Village Gamer

Reservations Software provider Book4Time, Inc. has named US company TripCraft as its mobile development partner, announcing the launch of powerful mobile solutions for both consumers and spa operators later this year. This partnership provides Book4Time customers with world-class mobile capabilities on the TripCraft platform, seamlessly integrated into Book4time’s leading cloud-based spa solutions. Book4Time currently operates in 16 countries, with many of the leading international spa brands utilizing its robust platform.

“We’re excited to launch both consumer and business mobile solutions for our clients, extending our industry leading cloud-based spa software offering into mobile commerce,” remarked Roger Sholanki, CEO of Book4Time. “Leading the industry with the first web-based spa software platform and processing the first real-time online spa reservation, mobile solutions provide a new landscape to continue our innovation and market leadership.”

“This partnership with Book4time is incredibly exciting. We believe our mobile capabilities paired with Book4time’s robust spa solutions makes a powerful offering for spa operators looking to engage guests in new and compelling ways,” says Mike Murray, Co-Founder of TripCraft.

Book4Time’s web-based spa management system has completed over 20 million real-time spa appointments and currently averages over 500,000 appointments every month, peaking at nearly 40% coming from Book4Time’s reservation portals.

 Craft supply outlet Michaels is redefining its online and social media customer experience with the introduction of several new digital marketing channels. New additions include: mobile phone coupon acceptance, interactive online ads, a mobile iPhone app launch, Quick Response (QR) codes, a mobile website and text message alerts.

Michaels’ new interactive online weekly ad allows North American customers to view by department or brand, with select products linked to projects and/or how-to videos that enable customers to visualize the final product. Created specifically to make customer’s crafting experiences at Michaels as efficient as possible, the ad provides inspiration, organization and capabilities unlike any other retailer. The online weekly ad also gives customers the ability to share products and projects through social channels such as Twitter and Facebook.

Weekly ad deals can also be seen in Michaels recently launched, free iPhone app for customers that includes coupons, a store locator, the ability to create shopping lists, a QR code reader and in-store event lists. Customers can also access project and product information as part of its company-wide initiative to provide customers with more inspiration and convenience. A free Android app will follow in September 2011. Mobile phone coupon acceptance allows stores to easily scan coupons from customer’s cell phones.

“Our customers are a passionate, connected community and these new channels allow for more tailored and relevant communication,” said Michaels Sr. Director of Digital Marketing Anthony Price. “We know that roughly half of our customers use smart phones and the new online and mobile tools are designed for them to help provide increased inspiration when and where they are looking for it.”

Michaels understands that customers continually look for more ways to engage online, through smart phones and social media. A recent Michaels survey showed that 57% of customers connect to Facebook daily to read or post messages.

Additional ways for Michaels customers to interact through digital media include:

— Text message alerts – customers can now receive coupons, project ideas and special event information through their mobile phones.
— Increased social media presence – Michaels uses its Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter feed to give customers the opportunity to share their creativity and directly inspire others in the Michaels crafting community.
— Webisodes – Michaels.com hosts how-to webisodes featuring Michaels Creative Expert Jo Pearson and others demonstrating crafting techniques, products and ideas.
— E-Newsletters -tailored to provide ideas, techniques and instructions on the go.

This is not a Canadian production, but Canadians can be a part of it, and it’s just a really cool project. Intel Corporation and Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., today announced a creative collaboration and campaign to deliver a new social film project titled “Inside.” As part of the film experience an online casting call has also been issued.

Starring Emmy Rossum (“Shameless,” “Phantom of the Opera,”), “Inside” is a blockbuster-class experiment in social entertainment, brought to life by leading minds in Hollywood, technology and social media. The film aims to bring a new genre of interactive, social entertainment and is directed by D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia,” “I Am Number Four,” “Eagle Eye”) and Oscar-winning cinematographer Mauro Fiore (“Avatar,” “Training Day”).

