All posts by EPR Internet News

B2C, Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet Reveals Eight Out Of Ten People Are Proud To Be British

Plusnet has revealed that, with the world’s spotlight having shone on the UK this year, 81% of the nation feel proud to be a Brit, with nearly a third claiming they feel more proud than they have for a decade. Plusnet has commissioned a survey, supplemented with focus groups and insights from leading psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall, which has found that:

– Nearly a third of the UK claim they feel the proudest they have for a decade
– 69% are proud of the British sense of humour
– 80% of Brits say family gives them sense of pride
– 50% feel proud of bagging a bargain when it comes to shopping

Jamie Ford, Plusnet CEO, added: “This year Plusnet changed its strapline to ‘We’ll do you proud’ which, by coincidence, has been a rather fitting move given the events of 2012. We’re certainly a proud nation when it comes to our culture, sense of humour and our heritage. However, it is matters closer to home and the everyday actions of family that generates the biggest sense of pride and here at Plusnet, we’re committed to making our customers proud of the products and services we provide every day.”

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Advertising, B2b, eCommerce, News, Online, Shopping, Web Marketing

Latest Leighmans.com Research Shows Companies Spending More on Corporate Gifts

A new poll conducted by Leighmans.com – one of the UK’s leading suppliers of corporate gift and incentive products – has revealed that companies are now spending more than ever on corporate and personalised gifts. The company’s poll found that 75 percent of UK businesses are – even in the difficult financial climate – investing more in hospitality and gifts.

The Leighmans.com survey polled in excess of 1,000 people and discovered that six in ten companies currently spend more on incentives and gifts for clients and staff. Of this group 40 percent said that their expenditure has recently increased by over one fifth.

The poll found that personalised gifts are more popular than ever too, with 45 percent of respondents saying that they prefer customised gifts to standard ones. Leighmans.com reports that items like their printed Shanghai pen range and personalised custom 15mmlanyards are proving particularly popular.

Dr Ashley Weinberg, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Salford, commented: “In sales ‘we buy from people we like’ and so, at a very basic level, some potential consumers may well feel a little emotional boost from an organisation offering them something without charge.”

“Even for those who decline the offer of a gift or hospitality, there is some perception that the organisation who offered it is one that we’re likely to be more open to in future.”

“In this case, we have created our own unwritten understanding – or psychological contract – that raises our expectations of the organisation and means we may be more positively disposed to them.”

The Leighmans.com poll sought to established buying patterns and psychologies in the corporate gifts sector at present. Leighmans.com offers customers a wide range of goods such as sponsored Rainham conference bags with logos on the inside. The survey also found that UK companies spent more money on gifts and incentives in 2012 than in all of 2011.

Leighmans.com founder, Darren Leigh, commented: “Far from the pre-conceived notion that marketing and entertainment are the first things to be cut when the going gets tough, it actually appears businesses are investing more into the development and maintenance of relationships through entertainment and effective promotions.”

“Building business relationships is vital. It can be done through meetings and entertaining and also through carefully selected gifts to existing or potential new business leads. It’s appreciated because it not only represents a financial investment, but also shows empathy and the fact you have invested time into trying to get into the other person’s head to give them something they want. That helps to create and build relationships, which are vital for ongoing business.”

Speaking of human behaviour, Dr Weinberg said: “Perhaps somewhere in between feeling really positive and just as negative, is the vague notion that we might feel indebted, as this organisation has already given us something which is of value. It is not quite an obligation, but it can certainly affect that psychological contract when we come to deciding where to buy from.”

Bury-based Leighmans.com helps customers to choose from a huge range of high-quality, promotional gifts and its customer base includes major blue-chip companies such as Deutsche Bank.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, Internet, Online, Search, SEO, Traffic, Web

Charity Educating the Children Benefits from Support of Leading Web Agency Alchemy Viral

Children in the Masai Mara region of Kenya will now be helped further following the announcement that one of the UK’s leading Web Search Optimisation agencies is backing charity Educating the Children. Alchemy Viral has this week announced its support for the leading international children’s charity.

Educating the Children works to raise awareness of the issues affecting children throughout the Masai Mara region, including things like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and enforced childhood marriages for young girls.

Masai Mara is a time-honoured favourite destination for tourists from all over the world, yet the region’s inhabitants remain neglected and abused. Educating the Children was set up after one of the charity’s founder visited Masai Mara and found poor education conditions, with not enough teachers and poor schooling levels for children throughout the region.

In Masai Mara some girls are forced into marriages as young as 8 years old. Andreas Voniatis, Managing Director of Alchemy Viral, wants his company to commit to supporting forward-looking projects like the current Educating the Children scheme to build a secondary school for girls in the region.

Andreas Voniatis says, “I have great sympathy with the aims of ETC. My daughter is just 3 months old. Like every parent in every country I have high hopes for her. I can’t imagine her being denied an education, or even worse being a victim of enforced marriage or FGM”.

“I want to spread the word about the charity’s work. We will be quite overt in our support of ETC to all of the people we communicate with, be it by email, our website, or corporate activities. We are also supporting the charity with what we do best… raising their profileon the web. We have already created a Facebook page for the charity and added a link to our Facebook page. We are Tweeting regularly about ETC and teaching them also the importance of regular publishing and how to earn coverage across the web”, Andreas went on.

Sonal Kadchha, co-founder of ETC, said of the backing of Alchemy Viral:

“I’m very pleased that Andreas has come on board to support ETC – not only is he contributing financially but his help in increasing our online presence is invaluable given the importance of social media in the world today”, commented Sonal.

