Plustek’s OpticPro A360 takes the pain out of large format scanning through speed and adaptability. Microsoft Vista-compatible, this high-speed USB 2.0 scanning device can scan an A3 size document at high quality in a blazing fast 2.4 seconds. To satisfy any user, from novice to prosumer, the scanner comes bundled with highly effective image processing and document management software, including I.R.I.S. Readris 10 Pro Corporation Edition. The bundled software allows for the latest titles for fast and secure PDF conversion, highly accurate optical character recognition (OCR) and easy sharing of files over a network. The improved engine makes for improved images and faster scanning speeds for the professional workplace. These features make it the ideal scanner for graphic designers, publishing companies, libraries, schools, small office/home office (SOHO) users and for those who regularly require large format scanning such as; financial institutions, government agencies, libraries, museums, educational departments, corporate enterprises, legal firms, architectures, and medical offices. With an estimated street price (ESP) of $1199, the Plustek OpticPro A360 Scanner is an affordable image solution for small businesses and is now available worldwide.

Features

Large format scanning area (A3 size, 304.8mm x 431.8mm or 12″ x 17″)
Hi-Speed scanning (2.4 seconds for 300 dpi, A3 color size)
One-touch button design to personalized the program
Function button design for Scan, OCR, Copy, Fax and Email
Software : easy-to-use image processing and automatic text recognition
Multilingual user’s interface

Sales/Purchase

Plustek products can be purchased directly from the Plustek e-store and is in full distribution with Ingram Micro & D&H. The new scanner is also available from TigerDirect, New Egg, PC mall, Buy.com other major e-tailers. Stores and other vendors interested in carrying Plustek’s award-winning line-up of products may contact Plustek directly at sales@plustek.com.

ABOUT PLUSTEK

Respected as one of the world’s leading image solution providers, Plustek manufactures and delivers high-quality scanners and other imaging products to buyers worldwide, reaching millions of consumers. In business since 1986, Plustek began as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many large companies, creating an innovative array of products including: scanners, IP cameras, servers and imaging-related devices. Through a combination of design innovation and strict attention to usability and manufacturing quality, Plustek has grown to become one of the largest image solution providers in the world. In addition to supporting its sales offices worldwide, Plustek’s China-based factories and offices are able to provide just-in-time manufacturing and engineering expertise on a contract basis. This combination of skill sets allows Plustek to introduce outstanding new products to the market with superior design, support and with unrivaled after-sales support and service.

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According to a 2008 AT&T Business Continuity Study, one in five businesses does not have a business continuity plan developed, and many are inadequately prepared for network outages and disasters. Additionally, for the third year in a row, the national survey finds that nearly 30 percent of U.S. businesses do not consider business continuity planning a priority.

“The best time to respond to a disaster or any outage is before it happens,” said Sam Baumel, assistant vice president at Hughes. “A relatively small investment of time and money now, especially with hurricane season in full swing, may make the difference in a business staying in business, and not losing its private network or Internet connectivity when it occurs.”

Two types of HughesNet Broadband Backup plans are available, depending on the type of primary landline service - Internet access or private network. For Internet-based backup, data rates are up to 1 Mbps/uplink and up to 5 Mbps/downlink; for private network-based backup, data rates are up to 2 Mbps/uplink and up to 8 Mbps/downlink. HughesNet Broadband Backup services can also be configured to offload network traffic in a load balancing configuration, thereby alleviating network congestion and postponing upgrades. In addition, a number of field maintenance options are available including same-day service.

HughesNet Broadband Backup service plans are made possible by the advanced satellite technology of SPACEWAY™ 3, the world’s first commercial satellite with on-board switching and routing. Optimized for data networking, SPACEWAY 3 has 5 to 8 times the capacity of current generation satellites, which fuels faster speeds and enables efficient processing of high volume traffic. SPACEWAY 3 began serving customers in April, 2008.

HughesNet Broadband Backup services are available directly from Hughes and through its nationwide network of authorized resellers. To learn more about HughesNet Business Solutions, visit www.business.hughes.com.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.5 millions systems to customers in over 100 countries.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com

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Each podcast is available as an audio broadcast online. A SCORE expert or guest expert will offer tips and advice about a business issue for approximately seven minutes. Past podcasts will be available on archive pages at each Web site.

SCORE has released its first two podcasts:

*  Julie Brander, marketing expert with New Haven SCORE, shares ideas on “Marketing Your Biz in a Weak Economy” at www.score.org

*  Peggy Duncan, SCORE blogger and productivity expert with Atlanta SCORE, talks about how to “Get More Done in Less Time” at www.score.org/women

Topics for future podcasts include: branding; networking; home business; solo entrepreneurship; social networking; sales growth; franchising; volunteerism; and mentoring. In addition, other business areas and skills will be featured in podcasts.

