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Callidus Software Inc. (NASDAQ: CALD), the leader in Sales Performance Management (SPM), announced today it has acquired the leading provider of on-demand portal software for sales enablement, iCentera. "Sales enablement is fundamental to driving effective sales performance. Legacy portal and content management systems have failed to deliver the usability and accessibility required to enable today's dynamic sales forces in the context of their daily work," said Leslie Stretch, President and CEO, Callidus Software. "With iCentera, we will address the information needs of today's sales force. The SaaS-based Sales Enablement Platform equips the sales force and channel with the customer, competitive, and product knowledge they need to effectively do their job -- anywhere, anytime, on any device. The acquisition extends our position as leader in this vital high growth market, strengthens the value proposition of our core sales performance management suite, and increases our cross
selling
opportunities to our two million plus users." iCentera is the leading provider of SaaS solutions for sales enablement. iCentera's patented platform replaces static portals with a single sales enablement system that quickly enables business users to create and distribute marketing content to sales teams, partners, and customers. The iCentera platform provides easy-to-use solutions for business users that incorporate automated content management, portal creation, and built-in trend and behavior analytics through a cost-effective implementation that is running and available within days. In addition, iCentera Mobile and integrated collaboration platform enables sales users to access subject matter experts and best practices when they need it most -- when selling. "Since starting iCentera in 2003, we have worked closely with customers to build and deliver a best-in-class sales enablement solution and we are thrilled to now leverage the strength of Callidus to build on our customer
success," said Craig Nelson, Co-Founder and President & CEO, iCentera. "Callidus Software is a company with global reach and we will quickly be able to capitalize on today's high growth sales enablement market, enabling sales to drive profitable revenue by delivering on efficient and effective selling. With our highly complementary solution, we look forward to working with Callidus to deliver value across the sales talent lifecycle and extend our footprint into new channels and markets." Through the acquisition, Callidus adds a leading SaaS-based sales enablement platform to its core pillars of sales performance management: Selection, Onboarding, Coaching and Learning, and Compensation Management. The new solution enables customers to easily deploy insight and best practices to optimize sales and channel partner onboarding, gain more predictable campaign execution, and ultimately increase the effectiveness of sales campaigns to win more business. Callidus also adds a valuable
patent
to its sales performance management intellectual property portfolio through this acquisition. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Callidus Software's award-winning solutions manage the entire sales talent lifecycle from onboarding, to incentives and rewards, to coaching and learning, while providing visibility into operations and financial performance. This gives customers the ability to align their sales force and channel partners with their key business objectives to consistently and reliably execute on sales targets. The software is used by leading companies in a broad range of verticals including high-tech, telecommunications, banking, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. Since its inception nearly 15 years ago, the company has evolved into the most experienced, proven, and reliable SPM vendor in the marketplace. Callidus Software powers more than two million users across the globe.Notes to EditorAbout iCentera iCentera is sales enablement, with the industry
's most
advanced yet affordable hosted Sales Enablement Platform to drive knowledge transfer from marketing resources to sales teams, partners, and customers. iCentera's patented platform replaces static sales, partner, and customer portals with a single sales enablement system that adapts to the needs of each user. Customers include TransUnion, Thomson Reuters, Aviat Networks, LodgeNet Interactive, Malt O Meal, Solta Medical, Vitas Healthcare and Omniture. To discover why more than 180,000 subscribers leverage iCentera to optimize their sales enablement ROI, drive efficient revenue growth, and achieve a perfectly consistent marketing voice across their entire company ecosystem, please visit us at www.icentera.com. About Callidus Software® Callidus Software (NASDAQ: CALD) is the market and technology leader in Sales Performance Management (SPM). Callidus customers gain a competitive advantage by maximizing sales cost efficiencies and driving improvements in sales effectiveness. Our
