Archive for the 'international' Category

10 billion Internet-connected devices in 2016

Auto Date Friday, February 17th, 2012

 

In four years, there will be more wireless devices connected to the Internet than people on Earth! Such is the prognosis of the American group Cisco, specializing in Internet routers. In 2016, the number of smartphones, Internet tablets and communicating objects, such as GPS and electric meters, is expected to reach 10 billion units in the world for a world population expected to 7.3 billion people, provides the American champion.

First, every human being has at least one mobile phone, a laptop or a tablet. "In 2016, there will be over 8 billion mobile devices for personal use, connected to the Internet," says the study by Cisco. In addition, nearly 2 billion Internet connections will be made only by machines together, what experts call the M2M, short for "machine-to-machine".

Last day of our medical records

This market segment is expected to record a staggering growth rate. "End of 2011, the report says Berg Insight, the number of M2M connections was 120 million, against 100 million a year earlier," says Benedict Jouffrey, vice president of Gemalto M2M solution, the global leader in smart cards specializing in this niche. He added: "The application areas are extremely varied, from cars through payment terminals, systems followed by containers through the electric meter. Virtually every business can use to make the M2M communicating objects it produces or uses. "

Cisco also believes that M2M is expected to grow in the medical field, to form patient records and faster access to data about their health.

Besides the development of uses, connections to the Internet will improve mobility for all generations of mobile networks (GSM, 3G and Long Term Evolution, 4G said). "The average connection speed mobile will be multiplied by 9 between 2011 and 2016," the study provides Cisco, only after doubling last year.

The growth rate of mobile data traffic will grow at 78% per year until 2016, three times faster than the overall data transfer over the Internet. Therefore, the mobile data traffic will be multiplied by 18 to a total of 130 exabytes or 130 billion gigabytes. To represent this huge amount of information, this represents some 33 billion DVD, says Cisco.

This study points out that published in early 2010 by the Swedish group Ericsson, the world leader in mobile networks, which called for 2020, about "50 billion devices connected to the Internet. Patients will be linked to hospitals, trucks will remain in connection with their logistics center. And several operators have already developed their divisions to meet the demand for machines connected to other machines. "

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Supporters of rugby not sure to be reimbursed

Auto Date Monday, February 13th, 2012

 

Committee for the Six Nations, the puzzle of the new date of the France-Ireland postponed last Saturday, should be completed tonight. This is not the case of French Rugby Federation (FFR), she also faces the unpleasant consequences of the postponement at the last minute of the match on the second day of the Six Nations tournament.

And for good reason: about 78,000 spectators, with the majority of them paid for their seats, were present in the stands Saturday night. In addition to travel expenses and accommodation, went up in smoke, they had paid to enter the Stade de France between 36 and 110 euros for the major shows of European rugby. "The general conditions of sale do not provide reimbursement for these tickets, it says in the FFR. However, the different parts (FFR, insurance, Consortium Stade de France …) studying the subject and the possibility of compensating the injured fans the most. " If the hypothesis of simple reimbursement of tickets for spectators unable to return seemed logical at first glance, it is not acquired at all.

Necessarily financial compensation pa

If the game is postponed from this Sunday, it will be difficult for the FFR, lack of time to fill the shortfall by the potential resale of tickets redeemed. In the event that the Committee of Six Nations would choose the date of March 3, the leeway to the FFR to re-market these tickets would be wider … and could therefore support the decision of any reimbursement, in whole or part , tickets. The Federation also confirms that no final decision will be taken before choosing the new date, but an official communication will be made on the site of the FFR, when setting the terms of any repayment. It also emphasizes the study of "compensation, not necessarily financial supporters the most affected." In case of default, there are still more likely that the fans away from Paris trying to resell their tickets on the black market.

A weekend in 1000 euros for two

In addition to sporting disappointment, the financial damage is also for fans of rugby. Mainly for the fans from the south-west, but especially Ireland. For the latter, the cost of the weekend in Paris often resort to over 1000 euros for two people.

