GSA Technology Council

Despite the hype surrounding XML and web services, the death of the relational database has been greatly exaggerated. Oddly enough, a new data markup language doesn’t magically provide its users with good information design skills. Luckily, all of the skills and best practices you learned while designing relational databases can be quickly applied to XML document design. Join Scott Means (co-author of O’Reilly’s XML in a Nutshell) as he shows how existing database designs can be translated to new XML applications.  For more information please visit the SQL Innovators Group Site.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – GE Fanuc Embedded Systems, Inc., introduced the new Wolverine – a 15″ sunlight-readable, corrosion-resistant computer that is designed for use in the harshest industrial environments – at the 2004 Embedded Systems Conference, September 14-15, Boston, Booth #1208. HAZLOC approved, the Wolverine combines high reliability with superior ease of use and readability for applications in natural resource extraction and processing, chemical industries, discrete manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and other industries.

Now available, the Wolverine flat panel computer sports a NEMA 4, environmentally sealed enclosure. The standard unit has Class I, Division 2; Zone 2; CE; UL; ATEX 3 approvals and operates at 0ºC to 50ºC. An Ultra-HiBrite™ display provides sunlight readability with minimal temperature rise by utilizing passive enhancements. Remote dimming and viewing enhancement filters are included to reduce sunlight loading. For reliable operation, an impact-resistant Near Field Imaging (NFI) touchscreen with anti-glare and scratch resistant screen is standard. A conduit cover with glands to seal I/O connections for NEMA 4 compliance is available.

Designed for unparalleled computing in harsh conditions, the Wolverine features a 1.6 GHz Intel® Pentium® M processor with up to 2 GB DDRAM, a 40 GB field removable hard drive, Compact Flash, Watchdog timer, automatic dimming, and two (2) network options including wireless Ethernet. The Wolverine also supports an option for battery-backed power for up to 30 minutes. Expansion is possible through a PCMCIA slot. It is compatible with Windows® 9x, 2000, NTE, and XP. Measuring 15.9″ x 13.75″ x 4.48″ and weighing 28 lbs., the Wolverine can withstand shock of 40G pulse and has a vibration rating of 28G peak, random. Rear mounting is standard with panel and yoke mounts optional.
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In a Zogby report released today, the Majority of Americans (71%) Say Outsourcing Jobs Overseas “Bad for US Economy”; China Viewed As Greatest Economic Threat to US; North Korea Seen As Top Military Threat (37%); 70% Support Multi-lateral Approach To Settle International Disputes; 77% Say Students Are Inadequately Prepared for International Affairs; Nearly Half (49%) Say US Failing to Promote Values, Policies and Actions Overseas, New Foreign Policy Association/Zogby International Survey Reveals.
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The GSP Developers Guild meets on Tuesday, September 21st to discuss ASP.NET Best Practices. In particular, the group will take a look at the best practices for ASP.NET web forms, server-side web controls, caching, and state management and will review some ADO.NET best practices which will allow you to create fast loading, scalable web pages. After this session, you will have a better understanding about what to do and what NOT to do when coding your next ASP.NET web application.

The presenter, Carl Prothman, is a Microsoft ASP.NET Most Valuable Professional (MVP). He holds a Certified Computer Professional (CCP) from Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). As an internationally known .NET training and lecturer, Carl has spoken at several major conferences such as VSLive, VBITS, TechEd, and also to several local Users groups such as the Seattle.NET Users group and the .NET Developers Association in Redmond, Washington. Carl teaches ADO.NET and ASP.NET over at Bellevue Community College (BCC). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (BSAA) degree from the University of Washington. Carl has work for customers such as Microsoft, Boeing, and Rockwell International, and is currently the president of Able Consulting, Inc.

Pizza and networking will start at 6:30 PM, main meeting begins 7PM. Tuesday, Sep 21st at TEC Knowledge, 600 Laurens Rd.
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GREENVILLE, S.C., September 20, 2004 – Greenville Technical College’s Buck Mickel Center has joined with the non-profit GSATC (Greenville Spartanburg Anderson Technology Council) to support the educational initiatives of the GSATC.

As part of this program, the Buck Mickel Center will offer a free technical training class to be given away as a door prize at each meeting of the GSATC. “Like Buck Mickel Center, the GSATC is dedicated to the education of the upstate’s technology professionals” says GSATC Executive Director, Phil Yanov. “We are delighted to have them express such confidence in our group and efforts.”

