Press release:

NetApp Simplifies Storage and Data Management with Support for Windows Server 2012

Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud Migration Accelerated by Microsoft and NetApp Technology Integration

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2012 — Trends toward greater virtualization of IT infrastructure, increased levels of content digitization, faster levels of IT service deployment, and continued service-level availability expectations are driving increased interest in cloud computing. This period of transformation from physical to virtual infrastructures, and then to secure private, public, and hybrid clouds, offers new opportunities for IT professionals to deliver agile, on-demand services built on a flexible pool of shared compute, network, and storage resources.

In close collaboration with technology leaders such as NetApp, Microsoft is unveiling a new Windows Server release to help accelerate this transition. Today, NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) announced support for Windows Server 2012 with storage solutions for server and desktop virtualization, storage and availability, Web and application platform development, and private cloud deployment. For organizations of any size and in any industry, this close collaboration simplifies and accelerates how storage is pooled, provisioned, accessed, and managed in Windows environments.

In June, NetApp was named Microsoft Private Cloud Partner of the Year for 2012 in recognition of its commitment to helping organizations move to private cloud solutions. For more than 10 years, NetApp and Microsoft have teamed to develop and provide innovative storage and data management solutions for Microsoft technologies. Today more than 25,000 enterprise customers worldwide store, protect, and manage their Microsoft application data with NetApp® storage solutions.

"Windows Server 2012 is the category benchmark for organizations looking to migrate rapidly to cloud-ready infrastructures for application and service delivery," said Phil Brotherton, vice president, Enterprise Software Ecosystem, NetApp. "To help organizations realize the full value of their Microsoft technology investments, we continue to align our solution delivery roadmaps to address the critical challenges our mutual customers are facing, from increasing storage efficiency to maintaining high availability of servers, applications, and services."

"Windows Server 2012 is built from the ground up to be cloud ready and delivers important storage enhancements to help organizations reduce costs and achieve a whole new level of business agility," said Thomas Pfenning, general manager, File Server Foundation, Microsoft. "We’ve worked closely with NetApp with a focus on giving our mutual customers an efficient, flexible, and reliable IT foundation for delivering business-critical services."

NetApp Supports Windows Server 2012 Capabilities

NetApp offers the following support for key capabilities of Windows Server 2012:

• Storage. NetApp FAS and V-Series storage systems have been thoroughly tested, and are fully supported with Windows Server 2012, which means compatibility and confident deployment of applications. NetApp is committed to providing support for SMB 3.0 and Windows ODX — file storage and data transfer technologies used in Windows Server 2012 storage environments — and is launching a public beta program for this support in October 2012. For more information about this program, go tocommunities.netapp.com/groups/ontap-82-beta-program. NetApp is committed to making data storage and data movement easier by providing storage protocol choices (including support for FCP, FCoE, and iSCSI) that can make server consolidation and virtualization easier, enabling additional cost savings, greater storage efficiency, increased utilization, and simpler high-availability and disaster recovery solutions. NetApp is also a partner member of the Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track program and is developing prevalidated solutions for Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V on the NetApp and Cisco FlexPod® architecture managed with Microsoft System Center 2012 SP1.
• Server and desktop virtualization. NetApp Snapshot™ based backup and recovery with SnapManager for Hyper-V 1.2 and SnapDrive® for Windows 6.5 have achieved Windows Server 2012 logo certification and provide integrated data protection in Windows Server 2012 environments, speeding backup, restore, and disaster recovery operations in Microsoft Private Cloud and Hyper-V environments. NetApp’s support for the updated Clustered Shared Volumes in Windows Server 2012 and the new VHDx specification significantly reduce consumption of server and storage system resources, enabling large-scale virtualization and private cloud deployments. For desktop virtualization, NetApp storage systems offer an innovative set of features for efficient, reliable, and scalable VDI deployments, including deduplication, zero-space cloning, Flash Cache, and automation.
• Reduced infrastructure for cloud. With delivery expected later this year, a NetApp reference architecture built with Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012 SP1 will tightly integrate with NetApp FAS data storage systems and V-Series open storage systems running NetApp Data ONTAP®. This validated architecture is structured to reduce application deployment times; increase utilization of virtual and physical resource pools; and provide end-to-end interoperability of compute, storage, and network resources in conjunction with the release of Microsoft System Center 2012 SP1.
• Management and automation. For private cloud implementations, NetApp OnCommand® Plug-in for Microsoft 3.2 is designed to provide integration with Microsoft System Center 2012 SP1 for dynamic scalability, automated workflow, on-demand self-service, and infrastructure orchestration in conjunction with the release of the updated management suite for Windows Server 2012 by Microsoft.
• Web and application platform. NetApp provides comprehensive support for application platforms on Windows Server 2012, including support of SQL Server 2012 data protection with SnapManager® 6.0 for SQL Server.

