davis Construction Corporation
— Jones Lang LaSalle
— Kearney & Company
— Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant Group
— KPMG, LLP
— Mark G Anderson Consultants
— Miller and Smith, Inc.
— Morrison & Foerster LLP
— Ntiva, Inc.
— Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
— PricewaterhouseCoopers
— Quadrant, Inc.
— Quest Diagnostics Inc.
— rand* construction corporation
— Sightline Marketing
— Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
— Spider Strategies
— STUDLEY
— Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.
— TerpSys
— The Meltzer Group
— The Peterson Companies
— The Staubach Company — Northeast, Inc.
— Turner Construction Company & Tompkins Builders
— ViON Corporation
— Vocus, Inc.

The Best Places to Work Awards is an event representing the excellent spirit and diverse characteristics of the many top companies across our region. The winners will be ranked according to four categories: Small, Medium, Large local and Large non-local, for companies whose headquarters are not located in the Greater Washington area.
The Washington business Journal, along with sponsors Littler Mendelson, Quantum Market Research, and Reznick Group will announce the rankings of the winners at a breakfast awards program on Friday, June 13 at the McLean Hilton hotel at 7:30 a.m. Also, winning companies will be profiled in the June 20 edition of the Washington business Journal.
To register for this event and for more information please visit: . Questions concerning the event can be directed to Lauren Perusse at 703-258-0889 or
The Washington business Journal is owned and operated by American City business Journals, the nation’s largest publisher of metropolitan business newspapers. American City business Journals also includes Bizjournals, the new media division, which operates the Web sites for each of the company’s 41 print business journals. The Washington business Journal has been Greater Washington’s leading source of business news and information for more than 20 years, providing over 150,000 business executives with comprehensive news on local people and their companies, as well as industry trends, tips and strategies and award-winning critical analysis. For more information, please visit http://washington.bizjournals.com.
The Washington business Journal

LOS ANGELES, April 24 /PRNewswire/ — Leading retail marketing agency Creative Channel Services, LLC (CCS) has announced the addition of Cynder Niemela to its executive team as Senior Vice President and Chief Talent Officer. In this leadership role, Niemela is responsible for organizational development & effectiveness, talent management and human resources, with the mission of accelerating client solutions by linking CCS’ people and talent with the company’s market strategy, resulting in increased value and performance for CCS and its clients. CCS focuses on helping manufacturers and retailers create an outstanding shopping experience by empowering retail sales professionals with the knowledge and tools to assist shoppers with their product questions and other needs.
“We are thrilled to welcome a professional of Cynder Niemela’s caliber to our team,” said Andy Restivo, President and CEO of CCS. “Following our business strategy and the core principles of the service-profit chain, Cynder will drive the company’s focus on developing top talent through employee engagement and a performance-oriented team culture. In so doing, Cynder will help CCS achieve the highest levels of client service and results, and, ultimately, customer satisfaction and loyalty.”
Cynder Niemela is a Master Certified Coach (MCC) with Masters Degrees in business and consulting psychology and more than 20 years of experience coaching executives, businesses and sports teams worldwide. As an expert in organizational development and change management, she has specialized in working with global leaders and geographically dispersed teams who enacted enterprise-wide culture change initiatives, such as Boeing, Ernst & Young and other Fortune 100 Companies. Niemela has authored and been featured in numerous articles on the subject of talent management, and her book, “Leading High Impact Teams: The Coach Approach to Peak Performance,” was published in 2001 and voted one of the top 10 business books in 2002 and 2003 by CEO Refresher.
“I look forward to bringing my experience in human resources, leadership, coaching, diversity, business culture, as well as organizational structure and processes to CCS,” said Niemela. “Employee engagement is key to creating a world-class organization - it drives value and results not only from within, but also plays an integral role in delivering outstanding service, results and value for a company’s clients, and, ultimately, consumers at the point of sale. I am excited to contribute to CCS’ vision and commitment to developing and strengthening the company’s talented employees and winning culture.”
About Creative Channel Services, LLC ()
Creative Channel Services (CCS) is a leading retail marketing agency focused on helping manufacturers and retailers improve sales performance by creating influence at the point of sale. CCS’ integrated solutions include field sales & marketing, training development, interactive services and promotional marketing, with a primary focus on creating brand advocacy through retail sales associates. Established in 1995 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, CCS is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (), a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
For more information, contact:
Mark Boeder, Director of Marketing
Creative Channel Services, LLC
[direct] 310.242.9345
[office] 310.665.9900 x345

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Andy Restivo
Creative Channel Services, LLC

