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Avotus Corporation, a Mississauga-based provider of telecom expense management (TEM) services, eProcurement, and Call Accounting (Usage Management) solutions, has announced that the company will be participating in Cisco Live’s World of Solutions at the live conference in Las Vegas from July 10-14, 2011.

Cisco Live is Cisco’s annual IT and communications conference centered on the World of Solutions Expo which is the primary attraction of most in attendance every year. With one on one access to industry leaders, the conference attracts thousands of technical innovators and purchasing decision makers, making it the premier event of its kind in the world. Avotus is proud to be an exhibitor at this year’s event at the World of Solutions and will showcase the new release of its premier call accounting suite, ICM Unity.

Visitors will have a chance to speak with experts on a variety of solutions to find out how to enhance and extend their Cisco implementation at Avotus Booth # 2351.

“We are happy to be a part of this solution evolution as it is one of the best ways to gain and contribute insight into the future of our industry and technology as a whole. While we understand that the market is continually evolving with newer means to communicate than ever before, we stand committed to ensuring that our solutions remain compatible with the prevalent technology of its time,” said Sumer Shankardass, CEO of Avotus. “This is a testament to the Avotus team that has developed, certified, implemented, and constantly found ways to improve a solution that delivers best in class quality while remaining committed to customer satisfaction.”

Secure digital media distributor YANGAROO Inc. has reached a major milestone as it has delivered over 2000 music videos since launching the service a year ago. YANGAROO’S Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS) is now used by all four major record label groups as well as the growing independent community to deliver SD and HD quality music videos digitally to broadcast destinations such as MTV, VH1, BET, CMT, MuchMusic, MusiquePlus, MTV Canada, AUX TV, CMT Canada, with more coming, and over 150 additional regional and online destinations.  Before DMDS was adopted by the major broadcasters as the preferred platform for the submission of broadcast-ready digital music videos, virtually all music video submissions were made on costly, time consuming and inefficient video tapes.

“Hitting the milestone of over 2000 music videos is a significant achievement for the DMDS technology and sales teams,” said Scott Wambolt, CEO YANGAROO Inc. “It clearly represents a culture change within the industry and establishes the fact that YANGAROO and our DMDS service is once again leading the way to a more efficient and effective digital workflow, and this was clearly reflected in our just released first quarter financials where our revenues were up 49%. We have the potential to continue and accelerate this growth rate as more content owners and broadcasters adopt DMDS and go with a digital workflow.”

YANGAROO’s technology team worked closely with the TV broadcasters and the content owners to refine the DMDS process for digitally distributing SD and HD television broadcast-quality video. DMDS also transcodes the broadcast file for online availability for streaming and provision of a frame-accurate preview quality version of the file with the time-code burned in, which improves reviewing and editing processes. The television broadcast-quality video file can be easily integrated into Online Editing Suites, On-Air Playback Servers and stored in a Digital Archive Server. These files are 50mbit IMX in an MXF OP1a container that maintain both time-code and closed captioning for the underlying video.

Interactive Ontario, in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, is conducting a short survey of the interactive digital media industry in Ontario.

In an effort to monitor the evolution of the industry, IO will be requesting your cooperation on a periodic basis to help us improve our knowledge of key trends. The information collected will be used in aggregate in order to improve programs and policies that serve the industry.

Please note: these questions may best be answered by the person most familiar with key financial, human resources, and other strategic issues with your company. All responses will be kept strictly confidential, and your participation in this survey is of the utmost importance and is greatly appreciated.

If you have questions about this survey, please feel free to contact Astrid Rosemarin at Interactive Ontario either via email or by phone at 416.516.0077 extension 232.

The Trade Commission invites Canadian creative developers to join them, along with other Canadian companies,  in the Canada Pavilion at GamesCom 2011 this August 17th through 21st and take advantage of the following:

• Complimentary exhibit space to qualified Canadian companies
• Access to free meeting space throughout the event
• An opportunity to be profiled in the GamesCom 2011 book modeled on the GDC San Francisco profile book
• Pre-show matching services offered by the Trade Commissioner Service and Provincial Government partners (including BC) while in Germany
• An opportunity to engage business contacts at the networking reception and other networking events at the Canada stand

GamesCom 2010 Stats:

• more than 254,000 visitors
• 505 exhibitors
• 120,000 sqm rented space
• 4,400 media representatives from 49 countries

For further information, please contact Nina Cagic, Senior Manager Europe.

The Entertainment and Creative Cluster Partnerships Fund (the Partnerships Fund) is a program of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture and is co-administered by the Ontario Media Development Corporation. The Fund assists Ontario’s Entertainment and Creative Cluster stakeholders in the commercial theatre, film and television, interactive digital media, music, book and magazine industries by supporting strategic partnerships that develop fresh approaches and solutions to the priorities and needs of the cluster.

