CuriosityStream Deploys Infortrend Storage to Satisfy Its High Speed SVOD Platform Requirements

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — CuriosityStream, a subscription video on demand (SVOD) platform that provides ad-free, factual television content on demand via apps and streaming devices, has been experiencing rapid data growth and has therefore chosen Infortrend’s EonStor DS 3060 RAID solutions as the best way to enhance its high speed, scalability, smart space utilization and easy deployment.

Being an SVOD business, CuriosityStream required high read-write speeds and huge capacity to support multiple editors who work simultaneously on multiple video streams. Apart from requiring ample storage, saving the footprint of the physical space was also a major concern. After reviewing almost all video storage players and considering the abovementioned factors, the strong performance (1.3M IOPS), ample storage and high density (60 drives in a 4U chassis) of the EonStor DS 3060 were the best solution for CuriosityStream’s needs.

Another benefit CuriosityStream found with the EonStor DS 3060 was easy integration and deployment. CuriosityStream Server Manager Ray German said: “Since we were able to integrate the solution ourselves with the Apple Xsan system, I can conservatively say we easily saved $50,000 to $100,000 dollars.”

German adds: “I am extremely happy with Infortrend’s EonStor DS 3060 and the support the Infortrend team provided during its implementation. With one device, we were able to quadruple our storage and performance. All I can say is ‘Thank you Infortrend, great product!'”

“With Infortrend’s EonStor DS and ATTO’s Thunderbolt™ Desklink Devices, together we provide an ideal solution for this editing environment. I trust that more and more M&E customers will benefit from this solution,” said Wayne Arvidson, VP of Sales & Marketing at ATTO Technology.

“Infortrend offers a rock solid solution for customers who need large capacity on a tight budget. Their fully redundant architecture, flexible connectivity, scalability and simplistic licensing and support help customers solve problems where other solutions simply can’t compete. This was the case for CuriosityStream’s Ray German. He was faced with the challenge of finding a cost effective solution to support editing multiple 4K video streams. Infortrend came to the rescue. The solution met his budgetary requirements while exceeding performance expectations and he couldn’t be happier,” said Michael Ellison, Vice President of Sales at Virtual Graffiti, an authorized reseller partner of Infotrend.

For more information about EonStor DS 3060, please click here. For the full story about the CuriosityStream case, please click here.

About CuriosityStream

CuriosityStream is the world’s first ad-free, on-demand streaming service for factual videos that inform, educate and entertain. Viewers watch choice documentary programming from around the world starting at $2.99 a month anytime, anywhere across multiple devices. CuriosityStream brings together leading-edge technology and premium content that allows viewers to take virtual journeys through science, technology, civilization and the human spirit. Learn more at CuriosityStream.com and follow us on Twitter @Curiosity_Strm.

About Infortrend

Founded in 1993, Infortrend (TWSE: 2495) is a leading provider of high performance storage solutions focusing on quality, reliability, choice, and value. Fueled by technological expertise, Infortrend storage has been deployed in demanding applications by users across commercial and industrial markets. Core brands include ESVA, EonStor DS, EonStor, and EonNAS. Please visit www.infortrend.com.

About ATTO Technology, Inc.

ATTO Technology, Inc. is a global leader of storage connectivity and infrastructure solutions for data-intensive computing environments. ATTO provides a wide range of solutions to help customers store, manage and deliver their data more efficiently. With a focus toward markets that require higher performance, ATTO manufactures host and RAID adapters, converged network adapters, bridges, switches, RAID storage controllers, and management software. ATTO solutions provide connectivity to all storage interfaces including Fibre Channel, SAS, SATA, iSCSI, FCoE, 10GbE and Thunderbolt. ATTO distributes its products worldwide directly to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), systems integrators, VARs and authorized distributors. Contact ATTO Technology, Inc. world headquarters at: 155 CrossPoint Parkway, Amherst, New York 14068; Phone: +1 716 691 1999; Fax: +1 716 691 9353; Website: http://www.attotech.com/

###

Infortrend®, ESVA®, EonStor®, SANWatch®, and EonPath® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Infortrend Corporation
Hoa Truong
Tel: 408-419-2403
E-mail: hoa.truong@infortrend.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/curiositystream-deploys-infortrend-storage-to-satisfy-its-high-speed-svod-platform-requirements-300059183.html

