TSXV: PAD

MONTREAL and PARIS, France, July 31, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Parta Dialogue (TSXV: PAD), expert in Social Campaign Optimization and Social Learning, announces two new global customers in Europe for the eValue™ Social Media ROI Suite: a global software developer and a major public transportation provider.

"Today's announcement continues to reinforce Parta's complementary social media agency offering expert in engagement and optimization. Our experience has given us the unique ability to solve our customers' social media pain points. As the strategic global early adopters list continues to grow, we believe it will further propel the eValue™ Suite into the spotlight of America, Europe and Asia," states Paul Allard, CEO of Parta Dialogue.

The growing number of global brands adopting eValue™ confirmed by recent market trends indicates that marketers will require data to justify campaigns and social media marketing budgets. The Association of National Advertisers recently reported that 62 percent of marketers indicated that the inability to prove ROI in new media platforms is their current top concern.

About PARTA

PARTA offers Social Media and Social Learning solutions to its clients from offices in Montreal, Paris and Mexico and is the developer of leading eValue™ Social Media ROI Suite:  www.evaluesuite.com

Many visionary businesses already employ PARTA's solutions for internal and external online engagement. Among these are Renault, Orange, Michelin, Hydro-Québec, Iusacell (Mexico), Dassault Systems, Nestlé Waters and Crédit Agricole. www.partadialogue.com

PARTA is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PAD and operates through two subsidiaries:

#engagementlabs, an all-digital agency offering a targeted range of social strategies, customized engagement platforms and analytic tools to measure performance and ROI totally focused on social engagement & optimization: www.engagementlabs.com.

edu-performance, totally focused on internal engagement and productivity, Edu-Performance offers customized Social Learning and online training solutions: www.eduperformance.com.

"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

SOURCE: PARTA DIALOGUE INC.

Tom Liacas, VP Social Media
Parta Dialogue Inc.
+1 (514) 771-5120
tom.liacas@partadialogue.com

Paul Allard, President & CEO
Parta Dialogue Inc.
+1 (514) 831-4245
paul.allard@partadialogue.com

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Allstream, Canada's all-business communications provider, is proud to announce the launch of its Managed Wide Area Network (WAN) Optimization service. Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization service will accelerate existing key applications and free bandwidth for the installation of more applications and services.

In today's business environment, companies are challenged to do more with less. Sophisticated, data intensive applications are the norm, along with the ability for employees to be connected anywhere at any time. As businesses expand and modernize and adopt infrastructure models such as Cloud Computing and Virtualization, the strain on their networks is growing. Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization service uses the Riverbed^® Steelhead^® product family that allows businesses to introduce advanced applications and improve employee productivity - while continuing to operate efficiently and manage cost. Allstream's managed service includes solution design, procurement, monitoring, maintenance and performance reports.

"Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization service delivers improved performance over our customers' business IP-MPLS networks, providing application acceleration, better bandwidth utilization and improved data protection over the WAN," said Dean Prevost, President, Allstream. "With this service our customers can focus on moving their business forward without worrying about the day-to-day network operations that can take up time and resources."

"Riverbed has become the market leader in WAN Optimization by delivering a highly scalable technology that can be integrated easily into complex IT environments to accelerate and optimize the performance of business-critical applications, as well as provide a proven rapid return on investment," said Randy Schirman, Senior Vice President of worldwide channels at Riverbed. "By Allstream offering a managed WAN Optimization service utilizing Riverbed, enterprises can address complex IT initiatives successfully with an operational expenditure model that provides flexibility for management and matches operations and financial needs."

The introduction of a Managed WAN Optimization service is another step in Allstream's strategy to continue to grow its competitive edge in the IP market. It is in keeping with the company's focus on IP sales and the accelerated expansion of its fibre network in major urban centres across Canada. IP-based communications services are one of the fastest growing segments of the business telecom market.

Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization will be available to existing customers along with Allstream's growing customer base. New customers who have recently signed contracts to take advantage of Allstream's suite of IP connectivity services include Imperial Parking Canada Corporation, Latoplast Ltd., Stahl Peterbilt, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Securiglobe.

This service is now available to customers across Canada. For more information on Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization, please visit www.allstream.com/wanoptimization

About Allstream

Allstream is a Canadian leader in IP communications and the only national communications provider that works exclusively with business customers of all sizes. With nearly 600,000 customer connections, Allstream's momentum is fuelled by the knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit of its 2,500 employees across the country who collaborate with customers to determine their unique communications solutions needs. Supported by its more than 30,000-kilometre nationwide high-performance fibre-optic network, Allstream's broad portfolio of business solutions are built from an array of advanced communications technologies and services including a wide range of innovative, highly-scalable IP-based solutions to help organizations communicate more efficiently and profitably. Allstream takes pride in its commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, and has long been recognized by its technology partners for the contributions made to their businesses. Allstream is wholly-owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., which is listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on Allstream's products and solutions, please visit www.allstream.com.

Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer

This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about the Company's corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives and future financial results and performance that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. As a consequence, actual results in the future may differ materially from any conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking statements. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Examples of statements that constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "project", "should", "anticipate", "could", "target", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "outlook", "see", "set", "pending", and other similar terms.

Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified in the "Material assumptions" section below, the "Risks and uncertainties" section, elsewhere in the Company's 2011 Annual MD&A and 2011 Annual Information Form, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Please note that forward-looking statements reflect Management's expectations as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: MTS Allstream

Media:        
Nathan Gibson
Corporate Communications
416-345-3364
Nathan.gibson@mtsallstream.com

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - macProVideo.com today announces the purchase of online software training website, AskVideo.com. The deal includes AskVideo.com's full catalogue, brand, and other operational assets.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120808/SF53952LOGO)

macProVideo was founded in Vancouver, in February of 2005. At the beginning, the company focused on training for Apple software applications like Logic, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, and GarageBand. The company's library quickly expanded to include training for over 40 different software applications, including Photoshop and the Adobe CS Suite, Microsoft Office, and all major audio applications from Ableton Live to Propellerhead Reason. Their training catalogue currently boasts over 1200 hours of online software courses and more than 22,000 tutorial-videos.

AskVideo was founded in Toronto in 2004 to provide training for audio software like Cubase, Pro Tools, and Native Instruments DSP plugins. As the first website in the world devoted to audio software training, AskVideo quickly built up a worldwide cult following for its Canadian-produced educational videos.

According to macProVideo.com's Founder and CEO, Martin Sitter, "It's a little known fact that two of the Internet's pioneering producers of online education are actually Canadian companies. By combining both companies together, we're looking to consolidate the Canadian online educating industry and bring our trademarked NonLinear Educating System™ to the larger world of Windows PC users."

The NonLinear Educating System features HD tutorial-videos that play in web browsers, on desktops, and through iOS devices. There are also advanced search features that make it easy to find topics of interest, as well as tools for bookmarking videos, taking notes, and progress tracking that displays the viewer's progress through each online course.

Users can watch free courses by creating an AskVideo.com account, or gain access to the entire AskVideo library by purchasing a Library Pass. Educational and corporate site licenses are available for universities and companies that need to train students/staff on the use of creative software applications for audio engineering, video editing, web design, and the graphic arts.

"We are particularly excited about the potential AskVideo has for the wider corporate and educational markets," continues Martin. "Our full-featured site licensing system is not only cost-effective, but also provides teachers and administrators with full analytics so they can see what their students and staff are watching, and when they watched it. With our excellent support for iOS, students and staff can watch titles on their iPad or iPhone while commuting, at lunch, or any other time that's convenient. This is true NonLinear Educating."

For more information visit http://www.AskVideo.com.

Press Contact:
Kim Bowie
Kim@macprovideo.com
+1 604.563.5007

SOURCE: macProVideo.com

http://www.macprovideo.com

http://www.askvideo.com

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120808/SF53952LOGO

PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

REDMOND, Wash., July 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Software maker K2® today released K2 smartforms™, a browser-based, drag-and-drop interface for building electronic forms, tying them to workflow and integrating line-of-business data.

K2 smartforms provides a set of visual tools and controls that eliminate the need for code and cut design time of a business application front end dramatically. Form fields, like "address," can simply be clicked and dragged from a sidebar onto the form being built, and form components can be reused across multiple forms and applications.

In an experiment posted to easyvshard.k2.com, a K2 smartforms user delivered an expense claim business application more than eight times faster than an ASP.NET developer creating the same application.

"With most products that claim to be 'no-code,' you have to give up a certain amount of control," said Adriaan van Wyk, K2 CEO. "But with K2 smartforms, we provide a very powerful rules framework, which removes those limits and allows you to build solutions that work exactly the way you want them to."

K2 smartforms utilizes K2's SmartObject framework, so a single form can tie together information from multiple, disparate line-of-business systems. Out of the box, K2 smartforms supports Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, SQL Server, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce.com and other systems, on premise or in the cloud.

"The big difference that K2 smartforms will make for us is that creating the interface will be a totally drag-and-drop process," said Accenture's Wouter Faber. "Currently, about 80 percent of development on a workflow application is spent creating the user interface. Smartforms will help us significantly reduce that time."

K2 is a division of SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc., based in Redmond, Washington, and has offices all over the world.

SOURCE: K2

Chris Tomeo, +1-303-482-2189, ctomeo@k2.com

http://www.k2.com

Ottawa, ON – August 14, 2012 – Ideavibes founder and CEO, Paul Dombowsky, and CATAAlliance (Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance) CEO John Reid, announced today the launch of an attitudinal survey focused on determining what Canadians think about crowdfunding and their willingness to participate as a funder or a start-up / social enterprise seeking funding.

Crowdfunding describes the collective cooperation, attention and trust by people who network and pool their money and other resources together, usually via the Internet, to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations. Crowdfunding occurs for any variety of purposes from disaster relief to citizen journalism to artists seeking support from fans, to political campaigns, to funding a startup company, movie, or small business. Crowdfunding is a form of crowdsourcing.

According to Paul Dombowsky, operator of the year old Fundchange (www.fundchange.com), "We know there is a great deal of hype around crowdfunding, and we are playing a role in the effort to encourage the provincial governments to adopt supportive legislation for start-up funding. We also know from our experiences with Fundchange that Canadians’ funding behaviour is different online than the Americans or British. We wonder whether our conservative nature is getting in the way of attracting broad based support for crowdfunding – whether it be for start-ups, social enterprises or charities.”

Reid, noted, "The results of this survey should help us understand what Canadian’s think about crowdfunding and how willing they are to actually sign-up to solicit funds or be a funder of promising ideas and start-ups."

He added, "We believe the lack of crowdfunding in Canada is hurting our economy as more and more start-ups look to the U.S. for funding on crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter. That is a key reason why we support efforts to change legislation making crowdfunding for start-ups legal in Canada.”

About CATA
The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATAAlliance) grows the revenues of its members by creating a collaborative edge -- a chain of expanding value that ripples across Canada’s Innovators, Commercializers, Users, and Professionals. The largest high-tech association in Canada, CATAAlliance matches businesses with opportunities across almost every sector, so that we can all do business together. Reaching out from Canada, CATAAlliance members are connected with investment and partnership opportunities with the major global companies.

