Mannix Marketing Launches GuidetoWilliamsburg.com

Williamsburg, VA (PRWEB) December 18, 2007 -- Mannix Marketing, Inc., a national Internet marketing company with offices based in Williamsburg, Virginia and Glens Falls, New York, announces the launch of a new online information guide to Williamsburg, Virginia, and the Historic Triangle of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. The site features tourism information on lodging, dining and attractions as well as an online coupon and specials section where visitors and local residents can find bargains throughout the year.

"GuidetoWilliamsburg.com is the ultimate guide to the Historic Triangle for both visitors and residents," said Sara Mannix, founder and CEO of Mannix Marketing, Inc. "Visitors can plan their entire vacation online, and residents can quickly locate restaurants, shops and services, contribute to local events, and plan daytrips."

In addition to providing useful information on the area, GuidetoWilliamsburg.com is designed to serve as a valuable coupon resource for the local market. Businesses can advertise both ongoing and time sensitive coupons to residents and visitors alike. Those browsing the site can go directly to the Williamsburg specials and coupons page to start saving.

Lisa Bishop is the Director of Williamsburg E-marketing. "Today, shoppers are busier and more budget-minded than ever," Bishop states. "Our goal is to make GuidetoWilliamsburg.com a quick online reference guide for coupons and specials that area residents know they can count on, especially during peak holiday shopping seasons."

The online guide also features a robust events calendar, and area hotels, restaurants, pubs and attractions are welcome to submit their events online, free of charge.

GuidetoWilliamburg.com adds to Mannix Marketing's existing online presence in the Williamsburg area that includes WilliamsburgWeddings.com and Williamsburg.MenuMart.com. For more information and advertising opportunities, contact Lisa Bishop at 757-565-5983, Sara Mannix at 518-743-9424, or visit the company's website at www.mannixmarketing.com.

About Mannix Marketing, Inc.
Mannix Marketing, Inc. is a full-service Internet marketing company specializing in creating and marketing Web sites. The company offers Web site design, hosting, search engine optimization, pay-per-click campaigns, link building, and tourism marketing, including 27 online destination guides to the Williamsburg, VA and New York region including WilliamsburgWeddings.com, GuideToWilliamsburg.com, Saratoga.com, Albany.com and NewYorkStateDestinations.com.

Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software development, Internet programming, real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the complete solution including design, application development and marketing.

source: prweb.com

CarInsuranceList.com Relaunches with an Intuitive, Accessible Design

(PRWEB) December 18, 2007 -- Since 2002 Carinsurancelist.com has offered a "one-stop-shop" online for drivers to educate themselves about the myriad choices available to them in the area of car insurance. Now the San Jose, California-based site has relaunched after an extensive re-design. The new look showcases the site's database of news, research, and active car insurance quotes through an updated interface that is both attractive and intuitive.

"It never hurts to throw some new paint on the walls," said Jon Davidson, CarInsuranceList.com CEO. "But we took the site down to the studs. When you have a site this rich in data, it's easy for the navigation to get cumbersome and inefficient. We listened to what our readers were telling us and came back with a structure that looks good and keeps the information fresh and accessible."

Major topics at CarInsuranceList.com like "Insurance Rates" and "Buying Online" now appear in a simple bulleted menu on the left side of the page. Current news and recent articles are summarized in boxes on the right with links to the full length pieces. While car insurance quotes are prominently placed in a green box to the upper left.

"In general we've gone to something more like a conventional newspaper layout," said Davidson. "It's not a matter of going old school -- far from it. This kind of layout works because people know how to use it. Our readers are already confused about insurance when they come to us. Our job is to clear up that confusion, not make it worse. We know our data is good and now our site more than lives up to the quality of its content."

When a user requests a car insurance quote they are matched with insurance companies in their area that can offer good price points while meeting the necessary state requirements for coverage. The goal is to provide consumers with the tools they need to find insurance agents who will get them the policies they must have without compromising their financial well-being in the process.

In addition to helping readers make good choices on comprehensive but cheap car insurance, CarInsuranceList.com provides educational articles on car accident statistics and defensive driving along with "how to" information on topics like avoiding road rage.

