Issue: December 2009
By: Frank Bisbee

Universities & Community Colleges have found many benefits in having security cameras on campus.

Universities and Colleges across the country have discovered the power of surveillance to enhance a safer environment for students, staff, and faculty.

BIG DADDY IS WATCHING

A recent news story unveiled the power of the surveillance coupled with an organized security program at a college in Jacksonville, FL. Bernard Chapple, director of information technology at Edward Waters College, works with security camera monitors that track activity around the school's campus and buildings.

From a security perspective, the nerve center of Edward Waters College isn't a classroom or an administrator's office. The brains of the operation are housed in a small office crammed with an array of monitors beaming live images from across the Jacksonville Florida campus.

On the screens, miniature students hefting books and folders amble across dozens of surveillance feeds that security officers are constantly scanning.

"We're on 24/7," Chapple said. "These monitors are our all-seeing eye, and it's how we make sure all our students are safe and conducting themselves properly.

"We're like their parents - just with cameras."

Surveillance equipment is a mainstay at most colleges, but the amount of usage varies greatly.

Chapple, director of information technology at Edward Waters, said the security office and the 60 cameras perched strategically around campus are a focal point of the school's security efforts. The surrounding neighborhood has had its problems with drugs and gun violence, and Chapple said the cameras add an extra layer of security to keep criminals away.

YALE UNIVERSITY Surveillance footage helped officers investigating the September disappearance of a Yale University graduate student narrow down their search radius. Cameras were rolling as 24-year-old Annie Le walked into a research building, but they never captured her leaving.

Police isolated the search to the building and eventually found Le's body stashed in the wall in a basement laboratory.

Chapple said security cameras helped in the investigation of his own high-profile incident in April. A fight between about 30 female students prompted the intervention of security officers and some police. A few of the participants said it was just play fighting, but an Edward Waters administrator told The Times-Union in April the school found their actions inappropriate. Ten students were suspended after an internal investigation in which security officers pored over video footage. "Whether it was a play fight or some kind of rumble, it was hard to miss," Chapple said. "We had guys there breaking things up immediately, but the cameras came in handy when we wanted to go back and view the incident again in detail."

Cameras also are used heavily at all five Florida State College at Jacksonville campuses. Stanley Jurewicz, director of risk management, said the downtown branch has benefited from the more than 90 installed cameras because of its proximity to higher crime areas than the other campuses. Officers can now monitor people walking onto campus from the nearby bus terminal.

He said security teams use a combination of live monitoring and Internet-proxy cameras that can be accessed remotely to scan the schools. Most of the cameras are centered inside and on the exterior of buildings where students congregate.

"It's a preventative measure we can use to ensure our students stay safe from people walking off the street onto campus," Jurewicz said. "Having the live surveillance makes it a little more proactive than just taping everything. And if, God forbid, something bad does happen, we have the ability to track the action and point the authorities in the right direction."

Campus security at Jacksonville University also monitors live footage, and the office is always staffed, a school spokesman said. But some colleges don't always put surveillance equipment on the front lines of campus safety.

Lt. Tammy Oliver of the University of North Florida Police Department said her office doesn't have live monitoring on any security cameras. None of the cameras or monitoring devices are digital. She said the cameras are used passively to build evidence. "The equipment is a little behind the times, but it's helpful sporadically," Oliver said. "If we get lucky enough to have something occur in front of them, we can use the tapes as proof." Oliver declined to say how many cameras are on campus, but she said the only dorm with video surveillance is the newly opened Osprey Fountains. She said the relatively low crime rate in the surrounding neighborhood hasn't necessitated a large investment in cameras.

"We prefer to get out there and check things out ourselves," she said. "The cameras are there more as a 'just in case' measure."

In the past most university officers preferred the shoe-leather approach to chair-bound surveillance anyway. Today’s technology has proven to deliver a higher level of security at a lower cost than the traditional “feet on the street”. The growing need to build a barrier of protection is apparent in our headlines.

Drugs and violence are always trying to infiltrate our schools and threaten our children.

“Safe Campus Concepts” from Communications Supply Corporation - CSC

Today’s campuses are under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of their students, faculty and staff. Meeting this need means having communication systems that enable you to quickly push information to the campus community and connect first responders.

We went to find out what CSC is doing to help you work with schools and universities to implement unified communications systems that:

support lockdown procedures

provide emergency notification

integrate with building control systems to support surveillance

deliver alarms and alerts

enhance responsiveness of campus security personnel and administrators

CSC scored 100% in our survey for the capabilities to provide everything we needed to build, enhance, or, update the unified communications systems. Recently, CSC has put their support and sales staff through intensive training to support the customer’s security objectives and it shows.

We suggest that you visit their website or call your CSC representative today to hear how CSC “Safe Campus Concepts” and solutions allow schools to leverage existing infrastructure investments for voice and data while adding video and mobility components for a comprehensive, multi-step approach to campus safety - awareness, response coordination and campus notification. Of all the firms and distributors that we interviewed and researched, Communications Supply Corporation – CSC had the highest rating.  Visit gocsc.com/safecampus to learn more.

Building and maintaining a video surveillance system has changed a great deal over the past few years. Today we can do things that were only dreamed of a few years ago. The new Faster Than Light™ (FTL) Server and Storage solutions introduced at the ASIS convention this year has greatly enhanced and simplified the difficult problem of determining the proper server to support your system, and it’s guaranteed. It’s a shameless plug, but it really works. www.gocsc.com/FTL0909

Not getting what you need from your video surveillance system?

Frustrated because you are losing feeds, footage and images? Tired of purchasing more storage and server devices because you're just not sure what capacity you truly need? Use CSC’s exclusive IP Security Optimization Portal™ (WWW.FTLPortal.com ) to configure your next FTL Server and Storage Solution from CSC. Contractors everywhere are discovering new revenues from installing these valuable systems, not just in schools, but in hospitals, retail, banks, and a host of business offices.

Spending money on technology sure beats trying to defend a lawsuit (even if you have insurance) but it especially beats sending condolence letters to families of students  or employees.

By: Frank Bisbee, Editor
"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
www.wireville.com

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NECA 2010 Boston – Attention NECA Show Exhibitors

Thank you again for making the NECA Show at NECA 2009 Seattle such a wonderful success.   The enthusiasm and excitement over the products and services showcased at this year's trade show were probably at the highest level I've seen in 18 years – and the fact that over 10,000 people visited the Show floor this year proves that!

We have some exciting news to share with you about what we're doing at NECA to make the 2010 NECA Show in Boston even better for our exhibitors.  Next year, the NECA Show will be managed by HFI, LLC.  Many of you already know and have worked with Susan McCart, HFI President.  Sue has been a valuable contributor and advisor for the NECA Show for years, and I am thrilled that she has agreed to take on the NECA Show full-time.

Sue and Julie Duda, HFI Exhibit Sales Manager, will handle all booth sales and logistical arrangements for NECA 2010 Boston.  You will be hearing directly from them shortly with information about NECA 2010 Boston, including the new exhibitor prospectus.  Sue and Julie are available to answer any questions and help you make your plans to join us in Boston.  They can be reached at (770) 632-0044 or exhibitsales@necanet.org.

We couldn't ask for a better partner than HFI to support NECA's goal of putting on the best trade show in the electrical construction industry.  Sue has over 30 years experience in the trade show and hospitality industry.  Since 1997 her company, HFI, LLC, has served several industry clients, as well as owned and produced a collectibles trade show, IDEX, from 1999-2007.  The IDEX show was recently acquired by Madavor Media, LLC in Boston.  Prior to founding HFI, McCart was with AMC, Inc (now AmericasMart) in several positions, including Vice President / General Manager Trade Shows.  AMC is best known as the producer of LIGHTFAIR, the international lighting show.

We hope you are as excited about this new development as I am and that you will join me in welcoming Sue, Julie, and HFI to our industry's leading exposition.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, and again, many thanks for making the 2009 NECA Show a great experience for everyone.
-Beth Ellis
-NECA Executive Director, Convention-Exposition

MORE NEWS from NECA – Natl. Electrical Contractors Assn.

www.necanet.org

Now Accepting Registrations for: NFPA 70E Essentials Part II

12/03/2009

John Luke, the ESCO Group, presented a two-hour webinar on NFPA 70E Essentials late November. The second in this series will air on Monday December 21 at 2PM EST. If you missed the first one, you won’t want to miss this!

more

$620 Million in Smart Grid Projects Awarded by DOE

12/01/2009

Catch the latest post from NECA's Energy Solutions Blog, http://EnergySolutions.necanet.org or Sign up for email updates today!

more

Rebuilding America Initiative Launched; NECA Endorses Goals

11/28/2009

The Rebuilding America Initiative, which is committed to wholesale investment in the energy efficient retrofit of 50 million buildings by 2020, was launched at a Capitol Hill press conference on November 18.  NECA is among the more than 50 trade associaitions, labor unions, businesses, manufacturers, that have endorsed the goals of the Rebuilding America proposal.

more

NECA Contractor Contributes To NYC Construction Industry's Recovery

11/27/2009

The Economic Recovery Project Labor Agreement designed to save New York City's construction industry is beginning to have its intended effect. David Pinter, CEO of NECA-member firm Zwicker Electric, was one of the four negotiators on behalf of management who secured the PLA with all the union building trades in the city. But, it wasn't easy, he reports in an interview published in the New York Construction magazine.

more

Debate On Health Care Reform To Move To Senate Floor After Thanksgiving Recess

11/22/2009

Just before the Senate closed down for the week-long Thanksgiving recess, the senators voted 60-39 along party lines to move the health care reform legislation to the Senate floor. This article discusses the probable timeline for congressional action — and NECA’s issuance of Action Alerts — and reiterates the factors NECA considers in deciding whether to support or oppose health care reform legislation.

more

NEW Energy Solutions Blog: Post from Joe Salimando, "The Run-Down On GreenBuild"

11/19/2009

Catch a special edition of NECA's Energy Solutions Blog, now up with guest blogger Joe Salimando! Read Now, visit: http://energysolutions.necanet.org/

more

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Fiber Optic Highways Growing

The next big thing = CONNECTIONS to the desktops

A recent survey by the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) reveals that small rural communications providers are deploying fiber at what it called “an impressive pace” to enable high-speed broadband service to their customers.  Fiber to the node (FTTN) is the preferred strategy, but fiber to the home (FTTH) has doubled in popularity.

NTCA's “2009 Broadband/Internet Availability Survey” found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents with a fiber deployment strategy intend to offer FTTN to more than 75% of their customer base by 2011.  Fifty-five percent plan to offer FTTH to more than half their customers in that same time frame -- more than doubled from just 26% last year. (View the report)

The study says that rural areas are seeing significant gains in broadband speeds, primarily due to the increased fiber availability in their communities.  Fifty-three percent of respondents indicated their customers can now receive broadband service of between 3 and 6 Mbps (up from 46% last year), and 39% can receive service in excess of 6 Mbps, which is an increase from just 25% a year ago.  Survey respondents indicated an increase in take rates for the higher broadband speed tiers as well.

Fiber deployment costs remain a significant impediment facing rural carriers, cited as an obstacle by 93% of survey respondents.  Rugged terrain, distance, and low customer density exacerbate the problem.

Three-quarters (75%) of respondents now offer a video play, up from 68% last year. Of those, 93% offer video under a cable franchise.  An additional 11% indicated they plan an offering in the future.

Most (89%) respondents indicated they face competition in the provision of advanced services from at least one other service provider, including national ISPs, cable companies, and wireless ISPs.

NTCA sent the 2009 survey electronically to all telco members in its e-mail database and 156 companies (31%) responded. Fifty-six percent of respondents' service areas are 500 square miles or larger; 27% are at least 2000 square miles.  Sixty-seven percent of those have customer densities of 10 residential customers or less per square mile, with nearly one-third (31%) reporting customer densities of just two or fewer residential customers per square mile. www.ntca.org

WHAT’S NEXT?

We interviewed Jim Hayes, President of the FOA – Fiber Optic Association www.thefoa.org  Mr. Hayes is a definitive guru of the fiber optic industry.  He is widely published in many industry trade journals. He recently published the book, FOA Textbook.  It complements the FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.

The new  printed version of our online reference guide - a new printed reference "textbook" for fiber optics, has been getting rave reviews for its readability, organization and timeliness. (That's FOA President Jim Hayes, the guy behind the new book, reading a copy.)  Order your own copy from Amazon.com for only $24.95.

We've also updated the Online Reference Guide, adding a new fusion splicing section and updating the Premises Cabling section in preparation for our next printed book.  Note how the Online Reference pages are formatted - you can easily read them on an iPhone or portable web-enabled device as well as a PC.  Go see The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference for yourself!

The next big thing in fiber optic cabling may spell tough times for copper cabling.  Jim Hayes explained the POL design and some of the implications.

Motorola’s New Passive Optical LAN Solution Delivers Savings and Simplicity to the Wired Enterprise

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) announced in May 2009, the availability of its Passive Optical LAN (POL) solution designed to revolutionize traditional LAN economics and complexity.  POL is an all-fiber enterprise LAN solution connecting any stationary Ethernet-based device or system across the enterprise into the wide area network.

SAIC enters agreement to resell Motorola Passive Optical LAN solutions for the enterprise market

Motorola and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) announced an agreement that enables SAIC to resell Motorola’s POL solutions into the global enterprise market.  Motorola showcased its POL solutions at the 2009 Interop Business and Technology Conference & Expo in Las Vegas,

Addressing many of the top concerns of enterprise IT professionals, POL creates a high-performance, reliable and secure network for IP voice, data and video.  Based on Motorola’s proven GPON technology, Motorola POL provides significant capital and operational cost savings over traditional enterprise network solutions by reducing the need for campus distribution or costly workgroup switches in every riser closet.  The elimination of the switches offers rapid cost savings in power, cooling, energy, and space costs.  In addition, POL relieves the strain on IT resources by greatly simplifying  the network; reducing the overall number of active components and creating an architecture that is easier to deploy, manage and maintain. 