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire/ — Wireless customers who subscribe to plans that offer additional services such as in-network calling and unlimited text and picture messaging are typically more satisfied and exhibit greater loyalty than subscribers without unlimited plans, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 U.S. Wireless Contract Regional Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study(SM)-Volume 1 released today.
(Logo: )
The study finds that more than 25 percent of current wireless customers purchase plan upgrades, which typically offer unlimited use of text messaging, downloads, and picture and video services for a flat rate. Overall customer satisfaction with wireless carriers is notably higher among these customers, compared with those whose plans have usage limits. On average, unlimited messaging plan customers are 33 percent less likely to switch service providers in the next year compared with limited plan customers.
“Considering that these plans seem to boost overall satisfaction as well as lower switching intent, it’s not unexpected that more carriers have expanded their unlimited service plan options to include flat-rate pricing,” said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. “Wireless customers who are high-volume users typically benefit the most, as they are more likely to exceed their monthly plan minutes, and unlimited plans solve that issue.”
Wireless carriers also benefit, as typical customers of unlimited messaging upgrades tend to spend almost twice as much on their monthly service than traditional calling plan customers, on average — $92 versus $57, respectively.
The semiannual study measures customer satisfaction based on six key factors that impact overall wireless carrier performance. In order of importance, they are: call quality (32%); brand image (17%); cost of service (14%); service plan options (14%); billing (12%); and customer service (11%). Carriers are ranked across six regions in the United States: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, North Central, Southwest and West.
Verizon Wireless ranks highest in four regions — Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, North Central and West — and performs particularly well in call quality and brand image in each of these regions. T-Mobile ranks highest in the Southwest region, while Alltel ranks highest in the Southeast region.
Study results by region are:
Northeast Region: Verizon Wireless ranks highest for a second consecutive time, performing particularly well in brand image and call quality.
Mid-Atlantic Region: Verizon Wireless ranks highest for a sixth consecutive time, performing well in call quality and brand image.
Southeast Region: Alltel ranks highest in the region for a third consecutive time, performing well in all six factors contributing to satisfaction and performing particularly well in service plan options.
North Central Region: Verizon Wireless ranks highest for a sixth consecutive time, performing particularly well in brand image, call quality and customer service.
Southwest Region: T-Mobile ranks highest for a seventh consecutive time, performing well in all six factors driving overall satisfaction. T-Mobile performs particularly well in cost of service, billing and customer care.
West Region: Verizon Wireless ranks highest, performing particularly well in billing, call quality, customer care and brand image.
Volume 1 of the 2008 U.S. Wireless Contract Regional Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study is based on responses from 22,052 wireless users. The results are based on the two most recent reporting waves, which were conducted in September 2007 and January 2008. For more information on customer satisfaction with wireless retail sales, cell phone handsets, customer care, prepaid wireless service and business wireless service, please visit JDPower.com.
Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Rankings

Northeast Region
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Provider Index Score J.D. Power.com Power Circle
Ratings For Consumers
Verizon Wireless 692 5

T-Mobile 682 4

AT&T 659 3

Sprint Nextel 616 2

Included in the Northeast Region are: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Mid-Atlantic Region
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Provider Index Score J.D. Power.com Power Circle
Ratings For Consumers
Verizon Wireless 705 5
T-Mobile 697 5

AT&T 669 3

Sprint Nextel 619 2

Included in the Mid-Atlantic Region are: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Southeast Region
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Provider Index Score J.D. Power.com Power Circle
Ratings For Consumers
Alltel 734 5
Verizon Wireless 729 5
T-Mobile 726 5

AT&T 696 3

Sprint Nextel 619 2

Included in the Southeast Region are: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
North Central Region
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Provider Index Score J.D. Power.com Power Circle
Ratings For Consumers
Verizon Wireless 705 5
T-Mobile 702 5

Alltel 697 4
U.S. Cellular 690 4

AT&T 667 3

Sprint Nextel 627 2

Included in the North Central Region are: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Southwest Region
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Provider Index Score J.D. Power.com Power Circle
Ratings For Consumers
T-Mobile 715 5

Verizon Wireless 704 4
Alltel 701 4

AT&T 688 3

Sprint Nextel 619 2

Included in the Southwest Region are: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
West Region
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Provider Index Score J.D. Power.com Power Circle
Ratings For Consumers
Verizon Wireless 694 5
T-Mobile 690 5

Alltel 666 3
AT&T 662 3
Qwest 658 3

Sprint Nextel 617 2

Included in the West Region are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at .
J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:
John Tews Syvetril Perryman
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J.D. Power and Associates

