Saturday, May 2, 2015

Quintiles Named to InformationWeek Elite 100

Quintiles Infosario® Site Targeting App Earns Honors for IT Excellence

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - Thursday, April 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quintiles, the world’s largest biopharmaceutical services company, has been named to the InformationWeek Elite 100, a ranking of the top business technology innovators in the U.S.

In compiling the InformationWeek Elite 100, the publication tracks the technology-based investments, strategies and results of some of the best-known organizations in the country. Unique among corporate rankings, the Elite 100 spotlights the power of business technology innovation. Quintiles was previously named to the InformationWeek 500 for five consecutive years.

Accelerating the Clinical Trial Process: Quintiles Infosario® Site Targeting

Quintiles was named to the 2015 InformationWeek Elite 100 for its innovative Quintiles Infosario Site Targeting application which takes a patient-centric approach to clinical trial recruitment. The app identifies a virtual patient cohort using billions of data elements collected from de-identified electronic health records (EHRs). The cohort is then compared against clinical trial criteria and Quintiles’ global investigator/researcher database to quickly identify research sites which are currently treating eligible patients.

The app is ‘data agnostic’ and can analyze multiple EHRs assessing patients with common conditions such as asthma and heart disease, as well as records from specialty physician groups and hospitals who treat less common, more complex conditions such as multiple myeloma or hemophilia.

“Having a holistic understanding of patients and their treatment in a real-world setting is critical in research,” said Angie Hill, PharmD, senior director, Quintiles Technology Solutions. “The app provides a data bridge across research and healthcare leading to actionable patient insights streamlining clinical trial design and delivery.”

While insights about real patients have many applications, there also exists the practical need to locate patients meeting criteria and enroll them into clinical trials. The app achieves this by pivoting within the data to focus on the practitioners treating these patients, creating instant and actionable schedules of clinical trial investigators with the right therapeutic experience.

“We are honored that Quintiles has been named to the Elite 100,” said Richard Thomas, president, Quintiles Technology & Solutions. “We have a very talented team at Quintiles that always goes above and beyond in search of solutions to industry challenges. The Elite 100 accolade recognizes their innovation and leadership creating next generation digital platforms such as Infosario Site Targeting.”

InformationWeek Editor Chris Murphy said the InformationWeek Elite 100 spotlights companies at which IT is not only inseparable from every department, but is pivotal to every customer experience. "Gone are the day's IT could run as an entity unto itself,” Murphy explained. “If IT isn't part of product development, or marketing, or customer service, your company risks falling behind in the era of digital business.

“At InformationWeek, we talk about this as 'IT Without Borders,' as we see the best IT leaders tearing down traditional borders to help every department leverage technologies such as data analytics, the cloud, and mobility.”

About Quintiles

Quintiles (NYSE: Q), a Fortune 500 company, is the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services. With a network of more than 33,000 employees conducting business in approximately 100 countries, we helped develop or commercialize all of 2014’s top-75 best-selling drugs on the market. Quintiles applies the breadth and depth of our service offerings along with extensive therapeutic, scientific and analytics expertise to help our customers navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment as they seek to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of better healthcare outcomes. To learn more about Quintiles, please visit www.quintiles.com.

Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for Quintiles.

Contacts

Quintiles

Phil Bridges, Media Relations (phil.bridges@quintiles.com)

+ 1.919.998.1653 (office) +1.919.457.6347 (mobile)

Todd Kasper, Investor Relations (InvestorRelations@quintiles.com)

+1.919.998.2590








Rimini Street Launches Next-Generation Enterprise Software Support Services

New Service Standard Designed to Address the Opportunities and Challenges Facing Oracle and SAP Licensees

LAS VEGAS. - Thursday, April 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Rimini Street, Inc., the leading independent provider of enterprise software support for SAP AG’s (NYSE: SAP) Business Suite and BusinessObjects software and Oracle Corporation’s (NYSE: ORCL) Siebel, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, Oracle Database, Oracle Middleware, Hyperion and Oracle Retail software, today once again redefines enterprise software support with the launch of its next generation of Rimini Street Support Services, a comprehensive suite of services specifically designed to enable Oracle and SAP licensees to address new opportunities and challenges accompanying today’s changing IT landscape.

