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August 09, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o Report: U.S. Ringtone Downloads Up Fourfold in the Past Year
o Blockbuster Raises Online DVD Rental Prices in Line With Netflix
o Apple to Provide Canadians With "iPod Tax" Refunds
o Survey: U.S. Video Gamers Number 76.2 Million, Up 11.4%
o Report: Murdoch's News Corp. Made Bid For VoIP Firm Skype
o Game Publisher THQ to Effect 3-for-2 Stock Split


> Featured Advertisement:
--2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - Submit Your Free Listing
 

o Briefly Noted: Blu-Ray Disc Association - anti-piracy technologies, Billboard Mainstream Top 40 - satellite radio, XM Satellite Radio - hardware, Sirius Satellite Radio - BBC Radio 1, iriver - MP3 players, BoxOffice365.com, Rentrak - Comcast, SageTV - Tribune Media Services, SportsHD, ABC - Proteus, AEGF Mobile Games - NBC Sports, New Frontier Media, GoldPocket Wireless - Bennett Productions, Amazon.com - online DVD rentals?
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director Integrated Marketing & Brand Development
--Brand Manager
--Senior Brand Operations Coordinator
--Web Development Firm Looking For Projects
--Paid Search Analytics Manager
--Telecom/Network Sales Executives
--Research Analyst
--Integrated Marketing Account Manager
--Business Strategy Consultant - Telecom, Energy, Utilities
--eBay Marketing Executive
--Advertising And Marketing Position
--Marketing Communications Manager
--Director of Marketing Analytics
--Project Manager
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 


o Report: U.S. Ringtone Downloads Up Fourfold in the Past Year

New York -- Nearly one-quarter (23%) of American cell phone owners have downloaded ringtones to their handsets, a fourfold increase over the 5% who reported having downloaded ringtones last year, according to a report from market research firm Ipsos-Insight. Over half of Americans ages 12-24 have downloaded a ringtone, compared with 30% of 25-34 year-olds and just 5% of those over 55. "What we're now witnessing in the mobile arena is similar to what has already occurred in many places outside the U.S., and represents yet another opportunity for industries looking to monetize U.S.-based digital music distribution," said Ipsos vice president Matt Kleinschmit. The study additionally found that 6% of U.S. cell phone owners have downloaded a full-length song to their handsets, while 3% have downloaded a short video clip, and 2% have downloaded a music video to a cell phone. "An important component in this emerging content space is the presence of an existing billing relationship with the consumer, thus providing a significant advantage over PC-based content delivery methods, where cumbersome registration and payment processes can discourage impulse purchases," added Kleinschmit.
http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=2750
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o Blockbuster Raises Online DVD Rental Prices in Line With Netflix

Dallas -- Blockbuster on Tuesday raised the price for its online DVD rental service from $14.99 to $17.99 per month, bringing it back in line with pricing at its main competitor, Netflix. The move came as the company reported a loss for the recent quarter that was double analysts' estimates, blamed on weak rentals of new releases and its decision to eliminate late fees. Blockbuster said its online DVD rental service now claims more than 1 million members, and that it added the same number of net new subscribers during the first half of 2005 as did Netflix. The company expects to claim 2 million subscribers by the end of the first quarter of 2006.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/nytu092.html
http://www.blockbuster.com
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o Apple to Provide Canadians With "iPod Tax" Refunds

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple Computer announced on Tuesday that it will provide a refund of the "iPod tax" charged to its Canadian customers, in light of a Supreme Court of Canada ruling last week that overturned the tax. The iPod tax had been seen as a means of compensating artists and copyright holders for potential losses due to their ability to house pirated music; Canada charges similar taxes on the sale of blank cassettes and CDs. The Canadian Private Copying Collective had collected about $4 million CDN since Dec. 2003, when the government added a tax of between $10 CDN and $25 CDN on the iPod and other portable music players. Apple said Tuesday that it will soon announce a claims process so that Canadian customers may request a refund for the iPod tax.
http://tinyurl.com/72kun
http://tinyurl.com/8g4h5
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o Survey: U.S. Video Gamers Number 76.2 Million, Up 11.4%

