Netwrix, the #1 provider of change and configuration auditing software, today released results of a new survey, which finds that a majority, 57%, of IT professionals have made undocumented changes to their IT systems that no one else knows about; while as many as 40% of organisations don’t have formal IT change management controls in place. Frequent system changes without documentation or audit processes can cause system downtime and security breaches from internal and external threats, while decreasing overall operational efficiency.

The Netwrix survey, ‘2014 State of IT Changes’, collected data from 577 IT professionals in organisations across multiple industries and range of sizes. Key study findings show that of the respondents:

• 65% have made changes that caused services to stop
• 52% make changes that impact system downtime daily or weekly
• 39% have made a change that was the root cause of a security breach
• 40% make changes that impact security daily or weekly. Interestingly, industries with higher regulations are making changes that impact security more often, including healthcare (44%) and financial (46%).
• 62% have little or no real ability to audit the changes they make, revealing serious gaps in meeting security best practice and compliance objectives
• Just 23% have an auditing process or change auditing solution in place to validate changes are being entered into a change management solution

“This data reveals that IT organisations are regularly making undocumented changes that impact system availability and security,” said Michael Fimin, CEO, Netwrix. “This is a risky practice that may jeopardize the security and performance of their business. IT managers and CIOs need to evaluate the addition of change auditing to their change management processes. This will enable them to ensure that all changes – both documented and undocumented – are tracked so that answers can be quickly found in the event of a security breach or service outage.”

“With roughly 90% of outages being caused by failed changes, visibility into IT infrastructure changes is critical to maintaining a stable environment. Change auditing is also foundational to security and compliance requirements,” said David Monahan, Research Director, Security and Risk Management, Enterprise Management Associates. “Auditing changes in enterprise class environments requires the ability to get a high level strategic view without sacrificing the tactical system level detail and insight extended throughout the whole system stack. Netwrix Auditor excels at acquiring information from a broad coverage of Windows and ESX based systems, including systems that don’t generate native audit trails. The product collects alerts in a non-intrusive way providing insights to those changes with a consolidated reporting engine.”

Netwrix Auditor excels at acquiring information from a broad coverage of Windows and ESX based systems, including those that don’t generate native audit trails. The product collects alerts in a non-intrusive way providing insights to those changes with a consolidated reporting engine.”

Netwrix Auditor is an affordable change and configuration auditing platform that enables complete visibility into the entire IT infrastructure by auditing changes made to security configurations, systems and data. This increases security, assists with compliance and increases business continuity.  For more information or to download a free trial, visit:www.netwrix.com/auditor.html. 

To download a complete copy of the “2014 State of IT Changes” Netwrix survey, please visit:http://www.netwrix.com/survey2014

Further Information

Service Delivery Executive
Tel: +44 (0)1522 883640
Email: enquires@realwire.com

London, UK, 15 April, 2014 - (ISC)²® (“ISC-squared”), the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information and software security professionals with nearly 100,000 members worldwide, today announced the availability of its Certified Cyber Forensics Professional – European Union (CCFPSM-EU) certification in Europe. Registration is now open, with the first exam available on 30 April 2014 at Pearson VUE®  test centres across the region. The German translation of the exam will be available on 15 June 2014.

The CCFP is the only global standard currently available for assessing experienced digital forensics professionals’ mastery of the discipline. Originally only available for the U.S. and South Korea, the credential has been developed for the European legal environment following a series of exam workshops conducted by a panel of experts from public and private sector organisations in the UK and Europe to ensure that its scope and content reflects the requirements of the region.

The CCFP is an expert-level credential that offers a common, internationally recognised body of knowledge. It exposes a comprehensive, yet advanced knowledge that today’s experienced cyber forensics practitioners must demonstrate. Many of the existing certifications available today are of a foundational level and focus on a narrow aspect of the cyber forensics realm.

“A major challenge for the information security community today is that we are unable to fight cybercrime as one force,” explains Lorenz Kuhlee, CCFP-EU, (ISC)² volunteer and lead investigator for the RISK Team at Verizon. “The crime scene is broad and so to be effective, there is a need for collaboration across the cybercrime landscape in a way that bridges all aspects of security including technology, analytics, law enforcement and business. In Europe, the complexity is much higher due to the law-related disparities among countries. The CCFP credential supports the unique requirements of individual countries, but equips professionals with a best practice-led, uniform and thorough approach to dealing with overall challenges.”

The CCFP spans the digital forensics and information security disciplines. The six (ISC)² CBK® domains within the credential include:

• Legal & Ethical Principles
• Investigations
• Forensic Science
• Digital Forensics
• Application Forensics
• Hybrid & Emerging Technologies

“Cyber forensics is more than crime scenes and just collecting and analysing hard drives and USB sticks. It can be applied to big data, security log review and other important security activities where careful analysis can yield important insights. Additionally, the discipline permeates information security, law enforcement and law in general,” said Adrian Davis, managing director for EMEA, (ISC)². “While its importance is growing globally, standardising cyber forensics practices across Europe is especially challenging given the numerous jurisdictions within the region. We have leveraged the expertise of subject matter experts to adapt the certification to specifically meet the needs of the European market. The CCFP encompasses the depth and breadth of expertise that every cyber forensics professional must possess – from forensics techniques and procedures through to standards of practice, as well as legal and ethical principles – that are commonly recognised, applicable and relevant across the region.”

To attain the CCFP, applicants must hold a four-year degree leading to a Baccalaureate or regional equivalent and have at least three years of cumulative paid full-time, professional experience in digital forensics or IT security in three out of the six domains of the credential. Those not holding a degree must have six years of cumulative paid full-time digital forensics or IT security work experience in three out of the six domains of the credential; or an alternate forensics certification approved by (ISC)² and five years of full-time digital forensics or IT security experience in three out of the six domains of the credential.

Candidates can find more information about CCFP, download the exam outline, sign up for training courses, and register for the exam at: www.isc2.org/ccfp.  The Official (ISC)² Guide to the CCFP CBK® will be available in electronic format on iTunes by the end of April.

gateprotect AG Germany, Germany’s leading independent IT security specialist, has been admitted as a participant in the Alliance for Cyber-Security. The Alliance for Cyber-Security has been founded in 2012 upon the initiative of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and in cooperation with the Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media (BITKOM).

