Tech News

  • ChinaNet Online Holdings Receives Award at the 'Top-ranked Service Provider for SMEs' Conference

    BEIJING, Oct. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET) ("ChinaNet" or the "Company"), a leading B2B (business to business) Internet technology company providing online-to-offline (O2O) sales channel expansion services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial management and networking services for entrepreneurs in the People's Republic of China, today announced that it received an award at the 'Top-ranked Service Provider For SMEs' conference organized by the China Center for Promotion of SME Development of Ministry, Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China in Suzhou, China.

    The 'Top-rank Service Provider for SMEs' conference was organized to integrate leading business service providers and to facilitate SMEs' development with business intelligence, innovation, cooperation and communication. Government officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, local government and business representatives from top-ranked service providers attended the conference.

    ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. and other 55 leading companies including Postal Savings Bank of China, SAP, China Telecom and Ping'an Bank, were ranked 'Top-rank Service Provider' for SMEs for their dedication and efforts in promoting SMEs with sales expansion and data analysis to help gain competitive advantages. ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. took credit for its business service span for SMEs covering upstream business planning, business analysis, and positioning, branding and downstream sales expansion and after-sales reassessment, all based on the data that ChinaNet collected and analyzed.

    "ChinaNet is honored to receive this prize for our continuous effort in serving SMEs," said George Chu, Chief Operating Officer of ChinaNet Online Holdings. "We are focused on helping SMEs achieve their goals by providing our sales channel expansion and data analysis services. We are thrilled to see our brand management and Business Direct 3.0 solutions successfully help our customers to be more profitable. We are keen on levering our know-how and data pool in promoting SMEs' in the future.

    About ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.

    The Company, a parent company of ChinaNet Online Media Group Ltd., incorporated in the BVI ("ChinaNet"), is a leading digital B2B (business to business) Internet technology company focusing on providing O2O sales channel expansion service for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial management and networking service for entrepreneurs in China. The Company, through certain contractual arrangements with operating companies in the PRC, provides Internet advertising and other services for Chinese SMEs via its portal websites, 28.com, Liansuo.com and Chuangye.com, TV commercials and program production via China-Net TV, and in-house LCD advertising on banking kiosks targeting Chinese banking patrons. Website: http://www.chinanet-online.com.

    Safe Harbor

    This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc., which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including business uncertainties relating to government regulation of our industry, market demand, reliance on key personnel, future capital requirements, competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are or will be described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on ChinaNet's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting ChinaNet will be those anticipated by ChinaNet. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the Company) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. ChinaNet undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    CONTACT: MZ North America Ted Haberfield, President Direct: +1-760-755-2716 Email: thaberfield@mzgroup.us Web: www.mzgroup.us

  • Mad Catz Ships the R.A.T. PRO S Tournament Grade Gaming Mouse for PC

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT:MCZ) (TSX:MCZ) announced today the shipping of the R.A.T. PROs, a high performance PC gaming mouse designed to give gamers a competitive edge during tournament play through a winning formula of speed and agility.

    Following the critically acclaimed R.A.T. PROX™ as the latest entry in Mad Catz' R.A.T. PRO series, the R.A.T. PROs combines aggressive looks with eSports focused performance features and user customization options.

    A high-performance 5000 DPI Pixart PMW3310 infrared optical sensor powers this lightweight mouse (77 grams; 2.71 oz.) that glides effortlessly atop PTFE feet. As with all R.A.T. PRO series gaming mice, the R.A.T. PROs features Mad Catz' signature 'Precision Aim' button that temporarily slows the DPI speed of the mouse. A perfect aid for MOBA and FPS gamers alike, the R.A.T. PROs Precision Aim button features two standard DPI settings and enables players to further personalize the settings to match their style of play.

    Based on input from eSports competitors, the R.A.T. PROwas designed for tournament play with three configurable on-board memory profiles and auto-profile recognition software that automatically switches the R.A.T. PROs settings to each gamers' preferred profile upon detection of their chosen game.

    "Together with the R.A.T. PROX, the R.A.T. PROs illustrates Mad Catz' next-generation of PC gaming and our commitment to designing high-performance products that enhance the experience of competitive gamers," said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. "The R.A.T. PROs combines blistering speed, lightweight design and user customization options, making it an ideal gaming mouse for tournament gamers and beyond, and we look forward to it contributing positively to our Holiday 2015 lineup of products." 

