Search and Mobility Continue Growth In Canada
Montreal’s Vantrix was honoured last week with a 2010 RCR Ecosystem Award in the “Best Mobile Content Provider” category. The annual RCR Ecosystem awards are presented to innovative and outstanding companies from each sector within the mobile arena that has had a significant impact in the wireless marketplace. The RCR Ecosystem Awards received more than 130 nominations across 12 categories, a true testament to the momentum behind the wireless and mobile industry.
“Vantrix is very proud to be recognized for its leadership in mobile video optimization,” said Patrick Lopez, Chief Marketing Officer of Vantrix. “The amount of video traffic on the mobile network continues to grow at an exponential rate, putting pressure on mobile operator networks. Vantrix Bandwidth Optimizer enables mobile operators to optimize their networks and reduce costs of delivering video to laptops and mobile phones by as much as 50 percent. This award acknowledges our innovation and accomplishment in the mobile video optimization and arena, and underscores our clear leadership in this market.”
Vantrix Bandwidth Optimizer optimizes all video content in real-time, while maintaining the highest quality of experience. It removes congestion on the network, thus enabling more data to be sent. Furthermore, it also delays investment in network infrastructure expansion – thereby helping to reduce CAPEX and OPEX. A constant innovator, Vantrix has created an interactive tool called the Vantrix Bandwidth Savings Calculator to help mobile carriers plan for the explosive growth of video in their data network.
“It was particularly difficult for us to judge this year’s awards, as the volume and quality of entries was reflective of an industry that continues to innovate and have an impact on our daily lives,” said RCR Wireless News Editor Tracy Ford. “Our program recognizes those contributions and we applaud Vantrix for its hard work, dedication and for continuing to move the dial forward for mobile subscribers, as well as operators, worldwide.”
A unique web-based service, offering simplified, first class results on anything and everything locally, has now launched. Thetop10.ca launched Phase One, an exceptional Web Site / Directory service, utilizing SEO, Social Media and related technologies in tandem with proprietary elements in a manner never before done, providing end-users The Top 10 of anything they are looking for, locally and simply.
“How do you sort through the clutter on the Internet today and find the best of anything? The Top 10 offers this and so much more.” says project backer Mike Bullard.
A major complaint from Web Searchers today is the never-ending barrage of useless information one is forced to delve through to get to what they’re looking for – to get to the BEST of what they’re looking for. Thetop10.ca is the answer to this and many other business-search issues. A platform offering both casual web searchers and members the best of what they’re looking for locally. Additionally, MEMBERS only receive access to a growing number of perks, and membership is free.
Thetop10.ca is the first of its kind, offering members an opportunity to share their product and service experiences with others on various Social Media platforms, earning great Rewards Points for their opinions! The list of Member-only perks to come in phase 2 and 3 is remarkable. Utilizing existent technologies and a proprietary algorithm, there is no company directly comparable to thetop10.ca in Canada.
“This enterprise has resulted in a better service than I even anticipated; I’m confident this first-class alternative to basic search engines will grow exponentially, and we look forward to the inimitable additions already in the works for Phase Two.” says Caroline Risi.
Backed by the incomparable and trusted entertainer Mike Bullard, thetop10.ca looks forward to sharing its one-of-a-kind platform and interacting with both the business community and web searchers across Ontario and Canada. PHASE 2 of thetop10.ca will launch in November 2010.
Canada Post has introduced Canada Post Comparison Shopper, a one-stop shopping website that helps Canadians instantly find, compare and purchase products online. The site uses a ranking system that filters through over 4 million products from 500 well-known and respected retailers that actually sell to Canadians. The patent-pending system evaluates criteria like price, return policies and customer service to determine which retailer offers the best match for the consumer’s search.
“Canada Post has experience in building online solutions like epost,” says Louis O’Brien, Chief Customer Officer at Canada Post. “This innovative solution is a natural extension of our superior residential delivery in Canada. Canadians place a lot of trust in Canada Post and we plan to build on that trust to help Canadians shop online with confidence.”
The site offers search and filter capabilities not available on competing shopping sites. “Features such as product ranking and price history provide shoppers with confidence and assurance that they are making an informed decision”, adds O’Brien. “All the retailers on the site actually sell to Canadians, while most other sites contain retailers that do not ship to Canada.”
Another key feature of Canada Post Comparison Shopper is the ‘all-in’ price which estimates taxes, shipping and other fees – such as exchange rates and customs fees, if applicable. This will eliminate unwelcomed surprises when it comes to the actual total purchase price. Consumers can search for everything from electronics to fashion, and health and beauty products.
This new initiative is part of a larger growth strategy at Canada Post. Last month, the corporation announced a new online direct-marketing platform to leverage proven direct marketing practices to deliver local offers and advertisements in a dynamic, real-time online environment. Canada Post Comparison Shopper is expected to drive growth in the parcel business, and to reinforce the company’s position as the leading business-to-consumer delivery agent in Canada.
Consumers can access Canada Post Comparison Shopper through Canada Post’s website. They can search using keywords or advanced sort and filter functions, browse based on retailer, brand or category and finally purchase the product or service directly on the retailer’s site.
Bell Aliant has reached an agreement with Bell to sell xwave, in its entirety, to Bell. With xwave now part of a national organization, customers will benefit from xwave’s proven expertise and also have access to a broader slate of national technology and professional services provided through Bell Business Markets.
“We believe the time and opportunity is right for this transaction and by divesting xwave now, Bell Aliant is able to further focus on our core priorities such as fibre-to-the-home, improve our balance sheet and ensure long-term value to our investors,” said Karen Sheriff, president and CEO, Bell Aliant. “We have known for some time that for xwave to continue to expand nationally and grow profitability they needed access to scale. Combining with Bell gives xwave access to a national market and additional IT capabilities they do not have today.”
xwave has operated as part of Bell Aliant and its predecessor companies for a number of years with particular focus on advanced technology solutions and IT professional services, including the provision of leading e-health solutions.
“We are eager to welcome the skilled xwave team, building on their excellent service to clients in Atlantic Canada. Combining xwave’s leading e-health, IT professional services and advanced technology solutions with Bell Business Markets’ national team of information and communications technology (ICT) professionals and our world-class broadband networks enhances our leadership in delivering the best solutions for healthcare, public sector and corporate enterprise customers,” said Stéphane Boisvert, president, Bell Business Markets.
The purchase price of CAD $40 million has been assessed as fair value by an independent valuator. The transaction is expected to close on January 1, 2011. Bell, Bell Aliant and xwave will work together to ensure a seamless transition for employees, partners and customers.