“’Inside’ is unique because it allows me as the director to direct not just the actors but the audience as well,” Caruso said. “Social film is still in an experimental phase and collaborations like this one will help bring new concepts, opportunities and ideas to the world of entertainment. We had to approach the film differently because there are blanks that need to be filled in by the social media audience, but that is what makes it an exciting new experience for the viewer; the opportunity to participate in the film itself.”

In the film, Rossum plays the role of Christina, a 20-something woman trapped in a room with only a 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor-powered Toshiba Satellite® P775 series laptop and an untraceable Internet connection. Unable to determine where she is being held or what her fate might be, Christina uses the laptop to mobilize her social network, reaching out to friends, family and anyone else who can help her figure out where she’s being held and how to escape.

Unlike most static productions, “Inside” engages the audience by enlisting them to be a part of the film through social media. Viewers are encouraged to connect with Christina, tweet clues and post advice to her Facebook wall. The film will air in short episodes starting on July 25. During this time, viewers will be invited to activate their social channels and help decode Christina’s dilemma by posting tips, insights, ideas and clues. The editing team, led by Emmy-winning editor Josh Bodnar, will incorporate posts that best fit the storyline into the episodes.

Additionally, one viewer will have a chance to be cast in a role through a YouTube online casting call that opens today and runs through July 20. The winning video submission will be incorporated into the movie and the winner will be included in the credits of the film.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhjcUft3iNA]

“As the ‘Sponsors of Tomorrow’ we are excited to expand the entertainment computing experience of today,” said Johan Jervoe, VP Creative Services and Digital Marketing, Intel Corporation. “By bringing the worlds of social media and entertainment together, we will give the viewer the ability to have an active voice and play a participating role, something that has never been done before with traditional film. It’s exciting for viewers/participants to have the opportunity of being cast alongside talent like Emmy Rossum, D.J. Caruso and Mauro Fiore.”

“With ‘Inside,’ the goal was to provide our audience with a unique, engaging experience,” said Ron Smith, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Digital Products Division. “We wanted to connect with a younger consumer audience through the social media channels and technologies they use most. Our hope is that viewers are enticed by the opportunities ‘Inside’ creates, giving them the possibility of seeing their name, comments and social identity included in a film that has the potential to alter the entertainment landscape.”

Follow “Inside” on Facebook and on Twitter via @theinsideexp or #theinsideexperience.

Intertainment Media Inc. has announced that its social media, real time, experiential translation platform Ortsbo generated over 68 Million minutes of user engagement for the second half of June 2011 along with 12.8 Million Online Sessions, 53 Million Page Views and 9.6 Million Unique Users in only 15 days from June 15^thto June 30th. This represents a significant increase to the previously reported numbers, as Ortsbo has made the initial transition to Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform, providing a Cloud environment allowing virtually unlimited technology growth opportunities.

Over the past 45 days, Ortsbo has been transitioning its systems to the Cloud to provide a more robust user experience and will continue through Summer 2011 to improve the services. To date, these improvements have increased the speed and access to the Ortsbo platform allowing users to spend more time engaged in the experience. During the initial overhaul process, Ortsbo suspended number reporting, as it rebuilt and retooled the entire system. On a go forward basis, the reporting of metrics is expected to be twice a month.

“The move to the Cloud with Microsoft Azure has allowed Ortsbo to accelerate growth and we are seeing the results immediately,” said David Lucatch, President of Ortsbo and CEO Intertainment Media.

Intertainment has acquired rights to a United States patent application with respect to the automated translation within a browser in consideration for a payment of $200,000. The company has taken over all the rights associated with the patent application as well as any derivatives thereof. The vendor will receive additional payments upon the issuance of the patent and any continuation or continuation-in-part claiming priority from the patent application. In addition, the vendor will be entitled to receive 10% of any licensing revenue generated in connection with the patent.

“We believe that the acquisition of the patent application and the associated rights will further strengthen Intertainment’s portfolio in the area of automated online translation and communication,” commented Lucatch.

Ortsbo has appointed New York based translation industry veteran Mr. Matthew Grotenstein to lead global business development and partner acquisition. Mr. Grotenstein brings over 10 years experience growing businesses in the communications, social media, and management consulting space. Most recently, Mr. Grotenstein led US Business Development for CLS Communication, one of the world’s largest language translation providers.

