Spanlink updates Concentric Solutions
Minneapolis-based Spanlink Communications, a contact center product provider, released Concentric Solutions 5.0 (formerly FastCall) software for agents and supervisors. New features include consolidation of multiple desktop and telephony applications into one. Concentric Solutions is a suite of packaged applications for PBX/ACDs. Spanlink designed Concentric Solutions to integrate the activities of agents, supervisors, IVR systems, and customers.
ADC to buy the Krone Group
Minneapolis-based ADC announced an agreement to acquire the Krone Group, a global supplier of copper- and fiber-based connectivity solutions and cabling products used in public access and enterprise networks by many of the world's leading organizations, from GenTek Inc. The proposed acquisition is valued at approximately $350 million, in which ADC will pay cash of approximately $291 million and assume certain defined liabilities consisting principally of Krone's pension obligation for its German workforce. The transaction is expected to close during ADC's third quarter ending July 31, 2004
SPS teams with Data Integration Specialists
St. Paul-based SPS Commerce, a supply chain integration service provider, announced a partnership agreement with Data Integration Specialists (DIS). DIS will now offer SPS Commerce.net to its customers and prospects as a hosted service alternative to EDI software. Under the new agreement, DIS will receive sales training and support from SPS and will be paid a commission on future sales of SPSCommerce.net services to their prospect and customer base. The relationship will extend SPS Commerce's reach into the lucrative small and mid-sized business market for e-commerce services. SPS expects to broker many similar additional reseller agreements through their Business Development team over the course of 2004.
NHCC announces business management program
Brooklyn Park-based North Hennepin Community College is offering its Business Management degree program in an accelerated format called Business ASAP, a program for working adults. The program is a fully accredited Associate of Science degree in Business Management. Classes in Business ASAP use accelerated learning methods with practical assignments for the students. All classes are Web-enhanced.
Compellent sues Xiotech
Compellent Technologies Inc., the data-storage startup launched by the founders of Xiotech Corp., and Xiotech have sued each other in Minnesota district court. Compellent charging that Xiotech has interfered with its newly released storage device, and Xiotech alleging that Compellent's founders used Xiotech's proprietary information. Xiotech is also seeking to block four of its ex-employees, who now work for partners or resellers of Compellent, from selling Compellent's products. Both companies are based in Eden Prairie, and both were founded by Compellent CEO Phil Soran.
ProUroCare merges with Global Internet
Plymouth-based ProUroCare Inc. in Plymouth merged with Global Internet Communications Inc., a public company registered for business in Las Vegas, Nev. Global Internet will form a wholly owned subsidiary to merge with ProUroCare. Global Internet will issue shares constituting about 84 percent of its stock to ProUroCare shareholders. ProUroCare officers and directors will replace their counterparts at Global Internet. Privately owned ProUroCare develops imaging products for the detection and treatment of prostate disease. Global Internet provides an Internet service for pharmaceutical companies.
Xiotech to expand activities to Europe
Xiotech, an Eden Prairie-based, privately owned designer of computer storage systems, on Wednesday announced it has established a European subsidiary. The new company plans to open offices in the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Xiotech named Philippe Fosse vice president and general manager of its European activities. The company said he is an industry veteran who has worked for computer companies Compaq and Dell.
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