Issue: January 2010
By: Frank Bisbee

BISBEE’S BUZZ

“HOTS - Heard On The Street” Monthly column is always one step ahead.  HOTS offers the news and resources to keep you informed of the ongoing developments that constantly transform the ITS industry.  As a HOTS reader, we strive to keep you notified you of significant advancements and changes to the field.  With HOTS, you’re the first to know.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee
"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
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TED Magazine and NAED nails the latest news

GE Rearranges Lighting & Appliance Units

GE Consumer & Industrial is no more. A new division is being created by General Electric to include:

Appliances

Lighting

Electrical switches

Sensors

Factory automation

From a Jan. 4 Bloomberg.com report: “The product lines were previously part of the GE Consumer & Industrial segment, which [CEO Jeffrey] Immelt considered spinning off or selling in 2008. He said last month he would keep those lines because GE can grow them as part of so-called smart electricity products.”

According to the report, GE Energy will get the industrial products from the C&I unit, “including switches and voltage controls.” The head of the new division will not be Jim Campbell (who ran C&I), but 43-year-old Charlene Begley.

57 CES News Releases

HomeToys.com offers a platform for product releases flowing from the Consumer Electronics Show. At our last visit, there were 57.

Gunman at ABB St Louis

A former supervisor, armed to the teeth, returned to an ABB factory in St. Louis and shot three people dead last week, also shooting five who were hospitalized. The shooter also shot himself to death.

According to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, he got off more than 100 shots. The newspaper claimed that ABB, which held a meeting with employees on Jan. 8, plans to erase all visual evidence of the tragedy, check equipment for safety, and go back to work.

Here’s the newspaper’s lengthy original report about the shootings.

Looking for a motive, The New York Times on Jan. 8 offered this:

A motive for the killings was not yet clear. A neighbor of Mr. Hendron said that at one point he was a supervisor at the plant, which assembles electrical transformers. At the time of the shooting, he was engaged in a public dispute with ABB Power, as one of four named plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit filed against the company over the company’s pension fund.

According to the complaint, filed in 2006, ABB’s pension fund managers assessed fees that were “unreasonable and excessive,” and without plaintiffs’ knowledge. The plaintiffs had sought to recover financial losses, and the trial had just begun this week in federal court in Kansas City, Mo.

Milestones

Echelon & Green Energy Options—are collaborating “to develop energy displays for Echelon’s Networked Energy Service system, an advanced metering infrastructure solution.”

Emerson/SolaHD—won the 2010 readers’ choice award for power suppliers, as bestowed by Control magazine.

Gamewell-FCI—now offers a flexible financing program, “designed to make the expense of life safety system upgrades or build-outs more manageable and affordable.”

Generac—has filed for an initial public offering of common stock to the public (the stock to be traded on the NYSE). TedMag’s checks show that the initial filing came on Oct. 20, but that no stock has been sold as yet. The “red herring” (S-1 statement) on the Generac IPO, updated on Dec. 17, was downloaded by TedMag—at 672 pages. See this somewhat related Plant Engineering article.

Harger Lightning & Grounding—is providing lightning protection system training to NECA-IBEW (via the NJATC) and is donating materials “necessary to install a lightning protection system to the [local JATC] of attending participants who meet the minimum qualification requirements.”

Hunt Dimming—celebrates its 50th year of existence this year.

Nora Lighting—recently was recognized for a “very generous” donation to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.

Paresources—now in its 15th year of business, according to an article, as “a premier supplier of electrical substation packages.”

Power Distribution—won the 2009 Best of Business Award from the Small Business Commerce Association “in the transformers and power solution for data center and alternative energy applications category.”

Power Partners—a plant in Athens, Ga., “that makes electrical transformers and solar water heating systems,” according to OnlineAthens.com, “is one of 29 Georgia manufacturing companies that will receive $1.4 million in [stimulus funds].” The money will enable the plant to become a Certified Work Ready facility.

Shermco Industries—received a bronze Training Partner Award from the NJATC (the national NECA-IBEW training org).

Silent Knight—recently teamed with a local company to provide fire alarm, System Sensor detection devices, and a complete system installation to the Riverside Pet Center (Mankato, Minn.).

Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures—now offers a 10-year product warranty.

Waukesha Electric Systems—this unit of SPX Corp. now has $10.7 million of DOE funding “to develop and manufacturer a new superconducting transformer.”

Lighting Roundup

Cyberlux Corp.—did N.I.R. Group, an investor in Cyberlux (which is in the LED biz), abide by the terms of the agreement it made to invest in the company? There was litigation on this matter. A release from Cyberlux says the fight is now over. According to the Triangle Business Journal (Jan. 7), “Cyberlux accused N.I.R. of converting shares that gave it more than the 5% beneficial ownership limit to which the two parties agreed and that N.I.R. shorted Cyberlux stock, also in violation of that agreement.” Details of the settlement were not made available; however, the N.I.R. chairman was quoted in the Cyberlux release: “We are encouraged by the progress that…the Cyberlux team have made and we support their efforts to develop Cyberlux’s business.”

            Separately: Cyberlux shipped 10 Portable Shelter Lighting Systems “for an exclusive Department of Defense order for a multinational OEM customer.” The unit replaces existing fluorescent lighting “used in all free-standing field shelters, ranging from personnel tents to command-and-control complexes.”

            Also: Cyberlux signed (with Spectrum Brands) to deliver six products for the Rayovac brand.

GE & Power Paper—GE Global Research and Power Paper (which is part of the Infinity Group’s portfolio) agreed to “jointly develop self-powered OLED lighting devices.” The O in OLED stands for organic.

Lagotek, lighting control & motorized window coverings—HomeToys.com interviewed Ron Risdon of Lagotek Corp. on lighting control—see it here.

Lumenergi & WattStopper—WattStopper (a unit of Legrand) is now collaborating with Lumenergi to unite technologies the two provide, to “eliminate compatability issues and simplify design, specification, and installation processes.”

            Somewhat related: See the Nov. 10 TedMag Special Report, which included coverage of a Lumenergi presentation on lighting & The Smart Grid.

Lumiversal & Tech Sensor—two new companies founded by Brian Brager and Michael Whittingham, according to the San Jose Business Journal (Nov. 6). Lumiveral “will seek out every commercial building in the U.S. using…T12 and T8 fluorescent lighting and switch them to T5 lighting.” Every building? That’s what it says. Tech Sensor, a development entity, will develop sensor technology—and plans are for it to hire 50 employees in the next year. The founders have invested $2 million in the companies and have housed them in 15,000 square feet in downtown San Jose.

Orion Energy Systems—obtained two design patents for exterior lighting technology (streetlight and parking lot fixtures). The company now owns 25 patents.

            Separately: The company agreed to amend its credit agreement. This deal “eliminated a provision permitting [OES] to request an increase in the line of credit” and got the bank “to waive its rights to declare [OES] in default under the Credit Agreement” as a result of events that happened in the period ending Sept. 30, 2009.

QD Vision—raised $10 million in financing (from North Bridge Venture Partners, Highland Capital Partners, and In-Q-Tel) to “support the expansion of the first QD Vision Quantum Light products into the global solid-state lighting market and continued advancements on a new generation of quantum-dot LEDs.”

Schreder Lighting—planned to open a new manufacturing facility on Jan. 4 in Addison, Ill. (near Chicago).

Westinghouse Lighting—relocated its California distribution center from Santa Fe Springs (near Los Angeles) to Chino, Calif., according to Home Center News. The new 137,523-square-foot building will cut leasing expenses by 41% in the first year.

Reprinted with permission of tED Magazine 2010

http://www.tedmag.com/Rooms.aspx?id=2922

CABA Newsbrief Is A Valuable Member Benefit

More CES mindblowers
Texas Instruments, Whirlpool, Sensory and Tyco Electronics used CES to preview a near-future "Magic Kitchen" operated with voice command, face recognition and the wave of a hand. Phase one will feature an Internet-connected display, projected onto the countertop, serving up recipes and appliance-operating manuals, plus news, weather and more. Philly.com (1/13)

Home networking news highlights CES
The HomePlug Powerline Alliance and the Multimedia over Coax Alliance, the two industry groups who felt, with good reason, that their interests were left out of the G.hn home network standards effort, signed a liason and co-marketing agreement. FierceIPTV (1/11)

Video: With Nexus, Google puts own spin on selling smartphones
Google introduced its Nexus One smartphone, an HTC-produced device that T-Mobile USA will market for $179 by way of a revolutionary business model in which Google will sell the phone exclusively online directly to consumers. The company, which is offering an unlocked version for $529, believes that marketing the Nexus One in this fashion will spur sales of handsets with more advanced features and eventually reduce the costs of high-end phones. ClipSyndicate/Associated Press (1/7)

Supply abounds, but immediate demand for 3-D TV is unclear
Samsung, Panasonic, LG and Sony will all debut 3-D-capable TVs this year, but at prices of $200 or more above other flat-screen sets, it's not certain whether customers will be buying. "It may also be difficult to tempt shoppers to buy new TVs after the flat-panel binge of the last few years," Peter Svensson writes. Yahoo!/The Associated Press (1/7)

Home entertainment a growing priority at Microsoft
During a keynote address at CES, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer laid out some details of how his company will transform home entertainment via enhancements to the Xbox 360 gaming console, a new tablet-style Windows PC, interfaces that respond to users' gestures and more. "From the largest screen on the wall to the smallest screens in people's pockets, we are delivering the entertainment people want," he said. Wired.com/Gadget Lab (1/6)

Web TV breeds new generation of apps
As Internet-connected TV comes into its own, companies are pushing out a wave of applications that work much like smartphone apps to connect to online content from social networks to movie-streaming services. Samsung is among TV makers launching its own app store, while firms such as Vudu, Boxee, Roku and Syabas are shipping set-top boxes or designated Web-to-TV services. The Wall Street Journal (1/8)

SilverPAC unveils smart energy and connected home products at CES
SilverPAC, an international consumer electronics company that designs, develops and distributes innovative technologies and products, is leading the next wave of digital devices with the introduction of three new products for the connected home during CES 2010. IT.TMCNET.COM (1/5)

3M multi-touch display launched
3M islaunching a new multitouch screen that measures 22 inches and is capable of capturing input from up to 10 fingers. The screen is called the M2256PW and runs at a high-definition resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels. The new LCD screen is aimed at professionals and professional consumers who are looking for true multi-touch compatibility. Gadget Venue (1/7)

Sigma launches Z-Wave technology for set-top box apps
Sigma Designs, a leading provider of system-on-chip solutions used to deliver entertainment and control throughout the home, announced the availability of its new SD3402 Z-Wave chip designed to add Z-Wave wireless control and status capabilities to radio frequency remote controls, set-top boxes and consumer electronic products. PR-inside.com (1/4)

Study: Online gaming in China approaches $4 billion
Online gaming in China earned $3.97 billion in 2009, a 30.2% increase over the previous year, according to iResearch. A number of factors, including increasing Internet penetration and gaming options, are expected to lead to a doubling in revenue from Chinese online gaming in the next three years. Reuters (1/11)

Philips' Pronto adds audio to whole-home automation
Philips has introduced Philips Pronto, a third-party system that seamlessly controls Sonos' touch-screen controllers. According to this report, Pronto enables users to integrate audio into whole-home entertainment and automation systems. CEPro.com (1/8)

Will the smartphone become the smart video projector?
That's the hope of a slew of tech giants and startups intent on pushing a pico projector into mobile gadgets, from laptops to cell phones, in the next few years. "We believe that in a five-year forecast, your phones will all have projectors," a Microvision executive said. Reuters (1/10)

Netgear Push2TV sends notebook content to any TV wirelessly
Showcased at Intel's CES keynote, Netgear today launched NETGEAR Push2TV (PTV1000), a small device that enables consumers to wirelessly display their notebook computer screens on their big-screen HDTVs. Compatible with select laptops featuring Intel Wireless Display and leveraging the new 2010 Intel Core Processor Family, Push2TV transforms the living room HDTV into a huge, remote monitor without the need for any cables. Electronista (1/7)

Everything from TVs to Blu-ray players getting networked
Would you like the Internet with your new tech toy purchase this year? Even if you don't, you're going to be hard-pressed to find a new gadget or gizmo in 2010 that doesn't also connect you to Web services — from Netflix movies and Pandora online music to Facebook and Flickr photos and Skype video phone calls. USA Today (1/8)

"Content snacking" comes to a TV near you
Marketers are beginning to throw financial support behind Yahoo! widgets, the little content-rich, interactive capsules that are starting to pop up on newer-model TV screens. "This is about 'content snacking.' I think, ultimately, TV ads are going to have more to compete with for consumers' attention," said Jeff Whatcott, senior vice president of marketing at Brightcove, whose clients create apps for the widgets. ClickZ (1/12)

Gesture control makes a splash at CES
One of the most buzz-worthy topics at the recently concluded 2010 International CES was the development on several fronts of advanced systems in devices such as cameras and video games that recognize -- and react to -- human gestures. But before that could happen, designers had to overcome a mind-boggling series of technical challenges. The New York Times (1/11)

AT&T brings U-verse to the Xbox
AT&T later this year will begin offering its U-verse TV service via the Microsoft Xbox 360 entertainment console. The feature will enable Xbox users to access live, on-demand, high-definition and total-home DVR content, according to an AT&T spokeswoman, who added that information on pricing would be made available "as soon as we can." Multichannel News (1/11)

New draft broadband over power line standard published
Interoperable broadband over power line technology, using power lines for home networking, has reportedly taken the next step with the announcement by the IEEE Standards Association that Draft 2.0 of the IEEE P1901 BPL standard is now available for purchase. The IEEE P1901 is expected to become an approved standard before the end of 2010. SMART-GRID.TMCNET.COM (1/11)

HomePNA adds Bell Canada to member roster
With the addition of Bell Canada, HomePNA now claims ten service providers as members of its home networking alliance. Bell Canada joins other large service providers such as AT&T and Telus who have standardized on HomePNA as their home networking wiring technology of choice. FierceTelecom (1/7)

The benefits of a TV Everywhere business model
During a panel discussion at the recently concluded 2010 International CES in Las Vegas, David Poltrack, the vice president of research at CBS, said broadcast companies were taking an in-depth look at the TV Everywhere business model because it would give them another potential revenue stream. "Cable TV has a dual revenue stream," he said. "Broadcast TV traditionally hasn't. ... As broadcasters, we have to start to develop that second revenue stream and it's available in the concept of TV Everywhere." TVNewsCheck (1/8)

Video: Wii gamers to get Netflix streaming this spring
Nintendo and Netflix are expected to announce today a deal that will allow owners of the Wii entertainment system to stream Netflix's catalog of movies and TV shows. The service is expected to be available sometime this spring. ClipSyndicate/Bloomberg (1/13)

Report: New Wi-Fi standard to reach most smartphones
Almost 90% of all Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones will include support for the new 802.11n wireless standard within five years, according to a report from ABI Research, although analysts warn mobile-phone performance won't match those of laptops -- at least not at first. ABI also predicted that 4G networks will drive a suite of new "Web 3.0" premium services that will attract a considerable number of new subscribers. Network World/PC Advisor UK (1/12)

Tablets have the buzz, but will consumers bite?
The upcoming 2010 International CES is expected to be the stage for the introduction of a new type of computer that's being dubbed the "smartbook," according to this report. These highly portable machines, which are expected to cost less than most netbook PCs, are built to be always on and connected to the Internet via a 3G cellular connection. The Wall Street Journal (1/11)

D-Link debuts dime-size wireless adapter
D-Link has introduced the DWA-121, a dime-size wireless N USB adapter that the company says will let users connect to the Internet far faster and in a far larger coverage area than with wireless G systems. The adapter is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7 operating systems and offers download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Marketnews Magazine (1/12)

Green tech leading to energy, conservation product push
While vendors are happy to meet consumer demands for environmentally friendly technology and products, they're also eyeing a growing demand for tools and solutions that will help consumers save energy and money. Big and small players debuted a wide range of promising gadgets at the CES focused on saving beyond just the planet. CNet (1/9)

Intel CEO gets connected inside the home
Intel CEO Paul Otellini on Thursday detailed the chip maker's vision to link Web-based, PC-type applications inside the home. "Computing is no longer confined to your computer -- it's everywhere," Otellini said during his keynote address. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (1/7)

Canada to test smart grid over FM radio
CBC Radio, Canada's national broadcaster, will soon use its nationwide frequencies to test out a system for curbing power in homes. At the heart of the system is e-Radio's FM receiver module, a tiny chip that's slightly smaller than a postage stamp. When installed inside the control system of a smart appliance, such as a dishwasher or thermostat, it allows for remote operation of the appliance using wireless FM frequencies. Toronto Star (1/9)

Intel enters the smart-home market with dashboard device
Intel wants in on the growing consumer interest in smart-home technology, and it has launched its first tech offering to join Apple, Microsoft and Google in the marketplace. The chip maker's Home Dashboard Concept lets families gain better control over energy use, as well as share video messages, find contact information and even track expected package deliveries. CNET/Green Tech blog (1/19)

Video: Whirlpool & Direct Energy demonstrate energy monitoring at CES
Energy monitoring will become increasingly important and integrated into the family lifestyle. Whirlpool demostates its energy monitoring system, which it will pilot in 2010 and introduce in either 2011 or 2012. Geeknews (1/19)

Video: CABA conducts facial and speech recogniton research for kitchens
CABA's Connected Home Research Council is researching the convergence of information, entertainment, and communication resources, combined with speech and face recognition to provide a personalized kitchen experience. Geeknews (1/18)

Four overlooked tech trends from CES
Websites and cable TV channels are packed with news from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. But with thousands of exhibitors spread out through several convention halls and hotels, there are always lots of stories that go overlooked. CEA (1/12)

Study forecasts DVRs in 44% of homes by 2015, VOD in 54%
By 2015, DVR technology will be in 53 million U.S. homes, which will be equivalent to 44% of the TV marketplace in five years, according to new research from Magna. The study also forecast that nearly 66 million homes, or 54% of the TV universe in the U.S., will have some video-on-demand system. MediaPost Communications/Media Daily News (1/15)

Industry turns its attention to implementing 3-D visions
Now that the dust has cleared from the exhibition halls at the 2010 International CES, where several companies proclaimed their 3-D ambitions, it's time to figure out a way to turn all those promises into reality. "There are always the minor details of how to implement things," said Ahmad Ouri, chief marketing officer for Technicolor, which wants to be a 3-D player. "It's always easier to announce things and figure out how to do it after the fact." Broadcasting & Cable (1/18)

Is Nintendo preparing a successor to the venerable DS?
Nintendo could announce a successor to its DS gaming system within the next eight months and bring the device to market in about 15 months, according to a research note from EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich. According to this report, the reasons for a DS2 might include "the need to bone up on online distribution, rampant piracy, and just the regular march of technology." Engadget/Joystiq (1/17)

