Debit Cards in Use Worldwide to Reach 5.3 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

February 4th, 2012 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Bank

San Jose, California (Vocus) November 1, 2010

The global economic meltdown and rising unemployment levels have forced consumers across the world to re-evaluate spending patterns, with credit cards segment severely affected by consumers restricting spending. The enhanced emphasis on limiting expenditure and difficulty in availing credit is contributing to the increased use of debit cards across the world. Growth of debit market is also attributed to the growing acceptance of small ticket debit transactions among the merchant community. Consumer focus on scaling back expenditure by adopting pay-as-you-go strategy is proving beneficial for the debit card market. The steady growth in debit transactions even during adverse economic conditions indicates the rising consumer preference for using debit cards in payments of routine purchases. Debit card industry faces challenges due to conflict associated with interchange rates, and rising incidences of fraud and data breach.

Asia-Pacific and Europe account for more than two-third share of the total debit cards in use across the world, as stated by the new market research report on debit cards. Increasing adoption among young consumers and growing number of online transactions are major factors driving debit cards market. Apart from offering a convenient mode of payment to consumers, debit cards provide easy payment options for government and business sectors in applications such as benefits, payroll and food stamps. Rising use of debit cards is led by the advent of advanced technologies that facilitate higher card usage by enabling faster, convenient and efficient transactions. Further, the loyalty and reward program offers are also fuelling prospects in the debit card industry.

Debit card market in the US continues to register steady growth even during adverse economic conditions, largely due to consumer preference for debit as well as growing acceptance of small ticket debit transactions among the merchant community. The economic downturn has compelled consumers to re-evaluate their spending patterns, and seek convenient modes of payments for purchases. The cautious approach adopted by credit card issuers is also contributing to the growing use of debit cards. US consumers are increasingly exhibiting preference for PIN debit rather than signature debit, due to the enhanced security offered in such payments and the relatively ease of managing such transactions. Signature debit card programs generate higher interchange revenue for financial institutions as compared to the online/PIN-based debit card initiatives. As a result, card issuers focus on promoting offline card programs.

Asian countries are active users of debit cards, particularly PIN-based debit cards, which are being used as replacements for cash-based transactions. India and China are projected to drive debit card numbers in Asia-Pacific region. In Australia and New Zealand, debit cards are gaining momentum as ideal alternatives for credit cards and cash. China and Korea offer extensive and advanced infrastructure for electronic payments.

The report discusses several global and regional debit card issuers and EFT/card processing companies. Major players profiled include Bank of America Corporation, Barclays Bank Plc, Citigroup Inc., Cr?dit Agricole S.A, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Bank plc, ING Group N.V., JCB Co., Ltd., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Laser Card Services Ltd., Lloyds Banking Group PLC, Wells Fargo & Company, PULSE EFT Association, First Data Corporation, MasterCard Incorporated, and Visa Inc.

The research report titled Debit Cards: A Global Strategic Business Report announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a strategic review of industry, key market trends, recent product launches, strategic corporate initiatives, and profiles of key market participants. The report provides annual estimates and projections for the following geographic markets – US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit http://www.strategyr.com/Debit_Cards_Market_Report.asp????

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a reputed publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company is globally recognized as one of the worlds largest market research publishers. The company employs over 800 people worldwide and publishes more than 1200 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers thousands of smaller research products including company reports, market trend reports, and industry reports encompassing all major industries worldwide.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Telephone 408-528-9966

Fax 408-528-9977

Email press(at)StrategyR(dot)com

Web Site http://www.StrategyR.com/

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Global Futurists and Scholars Headline the Chilean Presentation of The 2011 State of the Future

February 4th, 2012 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Forex

(PRWEB) September 30, 2011

According to Jerome Glenn, director of the Millennium Project and one of the authors of the report, there is room for optimism: “If we can improve our decision making as individuals, groups, nations, and institutions the world will be better than it is today “.

The Millennium Project is a global think tank that conducts futures research, consisting of more than three thousand scientists, intellectuals, artists, entrepreneurs, academics, politicians, and journalists They are dedicated to the study of the future and generating ideas for improving the human condition gathered in forty nodes located on every continent.

The Millennium Project has made these reports annually since 1996 as a contribution to the better understanding of the global challenges that humanity is facing in building the future. These studies and the development of prospective scenarios allow support in the search for solutions to global challenges.

The State of the Future 2011 finds the world is getting richer, healthier, better educated, living longer, and is more peaceful and better connected; yet half the world is potentially unstable. The food prices are rising, water tables are falling, corruption and organized crime is increasing, environmental viability to sustain life is declining, debt and growing economic insecurity in rising, climate change continues, and the gap between the rich and poor is widening dangerously.

