Network intruders with an ax to grind are making it hard for public officials to protect their personal data.
The government’s spending problem means smaller portions for agencies and managers for the foreseeable future.
Category: Homeowners Insurance
NEW YORK – After uncharacteristically tepid sales in the July-to-September quarter, Apple came back with a vengeance in last three months of 2011, vastly exceeding analyst estimates and setting new records.
Apple Inc. on Tuesday said it sold 37 million iPhones in the quarter, double the figure of the previous quarter and more than twice as many as it sold in last year’s holiday quarter.
The result may make Apple the world’s largest maker of smartphones. Samsung Electronics, which held that position for most of last year, has said it expects to report shipping about 35 million smartphones in the October to December quarter.
October saw the launch of the iPhone 4S, and the addition of Sprint Nextel Corp. as an iPhone carrier in the U.S.
Apple said net income in the fiscal first quarter was $13.06 billion, or $13.87 per share. That was up 118 percent from $6 billion, or $6.43 per share, a year ago.
Analysts polled by FactSet were expecting earnings of $10.04 per share for the latest quarter, Apple’s fiscal first.
Revenue was $46.33 billion, up 73 percent from a year ago. Analysts were expecting $38.9 billion.
The Cupertino, Calif., company shipped 15.4 million iPads in the quarter, again more than doubling sales over the same quarter last year.
Apple shares rose $33.03, or 7.9 percent, to $453.53 in extended trading, after the release of the results.
Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer said the company expects earnings of $8.50 per share in the current quarter, and sales of $32.5 billion. Both figures are above the average estimate of analysts polled by FactSet, even though Apple usually low-balls its estimates.
Apple ended the quarter with a cash balance of a staggering $97.6 billion. For years, investors have been frustrated with Apple’s unwillingness to put the cash to use. Complaints have been muted as Apple continues to generate record-breaking results and as the stock price keeps rising. Apple executives have said the cash hoard gives the company flexibility to make acquisitions and long-term supply deals.
If the stock rally in extended trading survives into regular trading Wednesday, Apple will retake the position of most valuable company in the world from Exxon Mobil Corp. Apple first unseated Exxon last summer, and the two have been trading places since then.
WASHINGTON – Federal regulators have accused BankAtlantic Bancorp Inc., the parent of one of Florida’s biggest banks, and its chief executive of misleading investors about the bank’s financial health as its holdings of commercial real estate loans soured in 2007.
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced it filed civil charges Wednesday against the company and its CEO and Chairman Alan Levan. The SEC said the bank and its chief used accounting gimmicks to hide losses on a key group of loans. The SEC is seeking unspecified penalties and a ban against Levan serving as an officer or director of any public company.
“This is exactly the type of information that is important to investors, and corporate executives who fail to make that required disclosure will face severe consequences,” SEC Enforcement Director Robert Khuzami said in a statement.
BankAtlantic Bancorp, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is the parent of BankAtlantic, a savings bank with $3.7 billion in assets as of Sept. 30.
In a statement, Levan disputed the charges and said the parent company will contest them in court.
“We at BankAtlantic Bancorp are disappointed that the SEC has brought this action,” Levan said. “At the end, we believe the SEC’s credibility as a neutral enforcer of securities laws will be tarnished, as the case is unsupportable.”
Eugene Stearns, an attorney representing BankAtlantic Bancorp and Levan, said the sort of data on loans the SEC faulted the company for failing to disclose was confidential and rarely made public by banks.
JERUSALEM – Hackers disrupted the websites of Israel’s stock exchange and national air carrier El Al on Monday in a deepening cyber war launched earlier this month by a group claiming to be Saudis.
Neither website contains sensitive information and trading and flights were not affected. But the ongoing salvos by hackers who use anti-Israel language in their posts has revealed how vulnerable Israel is to cyber warfare, despite its sophisticated computer security units in the military and advanced high-tech sector.
The attacks began earlier this month when hackers identifying themselves as group-xp, a known Saudi hacking group, claimed on an Israeli sports website to have gained access to 400,000 Israeli credit card accounts. The group called it a “gift to the world for the New Year” designed to “hurt the Zionist pocket.”
Israeli authorities said 15,000 accounts were hacked in that episode and credit card information about 6,000 other Israelis was disclosed online a few days later by the same network.
Last week, an Israeli hacker identifying himself as a soldier in an Israeli intelligence unit retaliated by posting information online about hundreds of Saudis, Egyptians, Syrians and others.