Since 1964, SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” has helped more than 8 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

F or more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org or www.score.org/women.

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SCORE Launches “Small Business Success Podcast Series”

The new Web site at www.sba.gov/50plusentrepreneur features interactive information and links to help 50-plus entrepreneurs consider the benefits and rewards of business ownership, and to help them make informed choices about business ownership.

“The SBA is working hard to increase opportunities for small businesses of the baby boomer generation at every stage of their business development through better technology tools and effective services through the agency’s district offices and resource partners,” SBA Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah said. “We believe 50-plus entrepreneurs will drive significant new business growth in the coming years.”

Components of the new Web site include a self-assessment feature to help the aspiring entrepreneur determine his or her business readiness, information on borrowing and credit, and inspirational success stories from baby boomer entrepreneurs. The Web site will help users evaluate the reasons for business ownership after age 50, the risks involved, and how to devise a plan of action at every phase of business development.

This is the first new offering under the structure of the re-launched Office of Entrepreneurship Education (OEE). OEE combines SBA’s online education programs, business and community initiatives, and outreach to underserved markets under a single umbrella.

As baby boomers consider career and lifestyle shifts that extend beyond their work careers, tapping into the world of business ownership can allow them to leverage their flexibility, know- how and business acumen to go into business for themselves. Many have already joined the ranks of the nation’s self-employed and small business owners.

The SBA provides financial, management and technical assistance to thousands of small business owners throughout the country. The Web site can be accessed at all times, as well as the SBA’s other online resources and free online training at www.sba.gov.

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“Bill Gates and Paul Allen helped create a common system, structure, and foundation for the computer system which revolutionized the world. Now 33 years later, 4D International, Inc. has created a common system, structure, and foundation that will do the same for every other man made system across the globe,” says Jamie C. Moore, President of 4D International, Inc.

“Transitioning to a 4 dimensional system driven world is inevitable; the current man made linear systems cannot cycle fast enough and are too inflexible to keep pace with the other interdependent global systems in which they are connected. We are already seeing and will continue to see the breakdown and failure of man made systems across the globe. These linear system failures include governance, societal, economic, financial, business, and personal systems,” Moore says.

Due to globalization, personal connectivity, and technological advancements the “rules” in the game of life and business have changed forever. In this new global economy the individuals, businesses, and governments that do not change will become obsolete or fail in the near future.

For more information, visit: http://www.4DInt.com

About 4D International, Inc.:

4D International, Inc. is Driving Singularity™ to change the way the world experiences everything, unlocking the unlimited potential within every system across the globe.

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The Small Business Week episodes aired Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 on local broadcast stations across the United States.

“HP is thrilled to support small businesses and to offer the winning players solutions that help them manage, protect and grow their businesses,” said John Dayan, vice president, Worldwide Marketing Operations, Personal Systems Group, HP. “Allowing small business owners to focus on their craft while we take care of technology is our priority, and this sponsorship is another example of our commitment to this indispensable market.”

HP provided the winning entrepreneurs with a customized mix of desktop and notebook computers plus printers and an HP Total Care package. HP Total Care ensures small businesses receive comprehensive support, software and services to help them get the most value out of their technology for the life of their business. With HP Total Care, HP and its partner network provide personalized resources and expertise before, during and after purchase - so small businesses can more seamlessly choose, use, protect and transition their technology in step with the demands of their business.

HP also will provide full installation and training at each of the winner’s business locations, along with extended support warranties and other services, allowing the winners to enjoy the results of a faster, more efficiently run business with the peace of mind of HP computing solutions plus HP Total Care.

“Having these small business owners on the show and giving them a chance to win a life-changing amount of money and useful prizes made this a very special week,” said Scott St. John, “Deal or No Deal” executive producer. “These resources will help the winners take luck into their own hands and offer them the tools needed to continue a successful business.”

The winners:

Asheesh Danee, the winner of the first episode, runs Suhana’s Kitchen, a cooking school for students of all ages in Simi Valley, Calif. Danee was feeling the pains of having a computer recently rendered unusable. HP replaced his computer with a state-of-the art HP Compaq dc7800 Ultra-slim Desktop PC and a one-year subscription to HP Upline for data storage and backup to help him avoid future disruptions.

Danee also was given an HP Photosmart C7280 All-in-One Printer and an HP TouchSmart IQ504 Desktop PC with a touchable screen and vivid display that are attracting quite a bit of attention from students while also allowing Danee to easily print menus, detail scheduling and work efficiently.

“I was very happy with the great products that were delivered, and the installation team did an outstanding job of making sure I knew how to use everything,” said Danee. “The TouchSmart PC is getting rave reviews from our students and customers - in fact our staff frequently fights over who gets to use it. We are now able to be more productive, working smarter instead of harder.”

