Village Gamer

Business management software developer Pronto Software today introduced the new PRONTO-Xi Dimensions, an innovative product that brings together ERP transactions and BI Analytics in a unified, out-of-the-box solution.

Launched at Pronto Software’s customer conference in Toronto, PRONTO-Xi Dimensions is the ‘next generation’ smart ERP solution that will transform the way businesses work and receive information. Quick to implement and easy to use, the new release responds to key market needs including instant insight into business performance for faster, smarter decision making for all employees.

Embedding the powerful IBM Cognos BI suite, PRONTO-Xi Dimensions enables mid-market businesses to manage large volumes of data and access real time analytics to understand key business drivers and influence business outcomes.

“We’re pleased to be working with Pronto Software to unveil the PRONTO-Xi Dimensions release to the North American market,” said Kevin Schell, General Manager, PSA Inc. “The business insight that PRONTO-Xi Dimensions provides will allow our customers to accelerate in their industries through unmatched Cognos 10 reporting and embedded Business Intelligence.”

“There is no ERP package more comprehensive in the market that can handle the industry demands of manufacturing, distribution, field service and retail, and with the addition of Cognos 10, PRONTO-Xi Dimensions is certain to hit the market running,” Schell added.

“When planning for this release more than 18 months ago, we envisioned a product that’s not just a logical extension of the success we’ve built so far, but a game-changing solution that will make our ERP engine smarter and create greater access to knowledge, to enable customers to innovate and differentiate,” said Pronto Software Managing Director David Jackman. Read the rest of this entry »

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has released statistical and financial information on Canadian television showing increased profits for all services for the broadcast year ending August 31, 2010.  The data includes information from conventional television stations and specialty, pay and pay-per-view television services, as well as video-on-demand services (pay and specialty services).

Conventional Television – Statistical and Financial Summaries 2006-2010
Pay Television, Pay-Per-View, Video-On-Demand and Specialty Services – Statistical and Financial Summaries 2006-2010

Revenues for private conventional television grew by 9% from $1.97 billion in 2009 to approximately $2.15 billion in 2010. Expenses during the same period increased by 1.7% from $2.01 billion in 2009 to $2.05 billion in 2010.  As a result, profits before interest and taxes (PBIT) improved significantly from a deficit of $116.6 million in 2009 to a profit of $11.5 million in 2010 for a PBIT margin of 0.5%.

Revenues for pay and specialty services grew by 11.1 % from $3.11 billion in 2009 to approximately $3.46 billion in 2010.  Expenses during the same period were 8.1% higher, going from $2.31 billion to $2.49 billion.  Therefore, PBIT for pay and specialty services improved from $728.6 million in 2009 to $877.3 million in 2010 for a PBIT margin of 25.4%.

The total revenues of $2.15 billion for private conventional television were generated from the following sources:

• $350 million in local advertising,
• $1.6 billion from national advertising,
• $65.9 million from the Local Programming Improvement Fund, and
• $117.9 million from other sources.

The total revenues of $3.5 billion for pay and specialty services were generated from the following sources:

• $1.58 billion from cable television subscribers
• $668 million from direct-to-home satellite subscribers
• $1.09 billion from national advertising
• $19.6 million from local advertising, and
• $99.9 million from other sources.

After stagnating in 2009, investment in Canadian programming increased by 12.6% for private conventional television and 8.8% for pay and specialty services.

Private conventional television spending on Canadian programming totalled $696.3 million, including $304.6 million on news programs, $50.9 million on documentaries and other information programs, $141 million on sports programming, $85.5 million on drama and $21.7 million on musical and variety shows.

Pay and specialty services spending on Canadian programming totalled $1.12 billion, including $179.6 million on news programs, $258.4 million on documentaries and other information programs, $353.2 million on sports programming, $143.6 million on drama, and $42.4 million on musical and variety shows.

In 2010, these sectors of the broadcasting industry employed 11,761 people and paid a total of $925.3 million in salaries. Private conventional television experienced a workforce decrease of 6.3% in 2010, while the pay and specialty services workforce remained relatively stable. Read the rest of this entry »

Vancouver Canucks super fans Force and Sully, collectively known as The Green Men, aim to kick their antics up a notch. The Green Men will be announcing their special plans for the upcoming Stanley Cup Finals between the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins, answering questions, and leading a Canuck fan rally in downtown Vancouver this Friday (June 3rd), at the UBC Robson Square Skating Rink.

