Saturday Highlights 1/5/2013: SAP talks up China; Gartner ups 2013 IT spending forecast

SAP CEO says China to become as important as U.S.: paper
(Reuters)

IT professionals taking a cautious approach to SAP virtualization (SearchSAP)

Gartner upgrades 2013 IT spend to $3.7T (ZDNet)

Virginia Beach mayor sets deadline on luring NBA team (Sacremento Bee)
Comcast-Spectacor plays key role.

2013: The Year of Patient Engagement Innovations (Healthcare Informatics)
Highlights project at CHOP.

Engineering at Monetate/Monetate Video

Slickly produced video, presumably aimed at recruiting other engineers, on engineers at
Monetate and what they do.

Interview with Curalate CEO & Co-Founder Apu Gupta/TechFaster - Video

I thought this was an interesting interview that TechFaster did with Philly-based and First Round Capital-backed Curalate's CEO & Co-Founder Apu Gupta, who describes the challenges and opportunities in the brave new world of analytics for image-based social media platforms (such as Pinterest).






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Today in Philly Tech History 1/5/2000: Motorola acquires General Instrument

Motorola completed its acquisition of Horsham-based General Instrument 13 years ago today in an all stock deal valued at about $17 billion.

Eventually known as Motorola Home, the supplier of technology to the Cable TV industry was spun off along with Motorola's handset business as Motorola Mobility on January 4, 2011. Motorola Mobility was later acquired by Google for $12.5 billion in May of 2012. Google announced it had reached an agreement to sell Motorola Home to the Arris Group for $2.35 billion in late December.



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Daily Links 1/4/2013: Should InterDigital be called a patent troll?; Hulu CEO departing

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Fox Seen Revving ESPN Rival As Comcast Resists
(Investor's Business Daily)

Verizon to Showcase Redbox, Internet-Linked Cars at CES (Bloomberg)

Zonoff Announces Launch of Cutting-Edge Home Automation Technology at 2013 CES in Las Vegas
Zonoff Distributed Radio Architecture makes life easier for consumers and unlocks substantial new possibilities for consumer electronics OEMs (PR Newswire)
Zonoff is based in Malvern.

NBC's Greenblatt Rebuilds Network Long In Disarray (AP via NPR)

Hulu CEO Jason Kilar, CTO Rich Tom To Depart The Company In Q1 2013 (TechCrunch)



A Patent Troll By Any Other Name Still Stinks (Dan Rowinski/ReadWriteWeb)
On Wilmington-based InterDigital.

Publicis Healthcare Brings Creative and Media Closer Together
Sanofi Pasteur Served as Pilot Client Under Newly-Reorganized Structure (Ad Age)

2012: The Year in Enterprise Software (Michael Fauscette/Enterprise Irregulars)

A Photo-Scanning Service Learns How to Get Exposure (New York Times Blogs)
On West Berlin, N.J-based FotoBridge.



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Sony and InterDigital Team to Launch Machine-to-Machine Focused Joint Venture Called Convida Wireless

January 03, 2013 08:30 AM Eastern Time
Sony and InterDigital Team to Launch Machine-to-Machine Focused Joint Venture Called Convida Wireless

NEW YORK & WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--InterDigital, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDCC) and Sony Corporation of America (NYSE: SNE) today announced the launch of a joint venture to combine Sony’s consumer electronics expertise with InterDigital’s pioneering wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) and bandwidth management research. The joint venture, called Convida Wireless, will focus on driving new research in the growing field of M2M wireless communications and other connectivity areas.

“Mobile is one of Sony’s core businesses, and this joint venture will help us strengthen our foundation in this important area, focusing specifically on machine-to-machine wireless technologies. Given the pioneering efforts of InterDigital’s engineers in this growing field, we can’t think of a better partner”
Convida Wireless represents a new collaboration between Sony, a longtime technology leader, and InterDigital Solutions, a unit announced in October by InterDigital that explores new engagement models with industry players. Based on the terms of the agreement, the parties will contribute funding and resources for additional M2M research and platform development, which will be carried out by InterDigital Solutions. Stephens Capital Partners LLC, the principal investing affiliate of Stephens Inc., a full service investment banking firm headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, will be a minority investor in Convida Wireless. The agreement also includes a patent license from InterDigital for Sony’s 3G and 4G products.