El Al Israel Airlines took down its website after the alleged Saudi network linked to previous attacks warned that both sites would be targeted by allied pro-Palestinian hackers, a source close to the company said. The source asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
The company said in a statement that it was taking security measures to protect the website and that disruptions on the site were to be expected.
Orna Goren, a spokeswoman for the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, said the site was overwhelmed by electronic requests that slowed it down dramatically but it was still operating. Trading was not affected, she said.
Cyber experts say Israel is a common target for online attackers who oppose the Jewish state and its policies toward the Palestinians.
There have been no confirmed reports of sensitive Israeli government sites being hacked. Several weeks ago, websites of Israeli spy services and other official sites briefly went down, but the government denied hackers were to blame and characterized the event as a technical malfunction.
Israel is a world leader in cyber security, and the Shin Bet internal security agency provides advisory services to sensitive business sectors such as banks and public utilities.
The Internal Revenue Service is strong in Senior Executive Service diversity, a new report has found.
Among senior executives, the IRS “was more diverse than other federal agencies” in eight of 12 of the Office of Personnel Management’s diversity categories, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration report released Wednesday.
Drawing on fiscal 2009 hiring data that took race, gender and disability into account, the report also found the IRS had proportionately more female executives than the rest of the federal government, with 44.1 percent compared to 30.8 percent for all federal agencies.
In fiscal 2009, white males comprised 40.8 percent of the IRS’ senior executive staff, a drop from 50.4 percent in fiscal 2004, with the percent change redistributed among other diversity categories. By contrast, 58.6 percent of all federal senior executives in fiscal 2009 were white males.
Though the IRS has different levels of SES employees, the report does not distinguish between them, said Michael R. Phillips, Deputy Inspector General for Audit at TIGTA.
“TIGTA included all SES when determining the percentages to compare with the rest of the federal government,” Phillips wrote in an email to Government Executive.
The 12 diversity categories OPM measures are gender-divided among white, black, Latino, Asian/Pacific, Native American and disabled employees.
TIGTA credited the diversity success to support from the IRS commissioner and other top-level executives, as well as its adoption of performance measures, including an awards program set up by the wage and investment division that “recognizes outstanding achievement in [Equal Employment Opportunity] and diversity.”
In the report, TIGTA made three recommendations to IRS management: add the diversity practices to specific internal policies, partner with federal executive organizations and gain further insight into diversity issues, and help minority employees into higher level positions via professional executive organizations.
Management agreed with all three recommendations and gave implementation deadlines for each ranging from late February to late December.
If the Price Is Too Good to be True, Beware
DES PLAINES, Ill., Nov. 8, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — As East Coast residents begin to rebuild and recover from Hurricane Irene and its aftermath, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) wants consumers all across the country to be alert for flood vehicles that could begin to appear on the used car market.
From Maine to North Carolina, an analysis of insurance claims processed by NICB member companies shows that during last August alone, 11,789 flood vehicle-related claims were processed. This compares with 994 processed in August of 2010.
New Jersey generated the most claims—4,121—followed by New York (2,809) and North Carolina (2,585).
Although a flood-damaged vehicle can be an attractive purchase for a savvy consumer, it can lead to costly repairs and, potentially, life-threatening injuries. Most consumers do not have the training or the experience to spot flood vehicles. Moreover, their judgment may be swayed by a price that is just too good to pass up. But, like the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The one word that separates a good buy from a scam is disclosure. As long as a seller discloses the fact that a vehicle is a flood vehicle, then there is no fraud. The trouble comes when a seller hides the fact that a vehicle has been declared as such and that fact is hidden from prospective buyers.
People who fraudulently traffic in flood vehicles are good at cleaning them up and presenting them for sale as perfectly fine used vehicles. To entice buyers even more, they are priced well below retail. That’s a clue for you to slow down and get some expert advice. It’s always good to hire a trusted technician to examine any used vehicle you intend to purchase—particularly if the sale is from a private party advertising online.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and sections of the Gulf Coast, NICB created VINCheck(SM), a free consumer protection service aimed at preventing this kind of fraud. VINCheck allows anyone to check a vehicle identification number against the millions of claim records processed by participating NICB member insurance companies. If the vehicle was ever declared as salvage, a flood vehicle, or is an unrecovered stolen vehicle and reported by a participating insurer, you will be advised of that information in seconds.
