Business World |

Online News

The employment figures should boost Wall Street

Saturday Mar 6, 2010

U.S. markets should open in green on Friday, supported by the employment figures less bad than expected. The United States has in fact lost 36,000 jobs in February than in January and the unemployment rate the country has remained stable at 9.7% this month, according to the official report on employment released on Friday, while analysts expected a decline. The future of Dow Jones advance of 0.64% at 10,495 points, the S & P 500 rose 0.09% to 1131 points and the Nasdaq's 0.11% to 1871 points.

U.S. investors should be reassured by the Prime Minister's announcement that China has promised a 8% growth for China this year.Thursday, Wall Street closed higher on a comfortable, supported by bearings recommendations.

In addition to the employment figures U.S., those of consumer credit in January, will be published in 21 hours.

As for currencies, the euro fell sharply Friday against a dollar backed by the release of employment figures in the United States, and reassuring the operators on the strength of the recovery of the world's largest economy.

Values follow

Microsoft: The software giant said Friday it would stick to its strategy of developing the market for search engines in China, whatever the outcome of the dispute between Google to the Chinese government.

Blackstone: The investment fund is hoping to complete an initial transaction in Australia this year and also studied business in Japan and South Korea, each operation may be about 100 million dollars, said an official with the group.

Marvell Technology Group: the chip maker reported a 64% increase in its turnover, thanks to a recovery of expenditure within the sector, to 842.5 million dollars against 842 million expected on average .

General Growth: The title of the second American owner of shopping malls start to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange under its old symbol GGP3 while the group is still under bankruptcy.


Comments Off

Better Place has raised $ 350 million

Monday Jan 25, 2010

The Californian partner Renault in electric cars have passed a nice round. Better Place has in effect said on Monday it has raised 350 million dollars, 247 million euros.

The deal values the company at 1.25 billion dollars. It should enable the company to "grow internationally," according to its CEO Shai Agassi, quoted in a news group.

It was underwritten by HSBC, Morgan Stanley Investment Management and Lazard Asset Management, and must be closed during the first quarter. In its statement, Better Place is pleased to be among the major investment of its kind conducted by HSBC Business Card Design . Having spent 125 million dollars, nearly 90 million euros, HSBC is the largest investor in this transaction.The bank will take 10% stake Better Place, and put Kevin Adeson, head of global financial transactions, within the executive committee of Better Place.

Better Place will install networks of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Through its partnership with Renault, Better Place aims to commercialize a nombvre minimum of 100,000 cars in Israel and Denmark by 2016.


Comments Off

Rising PC sales exceed expectations in 2009

Thursday Jan 14, 2010

PC producers smile again. According to Gartner, it has sold nearly 306 million computers worldwide in 2009, against 302.2 million units in 2008. An increase of 5.2% in one year. In November, the firm analysts foresaw growth of 2.8% this year. This recovery was mainly driven by a surge in sales of 22.1% over the fourth quarter alone. While the basis of comparison is largely favorable. The global economy plunged into crisis a year earlier, with only 78 million PCs sold in the fourth quarter of 2008 (+1.1% over the same period in 2007).

Today, all regions of the world leave more beautiful. "The United States and Asia-Pacific had already been positive indicators in the third quarter, but fourth quarter results give more evidence of a global recovery," said Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa.For the first time in three quarters, in fact, the regions Europe, Middle East and Africa were up in the fourth quarter.

Redistribution of cards

A recovery has been particularly successful in producing Taiwanese Acer. The latter took the opportunity to eclipse Dell's second largest computer manufacturers in 2009, after flying his way to his American rival in the third and fourth quarters. Over the year, Acer has sold 39.897 million in total PC, a jump of 29.4% which enabled him to capture a market share of 13%. Dell, meanwhile, reported sales of 37.355 million computers over the year, down 9.1%. Its market share fell to 12, 2%, against 14.1% a year earlier.

