Village Gamer

Supply chain execution software solutions provider Accellos announced today that it will be holding a Summer Conference single day event in Toronto, along with stops at Newark, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta.

Accellos Visions 2011 is designed to give supply chain professionals across North America the opportunity to join in educational sessions, networking opportunities and engaging dialogue with Accellos experts, customers and partners like Microsoft and Psion Teklogix. The event provides a forum for attendees to spend time face-to-face with their Accellos team, meet new colleagues with similar business interests in their area and industry, and learn how to drive even greater returns from current and future Accellos solutions.

The daily agenda (PDF) includes educational sessions covering topics meaningful to Accellos’ 3PL, Warehouse Management, Transportation Management and EDI customers and partners. The sessions will focus on profit-building strategies, industry insights, best practices, in-depth product information, technology road maps, and the vision for Accellos going forward. Speaking guests include Accellos top executives, product and brand managers, and representatives from Microsoft and Psion.

“We developed Accellos Visions with the aim of bringing together our customers, partners, and supply chain professionals from coast to coast,” said Accellos CTO Ross Elliott. “Our attendees will have the chance to learn about how our latest products can help them drive ROI, hear expert speakers from Microsoft and other partners talk about topics like Cloud Computing and Mobility, and get a glimpse of Accellos’ vision for the coming months and years. And the best part is that, rather than host a single event in one location, we will be bringing the show to our attendees.”

Early bird special registration pricing for Accellos Visions 2011 is available until July 22.

Toronto’s Zevrix Solutions has announced Deliver Express 2.1.6, a feature update to its automated solution to send and share files easily across the Internet and local networks. Deliver Express processes files automatically from watched hot folders and supports various remote and local services. The software can run absolutely unattended and offers variable e-mail notifications, delivery to multiple destinations, automatic file compression and encryption, and much more.

The new update introduces new variable e-mail tokens for date and time elements, giving users the flexibility to use their preferred format for date and time info in email notifications. In addition, it addresses some proxy-related connectivity issues and improves reliability of information stored in delivery history.

“What’s great about Deliver Express for organizations is the unattended nature of using a hot folder,” writes Jeffrey Mincey on Mac360.com. “It’s perfect for all kinds of file delivery. Sensitive documents, encrypted files, financial information, graphic files, photographs, large files and so on.”

Being used by such major ad agencies as BBDO, MacLaren McCann and Innocean, Deliver Express is ideal for companies and users that constantly send files to specific destinations. For example: ad agencies, photographers, audio/video studios, printers, etc. As a company-wide server solution, Deliver Express can run on a dedicated station processing files from network-based hot folders. Users only need to copy files to the hot folders, and they will be sent automatically with customizable e-mail confirmations issued upon delivery. The files can be easily retrieved through the link in notification e-mail.

Deliver Express offers the following key features:

• Automate both external and internal delivery tasks with hot folder processing
• Supports FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, MobileMe, AFP, SMB and local destinations
• Automatic e-mail notifications with link to retrieve the file
• Submit files from both Mac and PC stations
• Automatic file compression
• Detailed delivery history

Deliver Express can be purchased from Zevrix website as well as from authorized resellers. The license prices are based on the maximum number of destinations and range from US$29.95 to $299.95. Trial is also available for download. Deliver Express is a Universal Binary and available for Mac OS X 10.5 and later.

On Sunday July 27th, the final votes for the 8 developer selections for the Indie Games Summer Uprising were tallied and the organizers are now ready to announce the titles of the games which will headline the promotion:

The next step in the competition will begin on  Monday, August 1st and run until Sunday August 14th, when fans will have the opportunity to choose two titles that they would like to see as part of the promotion on any of the remaining candidates from the IGSU entries page. Voting will take place on the IGSU Facebook page. Winners will be announced during the #IGSU Twitter Chat.