In addition, consumers are encouraged to use additional sources of vehicle history information, including the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) which was designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles. NMVTIS can be accessed at www.vehiclehistory.gov.
It’s worth repeating that flood vehicle sales are perfectly legal when all parties are aware of the flood history. Many people buy them knowing that they will need to rebuild or replace affected parts. Yet even after that kind of post-sale investment, consumers can have a very good vehicle for a lot less than retail. But you have to know the vehicle’s history.
NICB recommends that consumers follow these tips to avoid getting ripped off by flood vehicle fraud:
- Select a reputable car dealer.
- Inspect the vehicle for water stains, mildew, sand or silt under the carpets, floor mats, headliner cloth and behind the dashboard.
- Check for recently shampooed carpet.
- Inspect the interior upholstery and door panels for fading.
- Check for rust on screws in the console or areas where water normally doesn’t reach.
- Check for mud or grit in the spare tire compartment, alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses, around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.
- Check inside the seatbelt retractors by pulling the seatbelt all the way out and inspect for moisture, mildew or grime.
- Check door speakers as they will often be damaged due to flooding.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchasing it.
- Ask about the vehicle’s history. Ask whether it was in any accidents or floods.
- Inspect the title and ownership papers for any potential salvage fraud.
- Conduct a title search of the vehicle.
- Look under the hood for signs of oxidation. Pull back rubber boots around electrical and mechanical connections and look for these indicators:
- Ferrous materials will show signs of rust
- Copper will show a green patina
If you suspect flood vehicle fraud, call the NICB Hotline at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422). You may also text your information to TIP411, keyword “FRAUD” and remain anonymous if you so desire.
About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $319 billion in insurance premiums in 2010, or approximately 80 percent of the nation’s property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 94 percent ($152 billion) of the nation’s personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.
SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau
Hurricane Irene’s Flood Waters Increase Risk for Used Vehicle Buyers | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.
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— Enrollment in GLYX-13 Phase II Clinical Trial Proceeding Well —
EVANSTON, Ill., Nov. 7, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Naurex Inc., a clinical-stage company developing innovative treatments to address unmet needs in psychiatry and neurology, today reported that its lead compound for the treatment of depression, GLYX-13, has been selected as one of Windhover’s “Top 10 Most Interesting Neuroscience Projects to Watch.” GLYX-13, a glycine-site functional partial agonist (GFPA) selective modulator of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), is initially being developed as a therapy for patients who are not achieving an adequate response to their current antidepressant agents. Patient enrollment in an ongoing Phase II clinical trial of GLYX-13 is proceeding well. Phase II results are expected in 2012.
Naurex’s novel GFPA class programs, which include GLYX-13 and second and third-generation compounds, have demonstrated the potential to achieve the well-documented efficacy of classic NMDAR-modulating drugs while avoiding their serious side effects. Known NMDAR-modulating agents such as ketamine have been shown to act very rapidly — within hours of a single dose — to alleviate the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder in multiple human trials, but their clinical utility has been hampered by their potential for abuse and behavioral impairment, including schizophrenia-like effects at doses near the therapeutic dose.
The GLYX-13 Phase II trial is a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of GLYX-13 in subjects with treatment-resistant depression. The trial will enroll more than 80 subjects with major depressive disorder who have demonstrated inadequate response to other antidepressants. Outcome measures include changes in depression scores on standard scales for mood and psychiatric disorders, as well as independent evaluations of depression signs and symptoms. Safety is also being assessed.
GLYX-13 was selected as a “Top Project to Watch” by a committee that included Windhover Information, the publishers of IN VIVO and Start-Up, and independent CNS expert Harry Tracy, president of NI Research and editor of the neuroscience business analysis journal NeuroInvestment. Selections were based on unmet medical need, market potential, diversity of indications, strong science, multi-level partnering opportunities, potential for applications beyond initial indications, and corporate stability.
“We are delighted that these respected industry experts agree with our view that GLYX-13 is among the most promising current candidates in the CNS field,” said Derek Small, CEO of Naurex. “There is high unmet need for faster, more effective and safe antidepressants to help the millions of patients with inadequate response to current agents. We are optimistic that GLYX-13 has the potential to make a dramatic difference for these patients, helping those poorly served by existing therapies and providing relief for many within hours — rather than weeks — of receiving a single dose. We are pleased by the good rate of patient enrollment we are achieving in the Phase II trial.”