Study reports big December for video game industry
The video game industry turned in one of its best months ever in December 2009, in which industry sales outpaced year-ago levels 4%, according to the latest figures from NPD Group. The study reported particularly good news for the Nintendo Wii gaming console, which improved from 2.15 million units in December 2008 to 3.81 million last month, and the Nintendo DS, which went from 3.04 million to 3.31 million. PC World/Game On blog (1/15)

Target takes aim at market for television sales and services
Target has debuted a national television delivery and installation service that even includes helping customers with set recycling and video game console setup. The move is viewed as a growing trend to meet increasing consumer-electronics needs. American City Business Journals/Minneapolis/St. Paul (1/15)

Cisco offers upgrade to improve 802.11n video quality
Cisco Systems today announced new software aimed at boosting video quality on 802.11n Wi-Fi networks by taking into account gaps in the network that degrade the picture quality. The new code, dubbed VideoStream, takes three approaches to handling video that are different than prior versions, Cisco said. Network World (1/19)

Studies: Web-enabled devices will be all the rage
Global shipments of Web-enabled Blu-ray players will be more than 28 million units in 2011, according to a new study by IMS Research. A separate report from Parks Associates forecast that the sales of Web- enabled TV sets will hit 80 million units in the U.S. by 2013. Home Media Magazine (1/18)

HDMI primed to hit 1 billion devices this year
The technology is becoming the defacto darling for makers of digital TVs and Blu-ray and DVD players, with one billion HDMI devices in play by the end of last year. The advent of new digital devices, such as cameras and media players, are spurring the growth, according to research firm In-Stat. CEPro.com (1/18)

Xbox takes on cable, streaming TV shows and movies
Executives at Microsoft are fond of saying that its subscription gaming service, Xbox Live, should be thought of as a cable channel. They want Xbox to be seen not merely as a gaming machine for teenagers, but as a media portal for parents and grandparents, too. The New York Times (1/18)

The love of TV isn't ebbing anytime soon
Consumers won't be switching off the TV in favor of other electronic broadcast-capable devices, according to Deloitte's 2010 TMT Predictions. "Our estimate is that over 90 percent of all television watched and over 80 percent of all audio content consumed will be via traditional broadcast," the report said. Reuters (1/19)

Companies develop energy efficiency home automation platform
Radio Thermostat Company of America (RTCA), Marvell Technology Group Ltd. and chumby industries have jointly developed a home automation platform focused on energy efficiency. RTCA notes that the new home automation platform features multiple radios, including Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, RDS and FlexNet. RenewGrid (1/8)

Dwindling Web addresses demands next-gen IP adoption
The Number Resource Organization, which is responsible for doling out IPv4 Web addresses, is pushing for greater IPv6 adoption given that just 10% of IPv4 availability remains. Axel Pawlik, the group's chairman, said adoption was vital to the development of the Internet's infrastructure. Telegraph (London) (1/19)

Top home theater trends for 2010
There will be three key developments this year: the introduction of three-dimensional television, the phasing out of analog broadcasting and the passing into history of cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions, which have been around since television started in 1956. Sydney Morning Herald (1/18)

G.hn performance enhancement seen
Following up on home networking news that came out of this month's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the HomeGrid Forum has issued a release highlighting improved performance for the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU-T) G.hn home networking standard. FierceIPTV (1/19)

Applications open for CMHC Housing Awards
Applications for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Housing Awards are being accepted until April 16, 2010. The program honors people and organizations that are creating affordable housing solutions across Canada and helps share best practices with communities across the country. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (1/19)

Tyco Acquires Broadview Security
Tyco International recently announced its acquisition of Broadview Security for $2 billion. Broadview, a full service provider of residential and commercial security systems, will merge with Tyco's ADT business. Morningstar (1/19)

D-Link rolls out home monitoring, smart energy solutions
D-Link has released a new Home Monitoring Starter Kit. As the name implies, the kit offers a relatively easy and cost-effective way for homeowners and renters to get the security benefits of Internet-connected home monitoring, including mobile alerts. TMCnet.com (1/11)

HAI introduces CFL friendly UPB switch
HAI is demonstrating a new UPB CFL bulb friendly light switch at the next International Builders Show this week. While you still require 'dimmable' CFL bulbs, the switch has been optimized to account for the difference in CFL dimming behavior, providing smooth transitions, which is an issue with existing light switches. The switch will also support an auto-off feature and will be available later this year. CocoonTech.com (1/20)

Will Apple's Tablet Be a Gaming Device?
Amid all the shaky speculation about whether Apple is going to enhance its focus on entertainment, two things seem certain. First, the company is working on a 10-inch touchscreen device. Second, Apple is making a strong push into the world of gaming--as evidenced by the company's hiring of two former Microsoft Xbox execs. PCWorld (1/20)

Unique UK partnership targets construction of sustainable homes
The UK Government-backed Technology Strategy Board (TSB) is to support a ground-breaking £6.4 million programme to build 12 world-class energy-efficient houses, without using renewable energy technologies. AIMC4 will take a 'fabric-first' approach, with the aim of achieving a 44% reduction in carbon emissions and sees TSB partner with a consortium of developers, suppliers and research organisations. BSRIA (1/20)

Whirlpool showcases smart clothes dryer at builders expo
Whirlpool, the world’s largest manufacturer of major home appliances, is displaying its new smart grid-compatible clothes dryer at the International Builders’ Show (IBS). IBS began January 19 and runs through January 22. Smartmeters (1/20)

Microsoft's Bing may croon for iPhone
Apple and Microsoft are in talks to make the software giant's Bing search engine the default for iPhones, a move analysts attribute to Apple's escalating rivalry with Google, according to a published report. Replacing Google as the default would provide a huge boost for Bing: To use the upstart service now, iPhone users have to actively download the application or go to the Bing Web site. BusinessWeek (1/20)

Sony delays debut of motion-detecting controller for PS3
Sony has announced that it will delay the launch of a motion-detecting controller that can be used with its PlayStation 3 gaming console. The company said the device would not launch until this fall -- as opposed to this spring, which was the original plan -- because it's waiting for more game titles to become available that will be able to function with the new controller. Reuters (1/20)

Google, Verizon collaborate on mobile DVR application
The search titan and wireless network leader are making it easier than ever for FiOS customers who use Android-based smartphones to record broadcast programming and check out television listings no matter where they may be. Both vendors are big players behind Android, an open-source mobile-operating system. ConnectedPlanetOnline.com (1/19)

Apple plans to upgrade users to cloud music service
Michael Robertson, a veteran of the digital-music business, explains how Apple is planning to leverage its iTunes software and acquisition of Lala to upgrade its users to a cloud music service. The move is aimed at beating Amazon and other rivals to the punch on a cloud music service, he says. The Washington Post/TechCrunch (1/19)

CEDIA unveils newly enhanced career center
Job-seekers and employers in the electronic systems industry now have a new option for making much-needed connections. The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) has launched a newly enhanced online Career Center that will help connect hiring companies with electronic systems professionals. Residential Systems Magazine (1/13)

Reprinted with permission from CABA www.caba.org

Rohs Is Important – Heavy Metals Are Dangerous.

CPC-Communication Planning Corporation offers RoHS compliant cabling materials. Safety is too important to ignore. www.communicationplanning.com

What is RoHS Compliance?

Overview

The EU (European Union) first adopted this directive in 2003. The acronym "RoHS" stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. It restricts the use of the following six substances in the manufacturer of electronics components:

Lead

Mercury

Cadmium

Hexavalent chromium

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)

The directive applies to equipment as defined by a section of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive.

The following numeric categories apply:

Large and small household appliances.

IT equipment.

Telecommunications equipment (although infrastructure equipment is exempt in some countries)

Consumer equipment.

Lighting equipment—including light bulbs.

Electronic and electrical tools.

Toys, leisure, and sports equipment.

Medical devices (currently exempt)

Monitoring and control instruments (currently exempt)

Automatic dispensers.

What's the Real Danger?

The reason for the implementation of RoHS compliance is the increasing levels of e-waste or high-tech trash. Since technology is growing so rapidly, many consumers and businesses are throwing away their old, obsolete equipment, thus filling landfills across the world with hazardous materials. Though efforts have been made to "recycle" these electronics, they are doing more harm than good. Adult and child workers in foreign countries are being poisoned by these heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Not only that, but these products are then being shipped back to the US with the hazardous materials still in them.

Will the US adopt similar Directives?

Right now, only California has passed a law prohibiting the sale of electronic devices that are prohibited under the EU RoHS Directive, but on a much smaller scale including LCDs, CRTs, etc, and only covers the four heavy metals: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Hexavalent chromium (please see SB 20: Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, or EWRA, for more info).

Other states are contemplating passing similar acts, but the US as a whole is not likely to adopt these directive in the near to medium term.

What are the Benefits?

Health: RoHS helps reduce damage to people in third-world countries where the e-waste is commonly transported to. Since RoHS requires the use of lead-free solders and components, we're seeing immediate health benefits for electronics industry workers in manufacturing operations.

Reliabiity: Many of today's leading electronics are RoHS compliants including Apple's iPod, Motorola's RAZR, Dell and HP computers and servers, and much more. According to AMD:

"There is no change to fit, functional, electrical or performance specifications. Quality and reliability standards for RoHS compliant products are expected to be identical compared to current packages."

Conclusion

The EU RoHS Directive is a great achievement for the world as a whole. As more and more countries adopt these standards, tomorrow's landfills will be less contaminated and its industrial workers healthier.

Communication Planning Corp offers many RoHS-compliant products including Category 5e and Category 6 patch cables, surge protectors, and other consumer electronics. We expect to keep adding these types of products as time goes on hoping that one day our world will have less and less of these toxic heavy metals and chemicals in the landfills and in our workplaces.

Other Information on RoHS Compliant Cabling

What is RoHS?

ROHS is an acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances and is often used when refering to the EU Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and Council January 27, 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

When will the the directive be in effect and enforced?
As of July 1, 2006 all electronic and electrical products put on the European market must comply with EU Directive 2002/95/EC. There are no exceptions for pre-existing inventory which means that manufacturers products must be compliant before the July 1, 2006 cut off date.

Which hazardous substances are restricted?
Lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls(PBB), or polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDE) Article 4.1 Prevention

What are the Maximum Concentration Values (MCV)?
The maximum concentration values are expected to be .1 weight percent lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls(PBB), or polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDE) and .01weight percent cadmium in homogeneous materials.

Lead - Pb
Mercury - Hg
Cadmium - Cd
Hexavalent Chromium - Cr(V1)
Polybrominated Biphenyls - PBB
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers - PBDE

 0.1% Max Concentration
 0.1% Max Concentration
 0.01% Max Concentration
 0.1% Max Concentration
 0.1% Max Concentration
 0.1% Max Concentration

What is an example of a homogeneous material?
A homogeneous material is a single substance such as PVC (Polyvinylchloride) which is commonly used in wire and cable products as insulation and jacket material.

What type of cable products are affected?
Any Electrical or Electronic cable with a voltage rating not exceeding 1000AC or 1500DC which will be put on the European market (member states of the EU) either as a stand alone product or as a component of another product.

Are there any exemptions?
Yes.
- Wire and cable with a voltage rating over 1000AC or 1500DC
- Large scale stationary industrial tools. A machine or system, consisting of a combination of equipment, systems or products, each of which is manufactured and intended to be used only in fixed industrial applications
- Spare parts for the repair or for the reuse of electrical or electronic equipment put on the market before 1 July 2006. Per Article 2.3 Scope
- Lead, when used as an alloying element, in steel up to .35% lead by weight, aluminum up to .40% and in copper up to 4% by weight

Is there a mark or approval process required for RoHS compliance?
No. By placing products on the European market after July 1, 2006 producers are declaring the product to be compliant with the RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC. Therefore it is a "self declaration" by the producer.

http://www.cmtcables.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=71

Reader comment on RoHS and US codes:

“When I read your note regarding lead in cables, I called the EPA to inquire about its impact on Indoor Air Quality in relation to cables in return air plenums. I was told that the new restrictions did not apply to Indoor Air Quality but only to Outdoor Air. The EPA, OSHA, NFPA,GSA UL nor any other Code or industry watchdog cares about Indoor air quality enough to discuss lead content in re-cycled air except to deny that it happens.

        Other than Frank Bisbee, has anyone else tried to address this issue in the USA?”

Leviton Professional Brian Hansen, RCDD, Becomes BICSI President

January 15, 2010 – Bothell, WA: Leviton today announced that Brian Hansen begins his term as BICSI President next week. Hansen is a specification sales engineer for Leviton Network Solutions, covering the North Central region. He has worked in the telecommunications industry for more than 23 years as a consultant, contractor, and network engineer.

Hansen replaces Edward J Donelan, outgoing BICSI president, and will serve as president through January, 2012. In the November/December 2009 issue of BICSI News, Donelan praised Hansen, describing him as “the hardest working, most persistent BICSI president to come.” BICSI is the leading professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry.

Brad Leland, vice president of sales for Leviton Network Solutions, gave Hansen similar praise. “It is because of great talent like Brian that Network Solutions has risen as a market leader. His tireless efforts to advance industry knowledge and collaboration make him the ideal choice as BICSI president. We are proud of Brian and his well-deserved new role.”

Hansen has a distinguished record of service and leadership. He previously served as BICSI President-Elect, one term as BICSI Treasurer, and two terms as the BICSI North Central Region Director. He is active as the chair of the BICSI Installation Sub-Committee and currently sits on the BICSI RSS, Ethics, and Finance & Audit Committees. Hansen started the Green Building Technology Alliance (GBTA), which he chaired until just recently. Comprised of many organizations within the industry, the GBTA develops Innovation Technology Credits for the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® certification system. He holds RCDD, NTS, and CSI certifications. www.bicsi.org

NAED Names Andrew Akers as Incoming Western Region Vice President-Elect

Industry Veteran with 25 years of Experience in the Electrical Distribution Channel

ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) has named Andrew Akers, vice president of D & S Electrical Supply Company, Pocatello, Idaho, as the incoming Western Region vice president-elect. The Western Region Council elected Akers by majority approval to serve as vice president for 2011-2012. www.naed.org

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve NAED and the Western Region as the incoming vice president-elect,” said Akers. “The people are the most important part of NAED and I look forward to helping the organization achieve its goals.”

Akers has served in the industry for 25 years and serves both on NAED’s Western Region Council and the Western Region Wind and Solar Energy Task Force. Akers is passionate about the work he does on the task force; he even has a wind turbine under construction at his house. Additionally, D & S Electrical Supply’s staff includes full-time energy auditors that assist customers with energy saving products and services.

Akers is a graduate of Idaho State University, with a BBA in Business Management and Organizational Behavior. A husband and father of four, Akers grew up around the electrical distribution industry and was inspired by his father to join the business.

Since 1980, D & S Electrical Supply has serviced Idaho from two locations, Pocatello and Idaho Falls. In previous years, the company has been given the designation of being one of the “Top 50 Small Businesses” in the country by the Small Business Administration. D & S Electrical Supply focuses on distributing products related to the “green movement” for industrial, commercial and residential customers. 

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

The Western Region is currently under the leadership of Bill Squires, vice president of SMC Electric Supply in Springfield, Mo. Beginning in May, Rocklan Lawrence, president and CEO of National Electric Supply Inc., in Albuquerque, N.M., will take up the regional leadership for 2010-2011. 

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.

Tyco Buys Broadview Security For $2 Billion

Jan 19, 2010

Tyco International Ltd. and Brink's Home Security Holdings Inc. announced Monday a definitive agreement for Tyco to acquire Brink's Home Security Holdings, now operating as Broadview Security. 

Following the closing of the transaction, Tyco intends to combine Broadview with Tyco's ADT security business. The cash and stock transaction is valued at $42.50 per share or approximately $2 billion.

The transaction combines two of the largest companies in the North American residential and commercial security industry. Broadview Security is one of the leading monitored security companies in North America. ADT is the world's largest electronic security provider. Tyco intends to combine the two businesses under the ADT name.

Excluding transaction and integration-related expenses, Tyco expects the transaction to become accretive to earnings before special items by approximately $0.07 in the first full year after closing, increasing to approximately $0.14 in year two. The combination is expected to result in operating synergies of approximately $150 million.

NFPA Launches Free Members-Only Webextra Presentations on January 21

Now you can get more of the same great information that you receive in every issue of NFPA Journal - but in a live web-presentation format.

Introducing NFPA Journal WebExtra, a new free feature created exclusively for NFPA members.

Offered six times per year, WebExtra presentations will feature NFPA technical staff or outside experts discussing a topic related to the featured content in the latest NFPA Journal. The expert's presentation will be followed by a live question-and-answer session that members are invited to participate in. Part webinar, part expert analysis, WebExtras promise to be an informative and educational tool that you can use to stay current on important codes and standards issues. Most WebExtras will last 20-30 minutes.

The first NFPA Journal WebExtra will be presented on Thursday, January 21, at 2 p.m. "Staffing Essentials: Enough, Aware, and Able," will feature Robert Solomon, NFPA department manager for building and life safety codes. Robert will elaborate on the editorial focus of the new January/February issue of NFPA Journal by discussing the fire safety responsibilities of the staffs in nursing homes and board and care occupancies.

Among the examples Mr. Solomon will discuss are the Greenwood Manor nursing home fire in Hartford, Connecticut, that killed 16 in 2003, and the Riverview group-home fire in Wells, New York, that killed four in 2009. Another fire event in March, 2009, in a long-term-care facility in Connecticut had a positive staff response that will also be discussed. Solomon's presentation will note the importance of the Operating Features provisions that include staffing-related details of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®.

Upcoming WebExtras will feature experts discussing industrial and storage occupancy issues (March) and topics related to the upcoming NFPA Conference & Expo® (May). www.nfpa.org

Mark Your Calendar for Building Information Modeling Webinar on February 17

NAED will offer a Webinar from McGraw-Hill Construction about their report titled, "The Business Value of BIM: Getting Building Information Modeling to the Bottom Line." The McGraw-Hill study was sponsored by NAED and funded through the Channel Advantage Partnership.

The report focuses on the role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in North America and the values businesses are gaining by using it. The goal of the information is to provide a better understanding of trends and tools used in the construction industry.

McGraw-Hill will host a Research in Action Webinar tailored to fit NAED members' needs on February 17 at 2:00 p.m. EST. To register, click here. To download McGraw-Hill's report, visit http://www.bim.construction.com.

2010 BICSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS INTRODUCED AT ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Brian Hansen begins his two-year term as BICSI President.

Orlando, Fla., January 20, 2010—The 2010 BICSI leaders were presented to the membership during the Annual Business Meeting at the BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Fla. The 12-member board is being led by new President Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS. Hansen has worked in the industry for 24 years and will be drawing from his experiences while leading the Board. He will spearhead implementation of the updated BICSI Strategic Plan.

