Issue: January 2016
By: Frank Bisbee

Bisbee’s Buzz

GEM sector – Govt – Education - Medical

As fiber-optic technology improves and prices drop, federal users who once assumed there would be only copper wires connecting their desktops to the network are starting to warm up to the idea of fiber.

However, copper remains a formidable hurdle. Long deployed by the telephone companies, fiber- optic cable started showing up on the desktop when video, satellite imaging, virtual reality and secret, classified applications demanded it. Fiber was also the proven solution for long-distance, high-bandwidth and security requirements.

Fiber was preferable to copper for top-secret Sensitive Compartmentalized Information networks because copper emits electromagnetic interference that can be tapped by a skilled snoop who is near the cable. With optical, there is no such interference.

"In a copper LAN, each wire is like a mini antenna," said Paul Farrance, chief technical officer, General Services Administration’s Federal Technology Service. "You could just sit there and copy all the traffic. So fiber has historically been used for security purposes."

But the high cost of glass fiber and the installation difficulty compared with copper stalled fiber’s expansion on the desktop for years. Meanwhile, copper technology just kept getting better, giving users even more reasons to postpone fiber.

Hardware incompatibility has been a chief cause of installation difficulty with fiber, according to users. Although copper users have always assumed standardized jacks, fiber-optics vendors each had their own nonstandard jacks. They were not compatible with each other or with copper jacks.

When the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson was installing its 3M Corp. Volition fiber-optic system, the base resolved the jack incompatibility problem by using media converters supplied by 3M. But the media converters add an additional cost to the installation, noted Rick Bracht, chief of network operations, Communications Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB. "Cisco [Systems Inc.] does not support 3M Volition’s VF 45 jack. And right now, there are three or four companies out there all pushing their own fiber-optics jacks," he said.

The root of the jack problem lies in the physical dimensions of the jacks themselves. "All these companies are trying to get their two strands of fiber to plug into a jack approximately the same size as an RJ 45, the Category 5 copper LAN connector jack," Bracht said.

The jacks that are on the market today have accomplished just that. "About two years ago, vendors changed the mechanics of how you connect fiber," said Dan Silver, government marketing manager, 3M Telecom Systems Division, Austin, Texas. "Today, fiber jacks are more like copper jacks — smaller, less expensive and easier to use. Plus, the cost of a fiber-optic jack today is only three dollars, compared with twenty dollars per jack two years ago."

Vendors have also learned to adjust to the inevitable incompatibilities of proprietary products. Even though Cisco supports the MT-RJ jack, instead of 3M’s VF 45 jack, it is not locked in. "If 3M Volition became the driving technology, it would be very easy to modify our boards to accommodate it," said Mike Rau, senior manager of federal consulting for Cisco Systems, Herndon, Va. "We built the boards to be able to adapt to any standard." Now that the problem of jack size has been resolved, it’s economics standing in the way. "The fact that fiber jacks are now the same size as copper jacks is a major improvement," Rau noted. "Copper interfaces on switches and hubs are still less than fiber, but the price differentiation has started to decrease."

As technological improvements have created peaceful cohabitation between fiber and copper, users have begun to install them together. "The standard architecture I deploy today is copper horizontally to the desktop but fiber to the computer room and fiber in the computer room between the servers," said Michael Haskett, manager of Advanced Networking Solutions at Signal Corp., a federal systems integrator in Fairfax, Va. When choosing between Gigabit Ethernet via Category 5 enhanced copper or fiber- optic cable, Haskett said he prefers fiber. Although the initial cost is higher, there is a healthy return on investment, he said. Others tend to agree.

"The copper industry has continued to improve the technology, so it’s not obsolete," said 3M’s Silver. "But every time you improve it, you have to pull it out and replace it, so you’ve lost your investment. All it takes is once in 20 years and you can justify the extra 10 to 15 percent cost of fiber over the closest equivalent speed copper can deliver."

The Veterans Health Administration has set a standard of fiber optics in the backbone and copper to the desktop in its Veterans Integrated Service Networks and its Offices of Information nationwide. Because of the increasing capability of copper and the high cost of fiber, the VHA chose to wire desktops with Category 5 copper, which can get up to Optical Carrier 3 speed, meaning 155 megabits/sec if it’s Asynchronous Transfer Mode.