In preclinical studies, GLYX-13 has demonstrated a robust antidepressant-like activity consistent with that of ketamine, including its rapid onset and long duration of effect, with no signs of side effects, achieving the widest therapeutic ratio between efficacy and side effects (>500:1) of any known NMDAR modulator. In a Phase I trial, GLYX-13 was well tolerated, with adverse events for the groups receiving GLYX-13 and placebo all rated as mild. There were no signs of the schizophrenia-like side effects associated with other drugs that modulate the NMDAR.
For more information about the GLYX-13 Phase II trial, see http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01234558?term=glyx-13&rank=2.
Along with inclusion in the “Top 10 to Watch” list, Naurex has been selected to present at Windhover’s Therapeutic Area Partnerships meeting, which will be held November 30–December 2, 2011 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA. More information can be found at www.tapartnerships.com/content/Main.aspx.
About Naurex
Naurex Inc. is a clinical-stage private company developing novel therapies to address unmet needs in psychiatry and neurology based on a new mechanism of action for modulating the NMDA receptor in a safe way — Glycine-site Functional Partial Agonists (GFPAs.) Naurex’s lead product, GLYX-13, has shown promising signs of rapid-acting, long-lasting antidepressant activity with excellent safety in preclinical studies. Following a successful Phase I safety trial, Naurex initiated a Phase II trial to assess GLYX-13 in patients who have had an inadequate response to an existing antidepressant treatment. The trial is ongoing and results are expected in 2012. Naurex’s second and third-generation programs, which comprise novel patented GFPA chemistry classes with key molecular features, represent a platform for the development of new therapies for a variety of CNS disorders. For more information about Naurex, visit www.naurex.com.
About TA Partnerships
Windhover Information’s 6th Annual Therapeutic Area Partnerships is the industry’s most targeted and efficient partnering meeting for life science companies seeking partnerships in the top therapeutic areas: Oncology, Cardiovascular/Metabolic, Neuroscience, Infectious, Inflammatory Diseases and other hot therapeutic areas. Decision-makers focusing on these therapeutic categories can meet to develop strategic alliances in a personal and interactive setting that combines company presentations, 1:1 meetings and networking functions. More information is available at http://www.tapartnerships.com/content/Main.aspx
About Windhover
Windhover Information Inc., an Elsevier company, has provided analysis of the healthcare industry to decision-makers at all levels since the founding of its flagship publication, IN VIVO: The Business & Medicine Report, in 1983. Windhover provides its information and analysis in many formats, including print, electronic databases, international conferences and webinars. For more on the company’s products and services, please see www.windhover.com.
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Naurex Inc. |
GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners |
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Ashish Khanna |
Barbara Lindheim |
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SOURCE Naurex Inc.
Naurex’s Novel Antidepressant GLYX-13 Recognized as One of Windhover’s 2011 Top 10 Neuroscience Projects to Watch | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.
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CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Results from Part B of a two-part Phase 2 study of sirukumab (CNTO 136), a subcutaneously administered human antibody directed against the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, showed that patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving the monoclonal antibody demonstrated substantial improvement in signs and symptoms and inflammation. Findings from the proof-of-concept, dose-finding study of patients with active RA despite methotrexate therapy will be presented at the 2011 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting and follow positive Part A study results previously presented in June.
Treatment with sirukumab significantly improved arthritis signs and symptoms as measured by the American College of Rheumatology 50 (ACR50) response at week 12, the primary endpoint of the study, with 24 percent of patients in ACR50 response in the combined sirukumab group (inclusive of dose regimens: 100 mg every 2 weeks; 100 mg every 4 weeks; 50 mg every 4 weeks; 25 mg every 4 weeks) compared with 3 percent of patients receiving placebo plus methotrexate (P = 0.010). A higher proportion of patients achieved an ACR50 response in each of the four sirukumab groups with the 100 mg every 2 weeks and the 50 mg every 4 weeks groups reaching statistical significance at week 12 compared with the placebo group: 27 percent 100 mg every 2 weeks (P = 0.026); 23 percent 100 mg every 4 weeks (P = 0.052); 27 percent 50 mg every 4 weeks (P = 0.026) and 19 percent 25 mg every 4 weeks (P = 0.104).
At week 24, patients in the sirukumab treatment groups showed continued improvement in ACR50 response: 60 percent with 100 mg every 2 weeks; 50 percent with 100 mg every 4 weeks; 30 percent with 50 mg every 4 weeks and 36 percent with 25 mg every 4 weeks.