In addition to enhancing the award-winning support services currently offered by Rimini Street, today’s announcement includes the launch of three major new support components: Security Support Services, Risk Avoidance Services, and Innovation & Roadmap Services. With the launch of this next-generation enterprise software support program, Rimini Street further extends its position as the industry leader in enterprise software support service strategy, programs and delivery - offering the only complete suite of services across the full lifecycle of client support requirements.

Redefining Enterprise Software Support - Again

In 2005, Rimini Street redefined enterprise software support by introducing new and innovative support features and pricing not previously offered by any other vendor. In the decade since, Rimini Street has successfully delivered its suite of services and exceptional value to more than 1,000 clients, including 118 Fortune 500 and Global 100 organizations.

With its first-of-a-kind features such as customized code support (at the same service level as vendor-delivered code), interoperability support and performance support, rigorous service level commitments and a client satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 (where 5 equals “excellent”) - all delivered at half the price of Oracle and SAP’s annual support fees - Rimini Street is widely recognized as the leading provider of independent support services1 from a market, value and service perspective.

Today, Oracle and SAP licensees face new opportunities and challenges from an evolving IT landscape, including:

    Shifting strategic focus from core ERP “Systems of Record” to innovative “Systems of Engagement”
    Cross-platform interoperability needs between mature Oracle and SAP enterprise software platforms and innovative cloud solutions in a hybrid IT landscape
    Software vendor investment pivot from current applications to preannounced future ERP platforms
    Costly vendor-forced upgrades to new application releases and future unproven platforms for limited business benefit just to retain full support
    Increasing global security threats and challenges

In response, Rimini Street is launching its next generation of Rimini Street Support Services to help both existing and new clients with strategies and services to address these opportunities and challenges. Rimini Street Support Services enables Oracle and SAP licensees to cost effectively run their current application releases and technology smoothly and in full legal compliance for the next 15 years or longer after switching to Rimini Street (without any required upgrades), as well as fund investments in innovation that drive growth and support business objectives.

Rimini Street Support Services now consists of the following full-lifecycle components:

    Product Support Services
    Global Tax, Legal and Regulatory Services
    Security Support Services (New)
    Risk Avoidance Services (New)
    Technology Support Services
    Innovation & Roadmap Services (New)
    Account Management Services

Below is a brief description of each of the new service components:

    Security Support Services - Rimini Street Security Support Services provides proactive security intelligence reporting and resolution services, designed to protect client systems from potential vulnerabilities and mitigate security risks. The Company also now provides robust support for security-specific cases filed by clients.
    Risk Avoidance Services – Rimini Street Risk Avoidance Services is a portfolio of proactive support services designed to identify and resolve potential issues before they occur in order to ensure maximum uptime and optimal performance across a range of application and infrastructure components. The first four Risk Avoidance Services being announced today are:
        Application Architecture Assessment
        Hardware Monitoring
        Database Health Check
        Best Practice Advisement
    Innovation & Roadmap Services – Rimini Street Innovation & Roadmap Services is a set of services that enable clients to maximize their ROI on existing technology investments by building a strategy and plan that can keep current application releases operating smoothly and in full legal compliance for the next 15 years or more. Furthermore, Rimini Street will work with clients to design roadmaps that integrate new innovations and technologies to achieve business and budget objectives in the years ahead. The new Innovation & Roadmap Services include:
    Technology Roadmap
    Innovation Roadmap

Each of these new service offerings will be made available to new and existing Rimini Street clients.

Bringing Service Back to the Software Support Industry

“Most Oracle and SAP customers are struggling to efficiently maintain their core enterprise software while also taking advantage of new trends like digitalization and cloud that should be levers for driving business growth,” said Rebecca Wettemann, VP, Enterprise Applications, Analytics and Cloud at Nucleus Research. “Funded by continued client success, Rimini Street is demonstrably increasing investments in innovative, valuable service capabilities, at a breadth and depth not available from any other support vendor, that help clients cost effectively maintain their current operations and also position and invest in new programs needed by the business to drive growth and customer engagement.”

