GSA Technology Council

On January 27, 2010, Oracle announced it finalized its acquisition of Sun.

This combination transforms the IT industry. With the addition of servers, storage, SPARC processors, the Solaris operating system, Java, and the MySQL database to Oracle’s portfolio of database, middleware, and business applications, we plan to engineer and deliver open and integrated systems—from applications to disk—where all the pieces fit and work together out of the box. Each layer of the stack will be architected to improve performance, leverage innovation and centralize management so that IT will be more predictable, more supportable, and more secure. Customers will benefit as their system performance, reliability and security goes up and their system integration and management costs go down.

via Oracle

Apple® has introduced iPad, a revolutionary device for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading e-books and much more. iPad’s responsive high-resolution Multi-Touch™ display lets users physically interact with applications and content. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds— thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for the iPad, and will run almost all of the over 140,000 apps in the App Store. iPad will be available in late March starting at the breakthrough price of just $499.

“iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

iPad features 12 next-generation Multi-Touch applications. Every app works in both portrait and landscape, automatically animating between views as the user rotates iPad in any direction. The precise Multi-Touch interface makes surfing the web on iPad an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. Reading and sending email is fun and easy on iPad’s large screen and almost full-size “soft” keyboard. Import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them using iPad’s elegant slideshows. Watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD or flip through pages of an e-book you downloaded from Apple’s new iBookstore while listening to your music collection.

iPad runs almost all of the over 140,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. The iTunes® Store gives you access to the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 11 million songs, over 50,000 TV episodes and over 8,000 films including over 2,000 in stunning high definition video. Apple also announced the new iBooks app for iPad, which includes Apple’s new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile device. The iBookstore will feature books from major and independent publishers.

Apple also introduced a new version of iWork® for iPad, the first desktop-class productivity suite designed specifically for Multi-Touch. With Pages®, Keynote® and Numbers® you can create beautifully formatted documents, stunning presentations with animations and transitions, and spreadsheets with charts, functions and formulas. The three apps will be available separately through the App Store for $9.99 each.

iPad syncs with iTunes just like the iPhone and iPod touch, using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable, so you can sync all of your contacts, photos, music, movies, TV shows, applications and more from your Mac or PC. All the apps and content you download on iPad from the App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore will be automatically synced to your iTunes library the next time you connect with your computer.

iPad’s brilliant 9.7-inch, LED-backlit display features IPS technology to deliver crisp, clear images and consistent color with an ultra-wide 178 degree viewing angle. The highly precise, capacitive Multi-Touch display is amazingly accurate and responsive whether scrolling web pages or playing games. The intelligent soft keyboard pioneered on iPhone takes advantage of iPad’s larger display to offer an almost full-size soft keyboard. iPad also connects to the new iPad Keyboard Dock with a full-size traditional keyboard.

iPad is powered by A4, Apple’s next-generation system-on-a-chip. Designed by Apple, the new A4 chip provides exceptional processor and graphics performance along with long battery life of up to 10 hours.* Apple’s advanced chemistry and Adaptive Charging technology deliver up to 1,000 charge cycles without a significant decrease in battery capacity over a typical five year lifespan.**

iPad comes in two versions—one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G. iPad includes the latest 802.11n Wi-Fi, and the 3G versions support speeds up to 7.2 Mbps on HSDPA networks. Apple and AT&T announced breakthrough 3G pre-paid data plans for iPad with easy, on-device activation and management.

Continuing Apple’s dedication to designing and creating environmentally responsible products, each iPad enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy-efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iPad contains no brominated flame retardants and is completely PVC-free.

Apple today released a new Software Development Kit (SDK) for iPad, so developers can create amazing new applications designed to take advantage of iPad’s capabilities. The SDK includes a simulator that lets developers test and debug their iPad apps on a Mac, and also lets developers create Universal Applications that run on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

via Apple Inc.

Peter Coffee joined salesforce.com in January of 2007, after spending 18 years as an analyst and columnist at the enterprise technology journal eWEEK (including time under its former title PC Week). On February 10th, he will speak at the GSA Technology Council Learning Lunch on the topic of using online tools and cloud computing to build communities of customers. The lunch is open to the public. Registration is at http://www.GSATC.org.

Event Details

Description:
Lunch: Creating Cloud Communities: Making Your Customers Your Partners
Presented by: Peter Coffee, SalesForce.com
Date: February 10, 2010
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where: Embassy Suites, Greenville, SC

As every product in the world becomes configurable and extendable, at least one customer winds up knowing more than you do about how to make your product do some particular and very useful thing. It’s time to recognize the opportunities — and to sell, internally, the concepts of opening up the process of service and support — to treat your customers’ collective expertise as one of your biggest assets.