Full eligibility requirements and guidelines are outlined in the Entertainment and Creative Cluster Partnerships Fund Guidelines (PDF). Guidelines and eligibility requirements are the same as last year with the exception of the Pre-Qualification Process – see below. Please read the Program Guidelines thoroughly.

A new step has been added in the process for submitting an application. Interested parties must complete and submit a Pre-Qualification Form. There are three steps when applying to this program:

Step 1: Contact OMDC to discuss the project.

Step 2: If the project and partners are eligible you will be invited to prepare and submit a templated Pre-Qualification Form via the Online Application Portal – to be submitted by September 1. An OMDC Consultant will review the material within 10 business days. If all program eligibility criteria are met you will then be invited to submit a full application.

Step 3: Submit the full application by September 28 – only Pre-Qualified applicants may apply.

Applications via the Online Application Portal (OAP):

• All applications must be submitted via the OMDC Online Application Portal (OAP) system. Applications submitted by any other method will not be accepted.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to commence their applications early to allow for enough time should assistance be required.
• Prior to commencing an application, your Company’s corporate information must be registered. If this has not already been done, you should register as soon as possible.
• If registered, the Entertainment and Creative Cluster Partnerships Fund program deadline will appear in your dashboard. To start the application, click on “Start new application” and follow the directions through the 5 step wizard to access the application form.

Ubisoft® has announced the creation of UbiCollectibles, a collection of premium, limited-edition merchandise for fans of the company’s popular brands, including Assassin’s Creed®, Might & Magic®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® and more. UbiCollectibles are available exclusively through UbiShop, Ubisoft’s official online store, and the store is now accepting pre-orders from European customers.

The first UbiCollectibles are inspired by fans of the Assassin’s Creed®, Might & Magic® Heroes® and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon franchises. More than 29 million people have purchased an Assassin’s Creed video game, and now a fortunate 2,000 will have the chance to buy a highly detailed, hand-crafted statuette called “Ezio’s Fury.” The figurine shows Ezio in a combative stance as he moves in for the kill.

In Might & Magic® Heroes VI, Michael, the legendary Archangel, is one of the most charismatic characters, and 500 fans will now have the opportunity to own an intricate polyresin figurine of Michael, wings spread and sword drawn for battle. UbiCollectibles is using a design chosen with fans on Facebook to create this unique offering.

From Ghost Recon, a limited quantity of “Production Team” t-shirts, with the same design as those worn by the development team during this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, will be available as UbiCollectibles.

“UbiCollectibles are designed to give true fans something special,” said Geoffroy Sardin, Chief EMEA Marketing and Sales Officer at Ubisoft. “Each item is a custom-designed, limited edition, created to give fans an exceptional way to deepen their experience with their favorite Ubisoft universes.”

Future offerings from UbiCollectibles will include apparel, figurines, lithographs, jewelry, and replicas from Ubisoft’s best-selling brands.

Xplornet Communications Inc. (formerly Barrett Xplore Inc.) has acquired Brockville region ISP RipNET Limited, which currently operates in the eastern Ontario region that extends from Manotick to Gananoque, and as far north as Perth.

“We are delighted to welcome the RipNET customers into the Xplornet family,” said John Maduri, Chief Executive Officer of Xplornet Communications Inc.  “This acquisition increases our fixed wireless broadband footprint in eastern Ontario and continues our company’s mission to make affordable broadband Internet services available to every rural Canadian.”

This acquisition is effective immediately.  However, RipNET will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Xplornet. RipNET’s customers will continue to enjoy their current service and packages. Mr. Maduri noted that Xplornet looks forward to working with RipNET’ s team. “Over the last 16 years, RipNET has built a skilled and committed team, and they bring significant expertise to Xplornet,” said Maduri.

Technical support contact information, service and billing practices will remain unchanged for all RipNET customers.

“Xplornet is committed to the ensuring that fast, affordable broadband is available everywhere in Canada,” said Maduri today.  “This acquisition is complementary to the work we are doing to roll out 4G wireless and satellite broadband in Eastern Ontario over the next year that will give more Ontarians the opportunity to enjoy a robust broadband connection.

The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) is pleased to announce the release of the Investment Activity by Canadian Angel Groups: 2010 Report.  This report, the first of its kind, was completed in partnership with the Government of Canada and authored by Professor Colin Mason. It highlights the importance of Angel capital to the growth of Canada’s high-potential companies.