“Rimini Street continues to disrupt and reshape the enterprise software support services market with innovative offerings designed to meet the evolving service and budgetary needs of Oracle and SAP enterprise software licensees,” said Seth Ravin, Rimini Street CEO. “The introduction of our next-generation enterprise software support services, which includes the launch of several first-of-a-kind services, demonstrates Rimini Street’s continuing commitment to bring innovation, value and excellent client service back to the software support industry.”

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street is the global leader in providing independent enterprise software support services. The company has redefined enterprise support services since 2005 with an innovative, award-winning program that enables Oracle and SAP licensees to save up to 90 percent on total support costs. Clients can remain on their current software release without any required upgrades for at least 15 years. Over 1,000 global, Fortune 500, midmarket, and public sector organizations from a broad range of industries have selected Rimini Street as their trusted, independent support provider. To learn more, please visit www.riministreet.com or call within the USA 888-870-9692 or internationally +1 702-839-9671.

Rimini Street and the Rimini Street logo are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

1 Nucleus Research, “Rimini Street Leading The Third-Party Support Market,” Rebecca Wettemann, April 2015

Contacts

Rimini Street, Inc.

Alma Park, +1 323-229-7282

apark@riministreet.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14436/en

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Holds Annual General Meeting In Guernsey

AMSTERDAM - Wednesday, April 29th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Regulatory News:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (ticker: PSH:NA) today held its Annual General Meeting of shareholders (AGM) in St. Peter Port, Guernsey. At the AGM, PSH shareholders passed resolutions to receive the annual report and the financial statements, re-elected the Company’s five directors, re-appointed the Company’s auditor and authorized the Company to buy back shares.

The specifics of those resolutions can be can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting available on the Company’s website, www.pershingsquareholdings.com.

The results of the proxy voting are noted below:
                             
     

Resolution
   

For
   

Against
   

Abstain
   
     

Ordinary Resolutions
   
     

1
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

2
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

3
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

4
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

5
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

6
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

7
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

8
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
     

Special Resolution (authorizing the Company to buy back shares)
   
     

9
   

5,033,024,207
   

0
   

0
   
                             

About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (PSH:NA) is an investment holding company structured as a closed end fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies.

Contacts

MEDIA

StockWell Communications

Tim Burt, +44 (0)20 7240 2486

Tim.Burt@stockwellgroup.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/14433/en

ADP Tourism Police Section Handles 2,027 Incidents in Two Years

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, April 28th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The Tourism Police Section at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Abu Dhabi Police has successfully handled 2,027 incidents in the last two years, and distributed 140,000 awareness brochures and booklets to guide tourists and visitors coming to the emirate. During the same period, the tourist police provided appropriate solutions to 29 complaints from tourists; conducted 108 tourism awareness campaigns, and coordinated with 90 embassies and various authorities.

Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad Borshid, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department stressed the keenness of ADP to advance the role of the Tourism Police and improve security services provided to tourists, according to a unified work methodology, to boost awareness and enhance security in terms of fighting tourism-related crimes.

Adding further, Colonel Dr. Borshid said that the CID endeavors to enhance public awareness of the duties and tasks of the Tourism Police, which serve the tourism sector, with the aim of making Abu Dhabi the most popular tourist destination locally and internationally. He also commended the civilized manner adopted by tourist police members in handling the various tourism-related incidents; as well as providing all means to make tourists’ stay in the emirate comfortable; maintain security of society, and help increase public confidence in the police institution.

For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Muzeed Fahd Al Otaibi, Chief of the Tourism Police Section, said that the section has recently established three new offices in Galleria Mall, Yas Mall in addition to Mushrif Central Park. This brings the total number of offices up to 9 offices, distributed in the most popular tourist attraction sites in Abu Dhabi. The offices are located in: Corniche Beach (2 offices), Al Bateen Ladies’ beach (one office), Yas Water World on Yas Island (one office), Yas Police Station and one office at Zayed Port (that serves cruise tourists).