award-winning Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications set the standard for performance management of a company's sales force and channel partners. Over 2 million employees and channel partners have their performance managed by Callidus Software. For more information, please visit www.callidussoftware.com. ©1997-2011 Callidus Software Inc. All rights reserved. Callidus Software, the Callidus Software logo, TrueComp Manager, ActekSoft and ACom3 are trademarks, service marks, or registered trademarks of Callidus Software Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brand, service or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or owners.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

Reliance Retail, the retail arm of Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)has roped in ex - Wal-Mart China executives Rob Cissell, former COO of Wal-Mart China, as the new CEO of Reliance Retail while Shawn Gary, ex- vice president in-charge of store of the Wal-Mart China will join as the new COO of the retail subsidiary. Hiring ahead of the anticipated opening up of the retail segment to foreign players, Reliance Retail is gearing to face the challenge with a competitive edge of international business heads. This is the second top-level churn in the last two years where Reliance Retail has roped in international heads to lead the Indian retail major. Gwyn Sundhagul, the serving CEO of the Mukesh Ambani's retail firm will move on to head RIL's most recent consumer business of insurance and telecom. In an effort to balance its portfolio and lower its dependence on its core business operations, RIL is changing its focus towards developing its consumer business fun
ctions
- insurance, telecom and retail and it looks to restructuring its top brass with the finest from the world over. As India readies to open its food and grocery retail gates to foreign companies, Reliance Retail is all set to tackle the competition with a strong and well-equipped in-house team. Earlier this June, chairman of RIL Mukesh Ambani expressed his plans of developing the company's retail arm further more by venturing into 'cash-and-carry,' or wholesale business. The company, as of now, has no plans to tie up with foreign players in the event of entry of foreign companies into the retail sector of India. Reliance Retail has a store presence (in each of value, specialty and luxury formats) of over 1000 count in 86 cities across the country. Its value chains include Reliance Fresh, Reliance Super and Reliance Hyper; specialty formats of Reliance Trends, Reliance Footprint, Reliance Jewels, Reliance Digital, and Reliance TimeOut; and high-end luxury brand tie ups with Timb
erland,
Marks and Spencer, Paul & Shark, etc under the Reliance Brands umbrella.Notes to EditorReliance Retail a part of Mukesh Ambani, husband of Nita Ambani has managed to rope to ex-employees of Wal-Mart in Reliance Retail.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

Anil Dhirubhai Group (ADAG) chairman Anil Ambani called on West Bengal Governor MK Narayanan on Sunday. While the meeting is being said to be a courtesy call, sources said Ambani expressed his keenness in investment projects in the state. Sources told TOI that during the meeting held at 5pm at Raj Bhavan, Ambani "expressed interest in power and other infrastructure". ADAG has interest in infrastructure, power, telecom, financial services and light railway transit. Ambani and wife Tina had arrived by a private flight from Mumbai late on Saturday night - to attend a personal party of GhanshyamSarda and Amitabh Jhunjhwala on Sunday at a city hotel. They left on Sunday night. When asked by TOI about his plans on investment in Bengal, Anil Ambani said: "I am here only on a personal visit." But there are talks that Anil Ambani is likely to hold a meeting with chief minister Mamata Banerjee soon. Top officers of ADAG are likely to attend an investors' summit in Kolkata slated for Ju
ne 18,
that the state government is organizing. It is not yet known if Anil Ambani will himself be present for the summit. Five years ago, during the tenure of former BuddhadebBhattacharjee government, ADAG had expressed interest in several projects in Bengal. This includes the proposed light railway transit (LRT) system and the discussion had progressed considerably. The project would have solved a large part of Kolkata's transportation problems. Another ADAG project on which discussions were also held was the DhirubhaiAmbani Institute of Information and Communication on a 60-acre plot near Haringhata. Modelled on DhirubhaiAmbani Institute of Information and Communication Technology in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, it would cost the firm Rs 150 cr. The sources informed that MrAmbani had also sought an appoinment with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in this regard. The chief minister had agreed to the proposal and a meeting between MrAmbani and Ms Banerjee might materialise soon, the sources
added.
