'Cosmopolitan' launched the Cosmo Karma Project, a social media initiative sponsored by Estee Lauder, to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, on October 26. The magazine also seeks to grow its subscriber base with the initiative.

Holding company MDC Partners has formed a group to improve its agencies' data and analytics capabilities. The company announced the creation of its Consumer Insights Group on October 26. The holding company's agency roster includes Crispin Porter & Bogusky, Fletcher Martin and Source Marketing.

Direct marketing services provider Harte-Hanks has opened a US office for business-to-business technology subsidiary agency Mason Zimbler. The Austin, TX office adds program strategy, creative development and campaign execution and management offerings to the agency's US footprint. Harte-Hanks acquired UK-based Mason Zimbler in February 2008 because of its digital offerings, according to the agency.

Cloud computing firm Salesforce.com and Adobe have partnered to offer a joint data platform incorporating the Force.com platform and Adobe's Flash technology. This is the first time Salesforce.com has partnered with another company on a product. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

ManagingSmallBiz.com awarded Worldata management of its postal and e-mail lists on October 23. These files contain small and midsize businesses owners throughout the US who have opted in for e-mail newsletters about industry trends and management tactics.

Add Toys "R" Us to the list of retailers that recently introduced or reintroduced in-store layaway — a service that had been eliminated by many retailers.

Business-to-business marketers seeking hard-to-reach prospects and looking to address their pain points and know that direct mail provides key benefits as part of an integrated campaign. Four experts share how it's done

Omniture is a data company that works with hundreds of technology vendors, including ExactTarget and Silverpop to help combine data with digital channels. It recently partnered with ComScore to help media planners have better audience measurement tools. DMNews chats with Matt Langie, senior director of product marketing at Omniture, about data integration, behavioral targeting legislation and the new partnership

New list — Money Savers — CF Data Solutions — This file contains active prospects who are looking for opportunities for specials and incentives for various offers including travel, cars, insurance, credit card services and phone services.

New list — Dedicated Charitable Donors — Robertson Mailing List Company — This file contains donors to conservative and/or Republican organizations. A high percentage are seniors.

New insert program — Orchard Brands Lifestyle Ride-Along — PlusMedia — This file contains mostly women who shop the Orchard Brands family of catalogs. They are generally homeowners over age 55 with a household income above $50,000.