eircom broadband now available in Annestown

Waterford News report that eircom has broadband enabled a further nineteen exchanges across the country, including Annestown in Co. Waterford.

With eircom broadband now available to phone lines in Annestown home and business customers can avail of Internet access which is up to 20 times faster than a dial-up connection.

http://www.waterford-news.com/news/story.asp?j=26358&cat=business

Strategies of the Leading Mobile Broadband Vendors

Dublin-based Research and Markets published their “Mobile Broadband Markets - WiMAX, EV-DO, HSPA & Beyond, 2007-2012”, which offers an in-depth analysis of the different broadband technologies available whilst providing a credible five year forecasting suite showing how the mobile broadband market will be segmented.

It explores the various technologies including mobile WiMAX, Flash OFDM, UMTS-TDD, CDMA, 1xEVDO, HSPA, 3GLTE and UMB and provides realistic forecast data on projected market shares by technology and region over the next five years. The detailed study includes extensive primary research formed from interviews with key players such as Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, Motorola and QUALCOMM. This report includes an analysis of the current and future market status of HSPA & Mobile WiMAX whilst providing practical subscriber numbers and service revenues up until 2012.

Key Questions Answered In the Report:

* How will broadband ARPU trends change in the future?
* What do key industry players believe are the market drivers and inhibitors for HSPA?
* What do key industry players believe are the market drivers and inhibitors for Mobile WiMAX?
* How much service revenue will be generated by mobile broadband?
* What are the issues that will determine the success of mobile broadband?
* What are the strategies of the leading mobile broadband vendors?
* How large will the mobile broadband market be?
* What will be the main areas of mobile broadband growth and why?
* How will the mobile broadband market segment into EV-DO, HSPA, Mobile WiMAX, LTE and UMB?
* How significant will Mobile WiMAX be in the market?

For more information, visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c65754

O2 restricts broadband reach to avoid cost of BT link

Richard Wray reports in The Guardian that "O2 is understood to have decided not to make its residential broadband service available across the entire UK, to keep costs under control.

Last year the mobile phone company spent £50m on buying a small internet service provider, Be Broadband, but its network covers only half the British population. O2 signed a two year deal with BT this year allowing it to augment that network with a wholesale product to get nationwide coverage. But BT is an expensive way to connect rural areas, and O2 has decided not to go nationwide and opted for a low-key launch strategy."

http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2143081,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=technology

Bank of Ireland unveils Ireland's first 'Two-In-One' credit card

Bank of Ireland releases Ireland's first '2 in 1' credit card which offers customers the option of transferring purchases to a payment plan that allows them pay for larger purchases over 12 months at a discounted rate of 6.9% APR.

Customers can use their credit card to make purchases worldwide and phase the cost of larger purchases over twelve months at a market-leading rate. New customers can also avail of a 0% APR introductory rate for purchases for the first six months.

Bank of Ireland's new '2 in 1' Credit Card customers will be able to transfer up to two purchases at any one time to the payment plan at the discounted interest rate.

The minimum purchase is €500 and the total amount that can be transferred to the payment plan at any one time is limited to 80% of the total credit limit for that account. Customers can transfer purchases to the payment plan within two months of it appearing on their statement and must repay the loan within twelve months. Customers may also repay their payment plan early without incurring any additional fees or charges. The purchase plan is available for new customers and on request for existing Standard, Gold and Platinum Bank of Ireland credit card customers who can add the facility to their existing account.

Biometrically-Enabled Mobile Workplace Management Services Solution

A leading provider of enterprise access control technology, and Donseed Ltd., a leading provider of Internet-hosted construction industry management services, released a biometrically-enabled mobile workplace management solution (WMS) that uses mobile technology to deliver a range of workplace management solutions to construction sites.

Because construction companies are only at work sites for a short period, it’s not practical for them to set up phone lines or broadband connections, making it difficult for them to share and track information.

Donseed’s WMS enables construction companies to manage time and attendance of employees and provides them with a structure through which to manage health and safety compliance. Donseed’s secure web-based solution allows all parties to access information in real time in a secure environment. Bioscrypt’s V-Station fingerprint reader, which has been mobile-enabled, ensures the time and attendance data is accurate.

Contract workers use their fingerprint scans to authenticate their identity when they arrive at and leave a construction site, eliminating buddy punching - the practice of punching in and out for a fellow employee. The time and attendance information is transmitted back to a central office using the mobile technology solution. Once the job is completed, the mobile GPRS-enabled fingerprint scanner units can be moved to the next construction site.

The Web-enabled units can also be used to share all project documents and data on the health and safety training of an employee.

