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  <title>Latest Press Releases | Backbone Magazine</title> 
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<title>Trend Micro'What's Your Story?' Video Contest</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P><STRONG>Social network /Internet safety advocates team up for online safety, and a chance to win $10K. </STRONG></P>
<P>OTTAWA, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Trend Micro Inc. (<A href="http://www.google.com/finance?q=TYO:4704" target=_blank>TYO: 4704</A>;<A href="http://us.trendmicro.com/us/about/financeinfo/" target=_blank>TSE: 4704</A>) today announced the third annual "What's Your Story?" an award-winning, user-generated video contest that engages youth to creatively share ideas on safe and responsible technology use.&nbsp; This year's contest boasts new partners and categories, and is designed to reflect the most current issues facing young people today as their lives are increasingly lived online. </P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE class=cnwBorderedTable border=1>
    <TBODY>
        <TR>
            <TD>Canada is one of the most connected countries in the world. According to Statistics Canada, close to 99 percent of teens living in Canada use online tools in their daily lives. </TD>
        </TR>
    </TBODY>
</TABLE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Trend Micro continues to team with leading organizations involved in educating schools, parents, and youth about the safe and responsible use of technology. The 2012 judging panel includes: Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely, Cyberbullying Research Center, Facebook, The Identity Theft Resource Center, Office of the Privacy Commissioner/Ontario, Twitter, The Wireless Foundation, and Yahoo! Safely. </P>
<P>What's Your Story? will award a grand prize of $10,000 to the winning entry, with special categories for schools and individuals who submit entries. For the 2012 contest, Trend Micro is introducing new categories in the U.S. and Canada challenging anyone 13 years and older, (outside of Quebec) including teachers working with their classes, to create videos that offer thoughtful and compelling solutions in the following categories: </P>
<OL>
    <LI>Take action against bullying: How would you help a friend being bullied online?
    <LI>Keep a good rep online: What's the right way to share?
    <LI>Be cell smart: How can someone new to cell phones use it wisely? </LI>
</OL>
<P><B>Supp</B><B>orting quotes</B><BR>
________ </P>
<P><B>Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario,</B> </P>
<P>"As technology continues to evolve, it is more important than ever for young people to understand the importance of protecting their privacy, and their right to control their own personal information. Encouraging youth to create videos for a contest is a wonderful way to spread this message. To that end, my Office recently launched several teacher resource guides to teach students Privacy by Design, and how this can be designed into information technologies, business practices, and networked infrastructure, as the default condition."<BR>
__________ </P>
<P><B>Lynette Owens, director of Trend Micro Internet Safety for Kids &amp; Family</B> </P>
<P>"When 'What's Your Story?' first started, I couldn't imagine the success we would build.&nbsp;On this matter, young people have a lot to say. And they have proven their ability to tackle some pretty difficult topics in smart, thoughtful and creative ways. Their videos have traveled far in educating their peers - from the screens of Times Square to classrooms around the world. I am extremely proud of each and every contestant and I am grateful for our partners, both past and present, who have helped make this possible." </P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<UL>
    <LI>Contest winners will be announced in early May. To learn more about the contest, submit a video, or see past winners, visit <A href="http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com/" target=_blank>http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com</A>
    <LI>Follow updates on the contest on Twitter @WYSContest
    <LI>Today, Trend Micro Ireland and the U.K. are also announcing the 2012 "What's Your Story?" contest </LI>
</UL>
<P><B>About Trend Mic</B><B>ro </B><BR>
Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704;TSE: 4704), a global <A href="http://us.trendmicro.com/us/solutions/enterprise/security-solutions/cloud-journey/index.html" target=_blank>cloud security</A> leader, creates a world safe for exchanging digital information with its Internet content security and threat management solutions for businesses and consumers. </P>
For further information:
<P>Claire M. Tallarico 416-616-9940 </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02071204.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Bell Aliant expands FibreOP&#8482; technology to Greater Sudbury, Ontario</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>GREATER SUDBURY, ON, Feb. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant is bringing its world-class fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network to Greater Sudbury, Ontario, investing $30 million to bring <I>FibreOP</I>&trade; services to 55,000 homes and businesses in the Greater Sudbury area. </P>
<P>"We're excited to bring our future-proof network to Greater Sudbury," said Karen Sheriff, President and CEO, Bell Aliant. "Greater Sudbury is the next logical step for our expansion of <I>FibreOP</I>. It is our third largest market and the largest outside of Atlantic Canada and the extensive aerial infrastructure in Greater Sudbury makes it ideal for FTTH technology. We've learned a lot from a successful build in Atlantic Canada, and the time is right for us to proceed in Sudbury." </P>