The world is in a race between implementing ever-increasing ways to improve the human condition and the seemingly ever-increasing complexity and scale of global problems. The global future can become far more unstable and dangerous if we do not take urgent measures to fight global organized crime, corruption and climate change.

It states that significant improvements are being made in reducing poverty, extending longevity, and limiting conflict. However, the battle against the growth of carbon emissions, rising temperatures, unemployment, corruption and terrorism are being lost. In 2010, 90 percent of global natural disasters, which killed 295,000 people at an approximate cost of 130 billion dollars, were related to climate and climate exchange rates.

The number of unstable states grew from 28 to 37 between 2006 and 2011, even though there are fewer wars, which fell to 10 from 14 the previous year. Half of the world remains vulnerable to social instability and violence. The inequalities are compounded by the rising costs of food, water and energy, which could result in 400 million migrants in 2050.

The Report states that the world must shift from governance characterized by conflicting national priorities to governance governed increasingly by global policy coordination and support of each other.

The report also contains a State of the Future Index, based on analysis and evaluation of 700 experts from around the world based on 28 factors, including education, health, wealth, conflict, freedom and the environment. The Index shows a period of 10 years of improvement, but warns that “there is no guarantee of a bright future.

The State of the Future2011 is a summary of our overall situations, problems, solutions and prospects for the future, from the 15 Global Challenges. These include energy, food, science and technology, ethics, development, water, organized crime, health, decision making, gender relations, demography, war and peace, and others. The recommendations are specifically targeted to senior executives, thought leaders, strategic planners, public policy experts, political advisors, non-profit organizations, teachers / professors and anyone interested in an overview of our prospects for the future. This report analyzes a wide range of policy initiatives geared toward the future, such as: potable water, seawater-based agriculture, environmental safety in the central United States and China, strategic trust, a comprehensive strategy to combat organized crime and collective intelligence.

The Millennium Project was created in 1996 as the first global think tank, conducting independent futures research through its 40 nodes around the world, connecting local and global perspectives.

The nodes are groups of people and institutions that bring together the brains of the region and the feedback from the overall results. It has the support of United Nations organizations, multinational corporations, universities, foundations and governments of Azerbaijan, Kuwait, South Korea and the United States. http://www.stateofthefuture.org

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Free Feature-Rich Online Global Personal Ads and Classified Ads Site Launched in Eight Countries

February 4th, 2012 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Forex

Greensboro, NC (PRWEB) February 1, 2006

Mody, Inc. announces the launch of JoysList.com, a personal ads and classified ads website for individuals and small businesses around the world. In the manner of a traditional newspaper, Modys goal is to create a global online classifieds marketplace for virtually everything. A current promotion allows sellers unlimited free listings until April 30, 2006, by visiting http://www.JoysList.com and following the instructions for using Coupon Code PR-043006. JoysList.com now offers low cost ads, abundant features, and global coverage. By eliminating aggravating pop-ups and distracting banner ads, JoysList.com is a clean, professional-looking site geared toward serious buyers and sellers.

The JoysList.com category list is comprehensive, including everything from antiques and boats to personal ads, real estate and other classified ads. There is even a matrimonial category. Employers may post jobs, and job seekers may post their cover letters and resumes.

I decided to create this site to complement the growing number of Internet users around the world, and to provide them with a good, strong and stable environment in which to advertise personal items as well as business goods and services, says Cyrus R. Mody, Founder and President of Mody, Inc.

Buyers are not required to register and are never charged. Unlike similar websites for personal ads and classifieds ads , JoysList.com sellers buy space for their classifieds, rather than the traditional purchase of individual ads, paying a nominal $ 3.00 for 30 days. If listings sell before 30 days have passed, sellers have the advantage of adding other items to their unused space, at no additional cost, until the listing space expires.

Up to three images may be posted for each listing. Listings may be extended and are unlimited. As a bonus for those tracking their sales, expired listings may be viewed for up to 90 days. Sellers may take their items off-line, re-list them, or mark them as “sold.”

Modifiable ad space is similar in concept to billboard advertising. This ability to change aspects of a listing within a purchase period, along with the means to track sales, affords sellers rare flexibility and control. There are no hidden charges or transaction fees. Various discounts are available. All these features help stretch advertising dollars, an important consideration for the JoysList.com target market of individuals and small businesses.

Listings and purchases are made in U.S. dollars, although buyers and sellers from other countries pay by using their local credit cards. JoysList.com provides a third-party universal currency converter link, enabling users to understand costs in their own currencies.

JoysList.com currently covers all regions of the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Partial coverage exists in India and China. Mody, Inc. plans additional coverage in most of Europe, along with Argentina, Brazil, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Singapore.