Alchemy Viral’s Andreas Voniatis will visit Masai Mara this year to observe Educating the Children’s work for himself – the visit will coincide with Educating the Children having recently named one of the new school’s classrooms after Andreas’ daughter, Julia.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2C, Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet Boosts Broadband Proposition With New Fibre Speeds

Plusnet, the UK home phone and broadband supplier, has made a host of changes to its fibre broadband products including the introduction of new Plusnet Extra Fibre offering up to 76Mb/s with a 250GB usage allowance.

Following a successful customer trial in which 57 per cent of Plusnet trialists confirmed this improved fibre product made the internet more integral to their lifestyle than it was already, Plusnet is delivering the best priced fibre broadband for the 76Mb/s download speeds on the market. Meanwhile, upload speeds have been increased to up to 19.5Mb/s.

The new look product more than doubles the usage allowance of Plusnet Extra Fibre from 120GB to 250GB, increases speeds but reduces the cost by £1.48/month. Additional changes to the fibre suite include increased upload speeds to Fibre Value, now up to 9.5Mb/s. Existing Plusnet Extra Fibre customers can upgrade to the new speeds and usage and take advantage of the lower cost via their online account or by calling 0800 432 0200.

More than half (51%) of the surveyed customer trialists said the new Plusnet Extra Fibre had resulted in them using the internet more, with 45% confirming they used their home broadband for more than five hours a day. The trialist said they were watching more on-demand TV (59%), undertaking more free streaming (51%) and more downloading (44%).

Jamie Ford, Plusnet CEO said: “Customers’ internet habits have changed considerably over the last 12 months. People are using more bandwidth and services that demand faster speeds. Our new fibre products not only meet this demand but do so at a compelling price.

“The new fibre product has been making real lifestyle changes too. One-quarter of our trialists said they work from home more and close to two-fifths say they now use internet-enabled devices as a means to entertain guests to their home.”

With the improved broadband connection, 30% of customers on the recent trial said they are looking to purchase smart devices and computers, 28% of customers are looking to hardwire broadband throughout their home and 27% of customers are looking to purchase a broadband-enabled TV set.

Plusnet continues to offer 24/7, free phone UK support and in the last year has set up specialist teams that focus on the most common customer concerns. Whether it is enabling someone to get the best connection speed or prevent latency on time sensitive services such as on-demand TV, Plusnet can now give specific and individual advice to ensure the best possible experience.

Notes to editors:
* Up to 8 times faster: Speeds based on UK average standard (ADSL) broadband download speed (Ofcom Speed Report Aug 2012) vs. Plusnet Extra Fibre average. Not all lines in fibre enabled areas can support the fibre service. Customers can call Plusnet on 0808 100 1875 or visit www.plus.net/fibre-broadband to see if their line can.

The Research: 267 customers who have been trialling Plusnet’s higher speed fibre products completed a questionnaire about their home broadband services during August 2012.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, B2C, eCommerce, Online, Social Networking

Balluun Introduces New Social Business Platform To Empower Fashion Designers To Create Impact For Their Brands And Businesses

Leading up to the 2012 MAGIC show, social business upstart, Balluun, today announced its patent-pending technology platform for emerging fashion designers and the wholesale marketplace. On the same day, Balluun announced a new advisory board member, fashion maverick, Nicole Miller. “We are so honored and excited to be able to tap such a visionary innovator and designer to add to our distinguished group of advisors,” said Peter Koch, CEO of Balluun. “She will bring an invaluable perspective, aesthetic eye and reality check to our overall effort.”

Balluun is the future of commerce for fashion, as we know it. Fashion designers who are Balluun members can easily upload their collections on Balluun’s website prior to the show and take advantage of Balluun’s mobile app to display specifications of their lines and conduct transactions with buyers online at the show.

Balluun’s focus is the world of fashion and redefining how fashion is accessed, experienced, shared, purchased and sold in the real and digital worlds. Some of Balluun’s primary features and benefits include:
– Balluun provides the ability for sellers to share product updates and entire collections and for buyers to view and discover new designs and track product trends.

– Balluun enables buyers to communicate directly with the sellers before, during and after creating a purchase order.

– Balluun accommodates all terms and forms of payment traditionally found in the fashion industry.

– Balluun records all of the information for the seller and the buyer, and all order information is maintained online for easy reference anytime, anywhere.

“Balluun is truly game-changing for young fashion designers who want to create impact with their brands and build businesses within an increasingly competitive climate.” said Peter Koch, CEO of Balluun. “With the continued evolution of the internet, the cloud and social networking, Balluun has been able to develop transformative ways to do business.”
Brief Balluun Product Snapshot

Visually Rich Marketplace To Show & Share Collections- Balluun provides a robust platform on which designers/manufacturers can sell their products and independent retailers can shop for products in a visually rich digital environment. Social Business Community All Your Own- Balluun’s platform is optimized for ongoing social inter-action and like an in-person interaction, people communicate with one another back and forth while purchasing goods. Balluun accomplishes this and deploys technology to thread the communication exchange throughout a transaction. The Paperless Office- Balluun enables designers, retailers and manufacturers the ability to search products by price and style, review line sheets and collections, create and pay purchase orders online. Balluun provides a hassle-free digital option from paper-based lookbooks/catalogs, business cards and order forms in a social business solution.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2C, Entertainment, Software, Video

PilotGroup.NET: New Version of Save Flash Program Is Coming Soon

PilotGroup.NET is developing a completely new Save Flash program. This cross-browser program will allow saving video from any website, converting chosen files to desired formats and storing favorite media files on a cloud hosting.

10 million of Save Flash program copies were installed worldwide! Such stats make us feel that the utility is in demand and of great help. And here’s why it was decided to develop an extended version.

