IWC Lands Two Starring Roles in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps; MICHAEL DOUGLAS & SHIA LABEOUF SPORT IWC WATCHES IN HOLLYWOOD FILM

The legendary Swiss watch manufacturer, IWC Schaffhausen has secured a starring role on the big screen, this time in Oliver Stone's film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. Featuring prominently on the wrists of both lead actors, Michael Douglas as the notorious Gordon Gekko and Shia LaBeouf as the innovative Jacob Moore, the film reinforces the brand's well-earned reputation as a power player in the business world.

To show who's boss, standing out - in an understated way - is paramount in the cut-throat world of finance. Jacob Moore couldn't show his understanding of this philosophy any more - by sporting the IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar, he is the true representation of the IWC man, an educated, driven and talented man "in the know" who has a passion for the finer things in life.

Additionally, after his release from prison, the infamous Gordon Gekko shows his comprehension of strength and wealth by bearing the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Edition Kurt Klaus in rose gold. The limited edition piece is a true status symbol of Gekko's return to power and an icon amongst the Wall Street power players.

Probus Scafusia - Good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen

For more than a century, IWC Schaffhausen has set standards in the technological development of highly complicated luxury timepieces. Founded in 1868, the International Watch Company has acquired a global reputation as a tradition-rich Swiss watch manufacturer with its passion for brilliant inventions, innovative solutions and technical sophistication.

Aston Martin Racing launches new AMR-One Race Car

·         New Aston Martin LMP1 race-car developed from ground up named AMR-One
·         Bespoke, in-line six cylinder, direct injection, intercooled, turbocharged petrol engine
·         Carbon fibre monocoque open top chassis
·         Driver line up:
o   007 Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) , TBC
o   009 Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH)
·         Intention to contend the full Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with one car

Gaydon 2 March 2011. Aston Martin Racing announces today its plans for the new season including the unveiling of a new ground-up developed LMP1 race car, the AMR-One, as well as confirming the driver line-up and planned race programme.
The Gulf Liveried Aston Martin AMR-One is a new open-top LMP1 race car featuring a 2.0 litre turbocharged six cylinder direct injection petrol engine which has been developed for a new bespoke carbon fibre chassis designed and manufactured by Aston Martin Racing.
Based on the new regulations for 2011 instigated by the Le Mans governing body; the ACO, Aston Martin Racing has chosen to change tack this year in designing an open cockpit car. In line with the new 2011 rules, the AMR-One features the new blade-fin and has a significantly down-sized engine in keeping with the championship’s efficiency focused regulations. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed transverse semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox.
A total of six AMR-Ones will be built, with the factory team running one car in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) which includes the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and two cars at selected events. The AMR-One is linked to Aston Martin’s ultimate design and engineering showcase; the road going One-77; both of which share similar philosophies featuring carbon fibre monocoques. Aston Martin’s in-house design team worked closely with the engineers at Aston Martin Racing to find the optimum balance between aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “Aston Martin’s heritage is deeply rooted in endurance sports car racing, so in 2011, we take the next step demonstrating that a small team using advanced design and engineering intelligence will be agile and competitive.”
The driver line up for 2011 will consist of Darren Turner (GB) Stefan Mücke (D) and another driver yet to be announced, who will join the team piloting the 007 car. Adrian Fernandez (MX), Andy Meyrick (GB) and Harold Primat (CH) will be teaming up to drive the 009 car.
Aston Martin Racing Chairman, David Richards said: “George and the team have been extremely busy over the winter months and they have been working day and night to produce what is not only a stunningly beautiful race car but one which will use the new ACO regulations to best effect.
“Just like the road cars, the AMR-One has been elegantly engineered where simplicity runs throughout to produce what we expect to be a competitive and reliable endurance racer.”
Team Principal George Howard-Chappell said: “We have chosen to run with a six cylinder turbocharged engine because we believe this offers the best potential within the petrol engine regulations. With the ACO’s commitment to effectively balance the performance of petrol and diesel Le Mans entrants – our hopes are high that we’ll see the closest racing yet in the premiere LMP1 category.
Subject to initial testing, it is hoped that a single AMR-One will make its race debut at the 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on 16-19 March 2011. It is expected that Aston Martin Racing will contend the full Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with its seven rounds in the United States (Sebring and Petit Le Mans), Belgium (Spa), France (Le Mans), Italy (Imola), England (Silverstone) and China (TBC).
The AMR-One is expected to test for the first time in early March.
- Ends -
Aston Martin AMR-ONE LMP1 Car Technical Specification