"By being able to run lower bandwidth ATM like OC-3, you don’t need fiber-optic cable. You can use Cat 5 cable," said Ernest Bundy, project manager, telecommunications infrastructure project, Office of Information at VHA. Bundy is using Marconi North America Inc. switches and routers and Signal Corp. as the VHA’s systems integrator on the proj-ect. Still, he has fiber in the back of his mind. "If you know you are going to keep increasing your bandwidth requirements, you may well want to install fiber at the desktop. It depends on how long you want to plan ahead," Bundy said.

…Plus much much more opportunities in fiber

Frank Bisbee - Editor

"HOTS - Heard On The Street" Monthly Column

www.wireville.com

NEW MARKET FOR FIBER IN THE USA = replace CMP copper cable

In the USA, there is approximately 18 million miles of CMP rated copper communications cable that have been installed in the return air plenum spaces – in schools, hospitals, offices, government buildings, etc.  However, it is against the law to install this type of cable in military:  planes, ships, tanks, or confined spaces.

Toxic TEFLON - offgasses when exposed to heat.. Possibly the biggest mistake the Chemical Industry ever made.. = surpasses tobacco and asbestos!!!

WHY:

DuPont scientists list the hallmark human symptoms of polymer fume fever as tightness of chest, malaise, shortness of breath, headache, cough, chills, temperatures between 100 and 104°F, and sore throat, based on a survey of complaints registered by workers who were struck by the illness. Based on this suite of symptoms, cases of polymer fume fever from home exposures could easily be mistaken for the common flu. The toxic particles and gases identified as Teflon offgas products, and the temperature at which they are first identified in the studies reviewed, are shown below, with toxicity information that is drawn primarily from high dose animal studies, the only source of information available for most of the chemicals:

464°F - Ultrafine particulate matter: Teflon produces very small (ultrafine) particles which are very toxic, causing extreme lung damage to rats within 10 minutes of exposure. Longer exposures cause death. At higher temperatures, Teflon also produces toxic gases. Some scientists have found that the particles and gases together are responsible for Teflon's toxicity, perhaps because the gases adsorb to the particles, which because of their small size can lodge deep in the lower respiratory tract.

680°F - Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE): The National Toxicology Program considers tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) to be a "reasonably anticipated" human carcinogen because it is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals, but has not been adequately studied in people. In rats, inhaled TFE causes tumors of the kidney tubules, liver, blood vessels in the liver and one form of leukemia (mononuclear). Mice that breathe TFE develop tumors of the liver and tumors that develop in blood vessels in the liver or white blood cells.

680°F - Hexafluoropropene (HFP): In people, air exposure to fluorocarbons like HFP can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation; heart palpitations, irregular heart rate, headaches, light-headedness, fluid accumulation in the lung (edema) and possibly death. Long-term exposure in workers is associated with decreased motor speed, memory and learning. In mice and rats, inhalation of hexafluoropropene (HFP) causes kidney lesions, decreased numbers of a type of immune cell (lymphocyte) and increased urination. HFP also causes increased numbers of chromosomal abnormalities in hamster ovaries. HFP can also be added to pesticides as an "inert" ingredient, which does not mean that it is non-toxic, but only that is not the pesticide active ingredient. Another example of a pesticide inert ingredient is butyl benzyl phthalate, a chemical well known to cause serious birth defects of the male reproductive system in laboratory animals.

680°F - Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA): Very few studies have looked at the toxicity of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), but those that have found decreased growth of fetal rat bone-forming cells (osteoblast) and cartilage cells (chondrocytes), and neural tube defects in rat embryos at high concentrations. Other studies show that HCFC-123, a hydrofluorocarbon that breaks down into TFA, causes enlarged liver and decreased levels of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol in adult animals. But, it is unclear whether these effects are due to HCFC-123 or a metabolite. A monkey study found the TFA concentration in the fetus was two to six times higher than in the mother's blood following dosing with HCFC-123. The long-term environmental impacts of TFA are unknown, but it is extremely persistent and toxic to plants. TFA is also a breakdown product of many hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are potent ozone depleters used in refrigeration systems, aerosols and other products. Recently, scientists have suggested that high levels of TFA in the environment could be partly due to heated Teflon and other fluoropolymers because measured environmental levels are higher than predicted, based on breakdown of HCFCs and HFCs alone.