Significant findings of this report include that:

• 90% of companies funded by Angel groups in 2010 were new not follow-on.
• Angel groups collectively received around 1,850 business plans. 14% were considered in detail. Roughly 32% received investment.
• Angels groups invested CAN$35.3 million in the 88 deals for which we have information; an under-estimate as some groups did not report the amount invested. Co-investors were involved in 58% of investments and invested at least a further CAN$29.4 million. It should be noted that these statistics are for Angel groups only and do not include individual Angel investments.
• Angels invested in a wide range of industries but with a strong technology focus including: ICT sector (43%), followed by life sciences (18%) and clean tech (16%).
• 74% of investee businesses had sales revenue in 2010.

“This landmark study confirms the strong activity level of organized Angel investors across all of Canada,” said Bryan Watson, Executive Director of NACO. “We encourage the Angel community that NACO represents to keep investing, through the Year of the Entrepreneur, to support the businesses best positioned to drive the economy forward.”

“Angel investors invest experience and mentorship along with capital, and continue to invest in new companies even as other investors consolidate around their previous investments,” said Michelle Scarborough, Co-Chair of NACO.  “This makes Angels an increasingly vital part of the innovation ecosystem as they support their investments to exit.”

NACO would like to acknowledge Industry Canada and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for their support of this research.

Research conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) with the assistance of its American counterpart, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the participation of the U.S. Embassy (Ottawa) reveals a number of challenges and obstacles small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must overcome in order to be able to successfully conduct business across the border.

Earlier this year, Canada and the U.S. issued a declaration on the countries’ shared border. The objective of the pact was to ‘streamline and decongest’ the Canada-U.S. border, as well as find ways to reduce and prevent regulatory barriers to cross-border trade. A high-level commitment to improving the efficiency of the border will reduce the costs of doing business, enhance security and facilitate trade. “A Canada-U.S. border that is more effective, secure and trade-friendly will increase Canadian competiveness and create jobs on both sides of the border,” stated CFIB vice president, national affairs, Corinne Pohlmann.

CFIB’s policy brief, Border Barriers: SMEs Experience With Cross-Border Trade involved interviewing 12 small business owners: eight Canadian and four American. This report offers mixed results from Canadian small business owners about their experiences with border agencies on both sides of the border.

The number one obstacle in cross-border trade for smaller companies relates to the complexity of the process and its related paperwork. The data shows the common thread in the problems faced by small business is the varying requirements of government agencies and complicated rules and regulations. “And, although the requirements of any one entity may not be unreasonable, it is the combined effects that impede SME participation in cross-border trade,” said Pohlmann.

“Simple measures, such as providing information in plain language, making information sources readily accessible and easy to find, providing contact information (email/telephone) to respond to questions and creating a one-stop web portal with trade and border information specific to SMEs, will help address some of these issues,” said Pohlmann. Adding, “With this in mind, the brief offers policy maker’s practical recommendations on how to make trade and border processes more small-business friendly.”

As both Canada and the U.S. have a strong entrepreneurial presence with SMEs accounting for half the GDP, more than half of employment and the bulk of net new jobs, this research offers ways to encourage cross-border trade. By focusing on small-business friendly policies, making an extra effort to provide information and services geared to small business’ unique needs, and creating a culture of service and understanding of small business challenges within the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may help to encourage more small firms to take the plunge and start looking to other markets to grow and expand their business.

The newly announced Nextsportstar.com is a social networking website combining the best of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and adds elements of Kijiji and Craigslist to create a unique social media site for one of our biggest passion touchpoints – and entertainment businesses – worldwide: Sports.

Nextsportstar.com is the digital meeting place for amateur athletes, teams, students and fans of all ages as well as amateur and professional coaches. Members (stars) share content and information for their passion for high school, college/university amateur sports and minor leagues.

Student and amateur male and female athletes create a profile (home page) of their sports achievements and share statistics, photos and video highlights. This information may just be of personal interest, but it will also be of interest to any amateur looking to gain a scholarship or be scouted for a professional team.

And for the professional recruiter and scout, it is a great site that captures the available talent in one convenient location, helping them evaluate athletes while giving a site to promote their college/university or team to prospects.

When a new member registers on Nextsporstar.com as a member (star), they share their interests and passions while connecting with other members and their friends (fans) in Nextsportstar.com blogs, polls, forums and private or public chat rooms worldwide.

Plus Nextsportstar.com has a classified advertising section, similar to Kijiji and Craigslist, where members advertise products and services to other members of their sport communities. The classified section is directly linked to PayPal to make transactions convenient and worry-free.

“I love this website” says Josh Rimer, television and radio sports broadcast producer, “It’s a never ending way to connect with all levels of sport.”

Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito says, “Finally a social network that all hockey fans can connect with.”

Besides being a unique site to network with people who are passionate about sports, Nextsportstar.com is also giving members an opportunity to win money with the $1 Million Dollars Up For Grabs contest, a first-ever in social networking websites. In total, there’s $800,000 to be won by amateur athletes, with another $200,000 for schools’ athletic programs!