2010 BICSI Board of Directors

President: Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, Spec Engineer at Leviton Network Solutions, based out of Rosemount, Minn.

President-Elect: Jerry L. Bowman, RCDD, NTS, CISSP, CPP, TPM, SPM, Senior Vice President of Global Services for Beacon Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio

Treasurer: Robert “Bob” S. Erickson, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD, Owner of Communications Network Design in Haysville, Kan.

Secretary: Christine Klauck, RCDD, NTS, Data Center Engineer, Leviton Manufacturing Company, based out of Brookfield, Conn.

U.S. Northeast Region Director: Brian S. Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, CSI, Director of Training and Technology at Legrand North America, based out of York, Pa.

U.S. North-Central Region Director: Chris Scharrer, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD, Independent Consultant at DCS Technology Design, LLC in Chelsea, Mich.

U.S. Southeast Region Director: Mel E. Lesperance, RCDD, Project Engineer, Affiliated Engineers, Inc., Tampa, Fla.

U.S. South-Central Region Director: Michael A. Collins, RCDD, CCDA, NCE, Associate Director, AT&T Southwest, Bellaire, Texas

U.S. Western Region Director: Todd L. Strand, RCDD, NTS, OSP, Owner of Strand Solutions Sustainable Energy Consulting, Irvine, Cal.

Canadian Region Director: Richard S. Smith, RCDD, NTS, OSP, Manager, Bell Aliant Cabling Solutions, Moncton, NB

European Region Director: Rita Recalcati, Program Marketing Manager EMEA, Anixter, Milan,
Italy

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (ex officio): John D. Clark Jr., CAE, BICSI, Tampa, Fla.

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.

New President & Downloadable Manuals Presented At Bicsi Winter Conference

Orlando, Fla., January 20, 2010—Beginning Friday, more than 4,500 industry professionals gathered at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort to participate in committee meetings, knowledge sharing, networking in the Exhibit Hall and educational seminars. Many of the Pre-conference seminars were left with standing room only and the Annual Business Meeting drew a crowd of more than 1,800 as Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, assumed his new role as President.

First time Winter Conference attendee, Craig Miller, RCDD, from EXCEL Management Systems, Inc., was impressed with the show, “I’m pleased to see such a high attendance in this economy,” he said. “It looks to me like there’s going to be a resurgence in the ITS industry.”

During his conference opening address, John D. Clark Jr., CAE, BICSI Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, announced the release of a new product. BICSI manuals are now available via electronic download, eliminating shipping costs and providing instant access to educational material and best practices. Downloadable manuals will further globalize access to the entire BICSI publications library.

The Opening General Session continued with a keynote presentation by renowned speaker Jon Gordon, author of the international best seller, “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy,” as well as three other titles. Gordon injected energy into his presentation with lively examples of ways to live a life filled with positivity.

During the Annual Business Meeting, proceeding the keynote, the 2010 BICSI Board of Directors was presented to the membership. Board members include: President Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS; President-Elect Jerry L. Bowman, RCDD, NTS, CISSP, CPP, TPM, SPM; Treasurer Robert “Bob” S. Erickson, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD; Secretary Christine Klauck, RCDD, NTS; as well as Region Directors Brian S. Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, CSI; Chris Scharrer, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD; Mel E. Lesperance, RCDD; Michael A. Collins, RCDD, CCDA, NCE; Todd L. Strand, RCDD, NTS, OSP; Richard S. Smith, RCDD, NTS, OSP; Rita Recalcati; and Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer John D. Clark Jr., CAE.

The General Session technical seminars presented on topics ranging from antenna systems to emergency communications, as well as twisted-pair cabling. “The 40Gbps over twisted-pair cabling presentation was the single best content I’ve seen in the past five years,” said Scott Harrison, RCDD, of Telmon, Inc.

The Exhibit Hall opened on Sunday evening and continued through Monday and Tuesday. The show drew more than 150 exhibitors and 2,068 evening visitors. With the Cabling Skills Challenge arena and 20 new exhibitors, the Hall was abuzz.

“The quality of the attendees has been outstanding this year. There seems to be genuine interest in new technologies with respect to power distribution,” said Brian Adams with Geist Manufacturing. “We’re looking forward to all the other BICSI shows coming up—especially Montreal.”

Alex Wilson A Guru In The Green Building Products Industry

Alex Wilson has been the conscience of the green building products industry since 1992, when he founded Environmental Building News. In 1996, he founded the GreenSpec directory, which now lists over 2,000 green building products, each one vetted by an independent editorial team at BuildingGreen, which does not take advertising from manufacturers.

Cool Products from Greenbuild 2009
A free BuildingGreen.com webinar with Alex Wilson
Tues. Jan 26 | 3pm ET

Forget the greenwash—what new products from Greenbuild could make your projects greener in 2010? Join BuildingGreen's Alex Wilson in a free webinar on Jan. 26th to find out.

This year's Greenbuild expo in Phoenix featured 1,100 exhibitors spread over 11.5 acres in two exhibit halls and bathed in a massive amount of hype, with only two full days to take it all in.

Somehow Alex Wilson managed to comb through it all to come home with over three dozen products that went into the GreenSpec directory immediately. He also shared his research in the feature article of the January 2010 Environmental Building News.

Now, Alex is going to present his more off-the-cuff impressions of these products in a free webinar.

More Headlines from CNS magazine

Headlines from www.cnsmagazine.com Canada’s Top Publication for cabling infrastructure.

comCables forms telecommunications focus group at BICSI Winter Conference

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Awards Banquet Honors Bicsi Members And Industry Leaders
Thought leaders of the ITS industry are recognized for passion and dedication.

Orlando, Fla., January 21, 2010—Last night, Winter Conference attendees came together to celebrate and honor some truly remarkable individuals who have contributed to BICSI and to the industry in very special ways.

The David K. Blythe/University of Kentucky Award for Outstanding Member of the Year recognizes the volunteer spirit of BICSI members, and spotlights one individual as the BICSI member of the year for outstanding efforts in promoting BICSI’s educational programs and commitment to professional development within the industry.

The 2009 Outstanding Member of the Year is Betty Bezos, RCDD, ESS, NTS, OSP, WD. After finishing college with a degree in civil engineering, Bezos earned experience in several different aspects of the industry. In 2000, she became a BICSI Master Instructor. As an innovator when it comes to education, Bezos views our rapidly changing field as a challenge to provide the best education to professionals around the globe. The desire to meet that challenge is evidenced by how much she has participated in new course development.

BICSI developed the Larry G. Romig Committee Member of the Year award in recognition of the volunteer work performed by its members and to honor one individual for exemplary efforts and dedication within a BICSI committee. It is named in honor of BICSI’s first Executive Director, Larry Romig.

This year’s Committee Member of the Year is John Rupf. Rupf has been involved in several BICSI committees, including the Education Advisory Council, Ethics, Registration and Specialties Supervision (RSS) Committee and Technical Information and Methods (TI&M) committees. He’s contributed as a TI&M Committee Subject Matter Expert for transmission information for many BICSI manuals, including the Principles of Transmission chapter of the 11th edition of the TDMM. Rupf recently retired as a tenured professor at Southern Polytechnic University in Georgia and holds a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering, as well as a second master’s in Computer Science.

Awarded by the University of South Florida, College of Engineering, the Harry J. Pfister Award for Excellence in the Telecommunications Industry recognizes the lifetime achievement or major accomplishment of an individual in the telecommunications industry.

This year’s winner of the Harry J. Pfister Award for Excellence in the Telecommunications Industry is Jonathan Jew. Jew has devoted countless hours of volunteer time, effort and expertise that have resulted in immeasurable benefits to BICSI members and ITS professionals globally. He has been a Subject Matter Expert contributor to numerous BICSI manuals and has acted as a co-chair, vice-chair, editor and a project lead on many standards and working groups.

The Presidential Eagle Award, selected by BICSI’s President, is presented to individuals who have exhibited leadership, sacrifice, faith in BICSI and dedication over a period of time. This year, John and Denise Adams were recognized for their volunteer hours and commitment to BICSI. The Adams’ are known for doing anything they can behind the scenes to ensure a great conference experience for attendees. They have devoted countless hours of volunteer service to BICSI while expecting nothing in return and are the true embodiment of what our organization stands for.

The Ray Gendron/BICSI Cares Scholarship offers funds to BICSI members or their immediate families for ITS education. This year BICSI is proud to award the scholarship to Lucien Brandon. Brandon is the son of BICSI member Kathy Brandon. He attends Auburn University where he is majoring in Building Science, and he is on schedule to graduate in December of this year.

The evening concluded with a performance by David Garibaldi, a performance artist who paints to music, and a “Blues Brothers” tribute show by Jake & Elwood’s Blues Revue. 

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.

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), International Engineering Consortium (IEC) Collaborate on Smart Grid Technology at Grid ComForum

Arlington, Va. - The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) are collaborating in the area of smart grid technology with the launch of the inaugural Grid ComForum this February 2-3, 2010 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

The IEC and TIA have worked together to provide quality continuing education and service programs for the international communications industry for nearly 20 years.

"Our organizations have spent many years collaborating to create connectivity and ensure viability in the communications industry. We're pleased to apply our experience to the next-generation power grid and unite disparate parts of the industry at the Grid ComForum event," stated IEC President John R. Janowiak.

"TIA is committed to developing interoperable standards for new technologies and smart applications that connect to the communications network to improve energy efficiency," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "We look forward to working collaboratively with IEC and the diverse groups who share our vision for delivering a sustainable future."

Grid ComForum is the definitive event for electric power utility managers and executives responsible for the integration of information and communications technology into the electric power grid infrastructure. The conference programming will feature key industry thought-leaders sharing their insight into the business and technology issues facing the electric power industry including technology selection and management, market drivers, operations, and policy concerns.

Other participating associations include Alliance to Save Energy, Automation Federation, Broadband Forum, CABA, GridWise Alliance, Home Gateway Initiative, HomePlug Powerline Alliance, IPSO Alliance, OASIS, SIP Forum, U-SNAP Alliance, Wi-Fi Alliance, and ZigBee Alliance.

All industry professionals are invited to register at Grid ComForum's Registration page.

To view the entire schedule, visit the online program schedule.

For more information, visit GridComForum.com or contact Katie Post at kpost@iec.org or +1-312-559-3658.

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.

About the IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students.

In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry- university programs that have substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age. More than 70 leading high-technology universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. Please visit www.iec.org.

BOMA’s Annual Medical Office Buildings And Healthcare Facilities Conference

BOMA’s annual Medical Office Buildings and Healthcare Facilities Conference brings together nearly 500 experts in healthcare and healthcare real estate to address the issues and challenges associated with developing, leasing and managing these special–use facilities. Federal healthcare reform plans, slow thawing of the capital markets, and continued pressure on hospitals´ bottom lines will be among the issues we address. With unmatched networking and education, this conference is a “must attend” for healthcare real estate professionals.

Program Highlights:

Healthcare systems’ financial outlooks, their capital planning, and their ambulatory strategies

How healthcare reform may affect CMS reimbursements, physicians, and healthcare systems

The equity and debt markets for MOBs

Teaming with hospitals to manage and lease MOBs

"Lean" principles for MOB management

Commercial competition and MOB space

Mobile, modular healthcare delivery

Delivering healthcare in rural markets

Patient–centered design in the MOB

And 12 education sessions focused on Capital Markets, Healthcare Providers’ Strategies, and Leasing and Management

New for 2010! Facility Tour of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Orthopedic Building

Learn how Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and Rush University Medical Center worked through highly complex strategic, financial, operational and regulatory issues to create a ‘win–win’ partnership. Space is limited so please register in advance!

Who Should Attend

  Hospital CFOs & Real Estate Directors

  MOB owners & developers

  Healthcare REITs

  Investors & Lenders

  MOB Property & facility managers

  Physician Owners of Real Estate

  Consultants & Advisory Firms

  Attorneys who focus on MOBs, ASCs, & healthcare real estate

  Architects & General Contractors

Interested in what happened in 2009? Read our comprehensive Executive Summary Or order the 2009 Conference Recordings www.boma.org

INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSOCIATION 13TH ANNUAL MEETING & INDOOR AIR EXPO

March 7-9, 2010 ■ Embassy Suites Downtown & Tampa Convention Center ■ Tampa, FL

Get ready for what promises to be the best IAQA Annual Meeting ever held!  Taking place March 7-9, 2010 in Tampa, Florida, this year's meeting offers big name speakers, collaboration from universities and scientific organizations, and an expo hall packed with the latest innovations in IAQ and HVAC products and services. The meeting program includes sessions sponsored by the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ), the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO), and the University of Tulsa.  Dozens of industry leaders, scientists and government officials will give presentations in Tampa.  See the complete meeting program below.

Once again this year, IAQA has combined its Indoor Air Expo with that of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).  More than 300 exhibit spaces will feature everything imaginable for IAQ and HVAC professionals.  For registration material, hotel information and other details, visit www.iaqa.org or click here:  IAQA Annual Meeting Brochure.

IAQA 13th Annual Meeting Schedule

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm: IESO Board of Directors Meeting (private)

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010

8:00 am - 2:00 pm: Exhibitor Move in/Set up

9:00 am - 1:00 pm: IAQA Board Meeting (private)

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: IAQA Chapter Directors Lunch and Meeting (private)

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: IAQA President's Reception (by invitation)

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010

8:00 am - 12:00 noon: Educational Sessions

www.iaqa.org

Optical Cable Corporation Announces Patent for Keyed Modular Connection System

ROANOKE, Va. (Jan. 19, 2010)—Optical Cable Corporation (OCC) (Nasdaq GM: OCCF), a leading designer and manufacturer of fiber optic and copper data communications network solutions and services, announces the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued patent No. 7,594,829 for a keyed modular connection system and associated adapter cable.  This is the second patent issued for the Limited Axcess™ system and joins OCC’s collection of notable telecommunications achievements.

The patented modular connection system includes plug protrusions on internal and external surfaces that prevent improper cable connectivity options and create multiple levels of restricted access to a network. The modular connection system was designed for use in applications requiring enhanced network security through physical hardware limitations. 

To prevent erroneous, unsecure or dangerous misconnections, plug protrusions restrict attempted insertion of a non-mated plug into a Limited Axcess jack. In addition, the connection will fail with the insertion of a non-mated plug into a Limited Axcess jack due to the nonstandard wiring configuration that allows the plug and jack to be perfectly matched. As a result of this unique wiring configuration, the modular connection system allows for system performance well beyond Category 6A standard requirements.  

“The issuance of this patent is just one more example of the commitment OCC has to providing our customers innovative technology to improve their application needs,” says Sterling Vaden, Vice President of Research & Engineering, OCC Asheville.  “OCC holds more than 50 patents globally and we look forward to continuing product and solutions development for emerging technologies,” he adds. 

Optical Cable Corporation is a leading manufacturer of data communication cable and connectivity solutions designed for enterprise markets, and customized solutions for specialty uses and harsh environments. Today, OCC offers an integrated suite of quality, warranted cabling and innovative connectivity products and solutions designed to provide outstanding performance characteristics. OCC’s manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001:2000 registered.

Optical Cable Corporation Introduces High Density Bend Tolerant Fiber Optic Cables
OCC Integrated Solution Perfect for Data Centers and Space-Constrained Applications

ROANOKE, Va. (Jan. 20, 2010)—Optical Cable Corporation (OCC) introduces its High Density (HD)™ Bend Tolerant™ cable developed to suit data centers and space-constrained applications. OCC’s HD Bend Tolerant cables are ideal for use in trunk, LAN, data center, 40/100 GbE and other high-density applications where small size, light weight and very small bend radii are needed or desired. 

The small diameter of the Bend Tolerant HD cable construction saves space and increases capacity in tray systems, improves cable management and increases cooling efficiency, and reduces cost for under raised floor cabling systems in data centers. Coupled with OCC’s MT cable assemblies and smaller-footprint HD MT Cassette, the new Bend Tolerant HD cable design offers a plug-and-play connectivity for a multitude of applications. 

OCC’s High Density (HD) Bend Tolerant cable design offers better bend performance and lower attenuation than commercially available fiber only. Bend Tolerant cable design for HD cables is a non-ribboned product that eliminates the preferential bend axis that plagues ribbon cables. This unique cable design allows for superior bend performance with negligible dB loss at a very small bend radius.  

The 3mm 12-fiber sub-cables are also easily ribbonized for MTP/MPO connectors. With the HD design, single-mode Bend Tolerant cables exceed ITU-T-G.657.A2 standards for bending performance, and OM3/OM4 multimode cables have a tighter bend performance rating than competing designs. OCC’s Bend Tolerant cable design for HD cables provides a smaller-diameter cable best for installations in areas with limited space, tight bends or wherever ultimate flexibility is required.

“We are proud to have developed a bendable cable that delivers exceptional performance characteristics and carries the lineage of OCC toughness and dependability,” said Ted Leonard, Vice President of Technology and Engineering for Optical Cable Corporation. “We anticipate the response to this product to be very strong.”

OCC’s Bend Tolerant Cable Design in HD construction is available in 2 through 72 fiber counts. Individual cables are colored for ease of termination, and fiber counts greater than 12 fibers will be 3mm 12-fiber sub-cables. They are UL Listed OFNP in accordance with NEC 770.179(a). In addition, the HD cables are available in standard fiber types. 

OCC’s High Density Bend Tolerant cables are part of an OCC Integrated Solution. OCC can offer a complete solution universal for data centers and campus installations or wherever the ease of pre-terminated networks is beneficial. OCC offers fiber-optic cable assemblies, fiber-optic enclosures and adapter plates as well as a complete pre-terminated array of products for easy plug-and-play connectivity.

For more information about OCC’s Bend Tolerant HD Cables, OCC’s HD Solution, and OCC, visit www.occfiber.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.

Further information about OCC is available on the Internet at www.occfiber.com. Optical Cable Corporation, OCC, Superior Modular Products, SMP Data Communications, Applied Optical Systems, and all associated logos are trademarks of Optical Cable Corporation.

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Fiber-to-the-Home Council Urge FCC to Deny Petition to Undo Unbundling Rules

Commission Should Opt to Continue Its Long-Standing, Successful Policy Regime Guided by Standards that Promote Broadband Investment and Deployment

Washington, D.C. – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading trade association for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, and the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council today jointly filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), urging that the Cbeyond Petition to reverse course on long-standing and successful Commission policies concerning fiber unbundling be denied.

The current FCC rules exempt incumbent telephone companies that build all-fiber networks from requirements that they lease their lines to competitors. The two associations said that the this policy, promulgated in 2003, has been responsible for the wave of investment in high-speed, all-fiber networks.