“Enterprise users require a different level of network sophistication today than they did even a few years ago,” said Kevin Keefe, vice president of marketing, Access Network Solutions, Motorola Inc.  “Not only do they expect secure and reliable IP voice and data, but they demand improved network economics and greatly simplified solutions.  POL offers clear technology advantages of fully converged IP voice, data and video and truly disruptive capital and operational savings.”

"Enterprises and their need to implement next generation enterprise networks solutions and simplify operations remains an important focus area for us," said Jeffrey McGaughey, SAIC vice president of IT Business Modernization.  "Our work with enterprises directly supports the need for a disruptive solution like POL because it can potentially deliver rapid business benefits and address several of the top IT challenges our customers face.  We are excited to be working with Motorola and making their POL solution available to enterprises worldwide."

POL is uniquely positioned to enhance Motorola’s Wireless Enterprise, a mobile network solution comprised of wireless LAN (WLAN), broadband and Voice Over WLAN (VoWLAN) products.  By networking traffic between access points, controllers and business systems, Motorola will provide enterprises with improved mobility and throughput in addition to unmatched reliability, gap-free security and with the best ROI and lowest TCO.

Motorola’s Passive Optical LAN Benefits:

Rapid ROI and low TCO at half the cost of copper-based LANs

Simple to install and operate

High-performance

Highly secure

Five-nines reliability

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to high-definition video and mobile devices, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $30.1 billion in 2008.  www.motorola.com

POL Passive Optical LANs (similar design FIBER STAR from the 1980s)

Initiated by Motorola (a big partner of FTTH) Tellabs, Verizon

This system sells a similar solution from multi-tenant multi-dwelling into enterprise LANs (a.k.a. FTTD in the commercial structure). After all,

Fiber has been around before structured cabling. Fiber was mostly employed in military and computer LANs applications. Besides the obvious use in “long lines” networks for CATV and Telcos, Fiber is now being employed in commercial building systems beyond the backbone. Numerous experts have indicated that the new design is a real paradigm shift. The costs are in parity with copper for the gigabit networks and beyond.

NOTE:  The FOLS (Fiber Optic LAN Section) of TIA has been slow to push this ahead possibly because some of their members may have been influenced by Structured Cabling Interests –

POL - Passive Optical LANs

The box...aggregation switch (manufactured by Motorola) 20 Gbps IN & 20 Gbps OUT  -commercially available in mid-2009. One box = 7000 users (ALL SINGLE MODE fiber optic cable)

From The BOX...aggregation switch on SINGLE-MODE fiber optic cables to Splitters then to Pre-terminated SINGLE-MODE fiber optic cable to a work group terminal (Motorola)

To a work group terminal (Motorola) on single mode four (4) 1Gbps channel ports. (A single fiber used bidirectionally goes to splitters serving 32 or 64 work group terminals (Motorola) with 4 switched Gigabit Ethernet ports or 24 POTS ports (POTS=plain old telephone service) for phones. The work group terminals handle PCs or wireless access points in any combination.) The user plugs into workgroup terminal with Cat6 copper.

The POL passive optical LANs = technically better, economically better, an established customer base proven plus a 128 bit encryption. This package can offer the triple play – VDV, plus a path to an access point for wireless network

This is the solution that puts single-mode fiber to the desktop with a copper patchcord on the end to connect to your copper-based terminal equipment.

And it seems less costly than structured copper cabling solutions.

Connections used to be the Achilles Heel for Fiber Optic Networks, but not anymore.

Pre-terminated fiber optic connections are less costly and faster to install in the field. The premiere product on the market for the connector is Megladon Manufacturing’s ScratchGuard HLC.  This product sets the benchmark for performance and durability.  Recent tests demonstrated over 1000 plug-in connections on the same connector with no degradation. Incredible, but true. www.megladonmfg.com 

When your connections are “business critical”

HLC cables are well suited for use in the harshest environments and the most demanding situations.  In testing and manufacturing, HCL patch cords can withstand constant plugging and unplugging for years without substantial damage or performance loss.  The HLC surface provides minimal optical signal loss making it the ideal choice for video and cable TV applications.  For the military and other remote location uses, when replacements are not readily available HCL cables are far more reliable.  In Municipal communications systems involving 911 and emergency communications HLC cables have dramatically reduced troubleshooting calls.  In any business where the highest performance levels are required, Megladon’s HLC, Hardened Lens Contact fiber optic patch cords are clearly the best choice.

Don’t sell your stock in structured cabling manufacturers just yet.

They have re-invented themselves for years. Larry Johnson, President of The Light Brigade www.lightbrigade.com reminded us that Optical Fiber has never made another communications media type obsolete.  All types of media (with the possible exception of Coax) have benefited from fiber providing more bandwidth.

Frank Bisbee, Editor
"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
www.wireville.com

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HCM Copper Cable Selection Guide

The Facts about Category 6 and 6A Cabling                                                       

Why do I need a different category of cable?

Not too long ago, when local area networks were being designed, each work area outlet typically consisted of one Category 3 circuit for voice and one Category 5e circuit for data.  Category 3 cables consisted of four loosely twisted pairs under an overall jacket and were tested to 16 megahertz.  Category 5e cables, on the other hand, had its four pairs more tightly twisted than the Category 3 and were tested up to 100 megahertz.  The design allowed for voice on one circuit and data on the other.  As network equipment data rates increased and more network devices were finding their way onto the network, this design quickly became obsolete.  Companies wisely began installing all Category 5e circuits with often three or more circuits per work area outlet.  Often, all circuits, including voice, were fed off of patch panels.  This design allowed information technology managers to use any circuit as either a voice or a data circuit.  Overbuilding the system upfront, though it added costs to the original project, ultimately saved money since future cable additions or cable upgrades would cost significantly more after construction than during original construction phase.  By installing all Category 5e cables, they knew their infrastructure would accommodate all their network needs for a number of years and that they would be ready for the next generation of network technology coming down the road.  Though a Category 5e cable infrastructure will safely accommodate the widely used 10 and 100 megabit-per-second (Mbits/sec) Ethernet protocols, 10Base-T and 100Base-T respectively, it may not satisfy the needs of the next Ethernet protocol, gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbits/sec), also referred to as 1000Base-T.  Thus, those IT managers looking to increase their network’s speed may be limited by the cable that was installed in their facility.  Though testing of the Category 5e infrastructure could determine its efficacy, the quality of both the cable and its installation could play a role in whether or not 1000Base-T will operate properly over the cable.  Category 6 Cable was developed to ensure 1000Base-T performance as well as accommodate other protocols.

Why do I need Category 6 cabling?

10Base-T and 100Base-T operated over only two of the four pairs in the cable.  One pair is dedicated to sending data while the other is dedicated to receiving data.  Two pairs go unused.  1000Base-T, however, operates over all four pairs.  There are two gigabit Ethernet protocols currently in use, 1000Base-T and 1000Base-TX.   1000Base-T transmits and receives data at 250 Mbits/sec on each of the four pairs, for a total transfer rate of 1000 Mbits/sec.  The transfer of data is bi-directional on each of the four pairs.  1000Base-TX transmits data at 500 Mbits/sec on two pairs and receives data on the remaining two pairs at the same data rate.  Well, Category 5e cable has four pairs.  Why won’t it work?  Well, it may and it may not.

As the transfer speeds increase, so do the performance requirements of the cable being used.  Delay skew, which is the difference between the slowest and fastest pairs within a cable, becomes increasingly important as data rates increase.  In the past, shortages of some materials, including those used in making plenum rated cables, forced manufacturers to find alternative compounds and alternative construction methods that would allow them to continue manufacturing and to pass the appropriate UL burn tests required for plenum rated cables.  Many manufacturers chose alternative compounds for use as insulation on two of the four pairs.  These compounds have a direct impact on the speed at which a signal will travel down the conductor. The nominal velocity of propagation, NVP, is the speed of a signal down a conductor measured as a percentage of the speed of light.  Though not an issue with protocols that utilize only two pairs, such as 10Base-T and 100Base-T, a cable that has different NVP values for two of its four pairs would have a negative impact on protocols that utilize all four pairs, such as gigabit Ethernet.  1000Base-T and 1000Bas-TX may not work properly over these cables.  For end users with these cables installed, new cabling will have to be installed if protocols requiring all four pairs are desired. 

Though they may be capable of carry gigabit Ethernet, Category 5e cables also limit the future uses of the infrastructure.  Streaming media applications such as video and multi-media have created an ever-growing demand for bandwidth that shows no sign of slowing down. Today’s data requirements have made Category 3 virtually obsolete.  With the speed at which electronics have advanced, it is quite likely that the bandwidth provided by Category 5e will be exceeded in the very near future, making it for all intents and purposes, obsolete as well. Bandwidth is the highest frequency to which a cable will perform.  As frequency injected onto a conductor increases, so does the likelihood of noise on adjacent conductor.  Once noise overcomes the signal, the cable will no longer function properly.  This is important to keep in mind since the cabling infrastructure should be designed to last at least 10 years and accommodate three to four generations of electronics. 

While Category 5e is tested to 100 MHz, Category 6 cabling is tested to 250 MHz.  Test parameters such as near end crosstalk (NEXT), return loss, and insertion loss are elevated for Category 6 and as result, ensure better performance over Category 5e cables.  Category 6 cabling is also physically different from Category 5e.  A center filler or star filler is typically used to separate the pairs from each other and the insulation on the individual conductors is thicker than that of Category 5e cable.  These features allow it to accommodate higher frequencies as well as provide better immunity from external noise.  As frequencies increase, so does the likelihood of alien crosstalk (crosstalk from adjacent cables).  It is the case that Category 6 is more immune from alien crosstalk than Category 5e.  However, as we will see, it is not immune enough for some applications.

Why are there different grades of Category 6 Cables?

The Honda Accord, one of the highest rated automotives on the road, is available in three levels of trim, DX, LX and EX.  All are Accords, yet all offer slightly different features.  The EX, the most luxurious, offers features the others do not and comes equipped with a large V-6 engine that will get you there faster.  Just like the auto manufacturers, cable manufacturers offer various levels of performance in their category cables.  And just like the Accord EX, some will get you there faster.

Hitachi Cable Manchester, the first cable manufacturer to incorporate a center filler in a Category 6 cable, through constant development, has found ways to improve and otherwise modify Category 6 performance. As a result, HCM manufactures three grades of Category 6 cables.  They are Plus, Premium and Supra.  The Plus cable offers 1dB of guaranteed NEXT (near-end crosstalk) and 6.5dB of ACR (attenuation to crosstalk ratio) headroom at 250MHz.  In contrast, the Supra guarantees 8dB of NEXT and 14.5dB of ACR headroom at the same frequency.  The Premium offers performance characteristics in between the Plus and the Supra.  Supra, due to its high level of performance, is considered an enhanced Category 6 cable.  Each cable, however, is engineered to provide a specific level of performance.  The purpose behind offering three levels of performance is to ensure that a product is available to meet the needs of every potential customer.  A customer’s likely use of their cable infrastructure will help determine which level of performance they may want to select.  End users who want to ensure that their networks perform to the best of their ability often opt for the cable that offers the highest performance. This high performance, as we described early, is measured in headroom above the Category 6 standards’ requirements.  The HCM Supra, for example, guarantees a delay skew of 20 nanoseconds.  The Category 6 standard requires a delay skew of 45 nanoseconds.  Supra, because it is an enhanced Category 6 cable, gives its user greater assurances that data will not be lost or corrupted during exchanges.  Unlike the electronics used in the network that are likely to change in only a couple years, the cable infrastructure you choose is likely to remain for ten or more years.  When permissible, end users should always opt for the best possible cable.

Reprinted with permission from Hitachi Cable Manchester

900 Holt Avenue
Manchester, NH 03109
603-669-4347
www.hcm.hitachi.com

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Optical Cable Corporation Acquires Applied Optical Systems, Inc.

Transaction Broadens OCC's Product Lines and Builds on its Position as a Leading Provider of Fiber Optic Cables for the Military and Harsh Environment Markets

Optical Cable Corporation (Nasdaq GM: OCCF) ("OCC") announced that it has acquired Applied Optical Systems, Inc. ("AOS"), a designer, developer and manufacturer of specialty fiber optic connectors and connectivity solutions for military and harsh environment pplications. The acquisition was completed on October 31, 2009, and Applied Optical Systems is now a wholly owned subsidiary of OCC.

OCC acquired Applied Optical Systems by exercising a warrant issued by AOS in April 2005 (as amended) for the issuance of new equity and acquiring all of the remaining capital stock of AOS from AOS's shareholders.

"The acquisition of Applied Optical Systems is another important step forward in OCC's efforts to provide our customers with more complete cabling and connectivity solutions. Further, the acquisition of Applied Optical Systems builds on OCC's strong existing presence in the military and harsh environment markets," stated Neil Wilkin, President and CEO of Optical Cable Corporation.

Applied Optical Systems' product offering includes specialty fiber optic connectors and connectivity solutions for military, mining, oil and gas, industrial, broadcast and other harsh environment applications. AOS is located near Dallas, Texas, and employs approximately 40 persons, including engineering, manufacturing and office personnel. AOS's net sales were approximately $7.0 million (unaudited) for the twelve months ended September 30, 2009.