    For additional information on the R.A.T. PROs, please visit:

    http://store.madcatz.com/Mad-Catz-R-A-T-PRO-S-Gaming-Mouse-for-PC

    About Mad Catz

    Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT:MCZ) (TSX:MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands.  Mad Catz products cater to passionate gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows® PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices.  Mad Catz distributes its products through its online store as well as distribution via many leading retailers around the globe.  Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia. For additional information about Mad Catz and its products, please visit the Company's website at www.madcatz.com

    Social Media

    https://www.facebook.com/MadCatz.Global http://twitter.com/MadCatz http://www.youtube.com/MadCatzCompany

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Information in this press release that involves the Company's expectations business prospects, plans, intentions or strategies regarding its future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "should," "plan," "goal," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause the Company's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include  the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company's licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company's current products; first-party price reductions; availability of capital under our credit facility; commercial acceptance of new in-home gaming consoles; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; unanticipated product delays; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these and other factors, risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company's most recent annual report, and any subsequent quarterly reports, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators.  The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

    Mad Catz, the Mad Catz logo, R.A.T., R.A.T.PROXand R.A.T. PROs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., its affiliates and/or subsidiary companies.  All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    CONTACT: Mad Catz Communications: Alex Verrey Global PR and Communications Director averrey@madcatz.com or +44 (0) 1633 883 133 Karen McGinnis Chief Financial Officer kmcginnis@madcatz.com or (858) 790-5008 Investor Relations: Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, Jim Leahy JCIR mcz@jcir.com or (212) 835 8500

  • ChinaNet Online Holdings Receives Award at the 'Top-ranked Service Provider for SMEs' Conference

    BEIJING, Oct. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET) ("ChinaNet" or the "Company"), a leading B2B (business to business) Internet technology company providing online-to-offline (O2O) sales channel expansion services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial management and networking services for entrepreneurs in the People's Republic of China, today announced that it received an award at the 'Top-ranked Service Provider For SMEs' conference organized by the China Center for Promotion of SME Development of Ministry, Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China in Suzhou, China.

    The 'Top-rank Service Provider for SMEs' conference was organized to integrate leading business service providers and to facilitate SMEs' development with business intelligence, innovation, cooperation and communication. Government officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, local government and business representatives from top-ranked service providers attended the conference.

    ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. and other 55 leading companies including Postal Savings Bank of China, SAP, China Telecom and Ping'an Bank, were ranked 'Top-rank Service Provider' for SMEs for their dedication and efforts in promoting SMEs with sales expansion and data analysis to help gain competitive advantages. ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. took credit for its business service span for SMEs covering upstream business planning, business analysis, and positioning, branding and downstream sales expansion and after-sales reassessment, all based on the data that ChinaNet collected and analyzed.

    "ChinaNet is honored to receive this prize for our continuous effort in serving SMEs," said George Chu, Chief Operating Officer of ChinaNet Online Holdings. "We are focused on helping SMEs achieve their goals by providing our sales channel expansion and data analysis services. We are thrilled to see our brand management and Business Direct 3.0 solutions successfully help our customers to be more profitable. We are keen on levering our know-how and data pool in promoting SMEs' in the future.

    About ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc.

    The Company, a parent company of ChinaNet Online Media Group Ltd., incorporated in the BVI ("ChinaNet"), is a leading digital B2B (business to business) Internet technology company focusing on providing O2O sales channel expansion service for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial management and networking service for entrepreneurs in China. The Company, through certain contractual arrangements with operating companies in the PRC, provides Internet advertising and other services for Chinese SMEs via its portal websites, 28.com, Liansuo.com and Chuangye.com, TV commercials and program production via China-Net TV, and in-house LCD advertising on banking kiosks targeting Chinese banking patrons. Website: http://www.chinanet-online.com.