About Ideavibes
The Ideavibes Crowd Engagement Platform™ enables governments, brands and organizations to engage citizens, customers or members by creating crowdsourcing or crowdfunding campaigns that are driven by the power of social media matched with traditional mediums. Ideavibes provides services and solutions that help you tap into the wisdom of the crowd to strengthen relationships through engagement, open innovation and participation. It’s about starting innovative projects, solving problems, building better products, setting new directions, being more crowd or community-focused, funding worthy initiatives and sparking social and operational change. Ideavibes with partner TELUS Communications also run Fundchange (www.fundchange.com) one of Canada’s first crowdfunding initiatives for charities and non-profits. For more information about Ideavibes, please visit www.ideavibes.com

WATERLOO REGION, ON, Aug. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Cyborg Trading, a startup that develops automated trading technology for financial firms, was able to be in the right place at the right time to build the business thanks to a 'soft landing' program recently introduced by the Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN) in concert with Communitech. With financial support to take critical staff to New York, Cyborg Trading was able to close a $2 million equity round with Canadian investors, garner two long-term deals valued at close to $200,000 per year, attend a key trade show and gain market intelligence from being at the core of 'the city that never sleeps'.

The CDMN recently introduced its program to help startups in the digital media and mobile space gain traction in other countries, as well as enabling companies from outside Canada to locate here, creating jobs and opportunities.

"Canadian startups that need to be where the investment dollars are available or where new business is emerging can find support 'landing' outside Canada through our soft landing program," said Kevin Tuer, Managing Director of the CDMN.

Cyborg's CEO and Chief Financial Officer were New York bound, but the company also needed Cyborg's Chief Technology Officer and algorithm engineer to travel to New York to gain market intelligence at a major industry event. However on a startup budget, bringing more people to New York wasn't feasible. CDMN's soft landing program was able to fund the additional travel costs and as well, provide hoteling space at an incubator space in Manhattan for three months.

"It's pretty much a sink or swim scenario when you hit New York, and you need to spend time in the city to be taken seriously by investors," said Ben Bittrolff, Cyborg Trading CFO. "Being part of the CDMN's soft landing program opened doors and enabled us to get closer to the market."

Cyborg, which has subsequently opened a New York sales department at the NYU-Poly Varick Street Incubator where they were 'hoteled', is on its way to expanding from a team of 25 to 36 people in the coming year. The company also has locations at the Communitech Hub in Waterloo and in London, Ontario. Cyborg specializes in developing automated trading technology for hedge funds, brokers, banks and professional lenders.

CDMN's soft-landing program provides up to three months of residency in partner facilities equipped to support companies' growth, and up to $4,000 Canadian for transportation and hotel costs. Bittrolff says the CDMN program is an enviable support system for emerging startups.

"Quite a few of the incubator startups in New York wished they had the programs that we have access to in Communitech and CDMN," said Bittrolff.

The soft landing model unfolding in Waterloo Region is being replicated across the country working with other CDMN 'nodes' in all provinces. Communitech is not only the tech association representing the close to 1,000 tech companies in Waterloo Region, but is also a CDMN node and a federal centre of excellence in commercialization and research.

About The Canadian Digital Media Network:

The Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN) www.cdmn.ca is dedicated to establishing Canada as a world leader in Digital Media by enabling connections and collaboration of people across the country - entrepreneurs, companies, research institutes and government - and bringing more digital solutions to market. The CDMN comprises Canada's largest concentration of business-driven digital media research, technology development, and digital commercialization expertise; it connects digital media expertise and capability from coast-to-coast, creating a digital convergence corridor. Digital Media covers a broad spectrum of technology and services, and includes any information created and shared virtually.

SOURCE: Communitech Ltd.

Media Contact

Shelley Grandy, CDMN Sr. PR Advisor, 905-866-2656 or sgrandy@cdmn.ca

TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Many of Canada's biggest names in venture capital and angel investing met the young co-founders of 7 new ventures launched this year by The Next 36. These businesses pitched solutions to major challenges in healthcare, human resources, retail and education.

Supported by more than 50 Canadian business leaders - including Galen Weston, Paul Desmarais Sr. and Jim Pattison as founding patrons - The Next 36 aims to transform the country's most promising undergraduates into high-impact entrepreneurs and nation builders.

Venture Day also featured keynote remarks from high profile technology entrepreneurs including, Graham Weston, chairman & co-founder of Rackspace (a NYSE listed company with a $7.5B market cap), an in-kind sponsor of The Next 36 ventures, and Razor Suleman, chairman & founding CEO of Achievers. "Research shows that all net new jobs come from companies less than 5 years old, so a country's prosperity depends on its ability to generate high impact entrepreneurs." said Weston. "The Next 36 provides a magical combination of capital, mentorship and education to young Canadian entrepreneurs, unlike anything I have ever seen in the US or anywhere else."

Tuesday's graduation ceremony was capped by the presentation of three highly-coveted awards: The 2012 Valedictorian is Jane Wu, a commerce graduate from Queen's University.  Wu's venture PenyoPal, teaches kids how to speak Mandarin through interactive mobile games. In June, it was selected the Best Overall 1.0 Startup at the Launch Conference in Mountain View, CA.  It was one of eight stealth ventures, selected from over 300, and the only Canadian start-up given the opportunity to compete. "The Next 36 is transformational because of the people that support it." says Wu. "In 8 months, I have built a lifetime's worth of relationships with world class entrepreneurs, CEOs and like-minded young leaders." Rafal Dittwald, also a co-founder of PenyoPal and an engineering science graduate from The University of Toronto, was chosen by the program's co-founders as winner of the Satchu Prize, named in honour of Founding Chair, Reza Satchu.  The recipient of the Outstanding Venture Award was Kira, an online platform that accelerates the interview process using video. Kira's co-founders come from the University of Waterloo and University of Windsor.

