EIN Presswire: Finance Featured Press Releases

VoiceTrust acquires Canadian biometrics firm Perceive Solutions

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:01:53 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Dubai, 8th February, 2012: VoiceTrust, a global leader and provider of digital payments and voice biometric solutions announced today the acquisition of Montreal based voice technology firm Perceive Solutions Inc.

VoiceTrust is a global innovator in voice biometrics security and its revolutionary Proof-of-LifeTM program provides safe, secure and cost efficient delivery of various payment services, like secure pension disbursement that allows pension funds using voice biometrics to ensure that the recipient is still alive and in-country. Recipients do not need to personally visit pension fund locations to authenticate themselves.

Tariq Habib, CEO, VoiceTrust, said, "Perceive has a product portfolio that is a perfect extension to the current VoiceTrust solutions." He further added that "'the acquisition enhances our customer focused delivery promise of continuous innovation and development and Perceives experienced management team will enable us to support and address the Canadian market in an accelerated fashion"."

Roanne Levitt, Founder, Perceive Solutions, said, "We are excited to be part of the VoiceTrust team and leverage synergies between Perceives free-form speech products and VoiceTrust's platform and global market presence to enable us to provide state-of-the-art solutions for customers seeking world class speaker verification and authentication technology."

VoiceTrust is majority owned by Ramphastos Investments, the investment vehicle of Dutch investor Marcel Boekhoorn.

Corné Melissen, VoiceTrust´s interim CFO and spokesman for Ramphastos emphasises the investor´s commitment to the growth of VoiceTrust, both organically and by means of acquisitions.

About VoiceTrust:
VoiceTrust is a global provider of digital payment and voice biometric solutions. VoiceTrust is dedicated to continuous innovation and development of patented technologies. VoiceTrust leverages its domain expertise and intellectual property in digital payment transaction processing and voice biometrics to deliver highly differentiated real-life solutions. VoiceTrust is backed by a successful Dutch private equity firm and operates globally with footprints in the Americas, Europe and South Asia, Middle East & Africa.

About Perceive Solutions:
Perceive Solutions unique technology portfolio represents an innovation in voice biometrics that can identify and authenticate speakers in any language with free form speech.

Media Contacts:
Karen Hargreaves
karen@voicetrust.com
Tel - +971 4 4458238
www.voicetrust.com
www.perceivesolutions.com

New ICT Strategy Toolkit delivers tangible business benefits

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:14:16 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ IT Governance Ltd, the global leader in IT strategy development, has launched an ICT Strategy Toolkit that will help organisations provision for their IT spend in the next financial year (www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3658).

IT strategy has to deliver business benefit - help satisfy customers, enable staff to perform better, deliver tangible business value, drive down costs - and operate within a well-defined governance environment in which key ICT risks are identified and controlled.

Organisations need an ICT strategy template that guides you through the process of creating an ICT Strategy, which also identifies the types of issues and challenges you should be addressing (www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3658).

The ICT Strategy Toolkit from IT Governance is suitable for any organisation. It consists of 24 pages of ICT (information and communications technology) Strategy Templates covering all the key are of strategy formulation:

• Introduction, scope, governance, approval
• Business Strategy
• Risk, Conformance & Compliance
• IT Strategy

- Specific Context for IT Strategy
- The Information Strategy
- The Information Systems Strategy
- The Technology/Hardware Strategy
- IT Department Physical, Environment and Personnel Resources
- Summary of IT Strategy

Alan Calder, CEO at IT Governance stresses the importance of an effective ICT Strategy, 'identifying and managing ICT risk is an important aspect of IT strategy - not only do you need to deliver business results, but you also need to protect the availability, confidentiality and integrity of the information on which the organisation relies.'

The ICT Strategy Toolkit from IT Governance includes an ICT risk register, instructions on how to use it to identify and manage ICT risks, and an 18-slide PowerPoint presentation that sets out the key elements and stages in strategy development. This template toolkit is designed so that it can be used in organisations of any size, and so that it can be adapted to reflect the business and compliance requirements of any sector in any country. It is flexible and adaptable, but provides clear and firm guidance on all the elements of a well-formed ICT Strategy.