About Optical Cable Corporation

Optical Cable Corporation is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic and copper data communications cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market, offering an integrated suite of high quality, warranted products which operate as a system solution or seamlessly integrate with other providers' offerings. OCC's product offerings include designs for uses ranging from commercial, enterprise network, datacenter, residential and campus installations to customized products for specialty applications and harsh environments, including military, industrial, mining, oil and gas and broadcast applications. OCC products include fiber optic cable, copper and fiber optic connectors, copper and fiber optic patch cords, racks, cabinets, datacom enclosures, patch panels, face plates, multi-media boxes and cable and connectivity management accessories, and are designed to meet the most demanding needs of end-users, delivering a high degree of reliability and outstanding performance characteristics.

OCC is internationally recognized for pioneering the design and production of fiber optic cables for the most demanding military field applications, as well as of fiber optic cables suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and creating a broad product offering built on the evolution of these fundamental technologies. With the acquisition of SMP Data Communications in May 2008, OCC also is now internationally recognized for its role in establishing copper connectivity data communications standards, through its innovative and patented technologies.

Founded in 1983, OCC is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices and manufacturing and warehouse facilities located both in Roanoke, Virginia and near Asheville, North Carolina. OCC primarily manufactures its high quality fiber optic cables at its ISO 9001:2008 registered and MIL-STD-790F certified facility located in Roanoke, Virginia and its high quality connectivity products at its ISO 9001:2000 registered facility located near Asheville, North Carolina.

Further information about OCC is available on the Internet at www.occfiber.com

About Applied Optical Systems, Inc.

Applied Optical Systems, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of specialty fiber optic connectors and connectivity solutions primarily for use in military and other harsh environment applications. Founded in 2003, Applied Optical Systems has offices and a manufacturing facility is located in Plano, Texas, near Dallas. Applied Optical Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Optical Cable Corporation (Nasdaq GM: OCCF).

Further information about AOS is available on the Internet at www.appliedopticalsystems.com

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AOL Asks 2,500 Employees to Resign OR ELSE

Just in time for its spin-off from Time Warner, AOL's new chief Tim Armstrong has given company employees a stern mandate: 2,500 of you need to accept a voluntary layoff from December 4 through December 11. To add insult to injury, if not enough workers come forward, the company will get out its scissors and begin cutting employees.

AOL's proposed job cuts are part of an overall restructuring process that the company claims will help it cut $300 million in annual costs.

But what's perhaps more surprising is that Armstrong, who has already booted a good portion of AOL's management team, is also going to share the pain.  A report in the San Jose Mercury News revealed that Armstrong won't take his bonus this year, which was going to be about $1.5 million.  "As a member of our team and the person who takes accountability for the results of the company, I am making the decision to forego my 2009 bonus," the Mercury News quoted Armstrong as saying.

Armstrong, a former Google executive, has his work cut out for him in achieving his goal to become an online media content powerhouse.  Since 2007, AOL has seen its dial-up subscriptions and advertising take a nose dive.

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Belden Announces Management Changes After 1,800 Workers

BELDEN announced a shakeup in management November 12, 2009

John Norman, 49, resigned as chief accounting officer, effective Jan. 1, 2010, to become vice president of finance for the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa business segment. 

The company’s board of directors named Gray Benoist, 57, chief accounting officer. He will continue to also serve as senior vice president for finance and chief financial officer. 

Belden lost $7.5 million in third quarter ended Sept. 27, compared with a profit of $31.5 million a year ago, due  to restructuring, severance and acquisition costs. 

The company reported revenue of $355.2 million in the third quarter, down 32 percent from $520.5 million a year earlier. 

Over the past year, Belden has laid off 1,800 employees or 20 percent, of its work force as it deals with falling sales for its transmission products.

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ELK Products Board of Directors Announces the Appointment of Joel Rosson as President

ELK Products, Inc., Hildebran, North Carolina -  Elk Products announces the October 1, 2009 appointment of Joel Rosson, PE as its new President/CEO. 

Prior to joining ELK, Rosson was a key contributor in product development, engineering and operations for Corning Cable Systems, LLC, earning numerous awards for innovation and operations excellence.  He holds 19 US Patents and was twice named Corning Innovator of the Year for contributing significant revenue generating intellectual property.  Rosson has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters degree in Engineering from Virginia Tech. Rosson will serve an instrumental role to develop ELK’s value through product innovation.

About ELK Products

ELK Products is headquartered in Hildebran, North Carolina. The company manufactures a complete line of products including controls, power supplies, PLC’s, timers, relays, recordable voice units, sirens, speakers, batteries and software utilities.

www.elkproducts.com

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General Cable Involved in DOJ/EC Probe of the Cable-Manufacturing Industry

General Cable Corporation said that the US DOJ and EC have requested information and documents relating to an investigation of the cable-manufacturing industry.

General Cable Corporation said that it has provided documents and answered questions relating to the probe.  It added that it believes the investigation is focused on the submarine and underground high-voltage cables business and the European Commission is focusing on its Spanish operations.

General Cable Corporation entered the submarine cable business in March 2009 via its German subsidiary, Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke GmbH & Co.  It acquired Norddeutsche in April 2007.

About General Cable

General Cable (NYSE: BGC), headquartered in Highland Heights, designs, manufactures and markets copper, aluminum and fiber-optic wire and cable products.

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HCM Receives Honorary Mention from New Hampshire’s Department Of Environmental Services

Concord, NH, November 24, 2009 – Hitachi Cable Manchester (HCM) continues to be a leader in green initiatives. 

On November 23, New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services awarded Honorary Mention to HCM for its submission for the Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention.  Governor John Lynch presented the plaque to HCM representatives.

Since 1996, NH’s DES has been providing recognition to companies who have chosen to limit and or decrease the impact that their company has on the environment.  These companies have initiated programs that address environmental concerns such as reducing waste, recycling, energy reduction and alternative energy.  HCM currently has 21 green initiatives that it has undertaken in an effort to further limit the environmental impact of its manufacturing facility. 

Over the last few years, HCM has significantly reduced the amount of waste it generates while simultaneously increasing recycling efforts.  HCM also dramatically reduced the amount of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) that it generates.  This was accomplished by transitioning to water based products.

The winner of the Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention for 2009 was Southeastern Container, Inc. of Hudson, NH.  Also receiving honorary mention was BAE Systems of Nashua, NH.

About HCM

HCM, located in Manchester, NH manufacturers a complete line of copper and fiber optic cables for the communication industry.    In addition to category cables, products include round and flat electronics cables.  HCM also specializes in custom cable constructions. Over 3,300 different cable products are manufactured at this facility.

To learn more about HCM products and where you can purchase them, please contact HCM at 800-772-0116 or visit the HCM website at www.hcm.hitachi.com. 

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HOTS - “Heard On The Street” column salutes the Top Industry Publication for 2009 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine - The Official Publication of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

The exceptional mission of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine is three-fold:

I. Circulation

Their Circulation mission is to identify and reach professionals working in electrical contracting firms who in the aggregate, are responsible for a minimum of 90% of the total market dollar volume as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Circulation is industry-wide, regardless of any association or other industry affiliation. To accomplish that mission ECMAG regularly and aggressively use their own and outside market research to provide detailed documentation of the activities, specific interests, future needs and demographic makeup of our total audience. Do not miss their unique website www.ecmag.com . The website and the print edition are constantly introducing noteworthy industry news and common-sense ideas to increase values and revenue.

II. Editorial Content

The overall editorial mission is to provide the readers with the most complete information package available pertaining to their needs in both business management and everyday field working environments. Editorial is 100% staff written, with no unsolicited/unpaid editorial accepted. ECMAG presents editorial in a graphically stimulating, instructive, and pleasant-to-read atmosphere. ALL THE NEWS THAT YOU CAN USE.

To accomplish their mission and to maintain editorial continuity, ECMAG organizes the information in each issue around five basic “Pillars:”

A. Focus/Profiles: Focus offers a wide ranging, yet concise review of practical applications covering today’s and tomorrow’s issues, while profiles are actual case studies of a specific project.

B. Integrated Systems covers the spectrum of integrating low voltage electrical systems such as communication, building controls and security and life safety with traditional electrical power sources.

C. Essentials offers information about key day-to-day issues covering both in the office and in the field topics.

D. Products showcases the latest in products and services available to the contractor to help improve their productivity.

E. Code Issues are the backbone of how the electrical contractor must, by law, install/maintain all electrical work. Each issue covers a minimum of 4 different Code Issues.

III. Advertising Content

The advertising mission is to provide the most compelling, must-read customer (reader) friendly environment to maximize our customer’s (advertiser) ability to communicate with their customers.  The mission is to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their investment to the largest audience of decision makers in the industry.  www.ecmag.com  www.necanet.org 

“We praise the accomplishments of this outstanding publication and their remarkable efforts to improve the electrical and IBS industry.”  

Frank Bisbee, Editor - HOTS - “Heard On The Street” column

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Optical Cable Corporation Announces Share Repurchase Plan

Up to 5% of Outstanding Shares May be Repurchased

-- Optical Cable Corporation (Nasdaq GM: OCCF) ("OCC") announced that the Company's Board of Directors has approved a plan to purchase and retire up to 325,848 shares of OCC's common stock, or 5% of the current shares outstanding.  OCC anticipates that the purchases will be made during the next 12 to 24 months.

"The repurchase plan announced today highlights the Board of Director's continuing confidence in OCC's long-term prospects and our commitment to creating value for shareholders.  OCC's strong balance sheet gives us the flexibility to simultaneously invest in our business and institute this repurchase plan while we continue to prudently pursue other growth opportunities," stated Neil Wilkin, President and CEO of Optical Cable Corporation.

OCC expects to purchase shares from time to time in open market transactions.  The timing and the amount of any purchases will be determined by the Company's management based on its evaluation of market conditions, capital allocation alternatives, and other factors.  The new share repurchase program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated by the Company at any time without prior notice.  OCC will execute purchases only during periods where the executive team and the Board of Directors are not aware of material inside information that would likely affect a seller's decision to sell.  The share repurchase plan is designed to comply with U.S. securities laws, rules and safe harbors for purchases that do not constitute tender offers.  These restrictions can lengthen the time it may take for OCC to acquire its shares under this repurchase plan.

As of November 16, 2009, Optical Cable had approximately 6.5 million common shares outstanding.

In October 2009, OCC completed the purchase and retirement of an aggregate of 300,100 common shares pursuant to a plan announced on March 26, 2007.

About Optical Cable Corporation

Optical Cable Corporation is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic and copper data communications cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market, offering an integrated suite of high quality, warranted products which operate as a system solution or seamlessly integrate with other providers' offerings.  OCC's product offerings include designs for uses ranging from commercial, enterprise network, datacenter, residential and campus installations to customized products for specialty applications and harsh environments, including military, industrial, mining and broadcast applications.  OCC products include fiber optic and copper cabling, fiber optic and copper connectors, specialty fiber optic and copper connectors, fiber optic and copper patch cords, racks, cabinets, datacom enclosures, patch panels, face plates, multi-media boxes, and other cable and connectivity management accessories, and are designed to meet the most demanding needs of end-users, delivering a high degree of reliability and outstanding performance characteristics. 

OCC is internationally recognized for pioneering the design and production of fiber optic cables for the most demanding military field applications, as well as of fiber optic cables suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and creating a broad product offering built on the evolution of these fundamental technologies.  OCC also is internationally recognized for its role in establishing copper connectivity data communications standards, through its innovative and patented technologies. 

Founded in 1983, OCC is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices and manufacturing and warehouse facilities located both in Roanoke, Virginia and near Asheville, North Carolina. OCC primarily manufactures its high quality fiber optic cables at its ISO 9001:2008 registered and MIL-STD-790F certified facility located in Roanoke, Virginia and its high quality commercial connectivity products at its ISO 9001:2000 registered facility located near Asheville, North Carolina.

Further information about OCC is available on the Internet at www.occfiber.com.

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PON - Passive Optical Network Equipment Sales Reach Record Level in 3rd Qtr 2009

Redwood City, Calif. – November 30, 2009 – According to a newly published report by Dell’Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the networking and telecommunications industries, total PON equipment revenues from sales of Optical Line Terminals and Optical Networking Terminals were the highest ever in the third quarter of this year, growing 8 percent sequentially and 6 percent over the year-ago period.

“Within the total PON market, GPON revenue growth was strongest, driven by the increasing deployments outside of North America,” said Tam Dell’Oro, President of Dell’Oro Group.

 “EPON revenue was also a key contributor to the third quarter’s record performance; however, EPON revenue grew at a slower pace than GPON, as rapidly growing deployments in China were partially offset by slower sales to Japan,” Dell’Oro added.

The report shows that Huawei increased its lead in the EPON segment due to its status as top vendor in the China market, and surpassed Alcatel-Lucent to take the lead in the GPON segment in large part due to increased shipments to Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Mitsubishi, the principal supplier to NTT in Japan, was second behind Huawei in the EPON segment, and Alcatel-Lucent posted the number two spot in the GPON market. www.delloro.com

About the Report

The Dell’Oro Group Access Quarterly Report provides complete, in-depth coverage of the market with tables covering manufacturers’ revenue, average selling prices, and port/unit shipments for Cable, DSL, and PON equipment.  Network infrastructure equipment includes Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS), Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers ([DSLAMs] by technology ADSL, G.SHDSL, and VDSL), and PON Optical Line Terminals ([OLTs] by technology BPON, EPON, and GPON).   The report also covers Cable and DSL Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) technology and PON Optical Networking Terminals (ONTs).  

To purchase this report, call Emily Kendall +1.650.622.9400 x223 or email Emily@DellOro.com.