As the newest alumni of The Next 36 forge ahead with their businesses, the program is gearing up to welcome its next wave of students. The application process is open with early applications accepted until September 18, 2012.

About The Next 36

For more information, please visit: www.thenext36.ca

The goal of The Next 36 is to increase Canadian prosperity by developing Canada's next generation of high impact entrepreneurs. Started by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, The Next 36 provides a series of life changing experiences and relationships to young Canadians with the potential to build and lead great organizations. Each year, 36 promising undergraduates are selected from a variety of academic disciplines, and from across Canada, through a rigorous national selection process. The young entrepreneurs build a business in the mobile or tablet space together in teams.  For eight months they are provided mentorship from some of Canada's top business leaders, up to $80,000 cash from top venture capitalists, and academic instruction from some of the world's top faculty. The program is spearheaded by a founding group of 50 high-profile business leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics. Its Founding Patrons are Paul Desmarais, Sr., W. Galen Weston and Jimmy Pattison.

SOURCE: The Next 36

For further details or to speak to a participating student, please contact:
Jon French
Director, Marketing & Events
The Next 36
jon@thenext36.ca

OTTAWA, Aug. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Thousands of dollars worth of shipping and direct marketing and advertisements on the most recognizable brand in Canada: these prizes are part of the Canada Post E-commerce Innovation Awards, launched earlier this summer. This competition will recognize successful innovation in e-commerce and help to boost Canada's digital economy. Companies, big and small, that ship to Canadians are eligible and now have until August 31 to submit their entries.

"This time of year, businesses are readying for the holiday season and the possibility of saving advertising and shipping costs can make a significant difference on the bottom line. We want to help further launch these companies as they help build our digital economy," says René Desmarais, Senior Vice-President, Parcels at Canada Post.

With the help of a blue-ribbon expert panel of judges, Canada Post will select the best entrants and announce the winners on October 16 in Toronto. Estimated at $1 million, prize packages include a free shipping contract with Canada Post, a free direct marketing mail campaign and advertising on Canada Post properties (online and on trucks and facilities).

Businesses, large and small, that ship to Canadian consumers are eligible and must submit their entries by Friday, August 31. There are five categories: Best multi-channel retailer; best online retailer; best new e-business; outside the box achievement and consumer champion.

For more details on the criteria and prize packages, please visit canadapost.ca/ecommerceawards.

About us:

Canada Post is the country's leading provider of business-to-consumer delivery. By reaching more than 15.1 million addresses, and operating the country's largest retail network of nearly 6,500 post offices, Canada Post is ideally positioned to offer affordable and reliable service, with convenient pick-up and return options. Together, Canada Post, Purolator Inc. (Canada's largest logistics company) and SCI Logistics offer market-leading end-to-end solutions for e-commerce shippers by leveraging the assets and expertise of the Canada Post Group of Companies.

SOURCE: Canada Post

Media Relations
613 734-8888
medias@canadapost.ca

TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadian Consumer Confidence has held firm, with some sub-indices actually gaining slightly, despite some bad economic news showing that Canada shed more than 30,000 jobs during the month of July.  According to the latest consumer confidence survey conducted by TNS, the Canadian Consumer Confidence Index ticked up very slightly from 94.6 to 95.0 (which is not considered to be a change in statistical terms) in August. "Canadians are spending their time by the barbecue and not paying attention, except maybe to the Olympics." explained Norman Baillie-David, Senior Vice President of TNS in Canada and Director of the Marketing and Social Research firm's monthly tracking study.  "Unless they were one of the unfortunate ones having a lost a job, Canadians have given the recent bad news a collective shrug."

The Present Situation Index, which measures how people feel about the economy right now, fell very slightly, from 94.7 to 94.0, again, not enough to be considered a drop in statistical terms.

However, the Expectations Index, which measures people's outlook for the economy six months from now, rose an encouraging 1.5 points, climbing from 97.3 to 98.8, regaining some of the loss of the previous month.  "This month Canadians have decided to look at the glass as being 'half full', instead of 'half empty'", continued Mr. Baillie-David.  "While overall confidence is holding firm, Canadians are preferring to be cautiously optimistic, maybe even hopeful about the next six months."

The Buy Index, which measures the extent to which Canadians' feel that now is a good time to purchase a "big ticket item", such as a car or a major household appliance, is perhaps the most important of the sub-indices, because if people feel now is a good time to buy, they may act on it, which will provide the real economic stimulus. The Buy Index also held firm, ticking up ever so slightly from 91.8 to 92.6.  Again, the climb is not enough to indicate an increase in statistical terms - meaning it basically stayed the same in August.  "The good news is that the drop in employment hasn't caused Canadians to hold their wallets tighter.  However, we'll have to wait and see what September brings when people are back from the cottage and paying full attention again.", concluded Mr. Baillie-David.

Consumer Confidence Index tracks Canadians' attitudes about the economy each month and is part of a global study conducted by TNS in 18 countries. Three indices are produced each month to show how confidence in the economy is changing: Present Situation Index; an Expectations Index; and a Buy Index.

