Western Digital has added Dropbox support to its WD 2go mobile app, allowing customers to shuffle batches of files between their 'personal cloud', mobile devices and the popular cloud storage service.

The development is another sign of how previously-isolated hardware backup drives with simple backup routines becoming Internet appliances ruled by software.

In a typical scenario, user might capture images on their mobile device which could then be sent back to their personal cloud; a home-based Western Digital hard drive such as the My BookLive, My Book Live Duo (a larger version) or My Net N900 router with integrated storage.

With the upgrade to the free WD 2go mobile app for the iPhone, iPad or Android devices, the same files could now also be copied to Dropbox as well as to the home cloud drive.

Because of Dropbox's size limits for free account holders (from 2GB), the WD 2go app also allowed files physically located on the personal cloud to be sent to contacts via a secure link.

Files can also be shared straight from Dropbox but what will interest users is the way that they can manage this and other file housekeeping processes (for both personal and Dropbox domains) from the mobile device without the need to access a PC. When at home, the same personal cloud can be accessed directly by Wi-Fi.

WD is committed to providing consumers with secure storage of digital content and access to it on any screen, on-the-go or at home, said Western Digital vice president, Jim Welsh.

By combining access to Dropbox and personal cloud storage into a single intuitive mobile app, WD is empowering consumers with the flexibility and control of anytime, any-device management of their growing libraries of digital content. What it also neatly offers is a way for storage vendors to reinvent commodity devices such as home hard drives into more interesting hubs full of content. Consumers do have a problem with multiple devices, not only how to back up these files but to manage file bloat across several devices.

A variation on this theme is another recently-announced drive from Seagate, the Basckup Plus range. These ship with software that not only automates conventional file back but also backs up a user's Flickr and Facebook images.

Read more from the original source:
Dropbox support added to Western Digital mobile backup app

(PRWEB UK) 16 July 2012

Up to 70 people are chasing each job vacancy in Britain today*, while the CIPDs Learning and Talent Development Survey 2012 shows that employees receive an average of just 24 hours of training per year. This high level of competition, and increased onus on the individual to enhance their skills, is the reason Home Learning College has produced a free guide for ambitious professionals. Boosting Your Career: What Employers Want to See on Your CV contains advice on personal development and outlines the positive impact of gaining professional qualifications.

Home Learning Colleges own research reveals that three quarters of adults in employment say it is harder to move jobs nowadays without the right study credentials. A further survey of 500 recent Home Learning College students shows almost half (43per cent) have more confidence when applying for jobs thanks to their new qualification.

Topics covered in the guide include:

Boosting Your Career: What Employers Want to See on Your CV is free to download here: http://www.homelearningcollege.co.uk/Boosting-Your-Career.

With competition for jobs so fierce, professional qualifications can make a real difference to someones employment prospects and career progression, says Academic Director Dave Snow. Professional accreditations exist for most industries and can often be gained in a relatively short period of time when compared against academic courses such as GCSEs, A Levels or degrees. Modern distance learning techniques also mean that study can be fitted around even the busiest lifestyles.

Lynda Smith gained her CIM Certificate in Marketing with Home Learning College. She comments: Prior to this course I had gained many years of practical marketing experience, but no professional qualifications. Achieving CIM Certification has added tangibility to the mix, enhancing my role and job satisfaction. As well as enhancing my CV, it has provided grounding for future studies.

*Association of Graduate Recruiters 2012

About Home Learning College Home Learning College is the largest provider of professional distance learning courses in the UK, with 50,000 current students.

All Home Learning College courses lead to CV-enhancing, employer recognised qualifications, including AAT, CIM, Sage, CompTIA, Microsoft, ICB and CIW. Subjects covered include book-keeping, accounting, IT and computing, web design and many more.

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Getting noticed by employers: free guide from Home Learning College reveals all

The ubiquity of digital gadgets and sensors, the pervasiveness of networks and the benefits of sharing very personal information through social media have led some to argue that privacy as a social norm is changing and becoming an outmoded concept. In this conclusion of his seven-part series, Don Tapscott argues we each need a personal privacy strategy.

The issue of personal information has been muddled with the opportunity for corporations to become more transparent. To be sure, as I wrote almost a decade ago in The Naked Corporation (co-author David Ticoll), firms can gain huge benefits from sharing pertinent information with customers, employees and other stakeholders. Corporate secrecy is highly overrated and increasingly companies will become more open in many areas simply to perform better.