Investment proposals in different fields were also pouring in from other industrialists from home and abroad who were willing to participate in the 'rebuilding and reconstruction' of the state under the new government, the sources maintained. Incidentally, the Mamata Banerjee government was likely to organise an industrial conclave on June 18 in the city that would be attended by a number of industrialists from other states and also from different countries. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-13/kolkata/29652450_1_adag-dhirubhai-ambani-institute-anil-dhirubhai-group http://www.free-press-release.com/news-anil-ambani-keen-to-invest-in-west-bengal-seeks-appoinment-with-chief-minister-1308296125.htmlNotes to EditorReliance - ADA Group's flagship company, Reliance Communications, is India's largest private sector information and communications company, with over 100 million subscribers. It has established a pan-India, high-capacity, integrated (wireless and wirel
ine),
convergent (voice, data and video) digital network, to offer services spanning the entire infocomm value chain. Other major group companies - Reliance Capital and Reliance Infrastructure - are widely acknowledged as the market leaders in their respective areas of operation.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

Effective July 1, 2011, Customer Systems International (CSI), an Australia based CRM company with locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, have been acquired by Kovair Software, Inc. (Kovair), a Silicon Valley ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) and ITSM (IT Services Management) software company to form a new Australian entity, Kovair Pty Ltd which will leverage the strengths, products and workforces of the combined CSI and Kovair entities. "This has been in the making for over 2 years and both CSI and Kovair have enjoyed a great partnership bringing ALM and ITSM to CSI's Australian clients," said Mr. Poh Cheung, COO of CSI, adding, "This seemed to be the natural next step for CSI and I'm glad we have come together to make this happen." "We have been watching the steady growth CSI has had in the Australian market, and now with the combined backing of our US and India operations, CSI and Kovair can grow from strength to strength," said Bipin Shah, CEO and Chairman of Ko
vair
Software, Inc. "I have also enjoyed the hospitality of the Victorian Government, and am pleased to contribute in some small way to the expansion of the bridge between our economies," further announced Mr. Shah. Kovair Pty Ltd, doing business as CSI in Australia, will now have a workforce in Australia, US and India. It is envisaged that CSI will continue to grow at a rate of over 15% over the next 2 years. "We have had a number of investors and business partners approach us in the recent past but Kovair has stood head and shoulders above the rest with their unique offering in the ALM and ITSM space," said Mr. Cheung. "A CRM company was a great fit given the integrations we presently provide within our ALM and ITSM solution suites," added Mr. Shah. "This acquisition is the best outcome and guarantees further growth for CSI and Kovair," declared a happy Dr. Richard Satur, MD of Kovair Pty Ltd, adding, "Our clients will benefit, the Australian economy will benefit and our current
and
future shareholders will benefit from this strategic acquisition."Notes to EditorAbout Kovair Founded and based in Silicon Valley, Kovair is an innovation leader in ALM & ITSM solutions and ESB based multi tools integrations space.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

Ultimate Risk Solutions (URS), developer of financial risk modeling software, is entering Asia Pacific markets as the Company marks its tenth anniversary, Alex Bushel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer announced. The Company has established bases in Hong Kong for North Asia and Bangkok for Southeast Asia. David Piesse has been named Managing Director Asia Pacific and Chris Venvell has been named Business Development Director Asia Pacific. Together they will serve as the Company's business development team in the region. URS was one of the first to create sophisticated dynamic financial analysis (DFA) software for business decision making when the company was formed in 2001. Risk Explorer™, the URS software, is used by leading insurance and reinsurance companies, brokers, consultants, and governmental agencies in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Latin America. "Asian insurers today require industrial strength, high technology models for portfolio manageme
nt;
capital estimation and allocation; evaluation of ceded reinsurance; cash flow analysis; and a variety of other uses including Enterprise Risk Management and Solvency II compliance for those doing business in the European Union beginning in January 2013. Our URS team will work with Asian multinationals and domestics in the backdrop of their own cultures and macro-economic landscape to meet their needs for leading edge analytical tools," Bushel said. Piesse worked in all the Asia Pacific markets for a period of 25 years, especially India and China. He served as Global Head of Insurance for Sun Microsystems where he oversaw the insurance/reinsurance strategy of the Company and created microinsurance, bancAssurance, and Islamic Takaful programs. In 2009, he became Chairman of Unirisx in Asia Pacific for Unirisx LLC where he introduced new insurance distribution channels across the region. In his capacity as URS Managing Director, Piesse will serve as Chairman of the 5th Annual