At NAB 2015 Mobile Viewpoint Launches WebStreamur, a Global Marketplace for Live Mobile Journalism

ALKMAAR, the Netherlands, April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Mobile Viewpoint announces the launch of WebStreamur, a new platform which delivers high quality live video from any place to the web. WebStreamur utilizes the award winning bonding technology of Mobile Viewpoint to live stream from any location using bonded IP channels. During NAB 2015 WebStreamur will launch its own range of products including an App for MacBook, iPhone and Android and 3 dedicated appliances. WebStreamur utilizes YouTube to deliver live streams via WebStreamur channels on any device and create revenues based on sponsoring. WebStreamur utilizes Twitter for announcements and instant feedback. WebStreamer can be used for any event but will focus on the delivery of college sports content around the world. WebStreamur wireless bonded video transmitters and app’s will unleash the potential of unique sports events no matter where and when they take place.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150407/738861)

Mobile Viewpoint CEO Michel Bais:  

“Since the beginning of Mobile Viewpoint we looked into the broadcast of smaller but attractive sport events on the Internet. The growing popularity of watching video online via streaming platforms like YouTube, LiveStream, Meerkat and Periscope opens a marketplace for the delivery of live sports and other events that do not have the reach to get on normal Broadcast Television. This makes it, in combination with our unique bonding technology, possible to deliver a high quality end-to-end solution and distinguishes WebStreamur from other #mojo products. WebStreamur gives the smaller content producers and sport teams easy access to a bigger audience and a global marketplace to monetize their content.”  

On Mobile Viewpoint 

Mobile Viewpoint is a global player, focusing on the development and implementation of solutions for both the broadcast and security industries. Based on their H.264 and H.265 codec implementations, combined with patented technology, allowing for HD video to be transmitted over bonded IP connections. Customers include major broadcasters, such as BBC, Al-Arabiya, Sky Sports News, NBC Sports.

Meet Mobile Viewpoint and Webstreamur at NAB 2015 Central Hall, stand 2807
http://www.mobileviewpoint.com / http://www.webstreamur.com

Le Shi to Unveil Super Smartphone on April 14, Create the New “Ecological Age”

HONG KONG, April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — One of the China’s most popular online video sites, Le Holdings (Beijing) Limited (Le Shi), has officially invited the press in early April to an announcement themed “From 1984 to 2015” at which the firm will unveil its Super Smartphone that will bring about unprecedented changes to user experience and the way the industry operates. The announcement will start at 14:00 on April 14 at the MasterCard Center in Beijing, China.

The theme “From 1984 to 2015” represents a new milestone in 2015. “While Apple’s announcement of its Macintosh computer in 1984 was seen as the beginning of a new age, Le Shi’s announcement of its Super Smartphone in 2015 will “overturn” Apple — the one who originally overturned — by bringing smartphones over to the new “Ecological Age,” remarked Le Shi’s Chairman Jia Yueting.

Le Shi’s Chairman on Weibo: An invitation to break boundaries

That particular theme and its implication are also echoed in Jia’s media invitation to the announcement from his Weibo account. He includes a graphic piece in which the “App” in “Apple” is crossed out, with only the “le” in “Le Shi” left untouched.

Jia’s Weibo invite themed “No Ecosystem Nothing Super” reads: “our time is changing; roles have changed but our spirit never changes! From 1984 to 2015, Le Shi invites you to #BreakBoundaries, EcologicalOverturn#; see you at 2pm on 4-14.”

The Chairman has proactively publicized the concepts behind the new smartphone and questioned Apple’s industrial design and its closed system after his surgery to cure Thymoma in November 2014, though he has not made any public appearance since then.

The new, transformative Eco User Interface of Super Smartphone

While high-performance, gorgeous appearance, a focus on the service-first ecological mode, and unrivaled features — such as all-metal bodies, no-frame industrial design, Qualcomm’s flagship 810 chipset, HiFi stereo components, and the highest-resolution camera — will enable Le Shi’s Super Smartphone to surpass offerings by major competitors, the core edge of the Super Smartphone is the EUI (Eco User Interface) system.

“An interactive system between users and ecosystem, EUI is cross-ecology and across terminals’ central nervous systems. EUI re-defines smartphone’s UI system, allowing smartphones to move from the intelligence age to the ecology age,” said Le Shi.

EUI will also act as the core of a complete ecosystem that transforms the existing hardware-software integrated smartphone.