Join us for our February Lunch as we have Peter Coffee of SalesForce.com talk to us about lessons learned in creating communities of your customers.

Presenting Sponsor:

The Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership is hosting an evening with two successful Clemson alumni entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and offer advice in a lively panel discussion. Clemson students and faculty, local entrepreneurs, and members of the business community are all invited to enjoy this presentation and meet the panelists during the reception.

Honoree Panelists for this year’s event:

Leighton Cubbage
Clemson University (1977), Political Science

Leighton Cubbage, a 1977 Clemson graduate in political science, is currently with Serrus Partners, a prominent investment fund built to leverage cash in the current real estate market. During his career, he was part of the team that founded multiple companies including New South, NuVox, Upstate Automotive, Ionosphere, Greenville Journal, E.C. Transportation, and Greenville First Bank.

Following his graduation from Clemson, Cubbage attended the Advanced Management Program at U.N.C. Chapel Hill. In 1993, as a result of his numerous entrepreneurial endeavors, he was named South Carolina’s Entrepreneur of the Year. His impressive resume also includes serving as Chairman of the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center for two terms.

Andy Monin
Clemson University (1994), Political Science

Andy Monin, a 1994 Clemson graduate in political science, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vendormate, a market leader in providing vendor credentialing and compliance monitoring services to over 800 hospitals and banks across the US. In 2008, Vendormate was ranked one of the fastest growing companies in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Previously, Monin co-founded BroadSource, a telecommunications expense management software and solutions company. During his tenure, the organization was selected as one of Georgia’s Top 40 Most Innovative Companies in 2005. In addition, Mr. Monin has played a critical role in raising over $12m of venture capital and private placement for his 2 companies.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time: 5:30 – 7:45
Where: The Madren Conference Center at Clemson University

No Charge, but registration is required.
Contact: Kathy Glenn, 864-656-2433 or spiro@clemson.edu

Register online

via: Spiro Institute

For the third consecutive year, Verizon Wireless collected more than 1 million no-longer-used wireless phones through its HopeLine® phone recycling and reuse program, keeping them out of landfills and turning them into support for domestic violence survivors.

Throughout 2009, HopeLine collected nearly 1.1 million old cell phones from consumers and businesses that donated phones, batteries and accessories at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores; by mail using the online postage-paid label; or at phone drives nationwide held by law enforcement partners, entertainment venues and corporations. These donations enabled HopeLine to distribute nearly 23,000 phones with 69 million free minutes of service to almost 600 shelters nationwide for use by clients and award $1.6 million in cash grants to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs.

“Thanks to everyone who gave their old cell phones to HopeLine in 2009. Your actions not only helped us make an impact on the environment, but they also enabled us to fund cash grants to more than 400 non-profit organizations nationwide,” said Dan Mead, chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. “As HopeLine enters its 15th year, Verizon Wireless remains committed to continuing the momentum we have built to assist those in need and raise consciousness that healthy relationships are important.

via: Verizon Wireless

The Greenville Area Development Corporation, charged with promoting and enhancing quality of life in Greenville County by facilitating job growth and investment, has named Michael C. Riordan, president and CEO of the Greenville Hospital System, as Greenville County’s Economic Development Ambassador for 2009.

The announcement will be made today during ceremonies recognizing January 25-29 as South Carolina Industry Appreciation Week. Governor Mark Sanford is scheduled to individually recognize Riordan and 45 other Ambassadors, one from each county in the state, who have made exceptional contributions to community and state economic development in the past year.

GADC President & CEO Jerry Howard commended Riordan’s “tireless efforts and total commitment to the advancement of healthcare as well as the development of innovative systems and businesses to support healthcare in Greenville County and across the Upstate” in announcing the honor.

“Michael Riordan has worked closely with the Greenville Area Development Corporation team, meeting with prospects and leveraging Greenville Hospital System talent and resources as needed to advance economic development for all of us in Greenville County,” said Howard. “He has made major, positive contributions to this county’s economic prosperity and quality of life, and certainly deserves this recognition and honor.”

Riordan assumed his current duties as President and CEO of Greenville Hospital System in August 2006, and has been an active contributor to the community ever since. A frequent speaker at area civic clubs, community groups and religious organizations, he directs the strategy and operations of the 1,100-plus bed, multi-campus hospital system which benefits thousands across the Upstate annually. He is a member of the board of directors for Health Sciences South Carolina, a public-private partnership harnessing the resources of the state’s leading hospitals and universities to improve overall health, education, economic development and well-being for South Carolinians. He also serves on the regional board of the Urban League of the Upstate, Inc.