Organisations can purchase this ICT Strategy Toolkit here at www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3658 .

- Ends -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for Governance, Risk Management and Compliance. It is a leading authority on data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is 'non-geek', approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.

New Cyber Security Assessment Tool assesses the overall security posture of your organisation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:14:14 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Are you cyber secure? Are you cyber resilient? Do you have everything in place to ensure you can survive a cyber attack? How would you know?

IT Governance Ltd, the global leader in information security, has released a Cyber Security Assessment Tool; an innovative self assessment tool that enables any organisation to quickly assess and demonstrate, by reference to a straightforward 'traffic light' matrix, which areas of the organisation are up to scratch and where more attention is required (www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3769).

This Cyber Security Assessment Tool has a very specific, high-level purpose in any cyber security or ISMS project. It will quickly and clearly identify areas of potential security weakness in the organisation's cyber readiness and to identify the probability of a threat exploiting the vulnerability and the potential impact on the organisation if this occurred. The tool is ideal for demonstrating to management or project staff within the organisation where the key vulnerabilities are (www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3769).

Alan Calder, the CEO at IT Governance says, 'this cyber security self assessment tool draws on a range of international standards to identify the best practice against which an organisation should assess itself. It also provides links to standards, books and tools, and training courses which can help organisations tackle those areas of cyber insecurity which are pinpointed by this assessment'.

This Cyber Security Assessment Tool provides you with comprehensive coverage and helps you assess the overall security posture of the organisation by covering critical areas, such as; cyber security governance framework, network security, business continuity and cyber resilience, incident response, digital forensics, the human factor, and much more (www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3769).

The Cyber Security Assessment Tool is easy to use and gives immediate answers and guidance. It has been developed by our experienced compliance team, and drawing on a range of international standards, this tool will get you started on the route to ensuring actual Cyber security.

Organisations can purchase this Cyber Security Assessment Tool here at www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3769 .

- Ends -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for Governance, Risk Management and Compliance. It is a leading authority on data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is 'non-geek', approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.

Damaged Credit The Norm For Home Buyers Says Albuquerque NM Real Estate Agent Joe Maez

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:06:53 +0000

Less than perfect credit is the norm for home buyers rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the mortgage credit crisis, according to Albuquerque REALTOR(R) Joe Maez

/EINPresswire.com/ Albuquerque, NM - Less than perfect credit is the norm for home buyers rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the mortgage credit crisis, according to Albuquerque REALTOR(R) Joe Maez.

Maez says that it's increasingly rare for buyers to come to him looking to buy their dream piece of Albuquerque real estate with perfect credit.

"Most buyers today have been scarred by the craziness that has gone on in the mortgage industry in recent years, and in some ways, it's the new normal."

He says he regularly sees buyers turning their finances around to be able to buy a home again after a short sale, foreclosure, or just a period of unemployment that led to negative credit profiles. Those who are buying homes, he says, are working hard to fix past money issues with better savings plans.

"I encourage my clients to start early correcting past credit report errors, and most of all, make every credit payment on time consistently. With some time and distance between past negative items and current ability to pay, most people will be able to buy a home again in no time."

Maez coaches buyers who want to qualify for a home loan to pay down any credit accounts to below at least 50% of the credit limit. He says this is a key ratio that lenders look at, along with other factors such as income and on-time payments.

He says even former short sellers can buy again in as little as two years, depending on circumstances.

"If you're looking for any type of Albuquerque real estate in the area, including Corrales, Los Lunas, or Rio Rancho real estate, please give me a call."

For more information, contact:

Joe Maez REALTOR(R)
Keller Williams Realty Westside
8100 Wyoming Blvd NE
M4 #234
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-401-5775
joemaez@gmail.com

About Joe Maez REALTOR(R)

Joe Maez is a proven real estate professional who knows how to do things right. Every day he is out there working to make the home-buying or -selling process easier for his clients. Regardless of which way the market has gone, Maez's sales have gone up every year. He says, "If you really do a good job, you'll always have clients," and his track record proves it.