Find out what the spandexed duo are up to as they continue their campaign to rattle the Canuck’s competition and reveal their latest strategy to unsettle the Boston Bruins whey they make their announcement at 11:45am.

The Green Men Fan Rally will begin at 12 noon, running until 1:00pm. The Robson Square Skating Rink is located underground at the Robson Square Plaza, 800 Robson Street in Vancouver. The next game in the 2011 Stanley Cup Play-offs is at 5pm on Saturday, June 4th at Rogers Arena.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wri0oYiKx0c]

Nintendo Canada has announced that the first major system update for the hand-held Nintendo 3DS™ system will be available in North America the evening of June 6, Pacific time. By installing the free update via a wireless broadband Internet connection, Nintendo 3DS users will have access to an Internet browser and the Nintendo eShop, which contains a variety of new content, including Pokédex™ 3D, an application that lets fans see Pokémon™ characters in 3D.

To celebrate the grand opening of the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo is offering the NES™ game Excitebike™ re-mastered in 3D as a free download until July 7 for anyone who installs the system update. Upcoming Virtual Console™ content available in the Nintendo eShop includes Game Boy™ games Super Mario Land™, Alleyway™ and Radar Mission™. New content will be added to the Nintendo eShop on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a digital store for Nintendo 3DS owners that provides access to a wide variety of downloadable content, such as original 3D software, classic games that have been re-mastered in 3D called 3D Classics, Game Boy and Game Boy Color “Virtual Console” games in their original 2D glory, and more than 350 Nintendo DSiWare™ games. Visitors can also view video game trailers, screen shots and product information for games, including those available at retail locations.

Within the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo 3DS users will also be able to download the free Pokédex 3D application and start collecting data for more than 150 Pokémon from the Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version games. This new application lets users view each Pokémon in 3D with animated motion and sound. The Pokémon image can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing users to zoom in and view it from any angle. The detailed Pokédex also allows users to search, sort and filter all of the data they receive in a variety of ways, making it the essential guide for Pokémon fans. Players can complete their Pokédex by sharing data with friends and using the SpotPass™ feature, or by scanning special Pokémon AR Markers (augmented-reality markers). Once users have received data for a Pokémon, the AR Viewer allows them to view that Pokémon image in a real-world setting in real time, and create photos to share with friends.

“The Nintendo 3DS system is constantly evolving and growing,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “The Nintendo eShop is a one-stop resource for a broad range of Nintendo information and downloadable games and applications. It expands the Nintendo 3DS experience with new and entertaining content.”

Other capabilities that go live with the system update include a free Internet browser that has the capability to show 3D images on sites specifically designed to show 3D images. The browser can also be used during game play. Users can stop their Nintendo 3DS game and go to the browser by pressing the Home button and then resume their game when they are finished browsing.

The system update also gives Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ system owners the ability to easily transfer most of their previously downloaded Nintendo DSiWare™ games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

In the near future, users will be able to download a free application for a short-form video service that will enable them to view specially selected video content, including 3D movie trailers, comedy clips and music videos automatically received when the SpotPass feature is activated.

To install the recommended system update, Nintendo 3DS users can simply start the “System Settings” from the Home Menu, select “Other Settings” and scroll the page right to select “System Update.” Remember that the Nintendo 3DS system features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.

The Insurance Corporation of BC has launched an app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, that lets new drivers practice the driving knowledge test before taking the real test. The ICBC licensing mobile practice knowledge test can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and also includes the complete Learn to Drive Smart guide, all driver licensing locations, and selected videos that are aimed at helping new drivers prepare for their test and be safe on our roads.

“Our customers have told us that they want more options from us that better connect with their lifestyle,” said Fred Hess, ICBC’s vice president of driver licensing. “Getting your first licence is an exciting time but it can also be an intimidating process. We believe this app will make it easier to practice, which we hope calms nerves and helps new drivers focus on learning to make smart driving decisions.”