“Numerous new players have entered the smartphone market, but nobody seems to put users’ core benefits first,” Jia pointed out. “At Le Shi, we firmly believe that only the ecosystem of platform+content+terminal+applications will bring changes to user experience and the way the industry operates.”

About Letv

Founded in November 2004 by Jia Yueting, a celebrated pioneer in China’s Internet landscape, Letv Group is committed to creating the “Letv Ecosystem,” a next-generation Internet engine that is vertically-integrated to offer an online platform completed with content, terminals and applications. The Group is engaged in a rich array of businesses, spanning from Internet TV, video production and distribution, smart gadgets and large-screen applications to e-commerce, eco-agriculture and Internet-linked super-electric cars, which were launched in late 2014. The Group comprises a number of subsidiaries, including Letv.com, Leshi Zhi Xin, Le Vision Pictures, Wangjiu.com, Letv Holding, Letv Investment Management and Le Mobile. In 2014, the aggregate sales of the Group amounted to approximately RMB 10 billion.

Transforming Traditional Healthcare to Virtual Methods

Frost & Sullivan reveals the importance of raising consumer awareness surrounding virtual visits

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — How consumers access healthcare is evolving in the U.S. due to connected healthcare expansion and new options in the delivery of care. As the healthcare system shifts to value-based models, including focal points on wellness and prevention, different settings in the care continuum are growing in importance, especially the home. Over the next five years, virtual visits expect to become a more common occurrence given the rapid expansion in video telemedicine service options. For true advancement, consumer awareness of virtual visits is a critical challenge for all healthcare system stakeholders to overcome.

During the Health Sciences Innovation Investment Forum in New York City, the Big Idea Session:  Raising Consumer Awareness of Virtual Visits will be hosted by Frost & Sullivan Healthcare and Life Sciences Research Director Daniel Ruppar (@danielruppar).

Attendees should expect insight on the following:

  • The access to care challenge.
  • Importance of virtual visits and growth ranking in telehealth.
  • Growing consumer awareness.
  • Creating the new world of primary care.

Please join Ruppar at the Health Sciences Innovation Investment Forum. To view more information regarding the events please visit, http://bit.ly/19xs1Ys.

“Now is a critical time in the market for virtual visits,” said Ruppar. “All stakeholders must work together to maximize awareness with consumers of this approach, to best expand integration in their lives as a common healthcare option, and further promote the growth of telehealth.”

Ruppar has extensive background in a number of healthcare sectors including digital transformation of healthcare and solutions throughout the continuum of care, including telemedicine and mHealth.

The Health Sciences Innovation Investment Forum will be held at the Alexandria Center. The conference will take place on April 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Frost & Sullivan is pleased to partner with the American Heart Association at their upcoming Health Sciences Innovation Investment Forum.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Contact:
Kayla Belcher
Corporate Communications 
P: +1-210-247-2450
E: kayla.belcher@frost.com

http://www.frost.com 

Zebra Medical Vision Launches the Most Comprehensive Medical Imaging Research Platform Globally

SHEFAYIM, Israel, April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ —

Completes $8m seed round led by Khosla Ventures to accelerate the creation of imaging insights tools for HMOs and ACOs

Zebra Medical Vision launched a closed beta of its Medical Imaging Research platform and announced funding of $8 million led by Khosla Ventures, with participating parties DeepFork Capital and Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) CEO Marc Benioff. The company’s solution enables researchers to quickly develop imaging algorithms and insights based on large scale datasets and advanced processing power. Zebra’s commercialization pipeline will then expedite clinical application of imaging research products.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150405/196595)

With a billion people joining the middle class by 2020, and an aging global population, the demand for medical imaging is rapidly increasing. Fast, accurate diagnosis is paramount, and is getting increasingly difficult to achieve with existing Radiology resources. Medical Imaging storage has grown tenfold since 2005 according to a Frost&Sullivan report and continues to grow with more advanced modalities. Therefore there is an acute need for accurate automated tools to enable high quality diagnostic insights at scale.

“Advances in machine learning and computer vision have made it possible to create diagnostic quality algorithms based on big data, that surpass current reading accuracy rates. Such algorithms will reduce false positives, identify false negatives, provide earlier diagnosis of cancer or other diseases and unlock incidental findings hidden in the vast amounts of imaging data that resides within archives of health providers,” said Elad Benjamin, Zebra Medical CEO and former General Manager of the Carestream Healthcare Information Solutions group.