Joe, who has personally sold more than 500 homes in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, has unique and extensive knowledge of the local markets. He works regularly in the Albuquerque New Mexico market, covering Rio Rancho, Corrales, and Los Lunas Real Estate.

Media Contact:
Joe Maez
Keller Williams Realty Westside
505-401-5775
http://www.nmhomesplus.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/zYeRzq

Independent Investor Announces Range Of Spread Betting And CFD Accounts

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:06:24 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Independent Investor is enabling spread betting traders across the board to find the most competitive brokerage deals from the market's leading suppliers, providing an unrivalled insight into the pricing, service levels and performance of the leading players in the world of financial spread betting to help ensure the best possible deal.

Online broker comparison and investment site IndependentInvestor.co.uk is helping spread betting and CFD traders source the best deal for their needs, factoring in a number of key criteria to provide at-a-glance, independent comparisons between the leading brokers on the market.

Alex Johnson, a spokesperson for IndependentInvestor.co.uk said that by using their direct, market leading spread comparisons, traders could quickly identify the best deals and simultaneously improve their chances of trading success by finding the best broker for their trading needs.

"Choosing a broker is in many respects like choosing a credit card, or browsing between different broadband providers - spread betting companies are not one and the same, and the difference in price and service can have a considerable effect on the bigger picture in terms of your trading performance. A slightly more expensive broker can turn into a real anchor on your performance when higher costs are multiplied by numerous transactions, while a broker with patchy market selection could be costing you trading opportunities. Depending on what you're looking for from your broker, it's critical to make sure you choose between different providers in order to find the most suitable package for you."

"At IndependentInvestor.co.uk, our sole aim is to make financial spread betting easier. We are traders ourselves, and we love what we do, but we understand just how confusing it can be. Even at the best of times, comparing brokers can be extremely difficult, and without access to a resource like ours making the right choice is a whole lot harder. That's why our easy comparisons make choosing a broker more straightforward."

In addition to the web's most in-depth, up-to-date broker reviews and comparisons, IndependentInvestor.co.uk is a free to use library of trading information and knowledge, across spread betting, CFDs, forex trading and share dealing amongst others, centred around helping traders become more successful in the markets.

Media Contact:
Alex Johnson
Independent Investor
07988819825
http://www.independentinvestor.co.uk

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/wMKZWO

FinancialSpreads Launches New FX Pricing

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:05:33 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Financial Spreads, has improved the way they price the FX markets in order to better reflect the underlying interbank market.

UK spread trading company, Financial Spreads, has improved the way they price the FX markets in order to better reflect the underlying interbank market. The company has added an extra decimal place to their FX prices.

The reason for doing this is to make the FX spread betting pricing more precise and therefore give account holders a better and more accurate price to trade on.

How Does this Work?

The Financial Spreads FX markets are now shown down to an extra decimal place. This has not changed the point size of the market but simply provides an extra layer of accuracy.

For example, on EUR/USD, the size of a point is still $0.0001 = $0.00010. However, when calculating the result of a trade the extra decimal place is considered as a fraction of a point.

In the past, for EUR/USD, Financial Spreads rounded the tradable values to the fourth decimal place so a short-term long-trade might have worked as:

Point Size: $0.0001
Stake: £5 per point
Buy Price: $1.3100
Sell Price: $1.3120
Price Difference: ($1.3120 - $1.3100) = $0.0020 = 20 points
Profit / Loss: 20 points x stake = 20 points x £5 per point = £100.00

Under the new system the trade is more accurately rounded to the fifth decimal place and so the same trade might actually be:

Point Size: $0.00010
Stake: £5 per point
Buy Price: $1.30998
Sell Price: $1.31204
Price Difference: ($1.31204 - $1.30998) = $0.00206 = 20.6 points
Profit / Loss: 20.6 points x stake = 20.6 points x £5 per point = £103.00

Better Pricing and Tight Spreads

According to Adam Jepsen, spokesman for http://www.financialspreads.com/ , the new spread betting pricing will allow clients to trade with greater accuracy.

