GSA Technology Council

We’ll be taking technology calls live at noon today on the ETVRadio stations in South Carolina. Whether it’s digital photography, the iPhone 4, using wireless technology, or how to find a good home for your old laptop, you can give us a call.

WEDNESDAY, June 30, 2010

A live call-in hour on the Internet and related technologies. Eric Rodgers hosts Phil Yanov, executive director of the GSA Technology Council and blogger at Thinkhammer. Listeners can call in via the tollfree number 888-539-8859 to ask questions about using the Internet, computers, new digital devices, and related topics.

The program is Your Day and it is carried across the ETV Radio Network. That’s 90.1 FM in the Upstate beginning at Noon. (or listen to the live web steam.)

The USA led the world in computer programming contest championships from the 70’s thru the 90’s, but we haven’t won since 1997. Why? Has computer science changed? Are we teaching the wrong things? Are developers from other countries better prepared? Join us for our July Learning Lunch as we explore these ideas with Dr Steven Halim, a most successful programming coach from the National University of Singapore. Dr. Halim will be coaching the Bob Jones University team as they prepare to compete in programming contests at the International Level and appears at our meeting by special arrangement.

Steven Halim is an Instructor in School of Computing, National University of Singapore. NUS was placed 30th among the world’s top 200 universities – and 4th in Asia based The Times Higher Education – Quacquarelli Symonds (THE-QS) World University Rankings.

Mr. Halim teaches programming classes at the National Universotyh of Singapore, ranging from basic programming courses, intermediate data structures and algorithms classes, up to advanced competitive programming module specially tailored for programming contests. He is the coach for NUS ACM ICPC teams (International Collegiate Programming Contest) and Singapore IOI team (International Olympiad in Informatics) teams. His teams regularly qualify in the prestigious ICPC World Finals and have been medal winners in the International Olympiad for Informatics.

Dr. Steven Halim will speak to the GSA Technology Council in July

Customer Effective Inc., a Microsoft Inner Circle and Gold Certified Partner focused on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, announces their selection as a finalist for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner of the Year award. This award recognizes Customer Effective for delivering consistent, high-quality, predictable Microsoft Dynamics CRM services which help ensure significant business benefits for customers. Customer Effective has also demonstrated strong business leadership and success with new customer additions and revenue growth.

“This is a killer award and we’re thrilled to be a finalist,” said Scott Millwood, President of Customer Effective. “We’ve knocked out some great work this year. Our leadership in helping our clients achieve success on the CRM platform and extending CRM into collaborative web portals really caught fire in 2010. Our team loves to see all of that hard work and dedication being recognized at this high level. Now we’re ready to pour on the gas in the upcoming year!”

Awards will be presented in a number of categories, with winners and finalists chosen from a pool of almost 3,000 entrants worldwide. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner of the Year Award honors partners who have exhibited excellence in providing innovative and unique solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

“Congratulations to the 2010 Partner Award finalists for delivering such creative and superior Microsoft solutions and services,” said Allison Watson, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group, Microsoft Corp. “It’s incredible to see the level of expertise our partners continue to exhibit as they create and deliver innovative solutions and services to grow their businesses, meet customer needs, and drive down costs.”

via: Customer Effective

Verizon Wireless recently completed a comprehensive network upgrade that delivers expanded service in the Midlands of South Carolina. The result is 55 new cell towers into the already robust and industry-leading Verizon Wireless voice and data network in the Midlands. The addition of these new towers, a result of the Alltel purchase, means dramatically denser site coverage. For Verizon Wireless customers in Bethune, Bishopville, Blythewood, Camden, Cassatt, Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Eastover, Gadsden, Gaston, Gilbert, Irmo, Leesville, Lexington, Little Mountain, Lugoff, Pelion, Sumter, West Columbia and Westville more cell towers mean a more expansive voice and data footprint, more coverage inside buildings, improved throughput speeds and stronger signals throughout the market.

“The best network continues to get better,” said Jerry Fountain, Verizon Wireless Carolinas Region President. “We are committed to continuing enhancements to our network so that our customers know they can depend on us every time they use their wireless devices. With the addition of these towers, we have achieved network enhancements in just one year that would have taken several years to complete through a typical build plan.”