The Canadian fieldwork is conducted using the firm's national bi-weekly telephone omnibus service, TNS Express Telephone.  A total of 1,014 nationally representative Canadian adults were interviewed between August 6 and August 9, 2012. For a survey sample of this size, the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About TNS and Kantar

TNS (formerly known as TNS Canadian Facts) is the Canadian arm of TNS Global. TNS advises clients on specific growth strategies around new market entry, innovation, brand switching and stakeholder management, based on long-established expertise and market-leading solutions. With a presence in over 80 countries, TNS has more conversations with the world's consumers than anyone else and understands individual human behaviours and attitudes across every cultural, economic and political region of the world.

TNS is part of Kantar, one of the world's largest insight, information and consultancy groups.

Please visit www.tnsglobal.com for more information.

Kantar is one of the world's largest insight, information and consultancy groups. By uniting the diverse talents of its 13 specialist companies, the group aims to become the pre-eminent provider of compelling and inspirational insights for the global business community. Its 28,500 employees work across 100 countries and across the whole spectrum of research and consultancy disciplines, enabling the group to offer clients business insights at each and every point of the consumer cycle. The group's services are employed by over half of the Fortune Top 500 companies. 

For further information, please visit us at www.kantar.com.

SOURCE: TNS

Norman Baillie-David, MBA, CMRP 
Vice President,
(613) 230-4408 x101
norman.baillie-david@tnsglobal.com
@NBaillieDavid
www.tnscanada.ca
@TNSCanada

TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Tomorrow TVO launches TVO On Demand, an Android app for Google TV allowing viewers to watch their favourite programs at their own convenience. Using the free app and a Google TV set top device, viewers can stream TVO programs over the internet directly onto their television. Through its already robust selection of apps and new additions such as TVO On Demand, TVO continues to be a broadcast leader in utilizing new technology to provide engaging content to Ontarians on a variety of platforms.

Also launching tomorrow, the Sony Internet Player with Google TV is the first device of its kind in the Canadian market. As part of its digital transformation, TVO recognized the opportunity to reach viewers on this new platform and designed a user-friendly app available on August 17.

One of the featured apps on Google TV, TVO On Demand highlights in-house productions including The Agenda with Steve Paikin, Big Ideas, and Allan Gregg in Conversation; feature-length documentaries such as Carny, Forgetful Not Forgotten, and Stolen; documentary series like Victorian Farm, Time Team and The Water Brothers; and dramas including Heartbeat, Criminal Justice and Party Animals.

"TVO is pleased to be working with Sony to bring our content to a Canadian audience," said Lisa de Wilde, Chief Executive Officer of TVO. "As part of our aggressive digital strategy, TVO is always looking to leverage new technology and increase our impact by offering our educational programs on a variety of platforms."

About TVO
TVO is Ontario's public educational media organization and a trusted source of interactive educational content that informs, inspires and stimulates curiosity and thought. TVO's vision is to empower people to be engaged citizens of Ontario through educational media. TVO is funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and is a registered charity supported by sponsors and thousands of donors. For more information, visit tvo.org.

Where to Find TVO

SOURCE: TVO

Media Contact for TVO:
Paul Ginis
TVO Communications and Marketing
416.484.2600 x 2445
pginis@tvo.org

Invests $11.5 million to expand FibreOP network to 22,000 more homes and businesses in five new communities

HALIFAX, Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant (TSX: BA) is making the FibreOP™ experience even better with more speed and new TV apps at no additional cost for new and existing customers. Bell Aliant has turned up the dial on its FibreOP Internet service, boosting existing customers' download speeds by as much as 20 Mbps. Bell Aliant's most popular bundle now comes with download speeds up to 50 Mbps (increased from 30 Mbps) and upload speeds up to 30 Mbps.

To make the TV experience even better for its customers, Bell Aliant has launched two new TV apps. FibreOP customers can use the new Weather Network app to get up-to-the-minute forecasts, pollen reports, UV ratings and ski conditions for cities around the world. The new Galaxie app provides an easy-to-use format for playing music by genre, and gives customers the ability to see album cover art, get detailed artist and song information, and see what songs have been played and are coming up.

"More than 574,000 homes and businesses now have access to this technology, and we're growing our reach every day," said Andre LeBlanc, Vice President, Residential Markets, Bell Aliant. "Our FibreOP network has innovation built in. That's why we call it future-proof, and that's how we're able to increase speeds and add new apps for our customers -- absolutely free."

Bell Aliant is also investing $11.5 million to expand its fibre-to-the home (FTTH) network to 22,000 more homes and businesses in five new Atlantic Canadian communities -- Grand Falls-Windsor, NL; Campbellton, NB;  Digby, NS; Antigonish, NS; and Hampton, NB. Bell Aliant is also adding new homes and businesses to its footprint in the Greater Moncton area.

So far in 2012, Bell Aliant has announced FibreOP builds in Edmundston, Grand Falls, Woodstock, and Sussex, New Brunswick; Yarmouth and Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and Sudbury, Ontario.

With fibre-to-the-home, connection speeds and data capability are dramatically increased. Bell Aliant's FibreOP network offers the best TV experience with amazing features like the best Whole Home PVR, the most HD movies on demand, and the most amazing apps. FibreOP offers Atlantic Canada's fastest Internet speeds with download speeds of up to 250 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 30 Mbps. With a FibreOP bundle, customers get the best of everything with incredible savings. Bell Aliant FibreOP is #1 in customer satisfaction.

Bell Aliant was the first in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home. By the end of 2012, the company will have invested approximately half a billion dollars to extend fibre-optic technology to approximately 650,000 homes and businesses in its territory.

About Bell Aliant Bell Aliant (TSX: BA) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its FibreOP services. Through its operating entities, it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the highest quality customer service, choice and convenience.