TIA and the FTTH Council noted in their comments that the Cbeyond petition fails to address the statutory impairment standard that governs unbundling decisions. Time and again, they said, the Commission has carefully considered unbundling issues in the context of constructing its broadband regulatory regime, weighed the appropriate incentive structures, and has opted for a regime guided by standards that promote broadband investment and deployment.

The associations also noted that broadband providers commit tens of billions of dollars in capital expenditures each year to deploy and upgrade their networks, resulting in dramatic gains in broadband connectivity and adoption. "Our nation's employment and economy are now impacted in no small part by the tremendous levels of broadband investment, availability and connectivity. Yet the petition ignores these facts and instead seeks to turn established and successful Commission precedent on its head," the filing said.

"TIA's 600 member companies manufacture and supply products and services used in the provision of broadband and broadband-enabled applications," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "If this petition were granted, it would stifle investment in and deployment of broadband networks and would have a negative impact on the vibrant ICT industry. Ultimately, the benefits Americans derive from broadband would be impaired."

"Consumers have an ever-increasing appetite for faster networks that can handle video and other emerging high-bandwidth applications, and the current FCC policy on fiber unbundling has been an essential factor in the enormous gains in FTTH deployment over the past six years," said Joe Savage, President of the FTTH Council. "As bandwidth needs grow, it wouldn't make sense to reverse a policy that has proved effective in helping our industry satisfy America's need for speed."

In the filing, TIA and the FTTH Council asserted that Cbeyond's petition relies on "bald assertions that providers are impaired without access to the packetized capabilities of fiber and hybrid loops, and makes easily refuted assertions regarding the state of fiber deployment over recent years. Further, the Petition is impermissibly based on a specific business plan contemplated by Cbeyond itself and relies on the claim that its need for unbundled facilities arises from the heightened capacity demands imposed by its services. Yet, this argument contravenes the impairment standard's central tenet – namely, that increased capacity needs will give rise to increased revenues and thus render competitive deployment of facilities more feasible, not less."

"The petition also places undue reliance on the flawed Berkman Study, which overlooks the fact that the United States enjoys a multi-platform broadband marketplace that is relatively unique in the world. The Berkman Study also understates the role that public investment has played in other nations while, at the same time, overstating the relationship between unbundling requirements and adoption," the filing said.

The full text of TIA's comments is available on its FCC filings page at tiaonline.org.

Sign up for RSS feeds on government policy and other TIA news.

Fluke Networks Frontline Troubleshooting and Learn best practices

Learn best practices for frontline troubleshooting of wired and wireless networks. View the webinar to learn step-by-step techniques to help you troubleshoot both sides of the access point – 10/100/Gig twisted pair and 100/Gig optical fiber LANs, and 802.11wireless LANs.

Learn the following steps to faster problem resolution:

Verify physical layer

Validate network services

See the RF environment to measure and troubleshoot WLAN coverage

Perform network discovery and wireless device discovery

Check network health

Document network performance

View on-demand webinar: Frontline troubleshooting best practices for wired and wireless networks 

W.Va. Dupont Worker Dies After Toxic Gas Exposure, 01.25.10,

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Federal officials are investigating a series of leaks that shut down a DuPont chemical plant in West Virginia and resulted in the death of one worker. Other workers may be affected.

DuPont officials temporarily stopped production at the sprawling Belle plant over the weekend after three leaks were reported.

One leak went unnoticed for a week.

Federal Investigation At DuPont After Leaks, Worker Death

January 26, 2010

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The U.S. Chemical Safety Board says a four-member team of investigators is heading to DuPont's idled chemical plant in Belle.

The board says it expects the team to be on site Tuesday to start investigating a series of leaks that resulted in the death of one worker and the operation's temporary shutdown over the weekend.

The board says it's aware of six other leaks at the plant since 2006. DuPont officials put the sprawling plant on safety shutdown after three leaks were reported, including one that went unnoticed for a week.

On Saturday, a worker was exposed to the chemical phosgene. Company officials confirmed Monday that Carl Fish died on Sunday. Plant spokesman Roger Hess says DuPont decided to temporarily cease production so operating procedures could be reviewed.

For more information on the potential toxic gas output: http://tuberose.com/Teflon.html

There Is Always Something New At CSC

There is some cool CSC news to report however, as they just launched a brand-new, contractor-friendly cable packaging box for Low Voltage cable. Check out the video. http://www.gocsc.com/reelsimple/

Fiber Dominates Latest US Rural Broadband Stimulus Funds Release

JANUARY 25, 2010 By Stephen Hardy -- Fiber-optic technology proved popular once again in the latest round of U.S. rural broadband stimulus funding. At least nine of the 14 projects announced today will use fiber for middle-mile or last-mile networks.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the 14 Recovery Act Broadband Infrastructure projects that will receive $309,923,352 through funding made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. An additional $3,551,887 in private investment brings the total to $313,475,239. Altogether, Congress awarded USDA $2.5 billion in Recovery Act funding to help bring broadband services to rural un-served and underserved communities.

This is the second major funding announcement. The first occured in mid-December (see "First broadband stimulus awards announced").

This most recent list of funded projects, part of the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP), includes:

Alaska: Southwestern Alaska, United Utilities, $43,982,240 grant and $44,158,522 loan. The funding will provide middle-mile connectivity to 65 communities.

Alabama: Butler, Butler Telephone Co., Inc., $3,892,920 grant. The funding will provide high-speed DSL broadband service to remote, unserved households within its rural service territory. The system is being built so that it can be “easily” upgraded to accommodate future services.

California:   San Joaquin, Tranquillity, and Fresno, Audeamus, $2,741,505 grant and $2,741,505 loan. The proposed project is a fiber-based broadband infrastructure for the unserved and underserved communities in this service area. A last-mile project, it will provide access to approximately 1,500 households, local businesses, and anchor institutions in the communities.

Iowa:   Four projects in the state received funding. (1) Meriden and Archer, C-M-L Telephone Cooperative Association, $1,519,225 grant and $1,519,225 loan, $1,525,315 in matching funds. Funding will provide services via a fiber-optic network to rural communities with high-speed Internet exceeding 20 Mbps. (2) Bennett, Delmar, and Lowden, F & B Communications, Inc., $1,609,162 grant and $1,628,588 loan. Funding will provide services via a high-speed fiber-optic network with speeds exceeding 20 Mbps. The system will allow for expansion at a future date. (3) Springbrook, LaMotte Telephone Co., $187,815 grant, and $187,815 loan. The funding will provide services from a 300-foot tower and WiMAX installation for wireless broadband service in the surrounding area.

Kansas:   Western Kansas, Rural Telephone Service Co., Inc., $49,588,807 grant and $51,612,842 loan. Funding will provide service in an area 99.5 percent unserved/underserved and provide a rural infrastructure required for economic stability, education and healthcare. The company is a cooperative and RUS partner on 32 other projects. It leads a team of seven companies with this shovel-ready project. 1% of the network is to be built in Nebraska.

Tennessee:   Northern Tennessee, North Central Telephone Cooperative, Inc., $24,715,709 grant and $24,964,000 loan. The funding will provide the necessary infrastructure to provide advanced voice, video, and data services that exceed 20 Mbps to remote and rural communities in the service area. 1% of the network is to be built in Kentucky.

Louisiana:   Morehouse Parish, Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company, Inc., $4,359,000 grant and $8,124,600 loan. Funding will provide an active Ethernet system with symmetrical speeds of 20 Mbps. The system will use buried fiber to the premises.

Missouri:  Ralls County, Ralls County Electric Cooperative, $9,548,908 grant and $9,548,909 loan. Funding for this project will provide a fiber-optic network to residential and commercial members and the underserved safety and anchor agencies in the service area. This is a State of Missouri demonstration project and non-proprietary data will be shared.

North Dakota:   Two projects in the state received funding. (1) Burleigh County; BEK Communications Cooperative, $1,986,473 grant and $2,016,571 loan; $2,016,572 in leveraged funds. The funding will provide fiber-to-the-premises broadband service to underserved homes and anchor institutions. This will aid business growth and support public safety in rural areas highly dependent on Internet business income. (2) Traill County; Halstad Telephone Co., $2,027,600 grant and $2,027,600 loan; $10,000 in leveraged funds. The funding will provide fiber-to-the premises broadband service to unserved homes and businesses in Traill County.

Oregon:   Marion County, Gervais Telephone Co., $314,430 grant and $314,430 loan. This project extends Gervais Telephone's existing fiber network by building out from the nearest fiber splice point through the funded service area. This project will provide broadband connectivity to residential and business end users, as well as to four anchor institutions.

Virginia:   Alleghany County, NTELOS Telephone Inc., $8,062,088 grant and $8,062,088 loan. The funds will provide broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved homes, businesses, and critical community institutions in this rural county. A fiber-based project, it will enable work-from-home jobs and foster economic development, and improve health, education and public safety services to the county citizens.

The project awards announced today come on the heels of an announcement last week from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that two fiber-based projects would receive funding via the NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

The first of the newly funded projects is in Michigan. Merit Network, Inc. will receive a $33.3 million infrastructure grant, backed by an additional $8.3 million in matching funds, to build a 955-mile fiber-optic network through 32 counties in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The project also intends to directly connect 44 community anchor institutions and will serve an area covering 886,000 households, 45,800 businesses, and an additional 378 anchor institutions.

In North Carolina, MCNC will receive a $28.2 million infrastructure grant, augmented with an additional $11.7 million in matching funds and in-kind contributions, to build a 494-mile middle-mile broadband network passing almost half the population of North Carolina in 37 counties. The network will build new rings in the western and eastern regions of the state, which will connect to 685 miles of existing infrastructure in the urbanized central region, expanding the reach of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), an established broadband service for community anchor institutions in the state.

Reprinted with permission of Pennwell Publishing

http://www.lightwaveonline.com/fttx/news/Fiber-dominates-latest-US-rural-broadband-stimulus-funds-release-82618867.html?cmpid=EnlDirectJanuary262010

The top rated FO connector makes winning marks for performance and durability at BICSI

The folks at Megladon have made some radical breakthroughs in the area of fiber optic cable connectors. The new technology is a major step ahead for fiber optic cabling to surpass the functionality of copper in ease of use. Imagine MACs (Moves, Adds, & Changes) without the fear of connections being damaged by scratching. The Megladon ScratchGuard® family of products delivers performance without worry. Corning connectors could not match the performance.

See the attached PowerPoint for specifications on this remarkable technology. Ask for ScratchGuard or equal.

www.megladonmfg.com 

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B2G Summit, Bringing Smart Grid to Building Automation

Orlando, FL - January 27, 2010
1pm-5pm - Room S330G
Co-Located at the AHR Expo

Successful implementation of Smart Grid will involve the adoption of new solutions for shifting energy loads in commercial buildings during peak periods. The problem is being addressed today through Demand Response (DR) and similar programs. More and more utilities are jumping on the bandwagon forcing buildings, new and old, to shed load on demand. This creates significant challenges for the nation's aging building stock which are incapable of participating in such programs without significant inconvenience to building occupants.

Widespread deployment of DR and real-time pricing programs will force buildings to automatically react to changes in the supply, demand and cost of energy. The emergence of the Building-to-Grid (B2G) marketplace will completely change the way buildings are designed, integrated and managed.

A new array of business opportunities are emerging around products, systems and software that will enable the B2G market. Shifting energy loads will require installation of dynamic lighting systems that automatically adapt to Smart Grid demands. Software must be able to model energy, optimizing performance of building management systems (BMS) to maximize occupant comfort and productivity.

You are invited to attend the B2G Summit organized by Clasma Events, Inc. at the AHR Expo, January 27, 2010 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. This executive summit provides an open forum for executives from government, utilities, and the BMS industry to discuss the impact of Smart Grid on buldings.

Summit speakers include:

Dr. George Arnold, National Coordinator for Smart Grid Interoperability, NIST

Christoph Vogel, Vice President and Business Unit Head, Siemens

John Petze, Global Director, Cisco Systems Inc.

Bob Klein, Vice President, Schneider Electric Buildings Business

Dr. David Holmberg, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, NIST

Jim Lee, President, Cimetrics Inc.

Sila Kiliccote, Program Manager, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Seating is limited for the event, Register now!

Who should attend:

Building Automation System vendors

Contractors and integrators

Mechanical and electrical consultants and architects

Energy managers of facilities

B2G deployment will require consensus on a common set of standards that allow energy and information to flow freely between Smart Grid and buildings. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is leading the charge in this area by developing a comprehensive list of standards through the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP). It is critical for industry stakeholders to understand the impact that industry standards will have on building controls and automation systems.

Contact Clasma Events for Sponsorship Opportunities

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Corning Cable Systems to Highlight Leadership in LAN and Data Center Solutions at BICSI 2010 Winter Conference

Corning Cable Systems LLC, part of Corning Incorporated’s Telecommunications segment, will highlight its innovative local area network (LAN) and data center solutions at the 2010 BICSI Winter Conference, Jan. 17-20 in Orlando.

In its interactive exhibit (booth #1307), Corning Cable Systems will showcase its new LANscape® Pretium® Evolved-Density, Growth-Enabled (EDGE) Solutions for data center applications. Enabled by Corning® ClearCurve® Multimode fiber, Pretium EDGE Solutions feature preterminated and tested multi-fiber assemblies, or trunks, with a minimum bend radius as small as five times the outer diameter of the cable, compared to up to 10 times in traditional trunks. Pretium EDGE Solutions allow for up to 35 percent faster deployment; enable up to 25 percent faster moves, adds and changes (MACs); and offer up to 100 percent more density than traditional preterminated solutions., except Megladon Mfg. ScratchGuard™ terminations. Megladon still holds the distinction of the best terminations available. www.megladonmfg.com

Pretium EDGE Solutions are guaranteed to meet the requirements of 40/100G Ethernet when necessary, and its universally-wired components provide a simple upgrade path between 2-fiber and parallel optic applications.

Corning Optical Fiber and Corning Cable Systems will also perform a live demonstration of the difference in bit error rates of cables with ultra-bendable performance enabled by ClearCurve multimode fiber vs. standard 50 micron cables. Customers will experience firsthand how using Corning Cable Systems’ cables with ultra-bendable performance can significantly minimize the risk of bit error rates and network downtime associated with common macrobend events in the data center.

The exhibit will also contain the following:

Plug & Play™ Universal Systems, preterminated optical fiber cabling systems that streamline the process of deploying an optical network infrastructure in the data center environment. Corning Cable Systems Plug & Play Universal Systems are 100G ready and capable of reliably supporting transmission speeds up to 100G with laser-optimized 50 µm multimode fiber (OM3/OM4).

The Plug & Play Universal Systems Integrated Trunk Module (ITM), a factory-terminated MTP® trunk in a single-wide Plug & Play Universal Systems module, available in 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 ft options, and simple to deploy and redeploy.

Plug & Play AnyLAN™ Systems for both indoor and outdoor applications, featuring a multimode or single-mode optical fiber cable pre-installed with network access points at customer-specified intervals and a tethered, environmentally hardened MT connector.

Once distance measurements for network access point locations are obtained, the preterminated system is manufactured and tested. The entire system is then packed and shipped to the customer on a cable reel for immediate deployment in the desired indoor or outdoor application.

UniCam® Pretium-Performance Connectors, which offer an industry-leading optical performance in a fast, easy field-termination solution.

A variety of Corning Cable Systems’ test equipment and fusion splicers, available for hands-on demonstrations in the exhibit.

In addition to the interactive exhibit, Corning Cable Systems’ Doug Coleman, manager of technology and standards, will present “Data Center Optical Connectivity with Bend-Optimized OM3/OM4 Multimode Optical Fiber,” on Wed., Jan. 20, at 2:00 p.m. This presentation will discuss the advantages of cabling and hardware solutions that utilize bend-optimized OM3/OM4 fiber to support 16G Fibre Channel rates and future 40/100G Ethernet data rates.

Last, Corning Cable Systems is the Mega Sponsor of the Cabling Skills Challenge. The Cabling Skills Challenge is a BICSI event in which approximately 20 BICSI-certified installers compete in a variety of categories. Corning is supplying fusion splicers, testers and UniCam Connectors/Tool Kits for the challenge, as well as a variety of door prizes.

For additional information on Corning Cable Systems products and services, contact a customer service representative at 1-800-743-2675, toll free in the United States, or (+1) 828-901-5000, international, or visit the Web site at www.corning.com/cablesystems.

About Corning Incorporated
Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics.  Drawing on more than 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences.  Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology.

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About QuickTechTriX... We're All About Networking

We heard from a very reliable source that LANshack.com is currently in the process of developing a new website called QuickTechTrix.com. If you can believe all of the reports, they intend to make this website the best resource on the web for knowledge and social networking for all of those who are in the low voltage cabling field. The following are some of the new features being developed for this new site:

1) Social networking for cabling professionals that will integrate seamlessly with other sites like Facebook and other Social Networking venues

2) A totally new search engine that is "Industry Specific" and strictly geared for Premise Cabling, Security, Wireless, Electrical, etc.

3) Free ads for companies looking to hire and people seeking jobs in the Industry.

4) Industry Related Forums that will be moderated by knowledgeable professionals. …..MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!

5) A wealth of Articles, Tech-Tips, and even "How-To" Videos.

6) Many features that invite user participation.

There are supposedly many other features that are "top secret" that even our contact was not privied to. The site is being kicked off with a "Tool Survey" that is initially by invitation only but is currently in working form. You can access it by going to http://www.QuickTechTriX.com/toolsurvey and using the password Tec-Cat. All respondents will get an email after completing the survey with a randomly generated number that can win premium prizes like LED Flashlights, Tool Cases, etc. The results of the survey will be compiled and used for an article on Technician's Tool Kits. If you love tools, than take this survey.

Let's see if this new site can live up to all of its hype.

Frank Bisbee

"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column

www.wireville.com

QuickTechTrix is a subsidiary of Atcom Services, Inc. Incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 1993. Atcom Services, Inc. has had a presence on the web for 12 years (at the time of this writing) with www.LANshack.com ecommerce superstore. LANshack.com has been serving the Telecommunications and Electrical Industries with a great variety of articles, information and products during that time.  In our employ we have seasoned professionals in the Telecommunications and Electrical Industries with many years of combined experience and various certifications and accreditations.

In recent years, we have reached out and networked more and more with other professionals through our immense contact base that we have gained through our many years in the business so as to enhance our knowledge and product offerings. We realize what a powerful tool we have in networking with our vast contact base of peer professionals. It was through this process of networking that we came up with the idea to start a website that would be all about the coming together of minds in our industry to serve for the better cause of all.  We started by creating a list of Professional Associations that serve our Industry and extended and related Industries. When we finished the list, we were awe struck by the sheer number of Associations that we found which are serving our Industry, (currently thirty-two ) many of which, we didn't even know about until starting this project. There may even be more? We have not even scratched the surface yet. There are Standards associations (like UL for example) and Government entities (like the FTC for example). Thousands of IBEW and CWA local unions across the Nation. Professional Magazines and Periodicals, Newsletters, Learning Institutions and Tech-Courses, , and of course we cannot forget Wireville's HOTS (Heard On the Street) that is an incredible resource for gossip, changes and happenings in the Industry. The enormity of it all can be sort of overwhelming when you think of it. And yet, as they say "It's a Small World".  What about the theory called "Six Degrees of Separation"? Here at QTT we will not rest until we achieve only one or two degrees of separation (for most people in our profession) or at least we can try.