Chassis – Aston Martin Carbon Fibre Monocoque ‘open’ style construction, load bearing engine with steel frame to help rigidity.

Configuration – Mid engine rear wheel drive

Engine – In line 6 cylinder, direct injected, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC Petrol engine, 4 valves per cylinder. Approx 540bhp, 6 speed Xtrac

Gearbox – Bespoke 6 speed, transverse, semi automatic pneumatic shift, Xtrac racing gearbox

Suspension – All round double wishbone, push-rod activated Koni dampers with third spring/damper, front and rear. Front Anti roll bar

Steering – Rack and Pinion with electrical power assistance

Aerodynamics  - to current LMP1 regulations developed via CFD in conjunction with Totalsim, including latest regulation fin.

Electronics – Full Cosworth electronics systems including engine ECU, data system and telemetry. Full military spec wiring harness and connectors.

Wheels and Tyres – Michelin tyres, 36/71 x 18 front and 37/71 x 18 rear mounted on TWS forged magnesium wheels.

Brakes – Brembo six pot calipers fitted front and rear, Carbon 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear discs with carbon pads

Dimensions:
Length 4640mm
Width 1990mm
Wheelbase 2930mm
Minimum weight 900Kg


For further information, please visit: www.astonmartinmedia.com.

Audi reveals A3 concept in Geneva

Michèle Mouton and her daughter Jessi beides
the new Audi RS 3 Sportback

Geneva, March 02, 2011 – With several world premieres and appearances by legendary rally driver Michèle Mouton and a performance by singer Amy Macdonald German premium car manufacturer Audi has kicked off the 81^st International Geneva Motor Show. The star of the show, however, was the Audi A3 concept. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates the full breadth of the brand’s technological expertise – from the improved MMI operating system, to the high-tech infotainment system, to the drivetrain. A five-cylinder turbo developing 408 hp, a seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensure thrilling dynamics along with high fuel efficiency.

Among the technological highlights are the large rotary pushbutton of the MMI that now includes the touch pad, MMI touch, which makes the already operation even more intuitive and will soon be introduced in series production at Audi. Holders for iPads are installed on the back of the front seat backrests. The door handles with their brushed-aluminum clasps are recessed flush with the door. When the driver touches them, they power-extend.

Further premiers included the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro - the first mass-produced hybrid model from Audi that makes use of two drive systems. Delivering 245 hp of system performance and 480 Nm of torque, its 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine and electric motor ensure sporty dynamics while achieving an average fuel consumption in the normal cycle (NEDC) of under 6.9 liters per 100 km. The sportiest hybrid SUV on the market can drive up to 100 km/h under electric power alone and covers about three kilometers locally emission-free at a speed of 60 km/h.

Board of Management of AUDI AG next new Audi A3 concept

With the new RS 3 Sportback Audi also revealed the newest member of the dynamic Audi RS family. It’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine pumps out 340 hp and delivers 450 Nm of torque at just 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km on average. The Audi RS 3 Sportback accelerates from a standing stop to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds – a best-in-class performance figure. A further highlight on the Audi stand is the A8 L Security, which meets the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles, with a host of special safety features available in addition to its heavy armoring.

The Audi RS 3 and Q5 hybrid have not been confirmed for the Middle East yet.

Avaya Expands Presence in Saudi Arabia

New office to meet increasing demand for best-in-class communications solutions and boost local support

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Avaya is strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new office in Jeddah. The move comes as the company witnesses burgeoning customer demand for its business collaboration systems, software and services. The Jeddah office will serve Avaya’s customer base in the city and nearby areas, as well as cater to the needs of its local partners by meeting increased customer demand.

Present at the inauguration of the new office, Michael Bayer, EMEA President at Avaya, reiterated the company’s commitment and support to its stakeholders in the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia remains a key market for Avaya, and expanding our presence to one of the major cities in the Kingdom reinforces our local support to customers as well as partners. Saudi Arabia remains a strong driver and an example of the wider regional IT market. With the convergence of telecommunications and media as the main drives of ICT growth, Avaya is committed to support this change and growth by enabling organizations in all sectors benefits from world-class collaboration solutions,” he said.

‘The government is playing a critical role in developing the country’s ICT sector and boosting the overall economic growth. As they embark on the liberalization of the ICT sector to enable changes in communication technologies encouraging the growth of new services, Avaya see’s tremendous opportunity to support the initiative with our world class communications and collaboration solutions. We are also investing in local talent to help us identify and crack new opportunities and expand our regional customer base,” added Bayer.

Avaya recently launched the Avaya Flare® in Saudi Arabia. Avaya Flare is the industry’s first, next-generation user experience that delivers unique collaboration capabilities across video, voice and text.  The new solutions, which range from personal desktop to multi-screen room systems, make high definition, low bandwidth video collaboration accessible for more employees in more enterprises at one-third the cost, using significantly less bandwidth than competing solutions.

Avaya is bringing the capability of making video calls and conferencing as easy as making a telephone call by using the same platform for both, within the grasp of large and small organizations in Saudi Arabia. Businesses can integrate real-time video into their IT infrastructure for better control of costs, quality of service, administration and management.

About Avaya

Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company provides unified communications, contact centers, data solutions, and related services directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service and competitiveness. For more information please visit www.avaya.com.

TECH LEADERS SUPPORT JUNIPER’S QFABRIC™ DATA CENTER SOLUTION TO UNLEASH THE POWER OF THE ENTIRE VIRTUALIZED DATA CENTER

VMware, NetApp and CA Technologies Support Juniper’s Vision for the Data Center

Dubai, UAE, Mar. 02, 2011 – Top technology leaders – united by a shared vision of a simplified, more agile and efficient data center – joined forces with Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR) to launch QFabric, the world’s first true data center fabric and an outcome of Juniper’s Project Stratus. QFabric re-envisions the network from the ground up as a scalable, blazingly fast and efficient fabric, with the operational simplicity of a single switch and lays the foundation for the company to roll out an entirely new family of fabric products and technologies.

Partners VMware, NetApp and CA Technologies joined Juniper in expressing a vision and plan for building data center fabrics for the next decade, while customers NYSE Euronext and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are evaluating how they can benefit from the performance gains the new architecture delivers. 

From compute to storage to virtualization, nearly every technology in the modern data center has undergone tremendous evolution, introducing more efficiency, speed, reliability and capability in the process.  In comparison, the network has remained unchanged for nearly a decade, with legacy vendors simply adding more boxes in pursuit of bandwidth and scale.

Juniper and its partners believe the inflection point has arrived and it's time for a new network and a new approach to the data center.

“Juniper’s QFabric promises to further accelerate the transformative power of virtualization in the data center by enabling even greater pooling of resources and higher efficiency,” said Raghu Raghuram, senior vice president and general manager, Virtualization and Cloud Platforms, VMware. “We are excited about this new approach and are working with Juniper to help ensure tight integration between our products and enable customers to build hybrid cloud environments.”

“Cloud computing represents a dramatic shift in how enterprises are approaching IT and delivering business services. These developments have been constrained by conventional networking technologies, creating extra work and cost, and extending cloud computing initiative timelines,” said Adam Famularo, general manager, Cloud Computing business, CA Technologies. “Juniper’s new QFabric architecture aims to simplify the network from the center out, helping to set new standards for operational efficiency in the data center. In concert with CA Technologies’ cloud computing and service assurance solutions, our mutual customers can achieve new levels of reliability and agility in the data center.”

“As data growth continues to skyrocket, more organizations are moving their data centers to a unified storage infrastructure to help increase their IT flexibility and efficiency,” said Chris Cummings, vice president of product and solution marketing, NetApp, Inc. “Juniper’s QFabric technology complements NetApp’s unified storage and Unified Connect technologies by breaking down the barriers of inefficiency with easy-to-manage, high-speed unified network access. This is critical to helping IT become an accelerator of the business.”

To get more information or join the conversation, please refer to the following resources:

Juniper Launch Site and Webcast — http://juniper.stream57.com/juniper

Juniper Online Newsroom — www.juniper.net/press  

The Network Ahead blog — www.juniper.net/networkahead  

Architecting the Network blog – www.juniper.net/architecting-the-network

Juniper.Net Community — www.juniper.net/community  

Juniper's Social Channels — www.juniper.net/social

About Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks is in the business of network innovation. From devices to data centers, from consumers to cloud providers, Juniper Networks delivers the software, silicon and systems that transform the experience and economics of networking. Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net). 

13th TECOM SME Builder Event Offers SMEs Guidance for Establishing Legal Presence in UAE

Over 100 SME Representatives Gain Insight into Regulations for Incorporating Companies and Negotiating with Banks for Funds

Dubai-UAE: 2 March, 2011 – More than 100 representatives from the small and medium enterprises sector participated in the 13th edition of the TECOM SME Builder event that offered tips to small and medium (SMEs) enterprises on establishing a legal presence in the UAE and approaching banks for working capital.

An initiative of TECOM’s Partner Development Management (PDM) department, TECOM SME Builder is a platform for small businesses to gain access to experts and consultants in different operational aspects of the industry. The initiative was created on the back of positive projections that recognise the role of the SME sector in the growth of the national economy.

Held on 24 February at the Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Centre, the workshop featured presentations on ‘Establishing a Legal Presence in the UAE’ by Therese Abou-Zeid, Senior Legal Consultant, DLA Piper Middle East, as well as on ‘What banks look for in SMEs’ by Vikram Venkataraman, Finance Expert, Salvus Strategic Advisors.

Therese Abou-Zeid said: “SMEs are regarded as the backbone and main driver of the UAE economy. Such businesses continue to play an extremely significant role through employing a large number of people. This makes it imperative for such units to comply with the legal and regulatory framework at the time of establishment and thereafter.”

Therese Abou-Zeid deliberated on the options available within TECOM, licensing regulations, cost, documentary and procedural requirements, as well as statutory obligations. Vikram Venkataraman offered his insights into the key aspects banks look for while offering credit, ways to understand a banker’s mind and skills for negotiating with a financial institution.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director of TECOM Investments Education Cluster, said: “SMEs are one of the most viable contributors to economic development. TECOM SME Builder aims to support the county’s growing sector by offering a platform to encourage exchange of knowledge and best practices.

“The discussions stimulated by the workshops are gaining increasing significance among small and medium-sized business owners who are in dire need of industry expertise and effective solutions.”

The triannual workshops provide the ideal environment for owners of small and medium enterprises to upgrade business management skills and widen contacts within their specific business segment for greater synergy. In addition to SME owners, membership to SME Builder is open to even those who are considering the prospects of launching their own business.

Qlina Alemai, Media Manager, Spear Advertising, said: “This is the first time that I have attended the TECOM SME Builder workshop. The highly informative session with different experts gave me the right guidance on how to go about setting up my own company.”