“We are excited to have Matt onboard to lead our global commercial business development and partner programs as he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and relationships to the Ortsbo team,” said Lucatch. “We are eager to combine our current successes with Matt’s industry leadership. His first objective will be to monetize the brand across a commercial landscape.”

Together with the recently integrated Commobility team, Ortsbo has upgraded a number of technology parameters allowing the company to update its previously filed mobile version of Ortsbo for the Apple iPhone. Ortsbo to Ortsbo, or “O2O”, for which a patent has been applied for, is nearing completion for application and commercialization through Apple iTunes.

Recent upgrades to the Ortsbo platform have resulted in a streamlined process for mobile implementation. Together with its pilot for the Apple iPhone, Ortsbo is now piloting an Android version of its Ortsbo applications with other system applications expected through Summer 2011.

EFT Canada Inc. has announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire the technology assets of privately held, Toronto-based Linterna Technologies Ltd. (“LTL”) for a total purchase price of $650,000. The acquisition is expected to close on August 19^th, 2011 and is subject to certain customary conditions, as well as the completion and signing of a definitive agreement and approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

LTL operates mainly as an electronic transaction processing consulting firm specializing in operational processes, banking relationships and fraud related controls. The java based software provides its users a web-based point of sale interface that merchants can utilize to accept server to server credit card transactions and the ability for a variety of mobile e-wallet options. In addition, the technology has a built in rules based fraud detection system that is integrated with a number of third-party services that will allow EFT Canada to expand its product offering beyond just financial transactions.

EFT Canada will pay LTL for its technological assets, namely the credit card processing gateway, a total of $650,000 by way of $325,000 in cash, of which $125,000 is due on the closing date, and $325,000 payable in common shares of EFT Canada. The remaining cash payment of $200,000 is due on the twelve month following the closing date, subject to delay and reduction if operating targets are met.

Common shares of EFT Canada issued to LTL will immediately be held in escrow and released in three equal installments following months 6, 12 and 18 following the closing date.

In addition to the purchase price, LTL will be paid by EFT Canada $0.05 per credit card transaction processed for a period of three years following the closing date. Such payments shall not to exceed an aggregate of $330,000.

On the closing date and as part of the agreement, James Watt, a principal of LTL, will enter into a two year consulting agreement with EFT Canada. Further, EFT will be creating and filling two new employment positions to support the new credit card gateway platform.

SMEs are increasingly using internet based services to manage their businesses and there is a growing demand for cost effective and secure transaction processing services, coupled with high levels of support. The acquisition of the LTL credit card gateway technology is an important step in fulfilling EFT Canada’s vision to provide a business solution to SMEs which enables them to transact in EFT’s, debit and credit card transactions. EFT Canada believes the acquisition will allow it to significantly increase gross revenues.

Once the acquired asset has been integrated, in addition to electronic funds transfer, EFT Canada will be able offer its client base of over 800 SME’s, credit card processing services.

Jonathan Pasternak, President of EFT Canada, commented: “The technology being acquired from Linterna, represents an important part of EFT’s vision to place under one umbrella organization all services needed by our merchants to process electronic payments. Moreover, we anticipate excellent long-term value and shareholder appreciation in the combined entity”.

EFT Canada has not entered into any definitive financing arrangements at this time and believes it will be able to complete the acquisition using existing capital resources.

Immersive Media Company has launched im360/im360 Lite, the first iPhone/iPad/iPod touch app that lets consumers watch amazing 360-degree videos on their mobile devices, using the touch screen or motion-control feature to manage what they see. Viewers have access to the world’s largest library of 360-degree videos available today. Whether it’s base-jumping in Malaysia, or exploring the Vegas Strip, im360 ($1.99) and im360 Lite (free, ad supported) allows users to direct the action and take control of their viewing experience.

With the app, viewers select from a diverse set of videos in the online library that they can download to put themselves in the middle of the action. As each video plays, they can move the video up and down, pan left and right, and zoom in and out to see everything in the scene as if they are actually there.

