Melbourne, 2 November 2009. Security software distributor AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd has been ranked 8th in the 2009 BRW Fast 100 list which was announced in Melbourne on 28 October.

The list tracks the 100 fastest growing SMEs and judges them by annual revenue growth averaged over the last three years. The BRW Fast 100 list has highlighted the rich diversity of Australia’s fastest-growing businesses over the past 20 years. 

Peter Cameron, Managing Director, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd said: “Our average growth over the last three years has been 137%, which is quite an extraordinary rate. You can only sustain such growth with an enthusiastic reseller network, plus strong home and business product offerings, supported by dedicated, expert staff. And we have all of that.” 

AVG (AU/NZ) is a wholly owned Australian company and the distributor of the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security software products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. 

“AVG (AU/NZ) counts one in every eight Australians as a customer so our place at number eight on the BRW Fast 100 list is a neat coincidence. I trust we’ll be able to keep moving towards number one ranking over the next couple of years,” Cameron said. 

The AVG Free product has led the world in basic anti-virus protection for many years. About 20% of AVG users in Australia pay for the extra protection of the commercial products. 

In June this year the remarkable success of the award-winning AVG family of Internet security products saw AVG (AU/NZ) listed as the 15th fastest growing company in Australia in BRW’s 2009 Fast Starters listing. 

Cameron said: “Keeping on top of Internet security and the needs of our 2500 strong reseller network requires a dynamic approach to business. We’d like to thank our resellers for helping us to achieve our continuing growth. 

“The functionality and performance of the AVG security solutions is supported by our exceptional customer service. This combination won us the Computer Troubleshooters’ Vendor of the Year Award in both 2009 and 2008. This award recognises the supplier which adds the most value to their businesses.” 

About BRW Fast 100

The BRW Fast 100 list has established a reputation as being the premier guide to the fastest growing small and medium businesses in Australia. The annual list ranks Australia’s 100 fastest growing small and medium enterprises, with up to 200 staff, as measured by their annual revenue growth over a three year period. Companies from all of Australia’s major vertical industries are represented in the Fast 100 list which is prepared in collaboration with Melbourne-based RMIT University School of Management. 

About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au 

Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provides comprehensive real-time protection against everything from viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits to cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for home, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktops, servers and e-mail in the home plus corporations, government agencies, utilities and educational institutions.

AVG products actively protect more than 80 million users worldwide, including more than 3.3 million users in Australia and New Zealand.

AVG (AU/NZ) has more than 2500 resellers across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

AVG (AU/NZ) Again Wins Computer Troubleshooters’ Vendor of the Year Award 

Melbourne, 4 November 2009. AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands distributor of the award-winning AVG Anti-Virus and Internet Security software, has been awarded the title of ‘Australian Vendor of the Year’ by Australia’s largest IT franchise, Computer Troubleshooters, for the second year running. 

The more than 90 Computer Troubleshooters’ franchisees across Australia vote on criteria including product and service quality, to decide which vendor adds the most value to their businesses throughout the year. 

 According to Computer Troubleshooters Australia National Director, Nick Roche: “AVG (AU/NZ)’s product quality is well known, but it is their service quality which has given them the credibility to win the award for the second time.”

In presenting the award at the annual Computer Troubleshooters Asia Pacific Conference held in Melbourne last week Chip Reaves, Computer Troubleshooters’ Global CEO, said: “AVG has been a consistent and valuable global partner over the past five years and it’s great to see the local distributor recognised.” 

In accepting the award, Peter Cameron, Managing Director, AVG (AU/NZ) said: “We have been awarded the 2009 Computer Troubleshooters Vendor of the Year Award because we supply a standard of service to our clients and resellers that is simply better than they receive from any other vendor. 

“Resellers deal with so many vendors. To be recognised by them as standing out in the crowd is an outstanding achievement. And to win it two years in a row is just fantastic.  This is a well deserved thank you to our staff for continuing to go that extra step for our customers. 

“And, after only four years in business, having also just been ranked number eight on the BRW Fast 100 List [October 2009], it’s been a big month for AVG (AU/NZ).”

 James Caldwell, AVG (AU/NZ)’s Channel Manager said: “The Computer Troubleshooters award is great encouragement for us to keep powering on, to find new ways for resellers to maximise the sales of our products. We will continue to invest to help secure the profitability of our channel.” 

