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3rd June 2011

CanWIT BC Circle of Wisdom Networking and Mentoring Series Event

CanWITAn invitation has been sent out by the BC chapter of CanWIT for a special opportunity to participate in the Circle of Wisdom – Raise The Bar event. This is an evening of dialogue designed for CanWit members or interested members of the community to come together in an intimate setting to connect with experience.

  • Hear from 3 women who are successfully operating in a Senior roll (VP or Senior Director)
  • Hear first hand personal stories about how the Mentor’s reached senior levels and what made a difference in their careers
  • Network with BC tech women who are looking to advance their careers
  • Enjoy a rich exchange of wisdom

Speakers:

Your hostess for the evening will be Felicia Bochicchio – VP of Sales, Active Network.

This event will be held at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club from 6:00 – 8:00pm on June 23rd. Tickets are $50.00 each, and the registration deadline is June 9th.

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3rd June 2011

Focus Canada Returns To The Shanghai International Film Festival

Telefilm CanadaTelefilm Canada is pleased to announce that, for a second year running, the Canadian participation at the Shanghai International Film Festival will pay tribute to our industry’s vitality and creativity. The events include: Focus Canada, which showcases 10 feature films from June 11 to 19, and on June 13, a day-long celebration of Canadian cinema featuring, among other activities, a screening of Denis Villeneuve’s Incendies and the participation of directors, producers, actors and other representatives of the Canadian industry.

Telefilm Canada and the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), in partnership with the Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai, are taking part in the 2011 Shanghai International Film Festival to promote Canada’s film talent and to support companies seeking to break into this market and develop their international business affairs.

“Shanghai is an essential gateway to the Asian market,” said Telefilm Canada’s Executive Director, Carolle Brabant, who will be attending the Festival. “In keeping with our corporate plan, which aims to stimulate demand for Canadian content in Canada and abroad, we will push to promote Canadian companies and talent so this event yields concrete cultural, industrial and commercial results.”

“Having had the pleasure of getting to know Shanghai for many years now, I am delighted that the citizens of Shanghai will have access to Quebec cinema,” said François Macerola, SODEC’s President and CEO. “Quebec and Shanghai have had a close, longstanding relationship, one that I hope will continue for many years to come and allow us to forge a real and truly vibrant cultural dialogue.”

All of the Canadian films being screened through Focus Canada received funding from the Canada Feature Film Fund, administered by Telefilm Canada. Also worth noting is that the Shanghai International Film Festival will help boost the careers of several films that will receive their world, international or Asian premieres at the Festival.

On the topic of Canadian films at the festival, Lijun Tang, Executive Director of the Shanghai International Film Festival, made the following highly positive statement: “I am really pleased that 10 high-quality Canadian films will be screened via Focus Canada at this year’s festival, its 14th annual edition. It is wonderful to see that Canadian films are becoming more and more popular with Chinese audiences, especially here in Shanghai. I am certain that programs such as Focus Canada stimulate business relations between Canadian filmmakers and the Chinese movie industry by allowing representatives from both industries to better know one another and to pave the way for future collaboration.” Read the rest of this entry »

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3rd June 2011

IABC Edmonton Award Winners Named At Gala Event

iabc EdmontonLast night, over 25 individuals and organizations were awarded with some of their industry’s most prestigious awards. Northern Alberta’s best communicators came together for IABC Edmonton’s annual Capital Awards Gala at the Winspear Centre to scrutinize, win and network.

“I want to thank everyone who submitted entries and came out to the gala last night to support their peers,” says IABC President Max Frank. “Congratulations go out to all the winners for their exemplary work.”

In the Communications & Marketing Programs & Campaigns category, Awards of Excellence were awarded to The DAGNY Partnership, ATCO Gas & ATCO Electric, Alberta Blue Cross, Calder Bateman Communications and College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. Awards of Merit were awarded to The Edmonton Public Library and McRobbie Optamedia, with WCB-Alberta receiving both awards.

In the Communications Skills & Tactics category, Syncrude Canada Ltd. was awarded an Award of Excellence, while ATB Financial, Grant MacEwan University, Finning Canada and McRobbie Optamedia were awarded Awards of Merit. In the Special Events category, an Award of Excellence went to WCB-Alberta and an Award of Merit was awarded to ATB Financial. Calder Bateman Communications also won both Awards of Excellence and Merit.

In the Visual Communications category, McRobbie Optamedia won both an Award of Excellence and an Award of Merit, and Incite was awarded an Award of Merit. Lastly, in the Student Category, five Grant MacEwan students won an Award of Excellence.