Vasilla Kavvathas, owner of a small restaurant called Burger Basket in Corona, Calif., was in desperate need of technology for her new business, which wasn’t even equipped with a fax machine. To ensure that Kavvathas can focus on creating great food and serving her customers, HP set her up with the ultra-portable HP Compaq 2710p Notebook PC, which is easy to take with her when she is doing inventory or running around the restaurant.

Kavvathas also was given an HP Color LaserJet CM1312nfi Multifunction Printer (MFP), which allows for easy copying, scanning, faxing and printing of vibrant, professional-looking materials. She also plans to place her new 30-inch monitor from HP in the wall by the menu board to help her increase sales by advertising specials for customers.

Marie Patterson, owner of Naya Fresh Body Spa in Chatsworth, Calif., had a special request for her package. As the owner of a fully sustainable green business, Patterson received a customized package full of energy-efficient products, including the HP Compaq 6730b Series Notebook PC, which allows for increased mobility and security. Additionally, Patterson received a full-featured HP Color LaserJet CM1312nfi MFP to print high-impact brochures and other marketing materials that help boost her business’ image to clients.

Danny Piantanida, who runs American Window Company in Covina, Calif., received a customized package including the compact and high-performance HP Officejet H470 Mobile Printer, which gives him and his 12 employees the ability to conveniently print virtually anywhere and anytime. Additionally, with the HP Compaq 2710p Notebook PC, Piantanida’s off-site team can easily send project details with handwritten notes to staff in the office, allowing for streamlined and efficient result for clients.

HP PCs, printers and accessories are available direct from HP via www.hpshopping.com or at select retail outlets nationwide.

About HP:

HP, the world’s largest technology company, provides printing and personal computing products and IT services, software and solutions that simplify the technology experience for consumers and businesses. HP completed its acquisition of EDS on Aug. 26, 2008. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

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Kindred leads a national organization that offers confidential mentoring at no charge and reasonably priced training programs - focused on the unique needs of entrepreneurs. SCORE operates nationwide with 389 offices and hundreds of branches in addition to online services at www.score.org and www.score.org/women.

Kindred, an MBA, has led organizations in the Los Angeles area as CFO, president and CEO. He acquired, owned and operated a moving and storage company, which he grew significantly in scope and later sold in order to focus on the growing industries of self-storage and off-site business records management. Kindred has entrepreneurial experience and a passion for excellence - acquired during his studies with legendary management expert Peter F. Drucker.

SCORE CEO Ken Yancey says, “Doug Kindred has an outstanding business, finance and management background. He is a champion for the role of small business in our economy, particularly during an economic downturn.” Yancey adds, “Doug supports providing more resources and tools for entrepreneurs. He has a particular focus on making more resources available to women entrepreneurs, who make up nearly half of all SCORE clients. His experience as a SCORE mentor and leader will help SCORE expand services to entrepreneurs and to recruit volunteers.”

During 20 years as a successful entrepreneur, Kindred started two businesses and acquired two more. He has been involved in strategic planning and financial management as a board director of both business and nonprofit organizations. Kindred is now retired and dedicates his time to serving on boards that focus on lifelong learning and higher education, including the Foundation Board of Concordia University in Portland, Ore. He is a past member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and current member of the World President’s Organization (WPO).

Kindred holds an Advanced Executive MBA from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, Calif. He earned his MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, Calif. Earlier, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, Calif.

Kindred joined SCORE as a volunteer in 1994. He strongly believes in SCORE’s mission of service, and he has provided leadership at all levels of the organization. During his tenure with SCORE, he served as chapter chair, then district director, at the SCORE office in Spokane, Wash. Kindred focused on helping small businesses succeed throughout Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington .

SCORE counseling is confidential and offered to entrepreneurs at no charge. The volunteers who offer their business expertise are working and retired small business owners and corporate executives. Workshops covering small business issues are organized by local offices, which charge a small fee for the training sessions. SCORE also offers nearly 40 online workshops for free at www.score.org.

Since 1964, SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” has helped more than 8 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org or www.score.org/women.

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Researching, for example, accounting and CRM software can be a major drain on the businesses owner’s time and resources when that effort would be better focused on sales and marketing of the new small business. Yet finding the software, vendors and services when the enterprise is just starting can have a tremendous effect on the long-term success of the small business. Now, small business owners have a simpler choice - SmallBusinessExpo.com.

SmallBusinessExpo.com is a new online directory of products, services and vendors that makes comparing everything from small business loans to computer servers quick and hassle free. Each category is a compilation of every company offering that specific product or service and links to pages with in-depth information about pricing, features and special offers. The entire site was designed to do one thing: make it easy for small business owners to make intelligent buying decisions quickly.