As an association of all the important players in the area of cyber-security in Germany, the Alliance pursues the goal of increasing IT security in Germany and strengthening the ability of Germany as an industrial location to defend against cyber-attacks. For this purpose, the Alliance for Cyber-Security is building up an extensive knowledge database and promotes the exchange of information and experience.

gateprotect AG is assisting the Alliance for Cyber-Security by providing background information and approaches to solutions for the creation and maintenance of an image of the current situation with respect to cyber-attacks in Germany. Thanks to the cooperation, the response to attacks is speeded up and the effects of attacks may be mitigated.

“We are contributing our know-how for the development of innovative, high-tech security solutions in order to indicate effective counter-measures and technical solutions for the defense against future attacks in cooperation with the authorities”, says Felix Blank, product manager at gateprotect AG Germany. “IT security ‘made in Germany’ has got an excellent reputation already today. We are getting involved also at a national level in order to remain a pioneer in the development of reliable security solutions”

Further Information

Service Delivery Executive
Tel: +44 (0)1522 883640
Email: enquires@realwire.com

Simply Dynamics has implemented a Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP solution and services for Pittman Traffic, improving the ecommerce capabilities of one of Ireland’s largest online suppliers of traffic and safety equipment.

Pittman Traffic is an Irish-owned and family-run business established in 1966. The company developed its webshop in 2008 and now operates exclusively online, enabling it to grow the business outside of Ireland. Its business has been growing 30% year on year, and it supplies equipment for tradesmen, construction and the education and leisure industries. Since moving to a fully online business it has been able to expand its target market and in 2013, 25% of its turnover came from the UK which is expected to increase further in 2014.

Pittman Traffic has achieved some significant efficiencies since the Microsoft Dynamics NAV system went live. This includes a 25% reduction in the time needed to carry out warehouse logistics, as all tasks can be inputted and tracked on the one screen increasing productivity and eliminating errors from double entry of information into disparate systems. It has also reduced the time taken to run financial reports by 20%.

The Simply Dynamics solution fully integrates with Pittman Traffic’s webshop, delivering enhanced quality of service for customers and improved information accuracy for Pittman Traffic. The seamless exchange of business information from Microsoft Dynamics NAV into the webshop ensures live stock figures and lead times for stock shortages are reflected to customers.

In addition, when large orders are placed, the appropriate manager within Pittman Traffic is alerted to approve the order, providing tight controls and insight of the ordering process for the business.

The new system also integrates with Pittman Traffic’s courier service from GLS to ensure reliable and fast delivery for all customers. Orders received by Pittman Traffic are automatically sent to the shipping agent and once despatched a tracking ID number is sent back into the ERP system.

The next phase in Pittman Traffic’s expansion includes selling its products worldwide via Amazon. With the Simply Dynamics solution, Pittman Traffic will be able to send information between Amazon and its ERP solution. Any orders made over Amazon will go directly back to the Microsoft Dynamics Nav solution for invoicing and delivery. In addition, information on stock levels and pricing will be automatically pushed up to Amazon, with no need for manual intervention.

Brendan Pittman, managing director, Pittman Traffic said, “Simply Dynamics demonstrated great insight and understanding of our business needs and had a proven track record. As we have no showroom and only operate online, we needed a system that could improve the capabilities of our webshop.

“From day one the Simply Dynamics team was extremely flexible and they provided us with in-house development resources to build custom processes for our business. Simply Dynamics also accommodated us when we requested an earlier go live than originally agreed and worked closely with all of our team to ensure the entire implementation ran as smoothly as possible.”

Willie Fitzgerald, sales manager, Simply Dynamics commented, “As a customer focused business ourselves, we understand the importance of delivering high quality customer service for Pittman Traffic. With the integrated Microsoft Dynamics NAV solution, all of Pittman Traffic’s critical business information is available in the one system delivering faster, more efficient services for its customers. It is also enabling it to automate additional benefits such promotions and discounts for new and returning customers. As Pittman Traffic continues to grow, Microsoft Dynamics NAV has the flexibility to change and grow with them.”

High Wycombe, 15th April 2014 – Security experts have advised that the Heartbleed computer bug risks extend beyond just websites and are warning UK SMBs to check that their HR and payroll software is not at risk. Using vulnerable OpenSSL code which may be found in some SaaS (software as a service) or online web platforms, the widespread bug could enable hackers to compromise systems undetected and collect sensitive personal and financial data and even the decryption keys themselves.

With HR systems holding personal information such as bank details, passport numbers and payroll information, companies need to ensure this data is secure. Paul Beaumont, Managing Director of Octopus HR, says: “It is vital to know that your software provider takes its responsibility to security seriously and invests accordingly. Octopus HR invests heavily in the security infrastructure around its system and has been unaffected by the Heartbleed bug which, whilst hitting the headlines now, has actually been around for the last two years.”

“While I’m pleased to say that Octopus HR has not been affected by this security flaw there may, however, be some providers whose software has been vulnerable to an attack. Organisations that use a SaaS HR system are strongly advised to check with their provider whether their HR system is hosted on servers having used any of the affected versions of OpenSSL.  If it does, they have been, and still are, vulnerable to hackers.”

“Companies whose providers are using OpenSSL will have been susceptible to an attack so all users with access to the system will need to change their passwords. However, it is important to check that the software provider has implemented all required security patches and revised their SSL certificates first or any new login details will also be at risk.”

Organisations can check to see whether their provider uses OpenSSL by pasting the URL used to login to the system (beginning with https://) into a free online tool; and may also be interested in the Heartbleed in Numbers Infographic.

About Octopus HR:
Founded in 2002 Octopus HR pioneered SaaS HR Systems in the UK and is a leading supplier ofonline self-service HR software for SMEs in the UK.

Press Enquiries:
Claudia Niemandt/Louisa Constable
Portfolio Communications
020 7240 6959
claudia.niemandt@portfoliocomms.com

1st Touch (www.1sttouch.com) the UK’s leading developer of mobile systems for the social housing and local authority sectors has launched a tenant self-service app. The app, which can be fully integrated in real-time with all leading Housing Management Systems, enables a social housing organisation’s tenants to submit requests online for a wide range of services. These can range from repairs and maintenance or estate management concerns through to arranging visits from housing officers or conducting rent account queries. The system greatly reduces the pressure on the social housing organisation’s call centre staff, whilst significantly enhancing positive client engagement with tenants.

When residents are using the app to report a repair for example, the app will raise a request and ask the resident to choose an appointment from 3 or 4 available time slots.  Once selected, the app will then auto-schedule the repair and send it to the maintenance operative’s mobile device when they are due to attend. Should a tenant need to report an issue like graffiti, the app will raise the request with the appropriate operative or contractor and inform the tenant when the graffiti is due to be removed. It will also inform them when the job has been completed. All the requests and actions generated through the app are automatically fed through to the social housing provider’s back-office housing management system.