Conference on Microinsurance in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 11-12, discussing emerging market risks in a DFA environment. Chris Venvell is a veteran of 30 years in the insurance industry including 20 years providing business development and management expertise in the insurance technology market. Venvell has been involved in several technology startups, including VenTech, which provided environmental risk analysis software to the U.K. insurance industry. As Managing Director and Founder of VenTech, he managed all sales and product development and oversaw the sale of the Company to Equifax four years later. He has served with a wide range of major insurers and technology providers in the U.S. and U.K. For the last six years he has worked in Southeast Asia. Piesse and Venvell are available to arrange demonstrations of Risk Explorer™ and other URS products. Contact them at dpiesse@ultirisk.com and cvenvell@ultirisk.com.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that a European customer, who wishes to remain unidentified at this time, has placed a firm order for 10 Bombardier CS100 jetliners. A first-time buyer of Bombardier aircraft, this customer will take advantage of the inherent flexibility and performance that only the all-new CSeries aircraft can provide. Based on the list price of the CS100 aircraft, the order is valued at approximately $628 million US. "This order tops off a very successful Paris Air Show and a strong wave of order activity in June, when we added five new customers," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Low noise and emissions, premium cabin comfort, and excellent performance are all key factors in this customer's selection of the CS100 aircraft," he added. "This brings to eight the number of customers committed to the CSeries aircraft program - all endorsements of our 100 per cent new, game-changing aircraft's appeal." Designed for the growing
100- to
149-seat market, the CSeries family of aircraft combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond. The CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15(i) per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20(i) per cent fuel burn advantage; greatly reduced noise and emissions; as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km). It will also provide passengers with widebody-style seating in a single-aisle aircraft. Other customers that have firm orders for CSeries aircraft include Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (30 CS100 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group (17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft), Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft) and a major network carrier (10 CS100 aircraft). Including the order announced today, Bombardier ha
s
booked firm orders for a total of 123 CSeries aircraft, including 61 CS100 and 62 CS300 aircraft. The CSeries aircraft program has also booked options for 109 aircraft, and Korean Air has signed a Letter of Intent for up to 30 CSeries aircraft.Notes to EditorAbout Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.7 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier. Notes: Images of CS100 aircraft are available in the press releases section at: www.bombardier.com. For additional images, video and produc
t
information on the CSeries aircraft, please visit: www.cseries.com. Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace. (i) The CSeries aircraft are in the design phase. All data and specifications are estimates, subject to change in family strategy, branding, capacity and performance during the design, manufacture and certification process. Performance has been estimated based on a 500-nm North American operating environment. Bombardier, CS100, CS300 and CSeries are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Korean Air, South Korea's flagship airline, has signed an agreement to acquire 10 Bombardier CS300 aircraft with an additional 10 options and 10 purchase rights on CS300 airliners. The parties signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) after several months of detailed negotiations. "This is our first CSeries aircraft customer in Asia and signals the aircraft program's entry into the fast growing Asia-Pacific market," said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Korean Air is one of the world's most prestigious airlines, and we are extremely proud that it has selected the CSeries aircraft to meet its route expansion requirements." "Our list of customers continues to grow and now covers the Asian, European and North American markets, a testament to the high value and operating flexibility of the CSeries aircraft program," added Mr. Scott. Bombardier and Korean Air made the announcement today at the Paris Air Show during a gather
ing at