“Donseed’s WMS is a unique and much-needed solution that can ensure construction companies can keep track of the most current information on their employees,” said Robert M. Douglas, President and CEO of Bioscrypt. “The mobile-enabled fingerprint reader demonstrates the versatility of Bioscrypt’s fingerprint biometric solutions.”
purposes only.

Microsemi reverses decision to phase out operations in Ennis, County Clare

U.S. semiconductor company Microsemi has reversed a decision to phase out operations at its manufacturing facility in Ennis, County Clare. The decision now ensures the future for 108 existing jobs and could lead to the creation of an additional 60-80 jobs at the Ennis site over the next 12 months.

In April 2005, the Microsemi Corporation announced its decision to close its Ennis-based Operation as a result of a corporate decision to consolidate production in the U.S. facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona and Lawrence, Massachusetts, as both of these facilities had surplus capacity. The company confirmed, at the time that 44 permanent and 87 temporary positions would be phased out over 12 to 18 months.

“Microsemi’s change of plan is attributed to improved market conditions in the Aerospace and Commercial Satellite Market Sectors for the Companies hi-rel products”, stated Minister Tony Killeen.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Minister Killeen said, “Microsemi Ireland currently employs 108 people at the Ennis site and all of these people will be retained going forward. It is a welcome move and one that is likely to instil greater confidence in the mid west region’s growing manufacturing sector.”

Microsemi Ireland has been in Ennis since 1992, when it acquired the Unitrode facility set up there in 1979. The Microsemi Corporation employs just over 1,400 staff worldwide with an annual turnover of approx USD300 million. Microsemi is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of analog, mixed signal and discreet semiconductors. It is a public company quoted on the NASDAQ market under MSCC.

Getting on the Property Ladder In Newcastlewest Co. Limerick

First time buyers wishing to purchase a property at an affordable price are being handed a lifeline by Limerick County Council, in partnership with a number of local property developers. Three houses in Newcastlewest are being provided at a discount to the market price to qualifying first time buyers, in accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2004. Meanwhile, the Local Authority has confirmed that a number of affordable houses will shortly be made available at Abbeyfeale and Kilmallock.

The two semi-detached houses and one mid-terrace house in Newcastlewest form part of the Affordable Housing Scheme, which enables persons to buy newly constructed homes in areas where property prices have created an affordability gap for first time buyers. The property prices range from EUR160,000 for a semi-detached three-bed house at Ferndale to approximately EUR145,000 for a mid terrace house at ‘Arra View’.

To qualify for affordable housing applicants must be a first time buyer, as a guide earn between EUR25,000 and EUR40,000 per annum, be currently employed in full time employment and must occupy the house on a full time basis. Single persons and couples may apply. If the house is sold within 20 years the applicant will have to pay back a percentage of the sale price to the Local Authority.

According to Mary Fogarty, Senior Executive Officer, Housing, Limerick County Council, “Applicants will be assessed against a points-based criteria which includes the current housing circumstances/needs of eligible persons, ability to meet financial commitments, and the distance of affordable housing from places of employment of eligible persons.”

Ms Fogarty continued, “Affordable housing applications must be made on the Council’s application form and supporting documentation must be submitted with the application in order for the application to be valid. A EUR50 application fee is applicable.”

“In addition to the housing units at Newcastlewest, Limerick County Council will have affordable houses in Abbeyfeale and Kilmallock coming on stream within the next couple of months”, she concluded.

Application forms for interested persons are available from the Affordable Housing Section, Limerick County Council, County Hall, Dooradoyle, Limerick; (061 496293) or from the Council’s area offices at Newcastlewest, (069 62100) Rathkeale (069 64047) Kilmallock (063 98019) or Annacotty (061 331544).

Application Forms are also available on the Council’s website www.lcc.ie

Ryanair 21st Base in Alicante

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline, announced its 21st base in Alicante. From November, Ryanair will invest $140m in 2 Boeing 737-800s to serve 11 new routes from Alicante.

Ryanair already operates 6 routes from Alicante, to Dublin, Dusseldorf, Liverpool, London, Pisa, and Stockholm, so this base will launch with a total of 17 routes.

CEO Michael O’Leary said:
“Today’s new base announcement will treble passenger numbers to 1.5m annually, sustaining 1,500 local jobs.

Bank of Ireland acquires City HQ for UK businesses

Bank of Ireland (BOI) signed a long lease for a new London Headquarters for its UK businesses in a prime City location.

The new HQ is situated at Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street, London EC4, in the very heart of the City within easy walking distance of all the major institutions and amenities.

The Bank has signed a long lease to occupy the top four floors of the building, which is currently under construction, for its new London Headquarters. It will provide over 67,000 square feet of grade A office accommodation.

Brian Goggin, Group Chief Executive, Bank of Ireland said: "We have now secured an ideal location in Bow Bells House for the centralisation and consolidation of our UK business activities. This move further reflects our clear commitment to develop the UK as our second home market."

Construction of Bow Bells House is due to complete by the end of this year, with fit out due to commence in early 2008. It is being delivered by Mitsubishi Estate and Mitsubishi Corporation in conjunction with development experts, Stanhope. The Bank's occupancy is targeted for the second half of 2008.

AIB to acquire AmCredit

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ("AIB") is to acquire AmCredit, the mortgage finance business of the Baltic-American Enterprise Fund ("BalAEF").

The business, which has a strong track record in mortgage lending, operates in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. It was established in 1997. BalAEF is a Delaware corporation chartered in 1994, pursuant to legislation enacted by the U.S. Congress to promote private sector development in the Baltic States. The International Finance Corporation (the private sector arm of the World Bank Group) has played an important role in its development over the years.

AmCredit, which has 13 outlets and 145 staff, will give AIB entry to three high growth markets underpinned by an experienced workforce, robust systems and processes and an established brand.

The consideration for the transaction, which will comprise both up-front and earn-out components, is expected to be in the order of €40m.

Azur Pharma Completes Equity Financing for $48 Million

Dublin-based Azur Pharma Limited ("Azur") completed a private placement of ordinary shares for US$48 million (€35 million).

The new share issuance represents 28% of Azur's outstanding share capital. The private placement was arranged through Davy Corporate Finance Limited.

Mr. Seamus Mulligan, Chairman and Chief Executive of Azur, stated "We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our offering and the closing of the acquisition of FazaClo®. The offering leaves us with strong cash resources after funding the acquisition. We have now raised in excess of US$100 million of equity since our formation in mid 2005."

Mr. Mulligan further commented, "FazaClo is our third acquisition having previously purchased Gastrocrom and Pharmelle in January 2006 and February 2007, respectively. We have established a full commercial infrastructure in the United States with growing revenues and 90 sales representatives covering CNS and urology/women's health. The offering provides us with the cash resources to acquire further products and pipeline assets."

Azur Pharma is a privately held pharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing patients’ lives by developing and marketing pharmaceutical products in specialist therapeutic areas. Azur Pharma’s strategy is to identify, evaluate, selectively acquire and enhance the value of late stage development and approved pharmaceutical products.

www.azurpharma.com

FINEOS Extends Relationship in Claims Management with IBM

Dublin-based FINEOS Corporation extended its relationship with IBM to enable the FINEOS Claims solution to now run on IBM System z.

The IBM System z enablement will allow insurers that rely on mainframes at the heart of their enterprise infrastructure to run FINEOS solutions on their preferred platform. FINEOS, a member of the IBM ISV Advantage program, works closely with IBM around the world to deliver comprehensive and innovative solutions.

All FINEOS solutions, including FINEOS Claims, support IBM’s Insurance Application Architecture (IAA), are certified and scalability tested on IBM hardware and software, and can be delivered using IBM services. This integrated approach provides a high degree of compatibility with existing technology investments thus mitigating project risk and speeding implementation.

“The IBM System z enablement reinforces our commitment to supporting FINEOS clients by ensuring that all FINEOS solutions will run across every platform in the IBM eServer hardware line,” says Michael Kelly, CEO, FINEOS Corporation.

The level of testing carried out by IBM engineers at the IBM Development Lab in Böblingen, Germany, will provide additional confidence to FINEOS clients that FINEOS Claims is highly portable and easy to support, resulting in increased savings and resourcing.

Redmere Deal for HDTV and Consumer Multi-media Connectivity Products

RedMere Technology signed an agreement with Fairchild Semiconducto to provide known good die (KGD) connectivity products for the HDTV and consumer multi-media markets to Fairchild.

Fairchild will release a new line of products starting with HDMI switch and repeater devices incorporating RedMere’s patented MagnifEyeTM technology, targeting high-volume repeater and multi-port HDMI connectivity solutions for HDTV applications. MagnifEyeTM technology eliminates the cable-effects of skew, cross-talk and EMI, and significantly improves system reliability.

The MagnifEyeTM technology is particularly beneficial in mainstream HDTV equipment with cable lengths of 2 to 5 meters or where low-cost after-market HDMI cables have been used. Fairchild’s first products will feature +/- 1bit skew tolerance, wideband adaptive equalization, integrated DDC buffer/repeater and selectable output pre-emphasis, and are expected to be released in the fall of 2007.

Headquartered in Balbriggan, Ireland, RedMere Technology, Ltd. creates interconnect solutions for digital interconnect standards such as DVI and HDMI through leveraging partnerships with global leaders in the consumer electronics and personal computing markets.

For more information, visit http://www.redmere.com/