“Mobile is one of Sony’s core businesses, and this joint venture will help us strengthen our foundation in this important area, focusing specifically on machine-to-machine wireless technologies. Given the pioneering efforts of InterDigital’s engineers in this growing field, we can’t think of a better partner,” said Toshimoto Mitomo, Executive Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Sony Corporation of America. “Moreover, in a market that is by its very nature collaborative, we expect Convida Wireless to be a platform for additional industry collaboration.”

InterDigital’s current M2M research includes an M2M services delivery platform, standards leadership with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and other areas of research. Recently, InterDigital technology powered a nine-vendor demonstration of standards-based M2M technology at the 3rd ETSI TC M2M Workshop in Mandelieu, France. InterDigital’s M2M technology has been integrated into the trial platforms of various market participants, including BUTLER, Intecs, Intel Corporation, Kontron, Mformation, Radisys, Sensinode, and others.

“We’re honored to partner with Sony, a company that is synonymous with so many advances in consumer technology, and to contribute our expertise in core wireless research. InterDigital’s research efforts in M2M are mature, and have from the start been focused on creating a standards-based framework to benefit all companies in the wireless space – operators, device makers and others. We believe that collaborating with Sony through Convida Wireless will bring those efforts to the next level,” said William J. Merritt, President and CEO of InterDigital.

About InterDigital®

InterDigital develops fundamental wireless technologies that are at the core of mobile devices, networks, and services worldwide. We solve many of the industry's most critical and complex technical challenges, inventing solutions for more efficient broadband networks and a richer multimedia experience years ahead of market deployment. InterDigital has licenses and strategic relationships with many of the world's leading wireless companies. Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on NASDAQ and is included in the S&P MidCap 400® index. InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc. For more information, visit: www.interdigital.com.

About Sony Corporation of America

Sony Corporation of America, based in New York, NY, is the U.S. subsidiary of Sony Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its motion picture, television, computer entertainment, music and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment and technology companies in the world. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $79 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and it employs 162,700 people worldwide.

About Stephens Capital Partners LLC

Stephens Capital Partners LLC is the principal investing affiliate of Stephens Inc., a full service investment banking firm headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, which maintains offices in Conway, Hot Springs and Fayetteville, Arkansas and outside Arkansas in Atlanta, Austin, Baton Rouge, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbia, Dallas, Houston, Jackson, Memphis, Nashville, New Haven, New York City, Oklahoma City, Richmond, St. Petersburg, Washington, D.C. and London. For more information, please visit www.stephens.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For these purposes, forward-looking statements are statements concerning our current beliefs, plans and expectations. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the focus of the joint venture, Sony’s expectation for the joint venture to be a platform for additional industry collaboration and InterDigital’s belief about the effect of the joint venture on InterDigital’s research efforts in M2M. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to the activities and success of the joint venture. We undertake no duty to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law, regulation or other competent legal authority.

Triple Point Technology Acquires WAM Systems Adds Advanced Supply Chain Planning and Optimization Solution Suite for Profitable Management of Commodity Value Chains