“I have frequently commented that technology will reinvent healthcare as we know it,” said Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. “Zebra is combining the power of machine learning, computer vision and big data to do just that in medical imaging – creating a sandbox through which imaging innovation can occur and be delivered to patients. We are proud to back such a team and an ambitious endeavor and look forward to seeing the outcomes of the platform.”

Zebra’s platform offers a cloud-based, fully hosted research and development environment. This includes access to large datasets of structured, de-identified studies, storage, state-of-the-art GPU computing power and support for a multitude of research tools. The platform also enables research groups to collaborate and create joint tools.

“Zebra is the only platform today that offers such seamless access to both the tools and the needed datasets and research environment – and at such a large scale,” said Professor Gabriel Krestin, Professor of Radiology, Chair of Radiology at Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam and past President of the European Society of Radiology. “This will finally enable providers to bring medical imaging into the fold of large scale clinical analysis and population management.”

The Zebra platform is initially being launched to select research groups. Researchers and machine learning practitioners can apply for an invite here. ACOs and HMOs are welcome to participate and learn how can better imaging insights improve care and reduce costs.

About Zebra Medical Vision Ltd  

Zebra Medical Vision has set out to create the world’s largest medical imaging insights platform. We believe that by providing machine-learning researchers the needed tools and datasets we can accelerate development of advanced decision support tools and diagnosis needed to serve the worlds population. Headquartered in Kibutz Shfayim Israel, the Company was founded in 2014 by Co-Founders Eyal Toledano, Eyal Gura and Elad Benjamin.  

More info at http://www.zebra-med.com

Contact:
Elad Benjamin  
info@zebra-med.com

Shanda Games Limited Enters into Definitive Merger Agreement for Going Private Transaction

HONG KONG, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Shanda Games Limited (NASDAQ: GAME) (“Shanda Games” or the “Company”), a leading online game developer, operator and publisher in China, announced today that it had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) with Capitalhold Limited (“Parent”) and Capitalcorp Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”).

Pursuant to the Agreement, Parent will acquire the Company for cash consideration equal to US$3.55 per ordinary share of the Company (each, an “Ordinary Share”) and US$7.10 per American Depositary Share of the Company, each representing two Class A Ordinary Shares (each, an “ADS”), in a transaction valuing the Company at approximately US$1.9 billion. This price represents a premium of 46.5% and 53.8%, respectively, over the Company’s 30- and 60-trading day volume-weighted average price as quoted by NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) on January 24, 2014, the last trading date immediately prior to the Company’s announcement on January 27, 2014 that it had received a “going private” proposal.

The consideration to be paid to holders of Ordinary Shares and ADSs pursuant to the Agreement also represents an increase of approximately 2.9% from the original US$3.45 per Ordinary Share and US$6.90 per ADS offer price included in the January 27, 2014 “going private” proposal.

Immediately following consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, Parent will be beneficially owned by a consortium (the “Buyer Group”) comprising (i) Ningxia Yilida Capital Investment Limited Partnership, a limited partnership formed under the laws of the People’s Republic of China and an affiliate of the Company’s acting CEO, Mr. Yingfeng Zhang, (ii) Ningxia Zhongyincashmere International Group Co., Ltd. (“Ningxia”), a company formed under the laws of the People’s Republic of China, (iii) Orient Hongtai (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Hong Kong (“Orient Hongtai”), (iv) Orient Hongzhi (Hong Kong) Limited (“Orient Hongzhi”), a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Hong Kong and an affiliate of Orient Hongtai, (v) Hao Ding International Limited (“Hao Ding”), a company established under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, (vi) Ningxia Zhengjun Equity Investment Partnership Enterprise (Limited Partnership) (“Zhengjun Investment”), a limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China and an affiliate of Mr. Yingfeng Zhang, (vii) Ningxia Silkroad Equity Investment Partnership Enterprise (Limited Partnership) (“Ningxia Silkroad”), a limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China and an affiliate of Ningxia, and (viii) Ningxia Zhongrong Legend Equity Investment Partnership Enterprise (Limited Partnership) (“Zhongrong Legend”), a limited partnership organized and existing under the laws of the People’s Republic of China and an affiliate of Ningxia. Merger Sub is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. As of the date of the Agreement, the Buyer Group collectively beneficially owns approximately 75.7% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 90.7% of the total number of votes represented by the Company’s issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares.

