socalTECH

OCTOBER 15, 2008

The X Prize Foundation, the Santa Monica nonprofit focused on encouraging innovation through prize-based competitions, has signed on a sponsor for a new prize focused on improving the nation's health care system. The group--which was behind the Ansari X Prize, which resulted in the first commercial space launch vehicle--said that it is in a collaboration with Wellpoint, Inc., and the WellPoint Foundation to develop a $10M or more competition to to generate new ways to address the nation's seriou

Competition 140

Competition Santa Monica Google Develop 140

SoCal Tech Calendar

OCTOBER 31, 2008

Thursday, November 6, 2008 -- Mixergy Meetup. Varien, the company behind Magento, is inviting their community from across the country for a meetup at their office. See [link] (more).

Mixergy 100

Mixergy Company Companies 100

Frank Addante

OCTOBER 22, 2008

I had to put together a video introduction for The Lobby conference again this year. I can't say much about The Lobby other than it is a get together of industry thought leaders to talk about the future of the Internet. I can't say much about it because it is supposed to be "off the record" and blogging, micro-blogging and reporting about the conference is strictly forbidden.Anyway, everyone.

Blogging 40

Blogging Conference Report 40

socalTECH

OCTOBER 30, 2008

We're always interested in how technology is influencing the business of Hollywood, and recently ran across Los Angeles-based Scripped. Scripped (www.scripped.com) is applying the world of Web 2.0 to the business of script writing, and is looking to combine a free online tool for writing scripts with matching those scripts with content producers. We spoke with Sunil Rajaraman, CEO and co-founder of the firm, about the company.

Content 138

Content Writing Software Review Hollywood 138

Advertiser: Aggregage

Office leases are one of companies’ largest expenses, and if your whole team is working from home with no clear end in sight, you may be wondering what to do about your lease.

Company

socalTECH

OCTOBER 29, 2008

San Diego-based Eventful is gearing up its music efforts with a new relationship in the music business, with Billboard, saying Wednesday that the two are collaborating on an effort to give music acts an award for "Best Concert Tour of the Year." Eventful said that music fans can log onto the firm's site and vote for one of a number of musical acts through its "Demand" service, in a cross promotion between the firm, Billboard, and strategic partner Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster 124

Ticketmaster San Diego Demand Sites 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 28, 2008

Carson, California-based U.S. Auto Parts, a online retailer of aftermarket auto parts and accessories, announced today that it has acquired the assets of AutoMD.com, an online auto diagnosis and repair web site. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. According to U.S. Auto Parts, AutoMD.com helps customers understand what is ailing their vehicles and guides them to solutions to those problems.

Carson 124

Carson Guide Sites Web 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 27, 2008

Fountain Valley-based D-Link, a developer of networking hardware and related products, has partnered with Unisys Corporation to add a new set of hardware maintenance services to its offerings. According to D-Link, Unisys will power its D-Link Care Support Packages, a new set of logistics and maintenance services for its customers in North America. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

Services 124

Services IP Customer Custom 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 24, 2008

Thousand Oaks-based Xirrus has rolled out a new Wi-Fi array, the firm said earlier this week, the Xirrux XN8. Xirrus develops switched wireless Wi-Fi hardware which combines multiple Wi-Fi access points in a single piece of hardware. The firm's products are targeted at providing higher bandwidth and coverage than standard Wi-Fi access points. According to Xirrus, its new Wi-Fi array provides 802.11abg+n, and includes 8 integrated access points, a multi-gigabit switch, full line-rate encryption,

Thousand Oaks 124

Thousand Oaks Pricing Capital Product 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 22, 2008

Lake Forest-based Reflexive Entertainment, a developer of computer games, has been acquired by Amazon.com, the firm's CEO, Lars Brubaker, has announced. Financial terms of the deal was not disclosed. Reflexive was founded in 1997 and develops games for the Mac, PC, and other platforms. No other details of the acquisition were announced.

Entertainment 124

Entertainment Acquisition Platform Develop 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 22, 2008

Los Angeles-based Advanced Modern Technologies (AMTC), a manufacturer and distributor of automatic washroom fixtures, said Tuesday that it has received an equity investment from a private investment group. Amount of the funding was not disclosed. According to the company, the group includes George Patrick Murphy, former President and CEO of Technical Concepts, who will join the firm's board of directors and serve as an advisor to the firm.

Invest 124

Invest Technology Equity Los Angeles 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 21, 2008

Irvine-based WiSpry, a developer of programmable radio frequency semiconductors, said Monday that the firm has sampled its first products to what the firm described as one of the largest cellular handset manufacturers in the world. According to WiSpry, the product combines the firm's RF-MEMS digital capacitor technology based on an RF-CMOS manufacturing process.

Tech Coast Angels 124

Tech Coast Angels Sample Venture Capital Capital 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 16, 2008

Thousand Oaks-based Teledyne Technologies said Thursday that it has acquired Cormon Limited and Cormon Technology Limited, a developer of subsea and surface sand and corrosion sensor systems used in oil and gas production. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Cormon's products are used in oil and gas production processes for hydrocarbon production monitoring.