About Cyrus R. Mody

34-year-old Cyrus R. Mody is a Parsi from India with degrees in Electronics and Telecommunications, Systems Management, and Systems Analysis and Design, and with an MCA in Computer Applications, he has worked as a business consultant in India and the United States and as a Programmer Analyst for such companies as Bank of America. Mody has lived in California and North Carolina since 1998, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2002. His British wife, Joy, became a U.S. citizen in 1990. The website is named for her, but with a nod to San Franciscos Craigslist.

While researching this project Mody could not locate any websites for personal ads or classified ads covering countries on a global level that provided inexpensive yet effective ways to advertise products and services. He created feature-rich JoysList.com to allow the amateur Internet user basic buying and selling functions, along with affording experienced users expanded ability to help them manage their listings. Mody stated, Our number one job is to bring buyers and sellers together from around the world. I want this site to be a truly useful and affordable global marketplace.

Mody, Inc. is aggressively marketing the personal ads and classified ads website, JoysList.com, which is represented on all major search engines. Ongoing conventional and online marketing campaigns maximize sellers visibility. Included on the website is a communication feedback forum. A current promotion allows sellers unlimited free listings until April 30, 2006, by visiting http://www.JoysList.com and following the instructions for using Coupon Code PR-043006.

Media Contact:

Cyrus R. Mody, President

Mody, Inc.

510-717-0590

Read the Privacy Policy at http://www.joyslist.com/jsp/PrivacyPolicy.html and the Member Agreement (a.k.a. Terms of Use) at http://www.joyslist.com/jsp/MemberAgreement.html for detailed information on the safe harbor statement and policies.

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Global Accounting, Auditing and Bookkeeping Services Market to Reach US$267 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

January 12th, 2012 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in News

San Jose, California (PRWEB) January 11, 2012

Follow us on LinkedIn Businesses during the crisis period were confronted with increasing receivables and slow collections, and with most of them reporting decreased tax season revenues, accounting, auditing and bookkeeping firms serving such companies were the worst hit. Even those accounting firms which remained strong for a certain amount of time slowly succumbed to the worst economic climate. Nevertheless, the recession induced certain positive changes in the market, foremost among them being the accelerated trend of financial professionals donning more responsible positions in the organizations they serve. Accounting, auditing and bookkeeping service providers are portraying a more active role as trusted advisers as the market comes out of the recessionary impact. Accountancy in most of the client organizations now supervises top management in all monetary aspects related to business running. Moving forwards, the traditional accounting and financial services is going to evolve into a more mature profession specializing in niche areas such as high-level diagnosis and high level guidance and advisory. During the crisis, accounting firms also spent more time with existing clients and tried developing innovative solutions for better serving their needs rather than scouting for new clients. Increased automation significantly reduced the time taken for the routine accounting jobs, forcing accounting professionals to expand scope of work.

PwC retained the top spot among the Big Four, followed by Deloitte, E&Y and KMPG. After witnessing a subdued performance in 2009, the Big Four companies inched ahead in 2010. The firms utilized the time period for building a strong platform to serve the increased client demand they anticipated post crisis. The companies invested in building markets, strengthening global strategies and in training people instead. Smaller companies on the other hand sought opportunities to grab smaller and mid-sized clients from the Big Four.

Region wise, the slowdown and stricter regulatory environment continue to have a bearing on US tax accountancy industry. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of the year 2009 brought in an era of tax cuts reducing demand for services of tax accounting professionals in the US. On the contrary, in Europe, implementation of new regulations has been the major growth driver for the accounting services market. Germany and the United Kingdom are the two major countries in Europe which are witnessing a rapid growth in their offshore accounting services markets, mainly because of a shortage of labor and also price pressures. Segment-wise, in the global market, services that are in high demand currently are internal audit, risk management and due diligence, while IPO and corporate finance are still in a lull. The service segment of cross-border tax advice demonstrated consistent growth. The International Accounting Standards are being rapidly adopted in several countries. Around 120 countries have permissions for IFRS implementation for the present.

The research report titled Accounting, Auditing and Bookkeeping Services: A Global Outlook announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers a birds eye view of the industry, highlights latest accounting trends, and demand drivers as well as the negative impact of recent economic recession on the industry. Discussion on the industrys regional markets are amply detailed with unbiased research commentary and punctuated with a number of fact-rich market data tables designed to provide the reader a rudimentary understanding of the prevailing market climate. Markets briefly synopsized to offer the reader a prelude to regional dynamics, include US, Canada, Japan, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Norway, Russia, Sweden, UK, Australia, China, Hong Kong India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and United Arab Emirates. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.

