Category Archives: Services

B2C, Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet speeds onto screens with new fibre advert

Plusnet, the home phone and broadband provider, has announced the launch of a new TV campaign, bringing to life its new fibre offering, which is eight times faster than copper broadband*. With fast cars and humorous characters, the advert portrays the new fast and affordable fibre broadband product.

The new advert is a cross between the blockbuster movies ‘Cannonball Run’ and ‘Talladega Nights’, and uses a wide range of characters from an ice cream seller and learner driver, to main character Joe and his dad driving vehicles at high-speed. The advert highlights the benefits of superfast fibre optic broadband and that more people can get faster speeds with Plusnet Fibre, without paying the earth for it. This new advert will first appear on ITV during X Factor and the run up, until 23rd November.

Commercial and Marketing Director at Plusnet, Nick Rawlings, said: “This is the first time we have promoted our fibre product above the line and we’re excited to be introducing an up to 76Mb/s broadband product at this market leading price. Plusnet really wants people to get superfast at a super price.”

Creative Director at advertising agency Karmarama, Sam Walker, said: “We wanted to create an action-packed advert in keeping with Plusnet’s light-hearted personality.”

Plusnet 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 while upload speeds have been increased to up to 19.5Mb/s.

Following a successful customer trial, 57 per cent of Plusnet trialists confirmed this improved fibre product made the internet more integral to their lifestyle than it was already. The new look product more than doubles the usage allowance of Plusnet Extra Fibre from 120GB to 250GB, increases speeds but reduces the cost. 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.

Continuing to win industry awards, Plusnet has won four uSwitch Broadband Awards, Best Fixed Consumer Broadband from ISPA and, for the third-time running, is recommended by Which?.

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

New Apps Help Preserve Visual Memories

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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
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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

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

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

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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
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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

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

Findmypast Reveals The Greatest Political Leaders With Irish Ancestry

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

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

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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.

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DiscountVouchers.co.uk Sources Deals for Money Off at Pizza Express, Debenhams and More

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Leading online voucher codes specialist DiscountVouchers.co.uk has sourced new deals redeemable at Pizza Express, Debenhams, Clarks and more to help UK consumers save this May. The site has published the new online vouchers among its deals redeemable at over 800 famous name stores and restaurants.

Getting hold of some new items from top name stores for May and the summer is now more affordable thanks to DiscountVouchers.co.uk offering deals redeemable at Debenhams, BT, Clarks and more. The DiscountVouchers.co.uk website is the place to go to download new money off coupons offering deals such as a £25 Sainsbury’s gift card when you buy BT Broadband online, 20% Off Selected Outdoor Toys at Debenhams and Free Delivery & Returns at Clarks.

Pizza Express is one of the most popular names in UK dining, with restaurants all over the country – and this week sees DiscountVouchers.co.uk home to bargain deals redeemable there. The latest choice of Pizza Express vouchers on show this week includes great value eating out deals like 2 for 1 + Pizza – perfect for treating the family or a loved one right now.

Doug Scott, managing director of DiscountVouchers.co.uk, says, “Taking the family out for a great pizza meal this month need not cost the earth thanks to our new deals. Savings on dining out, plus money off at stores and suppliers like Debenhams, Clarks and more, can be a real helping hand to consumers’ budgets right now.”

DiscountVouchers.co.uk offers consumers money saving deals at major high street brands and specialist retailers, including stores like Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Travelodge, First Choice, lastminute.com and Boden.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk.

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CompareBroadband.com.au Poll Finds Broadband Connection Important to House Hunters

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A new survey carried out by leading broadband comparison site Compare Broadband has found that house hunters consider a reliable, fast home broadband connection to be high on their list of priorities.

The site polled users and found that 78 percent of 300 respondents factor broadband access into the equation when they are looking into renting or buying a new property.

Sarah McDonald, Compare Broadband spokesperson, commented: “We regularly field calls from people who want advice on installing a home broadband connection and we often advise them on the best provider such as SpinTel broadband on the website. Sometimes people find that they have unknowingly moved from a place where they had access to fast a range of broadband plans to a place where they have no broadband choices at all.”

