GSA Technology Council

Acumen I.T., a Greenville-based technology company, has strengthened its technology management with the addition of three new employees. Clifton Dunaway has joined Acumen as Business Applications Manager, and Kelly Laughton and Stacy Anthony have joined the company as Storage Solutions Consultants.

Dunaway is charged with assisting Acumen’s customers in implementing the most efficient business and industrial applications in order to improve their overall productivity. Clifton brings more than 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and IT industries. Previously, he worked with Synesis International as a Senior Systems Consultant, where he served as the Database and SharePoint administrator and also served as the sole Database Administrator (DBA) for Extended Stay Hotels. He is currently being certified in Activplant, which has helped many industrial plants improve their productivity.

Laughton previously served as an IT sales executive and CIO where she helped to transform organizations using technology as a business driver. She worked as Information Technology Director for Henderson County Government for eight years. Prior to that, she consulted on legal and library automation software and served as a representative for Inmagic Inc. and Summation software, providing sales and services to businesses and law firms throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Anthony began her career more than 13 years ago with UUNET and has since been a successful business developer driving high-profile sales. Most recently, her position with TW Telecom in the Greenville Market allowed her to cultivate a new market and increase the TW Market Share by 500%.

Laughton and Anthony will work closely with Acumen’s customers to assist them in creating a road map for their business by either revamping their current storage architecture or helping them to implement one from the start.

“The experience and wealth of knowledge our new team members bring to Acumen positions us well for the future as we help our customers grow and enhance their business applications and storage solutions,” says David Pence, president of Acumen. “We’re proud to have them join our team.”

via: Acumen I.T.

US Airways Magazine will highlight downtown Greenville as part of its March 2010 Key to the City profile series, a 28-page editorial feature which combines traditional travel related information with a comprehensive look at downtown Greenville including its vibrant setting, business opportunity, high quality restaurants, cultural venues and award-winning quality of life.

“The US Airways Magazine profile truly provides phenomenal editorial coverage for the city, showcasing the unique combination of culture, business and lifestyle that make Greenville an unmatched place in which to work, live and play,” said City Manager James M. Bourey. “The article provides the perfect opportunity to showcase our award-winning downtown to millions of readers worldwide.”

The comprehensive editorial feature was a collaborative effort between the US Airways Magazine staff and the City of Greenville, the Greenville Chamber and the Downtown Greenville Development Initiative.

In addition to being featured in the March issue, the Greenville editorial feature will also be available for one year on the US Airways Magazine’s website.

via: U.S. Airways Magazine

Sealevel Systems is making it even easier to shop for products, find resources and engage with industry experts. The company worked with Blue Ion of Charleston, SC to launch a new website in February 2010.

Customers can look forward to several new features including:

• Simplified searches for over 300 products
• A design center featuring case studies and unique applications
• Easy-to-navigate support and knowledgebase articles
• Access to manuals, software, drivers, application examples and more.

Along with the ecommerce and support enhancements, Sealevel launched an interactive online community. Here customers will find videos, blogs, RSS feeds, and links to the company’s Twitter (@sealevelsystems and @sealevelpartner). In addition to learning more about Sealevel and its products, customers can now ask questions, make recommendations and connect with others via Sealevel’s user forum. In addition, customers can participate in Tom’s Trivia, the company’s ever-popular monthly contest.

Sealevel Systems, founded in 1986, provides industrial computing solutions in addition to a variety of communications and I/O products including PCI Bus cards, Ethernet serial servers, USB serial adapters, PCMCIA cards, and PC/104 modules. The product line includes multi-port RS-232, RS-422/485, RS-232/422/485 multi-interface high-speed sync/async, and digital/relay I/O. For more information, visit www.sealevel.com or call 864-843-4343.

via: Sealevel

Apple® announced that its magical and revolutionary iPad will be available in the US on Saturday, April 3, for Wi-Fi models and in late April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.

Beginning a week from today, on March 12, US customers can pre-order both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple’s online store (www.apple.com) or reserve a Wi-Fi model to pick up on Saturday, April 3, at an Apple retail store.

“iPad is something completely new,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

Starting at just $499, iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and delivers battery life of up to 10 hours.*

iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ interface makes surfing the web an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. You can read and send email on iPad’s large screen and almost full-size “soft” keyboard or import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them using iPad’s elegant slideshows. iPad makes it easy to watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD, or flip through the pages of an ebook you downloaded from Apple’s new iBookstore while listening to your music collection.