Additional Resources

• For more information about NetApp support for Microsoft: www.netapp.com/microsoftsolutions
• Follow NetApp on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NetApp
• Get the latest on NetApp culture: www.facebook.com/NetAppCulture
• Join NetApp on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NetApp
• View NetApp videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/NetAppTV
• Connect with NetApp on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=111681

About NetApp
NetApp creates innovative storage and data management solutions that deliver outstanding cost efficiency and accelerate business breakthroughs. Our commitment to living our core values and consistently being recognized as a great place to work around the world are fundamental to our long-term growth and success, as well as the success of our pathway partners and customers. Discover our passion for helping companies around the world go further, faster at www.netapp.com.

Brocade Delivers Comprehensive Fabric Networking Support for Windows Server 2012

Press release:

Brocade Delivers Comprehensive Fabric Networking Support for Windows Server 2012

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Brocade and Microsoft Collaboration Enables SAN and IP Networking Solutions to Support Private Cloud, Server and Network Virtualization

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 4, 2012) - Brocade (NASDAQ: BRCD) today announced support for Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Server 2012 server operating system across all product lines, including the company's Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN) and Ethernet fabric solutions. Together with Windows Server 2012, Brocade^® networks simplify operations and management for highly virtualized cloud data centers, which serve as the infrastructure for enterprises and service providers in supporting their key data center initiatives such as scale-out server virtualization, private cloud deployments and software-defined networking (SDN).

To ensure compatibility and enable new networking functionality with Windows Server 2012, Brocade has implemented enhancements across its SAN and Ethernet fabric switching and adapter products that help enable new features such as:

• Virtual Fibre Channel: Simplifies and enables direct access to ultra-reliable, high-performance Fibre Channel SAN storage by multiple-guest virtual machine (VM) partitions in Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V environments. This enables distributed workload clustering and dynamic live migration of high-availability applications such as Microsoft Exchange or SQL Server across VMs without impacting workflows or requiring SAN reconfiguration.
• Dynamic Circuit Network (DCN): Enables Quality of Service (QoS) configuration from a Data Center Bridging (DCB) network. This allows users to initiate ad-hoc dedicated allocation of network bandwidth for high-demand, real-time applications and network services. DCN support has been added to the Brocade adapter family, with DCB enabled in all products.
• Network Virtualization Using Generic Routing Encapsulation (NVGRE): As a component of Brocade's network virtualization strategy, the company is reaffirming its commitment to provide future support for NVGRE in Brocade Ethernet fabric switches. NVGRE is the Microsoft-recommended virtualization mechanism for Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Network Virtualization deployments.

These new capabilities offer enterprise IT and cloud providers new storage and networking options that help ensure non-stop operations, increase business agility and optimize application performance. Brocade also now supports interoperability and integration with Microsoft System Center 2012. By working closely with the System Center team to test and build integrations, organizations can easily manage any Brocade network as part of a complete Windows-based cloud environment.