"If you drive you have to have car insurance, period," said Davidson, "but the real goal is to never be in a position where you need to activate that policy. An insurance policy isn't a license to be a bad driver or to act irresponsibly. That's why your rates go up when you're in one accident after another. Safety and good driving are just as important to us as solid insurance quotes."

CarInsuranceList.com is a user-centered website. New articles are added regularly to keep readers abreast of the latest developments and rates in the automotive insurance industry. The editors welcome and invite your questions, comments, and ideas. Send email to: editor @ carinsurancelist.com.

Corporate Summary
CarInsuranceList.com, based in San Jose, California, offers money-saving tips on purchasing car insurance as well as articles on a wide range of insurance-related topics. Since its initial launch in 2002, CarInsuranceList.com has continued to expand its expert database of insurance industry information in an effort to educate consumers and to help them choose the best insurance options available to them.

Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software development, Internet programming, real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the complete solution including design, application development and marketing.

source: prweb.com

Fidelity International Looks East for Fixed Income Opportunities

(PRWEB) December 18, 2007 -- Fixed income investors could benefit from corporate bonds being upgraded amidst an improving economy and business environment. Russian government debt is also expected to be upgraded by ratings agencies.

Despite the turbulence and uncertainty generated by the liquidity crunch, bond markets continue to throw up exciting and interesting opportunities. According to Paul Lavelle, Euro Bond Portfolio Manager at Fidelity International, fixed income investors looking for good news could find it in Russia.

He comments, "This is no Russian revelation - we have been keeping our eye on the country for some time. In the first half of 2007 we highlighted the diversification and growth opportunities coming from investing in debt issued by Russian banks. Although the global backdrop changed significantly mid year the country story remains the same - good quality debt, issued by improving companies and organisations, in a stable economic and fundamental environment. The recent election saw Russians vote for more of the same: a successful kind of Putin capitalism that continues to put money in their pockets. This all provides the ingredients that can help diversify a fixed income bond portfolio, adding to potential returns without undue additional risk."

With strong nominal and real gross domestic product growth, massive investment in infrastructure and one of the world's largest foreign exchange reserves, Russia is showing many signs of macro economic success. Companies there are seeing strong balance sheets and banks, which are still largely funded by domestic deposits, have been buoyed by central bank injections of liquidity*.

Many corporate bonds have been upgraded and ratings agencies are considering upgrading Russian government debt, some of which is currently rated at BBB+, which is slightly better than the average rating of recent EU entrants Romania and Bulgaria**

Fidelity's Paul Lavelle continues, "If Russia is upgraded it will be a reward for its steady economic growth and growing stability - it will also be a reward those investors who had identified this economic growth early on. However, this is about much more than sovereign debt and fixed income investors should consider the stories behind quasi-Government bonds and corporate bonds.

"Many bonds issued by entities with Government links, also known as quasi-Government bonds, have been underperforming recently. These are high quality organisations, like Gazprombank and Sberbank, and their debt has lagged significantly in November***. Quasis would benefit from Russian government debt being upgraded.

"In general, credit quality in Russia is robust and improving. November saw ten upgrades of corporate debt alone, which included the maker of gas pipes TMK and Evraz, one of Russia's largest steel companies, with plants in Russia, Europe and the Americas****.

"As in all markets, there are good and bad companies and Russia is not without risks. Many companies there are interested in expanding abroad and may need to borrow more to do so by issuing bonds. And all types of corporate debt could be dragged down by rumbling global credit problems, recessionary fears and a rush for safe havens of government debt. However, those investors who can meet the companies, research their balance sheets and make informed decisions about the region have the opportunity to select bonds with good liquidity and the potential to outperform over the medium to long term."

Fidelity International Limited ("FIL") and its subsidiary companies serve the major markets of the world by providing investment products and services, including fixed income asset management, to individuals and institutional investors outside the US. The FIL Organisation manages a total of £148.1 billion of assets*****.