The App Store on iPad lets you wirelessly browse, buy and download new apps from the world’s largest app store. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for iPad and will run almost all of the more than 150,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. Developers are already creating exciting new apps designed for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch interface, large screen and high-quality graphics.

The new iBooks app for iPad includes Apple’s new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile product. The iBookstore will feature books from the New York Times Best Seller list from both major and independent publishers, including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.

The iTunes® Store gives iPad users access to the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 12 million songs, over 55,000 TV episodes and over 8,500 films including over 2,500 in stunning high definition. 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.

Pricing & Availability
iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

iPad will be available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models in late April in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. International pricing will be announced in April. iPad will ship in additional countries later this year.

The iBooks app for iPad including Apple’s iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3, with additional countries added later this year.

via: Apple

Monday March. 8th

6:30pm Greenville Mac User’s Group

Mac Basics and then a viewing of part one of “Triumph of the Nerds” a documentary of the history of personal computers in which Apple was at the forefront and began many features which we now take for granted in computing.

Tuesday March 9th

6:30pm Upstate Linux User’s Group

The group meets at Immedion, 78 Global Dr Greenville, SC 29607.


6:00 – 8:00pm PMI Study Group

The Palmetto Chapter of PMI, 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. For more information about the group and the local PMI chapter, visit www.palmettopmi.org.

Wednesday March 10th

11:30am GSATC Learning Lunch

The last time we had Bob Geolas talk to us about the events at CU-ICAR was October 2006. A lot has happened since then. Marquee businesses now call the campus home. There have been recent announcements from Proterra as they plan to invest $68 million in creating an electric bus manufacturing plant and hiring 1300-2600 employees there. Clemson has graduated their first Phd in Automotive Engineering, and there are plans for an automotive technology incubator on the campus. Join us for lunch in March to learn all about these and other developments at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research.

Thursday March 11th

11:30am Java User’s Group

The group meets at Immedion.

for more events, visit the GSATC Tech Event Calendar

KEMET Corporation, a leading manufacturer of tantalum, multilayer ceramic, solid aluminum, plastic film, paper and aluminum electrolytic capacitors, today announced the signing of a $31.7 million contract with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory. This contract is based on the $15.1 million grant awarded on August 5, 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative plus a $16.6 million matching investment by KEMET.

KEMET has been working with the DOE on the details of the contract since that original announcement. The contract will enable the company to produce film and aluminum electrolytic capacitors within the United States to support alternative energy products and emerging green technologies such as hybrid electric drive vehicles.

“We are aiming to have two production lines operational by the last quarter of the current calendar year with an additional two lines coming on board by the end of 2011 and another two by the end of 2012,” stated Dr. Johnny Boan, KEMET’s Senor Director of Business Development, and the project lead in securing this grant.

“The grant will allow KEMET to install capacity in the United States for DC bus capacitors, which reduces the supply chain risk that Electric Drive Vehicle manufacturers face with the current dependence on non-United States suppliers for this key subcomponent,” stated Dr. Daniel Persico, KEMET’s Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Business Development. “This grant will position KEMET as a key player in this rapidly developing and growing industry. Customer response has been very favorable,” continued Persico.

The additional capacity resulting from this grant will create over 110 new jobs in South Carolina. Hiring for these positions will start later this year and the Company will make an official announcement at the beginning of the hiring process.

via: Kemet

Clemson University and the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) are scheduled to begin construction in mid-March on the approximately 43,000 square-foot innovation center complex in Anderson County to support the state’s growing advanced materials industry. Harper Corporation of Greenville is the design/build contractor on the project, with Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Inc., serving as architect of record.

Clemson’s innovation center will occupy approximately 25,000 square feet and be dedicated to supporting tenants interested in growing start-up companies or “landing parties” associated with Clemson research, especially in advanced materials. SCRA will house secure research in approximately 18,000 square feet, with the remaining square footage devoted to a common area and collaboration space.

The facility will be adjacent to the Clemson University Advanced Materials Research Laboratory, where Clemson offers some of the nation’s top research facilities in optical materials/photonics and electron microscopy and houses cutting-edge research programs.

Chris Przirembel, Clemson’s vice president for research and economic development, said the facility will complete the ‘innovation chain’ that links academic research to the marketplace — and jobs.

“The knowledge generated by faculty and students is not intended to remain within the confines of the university,” Przirembel said. “Providing office and laboratory space for fledgling companies that want to start businesses and create jobs based on university discoveries is an exciting prospect. We look forward to creating an environment that nurtures new business for South Carolina, particularly in advanced materials where we know there is great opportunity for growth.”