For more details about this comprehensive industry report, please visit

http://www.strategyr.com/Accounting_Auditing_and_Bookkeeping_Services_Industry_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world’s largest and reputed market research firms.

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Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Telephone: 408-528-9966

Fax: 408-528-9977

Email: press(at)StrategyR(dot)com

Web Site: http://www.StrategyR.com/

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Global Integration Summit Demonstrates Economic Payback Through Integration Technology

January 10th, 2012 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Bank

Minnetonka, MN (PRWEB) March 3, 2009

The Integration Consortium (IC) today announces the launch of the 6th annual Global Integration Summit (GIS). The 2009 event takes place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 3 & 4. Integration practitioners looking for a conference in 2009 can rest assured the GIS will provide the biggest bang for their buck this year – Starting with a free hotel stay for the first 200 registered attendees. All presentations at the GIS will demonstrate “Economic Payback” through customer testimonials, case studies or documented research.

David Linthicum, internationally known cloud computing and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) expert, will open the summit with his keynote session titled “Defining the Value of Integration”. Dave will provide a step-by-step approach to defining the value of integration – From the alignment with business, to the ongoing efficiencies that integration provides. Cloud Computing enthusiasts will explore the promise of the cloud and the present day reality with Ron Papas, SVP & General Manager of Informatica On Demand. Finally, Zahid Afzal, Huntington Bank, provides an “IT Perspective on Successful Business Alignment” and how technology contributes to the company’s successes and addressing challenges.

The event offers several breakout sessions dedicated to providing attendees with real world examples of how to implement, leverage, or improve existing applications in the areas of BMP, SOA, MDM, Cloud Computing and more. A networking reception on the evening of June 3rd will allow sponsors of the GIS to demonstrate how their solutions offer “payback” to the customer.

“The Integration Consortium’s unique call for papers process ensures only the best, most relevant topics and presenters will be in Las Vegas”, says Leanne MacDonald, Integration Consortium Executive Director. “Submissions to our yearly call for papers are evaluated by IC members in areas such as depth & quality, practicality and implementability to name a few. Real work is required to submit a paper – with no promise of reward. The individuals who will be presenting in Las Vegas have shown true dedication to improving the integration profession by submitting their work openly for criticism by their peers – and have come out at the top of their field! Their experiences are an invaluable component of the Global Integration Summit program.”

John Schmidt, Integration Consortium Chairman & VP Global Integration Services, Informatica, is gearing up to attend his 6th Global Integration Summit. “Since the first GIS in 2004, the Integration Consortium has established a reputation for hosting premier integration events. With the challenges facing everyone in 2009, it’s critical for integration practitioners to learn how to leverage their existing IT infrastructure, how to best implement new solutions & discover under-utilized assets. Attendees will easily recognize how presenters and sponsors of the 2009 GIS are committed to furthering our profession by their apparent demonstration of these and other crucial IT and business aligned strategies.”

The first 200 attendees will receive up to 2 free nights at the MGM Grand Hotel. Member pricing for the Summit is only $ 695 for IC members and $ 795 for non members (Includes Individual IC Membership). By registering and paying by April 30th, attendees will also receive a bonus package valued at over $ 200 in extras including hotel food and beverage credits and deep discounts on entertainment.

For more information on the free hotel promotion, registration, sponsorship and agenda details, visit the Global Integration Summit website at http://www.globalintegrationsummit.com.

About the Integration Consortium

The mission of the Integration Consortium (IC) is to foster the leading community of like-minded Information Technology professionals responsible for transforming business through both traditional systems integration and emerging SOA with greater agility, ease of use and business results.

The IC is a member-driven community that shares experiences, knowledge and best practices in multiple forums. Our members champion; innovation, feedback between members, collaboration with standards bodies, and the articulation of strategic and measurable business benefits for leading-edge capabilities. Annual meetings are complemented by a growing number of regional chapters who meet periodically. On-going networking is encouraged through the dynamic IC website which supports knowledge exchange and records of industry papers and studies.

One of the IC’s strengths is the diversity of member support and interest. Our membership includes end user corporations, independent software suppliers, hardware suppliers, system integrators, academic institutions, non-profit institutions, individual members as well as various industry leaders. Information on the IC is available at http://www.integrationconsortium.org or by sending an e-mail.

Contact:

Leanne MacDonald

Tel: (403) 873-2084

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International Institute’s Global Farms program growing hope in St. Louis

January 5th, 2012 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Loans

(PRWEB) December 28, 2011

When Osman arrived in St. Louis from Sudan last year, he was alone.