its CSeries pavilion hosted by Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, alongside Walter Cho, Senior Vice President, Korean Air and in the presence of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry Canada. "The Government of Canada congratulates Bombardier Aerospace on the four CSeries aircraft sales announcements made this month," said Minister Paradis. "Canadian firms' ingenuity has been a driving force in our country's emergence from the global recession. Private sector innovation, such as the CSeries aircraft, is the key to moving our economy forward." Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 136 passenger and cargo jet aircraft to 112 cities in 39 countries. Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the CSeries family of aircraft combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements in 2013 and beyond. The CS300 aircraft will enter into service in 2014. Powered by Pratt & Whitney P
W1521G
engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15(i) per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20(i) per cent fuel burn advantage; greatly reduced noise and emissions; as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km). It will also provide passengers with three-plus-two, widebody-style seating in a single-aisle aircraft. In addition to the LOI for up to 30 CSeries aircraft announced today, Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 113 CSeries aircraft, including 51 CS100 and 62 CS300 aircraft. Customers that have firm orders for CSeries aircraft include Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (30 CS100 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group (17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft), Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft) and a major network carrier (10 CS100 aircraft). The CSeries aircraft program
has
also booked options for 109 aircraft.Notes to EditorAbout Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.7 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @BombardierInc. Photos of today's event and images of Korean Air CS300 aircraft are available in the press releases section at: www.bombardier.com. For additional images, video and product information on the CSeries aircraft, please visit: www.cseries.com. Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace. (
i) The
CSeries aircraft are in the design phase. All data and specifications are estimates, subject to change in family strategy, branding, capacity and performance during the design, manufacture and certification process. Performance has been estimated based on a 500-nm North American operating environment. Bombardier, CS100, CS300 and CSeries are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that VistaJet of Switzerland has placed a firm order for 10 Global 8000 aircraft. The total value of the order is approximately $650 million US, based on the 2011 list price for typically equipped aircraft. "It was eight years ago, also at the Paris Air Show, that our two companies began this journey, and only six years ago at Paris that VistaJet placed its first Global aircraft order," said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "It's a true testament to our products and people that VistaJet, an industry leader in luxury aviation, continues its global expansion with an all-Bombardier fleet. Like Bombardier, VistaJet is a leader in developing new markets, where our aircraft are ideally suited to meet the demanding needs of customers. There is an increasingly strong demand for large cabin business jets that can connect virtually any city pair worldwide non-stop, and the Global 8000 jet is the only contender to meet this
requirement." VistaJet, a privately owned company offering revolutionary business aviation solutions through its one-of-a-kind Flight Solutions Program, exclusively purchases and operates Bombardier business aircraft. Just one month ago, Bombardier confirmed that VistaJet ordered two Challenger 605 and six Global 6000 jets in late January 2011. This latest Global aircraft order raises VistaJet's order backlog value to approximately $2 billion US. "This aircraft order confirms our development strategy is on track as we rapidly establish ourselves in the world's fastest growing markets," said Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman, VistaJet. "VistaJet has successfully expanded far beyond Europe's borders, and we now have major customers in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) who require longer-haul aircraft with state-of-the-art cabins. The Global 8000 business jets are ideal to meet the needs of our passengers in these regions. As
we
grow our global network, our customers can be ensured a consistent experience with the best aircraft, cabins and service worldwide." Global 8000 aircraft: Flying farther than any other business jet(i), the Global 8000 aircraft will feature a superior three-zone 2,236-cu.ft. (63.32-cu.m.) cabin and an impressive range of 7,900 nm (14,631 km) at M 0.85(i). It will connect Sydney-Los Angeles, Hong Kong-New York and Mumbai-New York non-stop with eight passengers(i). The Global 8000 jet will reach a high-speed cruise of M 0.90(i). Entry-into-service is currently scheduled for 2017. Unmatched performance Bombardier's new Global aircraft will feature an all-new high-speed transonic wing, designed to significantly optimize aerodynamic efficiency, combined with next-generation GE Passport 16,500 lb- thrust-engines to deliver significant efficiency and emissions advantages, including reduced NOx emissions - 50 per cent below the International Civil Aviation Organization's upcoming Civi
l