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Optical Cable Corporation's Recently Acquired Subsidiary Prevails in Major Patent Infringement Lawsuit

Jury finds that Applied Optical Systems' Fiber-Optic Connector Designs Do Not Infringe on Patent

Optical Cable Corporation announced that Applied Optical Systems, Inc. ("AOS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of OCC, has prevailed in a major patent infringement lawsuit brought in November 2006, by Amphenol Fiber Systems International ("FSI"), a subsidiary of Amphenol Corporation OCC acquired AOS on October 31, 2009, as previously announced.

The jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas unanimously determined, that an AOS fiber-optic connector design does not infringe on FSI's U.S. Patent 6,305,849.  The jury decision follows an earlier U.S. District Court ruling, which similarly found that two other AOS fiber-optic connector designs do not infringe on the patent as a matter of law.  The result marks a complete verdict in favor of AOS, the defendant in the lawsuit.

The fiber optic connectors at issue are predominately used in military and other harsh environment applications, and include a four-channel second generation tactical fiber optic cable assembly (or TFOCA) connector design that has been a reliable standard for the U.S. military and allied militaries for a number of years.

"OCC acquired AOS to enhance the integrated fiber optic and copper datacom cabling and connectivity solutions we provide in our targeted markets. The favorable resolution of this lawsuit advances that strategy, permitting OCC to pair AOS' innovative and unique fiber optic connectivity products with OCC's field-proven fiber optic cabling products for military and other harsh environment applications," stated Neil Wilkin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Optical Cable Corporation.

"We are pleased with the decision of the jury, which is consistent with the Court's earlier ruling and validates our long-held position that AOS' product offerings are well outside the scope of the patent," stated Tom Hazelton, President and General Manager of Applied Optical Systems, Inc.

The findings in the U.S. District Court clear the way for AOS to continue to manufacture and distribute its two military specification compliant four-channel TFOCA-style fiber optic connectors (TFOCA/16 CCTA10B31 and TFOCA/16 CCAA10B31 which comply with the U.S. Department of Defense's MIL-PRF-83526/16 and /17 specifications), as well as its EZ-MATE(TM) connectors, which is designed for other harsh environment applications.

Still pending before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas are AOS' allegations against FSI for improper use of the litigation and the patent in violation of U.S. anti-trust laws.

Munck Carter, LLP, a Texas-based patent litigation firm, represented AOS in the patent infringement case in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Fiber Systems International Inc. v. Applied Optical Systems Inc, (2:06-cv-00473).

About Applied Optical Systems, Inc.

Applied Optical Systems, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of specialty fiber optic connectors and connectivity solutions primarily for use in military and other harsh environment applications.  Founded in 2003, Applied Optical Systems has offices and a MIL-STD-790F certified manufacturing facility located in Plano, Texas, near Dallas.  Applied Optical Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Optical Cable Corporation (Nasdaq: OCCF - News).

Further information about AOS is available on the Internet at www.appliedopticalsystems.com

About Optical Cable Corporation

Optical Cable Corporation is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic and copper data communications cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market, offering an integrated suite of high quality, warranted products which operate as a system solution or seamlessly integrate with other providers' offerings.  OCC's product offerings include designs for uses ranging from commercial, enterprise network, datacenter, residential and campus installations to customized products for specialty applications and harsh environments, including military, industrial, mining and broadcast applications.  OCC products include fiber optic and copper cabling, fiber optic and copper connectors, specialty fiber optic and copper connectors, fiber optic and copper patch cords, racks, cabinets, datacom enclosures, patch panels, face plates, multi-media boxes, and other cable and connectivity management accessories, and are designed to meet the most demanding needs of end-users, delivering a high degree of reliability and outstanding performance characteristics.

OCC is internationally recognized for pioneering the design and production of fiber optic cables for the most demanding military field applications, as well as of fiber optic cables suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and creating a broad product offering built on the evolution of these fundamental technologies. OCC also is internationally recognized for its role in establishing copper connectivity data communications standards, through its innovative and patented technologies.

Founded in 1983, OCC is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices and manufacturing and warehouse facilities located both in Roanoke, Virginia and near Asheville, North Carolina. OCC primarily manufactures its high quality fiber optic cables at its ISO 9001:2008 registered and MIL-STD-790F certified facility located in Roanoke, Virginia and its high quality commercial connectivity products at its ISO 9001:2000 registered facility located near Asheville, North Carolina.

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UTC Pays $1.82 Billion to Acquire GE Security

The deal would bring fire, alarm, access, CCTV and IP video offerings

GE Security is being sold to United Technologies Corporation (stock UTX) for $1.82 billion, the two companies announced today.  The deal includes the purchase of eight manufacturing facilities and the efforts of approximately 4,700 employees, who produce and represent a variety of security products, from the Simon alarm panels to TruVision cameras, and a mix of software-based security management systems like the Topaz and Facility Commander solutions.  The deal also includes GE Security's fire alarm systems business, which stemmed heavily from GE's acquisition of Edwards Systems Technology (EST).

The sale price of $1.82 billion is little more than what the company paid for the Edwards fire business five years ago, when it spent $1.4 billion to bulk up its fire business.  Earlier this year, in April 2009, GE sold a portion of its security business off to French company SAFRAN for $580 million.  In that deal, GE relinquished 81 percent of its ownership of that "homeland protection" business unit, which was a sub-category within GE Security.  GE Security also sold its Edwards Service unit to Atlanta, Ga., contracting company Carter Brothers in March 2007. 

That unit was the service division of EST; it included 10 branch operations and 150 employees.

Much of GE Security was the result of acquisitions.  Besides the purchase of Edwards Systems Technology in 2004, the company bought then-defunct high-definition video surveillance firm CoVi (Feb. 2008), access control company Casi-Rusco/Interlogix (2002), networked/IP video company VisioWave (June 2005), and digital and fiber optic data signal transmission systems International Fiber Systems/IFS (April 2003).

UTC itself has made significant acquisitions to move its business into the security space.  It purchased Lenel Systems in March 2005, bringing aboard one of the world's leaders in access control systems marketshare (the Casi-Rusco systems which GE owns are generally thought to be strong competitors to Lenel's solutions).  On the fire systems side, UTC Fire & Security owns the Chubb, Kidde and Marioff brands, as well as fire and security systems integration arm Red Hawk, which UTC purchased in September 2006.  Marioff was acquired in September 2007; Kidde was acquired in April 2005; Chubb was acquired in 2003; Initial Electronic Security Group was acquired Match 2007. UTC Fire & Security also includes the Onity access control business (formerly TESA Entry Systems before the UTC acquisition).

UTC's President and CEO Louis Chenevert said the move "strengthens our North America footprint, extends our capabilities and complements our existing fire and security businesses."  Chenevert said the acquisition was expected to be "earnings neutral" in 2010 due to the costs of restructuring and general transaction costs, but would be profitable for UTC starting in 2011. http://www.utc.com/utc/home.html

GE Security has operations in 26 countries. The acquisition still awaits standard regulatory approval.

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VERIZON - The Firings Continue

Verizon is keeping its promise that it would hand out another set of pink slips, and one of its first targets in this process is the Long Island area of New York.  This follows an announcement made in July that the company would lay off another 8,000 employees this year--a result of plunging income in its traditional wireline business.  Some of the first to go in this process are Long Island-based wireline union workers.

Not surprisingly, these workers aren't happy about it.  To make their feelings known, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1108 in Suffolk, NY were on hand to protest the cutting of 126 Long Island employees that were let go this Wednesday.  Specifically, 54 employees were cut in Suffolk and 72 in Nassau, New York. John Bonomo, a Verizon spokesperson, said the ILEC offered either voluntary buyouts or the option to apply for similar jobs in other nearby states.

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BOMA 360 Performance Buildings Rank Among the Best in the Industry

New Building Designation Program Recognizes Excellence in Management and Operations

(WASHINGTON—November 16, 2009) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International’s new building designation program, the BOMA 360 Performance Program, is providing property management companies with a strategic tool to differentiate their assets, especially important in today’s distressed market.  Introduced in May 2009, the groundbreaking new program recognizes commercial properties that demonstrate best practices in building operations and management. BOMA 360 Performance designees are proving to their tenants, prospective tenants, owners and investors that their buildings as best-in-class. Here’s what they had to say:

A stamp of excellence.  For William F. Moebius, senior vice president and director of energy and sustainable operations with Stream Realty Partners in Dallas, Texas, the stamp of excellence the designation implies is why his company chose to participate. “The most important benefit of the program is that buildings are recognized for incorporating a very broad range of best practices. Owners and tenants can take comfort in the fact that the management team has excellent, industry-leading systems and practices in place.”

Comprehensiveness that connects the dots.  For Behringer Harvard, based in Addison, Texas, the program’ comprehensive nature was a particular draw. “Having obtained LEED Gold and ENERGY STAR® as our benchmark, we looked to the BOMA 360 program to connect the dots, which translates into added value for us, for tenants and for our investors,” says Behringer Harvard’s Vice President of Property Management- Southeast Region John Murray.

A must-have for best-in-class buildings.  Crescent Real Estate Equities in Houston, Texas was among the first companies to apply for the designation, representing ten out of the 24 buildings conferred with the inaugural class of BOMA 360 designations in June. Crescent’s Vice President of Property Management Robert L. Carlen, CPM, notes that BOMA 360 is a must-have for best-in-class buildings. “First and foremost, it is specific to our industry. LEED is just a piece of the whole when it comes to recognizing excellence, in my mind. BOMA 360 adds to the energy consumption piece by including all other aspects of building management—from certificates of insurance to occupancy to customer service to cleaning, security, parking and much more. It is much broader and encompasses all elements of the property.”

Proving performance in a down market.  The economy was an important factor for James Kleeman, general manager of the Time Warner Center in New York City, prompting him to pursue the designation for his building. “Because we’ve earned this recognition, tenants and the owners of the building can feel at ease knowing the building is operated to the highest of standards. Being able to show your asset is a trophy and being recognized for excellence is a tremendous advantage for the building, particularly in this market,” commented Kleeman.

To arrange an interview with a property professional from any of the BOMA 360 designated buildings mentioned above, contact Lindsay Tiffany, manager of media relations, at ltiffany@boma.org or (202) 326-6365.

For more information on the BOMA 360 Performance Program and to view the list of BOMA 360 designees, visit www.boma.org/GetInvolved/BOMA360.

About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. Founded in 1907, its 18,000-plus members own or manage more than 9 billion square feet of commercial properties. BOMA International’s mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. On the Web at www.boma.org.

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Dow Wire and Cable PRICE INCREASE Announced

Houston, Texas, U.S.A. – November 20, 2009 – The Dow Wire and Cable Business will adjust the net pricing of its products, effective January 1, 2010.  This action is driven by a combination of critical industry fundamentals, among them, increased crude oil volatility, and the increasing costs of basic raw materials.   

Net pricing of compounds will change as follows:

Telecommunications, Low Voltage and Jacketing products will increase $0.06 per pound Net.

Medium Voltage and High Voltage products (including insulation and semicons) will increase $0.10 per pound Net.  Fire Retardant grades will increase $0.20 per pound Net.

About Dow Wire & Cable

Dow Wire & Cable, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, is a leading global provider of products, technology, solutions and expertise that the power industry can count on for reliability, longevity, efficiency, ease of installation and protection in the transmission, distribution and consumption of power, voice and data. Understanding that good relationships are essential to success, Dow Wire & Cable works together with cable makers, utilities, municipalities, testing institutes and other organizations around the world to develop solutions and create mutual value that will sustain the industry for years to come. For more information, visit www.dowinside.com.

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Siemon Network Cabling Solutions Supports IBM’s Portable Modular Data Center (Pmdc) Solution

Watertown, CT USA, Siemon, a global leader in network cabling solutions, is proud to announce that its products can be implemented within IBM’s innovative Portable Modular Data Center (PMDC), which will be displayed at the Gartner Data Center Conference from Dec.1st to Dec. 4th at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas.  Siemon products include high-performance Cat 6A and 7A twisted pair copper cabling systems, MapIT G2 Infrastructure Management System as well as 10, 40 and 100-Gigabit-Ready, Plug and Play fiber optic cabling solutions.

IBM’s PMDC is a high-density containerized data center solution that allows IBM clients to quickly and easily create or expand existing data center floor space without major construction or building retrofit. Designed to be both compact and extremely energy-efficient, the PMDC approach can potentially reduce operating costs and carbon footprint.

To further enhance rapid and efficient deployment, IBM’s PMDCs are delivered as pre designed modular units that can include power, cooling, fire detection and suppression, access control and more.  Designed to provide an open IT infrastructure, the PMDC containers offer complete, equipment-ready racks and cabling systems, supporting a wide array of equipment vendors, types, configurations and mounting styles. 

“In a global economy, many organizations are finding they require remote or mobile data centers for installation in a wide variety of locations around the world,” said Steve Sams, IBM vice president, Global Site and Facilities Services.  “By working with Siemon to deliver innovative products, IBM has been able to provide clients with a flexible and efficient data center solution, closer to clients, manufacturing sites and remote operations.”

As part of a supplier agreement between IBM and Siemon, PDMCs can be delivered with Siemon cabling already installed and ready to connect.   Based on IBM client requirements, these pre-installed cabling infrastructures may include any of Siemon’s high-performance cabling systems, including the IBM-branded FTS I-Line..  Launched globally as part of IBM’s Fiber Transport System (FTS), the IBM FTS I-Line is a specialized offering of high-performance plug and play pre-terminated fiber cabling, developed specifically under Siemon’s strict quality guidelines. Constructed of laser optimized multimode and singlemode fiber optic cable and components, the IBM FTS I-Line provides IBM’s global customers with future-proof support of critical data center links including 10 Gb/s as well as future 40 and 100 Gb/s applications. Utilized within the PDMC, the IBM FTS I-Line offers a highly flexible and scalable cabling infrastructure, capable of supporting a wide range of vendor equipment configurations with simple plug and play implementation.