"Windows Server 2012 was built from the cloud up and introduces innovations such as software-defined networking and NVGRE for network virtualization and isolation to help enable cloud deployments," said Mike Schutz, general manager, Windows Server Marketing, Microsoft. "From the early design stages of Windows Server 2012, Microsoft worked closely with Brocade to give customers new networking technologies such as software-defined networking via NVGRE and virtual Fibre Channel for more dynamic connectivity to storage resources."

Introduced today, Windows Server 2012 is a highly dynamic, available and cost-effective server platform that enables organizations to deploy private or hybrid clouds in a flexible IT environment that adapts to changing business needs. New and enhanced features provide high performance and scalability to enable a truly multitenant infrastructure where networking, compute, and storage resources are completely isolated between tenants on the same host. For hosting providers, Windows Server 2012 includes the ability to isolate tenants, gain insight into infrastructure resource usage, and provide new services to help create additional revenue streams. It also offers tools to help customers make the transition from on-premises to hosted environments, while continuing to provide the services and reliability demanded by enterprise, mid-market, and small businesses.

"To support next-generation cloud environments, many new networking technologies require support in the operating system to help organizations realize the full benefit of highly virtualized IT architectures," said Jason Nolet, vice president, Data Center Networking Group, at Brocade. "By working closely with the Microsoft engineering team in the early stages of the new OS's development, we have ensured that Brocade Ethernet and Fibre Channel fabric solutions work seamlessly with Windows Server 2012 as well as deliver innovative new networking functionality for highly virtualized, cloud-based data centers."

More Information

Video: Brocade Vice President Jason Nolet, Data Center and Enterprise Networking discusses Brocade's collaboration with Microsoft to help ensure the OS and network together can deliver important new networking functionality in the virtualized cloud-based data center.

Video: Mike Schutz, GM, Windows Server Marketing, explains why Microsoft chose to work with Brocade as a development partner for Windows Server 2012, including work in the areas of SDN and virtual fibre channel.

About Brocade

Brocade (NASDAQ: BRCD) networking solutions help the world's leading organizations transition smoothly to a world where applications and information reside anywhere. (www.brocade.com)

CA Technologies Named a Value Leader in Workload Automation by EMA Research

Press Releases

CA Technologies Named a Value Leader in Workload Automation by EMA Research

Company Cited for Platform, Application and Cloud Support, and Agile IT-as-a-Service Vision

ISLANDIA, N.Y., August 6, 2012 - CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) today announced it has been named a "Value Leader” in Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) Radar™ for Workload Automation (WLA): Q2 2012.* CA Technologies Workload Automation was cited specifically by the leading IT and data management research and consulting firm for its ability to centrally manage a large variety of enterprise workflows and its integration with all major applications, databases and development frameworks.

The report also praised CA Technologies clear understanding of the agile IT-as-a-Service model with its integration of workload automation with process automation and service management.

“Serving over 2,500 global customers, CA Workload Automation is one of the premier products in this space,” said Torsten Volk, senior analyst at EMA Research. “CA Technologies provides a robust, versatile, scalable and high performance solution which convincingly ties workloads with corresponding business requirements. It provides health and performance information to the data center and affected line of business stakeholders, which are considered the final frontier of workload automation.”

The report also highlighted CA Technologies support from the cloud to heterogeneous environments in that, “CA Workload Automation is able to dynamically place workloads across physical, virtual, and cloud - public or private - environments based on cost and SLA considerations.”

 “Our customers need a comprehensive WLA solution that allows them to process mission-critical workloads seamlessly, reliably and cost-effectively across mainframe, distributed and cloud environments,” said Dayton Semerjian, general manager, Mainframe, CA Technologies. “We are continuing to invest in this area to help them achieve their goals by leveraging dynamic workload provisioning, workload service management, self-service and process automation to make them more agile and efficient in managing critical workloads.”

The Radar for Workload Automation report was based on a comprehensive survey with over 600 data points. All survey questions were founded on customer feedback and vendor responses, and thoroughly verified by a series of product demonstrations and end customer interviews.

*Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) “Radar™ for Workload Automation (WLA): Q2 2012,” by Torsten Volk, June 2012.

About CA Technologies

CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) provides IT management solutions that help customers manage and secure complex IT environments to support agile business services. Organizations leverage CA Technologies software and SaaS solutions to accelerate innovation, transform infrastructure and secure data and identities, from the data center to the cloud. Learn more about CA Technologies at www.ca.com.

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Ubuntu Linux 12.04 'Precise Pangolin' Reaches Final Beta

With just a few weeks remaining before the final release of Ubuntu Linux 12.04 “Precise Pangolin,” Canonical on Thursday released the second and final beta version of the free and open source operating system.

Version 12.04 of Canonical's popular Linux distribution is a notable one for several reasons, including not just the fact that it's a Long Term Support (LTS) release and thus a particularly suitable choice for businesses, but also that it's the first to feature Canonical's new Head-Up Display (HUD) interface.

We already got a taste of HUD in the first beta version, which debuted earlier this month. Now, this second beta release adds a few more features while fixing numerous bugs, according to the official announcement from Ubuntu Release Manager Kate Stewart.

For more, click the link below:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/252916/ubuntu_linux_1204_precise_pangolin_reaches_final_beta.html#tk.nl_bdx_h_crawl

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PRESS RELEASE

Cisco Applauds Canadian Federal Budget Support for Greater Use of Telepresence Technology

Toronto, ON  – March 30, 2012 – As a company focused on positively impacting innovation and productivity, Cisco Canada applauds the Government of Canada for leading by example in utilizing technology to increase productivity. 

"This budget demonstrates that the Government of Canada is continuing to embrace new technologies such as telepresence, and is leading the world in recognizing the impact technology can have on improving productivity," said Nitin Kawale, president, Cisco Canada. "I commend Minister Flaherty and Prime Minister Harper for continuing to show leadership in modernizing public service delivery." 

In the budget document, the Government states it "will explore ways to increase its productivity by using telepresence and other remote conferencing technologies more extensively. Telepresence technology is similar to videoconferencing; however, it enables participants to see life-size, full-motion video with high-quality sound. The Government will develop a strategy to expand the use of telepresence technology and other remote meeting solutions. Investments in this technology will be financed by reductions in travel expenses."

Many public and private sector organizations use TelePresence to realize meaningful productivity gains and drive process change. "The Government of Canada and Minister Flaherty are on the right track with this budget initiative," added Kawale.

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco Canada Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco, has offices across Canada dedicated to customer support, sales and service. For ongoing news, visit http://newsroom.cisco.com/canada/.

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IBM Increases Presence in Poland with New Branch Offices

New offices in cities of Katowice and Wroclaw to increase support for regional clients and partners

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KATOWICE and WROCLAW - 28 Mar 2012: IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced the opening of two new offices in the Polish cities of Katowice and Wroclaw as part of the company's geographic expansion program to strengthen its presence in the fastest growing markets in the world.

Anna Sieńko, Country General Manager, IBM Poland & Baltics (center) with Dr Maciej Bluj, Vice-Mayor of Wroclaw (left) and Aleksander Skorupa, Lower Silesian Governor (right)

"IBM has been present in Poland for the past 20 years and we have established operations across the country. In recognition of the continued importance of Poland to IBM and to ensure the highest levels of support for our clients and partners, we are strengthening our branch network in a number of strategic locations," said Anna Sienko, Country General Manager, IBM Poland & Baltics.

The new offices are in Poland's Upper and Lower Silesia regions which have seen some of the country's strongest economic growth in recent years. Traditionally known for mining and heavy industry, today these regions have seen an increase in high-tech and other innovative economic activity, as well as growth in the small and medium sized business sector which currently generates about 50 per cent of Poland's Gross Domestic Product.

Katowice

Katowice is the largest city in the Upper Silesia region. With established mining, iron and steel industries, in recent years Katowice's economic growth has come from the development of the scientific, business and transportation sectors.