Riordan earned both his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts/English and his master’s degree in education/psychology from Columbia University in New York. He also holds a Master of Science degree in health systems from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“Without leaders like Michael Riordan and all of the organizations who help to advance economic development in this community, the Greenville Area Development Corporation’s ability to help produce jobs, capital investment and new tax revenues for the people of Greenville County would be severely restricted,” said Howard. “We all owe Michael and his colleagues at Greenville Hospital System a debt of gratitude for their many contributions.”

via: GADC

Upstate business executive Carmen Geschke, President and founder of Greer-based Protec Enterprises, has been named to the vice chair role of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Council (MBEIC) Foothills Region serving both North and South Carolina.

The MBEIC is a standing committee of the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council, which works with minority businesses and corporate leaders across the Carolinas to foster partnerships that lead to increased business opportunities for both parties. As vice chair of the CMSDC’s Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC), Ms. Geschke will largely focus on businesses and corporations primarily in the Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina regions.

The announcement was made by Ray Lattimore, president and CEO of Marketplace Staffing of Greenville, who serves as chairman of the Foothills Region MBEIC and is a board member of the CMSDC.

“Carmen is an extremely talented, committed and energetic leader who brings tremendous credentials to this key role for the MBEIC,” said Lattimore. “Her connection, abilities and insights will go a long ways towards advancing the cause of minority businesses across the Carolinas.”

A native of Germany, Ms. Geschke founded Protec Enterprises in 2004 to offer custom production services, quality assurance, logistics management and warehousing/distribution to tier 1 and tier 2 automotive suppliers. ISO 9001:2000 certified and a certified Minority Business Enterprise, Protec has enjoyed consistent growth and success since its founding.

Ms. Geschke previously held leadership positions with automotive organizations in both Michigan and Duncan, South Carolina before founding Protec. She is active in numerous area organizations including the YWCA, the Black German Cultural Society and New Apostolic Church of Greer.

via: CMSDC

Tuesday Jan 26, 2010

6pm PMI Study Group
The Project Management Institute, offers a study group for those preparing to sit for the PMP exam. The group is a free service to those who are members of PMI.

Wednesday Jan 27, 2010

11:30am – South Carolina IT Leadership Council
The South Carolina IT Leadership Council is a monthly peer forum for senior ranking IT professionals. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month January through October with attendance limited to forum members. If your organization’s VP of Technology, Chief Information Officer, or top level IT professional are interested in participating, please contact us for an invitation.

Thursday Jan 28, 2010

12:00 noon – Upstate Women in Technology
“Ergonomics in the Workplace” Is your workstation ergonomically correct? Are you working in an optimum environment or are things just not positioned right for you? Join us as we talk about how to make your work environment the best it can be.

6:30pm – Jump Start Your Business
Offered by the Small Business Development Center, this workshop will explore the basics of what it takes to get into business. Topics include how to set-up a business, forms of business organization, an overview of financial statements, general legal requirements, the elements of an effective business plan, financing options, and how to improve the odds of success.

U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) offered a congressional letter Thursday to the executives of Google commending the Internet search company for standing firm against China censors, saying, “we need to commend companies that will not cooperate with governments intent on violating human rights.”

Inglis also joined with Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) Thursday at a press conference to call for a vote on the Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 2271), a bipartisan bill that would prevent U.S. information technology companies from collaborating with repressive foreign governments in their efforts to conduct Internet censorship and surveillance on their own citizens. The legislation has passed multiple House Committees in the previous Congress.

“Americans are all too familiar with China’s record of human rights violations,” Inglis said, noting that basic political freedoms and human rights are denied to China’s 1.3 billion citizens. “The brave activists who seek to reform the system are hounded relentlessly and imprisoned by the government, and American companies should not cooperate.”

On Tuesday, Google revealed that the Gmail accounts of these human rights activists were the subject of “a highly sophisticated and targeted attack.” Company officials said they would no longer cooperate with censorship efforts by the government and would pull out if the surveillance attacks did not stop.

“Google decided to stand on principle and appears willing to renounce the growing Chinese advertising market in order to uphold its commitment to the free flow of information, “ Inglis said. “We commend them on this decision and express our support for them and for the Chinese people as the situation unfolds.

During a press conference Thursday, Inglis as to join Rep. Frank Wolf, Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders and former Chinese political prisoners Harry Wu and Wei Jingsheng to comment Google’s announcement. Rep. Smith will call on House leaders to finally vote on the Global Online Freedom Act. Smith met with Google officials in his office Wednesday to discuss the bill, which the company has previously endorsed.

via: Bob Inglis