<P>Fibre-to-the-home is the most advanced broadband network available with 100 per cent fibre optic technology connected directly to a customer's home. <I>FibreOP </I>can easily handle an array of high-speed data and video services, delivering the best Internet and TV experience in the market. </P>
<P>"We're thrilled that <I>FibreOP</I> is coming to Greater Sudbury" said Mayor Marianne Matichuk. "It's great news that Bell Aliant chose Greater Sudbury for its first <I>FibreOP</I> expansion outside Atlantic Canada, making our community a leader in new technologies and providing our residents with access to the most advanced broadband technology in the world.&nbsp; Greater Sudbury will now have an added edge; making our community even more attractive for new investments." </P>
<P>Greater Sudbury is part of Bell Aliant's operating territory. Through our strategic partnership with Bell, products are marketed under the Bell brand. <I>FibreOP</I> will be marketed as "<I>Bell FibreOP.</I> </P>
<P><I>FibreOP </I>Internet will offer customers blazing fast Internet speeds. These speeds enable customers to not only download music or movies and share video or photos faster than ever before, but also to accommodate the growing need for multiple users within the home. </P>
<P><I>FibreOP TV</I> will provide the ultimate TV experience allowing customers to get everything they are used to and amazing features they won't be able to get anywhere else. </P>
<P align=left>By the end of 2012, Bell Aliant will have invested approximately half a billion dollars to extend FTTH to more than 600,000 homes and businesses. </P>
<P>Bell Aliant was the first in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home, and has been recognized as the best in all of North America for innovation and <A href="http://www.lightwaveonline.com/education/news/Chuck-Hartlen-of-Bell-Aliant-earns-2010-FTTXcellence-Award-103015359.html" target=_blank>leadership</A> in FTTH deployment with the <A href="http://www.corning.com/cablesystems/nafta/en/markets_applications/evolant/fttxcellence.aspx" target=_blank>FTTXcellence Award</A>. </P>
<P>Customers in Greater Sudbury can pre-register for FibreOP service by visiting <A href="http://www.fibreop.ca/" target=_blank cr="true">www.fibreop.ca</A> </P>
<P><B>About Bell Aliant </B></P>
<P>Bell Aliant (TSX: BA) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its <I>FibreOP</I>&trade; services. Through its operating entities it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience. </P>
For further information:
<P>Norma Hughes<BR>
705-648-3443<BR>
1-877-647-3443<BR>
<A href="mailto:norma.hughes@bell.ca" target=_blank>norma.hughes@bell.ca</A> </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02071201.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Ricoh Canada Introduces Toronto Date for 'Ricoh and U' Tour</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Ricoh Canada Inc. ("Ricoh") today announced the addition of a Toronto date to the highly informative "<B>Ricoh and U</B>" tour, currently completing a twelve-city run across North America. </P>
<P align=left>The "<B>Ricoh and U</B>" tour is a powerful education session designed to demystify Managed Document Services (MDS), and help businesses explore and leverage its many advantages.&nbsp;This industry best-practice is dramatically changing the way organizations think about their information, technologies, people and processes &mdash; and is significantly reducing costs and improving efficiencies in the process. </P>
<P align=left>The Toronto session will feature input from recognized industry experts, Ricoh Executive Management, and existing MDS customers who will lend their own real-world experiences to the discussion.&nbsp;Attendees will hear from Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer, Crawford Del Prete - a leading authority on IT from Industry analyst, IDC.&nbsp;In addition, the MDS experience from the customer side will be presented by Richard Sullivan, Associate Partner and Chief Procurement Officer at Deloitte, and by Ron Johnson, Chief Technology Officer from Eastern Health, representing the Finance and Healthcare spaces respectively. </P>
<P align=left>The day's itinerary also includes discussion on general best practices, cloud technologies and mobile printing, technology trends and what it takes to lead transformational change in your organization.&nbsp;The session also underscores MDS as a key corporate strategy, highlighting a Ricoh Company Limited investment of $300 million in MDS over the next three years. </P>
<P align=left>Ideally positioned for senior executives and IT professionals, the "<B>Ricoh and U</B>" tour makes its Toronto stop at 9:00 am on February 16<SUP>th</SUP>, 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Toronto. </P>
<P align=left><B>About Ricoh Canada Inc.</B> </P>
<P align=left>Ricoh Canada Inc., headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricoh Americas Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 75-year old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2010 sales in excess of $23 billion. </P>
<P align=left>Ricoh Canada Inc. is a leading provider of document solutions.&nbsp;Ricoh's fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents. </P>
<P align=left>Information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at <A href="http://www.ricoh.ca/" target=_blank>www.ricoh.ca</A>. </P>
For further information:
<P>Dan Newman<BR>
Ricoh Canada Inc.<BR>
905-795-5788<BR>