The app, which integrates seamlessly with all existing 1st Touch systems, also represents significant value for money. 1st Touch research estimates that typically on average, each call to a social housing organisation’s call centre costs somewhere between £5 and £6 and that each personal visit costs around £14. As many of the issues handled by these call centres can be dealt with online, the potential savings from the self-service tenant app are huge.

Commenting on the new system, Robert Dent CEO of 1st Touch noted, “We are constantly exploring ways in which we can help social housing organisations to enhance their customer service. Our new tenant self-service app is just such a development. By allowing tenants to sort out issues themselves 24/7 online and at their own convenience, it provides a better customer experience for them whilst reducing the service delivery costs for their social housing provider. As customer service and value for money considerations are of paramount importance to social housing organisations, we expect demand to be strong.”

Good Technology™, the leader in secure mobility, and MobilityLab LLC, a leading provider of next-generation enterprise mobility solutions, today announced MobileSputnik for Good.  This new version of MobileSputnik, the productivity app that turns tablets into true mobile workplaces, is now available for iPad users on the Good Dynamics Marketplace.

MobileSputnik for Good leverages the Good Dynamics® Secure Mobility Platform, and takes advantage of the Good Dynamics Shared Services framework to deliver enterprise-grade security and open up easy and secure access to corporate information assets with on-premise deployment and smooth integration into an existing enterprise IT and information security landscape. MobileSputnik for Good provides a rich toolset for document access, viewing, sharing and management on tablets, giving users familiar PC capabilities and providing rich functionality, usability and security while working with corporate files at any time in any place.

“We are excited to welcome MobilityLab and the MobileSputnik for Good solution into the Good Dynamics ecosystem,” said Herve Danzelaud, vice president of alliances at Good Technology.  “With the increasing pace of mobility, our customers are looking for richly featured, enterprise-grade collaboration solutions that meet their demanding security requirements.”

MobileSputnik is designed to enhance the tablet user experience in business environments by providing familiar file management PC scenarios. Windows Explorer, like file manager with embedded documents preview and multi-screen user interface, allows users to manage and open multiple files in separate “screens” and easily switch between them at any time. MobileSputnik for Good saves downloaded documents locally in a mobile app container powered by Good Dynamics, ensuring the data remains secure both at rest and in transit.

“MobileSputnik for Good provides iPad business users with the highly secured, mobile environment they need to be more productive,” said Sergey Orlik, managing director of MobilityLab.  “By integrating MobileSputnik with the Good Dynamics platform and its Shared Services framework we can fully integrate with Good for Enterprise’s secure email, calendar, contacts, and browser access while providing iPad users with secured access to corporate documents stored in enterprise file resources, send files and complete complex tasks and workflows, all within Good’s industry-leading secure container.”

MobileSputnik for Good features:

• Integration with Good for Enterprise: allows users to keep information secured by sending selected document as email attachment via Good for Enterprise
• Good Dynamics Shared Services Support: provides full-functional secure file storing, man­agement and processing with Good-enabled mobile apps. Support of Good Dynamics file editing services allows users to open, edit and save back documents in office suites secured by Good.
• App, User and Group Level Policy Enforcement: the MobileSputnik server together with the Good Dynamics infrastructure allows IT to manage, control and monitor all the main aspects of access to the corporate information resources at the app, user and user group level.
• Mobile Users Productivity:  provides unique tools for increasing user productivity with the ability to work with multiple opened documents at a time and easy exchange with corporate file resources and secure sync file with enterprise PCs. 

For more details on MobileSputnik for Good, please visit the Good Dynamics Marketplace.

About Good Technology
Good Technology is the innovation leader in secure mobility solutions; enabling business to move freely and engage at the edge. Good’s comprehensive end-to-end secure mobility solutions portfolio consists of a secure mobility platform, mobile device management, mobile service management, a suite of collaboration applications, and a broad third-party application and partner ecosystem that unlocks your mobile potential. More than 5,000 organizations in 130 countries use Good Technology solutions, including FORTUNE 100™ leaders in commercial banking, insurance, healthcare, retail, government, manufacturing and aerospace and defense. Learn more at www.good.com.

About MobilityLab
MobilityLab was founded in 2011 with one of the oldest and leading Russian information technology and system integration organizations, the I.T. Group of companies. MobilityLab is an independent software vendor focused on developing the next generation out-of-the-box enterprise mobility solution – MobileSputnik. MobilityLab has been a resident of the SKOLKOVO IT Cluster since 2012. Learn more: http://www.mobilesputnik.com/.

About the I.T. Group
The I.T. Group is a multi-profile IT-holding offering the entire range of services and solutions to develop, modernize, and support enterprise information systems. Learn more: http://it.ru/en.

InfoSec Europe, 29 April – 1 May, Earls Court, London, Stand: G40

London, UK, 15 April, 2014 – Becrypt will be demonstrating tVolution Mini, the latest addition to its range of innovative secure mobility solutions at InfoSec Europe.  tVolution Mini is a secure miniature computer the size of a credit card which plugs directly into the HDMI port of a monitor or TV and, along with a keyboard, mouse and wireless internet access, enables user-friendly fully-managed secure remote access to a corporate network at an incredibly low cost. tVolution Mini is suitable for use by security conscious organisations across all industry sectors that need to provide mobile workers with a highly portable secure end point, while avoiding the expense and overhead of a fully-loaded laptop.  This includes central and local government and other public sector organisations that need to access OFFICIAL tier information - one of the three levels of the new UK Government Security Classifications (GSC) policy which replaces the former government protective marking scheme.

Dr Bernard Parsons, CEO of Becrypt said; “Although it looks like a USB stick or credit card, tVolution Mini is a PC in its own right which means that it doesn’t rely on another device’s operating system, making it more secure. This enables employers to provide staff with a low cost computer that is fully managed with which to access the corporate network, rather than using plug in devices or ‘secure bubbles’ on unmanaged machines.”

Parsons continued; “tVolution Mini enables organisations to take advantage of the very latest hardware form factors providing more value to their business and a good user experience.”

Becrypt will be showing its full range of secure mobility solutions at InfoSec Europe, including the recently launched iOS MDM which significantly simplifies the task of meeting UK government guidelines for managing iOS devices.  Becrypt’s iOS MDM automates the provisioning and policy conformance processes for iPads and iPhones. It ensures a clean user experience by leveraging the security built into the iOS operation system, avoiding the use of third-party apps.