“With im360, everyone can be an armchair adventurer. If you’ve always wanted to surf the world’s biggest waves or explore the Chicago Art Institute, you can do it all from your iPhone or iPad,” said Myles McGovern, CEO, Immersive Media. “This is the same cutting-edge technology we’ve provided to the Black Eyed Peas for their BEP360 app and to ABC.com for the Oscars, among many others such as NBC, CNN and Google. It is disruptive and addictive technology that really demonstrates the interactive power of mobile devices.”

Videos include content in the following categories: Arts & Entertainment, City Highlights, Helicopter Tours, Museums & Science, Nature & Wildlife, News & Events, Parks & Gardens and Sports & Action.

The currently available videos include Red Bull’s extreme sports competitions; helicopter tours over Alcatraz, the Vegas Strip, Los Angeles and Chicago; footage from Northstudio360 of the June 15 Vancouver riots; tours of leading museums, zoos and botanical gardens; and much more. Future upgrades will enable access to live, streaming videos of concerts, sports events and other real-time content.

Two versions of the app are available for download on iTunes: im360 Lite is free with ads; the ads-free im360, which costs $1.99, offers users the ability to use Immersive Media’s publishing tools to view their own images in 360 degrees. Both versions come with a “View in 3D” setting that allows viewing the 360-degree videos in 3D as well. Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.

N-able Technologies has announced an alliance with International Business Products, Inc. (IBPI), a buying group that focuses on copiers, printers, accessories, supplies and services for the U.S. market. Effective immediately, N-able’s N-central 8 RMM platform and complementary toolsets can be purchased by IBPI members, as part of the organization’s growing portfolio of technology products from top manufacturers.

“Many copier and equipment vendors are incorporating managed IT services into their services portfolio to avoid commoditization and generate new, recurring revenue streams,” says Randy Horshok, executive director, IBPI. “Managing the equipment they sell and servicing it remotely is a logical next step for our members and will strengthen their existing customer relationships and give way to new business and technologies. N-able’s reputation as a managed services innovator, along with its hybrid licensing model and cost-effective solutions, represent an excellent choice for IBPI members looking to provide higher-value services to their client base.”

As part of the new alliance, N-able and IBPI will provide the technology, resources and expertise required by IBPI members to establish recurring service revenue streams, help customers reduce IT service costs and increase customer satisfaction by offering proactive managed services in a cloud, SaaS (software-as-a-service) or an on-premise model.

“Through IBPI, we’re extending our reach into a new customer base and bringing the value of managed services to a new audience of business owners,” says JP Jauvin, president and chief operating officer for N-able Technologies. “We look forward to engaging with IBPI and building long-term success with its members.”

IBPI’s membership is composed of nearly 300 independent commercial copier and print dealers located throughout the U.S. Formed in 1987, IBPI is focused on negotiating deep discounts and quality rebate programs with the industry’s top manufacturers and service providers. By combining the buying power of its members, IBPI is able to provide pricing that historically was reserved for the biggest players, and pass those savings on to the member dealers. The organization’s services enhance member companies by enabling them to retain their identity and independence in their respective marketplaces.

Launched in May, N-central 8 offers the industry’s most advanced remote IT automation technology and business-oriented support services. Through use of the software, MSPs and IT professionals can remotely manage and effectively support up to 750 devices per technician.

Lingo Media Corporation and Lenovo have signed a Custom Software Business Partnership Agreement which provides for a custom version of Lingo Media’s English language learning software to be installed on millions of Lenovo computers sold in China.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lenovo will promote, distribute, and resell Lingo Media’s software, primarily by pre-installing a custom version on Lenovo’s popular Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs. Online marketing, joint promotional activities and other marketing activities are underway between the two companies.

The new custom learning product will be a Lenovo branded version of Lingo Media’s ELL Technologies English Basic software. Each individual who purchases a Lenovo computer will have the opportunity to take three free lessons on a trial basis. Upon completion of the trial offer, the customer will have the opportunity to purchase the full course for a Lenovo promotional price of 200 Yuan RMB ($29.00). The profit potential is significant, and will become progressively stronger with the launch of custom versions of English Intermediate, Advanced, Master and the Business courses – in future phases of the partnership.