New York -- The number of U.S. video game players has increased 11.4% to 76.2 million, up from 67.5 million a year ago, according to a random survey of 1,500 households conducted by Ziff Davis Media. "We're seeing a broadening of the gamer base as gaming goes more mainstream, and simultaneously a heightening of intensity among core gamers," said John Davison, vice president and editorial director of Ziff Davis Media Game Group. The study also found that 24% of gamers reduced their TV watching over the last year, watching on average 16 hours per week compared with 18 hours per week in 2004. Console games are increasing their gains over PC games, after topping PC games in popularity for the first time in 2004. Currently, 62.6 million households play console games and 56.6 million play PC games, versus 54.5 million and 52.3 million, respectively, in 2004. In the mobile gaming sector, the survey found that 86% of gamers own a cell phone, up from 70% a year ago, and that 48% play games on their phones.
http://gamegroup.ziffdavis.com/presscenter/pr20050809.html
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o Report: Murdoch's News Corp. Made Bid For VoIP Firm Skype

London -- The Independent reported on Tuesday that media baron Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. made a bid to acquire the Internet phone company Skype, which valued the company at $3 billion. Skype, which is run out of London and headquartered in Luxembourg, told the newspaper that it is not for sale. The article said the talks between the two companies broke down last month. Skype provides software used to make Internet telephone calls and has grown rapidly, with over 47 million users in just two years of operations. The company was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennstrom of Sweden and Janus Friis of Denmark, the original developers of the Kazaa file-sharing application.
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article304192.ece
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o Game Publisher THQ to Effect 3-for-2 Stock Split

Calabasas Hills, Calif. -- Video game publisher THQ announced on Tuesday that its board has approved a 3-for-2 stock split, which will be effected as a 50% stock dividend. Under the transaction, due to occur on or about Sept. 1, stockholders will receive one extra share of THQ for every two shares owned as of Aug. 19. Following the transaction, Calabasas Hills, Calif.-based THQ said it will have about 62 million shares outstanding.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/latu052.html
http://www.thq.com

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> Featured Advertisement:
 
> 2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - Submit Your Free Listing

With over 10,000 names and titles of entertainment, media and technology executives, the 2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory is the most comprehensive database of company listings exclusively covering the digital and mobile entertainment and media industries. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to submit your free listing for inclusion in the 2006 directory. To submit your listing online now, please visit http://www.digitalentertainmentdirectory.com

The Directory is available for a limited time at the special introductory rate of $299 (Hard Copy). Also available on compact disk for $699 (Hard Copy and CD), the database is in Microsoft Excel format, easily exportable to Microsoft Access and other database programs. The Directory is a "must have" for companies working in the rapidly expanding digital entertainment and media industries and is a valuable tool for business development, mass mailings, sales leads, partnerships, market research, competitive analysis, event invitations and recruitment.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Hollywood, Calif.) The Blu-Ray Disc Association announced on Tuesday that it has adopted a comprehensive content management system for the next-generation DVD format, to protect against piracy. The three-part system includes an Advanced Access Content System, which the group calls "many times more powerful than that used in DVD"; "BD+", a feature that allows for dynamic updates of security technology; and a digital watermarking scheme called ROM Mark. "The level of unauthorized copying and industrial piracy associated with DVD not only jeopardizes studios and other content creators, but also results in increased costs and limited flexibility for consumers," said Maureen Weber, general manager of HP's optical storage solutions. "It is good news for everyone that the BDA has adopted a series of measures that gets it right for the next disc format."
http://tinyurl.com/dh6lp 
http://www.blu-raydisc.com 

(New York) Billboard has begun including airplay data from the nation's two satellite radio services in the Mainstream Top 40 chart published in its Billboard Radio Monitor. Sirius Satellite Radio's Sirius Hits - 1 channel and XM Satellite Radio's XM Top 20 channel will now figure in with Billboard's panel of 116 terrestrial stations in 99 markets. "This is an important development in the expansion of the Billboard charts. Satellite radio, like other emerging technology acknowledges yet another new way music fans are listening to music across America," said Billboard Information Group president and publisher, John Kilcullen.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050808/dcm049.html?.v=13
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050808/nym182.html?.v=19
http://www.billboardradiomonitor.com/radiomonitor/index.jsp