New Save Flash program will be granted with actual features, however will be affordable, stable and easy-to-use, as usual. Its core features will be available absolutely for free. Advanced options will be offered for a minor fee.

Save Flash will become an online application working on a cloud hosting. Hereby favorite files are supposed to be saved on PilotGroup.Net servers. There will be an option to convert audio and video files into a desired format and a selected quality. This will allow playing downloaded files on any device and with an optimal quality.

Saving video feature will work with popular video hosting services such as YouTube and social networking sites such as MySpace, VKontakte. During the development work PilotGroup.NET developers are going to test Save Flash & Video at more than 100 services.

The renewed Save Flash & Video program website is expected to be compatible with Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera browsers.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Online, Searching, Social Networking, Web Images

Friends Reunited Reveals The Photos Brits Can’t Bring Themselves To Get Rid Of

Research from Friends Reunited has revealed that 21.6 million Brits have held onto photographs of former partners following a break up.

Women are more sentimental than men, with 61 per cent claiming they keep the photos as they highlight a part of their life they don’t want to forget, versus 56 per cent of men. But men may be hiding more from their partners than their other halves realise. One in five men (20%) in a current relationship who have photos of their ex partners say they have hidden photos of an ex fearing disapproval from their new partner, compared to only nine per cent of women.

Men also seem to have more weighing on their conscience, as 17 per cent said they ‘sometimes feel guilty about keeping photos of their ex partners’, compared to just 11 per cent of their female counterparts. They may have good reason for this, however, as more than one in ten men who keep photos of their ex partners (12%) admit they still have feelings for their ex, compared to only five percent of women.

Corinne Sweet, behavioral psychologist said: “It’s not surprising that nearly half of us keep some kind of visual memento of past partners; a photo generates strong emotions as it unleashes memories of past attachment and times. The main reason people hide their photos (especially men) is probably due to a fear of their current partner’s jealousy, or of evoking comparisons in terms of attractiveness and sexiness, etc. Emotionally mature partners will be able to accept you have a past love-life.

“The point at which people are able to put an ex-partner’s photo away (after a split, divorce or death) is usually the time they are emotionally ready to move on. Yet, it is totally understandable for people to keep photos to remind them of previous loves, as, indeed, these images do form part of our life stories – whether for better or for worse.”

The majority of us (48%) keep these snaps in old photo albums, but others (31%) stash them in cupboards and drawers, or in the attic (12%). Nine per cent of men say they purposely keep the photos in hidden files on their computer.

Matt Bushby, Head of Friends Reunited, said: “We all have photos from our past we want to keep; whether we want to share with others, or remain private. Old photos are often the best – they bring back memories and blasts from the past, even if we think we’d sometimes prefer to forget. The new Friends Reunited site is the one place you can search, collect and save treasured personal memories, especially old photos that have a special place in our hearts and you make them totally private if you want too.”

– ENDS –

* Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2013 UK adults aged 18+ from 26 – 28th June 2012.
** 43% of UK adults (49,969,000 people) = 21.62 million

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Advertising, B2b, eCommerce, News, Online, Shopping, Web Marketing

Incentives Specialist Leighmans Launches Latest Innovation – New 3D Online Catalogue

Leading provider of corporate gifts and customizable incentives Leighmans this week reports the launch of a new online 3D catalogue to help customers enjoy an enhanced experience when sourcing corporate and branded gifts.

Leighmans has been operating for more than 10 years since being founded and the company specializes in bringing customers the very latest incentive ideas and corporate gifts.

Throughout the last decade Leighmans has gone from strength to strength to become one of the leading names in the incentives and corporate gifts sector. The company’s products are designed to help customers incentivize sales forces and reward both customers and staff.

Further to bringing customers the latest and best promotional gifts and merchandise, Leighmans also looks to improve its website whenever possible to make customer experience even more enjoyable.

On top of introducing the new 3D catalogue Leighmans is also offering users 3D glasses to enjoy the experience fully. The site will also be complete with a range of other new 3D functions to enhance user experience still further.

Using the new Leighmans 3D catalogue users can choose a gift and create virtual samples of promotional products then browse them from multiple angles. The site also lets people add artwork and logos to their chosen corporate gifts and branded items.

Darren Leigh, managing director of Leighmans, commented: “We’re delighted to announce our new and innovative 3D catalogue, and we are doing better than ever. Customers really appreciate our efforts in making sure that they have the very latest and most innovative services around.”

Leighmans.com offers over 100,000 products, ranging from personal care gifts for the hygeine industry to printed mouse mats with logos. Leighmans also offers a design department via which customers can request their own particular artwork be added to gifts that they order.

Darren went on: “There is real value to be had in incentivizing your workforce, and we’re pleased to continue helping people differentiate their brands from their competitors in the marketplace.”

For more information, visit www.leighmans.com, or follow the action @Leighmans_com.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Advertising, B2b, B2C, Online, Searching, Services

Bangkok Property World.Asia Is Ready To Establish Itself As An Excellent And Leading Site To Make It Possible For Buyers, Sellers, And Renters Of Properties In Asia To Find Each Other And Do Business Together

Bangkok Property World.Asia is proud to announce that we are bringing our successful real estate portal first seen in Bahrain athttp://www.bahrainpropertyworld.com to Bangkok. Bangkok Property World.Asia is ready to establish itself as an excellent and leading site to make it possible for buyers, sellers, and renters of properties in Asia to find each other and do business together.

At Bangkok Property World.Asia, we are no stranger to success and we know what it takes to make property portals successful. In 2009, we won the prestigious Arabian Property Awards, part of the world’s most innovative and buzzworthy competition focused on identifying the most successful real estate professionals around the planet. We won the Arabian Property Awards for our work in the Middle East with our Bahrain Property World real estate portal.