“This is a significant and very lucrative agreement for both Lenovo and Lingo Media with great profit potential as China continues to focus on teaching and learning English. We are pleased to partner with the largest computer manufacturer in China and deliver our product on their platform,” said Michael Kraft, President & CEO of Lingo Media. “The combination of Lenovo’s brand and Lingo Media’s ELL Technologies’ proven solutions will result in a rewarding learning experience for millions of Chinese computer users. We expect to generate significant revenue from the partnership, which represents another major milestone in the growth of our company as we pursue our mission of, Changing the Way the World Learns English. This deal comes at a time when Lenovo is expanding dramatically in the Chinese computer market and the demand for English grows daily.”

Jeff Chai, Director of Software & Content Services, Product Group of Lenovo,  added that “We believe we have found the ideal partner in Lingo Media to enhance our customer needs as the demand for English expands rapidly in China. In today’s market, installing practical, cost-effective software applications like those created by Lingo Media’s ELL Technologies for Lenovo consumer and SMB notebook models, ensures that we address and continue to meet our customers’ needs. With Lingo Media as our partner, we will demonstrate that Lenovo is the leader in offering customers new choices. Lingo Media has a long record of success in China. They know how to meet the needs of people — from school children, to university students, to employees — who want to enhance their incomes by becoming proficient in English as China emerges as an economic super-power in the global economy where English is the main language of business.”

Companies constrained by rising costs of license fees are rapidly turning to Zylog for help to migrate to lower cost Red Hat JBoss middleware solutions. A growing number of companies have made the transition from Oracle WebLogic to Red Hat Enterprise Application Platforms. The industry is quickly turning from traditional proprietary and heavyweight offerings that are notorious for complex, large, and expensive installations. JBoss leads the way to faster restarts, easier debugging, and proven technology for server and configuration management, performance monitoring and diagnostics, application provisioning and automation.

Companies investigating the total cost of ownership have quickly learned the rapid return on investment for migrating to JBoss. Some license fees and support costs for other legacy middleware products have risen as much as 70%. The transition to JBoss typically covers the costs for migration in the first year.

JBoss provides a proven foundation for mission critical applications that require superior performance and scalability. JBoss includes an application framework that simplifies building Web 2.0 applications. JBoss provides a process engine to create and automate business processes that coordinate people, applications, and services. The JBoss open source business rules management system enables easy policy and rules development, access, and change management.

Companies are turning to JBoss for total cost of ownership, significant return on investment with short payback period, reduced ongoing operational costs, improved IT productivity and time to market, and improved ability to consolidate virtualization. Zylog migration services enable companies to achieve these goals faster, at lower cost, and with dependable delivery.

Zylog contracted consulting services are immediately available to assist with installation, migration, and maintenance. Contact Zylog to find out more about options to reduce license costs, preserve budget, and keep pace with evolving technology.

Zylog has more than fifteen years of experience in providing migration services for esteemed clients worldwide. These services are now available in Canada, supported by Zylog offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Our Kids Media Group is proud to announce the launch of their new e-book entitled “Preparing for Camp”. This free (with download sigh-up) book is a must-read guide for parents of both new and experienced campers. In addition to the carefully selected articles, this new “Preparing for Camp” eBook will guide parents on everything they’ll need to know on:

•   Choosing the best camp
•   Completing registration forms
•   Packing the gear
•   Saying good-bye

This book is designed to help parents ensure that their child’s experience at summer camp is the best it can be right from the very beginning. Based on the company’s twenty-three years of camping experience dating back to when they first published the Our Kids Go To Camp magazine in 1988,  Our Kids Media has been the premier resource for parents on this topic ever since.

Our Kids Media has additional resources to help parents. In addition to the Our Kids Go To Camp magazine,  there is an iPhone application called, “Camp Locator” that is available for free download for your iPhone from iTunes.