In addition to the above mentioned categories, IABC Edmonton recognized three individuals with special awards. The Capital Communicator of the Year award went to Trish Bronsch for her support of the importance of communications in her organization’s success. The Communicator of the Year award went to Sherrell Steele, ABC for her exemplary communication strategies and tactics in 2010 and throughout her career. The Member of the Year award went to Jana Clarke for her outstanding service to IABC Edmonton.

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3rd June 2011

Route1 Comments On Data Security Breaches

route1The hacking and theft of confidential Canadian government data reported yesterday is the latest in a growing number of serious data security breaches. “The increasing pace of these incidents shows the need for all enterprises to rethink their approach to maintaining the security of vital data,” said Tony Busseri, President and CEO of Toronto’s Route1 Inc.

Route1 is a leading provider of data security and identity management technology. Its clients include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Dutch Foreign Ministry, and Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner, as well as private sector corporations.

“More data security breaches are being reported every day,” Mr. Busseri said. “What they reveal is a widespread failure to meet two essential needs. The first is the growing demand for the capability to work remotely using the data within an organization’s network. The second is the vital requirement to control access to that data and to ensure it remains within the protective firewalls of the network. Remote access solutions are simple and readily available but most fail when it comes to identity management and security. That’s clear from the growing number of reported breaches. Too often, organizations go through the motions of constructing barriers to protect data while at the same time ignoring the gaps they create to allow their people to work outside the network. Those gaps allow data out and allow hackers in.”

“Every organization recognizes that the security of its data must be protected. Many are also recognizing that providing their people with the ability to work outside the office is not simply a convenience but a necessity,” added Mr. Busseri. “Route1 technology allows users to access networks from anywhere, anytime, with the highest possible security based on an architecture that keeps data within firewalls. Data security breaches are a huge and costly problem and will only get worse unless all organizations face the reality and take action using the best technology available.”

The growth in security breaches can generally be traced to the use of systems that transfer data outside of network firewalls, that use simple one-factor identity confirmation such as a single password, and that are based on identifying the remote device being used rather than the individual using it. The failing systems also may not control what information within the network the user can access when they are remote. Read the rest of this entry »

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3rd June 2011

Digital Extremes Beamed Aboard Star Trek Project

digital extremesParamount Digital Entertainment confirmed today that Star Trek is under development at Digital Extremes and will be coming to the Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 and Windows PC in summer 2012.  With an original story and unprecedented co-op experience, the game casts players as Kirk and Spock for the first time ever.

“Star Trek challenges the boundaries of co-op gameplay with a galactic adventure that gamers and fans have never experienced,” said Tom Lesinski, President of Paramount Digital Entertainment. “Working closely with the Star Trek filmmaking team throughout development, the game is sure to deliver AAA production values, a wide variety of star trekgameplay and all the action you would expect from the hit franchise. This will be the definitive Star Trek gaming experience.”

The game, which continues the adventure that director and producer J.J. Abrams envisioned with Star Trek (2009), boasts a stand alone story filled with action-packed combat as Kirk and Spock must work together to stop a legendary enemy race bent on conquering the galaxy.

 

Star Trek features an original story by BAFTA award winner and God of War writer, Marianne Krawczyk, in collaboration with the writer/producers of the new Star Trek films, Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman. Digital Extremes is also working closely with Bad Robot, K/O Paper Products and Damon Lindelof and the game will be published by Paramount Digital Entertainment through a license with CBS Consumer Products.

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3rd June 2011

Acceleware Announces Management Appointments and Option Grant

accelewareHigh performance computing applications developer Acceleware® Ltd. has announced that Heather Stubbs has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Acceleware. In addition, Adam Rock, of the law firm Shea Nerland Calnan LLP, has been appointed as Corporate Secretary.

Prior to joining Acceleware, Heather Stubbs was the Manager of Financial Reporting for Peak Energy Services Ltd., a publicly held energy services company. As a leader of the finance group, her major responsibilities included managing the internal and external financial reporting function of the organization. Heather has most recently completed an extensive International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) conversion project with Peak. Prior to working with Peak, Heather was a Senior Associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the Assurance and Business Advisory Services practice in Calgary. Heather is a Chartered Accountant, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. “We are excited to have Heather join our team,” said Geoff Clark, President and CEO of Acceleware. “Her considerable and relevant experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop Acceleware.” Read the rest of this entry »

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3rd June 2011

Ortsbo Announces O2O Same-Device Translator

ortsboIntertainment Media Inc. has announced that its real time experiential translation platform Ortsbo is debuting its newest patent pending technology today at Social Media Camp in Victoria. The application technology, known as “Ortsbo to Ortsbo” or “O2O”allows multiple users to engage translation services on the same tablet computing device. Using the app, users will have up to 2 “head to head” keyboards and displays allowing for 2 languages to be communicated in a free flowing style of conversation without the need for guides or other translation devices. Smaller devices will have the ability to display additional language keyboards based on motion, or “tilt” of the device.