    Safe Harbor

    This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc., which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including business uncertainties relating to government regulation of our industry, market demand, reliance on key personnel, future capital requirements, competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are or will be described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on ChinaNet's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting ChinaNet will be those anticipated by ChinaNet. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the Company) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. ChinaNet undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    CONTACT: MZ North America Ted Haberfield, President Direct: +1-760-755-2716 Email: thaberfield@mzgroup.us Web: www.mzgroup.us

  • Dannon Names TubeMogul Its Preferred Partner for Video Advertising

    The leading maker of yogurt in the U.S. centralizes cross-screen video advertising on TubeMogul's software

    EMERYVILLE, Calif. and WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, The Dannon Company named TubeMogul (NASDAQ:TUBE) its preferred partner for video advertising in the U.S.A.

    Dannon's internal media team and agency partners will use TubeMogul's software for media planning, buying, optimization and measurement. The collaboration spans Dannon's portfolio of brands, including the company's namesake Dannon®, Activia®, Danimals®, Oikos®, Light & Fit®.

    "As digital video continues to grow in importance in our general media mix, we're always looking for ways to improve how we convey the benefits of our products," said Claudia Sargent, Vice President of Media & Marketing Services, North America at The Dannon Company. "In that context, TubeMogul provides improved transparency over traditional buying techniques in the digital video buying space."

    TubeMogul was appointed after a competitive selection process. Key in winning the deal was TubeMogul's position as an independent, buy-side company that offers full transparency into economics and performance. TubeMogul's ability to target specific audiences and provide real-time measurement to inform strategy also played a role in the decision.

    "People buy and enjoy yogurt for a variety of reasons, which is why we make such a diverse range of products to a diverse range of individuals," continued Sargent. "The increased transparency, targeting capabilities and feedback-loop we now have helps us to fulfill our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible and encourage Americans to enjoy yogurt every day."

    The first campaigns executed under the partnership went live earlier this month.

    "Dannon is a great example of a major brand placing importance on independence and transparency," said Keith Eadie, Chief Marketing Officer at TubeMogul. "We are excited that our software can help them in their mission, which is bigger than brand-building -- it's supporting health and nutrition for all Americans."

    About Dannon

    Headquartered in White Plains, New York, Dannon has plants in Minster, OH, Fort Worth, TX, West Jordan, UT, and Portland, OR, which make more than 200 different flavors, styles and sizes of cultured refrigerated and frozen dairy products to serve the diverse needs of its retail and foodservice customers. Dannon strives to bring health through food to as many people as possible via its wide offering of delicious and wholesome refrigerated and frozen yogurts. Dannon is a subsidiary of Danone, and Dannon is the top-selling brand of yogurt worldwide, sold under the names Dannon and Danone. For more information, visit dannon.com.

    About TubeMogul

    TubeMogul (NASDAQ:TUBE) is an enterprise software company for brand advertising. By reducing complexity, improving transparency and leveraging real-time data, our platform enables advertisers to gain greater control of their global advertising spend and achieve their brand advertising objectives. TubeMogul was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Emeryville, California with operations in Kyiv, London, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto and offices across the United States.

    TubeMogul and the TubeMogul logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TubeMogul, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

    CONTACT: Media Contact: David Burch david@tubemogul.com 510-653-0501 Investor Relations Contact: Alex Wellins The Blueshirt Group investor@tubemogul.com

  • Dannon Names TubeMogul Its Preferred Partner for Video Advertising

    The leading maker of yogurt in the U.S. centralizes cross-screen video advertising on TubeMogul's software

    EMERYVILLE, Calif. and WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, The Dannon Company named TubeMogul (NASDAQ:TUBE) its preferred partner for video advertising in the U.S.A.

    Dannon's internal media team and agency partners will use TubeMogul's software for media planning, buying, optimization and measurement. The collaboration spans Dannon's portfolio of brands, including the company's namesake Dannon®, Activia®, Danimals®, Oikos®, Light & Fit®.

    "As digital video continues to grow in importance in our general media mix, we're always looking for ways to improve how we convey the benefits of our products," said Claudia Sargent, Vice President of Media & Marketing Services, North America at The Dannon Company. "In that context, TubeMogul provides improved transparency over traditional buying techniques in the digital video buying space."

    TubeMogul was appointed after a competitive selection process. Key in winning the deal was TubeMogul's position as an independent, buy-side company that offers full transparency into economics and performance. TubeMogul's ability to target specific audiences and provide real-time measurement to inform strategy also played a role in the decision.