"Spread betting account holders will be trading the same point system as before, however, the quoted price now includes a fraction of a point for greater precision.

"Importantly, our spreads have remained the same and are still among the very tightest in the industry. From Sunday evening all the way through to Friday evening, clients can trade EUR/GBP, EUR/USD and USD/JPY with just 1 point spreads.

"Before trading, please note that spread trading is a leveraged product and therefore carries a high level of risk. Investors can lose more than their initial deposit so you should ensure financial spread betting meets your investment objectives and seek independent financial advice if you do not understand the risks," added Jepsen.

About Financial Spreads

Financial Spreads is based in London and offers live prices on more than 2,500 financial markets. Markets include FX, equities, indices, commodities and treasuries.

The service is commission-free, there are no brokers' fees and clients can trade via www.FinancialSpreads.com and over the phone.

Financial Spreads is a trading name of London Capital Group (LCG) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. LCG is a company registered in England and Wales under registered number: 3218125. Registered address, 2nd Floor, 6 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 2AB.

Media Contact:
Adam Jepsen
FinancialSpreads.com
020 7456 7061
http://www.financialspreads.com/

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/wXCjjM

BluePay's Mobile Credit Card Processing Services Are a Part of All-In-One Payments Solution

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:04:24 +0000

Top credit card processor BluePay combines full suite of payment products, including mobile credit card processing, with secure payment gateway for one-source solution

/EINPresswire.com/ CHICAGO - BluePay, a premier credit card processor specializing in merchant accounts, mobile credit card processing, PCI compliance and more, makes credit card processing easy for merchants by offering comprehensive payment services in addition to a secure payment gateway. While other providers often use third-party gateways, adding to the hassle of multiple contacts and billing statements, BluePay takes care of all of its merchants' processing needs in-house.

"What makes BluePay different than other merchant account providers is that we are a one-source solution for all payment needs," said Kristen Gramigna, Chief Marketing Officer at BluePay. "We combine a full suite of credit card processing services with a certified payment gateway, eliminating the need for third-party vendors and multiple billing statements. Merchants can count on BluePay for safe, reliable and easy payment solutions."

Among BluePay's secure payment products are mobile credit card processing capabilities, which allow merchants to accept credit card payments wherever they go, right from their mobile phone. Merchants can also manage their account and send receipts from their mobile phone. With no need for additional hardware or a new cell phone, costs remain low.

Other processing services from BluePay include virtual terminals, secure hosted payment forms, wireless credit card processing and accounting software integration. All products comply with PCI standards for the highest level of data security.

"We utilize the latest in mobile technology to provide fast, simple and convenient on-the-go payment options," said Gramigna. "By complying with PCI standards, we help protect merchants, businesses and customers from the devastating consequences of data theft."

About BluePay: Providing the highest level of data security in the industry, BluePay (http://www.bluepay.com) makes U.S. and Canadian credit card processing simple and fast. BluePay is a full-service, Tier 1 credit card processor based in Naperville, Illinois, with offices and data centers located across the U.S. The firm leverages extensive industry experience and a comprehensive suite of credit card merchant processing services to provide a complete system of credit card processing solutions with competitive rates. Follow BluePay on Twitter (http://twitter.com/BluePay) for company and credit card processing industry updates.

Media Contact:
Julie Henaghan
BluePay
8664419670
http://www.bluepay.com/

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/x8Pfvv

Fort Myers For Sale By Owner Title Company, Title Junction, Opens Satellite Office

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:03:58 +0000

Title Junction, a real estate title company that also provides foreign real estate investor services and handles Cape Coral for sale by owner transactions, has opened a new satellite office in downtown Fort Myers, Florida.

/EINPresswire.com/ FORT MYERS, FL -- Title Junction, a real estate title company that can assist in Fort Myers for sale by owner transactions, has a new downtown office. Opened on January 3, 2012, the satellite office is located on Virginia Avenue and gives Title Junction customers a second, convenient location where all of their real estate title and closing needs can be met.