January 03, 2013 03:00 ET
Triple Point Technology Acquires WAM Systems
Adds Advanced Supply Chain Planning and Optimization Solution Suite for Profitable Management of Commodity Value Chains
WESTPORT, CT--(Marketwire - Jan 3, 2013) - Triple Point Technology, the leading global provider of cloud and on-premise Commodity Management software, announced today it has acquired WAM Systems. WAM is the premier provider of supply chain planning and optimization solutions for process manufacturing industries including oil and gas, polymers, CPG, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Companies are experiencing dramatic increases in business risk and downward pressure on margins due to the unprecedented complexity and volatility of today's global economy. The need for visibility and optimization across all elements of a value chain has never been greater. The WAM Systems acquisition singularly positions Triple Point to immediately deliver comprehensive planning and optimization solutions to profitably manage commodity risk, material procurement, demand planning, finished goods forecasting, and sales and operations planning.
"The next big leap forward in managing commodity value chains is the use of real-time, market-based costs in enterprise plans," said Peter F. Armstrong, CEO and president, Triple Point. "As Gartner mentioned in its 2012 predictions report, organizations can have efficient supply chains, but if they can't effectively manage volatile commodity costs, their bottom line results will be subject to the vagaries of the market. Through the acquisition of WAM, Triple Point is uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate the volatile and complex markets in which they operate."
WAM has an established track record of deploying its supply chain solutions across a wide variety of process manufacturing industries. The company's planning and optimization products are used by organizations around the globe. Notable customers include Indian Oil, LyondellBasell, PetroChina, PTT Global Chemical, Sasol Oil, Saudi Aramco, and Solvay.
Triple Point and WAM's complementary customer bases, market focus, and product synergies create substantial opportunities for accelerated growth in combined market share, revenue, and profit. The outstanding financial performance of WAM -- in terms of strong revenue growth, healthy profit margins, and a solid balance sheet -- underscores the suitability and attractiveness of the transaction for both companies' shareholders, employees, and customers.
All WAM employees have joined Triple Point, and WAM's three co-founders, including CEO Jack Weiss, will take key leadership roles. The WAM executive team will be instrumental in integrating the companies' product portfolios, driving product advancement, and accelerating customer adoption of the solution set.
"Integrating with a larger, successful organization like Triple Point gives WAM the immediate resources and reach to accomplish its goals of continued growth and support of new and existing customers," said Weiss. "This is an exciting time for manufacturing industries, and becoming part of Triple Point is the perfect next step."
About Triple Point Technology
Triple Point Technology® is the leading global provider of cloud and on-premise Commodity Management software that delivers advanced analytics for optimizing end-to-end commodity and energy value chains. The company provides innovative solutions for managing all aspects of volatile commodity supply chains: trading, procurement, enterprise risk management, logistics, scheduling, storage/inventory, processing, settlement, and accounting. Over 400 customers in 35+ countries across industries including energy, metals, minerals, chemicals, agriculture, shipping, consumer products, food and beverage, retail, and manufacturing depend on Triple Point solutions. Triple Point was named a "Leader" in Gartner's ETRM Magic Quadrant in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. The company employs over 850 staff in 15 offices and support centers worldwide. www.tpt.com

Daily Links 1/3/2012: WAM Systems acquired by Connecticut firm; InterDigital in M2M joint venture with Sony

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Google and FTC Get Their Deal: Company Cleared on Search Bias Claims (All Things D)

The Federal Trade Commission closes its antitrust review (Official Google Blog)

Triple Point Technology Acquires WAM Systems
Adds Advanced Supply Chain Planning and Optimization Solution Suite for Profitable Management of Commodity Value Chains (Marketwire)
WAM Systems is based in Plymouth Meeting. Ben Franklin Technology Partners and Edison Ventures were among its investors.

Sony and InterDigital Team to Launch Machine-to-Machine Focused Joint Venture Called Convida Wireless (Business Wire)

InterDigital calls for sales ban against Samsung, Nokia, others (CNET News)

Duane Morris opens Silicon Valley office in Palo Alto (Philadelphia Business Journal)

CES: Zeebox to Add Content Recognition to Second-Screen Apps
(Multichannel News)

How SAP and cities are boosting innovation through open data (GreenBiz.com)

Avanade sued over alleged ERP project failure (Computerworld)




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InterDigital Files New Complaint Against Huawei, Nokia, Samsung and ZTE with U.S. International Trade Commission

January 02, 2013 11:24 AM Eastern Time
InterDigital Files New Complaint Against Huawei, Nokia, Samsung and ZTE with U.S. International Trade Commission

Company Seeks Importation Ban for 3G and 4G Wireless Products that Infringe on U.S. Patents

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--InterDigital, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDCC) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiaries InterDigital Communications, Inc., InterDigital Technology Corporation, IPR Licensing, Inc. and InterDigital Holdings, Inc. (collectively, “InterDigital”) filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (“USITC”) against Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Futurewei Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Huawei Technologies (USA), Huawei Device USA, Inc., Nokia Corporation, Nokia, Inc., Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, ZTE Corporation and ZTE (USA), Inc. (collectively, “Respondents”) alleging that they engaged in unfair trade practices by selling for importation into the United States, importing into the United States and/or selling after importation into the United States certain 3G and 4G wireless devices (including WCDMA-, cdma2000- and LTE-capable mobile phones, USB sticks, mobile hotspots, laptop computers and tablets, and components of such devices) that infringe up to seven of InterDigital’s U.S. patents (the “Asserted Patents”). The action also extends to certain WCDMA and cdma2000 devices incorporating WiFi functionality.

“Wireless technology continues to advance at tremendous speed based on the contributions that InterDigital and others have made to core connectivity technology. For InterDigital, that effort represents roughly one billion dollars of research and development involving hundreds of wireless engineers over decades. While the vast majority of our dozens of licensees recognize our contributions and choose to license our portfolio based on discussions alone, in some cases we’re forced to resort to legal action,” said Lawrence F. Shay, President of InterDigital’s patent holding subsidiaries.

InterDigital’s complaint with the USITC seeks an exclusion order that would bar from entry into the United States infringing 3G or 4G wireless devices (and components), including LTE devices, that are imported by or on behalf of Respondents, and also seeks a cease and desist order to bar further sales of infringing products that have already been imported into the United States. Under its rules, the USITC has thirty days from the filing of the complaint to decide whether to formally institute an investigation. Certain of the Asserted Patents have been asserted against Nokia, Huawei and ZTE in earlier USITC proceedings, including the pending USITC investigation initiated by InterDigital in July 2011, and therefore are not being asserted against those Respondents in this new complaint.

InterDigital also filed parallel actions in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that Respondents’ same 3G and 4G wireless devices infringe the same Asserted Patents identified in the USITC complaint. The Delaware complaints seek a permanent injunction and compensatory damages in an amount to be determined, as well as enhanced damages based on willful infringement, and recovery of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. If the USITC institutes the investigation referenced above, Respondents will have a statutory right (but not the obligation) to stay the Delaware District Court proceeding pending a final determination in the USITC.

About InterDigital®

InterDigital develops fundamental wireless technologies that are at the core of mobile devices, networks, and services worldwide. We solve many of the industry’s most critical and complex technical challenges, inventing solutions for more efficient broadband networks and a richer multimedia experience years ahead of market deployment. InterDigital has licenses and strategic relationships with many of the world’s leading wireless companies. Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on NASDAQ and is included in the S&P MidCap 400® index.

InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.

For more information, visit: www.interdigital.com.

Establishing an archive for selected press releases

I often find press releases to be useful sources of information, and sometimes they serve as official statements of record regarding specific business events or transactions.

I don't usually include many of them in Philly Tech News' main stream, but I've established a separate page where I'll post PRs that I find particularly informative or important to the Philly Tech scene that otherwise wouldn't be covered on my website. You can find this page on the right sidebar by clicking on the link "Selected Press Releases", or by accessing this page.



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Daily Links 1/2/2013: InterDigital expands licensing deal with RIM; files new complaint against Huawei, Nokia, Samsung and ZTE

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Intel's Plan To Destroy Cable Is Already Running Into Delays (Silicon Alley Insider)


Fandango Says 2012 Ticket Sales Highest Ever (All Things D)
Fandango is owned by Comcast.

Classifieds site Oodle carved up between three bidders (paidContent)
QVC keeps US site, sells off UK traffic.

2012 Was Workday’s Year; Who Will Own 2013 In HR Technology? (Naomi Bloom/Enterprise Irregulars)

2013 - the year of the SAP Database (John Appleby/SAP Community Network)

RIM expands licensing deal with InterDigital to cover 4G LTE tech (CNET News)

InterDigital Files New Complaint Against Huawei, Nokia, Samsung and ZTE with U.S. International Trade Commission (Business Wire)

Microsoft partner 'will triple' Philly hires by 2014
(Philly.com: Philly Deals)

Philadelphia, Boston magazines publisher Metrocorp buys media firm (Philadelphia Business Journal)




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