    "People buy and enjoy yogurt for a variety of reasons, which is why we make such a diverse range of products to a diverse range of individuals," continued Sargent. "The increased transparency, targeting capabilities and feedback-loop we now have helps us to fulfill our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible and encourage Americans to enjoy yogurt every day."

    The first campaigns executed under the partnership went live earlier this month.

    "Dannon is a great example of a major brand placing importance on independence and transparency," said Keith Eadie, Chief Marketing Officer at TubeMogul. "We are excited that our software can help them in their mission, which is bigger than brand-building -- it's supporting health and nutrition for all Americans."

    About Dannon

    Headquartered in White Plains, New York, Dannon has plants in Minster, OH, Fort Worth, TX, West Jordan, UT, and Portland, OR, which make more than 200 different flavors, styles and sizes of cultured refrigerated and frozen dairy products to serve the diverse needs of its retail and foodservice customers. Dannon strives to bring health through food to as many people as possible via its wide offering of delicious and wholesome refrigerated and frozen yogurts. Dannon is a subsidiary of Danone, and Dannon is the top-selling brand of yogurt worldwide, sold under the names Dannon and Danone. For more information, visit dannon.com.

    About TubeMogul

    TubeMogul (NASDAQ:TUBE) is an enterprise software company for brand advertising. By reducing complexity, improving transparency and leveraging real-time data, our platform enables advertisers to gain greater control of their global advertising spend and achieve their brand advertising objectives. TubeMogul was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Emeryville, California with operations in Kyiv, London, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto and offices across the United States.

    TubeMogul and the TubeMogul logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TubeMogul, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

    CONTACT: Media Contact: David Burch david@tubemogul.com 510-653-0501 Investor Relations Contact: Alex Wellins The Blueshirt Group investor@tubemogul.com

  • Podcasts Headed to Google Play Music

    This seems like a good way to expand Podcast listernship.  Given that hardly nobody pays attention to iTunes (or can find anything they want) having the option to listen via Google Play seems like a good idea.

    In addition to a library of 35 million songs, Google Play Music will also soon offer podcasts.

    Google is working with more than a dozen popular podcasters like Feral Audio, HBO, HowStuffWorks, Public Radio International, StarTalk Radio, and This Week in Tech to bring their shows to the service. The list of podcasters headed to Google's streaming service also includes 5by5, Dan Carlin, Dave Ramsey, Earwolf, Gimlet Media, Head Gum, the Loud Speakers Network, Nerdist / Legendary, Radiotopia / PRX, the Sideshow Network, Slate / Panoply, and Tim Ferriss.

    Once it launches, the new feature will make it easy to discover podcasts you might find interesting, Google Play Music Product Manager Elias Roman wrote in a blog post.

    Lets hope it works out for them and with any luck people will finally discover what makes the Hardware Asylum Podcast awesome.

  • ORTEC Partners With Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School Offering Advanced Analytics Certificate for Operations Optimization

    ATLANTA, Oct. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a competitive market and supply environment with more dependence on data, the Executive Education program at Carnegie Mellon University's internationally ranked Tepper School of Business, in partnership with leading analytics and optimization company ORTEC, is offering managers a program addressing immediate business needs, leveraging cutting-edge education with direct application to daily business.

    Utilizing the expertise of the faculty and researchers from the Tepper School recognized worldwide in analytics, this unprecedented program will bring new techniques to the intersection of data and business decision-making. This course highlights a new direction in the school's Executive Education: a hybrid on-site/online, flexible approach that focuses on the application and practical implementation specific not just within industries, but to a certain company's business. In the end, students earn a Carnegie Mellon Advanced Analytics Certificate for Operations Optimization.

    To launch this new course, the Tepper School is partnering its distinction in analytics and acclaimed faculty with ORTEC Consulting, a 30-year specialist in business analytics that will facilitate the application and optimization in practice. Participants in the course will work with a coach throughout the program on a project modeled from their company – an area to improve with direction from faculty and coach – then applied in their business every day. The six-part course is designed to produce a results-oriented program benefitting operations managers from a wide array of industry sectors.

    "We put great value into education and are excited to join this unique opportunity to apply advanced analytic theory to individual business challenges as part of an executive education program," said Cindy de Groot, Managing Director at ORTEC Consulting, a division of ORTEC, one of the world leaders in optimization software and analytic solutions.