"We couldn't ask for a better location. The new office is right in the heart of downtown Fort Myers. Now our clients who work downtown can stop by on their way to or from work or even during their lunch break to discuss their title and closing needs," said Jennifer Ferri, owner and operator of Title Junction (www.title-junction.com).

The satellite office is located at 2040 Virginia Avenue in downtown Fort Myers, Florida. The location boasts easy access and ample on-site parking, making it convenient for drivers, walkers and users of public transportation.

"We're growing by leaps and bounds. In 2011 we moved to larger office space at Presidential Court and now we have added the satellite office. We've tried to make things convenient for our clients, which is why the two locations offer exactly the same services. Our experienced staff can help our clients with all of their real estate title and closing transaction needs no matter which office they choose to visit," explained Ferri.

Since 2005, Title Junction has been providing real estate title services throughout Florida. In addition to title services, title insurance and handling closings, the company also acts as an escrow agent, provides foreign real estate investor services and handles Florida and Cape Coral for sale by owner transactions. Notary services are also available at both sites.

About Title Junction:
Title Junction is a full service real estate title company serving the area of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the entire state of Florida. The company handles a number of real estate title services for both commercial and residential properties and the employees can help a foreign investor or foreign seller navigate through the tricky FIRPTA regulations. Employees of Title Junction can also act as a witness in courtesy closings, an escrow agent or a notary public. The company was founded in 2005.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Ferri
Title Junction
6225 Presidential Court, Suite 100
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239.415.6574
http://www.title-junction.com/

Press Release Courtesy of Online PR Media (http://bit.ly/ys0Thc)

Enterprise-level encrypted USB sticks SafeXs help avoid data breaches

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ IT Governance Ltd, the one stop-shop for information security and data protection compliance products, has reported that it now stocks the new generation encrypted USB sticks - SafeXs. For a limited time only customers will receive the SafeConsole Lite free if they purchase the SafeXs FIPS 197 USB Stick Silver Package here: www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3662 .

Alan Calder, CEO of IT Governance, comments, "A large percentage of the data breaches we witness are caused by human errors. Imagine how many employees transfer data using portable devices and how many USB sticks get lost. In the period May 2010 - November 2011 we carried out an analysis of the data breach cases which led to the UK's Information Commissioner extracting an undertaking from the organisation concerned. From 85 cases, 16 cases accounted for lost unencrypted lap tops (18,8%) and 22 case for lost unencrypted USB sticks (25,9%)." (For further information see Alan's blog www.alancalderitgovernanceblog.com/2011/11/analysis-of-information-commissioner-cases/)

"Non-secure devices should be blocked altogether." continues Calder. "Any company that doesn't do this is in risks of a data breach and can suffer heavy fines as a result. An enterprise-level secure USB stick, such as the SafeXs, by default, should be the only USB stick used within any organisation".

The SafeXs is an enterprise-level secure USB with encryption hardware. It is the preferred government and enterprise USB stick, and the one chosen by the UK's National Health Service (NHS), with over 1 million already in use.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3662)

The SafeXs FIPS 197 USB Stick Silver Package is the ideal solution for small enterprises looking for a secure-USB solution all in one for an effective price. Customers who order the package now will receive a SafeConsoleLite licence for each of the sticks for one year for free, thus saving £150.

Organisations can order the SafeXs FIPS 197 USB Stick Silver Package online here: www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3662 . Bulk volumes can be purchased directly from the friendly and helpful IT Governance service centre team on telephone number +44 (0)845 070 1750. Larger organisations can make purchases with a purchase order either by telephone, or by e-mail to servicecentre@itgovernance.co.uk.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS

IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for governance, risk management and compliance. It is a leading authority on data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is 'non-geek', approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.

CISA, CISM and CGEIT Exam Preparation courses essential for passing the exams in June

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:46:54 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ IT Governance Ltd, the global leader in information security training, is advising delegates taking the CISA, CISM and CGEIT exams in June to hurry and book onto the relevant exam review courses. The CISA, CISM and CGEIT Exam Preparation Courses are designed to ensure that delegates are prepared to pass the examination on their first attempt. In February, there is an early bird discount which means that attendees will receive 15% off the booking price.