To celebrate the expansion of the Verizon Wireless network, the following Verizon Wireless stores will host Network Appreciation Days June 25-27:
• Northeast Columbia – 10110 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
• Two Notch – 7007A Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
• Columbiana – 173 Columbiana Cir, Columbia, SC 29212
• Lexington – 5596 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072
• Sumter – 73 W Wesmark Blvd, Sumter, SC 29150

As customers continue to expand the way they use their devices, Verizon Wireless continues to stay ahead of their demand. “People are doing more with their phones these days,” said Fountain. “The skyrocketing popularity of applications, music and video downloads, web browsing, texting, emailing, calendar management and navigation tools utilizes a tremendous amount of wireless bandwidth. With this integration, combined with our annual capital investments over the past several years, we are ready for today’s traffic and the increases we anticipate tomorrow.”

In 2009 alone, Verizon Wireless invested nearly $87 million in South Carolina for improvements to their network, bringing the total investment in the state to $770 million since the company was formed in 2000. That investment, combined with the recent purchase and integration of the Alltel network assets, strategically positions Verizon Wireless’ network as the largest and most reliable for customers in the Columbia area, with seven times the 3G coverage of their closest competitor. “Our superior network is what makes it possible for customers to truly enjoy the features of their devices. Our focus on providing the best customer experience is largely driven by our network. We will continue investing to make the experience better every day,” said Fountain.

Beyond 3G: Verizon’s Investment in LTE

While recognizing the ongoing investment in its 3G network has been considerable throughout the state, Verizon Wireless is already looking beyond the most recent network expansion. Committed to continued improvements and advancements in wireless technology to ensure the best possible wireless experience for their customers, Verizon Wireless is already laying the groundwork to begin rolling out 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology this year. LTE will offer significant benefits to Verizon Wireless customers, including:

• LTE will support faster download and upload rates enabling customers to run larger and more complex applications faster.
• LTE will operate in the 700 MHz spectrum, which provides better coverage and in-building penetration.
• Because of the increased data speeds and wider coverage, LTE will make mass deployment of machine-to-machine applications and devices possible.
• And, LTE is the global mobile communications standard chosen by a majority of the world’s leading carriers, which means greater opportunities for seamless roaming.
LTE is currently being tested in select markets and will be commercially available in select markets this year.

via: Verizon Wireless

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that OpTek Systems Inc. will expand its fiber optic device and laser manufacturing facility in Greenville County. The new investment is expected to generate up to 20 new jobs over the next several years.

“This expansion is an important step in OpTek System’s growth, and we are pleased to increase our presence in the South Carolina Upstate. Greenville has provided our company with an excellent business environment and skilled workforce. We have grown quickly over the last few years and expect to continue expanding our operations in the future. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Duane Dinkel, President of OpTek Systems.

OpTek Systems will be expanding their operations, located at 12 Pilgrim Road, by facility up-fitting, increased clean room space, equipment upgrades and the in-house fabrication of additional laser systems. The expansion is expected to be completed in phases over the next several years.

“OpTek Systems is an excellent example of the type of a high-tech business that increases South Carolina’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge industries. The company’s decision to expand in Greenville is another indication that our business climate and skilled workforce offer the strong fundamentals companies need to prosper. We appreciate OpTek Systems’ decision to continue to do business in South Carolina and look forward to their continued growth in the days ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Today’s announcement is another piece of welcome news, and an important sign that our efforts to strengthen business growth and job creation in Greenville County are paying off,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven, Jr., Board member for the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council. “This news is also significant in that OpTek Systems’ growth and production of high performance materials will support a variety of industries including defense, medical, telecommunications and advanced materials. Their decision will serve as a magnet for additional talented individuals, affirms that innovation and specialty manufacturing is alive and well here, and will add good paying jobs in our community.”

The company has initiated the hiring process and will be accepting applications throughout the year. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should forward resumes to osi@opteksystems.com.

OpTek Systems was founded in 2006 and is a high-tech manufacturer of fiber optic devices and laser systems. The company serves a number of markets including defense, medical and telecommunications segments. The company also produces components used in cell phones, oil and gas sensors and other precision applications, including critical devices for the Large Hadron Collider (CERN). The company also has offices in Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.opteksystems.com.

via: GADC

Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless 3G network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a pioneer in the mobile industry, today unveiled DROID X by Motorola. DROID X does more with ultra high-speed Web browsing; a fast 1GHz processor; 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities; loads of memory; intuitive social messaging; Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 ready; and access to Android Market , which has more than 65,000 applications, along with a host of unique Verizon Wireless applications such as NFL Mobile, Skype mobile , V CAST Video, EA Need for Speed Shift and more.