“I’ve started and sold small businesses myself in the past ten years and wanted a site like this, but it didn’t exist until now,” said co-Founder Tim Bourquin. “I’ve wasted many hours trying to find the right software for my business and ended up buying something that probably wasn’t the right fit simply because I didn’t have all the information I needed in one place to make the right decision.”

SmallBusinessExpo.com is free to use and does not require registration or login. A host of features will be added in the coming months including webinars for small business owners on subjects ranging from choosing the right incorporation choice to hiring and firing of employees and independent contractors.

Vendors who would like to have their small business product or service listed in the SmallBusinessExpo.com directory at no charge can contact Tim Bourquin at 1-949-348-2590 ext. 15.

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Valuable business data is collected, consolidated and made available to users at http://bizag.com/statistics. Trends and statistics such as average asking price, average cash flow, average revenue, cash flow and revenue multipliers grouped by location are freely available. Anyone looking to buy a business can use this data to value a business and perform a competitive analysis.

This business data powers the Business Value Calculator, which calculates “How Much a Business is Worth”. It uses business multipliers to estimate the suggested asking price for a business. The calculator widget, available at http://bizag.com/services, allows websites and blogs to embed the widget onto their site. Business brokers and others can now offer this functionality directly on their site.

Business market trends such as popular business locations, popular businesses for sale, and popular business searches are available.

BizAg.com is keeping with its objectives of providing valuable market information for users. More detailed data will be available as we continue to grow.

More About BizAg.com

BizAg.com is a vertical search engine of businesses for sale. BizAg.com aggregates business for sale listings from multiple classifieds sites into a single comprehensive search solution.

Searching businesses for sale is inefficient and difficult. Listings are everywhere, making it hard to compare listings and make informed decisions. BizAg.com improves that experience by offering the largest database of business for sale listings.

Advanced search tools and market information enables buyers to find their perfect business. Business buyers can refine and sort their search by age, business name, keyword, location, and asking price using the simple and easy to use interface.

BizAg.com currently searches the U.S. and Canada, and is expanding its business for sale listings internationally into other countries.

BizAg.com hopes to make the online process of searching for businesses for sale as ubiquitous as searching for real estate online, or finding the best price for a plane ticket and hotel online.

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Research Businesses For Sale With BizAg’s Free Tools

Balihoo Marketer Edition is a web-based software application that provides national brands the ability to consistently implement distributed demand-generation efforts by centralizing the management and execution of all local marketing activities. Providing a branded portal environment, Balihoo Marketer Edition streamlines the process by which local dealers and cooperatives access and customize corporate-approved creative - and launch demand generation campaigns across all mediums.

CCA Global Partners’ affiliated business, Carpet One Floor & Home, will begin using Balihoo Marketer Edition immediately, with other affiliated companies to introduce the service over the next 12 months.

By driving creative consistency, best practices in marketing and media, and aggregated media buying power throughout the organization, Balihoo Marketer Edition delivers true value to the distributed marketing model for franchisors, co-op marketers and product manufactures to support their local dealers.

Balihoo Marketer Edition delivers:

Lower marketing costs - By consolidating advertising spending across the network of local dealers and aggregating their buying power, Balihoo Marketer Edition maximizes marketing budgets at the local level.

Brand consistency – Balihoo Marketer Edition’s centralized access to all creative materials ensures that local marketing efforts are undertaken in concert with the national brand.

Improved effectiveness of local marketing - By providing local affiliates with simple creative customization and proven, easy-to implement marketing activities across all mediums, Balihoo Marketer Edition substantially increases the success of local marketing efforts.

“We have always placed a high value on innovation when it comes to running our businesses and delivering quality results for our cooperatives and their customers,” said Dean Marcarelli, Chief Marketing Officer of CCA Global Partners. “Balihoo Marketer Edition will empower our members to efficiently and economically communicate with a clear, consistent voice to their local customers.”

Balihoo Marketer Edition complements Balihoo Agency Edition, launched in June 2007, and Balihoo Publisher Edition, launched in July, 2008.

Balihoo Agency Edition provides media buyers with one central location for media research, planning, knowledge sharing, and communicating directly with media sellers. Balihoo Publisher Edition allows media owners and publishers to offer their inventory directly to media buyers through a publisher branded portal.

“Today’s media landscape is more fragmented and confusing than ever for marketers,” said Pete Gombert, Balihoo’s founder and CEO. “For the first time ever, Balihoo Marketer Edition enables national brands to provide their independent dealers with powerful, cost-effective advertising tools that target individual markets with corporate-approved, consistent messaging and branding.”

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