Aircraft Emissions Protocol (CAEP-6) regulations - and offering approximately 14 percent overall fuel efficiency when compared to current in-production ultra long-range category jets. Featuring a high-speed cruise of M 0.90(i), these aircraft are designed to outperform all others, connecting more key city pairs non-stop worldwide through a combination of outstanding range, fuel efficiency and balanced field length. Ultimate comfort and flexibility Cabin features include: maximum natural light through new enlarged windows that provide approximately 80 per cent more surface per window than on current Global aircraft; a generous baggage suite that is accessible during flight; a crew rest area equipped with berthable seating; a spacious galley with optimized meal preparation and storage possibilities; an innovative approach to cabin zones, giving customers more flexibility and choice when defining their floorplan; and innovative design options that bring the comforts of home to t
he
aircraft environment. Innovative technology and design The new Global 8000 jet will also feature the most up-to-date version of the Global Vision flight deck and the advanced connectivity capability of a leading-edge cabin management system to ensure the highest levels of convenience, comfort and control ever presented in a business jet.Notes to EditorAbout Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.7 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @BombardierInc. Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to rec
eive
the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace. (i)Under certain operating conditions Bombardier, Challenger 605, Global, Global 6000 and Global 8000 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

AP - Greater China: Tony Wai is experienced in many markets which has ulitmately aided Ipsos reach its market leadership position in China. Today, Tony leads a team of 80+ researchers in six cities with specialists in Auto, Beverages (with a strong focus on Alcohol), Finance, FMCG, Health, IT and Telecom. Having developed a leadership position for qualitative research in China, Tony will support and work with the newly appointed qualitative research leaders in Asia Pacific and Ipsos Global to enhance Ipsos' qualitative research services in Asia and around the world. India: Rinku Patnaik, has created a tremendous buzz in the Indian market research industry by joining Ipsos in January of this year and recruiting 12 of some of India's brightest qualitative researchers and moderators within 5 months. New facilities have even been built to her specifications. Rinku and her team have rapidly established a name for themselves with their clients in FMCG, IT-Telecom, Media-Cult
ure and
Tobacco sectors. Services are currently offered in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Australia: Omnia Holland is a respected leader in Australia's qualitative research field with over 30 years experience as a marketing consultant. Omnia joined forces with Ipsos in November 2010 to bring a specialist qualitative research arm to Ipsos Australia. She has attracted a team of expert qualitative researchers who thrive in a hot house environment working together to address client needs. Omnia is confident this novel approach of bringing the qualitative excellence of a boutique agency together with the global resources of Ipsos will further invigorate and grow Australia's qualitative research market. Japan: Fumito Furukawa, joined Ipsos last year and is leading our Japanese qualitative team investments in technology. Formerly a manager of R&D for a major FMCG firm and with a degree in Neurology, Fumito has set up qualitative research labs with combined retail labs and traditiona
l focus
group facilities allowing Ipsos Japan to become a leader in the shopper research market as well as other innovative quali-quant techniques. Fumito directly manages our qualitative teams in both Tokyo and Osaka. South East Asia: MC Lai, one of the most respected qualitative researchers in Southeast Asia joined Ipsos at the start of this year and has already overseen the establishment of new qualitative research services in Malaysia which he leads, as well as in Singapore and the Philippines in addition to supporting our established qualitative research capabilities in Thailand and Indonesia. MC Lai is committed to making Ipsos the home of the region's best researchers. The Ipsos AP management team led by Lifeng Liu and David Richardson are positive that the Qualitative research team, led by Tony, will further strengthen and develop our services to our clients within the Asia-Pacific region. Notes to EditorAbout Ipsos in Asia-Pacific Founded in 1975, Ipsos is now one of the w
orld's
largest survey-based research groups and is headquartered in Paris, France. With companies in 67 countries and regions, our research business covers over 100 countries all over the world. To meet our clients' expectations as closely as possible, Ipsos has organized its business into five areas of specialization: advertising research, marketing research, media research, opinion polls & social research, and research on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ipsos in the Asia Pacific region includes Greater China, North East Asia, South East Asia, India, and Australia. Ipsos now has more than 1,900 full-time professional staff located in 22 offices around Asia Pacific and we are rapidly expanding this network. In Asia Pacific we are implementing this successful Ipsos strategy of geographic management focusing on specializations. We know brands, how to develop them and how to build them. We assess market potential and interpret market trends. We help our clients build long-term