One of IBM's existing clients in Katowice is the Center of Mining Technology (COIG S.A.), one of Poland's oldest IT firms, which provides computing services to the coal mining industry. IBM has helped COIG S.A. to build a data center and develop cloud computing services for its clients in the region. "For the mining industry in Poland to remain competitive on the global stage it needs to turn to the latest technologies and approaches. IBM is helping us to develop innovative solutions and services for our clients in the region and with the opening of its new office in Katowice we look forward to strengthening this relationship," said Zbigniew Koszowski, President of COIG.S.A.

IBM has also recently deployed one of its Executive Service Corps teams to work with local government on transforming Katowice and the Upper Silesia Metropolis into a smarter city.

Wrocław

Wroclaw is the largest city in the Lower Silesia region traditionally known for manufacturing and electronics. Recently the city has experienced rapid growth in the IT services sector and in 2009 IBM opened a service delivery center in Wroclaw serving clients around the world.

One of IBM's existing customers in Wroclaw is Spolem PSS Polnoc, a midsize supermarket chain which turned to IBM to streamline its checkout process. With the help of Jantar, a local IBM business partner, IBM provided Spolem PSS Polnoc with one of Poland's first self- service checkout systems.

"While speeding up the checkout process and cutting operating costs, the intelligent system from IBM also helps us to gain insight into buying trends so that we can best meet the needs of our customers," said Lech Stefanski, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Spolem PSS Polnoc.

IBM is also investing in skills in both regions. For example, IBM is collaborating with Katowice's School of Economics (KSE) to support students on research projects and provide an opportunity for IBM internships. As part of nurturing local talent, IBM has also established a University Competence Center in Gliwice near Katowice which specializes in developing solutions based on IBM systems. In Wroclaw, IBM and the University of Technology have agreed to collaborate on a cloud internship program which gives students the chance to gain experience in tackling some the most challenging IT tasks in a virtual environment.

IBM established its first operations in Poland in 1991 with its headquarters in the country's capital Warsaw. Today IBM also has a number of key facilities across Poland serving clients around the world such as IBM's Delivery Center in Wroclaw, IBM's Global Process Services Center in Krakow, the IBM Software Laboratory in Krakow and the IBM Competence Implementation Center in Gdansk.

The opening of the Polish branch offices was recognized this week at two ceremonies attended by government officials, customers, and business partners in Katowice and Wroclaw.

ABOUT IBM

For more information on IBM, please visit: http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/index.wss 

For more information on IBM Growth Markets please visit: https://twitter.com/#IBMGrowthMkts

ESET Foundation to Support Securing Our eCity® Initiative and Drive Awareness and Education for Cyber and Societal Challenges

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San Diego, CA, March 14, 2012

ESET Foundation to Support Securing Our eCity® Initiative and Drive Awareness and Education for Cyber and Societal Challenges

ESET today announced that it has established the ESET Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. ESET has established the ESET Foundation to further support its Securing Our eCity initiative and commitment to community collaboration to support cybersecurity awareness, education and societal challenges within the San Diego community and across the nation.

“The ESET Foundation is strongly committed to providing support to the greater San Diego area and to computer users across the world,” said Anton Zajac, president of ESET North America and ESET Foundation president. “We believe that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and are working to arm computer users with the tools and knowledge necessary to become safer in cyber space. We are honored by the support that the community and nation have given to Securing Our eCity and are thrilled to have such prominent representatives from industry and community on our board of directors for the foundation.” 

In mid-2008, Securing Our eCity was established and a movement to educate San Diego’s digital citizens was born. Securing Our eCity provides awareness of potential issues and offers free cybersecurity information and education that assists businesses, families, youths and seniors to better prepare for a safer cyber experience in rapidly changing technology driven environments.