Being a member of a professional trade association surely is a great way to stay in touch with current knowledge and network with peers about your industry. Take BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) for example. BICSI is probably one of the largest Telecommunications Associations in the world. And yet a vast portion of people in our industries never even heard of BICSI. Many BICSI members never even heard of CABA (Continental Automated Buildings Association), and then there's the huge entity called NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association). And it goes on and on. Our mission at QuickTechTrix (QTT) is to change all of that. We are about networking professionals from every possible segment of the industry.

www.quicktechtrix.com and don’t miss some great prizes with the tool survey on line www.quicktechtrix.com/toolsurvey

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Concert Technologies Defines the Standards of Previously Convoluted Terminology and Improper Installation of the Demarc Extension

Until Now, Federal Law Mandated a Demarc Extension for Every Telecom Circuit Delivered in the U.S. Without Guidelines

DULLES, VA, JANUARY 15, 2010 –  Concert Technologies, the nationwide installation and international rollout leader, today announced the launch of its Demarc Extension Nationwide brand and associated website which defines the previously non-existent standards for a demarc extension.

FCC part 68 regulation and federal law mandates every telecommunications circuit to have a demarc extension. This is the critical cabling and equipment that extends a circuit in the building from the local access provider’s demarcation point to the edge customer’s premises equipment. There are thousands of circuits delivered weekly to organizations across the country with each circuit requiring a demarc extension. Without the standardization of terms and installation practices, there is a high risk of negative impact to the delivery, performance and maintenance of critical telecommunications circuits and their access to the internet and other network connections outside of a facility.

“This has been a problem in the industry for over three decades,” said Dennis Mazaris, developer of Demarc Extension Nationwide and President of Concert Technologies. “The lack of industry standards and terms has caused confusion, delayed communication flow and finger pointing, as well as issues in overall service delivery. With a decade and a half of experience deploying technology nationwide and globally, we have taken the initiative in defining and standardizing a demarc extension, the single most critical cabling component within a facility.” 

Benefits to the Industry

The Demarc Extension Nationwide initiative standardizes the previous confusion within the telecommunications and technology industry.  The Demarc Extension Nationwide brand was developed for the following purposes:

To deliver an accelerated and exceptional level of nationwide service, including international capabilities, for the installation and maintenance of demarc extensions.

Eliminate management needs and effort by providing all demarc extension services from a single nationwide provider.

To provide clear and concise information to the telecommunications market and facilitate the understanding of specifications and installation practices for the demarc extension.

In addition to information to help solution providers, end users and the industry at large understand and properly identify what a demarc extension is, the website also includes the following:

Defined Demarc Extension and Associated Terms

Diagrams and Configuration Options

Standardized Naming Conventions and Definitions

Demarc Extensions History and FAQs

Demarc Extension Nationwide Services

Manufacture specifications for cabling and equipment for demarc extensions based on circuit type

About Demarc Extension Nationwide

Demarc Extension Nationwide is a brand of Concert Technologies and was developed as the telecommunications industry leader of nationwide installation services and education of the demarc extension. In addition to providing these nationwide installation and maintenance services, the brand sets the standards and supplies the necessary information to facilitate the understanding of specifications and installation practices for demarc extensions. Visit Demarc Extension Nationwide online at www.demarcextension.com

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BTC's Haitian Cable Suffers Damage, But Isps Remain Operational

By Sean Buckley                 

Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), the service provider that runs the Bahamas Domestic Submarine Network (BDSNi) submarine cable system linking to Haiti, reported that service has been disrupted as a result of the earthquake that struck the Port-au-Prince area.

In an interview with Telegeography, Alveta Moss, a representative of BTC, said: "We are currently remotely assessing the extent of the damage, pending contact with our partners in Haiti. Until we are able to thoroughly assess the damage, I am unable at this time to indicate how long repairs will take or when service will be restored."

Jointly controlled by Haitian wireline service provider Teleco and BTC, the 1.92 Tbps-capable BDSNi cable network that connects Port-au-Prince to Matthew Town in the Bahamas and into the U.S., is currently used by Teleco in conjunction with INTELSAT satellite network connections. But since the BDSNi is relatively new (it was lit in December 2006) and Haiti depends on satellite networks for the majority of its communications links, it is unknown how much traffic actually goes over the submarine network.

At the same time, it appears that many of Haiti's ISPs are still up and running, but there have been unconfirmed reports that the country's two largest--Hainet and Access Haiti-were down.

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Leviton Boosts Presence at 2010 BICSI Winter Conference & Exposition

December 3, 2009 – Bothell, WA:  Leviton today announced a new tradeshow exhibit for 2010, premiering at the 2010 BICSI Winter Conference & Expo. The new 20' x 20' exhibit — located at booth #625 — will feature unique cabinets that focus on copper and fiber systems, data centers, Connected Home residential solutions, and Leviton’s extensive family of power products. The exhibit will also highlight Leviton’s newest products: the C1 UltraTM Composite Patch Panel and complementary rack products; HOME 5eTM and HOME 6TM Connectors and Patch Cables for residential applications; and Monitored and Enhanced Metered FLX Series PDUs.

“Leviton has broadened its product solutions over the past year, and the larger-scale booth will better encompass our wide range of offerings,” explained Scott Leighton, director of marketing and inside sales at Leviton’s Network Solutions division. “At a time when other companies are cutting back, we’ve continued to innovate and expand, introducing new solutions to meet customer needs.”

Attendees who visit the Leviton booth can enter to win a Harman Kardon home theater system. In addition, Leviton products will be on display at the 2010 BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge.

The 2010 BICSI Winter Conference & Exposition will be held January 17-21, in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions was created more than 20 years ago to meet the growing need for telecommunications and high-speed data technologies. Today, the division is dedicated to producing complete network infrastructure systems for the enterprise, data center, government, health care, education, and residential markets. Copper, fiber, and power solutions include structured cabling systems, enclosures, PDUs and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards and offer guaranteed performance. For more information, visit www.leviton.com

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ACUTA Alert:  Areas of Refuge

In the Fall, 2009 ACUTA Journal, Contributing Editor Curt Harler wrote an article regarding the important topic of “Areas of Refuge” in campus buildings.  The Legislative/Regulatory Affairs Committee would like to draw your attention to some key points in this article, and we urge you to read the entire article at http://www.acuta.org/?2728.

An Area of Refuge (AOR), also known in the Americans with Disabilities Act as an Area of Rescue, is a location in a building designed to hold occupants during an emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible.  An AOR serves as a designated meeting point behind a firewall within a building, where disabled persons or anyone unable to evacuate can gather and await assistance or rescue.

An AOR requires an identifiable emergency lifeline link to a central station.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that an AOR system be included in all newly constructed multi-story buildings and public accommodations, as well as in existing multi-story facilities undergoing significant renovations.

The location and specific requirements for AORs are inconsistent and vary widely. They are generally prescribed by various local and state codes and are usually enforced by the fire marshal. It is important for ACUTA members to become knowledgeable about what is required in their locales. No dominant code-writing body has defined the complete AOR system or process.

AORs are generally defined in the International Building Code (IBC), the International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA 101 provisions of the National Electrical Code (NEC), and ADA.

However, the local authority often has more specific rules on issues such as fire resistance, size of rooms, distance between AORs, smoke proofing, and separate ventilation.

Most companies that supply emergency equipment have systems to allow a person to punch a button and summon help.

As an example, the California Building Code, which is considered advanced, defines the need for two-way communication in an AOR with a central control point or the PSTN, including both audible and visible signals.

Common locations for AOR devices would be next to an elevator or in exit stairwells. Some municipalities require AOR devices on every floor above or below the main egress level. Others require them on every fourth or fifth floor above or below the main exit level.  It is important to check your local code.

Technological means exist to avoid interruptions in service, such as battery back-up and fire-rated cabling.

Important equipment considerations include features as self-diagnostics (alerts when “out of action”), ability to call in and out, compliance with ADA standards, good sound quality and sufficient volume.

Codes will also specify the answering points, locations and connection requirements for  AORs, and they vary by jurisdiction.

Since construction and renovation are constants on most college campuses, planning for AORs is an essential part of the design and construction process.  It is essential to become familiar with national codes and standards and the requirements in your locale, and to develop a good working relationship with your local authorities that are responsible for enforcement.   Proper attention to AORs and their associated communication systems could save lives on your campus in an emergency.

ACUTA Legislative/Regulatory Affairs Committee

ACUTA
152 W. Zandale, Suite 200
Lexington, KY  40503-2486

Register now for ACUTA's

Winter Seminar

Track 1. IP Utopia: Where Are We?

Track 2. Managing Change in an IT World

January 24-27, 2010

New Orleans, LA

Sheraton New Orleans

www.acuta.org  

Follow ACUTA on Twitter: http://twitter.com/acuta

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2010 Online Sustainable Design Courses at the Boston Architectural College

For more than five years BuildingGreen has partnered with the Boston Architectural College (BAC) on its online Sustainable Design Certificate Program. Each year the program just keeps getting better. This is the largest and most comprehensive sustainable design curriculum in the country. There are now four possible certificates in sustainable design.

”I'm thrilled to let you know about the tremendous lineup of courses this spring--with classes beginning January 25th and March 30th (see below). Some of these courses fill up quickly, so if you're interested, I'd suggest you sign up as soon as possible.” Alex Wilson, Founder and Executive Editor - BuildingGreen
www.buildinggreen.com

To learn more (and register) go to www.the-bac.edu/green, call 617-585-0101 or send an email to the BAC's Director of Sustainable Design, Lance Fletcher, AIA, LEED AP.

Here's the line up of courses for the Spring 2010 Semester in the Sustainable Design Certificate Program. Registration is now open.

Instructors are building industry experts. All courses are online, instructor-led, interactive, asynchronous and limited to 15 students each. The eight-week courses are offered at the graduate level and earn 1.5 credits.   Many courses earn 24 AIA HSW/SD Learning Units.

To register or learn more go to www.the-bac.edu/green.

Spring 2010 First Session: January 25 - March 20, 2010

Sustainable Design as a Way of Thinking

Learning from Sustainable Design through History (Prerequisites)

The Economics of Green Building

Global Perspectives on Sustainable Design NEW

Green Residential Remodeling and Renovation

Green Roofs/Green Walls NEW

Residential Energy Modeling NEW

Getting the Green Building You Want: Construction Management NEW

Greening the City NEW

Sustainable Neighborhoods NEW

Site Design, Landscaping and Site-Water Issues

Green Practice: Energy and Air Quality Principles

Materials, Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality

Building Envelope (Prerequisites)

Environmental Systems

(Prerequisites)

Marketing Sustainability

Sustainable Design in Practice (Prerequisites)

Sustainable Design and Building Information Modeling

Spring 2010 Second Session: March 30 - May 22, 2010

Sustainable Design as a Way of Thinking

Legal Issues in Sustainable Design - From the Building to the City Scale NEW

The Urgent and Hopeful Future of Sustainable Design

Sustainable Design of Healthcare Facilities

Solar Energy: Design with the Sun

The Zero Energy Home: What, How and If

Green Residential Remodeling and Renovation

Life Cycle Assessment of Building Materials NEW

Greening Existing Buildings

Greening the City

Sustainable Neighborhoods

Energy Modeling in Building Design (Commercial) NEW

Green Practice: Energy and Air Quality Principles

Materials, Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality

Lighting the Built Environment: Daylighting and State-of-the-Art Electric Lighting

Environmental Systems (Prerequisites)

Sustainable Transportation

High Performance Design and the LEED Rating System (Prerequisites)

Learn more (and register) at www.the-bac.edu/green, call 617-585-0101, or send an email to the BAC's Director of Sustainable Design, Lance Fletcher, AIA, LEED AP.

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Real Estate Failure: Connecting The Dots

Filed Sunday, January 10. 2010

Did financial experts lead the average person into buying into a declining market eight years ago?

REAL ESTATE 2002:  “Is this another safe bet that the experts are touting, or are we shoring up an industry that’s on the verge of collapse?  Depending on whom you talk to and what you’re buying, you might be buying a front-row ticket to the next financial roller coaster ride that’s about to hit its peak and come flying down."

(http://midwestbusiness.com/news/viewnews.asp?newsletterID=3975&page=1 )

WELL DID YOU GET YOUR FRONT-ROW SEAT??

Looking back to this July 2002 column I wrote right after the demise of the NASDAQ and the subsequent crash of the Blue Chip stocks with ENRON,WORLD-COM and others leading Congress to pass the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, many financial “experts” were touting that there was a fourth asset class besides Stocks, Bonds and Cash that average investors should be diversifying into.

I questioned it at the time (2002), but few people heeded the warning:

Listening to some of the many experts on the different financial channels, I learned that some are considering your house as a new asset class.  Most identify with the trilogy of cash, stocks and bonds as bona fide asset classes.  The new asset class being identified is your house, and an alternative investment is to go out and buy a second house.

The market is hot for houses and condos.  Interest rates are dirt cheap.  Many are buying second houses and condos.

Is this another safe bet that the experts are touting, or are we shoring up an industry that’s on the verge of collapse?  Depending on whom you talk to and what you’re buying, you might be buying a front-row ticket to the next financial roller coaster ride that’s about to hit its peak and come flying down.

Is the housing market being artificially shored up?  With thousands of people in the tech sector still laid off, there are many thinking about selling their house and their other assets.  There is still a market out there, but there are also a lot of houses that have been slow to sell.  Part of the problem is there may be more for sale in certain areas than there are buyers.

FINANCIAL EXPERTS?  AN OXYMORON

Those who put all their faith into financial experts screaming, “now is the time to buy” seem to have been led into a slaughterhouse several times in the last decade.

When tech stocks fell, the right investment was blue chips and mutual funds and “that’s where you should have put your money,” they chastised everyone.  When they Blue Chips fell to a point where the market almost lost all its credibility and Congress had to pass Sarbanes-Oxley Act to get investors to regain faith, the experts were shouting “Diversify into real estate.  That’s the new asset class!”

Now, real estate has collapsed and some are saying Gold is where to invest, many are skeptical – but many more are rushing to buy.

At this point, some are just trying to pay their mortgage.  Some are trying to get out of paying their mortgage because all that ghost equity has vanished.  Their houses are actually worth less than what they owe.

What’s left of your investment money?  Instead of buying Gold, maybe you should be buying up real estate or tech stocks.  What do I know, I’m not a financial expert but there is enough proof that when the experts say “buy” you’ll be saying “bye-bye” to your cash.

CARLINI-ISM :  If you’re a financial expert, I’m Nostradamus.

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Solar Power Boot Camp – A Mike Holt Class You Shouldn’t Miss!

Today more than ever, you need to keep your skills sharp - and more importantly, upgrade them to meet the needs for Alternative Energy. Mike will be teaching a Solar Power Boot Camp to give you the tools to prepare you to meet your customers’ needs. With traditional construction projects still suffering due to the economic climate, now is a good time to diversify and position yourself to explore other sources of income, especially alternative energy.

What will the class cover?

Everything you need to become a Solar Power Expert: from basic electricity, Solar Power basics, Solar Power system design and installation, safety procedures, financial considerations, mechanical design and installation, as well as all of the rules you need to be aware of in the National Electrical Code.

Who will be the Instructor?

Mike Holt will be the primary instructor, but industry experts from around the country will cover mechanical racking systems, solar irradiation, inverters, OSHA, and the Florida Building Code.

Who should attend? 

This 5-day event is primarily designed for electrical contractors and electrical engineers, but project managers and other high level electrical professionals should also attend.

Call 1 888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) or visit www.mikeholt.com for more information.

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Harger’s Ultraweld® Ultrashottm is Re-Defining the Exothermic Process

GRAYSLAKE, Illinois – December 11, 2010 - Harger Lightning & Grounding introduces their Ultraweld® UltraShotTM which is re-defining the exothermic process. UltraShotTM utilizes a copper container that is consumed along with the weld metal providing for a superior exothermic connection. UltraShotTM is fired by an electronic ignition system which consists of a long lasting rechargeable battery controller. This unique ignition system features a six foot cord that allows the user to maintain a safe distance from the reaction. Several advantages of using UltraShotTM over conventional processes are labor savings up to 50%, less misfires and less smoke, safer to use and extended mold life. As compared to another product on the market. The long lasting rechargeable battery life is equal to using 84,000 AA batteries! That’s a lot of batteries to put in a land fill. There is also less waste from not using plastic weld metal containers and the product is shipped in bio-degradable cardboard boxes.

Contact our Sales Department at 800-842-7437, email us at hargersales@harger.com or visit our website at www.harger.com.

About Harger Lightning & Grounding

Harger Lightning & Grounding is a leading manufacturer of lightning protection and grounding equipment, as well as exothermic welding materials for the communications and electrical industries.  Harger also provides design and engineering services and specializes in offering total systems solutions for their customers.

301 Ziegler Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030

847-548-8700 • 800-842-7437 • Fax: 847-548-8755

Website: www.harger.com • Email: hargersales@harger.com

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Vanco International Introduces New HDMI Pigtail Wall Plates

Batavia, IL. – Vanco International, an innovative supplier of home theater electronic accessories, is introducing new HDMI Pigtail Wall Plates that provide an inexpensive solution for connecting HD products.  Pigtail Wall Plates allow for quick and easy HDMI wall plate connections that deliver clean, uncompressed digital signals while supporting high definition resolutions 1080p, 1080i, and 720p.  They also support computer resolutions UXGA (1600x1200), SXGA (1280x1024), XGA (1024x768), SVGA (800x600), VGA (640x480). These new wall plates have pigtails with 4.75” of free cable that help to relieve strain on HDMI cables.  The slim compact housing fits on a single gang J-box or low voltage mounting bracket offers an easy, professional installation. They are Ideal for Wall Mounted Flat Panel TVs and LCD/Plasma HDTVs and come in 4 different models (Single HDMI, Dual HDMI, HDMI + RGB Component Video and HDMI + 3.5mm Stereo Jack).  Visit www.vanco1.com to learn more about Vanco International and browse our complete line of cutting edge Home Theater Accessories. 

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Legrand Ortronics Introduces New Range of Mighty Mo® Wall Mount Cabinets with Advanced Cable Management

New London, CT, January 13, 2010 – Legrand | Ortronics, a global leader in high performance network infrastructure solutions, introduces a new range of Mighty Mo® wall mount cabinets designed with advanced cable management to help secure, support, and organize networking equipment where floor space is limited or in open office environments.