The 13^th edition of TECOM SME Builder was sponsored by Emirates NBD. The event was organised in conjunction with participating experts from TECOM Investments’ business partners such as Salvus Strategic Advisors, Business en Motion, Envestors, Flagship Consultancy, The Referral Institute, Arabianbusiness.com, Bayt.com, RealHR, Integris Law Group, DLA Piper, Platinum CPD, Potential and Disruptive Play.

PRIME MINISTER OF SPAIN VISITS MASDAR CITY AND COMMENDS ABU DHABI FOR ITS LEADERSHIP IN ACCELERATING RENEWABLE ENERGY

osé Luis Rodríguez Zapatero visited Masdar City to experience firsthand the visible progress of the sustainable, cutting-edge urban development and to reaffirm the growing cooperation between the two nations in the development and deployment of renewable energy.

The Prime Minister was received by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, and provided with a comprehensive overview of Masdar’s unique integrated approach to tackling the complex energy challenges the world faces.  

Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, said: “I am most satisfied with the visit to Masdar, which I consider one of the main centres in the world for research and development in renewable energy. Masdar is working closely with Spanish companies in the development of solar energy. I support enlarging and deepening the cooperation in all sectors of renewable energy – in the UAE, Spain and other regions of the world.”

Spain and the UAE have a strong and growing business relationship. Founded in 2008, Torresol Energy – a commercial developer of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants – is a strategic venture between Spanish multinational technology leader SENER Grupo de Ingeniería, S.A., and Masdar.

Torresol is developing three solar power plants in Spain, all of which are expected to be running in 2011. Using proprietary molten salt thermal storage technology, the CSP plants are capable of generating electricity at night and through periods of intermittent sunlight, enabling a continuous supply of electricity and overcoming the challenges of intermittency.

Construction of the twin Concentrated Solar Power plants – Valle 1 and Valle 2 – in Cadiz, Spain, will generate up to 7.5 hours of thermal storage capacity and provide clean and safe energy for 80,000 homes.

The third plant, Gemasolar, is the first commercial-scale plant in the world to apply a central tower receiver and molten salt heat storage technology.  The CSP plant will produce electrical power 24 hours a day and deliver renewable energy to 25,000 homes throughout the region of Andalucía, Spain.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO and managing director of Masdar, said: “Spain is a renewable energy champion and has played a major role in driving the global adoption of renewable sources of power. Spain has helped pave the way for renewable energy, and we are pleased to receive the Prime Minister to Masdar City and Abu Dhabi.

“Our nations have a lot in common, as we see a future driven by a healthy mix of energy. The visit by the Prime Minister underscores the global recognition that Masdar is a viable gathering place for collaboration, and a test-bed for the development and commercialization of renewable energy and clean technologies,” Dr. Al Jaber added.

                                                                                                                                                  

During the Prime Minister’s tour of Masdar City, he met with students and Spanish professors teaching at the Masdar Institute – the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to renewable energy and environmental technologies. The Prime Minister also learned about the various pilot projects at Masdar City, including the Solar Beam Down, the solar test field and the fully-operational 10 MW solar power farm, the largest grid-connected facility in the Middle East and North Africa.

“We hope to build on the visit by the Prime Minister and continue to grow our relationship with Spain,” added Dr. Al Jaber. “Spain has long been a supporter of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and we look forward to the continued support in ensuring IRENA delivers on its mandate to drive the global acceleration and adoption of renewable energy.”

Spain is one of the world’s most advanced renewable energy players and continues to lead by example. In 2009, renewable energy represented 12.5 percent of total energy generation in Spain, and the nation has set a target of generating 20 percent by 2020. As a result of the ministerial ruling in 2004, and through feed-in tariffs, Spain removed economic barriers to the installation of renewable energy to the national power grid.

Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable and alternative energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future - developing a pathway for how we will live and work tomorrow. Backed by the stability and reputation of the Mubadala Development Company, an investment vehicle of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the Emirate’s long-term vision for the future of energy.