680°F - Difluoroacetic acid (DFA): Very little is known about the toxicity of difluoroacetic acid (DFA), although kidney toxicity has been reported in rats.

680°F - Monofluoroacetic acid (MFA, fluoroacetic acid or compound 1080): Monofluoroacetic acid is extremely toxic, doses as low as 0.7 to 2.1 mg/kg can kill people. Initially, people report nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, anxiety, muscle twitching, low blood pressure and blurred vision. If exposure is high enough, people can have irregular heart rate (ventricular fibrillation), heart attacks, and severe convulsions leading to respiratory failure. MFA quickly breaks down into a chemical called fluoroacetate. Sodium fluoroacetate was previously used as a powerful rodent killer (rodenticide). In the body, it breaks down into sodium and fluoroacetate, which is responsible for the toxicity. Sodium fluoroacetate kills rodents, and other animals, by inhibiting the tricarboxylic acid cycle which transforms energy found in food to energy the body uses. Sodium fluoroacetate also causes heart and respiratory failure, central nervous system depression and damage to the testes, including decreased sperm production.

680°F - Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has recently come under significant EPA scrutiny. According to Stephen L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances, the EPA" will be conducting its most extensive scientific assessment ever undertaken on this type of chemical". EPA is concerned about PFOA because it never breaks down in the environment, is found in the blood of over 92 percent of Americans, and is very toxic to rats and monkeys. PFOA causes four types of tumors in rats: liver, pancreas, mammary gland (breast) and testes. PFOA also decreases thyroid hormone levels, a known risk factor for impaired brain development, and delays sexual maturation in laboratory animals. PFOA is especially toxic to the young because it kills young rats at doses that do not kill parental animals. Industry scientists estimate that it takes 4.4 years for people to eliminate just half the amount of PFOA found in their bodies. EPA is taking a close look at PFOA because levels found in the blood of people are too close to levels in rat blood that harm the animals.

878°F - Silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4): Silicon tetrafluoride is a highly toxic, corrosive gas. In the lungs, moisture causes the silicon particles to separate, releasing toxic hydrofluoric acid and also coating the lung with silicon particles. Inhaling hydrofluoric acid can cause eye and throat irritation, cough, difficult breathing, bluish skin color caused by lack of oxygen, lung damage and fluid accumulation in the lung (edema). Long term exposure can cause weight loss, decreased numbers of red and white blood cells (anemia and leukopenia), discoloration of the teeth and abnormal thickening of the bone (osteosclerosis).

887°F - Perfluoroisobutene (PFIB): Perfluoroisobutene (PFIB) is extremely toxic and inhalation can lead to fluid build up in the lung (edema), a condition that can lead to death. PFIB is listed in the Chemical Weapons Convention as a Schedule 2 compound. PFIB is about ten times more toxic than phosgene, a highly toxic corrosive gas also listed as a chemical weapon. In water, PFIB breaks down into hydrogen fluoride which is also very toxic (see below). Short-term symptoms of PFIB exposure in people include bad taste in mouth, nausea and weakness. Lung edema occurs about one to four hours after exposure, which is life-threatening in some cases, but in most people clears up in about 3 days.

This is the big brother to phosgene nerve gas.

932°F - Carbonyl fluoride (COF₂): Breakdown of Teflon (PTFE) in air is the major source of carbonyl fluoride exposure. Carbonyl fluoride is the fluorine version of phosgene, a chlorinated chemical warfare agent. Carbonyl fluoride fumes can irritate eyes, ears and nose. More serious symptoms of exposure include chest pains, breathing difficulty, fluid accumulation in the lungs, weakness, liver damage and increased glucose levels. Because carbonyl fluoride breaks down into hydrogen fluoride and carbon dioxide, it causes many of the same toxic effects as hydrogen fluoride (see below).