For more information on Becrypt’s range of secure mobility solutions come and see us at InofSec Europe, Stand G40, or visit:www.becypt.com

Notes to Editors

About Becrypt
Becrypt is a leading supplier of innovative mobile security solutions and services that are Government-certified, and suitable for many industry sectors. Becrypt provides a range of cyber security solutions to protect data at rest and data in use, across a broad range of platforms, from laptops to smartphones, from Windows to iOS and Android. Becrypt’s secure thin client technology supports virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) access, enabling secure and rapid IT transformation within the enterprise, as well as cost effective remote access.

Through its focus on product assurance, multiple platforms and centralised management, Becrypt’s solutions enable the most security conscious organisations to deliver cost effective compliance, whilst maintaining flexibility, choice and usability for their users.

As a leading supplier of encryption technology to the UK Government, Ministry of Defence and UK Police, Becrypt also offers cyber security consultancy and bespoke systems.

Becrypt has offices in London, UK, and McLean, VA, USA. For more information visit: www.becrypt.com

Editors Contacts
Dr. Bernard Parsons
CEO
Becrypt
Tel: 0845 838 2050
Email: bparsons@becrypt.com

Andreina West/Mary Phillips
PR Artistry Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 1491 639500
Email: andreina@pra-ltd.co.uk

Lisses, Runcorn - April 2014. The THOM Europe Group, the European market leader for retail jewellery in shopping centres, with the Histoire d’Or, Marc Orian and Trésor corporate brands, has chosen the AURES Group's sango point-of-sale terminals to upgrade its in-store IT equipment in France, Belgium, Portugal and Italy.

A long-term partnership
“We’re especially proud of these agreements, and of the long-term relationship established between our two Groups,” says Gérard Putatti, Director of Corporate Sales at AURES.

“We started working with Histoire d’Or in 2003. The brand reaffirmed its confidence when our Odyssé EPOS appeared in 2005: its design and colours - including a 'Histoire d’Or' red, which we specially developed at the time – were chosen by the brand immediately.”

URES equipment has proved its worth. Many stores in THOM Europe Group's corporate brands are now to be equipped with sango point-of-sale terminals. These new units, representing several thousand till management and EPOS systems, will be rolled out over approximately 3 years.

Colours and designs in tune with the three corporate brands’ VI for integrated IT.
“The positioning and complementarity of its corporate brands and associated store concepts are extremely important to the THOM Group,” explains Thierry Gallois, the Group's Infrastructure and Networks Manager.

“With its innovative and contemporary EPOS, the AURES Group has once again made all the difference, supporting changes to our various concepts. This includes the till area, an integral part of our point-of-sale marketing. Having a wide choice of colours to harmonise with our visual identity is a major plus.”

High-performance terminals, with upgradable technology
“We also chose sango terminals for their high performance, reliability, powerful processors and memory capacity,” says Philippe Le Berre, Head of IT Systems at THOM Europe.

“We really appreciate the fact these EPOS terminals can be upgraded since this guarantees consistent, long-lasting IT equipment,” he adds.

“Our IT processes require reliable till management and EPOS systems: AURES equipment rarely breaks down, which was another key factor in our choice.”

Ergonomic design adapted to points-of-service and user needs
“The ergonomic design of AURES’ EPOS equipment is also an asset: sango system touchscreens can be height-adjusted by tilting. This is a bonus for our checkout assistants: it protects their eyes against glare from our lighting.”

“The large number of connectors is also important as we use many peripherals. It’s easy to connect several types of barcode scanners, inventory scanners, webcams (e.g. for valuing and repairing jewellery), mini-keyboards and cash drawers using the sango's COM and USB ports.”

“All our in-store staff should be able to operate checkouts. After visual assessment (design and colours) and technical tests at the Group's head office, equipment is tested by our sales staff for the project’s final approval. This means ease of use and ergonomic design are essential."

Thierry Gallois concludes: “Lastly, the sango's lightweight, offset stand frees up space beneath the touchscreen, which is a really good idea. Since there’s no heavy base, certain peripherals can be accommodated and grouped together more easily. It's very practical.”

“The AURES’ EPOS terminal concept is perfectly in tune with all our needs.”

About the THOM Europe Group
With 540 sales outlets in France, Belgium, Italy and Portugal, the THOM Europe Group is the European market leader for retail jewellery and watches in shopping centres, with the Histoire d’Or, Marc Orian and Trésor corporate brands.

The Group arose from the merger of Histoire d’Or and Marc Orian in October 2010. It employs 2'700 people and has opened over 60 stores in the past three years.

www.histoiredor.com

www.marc-orian.fr

www.tresor-bijoux.fr

About the AURES Group
Founded in 1989 and listed on Euronext since 1999, the AURES Group manufactures EPOS systems and related peripherals. Its PC-based hardware and open-system equipment provides management and till functions to all points-of-sale and points-of-service including specialist food and non-food stores, retail outlets, superstores and catering and hospitality.

In 2013, J2 Retail Systems, specialist and renowned manufacturer of PC-based touchscreens, LCD monitors and point-of-sale hardware, became part of the AURES Group. In the UK, the two businesses now trade as AURES Technologies UK Limited.

The consolidated AURES Group has global presence, with its head office in France, subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, Australia and the USA, and distributors and resellers in 50+ countries.

The number of systems and EPOS terminals marketed by the AURES Group since 2009 is over 200,000 units, for annual sales exceeding €50 million.

For further information, please contact:
Yannick-Florence Waelly
Communications & PR Manager
AURES Group
+33 (0)1 69 11 16 65 (direct line)
yannick.waelly@aures.com
www.aures.com

Model N Rainmaker 2014 key segments will focus on the semiconductor industry to address industry pricing, buyer-seller information flow, and rising R&D and manufacturing costs.

Eleven leaders in the semiconductor industry will speak at Rainmaker 2014, the 10th annual Model N Revenue Management Summit for technology companies, which will take place in Savannah, Georgia, April 23-24, 2014. 

TJ Rodgers, CEO, Cypress Semiconductor, and Jim Camp, CEO, NegotiatorPro, will explore how manufacturers can take a more professional, scientific and analytical approach to deal negotiation, abandon age-old concepts around the importance of relationships and how buying decisions are always based purely on logic. 

 End-customer expectations for continued ASP decline are sharply contrasted by rising costs of R&D and manufacturing. Semiconductor and component manufactures need to start resetting those expectations.

Ron Jones, CEO, N-Able Group, and George Stelling, co-founder of MarginXL Capital Partners and former CIO of NVidia, will chair two panel discussions on the role of sales team in demand creation, in an industry in which end-customers typically dictate both design and volume. Panellists include leaders from Microchip, PMC, Atmel, CSR and NXP.