(Washinton) XM Satellite Radio on Tuesday announced the release of manufacturer Delphi's RoadyXT radio, the smallest and thinnest satellite radio on the market to date. The receiver goes on sale in late September for $99. XM also introduced the $99 Audiovox Xpress, the smallest plug-and-play satellite radio receiver with a 5-line display screen. The company also announced a deal with audio manufacturer Altec Lansing, to ship two speaker systems for XM radio receivers. The portable ($149) and desktop ($99) Altec Lansing speaker systems will go on sale in October.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/dctu011.html?.v=21
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/dctu012.html?.v=24
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/cgtu018.html?.v=20
http://www.delphi.com
http://www.audiovox.com
http://www.alteclansing.com
http://www.xmradio.com

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio, a subscription radio service with 1.8 million subscribers, announced on Tuesday that it will launch the BBC's Radio 1 channel on Wednesday. The BBC Radio 1 feed will include broadcasts of "The Chris Moyles Breakfast Show."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/nytu166.html?.v=18
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1
http://www.siriusradio.com 

(Milpitas, Calif.) Consumer electronics maker iriver on Tuesday introduced a new line of flash memory-based MP3 players designed for the sports market. Milpitas, Calif.-based iriver says they are the first flash-based players to support subscription services like Napster To Go, Rhapsody and Yahoo Music Unlimited. The T10 model will be sold in 512MB ($149) and 1GB ($199) capacities, while the T30 models will be offered for $99 (512MB) and $149 (1GB).
http://www.iriveramerica.com/estore

(London) BoxOffice365.com has launched a video download service in the U.K., allowing users to purchase and download video content from providers including Universal, V2 and ITN. Operated by the British Internet Broadcasting Company, the service charges about $2.68 for music videos and $12.50 for full-length movies, which are delivered in VHS-quality with digital rights management copy-protections.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/08/video_download_alternative
http://www.boxoffice365.com

(Portland, Ore.) Rentrak, a provider of media measurement services, said on Tuesday that cable TV operator Comcast has renewed an agreement to use its video-on-demand measurement services, following a successful one-year trial. Portland, Ore.-based Rentrak's service provides Comcast with viewership volumes and trend data for its video-on-demand services, which are available to 85% of the company's 21.4 million customers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/sftu018.html?.v=22
http://www.rentrak.com

(Chicago) SageTV, a developer of digital video recorder and home media center technologies, said on Tuesday that it has extended an agreement with Tribune Media Services (TMS). SageTV will now use TMS TV schedule data for a new service in Canada, to complement its U.S. offering, that will offer a digital video recorder and home media center for both PCs and TVs.
http://tms.tribune.com
http://www.sagetv.com 

(Denver) SportsHD Productions on Tuesday launched what it calls the nation's first sports-based high-definition TV production company. The Denver-based company said it will focus on "docu-sports" projects; SportsHD's first production will be the Summer World University Games, taking place in Turkey later this month.
http://www.sportshd.com
(Washington, DC) The ABC Television Network said that it has entered into an agreement with mobile entertainment publisher Proteus that will allow viewers to personalize their mobile phones with premium content from all of ABC's Daytime Soaps -- "One Life to Live," "All My Children" and "General Hospital" -- as well as primetime's "Alias" and late night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live." The content offering initially will include ringtones, graphics and text messaging applications.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050809/95334.html
http://www.proteus.com

(New York) Mobile entertainment publisher AEGF Mobile Games announced on Tuesday that it has signed an exclusive deal with NBC Sports to design NBC Sports-branded mobile games. New York-based AEGF said many of the games, focused on sports including golf, hockey, horse racing, poker and skiing, will be directly interactive with NBC Sports telecasts.
http://tinyurl.com/9j8rj

(Boulder, Colo.) Adult entertainment distributor New Frontier Media on Tuesday announced the launch of its TEN-branded mobile entertainment product in the U.S. Initially, the company will offer non-explicit, "swimsuit" content to nearly 9 million U.S. customers. Colorado-based New Frontier Media last month launched its wireless content in Europe, and expects to launch in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia and South America by the end of the year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050809/nytu115.html
http://www.ten.com

(Los Angeles) GoldPocket Wireless, a wireless entertainment distributor, said on Tuesday that it has partnered with Bennett Productions, which produces the weekly "Bikini Destinations" TV program on KTLA in Los Angeles, to offer cell phone wallpapers of models featured on the show. The bikini model downloads will be promoted on the TV show and will sell for $1.99 each.
http://www.goldpocket.com
http://www.bennettproductions.com/home.htm
http://www.bikinidestinations.tv