“With cybersecurity being a critical issue, programs like Securing Our eCity are crucial in providing the necessary resources related to education to help keep businesses and consumers safe in cyber space,” said Jessie J. Knight Jr., chairman and CEO of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and ESET Foundation chairperson. “At SDG&E, we are committed to protecting our critical infrastructure and working with the community to create a new generation of cyber-savvy citizens. I look forward to working with the ESET Foundation to continue to bring cybersecurity awareness, education and preparation to the residents of San Diego.”

This past year, Securing Our eCity worked with organizations like the San Diego Police Foundation, Girl Scouts USA, The Boy Scouts of America and others to bring cybersecurity awareness and education to the San Diego community. Additionally, Securing Our eCity expanded nationally by aligning with other various cyber initiatives across the nation including: Cyber City USA in San Antonio, TX, WC4 in Washtenaw County, MI, and Cyber Maryland to advance cybersecurity awareness, education and preparation through community driven programs. Furthermore, Securing Our eCity’s 2011 fall symposium and awards ceremony was attended by more than 350 security professionals, business executives and managers, IT consultants, government and law enforcement officials.

“Securing Our eCity has done a tremendous job of working to make San Diego a place where people can build a better cybersecurity environment through community engagement,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance and ESET Foundation board member. “We are excited that the National Cyber Security Alliance has been a part of Securing Our eCity from the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to support the program, both in San Diego and across the nation.”

ESET Foundation board members and officers include, Jessie J. Knight Jr., chairperson, Anton Zajac, president, Randy Frisch, treasurer and Pamela Richardson, secretary. Additional board members include, Andrew Lee, CEO of ESET North America, Darin Andersen, general manager North America for Norman Defense Systems, Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, Liz Fraumann, director of cybersecurity awareness and education at ESET North America, as well as other members of the San Diego community.

For additional information about Securing Our eCity, upcoming events and ways to get involved, please visit, http://www.securingourecity.com/.

About The ESET Foundation

Founded in late 2011, the ESET Foundation’s mission is to foster community collaboration to create educational awareness for cyber and societal challenges. Headquarted in San Diego, the ESET Foundation’s signature program is the award-winning Securing Our eCity®, recognized in 2010 by the White House and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the best local and community program. The ESET Foundation brings together like-minded organizations whose primary goal is to encourage cybersecurity for business, families, youth and seniors. For more information visit www.esetfoundation.org or, please email Steve.Kovsky@esetfoundation.org

 

About Securing Our eCity

Securing Our eCity (SOeC) is an initiative created and led by ESET North America, a San Diego based software security company. SOeC is focused on fostering public/private partnerships at local, state, national and international levels while helping counter cyber threats and creating more cyber secure communities across the globe. Stakeholders from coast to coast including consumer advocates, business owners, and governmental agencies (law enforcement and legislative bodies) have come together to raise awareness, education and help individuals and businesses prepare for cyber security challenges now and in the future. The founding stakeholders include ESET North America, San Diego Business Journal, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, UCSD and SDSU. To learn more, visit: www.securingourecity.org

For the latest cyber threat and education information, follow Securing Our eCity on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook or follow our blog at http://www.securingourecity.org/blog.

GE Capital is Administrative Agent for $350 Million Asset-Based Credit Facility to Shale-Inland

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27 March 2012

GE Capital is Administrative Agent for $350 Million Asset-Based Credit Facility to Shale-Inland

NORWALK, Conn.--27 March 2012-- GE Capital, Corporate Finance today announced it is administrative agent for a $350 million asset-based credit facility to Shale-Inland Holdings, LLC to support the acquisition of HD Supply Industrial PVF, a distributor of specialty pipe, valves and fittings. GE Capital Markets served as sole bookrunner and joint-lead arranger.

Based in Schiller Park, Ill., Shale-Inland is a leading industrial supplier of products used in refining, petrochemical production and the transportation of water, food, energy, and information to its end use. Through 47 locations in North America, Shale-Inland delivers a broad spectrum of metal, pipe, valves, films, or finished parts just-in-time.