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”), and each of the Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (including Ordinary Shares represented by ADSs) will be cancelled in consideration for the right to receive US$3.55 per Ordinary Share or US$7.10 per ADS, in each case, in cash, without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes, except for (i) 48,759,187 Class B Ordinary Shares held by Yili Shengda Investment Holdings (Hong Kong) Company Limited, an affiliate of Mr. Yingfeng Zhang, 48,759,187 Class B Ordinary Shares held by Zhongrong Shengda Investment Holdings (Hong Kong) Company Limited, an affiliate of Ningxia, 80,577,828 Class A Ordinary Shares held by Zhongrong Investment Holdings (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of Ningxia, 61,776,334 Class A Ordinary Shares held by Orient Hongtai, 61,776,335 Class A Ordinary Shares held by Orient Hongzhi, 107,438,129 Class A Ordinary Shares held by Hao Ding and any Ordinary Shares held by Parent, the Company or any of their subsidiaries immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, each of which will be cancelled without payment of any consideration or distribution therefor, and (ii) Ordinary Shares owned by holders who have validly exercised and not effectively withdrawn or lost their rights to dissent from the Merger pursuant to Section 238 of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands, which Ordinary Shares will be cancelled at the effective time of the Merger for the right to receive the fair value of such Ordinary Shares determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 238 of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands.

The Buyer Group intends to fund the transaction through cash contributions from Zhengjun Investment, Ningxia Silkroad, Zhongrong Legend (collectively, the “Sponsors”) or their affiliates pursuant to equity commitment letters entered into between Parent and each Sponsor. The Sponsors have also entered into limited guarantees in favor of the Company pursuant to which they have agreed to guarantee certain obligations of Parent and Merger Sub under the Agreement.

The Company’s Board of Directors, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the special committee of independent directors formed by the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”), unanimously approved the Agreement, the plan of merger required to be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands in connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby (the “Transactions”), including the Merger, and resolved to recommend that the Company’s shareholders vote to approve the Agreement and the Transactions, including the Merger. The Special Committee, which is composed solely of independent directors who are unaffiliated with Parent, Merger Sub, any member of the Buyer Group or management of the Company, exclusively negotiated the terms of the Agreement with the Buyer Group with the assistance of its independent financial and legal advisors.

The Merger, which is currently expected to close in the second half of 2015, is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval by an affirmative vote of shareholders holding two-thirds or more of the votes represented by the Ordinary Shares (including Ordinary Shares represented by ADSs) present and voting in person or by proxy as a single class at the extraordinary general meeting, which will be convened to consider the approval of the Agreement and the Transactions, including the Merger. The Buyer Group beneficially owns sufficient Ordinary Shares to approve the Agreement and the Transactions, including the Merger, and has agreed to vote in favor of such approval. If completed, the Transactions will result in the Company becoming a privately-held company and its ADSs will no longer be listed on NASDAQ.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is serving as financial advisor to the Special Committee, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as U.S. legal advisor to the Special Committee, Haiwen & Partners is serving as PRC legal advisor to the Special Committee and Walkers Global is serving as Cayman Islands legal advisor to the Special Committee. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is serving as legal advisor to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as U.S. legal advisor to the Company and Global Law Office is serving as PRC legal advisor to the Company.

Southwest Securities Co., Ltd. is serving as financial advisor to the Buyer Group and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. is serving as U.S. legal advisor to the Buyer Group.

Additional Information about the Transactions

The Company will furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a report on Form 6-K regarding the Transactions, which will include as an exhibit thereto the Agreement. All parties desiring details regarding the Transactions are urged to review these documents, which are available at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).