Another player injured by this fiasco: France Televisions. Often questioned, as her sisters, to put pressure on the maintenance of programming events to large audiences, the public broadcaster said, however, have fought to advance the game in 15 hours. Without success. Cost of operation: 130,000 euros, according to Daniel Bilalian, sports director of France Televisions.

Finally, in the Stade de France, the loss is more difficult to assess. According to the task, the final match between France and Italy on February 4 was generated € 1.5 million profit, and a recipe for 300,000 euros for the FFR. The France-Ireland being postponed, not canceled, the loss on the sale of products, beverages and other sandwiches should be controlled.

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The French spend trucks to 44 tons

Auto Date Monday, February 6th, 2012

 

The French, who commonly employ the term "38-ton", corresponding to the total weight authorized in charge, to designate truck pulling a trailer, will be forced to review their vocabulary. It is true that he was no longer appropriate as the total load is increased to 40 tons since 1989. And she will soon climb to 44 tons.

On the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, MEPs adopted an article in effect setting the standard to 44 tons. For trucks carrying such cargo traveled French roads, they will have to wait for the final approval of Parliament and the publication of implementing regulations. Manufacturers and carriers have been campaigning for several years this relaxation law. "Given the current state of congestion of roads in France, to manage the increased volume of goods transported in the coming years needs to increase the allowable weight for trucks," justifies Thierry Archambault, deputy chairman of the House international union of automotive and motorcycle (CSIAM).

Since January 2011, the agricultural and food sectors have the opportunity to use these trucks throughout the country. Other economic sectors also wanted access. They even see a real ecological benefit. "Increasing the capacity of the trucks will reduce the number of vehicles per kilometer and fuel consumption," explains Union of Chemical Industries.

Road wear

This change is much easier to implement than the UK, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands have already passed. "The approval of the trucks is already in Europe, says Thierry Archambault. This means that heavy goods vehicles traveling on French roads are already certified for this level of 44 tons and that there will be no change needed. "

The main risk pointed to by some state services is due to the accelerated deterioration of roads due to extra weight. Time considered, the reduction from five to six axles, which would reduce the axle load and therefore wear of the road was finally rejected by MPs this week.

"The manufacturers have developed air suspension that can reduce this additional wear," explains Thierry Archambault. Importantly, this measure would have significant economic consequences: "The sixth axle would have cost much more expensive to buy and maintain, explains Thierry Archambault. Moreover, it would have made the French truck much less competitive on the market opportunity, given the five-axle Europe. "

Far from the "trucks" American

The move to 44 tons will not have any impact on the appearance of trucks on our roads since it is enough to fill more. So we are far from seeing the famous American trucks in France.

The difference lies first in the tractor, but also in the length of the group consisting of the tractor and the semi-trailer. In France, the maximum length of 18.75 meters when it is 25.25 in the U.S.. This shift to 25.25 meters is also the next fight of professional drivers. Some European countries like Sweden, already allow. Brussels and looks at the question.

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Auto Date Thursday, November 24th, 2011

The atmosphere should remain tight to the Paris Stock Exchange on Thursday. The bargain hunting could push the index up, as suggested by the small rise in futures on the CAC 40 (0.1%). But caution remains the watchword. As shown in the CAC 40 new fall yesterday, the Investors are not able to overcome their fears about the situation in the eurozone. Debt problems in the region have worsened when Germany struggled to convince investors to buy its bonds. The country has raised just over half of the 6 billion euros of 10-year bonds offered to investors during a broadcast on Wednesday. This failure is a "red flag" according to Ewald Nowotny, Governor of the European Central Bank

Largest economy and engine of the region, Germany was far remained immune to the contagion of debt crisis.But diplomats said the meeting could only lead to a breakthrough on a reform of the European treaties.

The mixed oil, the euro under pressure

As for currencies, the euro, which fell sharply against the dollar in recent days, attempts a rebound. The euro is worth 1.3363 dollars (0.10%) in morning trading. The trend is more mixed in the oil markets: a barrel of light sweet crude (WTI) for delivery in January drops 24 cents to 95.93 dollars on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while the price of Brent North Sea assessed for the same term of 27 cents on the Intercontinental Exchange in London at 107.29 dollars.