Bahrain Property World’s success in attaining one of these highly desired awards indicates we have the skills and experience necessary to bring similar results and profits to our newest enterprise in Bangkok, Thailand.

It is absolutely free for every real estate company to register in order to list and promote their properties, and they can do so here and now.

What is this real estate portal about?

Bangkok Rental Apartments and Condos

Bangkok is easily one of the most extraordinary, enchanting, and magnificent locations on the globe, and it is certainly the place to be if you find yourself in Thailand. However, if you have never been to the area or are otherwise unfamiliar with it, you might have trouble finding the perfect rental or condo listing that meets all of your needs.

This is precisely why Bangkok Property World.Asia is here to help you. Through your research on our portal listing, you can figure out what kind of listing you are looking for, decide on the location that you find most important, and get a good idea of just how much it should cost.

Bangkok Property World.Asia has made it a priority and part of our reputation to provide you with a wide range of properties that you can browse through in order to find the home, listing, property, or rental that is just right for you.

If you are a seller or a renter, you can freely and easily add your listing of real estate to our online portal database, giving you the opportunity to have thousands of viewers from all over the globe see what you have to offer in Bangkok.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet Staff Take Part In New And Improved Cycling Programme

Plusnet has welcomed the launch of BikeBoost, a revamped cycling programme which aims to encourage more Sheffield workers to cycle to work.

The project – funded by Sheffield City Council through the Local Sustainable Transport fund – is part of a scheme based in the North East of the city and is being delivered jointly by Get Cycling, Pedal Ready and Heeley Development Trust.

The scheme offers the free loan of a top-brand bike and cycle accessories, in order for people to try their hand at cycling without the commitment of purchasing a bike. At the end of the loan period, trialists can return the bike or look to purchase at a heavily discounted cost from the high street.

In addition to the free loan, trialists can also enlist the help and support of cyclist instructors for bespoke road craft training; including accompaniment on the initial journeys to and from work and cycle maintenance.

“We’re aiming to remove the hurdles that stop Sheffielders cycling,” said Graeme Symington, BikeBoost Project Officer. “We know that people don’t want to spend money on a decent bike unless they know they’re going to use it and are often worried about dealing with traffic and bike maintenance and repairs. This scheme addresses all those deterrents and aims to get hundreds more people in the City cycling to work this year.”

Plusnet, a home and business broadband company which employs over 700 people, has recently moved to a new city centre office and has 57 staff taking part in the trial. Mark Dundon, CIO of Plusnet and one of the firm’s employees taking part in the scheme said: “Plusnet is delighted to be the first company in Sheffield taking part in the revamped scheme. Not only does the scheme help staff save money and get fit, it also offers a much more reliable journey into work. I have been cycling for ten years now but the advice of the cycle instructors from BikeBoost has really helped improve my traffic awareness and the tricky issue of tram lines.”

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development at Sheffield City Council said: “BikeBoost is a great example of how we are working with businesses across the city. There has been a fantastic response to the scheme so far from Plusnet staff and I hope this enthusiasm continues across the scheme. We are working with business across the city to help increase travel options and choice.”

BikeBoost is part of Sheffield’s Cycleboost scheme. Sheffield City Council is funding the scheme as part of the 4.9 million pounds, Local Sustainable Transport Fund settlement won earlier this year by South Yorkshire from the Department for Transport.

Cycleboost will run for at least three years and brings together Sheffield based companies Pedal Ready, who provide cycling road craft sessions and Recycle Bikes, who provide maintenance services to new and existing cyclists, along with Yorkshire based Get Cycling, who run the Bikeboost loan scheme.

The scheme will roll out to other companies, organisations and community groups in the North East of the city this summer.

For more information on go to www.bikeboost.org

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, Internet, ISPs, Programming, Security, Services, Software, Web, Web 2.0, Web Design & Development

Alentus teams with GamaSec to provide Web Application Security services

Alentus announced today its partnership with GamaSec, a remote online website security scan service. GamaScan identifies web application vulnerabilities, provides real-time vital business solutions, and recommends optimally matched solutions.

Clearly, Web applications are the weakest link in an organization’s security strategy. Web applications are more difficult to protect than traditional applications that reside behind a firewall. Web application security needs to be stringently checked on a regular basis using an automated Web application security scanner.

GamaSec’s commercial solution, branded “GamaScan”, is a remote online web vulnerability-assessment service. delivered via SaaS (software-as-a-service) and is designed to identify security weaknesses in web applications. The GamaSec Application Vulnerability Scanner identifies application vulnerabilities (e.g. Cross Site Scripting (XSS), SQL injection, Code Inclusion etc.) as well as site exposure risks. It also ranks threat priority, produces highly graphical, intuitive HTML reports, and indicates site security posture by vulnerabilities and threats.

Avi Bartov, GamaSec CEO comments, “Our core business is to help our partners mitigate risks on their website by providing real-time evaluation reports and recommendations. We provide service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Application vulnerabilities are the Achilles heel in the protection of websites. It is better to know your weaknesses and fix them than wait to respond after an attack.”

“At Alentus, we strive to offer our customers the highest quality extensive range of services that small businesses need to maintain a successful online presence” says Peter McNeill, Sales Manager at Alentus Corporation. “After learning about GamaSec and their web vulnerability assessment service, I felt that this partnership adds a valuable set of tools to assist Alentus with what it needs to succeed in today’s security conscious Internet.”

The partnership agreement will enable Alentus Corporation to offer GamaSec’s website scan security services – which include blacklist monitoring and application vulnerability scanning services – to their shared web hosting and dedicated server clients.