In connection with the Transactions, the Company will prepare and distribute a proxy statement to its shareholders. In addition, certain participants in the Transactions will prepare and distribute to the Company’s shareholders a Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement. These documents will be filed with or furnished to the SEC. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THESE MATERIALS AND OTHER MATERIALS FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY, THE TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS. In addition to receiving the proxy statement and Schedule13E-3 transaction statement, shareholders also will be able to obtain these documents, as well as other filings containing information about the Company, the Transactions and related matters, without charge, from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) or at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, these documents can be obtained, without charge, by contacting the Company at the following address and/or phone number:

Shanda Games Limited:
No. 1 Office Building
No. 690 Bibo Road
Pudong New Area
Shanghai 201203
The People’s Republic of China
Phone: +86-21-5050-4740

The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from our shareholders with respect to the Transactions. Information regarding the persons who may be considered “participants” in the solicitation of proxies will be set forth in the proxy statement and Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement relating to the Transactions when they are filed with the SEC. Information regarding certain of these persons and their beneficial ownership of the Company’s Ordinary Shares as of March 31, 2014 is also set forth in the Company’s Form 20-F, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2014. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the proxy statement and Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available.

This announcement is neither a solicitation of proxy, an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities and it is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other filings that may be made with the SEC should the Transactions proceed.

Cautionary Statement concerning Forward Looking Statements

This news release may include certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to how the Company’s shareholders will vote at the meeting of shareholders, the possibility that competing offers will be made, the possibility that various closing conditions to the Merger may not be satisfied or waived and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, as well as the Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement and the proxy statement to be filed by the Company in connection with the Merger. Shanda Games does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Shanda Games

Shanda Games Limited (NASDAQ: GAME) is a leading online game developer, operator and publisher in China. Shanda Games offers a diversified game portfolio, which includes some of the most popular massively multiplayer online (MMO) games and mobile games in China and in overseas markets, targeting a large and diverse community of users. Shanda Games manages and operates online games that are developed in-house, co-developed with world-leading game developers, acquired through investments or licensed from third parties. For more information about Shanda Games, please visit http://www.ShandaGames.com.

Contact

Shanda Games Limited
Ellen Chiu, Investor Relations Director
Maggie Zhou, Investor Relations Associate Director
Phone: +86-21-5050-4740 (Shanghai)
Email: IR@ShandaGames.com

Christensen:
Christian Arnell
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548 (China)
Email: carnell@ChristensenIR.com

Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004 (U.S.A.)
Email: lbergkamp@ChristensenIR.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanda-games-limited-enters-into-definitive-merger-agreement-for-going-private-transaction-300060834.html

Clash of Kings to Hit the Google Play Top Free Chart Worldwide

NEW YORK and BERLIN, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Following on from the months of domination by Clash of Kings in the worldwide highest grossing apps top 10, and weeks as the most downloaded app in Germany, Google Play has recognized the game in the top free chart worldwide.

App discovery is still a big issue in the mobile app industry, and one thing to understand is that no amount of marketing, advertising and promotion is going to make a bad app popular. The first step in promoting an app is to build one that is worth promoting. Built based on market research and iterate improvements, Clash of Kings has great features, an intuitive UI and is faster than competitor apps. These advantages make the game more competitive than other hit games.

It is critical to understand the value a top ranking game will bring a company because this could affect the top grossing chart of 2014 completely. What can reaching those top spots actually do for Clash of Kings? “We want Clash of Kings to dominate Google Play‘s list of most downloaded apps in 2015,” said the company. “Our game is freemium with good retention rates and monetized with virtual goods. With hard work growing our DAUs and maintaining stickiness to create a high proportion of true fans, our game could eventually hold the top spot in popularity among mobile users worldwide.”

However, the exact details of the ranking algorithm are a closely guarded secret, and it could be interesting to see how Elex Inc. will compete with the thousands of other developers all trying to rank their apps among a small, finite number of positions at the top.

“From eight years of experience in game development and publishing, we have a great understanding of some factors that contribute to how a game ranks,” said the company. “We’ve made Clash of Kings social, freemium and localized to create a low barrier to entry for anyone to play worldwide.”

Clash of Kings is a real-time strategy game where players build an empire and defend it. To play Clash of Kings for free, for Android click here, for iOS click here, and for PC click here.

