The finalists are:

• ATM Direct (Atlanta) - Develops software-only technologies to allow lower cost, highly-secure PIN debit payments on the Internet.
• Global Crypto Systems (Alpharetta) - Global Crypto embeds cryptographic information in digital images and enables strong mutual authentication between institutions and users. Furthermore, Global Crypto authenticates digital transactions and allows users to perform eCommerce transactions without exposing personal information and credit card numbers.
• ProperNotice (Atlanta) - Utilizes a proprietary, web based notification/reminder system to save clients money by eliminating contractual penalties and preserving their ability to make informed business decisions.
• SkyBlox (Atlanta) – Offers local business owners a way to connect and communicate to their customers instantaneously through a secure, managed Wi-Fi network.

“TAG has developed an array of services to support Georgia’s entrepreneurs. One of the most pressing needs that we see is to help early-stage innovators who often need mentoring support, along with financial and service-related resources,” said Tino Mantella, president of the Technology Association of Georgia. “The GRA/TAG Business Launch Competition addresses this challenge head-on. We are proud to be working with GRA, as we do our part to drive economic development through our support of entrepreneurs,” said Mantella.

The winning company will be selected June 4 in an event held at IBM and moderated by Richard Warner, host of Georgia’s Business, a weekly television show on Georgia Public Broadcasting that features candid interviews with business leaders throughout the community. The final judges include an all-star panel featuring Adam Coyle, operating partner, Advent Group; Tom Crotty, general partner, Battery Ventures (Boston); Dr. Cynthia Glassman, U.S. Department of Commerce; Mark Johnson, former vice chairman, CheckFree Corporation; Christopher Klaus, founder and CEO, Kaneva; Ann Lamont, managing partner, Oak Investment Partners; Fred Sturgis, managing director, H.I.G. Ventures.

“This year's response has been outstanding. We've had more entries than ever before and the quality of the entries is probably the best we've seen,” said Sid Elliot, director of business strategy for Georgia Research Alliance. “In addition, we've been able to offer more support to the entries this year thanks to the TAG community and especially ATDC. We are looking forward to an exciting final round of competition on June 4th,” said Elliot.

For more information on the 2008 GRA/TAG Business Launch Competition, including event registration, please visit http://www.tagonline.org/businesslaunch.php.

About TAG
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) was formed in 1998 with the mission to build, connect and enable; people, companies and communities. Its 22 Societies act as a distribution channel for TAG programs, offering over 100 meetings and events per year. TAG coordinates a series of meetings and events including the Featured Speaker Series, Excalibur Awards, and the Georgia Technology Summit. TAG expands its reach by fostering public and private partnerships with organizations such as the Atlanta Telecom Professionals, the MIT Enterprise Forum, Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Department of Economic Development. In addition to adding value for its members, TAG’s Board of Directors, Leadership Council and staff act as a primary catalyst for fostering a rich environment for technology growth in the State of Georgia.

About GRA
The vision of Georgia’s business leaders, the Georgia Research Alliance is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its Board of Trustees is drawn from the top levels of some of the state’s largest corporations and its university partners. With a rich background and history, the Alliance manages its programs with a small staff committed to capitalize on innovative university research to build a vibrant, technology-rich economy.

Media Contact:
Kimberly Wood
(404) 817-3333
Kimberly@tagonline.org