To build on the growing relationship, AVG (AU/NZ) presented the inaugural ‘Australian Computer Troubleshooters Reseller Award’ at the Asia Pacific Conference. The selection was based on a combination of 2009 sales, growth and marketing of AVG products by an Australian Computer Troubleshooters outlet.

Nick Roche described the winner, Computer Troubleshooters’ Sutherland franchise, as the fastest growing and best run operation in Sydney with its staff of seven handling quite a complex business. “In this situation, service and delivery is paramount. You really need reliable suppliers and strong technical support.”

On accepting the award, Director of the Sutherland franchise, Raj Gurmukhani, said: “AVG (AU/NZ) has the best reseller program. It’s very easy to manage renewals with their great web site. The award is a nice acknowledgement of our two-way loyalty.”

AVG (AU/NZ) Again Wins Computer Troubleshooters’ Vendor of the Year Award 

Melbourne, 4 November 2009. AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands distributor of the award-winning AVG Anti-Virus and Internet Security software, has been awarded the title of ‘Australian Vendor of the Year’ by Australia’s largest IT franchise, Computer Troubleshooters, for the second year running. 

The more than 90 Computer Troubleshooters’ franchisees across Australia vote on criteria including product and service quality, to decide which vendor adds the most value to their businesses throughout the year.  

According to Computer Troubleshooters Australia National Director, Nick Roche: “AVG (AU/NZ)’s product quality is well known, but it is their service quality which has given them the credibility to win the award for the second time.” 

In presenting the award at the annual Computer Troubleshooters Asia Pacific Conference held in Melbourne last week Chip Reaves, Computer Troubleshooters’ Global CEO, said: “AVG has been a consistent and valuable global partner over the past five years and it’s great to see the local distributor recognised.” 

In accepting the award, Peter Cameron, Managing Director, AVG (AU/NZ) said: “We have been awarded the 2009 Computer Troubleshooters Vendor of the Year Award because we supply a standard of service to our clients and resellers that is simply better than they receive from any other vendor. 

“Resellers deal with so many vendors. To be recognised by them as standing out in the crowd is an outstanding achievement. And to win it two years in a row is just fantastic.  This is a well deserved thank you to our staff for continuing to go that extra step for our customers.

“And, after only four years in business, having also just been ranked number eight on the BRW Fast 100 List [October 2009], it’s been a big month for AVG (AU/NZ).”

 James Caldwell, AVG (AU/NZ)’s Channel Manager said: “The Computer Troubleshooters award is great encouragement for us to keep powering on, to find new ways for resellers to maximise the sales of our products. We will continue to invest to help secure the profitability of our channel.” 

To build on the growing relationship, AVG (AU/NZ) presented the inaugural ‘Australian Computer Troubleshooters Reseller Award’ at the Asia Pacific Conference. The selection was based on a combination of 2009 sales, growth and marketing of AVG products by an Australian Computer Troubleshooters outlet.

Nick Roche described the winner, Computer Troubleshooters’ Sutherland franchise, as the fastest growing and best run operation in Sydney with its staff of seven handling quite a complex business. “In this situation, service and delivery is paramount. You really need reliable suppliers and strong technical support.”

On accepting the award, Director of the Sutherland franchise, Raj Gurmukhani, said: “AVG (AU/NZ) has the best reseller program. It’s very easy to manage renewals with their great web site. The award is a nice acknowledgement of our two-way loyalty.”

SYDNEY —November 4th, 2009 — Logitech Australia today announced the local availability of the Logitech G27 Racing Wheel. Replacing and improving upon the venerable G25 Racing Wheel, the Logitech G27 Racing Wheel is designed to deliver the definitive sim racing experience for the PC and PLAYSTATION®3. With the G27, whether you’re sliding sideways around a gravelly curve, or screaming through the streets of Monaco, the world’s greatest circuits feel closer than ever.

The G27 features a powerful, dual-motor force feedback mechanism that smoothly and accurately delivers high-fidelity force effects to the hand-stitched leather wheel, so you can feel traction loss, weight shift, and  the surface of the road. The helical gears deliver exceptionally quiet steering action, virtually eliminating noise and unwanted vibration. A six-speed gated shifter lets you choose exactly the right gear for the turn, while new RPM/shift indicator LEDs let you know just when to up- or down-shift. And the clutch pedal makes heel-and-toe downshifting possible, keeping your gear changes quick and your RPMs high all the way around the track. 