We argued in the book that largely because of the arrival of the Internet, transparency is a powerful new force in business. People everywhere have at their fingertips the most powerful tool ever for finding out whats really going on and informing others. Customers can evaluate the worth of products and services at levels not possible before. Employees share formerly secret information about corporate strategy, management and challenges. To collaborate effectively, companies and their business partners have no choice but to share intimate knowledge. Powerful institutional investors are developing x-ray vision. Finally, in a world of instant communications, whistleblowers, inquisitive media and googling, citizens and communities routinely put firms under the microscope.

Overall this is a positive development. Whether youre a government or company, when youre increasingly naked, fitness is no longer optional. Transparency will force you to get buff. And if you are fit, you can open the kimono about your organization and when you do good things can happen. Appropriate transparency drops transaction and collaboration costs. It increases loyalty and trust. It speeds up the metabolism of collaboration and contributes to organizational performance.

This is not to say companies should share all their secrets. There are many areas where secrecy pays off, from your business strategy to your product release plans. But increasingly there are many areas where companies can undress for success.

The advocates of personal openness, however, err in thinking the same principles should apply to individuals. Corporations are legal entities that society allows to be created and tasks them to achieve certain societal objectives. They benefit enormously from the privilege of limited liability that society extends to them. As such, they have obligations to us, including being appropriately transparent.

Individuals have no such obligations. We abhor institutions that are secretive. But we have and should continue to respect individuals who are very private persons.

Yes, when companies become transparent they also may find themselves releasing personal information such as the compensation levels of corporate management. But senior executives control the institution and as such are not simply private individuals. In their corporate capacity they have a social obligation to reveal some personal information. This goes with the job, as it should.

Conversely they have an obligation to fiercely protect the privacy of their employees, customers and other stakeholders. Unfortunately the debate about personal openness has obscured and muddled these important differences.

As the new movement for personal openness grows there is a bizarre new danger that people who are private become stigmatized. We know nothing about her vacation location. He refuses to publish his DNA sequencing. What are they hiding?

More here:
Corporate secrecy and personal privacy are opposites

Chesterfield Fire crews respond to alarm at retirement complex Chesterfield Fire crews respond to alarm at retirement complex

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 7:12 PM EDT2012-07-12 23:12:48 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 6:39 PM EDT2012-07-12 22:39:36 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 6:15 PM EDT2012-07-12 22:15:22 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 6:09 PM EDT2012-07-12 22:09:02 GMT

Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 5:51 PM EDT2012-07-12 21:51:04 GMT

Several hundred people waited anxiously Wednesday for their exclusive ticket to see President Obama up close and personal.

Annette Suarez waited 6 hours but was the first to get a ticket. "Oh, I am sweaty. We've been here since 11 a.m.," said Suarez.

"We've seen him every time he's come to Richmond because we've been able to see him, from afar, not up close, every time he comes into town. We make sure we do get a chance to see him," said Charlotte Patterson.

Obama's campaign visit won't be like the last, where thousands of people crowded into the Siegel Center. That's why even with just 300 people in line at the Richmond location, not everyone got a ticket. The same goes for hundreds of people who lined up at the campaign office in Henrico.

Read the original:
Obama tickets released in Richmond and Henrico

NEW YORK, July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Personal & Professional Service Robotics Market Global Forecast & Assessment by Applications & Geography (2012 2017)

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0932986/Personal--Professional-Service-Robotics-Market--Global-Forecast--Assessment-by-Applications--Geography-2012--2017.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Industrial_Equipment

During early 2010s, service robotics evolved with advanced interaction capabilities, in addition to mobility. Entertainment products for exhibitions and products were introduced in Japan to amuse residents- which followed next. Robots were able to respond to vocal commands or gestures and move independently around a living space, watering plants, letting the cat out, operating kitchen appliances, even making toast (as well as serving it), and feeding pets. As the elderly will represent the largest market segment in the years to come, the industry anticipates a huge demand for servant robots.

In the coming ten years, service robotics evolution is expected to continue with its application in Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) or self-driving cars, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or self-piloting airplanes, and autonomous wheelchairs, as well as C3PO-like anthropomorphic robots and less complex simple cleaning robots. The more sophisticated service robots applications include robot snipers, minding children, caring for the elderly, acting as tour guides, and giving people baths or doses of medicine. As with all the digital technologies, the prices of robots are expected to fall, while, at the same time, their capabilities are expected to grow rapidly.