The new Mighty Mo wall mount cabinets provide capacity for both active and passive equipment, and ensure maximum network performance by providing complete cable management. The cabinets feature rack unit finger style vertical managers and one pair of fully adjustable 12-24 EIA mounting rails to provide the same level of support as a full size cabinet.

Designed for maximum flexibility and ease of use, the cabinets are available with an optional rear horizontal mount bracket kit, which is designed to provide additional fixed rack units on the rear wall for vertically mounting fiber cassettes, active equipment, or power distribution units. The center section of the cabinet swings out to provide easy access to terminations without disrupting the rear wall equipment. A front lockable wing turn latch secures the front door without having to lock the cabinet, which allows for easy access into the front of the cabinet when used in a secure environment.

Mighty Mo wall mount cabinets are supplied with a variety of cable access options. Both the top and the bottom of the rear section have a 3” access hole with cap that is removable only with access to the inside of the cabinet. The top of the rear section comes standard with two brush cable entry plates to protect the cabinet from dust and dirt, and the bottom of the rear section comes standard with two knock-out plates.

The cabinets are built with a rugged 14 GA steel construction to minimize sagging under heavy loads. They are available in depths of 20" and 26" and heights of 23.50", 35.75" and 48", which provide 12, 19 and 26 rack units of equipment room. An optional 50 cfm fan provides 50% less noise than most other leading cabinets.

The new Mighty Mo wall mount cabinets are part of the Ortronics family of Layer Zero™ physical support solutions. Ortronics Layer Zero solutions maximize network efficiency by reducing power consumption and cooling costs, reducing the risk of equipment failure, and enhancing overall system performance.

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Legrand Ortronics Demonstrates Continued Commitment to Environmental Awareness Through ISO 14001 Certification

New London, CT, January 13, 2010 – Legrand | Ortronics, a global leader in high performance network infrastructure solutions, furthers their commitment to the protection of the environment through ISO 14001 Certification at its New London, CT corporate office. Legrand | Ortronics joins four additional Legrand facilities in North America to receive the certification. ISO 14001 is an important global distinction that signifies an organization’s commitment to continuous improvement of their environmental performance.

ISO 14001 Certification is granted upon the successful implementation and maintenance of an Environmental Management System that ensures that an organization has established, implemented, maintained and framed a process for improvement upon an environmental management system, to assure itself of conformity with its stated environmental policy. ISO 14001 Certification is granted on the successful completion of an external audit of the organization’s Environmental Management System by a third party auditor.

In an effort to acknowledge their global responsibility for the environment, Legrand | Ortronics has developed a corporate mission, founded on three main pillars: prevention of pollution, compliance to all regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement. “Ortronics is dedicated to the continued integration of sustainable practices into our business processes to remain environmentally responsible while helping our customers do the same,” said Mark Panico, President, Legrand | Ortronics. “ISO 14001 Certification has taken a strong commitment companywide to implement and is a tremendous accomplishment for Ortronics.”

In addition to ensuring that Ortronics maintains high environmental standards, the company is also committed to transferring those standards into the solutions they offer. Smart manufacturing processes, thoughtful supplier choices, and innovative product offerings focused on driving energy efficiency are a cornerstone of the Ortronics mission to help customers achieve their “green” agenda.

For more information on Ortronics commitment to the environment, please visit their EcoInfrastructure website at http://www.ortronics.com/us/ecoinfrastructure.

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Brian Ensign of Legrand Ortronics Elected to BICSI Board of Directors

New London, CT, January 13, 2010 – Legrand | Ortronics, a global leader in high performance network infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce that Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, CSI, was re-elected by the BICSI membership as Northeast Regional Director and to serve a second term (2010 - 2011) on the BICSI Board of Directors.

"I've enjoyed working with the BICSI association for the current term and am looking forward to a second term of working to support both global and local BICSI strategies," said Ensign.  Ensign and his fellow newly elected BICSI officers will be inaugurated in January 2010 at the BICSI Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Ensign is the Director of Training and Technology for Legrand|Ortronics and has been involved with the industry and BICSI for the past 17 years.

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Network Cabling Manufacturer Siemon Announces Its 2009 Solar Power Generation Figures

Company’s renewable solar power system generated over 216,000 kWh of clean energy in its first year of operation.

January 13, 2009, Watertown, CT —   Siemon, a Connecticut, USA-based manufacturer of IT network cabling and infrastructure systems is proud to announce that its recently installed solar power system generated over 216,000 kWh of clean energy in 2009.   Deployed as part of the company’s ongoing environmental stewardship initiative, the 15,600 square-foot solar power system at Siemon’s Corporate Headquarters and North American Manufacturing Campus has reduced the operation's dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

By shifting a portion of power usage to a non-polluting, renewable source, Siemon realized a number of environmental benefits.   Carbon Dioxide emissions were reduced by over 373,000 lbs by this solar power system alone.    According to EPA estimates, this CO2 reduction is equivalent to yearly output of 22 homes or 19,031 gallons of gasoline.  Real-time power generation figures from Siemon’s solar array and environmental benefit equivalencies can be viewed online at: http://www.siemon.com/us/company/environment/solar.asp          

This clean solar power system joins a list of other sustainability efforts at Siemon, including an innovative waste management program that recently helped the company achieve Zero-Landfill status.  Siemon recycles or repurposes over 900 tons of waste instead of sending it to landfills, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 2950 tons by EPA estimates.

For more information on Siemon's environmental initiatives, visit www.siemon.com/green.

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.

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Draka to Introduce Bend-Insensitive Versions of Industry Leading Multimode Fibers at BICSI

High capacity multimode fiber product line, MaxCap, enhanced with Draka's bend-insensitive BendBright technology.

Amsterdam, January 8 - Draka Communications, the number one manufacturer of multimode fiber, will introduce bend-insensitive versions of its premium high bandwidth multimode product line, MaxCap, at BICSI Winter Conference & Exposition in Orlando (Jan 17-21, booth 1325).  MaxCap-BB-OM3 and MaxCap-BB-OM4 combine two of Draka's industry leading technologies, high capacity multimode fiber and BendBright bend-insensitive fiber technology.  Draka’s industry best global multimode market share of 25%, confirmed by the CRU Group - KMI Research, is widely recognized.  To date, more than 1 million fiber kilometers of Draka fiber with BendBright technology have been deployed worldwide.

"Draka has always been in the driver’s seat for high capacity multimode fibers, leveraging the versatility, precision and flexibility of the PCVD manufacturing process,“ says Gerard Kuyt, Product Line Manager Multimode Fiber at Draka Communications. “The new MaxCap-BB-OM3 and MaxCap-BB-OM4 offer provides our customers  with premium bending performances in high-end multimode fibers for demanding applications."

Datacenter (Ethernet) and storage (Fiber channel) markets are rapidly adopting higher data rates (10GbE/8GFC) and migrating to higher capacity (40GbE/100GbE, 16GFC) solutions. High-capacity multimode fibers are ideal for 10 Gb/s link applications which require a higher power budget, for example when more connectors are needed in datacenters. Optical solutions using high data rate optical fiber cables are also a key to the evolution of datacenters towards lower energy consumption and reduced carbon footprints, easing the environmental burden. In some demanding configurations, such as challenging cabling routes with tight corners, small footprint datacenters or Active Optical Cables (AOC), Draka’s new bend-insensitive multimode offer will provide important additional power margins compared to the bending performance of regular multimode fibers. Reliability of the multi-mode fiber systems   will be further improved with such 10Gb/s multimode fibers implementing the BendBright technology.

MaxCap-BB-OM3 and MaxCap-BB-OM4 are a result of optimizing Draka’s patented Plasma-activated Chemical Vapor Deposition (PCVD) fiber production process. Building upon the superior bandwidth characteristics offered by PCVD the use of BendBright technology enables improved bending performance without any sacrifice or trade-off on bandwidth or other performance specifications of the fiber.

“ By using our newest MaxCap-BB-OM3 and MaxCap-BB-OM4, our customers can bring the benefits of the large and consistent bandwidth characteristics of our MaxCap-OM3 and MaxCap-OM4 fibers to environments that were previously at the limit of system margins for designers, or into more compact and higher count cable designs for ever better bandwidth at ever lower footprint“, adds Gerard Kuyt.

About Draka

Draka (Euronext Amsterdam: DRAK), headquartered in Amsterdam, has over 9000 employees in countries worldwide and revenues of € 2.7 billion. Draka has a presence in 32 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

Draka’s activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Speciality and Communications. Draka Communications with its two business units, Telecom Solutions and Multimedia Specials, is a global market leader in the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced network solutions. More information at www.draka.com.

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine Wins Two Gold FOLIO: Eddie Awards

BETHESDA, Md., December 7, 2009

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine has won its first Gold FOLIO: Eddie Awards, honoring excellence in magazine and online editorial. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR was awarded two Eddies for its January 2009 issue and its Web site at www.ecmag.com in the Business-to-Business, Energy/Utilities/Engineering, Full Issue and Web Site Categories. The list of winners is available at: http://www.foliomag.com/2009/2009-eddie-awards-winners.

“We’re honored to be recognized this year, especially among the level of excellence from such a wide variety of publications,” said ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Publisher John Maisel.

 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR’s January 2009 issue was titled Construction Forecast 2009. Along with the cover story, focus articles included “BIM: The Future Today;” “Are You Ready? Lighting Innovations;" “The Alternative-Energy Quandary;” “Changes to NFPA 70E-2009 Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Part 1;” “Occupational Safety We Can Believe In;” “Landscape Lighting: Part Art, Part Science;” “Specify This;” “Make the Access Control Connection;” and “Underground Report.”

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR’s Web site continues to undergo changes with enhancements including expanded content, more targeted searching, a dedicated video page that will also include sponsored multimedia elements, a white papers archive and more additions and search upgrades. The latest addition is one of the most effective and detailed electronic media kit that we have ever seen. Check it out:  http://www.ecmag.com/mediakit/

Published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bethesda, Md., ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR delivers 85,300+ electrical contractors and 68,000+ electrical contracting locations, more than any other industry publication. Telephone: (301) 657-3110. Web site: www.ecmag.com.

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2010 Marks Several Anniversaries for the Fiber Optic Industry

Here are two of the key anniversaries with two questions for each topic.  The first question is the easy one and the second is more difficult.

1)  In 1960 this acronym "Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation" started a revolution that today allows high speed voice, video and data communications at gigabit data rates.  Besides being the key to the fiber optic communications industry, It is used as a measurement tool, for surgery, is at checkout counters, and in all CD and DVD players. 

1A)  What is this invention?  (Laser)

1B)  Who invented it? (Theodore Maiman)

2)  In 1970 this company manufactured the first optical fiber that met the 20dB/km attenuation benchmark identified by Charles Kao in his paper released in 1966 defining optical fibers for optical communication systems. 

2A)  Corning

2B)  What was the actual attenuation value that was achieved (16.9 dB/km)

For further information on these questions or the history of fiber optics visit.  WWW.FOHistory.org  

Larry Johnson, Director and Founder FiberStory Ljohnson@FOHistory.org

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Fiber Optic Association News for HOTS

US Stimulus Money for Broadband Funds Fiber Projects

As the FOA expected, much of the US Government's $7.2 billion BTOP (Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program) stimulus package will go for fiber optic projects. Nothing expands broadband like fiber, so we were not surprised when many of the earliest projects approved involved fiber backbones or FTTH.

Last fall we attended a regional meeting for those applying for BTOP funds to see what kinds of projects were involved in the applications. Some were what you’d expect – rural telcos wanting to expand their broadband offerings to areas that now only offered POTS (plain old telephone service) and municipalities wanting to connect public services, education and traffic controls to central facilities – but some were unique. For example, we talked with two local ISPs (Internet Service Providers) using wireless in rural mountainous communities who were applying for funds to expand their coverage. Part of their plan was to use fiber to get wireless antennas in remote locations for better coverage.

The BTOP focus is on expanding broadband, especially rural broadband, but fiber deployment and faster broadband are already on the rise in rural America. A new survey by the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) reveals that small rural communications providers are deploying fiber at an impressive pace, bringing faster high speed broadband service to America's rural communities.

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

Rural areas are seeing significant gains in broadband speeds, primarily due to the increased fiber availability in their communities, according to the survey. 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-an increase from just 25% one year ago. Survey respondents indicated an increase in take rates for the higher broadband speed tiers as well.

Red the full report (including the survey results) on the NTCA website. URL: (http://www.ntca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3367:fiber-deployment-faster-broadband-on-rise-in-rural-america&catid=299:current-press-releases&Itemid=807) 

(We told them so - Jim Hayes of the FOA told the NCTA convention in 2006 that "sooner or later, they would deploy fiber...)

The FOA is immensely pleased with the BTOP program. Not only is it already providing work for our current CFOT-certified fiber optic contractors and techs but it is also creating work for our FOA-Approved schools who are training new techs for this work, even under programs funded by the BTOP stimulus program!

Here are summaries of a few of the first grants announced:

GEORGIA: North Georgia Network Cooperative, Inc., $33.5 million grant with an additional $8.8 million in matching funds to deploy a 260-mile regional fiber-optic ring to deliver gigabit broadband speeds, reliability, affordability, and abundant interconnection points for last mile service in the North Georgia foothills.

MAINE: Biddeford Internet Corp. (d.b.a. GWI), $25.4 million grant with an additional $6.4 million in matching funds to build a 1,100-mile open access fiber-optic network extending to the most rural and disadvantaged areas of the state of Maine, from the Saint John Valley in the north, to the rocky coastline of downeast Maine, to the mountainous regions of western Maine.

NEW YORK: ION Hold Co., LLC, $39.7 million grant with an additional $9.9 million in matching funds to build 10 new segments of fiber-optic, middle mile broadband infrastructure, serving more than 70 rural communities in upstate New York and parts of Pennsylvania and Vermont.

SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota Network, LLC, $20.6 million grant with an additional $5.1 million in matching funds to add 140 miles of backbone network and 219 miles of middle mile spurs to existing network, enabling the delivery of at least 10 Mbps service to more than 220 existing anchor institution customers in rural and underserved areas of the state.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Bretton Woods, The Bretton Woods Telephone Company, $985,000 grant for 20 Mbps two-way broadband service to all potential customers and stimulate tourism in the area to substantially improve the local economy. This Fiber to The Premise service will be available to more than 400 locations.

NEW YORK: Potsdam, Slic Network Solutions (Nicholville Telephone) a grant of $4.3 million and loan of $1.1 million for a 136-mile fiber optic network reaching into five towns in rural Franklin County. This all-fiber network will deliver broadband voice, and IPTV services to remote rural areas. The network will offer service to more than 6,500 locations.

OHIO: North Central Ohio Rural Fiber Optic Network, Consolidated Electric Cooperative, $1,034,413 grant and $1,399,499 loan; and matching funds of $1,225,000. The funding is integral to a smart grid initiative and broadband service based on an open-connectivity fiber optic backbone network.

More information about projects funded by the Recovery Act is available at www.usda.gov/recovery, www.commerce.gov/recovery, www.Recovery.gov and www.WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery.

Looking for a job? These projects should keep many fiber techs employed! Hint: search the sites, esp. this page on Recovery.gov, for fiber or fiber optics and/or your local state/city to find local BTOP-funded projects.

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GBCI, VA Help Veterans and Families Pay for LEED Exams

(Washington, DC) December 16, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in accordance with the G.I. Bill, has agreed to reimburse Veterans, eligible dependents and reservists for the cost of any of the LEED® Professional Exams™ administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). 

“We are honored to be a part of the VA’s aggressive effort to help Veterans gain the skills and credentials required for full participation in the new, green economy,” said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. “For those veterans who are pursuing a career in green building or a related field, this support for attaining LEED credentials can go a long way in helping them achieve their professional goals, and GBCI is proud to play a part in their future success.”

Individuals planning to take a LEED Professional Exam must apply directly to the VA for reimbursement. Under this agreement, the VA will cover up to $2,000 per exam. Anyone who took a LEED Professional Exam after December 3, 2008 is eligible for reimbursement. Those interested in applying and learning more about the program and related certification benefits should visit http://tinyurl.com/gibillVA.   

GBCI administers exams for professionals wishing to earn a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP credential, which support the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building rating systems.  The LEED Green Associate credential is ideal for professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. The five LEED AP credentials distinguish green building practitioners who have demonstrated proficiency and specialization in the LEED rating systems for Building Design + Construction (BD+C), Interior Design + Construction (ID+C), Operations + Maintenance (O+M), Homes, or Neighborhood Development (ND). 

For more information on the LEED Professional Exams and Credentials, visit www.gbci.org 

About GBCI
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) provides third party confirmation that specific criteria related to LEED building certification and LEED professional credentialing have been met.  To underscore this commitment, GBCI is undergoing the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation process for personnel certification agencies complying with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 17024. Early in 2009, GBCI assumed responsibility for administering the LEED building certification program for the more than 30,000 commercial projects seeking third-party verification of compliance with the industry's leading green building rating system. For more information, please visit www.gbci.org.

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General Cable Adds 17 Free™ Riser Cable With No Halogens To Its Genspeed® Line

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KENTUCKY, January 12, 2010 – General Cable (NYSE: BGC) is pleased to announce that it has added halogen-free riser cables to its GenSPEED® product line.  These new UL-Rated Category 6 and 5e riser cables, known as 17 FREE™ cables, will be offered at competitive pricing and feature substantiated green properties.

With the removal of halogens, which fall into Group 17 of the Periodic Table, this revolutionary 17 FREE line of GenSPEED Riser cables does not contain any chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine, reducing the overall toxicity of the cable and truly resulting in a more environmentally-friendly “green” product.

“General Cable is committed to achieving industry-leading standards and responding proactively to environmental issues,” said Bob Kenny, Vice President and General Manager, General Cable Communications Cables.  “As part of this commitment, we continue to find innovative ways to exceed the requirements of our customers.  Our 17 FREE product line is a great example of turning end-user feedback into reality.” 

“We are excited to offer a greener premise cabling solution that looks and feels like a traditional riser cable,” said Scott Brown, Director, Technical Services, General Cable.  “I believe this proactive initiative reflects our stewardship to produce more environmentally sustainable products without compromising our high standards of safety and performance.  And we are working to develop other sustainable 17 FREE cable options, including riser-rated premise fiber cables.”   

The U.S. Green Building Council recently announced LEED Pilot Credit 2, which is a credit geared to reducing the release of persistent bio-accumulative toxic chemicals, or PBTs, associated with the life cycle of building materials, including electrical wiring and cable jacketing.  Based on this LEED credit and earlier requests for green products, General Cable’s GenSPEED Wire Wizardssm closely examined the jacket of its Category 5e and 6 cables and successfully engineered this 17 FREE halogen-free riser cable version.