“The data show response across multiple dose regimens in a proof-of-concept study, with data at week 24 showing continued improvement in ACR50 scores,” said lead investigator Josef Smolen, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. “Thus, IL-6 remains a promising target for treating patients with RA, who frequently still struggle with their disease, and for rheumatologists. We look forward to additional sirukumab data to more thoroughly understand its potential in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.”
Investigators also reported at week 12 a greater average improvement from baseline in Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28 C-reactive protein (CRP) measure in each of the four sirukumab groups compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The mean levels of CRP observed in patients' blood serum also decreased on average more than 80 percent across the four sirukumab dose regimens at week 2, and continued to remain suppressed through week 24. CRP is a type of protein produced in the liver and expressed during episodes of acute inflammation associated with RA.
In separate analyses, higher remission rates according to the 2011 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Boolean and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remission criteria and DAS28 CRP were achieved with sirukumab across the four dosing regimens compared with the placebo group, and increased to a peak at week 24 in the sirukumab 100 mg every-2-week and every-4-week treatment groups. Researchers also reported results of a subanalysis of the Phase 2 trial that correlated an effect of sirukumab therapy on hepcidin levels (a hormone shown to regulate iron levels in the blood) and markers of anemia. Serum hemoglobin levels in anemic patients increased significantly following sirukumab treatment, with half of the patients normalizing hemoglobin levels.
Treatment with sirukumab was generally well-tolerated. Overall there was no clear difference in safety among the four sirukumab dose regimens. Through week 38, adverse events (AEs) occurred more often with sirukumab than with placebo (81 percent vs. 67 percent), including mostly minor infections/infestations (31 percent vs. 13 percent), gastrointestinal disorders (19 percent vs. 10 percent) and injection site reactions (16 percent vs. 3 percent). Serious AEs were reported in 13 percent of patients receiving placebo and 9 percent of patients receiving sirukumab and the majority were infections. One patient died of brain aneurysm considered not related to study medication. Decreases in white blood cells, neutrophils, platelets and lymphocytes, as well as transaminase elevations, were observed after sirukumab treatment. Sustained increases from baseline starting at week 2 in total cholesterol (mean sirukumab vs. placebo: 19 percent +/- 17 percent vs. -5 percent +/- 12 percent) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (20 percent +/- 20 percent vs. -4 percent +/- 22 percent) were seen with sirukumab. These lab abnormalities occurred without dose relationship or short-term clinical sequelae. Antibodies to sirukumab were detectable through week 38 in 3 percent of evaluable patients; 3 of these patients were ACR50 responders at week 24 and none had injection site reactions.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition that is often characterized by symptoms that include pain, stiffness and inflammation, and in some cases, joint destruction and disability. It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans1 and more than 23.5 million people worldwide2 are affected by the condition, for which there is no cure.
About the Phase 2 Study
The Phase 2 study is a two-part, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept and dose-finding study evaluating the efficacy and safety of sirukumab administered subcutaneously in subjects with active RA despite methotrexate therapy. Results from Part A of the study were presented at EULAR in June. In Part B, 151 patients with active RA despite methotrexate therapy were continued on stable weekly methotrexate, and randomized equally to: (1) placebo every 2 weeks through week 10, and then sirukumab 100 mg subcutaneous (SC) injections every 2 weeks through week 24; (2) sirukumab 100 mg SC injections every 2 weeks through week 24; (3) sirukumab 100 mg SC injections every 4 weeks through week 24; (4) sirukumab 50 mg SC injections every 4 weeks through week 24; or (5) sirukumab 25 mg SC injections every 4 weeks through week 24. An analysis of the results was performed when all subjects had either completed the 38-week study or terminated study participation.
About Sirukumab (CNTO 136)
Sirukumab is an investigational human monoclonal IgG1 kappa antibody in development for the treatment of active RA. Sirukumab targets the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, a naturally occurring protein that is believed to play a role in autoimmune conditions like RA. Sirukumab is also being investigated as a treatment for lupus nephritis and is currently in Phase 2 study.
About Janssen Biotech, Inc.
Janssen Biotech, Inc. redefines the standard of care in immunology, oncology, urology and nephrology. Built upon a rich legacy of innovative firsts, Janssen Biotech has delivered on the promise of new treatments and ways to improve the health of individuals with serious disease. Beyond its innovative medicines, Janssen Biotech is at the forefront of developing education and public policy initiatives to ensure patients and their families, caregivers, advocates and health care professionals have access to the latest treatment information, support services and quality care. For more information on Janssen Biotech, Inc. or its products, visit www.janssenbiotech.com.