    "The world of supply chain is rapidly changing, and nothing reflects this more than the vast amount of data that is being generated," said Mike Trick, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, and Harry B. and James H. Higgins Professor of Operations Research. "But companies need new skills to take advantage of all this data. This innovative certificate allows firms to gain the analytical skills to take advantage of new opportunities. The Tepper School faculty are known for their analytical approach to business problems, and this certificate program allows access to that expertise in a hybrid format that uses executive time most efficiently. Combine this with the experience that ORTEC provides, and this is a great example of how business education, from broad-base to customized to issue-specific, can be applied in a return-on-investment manner that benefits companies small and large, local and multinational."

    Enrollment is open for the program that begins in April 2016. Core analytics and advanced operations, among other tenets, will be presented in three live online and three live onsite modules. The blend of practical, theory and big data will be taught by CMU faculty experts in such areas as managerial statistics, demand forecasting, customer analytics and forecasting, data mining, change management and implementation approaches.

    ORTEC, which has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, Brazil and Singapore, has a history in customized education courses in Europe. Several of ORTEC's senior experts are affiliated with the world's top universities where they teach mathematics and operations research courses and guide graduate student research. The University of Amsterdam and ORTEC established a very successful joint education program with a similar purpose: bringing analytics within the reach of any company.

    The Tepper School's Executive Education program is positioned to keep organizations at the forefront, driving sustainable growth via pioneering strategy, techniques and information. In addition to the new Advanced Analytics program, it also has launched initiatives for Women's Academies and other continuing and developmental education approaches.

    For more information, please see the website for the Tepper School Executive Education program or visit www.ortec-consulting.com.

    About the Tepper School of Business - Founded in 1949, the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University (www.tepper.cmu.edu) is a pioneer in the field of management science and analytical-decision making. The school's notable contributions to the intellectual community include nine Nobel laureates. The school is among those institutions with the highest rate of academic citations in the fields of finance, operations research, organizational behavior and production/operations. The academic offerings of the Tepper School include undergraduate studies in business and economics, graduate studies in business administration and financial engineering, and doctoral studies.

    CONTACT: Lucy Flinn, Director of Marketing & Communications Cell/text: 404-402-0992 Email: lucy.flinn@ortec.com

  • ORTEC Partners With Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School Offering Advanced Analytics Certificate for Operations Optimization

    ATLANTA, Oct. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a competitive market and supply environment with more dependence on data, the Executive Education program at Carnegie Mellon University's internationally ranked Tepper School of Business, in partnership with leading analytics and optimization company ORTEC, is offering managers a program addressing immediate business needs, leveraging cutting-edge education with direct application to daily business.

    Utilizing the expertise of the faculty and researchers from the Tepper School recognized worldwide in analytics, this unprecedented program will bring new techniques to the intersection of data and business decision-making. This course highlights a new direction in the school's Executive Education: a hybrid on-site/online, flexible approach that focuses on the application and practical implementation specific not just within industries, but to a certain company's business. In the end, students earn a Carnegie Mellon Advanced Analytics Certificate for Operations Optimization.

    To launch this new course, the Tepper School is partnering its distinction in analytics and acclaimed faculty with ORTEC Consulting, a 30-year specialist in business analytics that will facilitate the application and optimization in practice. Participants in the course will work with a coach throughout the program on a project modeled from their company – an area to improve with direction from faculty and coach – then applied in their business every day. The six-part course is designed to produce a results-oriented program benefitting operations managers from a wide array of industry sectors.

    "We put great value into education and are excited to join this unique opportunity to apply advanced analytic theory to individual business challenges as part of an executive education program," said Cindy de Groot, Managing Director at ORTEC Consulting, a division of ORTEC, one of the world leaders in optimization software and analytic solutions.

    "The world of supply chain is rapidly changing, and nothing reflects this more than the vast amount of data that is being generated," said Mike Trick, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, and Harry B. and James H. Higgins Professor of Operations Research. "But companies need new skills to take advantage of all this data. This innovative certificate allows firms to gain the analytical skills to take advantage of new opportunities. The Tepper School faculty are known for their analytical approach to business problems, and this certificate program allows access to that expertise in a hybrid format that uses executive time most efficiently. Combine this with the experience that ORTEC provides, and this is a great example of how business education, from broad-base to customized to issue-specific, can be applied in a return-on-investment manner that benefits companies small and large, local and multinational."