 Additional expert panel discussions will pursue this theme and look at how sales can add value when customers have all the information they need and how sales intelligence can influence business performance.  

“This summit will highlight the growing consensus in the semiconductor industry that they can no longer support their customers’ expectation that prices will continue to drop every year,” says Chanan Greenberg, senior director, strategic markets, Model N.

“With R&D costs and manufacturing costs rising, accelerated ASP erosion will directly hit margin. As a result, companies have to find new ways to ensure volume agreements are met and stand their ground when negotiating contracts and prices.”  

About Model N
Model N is the leader in Revenue Management solutions. Model N helps its customers maximize their revenue and reduce revenue compliance risk by managing every dollar that impacts their top line encompassing contracting, pricing, incentives, and rebates.  Model N leverages its deep industry expertise to support the unique business needs of Life Sciences and Technology companies in more than 50 countries. Global Customers include: Actavis, Allergan, Amgen, Atmel, Boston Scientific, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dell, Johnson & Johnson, Linear Technology, Merck, Marvell, Maxim, Micron, Nokia, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, ON Semiconductor, and STMicroelectronics. Learn more at:  http://www.modeln.com. Model N is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MODN.

Unify, formerly Siemens Enterprise Communications, today announced that it has appointed Norm Korey to lead the company’s Latin American Region (LAM).  Korey will replace Humberto Cagno, whose planned retirement is effective on June 30, 2014.

“Latin America represents a market of continued growth opportunity for Unify,” said Dean Douglas, CEO of Unify. “I’m confident that Norm’s experience not only prepares him well to lead the LAM region, it also will enable him to be a key contributor as we transition Unify into a software and services market leader.  While I’m pleased to welcome Norm, I’d also acknowledge Humberto’s contributions over his distinguished 30 year career.” 

Korey brings to Unify a wealth of international sales and services leadership experience with global brands including IBM, AT&T and Motorola.  Korey brings to Unify a wealth of international sales and services leadership experience with global brands including IBM, AT&T and Motorola. For the past four years, he led an IBM Global Services initiative incubating the SmartCloud software-as-a-service offering for the enterprise marketplace.  Previously, he managed software and services businesses in the mobility and wireless sectors across various international markets.

“I’m very pleased to be joining Unify at this important period in the company’s history, building upon the momentum we have in the Latin America market and benefiting from the increased visibility of the new Unify brand both regionally and globally,” said Korey.  “Latin America’s economies continue to expand through technology investments, and this region will be an important growth engine for the business.”

Cagno’s planned retirement comes after a 30 year career at Siemens and then Unify, mostly in the enterprise market.   Korey, whose work at Unify begins immediately, will work closely with Cagno during a transition period until the end of June.   Korey joins a list of experienced IT executives who have joined Unify since the arrival early this year of Dean Douglas as CEO, including:  Jon Pritchard, EVP of Worldwide Channels; Steve Shanck, General Manager of North America; Bill Hurley, Chief Marketing Officer; and Dan Papes, EVP of Global Sales.

New research has shown that 60% of UK SMEs have partly or fully outsourced their IT infrastructure; with over 31,000 SMEs in the UK, this means that there are now more than 18,600 businesses that have moved some part of their IT provision off premises. The findings, detailed in a new report from data centre and communications specialist Node4, also highlight that 1 in 10 SMEs have already deployed a fully cloud-based IT infrastructure. This means that over 300,000 employees in the UK are already experiencing the full flexibility and efficiency benefits of cloud-based IT solutions.

The new report, 'Facing up to the IT infrastructure challenge', shows how UK SMEs are increasingly confident in their ability to adopt the latest technologies and to take advantage of advanced flexible IT services to deliver real business growth. The report analyses the attitudes and views of IT decision makers at UK SMEs and provides expert advice from Node4’s experienced team on how SMEs can continue to take full advantage of the latest IT technology.

Increasingly companies see technology and IT as a business enabler, something that their organisations can’t do without. But along with the growing importance of technology has come the almost overwhelming array of choices when it comes to IT infrastructure provision; cloud computing, IP-based technologies and virtualisation are just a few options available today.

Paul Bryce, Business Development Director, Node4, commented: "Many studies continue to claim SMEs are struggling to adapt to this new landscape and are at risk of being left behind. However, we firmly believe there is much greater recognition of the value that IT can deliver to businesses amongst SMEs today - and the apprehension that surrounded outsourcing has largely dissipated. IT has gone from being a static cost-centre to a dynamic business enabler that must support the organisation at every stage of the sales cycle, empowering the business to grow and succeed. Our research and analysis has borne this feeling out and our report demonstrates how savvy SMEs are able to proactively embrace the latest technologies and meet and exceed the demands of the business and employees."

Drawing on a detailed survey of 250 IT strategy business decision makers in businesses of between 50-500 employees, Node4's new report combines analysis and recommendations for SMEs to deploy IT solutions that help them to win more business, beat the competition and prosper in the growing economy. ‘Facing up to the IT infrastructure challenge’ is available to download here.

Bryce added: "SMEs are not ‘making do’ with out of date infrastructure. In fact in our experience most organisations have recognised the need to evolve their technology infrastructure to meet the needs of its users and succeed in today’s competitive environment. Many businesses are worried about this transition but they realise that if they don’t keep pace, they will fall behind and miss the opportunity to capitalise on the renewed economic growth. Our report today will hopefully help more SMEs recognise where they can do more and how partners like Node4 can help them achieve the success they want."

Pittsburgh – April 15, 2014 – Avere Systems, a leading provider of enterprise storage for cloud enabled data centers, today announced that Sigma Designs has deployed Avere’s FXT Series Edge Filers to deliver significantly improved productivity for design engineers by providing fast, reliable access to critical design systems and data. With Avere, Sigma Designs IT organization can consistently deliver responsive, high-availability infrastructure, even as rampant data growth strains systems and mounting administrative and energy costs threaten always-tight budgets.

Sigma Designs IT evaluated options from NetApp and flash-based storage vendors before choosing Avere for its ability to significantly reduce latency at half the cost of other solutions.

“Avere Systems gives our company new flexibility to deploy infrastructure for both productivity and cost advantage,” said Ali Siddiqui, IT Director at Sigma Systems. “Moving our servers and storage to a remote co-located data center—with greater infrastructure protection and lower power costs—allowed us to deliver higher availability to our design teams at a lower cost. Avere technology lets us maintain a ‘local’ user experience, protecting the low-latency responsiveness engineers need to stay productive.”