Alentus will use GamaSec’s private partner interface to deliver and manage the delivery of the entire range of GamaSec services.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, Dedicated Servers, Domain Names, E-mail, Hosting, Internet, Secure Hosting, Services

Fasthosts Launches 32 Core Dedicated Server

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has launched a powerful new, high quality server to further bolster the Fasthosts Dedicated Server range. The new Fasthosts DS1200 server boasts Solid State Drives (SSD) and 2 x 2TB of storage, providing faster access speed, greater resilience, supreme reliability and amps of storage. The DS1200 can be run via a choice of operating systems including the latest CentOS 6 operating system, includes the Plesk 10 control panel, and features a generous allowance of storage space RAM with RAID1 protection, offering better security and performance for business users.

Dedicated Servers are the ideal solution for IT professionals and businesses that require robust server operations for applications and data storage without the capital expenditure or the physical space required for running hardware 24/7 on their premises. Fasthosts’ Dedicated Servers, currently with 50 per cent off for 3 months, offer enterprises a powerful and secure server platform and far greater flexibility than on-premise solutions.

The flagship DS1200 enables businesses to leverage a best in-class specification and performance without large CAPEX commitment. The server uses 2 x 2.4GHz AMD OpteronTM 16-core processors to deliver powerful, energy-efficient performance, meaning intensive programs can be run simultaneously without the need to slow down. Users enjoy guaranteed access to unlimited bandwidth, and retain complete hands-on (KVM) remote control of their server at all times. The DS1200 guarantees 99.99% network uptime, perfect for multiple complex calculations or to host large websites, mail or media, ensuring you and your customers get the best performance.

The Fasthosts DS1200 Dedicated Server solution also benefits from massive 64GB RAM, 2 x 120GB RAID 1 SSD hard-disk drives and 2 x 2TB RAID 1 SATA hard-disk drives.

Fasthosts also includes free SSL certificates for the first year and Plesk 10 can be added for a small monthly fee. Currently, all Fasthosts Windows Dedicated Servers are provided with 50GB of free Online Backup. For those not sure which specification would best fit their business needs, the Fasthosts website provides a guide to servers that highlights the features specifically suited to business tasks.

Especially important for business users, all data is hosted in Fasthosts’ highly secure state-of-the-art UK data centres, and receives Fasthosts’ unlimited bandwidth and 100Mbps high-speed virtual data pipe. Every Fasthosts server is maintained with the latest operating system updates to maximise efficiency and security. Technical support is provided 24/7 from the UK via the phone or online.

Claire Lewis, Marketing Director, Fasthosts Internet Ltd, said: “Our new 32 core server is an excellent opportunity to access huge processor power on an affordable basis. We are confident that even the most demanding professional users will be impressed with the performance and responsiveness. Our continued investment to build world-class UK-based infrastructure means Fasthosts servers continue to be a sound proposition for many businesses.”

As a leading web hosting provider, and Technology Sponsor of The Great Exhibition 2012, Fasthosts offers a comprehensive range of web services including domain name registrations, servers, online backup solutions, reseller web hosting and feature-rich broadband packages. Fasthosts is well placed to deliver a high quality service.

Full details can be found at www.fasthosts.co.uk.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

APIs, Apps, B2b, Digital Library, Entertainment, Events, Internet, Online, Services, Social Networking, Web, Web 2.0, Web Images

New Apps Help Preserve Visual Memories

Leave a comment

Digital imaging solutions company Ecce Terram, with headquarters in Atlanta, GA and Oldenburg, Germany, will introduce a new Facebook app named “Save Your Memories” at this month’s industry show 6Sight in New York City.

This step, and the introduction of a similar feature for the line of native mobile apps created by Ecce Terram for smartphones and tablet computers, is aimed at further simplifying and adding convenience to the way consumers save and share their photos.

At a glance, “Save Your Memories” automatically presents users with print order options for images newly uploaded to their Facebook albums or added to their mobile device camera rolls. The user is prompted to select which recently updated images should be ordered for print, using quick-select menu options which are based on the most commonly chosen selections.

“Save Your Memories” enables consumers to realize one of their main goals when using their mobile device or Facebook to store and share photos, according to Ecce Terram: to secure and preserve precious visual memories outside the digital sphere. After uploading new photos, Ecce Terram’s new “Save Your Memories” app offers convenient print order options right on the opening screen, for “All Images”, “Since Your Last Order”, “Last 30 Days”, or “Albums”.

“It’s all about peace of mind,” said Frank Simon, President, CEO and founder of Ecce Terram, and the company’s founder. “In today’s mobile world, the majority of consumers trust smartphones and Facebook with their digital photo collection. But phones break, or get lost or stolen.”

“What’s more, many people feel uncomfortable with putting all their digital photos in one social networking “basket”, Mr. Simon said. Ecce Terram’s new “Save Your Memories” app, he pointed out, answers the common need to securely preserve selected visual memories offline.

Ecce Terram, which started in Germany and is the creator of the “Photo2Lab Software Suite”, today is considered a pioneer of the digital imaging industry. “Five years ago, successful photo services providers were ready to take processing orders online when consumers sat down at a desktop computer,” said Mr. Simon.

“Today, you have to be ready to take an order the second after they take a snapshot with their iPhone or iPad, or when they update their photo timeline on Facebook.”

The “Save Your Memories” concept, Ecce Terram points out, is positioned to complement the company’s successful “Share your Photo Story” approach. A white-labeled “Share Your Photo Story” Facebook app, as well as social media and co-editing options featured in Ecce Terram’s Desktop Client and Online Client software, already enable consumers to jointly create and order photo products, for example by converting Facebook albums directly into presentable photo books.