Image with caption: "Galaxie music app. (CNW Group/BELL ALIANT INC.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120815_C7097_PHOTO_EN_16899.jpg

Image with caption: "The Weather Network app. (CNW Group/BELL ALIANT INC.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120815_C7097_PHOTO_EN_16898.jpg

SOURCE: BELL ALIANT INC.

The Weather Network app. (CNW Group/BELL ALIANT INC.)

Sarah Levy MacLeod
Bell Aliant
Phone: 855 487-5026
sarah.levy@bellaliant.ca

TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Digital payments specialists, Telrock have launched a self service payments application, SmartCollect in Canada this week, offering customers a range of quick and discreet ways to make payments on current and overdue accounts, through a choice of digital channels.

As 'Standard and Poor' recently cut their outlook from "stable" to "negative" on seven Canadian banks, there is a requirement for new thinking on the intelligent management of consumer debt. SmartCollect is set to take on the challenge, having previously helped European financial institutions, such as Nordic Credit Card Company, EnterCard owned by Barclays. The software application has improved collection rates and reduced costs while supporting customers who fall into arrears. It allows customers to set up and manage final settlement payments, promises to pay and payment plans through their choice of seven different interactive communication channels including smartphone apps, social media, web portals and SMS, acting as a virtual agent for lenders.

According to Ipsos research, "83% of Canadians use their mobiles 'on the go'," giving lenders the ability to alert customers straight to 'their pocket' and reminding them to pay. Self service is also becoming increasing important as "82% of Canadians say technology has made banking more convenient, enabling them to bank whenever and wherever it suits them," reported by CBA.

Telrocks' SmartCollect results show, over 26% of customers pay within 15 minutes of receiving "payment due" notifications, 40% within 30 minutes and 74% within 48 hours, with the mobile channel proving to be most effective by providing a significant improvement on manual call center and paper based methods. A recent survey on debt collection by IT firm, Sopra Group concluded "the debt collection industry faces heightened pressures on recovery rates." They also found "81% of those surveyed agree costs are escalating because debt collection is taking longer. Over 50% of the respondents said they want a new technology-based solution."

Jerry Ferlisi, General Manager of Telrock Americas explains, "We have found many debtors are too embarrassed to talk about their debt or forget to make payments, while these customers tend to use digital services frequently. SmartCollect gives customers the discretion to manage their debt by simply replying to an SMS, without having to discuss their financial difficulties with an agent. We have found customers using this technology are more likely to stick to their payment arrangements, while lenders can focus their call center effort directly on debtors in more serious need of their help."

Telrock is a UK and North American based software Development Company launched in 2002, and the first to launch mobile payments into the UK financial market. They have developed digital services in collections, fraud and acquisitions for clients such as Bank of America, Capital Once, RBS, SSE and Deutsche Bank, though this is their first move into North America.

SOURCE: Telrock

Contact
US: +1(866)926-6777
UK: +44(0)20-7183-1573
danielle.hall@telrock.com
Notes
http://www.telrock.com
http://telrocknews.blogspot.co.uk/

CALGARY, Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Intriga Mobility Inc. is excited to announce the launch of the new Intriga App! This application is designed for our current customers in order for them to have easy access to our services at the touch of a button. Intriga offers customers unique ways of managing their mobility issues. Corporate mobility issues include, but are definitely not limited to: outrageous roaming bills, accounting headaches, lost devices and complicated plans. The new Intriga App, now available on the iTunes App store for free, is a way for us to improve customer service and support, reduce roaming charges and increase visibility into your mobility world.

Craig Gibson, Vice President, Technology, says "this App is a huge jump ahead in providing outstanding customer service to our clients. Through our other applications like roamCom and crewsControl, we provide customers with visibility into how employees use their corporate devices, but this App will enable our clients to have greater visibility into how we manage requests and support. The growth of corporate Apple devices has increased 400 per cent in the last 12 months, by providing this free application we are responding to our customers changing mobility needs."

The App includes features like roamCom which notifies Intriga when a phone is taken out of the home carrier network. Intriga can easily add a roaming package onto the phone to avoid a massive roaming bill. It also allows customers to contact Intriga directly for support, log a request quicker and view your device usage and statistics.

About Intriga Mobility Inc.

Intriga Mobility Inc. is a corporate mobility provider with offices in Calgary and Edmonton. After three years of business, Intriga has 100 customers (20, 000 end users) from Vancouver to St. Johns and all the way to New Orleans. Intriga utilizes a combination of standard processes, role based support and innovative technologies to improve an organization's mobility cost, control and visibility of cellular users, devices and environments.

SOURCE: Intriga Mobility Inc.

Delaney Harms
Marketing and Communications Specialist
403.801.7977
delaneyh@intriga.ca
www.intriga.ca

MONTREAL and PARIS, France, Aug. 21, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Parta Dialogue (TSXV: PAD), expert in Social Media and Social Learning for businesses, announces the complete aggregation of performance results from all major corporate social media accounts worldwide, a critical milestone for its eValue™ Efficiency Calculator.

As of August 15th, the eValue™ Social Media ROI Suite is now computing the engagement metrics of over 20,000 corporate social media accounts including all leading companies in Fortune 500 and Financial Post 500. Being the only application of its kind that intelligently cross-calculates engagement values to compare social media accounts of any size, coupled with the world's largest corporate database of accounts measured daily, the eValue™ Social Media ROI Suite is poised to become the yardstick by which all commercial social media properties are measured worldwide.

