Air travellers get assistance

Many people are afraid of air travel, but getting through departures and from the plane to the street outside is sometimes more frightening, according to MSNBC.

Nawal Taneja, chairman of the Department of Aviation at Ohio State University, says a variety of existing and new technologies should make things easier for flyers.

Boston, Portland and Montreal airport sites host computer-graphic Airport Wayfinder videos that are designed to familiarise travellers with key airport features.

Irish bookie chain Paddy Power has attributed considerable new business growth to a number of retail technology investments, including EPOS and interactive TV, as well as ongoing growth at its online and non-retail division, reports Siliconrepublic.

For the six months ended 30 June, the company reported an operating profit growth of 108% to EUR40.8 million. The company reported revenue of EUR143.7 million, up considerably from the EUR104.9 million reported in the same period last year.

Paddy Power's chief executive Patrick Kennedy said the aim is to continue to invest in people and technology to optimise customer acquisition and retention.

Inc.com has ranked Retail Anywhere number 4 568 on its first-ever Inc 5 000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country, according to Sys-con Media.

The 2007 Inc 5 000 list measures revenue growth from 2003 to 2006. Retail Anywhere achieved a three-year growth rate of 42.1% after its transition from providing its solutions through a reseller channel to working direct with medium-sized retailers.

"Having our company and accomplishments recognised by Inc.com is a proud moment," said Branden Jenkins, CEO of Retail Anywhere. "We are dedicated to providing our customers with innovative and best-of-breed solutions and we thank our customers for helping us achieve tremendous growth and success."