IBM’s PMDC may also be delivered with Siemon’s high-performance twisted pair copper cabling solutions, including end-to-end shielded and UTP copper cabling systems ranging from category 5e to 10Gb/s category 6A to the highest performing fully shielded category 7A TERA system.   Global access to Siemon’s comprehensive line of copper cabling systems allows IBM to ensure that its PMDC solutions are outfitted with the a high quality, high performance cabling infrastructure to help maximize their clients return on investment and deliver best in class products to supports their clients’ requirements, anywhere in the world.

To see IBM’s Portable Modular Data Center Solution and Siemon cabling solutions visit IBM at the Gartner Data Center Conference at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas from Dec. 1st to 4th.  For more information on IBM’s PMDC solution visit: www.ibm.com.

To learn about Siemon’s comprehensive line of copper and fiber optic network cabling solutions, visit: www.siemon.com

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon (www.siemon.com) is an industry leader specializing in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global offices, manufacturing and service partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) category 5e, category 6 (Class E), category 6A (Class EA) and category 7/7A (Class F/FA), and multimode and singlemode optical fiber cabling systems available. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, from patch cords to patch panels, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

About IBM

For more information, please visit www.ibm.com

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Jason Butchko Appointed General Manager of Networks Division of IDEAL Industries

SYCAMORE, IL, November 10, 2009 -- IDEAL Industries, Inc. today announced the appointment of Jason Butchko as General Manager of its Networks Division succeeding Jouke Rijpstra who will retire in 2010.  In this position, Mr. Butchko will be responsible for managing the performance and strategic direction of the network and electrical testing business units, along with the company's broad line of data communications products that include installation tools and connection supplies.

Reporting to Jim James, IDEAL President and CEO, Mr. Butchko will be based in San Diego, CA, the headquarters for the network testing business unit.

"We are excited to welcome Jason to IDEAL," said Mr. James.  "His depth of experience adds proven  talent to our networks division that will help drive the accelerating pace of innovation we are introducing across our diverse product categories.  We're confident in his ability to translate fast-changing technology into solutions that will help elevate the IDEAL brand worldwide with data communications professionals."

Mr. Butchko brings over 20 years of senior executive experience to IDEAL.  Most recently, he served as Vice President of Business Development for Westco Scientific Instruments, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of instrumentation and sample prep equipment for environmental, industrial, chemical, and clinical laboratories, located in in Brookfield, Connecticut.

Previous to that, Mr. Butchko held the position of Vice President of Operations at PCC Advanced Forming Technology, a publicly held Fortune 500 aviation and aerospace company. His earlier career included management roles at Hach Company, Danaher Corporation and Waterpik Technologies, Inc.

Mr. Butchko earned an MBA from the University of Colorado, an MS in Environmental Science and Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, and a BS in Civil Engineering from the USAF Academy.

For more information, contact Ideal Industries, Inc., Becker Place, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Or phone 1-800-435-0705, Fax: 1-800-533-4483. On the web, www.idealindustries.com.

About Ideal Industries, Inc.
Ideal Industries, Inc. has been serving the electrical industry since 1916. IDEAL is one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional quality tools and supplies serving installation professionals in the construction, maintenance, data communications and original equipment manufacturing industries.

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NAED Launches Latest Course in “Selling Green 101” Series: “Increase Your Bottom Line with Renewable Energy”

Learn How to Present the Value of Green Solutions to Your Customers

ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) announces the launch of the fifth and final course in the "Selling Green 101" series. “Increase Your Bottom Line with Renewable Energy,” is now available at an introductory price of just $29.95 per student. 

“Increase Your Bottom Line with Renewable Energy” will introduce you to renewable energy sources like solar energy and wind power and to the big sales opportunities they represent. Students will also learn more about the electrical products and services that can be offered to customers and how to build a business case to sell energy solutions to them. 

Specifically in this course, associates will learn to:

Match energy terms to their definitions

Identify various solar energy and wind energy solutions and the electrical products used in them

Identify services renewable energy customers need

Identify factors driving growth and permanence in the renewable energy market

Select strategies and tactics to strengthen distributors’ presence in the renewable energy market

The training series—“Selling Green 101”—is based on research commissioned by the NAED Channel Advantage Partnership. The research study, titled “Green Goes Mainstream: How to Profit from Green Market Opportunities,” was conducted by Yudelson Associates.

The complete series consists of five, 20-30 minute courses that build on an overview of green markets. It presents a more tactical perspective of the research for inside and outside sales people to identify basic terms and drivers of the green market, and learn selling tactics for appropriate applications and technologies. 

Following is the complete list of “Selling Green 101” course titles:

Course 1: “What Does Green Mean?”

Course 2: “Your Easiest Green Sale: Lighting Retrofits and Upgrades”

Course 3: “Grow Your Business with Lighting and Building Controls”

Course 4: “Build Sales Momentum in the Green Building Market”

Course 5: “Increase Your Bottom Line with Renewable Energy”

All five courses are now available on the NAED Learning Center. To order, purchase online at www.naed.org/estore or contact NAED Customer Service at (888) 791-2512 or customerservice@naed.org. For additional information, visit www.tedgreenroom.com.

About NAED
NAED is the trade association for the $70+ billion electrical distribution industry. Through networking, education, research, and benchmarking, NAED helps electrical distributors increase profitability and improve the channel. NAED’s membership operates in approximately 4,400 locations internationally.

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FiberTED FDX Modules Transform IDEAL LanTEK ll Certifiers into Cost-Effective Alternatives to Standard OTDRs

Optional modules provides dual wavelength, bi-directional fiber certification in a single step

SYCAMORE, IL, November 10, 2009 -- IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., a global leader in advanced cable testing and certification equipment, today introduced its new FiberTEK® FDX Fiber Optic Modules designed to extend the capabilities of the company's LanTEK® II LAN Cable Certifiers from certifying copper cabling links to the certification of multi-mode and single-mode fiber optic cabling to Tier 1 standards.

Fitting into the unit's adapter bay, the optional modules transform the LanTEK II into a cost-effective alternative to traditional OTDRs for certifying or troubleshooting fiber backbones and fiber links. Field changeable SC, ST and FC adapters eliminate the need for hybrid launch cables.

Three FiberTEK® FDX modules are available:

Multi-mode LED for certification of conventional multi-mode fiber optic cabling at 850 and 1300 nm (no mandrels required);

multi-mode VSCEL/laser modules for certification of laser optimized multi-mode fiber at 850 and 1300 nm;

a single mode version with laser sources for certification at 1310 and 1550 nm.

The unique full duplex capability of FiberTEK® FDX modules make fiber certification fast, accurate and easy. A single strand of fiber connected between handsets is tested at two wavelengths and in both directions simultaneously, while the length of the fiber is accurately measured. This task previously required the technician to swap test instruments or connectors, explained Dan Payerle, Business Unit Manager for IDEAL:  "Never before has it been possible to measure a single strand of fiber and report its true length and all four insertion loss tests without juggling tools. The modules eliminate time-consuming and expensive steps from this process to make every job faster and ultimately more profitable for the contractor."

Introduced in May 2009, IDEAL LanTEK® II certifiers are available in three models for copper certification requirements from 350 to 500 to 1000 MHz. Now, by adding optional FiberTEK® FDX modules to the mix, IDEAL is offering data communications technicians the industry's most all-inclusive solution for installation, maintenance and certification of LAN cabling.

IDEAL FiberTEK® FDX modules come with a hard-sided carrying case.

For pricing and specifications, contact IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., Becker Place, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Or phone 1-800-435-0705, Fax: 1-800-533-4483. On the web visit www.lantek2.com or  www.idealindustries.com

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NAED Names Dan Nitowsky as Incoming Eastern Region Vice President-Elect

Nitowsky is a 20-year Veteran of the Electrical Distribution Industry

ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) has named Dan Nitowsky, vice president of Mars Electric Co., as the incoming vice president-elect of the Eastern Region. Nitowsky was elected by the Eastern Region Council, which represents NAED member companies in the northeastern U.S.

“It’s an honor to be selected as the incoming vice president-elect, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Nitowsky. “The knowledge I have gained during the years I’ve volunteered for NAED is priceless. I have had the opportunity to attend informative meetings, worked on industry-changing projects, and networked with some of the top leaders in our industry. I strongly encourage all of our members to get involved, it’s a choice you won’t regret.”

Nitowsky has been in the industry for 20 years, serving on the Eastern Region Council from 2004 to present day. His company is active in the association, participating in many areas, including training, meetings, and NAED’s Performance Analysis Report (PAR).

Prior to joining Mars Electric, Nitowsky worked in a variety of management positions for GE. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Syracuse University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Cincinnati. Nitowsky currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Electrical League of Ohio and was the chairman of the 2009 Ohio Electro Expo.

Based in Willoughby, Ohio, with 10 branches and 95 employees, Mars Electric is a full service electrical distributor serving customers in the Construction, Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional markets.

As an NAED regional vice president-elect, Nitowsky will help lead the region’s conferences, council meetings, and other events. He will also participate in NAED’s Membership and Strategic Focus Committees. Additionally, when Nitowsky becomes vice president in May 2011, he will serve on the NAED Board of Directors.

Doug Borchers,vice president sales and engineering, Dickman Supply Inc., Sidney, Ohio, currently directs the Eastern Region. Beginning in May, Fil Cerminara, president, F&M Electric Supply Company Inc., Danbury, Conn., will take up the regional leadership for 2010-2011.

About NAED
NAED is the trade association for the $70+ billion electrical distribution industry. Through networking, education, research, and benchmarking, NAED helps electrical distributors increase profitability and improve the channel. NAED’s membership operates in approximately 4,400 locations internationally.

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Leviton Partners with Local Business Community to Provide Tips And Training on “Going Green”

Melville, New York, November 20, 2009 – Leviton Manufacturing, a leader in electrical and electronic wiring devices, “smart grid” technology and “energy smart” living solutions, recently partnered with the Huntington Chamber of Commerce to host a “Training the Trades” workshop at its new state-of-the-art world headquarters in Melville, NY. The workshop was part of a well-attended ½ day event, which included vendor tables for “green companies,” a complimentary breakfast and an informative panel discussion entitled “Finding the ‘Green’ to Go Green”.

The Green Expo, held at the Hilton Long Island, offered attendees information, tips and advice on obtaining grants, rebates, tax incentives and savings to complete a “Green” project. Speakers included Roz Goldmacher of Long Island Development Corp; Charles Goulding, Energy Tax Savers, Inc.; Charles Hall, Green Peak Group and other experts in the field. Vendors demonstrated their green products and presented exhibits geared towards promoting a green environment.

The second half of the morning’s event, the “Training the Trades”  panel discussion, took place at Leviton’s 4-story, 140,000 square foot facility, and was moderated by Dr. Ron Vitari, former Chair of U.S. Green Building Council (Long Island Chapter) and Chairman of Green Peak Group. Leviton Product Manager, David Weigand served on the 4-person panel, which also included Peter Caradonna, Principal Architect, LEED AP, and Pat Malone, Director of Corporate Training and Education at Stony Brook University. Panel topics included energy-efficient alternatives, alternate power, solar building, green architecture and other sustainable options currently available.

The “Green Expo and Symposium” was designed to introduce local area businesses to simple “Green” tools, training options and innovative solutions that can help provide a framework for companies both large and small to create a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Leviton also partnered with the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce on its Livingston Energy Summit. The full-day event was held at Cleary University in Howell, Michigan last month. Participants included representatives from DTE Energy, Michigan State Representative Bill Rogers, Consumers Energy Representatives, Tom Bowes of IBEW Local 58 and Leviton representative Ken Anderer who spoke about the company’s integrated line of energy management systems.

Leviton is committed to offering energy-efficient solutions for homes and businesses that achieve crucial sustainability goals and support ecologically responsible communities.

For more information, contact Leviton Manufacturing, 201 North Service Road, Melville, NY, 11747, Phone: 1-800-323-8920.

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Megladon Manufacturing Group Announces NEW Product Release of Pulse Suppression Box for OTDR Testing with HLC® SCRATCHGUARD™ Technology

The Only Pulse Suppression Box with Tempered Connector Mating Surfaces for Repeatable Performance

Megladon has made another effort to further diversify its product offerings this week by releasing a ruggedized Pulse Suppression Box for OTDR field testing.  Megladon is now building fully customizable Pulse Suppression Box assemblies with HLC and SCATCHGAURD technology for all major glass and connector types.

Also called ‘Launch Cables’ or ‘Dead-Zone Eliminators,’ the pulse suppression box is placed between the OTDR and link under test.  Because the OTDR pulse must travel a minimum distance before returning reliable results, a Pulse Suppression Box is necessary to deliver consistent test results in network certifications.  Megladon is able to control the test characteristics of the Pulse Suppression Box very carefully, so that it also serves as a valuable field calibration tool as well.  “It is critical that network technicians use the proper tools in fiber network testing,” says Daniel Hogberg, Product Group Manager for Megladon, “the Pulse Suppression Box is not only a dead zone elimination tool, but a reference grade fiber cable that provides more accurate field testing and predictable calibration.” 

The Pulse Suppression Box developed by Megladon serves as an extremely durable replacement  for fiber spools or long cable assemblies that wear out quickly and are easily damaged in field conditions.  Megladon’s assemblies are housed in drop resistant, water proof cases that come in a variety of sizes and colors, and the glass components are sealed from contact to provide added security.  All Pulse Suppression Boxes are built using Megladon’s patented HLC (Hardened Lens Contact) termination process which ensures industry leading performance and SCRATCHGAURD technology for increased connector mating surface durability. 

About Megladon Manufacturing Group, Ltd.

Megladon Manufacturing Group, Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd. ®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company’s website at www.megladonmfg.com or respond by email to scratchguard@megladonmfg.com. 