<A href="mailto:dan.newman@ricoh.ca" target=_blank>dan.newman@ricoh.ca</A> </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02071202.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Uniiverse launches world's platform for collaborative living</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Uniiverse (<SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><A href="http://www.uniiverse.com/" target=_blank>www.uniiverse.com</A></SPAN>), the platform for collaborative living, launched today, worldwide. </P>
<P>Uniiverse is not a social network.&nbsp; The company is the first online platform to take an offline approach for its users.&nbsp; Doing-away with status updates and virtual friends, Uniiverse is all about trust, the sharing economy, and face-to-face interactions. Watch the manifesto video: <A href="http://uv.rs/A6OYPk" target=_blank>http://uv.rs/A6OYPk</A> </P>
<P>"Uniiverse is the only platform that allows anyone to share any kind of real-life activity or service," says Ben Raffi, CEO &amp; president of Uniiverse. "And it's free to post." </P>
<P>Users can specify what they're offering, the price they charge (could be free), and when it is happening. People can instantly discover, book, and pay for the listing through the website.&nbsp; Uniiverse enables anyone to become an entrepreneur, meet like-minded people, share their passions - and live a smarter, happier, more sustainable lifestyle. Watch the concept video: <A href="http://uv.rs/AfCSNG" target=_blank>http://uv.rs/AfCSNG</A> </P>
<P>The opportunities Uniiverse brings to people are endless: </P>
<UL>
    <LI>Organize a jogging group, tapas party, or yoga session
    <LI>Offer a service such as a photography workshop, language lesson, or a sushi-making class
    <LI>Use your extra time by posting your availability for errand running, babysitting, or pet walking
    <LI>Share your stuff that is rarely used such as a drill, a bike, or a guitar
    <LI>Rent out your space when you're away, or offer your unused parking spot
    <LI>Organize a ride-share to save money on gas, and help the environment </LI>
</UL>
<P>Users are encouraged to rate and review each others' shared experiences.&nbsp; Uniiverse enables people to get a full understanding of each other's trustworthiness by showing social proximity, ratings, reviews, and participation across categories. </P>
<P>"Uniiverse is building the sharing economy, where access and experiences are more important than ownership. This movement will help the environment, global financial issues, and build stronger communities," says Craig Follett, CEO &amp; chairman of Uniiverse. </P>
<P>Through this platform, Uniiverse is resurrecting old marketplace behaviors, such as sharing, on a scale that was never before possible.&nbsp; The company aims to kick-start the sharing revolution. </P>
<P><B>About Uniiverse:</B> </P>
<P>Uniiverse is an online person-to-person marketplace for offline services and activities. With built-in trust features, the platform enables people to safely offer and share their time, interests, belongings, space, and skills with other local people in real life - for free, or to make money. The company's vision is to encourage offline interactions in today's increasingly virtual world and to help people live better, together. The company believes everyone has something unique to offer and share. Uniiverse is based in Toronto, Canada and has operations in Montreal, San Francisco and Boston. The company, founded in Toronto, raised $750,000 in seed round financing in 2011. </P>
<P>Video with caption: "Why are we here? The Uniiverse". Video available at: <A href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLVku4QtD6k" target=_blank>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLVku4QtD6k</A> </P>
<P>Video with caption: "Building the Sharing Economy - How does Uniiverse work?". Video available at: <A href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9CIObFCJeQ" target=_blank>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9CIObFCJeQ</A> </P>
<P>Image with caption: "Screenshot of a user's listing details for swimming lessons posted on Uniiverse (CNW Group/Uniiverse)". Image available at: <A href="http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9736.jpg" target=_blank>http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9736.jpg</A> </P>
<P>Image with caption: "A user's Uniiverse profile, displaying activities and services being hosted, attended, or loved by the user (CNW Group/Uniiverse)". Image available at: <A href="http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9737.jpg" target=_blank>http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9737.jpg</A> </P>
<P>Image with caption: "User's experience - creating a listing on Uniiverse (CNW Group/Uniiverse)". Image available at: <A href="http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9738.jpg" target=_blank>http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9738.jpg</A> </P>
<P>Image with caption: "Uniiverse Logo (CNW Group/Uniiverse)". Image available at: <A href="http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9746.jpg" target=_blank>http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120207_C9959_PHOTO_EN_9746.jpg</A> </P>
For further information:
<P>Jaclyn Klein&nbsp;<BR>
Public Relations Manager&nbsp;<BR>
416-505-6545&nbsp;<BR>
<SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><A href="mailto:press@uniiverse.com" target=_blank>press@uniiverse.com</A></SPAN>&nbsp;<BR>
<SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><A href="http://www.uniiverse.com/press" target=_blank>www.uniiverse.com/press</A></SPAN> </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02071203.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Can Canada Produce its Own Steve Jobs?</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>TORONTO, ONTARIO --(Marketwire - February 03, 2012) - </P>