“We’re able to advise people on mobile broadband packages in these cases, but for someone self-employed working from home for example it can be a problem. They prefer solid, reliable connectivity.”

As the National Broadband Network (NBN) goes on connecting all the regions of Australia, the variance between types of internet connectivity available could well increase. Some places will receive speeds of up to 100Mbps and others will remain tied to mobile broadband or basic ADSL.

Specialist comparison websites like Compare Broadband are able to screen regions and addresses for quality of ADSL connection on a preliminary basis – though this is not guarantee of service.

Tips for house hunters
1. An area’s name or reputation does not guarantee quality broadband connection.

2. Speak to previous tenants or occupiers about their own internet connection or provider.

3. Call Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000 or get online to source impartial advice on ISPs

4. Greenfield developments advertised as fibre optic ready can deliver broadband connectivity at speeds of up to 100Mbps.

5. NBN offers a map online to see which areas of the country are in line for next generation broadband rollout.

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OKPAY.com Introducing Virtual Prepaid MasterCard

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OKPAY is one of the most dynamically developing financial company nowadays. OKPAY is available to clients worldwide since 2010. Providing a customer-focused, convenient and fully fledged financial services have always been the Company’s credo.

Almost a billion of consumers don’t have a credit card and many who have a card don’t wish to use it because of the various security concerns. In order to provide a solution for these customers OKPAY Company is offering a Virtual Card feature.

Main benefits of the virtual cards are maximum security, no credit assessment, availability for immediate use.

OKPAY Virtual Debit Card Benefits

OKPAY MasterCard provides clients an easy and secure online payment source with several million retailers worldwide. A short time upon card application approval client obtains virtual card credentials (containing primary card information required for online purchases).

Virtual card has a temporary number that can be used for one time or several online purchases. This card number is useless to hackers, because even if the card number becomes uncovered it will not be useful as the card most likely won’t have available funds.

To keep online shopping even safer OKPAY Company recommends transferring funds to the virtual card at the moment when ready to make a purchase. This way the transfer amount can match the checkout price and the card balance will remain empty until next payment.

Identity theft is also a major concern nowadays. The virtual card number does not lead to any real credit card numbers or bank accounts associated with it. OKPAY Virtual Card is a Pre-Paid card, which means that it has a spending limit, which is not linked to a Wallet balance.

It only takes a few days to generate and receive a virtual card number that can be immediately used for purchases as a valid card over the internet. There are over 33 million MasterCard® merchant locations worldwide.

“Our goal is to create an ultimate payment financial service, suitable and convenient for both sellers and buyers. We have celebrated our second birthday not long ago, and we are glad to see our client’s satisfaction and continuous support,” says Konstantin Romanovsky, OKPAY President and CEO. “We are happy to keep improving OKPAY. This time we would like to offer you a great option for secure online shopping – OKPAY Virtual Debit Card!”

For more information on OKPAY Virtual Debit Card solution visit OKPAY News.

Via EPR Network
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New Review Site WasThatGood.com Delivers Independent Theatre Opinion

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WasThatGood.com, a new site dedicated to bringing informed and independent theatre review and opinion to stage fans, has been launched in the UK.

The site has been introduced to address a demand for genuine, unbiased theatre reviews which are different from the now-standard sites which are full of intrusive advertising. WasThatGood.com will offer true, honest reviews of shows like Chicago and Billy Elliot from people who have actually been to see them and who are not promoting anything.

WasThatGood.com has been built by Robert Stuart, a big fan of theatre and shows, who was tired of trawling through websites which consisted of nothing but advertisements. The new site will offer impartial opinion, show times and the chance to buy London theatre tickets too.

Robert Stuart says, “There was clearly a gap in the market for a genuine, honest theatre review website – hence why I decided to introduce WasThatGood.com. There are far too many websites around which are advertising based and which actively promote shows – I wanted to have a place where all fans of theatre can share genuine reviews.”