“Nine months ago, we made a commitment to our customers to bring the openness of Android to the Verizon Wireless network,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “Since then, we have introduced the top-selling Android phone in the marketplace today – the DROID by Motorola. DROID X takes that commitment to another level with exclusive content, faster processing speeds, and, of course, the reliability of our network.”

Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and chief executive officer of Motorola Mobile Devices and Home business added, “Motorola designed DROID X to push the extreme limits of Android innovation, and enable you to do even more with your mobile device. We are breaking down barriers so that you can experience the Web the way it was meant to be and create, share and view content like never before, either in your hand or in your home. Enterprise users will also find DROID X appealing with features including push e-mail and live widgets for e-mail and calendar updates.”

DROID X gives customers a 4.3-inch high-resolution screen for viewing the latest movies and video from BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® presented by V CAST Video, the newest addition to the Verizon Wireless V CAST application, which also includes access to favorite TV shows. The DROID X video capabilities let customers capture spontaneous fun, combining a dual-flash, 8-megapixel camera, HD camcorder, as well as DLNA and HDMI connectivity to download, stream and share personal HD content.

DROID X customers will also receive Android 2.2 and Adobe Flash Player 10.1 with an over-the-air update in the latter half of the summer. With the update, the Flash Player will allow mobile users to experience hundreds of sites with rich applications and content inside the browser, including games, animations, rich Internet applications (RIAs), data presentations and visualizations, ecommerce, music, video, audio and more.

“It has been an exciting time for Android momentum and global consumer adoption since the announcement of DROID by Motorola nine months ago,” said Andy Rubin, vice president of engineering for Google. “There are 160,000 new Android-powered devices activated daily and Android Market has grown to over 65,000 applications. Plus later this summer, Verizon Wireless and Motorola will update all the DROID by Motorola phones to the latest 2.2 software. For customers, this means great new features and improved browser performance. For developers, this will provide new tools such as cloud-to-device messaging and enhanced enterprise functionality.”

“We are excited about full Flash support coming to the DROID X and other devices from Motorola,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and chief executive officer of Adobe. “Flash Player 10.1, which is one of Adobe’s most anticipated releases ever, has been redesigned from the ground up to deliver the kind of highly engaging experiences that consumers now expect from their mobile devices.”

Once updated to Android 2.2, business customers will find DROID X offers the features that turn the device into a workhorse with support for both Exchange and Gmail for business. Corporate users can enjoy push delivery of e-mail; live widgets that stream messages to the home screen; filter widgets to differentiate work and home e-mail; corporate directory and Global look-up along with a unified calendar for Enterprise and sync with Google Calendar . Security protocols allow remote password control and wipe via Exchange server.

Pricing and Availability
DROID X by Motorola will be available at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning July 15 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. In addition to subscribing to a Nationwide Talk plan or a Nationwide Talk & Text plan, customers will also need to subscribe to an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.

Customers can add the optional 3G Mobile Hotspot service to their DROID X for $20 per month. The 3G Mobile Hotspot allows customers to turn the phone into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi devices. In addition, current Verizon Wireless customers who have contracts ending by December 31, 2010, can upgrade to any smartphone, including DROID X, without penalty.

For more information on DROID X by Motorola, go to http://phones.verizonwireless.com/droid/x/. For information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

via: Verizon Wireless

The Clemson Small Business Development Center is presenting a FREE tax workshop for prospective and new small business owners. The workshop will be held from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Room #2 of the Greenville Technical College Admissions Office (McAlister Square), at 225 South Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville. To reserve a seat, please call the SBDC at 864. 370.1545.

The Small Business Tax Workshop contains general information about different types of business organizations, record keeping requirements and business tax returns. This workshop is a taxpayer education program sponsored by the Clemson Small Business Development Center, the SC Business Initiative (formerly SC Women’s Business Center), the IRS, South Carolina Enrolled Agents and the SC Department of Revenue. It is directed toward the small businessperson who is starting a business or has recently started a small business in the service, retail or manufacturing area.

The morning session will cover federal tax requirements for small businesses and the afternoon session will cover state tax and employment security obligations. A packet of very helpful publications is given to each participant.

