GSA Technology Council

Liberty, SC — Sealevel Systems has announced two additions to the to serial product line, the SeaLINK+4M.SC and SeaLINK+8M.SC. Offering four or eight serial ports that are software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, elminating the need to open the enclosure to change jumper settings or dipswitches. The devices maintain their electrical interface settings locally, allowing the host computer to be repaired or upgraded without reconfiguring the serial ports. Additionally, the devices can be configured at one computer and deployed to other computers.
 
The serial ports on each SeaLINK adapter appear as standard COM ports to the host computer enabling compatibility with legacy software. All Sealevel SeaLINK USB serial adapters use a state-machine architecture that greatly reduces the host computer’s overhead when communicating over multiple serial ports simultaneously while supporting data rates to 921.6K bps. Status LEDs on the front of the enclosure indicate power, serial data activity, and electrical interface.
 
The SeaLINK+4M.SC and SeaLINK+8M.SC are housed in rugged metal enclosures and include two convenient USB 1.1 hub ports for easily connecting additional SeaLINK devices and other standard USB peripherals. These adapters integrate SeaLATCH locking USB ports, which are fully compatible with standard USB cables. When used with the included USB cable with a locking type B connector, the metal thumbscrew provides a secure connection to the device and prevents accidental cable disconnection. Both USB hub ports can also be secured using optional SeaLATCH USB cables.
 
Each adapter includes an industrial grade wall-mount power supply. Input power is connected to pin 9 on each of the DB9M connectors for easily powering common 5V serial peripherals such as bar-code scanners, receipt printers, and signature input devices. Each serial port can provide up to 500mA to connected serial peripherals.
 
All SeaLINK products ship with the Sealevel Systems SeaCOM™ suite of Windows drivers and diagnostic utilities. WinSSD, a full-featured application providing powerful testing and diagnostic capabilities, is also included. Use WinSSD for BERT (Bit Error Rate Testing), throughput monitoring, loopback tests, and transmit test pattern messages.

Standard operating temperature range for SeaLINK products is 0-70°C, and extended temperature range (-40°C - +85°C) models are available. Both are available immediately from stock priced at $399 for the SeaLINK+4m.SC (Item# 2433) and $619 for the SeaLINK+8M.SC (Item# 2833). Like all Sealevel I/O products, the adapters are backed by a lifetime warranty.

via Sealevel
 

Charleston, SC — Benefitfocus announced today that Blue Shield of California (BSC) has selected Benefitfocus eEnrollment software technology for BSC’s mid-to-large groups during the enrollment process. Used by group administrators, brokers and members, the Benefitfocus eEnrollment platform will provide BSC the ability to enhance customer service while continuing to efficiently meet market demands. Serving more than 3.2 million members throughout the state, BSC is one of the largest provider networks in California.

“The partnership with Benefitfocus profoundly contributes to our principal goal of upgrading health coverage for Californians. By giving our clients access to Benefitfocus eEnrollment’s one-thought-per-screen, decision-making procedure, we will be able to transform a formerly complex and complicated system to one that is simple and easy to navigate,” said Paul Markovich BSC senior vice president & chief executive, Large Group Business Unit.

As the flagship product of Benefitfocus’ suite of end-to-end solutions, Benefitfocus eEnrollment replaces conventional paper-based enrollment with an easy-to-use, automated application delivered via the Internet. Benefitfocus eEnrollment features technology that enhances information management by streamlining processes for group administrators, brokers, members and carrier representatives.

With the Benefitfocus eEnrollment product, additional tools for benefit management and administration are available. This includes coordination of benefits support, COBRA administration support and secure messaging, allowing all forms of eligibility to be completely automated while ensuring the appropriate changes for new hires, termination, life events occur seamlessly. In this age of consumerism, Benefitfocus eEnrollment provides the ability for members to make choices and a platform to meet consumer demands.

“We are very excited and honored that Blue Shield of California has chosen Benefitfocus to be their healthcare technology provider,” said Shawn Jenkins, president and CEO of Benefitfocus. “We believe that both Blue Shield of California and their clients will be able to reap great benefits from the flexibility, cost savings and ease-of-use relayed by our Benefitfocus eEnrollment platform which gives consumers empowerment. This further reinforces our leadership position in the marketplace.”

The partnership with Blue Shield of California will further expand Benefitfocus’ West Coast presence. Benefitfocus is currently increasing its investment in California and plans to open a West Coast office in early 2009. This new facility will provide the opportunity for increased services to the thousands of corporate customers and millions of members in the region.