    Enrollment is open for the program that begins in April 2016. Core analytics and advanced operations, among other tenets, will be presented in three live online and three live onsite modules. The blend of practical, theory and big data will be taught by CMU faculty experts in such areas as managerial statistics, demand forecasting, customer analytics and forecasting, data mining, change management and implementation approaches.

    ORTEC, which has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, Brazil and Singapore, has a history in customized education courses in Europe. Several of ORTEC's senior experts are affiliated with the world's top universities where they teach mathematics and operations research courses and guide graduate student research. The University of Amsterdam and ORTEC established a very successful joint education program with a similar purpose: bringing analytics within the reach of any company.

    The Tepper School's Executive Education program is positioned to keep organizations at the forefront, driving sustainable growth via pioneering strategy, techniques and information. In addition to the new Advanced Analytics program, it also has launched initiatives for Women's Academies and other continuing and developmental education approaches.

    For more information, please see the website for the Tepper School Executive Education program or visit www.ortec-consulting.com.

    About the Tepper School of Business - Founded in 1949, the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University (www.tepper.cmu.edu) is a pioneer in the field of management science and analytical-decision making. The school's notable contributions to the intellectual community include nine Nobel laureates. The school is among those institutions with the highest rate of academic citations in the fields of finance, operations research, organizational behavior and production/operations. The academic offerings of the Tepper School include undergraduate studies in business and economics, graduate studies in business administration and financial engineering, and doctoral studies.

    CONTACT: Lucy Flinn, Director of Marketing & Communications Cell/text: 404-402-0992 Email: lucy.flinn@ortec.com

  • A Focus on Electronics for America Recycles Day

    BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- America Recycles Day, a Keep America Beautiful initiative celebrated every November 15 (and in the weeks leading up to the day) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S. This year, special emphasis is being placed on recycling electronic "gadgets." This is welcome news to Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), a non-profit organization dedicated to safe and sustainable recycling and reuse of electronics, and also the governing body for the R2 Standard for Responsible Recycling of electronics.

    "Safely managing the increasing volume of used and obsolete electronics is a growing challenge as new devices are introduced into the marketplace with greater frequency," says John Lingelbach, executive director of SERI.

    Why is this a problem? Because more than 50 million tons of e-scrap is generated each year, and many of the materials contained in electronic devices can cause significant harm to human health and the environment if not properly managed. Lingelbach also noted the data security concerns and environmental liability that companies face when they fail to do proper due diligence when selecting an electronics broker or recycler. Lingelbach added, "Working with R2 certified brokers or recyclers who undergo rigorous annual audits to ensure conformance to the best industry practices reduces the risk of liability for companies using their services." The number of R2 certified recyclers continues to grow to meet this demand, with 550 R2 facilities now operating in 22 countries.

    While Lingelbach believes strongly that more improvements within the electronics recycling industry are needed, he is encouraged by the progress being made in the recycling arena by members of SERI's R2 Leader Program, a coalition of corporations, governmental and non-profit organizations working together to provide sustainable solutions for electronics recycling and reuse. He hopes that by calling attention to the successful efforts of R2 Leaders, other companies and communities will be encouraged to follow suit and make a difference in their own spheres of influence.

    Here are just a few of the ways R2 Leaders are improving the electronics recycling landscape.

    Keep America Beautiful is an effective leader in changing recycling attitudes and habits with initiatives such as America Recycles Day. "People commonly think of paper, plastic, and aluminum as recyclable items, but electronic devices are generally not top of mind," says Brenda Pulley, senior vice president, recycling, Keep America Beautiful and a SERI board member. "The EPA estimates that 70 percent of used electronic devices are stockpiled in homes and small businesses or end up in landfills. It's important to know that every one of these electronic gadgets can be responsibly recycled – and made into new products – which reduces the need to mine for new resources."

    XEROX Corporation held its first America Recycles Day event in 2006 for employees, contractors and consultants. More than 57,000 pounds of electronics were collected in just eight hours. Since then, XEROX has expanded the event to include collection of bicycles, clothing and household items. Employees are enthusiastic about the opportunity to get rid of unwanted items, and both the community and environment benefit.