Nick Angelucci, Logitech Australia’s Product and Marketing Manager said; “In designing the Logitech G27 Racing Wheel we have improved upon the highly esteemed Logitech G25 with easy access to more programmable buttons on the wheel, better feeling from the shifter module and improved responsiveness from the force feedback transmission. It all adds up to making a wheel that delivers an unsurpassed racing experience, all from your own lounge room.”

 The Logitech G27 Racing Wheel is expected to be available in Australia from mid-November for a suggested retail price of $599.95(AUD) inc. GST. For more information about the Logitech G27 or Logitech visit www.logitech.com.

November 5, 2009
 
Gaijin Entertainment announces Wings of Prey – a new PC combat flight simulator

         Gaijin Entertainment announces the development of new historical flight simulator “Wings of Prey”, exclusively for PC platform.

“Wings of Prey” is based around the large-scale aerial combat and ground military operations of World War II. Players can participate in some of the war’s most famous battles piloting fighters, battle planes and bombers across a range of thrilling missions. There are six theatres of war to engage in – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Ardennes, Berlin, Sicily and Korsun’ representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.

“Wings of Prey” also boasts an all new damage effects engine as well as advanced environmental visuals enriching the game play. “Wings of Prey” features hundreds of airplanes taking part in air battles. The unique environmental engine also produces highly detailed, realistic landscapes that allow players to see breathtaking ground support actions.

Game features:

Authentic World War atmosphere: Cutting edge technologies with highly detailed visuals bring the epic battles to life;

Engage in more than 50 missions from famous historical battles over Eastern and Western Europe;

Historically accurate aircrafts: Experience over 40 planes including fighters, battle planes and bombers. Learn to master Spitfire, Mustang, Messerschmitt and many more;

Flexible difficulty level system: from arcade to realistic simulation;

Downloadable content support: more planes and missions are coming next year;

Support of 6-DOF TrackIR, TripleHead2Go, Saitek and Thrustmaster joysticks, mouse and voice headsets;

Thrilling multiplayer: 4 game modes to choose; VoIP, lobby game system, leaderboards, friends lists, join-in-progress and host migration features provide great experience;

Realistic sound effects and original music from Jeremy Soule

Wings of Prey official site: http://www.airwargame.com

Wings of Prey teaser you can download here: http://airwargame.com/upload/media/WoP_teaser_720p_H264.avi

Preorder on yuPlay.com: http://yuplay.com/story.php?id=1587

About Gaijin Entertainment:

Gaijin Entertainment specializes in creation of games for various platforms (PC/PS3/Xbox 360) but it also gives much attention to technology-related research work which provides attraction and applicability to the company’s solutions in changeable IT market conditions. At the moment Gaijin team is represented by six departments and over sixty highly qualified employees. The company’s projects have received a range of mass media and game industry awards including a few KRI Awards as «Best simulator for next-gen consoles» (IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey / PS3, X-box 360), «Best technologies» for Dagor Engine™ , «Best sound» and many more. Web: http://www.gaijinent.com

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2  is the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time^†,  Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 and will strike worldwide on November 10, 2009.  Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) will release the newest installment in the groundbreaking and record-setting follow-up to the 2007 blockbuster, Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™, that has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, to date. 

You can download the spine-tingling awesome trailer here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P521XOX8 

For more information, visit www.modernwarfare2.com.

BIOWARE ANNOUNCES MASS EFFECT 2 COLLECTORS’ EDITION AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FOR AUSTRALIANS AT EB GAME STORES 

Special Edition Includes Exclusive Armor and Weapons,

Comic Book, and Bonus Content  

Sydney, Australia (November 6, 2009) – Recruit your crew and fight for the lost! Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that the internationally acclaimed Shooter RPG Mass Effect™ 2 will also be released as a Collectors’ Edition exclusively at Australian EB Game stores in limited quantities.  Available on January 28 in Australia  alongside the standard edition, the Collectors’ Edition of Mass Effect 2 comes in a premium, tin case and includes the full version of the game, a 48-page hardcover “Art of Mass Effect 2” book, Issue 1 of the Mass Effect Redemption comic book, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos. In addition, the Mass Effect 2 Collectors’ Edition will include unique in-game weapons and armor that can only be obtained by purchasing this version. With its larger-than-life hero Commander Shepard, intense shooter action, nuanced characters and a rich storyline, Mass Effect 2 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2010. 