The #IGSU Twitter Chat will be held on Tuesday Aug 16th – 9PM EST, and the gaming community will have the ability to speak directly with the developers, organizers, and journalists in a roundtable style chat. As mentioned before, the two winners from the fan vote will be announced at this time as well.

Indie Games Uprising Summer Schedule:

August 1st – August 15th: Community voting for 2 additional titles they would most like to play.
Tuesday August 16th – 9PM EST: IGSU Developer Twitter chat, community winners announced
August 22nd – September 2nd: Promotion and release of 8 developer and 2 community voted titles

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch will be laying 142 charges in connection with violations of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).

Between June 23 and June 25, 2011OPP members conducted an investigation into the provision of private security services at the International Indian Film Association (IIFA) “Bollywood” Awards.  A number of business and individuals were found to be in violation of provisions of the PSISA.

Charges will include:

• 16 counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
• 24 counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
• 96 counts of licensed agency permit uniform violation,
• Two (2) counts of selling security guard services no license
• Four (4) counts of hold out as agency licensed to sell security guard services, and no license.

Two British nationals have been charged with working as unlicensed security guards in relation to close protection security provided to a Bollywood star.

The investigation is linked to on-going enforcement initiatives to ensure provisions of the PSIS Act and Regulations are adhered to within the province of Ontario. The investigation is continuing and further charges are anticipated.

Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, individuals performing security work in Ontario must be licensed.  Additionally, establishments employing in-house security guards must be registered with the Private Security and Investigative Service Branch.

Business entities selling the services of security guards are required to be licensed by the Ministry of Community safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) and responsible to ensure their security guards are licensed. Persons convicted of working as unlicensed security guards are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000, under the PSIS Act and up to one year in custody.

The next step in delivering value and flexibility to customers is here with the Shaw Movie Club, giving Shaw customers access to hundreds of movie titles for only $12 per month as part of Shaw’s ongoing commitment to provide more content on demand.  It is important to note that watching Shaw Movie Club through your TV will not impact your monthly data transfer amount, whereas watching the movies streamed through an internet connection such as your PC, will.

The Shaw Movie Club features unlimited access to hundreds of titles like The Expendables, Burlesque and Red. Unlike similar programs, customers who subscribe to the Shaw Movie Club will have access to newer movie titles that are updated monthly to watch streaming online or directly on your TV.

Customers can also get their Movie Club content in High Definition later this summer. For an additional $5 per month, all titles will be available to customers with the stunning quality of Shaw HD, thanks to the Movie Club HD Pass.

“The Shaw Movie Club is the result of listening to our customers and delivering products that fit their needs and the way they use technology,” said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications Inc. “The Shaw Movie Club brings our customers more choice and value – they get the best titles available to enjoy whenever, wherever they want.”

The Movie Club launches on the heels of Shaw’s new Internet packages, which provide customers with dramatically increased data levels and speed. Customers can access the Shaw Movie Club through several platforms:

• Through the Shaw Gateway – available to Calgary and Edmonton customers, with Vancouver and national dates to follow through the summer

• Shaw Video On Demand Online – customers can log in with their customer care identification or Shaw email. They can then search for titles available with the Movie Club subscription – a select number of titles are available for streaming online, or to order to their Digital Box

• Searching for titles on the VOD App for iPhone and Android – search and order titles to customers’ Digital Box to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes

Movie Club can be added to customers’ entertainment packages through the Shaw Plan Personalizer, which enables all customers to customize their home entertainment services by choosing the features they love and want.

Rock Hippo Productions Ltd. has released a “Summer Recharge” patch for its popular online cartoon style third-person action shooter, MicroVolts. The latest patch includes a brand new map, new weapons and all new content for the summer season. A new trailer and screenshots revealed today explore the new map and feature the characters sporting the new weapons, parts and accessories that are now available to players. In addition, MicroVolts is celebrating with its first-ever MicroVolts Clan Tournament, “Clan Clash”, from July 15 – August 11.