The battle for second place does not seem to affect Hewlett-Packard, anyway. The American manufacturer is sticking to its first place. And by far.The world has sold 58.947 million computers in 2009, registering an increase of 11.3% comfortable compared to 2008. HP wins a market share of 19.3% (against 18.2% last year).

Sales from consumer PCs and cheaper

According to analyst Gartner, HP, Acer and Toshiba, the fifth largest producer with 15.495 million computers sold in 2009, received a "strong consumer demand." The business market, it remains uncertain. This is not the business of Dell, which has mainly specialized in selling office equipment. Finally, Mikako Kitagawa highlights the success of the cheapest PC. To demonstrate the success netbooks, often sold at less than 300 euros, continues unabated.Finally, the launch of the new operating system Windows 7 to fall was a great marketing coup for the holidays.

ALSO READ

"The mini-PC saves computer sales

"The computer sales resume with the increase

"Computers at any price


Comments Off

The cloud computing revolutionizes IT

Monday Nov 23, 2009

The cloud computing mask does a tsunami? For months, the heavy hammer of new technologies that the future lies in the cloud computing literally computing in the cloud.

Amazon and Google, born on the Internet – symbolized by a cloud – are the pioneers of this movement that is revolutionizing the computer world. Their idea? Rent their gigantic business infrastructure and services via the Web, thanks to their huge data centers, these "farms" that can accommodate up to 100 servers 000.

It is true that these two global companies have invested billions of dollars into these gigantic and expensive tools of computing and storage.One for its sales online, the other for its search engine whose algorithms are greedy in power calculations and, therefore servers.

In spring 2006, Amazon launched the leasing business called Amazon Web Services.

Low-Cost Computers

With Internet access, any company can use the computing capacity and storage data from Amazon. And above all it is billed for use. A clever way for the giant e-commerce to recoup its costs. "You think we sell our waste? asked Werner Vogel, CTO of AWS turning to CIOs increasingly concerned by the potential savings represented by the cloud. We offer a unique technology, agile, safe, cheap, secure and with high volumes.It has become a big business for Amazon, as big as e-commerce, "says the leader of AWS without giving further details.

In fact, many start-ups and small businesses who can not afford to invest in an own computer network chose this solution immediately. Others assign only part of their computer when their business demands a bigger consumption computer. Finally some companies have decided to convert entirely to the cloud to make savings in staff and infrastructure, and especially better calculate these costs as if the computer had become a "convenience" as electricity. "Currently, information is still very traditional," says Philippe Bournhonesque, director of strategy for IBM Software in France. The cost of the equipment is expensive, but it must be added that the facility and human resources deployed.The cloud has the advantage of being charged according to usage. You pay only for what you use. "

According to Gartner, sales of computer dematerialized, cloud computing, is expected to exceed 14 billion dollars annually by the end of 2013. IDC, another firm, is more upbeat and consider that services on the cloud will reach $ 44.2 billion end 2013. A drop of water compared to current sales by hardware manufacturers, service companies and traditional software. But the trend toward the industrialization of IT tasks and reducing costs changed the face of techno.

The Internet, elected by the general public is conquering the business world. Now, all groups of high-tech began to cloud. They are not targeting any infrastructure like Amazon.Google has chosen services. Since February 2007, the ogre of Mountain View sells business software accessible over the Internet, such as messaging, calendar, document sharing … sold by annual subscription ($ 50 per user). The Google Apps competitor of Office, one of Microsoft's flagship software, totaled $ 553 million in sales in the first nine months of the year, or 3.25% of turnover from leader Internet research.

IBM and Microsoft have also shown that they were not out of the cloud. Big Blue has developed a comprehensive project called Blue Cloud, with partners. Microsoft has launched in its test platform called Azure cloud computing."We will be the only market to provide the infrastructure, development and software" as a service "that is to say the demand," explains Bernard Ourghanlian, technical director of Microsoft France.

But if the cloud computing will free business investment, it also leaves unanswered questions. These groups, all Americans do not have data centers in France. Companies will they accept that their data is hosted in Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium. This cheap computer will she need battalions of technicians and engineers active in the business? A cloud passes …

"The companies will pay only what they use"


Comments Off

Pernod Ricard remains cautious

Monday Nov 2, 2009

The group of wines and spirits Pernod Ricard is on Monday's Combined General Meeting to approve the consolidated accounts of social and fiscal 2008/2009, ending June 30, 2009. In a statement, he stressed that "even if the general economic environment remains challenging, particularly in Europe, the first signs of improvement appear on some markets."

Pierre Pringuet, the Group Managing Director says "target for the year 2009/2010, a growth in recurring operating income of between 1% and 3%, with stronger advertising and promotion on strategic brands.

The title Pernod Ricard, a component of the CAC40, the flagship index of the Paris bourse, gained 0.4% to 57.02 euros in mid-session.


Comments Off

Budget 2010: Tensions on the tax shield and the tax pro

Tuesday Oct 20, 2009

MPs begin Tuesday in plenary review of the draft budget law for 2010, amid record deficit. Nothing says that the extra growth – the government speaks with a GDP increase of 0.75% to 1%, while the budget is built on a figure of 0.75% – will change all that. But it's finally on other issues that the debates promise to be agitated in the Chamber, as the tax shield and business tax. The controversy during consideration of the text of the Finance Committee gave a preview! The project will then move to the Senate before final adoption in December.

■ The tax shield dispute

At a time when deficits fly, this device is increasingly challenged even within the majority. Why? Because, by definition, the beneficiaries of the shield to escape any tax hike.The tax shield in effect allows a taxpayer to cap the amount of taxes and charges, including CSG and CRDS, 50% of its income. Amendment of UMP deputies Warsmann Montchamp and offers out of the CRDS shield. A two-stage strategy: its authors do not hide that, if passed, the goal is then to propose during the budget "Safely", raising the CRDS to repay part of the social debt of 2009 and 2010. Still, this scenario is unlikely. For the Elysée refuses to touch the shield. "We will rally the troops," said the entourage Gilles Carrez, UMP general rapporteur of the Finance Committee of the Assembly.Last week, this body has rejected narrowly, an amendment of the New Center to remove the CSG, CRDS and local taxes shield.

■ Shooting together on niches

The centrist MP Charles de Courson propose an amendment to the capital gains from sales of securities are subject to tax on income from the first euro transfer, and not from 25 730 euros. But Gilles Carrez wants only the CSG and CRDS apply the first euro. Stay tuned also: the carried interest, that Charles de Courson wants to tax on income. It is the share of capital gains made by investment funds back to their leaders. Furthermore, proposals abound to lower the overall ceiling of tax loopholes (now at 25 000 euros plus 10% of income).Gilles Carrez should dam.

■ Imbroglio around the "tax pro"

Its abolition is unanimous. But the distribution of levies to replace the "tax pro" turns puzzle. The Finance Committee of the Assembly has cleared the ground, expanding the basket of revenue assigned to municipalities. The associations of local elected officials are not yet satisfied. Charles de Courson propose an amendment to the department recover a share of CSG. An idea rejected by Bercy.

■ A carbon tax consensual

This is another great innovation fiscal 2010: a "super TIPP" to encourage them to consume less energy. Ironically, critics have quickly vanished on the same principle. The amendments concern and should instead focus on compensation to households and certain sectors such as agriculture.But what changes will be marginal.

"Tax Shelter: Eric Woerth opened a new overall ceiling

The "fad" of the most influential parliamentary budget

Philippe Marini, UMP general rapporteur of the Finance Committee of the Senate Appropriations photo: Le Figaro


Comments Off

Air France: turmoil between pilots and management

Tuesday Oct 20, 2009

Since the crash of flight AF 447, unease is evident among the drivers of the company that does not include the communication of their company and how has managed the replacement of pitot probe implicated in the crash of Flight Rio Paris.

Until last week, supervision of drivers, the so-called NTP managers (technical crews), had remained quiet on the subject and several of his leadership. But since Thursday afternoon, breaking seems consumed. Reportedly, a special meeting was held at the headquarters of the company among the 50 most senior executives of the company NTP and Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, CEO of Air France-KLM and Rovetto Gilbert, executive vice president flight operations, that is to say, the head of security at Air France.This meeting was intended precisely to flight safety in the company and the lessons learned from the disaster of flight AF 447. In the opinion of those present, this type of meeting is very rare for Air France and dictated by circumstances and difficulties experienced by the company.

According to our information, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon announced the organization of regular breakfasts with drivers to be aware of their concerns and demands. The boss of Air France has also confirmed that all probes pitot Airbus A320 would be replaced.

"We did not ask the moon"

However, disappointment was palpable among NTP managers present at the meeting which lasted all afternoon. This is the first time that many of them give up their duty of confidentiality to complain that nothing has been done since the disaster of flight AF 447."We have not been listened to, this explains a part in the meeting. Our drivers expect significant changes, particularly in terms of training. "All managers now speak with one voice to demand a thorough reform of flight safety," said another frame this Thursday. The management kicked into touch. "

But executives NTP ask more. They have demanded such an audit of the company in terms of safety that is led by executives of KLM and Delta, two airlines combined, and that they can have access to all levels of information within Air France -KLM."Our pilots are among the best in the world and yet we have more accidents than our competitors," says one part NTP. "Contacted by Le Figaro, the management of Air France said his side" does not comment on internal meetings "but notes that" the purpose of this meeting was just to put everything on the table following the crash of flight AF 447. The meeting did not at all hectic.

Strengthening the security of flights at Air France is a recurring theme in the company since June and the accident of flight AF 447. The pilots union of Air France (SPAF) and Alter, another organization of pilots, have cleverly captured the subject. They call and be put in place a "permanent monitoring unit" that can have access to air safety reports (ASR), reports written by the pilots after the incident.In their view, such a cell might be more reactive during the first incidents of Pitot probes and encourage their replacement without waiting for the accident flight AF 447.

"We did not ask the moon, but management does not want to hear," Arnoux said Gerard, president of SPAF. The union, which was received with Alter on the subject last October 2, has been opposing an end of inadmissibility. Both unions have written Monday Gourgeon to alert again on the subject. "This is a final notice," says Gerard Arnoux. Afterwards, we will have to file a notice of strike. "So far, neither the date nor the duration of a possible social movement have been discussed.

ALSO READ:

"AF 447: the amazing series of omissions

"Discovery of a traffic ticket airline to Air France


Comments Off

Quadras SOS!

Tuesday Oct 20, 2009

They are presented as "the cornerstone of the company, but feel" left out "after having invested limitless. A paradox highlighted by the study conducted by consulting firm HR Solutions Alter Ego, and Françoise Toulemonde, marketing consultant and prospective studies (1). "Isolated," "disoriented," in full midlife crisis "… The survey paints a finding black … More specifically, it reveals that the professional motivation of this population are similar to those of the famous generation Y, characterized by individualism and infidelity to the company.

For Quadras, succeed at work is above all a personal project: "always learning" for 45% of them reconcile their pro-life to 39%. In contrast, only 12% believe that success is linked to having significant responsibilities.

If the quadrants have high expectations of HR, over 80% believe that evolution will not pass through internal mobility, but from somewhere else.

For the firm Alter Ego Solutions, "companies have an interest in reconsidering these quadrants, if they do not want to see in smoke from their expertise or simply face an acute risk of demotivation.

The conclusions to be drawn? Companies should treat this "quiet generation", which is showing "signs of impatience."

The study concludes with Generation Y, concluding that this "puzzle recruiters" may be basically a "shell" and that individualism is perhaps generations. A revelation …

(1) Survey conducted between April 23 and 14 mail in 2009, among 1200 men aged executives.


Comments Off