“We’re really excited to roll out this Collectors’ Edition featuring so many unique items, including special Collectors’ Edition armor and weapons and content that will surprise Mass Effect fans,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder, BioWare and Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA. “The limited edition comic book and bonus DVD will really enhance and expand the overall Mass Effect 2 experience.” 

The Mass Effect trilogy is an emotionally charged science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will once again step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding their crew of some of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience. 

Mass Effect 2 will be available on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC. The Mass Effect 2 Collectors’ Edition will retail at an RRP of $119.95 on Xbox 360 and PC. Mass Effect 2 assets are available at info.ea.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/masseffect2.   For more information on Mass Effect 2, go to http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

Halo Waypoint launches today – the virtual world of Halo

 Exclusive previews of “Halo Legends” on Xbox LIVE starting Sunday November 8 

SYDNEY AUSTRALIA – November 6, 2009 – Halo Waypoint, the new virtual home for all things “Halo,” launches today on Xbox LIVE, and will be the exclusive destination for full-episode previews of “Halo Legends” beginning Sunday, Nov. 8. Following a successful preview period, Halo Waypoint is now available for “Halo” fans worldwide bringing all the richness of the “Halo” universe together in one place. Halo Waypoint features daily updates of new, exciting content such as developer interviews, trailers and screenshots, exclusive video footage, community activities and the latest “Halo” news. 

In addition, Halo Waypoint includes an innovative career system that tracks players’ accomplishments across multiple “Halo” games and gives them new ways to show off their heroic gameplay feats. By downloading and “enlisting” in Halo Waypoint, players will be rewarded with a variety of Bungie-created “Halo 3: ODST” Avatar Awardables for attaining specific Achievements in the game. Rewards vary from stylish T-shirts to full sets of ODST armour. The experience is retroactive, so if players have already unlocked the requisite Achievements, the awards will be ready for them once they enlist in Halo Waypoint.  

Players can unlock the following Achievements to gain access to “Halo 3: ODST” Avatar Awardables: 

As a bonus for enlisting to Halo Waypoint, fans will receive a Monitor accessory for their Avatars modelled after the “Halo” character, 343 Guilty Spark. The Monitor will help fans find their way around Halo Waypoint, the new destination for all things “Halo” on Xbox LIVE.

 The rollout of exciting new “Halo” content doesn’t stop there. This Sunday, the first preview episode of the highly anticipated anime series, “Halo Legends,” will debut only on Halo Waypoint. Set to be distributed in early 2010 by Warner Home Video, the rich anthology of anime short films will tell all-new stories in the epic “Halo” saga.  

Written and created by an array of renowned anime studios and produced by 343 Industries, “Halo Legends” will explore never-before-told stories based on themes and characters in the vast “Halo” universe. Previews of four new “Halo Legends” episodes will be available only on Halo Waypoint during 24-hour live-streaming events on Xbox LIVE over the next three months.

The first “Halo Legends” preview episode, “The Babysitter,” is created by famed anime house STUDIO4?C, and follows the story of a group of ODST’s who reluctantly accept a Spartan sniper into their strike team. As they embark on a perilous mission to assassinate a high-ranking Covenant Prophet, old rivalries must be re-examined if the mission is to succeed. Watch what happens as the mission progresses into hostile territory, and both the Spartan and the ODST’s discover something important about the other. 

Following each preview episode on Xbox LIVE, fans will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at each studio’s creative process through “making of” specials. Below is the current broadcast schedule of upcoming “Halo Legends” live-streaming events (subject to change): 

Episode                                                                        Airing Date (24-hour)

Introduction to “Halo Legends”                                                 06/11/09

“The Babysitter”                                                                               08/11/09

Making of “The Babysitter”                                                         15/11/09

“The Duel”                                                                                          22/11/09

Making of “The Duel”                                                                     29/11/09

“The Package” Part 1                                                                      6/12/09

Making of “The Package”                                                             13/12/09

“The Package” Part 2                                                                      20/12/09

Making of ‘The Package”                                                              27/12/09

“Origins” Part 1                                                                                 03/01/09

Making of “Origins”                                                                         10/1/09

Trailers of upcoming episodes                                                    3/2/10  

To learn more about “Halo Legends,” visit http://halolegends.com and http://halolegendsdvd.com. For the latest updates on the “Halo” franchise, follow the Halo Waypoint Twitter @HaloWaypoint or visit the Halo Waypoint Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HaloWaypoint.

