November 5, 2009

IP Converge, the information technology & telecommunications division of publicly listed IPVG and Geodata Systems Technologies have entered into a strategic tie-up that brings the most complete fleet management system to the Philippine and South East Asian market.

Under the partnership, IP Converge brings together Convoy FMS and Geodata’s ArcLogistics and Archibus to create a comprehensive, end-to-end fleet management solution that outperforms existing fleet management systems in the marketplace.

“This partnership combines world-class fleet management solutions in Convoy FMS, ArcLogistics and Archibus that address the deficiencies of other fleet management systems. Beyond tracking vehicles, the collective solution expands management’s ability to set and enforce protocols for vehicle users and optimizes fleet utilization to save on overhead and contribute to the bottom-line,” says IP-Converge President, Reynaldo Huergas.

Convoy FMS is a Web-based, user-friendly GPS fleet management system developed by Lazer Technology Solutions that uses Google Maps as a platform. Convoy FMS delivers detailed information on a vehicle’s activities to a laptop or Web-enabled mobile device in real time. The solution has nationwide coverage and two-way communication is done between a device installed in the vehicle and the end-user through GPRS (General Packet Radio Service).

IP-Converge was recently appointed by LazerTech as the exclusive distributor of Convoy FMS in the South East Asian region. The Miami-based IT solutions and applications development company chose IP-Converge for its robust sales force and its proven track record in advancing Web-based applications in the Philippine market. LazerTech’s fleet management system has several thousands of licenses issued with installations in ten countries spanning five continents.

ArcLogistics is a stand-alone management application created by Environment Systems Research Institute, a global leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping solutions. The application is designed to solve vehicle routing and scheduling problems and set the optimum routes to maintain efficient use of resources such as time and fuel. ArcLogistics is dynamic and adjusts as problems or roadblocks arise ensuring that deliveries arrive on time and customer satisfaction is preserved.

Archibus Fleet Management, a product of total Infrastructure and Facilities Management Solutions company, Archibus, based in Boston, Massachusetts, maintains an organization’s fleet of mobile assets and is crucial to the safety and efficiency of fleet operations. Through Archibus, fleet managers can optimize utilization and performance of fleet assets by tracking every vehicle’s usage, availability and maintenance schedules. This information improves management’s ability to control costs and assign resources.

“IP-Converge’s vision for this fleet management product is compatible with ours and we look forward to working closely with them in identifying growth opportunities and achieving a high rate of adoption across markets.  The Philippines and other South East Asian countries have robust and resilient economies and this partnership illustrates an opportunity to help companies better manage their fleet assets and enable them to drive their business and be more competitive in their respective niches,” says John Morales, senior VP of Geodata Systems Technologies.

IP-Converge is a regional data center whose core competency is managed data services particularly server co-location, connectivity solutions, and network security. IPC is also one of the Philippines’ leading business solutions and services providers, promoting Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc. is an information technology company focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping solutions and GIS ready data products.

September 12, 2009

X-Play Online Games (X-Play), the joint venture company of IP EGames and GMA New Media (GMA NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. announces the release of Operation 7 (OP7), its newest game title.

Developed by Korean game development company Mgame, OP7 is a new MMOFPS (massively multiplayer online first person shooter game), that offers the most action-packed and most realistic first person shooter game available online.

Gil Edeza, COO of X-Play, said that OP7′s pedigree is undeniable and said that this game was developed and built with Counterstrike players in mind. “But OP7 is several notches up in the FPS ladder. It is undeniably the next step in the evolution of the FPS world. The game is geared towards the creative thinkers who know the artistry required in gun modification.”

Steven Choi, director of Mgame’s International Business Department is excited about the partnership with X-Play. “We are thrilled with our partnership with X-Play. With its three-million strong gaming community, the support they give them, and the dedication to their game titles, we believe OP7 will become a great hit for Philippine market.” Choi said.

The weapons building system

Following the tried and tested formula of successful first person shooters, OP7 gives online players a lot of great gaming features, prime of which is the sheer gun customization options. Guns can be modified in the game offering a wide selection of parts such as Dot Sights, Scopes, Kobs, Silencers, Gun Body, Barrels, and more to create a gun unique to each player.  Over 1000 gun customizations can be created letting players create the perfect gun to suit their style.

In addition to gun customization, OP7 also allows players to customize the appearance of their avatar as the game progresses. The progress is dependent on skill level, so thought needs to be put into all aspects of the game.

OP 7 also uses maps based on real locations which offer an interesting insight into how combat unfolds. There is a map for instance of New York City’s Ground Zero that actually corresponds with the real location. Re-enactments of historical escapes and warfare then become possible with OP7. For players hankering for PVP, OP7 gives them just that and more with Clan Vs. Clan PVP.  Sonny Carlos, product manager for OP7 explains the game boasts of specific features not found on any other existing FPO. “The experience of the player is more realistic with screen blurring to mimic dizziness after an explosion, physics in OP7 are just realistic. Games of this caliber obviously had a lot of thought put into its development. We are extremely excited to see how this unfolds once the public tries it out,” Carlos said.

In addition, OP7 imitates reality with gameplay that offers features which require the players to have realistic battle tactics. Although not unique to OP7, the gameplay’s peek feature is much more like real life. This means that players have to think before they even peek. The radar at the bottom left of the screen is an extremely helpful addition for the players that are more alert and able to think on their toes.

Thanks to the out-of-the-box thinking, thrilling missions, and the demands of warfare, OP7 has something for every first person shooter out there looking for a game created to exceed the rest and finally meet their standards.

OP7 recently launched their Open Beta Testing (OBT) with the proper anticipation for such a game. An increase in channel capacity was set prior to the launch.

George Royeca, X-Play VP for Casual Games, claims that OP7 will mark the beginning of a new era of MMOFPS. “”This new game is the sophisticated gaming experience for those who have played other first person shooters. With most others, aside from gaining experience to get to the next level, there is no real reason to keep playing. But with OP7, the thrill is in the artistry of the weapons.”

September 9, 2009

IP e-Games, the online gaming subsidiary of technology and communications conglomerate, IPVG, has announced its partnership with Tahadi Games for the rights to promote and operate Runes of Magic in the Philippines.

Developed by Taiwan-based Runewaker Entertainment, Runes of Magic is a new fantasy MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game), using a popular Western-style high-fantasy backdrop complete with heroic quests, crafting, incredible creatures and monsters to defeat. Runewaker, has put more than three years of development into the game.

With an extensive range of features, Runes of Magic is set to redefine the standard for free-to-play titles. Runes of Magic conveys an absorbing story through more than 1,600 quests in an exciting and dangerous fantasy world. Players can choose between six main classes and combined with a secondary class, choose to create a character from 30 character class combinations. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts including war horses.

John Tang, President of Runewaker, said they built Runes of Magic to surpass current game worlds in many respects.  “In the process, we have set new standards in design, technology, features and sheer dimension.  With over one million registered users in Europe and the United States, we are looking forward to welcoming the Filipino gamers into our fast-growing global community. We are very excited to work with IP-Egames in order to achieve this goal,” Tang said.

Gil Edeza, COO of e-Games, said that Runes of Magic (ROM) is a definite leap from the usual online grinding games. “Runes of Magic goes beyond the norm and offers a deeper level of gameplay.  This game is so well-rounded that both novice and veteran gamers will love this game. That’s how great it really is.”

Heidi Mendita-Garayblas, e-Games VP for MMO, said the game boasts of gaming features not found on any other fantasy MMO. “The fact that you can have two sets of characters skills at any given time, you can own a home and decorate and have your own Guild Castle. That’s something you don’t see everyday in an MMO. And the number of quests are staggering. So you just see how big this game is.”

Aside from doing quests and destroying monsters, Runes of Magic provides players with crafting skills and jobs.  Gamers can get jobs such as gathering, mining, lumberjacking, gathering herbs, alchemy, armor creation, blacksmithing, botany, carpentry, tailoring and even cooking. Players who take on these jobs can gain more experience points, gain special items, prestige and more.

Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP, as well as demanding dungeons and boss monsters, Runes of Magic has something for everyone.

Runes of Magic has begun alpha Testing this September and closed beta testing (CBT) and open Beta testing (OBT) will happen this October.

Ed Pasion, e-Games VP for Marketing said that Runes of Magic will mark the end of everyone’s old, traditional gaming experience. “This new game is the most immersive free-to-play epic MMORPG which will offer a more sophisticated gaming experience for emerging and veteran gamers.”

Game Features and Requirements

Runes of Magic has the following features:

Dual Class – Runes of Magic is the first MMO to offer real working dual-class characters.  Be a Warrior and Priest at the same time and much more. Up to 30 class combinations can be made allowing players to become truly versatile.

Housing - ROM allows players to have their own virtual homes and decorate it with over 130 interior items. Players can show off their houses to other players and invite them to come inside their self-decorated houses.

Instance Dungeons – Players can form a party and brave challenging dungeons. Small instance dungeons can accommodate six players while larger ones can house up to thirty six players.

Guild Castle – ROM lets players have their own Guild Castle. Players can make it their Guild Fortress to plan strategies, meet up and play.

Server vs. Server PvP – Challenge players and other guilds from different servers to PvP.

For more information, go to www.runesofmagic.com.ph