<DIV class=mw_release>
<P><STRONG>Attention: Business and Technology Editors</STRONG> </P>
<P>In today's economic climate, innovation and competitiveness co-exist as a necessity for survival.&nbsp;Globalization has changed business dynamics and the supply chain, forcing business to make bold changes to how they operate and compete.&nbsp;The ability to be innovative is essential.</P>
<P>Canadian authors, Alexander Bosika and John Thompson, set out to discover if Canada has the right stuff, to compete in the 21<SUP>st</SUP> century.&nbsp;Tracing back to the nation's early historical roots, we discover a surprising range of inventions, which helped catapult Canadian business to significant new levels.&nbsp;</P>
<P>Historically, there's much to be proud for but today's media is unrelenting in its view that Canada has already lost the innovation game.&nbsp;In any general poll, Canadians are lost in naming more than a few innovative firms like Research in Motion, Nortel, and Bombardier.&nbsp;For most Canadians and many trading partners, Canada is still viewed as a resource economy with an increasing dependence on raw materials to fuel its economic growth.&nbsp;</P>
<P>This flies directly against a long history of innovation and resourcefulness forced by Canada's climate, geography, and experience.&nbsp;We've always been highly adaptable because we've had to be.&nbsp;What limits this strength and how do we overcome it?</P>
<P>Will Canada's wealth in future decades thrive on the staples theory, developed by historian Harold Innis in the 1920's, to explain Canada's development as a provider of valuable raw resources.&nbsp;Will we always be 'hewers of wood' and 'drawers of water'?&nbsp;Or will we finally start to play to our true strengths, allowing our economy to thrive with the development of new products or processes?</P>
<P>Canadians are increasingly viewed as a high-skilled labour force with a desirable talent pool but everyone realizes innovation and inventiveness are the key ways to maintaining our standard of living.</P>
<P>"This is a clarion call to Canadians, government and business that we must identify, re-define, and re-focus our energies to the spirit of innovation and inventiveness," said John Thompson.&nbsp;"In a funny way, no one remembers the people behind the idea in the first place, and far too often, others perfect the idea and emerge to rule the day. Sadly, the Canadian media does a terrible job promoting Made-in-Canada ingenuity in technology and other sectors of business," added Alexander Bosika.</P>
<P>Both authors are scheduled to release their "made for Kindle" digital book this year because the message is urgent and there isn't time to wait for the old paradigm publishing models to support their passionate cause.&nbsp;Ironically, a previous Harvard Business Review report by Gary Pisano and Willy Shih describes how Kindle, Amazon's electronic and Android-based reader, could never be developed in North America because the ability to manufacture high-tech components was lost in the 1990's with outsourcing to Asian firms who ultimately moved up the value chain to compete against North American business in the technology sector.</P>
<P>To stay in touch with the authors and to join their Kindle release mailing list, readers can add their email address at <A href="http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=11G000910-001&amp;id=1228855&amp;type=0&amp;url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.canadiancrunch.com%2f" target=_blank>www.CanadianCrunch.com</A>.&nbsp;Alexander Bosika, through his corporation, owns the domain with plans to expand its mandate to ultimately benefit the Canadian technology sector in the future.</P>
<P><STRONG>About Alexander S. Bosika</STRONG> </P>
<P>Alexander S. Bosika is co-founder of Canada's largest mobile industry networking association, MobileMondayToronto.com, which held its first monthly meeting in June 2006, with attendance totaling 300+ industry members each month and receives financial support from Research in Motion, Windows Phone, Nokia, WIND, Mobilicity, Public Mobile and many others. He currently consults for Admeris Payment Systems Inc., a leading mobile payments platform provider to telecom, integrators, charitable organizations, retail, and brand advertisers.&nbsp;With more than a decade of technology sector experience, he is a champion of Canadian innovation and technology and is excited to co-author his first book on a subject close to his heart.</P>
<P><STRONG>About John Thompson</STRONG> </P>
<P>The son of an RCAF physicist, he studied history in university and combines 13 years of military service with 27 years inside the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies and the Mackenzie Institute.&nbsp;A highly skilled writer and commentator, he has also been involved in strategic reviews of various Canadian institutions and industries over the past 20 years, from the fur trade and agriculture to advanced medical research.</P>
<P>He is also the author of "Spirit over Steel:&nbsp;A Chronology of the Second World War", published on Kindle last December and has two other books underway currentlContact Information<BR>
<BR>
Alexander S. Bosika<BR>
Ronin Consulting Inc.<BR>
(647) 781-4005<BR>
<A href="mailto:alexb@windmobile.blackberry.com">alexb@windmobile.blackberry.com</A><BR>
Twitter: @abosika, @momotoronto<BR>
<BR>
John Thompson<BR>
(416) 346-8552<BR>
<A href="mailto:johnecthompson@rogers.blackberry.net">johnecthompson@rogers.blackberry.net</A></P>