relationships with their customers. We test advertising and study audience responses to various media. We measure public opinion around the globe. At Ipsos we recognize that clients require from us not only information, but also the ability to analyze the output and to integrate it into their decision making processes. We understand the dynamics of your market and we deliver the insights needed to bring clarity and focus to even the most difficult situation. For more information about Ipsos in Asia Pacific, please visit www.ipsosasiapacific.com About Ipsos Ipsos is the second largest global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals that assess market potential and interpret market trends for over 5,000 worldwide clients to develop and test emergent or existing products or services, build brands, test advertising and study audience responses to various media, and, measure public opinion on issues and reputation. With over 9,100 employees
working in wholly owned operations in 64 countries, Ipsos conducts advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting and a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services in over 100 countries. Founded in 1975 by Jean-Marc Lech and Didier Truchot, Ipsos has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2008, Ipsos' revenues totaled €979.3 million. Listed on Eurolist by NYSE - Euronext Paris, Ipsos is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-100 Index and is eligible to the Deferred Settlement System. Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com

In the wake of new nuclear power plant build rebukes in India, Germany and Italy, a new poll conducted by international research company Ipsos finds that the majority of Indians (61%) support Nuclear power as a source of energy even after Fukushima (Japan) Nuclear disaster. However, global support for Nuclear Energy has dropped quickly to 38% (down 16 points from 54%) to now become lower than support for coal (48%)-fuelled by a 26% jump in new opponents to nuclear power (above 50% in India, China, Japan and South Korea) who indicate that the recent crisis in Japan caused their decision. "Nuclear disaster at Fukushima in Japan has raised serious safety concerns about India's ambitious nuclear energy program. In view of the fact that India's growing economy has to be fuelled by clean and economical energy Government has given a go ahead to the controversial Jaitapur Nuclear Energy project after factoring in stringent additional safety measures. However, in the long run India ha
s to
consciously balance the aspects of safe and secure energy and that of economical and clean one to avoid Chernobyl and Fukushima type nuclear disasters", said B. 'Nary' Narayanaswamy, President - Loyalty, MediaCT, and Public Affairs, Ipsos in India. Germany's government and Italian citizens (by way of voting against nuclear power in a referendum) have rejected electricity producing nuclear power for the future: out of the 24 countries surveyed, support for nuclear power is lowest in Germany (21%), Italy (19%) and Mexico (18%). Of the 62% overall who now oppose nuclear power, four in 10 (38%) of those appear to offer a possible reprieve indicating that modernization of electricity with existing or new power plants should be undertaken, while the remaining group stand hard in their opposition. Only one third (34%) of global citizens say the Fukushima disaster was an 'unforeseeable and isolated event and that the nuclear industry should continue to build nuclear power plants'. Bu
t, in
what may be a surprise to many, of those living in Japan where the off-shore earthquake and resulting tsunami devastated the Fukushima region and its nuclear facility, just under half (45%) still regard nuclear production of electricity as viable option in the scarce energy production island-and 71 % support its modernisation. The Ipsos survey was conducted in the aftermath of the accident and during crisis management in mid-April 2011. The findings are from a survey conducted in 24 countries among 18,787 adults (see methodology below). Is Fukushima Seen as Cause to Halt Nuclear Energy Production? An astonishing 95% of global citizens say they have seen, read or heard of the damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant after the tsunami. Focusing specifically on those aware of the crisis, seven in ten (69%) of those citizens agree that 'what happened at the nuclear plant in Japan demonstrates that all nuclear facilities are vulnerable to unforeseen events that could have a de
adly
impact on those who live in and around them. As a result we should stop all plans to build nuclear plants anywhere'. The remaining group (31%) believes 'what happened in Japan was an unforeseeable and isolated event so that there really is nothing that should stop the nuclear industry from continuing to build and operate nuclear plants to produce electricity in other parts of the world.' Global Citizens Support for Nuclear Energy Drops... When global citizens are asked to rate their support or opposition for six methods of producing electricity they rate nuclear energy last (38%) behind solar power (97%), wind power (93%), hydroelectric power (91%), natural gas (80%) and coal (48%). Of those who oppose nuclear energy (62%), one quarter (26%) say they decided to hold this view as a direct result of the nuclear crisis in Japan while 64% say they held this view previously. This would have put global support for nuclear energy at 54% before the Fukushima disaster indicating an ov