The side of the calendar, the day will be quieter because of the close of U.S. markets. Operators are waiting mainly German Ifo index.

Auto Date Friday, November 11th, 2011

A new step towards austerity. The Italian Senate on Friday approved the measures promised to the European Union (EU) to reduce the country's deficit and revive growth. The Chamber of Deputies will examine in turn the text tomorrow. Sil it gives, too, agree, the way is clear for Silvio Berlusconi announced his resignation as promised.

• Sale of public assets

Rome will transfer public property, including belonging to the army, and agricultural land to reduce the huge debt the country (1.9 trillion euros).

Silvio Berlusconi said late October that the proceeds from these sales should reach 15 billion over three years.Investors who buy these properties will pay particular debt payday loan lenders.

• Liberalization

Professional bodies will be reformed and abolished minimum rates to inject more competition in the Italian economy.

Local authorities will in turn open the local public services to competition and reduce their participation in the companies running these services (energy, transport, water, waste).

• Pensions

The age of retirement as part of "old age" will increase to 67 in 2026 (against 65 years now) but this does in fact confirm that the effects of reforms already enacted such as providing for the gradual increase age according to life expectancy.

Auto Date Friday, October 28th, 2011

Household consumption, the traditional driver of French growth, declined in September. It fell 0.5% last month, according to figures from INSEE published on Friday, after rising 0.2% in August. Despite this poor performance, the third quarter remains positive consumption rose 0.2% after a particularly bleak picture of the second quarter this indicator fell by 1.9%.

In September, it is the purchase of textile-leather and energy costs which have lowered consumption. These expenditures have dropped respectively by 4.7% and 4% last month, a much greater decline than in previous months. According to INSEE, the position of energy suffered from the decline in spending on petroleum products. During the quarter, energy consumption is still rising sharply (+3 guaranteed cash advance.3%), after falling 2.1% in the second quarter.

On a positive note, the consumption of durable goods, which partly reflects consumer confidence in the future, has rebounded. After falling 0.3% in August, it rose 1.9% last month. The quarter proved generally positive 0.4%, after falling 6.2% in the second quarter. A good number worn by purchasing automobiles (2.8% in September) and household equipment (1.3% in September from 2.7% in August). "During the quarter, automotive expenses are stable after falling 11% in the second quarter, and those in housing equipment rose 0.4%," notes INSEE.

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Unprecedented election in the public

Auto Date Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Three million voters to the polls Thursday. This is not the third round of the socialist primary elections but in the professional civil service and state hospital. This election is both new and crucial for trade unions. Unpublished, so far as officials voted on different dates, department by department. Under agreements signed in 2008 Bercy between the government and six of the eight federations officials, this group deadlines must solemnize the event and end a kind of permanent election administration

He still suffers to this first edition of exceptions.The officers decentralized government (prefectures) just voted in 2010 after the reorganization of their services; territorial officials will be "aligned" in 2014, which will match the designation of their representatives with election of municipal councils, general and regional officials finally France Telecom will vote Nov. 22 … as well as those of the Department of Justice, after a last minute postponement of the delivery of ballots and professions of faith having made the most complete mess. Also new: the hundreds of thousands of contractors have the right to participate. Finally, the electronic vote is for the million polio Education.

Crucial deadline

If the vote is also crucial is that it will not only unions to gauge.Now, only those organizations that received the most votes will negotiate and sign agreements, both local (with the hospital director, the prefect …) and national (with "their" or the Minister of Public Service for subjects common to all directors). In that game, the CFTC or the CFE-CGC will play their survival in many instances of 5700 to renew overnight pay day loans. The "big" unions will also receive a premium on how they are granted. They are mostly human, that is to say agents paid by the state or the hospital, but devoting all or part of their time to unionism (our editions of September 29).

Difficult to anticipate the results.Of Education in Ecology, Interior Economy, workers speak out more on issues and candidates in their own department or at their service, as a national discourse – discourse on which organizations found it difficult to differentiate. Certainly, FP campaigned on the "case of the public service", the CFDT has focused on the working conditions of workers, Bernard Thibault has been calling for more political "use the ballot CGT" to "deliver signs to the government. " But these are all ways to approach the same themes: policy review (RGPP), elimination of 150,000 jobs during the five-year term in the state civil service, late general wage increases, stricter rules on pensions 2010. Many reasons for discontent that should benefit most unions 'hard', as Solidarity, the CGT and the FSU.