The practice knowledge test app randomly generates 25 questions to replicate the real test, including how to successfully make a right-turn, drive in school zones, watch out for vulnerable road users and handle a vehicle that skids and loses control. Customers who score 100 per cent on a practice test are rewarded by unlocking bonus video content.

The app also includes a series of videos that help new drivers develop their skills on the road, including tips on passing the road test, how to adjust your speed relative to conditions and intersection safety. The app also identifies the driver licensing centre locations nearest to the customer, shows them how to get there, hours of operation and contact number.

“Our online practice knowledge test has proved extremely popular in improving our customer experience for new drivers and this app will offer another easy and convenient choice for them,” said ICBC’s chief customer and marketing officer, Jeff Schulz. “They can even share their practice test results with friends via Facebook, Twitter or email.”

Toronto’s XMG Studios is looking for young people who would like to get involved in its just-launched Gaming Advisory Board. The Board is a panel of kids from around the world who assist the Toronto-based mobile video game studio in testing their games, reporting on trends, squashing in-game bugs, and even having the opportunity to learn how to make their very own video games.

Those accepted into the Gaming Advisory Board program will gain a rewarding experience in the emerging app economy. Equally important, GAB members will see their feedback touch millions of XMG game users around the World. Parental controls for supervision as well as a monitored exclusive GAB community will provide a safe forum for members to discuss their gaming experiences. In true gaming fashion the member with the highest amount of points at the end of the month, awarded for participating, will win a prize.

“GAB is an amazing opportunity for kids to give real-time feedback into the game development process,” says Ray Sharma, Founder and CEO of XMG Studio. “Through the GAB we also hope to continue supporting community and provide members with an amazing experience. GAB members will get a chance to be part of something unique in an exciting industry and for many of the participants, the two most important perks will be bragging rights and a great start to their resume.” Ultimately, GAB inspires to create future business leaders and tech savvy individuals that will take charge in growing healthy economies around the globe.

The Gaming Advisory Board currently has members across North America, including Toronto, New York, LA, Chicago, Dallas, and San Diego however expansion overseas is the next target. Those interested can apply online.

The BC Technology Industry Association has announced that Bill Tam has been appointed as the new President and CEO, effective July 1, 2011. Bill will take over from outgoing President and CEO, Pascal Spothelfer, who will be returning to industry.

Bill’s career has taken him across Canada and into the United States, serving as CEO of EQO Communications in Vancouver, a Venture Partner at SpringBank TechVentures in Calgary, VP Business Development at AT&T Canada, VP of Product Strategy and Marketing at MetroNet, in addition to executive roles at Rogers Telecom in Toronto and Bell Canada in Toronto and Denver, Colorado. Over the past several years, Mr. Tam has been actively involved in growth initiatives with a successful history of building and launching new businesses in the software, e-commerce, Internet, and telecommunications sectors.

Bill joined the BCTIA Centre4Growth as one of the first CEOs-in-Residence and for the past ten months has been a committed member of the team. Bill currently coaches over 40 tech entrepreneurs, and is a key contributor to the success of the Centre4Growth program.

“The BCTIA Board of Directors is very pleased to appoint Bill Tam to lead our organization. Bill is a seasoned technology executive who possesses the management experience, strategic thinking, and drive to leverage the good work that has been accomplished at the BCTIA over the past years.” said Paul Gorton, Chair of the BCTIA Board of Directors.

“As both a corporate executive and a tech company founder, Bill understands the challenges that technology companies of all sizes face every day. This will allow him to be a very strong advocate for our industry, and an effective builder of a stronger, more cohesive technology community in British Columbia. His current contributions through Centre4Growth reflect his recognition that building industry capacity is critical to our success,” added Gorton. Read the rest of this entry »

Big Blue Bubble, Inc. is excited to announce that they are burning their way onto Android and Nokia devices. Their smash hit mobile title Burn the Rope is finally available on Android and you can get it exclusively for one week at GetJar.  The good news doesn’t stop there, because Burn the Rope is also now available now for Symbian platforms on the Nokia Ovi Store.