ZURICH, Switzerland, May 28 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Business, a leader in the delivery of global Internet protocol-based enterprise communications, and Swisscom, Switzerland’s leading telecommunications provider, today announced an alliance that will provide enhanced global service and support capabilities to Swiss multinational companies and companies with operations in the Swiss market.
Swisscom and Verizon business have established a preferred partnership that will deliver network and information and communications technology services and solutions to their customers. Swisscom customers with multinational operations will gain seamless access to Verizon Business’ expansive global network and solutions; Verizon business customers with operations in the Swiss market will likewise be able to benefit from Swisscom’s extensive local market expertise, dense infrastructure and customer service organization. Customers that are served by both companies will benefit from an enhanced customer experience, with a streamlined service offering around the globe including integrated networks, convergent services, seamless processes and comprehensive customer services.
Under the alliance, a specialist team drawn from both companies will be created to serve joint Swisscom and Verizon business multinational customers. The new team will offer customers a single point of contact to fulfill both their local and global communications requirements.
Swisscom is an acknowledged leader in the delivery of enterprise communication services within the Swiss market, while Verizon business is recognized for its extensive global networks and ability to deliver integrated communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Additionally, both companies deliver security and IT outsourcing solutions.
“This alliance will significantly enhance our ability to meet the global communications needs of multinational customers based in, or operating in, the Swiss marketplace,” said Urs Schaeppi, head of corporate business and a member of Swisscom’s executive board. “Simplifying infrastructure management is a key concern for CIOs who are being asked to streamline costs, yet enhance performance. In Verizon Business, we have a partner with the global knowledge, reach and breadth of capabilities to perfectly complement our own deep local experience and close customer relationships. We look forward to bringing both companies’ expertise to bear in the service of our joint customers.”
Blair Crump, Verizon business group president, international and premier accounts, said, “The Swiss market is unique in terms of the high proportion of multinational corporations with local headquarters. To ensure operational integrity both locally and with dispersed global sites, these corporations have exceptionally high expectations of both their in-country and global communications infrastructure. This alliance is all about helping our joint customers to more effectively serve their own customers; we will be able to focus each company’s operations to better serve their customers’ needs.”
Both Swisscom and Verizon business will continue to operate as usual within the Swiss market and globally to serve their respective customers not affected by this alliance.
About Swisscom Corporate Business
Whether voice or data, mobile or fixed network, individual products or integrated solutions: As the leading business communications provider, Swisscom Corporate business supports its customers with the planning, implementation and operation of their IT and communications infrastructure, offering cost-effective solutions and reliable services
About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications , operates the world’s most connected public IP network and uses its industry-leading global-network capabilities to offer large-business and government customers an unmatched combination of security, reliability and speed. The company integrates advanced IP communications and information technology (IT) products and services to deliver leading enterprise solutions including managed services, security, mobility, collaboration and professional services. These solutions power innovation and enable the company’s customers to do business better. For more information, visit .
Verizon Business

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — . TIBCO Software Inc. today announced TUCON(R) 08, the company’s annual user conference, is being held April 29-May 2, 2008 at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel.
TUCON 08 will feature keynotes from global business leaders at Allstate Corp., BMC Software, The Carphone Warehouse, Citigroup and Infosys Technologies. They will discuss how they are leveraging TIBCO’s software infrastructure to achieve business innovation and agility to stay ahead of the competition.
“TUCON gives you the opportunity to meet and share ideas with peers who are dealing with similar business demands. They get to learn from you and you get to learn from them,” said TUCON 07 attendee, Dave Partsch with Geisinger Health System.
TUCON represents the world’s largest gathering of TIBCO experts and provides a valuable opportunity to interact and learn how other companies are implementing SOA, BPM and business optimization solutions to derive maximum business value.
“We’ve been a long term customer of TIBCO and we still benefit from TUCON because of the rich information about TIBCO’s future direction and tips on product features,” said TUCON 07 attendee Jun Dong from sanofi-avantis.
TUCON 08 features:
— A choice of over 60 in-depth educational sessions across TIBCO Products
and Technology including:
— TIBCO’s Product and Technology Direction
— Service Oriented Architecture: From Principles to Best Practices
— Development: From Ajax to low latency messaging to standards like
SCA
— Optimization: Event processing based solutions to Next Generation
Analytics
— Process Improvement: Success Stories, Best Practices, and
Implementation Methodologies
— A Solutions Showcase that offers a place to engage in one-on-one
discussions with TIBCO product managers, professional services
consultants, engineers and other experts
— More than 60 partners from 24 countries form TIBCO’s partner ecosystem

“TUCON attendees are setting the standard for IT business innovation - not only within their organizations but around the world,” said Ram Menon, executive vice president, Worldwide Marketing at TIBCO Software Inc. “We’re proud of the fact that 99 percent of last year’s attendees said they would attend TUCON again.”
Users will come away with tools and techniques that make them more efficient and enable them to drive more value out of their software infrastructure.
For more information about the conference and to register, please visit: .
About TIBCO
TIBCO digitized Wall Street in the ’80s with its event-driven “Information Bus” software, which helped make real-time business a strategic differentiator in the ’90s. Today, TIBCO’s infrastructure software gives customers the ability to constantly innovate by connecting applications and data in a service-oriented architecture, streamlining activities through business process management, and giving people the information and intelligence tools they need to make faster and smarter decisions, what we call The Power of Now(R). TIBCO serves more than 3,000 customers around the world with offices in 20 countries and an ecosystem of over 200 partners. Learn more at .
TIBCO, The Power of Now, TUCON and TIBCO Software are trademarks or registered trademarks of TIBCO Software Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other product and company names and marks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned for identification purposes only.
TIBCO Software Inc.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., July 21 /PRNewswire/ — Custom Computer Specialists Inc. (Custom) announced today that it has acquired UNICOM Technology Group, Inc. (UNICOM), a Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based expert consulting organization that provides technology solutions to corporate, education, government, and healthcare clients throughout New England.
The acquisition will enable both organizations to broaden their service offerings, increase market and technology specific investments, adopt respective best practices, and expand geographic coverage.
Highlights include:
– Creation of a Northeast regional services firm dedicated to helping clients align their technology environment with their business objectives
– Focused solutions for K-12 institutions including market leading E-Rate expertise and the provision of Infinite Campus(TM) Student Data Management System licensing, implementation, and support services
– Healthcare market expertise to support provider, plan management, and life science organizations
– Enhanced disaster recovery, business continuity, and regulatory compliance solutions
– A full portfolio of IT service offerings including application development, infrastructure, and support services
– The ability to handle large scale deployment and support projects across the Northeast
– A seasoned team of over 200 highly trained engineers, technicians, and developers holding multiple advanced certifications
“We are extremely pleased to welcome UNICOM into our family,” said John McSweeney, Custom’s President. “Together, our organizations will be able to offer a far greater depth of resources and an expanded set of capabilities. Our similarities in corporate culture, solution approach, and business philosophy will enable us to maintain our creativity, flexibility, and client-centric personal service. We are expecting immediate and demonstrable benefits for our clients, partners, and personnel. This is going to be fun!”
In New England, the organization will continue to operate as UNICOM. All client teams remain in place and will be supported with the know-how, best practices, and expanded capabilities of the combined firm. On August 1, 2008 UNICOM will relocate offices to Blackstone Valley Place in Lincoln, RI and re-affirm its long standing commitment to Rhode Island. The combined firm expects to grow throughout New England and the Northeast, creating high wage, “knowledge work” positions.
Michael Davis, President and CEO, UNICOM added, “We have known and collaborated with Custom for over 20 years. Our combined strengths allow us to create enormous value on behalf of our clients and deeply support their technology investments. We are ready to grow and I am very excited to be part of such a great team!” Mr. Davis will join Custom as Executive Vice President, responsible for New England operations.
The acquisition closed on July 14th, 2008. All UNICOM team members will join Custom to create a combined organization with 295 employees.
About Custom Computer Specialists, Inc.
Headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, Custom Computer Specialists, Inc. has provided technology solutions since 1979. For almost thirty years, Custom has delivered expected results for clients in the public sector, healthcare, higher education, and corporate markets. Specializing in large-scale technology projects and comprehensive support solutions, Custom creates client specific solutions from a wide array of information technology products and services. Custom has been the recipient of a host of recent industry awards and recognition, and was included in the Top 200 Private New York Metro Companies list (Crain’s New York Business); named #1 Technical Consultant (Long Island business News); listed among the Top 100 Government VARs for the past 3 years; and is consistently listed amongst the nation’s top 500 integrators as reported by the VAR business 500.
About UNICOM Technology Group, Inc.
UNICOM combines expert analysis with practical experience to help clients make better technology decisions. UNICOM specializes in designing, implementing, and supporting technology solutions for the corporate, education, government, and healthcare markets and is a valued service provider to clients throughout New England.
Custom Computer Specialists Inc.