The 28-year-old fled his native country after being unjustly imprisoned for speaking out against the Sudanese government. He escaped from prison and landed in the United States as a refugee, but couldn’t return home for fear of putting his family in danger.

Thanks to the Global Farms Program offered by the International Institute of St. Louis, however, Osman (whose last name has been withheld to protect his anonymity) is now a budding entrepreneur settled in the community and ready to contribute to the local economy.

Now entering its second year, Global Farms is an agriculture-based career training program for refugees with two training locations — the North site, a community garden at Hodiamont and Plymouth Avenue and the South site, an incubator farm in the Botanical Heights neighborhood. The goal of the program is to provide refugees seeking a career in agriculture with a variety of educational opportunities they can use in their own farming endeavors. The job training program is a low-cost alternative for new American farmers and a means to economic self-sufficiency.

Since 2000, the International Institute has helped immigrant entrepreneurs create or expand over 250 businesses, with a total economic impact of more than $ 100 million.

Osman joined the Global Farms program when it began in the fall of 2010 and says he was immediately drawn to the entrepreneurial aspects of urban farming. He sold harvested produce of his own at the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market in St. Louis this past summer. It was there he met Jim Robins of Robins Apiaries and became intrigued by the business of beekeeping in America. A visit to the beekeeping project at John Burroughs High School further piqued his interest.

“I’ve been keeping bees my whole life in Sudan,” he says. “In America, the method is different — your honey comes from the hive and in Sudan ours came from the wild. The American way is a lot more predictable.”

Farmers entering the Global Farms program come from a variety of countries, including Burundi, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nepal and Somalia. These new Americans are guided through an intensive season of growing and marketing produce. After completing the program at Global Farms South, the refugees who wish to make farming their career are eligible to apply for a loan from the International Institute’s Economic Development Department to lease or buy their own land for farming. Each year, the program accepts 30 to 40 new farmers into the intensive job training program, many of whom will graduate into apprenticeships on production farms or acquire their own land for farming.

Osman has proven to be a gifted entrepreneur and has already established a customer base in the St. Louis immigrant community. He was recently awarded a $ 1,000 grant to invest in two hives and bees of his own. He says he already has his business cards made and will be ready to hit the ground running in the spring when his hives are installed.

“I’ve been apprenticing at Robins Apiaries which has about a thousand hives (but) I only need two hives,” he says. “I plan to sell the honey at the farmers market and to some small stores nearby. This is the way I want to live my life, not working in a cell phone store.”

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Integration Consortium Award for Excellence Recipients Reveal Economic Payback Through Integration at the 6th Annual Global Integration Summit

January 4th, 2012 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Bank

Minnetonka, MN (PRWEB) April 3, 2009

The Integration Consortium (IC) announces their line-up of topics for the 6th annual Global Integration Summit (GIS) based on the annual Call for Papers. Award for Excellence designations go out to authors of whitepapers which received top marks from a review panel of IC members. The selected papers provide a greater understanding of integration issues and solutions in the areas of:


“Identifying BPM Sweet Spots”, Steve Craggs, Lustratus Research Ltd & IC European Vice-Chairman
“Lean Integration”, John Schmidt, Informatica & IC Chairman
“Processes to Services: Case Study”, Sandeep Purao & Shawn Clark, Information Sciences & Technology, Penn State University
“Using Master Data Services to Solve the Data Dilemma – SOA Meets MDM”, Marty Moseley, CTO, Initiate Systems
“An Inconvenient Change: Transforming chaotic change into a manageable process with the Organizational Loss of Effectiveness (LOE) Model”, Victoria Grady, George Washington University

Register now at http://www.globalintegrationsummit.com

The GIS takes places in Las Vegas on June 3 & 4, 2009 at the MGM Grand. All presentations at the Summit provide attendees with a look into “Economic Payback Through Integration”. Keynote presentations provided by top industry experts will appeal to decision makers faced with identifying what really is important in 2009:

Defining the Value of Integration, David Linthicum, Founder, David S. Linthicum, LLC
Cloud Integration is here! – Are You Ready to Benefit?
Ron Papas, Senior VP & General Manager On Demand, Informatica

Exploring Integration Strategies…An IT Perspective on Successful Business Alignment, Zahid Afzal, Executive Vice President/Chief Information Officer, Huntington Bank

Additional program highlights include “EA & SOA: Allies or Opponents”, Jason Bloomberg, Zapthink, “Lessons from the SOA Ninja”, Murray Laatsch, Progress Software, “Case Study: The Payback from a Managed Data Movement Center of Excellence”, Don Heiser, Wachovia Bank, A Wells Fargo Company.

All keynote & 24 breakout session descriptions are available on the Summit website at http://www.globalintegrationsummit.com/Program.html.