Combined, the “Save Your Memories” and the “Share Your Photo Story” concepts answer photo services consumer needs and demands in a market that has rapidly shifted to mobile and social networking platforms. The added convenience of white-labeled solutions offered by Ecce Terram, the company believes, will help large photo services providers secure and retain market share and brand loyalty, and build and expand new channels.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, Digital Library, Entertainment, Events, Internet, Online, Services, Web, Web 2.0

The World’s Top Selling Stock Photographer Yuri Arcurs Launches His Own Direct Sales Platform (PeopleImages.com) To Pave The Way For Other Creatives

Leave a comment

As off today www.PeopleImages.com is officially out of beta testing mode and live! For years, the major stock agencies have been pushing commissions lower and lower, reaching an all time low of 15% last year making it almost impossible for photographers to gain profit from selling their images online. This can be seen in comparison to Apple’s iTunes store where the artists receive a 70% commission for their work. Furthermore, with the introduction of micro prices in 2005, the stock industry has been under enormous pressure and few photographers have been able to survive of their meager earnings.

With www.PeopleImages.com Danish born Yuri Arcurs has shown that it is possible to make it on your own and sell directly to your customers. His site introduces services that all other artists would be able to offer clients, but which agencies would have a problem providing: Custom retouching, image exclusivity options and the ability to request more images of a specific model or particular style.

Quotes:
Lee Torrens (stock photography journalist – microstockdiaries.com)
“With the launch of PeopleImages.com, the hard work and smart decisions of Yuri’s stock photography career come together in a lucrative business model that no other stock photographer is positioned to pull off. What’s more, it pulls market power back from stock photo agencies who have been dropping photographer royalties for years.”

Jenan Mujkic (10 years experience in buying images online - sneezr.ca)
“This site makes all other sites look like they are from the last century. Take note, PeopleImages.com just jumped a curve!”

Yuri Arcurs: (Photographer, creator of PeopleImages.com)
“Very few people that buy images know how small a percentage of the actual sales price the artists receive. It’s a shame, because the small artists have a hard enough time already.”

http://arcurs.com/2012/06/www-peopleimages-com-has-launched-a-post-about-how-it-got-there/

Quotes from the text:

“Managing six IT guys would prove to be more time-consuming and more difficult than managing my entire business.”

“Very few people will tell you to your face “this will not work” or “we need to delete 1,000 hours of code work because it will create bugs.” Especially not if they are hired by you.”

“News of the launch was leaked to the media three days before our original launch date, and it was posted on the front page of the biggest newspaper in Denmark. It became quite clear what we had to do. We had to launch now. Not in in three days. Not tomorrow. Now.”

“All the tools that a normal manager can use to direct a project are inaccessible to an IT manager that is not a developer themselves.”

“We, as artists, are perfectionists, we have to be, but for a perfectionist to ever create anything great, you must be able to say: “Stop – Enough with the details!” and settle with the less attractive option.”

“Programmers love detailed planning, and most other people do, too, but great interactive design was never arrived at from the very first go-ahead. It is, by its very nature, an experimental process and you will find yourself often arriving at the best solutions when you start using the interface yourself. The only problem is at this point somebody has already had to build it and be ready to discard it.”

“We discarded the whole site two times and had to start over. Most people would consider that a total flop, a loss in all ways, but it ended up getting us closer and closer to having a thorough understanding of how the site would need to behave.”

“Preparing for the launch event, I had a 6min live TV spot lined up on the launch date in front of 1.5 million viewers. I was extremely lucky to get this pitched to the editor in such a way that they ended up running the story. But when it actually was about to unfold I was more nervous than I have ever been prior to any interview. I only had about 15 hours of sleep the last week before the launch, and had to be ready to go live at 8am in the morning with 4 hours of “airplane sleep” – and, naturally with all the stress involved in the launch, I fell ill the day before the TV spot. It was simply madness, but it had to be done and it had to be done well.”

Get a personal comment from Yuri for your article him directly on yuri@arcurs.com or his assistant on alessa@arcurs.com.

If you are creating an article we will grant you any image you would like from PeopleImages.com and set you up with a VIP account with $150 already on it. This should take care of any need of images you have for the article and still leave a decent amount on your account which you can use as you see fit.

We can process such requests very fast. Send to: support@peopleimages.com

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2C, Blogs, Internet, News, Online, Social Networking, Web 2.0, Web Marketing

Callum Watt joins Handpicked Media as Marketing Director

Leave a comment

Handpicked Media, the social media agency and blogger network, has expanded its team with the appointment of Callum Watt as their Marketing Director. He will be responsible for developing the company’s marketing strategy and supporting continued business development.

Previously Account Director at a WPP boutique agency, Callum has worked with a varied number of clients including Activision, Bacardi Brown Forman, BSkyB and United Biscuits.

Krista Madden @HandpickedMedia, CEO of Handpicked Media comments: “The appointment of a senior level marketer of Callum’s calibre is an exciting and directional move for the company. As Handpicked Media continues to execute successfully on its growth plan, the marketing strategy will be crucial. We are confident Callum will excel in this challenging role.”

Callum Watt @ManAccessories, Marketing Director Handpicked Media adds: “It is a great privilege to be given responsibility for this exciting new position. I look forward to using my experience and knowledge in this field to contribute to the company’s continued growth.”