Janssen Biotech is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we work together to bring innovative ideas, products, services and solutions to people throughout the world. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JanssenUS.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis-Related Statistics. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis_related_stats.htm. Accessed April 7, 2011.
2 World Health Organization. The global burden of disease: 2004 update. Geneva: WHO Press, 2008. http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/GBD_report_2004update_full.pdf. Accessed April 13, 2011.
SOURCE Janssen Biotech, Inc.
New Sirukumab (CNTO 136) Phase 2 Data Show Efficacy of Interleukin-6 Inhibitor Across Multiple Dose Regimens in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.
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CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Jones Lang LaSalle today announced that it has launched IntelliCommand™, the industry’s first integrated building management solution that combines cloud-based, smart-building technology with a world-class team of engineering and operations professionals to enable 24/7, real-time remote monitoring and control of facilities and portfolios worldwide.
As an industry leader in facility and property management, providing services to more than 250 major corporations totaling 1.8 billion square feet of real estate globally, Jones Lang LaSalle wanted to create a solution that combined smart technology with building operations expertise and facility management execution.
The IntelliCommand portfolio management system leverages leading-edge technology from Pacific Controls to enable 24/7 real-time monitoring and control to deliver seamless solutions for worldwide portfolios from a central location. IntelliCommand’s continuous commissioning feature monitors performance of building systems and equipment, from HVAC to air compressors, to ensure that all systems operate at peak efficiency individually and in combination with one another, fully leveraging and integrating Jones Lang LaSalle’s robust integrated facilities management delivery platform.
IntelliCommand is powered by Pacific Controls, the leading provider of ICT-enabled managed services and converged engineering solutions for buildings and infrastructure projects globally.
When IntelliCommand detects an anomaly that cannot be automatically adjusted, it alerts on-site engineers or deploys resources to address specific problems, and also often diagnoses the problem to make resolution by facility managers easier and faster.
To watch a video of IntelliCommand at work, click here.
“IntelliCommand allows companies to achieve unprecedented gains in efficiency and productivity across their portfolios that show up on the bottom line,” said Chris Browne, International Director of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) at Jones Lang LaSalle. “With the advent of so many innovative technological breakthroughs – from cloud computing to robotics – the real estate industry is beginning to take notice of smart-building potential. IntelliCommand is one of the first solutions to fully leverage this power.”
“IntelliCommand more than pays for itself in a short time based on energy savings alone, estimated at 18 percent within 18 months of implementation,” said Dan Probst, Chairman of Energy and Sustainability Services at Jones Lang LaSalle. “In addition to the cost savings generated, IntelliCommand supports corporate sustainability goals by reporting and reducing the carbon footprint through its ability to measure energy consumption and greenhouse gases in real-time.”
Your buildings are talking…are you listening?
IntelliCommand gives a voice to each facility so that buildings can help eliminate their own inefficiencies. Direct benefits include significantly reduced energy costs, lower facility management costs over time, faster response times to facility issues and enhanced control over information for strategic planning purposes.
(Photo: http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20111107/CL00306 )
How it works:
- Identifies anomalies in building systems that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become significant expenses.
- Provides continuous commissioning by constantly monitoring all systems to ensure they are within parameters for optimal operating conditions.
- Monitors worldwide portfolios from a central location to allow immediate response where and when it is needed
- Diagnoses possible causes of an issue, so that energy and facility professionals can show up with the right tools and equipment to make repairs efficiently.
“With IntelliCommand, building equipment and operational issues are resolved before they become complaints, problems or failures,” Browne said. “The solution minimizes business disruption, increases the lifespan of equipment, and mitigates risk, but also contributes to the success of the business by improving employee comfort, satisfaction and productivity.”
IntelliCommand is powered via several command centers located across the globe that extract data from the Building Automation Systems (BAS) of buildings. This data is then analyzed through algorithms to spot trends, patterns and anomalies. Using this information, the IntelliCommand team then diagnoses and resolves any issues in real-time, 24/7, using Jones Lang LaSalle’s IFM platform, or the issue is resolved remotely and operations are fine-tuned for optimal performance through proactive and continuous monitoring.
IntelliCommand delivers managed services using Pacific Controls’ Galaxy enterprise service delivery platform and Gbots, its intelligent, autonomous, experienced and cognitive software robots, deployed across networks to accomplish diverse engineering tasks to assets across the world. Global assets are connected in real time to the firm’s Enterprise Cloud using its M2M gateways.
“IntelliCommand, is a paradigm shift in the way buildings are managed and optimized,” said Dilip Rahulan, Chairman & CEO, Pacific Controls. “Pacific Controls’ Galaxy will also deliver Smart Grid functionality for buildings in the near future, creating an even more powerful platform.”
IntelliCommand can help achieve unprecedented building efficiency across any industry and asset types, including office buildings, manufacturing and lab facilities, hospitals, data centers and retail locations.
The solution can also help corporate real estate teams make better investment decisions that improve portfolio performance since IntelliCommand provides access to comprehensive, precise and actionable data that can inform strategic capital planning and deployment.
Jones Lang LaSalle’s Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) platform brings together multiple service lines to support a comprehensive solution for clients. As the leading global provider of facility and operations management services to corporations, institutions and investor clients around the world, Jones Lang LaSalle was recently selected as one of the 2011 Global Outsourcing 100 by The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) as well as the best overall provider of corporate real estate services by the Watkins 2011 Survey of Corporate Real Estate Service Providers.
As the world of real estate changes, IFM continues to evolve to accommodate the changing environment that companies face. The best-in-class service lines that support the IFM platform include call center services, engineering & operations, energy & sustainability services, supply chain management and contract administration, client accounting, technology, legal and human resources.
For more information on IntelliCommand as well as access to Jones Lang LaSalle’s Energy Calculator, click here.
About Jones Lang LaSalle
Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL) is a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate. The firm offers integrated services delivered by expert teams worldwide to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying or investing in real estate. With 2010 global revenue of more than $2.9 billion, Jones Lang LaSalle serves clients in 70 countries from more than 1,000 locations worldwide, including 200 corporate offices. The firm is an industry leader in property and corporate facility management services, with a portfolio of approximately 1.8 billion square feet worldwide. LaSalle Investment Management, the company’s investment management business, is one of the world’s largest and most diverse in real estate with $47.9 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit our website, www.joneslanglasalle.com.
SOURCE Jones Lang LaSalle
http://www.joneslanglasalle.com
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OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 7, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — McDonald’s USA introduces two delicious new beverages to its McCafe beverage line today – Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. The cheerful drinks mark an exciting launch for McCafe, as the brand’s first specialty seasonal beverages. New McCafe Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate are in restaurants nationwide just in time for the holidays, available now through January 2, 2012, or until supplies last.
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McCafe Peppermint Mocha is the perfect blend of smooth espresso, dark chocolate syrup with a hint of peppermint, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Customers can also get into the holiday spirit with a decadent McCafe Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Both beverages are customizable, and available with a choice of whole or nonfat milk, and with or without the whipped cream topping.
“Beverages now represent more than 20 percent of sales for McDonald’s USA, so it’s becoming increasingly important to add new and unique beverage options to the McDonald’s menu,” said Marta Fearon, McCafe Marketing Director, McDonald’s USA. “With the introduction of the decadent Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate, we are pleased to provide customers with a flavorful taste experience that is perfect for the holiday season.”
McCafe Beverage Sampling Tour
To celebrate the launch of McCafe Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate, McDonald’s is popping up in select locations across the country to surprise and delight consumers with samples of its new holiday beverages. Consumers in select major cities will be rewarded with a McCafe Coffee Break during the busy holiday season, by sampling McDonald’s newest McCafe beverages. Be on the lookout for the McCafe Coffee Break Tour in the following cities:
- San Francisco, CA (November 7)
- Denver, CO (November 11)
- Atlanta, GA (November 17)
- Chicago, IL (November 19)
- Boston, MA (November 23)
- Washington D.C. (November 25)
Details on sampling locations and timing in each city will be disclosed via Twitter handles @McCafeYourDay and @McDonalds.
McCafe Peppermint Mocha and McCafe Peppermint Hot Chocolate are available nationwide at participating McDonald’s in small (12 oz.), medium (16 oz.) and large (20 oz.) sizes. For more information about the newest McCafe beverages, visit www.mcdonalds.com.
About McDonald’s
McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome food made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and (@McCafeYourDay) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.
SOURCE McDonald’s
McDonald’s® USA Pours a Cup of Holiday Cheer with First-Ever McCafe® Specialty Seasonal Drinks | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.
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