A bigger force in the cloud
Israel’s Silicom has bought US-based ADI Engineering for $10 million. ADI’s high-performance Intel equipment will allow Silicom to expand its products for providers of cloud (over the Internet) and network services.
Rapid Internet performance
Israel’s Teridion makes Internet access up to 20 times faster, for users of its advanced Global Cloud Network. Teridion has just raised $20 million to expand in the US and internationally.
Avoid the queue
Israeli startup Tapingo has launched a free app that allows students to order food from their favorite places via their smartphones, so that when they arrive they can just pick it up from the counter without having to wait in line.
An app to help you dress right
The Israeli app “Take A Look” allows you to send a “selfie” for the attention of top Israeli fashion designers Liat Ashuri, Doreen Attias, and Gadi Elimelech. For a $25 fee, one of the three will critique your outfit. They say that they can even give real-time advice whilst still in the store!
Ford hackathon for Israeli developers
US car manufacturer Ford is holding its own hackathon, the Ford AppLink Challenge, for Israel’s tech community to develop new technologies for Ford Sync Systems in the company’s new models. Winners get cash or a new Ford Fiesta. Toyota and Hyundai ran similar recent events. Ford is also to install Israel’s HearMeOut in its vehicles. HearMeOut posts audio clips on social networks.
Why Israel leads financial tech innovation
Good analysis of why Israeli financial technology is growing so impressively. Chief reasons include quality technology, previous successes, international knowhow, multinational R&D, global investment and encouragement for start-ups.
The largest desalination facility in North America
In a few weeks, San Diego will open the Carlsbad desalination plant, piping around 50 million gallons of water a day to households across the San Diego area. It was designed by Israel’s IDE and one of 400 desalination facilities it has designed in 40 countries.
App to report bad drivers
Just the ticket! The iPhone dash-cam app from Israel’s Nexar records and reports traffic violations and reckless driving. Israeli drivers, please join the Nexar community to make the roads safer.
Israeli firm to refurbish Santa Barbara de-sal plant
Israel’s IDE Americas is to refurbish, operate and maintain the recommissioned Charles E. Meyer Desalination Plant in Santa Barbara, California. IDE was chosen for its proven experience, modular approach, and ability to meet the city’s short timeframe.
GE launches Israel accelerator
US giant General Electric (GE) is to start an accelerator in Israel. It will focus on cloud computing and big data, with an emphasis on industrial Internet. The first group of four software startups will begin in July, and a second cycle in December. GE has already invested in a series of Israeli firms.