Notes to editors:
*Source: Russiatoday.ru, 29.11.07
** The Russian sovereign rating by Fitch is BBB+. Source: Bloomberg, 07.12.07
***Source: Bloomberg, 29.11.07
****Source: Moody's, 28.11.07
*****Source: Fidelity as at 30.09.07

ABOUT Fidelity International:
Fidelity International Limited (FIL) is a privately-owned company, established in Bermuda nearly 40 years ago. Fidelity provides asset management services to investors across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, with over 4,000 members of staff operating across the globe.

Our US affiliate, Fidelity Management and Research (FMR), serves the Americas region and is one of the USA's largest mutual fund companies. Our portfolio managers have access to detailed up-to-date analysis on companies that make up 95% of global market capitalisation.

Apart from Fidelity's extensive capabilities in the institutional marketplace, we are well known for our range of personal investment services, such as ISAs and PEPs. In fact, we're now the UK's largest mutual fund manager and leading provider of ISAs.

Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software development, Internet programming, real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the complete solution including design, application development and marketing.

source: prweb.com

Konica Minolta Wins Three 2007 BERTL Readers' Choice Awards

Ramsey, N.J. and Manalapan, N.J. (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 18, 2007 -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced that BERTL® Inc. has named Konica Minolta a 2007 BERTL Readers' Choice Award winner of one Platinum Award and two Gold Awards. In its fourth consecutive year, the BERTL Readers' Choice Awards are based upon a global, industry-wide survey covering all major manufacturers' copier, printer and MFP performance. Readers are asked to rank how manufacturers handle key issues with equipment performance such as service, reliability, productivity, and value. The awards are the cumulative findings culled from thousands of survey responses from corporate executives, enterprise buyers, technical professionals, resellers and end users from 60 countries around the world.

Konica Minolta was awarded Reader's Choice recognition in the following categories:

* Platinum Award: Color Range (Third Consecutive Year):

Color is a diverse and fast moving market requiring solutions from printers and workgroup MFPs, to pre-press proofing solutions and high-volume production systems with advanced finishing options. The complexity of the market brings a more diverse range of users, user needs, and workflow demands, and consequently a demand for manufacturers to create a broader range of color systems capable of satisfying all these needs.

The ability of Konica Minolta to meet the needs of companies of all sizes with a diverse portfolio of solutions that spans not just the front office, but also the in-house marketing department and central reprographic department (CRD) earned a Readers' Choice Platinum Award for Color Range for a third year in a row.

"Receiving the 'Color Range Award' for the third consecutive year validates Konica Minolta's worldwide commitment to providing quality and competitive products to their customers," said Margie Davis, BERTL managing director.

* Gold Award: Color Reliability

BERTL readers are concerned with each manufacturer's overall ability to reduce their service and support overhead by making color systems more reliable. Color devices typically require more maintenance than monochrome alternatives. With a greater number of parts and more complicated imaging processes, these devices may require more frequent recalibrations and adjustments. Manufacturers can lessen the servicing demands of color MFPs and printers through software management tools and remote diagnostic software. A reseller can view device operating characteristics without a technician through sophisticated forecasting software that lets them predict service trends based on usage levels, catching potential problems before they occur. The trend toward more end-user replaceable consumable items also offers greater opportunities to reduce service workload and costs.

Konica Minolta was recognized with a Readers' Choice Gold Award for Color Reliability for successfully addressing these issues and delivering highly reliable color printers and MFPs that reduce total cost of ownership.

* Gold Award: Reseller Profitability

Resellers are finding it more challenging to protect their margins in an increasingly competitive market. There are two ways manufacturers can help - the first is to provide software diagnostic tools and processes to reduce service costs. Remote diagnostics allow resellers to monitor devices in real-time over the Internet. Often problems can be solved without having to dispatch a technician. These same tools also help determine if the issue is due to some form of network failure and not the responsibility of the reseller. If it's determined that the problem is with the hardware, the technician can be better prepared with the proper spare parts, tools, and an in-depth knowledge of the problem so it can be fixed more efficiently. The second area where profits can be made is in the ever-growing area of software and solutions sales. The agreements made by manufacturers to secure attractive software partners can make or break whether a solution sale is a success or a headache for the reseller.