MicroVolts is celebrating summer in style with a brand new map, Magic Paper Land and all-new weapons such as the Thunder Grenade Launcher and Hornet Rifle. The “Summer Recharge” patch also includes hot summer items such as a Pink Polka Dot Bikini that is sure to heat up the battlefield! For players looking for even more bonuses and special privileges can check out the new rewards available through the Battery Charge Program. Players who complete certain objectives, such as joining a clan or reaching 100 forum posts, can unlock rewards such as a 30-day Rock Hippo Costume Set or the coveted ability to cast polls and post videos in MicroVolts forums.

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

“MicroVolts continues to be a huge success with its player base and clans reaching new heights. Hundreds of thousands of players and over 2500 clans have already joined the MicroVolts community with thousands more players joining each day,” said Howard He, President and CEO of Rock Hippo Productions. “We don’t want our players to experience any summer boredom, and the MicroVolts team looks forward to bringing the community even more new updates and content in the near future.”

MicroVolts is also hosting the first-ever MicroVolts Clan Tournament, “Clan Clash”, from July 15 – August 11th. Clans will battle it out for a 1st place prize of 18, 000 Rock Tokens and a 7-day Happy Pack accessory item!

MicroVolts will be at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, August 18-21st! Players are invited to meet the Rock Hippo crew, grab some neat giveaways such as an Alienware gaming mouse and participate in the on-site tournaments! MicroVolts will also be at FanExpo in Toronto, Canada, August 25-28!

MicroVolts features fast paced, third person shooter action and pits players against each other in a secret battle that has been waged and going unnoticed right in our own backyard for years. No one knows for sure when or where the first toy declared war but rumor has it that the uprising began with four original limited edition figures, code-named MicroVolts. Battle lines were drawn when Naomi, Knox, Pandora, and C.H.I.P.-the prototypes-were soon joined by an endless number of modified versions. Now, toy figures around the world are engaged in an all-out war for valuable battery resources and supremacy of the Micro World. All we can do now is stay out of their way and wait for a champion to be declared! Featuring a ton of weapons, inventive character designs, and a huge list of customization features, MicroVolts is destined to invigorate and re-energize the Free2play space.

Game modes include Free for All, Team Deathmatch, Item Match, Capture the Battery, and many more featuring various maps designed by toy concept.

BMO recently launched its 100^th Business Coach Podcast, in conjunction with PROFIT Magazine, offering tips to Canada’s entrepreneurs and small business owners with special guests Robert Herjavec of Dragon’s Den, Global Sustainability leader Bruce Poon Tip and Canadian billionaire Michael Lee-Chin.

“BMO takes pride in the quality of advice and services it gives to Canada’s entrepreneurs,” said Cathy Pin, Vice-President, Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Using new media to better communicate with this demographic is a natural extension of the services we already provide to our customers, at our branches and online.”

The milestone 100^th podcast focuses on some notable ‘100s’ that small businesses must prepare for, including the first 100 days of operation, the hiring of the 100^th employee and the 100 first investments.

“Across the country, the outlook among business owners is increasingly positive,” said Ms. Pin. “We are encouraged by the increasing number of firms willing and able to invest in their operations and we are glad to provide these business owners the tips and tools they need to continue to grow.”

Noteworthy tips from BMO’s business experts for the big 100s:

First 100 Days: Make sure the doors stay open. At the beginning, it’s tough: in order to ensure your business survives, you have to pass one hurdle, then another one and another one. Make sure you don’t have too long term a view.

First 100 Employees: Too many entrepreneurs hire people that they want to have a beer with or that they can be friends with. But coincidently, those people often have the same skills as you. Don’t stretch your budget without diversifying your employee base.

First 100 Investments: Make sure you are entering into a business that you understand in an industry that you understand. Make sure the industry has long term growth prospects, where the product cycle is long and the cash flow relatively predictable.