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Breaking News from BuildingGreen.com

EPA Seeks Stronger Regulation of Chemicals
Alex Wilson

On September 29, 2009, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson outlined broad goals for strengthening the federal regulation of chemicals through the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The act has changed little since its original passage in 1976. "Not only has TSCA fallen behind the industry it's supposed to regulate," said Jackson, "it's been proven an inadequate tool for providing the protection against chemical risks that the public rightfully expects."

Link to the full article:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/4318/

Current Stories from Environmental Building News:

ASHRAE Requires Mechanical Ventilation in Naturally Ventilated Commercial Buildings
Allyson Wendt
A common design solution for green buildings, at least in temperate climates, will now get more complicated. The American Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigerating Engineers (ASHRAE) has decided that natural ventilation alone cannot meet indoor air quality needs in most commercial and high-rise residential buildings. The organization has amended its Standard 62.1-2007 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) to require backup mechanical ventilation systems for naturally ventilated buildings. Addendum N has been approved after a public comment period and will be incorporated into the 2010 version of Standard 62.1.

Link to the full article:

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/4321/

Building a Better Building Block - Pozzotive Plus
Product Review
Alex Wilson

Back in 2003, Lou Grasso, of Kingston Block & Masonry Supply, paid a visit to Bob Fox, FAIA, of Cook + Fox Architects in New York City. Grasso had a line of nice-looking, polished-face concrete masonry units (CMUs) and he was hoping to interest Fox in specifying it in a project. Instead, Grasso was shown to the door. "Unless a product is sustainable," Grasso remembers Fox telling him, "we're not interested."

Link to the full article:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/4334/

States Adopt BIM for Energy, Cost Savings

Allyson Wendt

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) began using building information modeling (BIM) in 2003; by 2007, the agency was requiring basic models for all projects and encouraging more complex models incorporating energy performance and construction scheduling. Now, both Wisconsin and Texas have adopted BIM programs for state construction projects, and other states are considering similar programs. For GSA and state governments, BIM offers not only a way to get project teams on the same page but also a way to track energy performance, renovations, and other changes over a building's life.

Link to the full article:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/4319/

Drinking the Heat Pump Kool-Aid

Letters from Environmental Building News

I just finished reading the piece on heat-pump water heaters in the October issue of EBN ["Heat-Pump Water Heaters Ready for Prime Time"].

I just don't get the support for heat pumps. The process is sold as "free heat from the ground" and "simply moving heat from one place to another." However, the truth is that the compressor used to move all this free heat is an energy hog and uses tons of electricity to do so. It's a compressor just like the one in your air conditioner-the same kind that your mother and father told you not to run that often back in the '70s when people cared about energy conservation and saving money! The only difference is that with a heat pump you run it 12 months a year instead of just a couple of weeks in the hot summer months!

Link to full article:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/4337/

Programmable Thermostats
BackPage Primer
Programmable thermostats can save a lot of energy-during both heating and cooling seasons-but to do so they have to be operated correctly. Unfortunately, they often aren't, which is why some studies conclude that programmable thermostats aren't worthwhile.

Link to the full article:

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/4336/

About BuildingGreen, LLC

BuildingGreen, LLC is publisher of the nation's oldest publication on sustainable design and construction and the leading national directory of green building products. For more information on BuildingGreen and its resources on environmentally responsible design and construction, visit www.BuildingGreen.com, email Info@buildinggreen.com, or call 800-861-0954 (outside the U.S. and Canada, call 802-257-7300). BuildingGreen is a socially responsible company based in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Contact Information

email: Jim@buildinggreen.com
phone: 617-699-7323
web: http://www.BuildingGreen.com

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Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) Courses Begin at BICSI

Tampa, Fla., November 16, 2009—BICSI, the association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, announces upcoming ESS course dates. In response to the convergence of ESS systems onto the network, and increased BICSI membership involvement in designing and deploying these systems, BICSI is proud to announce the following three ESS courses based on the Electronic Safety and Security Design Reference Manual (ESSDRM), 2nd edition.

ESS100: Introduction to Electronic Safety and Security
ESS100 is the first course in the ESS series. This introductory course discusses security design basics and theory, as well as current and future trends. This course also provides concepts related to integrating ESS and information transport systems including devices, roles, requirements and processes. ESS100 will benefit those with less than two years of ESS experience and is a good refresher of the basics.

Upcoming Dates:

Tampa, FL
Jan. 29-30, 2010           

Tampa, FL
April 16-17, 2010           

Tampa, FL
June 28-29, 2010

ESS110: Designing Electronic Safety and Security Systems
ESS110 is a 5-day course that provides ITS professionals with the knowledge needed to design ESS systems. This course reviews various integration practices, methodologies and devices when designing electronic safety and security systems, identifying how physical and electronic safety and security work together as a comprehensive package.

Upcoming Dates:

Tampa, FL
Feb. 1-5, 2010  

Tampa, FL
March 1-5, 2010

Vancouver, BC
April 12-16, 2010

Tampa, FL
May 3-7, 2010  

Moncton, NB
June 14-18, 2010          

Washington, DC
June 21-25, 2010

ESS200: ESS Design Specialist Review
ESS200 features a fast-paced review of the BICSI ESSDRM, highlighting the critical areas ITS professionals should know for the ESS Specialist exam. Practice tests and general test taking tips are included. This is the only official BICSI-sanctioned review course for the ESS Specialist exam.

Upcoming Dates:

Orlando, FL
Jan. 15-17, 2010           

Montreal, QC
April 28-30, 2010           

Tampa, FL
June 2-4, 2010

For additional information about the ESS courses, credential and exam, visit www.bicsi.org/ess.

About BICSI

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 90 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

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Optical Cable Corporation Merges Smp Data Communications Subsidiary

OCC Goes to Market Under One Brand

ROANOKE, VA, November 11, 2009 -- Optical Cable Corporation (Nasdaq GM: OCCF) (“OCC”) today announced that SMP Data Communications, also known as Superior Modular Products Incorporated and a wholly owned subsidiary of OCC, has been merged into OCC—creating one company named Optical Cable Corporation.  

OCC acquired SMP Data Communications on May 30, 2008.  The acquisition brought together a leading designer, innovator and manufacturer of fiber optic cable and an internationally respected innovator in copper and fiber optic connectivity products, enabling OCC to offer integrated fiber optic and copper data communications cabling and connectivity solutions to customers.  

OCC has been consolidating product offerings of both companies since August 2009 and now offers its comprehensive line of fiber optic and copper datacom cabling, connectivity, and related accessories under one brand—Optical Cable Corporation, or simply OCC.  The merger announced today is consistent with OCC’s one-brand strategy, as well as OCC’s continued integration of the functional teams of the two companies.  

“OCC’s acquisition of SMP Data Communications in 2008 brought together the products, innovation and technologies to meet the needs of our customers, and the transaction was a key step toward making our long-term strategic vision for OCC a reality,” said Neil Wilkin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Optical Cable Corporation.

“OCC, now under a single brand, is a one-stop provider of fiber optic and copper cabling and connectivity products to the enterprise market, offering an integrated suite of high quality cabling and connectivity solutions to our customers,” said Michael Newman, Vice President of International Sales and Global Marketing.

The merger of SMP Data Communications into Optical Cable Corporation was effective on October 31, 2009, by filings in the State of Delaware and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

About Optical Cable Corporation
Optical Cable Corporation is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic and copper data communications cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market, offering an integrated suite of high quality, warranted products which operate as a system solution or seamlessly integrate with other providers’ offerings.  OCC’s product offerings include designs for uses ranging from commercial, enterprise network, datacenter, residential and campus installations to customized products for specialty applications and harsh environments, including military, industrial, mining and broadcast applications.  OCC products include fiber optic and copper cabling, fiber optic and copper connectors, specialty fiber optic and copper connectors, fiber optic and copper patch cords, racks, cabinets, datacom enclosures, patch panels, face plates, multi-media boxes, and other cable and connectivity management accessories, and are designed to meet the most demanding needs of end-users, delivering a high degree of reliability and outstanding performance characteristics.

OCC is internationally recognized for pioneering the design and production of fiber optic cables for the most demanding military field applications, as well as of fiber optic cables suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and creating a broad product offering built on the evolution of these fundamental technologies.  OCC also is internationally recognized for its role in establishing copper connectivity data communications standards, through its innovative and patented technologies.
    
Founded in 1983, OCC is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices and manufacturing and warehouse facilities located both in Roanoke, Virginia and near Asheville, North Carolina.  OCC primarily manufactures its high quality fiber optic cables at its ISO 9001:2008 registered and MIL-STD-790F certified facility located in Roanoke, Virginia and its high quality commercial connectivity products at its ISO 9001:2000 registered facility located near Asheville, North Carolina.  

Further information about OCC is available on the Internet at www.occfiber.com

Optical Cable Corporation, OCC, Superior Modular Products, SMP Data Communications, and the associated logos are trademarks of Optical Cable Corporation.

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Registration is Open for 2010 NAED South Central Region Conference, Marco Island, Florida, February 10-13, 2010

Keynote Presentation Features Expert on U.S. Construction Activity

ST. LOUIS... The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) announces that registration is open for the 2010 South Central Region Conference. The conference will take place February 10-13, at the Marco Island Marriott in Marco Island, Florida. The theme for this conference is “Redefining Distribution: New Challenges, New Solutions.”

This year’s general session features a keynote presentation by Rusty Sherwood of McGraw-Hill Construction: “Finding the Upside in a Downsized Construction Market.” Sherwood will offer perspective on the factors driving U.S. construction activity at the national and regional level. The session will examine the leading economic indicators for construction including regional activity forecasts by construction type. The significant trends shaping where, what and how construction is evolving will also be presented, along with of the “so-what” strategic implications of the economy and these trends on the building material/electrical distribution marketplace.

NAED’s education sessions will include:

“How to Get on the Fast Track to Government Contracting Success” by Gloria Berthold Larkin, President, TargetGov

“How to Position Your Company as an Energy Expert” by Jerry Yudelson, Principal,Yudelson Associates

“Capitalizing on Distributor Capabilities in Energy Markets” by Fred Paris, Principal, Wind Sun Institute

“Panel: The Care & Feeding of Sales Specialists” moderated by Jerry Yudelson, Principal,Yudelson Associates

“Driving Profitability with Quality Marketing Data” by Bob Gaylord, IDEA President and Mary Shaw, IDEA Standards Director

To ensure that NAED members are getting the value they should out of their membership, there will be a special session entitled “Maximize Your NAED Benefits in Challenging Times” conducted by NAED staff members Colleen Mulvihill, customer solutions manager and Jon Gehbauer, regional manager, member services. The conference will also feature multiple opportunities for networking, including the popular distributor, manufacturer, and all-industry peer networking sessions, Women in Industry Luncheon, and B2B booth sessions.

Visit http://www.naed.org/meetings/southcentral/index.htm to register. The early bird registration deadline is January 6. For more information, contact the NAED Conference Department at 888-791-2512.

About NAED

NAED is the trade association for the $70+ billion electrical distribution industry. Through networking, education, research, and benchmarking, NAED helps electrical distributors increase profitability and improve the channel. NAED’s membership operates in approximately 4,400 locations internationally.

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Siemon Launches Additional High Density Zero-U Patching Options to Its Versapod Data Center Cabinet Solution

VersaPOD’s innovative Zero-U vertical patching capability now available for end of row

WATERTOWN, CT – Siemon introduces new end of row Zero-U patching and cable management options for its innovative VersaPOD Data Center Cabinet Solution.   Previously available as a copper and fiber patching solution that leveraged the vertical space between 2 bayed VersaPOD cabinets, this new product set brings the same high-density, Zero-U capabilities to end of row and stand-alone cabinets.

The end of row vertical panels mount between the VersaPOD cabinet’s corner posts and side panels, allowing 4 standard 1U patch panels or fiber enclosures to be mounted vertically.  These panels may be mounted on both ends and in the front and rear of the cabinet, providing an additional 16U of mounting space to a stand-alone cabinet, without consuming horizontal mounting space.

Combining VersaPOD’s 24U of Zero-U vertical patching space between bayed cabinets with the new end of row capabilities frees up 40 horizontal mounting spaces for every two cabinets. Ultimately, fewer cabinets are needed saving cabinet cost and valuable Data Center floor space..In addition the cable management and patching is located in dedicated Zero-U spaces that eliminate cable obstructions in equipment mounting areas for improved cold aisle, hot aisle air flow and thermal management.

Vertical Zero-U panels also provide ideal patching proximity to active equipment, minimizing patch cord runs and slack congestion.  This cord and cable management benefit may be further enhanced by optional cable management fingers that can be mounted alongside each Zero-U panel to facilitate routing of copper patch cords or fiber jumpers between patching fields. Zero-U vertical patching areas can also be used to mount PDU’s to service the equipment mounted in the adjacent 45 U of horizontal mounting space. In addition to mounting patch panels and fiber enclosures, VersaPOD’s end of row options include new thermal management blanking panels.  These panels seal the air gap between the cabinet corner posts and side panels, enhancing the VersaPOD’s hot aisle/cold aisle isolation capabilities.  Along with provisions for roof mounted cooling fans, brush guards and grommets for cable access points and highly perforated front and rear doors, the VersaPOD offers an innovative approach to maximize data center thermal management efficiency.

VersaPOD Data Center Solution’s innovative design offers full accessibility to the Zero-U vertical space from the front and rear of each bayed unit. Dual hinged front doors open from both the left and right and are easily removed..  Split rear doors offer an innovative quad hinge design, allowing each split door to be independently opened in either direction or removed.   All doors and side panels are lockable to prevent unauthorized access to critical equipment connections.