In recent times the economic crisis has resulted in lots of people choosing not to go to see shows any longer for fear of wasting their money. WasThatGood.com intends to address this by giving people unbiased, genuine reviews via which they can make informed choices about which shows to go and see.

In addition to its review services WasThatGood.com will also host show time and date information and will let people search for the highest-rated shows by peer review. Users will also be able to buy tickets for shows all over the country through the site.

About WasThatGood.com

WasThatGood.com was born in an attempt to give the public a say in the world of theatre by offering an independent forum for them to share their opinions. The intent is to promote open discussion regarding the theatre, which could very well lead to improvement as theatres will have to face reality and will no longer be subject to only a handful of critics who have a channel to the public.

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Findmypast.ie helps to reveal Dracula was Irish not Transylvanian

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findmypast.ie has conducted research on Bram Stoker’s family tree which sheds new light on how he created the gothic horrors of Dracula.

Count Dracula, the Transylvanian nobleman and daddy of all vampires, was originally Irish rather than Transylvanian, according to new research by the family historian who previously traced Barack Obama’s Irish roots, Fiona Fitzsimons.

Dracula is the title character of the 1897 Gothic horror novel by Bram Stoker, the Irish writer who died 100 years ago, on April 20, 1912.

Many historians have wondered how Stoker, a one-time Dublin civil servant and chum of Oscar Wilde came to imagine the gothic horrors of Dracula and now, new research into Stoker’s family tree by the genealogy website findmypast.ie provides the answer. The new findings are the fruit of months of research by Fiona Fitzsimons, a director of findmypast.ie and the historian who last year identified Obama’s closest living Irish relatives, enabling the U.S. President to meet them on his state visit to Ireland.

Bram Stoker turns out to have been of an old family with a glorious history. His direct ancestor, Manus “The Magnificent” O’Donnell, once ruled much of Ireland and led a rebellion against Henry VIII.

“We have discovered that Bram Stoker could trace his own direct family line back almost 1,000 years,” said Fitzsimons. In short, his own lineage turns out to have been remarkably similar to Dracula’s.

Fitzsimons added: “Stoker did not use overtly Irish references in Dracula, but his main theme is taken from Irish history – the history, we now learn, of his own family – recast in the writer’s imagination.”

Although the Stoker family on Bram’s father’s side were of humble stock, it was already known before now that Bram’s mother Charlotte was descended from the Blakes, a landed Irish family.

What Fitzsimons has now discovered, with the help of land records found on findmypast.ie, is that Charlotte also descended from the O’Donnells, one of Ireland’s greatest families, with one of its oldest recorded lineages.

The story goes back farther still; from 561 A.D. the O’Donnell lords were the hereditary keepers of the psalter (holy book) of St Columba, revered in Ireland as the patron saint of poets.

These objects remained in the O’Donnell’s keeping until 1843, when they were given to the Royal Irish Academy. Their donation received wide press coverage and was a cause célèbre.

Fitzsimons said: “Our research has proven links between the writer’s family, the oldest surviving Irish manuscript in existence, and one of the greatest treasures held in the National Museum of Ireland. The manuscript book and its reliquary provide evidence that Stoker’s O’Donnell family could trace their direct lineage back more than 1,300 years to 561 A.D.”

Fitzsimons believes the true inspiration for Dracula was Manus the Magnificent, Stoker’s direct ancestor.

This is not to say that Manus was either a vampire or a tyrant, since he was neither, but he was a feudal leader with great power over much of the country and hisheroics in gory battle are just as likely an inspiration for Dracula as any historical figure.

Via EPR Network
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Findmypast.co.uk Publishes Crew Records From The Titanic For The First Time

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New analysis from findmypast.co.uk of the records of those on board the Titanic when it sunk suggests it could have been doomed from the start according to sailor superstitions.*

Six maritime myths rang true on that ill-fated day of 15th April 1912, including the presence of women, priests and red-heads on board the ship, according to the most comprehensive set of Titanic passenger and crew records launched online at findmypast.co.uk, a leading family history website.