Thousand Oaks 124

Thousand Oaks Acquisition Technology Product 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 16, 2008

Santa Barbara-based QAD, a provider of manufacturing and supply chain management software, said this morning that the firm has re-hired Daniel Lender, the firm's former CFO. According to QAD, Lender will resume his duties as CFO at the firm on October 20th. Reason for the rapid return to QAD was not given; Lender had just resigned at the end of August to "pursue new business opportunities" after having served as EVP and CFO of the firm since July of 2003.

Santa Barbara 124

Santa Barbara Software 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 15, 2008

Hollywood-based Buzznet, an online site focused on entertainment and pop culture, has linked up with entertainment site The Superficial, the firm said today. Buzznet said that The Superficial will become part of Celebuzz.com, the firm's entertainment focused and social media website. Buzznet will take over all advertising sales for The Superficial, along with providing engineering, design, and marketing support for The Superficial.

Buzznet 124

Buzznet Anthem Redpoint Entertainment 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 13, 2008

Irvine-based Epicor Software, a developer of enterprise business software, said Monday afternoon that it has turned down an offer from Elliott Associates, L.P., to acquire the firm. According to Epicor, after thoroughly reviewing the proposal, it determined not to pursue the unsolicited proposal. Elliott Associates had approached Epicor with a buyout offer worth $9.50 per share on October 1st.

Software Review 124

Software Review Software Develop Development 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 13, 2008

Los Angeles-based live video streaming site Stickam.com said Monday that it has launched a new mobile offering called Stickam Mobile. According to Stickam, the new mobile version of the site allows members to stream live video to their Stickam players via their cell phone. The new service also provides information about number of viewers and chat activity about their broadcasts on user cell phones.

Stickam 124

Stickam Mobile Sites Los Angeles 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 10, 2008

Quest Software Inc., a publisher of enterprise systems management applications, reported Thursday that its board of directors has promoted Doug Garn to chief executive officer. Garn, the Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based company said, also joins the board as a director and will retain his preexisting role as president. Garn joined Quest in 1998 and has served as president since February 2005.

Software 124

Software Report Sales Company 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 9, 2008

San Diego-based Overland Storage, a provider of data storage products, said Thursday taht the firm has inked a strategic alliance with Mobotoix Vision Systems. According to the company, the move ties Mobotix's IP cameras in a bundle with the company's Snap Server network attached storage appliances. Mobotix develops products for the video security and surveillance market; Overland's Snap Server provides NAS storage.

Marketing 124

Marketing IP San Diego Networking 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 8, 2008

Irvine-based Broadcom has filed another lawsuit against San Diego-based Qualcomm, saying Wednesday that it has filed a complaint asserting that Qualcomm's sales and licensing practices amount to patent misuse. Broadcom is looking to have Qualcomm's patents and patent licenses as unenforceable. Broadcom said in a statement that Qualcomm's use of "exhausted" patents to control post-sale use of products in the wireless communications industry results in a double recovery of royalties for use of its

Patents 124

Patents San Diego Sales Product 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 8, 2008

Los Angeles-based Channel M, a venture backed provider of in-store TV networks, announced Wednesday that PLS Check Cashers, a check cashing chain, will use the firm's programming and advertising. According to Channel M, PLS Check Cashers will offer both English and Spanish content at 50 PLS Check Cashers locations nationwide. Financial impact of the deal was not disclosed.

Advertising 124

Advertising Screening Los Angeles Content 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 3, 2008

San Diego-based Solekai Systems Corporation, and engineering services firm focused on the digital video area, said yesterday that it has sold its operations in Boulder, Colorado, to enableTV. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Solekai Systems, which provides engineering services for digital video products, including design, development, integration, and test services, said its test lab is being combined with assets from Vidiom Systems to create enableTV.

San Diego 124

San Diego Design Services Product 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 1, 2008

Irvine-based Epicor Software has been sent an unsolicited buyout offer from a major shareholder of the firm, Elliott Associates, L.P. According to Elliott Associates, it collectively owns 10.2% of the common stock and $28.7M of convertible notes of Epicor Software, and is offering this morning to pay $9.50 per share for Epicor. The move comes after Epicor's board rejected Elloitt's request that the company explore strategic alternatives.

Pricing 124

Pricing Software Funding Company 124

socalTECH

OCTOBER 30, 2008

Los Angeles-based SolarReserve, a developer of utility scale renewable energy solar power plants, has scored an investment from Argonaut Private Equity. Argonaut said Thursday it is expanding its stake in SolarReserve, but did not detail the amount of the additional investment in the firm. SolarReserve is developing thermal solar energy plants based on molten salt and heliostats.