For more information in Siemon’s VersaPOD, as well as other Siemon network cabling and connectivity innovations, visit www.siemon.com/versapod.

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global offices, manufacturing and service partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) category 5e, category 6 (Class E), category 6A (Class EA) and category 7/7A (Class F/FA), and multimode and singlemode optical fiber cabling systems available. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, from patch cords to patch panels, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

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Siemon's Valerie Maguire Elected to Fifth Consecutive Term on the TR-42.7 Copper Cabling Systems Subcommittee

November 23, 2009 Watertown, CT.  — Valerie Maguire, Global Sales Engineer for Siemon, has been elected as Vice-Chair of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) TR-42.7 Copper Cabling Systems Subcommittee. This election represents Maguire’s fifth consecutive term in a leadership role on this subcommittee, which develops key standards for copper cabling systems.

Maguire previously served the maximum two terms as Chair of the subcommittee as well as holding the Vice-Chair position for 2 terms, beginning in 2001.  Maguire has actively participated in TIA standards formulation since 1995 and currently serves as document editor for multiple TIA Standards.

TIA TR-42.7 develops standards for balanced twisted-pair cabling systems and is the formulating group that authored the ANSI/ TIA-568-B.2-10 (category 6A) and recently published ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 standards. The subcommittee specifies twisted-pair connecting hardware, patch cord, and cable requirements, including test procedures, performance limits, and test instrument parameters.

About Valerie Maguire

 Valerie Maguire holds the position of Global Sales Engineer at The Siemon Company. Ms. Maguire received her B.S.E.E. degree from the University of Connecticut and actively participates in working groups responsible for the development and publication of telecommunications standards.  Ms. Maguire's expertise is focused in the fields of balanced twisted-pair and fiber optic telecommunications cabling, connecting hardware, and cables.  She is the vice-chair of the TIA TR-42.7 copper cabling sub-committee and TIA TR-42 appointed liaison to IEEE 802.3.  She has authored over 45 technical articles and engineering papers, holds one U.S. Patent, and received the 2008 Harry J. Pfister Award for Excellence in Telecommunications.

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New RoHS-Compliant TPEs Provide High Level of Flame Retardance, Wide Range of Use Temperatures, and Excellent Weatherability from Teknor Apex Company

Applications of Elexar® High-Performance FR Series Compounds Range from Cables, Cords, and Connectors to Profiles and Molded Components for Consumer Products

PAWTUCKET, RI, U.S.A., November 12, 2009: A new series of Elexar® thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds for wire and cable and molded products provides a combination of RoHS compliance, UL-V0 flame retardance, and excellent performance over a wide range of end use conditions, it was announced today by the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex Company.   

The Elexar High-Performance FR series includes six grades, with Shore A hardness ranging from 58 to 85, upper use temperature from 105 to 125 ºC., low-temperature flexibility down to -50 °C., excellent UV resistance, and good oil resistance (see property table). For applications where appearance is critical, the compounds provide excellent colorability and non-blooming surfaces, according to Keith Saunders, market manager.

“Elexar HPFR compounds embody a hard-to-find combination of outstanding end-use performance and compliance with the stringent standards required in the global marketplace,” said Dr. Saunders. “Conventional flame retardant TPEs not only fail to comply with the RoHS directives but are more limited in terms of flame test ratings and service temperatures. In addition, their flame retardant formulations often present the problem of blooming or surface staining.”

Teknor Apex suggests evaluating Elexar High-Performance FR compounds for use in these applications:

● Insulation and jacketing for automation and control cables, fiber optic cables, specialty low-voltage power cables, appliance wire, and flexible cord. The new Elexar compounds meet standards specified under UL 1061. Unlike conventional TPEs, they pass the UL VW-1 vertical flame test for cable jacketing.

● Molded electrical components such as splice enclosures, connectors, grommets, strain reliefs, plugs, and over-molded transformers.

● Consumer and industrial goods such as profiles, furniture components, and moldings for recreational vehicles.     

About Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex Company

The THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER DIVISION of Teknor Apex Company is a leading manufacturer of TPE compounds, including multiple generic types based on polyolefin, vulcanizate, and styrenic technologies.

Headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, U.S.A., the Division is an international supplier to the appliance, automotive, construction, medical-device, wire and cable, and other industries. 

Other plastics businesses of TEKNOR APEX include the Vinyl Div., Chemical Div., Specialty Compounding Div., Teknor Color Company, Chem Polymer, Singapore Polymer Corp., and Teknor Apex Suzhou.

Visit the web site: www.teknorapex.com.

READER INQUIRY INFORMATION: 

Americas: Teknor Apex, 505 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, RI  02861 U.S.A.  Tel:1-401-725-8000. Tel. from U.S. only: 1-866-GET-TPEs (1-866-438-8737).  Fax: 1-401-728-5680. E-mail: tpe@teknorapex.com.

Europe: Teknor Apex UK, Ltd., Tat Bank Road, Oldbury, West Midlands, England B69 4NH. Tel: 44-121-665-2100. Email: eutpe@teknorapex.com.  Asia: Singapore Polymer Corporation, 41 Shipyard Road, Singapore 628134.  Tel: 65-6265-2544.  Fax: 65-6265-1821.  Email: apactpe@teknorapex.com.    

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Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) Host B2G 'Recovery Act' Event

Dec. 8 Program – 'The State of Stimulus Recovery Act: Technology Opportunities and Spending Forecast' – to Focus on Health, Public Safety, Broadband and Education Sectors

Arlington, Va. – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leader in advocacy, standards development, business development and intelligence for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, and the Northern Virginia Technology Council's (NVTC) Business to Government (B2G) Committee are co-hosting a morning program on Dec. 8 on the State of Stimulus "Recovery Act": Technology Opportunities and Spending Forecast.

The program will provide an update and overview of the technology and small business opportunities associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Expert panelists will explain where the money is going and what stimulus IT opportunities still exist, with a special focus on small business opportunities.

Date and Time: Dec. 8, 7:30-11 a.m.
Location: The Tower Club, 8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Vienna, Va.
Registration: $45 for members; $75 for non-members
Walk-in Prices: $55 for members; $85 for non-members (if space is available)

Following a registration and networking session, two panel discussions will be held back to back beginning at 8 a.m.:

Panel 1: Health and Public Safety IT Stimulus Outlook
Patrick Sullivan, Director, Technical and Government Affairs, TIA
Brian Sailer, Senior Vice President, Dutko Worldwide
Ray Sullivan, Director, ASRC Management Services
Amy Bielski, Ripple Effect Communications, Inc.

Panel 2: Broadband and Education IT Stimulus Market Outlook
John Kuykendall, Vice President, JSI
Karen Jackson, Deputy Secretary of Technology, Commonwealth of Virginia
Tim Dowd, President, INPUT

"TIA has been diligently tracking the stimulus funds that will potentially touch our members and their customers," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "We thank our friends at NVTC for the opportunity to share our knowledge and intelligence we gain through our advocacy efforts in Washington, especially with regard to the opportunities for small businesses, which make up 80 percent of TIA's membership."

As part of their mutual friendship agreement, the two associations work cooperatively to stimulate consultations and discussions between their members.

"The NVTC B2G Committee is proud to take a leadership position in educating our members in policies and issues that affect companies doing business with the government. The stimulus package contains significant opportunities for business, and we are delighted to partner with TIA in hosting this timely and important event" said NVTC B2G Chair Sid Chowdhary, who also serves as the President and CEO of Credence Management Solutions.

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. With roots dating back to 1924, TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment and entertainment.

TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM tradeshow  and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

About NVTC
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia and is the largest technology council in the nation. NVTC has about 1,050 member companies representing approximately 200,000 employees. Its membership includes companies from all sectors of the technology industry and the service providers that support these companies, as well as universities, foreign embassies, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. NVTC is recognized as the nation's leader in providing its technology community with networking and educational events, specialized services and benefits, public policy advocacy, branding of its region as a major global technology center, initiatives in targeted business sectors and in the international, entrepreneurship, workforce and education arenas, the Equal Footing Foundation that focuses on venture philanthropy and public/private partnerships, and The Entrepreneur Center @! NVTC to mentor new technology entrepreneurs. Visit NVTC at www.nvtc.org.

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, Openwave, Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Powerwave Technologies, Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

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Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

Cabling Systems Engineering Committee Election Results Announced

TIA's TR-42, Which Develops and Maintains Standards for Telecommunications Cabling Infrastructure in User-Owned Buildings, Elects New Subcommittee Chairs and Vice Chairs

Arlington, Va. – During the week of November 2-6, 2009, the Telecommunications Industry Association's (TIA) TR-42 Telecommunications Cabling Systems engineering committee held elections for some of its committee leadership. The TIA TR-42 committee develops and maintains voluntary telecommunications standards for telecommunications cabling infrastructure in user-owned buildings, such as commercial buildings, residential buildings, homes, data centers and industrial buildings. TR-42 standards address generic cabling topologies, design, distances and outlet configurations as well as specifics for these locations. The committee's standards work covers requirements for copper and optical fiber cabling components (such as cables, connectors and cable assemblies), installation and field testing, in addition to the administration, pathways and spaces to supp! ort the cabling.

TIA congratulates the following chairs and vice-chairs on their appointment to lead the TIA TR-42 standards program for the next two years.

TR-42.1 Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling

Chair: Henry Franc - Belden Network Division

Vice-Chair: Glenn Sexton - Northwest Information Services

TR-42.3 Commercial Building Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces

Chair: Ray Emplit - The Wiremold Company

Vice-Chair: Rich Jones - Richard Jones Consulting

TR-42.5 Telecommunications Infrastructure Terms and Symbols

Chair: Paul Kish - Belden Network Division

Vice-Chair: Ray Emplit - The Wiremold Company

TR-42.7 Telecommunications Copper Cabling Systems

Chair: Sterling Vaden - Optical Cable Corporation

Vice-Chair: Valerie Maguire - The Siemon Company

TR-42.9 Industrial Telecommunications Infrastructure

Chair: Brad Woodman - Molex, Inc.

Vice-Chair: Bob Lounsbury - ODVA

TR-42.11 Optical Systems

Chair: Paul Kolesar - Commscope Network Solutions

Vice-Chair: David Mazzarese - OFS

"We deeply appreciate the time and effort of our subcommittee chairs, vice-chairs and other committee members as they voluntarily support the ICT industry through the important work of standards development," said Cheryl Blum, TIA Vice President for Standards and Technology. "We hold these individuals in the highest regard for their leadership, enthusiasm for the process and their considerable personal sacrifices. Simply put, we could not do it without them."

TIA also thanks all the past chairs and vice-chairs who have served and supported the TR-42 standards development process.

To learn more about how to participate in standards development with TIA, please contact Stephanie Montgomery at smontgomery@tiaonline.org.

For more information about TR-42, please contact Teesha Jenkins at tjenkins@tiaonline.org. For media inquiries, please contact Mike Snyder: msnyder@tiaonline.org.

To obtain copies of TIA standards, contact IHS International at +1.800.854.7179 (United States and Canada); +1.303.397.7796 (international) or visit global.ihs.com.

Sign up for RSS news feeds on standards and other TIA news.

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. With roots dating back to 1924, TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment and entertainment.

TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM® tradeshow  and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, Openwave, Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Powerwave Technologies, Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

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Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Files Comments on China's Draft Telecommunications Law

Submission Seeks to Improve Transparency and Create a Fair and Competitive Market Environment for China's Telecommunications Sector

Washington, D.C. – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leader in advocacy, standards development, business development and intelligence for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, submitted comments on China's draft Telecommunications Law to China's State Council-Legislative Affairs Office (SCLAO) through the United States Information Technology Office (USITO) (usito.org).

"We applaud China for working on developing a new legal framework for telecommunications," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "China is the world's largest telecommunications market, and this law will be an important step in establishing the foundation for future growth in the telecommunications sector there," Seiffert noted. "We believe our submission offers helpful recommendations to China to help ensure that ICTs fulfill their promise of delivering benefits to Chinese consumers."

In its comments, TIA thanked China for making the draft law available for public comment and encouraged China to continue to seek public comment in other regulatory areas. Among its many recommendations, TIA urged the Chinese government to: 1) consider establishing an independent regulator as the central authority governing the converging telecom, Internet media, and broadcast industries; 2) eliminate capitalization requirements and equity caps on foreign investment in the sector; 3) ensure non-discriminatory interconnection with existing operators for new market entrants; 4) protect the free flow of information and consumer privacy; and, 5) adopt global standards that are developed through privately managed, open, voluntary and consensus-driven standards processes.

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TIA Webinar: Energy & Environmental Trends & Forecasts

Dec. 3 Interactive Presentation to Focus on Green Business Opportunities and Policy

Arlington, Va. – As the information and communications technology (ICT) industry adapts to an increasingly environmentally conscious and energy-stretched world, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), long-time leader in market intelligence for the industry, has released a new report to educate and inform decision makers in need of reliable, relevant information that will help them sort out fact from fiction and carve out a viable business niche: TIA's ICT Green Report: Energy & Environmental Trends & Forecasts.

Join TIA Environmental Program Manager Ellen Farmer and TIA Government Affairs Energy and Environment Consultant Joseph Andersen Thursday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. (EST) for a free webinar on energy and environmental trends and forecasts. Register today! (Media welcome.)

The virtual event will draw on data and analysis in TIA's ICT Green Report and focus on environmental business opportunities and policy. Government policy is playing a strong role in shaping business opportunities in this space. TIA is actively working with key decision makers in Congress and the Administration to recommend policy that maximizes the green impact of the ICT industry.

"ICT is a critical driver in the green evolution and the industry is uniquely poised to capture the benefits while contributing responsibly to our global eco-system. We developed the ICT Green Report with this in mind," said TIA President Grant Seiffert.