Przirembel noted that Innovate Anderson, a public-private economic development organization formed by Anderson County, the City of Anderson, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce and private businesses, is a critical partner in the development of the Advanced Materials Center, having purchased the remaining undeveloped property in the research campus to attract private development to Anderson County.

Bill Mahoney, SCRA’s chief executive officer, said the facility is specially designed for commercialization of advanced materials by start-up companies with intellectual property primarily coming out of Clemson University.

“This is one of three world-class facilities that SCRA is providing with its university partners in South Carolina to grow the knowledge economy,” said Mahoney. “With these centers, SCRA is fulfilling legislative mandates identified in the Innovation Centers Act focused on commercialization of new knowledge-based discoveries, using SCRA company-retained earnings instead of state taxpayer money.”

The innovation center complex was funded through a public-private partnership that includes Advance SC, the Duke Energy Foundation, federal agencies and South Carolina Research Infrastructure Act funds, in addition to Clemson and SCRA. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2011.

via: Clemson University

SCI Electronics, Inc., a multimedia communications solutions firm headquartered in Greenville, today announced it has selected Richard S. Hardaway as its Director of Sales and Marketing.

Hardaway comes to SCI Electronics with over twenty years’ experience in effectively building sales and marketing teams, improving top line revenue and creating extraordinary customer relationships.

“We are very fortunate and pleased to have someone of the experience level of Richard Hardaway and his well known abilities to maximize sales while being customer focused. It has taken SCI Electronics quite some time to find the right individual, and we know we have found that in Richard” said SCI Electronics President Scott Daniel.

SCI Electronics, Inc. is a Greenville-based multimedia communications solutions firm focusing on customized Audio/Visual Systems, CCTV & Access Control Systems and structured cabling solutions. Founded thirty years ago, SCI Electronics assists specific industry groups that require precise installation practices for superior communications capabilities, customer presentations and electronic security. Current client groups include healthcare, manufacturing, education, financial services and government.

SCI Electronics, Inc. is headquartered at 56B Pelham Davis Circle, Greenville, SC 29615. Telephone number 864-234-7313.

via: SCI Electronics

In the aftermath of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, Verizon Wireless has waived all calling fees for its customers trying to reach loved ones in Chile.

Starting immediately and retroactive to the time of the earthquake, Verizon Wireless customers with regular monthly bills can make calls to connect with family and friends in Chile at no cost when they’re on the Verizon Wireless network in the U.S. Verizon Wireless customers with monthly bills who receive calls from Chile will also receive those calls free of charge. The company is making calls free for at least one week. Calls made while roaming are billed at normal rates.

Dan Mead, chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless, said, “At times of crisis, we spring to action. By acting urgently, we are helping families connect without worrying about cost.”

In addition, Verizon Wireless teams are working with international relief organizations to provide mobile giving options for customers who wish to donate to the earthquake relief efforts. All Verizon Wireless customers who pay a monthly bill, including those formerly with Alltel, may contribute to Chilean earthquake relief efforts via their mobile phones. To make a $10 donation to Habitat for Humanity, text the word “CHILE” to 23583; to make a $10 donation to World Vision, text the word “CHILE” to 20222. Customers will receive a text response to confirm the $10 donation, and 100 percent of customers’ donations will go directly to the relief organization’s efforts to help the victims of the Chilean earthquake. Additional international relief organizations are expected to begin mobile giving campaigns soon.

Verizon Wireless donates the cost of the back-and-forth text messages. Customers will not be charged for the text messages, and the $10 donation will appear on their regular monthly bills.

via: Verizon Wireless

Tuesday, March 2

6:00pm SQL Server Innovators Guild
The SQL Server Guild will be talking about flat files. When doing data integration, a common requirement is to work with flat files, whether for importing data into a system from an external source, or to export it to provide to other systems. Learn more at the SQL Server Guild in March.

6:00pm Palmetto PMI Study Group
The Palmetto Chapter of PMI, the Project Management Institute, offers a study group for those preparing to sit for the PMP exam. Each session will be on Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 at the Michelin Headquarters, located off Pelham Rd. The group is a free service to members of PMI.

Friday, March 5

8:30am – 4pm TEDx Greenville
TEDx Greenville is creating an event that uniquely brings forth ideas worth spreading in our community. The event will feature a whole day of speakers, musicians, and programs designed to get the audience thinking about ideas worth spreading. More information at TEDxGreenville.com

See more great events on the GSATC Event Calendar.