Contact:
Hyde Hao
Phone Number: +86 (0)10 82800116
Email: haoxiuwu@elex-tech.com

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150331/195595

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clash-of-kings-to-hit-the-google-play-top-free-chart-worldwide-300059145.html

Conax demonstrating next generation multi-DRM offering and new joint partner solution at NAB 2015

– Spotlighting demonstrations of new cutting-edge multi-DRM capabilities in Conax Contego™ and Conax Xtend Multiscreen already deployed in the market

– At NABShow, service and content protection provider Conax will announce how it plans to strengthen its IPTV offering placing the company ahead of rival solutions

– Co-exhibitor and sister company NAGRA will demo its studio-endorsed anyCAST PRM solution for the protection of content delivered OTT or via the home network

LAS VEGAS, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — NABShow 2015 — Conax, part of the Kudelski Group and a leader in total service protection for digital TV and entertainment services via broadcast, broadband and connected devices, today announced its participation at the NAB Show 2015, April 13th – 16th, Las Vegas. At NAB, Conax will launch next generation multi-DRM solution in flagship security hub Conax Contego™, supporting Google Widevine, Microsoft PlayReady, Conax OTT Access and NAGRA anyCAST PRM. Together with strategic business partners the security provider will feature real life demonstrations spotlighting implementation of the new joint solution at a live multiscreen customer. In addition, at an event at Conax Stand SU8517, Monday, April 13th, 4 pm at NABShow Conax will also announce how it plans to strengthen its IPTV offering including technology it believes will position the company ahead of rivals in the IPTV security space.

– “Supporting multiple DRM technologies is essential to reach all required devices for a TV everywhere service. Conax Contego™ supports PlayReady, Widevine, NAGRA anyCAST PRM and Conax OTT Access, with Common Encryption (CENC) for a simplified and cost-effective workflow. This ensures a unified configuration of DRM with consistent business rules across devices and networks from STBs, Smart TVs, Tablets, Phones, Gaming consoles and PC browsers,” states Tom Jahr, EVP Products & Marketing, Conax. “At NAB, Conax will provide demonstrations based on a live customer illustrating how along with our strategic partners Conax solves the latest challenges for our customers by building, highly efficient solutions both for the end-user and the operator.”

-“Conax will also talk about the latest product portfolio advancements resulting from co-development efforts between sister companies in the Kudelski Group – the leading provider of content security solutions worldwide – and the multitude of benefits for our customers in all regions.”

Conax, Kudelski Group and NAGRA
Conax will be co-exhibiting with sister company NAGRA at NAB Stand SU8517. At the NAB stand, NAGRA will feature its advanced NAGRA anyCAST PRM solution as implemented in DISH Network’s DISH Anywhere multiscreen service for PCs, Android and iOS devices.

Conax Launch & Celebration @NABShow: 4 – 6 pm, April 13th, Stand SU8517
Conax customers, partners and the media are invited to join in celebrating Conax latest multi-DRM news. Conax will also share its newest blueprint for Kudelski cross-technology advancements – followed by networking and a launch party.

At NAB’s Connected Media IP Panel Debate: “Content Security – Protecting Your Assets”
Tom Jahr, EVP Products and Marketing at Conax will speak alongside Christopher Schouten, Senior Director of Product Marketing at NAGRA, as part of the Connected Media exhibit at NAB. Panelists will address a variety of hot topics affecting content protection and the pay-TV industry.
Details: Wednesday, April 15th at 11:30 -12:00 (CM|IP Pavilion, North Hall)

Using Conax’ truly modular approach to a hybrid multiscreen offering, Conax Contego™ unified security hub supports all major distribution technologies and formats including UHD/4K, seamlessly supporting smart cards, cardless and advanced OTT services from a single unified back-end and designed to support operators of any size; small, medium and large, broadcast and broadband. Conax GO Live™ is the new entry-level, targeted solution for pay-TV operators looking to provide streaming of live channels to iOS and Android devices.

About Conax
A part of the Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD:S), Conax is a leading global specialist around the total service protection for digital TV services over broadcast, broadband and connected devices. Conax provides telcos, cable, satellite, IP, mobile and terrestrial and broadband operations with the innovative, flagship Conax Contego™ family of flexible and cost-efficient solutions to deliver premium content securely and enable operators with easy access to the OTT multiscreen arena. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, ISO 9001 & 27001 certified Conax technology enables secure content revenues for 400 operators in 85 countries globally. For more information, please visit www.conax.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Conax media contact
Leslie Johnsen
Head of Public Relations & Communications, Conax
Mob: +47-41-45-80-43
Email: leslie.johnsen@conax.com

HAMBS Selects Forum Systems as Cornerstone of Infrastructure Modernization Initiative

— Creator and Provider of the Hospital and Medical Benefits System Picks Forum Sentry API Gateway to Ensure Agile, Secure Access for its Customers and Partners

BOSTON, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Forum Systems Inc. today announced that HAMBS, a provider of software development and hosting services to Australia’s private health insurance industry, has selected the company’s industry-leading API security gateway, Forum Sentry, to ensure agile, secure access to its application and services, and better serve its customers and partners.