He added that the Tourism Police patrols are deployed at any event or activity held in Abu Dhabi, to foster societal interaction and a positive with the public in general and especially with tourists. Tourism Police officers also receive complaints and proposals, with a view to enhance public protection at the most popular tourist attractions and landmarks.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Otaibi also noted that the section endeavors to keep abreast of the latest developments in the world, in order to provide police services, guidance, and tourism information to its website visitors in general; and more targeted information to visitors of touristic locations and coastal areas in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in particular. He said: “The website highlights the efforts made by the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters to ensure the spread of peace and security in society, as well as its strategy to decrease crime rates and implement justice while simultaneously ensuring the public’s confidence in the police.”

He also indicated that the Tourism Police Section has well-trained and qualified staff members who have enrolled in specialized training courses in tourism security, to deal professionally with tourists. They are familiar with foreign languages such as English, French, Chinese, Filipino, Urdu, Persian among others so that they can easily communicate with tourists and answer their inquiries to make their stay in the emirate of Abu Dhabi comfortable.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Otaibi gave an overview of the distinguished features of Tourism Police Section’s website (http://www.hr.adpolice.gov.ae/tourismpolice/,). He noted that the website features a complaints and proposals portal directly seen and handled by the section.  “The website receives several proposals that are reviewed and analyzed by the section to ensure that potentially good ideas are included in the Tourism Police’s future plans,” he continued. In conclusion, he called on all segments of society to cooperate with the Tourism Police Section by reporting any negative phenomenon or behavior, by calling the Abu Dhabi Police’s Aman Service, using the toll-free number 800 2626.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14424/en

Kenzo Partners with Borderlinx to Expand Its Global Reach

SEATTLE & PARIS. - Friday, May 1st 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) KENZO has selected Borderlinx, a market leader in international cross-border ecommerce solutions, to power their global ecommerce operations.

On April 15th, KENZO launched another phase of its ever expanding developments across retail and online, the redesign of KENZO.COM. The newly reinvigorated website represents Creative Directors, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim’s latest approach to information, web content and e-commerce.

KENZO leverages several new logistics capabilities to drive their digital business through Borderlinx’s gateway:

    One stop-shop solution to manage both domestic and international shipments with multiple carriers
    Direct shipping from its warehouse in France
    Direct integration into its Demandware e-commerce platform
    International Returns process allowing customers to arrange package collection from home and obtain relief from taxes and duties on the return shipment

“Borderlinx’s agile platform enables KENZO to deliver a best-in-class cross-border experience, create better engagement, and expand their e-commerce services while preserving brand integrity,” said Jerome Mercier, CEO at Borderlinx. “We are delighted to be working with KENZO and supporting their global initiative.”

For more information about Borderlinx and its global e-commerce solutions, please visit solutions.borderlinx.com.

About Borderlinx

Through its global e-commerce solutions, Borderlinx offers retailers the freedom to reach international customers simply and effectively. Using the global shipping expertise Borderlinx brings, e-commerce businesses can break down barriers to their cross-border growth. Retailers can also tackle the challenges of going global, reaching new markets with an expert partner. For more information about Borderlinx, please visit its B2B website at solutions.borderlinx.com.

Contacts

Press Contact:

Borderlinx

Jérôme Mercier, +32473312015

jerome.mercier@borderlinx.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14449/en

Friday, May 1, 2015

Western Union Rallies Network to Support Nepal Earthquake Relief Efforts

ENGLEWOOD, Colo - Wednesday, April 29th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

Nepal Diaspora in Key Send countries can support loved ones with No-Fee* Money Transfer Transactions to Nepal

The Western Union Foundation Commits US$200,000 in Support to NGOs Serving Impacted Region

(BUSINESS WIRE) The Western Union Company today announced a multi-faceted response that leverages its broad connectivity, retail, online, Agents and people to provide support for families and communities most affected by the earthquake in Nepal.

International Consumer Activation:

For consumers sending money to family and loved ones in Nepal, from now until the 14th of May 2015, Western Union will activate a no-fee* money transfer transaction program from participating Western Union Agent locations in the: United States, Europe, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Maldives, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Turkey, Israel and Lebanon, all countries with a concentration of Nepali diaspora.

Consumers who use Western Union online services and mobile applications to send money, where available, can also avail of no-fee* transactions to Nepal until 31st of May 2015. Online consumers will need to use the promotion code NEPALRELIEF2015.