Equity 113

Equity Funding Los Angeles Invest 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 30, 2008

Los Angeles-based Ciena Solutions LLC, a provider of SAP integration management services, has been acquired by NetSol Technologies. NetSol, which provides business outsourcing and enterprise application development, did not disclose financial terms of the buy. According to NetSol Technologies, the buy was a combination of cash and restricted stock. NetSol said the acquisition will allow it to launch a global SAP practice; Ciena's customers include such firms as Southern California Edison and Tic

Technology 113

Technology Ticketmaster Outsource Development Southern California 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 24, 2008

Marina Del Rey-based CADFORCE, a venture-backed provider of CAD support services, has been acquired by Puna, India-based Neilsoft Ltd. CADFORCE co-founder James Katz told socalTECH.com that the firm will remain in Marina Del Rey, with the whole team staying on. CADFORCE has about 30 employees in California, while Neilsoft has 850 employees split between India, Chicago, and Frankfurt, Germany.

Marina Del Rey 113

Marina Del Rey Tech Coast Angels Funding Services 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 24, 2008

Carlsbad-based BasePoint Analytics, a developer of software for risk management and scoring, said earlier this week that it has rolled out a pattern recognition fraud product targeted at the UK mortgage business. According to BasePoint Analytics, its FraudMark for Origination UK helps lenders detect fraud in mortgage applications in the UK. Pricing of the product was not disclosed.

Pricing 113

Pricing Tool Software Product 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 23, 2008

San Luis Obispo-based Xcelaero, which is developing high efficiency fans for the computer cooling market, has quietly raised $11.1M in an investment round. Details on the funding have not been released. Xcelaero's products are targeted at the communications, computer, consumer, automotive, military, aerospace, and medical electronics markets. According to the firm, its cooling products for the rackmount computing market operate at approximately twice the efficiency of competing fans.

Technology 113

Technology Venture Capital Report Marketing 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 21, 2008

Venture funded Port Logistics Group, a new rollup focused on the transportation, logistics, and distribution industry, said today that it has acquired Rancho Dominguez-based Transport Express, and City of Industry-based 3rd Party Enterprise/Operon, two logistics providers based in Southern California. The firm--which launched itself today with a undisclosed amount of funding from Austin Ventures--did not disclose financial terms of the buys.

Southern California 113

Southern California SoCal City of Industry City of Industry 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 21, 2008

San Luis Obispo-based Shopatron, which develops ecommerce software for the consumer goods market, has signed on American Suzuki Motor Corporation as a customer. Shopatron said that Suzuki is using the firm's software to assign online orders of motorcycle and ATV accessories to local stores. According to the firm, Suzuki will initially deploy Shopatron's products in participating Motorcycle/ATV dealerships throughout the US.

Software 113

Software Customer Custom Marketing 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 20, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association released their Q3 2008 venture capital numbers over the weekend, finding that Southern California companies raised nearly $751 in funding during the quarter. According to the MoneyTree Report, based on data from Thomson Reuters, Los Angeles companies led the region with $385.6M in deals, followed by Orange County with $186.9M, then San Diego with $178.4M invested.

Southern California 113

Southern California Orange County Funding Report 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 14, 2008

Los Angeles-based Shopit, which develops a platform to allow users to buy and sell products on social networks, announced support for Ning this morning. Shopit said that it will support Ning, a social networking site, through its support of the OpenSocial API. Shopit creates software widgets which allow users to sell products from their profile pages and other web pages.

Social Network 113

Social Network Web Networking Los Angeles 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 13, 2008

Irvine-based SmartReply, a provider of voice and mobile marketing services, is in a deal with Experian Marketing Services, Experian said today. According to Experian, the two are in an alliance where SmartReply's mobile, voice, and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) marketing products will be added to Experian's marketing services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Mobile 113

Mobile Tool Marketing Services 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 13, 2008

Santa Monica-based DECA, a venture-backed, digital entertainment studio, said this morning that it has become the exclusive business and production partners for teen brand SMOSH, a leading provider of humorous videos on YouTube. According to DECA, it will provide financing, ad sales, marketing, distribution, and provide other business operations for SMOSH, which was created by Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox.

Santa Monica 113

Santa Monica Entertainment Web Sales 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 10, 2008

Santa Monica-based Cornerstone OnDemand, which develops software-as-a-service for talent and employee management, said this week that it has signed on Barry-Wehmiller Companies, a capital equipment provider and engineering consulting services firm. According to Cornerstone OnDemand, Barry-Wehmiller will use its products to help foster growth and development of the company's workforce.

Cornerstone OnDemand 113

Cornerstone OnDemand Santa Monica Resource Software 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 10, 2008

Los Angeles-based EdgeCast, a provider of content delivery network (CDN) services, has signed on email marketing firm YesMail as a customer, YesMail disclosed earlier this week. YesMail said it has partnered with EdgeCast to provide faster downloads of images within emails sent by the firm, as well as faster downloading of hosted content. Financial impact of the win was not disclosed.

Email 113

Email Content Los Angeles Customer 113

socalTECH

OCTOBER 9, 2008

Costa Mesa-based storage networking hardware manufacturer Emulex has scored a design win in a storage system from Pillar Data Systems, the company announced Wednesday. Emulex said that its InSpeed Embedded Storage Switch is being used in Pillar's Axiom storage systems. The Emulex InSpeed switch is used for Fibre Channel switching between disk drives and storage controllers, and are embedded into data storage products.

Design 113

Design Networking Product Company 113