Benefitfocus eEnrollment technology application is currently underway for BSC. The first phase will be deployed for select members as early as this fall with a complete roll-out to the BSC membership in early 2009.

via Benefitfocus

Yahoo! HotJobs an online recruitment destination, today introduced two advertising solutions that help recruitment advertisers meet their hiring and branding objectives by delivering more relevant job listings to candidates. The first, Yahoo! HotJobs Smart Ads, is a platform that transforms job listings into relevant display ads that are tailored to active and passive job seekers across the Yahoo! Network, and the second, Premium Company Profiles, showcases company employment brands using rich media and company-specific content from the Yahoo! Network.

Both products were introduced today at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Annual Conference being held in Chicago, June 22-25.

“For employers to remain cost effective and competitive in the evolving recruitment marketplace, they need solutions that leverage technology to efficiently connect them with the most relevant candidates,” said Jeff Kinder, senior vice president and general manager, Yahoo! HotJobs. “Like the groundbreaking R.E.A.L. search algorithm launched in February, the solutions unveiled today are more examples of Yahoo! innovation and research applied to the recruitment industry.”

Building on the momentum generated from the launch of Yahoo! Smart Ads last year, Yahoo! HotJobs is rolling out a pilot program specifically developed for the careers category. Yahoo! HotJobs Smart Ads deliver specific job listings to users based on their unique career interests.

Premium Company Profile pages offer employers the chance to showcase their company’s employment brand and drive more qualified applicants to their open positions. Working with popular Yahoo! properties such as Yahoo! Finance and Yahoo! Answers, each page comes with an added layer of information and insight about the company in addition to a full listing of positions available to job seekers. Benefits to recruiters include:

• Employer Branding - A dedicated page for employer branding that educates and communicates with job seekers about the company’s culture and jobs. An integrated video module allows employers to post corporate videos.
• Job Seeker Engagement - An efficient way for job seekers to search throughout a company’s open positions in the context of the employer brand.
• Driving Performance - Career-related content lets job seekers read about the latest company news including financial performance. Moderated questions and answers give companies a way to interact with large numbers of job seekers. More highly engaged job seekers help improve the flow of qualified candidates.  

“These new products are in keeping with our strategy to become the ‘must buy’ solution for recruitment advertisers. We will continue to innovate and drive improved performance for our customers and the industry”, said Kinder.

via Yahoo!

Fluor Corporation announced today it was named part of the winning team to execute the Plateau Remediation Contract (PRC) at the Hanford Site in Washington State. The winning team is headed by CH2M HILL, which will serve as the prime contractor for the Department of Energy (DOE) with Fluor serving as a key subcontractor. The PRC is a multi-year project focusing on the safe, environmental cleanup of the Central Plateau of DOE’s Hanford site.

The scope of work includes treatment and disposal of various radioactive waste streams, treatment of groundwater, management of spent nuclear fuel, disposal of nuclear materials, demolition of non-reactor nuclear facilities and environmental remediation activities currently funded through DOE’s Office of Environmental Management.

“Fluor is extremely proud to be able to continue to have an enduring role at Hanford and the important work that goes on there. We have a long history of accomplishments at the site as well as playing a key role in the Tri-Cities and we look forward to building on those successes,” said John Hopkins, group executive with Fluor Corporation.

Since 1996, Fluor has worked as a DOE prime contractor at the Hanford Site. Since that time, Fluor Hanford has managed several major activities, including dismantling former nuclear processing facilities, cleaning up the Site’s contaminated groundwater, maintaining the site’s infrastructure, and operating the Volpentest HAMMER Training & Education Center.

via Fluor

Greenville, SC — KEMET Corporation announced today the introduction of four new first-to-market surface-mount (SMD) MIL-PRF-123 space-level ceramic capacitors. The new M123A13BXB105KZ from KEMET is the only 50V 1uF SMD ceramic capacitor in the marketplace that is qualified to the MIL-PRF-123 specification.

These first-to-market products were developed in response to the Department of Defense’s need for higher capacitance in SMD ceramic capacitors that meet the most demanding space-level requirements per MIL-PRF-123. In order to meet the DoD program requirements, KEMET successfully completed MIL-PRF-123 qualification, which includes 4,000 hours of life testing at twice rated voltage at 125 degrees C. KEMET also developed and qualified plated 70/30 Sn/Pb terminations for reduced dimensions when compared to Hot Solder Dipped terminations. The M123A13 is available in both plated and hot solder dipped tin-lead termination options.