Konica Minolta was recognized with the Readers' Choice Gold Award for Reseller Profitability for its advanced service technologies and programs, for solutions partnerships and for its highly reliable and comprehensive line of color and monochrome products.

"Color systems are a strategic emphasis for Konica Minolta, for the desktop all the way to the print shop, so we are especially pleased to receive the BERTL Readers' Choice Platinum Award for Color Range for the third consecutive year," said Kevin P. Kern., vice president, marketing and product planning, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. "Additionally, receiving the Readers' Choice Gold Award for Reseller Profitability is an important recognition that validates our corporate mission to deliver the best products and support to our business partners, and help them be profitable and successful in their local marketplace."

Watch the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on January 1st at 1.00p EST on CBS; and visit www.KMBSsports.com to enter for your chance to win The Konica Minolta Ultimate Sports Experience.*

About Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. (www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us), a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, brings together unparalleled advances in security, print quality and network integration via its award-winning line of bizhub™ multifunction products (MFPs); bizhub PRO™ production printing systems; magicolor® desktop color laser printers and all-in-ones; and pagepro™ monochrome desktop laser printers and all-in-ones. Konica Minolta also offers advanced software solutions, wide-format printers, microform digital imaging systems, and scanning systems for specialized applications.

Headquartered in Ramsey, NJ, Konica Minolta delivers expert professional services and client support through an extensive network of direct sales offices, authorized dealers, resellers and distribution partners in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America.

About BERTL
BERTL® Inc. is the source for objective, independent product evaluation reports and comparative analyses on digital imaging devices and workflow solutions. BERTL's evaluation reports, customer satisfaction research, awards and product ratings are undertaken entirely at BERTL's expense for the benefit of its international subscriber base.

At all times, BERTL's primary focus is the end user. Covering all major digital imaging manufacturers, BERTL publishes the world's most extensive Web site of evaluation reports, comparisons data, vertical market research, news and more on copiers, printers, MFPs, production and workgroup scanners, fax machines, color and production equipment and wide format devices. BERTL reports, research and other industry informative services are available in a range of specialized subscription services. To learn more about BERTL, visit www.BERTL.com or telephone 1.732.761.2311.

Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software development, Internet programming, real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the complete solution including design, application development and marketing.

source: prweb.com

ShowMyPC.com, a Silicon Valley Startup Launches Free Service for Scheduling Web Meetings

Santa Clara, CA (PRWEB) December 18, 2007 -- ShowMyPC, a web collaboration software provider has released a new service for scheduling and conducting web meetings over the internet. The service lets users instantly start a web meeting and share their computer's screen with other users, who are invited by sending automated email notifications.

Every day, more and more people are working with customers and team members spread across the globe. Conducting face to face meetings is not an option any more. Therefore, web collaboration and Screen Sharing tools from companies such as ShowMyPC.com are making a big difference in the way people conduct their business and meetings with remote users.

Screen sharing is a very powerful means to collaborate with remote users. Once two users are able to see a common computer screen, they can instantly share any application in real time, share documents, work on the same spreadsheet to name a few. The possibilities are unlimited. In fact, ShowMyPC receives numerous "Thank you notes" for the difference it has made in it's users' lives.

"I can't believe what a difference you've made to my business. Instead of hours of 'Can you now tell me what you see on the screen' I can deal with problems that arise in minutes. Thank you, thank you, thank you." - A web designer from Melborne, Australia writes to ShowMyPC's customer service. No wonder, the number of satisfied users using this free service is exponentially increasing every day.

Using the tool is a breeze. There are no registrations, no complicated installation steps. The user simply visits the ShowMyPC.com web site, clicks on a link to download a executable file and runs it. It cannot get any simpler than that. Competing products from Webex and Gotomypc are not only costly, but complex to use.

Real Estate Designers offers totally innovative solutions for your software development, Internet programming, real estate web design and hosting needs. Our service includes domain name registration and real estate web design. Real Estate Designers provides the complete solution including design, application development and marketing.

source: prweb.com