erall
drop in support of 16%. Not surprisingly, nuclear energy opponents most likely to say they took this position recently because of what happened in Fukushima are residents of South Korea (66%), Japan (52%) and China (52%). However, of the 62% who now oppose nuclear power, four in 10 (38%) of those appear to offer a possible reprieve indicating that modernization of electricity with existing or new power plants should be undertaken, while the remaining group stand hard in their opposition. Further according to the Ipsos study, three quarters (73%) of global citizens surveyed believe nuclear energy is 'only a limited and soon obsolete form of producing energy for the future' compared to the remaining one quarter (27%) who believe it's 'a viable long-term option for countries who need to produce it that way'. But perhaps that best explains why of those living in Japan where the off-shore earthquake and resulting tsunami devastated the Fukushima region and its nuclear facility,
just
under half (45%) still regard nuclear production of electricity as viable option in the scarce energy production island-and 71 % support its modernisation. Communication Efforts of Japanese Institutions Viewed Differently Across Countries... While overall global citizen assessment of communications by Japanese officials and institutions is viewed as honest (54 %) and timely (56%), results vary very strongly across countries. Japanese citizens are among the harshest critics: only 28% agree that communications were done honestly and even less so (23%) agree it was conducted on a timely basis. South Korea (17% honestly/17% timely) and Germany (25% honestly/36% timely) also rate the Japanese institutions poorly on these measures. On the other end of the scale, India (90% honestly/87% timely), Indonesia (89% honestly/89% timely) and Saudi Arabia (86% honestly/80% timely) are most likely to assess that the Japanese officials and institutions performed well. Potential Concern for Ja
panese
Food Product Exports... According to the Ipsos study, Eight in ten (80%) global citizens are currently avoiding at least one of the following products exported from or associated with Japan: fish (45%), seaweed (44%), sushi restaurants (41%), fruits (40%), rice (38%) and noodles (37%). Of those who are currently avoiding at least one of these products, just over half (56%) say it is because of recent events involving nuclear energy in Japan. Those living in South Korea (89%), China (87%), followed at some distance by India (69%), Turkey (69%) and Italy (68%) are most likely to indicate they are avoiding at least one of these products because of what occurred in Fukushima. Citizens of South Africa (27%), Russia (31%) and Poland (35%) are least likely to be avoiding products due to the nuclear disaster. What this suggests is that upwards of 45% of the total citizens in the 24 country survey are avoiding at least one product exported from or associated with Japan because of the
recent
nuclear fallout in Fukushima. About The Survey: The survey instrument was conducted among 24 countries including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America. An international sample of 18,787 adults aged 18-64 in the US and Canada, and age 16-64 in all other countries, were interviewed between April 6 and April 21, 2011 via the Ipsos Online Panel system. Approximately 1000+ individuals participated on a country by country basis with the exception of Argentina, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Russia and Turkey, where each have a sample 500+. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflected that of the adult population according to the most recent country Census data and to provide
results
intended to approximate the sample universe. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100% response rate would have an estimated margin of error of +/-3.1 percentage points for a sample of 1,000 and an estimated margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points for a sample of 500 19 times out of 20 per country of what the results would have been had the entire population of the specifically aged adults in that country been polled.Notes to EditorAbout Ipsos Ipsos is the second largest global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals that assess market potential and interpret market trends for over 5,000 worldwide clients to develop and test emergent or existing products or services, build brands, test advertising and study audience responses to various media, and, measure public opinion on issues and reputation. With over 9,100 employees working in wholly owned operations in 64 countries, Ipsos conducts advertising,
customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting and a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services in over 100 countries. Founded in 1975 by Jean-Marc Lech and Didier Truchot, Ipsos has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2008, Ipsos' revenues totaled €979.3 million. Listed on Eurolist by NYSE - Euronext Paris, Ipsos is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-100 Index and is eligible to the Deferred Settlement System. Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.Read more on IndiaPRwire.com