KEMET is also expanding its MIL-PRF-123 through-hole line of products in response to DSSC’s recent extension of available values in the Mil spec. The molded radial through-hole expansions offer improved capacitance values and higher voltages.

“The introduction of these new and expanded MIL-PRF-123 part types demonstrates our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs for this critical family of products,” said Travis Ashburn, Product Manager, Specialty Ceramics. “During the last six months, KEMET has launched MIL-PRF-49470 ceramic stacked capacitors, introduced a new Sn/Pb plated surface-mount termination for military performance space-level and established-reliability capacitors, extended capacitance and voltage ranges on our M123 through-hole capacitors, and introduced four first-to-market SMD ceramic M123 capacitors.”

“This product announcement is an extension of KEMET’s vision to become the number one preferred supplier of capacitors to the Defense and Aerospace market,” said KEMET Chief Executive Officer Per Loof, “and part of our larger commitment to be a technology leader in the industry.”

via KEMET

Greenville, SC — Jobscope Corporation, provider of fully-integrated solutions for engineer-to-order (ETO) and make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers, recently held a customer Advisory Council session with representatives from companies throughout the United States.  Purposed for bringing customers together, the meeting provided a forum for input, ideas, suggestions and feedback on the JOBSCOPE software solution.  Discussions centered on existing functionality, new enhancements and future product direction of the JOBSCOPE ETO /MTO application.  Jobscope company representatives led the discussions which included reviews of product development accomplishments and plans for future system releases.  Partner presentations on tools and services designed to enhance the JOBSCOPE system, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), rounded out the event. 

“The Advisory Council is designed for our customers to have an active voice in the future development efforts of our JOBSCOPE ETO/MTO solution,” says Hank Sanders, President of Jobscope Corporation.  “The interactive sessions encourage customer users to participate in discussions that help influence our product direction.  This level of involvement means their input can determine development priorities and initiatives that will make JOBSCOPE an even better product for their user environment.”  

Lynn Joachim, Accounting Manager for Nol-Tec, a bulk material handling, pneumatic conveying and integrated control systems provider adds, “The Advisory Council meetings are a great opportunity to share my company’s suggestions for improvements to the software and to have a vote in JOBSCOPE’s programming direction.  The changes incorporated into recent releases of the software proves that Jobscope is actively listening to the Advisory Council.  I appreciate the opportunity to participate in these meetings.” 

Michael Pfaff, Vice President of Mayfran International, a global manufacturer of engineered automation systems and equipment agrees by saying, “Jobscope offers Mayfran a unique opportunity to participate in the Advisory Council.  They are serious about allowing their customers to help set the direction for enhancements and future development.  It has been our experience that Jobscope will enthusiastically adopt and rapidly implement customers’ ideas for improving the system.  They have also abandoned certain initiatives when the Advisory Council deemed them to be low priority.  I very much appreciate that the Advisory Council meetings are well managed.  Jobscope respects the value of council members’ time, encouraging discussion but limiting topics to substantive issues.”

Jobscope Corporation holds Advisory Council meetings annually in their headquarters hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.  Periodically, brief sessions will be held between annual meetings to discuss critical issues.

Clemson University — Clemson University and Okuma America Corp. announced a partnership that includes investments by Okuma and Morris South, Machine Tool Systems of $1.5 million in the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). 

Consignment of $1.1 million of Okuma machine tools and $400,000 in training and support from Morris South will benefit post graduate-level education and research in areas that include automotive, industrial automation, production launches and proposal development.

Okuma America Corp. is the U.S.- based affiliate of Okuma Corp., a world leader in the development of computer numeric controls and machining technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Okuma and regional distributor Morris South will provide equipment and support services for the automotive engineering research and graduate education programs in the Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Graduate Engineering Center (CGEC), the academic anchor for CU-ICAR. Okuma also will provide an annual internship with the company for a student enrolled in the automotive engineering graduate program.

CGEC Director Tom Kurfess announced the first Okuma intern, Chan Wong, already is working in the company’s U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. He noted that with locations throughout the world, Okuma offers students outstanding internship opportunities.

Instead of donating specific equipment, Okuma is providing state-of-the-art equipment in a consignment agreement that will continuously upgrade equipment for new versions as improvements are made. The arrangement also enables the CU-ICAR team to effectively tailor their capabilities to meet industry needs by working with Okuma to identify and provide the best possible equipment for newly initiated research and education projects.