The GIS is produced by the Integration Consortium and began in 2004. “IC members and our partners represent the most talented individuals in the integration profession. It only makes sense for us to bring them together to share their various areas of expertise with industry stakeholders”, says Leanne MacDonald, Executive Director of the Integration Consortium. “Hosting an event in 2009 will be a challenge, as we learn about more & more face to face events being replaced with virtual sessions. With our free hotel offer & no-fluff agenda, we’ve created an affordable event that allows attendees to experience nearly “everything integration” without sacrificing the value of face to face networking.”

Early registration discounts & additional attendee incentives are available until April 30th. The free hotel offer at the MGM Grand is available to the first 200 registrants, with currently 135 free rooms left. Pricing for the Summit is $ 695/IC Members & $ 795/Non-Members – both include 2 free nights at the MGM Grand, while the free rooms last.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for suppliers and vendors wishing to support the event. Packages are listed on the event website, http://www.globalintegrationsummit.com/Sponsorship.html. “But, sponsors must adhere to the Summit theme”, says John Schmidt, IC & GIS Chairman. “All speakers & sponsors at the GIS must demonstrate “Economic Payback Through Integration” by demonstrating commitment to improving the integration profession through education and transfer of knowledge”.

About the Integration Consortium

The mission of the Integration Consortium (IC) is to foster the leading community of like-minded Information Technology professionals responsible for transforming business through both traditional systems integration and emerging SOA with greater agility, ease of use and business results.

The IC is a member-driven community that shares experiences, knowledge and best practices in multiple forums. Our members champion; innovation, feedback between members, collaboration with standards bodies, and the articulation of strategic and measurable business benefits for leading-edge capabilities. Annual meetings are complemented by a growing number of regional chapters who meet periodically. On-going networking is encouraged through the dynamic IC website which supports knowledge exchange and records of industry papers and studies.

One of the IC’s strengths is the diversity of member support and interest. Our membership includes end user corporations, independent software suppliers, hardware suppliers, system integrators, academic institutions, non-profit institutions, individual members as well as various industry leaders. Information on the IC is available at http://www.integrationconsortium.org

About the Global Integration Summit

The 2009 Global Integration Summit (GIS) theme is Economic Payback through Integration. The GIS targets the question every attendee and corporation will be asking – “how can I justify attending a conference in these tough economic times?” The answer is twofold. First, the economic turbulence has created an opportunity for a conference at an unheard of cost level, plus hotels are desperate for guests and travel costs are as low as they can possible get resulting in the IC arranging an amazing deal.

Second, the Summit theme is one that IT and business professionals cannot afford to miss in light of today’s economic climate. The tough times are NOT going to be over in 2009 – we need insight on how to deal with economic reality, how to tighten our belts while still adding business value and managing rapid environmental changes. In fact, the BEST time to start a new initiative may be during an economic downturn since it can present new opportunities.

The reality is every large organization has under-utilized assets – hardware, software, data, people, partners, facilities, inventory, etc. The key is to break the gridlock which prevents organizations from maximizing the value of assets they already own. When times are good, under-utilized assets are less of a business imperative – but not now. The GIS will explore both the big transformational opportunities that can make breakthrough improvements on growth and operational efficiency, while also focusing on immediate quick-hit opportunities that can deliver tangible results in 2009. In other words, how to pick the low-hanging fruit on the way to the juicy high-hanging fruit that offers huge paybacks but may require more sophisticated cross-organizational integration strategies. http://www.globalintegrationsummit.com

Contact:

Leanne MacDonald

Tel: (403) 873-2084

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Global Installed Base of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to Reach 3.1 Million Units by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

December 15th, 2011 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Loans

San Jose, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) February 10, 2011

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) market is a combination of a large number of business entities that function in unison to develop and expand the concept of 24/7 banking. The growing need for speed and convenience and customers habit driven use of the services are forcing banking/financial institutions to expand ATM installations to ensure customer retention, and satisfaction. Tried and tested levels of secure and safe processing of transactions has over the years stepped up customer confidence in ATM services, and today the use of Automated Teller Machines is moving beyond simple cash dispensing to use in advanced self-service functions such as e-ticketing, bill payment, pass book updates, third party product marketing and DVD rentals. As a result, companies are integrating their software and services more holistically with ATM cards for greater innovation, efficiency, productivity, and ultimately, financial performance.