Founded in 1991, HAMBS is the creator and provider of the HAMBS (Hospital and Medical Benefits System) application, Australia’s top health insurance software application. Currently used by 23 health insurance funds, the state-of-the-art HAMBS application enables private health fund organizations to effectively manage their core businesses while maintaining legislative and regulatory compliance requirements.

Similar to many enterprise organizations, HAMBS has seen a rapid growth in the number of apps and services that customers and partners need to access. Many of these applications utilize different authentication and authorization methods, making access even more complex. With Forum Sentry, HAMBS was able to achieve API access that is both agile and secure.

As part of an infrastructure modernization initiative, HAMBS sought to securely expose its APIs to private health insurance funds, third parties and internal clients. Given the sensitive nature of the information being accessed, data security was of paramount importance. HAMBS not only required a secure solution, but also one that could easily integrate with new and legacy apps.

After evaluating several industry offerings, HAMBS initiated a proof of concept with the Forum Sentry API Gateway and one other gateway provider. With its robust security architecture and support of multiple authentication and authorization methods, including Basic Auth and OAuth 2.0, Forum Sentry quickly separated itself from the competition.

“Forum Systems’ security-first approach was a huge factor in our decision to go with Forum Sentry. It truly outperformed all of our evaluation criteria,” said Derek Grocke, Service Delivery Manager at HAMBS. “Additionally, Forum Sentry provided the SOAP-to-REST conversion we needed to enable RESTful apps to communicate with our existing SOAP infrastructure. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for us to conclude that Forum Systems was the best solution for our API security needs.”

Architected for deployment at the network edge, Forum Sentry is the only API gateway to achieve FIPS 140-2 and Network Device Protection Profile (NDPP) compliance. Performing complex access control decisions and enforcement, Forum Sentry acts as both an authorization server and a resource server authenticating inbound credentials with a custom internal database schema; federating these credentials via OAuth tokens for SSO; and delegating authentication to other services and APIs. Delivering secure, seamless integration across channels, applications and infrastructure, Forum Sentry is backed by world-class customer service and support.

“Forum Systems’ support is second to none,” noted John Ginn, System Architect at HAMBS. “They quickly had us up and running and promptly handled all of our requests.”

Another hallmark of Forum Systems is its no-code approach to provisioning and deploying policies. With a simple point-and-click interface, Forum Sentry enabled HAMBS to quickly expose new APIs and build a policy platform that is easy to maintain and extend.

“Serving as the cornerstone of HAMBS’ security architecture modernization efforts, Forum Sentry helps the organization preserve precious time and resources, providing it with the agile, secure infrastructure required to create more applications and better serve their customers and partners,” said Mamoon Yunus, CEO of Forum Systems. “We’re excited to be chosen by the de facto healthcare IT innovator in Australia and look forward to collaborating on their next deployment milestones.”

Additional Resources

About HAMBS

HAMBS provides a wide range of software development and hosting services to Australia’s private health insurance industry. Established in 1991, HAMBS was formed when the then users of the HAMBS application purchased the intellectual property from the original developer of the software. At that time, there were three HAMBS employees looking after 20 member funds.

In a rapidly growing industry with increased regulation, technological advances and in an increased competitive environment, HAMBS continues to grow and expand on the services available to its customers. Today, HAMBS has more than 70 professional staff servicing 23 health funds nationwide, including the hosting of the application and network services for 19 funds. For more information, please visit www.hambs.com.au.

About Forum Systems

Forum Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crosscheck Networks, Inc., is the innovation leader in API and cloud gateway technology. The industry’s most comprehensive solution for centralized security, identity and governance for SOA, REST and mobile communications, Forum Sentry enables comprehensive threat mitigation and trust enablement, providing enterprises and government organizations worldwide with the foundation for achieving Secure Service Mediation. Processing more than 10 billion transactions per day worldwide, the NDPP-, FIPS- and DoD-certified Forum Sentry API Security Gateway delivers unparalleled protection against HTML-, XML-, SOAP- and REST-based vulnerabilities. Notably, Forum Systems products provide simplified integration and task processing with over 100 built-in, standards-based processing tasks. For more information, please visit www.forumsys.com.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.