The CISA, CISM and CGEIT qualifications are awarded by ISACA. An ISCA qualification is increasingly seen a must have qualification for consultants and practitioners wishing to progress in the broad IT management and governance field.

The CISA, CISM and CGEIT Exam Preparation Courses are ideal for professionals with busy schedules who want to refresh their memory and receive useful tips just before the exam. Each course covers the whole syllabus and takes delegates through it in a systematic and comprehensive way.

One delegate who attended the CISA course commented, "Very knowledgeable facilitator who presented the key parts of the syllabus in a clear, friendly and approachable manner."

The CISA Exam Preparation course is the perfect intensive preparation course for the CISA exam. The CISA exam changes every year, and our course is updated to reflect the latest official guidance on content and exam questions. The next CISA Exam Preparation course takes place on 15th-18th May in London and can be booked online here www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/636.

The CISM Exam Preparation course provides delegates with the core CISM competencies required by information security professionals who plan to sit the CISM exam this year. With a growing demand for professionals possessing Information Security Management skills, CISM has become a leading, individual certification in information security management for individuals and organisations around the world. CISM certification signifies commitment to serving an organisation and the Information Security industry with distinction. The course takes place on 22nd-25th May in London and can be booked online here www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/637.

The CGEIT Exam Preparation course is designed to enable candidates to understand roles and responsibilities, and various focus areas of IT governance. The course is aimed at IT and business professionals who hold substantial positions in management, advisory or assurance related to the governance of enterprise IT. The course takes place on 21st-24th May in London and can be booked online here www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3310 .

All three courses can be booked online or directly with the friendly, helpful IT Governance service centre team on telephone number +44 (0)845 070 1750. Larger organisations can make CISA, CISM and CGEIT Exam Preparation bookings or purchases of Exam Passports with a Purchase Order either by telephone or by email to servicecentre@itgovernance.co.uk.

- Ends -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS

IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for Governance, Risk Management and Compliance. It is a leading authority on data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is 'non-geek', approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.

ISO20000 implementation boosts business by increasing customer satisfaction

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:46:47 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Those familiar with ISO/IEC 20000, the international IT Service Management standard, will agree that it aims to enable IT organisations to ensure that their IT service management processes are aligned with the needs of the business. Over the last year ISO20000 has gained momentum, with Virgin Media becoming the most recent blue chip company to achieve certification in November 2011.

Alan Calder, CEO of IT Governance, explains, "By going through the process of formal certification organisations automatically demonstrate to their prospective and existing customers a commitment to improved IT service management systems. In the current economic climate, customers are looking to cut costs and they are becoming more selective in terms of their providers. Implementing ISO20000 not only improves the processes and practices within an organisation, but it also reassures customers that the company is efficient, reliable and trustworthy. Organisations that are ISO/IEC 20000 certified can expect to see more repeat business due to improved customer experience."

The growing interest in ISO20000 implementation increases the need for organisations to take on board qualified practitioners who will be immediately effective in any ISO20000 project.

Calder continues, "As an established training provider we have seen a steady demand for ISO20000 Practitioner training in 2011. The driver for this appears to be the need for commercial organisations to ensure that they have implementation managers who fully understand the ISO20000 compliance process. Furthermore, companies are looking for qualifications from recognised examination bodies.

The ISO 20000 Practitioner Certificate Course is ideal for all IT(SM) practitioners who assist organisations in preparing for audit/certification to ISO20000. (www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/2134)

The three-day ISO 20000 Practitioner Certificate Course combines theory and practice in an engaging way. It covers the interpretation and application of the ISO20000 standard and enables delegates to develop the service management capability of an organisation and assess its readiness for certification. Delegates who pass the test at the end of the course are awarded an APMG-accredited ISO 20000 Practitioner Certificate. The next sitting takes place on 27-29 February in London. There are still a few places available at £100 off the standard price.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/2134)

Organisations can book delegates onto this course online: www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/2134. Course places can also be booked directly with the friendly, helpful IT Governance service centre team on telephone number +44 (0)845 070 1750. Larger organisations can make bookings or purchases with a purchase order, either by telephone or by e-mail, to servicecentre@itgovernance.co.uk. We welcome overseas delegates on all our courses and can provide guidance on travel and hotel arrangements.
- Ends -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for governance, risk management and compliance. It is a leading authority on data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is 'non-geek', approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.