932°F - Hydrogen fluoride (HF): Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a toxic corrosive gas, and can cause death to any tissue it comes into contact with, including the lungs. The toxicity of HF is due to the fluoride ion and not the hydrogen ion. Breathing HF can cause severe lung damage, such as fluid buildup in the lungs (edema) and inflammation of lung passages (pneumonia). The fluoride ion (charged particle) is extremely toxic. It is a small ion and weak acid that diffuses quickly and can pass through tissues with relative ease. Fluoride ions inhibit cell respiration, decreasing production of ATP, the major form of chemical energy used by the body. Fluoride attacts cell membranes causing cells to die. The fluoride ion is negatively charged and naturally likes to react with positively charged ions in the body like calcium and magnesium. When fluoride and calcium bind, creating a "precipitate," a life-threatening condition of decreased calcium (hypocalcemia) can occur. Left untreated, decreases in calcium (and magnesium) can cause abnormal heart rhythm leading to heart attack, muscle spasms and death. Calcium administration is the main treatment for HF poisoning.

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is possibly the most reactive material known to man. About 49% of Teflon outgases as HF.

1112°F - Trifluoroacetic acid fluoride (CF₃COF): Trifluoroacetic acid fluoride is toxic, mostly because it breaks down into hydrogen fluoride, which is very toxic, and trifluoroacetic acid. The few studies that have looked at the toxicity of TFA found decreased growth of fetal rat bone-forming cells (osteoblast) and cartilage cells (chondrocytes), and neural tube defects in rat embryos at high concentrations. Other studies show that HCFC-123, a hydrofluorocarbon that breaks down into TFA, causes enlarged liver and decreased levels of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol in adult animals, but it is unclear whether these effects are due to HCFC-123 or a metabolite. A monkey study found TFA in the fetus was two to six times higher than in the mother's blood following dosing with HCFC-123, a hydrofluorocarbon that breaks down into TFA. Fluoride ion (charged particle) is extremely toxic. It is a small ion and weak acid that diffuses quickly and can pass through tissues with relative ease.

Fluoride ions inhibit cell respiration, decreasing production of ATP, the major form of chemical energy used by the body. Fluoride attracts cell membranes causing cells to die. The fluoride ion is negatively charged and naturally likes to react with positively charged ions in the body like calcium and magnesium. When fluoride and calcium bind, creating a "precipitate," a life-threatening condition of decreased calcium (hypocalcemia) can occur. Left untreated, decreases in calcium (and magnesium) can cause abnormal heart rhythm leading to heart attack, muscle spasms and death. Calcium administration is the main treatment for HF toxicity.

1112°F - Octafluorocyclobutane (OFCB): Octaflurocyclobutane is a fluorine-containing gas that is used in the semiconductor industry, sold as Zyron 8020 by DuPont. According to DuPont, inhaling high levels of octafluorocyclobutane can cause heart beat irregularities, unconsciousness and death. People with pre-existing heart conditions may be extra vulnerable. Only a few toxicity studies in animals are available for octafluorocyclobutane. In one study, rats exposed to a one-time-only inhaled exposure of octafluorocyclobutane lost weight and had abnormal breathing. Dogs that inhaled high concentrations (10-25% air), and were dosed with the stimulant epinephrine, had heart problems. According to DuPont, tests for genetic damage in insects are "inconclusive."

1112°F - Perfluorobutane (PFB, Trade Name CEA-410): As a global warming chemical, perfluorobutane has a long half-life in the upper atmosphere and has over 8,000 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Perfluorobutane is not as acutely toxic as other PTFE off-gases, but has not been tested for long-term effects.

1202°F - Carbon tetrafluoride (CF₄, perfluoromethane): In addition to being a long-lived fluorinated Teflon "off-gas," perfloromethane is used in the semiconductor industry, is a refrigerant and propellant and a byproduct of aluminum production. The U.S. government is encouraging these industries to decrease emissions of perfluoromethane because it is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential almost 6000 times higher than carbon dioxide, and can last in the environment for 50,000 years. In the past, perfluoromethane has been used in pesticides as an "inert" ingredient; a label that has nothing to do with toxicity but only means the ingredient is not the main active pesticide. Inhaling fluorinated hydrocarbons like carbon tetrafluoride can cause eye, ear and nose irritation; heart palpitations; irregular heart rate; headaches; confusion; lung irritation, tremors and occasionally coma.

Graybar Extends Customer Service Hours

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 18, 2016– Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today announced that it is offering extended customer service hours nationwide through a centralized National Customer Service Team in St. Louis.

The National Customer Service Team can help customers place orders, check order status, obtain proof of delivery, pricing and product availability before and after the traditional business hours of Graybar’s more than 260 branches nationwide.