</DIV>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02061201.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Microsoft looking to Canadian students to help solve world's toughest problems</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Microsoft Canada is challenging Canadian high school and post-secondary students to <I>imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems</I> during the <A href="http://www.microsoft.ca/imaginecup" target=_blank>Imagine Cup Canada 2012</A>. Registration is now open for this global competition which requires students to creatively use technology to solve real-world problems. </P>
<P align=left>Students can register for Imagine Cup Canada 2012 at <A href="http://www.microsoft.ca/imaginecup" target=_blank>www.microsoft.ca/imaginecup</A> to compete in one of two Canadian platform categories: <A href="http://www.microsoft.ca/imaginecup" target=_blank>Windows Phone 7 Game Design</A>, registration closes February 14; and <A href="http://www.microsoft.ca/imaginecup" target=_blank>Software Design</A>, registration closes March 13. Microsoft will fly the top three teams from each category to Toronto for the Canadian Finals.&nbsp; The winning Software Design team in Canada and the top 10 international finalists in the Game Design category will then be flown to compete in the Worldwide Finals in Sydney, Australia this July.</P>
<P>"The Imagine Cup is a global competition that empowers and inspires passion and idealism in students and encourages them to apply classroom learning to solve real-world problems," said Gladstone Grant, Vice President, Developer &amp; Platform Group, Microsoft Canada Inc.&nbsp; "Microsoft is proud to support our Canadian students through this annual competition which cultivates a spirit of social and technological entrepreneurialism."&nbsp; </P>
<P>By participating in the Imagine Cup 2012, students have the chance to learn new technological skills and win cash, grants and prizes.&nbsp; They also have the opportunity to network with peers, pursue career opportunities and test themselves against the brightest students from around the world.&nbsp; Last year, more than 350,000 students representing 183 countries and regions entered the competition. </P>
<P>"Competing in the Imagine Cup is a unique experience that offers students the opportunity to creatively apply classroom learning to real-world problems, while pushing the envelope to create ideas never thought of before," said William Hoang, Engineer Team Lead on team Bamboo &amp; Papyrus: embedded software design, 1st place finalist Imagine Cup Canada 2009.&nbsp; "At the same time, students gain valuable technical skills and learn how to overcome challenges while building friendships and gaining real-world experience. Imagine Cup Canada is an unforgettable experience for any student." </P>
<P>For inspiration, students can review some of the world's most challenging social issues as identified within the <A href="http://staging.ic12.fasttrackteam.com/Downloads/DownloadableDocuments/UN%20MDG%20PDF/United_Nations_MDGs.pdf" target=_blank>United Nations' Millennium Development Goals</A>. From designing mobile healthcare applications to enabling access to quality education for all children and creating mobile games that teach youth disease prevention or environmental sustainability, young social innovators are using technology to make a difference in the life of people around the world and in their own communities. Canadian students can also enter to compete globally in additional categories as identified on the global <A href="http://www.imaginecup.com/CompetitionsContent/GetStarted.aspx" target=_blank>Imagine Cup website</A>. </P>
<P>Every student team has the opportunity to engage a mentor - someone to inspire them, answer their questions and guide them through the competition.&nbsp; Mentors can be faculty members from the students' schools or industry experts who wish to support the next generation of student developers.&nbsp; More details on mentorship can be found on the <A href="http://www.microsoft.ca/imaginecup" target=_blank>Canadian Imagine Cup website</A>.&nbsp;&nbsp; </P>
<P><B>About the Imagine Cup </B><BR>
The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world's premier student technology competition.&nbsp; Eligible students from around the world are invited to use their imagination and passion to create a technology solution that addresses the Imagine Cup 2012 theme: <I>Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problem.&nbsp; </I>In ten years, the Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly global competition focused on finding solutions to real-world problems. Since 2003, more than 1.4 million students have participated in the Imagine Cup with 358,000 students representing 183 countries and regions registering for the Imagine Cup 2011 competition. This year, the Imagine Cup 2012 Worldwide Finals take place in Sydney, Australia in July. </P>
<P align=left><B>About Microsoft Canada </B><BR>
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit <A href="http://www.microsoft.ca/" target=_blank>www.microsoft.ca</A>.&nbsp; </P>
For further information:
<P><B>For media inquiries, please c</B><B>ontact:&nbsp;</B><BR>
Livy Feldgajer, High Road Communications<BR>
416-644-2280 or&nbsp;<A href="mailto:livy.feldgajer@highroad.com" target=_blank>livy.feldgajer@highroad.com</A> </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02061202.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Let's draw on our strengths&#8230; to maintain our quality of life</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Quebec premier Jean Charest, accompanied by Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade minister Sam Hamad and Employment and Social Solidarity minister Julie Boulet, will be meeting today with the Council of Economic Partners and the Commission des partenaires du march&eacute; du travail to discuss Quebec's economic and employment situation. In advance of this joint meeting, here is a statement by Quebec Employers Council president Yves-Thomas Dorval: </P>