“For technology firms like Sigma Designs experiencing exponential data growth, every hour of reduced productivity can put schedules at risk and incur significant cost to the company,” said Ron Bianchini, CEO, Avere Systems. “Avere’s FXT Series Edge Filers continue to gain traction in the market because of our unparalleled ability to reduce latency and improve performance at half the cost of other solutions, delivering real business value and competitive advantage to customers like Sigma Designs.”

Prysmian Group, world leader in the energy and telecom cables and systems industry, has been awarded a major project worth in excess of € 250 million by the Dutch-German grid operator TenneT for the grid connection of offshore wind farms in Germany.

The project involves supply, installation and commissioning of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) 320 kV extruded submarine and land power bipole connection with a rating of 900 MW and associated fibre optic cable system, comprising of a 29 km land route and of a subsea route of 130 km. The power link will run from the land based converter station at substation Emden Ost in Lower Saxony to the converter platform BorWin gamma in the BorWin cluster, located approximately 120 km North of Germany.

Coordination of the ‘BorWin3' project execution will be from Prysmian offices in Hamburg, using production from the Group's centres of technological and manufacturing excellence in Pikkala (Finland) and Gron (France). Marine cable laying will be performed also using the newly upgraded Cable Enterprise DP 2 ship specifically geared to use at best her particular expertise in offshore wind farm connections in the North Sea to better serve the growing markets in Northern Europe and to provide highly complex installation solutions. Completion of the HVDC system installation is scheduled by October 2017.

Cables will be installed through environmentally significant natural areas both on land and at sea, including along the Ems estuary. This is the second grid connection project awarded by TenneT to follow this route (the route runs directly parallel to the DolWin3 project the Group was awarded last year) and highlights Prysmian's ability to provide tailor-made installation solutions addressing customer specifications and needs in conjunction with stringent environmental requirements.

The Group has developed a wide range of state-of-the-art products and technologies for the renewable energies sector, where Prysmian is acquiring a pre-eminent role in the development of HVDC cables for power transmission. This project is the 7th offshore project awarded by TenneT to Prysmian in recent years (6 DC projects, which also contained AC cable connections, and 1 AC only project).

Prysmian are providing complete cable systems for projects in all of the 4 clusters designated by TenneT in the North Sea. Following BorWin2, HelWin1, SylWin1, HelWin2 and DolWin3, the BorWin3 project - with its power rating of 900 MW - is again at the highest rated level for TenneT projects using extruded cables operating at the highest commercially available voltage level of ± 320 kV DC.

This award confirms Prysmian's global leadership as a provider of HVDC submarine and land cable systems. It also confirms again the Group's successful and  continued relationship with the major TSO TenneT and underlines the ongoing strong commitment to playing a leading role in the development of offshore grid connections in Northern Europe.

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Leading software provider Advanced Business Solutions (Advanced) is urging UK companies not to ignore new EU legislation that will cause significant changes to the way banks process payments in euro currency denominations. The Standard European Payment Area (SEPA), which will become part of European law on August 1, will affect all financial transactions in the EU and means businesses will be required to make a number of key changes to their finance systems before the go live date. 

SEPA is a new standard for the processing of bank transactions, and affects all credit transfers and direct debits that are denominated in euros. While the UK is not a Eurozone member country, any business making a cross border transaction will still be affected by the change.   

The go live date had initially been pencilled in for February 1, but EU lawmakers delayed the date after it became clear many companies across the Eurozone were not ready. 

Ahead of the migration to SEPA, UK businesses will need to use new bank data formats, termed BIC and IBAN, to identify their bank and their account, rather than the national sort codes and account number currently in use. They will also need to ensure their payroll and accounting software is SEPA compliant, and that their providers have programmed in the changes required to make or receive euro payments. 

Simon Fowler, Managing Director at Advanced Business Solutions, said: “UK companies really need to make sure they are ready for the revised deadline date and this means speaking not just to their bank, but to their software provider as well. We have already made extensive changes within all of our finance systems to meet the requirements, particularly around the direct debit process. 

“We are now advising all our customers to start collating bank account information and to input that data sooner rather than later. We are also advising that they speak with their own banks to find out how they are implementing the changes, the timescales involved, and the compliance and training required.  

“If an organisation is using a finance system which is not able to cater for SEPA, it may indicate a need to review or to ascertain the software vendor’s plans and associated timescale for being able to handle SEPA payments.”

By planning well in advance of the August 1 deadline, there will be less scope for unexpected errors. Advanced’s programmers have already discovered that different banks are interpreting the new SEPA file formats differently. 

Added Fowler: “One problem we have already noticed is that the ‘standard’ layout is not being interpreted in exactly the same way by all banks. Although the main structure of the files may not change we have found that the validation rules supplied by the banks differ. While this is not a major problem, this could hold up key payments if businesses leave their planning to the last minute and such issues remain unaddressed.” 

After SEPA has been successfully implemented, it will be possible for any business based in the EU to make euro-denominated payments between any EU bank accounts simply, and without cost, although non-euro currency conversion fees may still be applicable and affect UK businesses. 

The ultimate aim of SEPA is to improve the efficiency of cross-border payments and turn fragmented national markets for euro payments in to a single domestic model. SEPA will enable customers to make cashless euro payments to anyone located anywhere in the EU using a single bank account and a single set of payment instruments. 

Note to editors
Advanced’s finance systems include: e5, eFinancials, Exchequer and OpenAccounts.

About Advanced Business Solutions www.advancedcomputersoftware.com/abs
Advanced Business Solutions (Advanced) provides leading integrated business applications and services that enable public, private and third sector organisations to retain control, improve visibility and gain efficiencies whilst continually improving corporate performance. Advanced prides itself on getting close to its customers by understanding their businesses and responding to their evolving needs. 

Advanced’s software systems comprise core accounting/financial management, procurement, supply chain management, human resource and payroll systems, integrated with a range of collaborative, document management and business intelligence solutions to extend the value and effectiveness of the finance, human resource and payroll departments.

Management information systems for school and academies are also provided through Advanced’s subsidiary, Advanced Learning. Advanced also provides specialist vertical solutions for the not-for-profit and legal markets. All solutions can be delivered as a managed or bureau service.

Customers are from both the public and private sectors and include Companies House, Newcastle City Council, NHSScotland, Norfolk Constabulary, Edge Hill University, WH Smith, Royal Bank of Scotland, Aer Lingus, National Express Group, DFS and RSPB.