**** “incredibly beautiful… an exciting adventure for young and old…”

– David Stratton, AT THE MOVIES 

Madmen proudly present the highly anticipated DVD release of PONYO – the latest animated masterpiece from Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, and the world-renowned Studio Ghibli.

In a small town by the sea, high on a cliff, lives 5-year-old Sosuke. One morning, while playing on the rocky beach below his house, he discovers a goldfish named Ponyo, her head stuck in a jam jar. Sosuke rescues Ponyo and keeps her in a green plastic bucket.

Both Ponyo and Sosuke are fascinated by each other and promise to stay firm friends until Ponyo’s father, a sorcerer who lives deep under the sea, forces her to return with him to the ocean depths. What follows is an amazing underwater adventure for all ages.

The DVD release of PONYO includes both original Japanese language with English subtitles and the Disney Pixar produced English audio dub, featuring the voices of Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson, Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Franki Jonas and Noah Cyrus as the voice of Ponyo.

PONYO is out on DVD, December 29^th, 2009 ($34.95rrp)

 Model Solar Vehicle Challenge – Final

Join 80 teams of students from around Australia and the world as they race their model boats and cars to see who is the ‘fastest under the Sun’. This event encourages young people to explore the potential of solar energy through the construction of working models and boasts some of the finest achievements in technology and science by school children.

Date: 28 and 29 November 2009

Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission 

Going Places: The Technology of Transport

Pilot an airship through sky hoops, ride the hovercraft and land a plane on the flight simulator. Find out how travel has shaped society and put yourself to the test with a multitude of transport challenges. With more than 20

hands-on exhibits, Going Places is a wild ride. This unique exhibition explores the way mankind has developed new transport technology to overcome gravity, distance and the division of continents to move us around the globe.

Developed by Scitech, Perth

Date: Starts 12 December 2009

Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission 

Toys: Science at Play 

What makes a spinning top stay upright? Why do magnets attract iron? How does a doll talk? This popular interactive exhibition returns to Scienceworks and includes robots, dolls, hula hoops, building blocks, toy timelines and kaleidoscopes. Toys provides plenty of opportunities for all ages with enquiring minds to tinker with toys. 

Developed by Scienceworks and Scitech, Perth

Date: Starts 19 December 2009

Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission 

Summer School Holidays

Explore the wonders of flight this summer as part of Scienceworks’ summer school holiday program, Up up and away. Learn all about how we lift ourselves off the ground in ‘Winging It’, a live science show all about flight, then make your own flying object to take home in the ‘Designer Glider’ activity.

Date: 26 December 2009 to 31 January 2010

Harrison Refrigerator Model

Come and see a model of the first successful industrial refrigerator (1857) developed by James Harrison of Geelong. An internationally significant invention, the refrigerator was used in breweries, hotels and distilleries throughout Britain, Europe, South America and Australia. This model was displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, United States of America, from 1964 to 2002 and is now on show at Scienceworks.

Date: From Saturday 28 November 2009  

Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission 

EPA Victoria Calendar Competition Display

View the exhibition of finalists for the EPA Victoria’s 2010 calendar competition. The theme is ‘Being Resourceful’. Entries will highlight ways we can sustain the planet by minimising the use of resources.

Date: 1 Dec – 20 Dec 2009

Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission 

Mathamazing

Explore the mathematics behind everyday life. Mathamazing includes hands-on activities based on topics such as shapes, probability, sequences and series, puzzles, problem solving, topology and building.

Developed by Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra. 

Date: Until 6 December 2009

Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission 

Mini Car 50th Anniversary Display

Celebrate the Mini’s 50^th anniversary and see Museum Victoria’s own 1964 998cc Morris Mini Cooper. This Mini was purchased by Museum Victoria in 1984 with 40,000 miles on the odometer. The revolutionary design and sales success of the Mini provided the impetus for the development of the modern small car and became a design icon. 

Date: Until December 2009

Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission 

Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood. (Melway 56, B1). Open daily 10.00am – 4.30pm. Admission: Adults $8, Children and Concession FREE. For further details ph 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks