Friday, December 12, 2008DivX Slashes StaffSan Diego-based DivX has cut 21 employees in a layoff Thursday, a spokesperson for the firm told socalTECH Friday, confirming widespread reports of the move Thursday. Details or reasons for the layoff were not given. The layoffs follow the loss of the company's CTO late last week.
posted on Friday, December 12, 2008(Full story)
Autobytel Chops CEO, Cuts 25 Percent Of StaffIrvine-based Autobytel said late Friday that it has cut 25 percent of the firm's employees, and also named a new CEO. Autobytel said that the move affects approximately 40 employees at the company, and will save the company approximately $5.2M annually in costs. The firm said that Jeffrey H. Coats has been named the company's President and CEO, replacing current CEO Jeff Riesenbach. Coats is a partner at Southgate Alternative Investments, and previously served on Autobytel's board of directors. (More info...)
posted on Friday, December 12, 2008(Full story)
United Online Cutting at ClassmatesWoodland Hills-based United Online, which operates the Classmates.com reunion and social networking site, appears to be cutting back staff, according to sources close to the firm. A spokesperson for the firm declined to comment on the reports. Classmates was acquired by United Online in 2004; United Online attempted to take the firm through an IPO in 2007.
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iQstor Bundles Software With Data Storage ProductsNewbury Park-based iQstor Networks, a developer of storage area networking and data storage hardware, said this week that it has added a new software bundle to its products. iQstor said that it is now including a software bundle which provides features such as storage virtualization, SAN management, snapshots, replication, and other data protection with its iSCSI and Fibre Channel storage arrays. The firm said that the software, which is based on an unlimited license, will eliinate the cost and (More info...)
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Big Stage Inks Another Partnership, With Splash NewsLos Angeles-based Big Stage Entertainment has inked its third partnership of the week, saying yesterday that it has tied into Splash News, a provider of celebrity news and photos. Big Stage, which develops virtual 3D avatar technology, said that the agreement allows consumers to put their 3-D avatars into celebrity photos from Splash News, both on the Big Stage web site and at partner web sites. The firm said the partnership will allow consumers to put themselves into photos with stars like Brit (More info...)
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Interview with Vijay Goel, HealthshopprWe recently ran into Los Angeles-based Healthshoppr (www.healthshoppr.com), a startup looking to help change the way people shop for health care. The company just opened up a beta of its site Thursday. Vijay Goel, MD, the firm's founder, told us about the company.
How did Healthshoppr come about?
Vijay Goel: I found it kind of strange that when you're looking for a health care professional, or someone to help you achieve your health goals, you know less about them than you might know abou (More info...)
posted on Friday, December 12, 2008(Full story)
Citysearch Launches iPhone AppWest Hollywood-based Citysearch, which operates online guides to local areas, said Thursday afternoon that it has launched an application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The new app, available in the Apple App Store, allows users to write reviews and access content from Citysearch. Citysearch said the new app uses the iPhone's location-based technology to identify local restaurants, hotels, shops, and other businesses near to users. The application is free for users. Citysearch is owned by IAC.
posted on Friday, December 12, 2008(Full story)
Healthshoppr Launches Health Booking SiteLos Angeles-based Healthshoppr, a startup developing an online appointment booking and ratings site for the healthcare market, launched its beta site Thursday. The site has launched starting with the wellness market, offering bookings of massage therapists. The site is the brainchild of Dr. Vijay Goel, who started the site out of frustration with the current healthcare market.
posted on Friday, December 12, 2008(Full story)