    DIRECTV offers its customers the ability to recycle DIRECTV equipment and other small electronic devices for free and invites customers to visit the company's recycle website to print off free shipping labels for eligible electronic devices. More than 16 million pounds of electronics were recovered in 2013, and more than 24 million pounds in 2014 as a result of DIRECTV's e-cycling program. DIRECTV is also working with SERI to help recycling facilities in Latin America get certified to the R2 Standard.

    Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) created an E-Waste Recycling Event Toolkit to simplify the process for communities holding collection events. Included are resources such as a qualified recycler directory, marketing materials, educational resources and best practices for collection events. Since 2009, ADEQ has held over 100 electronics (e-waste) collection events in approximately 50 cities throughout Arizona.

    Goodwill® has more than 2,000 participating Goodwill locations that accept unwanted electronics. Dell Reconnect, a partnership with Dell and Goodwill, is a free drop-off recycling program for consumers that accepts any brand of computer equipment in any condition. More than 425 million pounds of electronics have been collected for recycling since 2004. Donating one working computer to Goodwill provides nearly 7 hours of job training for a Goodwill employee. The revenues from this program enable Goodwill to expand its services to people who are unemployed or underemployed in local communities.

    SourceAmerica® established CyclePoint®, a network of 46 non-profit electronics recyclers that promotes environmental stewardship in local communities, and employs more than 220 people with disabilities. To date, CyclePoint has safely and securely recycled more than five million pounds of electronics, ensuring data security for both businesses and consumers. CyclePoint from SourceAmerica, is a 2015 national sponsor and the official electronics recycler of America Recycles Day. Together with its partners, CyclePoint will be hosting 50 electronics recycling events across the country in honor of America Recycles Day.

    How YOU can make a difference -

    Businesses can partner with an R2 certified recycler to host collection events or provide permanent drop-off locations for their employees and customers. Neighboring municipalities can join forces to make transporting recycled items more economical. Schools and other organizations can host collection events in conjunction with other scheduled activities. Individuals can partner with an R2 certified recycler to organize collection events or permanent collection sites on behalf of their school, club or organization.

    Organizers of America Recycle Day events are encouraged to register their event at www.AmericaRecyclesDay.org to gain access to valuable resources to help plan, promote and host an event.
    To learn more about responsible electronics recycling, please visit www.SustainableElectronics.org.

    About SERI

    Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the cause of responsible electronics reuse and recycling worldwide through its administration of the R2 Standard for Responsible Recycling, the most globally respected certification standard for electronics recycling and reuse, and through global education and outreach initiatives. The R2 Leader program, an initiative of SERI, includes industry leaders, policy makers and other groups who are actively working with SERI to expand safe and sustainable electronics recycling and reuse worldwide. 

    CONTACT: Patty Osterberg SERI, Director of Education & Outreach Patty@SustainableElectronics.org Mobile: 651-398-5230 Office: 651-438-3608

  • A Focus on Electronics for America Recycles Day

    BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- America Recycles Day, a Keep America Beautiful initiative celebrated every November 15 (and in the weeks leading up to the day) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S. This year, special emphasis is being placed on recycling electronic "gadgets." This is welcome news to Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), a non-profit organization dedicated to safe and sustainable recycling and reuse of electronics, and also the governing body for the R2 Standard for Responsible Recycling of electronics.

    "Safely managing the increasing volume of used and obsolete electronics is a growing challenge as new devices are introduced into the marketplace with greater frequency," says John Lingelbach, executive director of SERI.

    Why is this a problem? Because more than 50 million tons of e-scrap is generated each year, and many of the materials contained in electronic devices can cause significant harm to human health and the environment if not properly managed. Lingelbach also noted the data security concerns and environmental liability that companies face when they fail to do proper due diligence when selecting an electronics broker or recycler. Lingelbach added, "Working with R2 certified brokers or recyclers who undergo rigorous annual audits to ensure conformance to the best industry practices reduces the risk of liability for companies using their services." The number of R2 certified recyclers continues to grow to meet this demand, with 550 R2 facilities now operating in 22 countries.