The eValue™ Social Media ROI Suite is a set of software as a service tools designed to calculate the performance of corporate social media campaigns by comparing natural (earned) engagement behavior of online communities against the paid promotion and management efforts deployed by companies to build these followings.

With the upcoming addition of the Optimization Library and Trend Analyzer, the Suite will provide even further insight into a brand's social media landscape (competition, sector and geographical region).  The eValue™ suite is a standalone measurement and optimization tool but can be complimentary to existing tools such as Radian6, Sysomos and Hootsuite.

For more information about eValue™ Social Media ROI Suite please visit www.evaluesuite.com
Twitter: @evaluesuite

About PARTA
PARTA offers Social Media and Social Learning solutions to its clients from offices in Montreal, Paris and Mexico and is the developer of leading eValue™ Social Media ROI Suite:  www.evaluesuite.com

Many visionary businesses already employ PARTA's solutions for internal and external online engagement. Among these are Renault, Orange, Michelin, Hydro-Québec, Iusacell (Mexico), Dassault Systems, Nestlé Waters and Crédit Agricole. www.partadialogue.com

PARTA is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PAD and operates through two subsidiaries:

#engagementlabs, an all-digital agency offering a targeted range of social strategies, customized engagement platforms and analytic tools to measure performance and ROI totally focused on social engagement & optimization: www.engagementlabs.com.

edu-performance, totally focused on internal engagement and productivity, Edu-Performance offers customized Social Learning and online training solutions: www.eduperformance.com.

"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

SOURCE: PARTA DIALOGUE INC.

Tom Liacas, VP Social Media
Parta Dialogue Inc.
+1 (514) 771-5120
tom.liacas@partadialogue.com

Paul Allard, President & CEO
Parta Dialogue Inc.
+1 (514) 831-4245
paul.allard@partadialogue.com

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 22, 2012) -

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - MaxHire President, Peter Blitz, today announced the outstanding growth and success of a unique and innovative approach to Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Blitz is leading the way by leveraging a social media CRM philosophy and directly connecting with his customers through MaxHire's LinkedIn discussion group.

The software company began down the path of social CRM in fall 2012 with MaxHire's 'Get Connected' blog and the LinkedIn community. And according to a recent IBM CEO C-suite study, social media is currently the least utilized of all customer interaction methods, but CEOs predict it will push past websites, call centers and channel partners, and become the second most popular way to engage with customers over the next five years, after face-to-face. The results are clear as MaxHire's blog continues to receive steady traffic and there are now over 2,500 members in the LinkedIn community. LinkedIn followers are growing at a rate of 96% each week. Participation is thriving and members have started 345 new discussions and shared over 1000 comments. It's an ideal platform for MaxHire to not only connect with the customers, but also help the customers connect with each other to form a community. Mr. Blitz drives the discussion groups, communicates with users, gets feedback about the product, and shares ideas about the future of the company.

"Our LinkedIn discussion group, as well as the blog, have allowed me to directly collaborate with our customers and gain valuable insights. By using social media as a knowledge platform, I can assure future MaxHire features meet our clients' business needs," said Blitz, who is also MaxHire's Product Manager. "The communication is now timely, relevant and tailored for each customer."

Blitz is part of a movement of CEOs who are seeking a better understanding of individual customer needs and improved responsiveness. He dedicates one-hour minimum each day to participating in the MaxHire Recruiting and Staffing Software Community on LinkedIn. By reading, reviewing and personally responding to suggestions, question and recommendations he has developed a relationship that is rare for any CEO to have with their customers. Blitz recognizes social media's real value as a source for insights and collaboration. The open community approach and intense involvement of the CEO and Product Manager have been the driving factor for the community's growth and success.

About MaxHire Solutions
MaxHire all-in-one staffing software provides contract and direct hire staffing firms with one integrated solution for sales CRM, applicant tracking, sourcing, back office, and enterprise business intelligence. As the staffing software industry's pioneer of new ideas since 1995, MaxHire is passionate about creating technologies that boost productivity and deliver results. Over 2000 recruiting and staffing firms in 25 countries rely on MaxHire to give them an edge in a highly competitive industry where minutes matter. MaxHire is headquartered in Vancouver, BC and can be found on the web at http://www.MaxHire.net.

CONTACT: Rachel Lai, 1-800-206-7934

SOURCE: MaxHire Solutions

http://www.maxhire.net

ETOBICOKE, ON, Aug. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - CDW Canada, a leading provider of technology solutions for Canadian organizations in the public and private sectors, today announced the results of a recent customer survey that indicate purchasing new PCs, laptops and/or servers is a top priority for Canadian businesses.

The survey, which was conducted at the company's annual Business Technology Expo (BTEX) customer event, asked respondents to identify the areas in which they would be making IT purchases over the next six to 12 months. PC/laptops and servers ranked as some of the highest categories identified, with 79 per cent and 66 per cent citing these respectively. Hardware deployment and configuration was also cited by 64 per cent of respondents as an IT service they plan to use this year.

"The survey results tell us that innovation in technology is having an impact on IT purchases. Businesses and IT decision-makers want to take advantage of new, energy-efficient products by refreshing their technology," says Daniel Reio, Director of Marketing for CDW Canada. "And with the upcoming launch of Windows 8, we anticipate the relative interest in refreshing PCs/laptops will be accelerated. Our trained account managers and specialists are available to help guide businesses as they refresh their technology with the latest hardware and software, finding the right technology to fit existing infrastructure."

"As hardware and software technologies continue to improve and evolve, it is becoming harder to ignore the benefits of replacing older, aging IT infrastructure with newer, more modern equipment," says Warren Shiau, Director of Technology Research at Leger Marketing. "The benefits of keeping IT up-to-date in terms of increased systems performance, reducing IT operating costs and administration costs, and employee productivity, are undeniable."