A host of factors are keeping the global ATM industry afloat and modestly rising, despite the economic meltdown. These factors include growing customer adoption of ATM services and rising preference for self-service banking. The recession interestingly has resulted in bank customers resorting to increased ATM transactions, a direct fallout of rising overdraft fees on debit cards, high service charges for credit cards, and reduced preference for plastic money against a backdrop of weak personal finances, and tight liquidity. The recession-induced reliance on cash as against credit is fingered as the prime reason pushing up ATM cash withdrawals. For instance, paralyzed credit markets and drying up of debt markets has pushed the use of cash. Broken consumer confidence in banking and financial institutions also played an instrumental role in reinstating customers preference for cash options. In addition to consumers heightened use of ATMs, banks are also making additional use of ATMs by providing additional services on ATMs to bankcard holders. In taut economic conditions like the present, where operating costs and productivity at every branch office is of critical importance, banks are reducing costs and improving productivity by reducing time-consuming, repetitive, low value-added transactions in branches and providing them through ATMs.

The cumulative strength of the installed base of these machines worldwide has been relatively unruffled, unlike new installations in developed markets, which witnessed moderate slowdown in growth as a result of banks/financial institutions postponing replacement of aging equipments/machines and canceling branch expansions, which typically provide a business case for new machines. The high density of ATM installed base in Asia-Pacific is partially responsible for the cumulative growth of the installed base of ATMs worldwide. Installation projects in the vast majority of emerging markets such as China, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East continued unfazed by the financial turmoil. In comparison, the United States, and mature Western European countries witnessed erosion in installed base as several beleaguered banks and mortgage giants collapsed. Bank closures, failures, and bankruptcies have been phenomenal in these countries. In the US alone, numerous banks were closed during the years 2008 and 2009. Future growth in the market, post recession, will be driven by increasing regulation and impending political changes goaded on by the financial crises led economic recession.

Self-service technologies translate into tremendous business gains and provide value to consumers, and banks in the developed markets are forecast to capitalize on the benefits offered by the ATM technology. Also, new government regulations in countries such as Thailand and India are stimulating growth of ATM market. Despite the threat to ATM/debit card market from smart cards, POS, and other new payment methods, ATM will continue to remain a trusted standard in banking operations, and replacement demand will continue to stem from the developed countries where older & existing units will need to be replaced with higher functionality units. Demand is forecast to be especially high for sophisticated ATMs with superior capabilities. For example, deposit processing is a classic example of new ATM capabilities that grabbed the attention of banks in developed nations. Image-enabled ATMs that can simultaneously process up to 50 checks without the need of an envelope, display and print images on a receipt holds ample appeal to small/medium size businesses with busy schedules. In addition, the steady political thrust in the form of EMV (Europay-MasterCard-Visa) and 3-DES (triple data encryption standard) specifications, technical innovation, rapid advances in the form of intelligent deposit, and solutions that integrate mobile-banking with the self-service/ATM channel, will drive future gains in this space.

Major players in the marketplace include Diebold, Euronet Worldwide Inc., NCR, Wincor Nixdorf, Fujitsu, Hitachi-Omron, Greenlink Technologies Inc., Tranax Technologies, Inc. Triton Systems, among others.

The research report titled Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): A Global Strategic Business Report announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, company profiles, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The single-segment report provides market estimates and projections (in Thousand Units) for major geographic markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil and Rest of Latin America) and the Middle East.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit

http://www.strategyr.com/Automated_Teller_Machines_ATMs_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a reputed publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company is globally recognized as one of the worlds largest market research publishers. The company employs over 800 people worldwide and publishes more than 1200 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers thousands of smaller research products including company reports, market trend reports, and industry reports encompassing all major industries worldwide.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Telephone: 408-528-9966

Fax: 408-528-9977

Email: press(at)StrategyR(dot)com

Web Site: http://www.StrategyR.com/

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NPD Releases Global Sports Estimate Report 2011

December 14th, 2011 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Forex

Port Washington, NY (PRWEB) September 17, 2011

The NPD Group, Inc., a leading market research company, released the results of its fifth annual study on the global sports market, Global Sports Estimate 2011.

According to the Global Sports Estimate Report 2011, the worldwide sports market has returned to growth in 2010. Globally the sales of sports equipment, active apparel, and athletic footwear are valued at $ 315 billion USD ( 226 billion) for 2010, which represents a four percent increase from 2009.

NPDs Global Sports Estimate*

????Percent

Change

2009 2010????4%

2008 – 2009????-2%

2008 – 2007????0%

2007 – 2006????4%

2006 – 2005????4%

*Estimate based on sales of athletic footwear, active apparel, sports equipment, and bicycles in USD.

Sales of running, hiking/walking, and football/soccer products are the primary drivers behind this growth, said Renaud Vaschalde, global sports industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc., Overall growth in the sales of footwear and bicycles out-performed apparel and equipment and as expected the 2010 World Cup helped the sport brands associated with it post growth.