For more information about General Cable’s 17 FREE line of GenSPEED products, please visit our Booth #700 at the 2010 Winter BICSI, which is being held January 17th – 20th at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.

General Cable has accelerated its environmental commitment, addressing its Green Alternative Approach by identifying greener opportunities and promoting green cabling solutions wherever feasible.  This includes promoting our existing green products; partnering with key customers in their green endeavors; identifying and providing resources for green product gaps; and participating as members in collaborative ventures such as the Green Suppliers Network (GSN).

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FiberTEK FDX Modules Transform IDEAL LanTEK II 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:

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

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

   3. 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

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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Set Your 2010 Training Schedule for Fiber Optics from The Light Brigade

Their classes are excellent. A good investment in your team.

http://www.lightbrigade.com/literature/Training_Brochure.pdf

New 2010 Fiber Optic Training Schedule

Tukwila, Washington — The Light Brigade announces its complete 2010 training schedule, featuring dates for the national locations for all of The Light Brigade’s fiber optic training courses. Included in this year’s brochure are:

NEW! Fundamentals of Fiber Optics teaches how to properly design, install and maintain LAN and premises-based fiber optic systems.

NEW! Fiber Optics for Utilities focuses on the specific challenges of designing and installing aerial and underground fiber optic networks in power utility transmission and distribution rights-of-way.

Fiber Optics 1-2-3 focuses on the design, installation, testing and maintenance of fiber optic communication systems for voice, video, and data applications.

Our Advanced Hands-on Modules are one-day advanced training classes that focus on a specific fiber optic discipline.

FTTx for Installers and Planners focuses on the unique requirements of Fiber to the User networks.

Fiber Optics for ITS is specifically designed for those working with modern intelligent transportation systems.

Fiber Characterization: PMD, CD, and ORL focuses on building and maintaining high-speed networks.

A complete list of our Staff Development training DVDs.

To request a copy, please call (206) 575-0404, or email sales@lightbrigade.com

About The Light Brigade, Inc.

The Light Brigade, Inc., is the world’s leading fiber optic training company having trained over 35,000 students in its public and customized classes. The curriculum covers the entire spectrum of fiber optics from basic theory and design to maintenance and testing, through advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM, SONET, PMD/CD, and fiber-optic video transmission. The Light Brigade also produces professional-quality educational DVDs and CDs, a self-paced computerized training module, and self-study courses. For more information on The Light Brigade’s educational programs, visit www.lightbrigade.com

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McCormick Users to Discuss BIM, Project Management & Estimating

Electrical contractors and estimators will gather March 17-20 in Tempe, AZ, for the 28th User’s Conference held for its customers by McCormick Systems.

Agenda highlights include “BIM In The Electrical Industry: Beyond 3D Modeling,” a review of how to put an electrical estimate to work as a project management tool, and a refresher (suitable for veterans and relative newbies) on estimating checks and balances.

McCormick’s annual User’s events are lauded by attendees for the information offered by the company and what’s shared between users from different parts of the country in hallway discussions, the reception, and the official event supper.

Typical of user comments received in the past is this, from George A. Kreykes of Kreykes Electric (Lynwood, Ill.), after a conference: "It was a great opportunity to boost my knowledge and be informed of the latest, including McCormick updates and improvements. Also, I got a chance to interact with other users for ideas."

In addition to presentation information and ideas to customers, McCormick’s executives and programmers use the event as a “sounding board” – obtaining from customers their ideas on how the company’s software can be enhanced.

For more information, contact McCormick Systems: www.mccormicksys.com; info@mccormicksys.com; phone 800-444-4890.

About McCormick Systems

Privately owned McCormick Systems (Chandler, AZ) is the nation’s leader in software used for electrical and ABS estimating and project management. The company’s products enable contractors to quickly produce consistent, profitable estimates for electrical and voice-data-video work, and more.

More information: www.mccormicksys.com or 800-444-4890.

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You Are Never Too Old! Mike Holt

Everyone can find a way in their busy life to pursue their interests or passions.

Because we have an inherent tendency to put up barriers for ourselves in the name of excuses (too old to do that, don’t have enough time, don’t have the money, too tired) we may never really discover our true potential.

At certain points in our life, our circumstances might dictate the choices we have to make, but at some point we need to stop making excuses.

Whether your dream is to learn new skills, to study something new, or to go on an adventure, you owe it to yourself to get started. You might surprise yourself at the success you are able to achieve, and how much fun you can have getting there – and what’s more, you might inspire others to do the same.

Mike Holt, at 58, keeps on surpassing his dreams by continuing to qualify and ski in the World Barefoot Ski Championships as the oldest skier in the history of World Barefoot Championships; and he still runs a successful publishing company and finds time for all of the other activities he’s involved in. Click here or on the image.

Take a look at this 70+ year old grandmother who is now on a world tour dancing the salsa!

Maybe by watching her on this video clip you might be moved to drop your personal barriers and chase your dreams or passions.            www.mikeholt.com                     Never say you’re too old!

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Mohawk Announces the Release of Their Newly Re-Designed Tactical Fiber Optic Cable

Leominster, MA, January 2010:  Mohawk, a leading manufacturer of copper cable and fiber optic products, announces the release of our newly re-designed tactical fiber cable. This cable is a sure fit in today’s harsh applications. The robust cable design was developed and constructed from rugged military mechanical standards and will stand up to harsh field abuse. This re-deployable cable is ideal for use in broadcast applications, military communications, mining and industrial applications.

Mohawk’s tactical fiber is designed to perform at the highest standards, even when exposed to harsh elements and tight bend radiuses. The cables are durable and resistant to abrasion, cut-through and crushing. They are also smaller and lighter than most traditional cables used in these applications, resulting in smaller bend radius capability and improved flexibility in a broad range of outdoor temperatures and weather conditions.

Mohawk also offers its tactical fiber in factory pre-terminated assemblies. SC/ST/LC/FC fan-outs or SMPTE 358 hermaphroditic connectors are available in custom lengths.

For more information on our newly re-designed tactical fiber optic cable, as well as other Mohawk products, please visit our website at www.mohawk-cable.com or call 800-422-9961.

About Mohawk
Mohawk is headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, and has been providing fiber and copper cable innovations for over 50 years. They dedicate 210,000 square feet to today’s most advanced facilities for the design, development and production of copper, fiber optic, and hybrid wire and cable. Mohawk, an ISO 9001 certified company, develops products to meet and support TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, ICEA and NEMA standards.

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Motorola Enables Personalized Media Experiences by Doubling Top-Tier Internet Speeds for Armstrong

Armstrong vows to stay ahead of the competition by deploying the TX32 Decoupled Downstream Module for faster broadband speeds and DOCSIS® 3.0-enabled services

Horsham, PA – 13 January, 2010 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced that Armstrong Cable is deploying the Motorola BSR 64000 TX32 Decoupled Downstream Module across its broadband network.  Armstrong, with cable systems in Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia is leveraging Motorola’s high-density downstream solution to stay head of increased broadband competition within its serving areas.

Increased demand for bandwidth is prompting cable operators to seek cost-effective technologies that will deliver a substantial boost to downstream Internet speeds. By adding high-density and redundant TX32 modules directly into the Motorola BSR 64000, Armstrong can cost-effectively deliver an additional 64 QAM channels out of an existing chassis.  The benefits to Armstrong are the quadrupling of downstream capacity and channel bonding services all while utilizing existing hardware investments.

"We have been working with Motorola’s TX32 solution for several months with great success,” said Michael Giobbi, chief technology officer, Armstrong.  “The Motorola TX32 enables us to rapidly deploy downstream channel bonding services, but also increases network efficiency by dynamically balancing traffic across TX32 and existing DOCSIS 2.0 2:8 CMTS modules.  We are now in a position to offer higher–tiered broadband services while dramatically reducing our cost of deployment.”

"Armstrong serves as a great example of how Motorola customers are benefiting from the combination of our high-density downstream and DOCSIS 3.0 solutions that are cost-conscious and easy to deploy,” said Joe Cozzolino, senior vice president, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. “By transitioning to a DOCSIS 3.0 downstream channel bonding environment, Armstrong is leveraging our unique ability to enable a seamless migration to a high-capacity DOCSIS 3.0 network and our commitment to protect their existing investment while lowering overall cost of deploying additional capacity into their network.”

As the highest-density, integrated downstream technology on the market, the Motorola TX32 supports 32 QAM channels in a single slot within the Motorola BSR 64000 CMTS/edge router. The solution enables cable operators to deliver significantly increased bandwidth to new DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS® 3.0 cable modems such as Motorola’s SURFboard® SB6120 and SBV6220, while preserving operator investment in legacy DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.x and 2.0 cable modems. 

The Motorola BSR 64000 TX32 Decoupled Downstream Module is a DOCSIS 3.0-qualified product. Click here for more information on Motorola’s DOCSIS 3.0 ultra-broadband products. For updates visit www.mediaexperiences2go.com and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/motomedia2go

Motorola's Home & Networks Mobility business delivers fully integrated and customizable media solutions enabling operators to provide personalized, rich media experiences to their subscribers. As a global video leader in digital entertainment devices, digital and IP video headends and digital video processing, Motorola brings its video expertise to bear as operators - wireline, wireless, cable and telco - seek to evolve their networks for the future.

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. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com.

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NECA Returning to Boston for 2010 Convention and Trade Show

Revolutionary Power. Renewable Solutions.

For more than 80 years, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has been bringing the nation’s leading electrical contractors together with manufacturers, innovators, suppliers and service providers to make our electrical construction industry the strongest in the world. In 2010, NECA will host its annual Convention and Trade Show to Boston, Oct. 2-5.

NECA’s convention and trade show are the leading events for the electrical construction industry, featuring classroom and hands-on education, active networking opportunities and open discussion forums where electrical contractors can address the critical issues facing their industry.

“The NECA convention is where I come to get recharged,” said Rocky Sharp, Madsen Electric, Tacoma, Wa. “No matter how tough a year it may have been, I know I’m going to hear some kind of good news there. Either it’s a new product that saves time on a job, or a new way to connect with customers – it always helps. It always gives me a new perspective and a renewed outlook.”

“We broke all previous attendance records for our 2009 pre-convention workshops and management seminars in Seattle, largely because our training focuses on topics that matter to electrical contractors,” said Beth Ellis, NECA executive director, convention/exposition. “We ask them what issues are affecting how they do business, what aspects of the industry they want to learn more about, and sessions are led by experienced instructors. Contractors know that the NECA convention is the best deal when it comes to management education.”

NECA 2010 Boston will also feature an expanded Energy Solutions Zone with new “building green” resources at the NECA Show; special safety sessions for line contractors; and a keynote speech from ocean explorer Bob Ballard, who located the wrecks of the Titanic, Yorktown, and more.

Learn more about NECA 2010 Boston at www.necaconvention.org, become a fan of NECA Convention on Facebook, and get updates via Twitter, twitter.com/NECAConvention.

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The NECA Show - Contractors Connecting The World With Power + Lighting + Integrated Systems

Your invitation to present a NECA Technical Workshop

Please accept this invitation to submit a Technical Workshop for the 2010 NECA Show in Boston, October 2-5, 2010.

This year, the NECA Staff, along with the consultation of the NJATC, are looking for revolutionary solutions for the growing challenges of electrical contractors and their customer demands.

This benefit is exclusive to confirmed NECA Show 2010 exhibitors and exhibiting NJATC training partners.

More Info & Submittal Form Here

Deadline: Feb. 18th

www.necaconvention.org  - October 2-5, 2010 - Boston

National Electrical Contractors Association

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Updates: The NECA Show - Contractors Connecting The World With Power + Lighting + Integrated Systems

National Electrical Contractors Association • Convention – Exposition
October 2-5, 2010 ▪ Boston Convention & Exposition Center

Contact: Sue McCart, Marketing
770-632-0044 or sue.mccart@necanet.org

SMART GRID PROJECTS AWARDED BY DOE

The U.S. Dept. of Energy announced Nov. 24 that it has selected 32 smart

grid projects to receive a total in $620 million in ARRA funds.  The DOE

funding will be complemented by more than $1 billion in private-sector

matching funds for those projects.

More...

NECA ENDORSES REBUILDING AMERICA INTIATIVE

A coalition of business, labor and consumer advocates came to Capitol

Hill recently calling for action to address America’s immediate needs for

job creation and energy security. They were joined by congressional leaders

— including Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and

Representative Peter Welch (D, VT-at large) — who understand that

retrofit projects provide for job creation and economic growth.

NECA is among the more than 50 trade associaitions, labor unions,

businesses, manufacturers, that have endorsed the goals of the Rebuilding

America proposal.

More...

EC Magazine Brings Home The Folio Gold (Twice!) For Editorial Excellence  

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine has garnered its share of honors in the past, but now, for the first time ever, NECA's monthly publication has earned two awards at the highest (gold) level from Folio in the largest awards competition in magazine publishing.
More…

LIGHTING UPGRADES PRESENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Energy-efficient lighting generally is considered the easiest, most profitable investment compared to other energy-saving building systems.  Approximately 25 billion square feet of existing U.S. commercial building stock still features lighting that meets pre-1980 standards and uses the least-efficient lighting systems the law allows. These buildings represent today’s best candidates for lighting upgrades.  Read More…

STILL TALKING ABOUT THE LAST SHOW

“Our primary goal as a Premier Partner of NECA and  supporter  of The

NECA Show is increasing industry recognition of our INDURA® Ultra Soft®

line of flame-resistant fabrics.  Our presence at the show and exposure as

a Premier Partner of NECA really helped drive people to us.

The recognition we received as Premier Partner of NECA at the Opening

Ceremony, the show graphics and other means really got the word out that we

strongly support NECA and The NECA Show.  Our brand presence and show floor

experience was excellent.  Despite the challenging economy, booth traffic

was terrific -- ten times what we expected.”  Westex

EXHIBIT in the NECA SHOW • SECURE YOUR 2010 LOCATION!
Prime Space going FAST in our expanded hall! 
View the 2010 NECA SHOW exhibit hall here

CONTRACTORS CONNECTING THE WORLD WITH POWER + LIGHTING + INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

NECA • 3 Bethesda Metro Center • Suite 1100 • Bethesda MD 20814
Contact Katie at Katie@necanet.org or 301-215-4506 for Attendee Info
Contact Julie at julduda@necanet.org or 770-632-0044 for Exhibit Info

www.necaconvention.org  • www.necanet.org

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Leviton Launches HOME 6™ and HOME 5e™ Residential Solutions

New Connected Home category-rated connectors and patch cables deliver affordable performance

January 8, 2010 – Bothell, WA:  Leviton today announced the launch of its new Network Solutions HOME 6 and HOME 5e solutions. The CAT 6 and 5e connectors and patch cables are part of the division’s Connected Home line, and provide high-quality connectivity specifically designed for residential applications.

HOME 6 and HOME 5e connectors are each available in standard and tool-free versions that meet or exceed T568A wiring standards. The tool-free connectors feature an innovative design that eliminates the need for punchdown tools and provides easy wire organization. Both styles are available in several colors: white, light almond, ivory, blue, grey, black, and brown.

Ultra High Flex and standard HOME 6 and HOME 5e patch cables offer affordable, high-performance patching for computers and other structured wiring uses. Ultra High Flex cables feature a low profile cable, allowing for tighter radius connections and a cleaner finished appearance. Ultra High Flex and Standard cables are available in white, yellow, red, and blue.

All of Leviton’s Connected Home Solutions, including the new HOME 6 and HOME 5e lines, are available through the company’s residential products reseller network. For more information, visit Leviton.com/connectedhome.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions was created more than 20 years ago to meet the growing need for telecommunications and high-speed data technologies. Today, the division is dedicated to producing complete network infrastructure systems for the enterprise, data center, government, health care, education, and residential markets. Copper, fiber, and power solutions include structured cabling systems, enclosures, PDUs, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards and offer guaranteed performance. For more information, visit Leviton.com.

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Leviton Receives Industry’s First Third-Party Verification of an OM3 Fiber System for 10G

January 6, 2010 – Bothell, WA: Leviton today announced that its OM3 fiber system has been
third-party tested and shown to exceed the performance requirements to support 10GBASE-S by Intertek Testing Services (ETL).

Intertek tested three different fiber channel configurations to assure compliance to the maximum insertion loss requirements specified in the TIA-568-C.0 standard. The channels used all of Leviton’s OM3 system products, including pre-terminated MTP trunks, MTP-LC cassettes, MTP harnesses, MTP brackets, and patch cords. The channels were configured with 6, 8, and 9 mated connector pairs in lengths of 300, 53, and 62 meters to show typical data center applications as well as maximum flexibility. The 8 mated pair configuration, for example, used 4 MTP-LC cassettes and 53 meters of OM3 cable. All 12 fiber channels were set up and tested as specified in TIA-568-C.0 to the maximum channel insertion loss of 2.6 dB for 10GBASE-S.

Paul Alt, senior project engineer at Intertek, stated, “All configurations tested were found to be compliant to the maximum insertion loss requirements as specified in TIA-568-C.0. The variation in loss between each channel tested was very minimal, demonstrating consistent performance for all samples tested.”

“The third-party testing done by Intertek really highlights the excellent performance and margin Leviton consistently delivers in their pre-terminated fiber solutions. We are excited to be the first manufacturer to have an independent fiber channel verification completed,” said Gary Bernstein, RCDD, director of fiber product management at Leviton.

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Leviton Publishes 2010 Network Solutions Catalog

New copper and fiber systems sections highlight company’s end-to-end solutions

December 15, 2009 – Bothell, WA:  Leviton today announced the release of its 2010 Network Infrastructure Solutions catalog. The catalog includes all of the division’s commercial network infrastructure offerings, including copper, fiber, power, wireless, and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) solutions.

New for 2010, the catalog includes sections detailing the company’s copper and fiber systems. Features, benefits, and components of high-performance Leviton CAT 6A, 6, 5e, and shielded copper systems are all included. 50/125 µm laser-optimized multimode (OM3/OM4), 62.5/125 or 50/125 µm multimode (OM1/OM2), and single-mode (OS1/OS2) fiber connectivity solutions are featured as well.

In addition, the catalog has been updated to include new products released since the previous printing, including:

Leviton C1 Ultra™ Composite Patch Panels

The industry’s first component-rated CAT 6A UTP connector

8" x 8" high-capacity Versi-Duct® vertical and horizontal cable management

Monitored and Enhanced Metered FLX Series custom-configured PDUs

UTP Security infrastructure solutions

Visual Fault Locator (VFL) and compatible LC and SC connectors

Leviton is currently distributing the new catalog to its worldwide sales and distribution network. The catalog can be viewed online at the company’s literature library at Leviton.com/networksolutions

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Outstanding Buildings Earn BOMA 360 Designation for Excellence in Management and Operations

(WASHINGTON—December 23, 2009) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International today conferred four buildings with the BOMA 360 Performance Program designation. These buildings join a growing number of best-in-class buildings to receive the BOMA 360 designation since its launch last spring.  The BOMA 360 Performance Program is a pioneering new program that recognizes best practices in building operations and management in commercial properties.