(Seattle) Adding fuel to speculation that online retail giant Amazon.com might join the online DVD rental market, the company has posted several job openings that hint at the fact that the company is developing such a service. The job ad seeks a "software development engineer," and states that "The DVD rentals business poses new and interesting challenges for our engineering team."
http://tinyurl.com/9kw8d
   
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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Director Integrated Marketing & Brand Development

Billboard, a VNU Publication, is currently seeking a Director of Integrated Marketing & Brand Development. This person will direct the public relations, marketing, and promotional efforts for the Billboard Information Group portfolio of products. Also responsible for developing new business opportunities working in conjunction with Billboard's eMedia & Licensing departments. Will manage the Billboard brand market message by utilizing both internal and external media as well as through the development of partnerships and event promotions. The qualified candidate will be responsible for developing sales tools for the Billboard world-wide sales team as well as assisting the development of new revenue generating ventures by the brand, eMedia and Licensing departments. Must be adept at managing numerous projects simultaneously, able to manage a team of 3 reports, has a strong knowledge of emerging and traditional media, able to maneuver in both creative and business environments, knows advertising and marketing industry operations, is a skilled copywriter and has a strong knowledge of media sales. Minimum of 5-7 years experience. Pplease send resume and a cover letter including salary requirements to entertainrecruit@vnubuspubs.com. Visit our website: www.vnubusinessmedia.com. No phone calls or agencies please.
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> Brand Manager

VNU Business Media currently has a rewarding career opportunity for an experienced Brand Manager to join our eMedia division. The Brand Manager would primarily be responsible for identifying and executing online and new media business opportunities. Other responsibilities include: Analyzing and communicating financial status of online and new media properties. Collaborating with National Account Manager and Brand Sellers to develop online sales/marketing solutions. Working closely with brands and marketing department to develop online marketing and subscription strategies. Collaborating with print, eMedia Business Development and VNU Expo colleagues in the creation of new online products and brand extensions. Act as a liaison between print, face-to-face events and eMedia. Requirements: Bachelors degree plus a minimum of 3 years product management, publishing and/or related exp. Must have online marketing experience. Must have prior experience with preparing budgets, forecasts, and managing P&Ls. Contact jobs@vnubusinessmedia.com
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> Senior Brand Operations Coordinator

VNU Business Media currently has a rewarding career opportunity for a Senior Brand Operations Coordinator to join our e-Media team. You will supervise the functions of e-Media business operations including: client services, website production, special projects and managing 5 coordinators. You will also work closely with our Brand Managers, Production, Design, and the Technology Groups to ensure our Website operations are working as efficiently as possible. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years experience overseeing business operations. The ideal candidate must be an excellent communicator, demonstrate strong problem solving skills and be extremely detail oriented. Proficient in Microsoft Office required. Working knowledge of technology associated with electronic publishing ie, content serving, e-commerce a plus. Contact jobs@vnubusinessmedia.com
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> Web Development Firm Looking For Projects - Fast Results

CleariteCommunications is a highly-focused web development firm that is looking for both large and small projects. We have very fast turnaround. Because we are experienced and versatile, we value each project and can generally offer some of the most cost-effective work in the industry. We have deep experience in a wide variety of technical areas, ranging from web development to email campaigns to desktop publishing. Our approach is simple: No tech talk and no sales mumbo jumbo. For the Month of August we are offering a large discount for Digital Media Wire subscribers only, please inquire to receive your discount. For consultations, please call Martin Cserhati at 519.963.7200 or email martin.cserhati@clearite.com, you can also visit us online at www.clearite.com
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> Paid Search Analytics Manager

Requires demonstrated skills in fact-based analysis, presentation, and interpersonal interaction that refine the Internet Marketing business plan. Manage cross functional projects working with Product Mgmt, Information Management, and Finance. 5 -7 years of exp in managing highly quantitative and analytical projects, with extensive experience in the field of Data-Mining or Quantitative Analysis. BA/BS in Statistics, Economics, Business, or other related field. Masters or MBA preferred. Proficient using SAS, SQL, Business Objects, Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. A passion for understanding and serving the unique community of eBay. Send resumes to R3845115104234@PostTrak.com
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> Telecom/Network Sales Executives

