PR Newswire's Business Technology Round-up, 16th October 2012

LONDON, October 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Savvis completes Ciber purchase, Blings seeks crowd-funding and Bloom launches new app

Savvis, a leading provider of cloud based services and subsidiary of global telecoms giant CenturyLink, has completed its purchase of rival Ciber's IT Outsourcing business, in a deal worth $6million to the company.

The purchase will allow Savvis to expand its already vast cloud infrastructure in the US and abroad, adding data facilities and other technology to its roster, whilst also expanding the company's client base. The sale includes a number of Ciber's client and vendor relationships across the globe. With an increased presence in the US, Europe and Asia, Savvis CEO Jim Ousley believes that the purchase will "enhance and expand our capabilities in areas such as application management services and help desk support".

Blings, an innovative start-up company specialising in digital footwear, has embarked on a funding mission with Indiegogo.com, a crowd-funding website that allows inventors and small businesses to receive small cash donations from thousands of donors.

Blings is looking to mass produce a trainer with built in LED lights that can interact with both iOS and Android devices, making it the first piece of footwear in the world to do so. With a target of $10,000, CEO Victor Wong hopes to take the finished prototype to a manufacturer and produce the first batch to go on sale as soon as possible.

Owners of these trainers will be able to use their phones to light up the shoes to a particular pattern, and the trainers will also have the ability to flash when the phone receives a call or text message. Mr Wong highlighted the product's ability to "merge high-tech and fashion into something cool and new".

Bloom, a "social beauty network", has announced the launch of its new mobile app, giving both consumers and professionals a free platform on which to discover the latest beauty trends and catalogue their findings.

The app is currently available for iOS devices, and will allow users to search for beauty tips, as well as suggest local professional beauticians who can help searchers achieve the look they desire.

Despite the fact that the app has only just launched, plans are already in motion to create a second version that will allow users to buy products and services directly through the app, in an attempt to monetise and see a return on the substantial investment that has gone into its creation. Bloom founder Julie Mahloch added that the app will provide consumers with a chance to find "the hottest trends and inspiration".

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