With the company's recent Dream Vacation contest, CDW Canada customers who refreshed their technology were automatically entered for a chance to win a dream vacation prize. The contest winner is North Rim Exploration Ltd., based in Saskatchewan.

"North Rim is committed to providing innovative, leading-edge solutions to our clients and for supporting our employees," says Audrey McMillan, Chief Financial Officer for North Rim Exploration Ltd. "We have and will continue to invest significantly in our information technology infrastructure in order to accomplish that goal."

About CDW Canada

CDW Canada Inc. (http://www.cdw.ca/) is a leading provider of technology solutions for organizations in the public and private sectors. As a trusted advisor for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), CDW Canada provides a single destination for organizations to research, inquire or purchase virtually any technology solution that they require. Customers benefit from one-on-one relationships with knowledgeable account managers who are backed by a team of highly certified IT specialists. Through successful partnerships with more than 350 leading technology manufacturers, CDW Canada draws from a comprehensive selection of 160,000 technology products to help customers find the best technology to meet their unique business needs.  Headquartered in Etobicoke, Ontario, CDW Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vernon Hills, Illinois-based CDW Corporation, ranked No. 270 on the FORTUNE 500. In 2011, CDW Canada ranked #25 on Best Workplaces in Canada

SOURCE: CDW Canada Inc.

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 24, 2012) - Heading south to the U.S.? Now you can take your smartphone with you without spending a fortune. Public Mobile announced today that affordable and predictable U.S. data roaming has arrived, allowing you to access your email and the internet across the United States.

TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Technology will play a critical role in keeping students connected with their parents while they're at school this year. Released today, the latest Rogers Innovation Report shows that in nearly equal numbers, connected young Canadians (ages 18-24) and their connected parents (40 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively) are using technology to stay close with one another.

Not only is technology keeping families connected, it is also helping to bridge the generation gap between parents and their children. Nearly one third (29 per cent) of parents surveyed say technology allows them to be closer to their children than they were with their own parents.

"The latest Innovation Report findings show that technology isn't dividing the generations, it's bringing families closer together," said Robert Switzman, senior director, Emerging Business, Rogers Communications. "We see how kids are now playing a leading role teaching parents how to get the most out of their smartphones, tablets and other devices.  And as many parents prepare to send their kids off to college or university this year, they will rely on this technology to stay connected with their kids."

Based on research from Rogers and Vision Critical, The Rogers Innovation Report regularly explores connected Canadians' habits and views on technology. This latest Report focuses on how Canadian youth (18-24) and parents of youth use mobile technology.

Generations coming together through technology

While nearly one third of Canadian parents (29 per cent) consider themselves to be tech savvy, 43 per cent still turn to their kids for help on how to get the most out of their devices. This isn't surprising given that the majority of parents (52 per cent) surveyed consider their kids to be much savvier than they are at using technology, such as smartphones and tablets.

But despite this, report findings show that technology habits between youth and parents are remarkably similar:

• Youth and parents say texting is their preferred smartphone and tablet activity (94 per cent for youth and 82 per cent for parents)
• Youth and parents both look to technology to stay close to family (48 per cent for youth and 52 per cent for parents)
• Youth and parents largely look to the same brands when choosing a smartphone
• Both youth and parents are equally using their smartphones and tablets to read books and magazines, shop online and watch sports
• The majority of youth and parents (both 97 per cent) choose email as the number one computer activity
• Youth and parents are active with social media. Fifty two percent of youth are friends with their parents on Facebook
• Apps are popular with both parents and youth:
  • 79 per cent of youth and 56 per cent of parents download apps on their smartphones and tablets
  • Both youth and parents have close to 14 apps on average on their devices

Increasing role of technology in education

Technology will not only be a way to keep families connected this school year. Based on report findings, tech devices are playing an increasing role as a research and learning tool inside the classroom.

Of the youth surveyed who attend school, the majority are using technology, including smartphones, for educational purposes like online research, accessing coursework, sharing with classmates and interacting with teachers. Almost one in four (24 per cent) believe that having the latest technology gives them the skills they need to get a better job and 20 per cent believe it gives them a leg up for future success. Almost one third (32 per cent) believe that having the latest technology gives them an advantage over their parents' generation at school and nearly one in three parents (28 per cent) wish they had the advantage of technology when they were in school.

Not only that, young Canadians see technology playing an increasingly important role in the classroom. Looking ahead, the majority of youth (55 per cent) believe technology will transform education and 35 per cent believe that in the next five years all school textbooks will be online or on tablet textbooks.

About the survey

From July 13-16, 2012, an online survey was conducted with 509 Angus Reid Forum panelists aged 18 to 24, and 511 parents of 18 to 24 year olds.  All respondents either subscribe to the internet at home or have a data plan with their cell phones.  The margin of error on the full base — which measures sampling variability — of 1010 respondents is +/- 3.1% and +/-4.3% for each subgroup. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
Join or follow the conversation about the new Rogers Innovation Report on Twitter by following and using the hashtag #RIRExplores.

About Rogers Communications

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

Image with caption: "Report reveals that technology plays an integral role in bridging the generation gap (CNW Group/Rogers Communications Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120823_C9014_PHOTO_EN_17183.jpg

SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.

For details and to set up an interview with a Rogers Communications spokesperson:

Sara Holland
Rogers Communications
Tel: 604-505-8113
sara.holland@rci.rogers.com

Katie Boland
Rogers Communications
Tel: 416-935-6542
kathryn.boland@rci.rogers.com