The ICT Green Report – more than 100-pages long – was developed for readers eager to:

Lower their own energy use and save money

Learn how the debates on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint, and climate change affect their products and markets

Adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR)

Improve customer loyalty and respond to customer demand

Find new markets, both vertical and geographic

Ensure their products are compliant with the increasingly heavy burden of environmental regulation

Be on the leading edge of technology advances that help consumers and businesses with their own needs to lower energy costs, reduce pollution, improve efficiency and be more socially responsible

With information, charts and graphs gathered from numerous sources, this comprehensive reference guide organizes the concepts of climate change, carbon footprint, smart technologies and green business opportunities for the ICT industry. Throughout the publication, the report highlights ways that technology companies can enter new markets by focusing on the development of their green products and services.

TIA's ICT Green Report is available for purchase by visiting the TIA website at http://www.tiaonline.org/market_intellig ence/tia_ict_green_report/index.cfm.

TIA acknowledges the extensive contributions for the ICT Green Report drawn from the Smart 2020 Report, developed by The Climate Group and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative. Many other sources are referenced so that readers can delve deeper into specific topics if needed. TIA also thanks ICT Green Report reviewers: Joseph Andersen, TIA Energy & Environment Government Affairs Consultant; Dan Eisenberg of Beveridge & Diamond, PC; Arthur Gruen of Wilkofsky Gruen Associates; and Molly Webb of The Climate Group.

TIA's "green initiatives" encompass green standards (e.g. in smart grid, cloud computing, data centers, and smart devices) energy and environmental policy advocacy and include EIATRACK, TIA's environmental regulatory compliance tracking service.

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Times Microwave Systems Introduces LMR-400-UltraFlex-FR Low Loss Coaxial Cable

Adding to its extensive LMR® product line offering, Times Microwave Systems has recently  introduced LMR-400-UltraFlex-FR (stock code 54270), a more flexible low loss, fire retardant version of LMR-400 50 Ohm coaxial cable.  The new cable has a stranded center conductor for enhanced flexibility and a fire retardant polyethylene jacket.   LMR-400-UltraFlex-FR is also UL listed CMR (PCC-FT4) making it suitable for riser-rated installations.

Compatible with all standard LMR® solder-pin type connectors, installation tools and accessories, the new cable has a list price of $1.95 per foot.  With only slightly more loss than standard LMR-400 cable, LMR-400-UltraFlex-FR is the ideal solution for applications requiring both added flexibility and fire retardancy.

About Times Microwave Systems

Times Microwave Systems has over 60 years experience in designing innovative, high-reliability, coaxial cables, connectors and assemblies for demanding interconnection problems. An engineering oriented organization, the company specializes in the design and manufacture of high performance flexible and semi-rigid coaxial cable, connectors, and cable assemblies for RF transmission from HF through microwave frequencies.

New LMRÒ Bundled Cable End Caps Now Available from Times Microwave Systems

Times Microwave Systems has recently introduced a new series of improved watertight end caps for use with its popular series of LMRÒ Bundled Cables. These end caps are constructed with a heavy duty ABS plastic shell along with a 100% silicone rubber gasket and cushion.

Independently tested and easy to install, these rugged end caps are available in three configurations:

EC-BC400-7B

EC-BC400-9B

EC-BC240-12B

Features and benefits:

- Rugged UV/sunlight resistant design

- Independently certified to IP-68 for water ingress

- Quick and easy installation with just an Allen wrench

LMR® cables are low loss, flexible, non-kinking RF transmission line cables that utilize easy-to-install connectors and are suitable for use as antenna feeders, system jumpers and interconnects.

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Tips: Holiday Shopping Mall Safety – Crime Isn't Taking A Holiday

http://secprodonline.com/Articles/2009/11/19/Tips-Holiday-Shopping-Mall-Safety.aspx

Nov 19, 2009

The holiday shopping season is here and millions of people will be heading to the nation's shopping malls focused on finding the perfect gifts, but crime isn't taking a holiday. Police departments across the country report increased calls during the holiday season when shoppers tend to think less about holiday shopping mall safety and more about buying presents.

Shopping mall safety is especially important this holiday season when malls are more vulnerable to violent crime, according to Patrick Fiel, public safety advisor for ADT Security Services. Fiel said, "It's never possible to completely eliminate the risk of violence, but being aware of your surroundings and choosing to shop at malls that take security seriously are two important things you can do to help protect yourself and your family against violence while shopping this season."

To help make shopping at the mall safer for you and your family, Fiel suggests the following tips:

Park in a well-lit area as close to your destination as possible. Parking lots and structures are typically the most dangerous places at the mall. If you are shopping alone and feel uncomfortable walking to your car at night, ask mall security officers for an escort. Consider valet parking during the holiday season when many malls offer free or reduced price valet parking. Look for security cameras and try to park near them. Also, opt for walkways leading to malls and parking lots that have security cameras installed.

Choose to do your holiday shopping at malls that take security seriously. Shopping destinations with regular mall security patrols and visible surveillance cameras provide an added layer of security and a deterrent to criminals.

Avoid using restrooms that are tucked away in a back area of a mall or store department. If you can, find a restroom near the mall's food court or other well-trafficked area and always accompany your child.

Don't overload yourself with packages. Thieves are always on the lookout for people who might be distracted, keep track of your packages and try to stay off your cell phone. Hold your purse close to your body or use a front pocket if carrying a wallet.

Always know where the closest exits are located. In case of a fire or other emergency, make sure you can find the nearest exits and remember to avoid using elevators in an emergency.

Take extra care when returning to your car. If you notice anyone suspicious in the parking area you can use your keys as a weapon. If needed, you can also use your car's alarm system by pushing the panic button on your alarm remote control or car horn to draw attention.

"Being extra vigilant this holiday season will help keep you from becoming a crime victim," Fiel said. "Always trust your instincts and report any and all suspicious activity to shopping mall security officers or your local police. Reporting suspicious activity today will help keep your mall safer tomorrow."

Copyright 2009, 1105 Media Inc.

Reprinted with permission from Security Products Magazine

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BuildingGreen Announces 2009 Top-10 Green Building Products

Phoenix, AZ, November 12, 2009-BuildingGreen, LLC, publisher of the GreenSpec® Directory and Environmental Building News™, today announced the 2009 Top-10 Green Building Products. This eighth annual award, announced at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild Conference in Phoenix, recognizes the most exciting products drawn from recent additions to the GreenSpec directory and coverage in Environmental Building News.

"Our selections of the Top-10 Green Building Products represent a wide range of product types in many different application areas," noted BuildingGreen founder and executive editor Alex Wilson. This year's list is particularly diverse, ranging from a recycled-content concrete block, to a flywheel energy storage system for data centers, a mobile solar generator for job-site power, and an advanced modular classroom for schools.

Energy-saving products among the Top-10 include a line of mineral wool insulation, an integrated rain-screen/insulation wall cladding for commercial buildings, a heat-pump water heater, an energy control system for lighting in commercial buildings. A structural matrix system, Silva Cell, provides a support system for urban tree roots, helping trees survive in largely impervious environments and helping to manage stormwater runoff.

One of the nation's most innovative furniture makers, Baltix, is being recognized for new products that incorporate a variety of biobased, FSC-certified, and recycled-content materials. "Many of the Top-10 products this year have multiple environmental attributes," said Wilson.

BuildingGreen's Top-10 product selections, as in previous years, are drawn from new additions to the company's GreenSpec product directory. About 200 product listings have been added to the GreenSpec database during the past year. "New products are being introduced all the time, making it a challenge for our staff to keep up," said Wilson. "We also continue to come across products that have been on the market for years, but were under our radar screen." The GreenSpec database includes more than 2,100 product listings.

A major driver of the development of green products continues to be the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® Rating System (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which awards points for the use of certain product types, such as certified wood, or for the energy savings that green products can achieve. "Designers of LEED buildings are looking for green products, and manufacturers are responding," said Wilson. In the online version of GreenSpec, users can find products organized by LEED credits as well as by building category and the CSI MasterFormat structure.

The 2009 Top-10 Green Building Products are listed below.

Complete descriptions and contact information are provided on BuildingGreen.com:

Pozzotive Plus CMUs and Concrete Brick from Kingston Block

Thermafiber Mineral Wool Insulation Products

Invelope Integrated Wall Insulation and Rainscreen System

Baltix Recycled- and Biobased-Content Office Furniture

Project FROG Modular Green Classroom

Rheem HP-50 Heat-Pump Water Heater

Convia Energy-Management Infrastructure

Pentadyne GTX Flywheel Energy Storage

Silva Cell Subsurface Tree Protection and Stormwater System

Mobile Solar Power Generator

About GreenSpec
GreenSpec is the leading national directory of green building products. Products are selected by BuildingGreen based on rigorous criteria developed over more than 17 years. Manufacturers do not pay to be listed in GreenSpec, and neither GreenSpec nor Environmental Building News carries advertising. "Our policy of not accepting money from manufacturers allows us to be objective in our review of products," said Wilson. The GreenSpec product database is also available online as part of BuildingGreen.com.

About Environmental Building News
Environmental Building News, founded in 1992, is the oldest and most widely respected newsletter in the green building field.

Other BuildingGreen resources include GreenBuildingAdvisor.com, an all-in-one information source for residential builders and remodelers, and the just-introduced resource for teams pursuing certification through the LEED Rating System, LEEDuser.com.

BuildingGreen, LLC, celebrates its 24th year in business this year.

For information on BuildingGreen resources, visit BuildingGreen.com or call 800-861-0954.

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Network Protocol Specialists, LLC Will Offer Two Days of Certified Cabling Test Technician (CCTT) Training for the DTX Series Cable Analyzer January 19th & 20th in the Orlando, Florida Area.

Each day of training qualifies for 7 BICSI CECs.

Certified Cabling Test Technician (CCTT) Course Highlights

About the Course: Per customer demand, we are expanding the CCTT course into two separate days of training focused upon your specialization – copper or fiber certification. Each day is a powerful one-day course which covers the current standards and provides hands-on training with the DTX Cable Analyzer. You can register for one or both days of CCTT training as follows:

• January 19th – UTP Copper Cabling Certification – Includes a review of the current TIA standards for “in-channel” certification of Category 5e up through the recently approved Category 6A. Extensive hands-on with factory supplied DTX Cable Analyzers is provided for in-channel testing and troubleshooting of UTP copper systems.

• January 20th – Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Certification – Includes an overview of fiber optic basics and current testing standards from both the TIA and IEEE committees. Basic optical loss/length testing plus an intro to OTDRs is taught during this one-day event. Integrated throughout the class are several hands-on exercises with equipment provided by the factory. This includes performing basic loss/length testing (Tier 1) with the DTX-MFMs, and OTDR testing (Tier 2) utilizing the DTX-OTDR modules.

After successful completion of the class, Network Protocol Specialists, LLC will deliver CCTT certificates to the attendees. Each certificate qualifies for 7 BiCSi continuing education credits.

Who should attend:  The course is designed for contractors and enterprise network owners who currently own or anticipate purchasing DTX series cable certification equipment.

Why attend:  The CCTT course provides "expert" level training on the DTX cable analyzer series. Investing in the Fluke Networks Certified Cabling Test Technician program will not only improve installation skills, but also your effectiveness and productivity on the job - testing, certifying and troubleshooting cabling systems.

Time:  Each day goes from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Continental breakfast starts at 7:30am. Lunch is also provided.

Location:  Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration.  2900 Parkway Blvd, Kissimmee, Florida 34747.  Phone 407.396.7000.

Cost:  $395.00 USD per person per day is due prior to the class.  Acceptable forms of payment are credit card or check (other forms of payment with prior approval only). Payment information will be collected by a Network Protocol Specialists’ representative via e-mail or phone a few days after completing the online registration.

REGISTER TODAY!

Don't delay … Each class is limited to only 16 students and typically sells out!

Register for one or both days of training at www.cctttraining.com

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Hitachi Cable Manchester Adds Vice President of Sales for Premise and Fiber

Manchester, NH, December 2, 2009  

Todd Thurston has joined HCM effective November 30th as Vice President of Premise and Fiber Sales.  Todd previously worked for HCM from 1993 to 1996 as a Regional Sales Manager.  Since then Todd has held Sales Management roles at Essex, Nordx/CDT, and Commscope. Most recently, Todd was the Vice President of Sales for Mohawk Inc.  Todd will report to Lynne Humenik, Executive Vice President.

Todd brings a wealth of experience in the strategic sale of premise and fiber optic products.  We are looking forward to growing HCM’s sales with Todd’s assistance and direction.

About HCM

HCM, located in Manchester, NH manufacturers a complete line of copper and fiber optic cables for the communication industry as well as round and flat electronics cables.  Over 3,300 different cable products are manufactured at this facility. 

To learn more about HCM products and where you can purchase them, please contact HCM toll free at 800-772-0116 or visit the HCM website at www.hcm.hitachi.com

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Fluke Networks Live Webcast: How To Resolve Ten Common Problems Encountered by Network Technicians

Register Now

Featured Speaker:
Chris Greer
Network Protocol Specialist

Webinar Details:
How to resolve ten common problems encountered by network technicians

Date and Time:
December 16, 2009
10:00 am PT
1:00 pm ET

In this webinar we will discuss ten common problems; their symptoms, causes, and resolutions. We will illustrate how the right network analyzer can significantly speed troubleshooting, resulting in substantial annual savings.

Learn how to resolve these problems and others:

faulty cabling

dead network drops

speed and duplex mismatches

incorrect VLAN assignments

server connectivity issues

slow application performance

For more information about our Network SuperVision Solutions,
call 800-283-5853 or email info@flukenetworks.com