But the mobilization failed when the pension reform, and made to flop back against the rigors. The previous elections were successful in the CFDT and UNSA, reformists, who could also benefit from the arrival of the contract in the electorate. And some of the most disgruntled employees could wait for the presidential and legislative elections in 2012 to settle their accounts. Where the other unknown: participation, far closer than two-thirds, will continue she?

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The Crillon and the Plaza are planning to turn to renovate

Auto Date Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

The opening of a new generation of "palaces" some months apart, Le Royal Monceau (opened October 18, 2010), Shangri-La (December 17, 2010) and Mandarin Oriental (28 June 2011), has changed as ever the small world of luxury hotels in Paris, forcing the oldest palaces in a serious challenge. In this new context, the Ritz is not alone in having to close for repairs.

Reportedly, Le Crillon, recently sold by Starwood Capital to one of the descendants of the Saudi royal family, plans to close in the second half of 2012, probably for a period of two years. Management has already attacked the facade and roof, but not inside. The idea is to keep the French style, classic 18th, upgrading the hotel, he in turn can officially claim the distinction of "palace", introduced in May by the government.The hotel has no spa, no pool. The technical installations and the rooms have aged. According to a close case, the amount of work would be between 70 and 100 million euros. Not far from the Place de Concorde, the Plaza is also preparing for months of work, avenue Montaigne. "The Plaza Athénée will start the work of great importance following the acquisition of three buildings adjacent to the hotel last year, says Le Figaro Francois Delahaye, his boss. These projects are planned for the end of 2012.Among the possibilities, a closure is planned for five months, from November 2012. "

According to Gabriel Matar, director of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels France, the average price of a night in a palace of between 750 and 1000 euros, "defending his position became increasingly difficult as competition comes from both new entrants and old, who spend millions to keep the quality of their product. " For the record, the George V was completely renovated between 1997 and 1999. "Otherwise, it would be today as the Royal Monceau and The Prince of Wales prior to closing," said Gabriel Matar."We currently have the best average revenue per room in Paris and we did not want to raise our market share by newcomers!" Says François Delahaye.

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Ireland still has to work

Auto Date Friday, October 14th, 2011

On track, continuous effort. This is essentially the OECD verdict on Ireland, engaged for three years in a drastic recovery program of its public finances. After a decade of strong growth on an annual rate of 7%, which has risen to fourth in the OECD in terms of GDP per capita, the former Celtic Tiger has suffered a banking crisis and an unprecedented three years of recession. The deficit exploded in 2010 to over 32% of GDP if we include the expensive bank recapitalization and debt exceeded 100% of the national wealth.Distrust of markets has forced the authorities to use the end of 2010 with the IMF, the EU and the ECB.

In his study, presented Friday, experts from the Muette emphasize the competitive advantages of Ireland on Portugal and Greece, the other two countries under international supervision, "export sector a more developed and more high-tech"-the Exports account for 100% of GDP against 31% in Portugal and 21% in Greece, "a workforce more skilled, more favorable conditions for businesses, a more efficient tax system based in particular on corporate taxes low and stable and well-regulated markets and more flexible, both for products that work."

The conservation plan will represent 2.2% in 2012

Despite the recession, Ireland continued to attract significant foreign direct investment and the country, supported by the engine of exports and improving cost competitiveness, has returned this year with growth, while Portugal and Greece will experience another year of recession cash advance no faxing.

On the fiscal side, Dublin's goal is to bring the deficit below 3% of GDP in 2015. Before the intervention of the Troika, the authorities had imposed a cure equivalent to 9% of GDP. The economic plan of 2012 is still 2.2%.

If these efforts "are starting to bear fruit" requires further consolidation, the report of the organization of the Muette, in the perspective of a "global growth lower than expected."The OECD recommends including "broaden the tax base" and "focus more on consolidating spending cuts" -60% recovery, "by improving the efficiency of the public sector, reform of social protection and lower infrastructure projects. " Another priority should be the fight against unemployment from 4.6% in 2007 to 14.2% in the second quarter of 2011.