To register for the workshop or for more information, please contact the Small Business Development Center via e-mail: sbostic@clemson.edu or by telephone: 864.370.1545.

via: Greenville Small Business Development Center

Once again, Verizon Wireless is being recognized as one of the top workplaces for information technology (I.T.) professionals. This year, Verizon Wireless ranked eighth on Computerworld’s “Best Places to Work in I.T.” list and was once again the highest ranked wireless company.

Computerworld’s annual ranking of the top work environments for technology professionals is based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention as well as extensive surveys of I.T. workers. This is the eighth straight year Verizon Wireless has made the list and the second straight year the company has ranked in the top 10.

“To be among the Best Places to Work in I.T., it’s not enough just to seek out and hire the most talented I.T. people, offer them competitive pay and provide great benefits,” said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. “The organizations that made this year’s Best Places to Work list sustain a dynamic work environment in which I.T. professionals keep their hands on the latest technologies and work on projects that are business critical.”

Verizon Wireless currently employs more than 81,000 employees nationwide. In addition to being an industry leader in network reliability and customer loyalty, Verizon Wireless is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work and a leader in I.T. For more information, visi twww.verizonwireless.com.

The “Best Places to Work in I.T.” 2010 survey results are published in the June 21 issue of Computerworld and online at www.computerworld.com.

via: Verizon Wireless

The Greenville Area Development Corporation, the county-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County, announced the reappointment of Chris Riley and Bruce White to new three-year terms on the organization’s Board of Directors, along with the appointment of four Upstate leaders as officers of the Board for 2010-11.

“Both Mr. Riley and Mr. White are well immersed in the Greenville business community and have been active contributors to economic development activities here” said Jerry Howard, GADC President and CEO, in making the announcement. “Their reappointment by County Council brings important experience, stability and insight to the leadership team of this organization.”

Chris Riley

Mr. Riley is South Carolina market president for Regions Bank, which operates 36 offices in markets across the Upstate, Columbia, Beaufort, Hilton Head and Charleston. A veteran banker, he previously established two private investment funds in the Carolinas before joining Regions earlier this year. He is active with the Metropolitan Arts Council and the Student Improvement Council for Hughes Academy, attends Buncombe Street United Methodist Church and is a volunteer with Triune Mercy Center.

Bruce White

Mr. White is president of Bank of Travelers Rest, the oldest bank headquartered in Greenville County, which he joined following his graduation in 1971 from Clemson University. The veteran banker works with associates and customers at nine offices across the Upstate, while maintaining an active civic involvement schedule.

In addition to the reappointments, the GADC’s Howard also announced the election of Jo Watson Hackl as chairperson, Riley as vice chair, Scott Case as secretary, and Robert Howard as treasurer.

Jo Hackl

Ms. Hackl is an attorney with the Greenville-based law firm Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A., a Trustee of both the Community Foundation of Greenville and The Children’s Museum, and President-Elect of the Greenville Professional Women’s Forum. Long active in civic causes and a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, she is a founder of the SPARKS mentoring program and a Liberty Fellow.

Scott Case

Mr. Case is the current Greenville County auditor, a former member of Greenville County Council, and an active supporter of other economic development organizations serving Greenville County, including the Upstate Alliance and Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Howard

Mr. Howard is executive director of the Greenville Tech Foundation and the former executive director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. A retired commissioner of the Greenville Water System, he serves on the board of numerous civic organizations including the Community Foundation of Greenville, the Commerce Club and the Rose Ball, and is a past president of the South Carolina Nature Conservancy, Leadership South Carolina and the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation.

“All four of these individuals bring unique assets and have played key roles in helping to attract investments and quality jobs to Greenville County,” said Howard in making the announcement. “They will provide exceptional leadership for Greenville and for this organization.”

The new officers succeed outgoing chairman Mike Buiter and outgoing treasurer Ray Lattimore. Mr. Buiter as well as Mr. Lattimore will remain as board members. Ms. Hackl previously served as vice chair and Mr. Case as secretary. Howard expressed appreciation to the outgoing officers for their service on the Board and to the community. “Mr. Buiter and Mr. Lattimore have played a significant role in helping move forward Greenville’s economic development mission, and for that we are immensely grateful,” said Howard.

Since its inception in 2001, the Greenville Area Development Corporation has announced support of more than 150 major projects representing more than $2 billion in capital investment and creating in excess of 10,000 new jobs in Greenville County. Private sector support of the GADC has also reached an all-time high, with more than 125 investor companies now contributing to the community’s and GADC’s success.

via: GADC