<P align=justify>&laquo; <I>Quebec premier Jean Charest recently began conducting a series of meetings with economic "watch teams" that have been set up in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.&nbsp; The aim of this initiative is to enable him to bring the government's various partners, including the Quebec Employers Council, up to date on the economic and employment situation and identify the economic opportunities for Quebec to seize in 2012.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I>This issue should most definitely be at the core of the 2012-13 budget plan that Quebec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand will be tabling in the next few weeks.&nbsp; The government will need to make some strategic choices among the many legitimate demands of the various societal groups according to the priorities Quebecers hold dear, whether they are education, transportation, culture or the environment.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I>In the short term, if the government wants to maintain a proper safety net for all Quebecers, it will have no choice but to refocus its actions if it hopes to have the required room to man&oelig;uvre to fulfill the missions it deems essential. Quebecers' disposable-income pie is indeed limited; it would be irresponsible to ask citizens and businesses to provide a greater effort to fund new government initiatives without ending other programs in return.&nbsp;&nbsp; But in the longer term, it is clear that if Quebec society wants to preserve its generous social programs, the government will have to put the conditions in place to foster the growth of this economic pie, thereby allowing every Quebecer to prosper, so they can continue to enjoy their enviable quality of life.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I><B>Quebec, a society that draws strength from its distinctive nature </B></I></P>
<P align=justify><I>Every analyst has noted: the province of Quebec came though the last economic crisis that began in 2008 in relatively good shape in relation to other world economies. This fact is undoubtedly due in large measure to the diversity of its economy and its vast infrastructure program.&nbsp; Now that the situation seems to have returned to "normal", and some governments have caught up to and even surpassed us, it is time to fully tap into the many assets we benefit from as a society, including our abundant natural resources, our enviable geopolitical position, our top-notch institutions and human resources, our peaceful social climate, our unmatched quality of life, our many economic development centres, our highly regarded creativity and our unique culture.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I>These are all tangible assets in which we can take pride, as I have had the opportunity of mentioning in many speaking forums over the last few months.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I><B>Major challenges for a sustainable prosperity&nbsp; </B></I></P>
<P align=justify><I>This definite quality of life which Quebecers enjoy should not, however, let us be lulled into a smug indifference. The Quebec Employers Council believes there are many challenges that call for an evolution of our subsistent collective values so that Quebec society can aspire to greater prosperity.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I>Among the issues that should provide all Quebecers with something to ponder, a better balance between the enjoyment of life, which we all want to preserve, and the sense of responsibility required to maintain our standard of living, seems essential, as does a more positive perception of success and wealth. A change in this regard has to start by a greater openness to economic development, better collective support to bold new initiatives and higher risk tolerance, but from a sustainable development perspective. In other words, banding together to determine the conditions that are needed to see projects to fruition rather than combining forces in an effort to derail them.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I>As a society we should also encourage more entrepreneurship, the primary engine of economic growth, and innovation, which enables us to better compete in a sustainable manner. On this issue, we believe restructuring can be done to some of the government's financial aid programs, without adding more money, to support a range of innovative initiatives. These include developing the added value of a product or service, investing in productivity improvement in the area of equipment, process, work organization and continuing education, and supporting enhanced commercialization in lead markets.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I>These are the challenges we are putting forth&nbsp; to Quebecers for the coming years, so that we can fulfill our dreams and collective aspirations, and advance a Quebec model where there is a better balance between enjoyment of life and responsibility, a model that could then be recognized and admired worldwide, starting by right here at home.</I> </P>
<P align=justify><I><B>Yves-Thomas Dorval</B></I><BR font-style="italic">
<I><B>President</B></I><BR font-style="italic">
<I><B>Quebec Employers Council </B></I>&raquo; </P>
<P align=left><B>The Quebec Empl</B><B>oyers Council brings together many of Qu&eacute;bec's largest companies and the vast majority of sector-based employers' groups, making it Qu&eacute;bec's sole employer federation.</B> </P>
<BR>
For further information:
<P>and interviews:<B>&nbsp;</B><BR>
<B>Patrick Lemieux&nbsp;</B><BR>
Consultant - Communications<BR>