Ubisoft has revealed Uplay Passport, a new program designed to provide players with access to bonus content, exclusive offers, and online multiplayer play. Uplay Passport is an adjunct to Uplay, an in-game service that offers gamers extra value, including a bevy of rewards and community features, just for playing Ubisoft games. The Uplay Passport program will begin in the coming months and will be included in many of Ubisoft’s popular core games.

In each new copy of a Uplay Passport-enhanced game will be a one-time use registration code that, when redeemed, provides access to Uplay Passport content and features. The code can be found on the insert card inside the game box. Gamers can identify Uplay Passport-enhanced games by looking for the logo on the back of the box.

Uplay Passports will also be available for purchase on PlayStation®Store for $9.99 and on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points. Customers that rent, borrow or purchase a pre-owned game can also purchase a new Uplay Passport online for $9.99 and automatically unlock the game’s online content and features. Starting with the upcoming DRIVER^® San Francisco release, games featuring the new Uplay Passport will offer gamers exclusive bonus content plus access to online features.

D-BOX Technologies Inc. is now offering its immersive motion technology in more than 90 theatres worldwide with the release of the highly anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures’ franchise finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Harry Potter fans across the continent (well, most of it) can expect to be transported back to Hogwarts with Harry and friends while experiencing incredibly realistic motion effects all along the way. Scenes of intense battle and exhilarating flight now come to life as D-BOX MFX Seats pitch, roll and heave in perfect sync with the action taking place onscreen.

This final act is the third film in the series to offer D-BOX motion effects. Locations introducing the D-BOX experience for the first time with Harry Potter, include these theatres:

• Cobb Theatres Hollywood 16 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
• Cobb Theatres Dolphin 19 at Dolphin Mall in Miami, Fla.
• Cobb Theatres Lakeside 18 in Lakeland, Fla.
• Regency Theatres Plan 16 in Van Nuys, Calif.
• ShowBiz Cinemas 12 in Waxahachie, Texas
• Zurich Cinemas Rotterdam Square Cinema 7 in Schenectady, NY

For a complete list of theatres offering the D-BOX experience with Harry Potter, check out the location map on the D-Box site – sadly, there are only 9 currently-equipped locations across Canada, with none in BC.

Also, for those totally unfamiliar with the D-Box products (because it occurred to me that some of you may not know exactly what D-Box does & as a disclaimer, no, this is not a “promoted post”), they make very special gamer chairs as well, which offer a similar type of gaming experience for titles enhanced with the D-Box MFX technology. Oh and yes, you can get Home Theatre D-Box seating to enhance your own movie nights.

Vancouver-based Serebra Learning Corporation has engaged MNP LLP of Vancouver to prepare a valuation report on Blue Drop Inc., to be filed with the TSX Venture Exchange in connection with the proposed business combination between Serebra and Bluedrop. Trading in the company’s shares will remain halted pending engagement of a sponsor and completion of a preliminary review of the proposed transaction by the Exchange.

Earlier this year, Serebra and Blue Drop had announced the creation of a reseller agreement between the two companies, which would see a portion of Serebra’s sales team offering Bluedrop’s Coursepark product to customers. Coursepark is an online learning site that offers individuals access to skills that promote career development, and small businesses a training solution that allows them to build and/or buy courses, and implement, track and manage users’ completion of courses.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to expand our suite of products on offer to current and future clients,” said Taleeb Noormohamed, President and CEO of Serebra. “Coursepark is rapidly becoming a leading global learning site and we are thrilled at the opportunity to help expand its ever-growing user base. It is an excellent complement to Serebra Campus, allowing our sales team a different target market to pursue.”

In addition, Serebra and Bluedrop have negotiated a separate service agreement to have select members of Serebra’s development team provide specialized technical assistance to support Bluedrop’s roadmap for the Coursepark product.

“As we continue to negotiate the terms of a reverse takeover, these reseller and service agreements provide an opportunity to expand our mutual understanding of our products and business models,” added Taleeb.