Western Union Foundation Charitable Contributions:

The Western Union Foundation is committing US$200,000 to support the relief efforts through discretionary and matching grants in partnership with WU employees, Agents, and business customers.

The Western Union Foundation will provide a dollar-for-dollar match of qualifying contributions from Western Union Agents, business customers and other business partners; and 2:1 employee donations to NGOs providing disaster relief.

The Western Union Foundation will contribute a portion of the relief funding to Mercy Corps. The Mercy Corps response team is currently prioritizing efforts to provide shelter, food and water.

“We are committed to helping the communities we serve. Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and the Nepali diaspora community around the world, during this time of need,” said Western Union Chief Executive Officer, Hikmet Ersek. “In addition to immediate response, we will be working with Western Union Agents, employees and nonprofit partners to provide additional support for long-term initiatives that will help the area recover and rebuild.”

Western Union Foundation President, Patrick Gaston, added, “The earthquake in Nepal has caused widespread devastation with significant loss of life, injury and unprecedented damage to property. The Western Union Foundation is responding with support for relief efforts, including programs that provide meals, shelter and clean drinking water to families and children most affected.”

*Western Union makes money on the exchange of currencies.

Due to the severity of the earthquake, some Western Union Agent locations in Nepal may not be immediately operational or possess sufficient funds.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of December 31, 2014, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks. In 2014, The Western Union Company completed 255 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $85 billion of principal between consumers, and 484 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

About The Western Union Foundation

The Western Union Foundation is dedicated to creating a better world, where the ability to realize dreams through economic opportunity is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all. Through its signature program, Education for Better, and with the support of The Western Union Company, its employees, Agents, and business partners, The Western Union Foundation works to realize this vision by supporting education and disaster relief efforts as pathways toward a better future. Our combined social ventures efforts make life better for individuals, families and communities around the world. Since its inception, The Western Union Foundation has paid more than $101.1 million in grants and other giving. These funds have been pledged to more than 2,739 nongovernmental organizations in more than 135 countries and territories. The Western Union Foundation is a separate §501(c)(3) recognized United States charity. To learn more, visit www.westernunionfoundation.org, or Follow us on Twitter @TheWUFoundation.

WU-G

Contacts

Western Union

Dan Diaz, +1-720-332-5564

danieldiaz@westernunion.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/14430/en

Dimension Data Scoops 23 Awards Including Three Global Partner of the Year Awards at Cisco Partner Summit 2015

MONTREAL. - Thursday, April 30th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dimension Data announced today that it has received three Global Partner of the Year Awards for the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia (EMEAR), and Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) awards at Cisco’s Global Awards reception during its annual partner conference which took place this week in Montreal, Canada. In addition, the Group was honoured with four geographic region awards, a Marketing Velocity award for digital and social marketer of the year, and a further 15 theatre awards.

Awarded to exemplary channel partners, the Cisco Partner Summit Global awards are designed to recognize best-in-class business practices and serve as a model to the industry. Areas of consideration include innovative practices, architecture-led approach successes, strategic business outcome-focused programs, seizing new opportunities and sales approaches.

“It is a great privilege to recognize Dimension Data for blazing new trails, making amazing things happen for our customers across the globe, and delivering business outcomes and true value,” said Bruce Klein, senior vice president, Worldwide Partner Organization, Cisco.

Brett Dawson, Group CEO, Dimension Data said, “Achieving Global Partner of the Year status in all three Cisco geographic regions is a fantastic milestone for the Group, and demonstrates our ability to successfully team with the world's technology industry leaders to accelerate our client’s ambitions. We’re also extremely proud to have garnered a further 19 other geographic and theatre awards. Our partnership with Cisco – now in its 24th year – plays a key role in ensuring Dimension Data consistently delivers world-class solutions and services to our clients through our comprehensive services portfolio.”

Cisco Partner Summit Global awards reflect the top-performing partners within specific technology markets across all geographical regions. All award recipients are selected by a group of Cisco Worldwide Partner Organization and regional executives.

Click here to read the full list of Dimension Data awards.

-ENDS-

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20150430005065/en/

Contacts

Dimension Data plc

Hilary King, Tel : +27 11 575 6728

Cell: +27 82 414 9623

Global PR Manager

Hilary.king@dimensiondata.com