Knowing the business and legal requirements important for achieving ISO27001 compliance

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:46:42 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Project managers responsible for implementing an ISO27001-compliant Information Security Management System (ISMS) know that there are five controls in ISO/IEC 27001 Annex A which impose specific requirements. According to these, organisations need to, first, identify and, second, stay up-to-date with statutory and regulatory requirements (Clause 4.2.1 b. 2).

Given that are over 70 information-related laws and statutes in force in the UK fulfilling the above requirements doesn't seem an easy task. IT and compliance managers face the problem of becoming familiar with the laws, identifying the ones they need to comply with and ensuring compliance with them.

IT Governance, the single-source provider for everything related to ISO27001 and information security, offers a product which comfortably addresses the above issues and provides effective and efficient solutions to project managers.

The ISO27001 Compliance Database and Update Service is the only product on the market that holds a repository of all the 71 statutes and regulations relevant to ISO27001. Updated for 2011, the ISO27001 Compliance Database includes 10 new laws and offers regular updates (depending on the subscription period) as and when new laws are published.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3161)

The ISO 27001 Compliance Database and Update Service identifies the specific clauses within each legal instrument that organisations must comply with, providing best-practice guidance on how to comply with that clause. It also enables an ISMS project manager to select appropriate controls at the individual clause level.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3161)

A video demonstrating how the ISO27001 Compliance Database and Update Service works is available online at www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3161.

Subscriptions to the ISO27001 Compliance Database and Update Service can be made online here: www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3161, or by contacting IT Governance's friendly service team on +44 (0) 845 070 1750, or via e-mail to servicecentre@itgovernance.co.uk.

- Ends -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop-shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for governance, risk management and compliance. It is a leading authority on ISO27001, data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is 'non-geek', approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.

ISO27001 is the answer to cyber security, says IT Governance's CEO

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:46:33 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ While the European Commission is tightening the data protection requirement and the UK and US Governments are shaping their cyber security strategies, organisations should be taking all the necessary measures to ensure their information is secure.

Alan Calder, CEO of IT Governance, says, "If you want a single solution to cyber security, you have to think ISO27001. ISO27001 is the international information security standard providing guidance for developing an information security management system (ISMS) that takes into account business and legal or regulatory requirements and contractual security obligations. If it is understood and implemented correctly, ISO27001 can serve as the most powerful weapon against cyber crime."

"A cyber breach can lead to a cyber storm of destruction of corporate reputation and regulatory punishment. Shareholders are likely to take action for negligence." continues Calder. "Moreover, organisations will have to reckon with the cost of compensation to customers and everyone else affected. They will have to pay the cost of remediation and put in place the systems that they should have had there in the first place. And if they have had them they wouldn't have to pay the high price for the rest.

"Therefore, ISO27001 certification is increasingly adopted as best-practice information security management by larger organisations and governments around the world. ISO27001-compliance can give organisations and their employees a piece of mind, and it sends a very positive message to their shareholders and customers."

Obtaining an ISO/IEC 27001 certification, like other ISO management system certifications, usually involves a three-stage audit process:

• Stage 1 is a preliminary, informal review of the information system management system (ISMS).
• Stage 2 is a more detailed and formal compliance audit, independently testing the ISMS against the requirements specified in ISO/IEC 27001.
• Stage 3 involves follow-up reviews or audits to confirm that the organisation remains in compliance with the standard.

The ISO/IEC 27001 consultancy service provided by IT Governance (www.itgovernance.co.uk/iso27001_consultancy.aspx) uses methodologies and tools that have been developed and honed over 10 years, ever since the company's CEO Alan Calder and Steve Watkins, Director at IT Governance, led the world's first successful certification to BS7799, the forerunner of ISO 27001. IT Governance has supported in excess of 100 clients from various sectors through successful ISO27001 certification projects.

