Yahoo!/HSBC: PayDirect from New York to Hong Kong

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Why do organizations not make more of industrial networks?

Many manufacturers use programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, to control and manage production equipment. These PLCs are traditionally not connected to the corporate IT network, or even the responsibility of the IT department. While it would make sense to open up industrial networks and make available data contained within production control systems, security issues must first be addressed.

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Volatility in global commodities markets drives spend in risk management IT

Analysts expect that increased volatility in commodities markets globally will drive spend in risk management IT. However, commodities present their own unique characteristics that must be observed, making it fundamental for IT vendors looking to capitalize on the opportunity to have a full understanding and appreciation of the underlying physical market and of their potential client's business.

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Venture Preference: announces plans to rebrand

Venture Preference, the broking arm of AXA, has announced plans to rebrand itself as Bluefin: a move which will come into full effect in January 2009. The rebranding should enable the company to build a strong brand presence in the small and medium enterprise market.

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Vaccines: Iraqi children to receive polio vaccine

With war possibly just weeks away, UNICEF is pressing ahead with plans to expand its vaccination program in Iraq, demonstrating its commitment to comprehensive vaccination in the drive to eliminate childhood disease. The success of such campaigns ultimately limits the long-term market for vaccines, but key producers are able to offset losses against revenues generated by newer products.

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UPS: shows signs of recovery, but pressure on margins remains

UPS' overall Q4 results show that the company repositioned itself well in 2009 and is now reaping the rewards of its recent investments in its international division, with strong growth being achieved due to high cross-border volumes. The firm must take careful action to ensure that this positive trend continues into 2010.

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Unilever: shrewd investment should aid recovery from Q1 profit decline

Consumer packaged goods company Unilever has announced an overall decline in sales and profits for the first three months of 2009. The firm has been hit by falling sales in developed countries, although growth has been seen in emerging markets. Many consumers have traded down as their disposable income shrinks, but investment from Unilever should ensure that it remains in a strong position.

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UCB: Vimpat's efficacy in epilepsy confirmed, but other indications offer more commercial potential

New pooled data confirm Vimpat's efficacy in the adjunctive treatment of uncontrolled partial-onset seizures in adults. The drug represents a new treatment option for patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, but its inferior efficacy to Keppra is expected to limit its uptake. Nevertheless, future indication expansions in migraine and fibromyalgia may expand Vimpat's commercial potential.

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Transport and energy: gloomy announcements raise questions over supposed 'green shoots' of recovery

Declines in the Baltic Dry Index and international air cargo volumes, along with forecasts of weak crude oil demand until 2012, have raised questions over various claims of a quicker-than-expected global economic recovery. Despite the recent rally in the stock market brought on by these claims, these new announcements indicate that a full recovery is still a long way off.

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The logistics and express industry may be recovering, but fresh challenges await

According to Datamonitor research, the global logistics and express market is expected to have recovered from the downturn and grown by almost 9% to reach a value of more than $3 trillion in 2010. However, as the market finally recovers, the pressure on companies to demonstrate value and find ways to achieve profitable growth will become increasingly apparent.

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