The service robotics market report forecasts and assesses the professional and personal service robotics by applications, and geography from 2012 to 2017. The report analyses the service robotics application market, both qualitatively and quantitatively, giving in-depth insights about each sub segment of all application as well. Industrial service robots can be used to carry out simple tasks, such as examining welding, as well as more complex, harsh-environment tasks, such as aiding in the dismantling of nuclear powers stations. Autonomous scientific robots perform tasks which humans would find difficult or impossible, from the deep sea to outer space. The Woods Hole Sentry can descend to 4,500 meters and allows a higher payload as it does not need a support ship or the oxygen and other facilities demanded by human piloted vessels.

The service robotics market research report aims to capture the market roadmap with market sizes, revenue forecasts, value chain, competitive landscape, leading players and their key developments, strategies, and profiles. Market is split into five regions; namely Americas, Europe, Japan, APAC, and ROW for the geographic analysis of the market.

The global service robotics market in 2011 was worth $18.39 billion. This market is valued at $20.73 billion in 2012 and expected to reach $46.18 billion by 2017 at an estimated CAGR of 17.4% from 2012 to 2017. The market is driven by factors like ageing population, value enhancement by robots, increasing grants and funds by governments, increasing venture capital investments in service robotics companies, enhancements in complementary technologies and integration of robotics with mobile technologies, other smart products, and appliances.

The key market players in service robotics industry are Honda Motors (Japan), iRobot (U.S.), AB Electrolux (Sweden), Sony (Japan), Fujitsu (Japan), Toyota (Japan), GeckoSystems (U.S.), and Yujin Robot (South Korea).

Scope of the report

Excerpt from:
Personal & Professional Service Robotics Market - Global Forecast & Assessment by Applications & Geography (2012 - 2017)

WOODRIDGE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. announced today that it has raised $104 million in its Series E financing round. Elevance produces high performance ingredients for use in personal care products, detergents, lubricants and other specialty chemicals and fuel markets from renewable feedstocks. Lacustrine Limited via Genting Genomics Limited, wholly owned by Genting Berhad, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia led the round with Total Energy Ventures International, based in Paris, France also participating in the financing. Elevance also announced that Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of Genting Berhad, will join the Elevance board of directors.

The investment will support Elevances strategic growth plans, including the continued development of biorefineries in Asia and North and South America,said KLynne Johnson, CEO of Elevance. The addition of the Genting Group via Lacustrine Limited, compliments the strengths of our existing investors and further emphasizes the key potential that Malaysia and Asia play in our global footprint.

About Elevance Renewable Sciences

Based in Woodridge, Ill., Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. creates valued specialty chemicals from natural oils. Using a Nobel Prize-winning technology called olefin metathesis, the company creates high performance ingredients for use in personal care products, detergents, fuels, lubricants and other specialty chemicals markets. To learn more about Elevance, visit http://www.elevance.com.

About Lacustrine Limited

Lacustrine Limited via Genting Genomics Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Berhad, the holding company of the Genting Group. Genting Berhad, its subsidiaries and affiliates operating under the Genting name, is recognized as one of Asias leading and best managed multinationals. The Group, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is involved in leisure & hospitality, power generation, oil palm plantations, property development, biotechnology and oil & gas business activities.

About Total Energy Ventures

Total Energy Ventures investments support the development of companies with innovative technologies and business models in areas such as energy efficiency, alternative and renewable energies, water, waste valorisation, greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable mobility. The investments primarily consist of acquiring minority interests in promising innovative companies to help finance their development.

Total is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, with activities in more than 130 countries. The Group is also a first rank player in chemicals. Its 96,000 employees put their expertise to work in every part of the industry exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining and marketing, new energies, trading, and chemicals. Total is working to help satisfy the global demand for energy, both today and tomorrow. http://www.total.com

Excerpt from:
Elevance Renewable Sciences Raises $104 Million in Series E Financing

NEW YORK, July 10,2012 /PRNewswire/ --HBA Global, the leading product development event for the entire beauty and personal care industry, announced the winners of several industry awards for innovations in package design, emerging brands and suppliers' new products.With its online communities and show attendees voting, the HBA awards reached a worldwide audience of top beauty and personal care brand manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120710/NY37783-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120710/NY37783-b )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120426/NY95610LOGO )

For the first time, HBA Global attendees voted for their favorite new product from industry suppliers that were displayed in the on-site New Product Showcase. The following products, from more than 150 submitted, were selected by top beauty and personal care manufacturers for the Exhibitor New Product Excellence Awards:

Another new HBA feature was the Best of SPLASH Awards. During the 3 days of the HBA Global event, attendees visited the inaugural SPLASH Pavilion and voted for their favorite emerging brands. The Best of SPLASH 2012, as voted by show visitors, were:

The winners of the long-standing HBA International Package Design Awards (IPDA) were also announced by Lady Emmy during a special ceremony and reception on the first day of HBA Global. The Grand Award Winner and category leader for Tools/At Home Devices was:

The other HBA IPDA Category Wiiners included:

In addition, a Facebook campaign where the entire HBA community could vote on their favorite new package took place and this new campaign generated 25,000 votes and close to 1 million impressions giving the HBA IPDA Finalists worldwide exposure for their products and brands. The winner of the 1st Annual IPDA People's Choice Award was Socializer's Can You Keep A Secret? Lip Exfoliator & Conditioning Balm by Elizabeth Grant.