NPDs Global Sports Estimate Report shows that there are now seven countries in which the sports market size exceeds 10 billion USD in 2010 and another 11 countries with sales estimates between three and 10 billion USD.

Countries with Sports Market Estimates*

Over 10 Billion

USA

Japan

Germany

China

France

UK

Italy

*Sales at retail of Athletic Footwear, Active Apparel, Bicycles, and Equipment

(Countries ranked in dollar sales order)

Additionally, the Global Sports Estimate Report finds that products that are designed for sport use+ are less vulnerable to economic conditions than products that designed with a sport style++ focus.

Sales of products that are for use in a specific sport (or sport use products) have held up pretty well despite the recession, said Vaschalde, It was only in Japan and Spain that there was a slight decline in the sales of sport use products during 2010.

*Exchange rate calculation: 1=$ 1.39

+ Sport Use is product designed for use in pursuit of a specific sport.

++Sport Style is product that incorporates features of sport specific product but has more of a fashion focus.

The survey:

The NPD Group is now able to estimate the market size for almost all countries in the world. For the top 15 countries, NPD measures or estimates market size broken down by sport. For each sport within those countries, NPD estimates footwear, apparel, equipment, sales intended for sport use and sales NOT intended for sport use separately. The estimate covers the years 2010 and 2009.

Methodology: This studys estimates of the global sports markets size are based on The NPD Group, Inc.s consumer panel tracking data, statistical projections, and the companys extensive sports industry expertise. The NPD Group measures the athletic footwear and sports apparel markets in 10 countries, representing 70% of the global sports sales. For the remaining 30%, NPD estimates are based on assumptions related to Gross Domestic Product development.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us, visit http://www.npd.com/, or follow us Twitter at https://twitter.com/npdgroup.

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How Foreign exchange Rates Effect Global Business

December 10th, 2011 by Bank Loan | No Comments | Filed in Forex

How Foreign exchange Rates Effect Global Business

Article by Josef Bailey

How Currency Exchange Rates Effect Global BusinessThe entire world’s economic system is determined by the exchange rate. Because of this, it is crucial you find out how it really works. How the currency exchange rates effect global business is like a thermometer, its dimensions are the health of global economics.First, you must realise by definition exactly what the exchange minute rates are. It’s the worth of one nation’s currency compared to another or to place it one other way, should you took one U.S. dollar to Canada, will you be in a position to buy several item in a Dollar Store or not even one item?The laws of demand and supply dictate the way the currency exchange rates effect global business with something called a floating exchange rate. A floating exchange rate implies that currency values “float” or fluctuate depending on how much supply is being demanded from that country compared to the other country that it is doing business. It’s the global market that dictates which country’s dollar may be worth probably the most.Governments can enjoy a component in the way the currency exchange rates affect global business too. Many governments will put into place certain actions that will purposely devalue their own dollar. Why would they do this? It seems counterproductive, but usually it isn’t. By deflating the value of their own dollar, that country may cause an increase in the demand for their supplies, kind of like whenever a store puts on a sale and attracts a crowd to their store.A few years ago, a struggling Brazil did that, they devalued their currency. Consequently they attracted an array of foreign investors for their country. Many foreign businesses invested in Brazil’s retail market, companies, construction, tourism, banking, communication companies and several other industries boosting Brazil’s economic climate. Today, Brazil is benefiting by this sudden burst in the economy and also the standard of living is greatly improving there.You can now observe how the foreign exchange rates effect global business becomes very important to world trade. Many of these things have an effect on you. Neglect the accounts, your 401K, even your personal job are all impacted by the worldwide economy. Exchange rates are very important in determining which country, even which businesses globally may have the competitive advantage.The law of demand and supply suggest that when prices are low, people buy, when they are high, they don’t. Exactly the same works best for world trade. If Japan can purchase exactly the same product for less from Germany of computer can in the U.S., Japan will purchase from Germany and the U.S. has just lost its competitive advantage.Next time you consider taking a vacation to a foreign country, think about the exchange rate in a way that is much more than just just how much vacation will you be able to purchase. Consider whose country has got the higher value in their currency, because now you know what it means to you.Learn more about foreign exchange here and when you travel, don’t make the same mistakes again!

Most of the individuals who are new to the globe of Foreign exchange buying and selling will typically have doubts about the currency convertors. Unique countries have diverse currencies and a currency is generally one of a kind to that particular nation. International trading and other overseas discounts have built it necessary to do currency conversions. Currency conversions are completed so that currency in one country can be employed in another form. Folks frequently do currency conversions often to benefit from the course of action or in purchase to travel to yet another region.Discover from our guidelines and don’t do blunders again!










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