Advanced Business Solutions is a division of Advanced Computer Software Group plc, a leading supplier of software and IT services to the health, care and business services sectors.

Angela Mycock & Robert Downes
Advanced Computer Software Group
pr@advancedcomputersoftware.com 
+44(0)1625 856 513

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Email: kathryn.howard@advancedcomputersoftware.com

InterSystems Described by Clients as ‘Customer-Centric Partner’; 100% of Respondents Said HealthShare is ‘Part of Long-Term Plans’ and ‘Would Buy This Again’

Cambridge, Mass, April 15, 2014 — InterSystems, a global leader in software for connected care, today announced the results of customer evaluations of its InterSystems HealthShare® health informatics platform, as reported in the KLAS report “HIE 2014: Revisiting Great Expectations.” InterSystems HealthShare was the only product for which 100% of customers surveyed said HealthShare is both a “part of their long-term plans” and they “would buy this again.”

Through 257 interviews with 219 healthcare providers, KLAS, an independent research firm focusing on healthcare IT, examines the current state of the health information exchange (HIE) market and the search for reliability, relevance, and transformation. According to preliminary data from the report, InterSystems HealthShare received an overall early data score of 86.6, indicating strength in both “relevance” and “reliability,” as shown in the chart.

Based on early feedback from healthcare providers, the report states “InterSystems may offer one of the best balances between meeting expectations for service and meeting ongoing provider needs. Initially used by public HIEs, InterSystems HealthShare builds on its historical strength in interface engines (Ensemble) and databases (Caché), as well as on its international experience.”

In terms of vendor reliability, “InterSystems is described as a customer-centric partner, but the power and flexibility of the technology is the premier attraction,” the KLAS report added.

Healthcare Providers’ Feedback
The following are verbatim comments from healthcare CIOs, CMIOs and other healthcare leaders who were quoted in the KLAS report:

“InterSystems is devoted to making their customers successful, especially in the evolving landscape of HIE. They listen and are wedded to flexing and evolving as the landscape shifts. They have a really smart, honorable team.”

“InterSystems HealthShare is a great HIE platform with access to advanced functionality. We like InterSystems because they can connect to pretty much anything, and HealthShare is very flexible. InterSystems as a company has been very receptive of our feedback, and they seem focused on helping us succeed. “

“InterSystems is great at patient engagement. They have launched a patient portal that is great. This will go a long way to helping our patients engage with the data. In my opinion, they provide the best technology in the market for that.”
“We have real-time data coming from a large percentage of providers in our geography, and that is great for care management and coordination. We are looking forward to sending out real-time data on what is happening with each patient across the continuum of care.”

“The technology that InterSystems provides is very cost-effective because of all the pieces it includes. The portal, analytics, interface engine, and all the other pieces are all under one cover. If I had to buy all of those things individually, I would never be able to afford them.”

(Disclaimer: The preceding are selected commentaries that may not represent the whole of provider sentiment related to this product or service. Visit KLASresearch.com for a complete view.)

“KLAS rankings are highly trusted because they are based on surveys of healthcare providers, not health IT vendors. We are honored to receive this outstanding score in HIE technology from our clients, and we look forward to further serving their HIE needs with a health informatics platform that enables strategic interoperability and analytics for action,” said Paul Grabscheid, InterSystems Vice President of Strategic Planning.  “With the continued rapid growth of HealthShare, we anticipate even more customers participating in KLAS interviews this year, so that we can move from the ‘preliminary data’ to the ‘fully ranked’ category.”

KLAS defines HIE as at least two healthcare provider organizations actively exchanging patient data and other information (unidirectionally or bidirectionally). Information must be shared between unowned facilities, meaning separate organizations. HIEs that are not yet actively exchanging data are not counted as live for the purposes of this study.

As the adoption of cloud computing continues to grow across the world, security, privacy and regulation of data in the cloud are becoming more prominent and relevant than ever before. This year’s Cloud World Forum conference and exhibition will provide a platform for leading solution providers and delegates across multiple industries to examine the risks, and explore the solutions to these growing concerns.

In a recent report by cloud security specialists Sky High Networks[1], nine out of ten cloud services put European businesses at risk. The report analysed one million users across 40 companies and found that enterprises use an average of 588 cloud services of which only 9% of those services in use provide enterprise-grade security. This brings to the fore concerns surrounding the regulation of privacy in the cloud.

Cloud World Forum will address this by focusing on the risks cloud computing brings to security and privacy of enterprises, their employees and consumers, throughout the conference. On Day One of the event during the transforming the cloud keynote, a track titled, “Data Regulation and Privacy” will cover the morning and early afternoon session. Daniel Austin, Principal Architect, Paypal, will kick things off with a presentation titled, “Firestarer: Are Cloud and Big Data Big Brother? Managing Threats to Privacy in the Digital Age.”

Udo Helmbrecht, Executive Director, European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), who will provide a case study about leveraging the security opportunities around cloud computing, said: “At ENISA we focus on security as a driver for cloud; cloud security has been a hot topic for several years – and even more so in the last few months. Big cloud computing service providers are gaining more and more grounds on the international market, leaving no space for SMEs. At ENISA we work on the risks of Cloud Computing, we improve SLAs introducing certification so that in the end all users of cloud services can be sure that it’s secure cloud. At Cloud World Forum I intend to look at the cyber security problems for governmental bodies, providers and SMEs, the dilemma of legal compliance vs operational security and ENISA’s contribution in the EU’s cloud strategy.”

 On Day Two, Torseten Rueter, Strategy and Planning Leader, GE Capital, will pose the question, “How do you deliver change ten times faster and yet safely and securely?”, drawing on experience from GE’s strategy for building a modern, agile IT platform for the future.

Georgios Kipouros, Head of Production, Cloud World Series, said “Cloud security concerns should not deter enterprises or organizations from using cloud services when it makes business sense. This year’s event will address the challenges of cloud security and privacy, while highlighting how organisations can overcome these when outsourcing data applications and infrastructures in the cloud.”

This year’s event will once again see the leading Cloud vendors gather to exhibit their latest solutions on the show floor, including: Dell, Oracle, IBM, Microsoft and Google. The Forum also features an exclusive C-level keynote Future Cloud theatre with CIOs and CTOs from leading end-users, such as: Coca Cola, UEFA, BBC, BMW, Marks & Spencer, UBS, CERN and Lufthansa.

The Cloud World Forum will take place on 17-18 June 2014, at the Olympia National Hall, London, UK. As EMEA’s largest and most comprehensive Cloud event it boasts an impressive agenda, with more than 240 speakers participating from 74 countries.