Cell.: 438&nbsp;886 9804 </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02061203.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Manitoba Telecom Services Inc to hold Investor Day and 2012 Outlook Event</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>WINNIPEG, Feb. 3, 2012 /CNW/ -<B><I> </I></B>Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS&nbsp;Allstream), including its two operating divisions MTS and Allstream, announces that it will host an Investor Day &amp; 2012 Outlook Event on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. ET. Participating in the event will be Pierre Blouin, Chief Executive Officer; Wayne Demkey, Chief Financial Officer; Mike Strople, Chief Technology Officer; Kelvin Shepherd, President of MTS; Stan Kurtas, Vice President Marketing, MTS; Dean Prevost, President of Allstream; and Jim DeMerlis, Vice President Marketing, Allstream. </P>
<P align=left>A live webcast of the event will also be available to investors, media and the public. The webcast can be accessed at <A href="http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/custom_events/mts-20120210/site/" target=_blank>http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/custom_events/mts-20120210/site/</A>. An archive of the webcast will be available until midnight on February 10, 2013. </P>
<P><B>Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS Allstream) </B></P>
<P>MTS Allstream is one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, providing innovative communications for the way Canadians live and work today. The company has more than 100 years of experience, with 5,500 employees across Canada. MTS Allstream's business is dynamic and consists of two operating divisions.&nbsp; In Manitoba, MTS is the leading full-service telecommunications provider for residential and business customers. MTS's suite of services include the latest in wireless technology, broadband services, IPTV, voice services, home security, and an extensive range of business solutions. Across Canada, Allstream is a leader in IP communications and is the only national provider that focuses exclusively on the business telecommunications market. MTS&nbsp;Allstream has nearly two million customer connections spanning business customers across Canada and residential consumers throughout the province of Manitoba. The company's extensive national fibre optic network spans more than 30,000 kilometres. MTS Allstream has spent 11 consecutive years on the Jantzi Social Index for leadership in social responsibility and is the recipient of the 2011 Governance Gavel Award from the Canadian Coalition of Good Governance, recognizing clear and effective public disclosure and leading governance practices. MTS Allstream's common shares are listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). &nbsp;Customers, stakeholders and investors who want to learn more about MTS Allstream are encouraged to visit: <A href="http://www.mtsallstream.com/" target=_blank>www.mtsallstream.com</A>. &nbsp;For more information about MTS's products and services, please visit <A href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/915687/www.mts.ca" target=_blank><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">www.mts.ca</SPAN></A>. For more information about Allstream's products and services, please visit <A href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/915687/www.allstream.com" target=_blank><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">www.allstream.com</SPAN></A>. </P>
<P align=left>&nbsp; </P>
For further information:
<TABLE border=0>
    <TBODY>
        <TR vAlign=top>
            <TD><B>Investors:</B><BR>
            Paul Peters<BR>
            Vice-President Tax and Investor Relations<BR>
            Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.<BR>
            (204) 941-6178<B>&nbsp;</B><BR>
            <A href="mailto:investor.relations@mtsallstream.com" target=_blank font-weight="bold">investor.relations@mtsallstream.com</A><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;</B> </TD>
            <TD>&nbsp; </TD>
            <TD>&nbsp; </TD>
            <TD>&nbsp; </TD>
            <TD>&nbsp; </TD>
            <TD><B>Medi</B><B>a:</B><BR>
            Selena Hinds<BR>
            Director Corporate Communications &amp; Community<BR>
            Investment<BR>
            Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.<BR>
            (416) 345-3576 or<BR>
            (204) 941-8576<B>&nbsp;</B><BR>
            </TD>
        </TR>
    </TBODY>
</TABLE>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02031201.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>2012 National Infrastructure Summit - Register Today</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>REGINA, <SPAN class=xn-chron>Feb. 2, 2012</SPAN> /CNW/ - Registration for the 2012 National Infrastructure Summit, occurring <SPAN class=xn-chron>September 10</SPAN> to 12, 2012 in Regina, has officially opened. With attendance at the 2011 Summit reaching 350 delegates, and with 94% of attendees surveyed stating they will be returning to the 2012 Summit, now is the time to register for the early bird discounted rate. </P>
<P>As planning continues for the 2012 Summit, new and exciting features are being added, including presentations on how municipalities can become "Smart Cities", using real time data which enables decision-makers to resolve issues on a more proactive basis with fewer service disruptions. </P>
<P>Also featured is the Morph My City Challenge, launched earlier this month. Divided into two prizes, the challenge invites teams to submit long-term, step-by-step designs, using an undeveloped Regina green space or canola field (Greenfield Prize) and an existing Regina neighbourhood (2040 Prize), and morphing them into innovative, long-term, sustainable urban neighbourhoods. </P>