“GE Capital has a firm understanding of the steel industry and a demonstrated ability to get deals done,” said Craig T. Bouchard, CEO of Shale-Inland. “Certainty of execution allows us to capitalize on growth opportunities and build our global business.”

“With a tradition of financing the American steel industry, GE continues its strong support of metals manufacturing and distribution,” said Tom Quindlen, President and CEO of GE Capital, Corporate Finance. “We specialize in providing capital to growing mid-size companies to fuel their business plans.”

About GE Capital, Corporate Finance

GE Capital, Corporate Finance provides asset-based, cash flow and structured loans and leases to mid-size and large U.S. businesses. Financing supports working capital, growth, acquisitions, turnarounds and balance sheet optimization in key sectors: aerospace and defense; automotive and transportation; chemicals and plastics; construction and building products, corporate aircraft; financial and business services; food; manufacturing; marine; metals and mining; paper, packaging and forest products; retail; and technology and electronics. With Access GE, clients also benefit from access to GE’s best practices. Visit gelending.com/clnews.

GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. For more information, visit ge.com

Geek Squad® Launches Partner Program to Expand Technology Support for Small Businesses

Geek Squad® Launches Partner Program to Expand Technology Support for Small Businesses

Geek Squad Partner Website to Provide Program Insights, Partner Registration RICHFIELD, MINN., March 27, 2012 - Geek Squad,® Best Buy's 24-hour tech support task force, announced today that it will now offer services and technology support to small businesses (SMBs). Through the Geek Squad Partner Program, Geek Squad will work with third-party sellers to provide services for their own customers, including Geek Squad Office Support which features Geek Squad Agents available for unlimited 24/7 support via phone, online chat, remote, and, with an option to include on-site support. Geek Squad has developed a SMB program that is easy to do business with and provides partners with the tools to make them successful. The Partner Program targets partners who focus on SMBs, to sell the PC, mobile, networking and infrastructure support services.  Target partners include carrier-like master agents, IP telephony resellers and wiring and cabling resellers. And the Partner Program site, http://partnerprogram.geeksquad.com offers tutorials, trainings, sales environment videos and as well as registration. "Geek Squad was founded 17 years ago as a small business technology service and support task force," said George Sherman, senior vice president, services, Best Buy. "Today, our strategic priorities to grow our services business have set the stage to leverage its heritage as a small business resource.  With our service offerings, the expertise of our Geek Squad Agents nationwide, and our solid brand reputation, we believe Geek Squad is uniquely equipped to partner with the resellers community to meet the needs of small business customers today." The Geek Squad Partners Program service plans are designed to help customers with diagnostics and repair, client and server administration, and network integration, including network, firewall, VPN, and server support as well as data backup and transfers. Geek Squad Office Support currently offers two plans: the Standard Plan with unlimited 24/7/365 phone and online support for $24.99 per month per seat, and the Advanced plan with unlimited 24/7/365 phone and online support plus on-site agent support for $49.99 per month. Earlier this year, Best Buy expanded its services capabilities for the estimated $40 billion SMB market when it acquired mindSHIFT Technologies, which provides managed IT, cloud, data center and other professional services across the United States, About Geek Squad Since its expansion nationally in 2004, Geek Squad has grown to nearly 20,000 technicians who support install and repair for consumers and small businesses alike, including computing, home theater, auto electronics, mobile devices and appliances. Geek Squad technicians are available at Precincts in all Best Buy U.S. stores, through house calls and and via online chat, remote support or over-the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. About Best Buy Co., Inc. Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is a leading multi-channel global retailer and developer of technology products and services. Every day our employees - 180,000 strong - are committed to helping deliver the technology solutions that enable easy access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun. We are keenly aware of our role and impact on the world, and we are committed to developing and implementing business strategies that bring sustainable technology solutions to our consumers and communities. For additional information about Best Buy, visit http://www.investors.bestbuy.com/.