    While Lingelbach believes strongly that more improvements within the electronics recycling industry are needed, he is encouraged by the progress being made in the recycling arena by members of SERI's R2 Leader Program, a coalition of corporations, governmental and non-profit organizations working together to provide sustainable solutions for electronics recycling and reuse. He hopes that by calling attention to the successful efforts of R2 Leaders, other companies and communities will be encouraged to follow suit and make a difference in their own spheres of influence.

    Here are just a few of the ways R2 Leaders are improving the electronics recycling landscape.

    Keep America Beautiful is an effective leader in changing recycling attitudes and habits with initiatives such as America Recycles Day. "People commonly think of paper, plastic, and aluminum as recyclable items, but electronic devices are generally not top of mind," says Brenda Pulley, senior vice president, recycling, Keep America Beautiful and a SERI board member. "The EPA estimates that 70 percent of used electronic devices are stockpiled in homes and small businesses or end up in landfills. It's important to know that every one of these electronic gadgets can be responsibly recycled – and made into new products – which reduces the need to mine for new resources."

    XEROX Corporation held its first America Recycles Day event in 2006 for employees, contractors and consultants. More than 57,000 pounds of electronics were collected in just eight hours. Since then, XEROX has expanded the event to include collection of bicycles, clothing and household items. Employees are enthusiastic about the opportunity to get rid of unwanted items, and both the community and environment benefit.

    DIRECTV offers its customers the ability to recycle DIRECTV equipment and other small electronic devices for free and invites customers to visit the company's recycle website to print off free shipping labels for eligible electronic devices. More than 16 million pounds of electronics were recovered in 2013, and more than 24 million pounds in 2014 as a result of DIRECTV's e-cycling program. DIRECTV is also working with SERI to help recycling facilities in Latin America get certified to the R2 Standard.

    Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) created an E-Waste Recycling Event Toolkit to simplify the process for communities holding collection events. Included are resources such as a qualified recycler directory, marketing materials, educational resources and best practices for collection events. Since 2009, ADEQ has held over 100 electronics (e-waste) collection events in approximately 50 cities throughout Arizona.

    Goodwill® has more than 2,000 participating Goodwill locations that accept unwanted electronics. Dell Reconnect, a partnership with Dell and Goodwill, is a free drop-off recycling program for consumers that accepts any brand of computer equipment in any condition. More than 425 million pounds of electronics have been collected for recycling since 2004. Donating one working computer to Goodwill provides nearly 7 hours of job training for a Goodwill employee. The revenues from this program enable Goodwill to expand its services to people who are unemployed or underemployed in local communities.

    SourceAmerica® established CyclePoint®, a network of 46 non-profit electronics recyclers that promotes environmental stewardship in local communities, and employs more than 220 people with disabilities. To date, CyclePoint has safely and securely recycled more than five million pounds of electronics, ensuring data security for both businesses and consumers. CyclePoint from SourceAmerica, is a 2015 national sponsor and the official electronics recycler of America Recycles Day. Together with its partners, CyclePoint will be hosting 50 electronics recycling events across the country in honor of America Recycles Day.

    How YOU can make a difference -

    Businesses can partner with an R2 certified recycler to host collection events or provide permanent drop-off locations for their employees and customers. Neighboring municipalities can join forces to make transporting recycled items more economical. Schools and other organizations can host collection events in conjunction with other scheduled activities. Individuals can partner with an R2 certified recycler to organize collection events or permanent collection sites on behalf of their school, club or organization.

    Organizers of America Recycle Day events are encouraged to register their event at www.AmericaRecyclesDay.org to gain access to valuable resources to help plan, promote and host an event.
    To learn more about responsible electronics recycling, please visit www.SustainableElectronics.org.

    About SERI

    Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the cause of responsible electronics reuse and recycling worldwide through its administration of the R2 Standard for Responsible Recycling, the most globally respected certification standard for electronics recycling and reuse, and through global education and outreach initiatives. The R2 Leader program, an initiative of SERI, includes industry leaders, policy makers and other groups who are actively working with SERI to expand safe and sustainable electronics recycling and reuse worldwide. 

    CONTACT: Patty Osterberg SERI, Director of Education & Outreach Patty@SustainableElectronics.org Mobile: 651-398-5230 Office: 651-438-3608