The O2O app was developed internally at Ortsbo with the support of the Commobility mobile development team. The app, once approved for distribution will be available for purchase through various online marketplaces.

The app will initially be available for the Apple iPad and will be forthcoming for other tablet and touch devices in the near future. O2O is a perfect complement for travelers who find themselves in a location where they don’t speak the local language and wish to interact in a recreational or commercial setting.

Initially O2O will support 53 languages through Ortsbo’s real time chat platform and with the upcoming release of Ortsbo 2.0 scheduled for calendar Q4 2011, the system will be upgraded to allow interaction in over 80 languages around the world. With Ortsbo 2.0, O2O users will be able to add additional terms, phrases and terminology to the Ortsbo translation wiki in almost any language.

“Ortsbo O2O will allow people around the world to use their iPad and eventually any tablet or touch device to carry on multiple language conversations, immediately and in person, allowing all parties to communicate freely through a single device,” said David Lucatch, President of Ortsbo / CEO Intertainment Media.

Ortsbo recently launched, ahead of planned schedule, the alpha release of its Ortsbo for HTML on the Microsoft Windows Azure platform, providing a cloud application for real time experiential translation chat. The original version of Ortsbo using Microsoft Silverlight, enabling 12 of the world’s most popular chat networks, will remain in operation for the near future. When initially launched in July 2010, Ortsbo’s social media translation platform infrastructure was designed to handle the expected first 2 to 3 years of operations or 12 Million monthly users. Ortsbo exceeded all growth projections in its first 9 months and has continued to operate to maintain the increase in user growth and with Microsoft’s Window Azure platform integration has developed a virtually unlimited operational environment to service user needs globally.

Other Ortsbo Events and Promotions:

June 22, 2011 – Steve Nash Foundation Showdown In ChinatownOrtsbo presents, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash’s Showdown in Chinatown charity soccer match event in New York City. The event will consist of a competitive soccer game featuring NBA and professional soccer athletes and Ortsbo will provide a global, real-time chat environment during the event to enable – for the first time – Steve Nash and the Showdown athletes to interact seamlessly over social media platforms with fans in over 50 languages.

Through August 2011 Ortsbo 040 – With the launch of Ortsbo’s email plug in for Microsoft Outlook, or “O4O”, Ortsbo is launching a unique promotion: Ortsbo Cruise Into Translation. Users who register and install O4O through August 2011 will have the opportunity to win 1 of 5 trips on the KISS Kruise in October as well as other VIP prizes. Additional contest ballots will be available for people who refer friends that register and install O4O.

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3rd June 2011

Happy Birthday Wind Mobile

wind mobileOne year ago today, WIND Mobile launched in Vancouver and since then 166 million minutes of unlimited talk time have been used by Vancouverites on WIND’s state-of-the-art HD voice network. As the first new entrant to launch in Vancouver, it loosened the stronghold of the Canadian wireless oligopoly and challenged the status quo, offering Vancouver consumers real choice and value.

“A year ago, the wireless landscape in Vancouver was remarkably different with very limited options,” said Anthony Lacavera, Chairman of WIND Mobile. “With the entry of WIND, for the first time Vancouverites enjoyed real wireless competition and based on WIND’s growth, people were eager for change. This freedom to choose no-contract, affordable wireless is having a positive impact on both people’s pocketbooks and on the wireless market.”

Since launching in Vancouver, WIND Mobile has seen an impressive expansion in the GVA to cover 11 cities including Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Whistler. Actual area coverage has increased from 510 to 920 square kilometers and service has extended to more than 2 million Vancouverites.

“This marks a year of change for Vancouver’s wireless market and the increased choice is clearly resonating with consumers,” said Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND Mobile. “In just one year, we have doubled the number of cities we cover AND doubled the number of sites in our network. As we head into our second year, we will continue to push for growth and progress and look forward to bringing more change and competition to Vancouver consumers.”

WIND Mobile’s growth in Vancouver is not surprising considering that it proved to be the fastest growing mobile carrier in Canada based on its Q1 results. WIND added more new subscribers in that quarter than any other wireless carrier.

To celebrate its one year anniversary in Vancouver, WIND is offering incredible $1 deals for the rest of the month. To kick off the festivities, over 100 lightly loved BlackBerry smartphones are being sold today in select Vancouver stores for just $1. For the rest of the month of June, Vancouverites can buy a Nokia C5 and get a second for $1 OR buy a Huawei U3200 and get a second for $1. With WINDtab that could be two phones for as low as $1. New $1 weekend deals on products and services will be announced each week.