“As building owners hold properties for longer due to current market conditions, effective and efficient building operations and management are critical,” commented BOMA International Chair James A. Peck, RPA, FMA, senior director of asset services, CB Richard Ellis. “The BOMA 360 designation is like a stamp of quality assurance that denotes a building is best-in-class. Tenants, prospective tenants, owners and investors can rest assured that 360 buildings exceed industry standards on every level.”

The BOMA 360 Performance Program is an online self-assessment that evaluates properties on six major areas of building management: building operations and management; life safety/security/risk management; training and education; energy; environment/sustainability; and tenant relations/community involvement. The holistic nature of the BOMA 360 Performance Program means that every aspect of building performance is assessed and scores are based on how buildings meet an extensive checklist of best practices. The program comes at a critical time, as building owners and managers are looking to differentiate themselves from competition in a distressed market.

The newly conferred buildings include:

1300 Clay Street

Oakland, Calif.

Owned by: OCC Venture, LLC

Managed by: Shorenstein Realty Services, L.P.

400 & 450 N. Brand Boulevard

Glendale, Calif.

Owned by: MetLife Real Estate Investments

Managed by: Cushman & Wakefield of California, Inc.

Accenture Tower

Minneapolis, Minn.

Owned by: California State Teachers’ Retirement System

Managed by: CB Richard Ellis

Wachovia Financial Center

Miami, Fl.

Owned by: 200 South Biscayne TIC I & II, LLC

Managed by: Cushman & Wakefield of Florida, Inc.

For more information on the BOMA 360 Performance Program, 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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Service Is Still A Priority for Telecommunications Industry Outpost Sentinel to the Rescue

Despite the slow economic conditions, new and better offerings continue to flow into the communications industry. We uncovered a real gem for the service monitoring needs of the PBX market. www.pbxmonitor.com

Here’s the OutPost Sentinel story. After, research and interviews we got a picture of a powerful new technology that may be the answer for the larger PBX customers. OutPost Sentinel provides intelligent PBX and IT infrastructure management solutions that increase profits, reduce downtime, decrease costs and increase business productivity. their industry leading console management technology delivers secure PBX and network monitoring, management and administration capabilities by combining comprehensive access and management software with a secure path to deliver complete access to all PBX, network and IT infrastructure equipment. From any location, they deliver the same access an on-site visit would provide for trouble shooting, repairing, configuring, restoring or rebooting troubled systems.

Dan Wessel, Director of Sales at OUTPOST SENTINEL (Alpharetta, GA) explained their monitoring system and the functionality advantages. “We’ve developed a unique, affordably priced IP-based, fully redundant alarm monitoring solution that delivers more functionality and better results than alternatives.  Our easily configured alarm escalation process delivers instant notifications in a variety of formats including email, text messaging, IM, etc.  Our web-based alarm monitoring software lets service personnel instantly access our application from their browser.”  Dan Wessel added, ”Your technical talent can have complete, private access to everything needed to identify and correct a problem without VPN-like intrusion.  We also provide an intelligent power strip to allow rebooting of any device, and temperature probes to monitor on-site conditions as integral components of our system.”

The OUTPOST SENTINEL alarm monitoring solution is available for purchase or they can provide it on a hosted basis from our secure data center.   Their solutions can be used to monitor your customers’ PBXs and IT networks to deliver world class service without the expense of managing a full time NOC or call center.  OUTPOST SENTINEL can accommodate all of your monitoring requirements for any console-based systems manufactured by Mitel, Nortel, InterTel, ShoreTel, Avaya, NEC, Toshiba, etc. or any IP based system like the Mitel (Inter-Tel) 5000 or the Nortel BCM (SNMP traps).   They are not limited by manufacturer.  If a device has output they can monitor it.

OUTPOST SENTINEL has just released our Quality of Service software for monitoring and troubleshooting VoIP networks.  This includes QT, a robust, active VoIP appliance for call analysis and Netflow, the traffic monitoring software that enables network analysis for traffic shaping and server, application and protocol troubleshooting.  Most major switch and router vendors support Netflow and sFlow used by the QT including Cisco, Enterasys, Extreme, Foundry, Juniper, Riverstone, Packeteer, and dozens of others.

www.outpostsentinel.com

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Seven Local U.S. Green Building Council Chapters Awarded for Excellence

Washington, DC (December 15, 2009) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has recognized seven of its nearly 80 local chapters with its Annual Chapter Awards of Excellence. The awards, presented last month in Phoenix at USGBC’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, are given to chapters that excel in providing local green building outreach and education and in fostering best practices among the green building community. The four award categories include: Advocacy & Influence; Community; Education; and Organizational Excellence. The awards are sponsored each year by USGBC national member Milliken & Company.

“Our chapters are the driving force behind USGBC’s efforts to make green building a reality for everyone within a generation,” said Heather Tomlinson, Vice President of Community. “Chapter staff and volunteers dedicate time and resources to take important action locally through advocacy, outreach and education in order to produce positive results globally, and their work certainly deserves recognition.”

The Advocacy & Influence award recognizes chapters that have developed and implemented a successful green building advocacy campaign, resulting in the adoption of local green building legislation and the potential for state-wide legislation. The winner of the Award of Excellence in the Advocacy & Influence category for a small chapter was the Cincinnati Regional Chapter.

Through its efforts, the chapter cultivated a strong relationship with the Mayor of Cincinnati, who has since signed on to the Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools, and helped move the state of Ohio one step closer to implementing legislation requiring LEED Silver Certification - plus 30 percent energy efficiency - for any state funded project.

The Community award recognizes a chapter for its efforts to expand the green building community within its area by building relationships with other local organizations, fostering proactive partnerships and leading a meaningful dialogue among the groups and the local community, as a whole. The winner of the Award of Excellence in the Community large chapter category was the Chicago Chapter for its work on the Urban Open/New Horizons Community Garden project, a collaborative effort with area high school students, community members and local volunteers on the design and construction of a sustainable, indoor/outdoor facility in Chicago’s East Garfield Park. The winner of the Award of Excellence in the Community small chapter category was the Vermont Green Building Network (VGBN) for leading an innovative Web site project involving the Vermont Green Home Alliance, which resulted in the launch of a critical resource where individuals from regions throughout the state could interact, educate and share information on various residential rating systems.

The St. Louis Chapter received an honorable mention in the Community large chapter category for its Growing Green Awards, which recognize individuals, groups, organizations and companies that are transforming the built environment into a healthier place to live, work and play.

The Education award recognizes chapters that have made a significant contribution to green building market transformation through diverse, quality and purposeful educational offerings. The James River Green Building Council in central Virginia received the large chapter award for creating and implementing educational programs that present wide-audiences with unique opportunities to get involved, including the “Green Spaces” design competition, LEED workshops and events, Eco-Building Tours and organizational partnerships. The South Carolina Chapter won the Award of Excellence in Education for a small chapter through the development of high-level, consistent and impactful educational programs that allowed each of the chapter’s four branch regions to provide LEED and green building learning and community-building at a grassroots level. 

The Chicago Chapter received an honorable mention in the Education large chapter category for its commitment to elevating the level of its educational content with data critical to measuring the performance of green buildings.  

The Organizational Excellence award recognizes a small and large chapter for leading initiatives that have improved or enhanced chapter leader development and demonstrated excellence in organizational practices, including areas such as board leadership, communications, planning and overall organizational efficiency. The winner of the Organizational Excellence award in a large chapter category was the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) for significantly increasing organizational efficiency, transparency and communication, developing a strategic plan to advance program and advocacy goals and investing in a new Web site with a rigorous data, event and committee management system. The Georgia Chapter won the award for Organizational Excellence in a small chapter category for its successful merger of the state’s two existing entities in Atlanta and Savannah, forming one, balanced organization focused on green building market transformation across the entire state of Georgia.   

Winning chapters received recognition during USGBC’s Chapter Forum at Greenbuild and on USGBC’s Web site, as well as a financial award. The awards review panels for each category were comprised of a cross section of USGBC leadership including chapter leaders and staff, national staff and members of USGBC’s Board of Directors and Chapter Steering Committee.

For more information on each winning chapter and their efforts, visit www.usgbc.org/chapters.

About U.S. Green Building Council

The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 131,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

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Siemon Announces New Angled Versions of Ultra High-Density 48-Port, 1U Z-MAX™ Patch Panels

Angled patch panel is designed to facilitate high-density patch cord routing without the need for additional rack-mount cable management.

January 8, 2010, WATERTOWN, CT –  Siemon is proud to launch an angled version of their innovative and popular Z-MAX modular patch panel. Designed to support both the shielded and UTP versions of Siemon’s 10 Gb/s Z-MAX 6A network cabling solution, these new panels meet or exceed all 10GBASE-T and category 6A/class EA performance requirements. In addition the UTP angled Z-MAX panels can be used with category 6 UTP Z-MAX panel outlets and pre-terminated trunking assemblies.

Available in ultra high-density 48 port 1U and 24 port 1U versions, the new angled configuration allows patch cords to be routed directly into vertical cable managers, eliminating the need for additional horizontal cable managers and saving valuable rack space.  This not only provides increased density, but also offers more aesthetically pleasing patch cord management.

Like the flat versions of the  Z-MAX patch panel, Siemon’s new angled panels feature a unique modular Quick-Snap panel design, which allows Z-MAX category 6 or 6A panel outlets to be quickly snapped into place or removed to speed initial deployment and subsequent moves, adds and changes.  Designed specifically for the Z-MAX panels, Z-MAX panel outlets utilize the same best-in-class termination process as Z-MAX hybrid flat/angled outlets. Using the simple, patent-pending Z-TOOL™, both shielded and unshielded Z-MAX panel outlets can be terminated in as little as 60 seconds from start to finish, including cable preparation. The terminated outlets can then be easily snapped into the panel.

The angled Z-MAX panels’ Quick Snap design also makes them ideal for use with Siemon’s factory pre-terminated Z-MAX trunking cable assemblies.  Equipped with Z-MAX category 6 or 6A UTP or category 6A Shielded panel outlets, Siemon trunks are custom configured specifically to the customer need, allowing permanent links within data centers, or other environments with pre-determined lengths, to be quickly deployed. This exact-fit approach, combined with the Z-MAX Quick Snap panel design, significantly reduces installation time - up to 75% compared to individually field-terminated channels.  By consolidating multiple cabling channels, Siemon trunking cable assemblies also improve cable management and pathway space utilization in raised floor or overhead cable tray as well as eliminating on site scrap which makes for a greener installation.  All scrap from the factory termination process is 100% recycled as part of Siemon’s zero-landfill commitment to the environment.

These durable panels are constructed of lightweight, high strength steel with industrial black finish, scratch/fade resistant port marking and user-friendly integrated cable management.  Port identification is enhanced through the Z-MAX panel’s innovative high visibility magnifying labeling system.

Z-MAX 6A shielded panels feature Siemon’s integrated Quick Ground™ technology, which automatically grounds Z-MAX 6A shielded modules to the panel upon insertion, eliminating additional outlet grounding steps.  Both Z-MAX shielded and unshielded panels are available as complete kits including patch panel, Z-MAX panel outlets and all necessary accessories. Empty panels are also available for use with Z-MAX pre-terminated trunking cable assemblies.

Siemon’s Z-MAX 6A line includes complete end-to-end category 6A/class EA systems in both shielded and unshielded configurations.  The full Z-MAX 6A channel consists of Z-MAX 6A outlets Siemon category 6A cable and Z-MAX 6A patch panels, as well as patent pending Z-MAX 6A patch cords that feature a precisely tuned printed circuit board (PCB) into every plug for enhanced signal and unparalleled end-to-end system performance.  To explore Siemon’s entire Z-MAX line, visit:  http://www.siemon.com/us/zmax/

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.

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Killer Website with Many Valuable Components = Tedgreenroom.Com

Launched tedgreenroom.com, a website that provides users with up-to-date news, industry resources, and a place to help shape the electrical distribution industry’s future through blogs, interactive research, and more. The site complements TED’s print edition, which features a monthly green section and quarterly supplement.

Completed upgrades to the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels of the Electrical Products Education Course (EPEC). Improve­ments to the program included new products and technologies (including LEDs, CFLs, and personal protective gear), increased emphasis on add-on sales in each chapter, and streamlined modules for faster completion.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR and tED magazines announced the launch of counterfeitscankill.com, an anticounterfeiting microsite that advocates against the sale and installation of counterfeit electrical products and educates the channel of

the dangers and liabilities associated with such products.

Released two new research projects: “Green Goes Mainstream: How to Profit from Green Market Opportunities” and “Going Green—Inside & Out.” Both projects produced a number of deliverables, including the “Going Green Investment IQ,” that are available on tedgreenroom.com. Research is funded by the Foundation’s Channel Advantage Partnership endowment.

Introduced two green market guides, “Industrial Upgrades: Green Electrical Cost Savings” and “Commercial Upgrades: Green Electrical Cost Savings.” The planning guides were designed in partnership with the Manufacturers Council to help raise awareness of the many ways to adopt electrical energy-saving solutions to help reduce electrical operating costs.

Expanded online offerings to include ASSET (Achieving Superior Service Every Time), a new series of customer service training programs designed specifically for the electrical distribution industry. This course provides users with the knowledge and skills they need to provide superior customer service to both internal and external customers.

Launched the training series “Selling Green 101,” based on the research study “Green Goes Mainstream: How to Profit from Green Market Opportunities,” conducted by Yudelson Associates. The series, consisting of a number of 20- to 30-minute courses that build on this overview of green markets, is a starting point for those individuals intending to become more proficient in selling green solutions.

Received more than $143,000 in contributions from 112 member companies and individuals to the NAED Education & Research Foundation annual campaign.

Received two $100,000 contributions to the Channel Advantage Partnership endowment: one from Independent Electric Supply in honor of Richard F. Hurd and one from the L & R Anixter Foundation in memory of Edward F. Anixter.

Recruited 14 new members via the Building Stars promotion, where companies can join NAED for just $100 and re­ceive a package of member services valued at over $5,000; one new member joined under the NAED & IDEA-4-Me program.

TED magazine received several honors, including a Tabbie Bronze Award and an honorable mention award from TABPI, five honorable mentions in the Magnum Opus Awards competition, and a National Azbee Award of Excellence and five Western Region Azbee Awards of Excellence from ASBPE.

Was awarded the 2009 NECA Industry Partner Award.

Redesigned tedmag.com to feature new content sections categorized by type, four new blogs, a product area, and a new digital version of tED’s monthly print issue.

Announced the first group of Certified Electrical Professional—Inside Sales™ and Certified Electrical Professional—Outside Sales™ certificants.

Assembled a task force to focus on structural changes to future National Electrical Leadership Summits; the 2009 Summit agenda was completely overhauled to offer members the timeliest mission-critical knowledge possible.

Upgraded the NAED Learning Center. Enhancements included an updated web-based platform offering state-of-the-art technology and a more responsive and secure user experience, customized company home pages and role-specific dashboards, and an enhanced reporting engine with more comprehensive data filtering, analysis tools, and output options.

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine Enhances Web Site

More Content, Easier Searching, New Video/Sponsored Multimedia Features

BETHESDA, Md., December 11, 2009 — ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine at www.ecmag.com now offers expanded content, more targeted searching, articles grouped by ratings, a new video page and sponsored multimedia features for deeper resources and easier navigation.

“As the primary resource for electrical contractors, we’re continually working to enhance both the print and online versions to anticipate our subscribers’ changing needs,” said John Maisel, publisher of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). “Our Web site aims to deliver more in-depth content, easier searching and more opportunities for sponsored content and project features,” he said.

The updated site allows topic-specific searching in areas such as codes/standards/safety, green building, lighting, management essentials, residential and systems, culling together all archived content. A new video page will feature ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR videos and Webinars as well as sponsored videos from manufacturers and other trade allies. Additions and enhancements will also include sponsored white papers and case studies, and two article groups ranked by top-rated and most popular ratings. The landing page was also eliminated, now integrating its content with the original homepage.

New elements include:

Subject Tags and Tabs: the new subject tag bar combines select subjects into umbrella topics; for example, the new Management Essentials tag will display articles about estimating, financial and other topics that cover the business side of electrical contracting.

Homepage Changes: migrates the entirety of the current issue to the homepage

Clickable Archive Pages: enhanced functionality; user-friendly to search content

Top Rated and Most Popular Articles: three or four stories appear on the homepage with links to the top 50 rated and most popular articles

Dedicated Video Section: devoted to video content, primarily to feature product demonstrations and other news from industry manufacturers

Recharging the Industry: completely reader-driven, features readers’ success stories about projects involving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds

White Papers Archive: more material and easier access, including case studies

Follow Us: on Facebook and Twitter; ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR also has a LinkedIn Group and a newsfeed

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BuildingGreen and the National Association of Home Builders Announce Curriculum Partnership

GreenBuildingAdvisor.com to be a key "engine" behind NAHB's new Master Green Builder Remodeler designation

Brattleboro, VT (June 8, 2009)-BuildingGreen LLC, the parent company behind GreenBuildingAdvisor.com, today announced a partnership with the NAHB National Green Building Program (NAHBGreen, http://www.nahbgreen.org), the green building advocacy arm of the nation's leading home builder association.

This work brings together an independent source of residential green building information with one of the leading national residential green building programs. GreenBuildingAdvisor.com's highly respected resources on green building will be the teaching platform for the advanced building science course, a key component of the curriculum for NAHB's new Master Green Builder Remodeler designation.

"It's really gratifying to have GreenBuildingAdvisor.com selected as the source for the building science information for the NAHB Master Green Builder Remodeler (MGBR) Designation," said Peter Yost, Director of Residential Services for BuildingGreen. "This means that all of our rich content-the GBA building encyclopedia, the detailed case studies, and more than a thousand construction details-will be at the fingertips of students who wish to learn advanced green building principles as they connect key building concepts with real-world examples."

Two features make GreenBuildingAdvisor an especially appropriate choice for the MGBR program. First, both instructors and students can "build" course content using the "my GBA" project file folder tool, and second, the course material will continuously expand and deepen as new content is added by the GreenBuildingAdvisor team, which includes 15 nationally recognized green building experts.

Don Ferrier of Ferrier Homes in Ft. Worth, Texas is a leading member of the NAHB Green Building Subcommittee working with NAHB and BuildingGreen on this new program. "I am very impressed with the GBA website," says Ferrier. "Its depth and breadth is a good fit for the new Master Green Builder Remodeler designation, building substantially on the Certified Green Professional program."

NAHB is planning to offer the new Advanced two-day class in early 2010.
For more information, visit http://www.nahbgreen.org/.