XIF Networks (http://www.xif.net) is a master agent for many of the top US carriers and provides telecom consulting services to area businesses and organizations. Full and part-time positions are available in inside sales, as well as subagent opportunities. We are seeking sales executives with 3-4 plus years experience selling network and carrier services to small and medium sized businesses. We are seeking aggressive sales people with an ability to target markets, reach decision makers, and generate quality leads through grass roots efforts, personal contacts, and assertive sales tactics. This position would be in direct support of the VP of Sales. Send your resume, interest (sales career or agent opportunity), and cover letter to jobs@xif.net. No recruiters.
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> Research Analyst

Join a rapidly growing Online and Full Service market research company. Privately held, profitable, Fortune 500 accounts. Require: 7-10 years marketing research exp., particularly on the supplier side, experience with Fortune 500 marketing research clients highly desirable, Client side marketing research experience desirable, prior experience with writing effective proposals, survey writing knowledge, Strong communication skills, oral and written, Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Quantitative Analysis or related field. MBA a strong plus. Compensation: $80-100K. Send resumes to ktaylor@talentplanet.com
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> Integrated Marketing Account Manager

Avenue A Razorfish has an immediate opening for an Integrated Marketing Analyst in our Atlanta or Fort Lauderdale office. Require: 4 plus years exp. working in the areas of marketing or analytics for a professional services company. At least 2 years exp. with online marketing analytics related to web site and media-based performance. Email marketing exp. a plus. Detail-oriented, with excellent writing and analysis skills. Familiarity with online analytics measures, terminology, benchmarks and tracking technology (Atlas desired), Proven skills with Access and Excel with strong presentation skills. Submit a resume, cover letter via email to: se.recruiting@avenuea-razorfish.com
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> Business Strategy Consultant - Telecom, Energy, Utilities

Fortune 1000 Firm/Qualified candidates must have experience and a prior background in Operations Strategy consulting to clients in the Energy or Utilities industry. Must have ability to work in a team environment. Salary 110,000 - 140,000 with Bonus Consulting experience to the Energy and Utilities industries (3-5 yrs for Consultant, 5-10 yrs for SR. Consultant) Tier 1 or top tier consulting firm experience highly preferred MBA. Send resumes to mark@allandavidrecruiters.com
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> eBay Marketing Executive

Entry level position in a growing e-commerce company. We are seeking a dynamic individual who can manage over 500 auctions per day on eBay. You will be provided with our customized software to manage the auctions. The software empowers you to run reports and analyze auction success. You will be trained well and work closely with our Marketing Manager for a month before you take complete responsibility on the project. Require good problem-solving skills, communications skills. Excellent time-management skills. Great team worker. Successful experience selling on eBay is a plus. Send resumes to jobscss@comcast.net
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> Advertising And Marketing Position

Morristown Agency Seeking Part-time/Full-time Employees in Advertising/Marketing Industry, Web Developer and Client Services Position with 1 to 2 years experience. Contact 201-486-7167 or send resumes to michelle.nelson@iideagroup.com
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> Marketing Communications Manager

Network World has a great opportunity for a creative project manager with a marketing background (including online marketing) to lead the Marketing Communications department producing innovative and effective ways to further promote the Network World brand. Great people and project management skills; effectively lead a quality team juggling many priorities in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Excellent communication (oral and written), copywriting, proofing and editing skills; a solid understanding of design processes and software applications. Must be competent with financial administration to manage a budget. Send resumes to hotjobs@nww.com
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> Director of Marketing Analytics

In this position, the Director will support the Marketing department by providing analytical reports, interpretations, and recommendations. The ideal candidate should have a fluent knowledge of SAS foundation products and some experience in Hyperion, ESRI or VB.NET. A min. of 10 yrs exp. in an analytics role with a background in direct marketing. Degree in Statistics or Mathematics, Base SAS, ODS, SAS/STAT, SAS/Graph, SAS/Access to ODBC, Basic knowledge of marketing terminology and concepts. Exp. in marketing analytics: ROI, LTV, Segmentation, etc. Send resumes to: bvklbell@comcast.net. Visit http://www.investools.com
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> Project Manager

Cauldron Solutions, a leading provider of technology solutions that manage the production, distribution and transaction exchange of on-demand content, is seeking an experienced Project Manager. The right candidate will possess a strong track record of delivering large-scale media or technology projects on time and on budget. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, PLC discipline, and strong client-relationship management skills are essential. Visit www.cauldronsolutions.com and send resumes to jobs@cauldronsolutions.com.
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> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.

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