Among other tracks, it is necessary to improve employment services, training programs adapted to market needs, encourage job search, extend some cuts in employers' contributions … Finally, Dublin to pursue the restructuring of the banking sector and further improve competitiveness to promote exports.

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Clara Gaymard, "Industry returns to the heart of the debate"

Auto Date Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Clara Gaymard is president of General Electric France since 2006. Created in the late nineteenth century, GE is one of the largest industrial and financial in the world. In France, it employs 9,800 people, including 1,000 researchers, mainly in industry. The conglomerate Safran is associated with the production of aircraft engines. It is present in the turbine manufacturing, health and energy. In early March, GE has spent $ 3.2 billion offer for the French industrial Converteam, a leading equipment ETDE electrification systems and automation. In an uncertain economic environment, Clara Gaymard called for a mobilization in favor of industry.

LE FIGARO. -Do you see the first signs of a slowdown in your business in France?

Clara Gaymard. We fear-of course this slowdown.Some of our long-cycle industrial activities have been impacted over the last year and the first months of this year, but we rely on large export orders, which is our real market to resume growth the image of the first decade of the twenty-first century. What is certain is that at the end of this summer we have not seen any damage from the crisis.

How do the American leaders of General Electric they are on this crisis that threatens the euro area?

Europe and France are more complicated enough to understand given the United States. Decisions, including their political dimension, are difficult to grasp. Europe has been built on a desire for peace and a desire for economic growth and maintaining financial stability.At each crisis, France and Germany have strengthened their ties and Americans do not see it right away. Each time this has been beneficial in terms of governance. This will likely be the case today. For U.S. companies General Electric and especially, Europe is and remains a very important partner, because of market size, its capacity for innovation. Europe is the other foot in America.

General Electric is located in Europe. How do you explain that French industry losing ground vis-à-vis the German industry?

France lost the competitive advantage it enjoyed a decade ago. Germany under Gerhard Schröder was able to launch reforms that the country now takes profit.France has certainly taken some important decisions including the pension reform or investment for the future, but economic time, however, longer than the political time. The results are not yet visible. The acquisition of Converteam and our investment choices in 2011 show that we believe the industry in France.

What is it fundamental to a country to have a strong industry?

Just because you can not say that you will create products for the future in France, invest in R & D, if you do not file business card design. Value creation is first material. We are convinced at General Electric. That's why we have three major industrial centers in France and soon a fourth with the acquisition of Converteam. I've always registered against the false idea that a mature country must move from agriculture to industry and industry services.I find that attitudes are changing at last, the industry returned to the heart of the economic debate.

How can we stop the deindustrialization?

We must choose its areas of excellence. In the 1980s, France has relied on nuclear power, aerospace and high-speed train by taking risks. Since there was no real industrial policy. They pay today. So we have to make choices. For example, Germany and England have the wind power, General Electric is investing heavily in these sectors in these countries. We believe in the sun. By 2030, this energy could be as competitive as petroleum. Again, General Electric will focus on the countries able to advance this issue. Companies always settled in favor of an ecosystem.

The cost of labor is there a real problem in France?

It is often put forward but not the major issue for me. It's more flexibility. France is the only country where changes in conditions or work organization decided by a company legally take at least six months even if all parties agree. This period creates social tensions sometimes unnecessary. The organization of social dialogue is an obstacle to transparency. Another handicap: taxation. We have a taste for complexity and retroactivity. The comparisons are always against us. Overseas, the plate is wide and the level of taxation lower. In France, the plate becomes smaller, the tax rate higher, but there are many exceptions. France has a display unfavorable tax and payroll. Nevertheless, it is possible to develop and invest in France.We have shown through the three large industrial sites that we have acquired, their sales were multiplied by three or four. And if we take the example of Belfort, it was losing money, it is now profitable. Moreover, on this site in Belfort, we have advanced in terms of qualifications our staff. Their wages were also appreciated.

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