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Apps, Auctions, B2b, B2C, eCommerce, Free Stuff, Internet, Online, Searching, Services, Shopping

New StuffAlert Website and Improved eBay Alert Service Launched by SonicZero Limited

Leave a comment

SonicZero London, England 31st May 2012 is pleased to announce the successful launch of its new upgraded website and improved email eBay alert service that helps increase the probability of buyers finding exactly what is being searched for on eBay.

eBay buyers have been using StuffAlert to locate hard to find items on eBay since 2007. Now, as well as setting up alerts when no matching items are found, users can create email alerts where up to 25 items have been found. A complete record of all the items found matching users searches is automatically created and available to users on the website.

With StuffAlert users can quickly and easily search eBay and set up email alerts for the items they are looking for. StuffAlert continues to search eBay all day everyday and automatically sends email eBay alerts notifying users of new listings with direct links to the item on eBay. Users can manage all their eBay searches and alerts in one place with no cap on how many alerts can be set up and with complete control over email alerts.Passwords are encrypted so only users know what searches they have set up.

“The decision to upgrade the service was made in response to users requests and coincided with a decision to get eBay approval to increase the frequency of our automatic eBay searches. The result has been to deliver more frequent and consistent eBays alerts to our users who in turn are successfully completing more transactions” stated Rene Bachman, Managing Director of SonicZero.

StuffAlert currently works on iPads and other similar tablet devices and should be accessible via smartphone later this year. It is available to eBay buyers using the US and UK eBay marketplaces. Plans are already underway for StuffAlert to be rolled out to other English speaking countries in the forthcoming weeks.

eBay buyers whether newcomers and seasoned users interested in learning more about StuffAlert’s eBay alert service can visit the website (http://www.stuffalert.com) or for more information Contact Us.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, Dedicated Servers, Domain Names, E-mail, Hosting, Internet, Secure Hosting, Services

Fasthosts Reveals Britons Not Considering How Mobile Working Can Help A New Business

Leave a comment

Fasthosts has revealed that the majority of Britons do not consider how technology could shape a work/life balance when considering whether or not to launch their own business.

The survey of 1500 UK adults conducted by the web hosting company found that only 14 per cent would consider the impact of technology such as smartphones, notepads and Internet applications, before concluding whether or not to launch a business. Poor economic factors and fear of losing money remain the primary reasons for reluctance to start a new project. Fasthosts advises budding entrepreneurs to speak to technology providers from the very outset, as web-based tools and ecommerce can often enable far more flexible working than many realise.

As the UK economy slowly returns to growth, Fasthosts ‘Home Business Survey’* finds that there may be thousands of entrepreneurs currently ‘sitting on the fence’ over whether to launch their own business. The good news is that the vast majority of Britons (72 per cent) would consider or have considered having their own business project. However, the data suggests that a number may not take the plunge because they unaware of how much technology can help to design and manage their work.

When asked about the main factors for consideration in whether or not to launch a business project, only 14 per cent would look into what impact technology could make on their work patterns. This is despite 1 in 4 people having doubts about their ability to cope with running a business effectively. In scoping a business idea, the most popular groups to consult for strategic advice are banks (35 per cent), potential clients (31 per cent), stock suppliers (27 per cent) and then friends and family (25 per cent).

Stephen Holford, Marketing Director, Fasthosts Internet Ltd, commented: “It is vital for anybody thinking of starting their own business to know what is technologically possible from the very start. Selling goods and even services online is often incorrectly regarded as beyond the reach of non-technical people. Family responsibilities and financial aspects are always pressures that need to be considered. However, the huge range of Internet-based tools available for mobile working means that work patterns can be far more flexible and mobile than ever before. It is vital that before deciding if a start-up project is achievable, one looks carefully at what technology is available to help.”

Of course, the decision to launch a business project should never be taken lightly. The most common factors deterring people at this time are primarily financial ones. The unattractive economic climate is most on people’s minds (36 per cent), as well as fear of losing capital (35 per cent), a lack of funding (25 per cent) and shortfalls in business knowledge (18 per cent).

Over the coming months, Fasthosts’ ‘Work Better Online’ campaign will provide information and helpful tips on working practices, tools and technologies that can help entrepreneurs to juggle a fledgling business alongside their lives. Topics will include time management, workspace design, meetings, office dynamics, productivity, communication, motivation and real life case studies discussed.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2C, eCommerce, Internet, Online, Shopping

The Biggest Chinese Market Now Within Your Reach with OrdersMax for Taobao

Leave a comment

A new site has been released for the shopping enthusiasts worldwide: www.ordersmax.com which is in fact a Taobao agent. Taobao is the name of the largest market of Chinese products, which covers any desired shopping category. Its value is particularly noticed through its Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories categories also largely featured by this fresh release, which are drawing the attention of business owners worldwide.

The long-awaited Taobao intermediate website was structured to show relevant categories – not only based on the nature and utility of products, but also on their popularity. The most popular items appear right on the homepage. Also, there is more detailed information about each product, making OrdersMax stand out from the entire crowd of similar sites. These features (that any Taobao agent would like to boast about) are of great help for brand owners, fashionistas and not only. Business owners should greatly benefit of the Popular Items section of Taobao items, which is a very realistic estimation of what trends and vendors sell better. This is to be used as a precious tool by those who seek to stock on items that truly bring a profit.

There is something for everyone, from ethnic clothing to the latest trend extravaganza. Comprehensive menus keep the items ordered and easy to reach by the visitors. As it can be noticed, functionality was always a priority when designing this Taobao agent site. If one is familiar with the Ebay style categories menu, it will be handy to browse the required sections here as well. It is an extremely well finished system in itself and nothing is there to make it complicated. Internauts can now start enjoying a new professional site that opens the gate to wonderful Chinese manufacturers world, which was otherwise less accessible.

Taobao market gathers a large number of Chinese vendors, all of these to be now accessed through one single site, in English. This diversity boosts attractiveness factor of shopping this way, and makes for a very efficient market. A guarantee of quality is the rating system that shows the reputation of a product – depending on how high it scores, it can be seen whether it has been appreciated or not by Taobao users. This means feedback in a very simple and effective form, and it allows very easy orientation when dealing with too many products.

To access China fashion is free of any complications. As viewers will easily handle the browsing system, something about ordering should be said as well. Each order is handled by the implemented logistics system and, whenever it is necessary, the well trained Taobao agent will be there to assist with additional help. When logged in, users can track the delivery status of their orders. Trustworthy partners ensure that products are being delivered internationally.

Originality of the fashion products is the key in attracting solid clientele. Besides, the quality is to be seen not only through the ratings, but also through the pricing – not the “few bucks” regular Chinese items, but something more valuable, yet still highly affordable to be purchased. Customers are invited to go through the many categories and shop just as they would on any similar online location. This Taobao website substitute was definitely created having the user in mind.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, B2C, Database, eCommerce, Online, Search, Searching, Services, Tracing, Web Marketing

Findmypast Reveals The Greatest Political Leaders With Irish Ancestry

Leave a comment

Findmypast has announced that John F. Kennedy has been voted the greatest political leader with Irish ancestry, ahead of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Che Guevara, the Latin American revolutionary who also had Irish roots, ranked fourth.

The online poll of over 4,000 Americans and Britons was conducted by YouGov for the genealogy site findmypast.com and its Irish partner, findmypast IE.

“The most surprising people turn out to have Irish ancestry,” says Cliona Weldon, spokesperson for findmypast.ie, which marks its first birthday this month.

The findmypast poll asked respondents in the U.S. and UK to pick from a list of 10 political leaders who had won prominence in countries beyond Irish shores – in short, in the Irish diaspora.

This diaspora, consisting of Irish emigrants and their descendants, is estimated to include over 80 million people worldwide, including some 40 million Americans.

While Obama and JFK polled similar percentages with U.S. and UK respondents, averaging 12% and 25% respectively, Reagan polled nearly four times as many votes in the U.S. (35%) as in the UK (8%). Indeed, he would have topped the poll based on U.S. votes alone, while the UK alone ranked him third behind Obama.

Obama, who only discovered his Irish roots in 2007, is just one of at least 13 U.S. presidents to have had Irish ancestry. Indeed, the only one of the last six to have lacked them was Bill Clinton, who tried to atone for the fact by once informing a St Patrick’s Day gathering that: “I feel more Irish every day!” Other countries to have boasted notable leaders with Irish ancestry include Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Israel.

Che Guevara, the Argentine-born radical who helped lead the revolution in Cuba, may be best known today as an icon of Latin American rebellion but he traced his ancestry to Galway, Ireland in the 1740s.

JFK and Reagan both traced their roots to the great wave of Irish emigration that began in the mid-19th century, coinciding with the great Famine.

By then, Obama’s Irish forebear, Falmouth Keaney, had already been in the U.S. for eight years, after migrating from Moneygall in Co. Offaly in 1850. Keaney was Obama’s maternal great-great-great grandfather.

About findmypast.ie:
findmypast.ie is the world’s most comprehensive Irish family history website, providing easy-to-search, online access to some of the most significant Irish records that have ever been made available, including extensive BMD records.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, Events, Internet, Online, Services, Social Networking, Web 2.0

Michael Blakey & Paul Grant speaking on EFactor Business Bootcamp June 21

Leave a comment

A day full of succeeded Entrepreneurs and the Best Funding Experts in the field, Michael Blakey & Paul Grant!

Want to learn more on what to do when you are on theEntrepreneurial Frontline? Or how Bootstrapping can be an effective way to run your operations? What Investor Types & Funds are out there? And what are the Legal Aspects of Investments? Sign up now for EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT, lunch & drinks included! http://www.efactor.com/ukfunding1206

We provided you with a special program with some great names in this industry:

John Spindler CEO of Capital Enterprise. John has had over 15 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and business advisor/consultant and as well as being responsible for the day to day management of Capital Enterprise is also a director and co-owner of audio designer and manufacturer Ferguson Hill.

Michael Blakey: has been a successful, active, early-stage investor in the UK since 2000 and having invested in some 17 businesses and realized 3 profitable exits to date. Co-investing with his brother, Simon, he is responsible for all our marketing and deal origination activities. Michael was voted by AngelsNews as “the Business Angels You should now”.

Paul Grant: is an experienced entrepreneur who has founded his own London based company through private equity and debt finance. He managed to build a network of over 500 business angels at Capital Partners Private Equity Ltd and more recently at BA Capital Ltd, during which time he never ceased to assist young businesses with fundraising and coaching. He is also the founder of “The Funding Game” seminar series, which offers practical guidance and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking capital for early-stage and growing ventures.

Jaan Larner: is a business minded lawyer at Keystone Law with an MBA from Oxford University. He is a corporate and commercial lawyer with a particular interest in entrepreneurial activity. He advises clients on their corporate structures as well as their on-going day-to-day commercial activity. Jaan qualified as a Solicitor in 1997.

WE HOPE TO WELCOME YOU AT 21 JUNE – INNOVATION WAREHOUSE – LONDON

SEE FOR MORE DETAILS OF THE PROGAM: http://www.efactor.com/ukfunding1206

Please Eva Hukshorn for your questions.

Lunch and drinks are included in the event price.

This event is sponsored by RBS, Capital Enterprise and Keystone Law To attend this event being a member of EFactor is mandotory, you can sign up (for free) on www.efactor.com.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases