http:// 2013-05-14T00:00:00Z 2013-05-14T00:00:00Z myob-and-banklink-unite-to-define-a-new-era-in-cloud-accounting-1

MYOB Holdings Pty Limited (“MYOB”), today announced that one of its subsidiaries, MYOB Finance NZ Limited, has signed an agreement to purchase the unlisted business, BankLink, from Media Transfer Services Limited. The purchase was announced to the Australian Securities Exchange today. MYOB and BankLink are market leaders in the provision of business management solutions to SMEs and accountants in New Zealand and Australia, and offer highly complementary solutions. This acquisition is a key strategic move that will leverage the strengths of both organisations, and position the new entity to lead the next wave of industry growth – cloud accounting. MYOB’s SME solutions empower businesses to run their own accounting system, and BankLink enables accountants to do the accounting on behalf of the business. The combined entity will have the most comprehensive set of accounting solutions in the market today. This includes MYOB’s flagship cloud accounting solution AccountRight Live, its entry level online accounting solution LiveAccounts and BankLink’s market leading accountants’ solution BankLink Practice. All solutions will be powered by BankLink bank feeds, known for being secure, reliable and accurate; essential requirements for successful cloud accounting solutions. Having the most secure and accurate bank feeds available is a distinct competitive advantage in delivering MYOB’s cloud strategy. Sales of MYOB’s cloud accounting solutions now make up one-third of all new product registrations, almost three times higher than last year. BankLink is a highly successful organisation. The BankLink Service is used by nearly 5,000 accounting practices, and more than 320,000 small businesses throughout New Zealand and Australia. Each month, it securely delivers in excess of 13 million customer transactions from more than 100 banks, credit unions, brokers and fund managers. BankLink's commitment to innovation and product development has been recognised with numerous awards. MYOB Chief Executive Officer, Tim Reed says, “Key to the success of MYOB’s online strategy is its partnership with accountants in practice. The coming together of MYOB and BankLink allows accountants to recommend the most appropriate accounting solution for each and every unique client. In addition, we can now further enhance this partnership by having more team members on the ground focused on accountants in practice and supporting their success.” Mr Reed says “Accounting is going through a period of rapid innovation. Cloud solutions are replacing desktop applications; bank feeds are a key component of a cloud solution, as they are used as source data for the accounts. The benefits of automatic bank feeds are huge; they significantly reduce the time it takes to do the books. If you are running a small business, it is essential to have accurate financials. BankLink has proprietary methods of supplying accurate, reliable and secure bank feeds that are more accurate and secure than others.” BankLink‘s General Manager Operations, Richard Reese, says “We are delighted that BankLink will become part of an iconic and reputable business that has a strongly aligned and clear vision for the future. We look forward to future success as part of MYOB." MYOB will acquire the BankLink business for NZ$136m to be funded by NZ$75m senior bank debt, with the balance funded by an equity funding from MYOB's shareholder. Performance against senior bank debt and MYOB Notes covenants improves as a result of the acquisition due to the reinvestment of NZ$61m of equity funding by MYOB's shareholder and the contribution of the earnings of the BankLink business to MYOB's earnings. Craig Boyce, Bain Capital Managing Director, says “The acquisition of BankLink is highly strategic; the competitive advantage provided by their integrated bank feeds is key to MYOB’s cloud offerings. We look forward to further supporting and investing in MYOB’s growth and product development in the coming years.” BankLink’s European business does not form part of the acquisition. The growing United Kingdom based operation, soon to be renamed “Bankstream”, will be retained by BankLink director Derek Jones. It will be supported by a dedicated development and operational team based in Auckland. The sale and purchase agreement is subject to a number of conditions including regulatory and third party consents. The acquisition is expected to be completed in June 2013. Websites Company websites – www.myob.com.au / www.myob.co.nz MYOB Media Contact Australia Angely Grecia, Public Relations Consultant +61 449 169 997 | angely.grecia@myob.comNew Zealand Elaine Koller, NZ Public Affairs Manager +64 29 777 0256| elaine.koller@myob.com About BankLink BankLink, as part of the Media Transfer Services (MTS) company, was founded in 1986 in New Zealand by Malcolm MacDonald, Derek Jones and Steve Agnew. The original aim was to provide a time-saving service to accountants and their small business clients. For 25 years BankLink has been providing easy to use accounting solutions that deliver better efficiencies, improved communication, and increased profits for accounting practices and their clients. BankLink is an innovative service that automates and streamlines the accounting process. As a recognised market leader, BankLink is used by nearly 5,000 accounting practices, and more than 320,000 small businesses throughout New Zealand and Australia. BankLink securely delivers over 13 million customer transactions from over 100 banks, credit unions, brokers and fund managers. BankLink won the 2012 AUT excellence in Business Support Award, in the WHK Large Business $10 million to $50 million turnover category; the 'Most Innovative Approach to International Business' award by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise; and were a finalist in the PricewaterhouseCoopers 'Hi-Tech Company of the Year,' the 'International Business Wales Hi-Tech Exporter of the Year' awards, and the 2011 'NZ Hi-Tech Awards.' About MYOB Group MYOB is a leading provider of business management, accounting, payroll and tax software in Australia and New Zealand, supplying its software, services and support to small and medium sized enterprises (“SMEs”) and public accountants. MYOB's solutions extend online, delivering innovation through cloud accounting solutions such as LiveAccounts and the recently launched AccountRight Live. This enables its clients to be more productive, supporting more streamlined connections with their staff, business partners, business advisors and customers. MYOB estimates it currently holds a market share of approximately 60–70% for SMEs and approximately 60–70% for public accountants, by revenue from sales of these products and services in Australia and New Zealand. MYOB believes clients value the ease of use, reliability, integrated nature, ongoing regulatory compliance updates and client support services that it provides. MYOB commenced operations over 20 years ago and now supports nearly 1 million businesses, predominantly SMEs, and more than 40,000 accountants across Australia and New Zealand. MYOB employs more than 900 staff and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. It has four key business divisions, which are supported by group functions including finance, strategy, marketing, IT, legal and human resources. For the 12 months ending 31 December 2012, the MYOB Group generated $218.1 million in revenue, $107.5 million in covenant EBITDA ($27.3 million NPATA and a NPAT loss of $14.8 million) and a covenant EBITDA margin of 49.3%. Funds advised by Bain Capital became the majority owner of the MYOB Group in September 2011. Bain Capital has a significant history of advising on investments in software and business services companies globally. 2 of 2

2013-05-06T23:57:26Z changes-to-building-code-to-keep-kids-safe

Changes to the Australian Building Code aimed at making new apartment windows safer for children take effect from May 2013 across Australia. BCS Strata Management welcomes the change but wants to get the message out to all owners and tenants in existing apartments, that they too can easily make their windows safe in just a few minutes for just a few dollars.Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Haywood says the changes to the Australian Building Code mean that from last week all new apartment buildings constructed across the country are required to fit each opening window above the ground floor with a safety device preventing them from opening more than 12.5 centimetres.“For some time BCS has been working with property developers to ensure before building construction starts that the building plans take into consideration the living needs of the eventual inhabitants. From this week we will also remind them of the need to install locks or barriers to ensure the safety of our youngest inhabitants,” Mr Haywood said.On 13 March, the NSW Government also announced a package of reforms aimed at addressing the number of fatalities and injuries suffered as a result of children falling from windows. This is in response to a report prepared by the Westmead Children’s Hospital into this issue.“We welcomed the NSW government’s discussion paper seeking views on its proposal to mandate the installation of safety devices on all windows that prevent the risk to children in strata complexes,” Mr Haywood said.“The NSW government has indicated that it would phase in this mandatory requirement over the next five years and will form part of the current legislation as well as its successor legislation.Submissions to the NSW Government discussion paper closed recently.For existing buildings there are a number of products on the market which are easy and inexpensive to install and provide a good level of safety regardless of whether the apartment is occupied by owners or tenants.“While individuals are already able to install window locking devices themselves we would also encourage owners corporations and bodies corporate to take this issue on board and ensure every window above ground floor level is safe by installing devices where it is practical to do so.”BCS has been educating its apartment owners about the dangers of children playing near windows which are unsecured.

2013-04-08T05:02:00Z australian-decline-in-finance-jobs

Australian decline in finance jobs opportunities eFinancialCareers Quarterly Finance Jobs Barometer Media Release SYDNEY, 08 April 2013 - Australia’s financial services job opportunities declined 34% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. It was the largest decline experienced across the leading global financial centres according to the quarterly Jobs Barometer from eFinancialCareers, the leading career site for professionals working in investment banking, asset management and the securities industries.Australia was not alone with significant declines in finance opportunities also prevalent across the region with Singapore and Hong Kong registering decreases of 13% and 24% respectively. The UK also experienced a significant reduction (-27%) for the period. eFinancialCareers Managing Director Asia-Pacific, George McFerran, said: “the decline of job opportunities in Australian financial services is reflective of a shift in organisation priorities, there is currently a definite focus on retrenchment. We are also perhaps starting to see the results of the offshoring programmes that many banks have been utilising.However, despite the overall decline the new environment of regulation and capital adequacy requirements are driving strong growth in the areas of compliance and legal, risk management and retail banking.”APAC Top performers - Despite an overall decline for the period recruiting in key areas is occurring. The year-on-year job posting figures (Q1 2013 – Q1 2012) show growth across APAC in:• Compliance/Legal (+54%) – banks have been steadily hiring (and are likely to continue) for compliance positions since the onset of the Global Financial Compliance. New compliance roles have been created on the back of new regulatory requirements including Basel III. “It is anticipated this will remain a solid employment area as it is an essential function, with a need to replace departing staff,” said Mr McFerran.• Risk management (+29%) – as banks expand their Asian presence managing operational, credit and market risk will remain a crucial process, increasing demand for risk talent.• Retail banking (+25%) – unlike investment banking in the region which has been hit by falling deal-flows and fee income, the comparative stability of revenue in retail banking will keep recruitment healthy. This is partially driven by the shifting focus of Australian domestic banks to develop new products and increasingly use their branch network as a sales channel. APAC Bottom Performers - Derivatives (-58%), Trading (-53%) and Equities (-43%) - continued market volatility and budgetary pressures imposed by cost -conscious investment banks are combining to subdue front-office recruiting in Asia, especially in equities, trading, and derivatives. Positions in these fields are typically well paid and banks need to submit a cast-iron business case to head office to get the extra headcount expense approved. Firms prefer to make do with current resources and are keeping trading teams at current levels unless there is a prolonged global economic recovery. 2013 Outlook - “While 2013 is unlikely to be a bumper year for recruitment in Australian financial services, a gentle and sustainable recovery in job opportunities compared with last year is expected,” said Mr McFerran.“We anticipate the job market will be more buoyant in insurance, and retail, corporate and transaction banking, where revenue will be more stable and banks will continue to expand to meet client needs. In investment banks deal flows in M&A and capital markets will need to consistently improve to justify more hiring in the second half of this year.”***ENDS*** The eFinancialCareers Quarterly Job Barometer tracks APAC positions advertised on eFinancialCareers in sectors where there is a minimum level of 150 advertised jobs a month for three consecutive months. Sectors qualifying for the APAC Job Barometer for the three months ended 31 March 2013 were Risk Management, Compliance / Legal, Retail Banking, Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, Private Banking / Wealth Management, Operations, Quantitative Analytics, Capital Markets, Corporate Banking, Credit, Investment Banking / M & A, Commodities, Insurance, Information Services, Asset Management, Consultancy, Equities, Sales & Marketing, FX & Money Markets, Trading, Debt / Fixed Income, Derivatives.About eFinancialCareers eFinancialCareers, a Dice Holdings, Inc. service, is the leading global career site network for professionals working in the investment banking, asset management and securities industries. The website provides financial services professionals with job opportunities, job market news and analysis, salary surveys and career advice. Recruiters and employers can post jobs targeting specific sectors within the financial services industry, both buy-side and sell-side, and can search the resume database for highly qualified and specialized professionals. eFinancialCareers has a network of co-branded career sites with industry-leading trade publications and offers local websites in 19 markets and five languages primarily across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and financial centres of the Middle East. Please visit www.eFinancialCareers.com.au for more information.For further information please contact: Cape Public Relations +61 2 8218 2190 Luke Roberts luke@capepublicrelations.com M: 0422 855 930 Sara Crow sara@capepublicrelations.com M: 0413 682 377

2013-03-15T03:15:03Z leadership-development-firm-warns-perth-businesses-develop-your-employees-or-lose-your-best-talent

In a recent blog post on their website, Integral Development, a leadership development firm from Perth, explained how many companies are losing their most talented employees because they fail to provide opportunities for management and leadership courses for their employees. The post cited a consensus of industry studies on the cost of replacing employees, and a study that was published in the Harvard Business Journal about “young high achievers” feeling that they have to perpetually change jobs to find more opportunity. While Integral Development conducts their leadership courses in Perth, the studies are of a global nature, because there are no studies specific to Perth or Australia as of now. The post explains why it is more cost-effective to develop leaders from within than to hire from outside. International studies have been conducted in varying workplaces with varying results, but there is a commonly-accepted norm regarding the cost of hiring and training new employees. For a menial employee, the common estimate is that it costs 16% of their average yearly salary to train them. When a worker has more skill, the number jumps to 20% of a salary that is higher. When the person being hired and trained is management, though, the number rises sharply. According to industry estimates, it costs between 150-213% of a manager’s salary to hire and train them. The information from the Harvard Business Review study demonstrates that young high achievers not only have no reservations about leaving their jobs if they feel they aren’t being developed properly, but that they are on what is called a “perpetual job hunt.” According to an international poll of 1,200 people who had high grade-point averages, got degrees from elite universities, and served international internships while in college, 98% were looking for another job at least once during their first year of employment in their chosen field.In addition, 75% of those in the poll interviewed for jobs, contacted search firms, or sent resumés to prospective employers during their first year of employment. The average stay at the first job was 28 months. While this kind of behaviour was formerly known as “job-hopping,” and those who did it usually suffered career setbacks, this group reported that every time they changed jobs, they received more money, a promotion, or both.According to Dr Ron Cacioppe, Managing Director of Integral Development, the studies point to a growing dilemma for businesses: “The current economy and employment statistics have put a lot of businesses in a quandary. They don’t want to provide training in fear that employees will leave before they see a return on their investment, but employees don’t want to stay if they don’t feel they are being prepared for upward mobility. Consequently, businesses are losing a lot of talented employees, especially the younger ones.”Cacioppe continued, “Meanwhile, it costs a lot of money to replace and train any employee, from menial to skilled to management. That is why we recommend and provide executive coaching and leadership development training to all of our Perth clients.”Cacioppe concluded, “Leadership comes from the top, and a well-developed executive and management team can contribute to a culture of employee development and promotion from within. This helps them keep their best employees and makes the whole team stronger and more efficient.”Integral Development conducts management and leadership development courses in Perth. For more information, please call (08) 9242 8122 or visit their website: http://www.integral.org.au/.

2013-03-01T04:19:42Z recent-online-marketing-survey-names-video-fastest-growing-trend-in-content-marketing-for-2013

For numerous reasons, online video has become a very popular marketing technique for businesses, not only in Brisbane and Gold Coast, but across the world. According to a recent survey from Social Media Examiner, YouTube and video marketing were cited by 76% of those who responded as their top marketing expenditures in 2012. Of those who responded, only 1% reported that they plan to spend less on video marketing in 2013.According to a survey recently released by the Content Marketing Institute (CMI), in September 2012, more than 85% of Internet users watched online videos. A surprising 46% said that, after watching videos about a product, they would be more likely to click through for more information, than without a video.An estimated 70% of online marketers now use video, which makes it the sixth most popular content marketing tactic. 61% of online marketers post videos on YouTube, which averages around 4 billion hits a day. Another surprising find: viewers using mobile devices watch videos three times as long as those on laptops and desktops. As of now, approximately 54 million people have mobile devices that are able to access videos.According to video producers, marketers, and businesses, one of the main reasons why so many now use video is that they are so easy and inexpensive to produce. Cloud-based services also make it easier for companies and marketers to host videos and show them to prospects and customers.Another reason for using video is that YouTube videos often produce high rankings in Google. In addition, YouTube videos are easily accessed via tablets or smartphones, thus giving businesses access to many customers for most of their waking days.Another aspect that makes videos so attractive to marketers is the opportunity for them to go viral. When a video goes viral, it can get millions of views, without any extra cost to the company. In addition to the great publicity and reach a viral video provides, it can also provide a lot of high-quality backlinks to the company’s website.Michael Hanson, Founder and Creative Director of Video Labs, has seen firsthand the power of video marketing: “Video marketing is very hot right now, and for great reason. The first reason is that videos allow companies to reach a lot of customers that they wouldn’t reach if they didn’t have a video up. Not only is YouTube and other video sites a different place than their website, but a video can propel a company to page one of Google. That brings you a lot of prospective customers who are searching for exactly what you have to sell.”Michael continued, “In addition, a video that goes viral can literally bring in a million views overnight. That is a lot of advertising, and it doesn’t have any added costs once the video is completed and uploaded. Also, many people understand videos better than a webpage or a text ad. Videos allow you to say a lot that would be cumbersome or take too long to read on a webpage.”Michael concluded, “It’s no accident that video is the fastest-growing medium in online marketing. It flat out works!”Video Labs specialises in video marketing and video production in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and across Australia. For more information, call Video Labs at 1300 881 783 or visit their website at http://videolabs.com.au/.

2013-02-22T06:50:15Z new-characters-in-the-next-chapter-of-growth-for-retailer-redballoon

21 February 2013 (Sydney): RedBalloon Pty Ltd has welcomed Richard England (Chairman) and Atlassian Founder Scott Farquhar (Non-Executive Director) to the board ranks, signalling a new chapter for the Australian owned and operated experience retailer.Now in its twelfth year, redballoon.com.au has delivered more than 1.7 million experiences to customers and is still seeing extremely high levels of growth for a business of its vintage. The business hit 40 per cent growth in total transaction value in the 2012 financial year, demonstrating there is still very strong growth in Australian online retail. Christmas 2012 saw this online retailer experience a transaction every 3.3 seconds. The establishment of an experienced board with external perspective is set to drive the business further on this growth trajectory, as RedBalloon aims to cement itself as the top online destination for gifts. RedBalloon CEO Kristie Buchanan said both appointments were part of the latest evolution for the maturing business, which has seen continued strong growth despite the pressures and changes facing the retail industry.“We are thrilled to welcome Richard and Scott, and we are confident they will bring an added level of constructive and external rigor to our operation,” Ms Buchanan said.“Richard is a seasoned Chairman with a strong accounting background, and we expect him to lead robust discussions around how we maintain and drive our retail leader status.“And as the co-founder of one of Australia’s most innovative and successful export technology companies, we believe Scott will help challenge us as we navigate the ever-changing world of online retail.”Joining Founding Director Naomi Simson and Director Peter Simson, this will be the first time RedBalloon welcomes external, non-shareholder parties to the board, as they take the business to the next level. On his appointment, Mr England said: “I am delighted to join the team at RedBalloon. The organisation is at such an exciting juncture in its journey; sitting on the threshold between SME and becoming a seriously big player in the Australian retail industry. Mr Farquhar echoed these sentiments adding, "As a long-time customer I was drawn to RedBalloon because of its incredible attention to customer experience, and employee engagement. I'm looking forward to bringing my experience growing Atlassian to another fast-growth Australian success story".Richard England is currently Chairman of Chandler Macleod Group Limited and Ruralco Holdings Limited and a Non-Executive Director of Allianz Australia Limited, Nanosonics Limited and Macquarie Atlas Roads Limited. Scott Farquhar is Founder of software development firm Atlassian. - Ends -For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Lauren Ashton, RedBalloon PR & Communications Specialist – 02 8755 0034/0404 136 765/lauren@redballoon.com.au About RedBalloonRedBalloon has started a happiness revolution - one amazing experience at a time! We believe everyone deserves to have fun, feel good and be happy. We believe happiness starts with a drop, becomes a ripple and creates a wave. And we believe happiness is amplified when shared. Put simply, we are in the business of fun and are passionate about giving people more good times. RedBalloon Experience Vouchers, Gift Certificates and Gift Boxes can be purchased online or in selected retail outlets.

2013-02-20T01:47:10Z partners-in-rail-meinhardt-amp-ineco-announce-collaborative-venture

Global engineering and professional technical services consultant, Meinhardt has joined forces with Ineco, one of the world’s leading transport engineering and consultancy firms to provide specialized rail infrastructure advice, project management and engineering solutions to help meet the very specific, complex challenges of the rail sector.   The collaborative partnership brings together complementary skills, including strategic planning, rail systems design, signaling, electrification, incident management, environmental monitoring and maintenance solutions.   The team’s experience and knowledge has been gained from a variety of projects around the world, including delivery across Europe’s conventional and high speed rail (HSR) networks, work on the Middle East’s first HSR project, station designs across Asia, as well as numerous light rail and underground metro schemes.“The partnership has been formed specifically to target major rail transport projects, initially in Australia with the view of further expansions to other parts of the globe. The aim of this partnership is to meet the continuing international trend towards mega-projects, which require more skillsets, involve multiple stakeholders and are often procured and delivered very differently,” said Janos Baranyai, National Director – Major and Strategic Projects at Meinhardt. “The Meinhardt-Ineco partnership, with its global network of offices, will deliver the very latest international thinking in rail to clients wherever they are.”“With a multi-million dollar research and development budget, the partnership is committed to delivering both cutting edge and future-proof solutions,” added Alberto Fernandez, Ineco’s Asia Pacific Manager. “We have patented innovations to improve operations, systems monitoring and control, health and safety, incident management and environmental monitoring to help keep clients one step ahead. These are very exciting times.”   The Meinhardt-Ineco partnership is already exploring opportunities in Australia.   To find out more visit: www.partnersinrail.com   Notes to Editors: Meinhardt is one of the world's few multidisciplinary and truly integrated engineering, infrastructure and project management consulting firms. Since 1955, we have led the way in delivering innovative and highly buildable designs that always consider our clients' commercial objectives and global environmental concerns. We employ over 3,500 staff in more than 30 offices worldwide and have worked on some of the largest and most complex building and infrastructure projects. Clients look to us for end-to-end project consultancy ranging from feasibility study, master planning, detailed design, project management to delivery, which includes among other capabilities, construction supervision, and testing and commissioning.   Annually the Group consults on projects worth an estimated US$15 billion and ranks among the largest independent engineering consulting firms globally by revenue. Some of our key projects include Xintiandi (China); TAMAR Development (Hong Kong); Marina Bay Financial Centre (Singapore); MGM Grand Ho Tram Integrated Resort (Vietnam); The Dubai Mall (Dubai, UAE); Muscat International Airport (Oman); KL Sentral Station (Malaysia); Eureka Tower (Australia); and the Greater Bangalore Water Supply Distribution Network (India).   In Australia, Meinhardt employs over 250 people with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Perth and currently turns over A$40m+ every year. www.meinhardtgroup.com INECO, Ingeniería y Economía del Transporte, S.A., is a Spanish company that was established in 1968 in response to the need to provide independent technological support to the development of investment programmes in the field of transport. It specialises in providing all types of studies and projects related to the transport and telecommunications sector.Railways are a vital means of transport in a sustainable, strong and competent infrastructure system. In Spain they have one of the best and most comprehensive networks of high-speed and conventional trains. Ineco participated in this development, carrying out projects on all the lines of the high-speed network. This experience has allowed us to work on the five continents and become one of the leading companies abroad. Projects such as the high-speed line in Saudi Arabia, between Mecca and Medina, and the first high-speed line in the Middle East joining Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey are proof of this recognition. From planning, structuring, funding, regulation and institutional support, to design, management, supervision, on-site technical assistance and commissioning and maintenance, Ineco's service offering encompasses the entire project process. www.ineco.es

2013-01-17T05:02:22Z phoenix-audio-to-provide-audio-solutions-for-vidyo-users-worldwide

Madison Technologies is proud to announce that Vidyo Inc., a world leader in personal telepresence and video conferencing solutions, has tested and approved Phoenix Audio Technologies' Duet PCS personal audio solution as a recommended personal audio solution for Vidyo users worldwide. Available nationally, the Phoenix Duet’s built-in microphone and speaker delivers a large range of coverage due to their immense pickup and output capability. Noise suppression, echo cancellation and AGC are all features that make this perfect for desktop and small to mid-sized conference rooms. "We are very proud that Vidyo has chosen to add the Duet PCS as a recommended personal audio solution for Vidyo users worldwide," said Jacob Marash, Phoenix Audio Technologies' COO. "Our best in class audio solutions will be perfect for Vidyo users, providing HD audio for Vidyo's best in class Personal Telepresence solutions." Phoenix Audio Technologies' Duet PCS is the only personal speakerphone that provides real HD audio (16KHz). Available from Madison Technologies, the Phoenix range is ideal for all audio conferencing applications. For more information, contact a Madison Audio Visual Specialist on 1800 00 77 80 or via our website www.madisontech.com.au/phoenixduet

2012-12-12T00:56:50Z ntt-data-business-solutions-acquires-innogence

Sydney, Australia, 12 December, 2012 – NTT DATA Business Solutions APAC, an SAP Gold Channel Partner, announced today that it has it has reached an agreement to acquire Innogence, a specialist SAP Business Analytics and SAP HANA consulting firm, creating the largest SAP Business Analytics and SAP Database and Technology practice in Asia Pacific. Innogence was formed in 2005 by four founders Gerrie Aldag, Ian Markram, Andrew Small and Hernus Carelsen, and employs over 100 staff focusing entirely on Business Intelligence. It is a certified Premier Partner in both SAP Services and Business Objects, offering specialised consulting services in both SAP Business Analytics and SAP HANA to deliver successful business transformation and improvements. Herbert Vogel, CEO of itelligence AG, is responsible for NTT DATA Business Solutions worldwide: "The acquisition of Innogence is, for NTT DATA Business Solutions, an important step in the technological direction and market leadership in key areas such as SAP Business Intelligence and HANA, not only throughout Australia but also Asia. This underpins our further expansion and thus continues our growth, faster than the market." NTT DATA Business Solutions delivers full service SAP solutions, including Applications, Analytics, Database and Technology, Cloud, Mobile, AMS and hosting, to organisations across Australia and this investment is part of its systematic growth strategy focusing on further expansion of its Database and Technology and Business Analytics solution portfolio. NTT DATA will integrate Innogence into its Australian state based delivery model under the newly formed Enterprise Information Division, headed by Phil Cameron, former CEO of Innogence. NTT DATA Business Solutions Enterprise Applications Division will be led by NTT DATA’s Chris Treston, current Territory Head of Consulting - North Central West. Max White, CEO Asia Pacific, NTT DATA Business Solutions, commented, "I am delighted to welcome Innogence to the NTT DATA family and am excited by the enormous synergies of the two organisations and the benefits it will deliver to our customers. Having now grown to 400 strong across the APAC region and with 55 certified HANA practitioners, NTT DATA Business Solutions is a genuine alternative for organisations which have previously looked to tier one integrators. We are committed to assisting our customers to unleash the newest and greatest of the SAP technology stack and gain faster return on their SAP investment." "The addition of Innogence’s strong Canberra based office, matched with NTT DATA Business Solutions proven ERP capability allows us to provide a full SAP portfolio to large enterprise and industry located in ACT", added White. Phil Cameron, former CEO, Innogence says "It is exciting to join the NTT DATA family. Both our staff and customers will greatly benefit from Innogence being acquired by one of the world’s largest IT organisations which understands the real value of long term employee and customer relationships. Importantly, we also retain our identity becoming a 140 Australian based employee division solely focused on SAP Business Analytics and SAP Database and Technology. This is a game changer for the Australian SAP ecosystem." Hernus Carelsen, former Chairman of Innogence, added "It was important for the founders of Innogence that the cultural fit between the organisations was strong. Right from the start of discussions, NTT DATA Business Solutions passion for both people and data was obvious. I believe NTT DATA Business Solutions is now uniquely positioned to lead the Big Data market in Australia." "Our goal is clear – 40% of our software revenue will come from our ecosystem by 2015. We will achieve this goal by establishing a clear go-to-market strategy - ensuring the best market coverage and serving our customers by offering the best specialised expertise from our partners", said Andrew Barkla, President and CEO, SAP Australia and New Zealand. "Both, NTT DATA Business Solutions and Innogence have been critical to our success over a number of years. NTT DATA Business Solutions application, hosting and industry focused capabilities will combine seamlessly with Innogence's analytical and HANA skills. We look forward to the new organisation adding significant value to our customers", added Barkla. ### For further information contact: Nikki Van Winden National Marketing Manager NTT DATA Business Solutions T: +61 2 8908 4203 M: +61 417 310 678 (12-13 December) / + 61 419 970 872 (14 December onwards) E: nikki.vanwinden@nttdata.com About NTT DATA Business Solutions NTT DATA Business Solutions designs, implements, supports, and hosts SAP centric business solutions for organisations of all sizes. The unified Solutions Group (including itelligence AG and the companies formerly known as Extend Technologies, Business Formula and Cornerstone Asia) forms the largest global reseller of SAP license and focuses on end-to-end solutions across the entire SAP portfolio of applications and fourteen industry domains. NTT DATA Business Solutions provides services to over 4,000 SAP customers and operates ten dedicated SAP Hosting Centres globally. Over 3,000 SAP consultants are employed by NTT DATA Business Solutions. In 2012, NTT DATA Business Solutions Australia was awarded an SAP ANZ Customer Excellence Award and was also the winner of the 2012 SAP Business All in One Partner of the Year Award in Australia/New Zealand.www.solutions.nttdata.comFollow on Twitter @NTTDATASolnAPAC Follow on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/ntt-data-business-solutions  About Innogence Innogence is an Australian owned company formed in 2005 by four founders, focused entirely on Business Intelligence. Innogence is a certified Premier Partner in both SAP Services and Business Objects, and offers specialised consulting services in SAP Business Analytics and SAP HANA in order to deliver business insights to large organisations to assist with successful business improvements. The company has over 100 employees throughout Australia with branches in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. Innogence has most recently been recognised in the 2011 BRW Fast 100 Companies and was the winner of two awards at the 2012 SAP ANZ Customer Awards of Excellence. Innogence was also awarded the 2012 SAP Business Intelligence Partner of the Year Award in Australia/New Zealand www.innogence.com.au

2012-12-08T04:53:56Z europe-wins-ansarada-challenge-at-modeloff-world-financial-modeling-championships

The finals of the ModelOff Financial Modeling Championships 2012 took place in New York on Sunday 2nd December. After 2 competition rounds in the countdown with a number of contestants knocked out of the running, the stamina of the 16 finalists was fully tested on Sunday morning. After 4 hours and 6 individual challenges at Bloomberg’s Head Office on Lexington Avenue, they traveled to Microsoft’s NY office where they competed in front of a live audience.The ansarada Innovation Award tasked finalists to team with 3 other contestants to conquer a 30 minute, 4 part challenge. The audience was able to roam amongst the groups as it happened, watching genius in motion. The winning team was team ‘Europe’.Congratulations also go to the overall winners of the ModelOff 2012 Championship – Alex Gordon (New Zealand – PriceWaterhouseCoopers), Dan Mayoh (Australia – Low Carbon), Andras Galambos (Morgan Stanley – Hungary) and Keven Zhou (Top Student – Canada -University of Ontario).ansarada is an entrepreneurial company, driven by a constant and never ending desire for improvement through innovation. ansarada offers the only virtual data room designed exclusively to simplify due diligence.

2012-12-08T04:49:34Z ansarada-ranked-26th-on-the-2012-brw-most-innovative-companies-list

The 2012 BRW Most Innovative Companies list ranks Australia’s most innovative businesses. Celebrating today's pioneers of Australian business the 2012 BRW Most Innovative Companies list features companies turning inspiration into innovation.In this volatile economy, innovation is more important than ever. That is why BRW, in partnership with research partner Inventium, are proud to celebrate today's pioneers of Australian business, in the 2012 BRW Most Innovative Companies list.ansarada offers the only virtual data room designed exclusively to simplify due diligence. ansarada define their difference in just 2 words – sophisticated simplicity. In keeping with this thinking, ansarada made BRW’s innovation short list through sophisticated yet simple advances in their accounting processes, enabling them to streamline invoicing and reduce head hours.The 2012 BRW Most Innovative Companies issue is on sale now with a cover price of $7.95, available at your local newsagency.

2012-12-06T01:11:36Z apl-management-solutions-to-join-the-star-team

Effective January 1st 2013, Victorian based APL Management Solutions will be joining Star Business Solutions. Star is the largest Australian Greentree Business Partner with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. APL brings considerable expertise in accounting and consulting which will combine with Star’s formidable professional services and software development offering. Star and APL clients will benefit from the continuity of dealing with all existing staff and an enhanced product and service offering that incorporates the skills and expertise of the expanded team. Trish Hall                                                    Alan Lilja Chief Executive Officer                                  Director Star Business Solutions                                APL Management Solutions

2012-12-05T04:26:24Z new-course-for-businesses-has-practical-goals

Flinders Partners, the commercialisation wing of Flinders University, is setting up a new course to assist South Australia’s budding entrepreneurs.Commencing in 2013, the Venture Dorm course will provide much needed entrepreneurial education and training for businesses based in Adelaide’s southern region.Flinders Partners Managing Director, Mr Anthony Francis, said the new course, which has State Government support, will offer a high level of practical outcomes in terms of financing and networking.“Our focus will be around networks and sales – the chief aim of the course will be to help bring business plans to life,” Mr Francis said.“The emphasis will be very much on the practical, rather than the theoretical. With the momentum around the new development at Tonsley Park, it is a very good time to step up assistance to emerging and existing SMEs in the South.”The course will be run in collaboration with MEGA, a State Government managed program aimed at creating opportunities for new products and services. Participants will also make use of Strategiize software to help identify key strategies to follow up in the short term.“In a sense, the course will be self-designed,” Mr Francis said - participants will set goals and report regularly on their progress to a mentoring entrepreneur from a local company.Mr Francis said Venture Dorm will draw extensively on Flinders Partners’ own experience of setting up numerous successful spin-off companies.“These are high-tech, high growth companies, so we can point to these as a track record,” he said.Mr Francis said the course will also benefit from expertise within the Flinders Business School and from existing business and enterprise topics taught within the University’s science and engineering degree programs.One distinctive feature of the course will be a field trip to visit a United States business incubator group specialising in new ventures. Mr Francis said the US visit would encourage entrepreneurs to “think big” by providing insights into international finance, investment and marketing opportunities for business ideas.To learn more, go to: http://venturedorm.com

2012-11-18T23:35:19Z ansarada-wins-deloitte-2012-technology-fast-50-award

This is the fourth year running ansarada has made the list.ansarada offers the only virtual data room designed exclusively for Mergers & Acquisitions.ansarada CEO and founder, Sam Riley, said  “This is very exciting for us. It shows the benefit of focus. As those around us have broadened their offering, we have reduced ours, focusing very specifically on the M&A industry only. In doing, so we have grown our business, building a stronger client base around the world. In effect, we went smaller to get bigger.”Now in its twelfth year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Australia 2012 program recognises and profiles Australia’s 50 fastest growing public or private technology companies, based on percentage revenue growth over three years (2010 to 2012).Joshua Tanchel, leader of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Program said: “The sectors driving the growth in this year’s Fast 50 are online, software and the infrastructure needed to support these.  The convergence of disruptive, post-digital technologies is changing the ways businesses must respond to individuals’ needs and expectations.  Particularly impressive across all of this year’s winning technology companies is the way they have capitalised on opportunities in an environment of rapid change and disruption.”For 2012, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the British Government’s international business development organisation, is a sponsor of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50.  Richard Morris, the Director of UKTI Australasia was delighted by the finalists in this year’s program, saying: "It's great to see smart, knowledge-based businesses succeeding and thriving. The UK provides a great business environment, with exciting and expanding digital and creative hubs and strong intellectual property protection to help deliver continued profitable growth for Australian businesses."

2012-11-12T05:51:48Z madison-technologies-acquires-test-equipment-solutions

Madison Technologies is proud to announce the acquisition of test and measurement specialists, Test Equipment Solutions. Test Equipment Solutions represent and distribute quality test and measurement brands such as Fluke, Yokogawa, Rohde & Schwarz and Hameg in addition to providing electrical and electronic calibration services. “This acquisition means that Madison customers can access a complete range of test, measurement and calibration solutions and services for the electrical, broadcast, optical, cellular, HVAC and defence industries” David Redfern, Madison Managing Director said. “With the addition of the TES team’s technical expertise, Madison will continue to build on its enduring commitment to give customers the best products, advice and service across the cabling, networking, wireless and audio visual sectors.” For more information, call your Madison Test and Measurement expert today on 1300 788 626.