<P>"We have received an overwhelming response to the competition, which only recently opened. Over 2500 interested parties from over 75 countries have expressed interest in the competition, which is sure to deliver innovative, global and unique submissions," said City of Regina Councillor and Summit Chair, Mike O'Donnell. </P>
<P>Also featured will be practical approaches in the areas of innovation, citizen engagement, discussions on balancing levels of service with public expectations, and how to finance and create program models that meet infrastructure needs. The 2012 Summit will also offer an Invitational Innovative Showcase, allowing private sector companies to demonstrate innovative products to municipal decision-makers. </P>
<P>"While progress on the infrastructure file has occurred by all orders of government in the last decade, there is much more work that needs to be done. The 2012 Summit offers the opportunity to continue the collaborative efforts required to better prepare municipalities for 21<SUP><FONT size=2>st</FONT></SUP> Century challenges and opportunities," <SPAN class=xn-person>Mayor Pat Fiacco</SPAN> said. "We encourage all infrastructure partners and stakeholders to attend the 2012 National Infrastructure Summit; an opportunity to become involved in creating the change that innovation and growth brings." </P>
<P>For further information, please visit the Summit website at <A href="http://www.nisummit2012.ca/" target=_blank>www.nisummit2012.ca</A>. </P>
<P><I>News Releases are available at </I><A href="http://regina.ca/" target=_blank cr="true"><I><B>Regina.ca</B></I></A> </P>
<BR>
For further information:
<P></P>
<P>Media contact only: </P>
<P>Desirae Bernreuther<BR>
Communications Branch<BR>
777-7486 </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02021201.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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<title>Robert Herjavec to headline national event on the future of the Internet in Canada</title>
<description><![CDATA[<HTMLCOPY><P>OTTAWA, Feb. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Well-known Canadian entrepreneur, author and star of CBC's the Dragons' Den and ABC's Shark Tank Robert Herjavec will deliver the keynote presentation at the 2012 Canadian Internet Forum (CIF) in Ottawa on February 27, 2012. </P>
<P>"As one of Canada's leading Internet entrepreneurs, Robert Herjavec lives the business of the Internet," said Byron Holland, President and CEO of the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA). "He is in a great position to provide real world insight into the role the Internet plays in the lives of Canadians." </P>
<P>Herjavec's keynote presentation will follow a panel of leading Canadian experts discussing the future of the Internet in Canada. Confirmed panellists include: </P>
<UL>
    <LI>Michael Geist, University of Ottawa </LI>
    <LI>Steve Anderson, OpenMedia </LI>
    <LI>Fr&eacute;d&eacute;rick Gaudreau, S&ucirc;ret&eacute; du Qu&eacute;bec </LI>
    <LI>Bill Graham, Internet Society </LI>
</UL>
<P>At the CIF, CIRA will present findings from a three-month online dialogue with Canadians about the development of the Internet.&nbsp; Hot topics among Canadians included digital literacy, security and safety, access/cost, digital economy, policy and governance, and technology and regulation.&nbsp; Canadians have until February 13, 2012 to participate in this online discussion forum at <A href="http://cif.cira.ca/" target=_blank>cif.cira.ca</A>. </P>
<P>The results of the online discussion forum and the national event will be presented this fall to the United Nations-coordinated Internet Governance Forum, a venue for nations to discuss the future of the Internet. </P>
<P>The agenda for the CIF is available here: <A href="http://cif.cira.ca/en/page/agenda" target=_blank>http://cif.cira.ca/en/page/agenda</A>. Details are as follows: </P>
<P><B>Ev</B><B>ent:</B> Canadian Internet Forum<BR>
<B>Time and Date:</B> 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., February 27, 2012<BR>
<B>Location:</B> Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa </P>
<P>Registration (<A href="http://www.regonline.ca/builder/site/default.aspx?EventID=1049659" target=_blank>http://www.regonline.ca/builder/site/default.aspx?EventID=1049659</A>) is free and the event will be webcast in English and French to facilitate the interactive participation of all Canadians who are interested in Canada's role in Internet governance. Details on the webcast are available here: <A href="http://www.regonline.ca/builder/site/tab3.aspx?EventID=1049659" target=_blank>http://www.regonline.ca/builder/site/tab3.aspx?EventID=1049659</A>. </P>
<P>For updates on the CIF, please visit <A href="http://cif.cira.ca/" target=_blank>cif.cira.ca</A>. </P>
<P align=center>&nbsp;</P>
<P align=left><B>About </B><B>CIRA</B><BR>
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is the organization that manages Canada's .CA domain name registry, develops and implements policies that support Canada's Internet community and represents the .CA registry internationally. </P>
<P>For further information: </P>
<P>or to arrange media interviews with the event speakers, please contact:<BR>
Tanya O'Callaghan<BR>
Communications Manager<BR>
(613) 237-5335 ext. 262<BR>
<A href="mailto:tanya.ocallaghan@cira.ca" target=_blank cr="true">tanya.ocallaghan@cira.ca</A> </P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.backbonemag.com/Press-Releases/pressreleases02021202.aspx</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 12 08:00:00 UT</pubDate>
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