For more information, to plan your visit, to view the full event programme, or to register for the event, please visitwww.cloudwf.com or call +44 (0)207 017 5506. Alternatively, keep up to date with the event on Twitter @CloudWSeries or using #CloudWF.

[1] http://www.cbronline.com/news/cloud/cloud-saas/9-out-of-10-cloud-services-put-european-businesses-at-risk-4212367 

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Information technology consultancy, Naglotech, has chosen central London data centre, City Lifeline to operate its high security managed IT operations within an ISO27001 environment.

As a company that specialises in providing fast, reliable internet solutions, outsourcing and bespoke IT developments for high-profile brands, physical and information security are of the utmost importance to Naglotech. Naglotech researched and visited several facilities but City Lifeline's data centre in central London emerged as the company's first choice.

"It's important for our customers to have diverse operations, with only a part of those being in Docklands" explains Andy Booth at Naglotech. "We work with some of the country's most well-known and prestigious brands and our security arrangements, both physical and for data, are frequently put to the test.  Information security is now a central part of every tender process when we pitch for new business. A resilient data centre with good security and ISO27001 certification really is key and, for us, that means the City Lifeline data centre.

"City Lifeline not only gives us peace of mind with information security, providing excellent security and back-up with no power outages, it also delighted us with its first-class customer service. What really impressed was the hands-on approach that was taken in demonstrating where our systems would be running and how they would be secured."

Roger Keenan, managing director at City Lifeline comments, "We are delighted to be working with Naglotech. At City Lifeline, we strive to provide a tailored data centre service on the understanding that each client has different needs. We know how imperative security is to Naglotech, so as part of our service, we provide a dedicated monitoring team, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week ensuring support is on hand whenever required. Our systems are also configured so that we are warned early of any potential outages. We have all bases covered to ensure our customer's operations and information are kept safe and secure at all times."

London, UK and Oslo, Norway and New York, NY: 15 April 2014: In its March issue, SURVEY Magazine presented its 2014 Top Technology Trendsetters. This year's list featured 12 technology leaders changing the research industry, including Terry Lawlor, Confirmit's EVP of Product Management.

SURVEY Magazine described this year's recipients as exhibiting "great passion for their work in the research industry. Innovation and vision are core to the values, work ethic and professionalism that each of the recipients share on a daily basis. It is clear that wherever technology takes us, the research industry will be at the forefront in adapting and applying it in ways that continue to expand our thinking and capabilities."

Since his move to Confirmit a year ago, Lawlor has been instrumental in defining the technological and innovation path for the company. Overseeing several product releases, including new mobile capabilities and enhancements to Confirmit's Voice of the Customer, Employee Engagement and Market Research solutions, Lawlor sets the company's product management strategy. He has spearheaded a new level of customer-centric focus to ensure that new developments meet rapidly evolving market and customer needs.

"Commitment to innovative technology, client service, and quality research and design is what attracted me to Confirmit," shared Lawlor. "It's been an amazing year for the company and I'm excited to be a part of Confirmit's growth and positive momentum."

For more information about Terry Lawlor and to learn about the additional technology trendsetters, please read the March issue of SURVEY Magazine.

London — April 16, 2014— FICO (NYSE:FICO), a leading predictive analytics and decision management software company, today announced that First National Bank (FNB), one of South Africa’s “big four” banks and named 2012’s most innovative bank in the world, is the first bank in the country to use FICO® Fraud Resolution Manager to communicate with customers when a potentially fraudulent transaction takes place. Using the FICO application, FNB can automatically contact a customer through voice calls and interactive SMS when a transaction is flagged as suspicious, usually reaching the customer while they’re still at the point of sale. FNB reports that this has reduced the number of fraudulent transactions per case by 30 percent, for a total savings so far of more than R150 million (approximately USD$14.3 million).

Card fraud in South Africa grew 22 percent in the first nine months of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric). Sabric put 2013 card fraud losses at R366.8 million.

FNB had a need to  quickly detect suspicious activity. However, it was often difficult to validate these transactions fast enough to block fraudulent activity. At the same time, the bank had to avoid blocking genuine transactions. With the FICO solution, FNB is able to validate genuine transactions, focus on the real fraud and improve customer service.

FNB is currently using the FICO Fraud Resolution Manager in its Core Banking Solutions area to protect cheque card and debit card accounts. It will soon be deployed to cover the bank’s entire ~10 million South African cards, and FNB has deployed specific strategies for overseas and out-of-hours transactions. FNB will soon roll out the solution to other Southern African countries.

“FNB is an innovator in the South African market, and deeply committed to its customers,” said Hayley Kershaw, who oversees FICO’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “Few banks globally have taken fraud protection technology to the ‘last mile’ — immediate contact with the customer — but this will soon become a best practice.”

FICO® Fraud Resolution Managergives organisations the ability to process high volumes of cases simultaneously, performing investigations, shaping customer action and contact strategies, and reaching resolution in seconds. It is the only application that provides a seamless connection between fraud risk analysis and contact strategy development, deciding the necessity, timing, channel and nature of action required to find more fraud, reduce losses and foster customer loyalty. FICO Fraud Resolution Manager is part of FICO’s solution suite for enterprise fraud management, and can be easily integrated with FICO® Falcon® Fraud Manager, the world’s leading payment fraud protection solution, which protects 2.5 billion payment cards worldwide.

Founded in 1838, First National Bank is South Africa’s oldest bank. It is ranked the country’s second largest in terms of transactional lending, and third largest in terms of total assets. FNB was named the World’s Most Innovative Bank for 2012 by BAI-Finacle, and it offered South Africa’s first mobile banking app. FNB is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited.

About FICO
FICO (NYSE: FICO), formerly known as Fair Isaac, is a leading analytics software company, helping businesses in 90+ countries make better decisions that drive higher levels of growth, profitability and customer satisfaction. The company’s groundbreaking use of Big Data and mathematical algorithms to predict consumer behavior has transformed entire industries. FICO provides analytics software and tools used across multiple industries to manage risk, fight fraud, build more profitable customer relationships, optimize operations and meet strict government regulations. Many of our products reach industry-wide adoption. These include the FICO® Score, the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the United States. FICO solutions leverage open-source standards and cloud computing to maximize flexibility, speed deployment and reduce costs. The company also helps millions of people manage their personal credit health.

FICO: Make every decision count™. Learn more at www.fico.com.

For FICO news and media resources, visit www.fico.com/news.

FICO, Falcon and “Make every decision count” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the US and other countries.