IT Governance also provides an ISO27001 Feasibility and Gap analysis consultancy service which is essential for anyone considering implementing an ISO 27001 project.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/ISO27001-feasibility-and-gap-analysis-service.aspx)

You can also e-mail IT Governance at servicecentre@itgovernance.co.uk or telephone + 44 845 070 1750 to find out, free of obligation, what would be involved in achieving ISO27001 certification for your organisation.

- Ends -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for Governance, Risk Management and Compliance. It is a leading authority on data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is 'non-geek', approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.

Dave Ramsey Caught Lying To His Followers, Says Top Gold Pay

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:53:19 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ New book accuses Dave Ramsey of telling a lie that is costing Americans millions, says Brad Gilmore.

Long time gold investor and author, Brad Gilmore, has released a new book entitled, Insider Secrets to Making Money with Gold. In it, he claims that financial guru Dave Ramsey has been lying to his followers about gold in order to make even more money.

"It's a shame that Dave Ramsey is taking advantage of the trust of his listeners. I've seen how this industry works and how the public is not being told the truth and it's time for that to change" stated Gilmore. "People need to know that there are legitimate ways to buy gold at discounted prices and sell it for almost full market value, not like the 40 to 60 percent that these mail in gold companies and pawn shops pay." Gilmore is referring to a company called Gold Stash, which is endorsed by Dave Ramsey on his website and his popular radio show. Gilmore seems to be spilling the beans about the gold industry in his book.

He explains, "These are the things that gold companies don't want you to know about. It's how they make their money at the seller's expense. But this economy is just too rough for people to be getting ripped off. That's why I wrote this book." Gilmore owns a company called Top Gold Pay and offers his groundbreaking book on his website, www.topgoldpay.com . It seems that people have been kept in the dark about what their gold is really worth. Gilmore's book explains everything a person needs to know about buying and selling gold, and he wants everyone to know about it. "This is just the kind of information that America needs right now. It could be the difference between foreclosure, or staying in your home. The big gold companies don't need the money, but hard working Americans do. This book gives them that chance."

Media Contact:
Brad Gilmore
Top Gold Pay
1-800-558-4789
http://www.topgoldpay.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/zRQUwo

Bullish Twin Cities Home Builder Acquires Large Land Portfolio

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:53:15 +0000

Centra Homes, LLC and its affiliates announces that it has closed on the purchase of approximately 350 properties from Assured Funding Trust, of Little Canada Minnesota

/EINPresswire.com/ Minneapolis, MN - Centra Homes, LLC and its affiliates announces that it has closed on the purchase of approximately 350 properties from Assured Funding Trust, of Little Canada Minnesota.

The properties are located throughout the greater Twin Cities area, including in the cities of Woodbury, Blaine, Apple Valley, Andover, Inver Grove Heights, and Cottage Grove. The properties consist of homes in the process of construction, developed lots ready for sale, and undeveloped land. While most of the properties will be for single-family homes, some of the undeveloped land is appropriate for apartment or multi-family development.

Dale Wills, President of Centra Homes, stated: "We are bullish on new residential construction in the Twin Cities. We have seen strong demand for new homes that provide great value and quality. We plan to build new homes on the majority of these properties to meet that demand."

With this most recent acquisition, Centra Homes will be building in over 30 communities throughout Minnesota. Centra Homes provides quality new homes for all types and ranges of buyers with extraordinary value priced from the low $100's to the high $400's.

About Centra Homes: Centra Homes (www.centrahomes.com) began operations in the Spring of 2011 after acquiring the operations and assets of Woodside Homes of Minnesota from the parent national home builder, Woodside Homes. Woodside Homes, who at that time was the 3rd largest privately-held home builder in the nation and the 15th largest in the Twin Cities, chose to exit the Minnesota market to focus on its west coast operations.

For further information, please contact Dale Wills at 763-772-1032

Media Contact:
Dale Wills
Centra Homes
7637721032
http://centrahomes.com/

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/wUZU0B