“Okuma is committed to making sure our students and faculty have access to the latest technology,” Kurfess said. “They have allowed us to avoid obsolescence, one of the biggest problems we face in terms of equipment. We do not have to dispose of or replace equipment; they will update as new generations of this machinery become available. The assurance that they will be working on the latest equipment from one of the world’s most outstanding machine tool companies is extremely important for our current and potential students, and it is also important for those who will be hiring our graduates. We are very grateful for the very generous terms of this agreement.”

The Okuma equipment will be used in both research and education programs, according to Kurfess. Research applications will include machining, metrology and machine-integration research projects — such as National Science Foundation and U.S. Army machining projects — as well as serving as available resources for developing new proposals. The equipment will be integrated directly with graduate engineering classes such as automotive manufacturing processes, production preparation and launch and industrial automation. The faculty will use the equipment to provide demonstrations and data to reinforce class concepts.

After spending many years in the automotive industry, Bob Kral, vice president of operations for Okuma America, sees extensive value in automotive industry research. 

“As a car guy, I know how important it is to find those new innovations that break through the technological barriers we are particularly facing now in the domestic market. Okuma appreciates the opportunity to be a part of a premier global initiative that supports research for advanced manufacturing and promotes higher learning.”

Kurfess said the partnership with Okuma and Morris South will improve the automotive engineering graduate program significantly by providing practical reinforcement of modeling and control concepts. 

“It improves our capabilities to enable research in advanced machining and machining control areas, which is critical to automotive manufacturing,” he said. “Through the expert support the companies will provide students will also interact with some of the machine tool industry’s top control-system developers. Additionally, domestic and international internships are a critical part of our graduate program, and this partnership offers our students tremendous opportunity. We look forward to working with these outstanding companies.”

via Clemson

Rock Hill, SC — 3D Systems Corporation, a provider of 3-D Printing, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing solutions, has announced that it will run a newly developed polypropylene-based material on its Sinterstation Pro SLS System at the Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo (DMS) from June 25-27, 2008, in Tokyo, Japan.

3D Systems is developing this new Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Plastic, DuraForm XR300, jointly with TRIAL Corporation of Kanagawa, Japan. This material is translucent, white in color, flexible, and has good chemical resistance and elevated impact strength. It is designed for a wide-range of applications, such as automotive interiors, requiring parts that are soft and flexible, yet durable. While not yet commercially available, DMS attendees will have the first opportunity to preview DuraForm XR300 Material.

“3D Systems is pleased to unveil to the Japanese marketplace a newly developed polypropylene-based material designed exclusively for our advanced selective laser sintering rapid manufacturing systems,” said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems’ president and chief executive officer. “After more than a decade of laser sintering technology dominated by polyamide based materials, we are very pleased to be the ones making a significant technology announcement regarding a truly breakthrough material for rapid manufacturing applications. Japan continues to be an important leading-edge marketplace for 3D Systems, and it is appropriate that this advancement was made possible through collaboration with a Japanese research company. We are pleased therefore to have the opportunity to share our next generation systems and materials with our Japanese customers and advanced users at the DMS Expo.”

3D Systems will exhibit its new, high-definition ProJet HD 3000 3-D Production System using Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM) technology and its direct-metal producing Sinterstation Pro DM250 SLM System. It will also exhibit its large-frame Pro systems, the Viper Pro SLA and Sinterstation Pro SLS Systems. All of these systems use CAD data to build three-dimensional parts in hours using advanced Additive Manufacturing technology.

via 3D Systems

Yahoo! has announced today the launch of two new domains for their free email service.  Previously all users of Yahoo! Mail ended their email address with @yahoo.com but now users will have the choice of @ymail.com and @rocketmail.com in addition to the traditional Yahoo! Mail domain.

The decision to provide these two new domains was made because the large number of Yahoo! Mail users (260 million worldwide according to comScore) is limiting options for desired email addresses.  Yahoo! hopes that the new domains will provide the availability of several million new email addresses.  The two new domains will provide all the features already available with Yahoo! Mail.

via Yahoo!

We had another record crowd at Tech After Five last night in a couple of ways. Of course, every month the crowd gets bigger and we hear more stories of great connections being made, but I think I see more cameras in the room as well. If you got pictures and would like to share, just post them to Flickr and tag them with Ta5 and send me an email or use our comment form to let me know how to find them.

-> View the initial group of photos from last night’s Tech After Five.