About Buck Mickel Center:

The Buck Mickel Center offers not-for-credit courses, training leading to certifications and licensure, and personal interest and enrichment classes. No college application is required and most courses have no prerequisites. CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for most Buck Mickel Center/Continuing Education courses at Greenville Tech. Buck Mickel Center offers more than 450 courses in 7 major areas of study, satisfying the needs of tens of thousands of Upstate residents.

About the GSATC:

The Greenville Spartanburg Anderson Technology Council is a not for profit group dedicated to helping Information Technology professionals through networking, education, and leadership. We provide support services to other IT groups and provide a “community active” outreach program which pairs IT professionals with volunteer community projects bringing technology to those who most need its benefit. The GSATC has a weekly newsletter, monthly meetings, and is on the web at www.GSATC.org

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Georgetown County’s new Motorola emergency communications system, which went online in August, proved its mettle during Hurricane Charley and tropical storm Gaston, enabling county first responders to communicate with each other and with agencies across South Carolina.

“Hurricane Charley was the first test of our system, and it performed beautifully, providing communications even when other radios and cell phones were not working,” said Georgetown County Council Chairman Sel Hemingway.

Georgetown County became part of the statewide Palmetto 800 network in early August, providing its first responders from police, fire and EMS agencies with interoperable technology that includes common mutual aid channels and talk groups. During a recent demonstration, Mike Mock, Georgetown County Emergency Services Director, called a county fire unit near the town of Andrews, and then communicated via state mutual aid talk groups to Columbia and Greenville to show the interoperable coverage throughout the state.
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JPMorgan Chase & Co. and IBM have announced JPMorgan Chase’s plans to reintegrate the previously outsourced portions of its technology infrastructure, including data centers, help desks, distributed computing, data networks and voice networks. Beginning in January, 2005, the approximately 4,000 IBM employees and contractors currently supporting the JPMorgan Chase account will be transferred to JPMorgan Chase. JPMorgan Chase and IBM agree to work closely to ensure a smooth transition for both clients and employees.
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NEW YORK & ARMONK, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 15, 2004–JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) and IBM today announced JPMorgan Chase’s plans to reintegrate the previously outsourced portions of its technology infrastructure, including data centers, help desks, distributed computing, data networks and voice networks. Beginning in January, 2005, the approximately 4,000 IBM employees and contractors currently supporting the JPMorgan Chase account will be transferred to JPMorgan Chase. JPMorgan Chase and IBM agree to work closely to ensure a smooth transition for both clients and employees.

IBM remains one of the largest, key technology partners for JPMorgan Chase, providing IT services and products to a number of its major businesses, JPMorgan Chase said.

The recent merger between JPMorgan Chase and Bank One created a new firm with significantly greater capacity to manage its own technology and infrastructure. After a rigorous review, the merged firm concluded it now has the significant scale, enhanced capabilities, tools and processes to build its own global infrastructure services organization.

“We believe managing our own technology infrastructure is best for the long-term growth and success of our company as well as our shareholders. Our new capabilities will give us competitive advantages, accelerate innovation, and enable us to become more streamlined and efficient. In addition, there will be many career opportunities for returning employees,” said Austin Adams, JPMorgan Chase’s Chief Information Officer. “We value our strong relationship with IBM and we will continue to partner in delivering selected technology infrastructure services to several of our specific lines of business.”

“As a result of its acquisition of Bank One, JPMorgan Chase has decided to leverage the combined technology resources of the merged firm,” said Paul Sweeny, Managing Director, IBM. “We value our relationship with JPMorgan Chase, which remains a significant IBM client, and will support their decision as we continue delivering technology infrastructure services to the firm.”

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $1.1 trillion and operations in more than 50 countries. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and businesses, financial transaction processing, asset and wealth management, and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has its corporate headquarters in New York and its U.S. retail financial services and commercial banking headquarters in Chicago. Under the JPMorgan, Chase and Bank One brands, the firm serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients. Information about the firm is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

IBM is the world’s largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies for large and small customers. For more information about IBM, visit http://www.ibm.com.
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The Society for Technical Communication (STC) Palmetto State Chapters have announced three competitions open to all technical communicators. The competitions are: Online Communication Competition, Technical Art Competition, Technical Publications Competition. Entrants do not need to be members of the STC to participate. The competitions are designed to recognize and encourage excellence in online communication, technical art, and technical publications. The deadline for entries is October 8, 2004. Full Story, Entry form.
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