As part of their ongoing commitment to support the Vancouver community, WIND Mobile is donating the money earned from June’s $1 Deals in Vancouver to support Covenant House Vancouver.

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3rd June 2011

Canadian Studios Honoured At Youth Media Alliance Awards

marblemediamarblemedia is the only recipient of more than one award at this year’s Youth Media Alliance (YMA) Awards. The awards for marble’s TasteBudsTV.com were presented last night at the 2011 Awards of Excellence Gala held at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio, where long-running Canadian classic teen show Degrassi was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Linda Schuyler & Stephen Stohn .

TasteBudsTV.com was awarded the Special Jury Award for Interactive Web Content and the Award of Excellence for Best Convergent Interactive Content. The Special Jury Award goes to a project that promotes healthy living by outlining the importance of education, staying physically active and incorporating strong core values. The Award of Excellence for Best taste budsConvergent Interactive Content is awarded to the project that best exemplifies exceptional work on a website or convergent cross-platform content tied into a children’s television program.

“We’re very excited to have been honoured with these two great awards for TasteBudsTV.com,” says Mark Bishop, Executive Producer/Partner, marblemedia. “The Youth Media Alliance continues to promote the growth of groundbreaking cross-platform content for kids and teens, which is very much what we here at marble strive for as well.”

TasteBudsTV.com is a vibrant and engaging website that brings the feel and flavour of the popular Taste Buds TV series to computers across the globe, promoting healthy eating by encouraging knowledge about food, nutrition, and diverse cultures. This interactive online environment is host to a number of recipes, videos and games, which incorporate educational components such as literacy, numeracy, science, health education, and caring for the environment.stella and sam

English Awards of Excellence:

The Grand Prize for Best Program – All Categories went to Stella and Sam – Produced by Radical Sheep Productions Inc. and broadcast by Playhouse Disney Canada.

Animation Category – Ages 3-5

dirtgirlworld – Produced by DHX Media Ltd. and mememe productions Inc. (Australia) – Broadcast by CBC

Animation Category – Ages 6-8

Mixed Nutz – Produced by Big Bad Boo Studios Inc. – Broadcast by Shaw TV

Animation Category – Ages 9-14

League of Super Evil – Produced by Nerd Corps Entertainment – Broadcast by YTV & VRAK.TV

All Genres Category – Ages 3-5

The Ocean Room – Produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment – Broadcast by TVO

All Genres Category – Ages 6-8

Artzooka! – Produced by CCI Entertainment Ltd. – Broadcast by CBC Gisele

All Genres Category – Ages 9-12

Vacation with Derek – Produced by Shaftesbury Films Inc. – Broadcast by Family Channel

Interstitial Category – All Ages

Gisèle’s Big Backyard – Produced & Broadcast by TVO

Special Jury Award – Television

What’s Your News? – Produced by Lenz Entertainment Inc. – Broadcast by CBC

Best Original Interactive Content

Ruby Skye P.I.: The Spam Scam – Produced by (Jill Golick Enterprises Ltd) Story 2.DH

Best Convergent Interactive Contentdegrassi

TasteBudsTV.com – Produced by marblemedia

Special Jury Award – Digital and Interactive Content

TasteBudsTV.com – Produced by marblemedia

Special Anniversary Outstanding Achievement Award

Degrassi – Produced by Linda Schuyler & Stephen Stohn

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3rd June 2011

CRTC Launches Online Consultation On Wholesale Internet Access Services

CRTCThe Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched an online consultation asking Canadians to comment on the way large cable and telephone companies charge independent Internet service providers (ISPs) for the use of their networks. This consultation is part of a proceeding that will include a public hearing beginning on July 11, 2011, in Gatineau, Quebec. The online consultation will conclude at midnight (EST) on June 24, 2011.

Canadians can access the Internet through wireless service providers, satellite companies, independent ISPs or large cable and telephone companies. Given this competition, the CRTC does not set rates or regulate the terms and conditions under which Internet services are offered to Canadians.

To ensure that the market for retail Internet services remains competitive, large cable and telephone companies must offer their wholesale customers, the independent ISPs, access to their networks under terms and conditions approved by the CRTC. Different pricing plans for wholesale Internet services have been proposed and so the CRTC is seeking the views of Canadians on the following questions:

  • How do you think large cable and telephone companies should charge independent ISPs for the use of their networks?
  • What kind of wholesale pricing plans encourage innovative products and services that benefit consumers?
  • What kind of wholesale pricing plans encourage network investment by large companies and independent ISPs?
  • What kind of wholesale pricing plans would be most beneficial for consumers?

Reference documents:

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