To view the winners of the HBA IPDA go to: http://www.hbaexpo.com/ipda_2012winners. For more information on HBA Global, its exhibitors, and supplier resources go to: http://www.hbaexpo.com/home.

Read more here:
HBA Global Announces Its Beauty & Personal Care Award Winners

LITTLE ROCK (KTHV) - Three out of every ten kids in the United States don't graduate from high school.

It's a national picture that's getting some Arkansas attention right now with a new program for the Boys and Girls Club. The Central Arkansas chapter will launch the program this fall with some early intervention, targeting middle school students.

The Central Arkansas chapter is among ten Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide that was chosen for the "Be Great: Graduate" program. It's focusing in on at-risk middle school students: a group club organizers say can often have a lot of stress in their lives and don't always get the attention they need.

"You're on and you do five questions and once you get five in a row correct, you get to do a video game of your choice for one minute and then it kicks back to the questions," Shelby Kriz says, describing an activity at the James Penick Boys and Girls Club on Tuesday.

These middle school girls are keeping education alive during summer break at a Little Rock Boys and Girls Club. Over in the gym, these middle school boys get some basketball time Tuesday; everyone enjoying a positive experience that will grow this fall.

"A lot of times in middle school you start developing the idea of what you want to be when you grow up, you're going through puberty, there are so many things happening to you in middle school," said Kriz, who is the Director of Education for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas.

To keep these kids on track to graduation, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas has a new program this fall, partnering with the University of Phoenix. The first part is a weekly mentoring program.

"Just to let that kid know that somebody cares about them and they're consistent, they come every week, they make promises and they keep those promises," Kriz said.

Education Director Shelby Kriz says relationships like that are key for at-risk students. Part Two of the program works with a student's school, closely tracking red flags.

"Making sure that if we see truancy several days in a row, let's address that issue, let's find out what's causing that," Kriz said.

See the article here:
New Boys & Girls program targets middle school students

23andMe has named Andy Page to its board of directors. He currently serves as president of Gilt Group. Previously he served as chief operating and financial officer at PlayPhone; chief financial officer and senior vice president of business strategy at StubHub; and has held senior executive positions at Panasas, ONI Systems, and Robertson Stephens & Company.

Sera Prognostics has named Sherree Frazier to be VP of sales and marketing. Frazier will head the company's commercial activities, including development and launch of the ProNid diagnostic test to predict preterm birth risk. Frazier formerly was senior director of molecular diagnostics and head of North American clinical sales at Qiagen, and prior to that she was women's health manager at Adeza Biomedical, before it was acquired by Cytyc.

Douglas Kell has been reappointed as chief executive and deputy chair of the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said this week.

Kell has held the top post at BBSRC since 2008, and before that he was director of the Manchester Centre for Integrative Systems Biology. He also has served as director of research at the Institute of Biological Sciences at the University of Aberystwyth, and he was a founding director of Aber Instruments. His research has included a range of topics including systems biology, analytical chemistry, and biochemical and data modeling.

Read more here:
Personal Genome Project Members Report on Genome Interpretation Resource

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/wsrx7g/emerging_opportuni) has announced the addition of the "Emerging Opportunities in the Indian Personal Loan Industry: Market Size, Strategies, Products, and Competitive Landscape: Market Profile" report to their offering.

The report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Indian personal loan industry, including:

- Current and forecast values for the personal loan industry in India

- Comprehensive analysis of the personal loan industry attractiveness and key trends and drivers supporting the growth of the consumer finance market in India

- Detailed analysis of the marketing strategies adopted by banks in India for selling personal loans

- Detailed analysis of the challenges affecting the personal loan industry

- Company profiles of the major banks in the personal loan industry in India

Reasons to Buy:

- Make strategic business decisions using historic and forecast market data related to the personal loan industry in India

Continued here:
Research and Markets: Emerging Opportunities in the Indian Personal Loan Industry: Market Size, Strategies, Products ...