The critically-acclaimed best selling Burn the Rope is a puzzle adventure where the goal is as simple as it is addictive: burn as much rope as possible. Release your inner arsonist and ignite your way through over 100 delightful levels, with new user generated puzzles every day. Get involved and submit your very own puzzle to be featured in Puzzle of the Day.

A tap is all you need to get your flame burning. Remember fire always burns up, so you must rotate your device to make sure your flame keeps flickering, which is not always as easy as it seems. Packed with exploding bugs, bonus levels, and non-stop pyro action, Burn the Rope will make you think, strategize and try puzzles over and over until you burn every last rope fibre. This challenging and addicting game will keep your fires burning for hours, because while it’s easy to play, it’s  not so easy to master.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCj9HorjsG8]

St. John’s eLearning developer Bluedrop has been awarded the contract to provide the Hercules Observer Trainer (HOT) to the Australian Department of Defence. This project will see Bluedrop and its partners build and deliver the Hercules Observer Trainer (HOT) training device for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) by the end of June 2011. The contract is worth approximately $1M CAD. The HOT will help the loadmaster aboard the Hercules to learn how to better spot and deal with Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) threats as the Hercules is operating in hostile territory. The system has been successfully used for since 2008 at CFB Trenton by 426 Transport Training Squadron. This contract is being completed in partnership with Gladstone Systems Solutions (GSS), also based in St. John’s.

The HOT system is based on DRDC’s VirtualScan technology. It is comprised of a Trainee Station; an Instructor Operating Station (IOS); and a synthetic environment that includes a visual database and a threat generator. Hercules fleets experience ground threats to aircraft from Surface-to-Air Missiles and anti-aircraft fire. Although the aircraft are fitted with defence systems, these are dependent on sufficient early warning of the threat for the defence systems to be deployed in time to be effective during flights. Non-flying aircrew, such as loadmasters and flight engineers, provide early warning while observing the ground from side observation windows.

A HOT simulation system maximizes the ability of aircraft crew members to provide timely warning of external threats to the aircraft captain, thus enhancing the aircraft’s survivability in a hostile environment. The system is so intuitive and effective that in a recent study, trainee loadmasters were at the same level of effectiveness at threat detection within two lesson plans, as that found with experienced loadmasters with significant experience.

Before the HOT, the training was provided in a live environment and the threat reporting was practised during live flight under the supervision of an experienced loadmaster against imaginary threats. This was a very expensive and inefficient way of conducting that training. The HOT provides a cost-effective way to provide real-time training that is easily re-deployable to meet training needs in a variety of locations.

“The HOT will help Hercules aircrews better detect and respond to any threats to the aircraft from the ground. We are confident that DRDC’s VirtualScan technology will hold great promise for efficiently and inexpensively addressing threat avoidance training as well as for Search and Rescue training,” said Emad Rizkalla, Bluedrop President and CEO. “We are pleased to be expanding our focus to Australia and are already engaging with several potential global clients in the Hercules and Search and Rescue community.”

Ontario record management company, MES Hybrid Document Systems, Inc., is pleased to announce the launch of Digital ReeL, a cost-effective microfilm scanning solution that emulates traditional microfilm reader printers for high operator acceptance and accessibility.

Digital ReeL is a complete microfilm conversion solution that creates a digital replica of original microfilm or microfiche. This conversion solution includes a software application that emulates traditional microfilm reader printers and allows users to retrieve digital microfilm rolls from a PC workstation. Additionally, this software application allows users to avoid the hassles that are commonly associated with traditional reader printers.

“If you have a substantial microfilm archive, you’re most likely already spending a lot of money – from readers and reader-printers, to their annual maintenance and ultimate replacement cost – the expenses adds up quickly,”said Kevin D’Arcy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of MES Hybrid Document Systems. “Digital ReeL allows you to convert your substantial library of microfilm to an easy-to-use, digital PC platform, at breakthrough pricing. Plus, it comes from MES Hybrid Document Systems – a leader in quality record management solutions since 1971.”

MES Hybrid Document Systems Inc. has been successfully supplying and supporting document scanning solutions in public and private organizations across Canada since 1971. MES provides document management solutions to improve business processes, reduce paper-based tasks and focus key knowledge workers.