Debra Chatfield, family historian at findmypast.co.uk, commented: “The records going live indicate sailor superstitions were wholly ignored on the Titanic’s doomed departure from Southampton. Throughout history sailors have been proverbially superstitious, but I bet few ever believed the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic would succumb to superstition. It leaves you wondering whether the cumulative effect of women, priests, dogs, barbers, flowers and red-heads on board – all commonly held superstitions among sailors – angered the sea so much it steered her towards her ill fate.”

The Unlucky Six Sailor Superstitions are:
– Women on board – 353 female passengers
– Dogs near tackle – 5 dogs reported rescued
– Priests on board – 5 men of religion
– Cutting hair on board – 3 barbers
– Flowers – 2 crew members with flower tattoos
– Red-heads – 2 on board; one crew member & the infamous Violet Jessop

Maritime birth, marriage and death records in association with The National Archives and White Star Line Officers’ books, are being launched online for the first time at findmypast.co.uk, sitting alongside the Titanic Passenger Lists and Merchant Navy recordswhich are already available to view.

Janet Dempsey, Maritime Records Specialist at The National Archives, commented:
“Death At Sea was an occupational hazard for those who made their living on the water but this rarely deterred mariners. Many who survived the Titanic went on to serve throughout the First World War and some even into WW2. The BMD registers really illustrate just how hard life was at sea even for those men and women who served on luxury liners that were just not expected to sink. With death so common place it was hardly surprising that seafarers were a superstitious lot.”

And still, 100 years on from the sinking of the Titanic, Brits are as superstitious as ever, especially when it comes to seafaring. One in eight (12%) is aware of the myth around un-christened ships bringing bad luck – something speculation famously claims about the Titanic – while the most well-known superstition for a third of Brits (31%) is an unbroken bottle during the christening of a ship.

Today’s Brits call on a number of superstitions for good luck and safe travel when embarking on a trip. Avoiding travel on Friday 13th takes the top spot (6%), followed by carrying a lucky charm such as a coin (4%), spring cleaning the house before travelling, and wearing a lucky item of clothing (2%).

Debra Chatfield concluded: “We can’t lead our lives based on myth and superstition, whether travel-related or otherwise, but in hindsight when considering the tragedy of the Titanic, it certainly is an eerie thought.”

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Online Codes Site DiscountVouchers.co.uk Offers New Choice of DIY and Grocery Deals

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Leading brand decorating items and home shopping this spring with consumer codes and vouchers specialist.

Retail codes and vouchers site DiscountVouchers.co.uk has announced new deals sourced to assist people in refurbishing their homes on a budget or affording more groceries this spring. Consumers can this week log on to the site and find new codes to save at top DIY stores Homebase and B&Q plus also Tesco.

DiscountVouchers.co.uk helps shoppers save at more than 800 retailers around the country and is this week offering savings at top store Homebase. Shoppers can get online and access new Homebase discount codes which can get them offers such as Save £50 Off £250 or £100 Off £400 spent on Furniture (exc. fitted bedrooms & garden furniture).

Consumers rely on DiscountVouchers.co.uk to get them savings at all the retail sector’s leading stores, and this week shoppers can access new B and Q vouchers. These deals are are available to help people save on home decorating – offers on show include Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price on Selected Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Kelly Hoppen & Sophie Conran Designer Wallpapers.

More great value deals can be had from the DiscountVouchers.co.uk site this spring, including new deals for money off at Tesco. The latest Tesco discount vouchers sourced by DiscountVouchers.co.uk include deals like New Customers Save £10 On Your First Online Grocery Shop When You Spend £50 at Tesco.com.

Doug Scott, managing director of DiscountVouchers.co.uk, commented, “This spring we’re able to help people who want to do up their homes save and have also sourced savings on groceries. Thanks to the latest batch of new deals we have available for top stores like Tesco, B&Q and Homebase we can help people save a small fortune.”

DiscountVouchers.co.uk offers consumers money saving deals at major high street brands and specialist retailers, including stores like Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Travelodge, First Choice, lastminute.com and Boden.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk.

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