Customers can continue to call their local branch for service during regular business hours. Support though the National Customer Service Team is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. CST and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 1-800-GRAYBAR (1-800-472-9227).

“Graybar’s primary goal is to make it easier for our customers to do business and complete their projects,” said Scott Clifford, Graybar’s Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management. “Extending the breadth and depth of our customer service program nationwide demonstrates our ongoing commitment to working to our customers’ advantage.”

Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 260 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

Klein Tools Designs a Headlamp with all the Must-Haves for the Jobsite

January 26, 2016 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools (http://www.kleintools.com), for professionals since 1857, launched its new Illumination line, including a headlamp (Cat. No. 56220) designed specifically for electricians.  It features an anti-slip silicone strap that comes pre-adjusted to fit a hard hat.  The lamp has a 45-degree tilt, and can be used in spotlight mode (150 lumens, six run hours) or floodlight mode (50 lumens, 10 run hours).  It is also impact and water resistant.

“Most headlamps used on jobsites now are designed for activities like camping and hunting,” said Laura Ranieri, senior product manager. “They often include extra features like colored LED’s or strobe lights that electricians don’t use. We designed ours to include essential features used daily by electricians and uniquely secured it with a silicone strap which stays put and won’t stretch out.”

Our Klein Tools’ new Illumination product line includes:

Headlamp (Cat. No. 56220)

• Anti-slip silicone strap comes pre-adjusted to fit a hard hat
• Lamp has 45-degree tilt for varied beam direction
• Spotlight mode:  150 lumens, six hours of run time (3xAAA batteries included)
• Floodlight mode:  50 lumens, 10 hours of run time
• Impact (6ft. drop protection) and water resistant

Slide Focus Flashlight (Cat. No. 56223)

• Adjustable focus:  forward for spotlight and back for floodlight
• Aluminum body with cushion grip handle and rubberized power button
• 215 lumens, six hours of run time (3xAAA batteries included)

Penlight (Cat. No. 56222)

• Aluminum body with cushion grip handle and rubberized power button
• Soft-on feature for quick reference lighting; click to stay on for extended usage
• Pocket clip for hands-free use
• 36 lumens, five hours of run time (2xAAA batteries included))

Clip Light (Cat. No. 56221)

• Rubber overmold for protection and grip
• Pocket clip is magnetized for hands-free options
• High mode:  150 lumens, 6 hours of run time (3xAAA batteries included)
• Low mode:  50 lumens, 10 hours of run time

For more information visit our website at www.kleintools.com or contact your local distributor.

Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com. 

Legrand Contributes to NAED Education & Research Foundation

Support helps foundation develop vital programs

ST. LOUIS … The National Association of Electrical Distributors today recognized the generous support of Legrand for their contribution to the NAED Education & Research Foundation.  

All funds go toward providing industry-leading education and research programs for the $70-billion electrical distribution channel.

“Industry support is the lifeblood of the NAED Foundation,” said Michelle McNamara, NAED senior vice president and executive director of the NAED Education & Research Foundation. “The contribution from Legrand will help us provide the tools, training and knowledge vital for the success of our members. We are honored and thankful for their support.” 

For more than 45 years, the NAED Foundation has provided members with the latest industry information, valuable education tools and industry research initiatives. Tax-deductible contributions are funding new courses such as Selling Green 101 and EPEC Automation; both are currently in development. 

For more information about contributing to the NAED Foundation, contact Erika TenEyck at eteneyck@naed.org.

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.

Oleg Khaykin named as new Viavi President and CEO

Test and measurement firm Viavi Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV) has named Oleg Khaykin as president and chief executive officer (CEO). He also joins the company's board of directors. The appointments, effective February 3, 2016, sees him replace interim president and CEO Richard E. Belluzzo, who will again focus on his duties as chairman of the board of directors.

Belluzzo stepped in as president and CEO after Thomas Waechter depart left the company, shortly after it was formed when JDSU split into two entities (see "President and CEO Waechter departs Viavi" and "Viavi Solutions, Lumentum begin life as JDSU is no more").

Khaykin comes to Viavi from Silver Lake Partners, where he was a senior advisor. Prior to that position, he was president and CEO of International Rectifier from 2008 until its acquisition by Infineon AG in January 2015. Khaykin also has served as COO of Amkor Technology and vice president of strategy and business development at Conexant Systems. Earlier in his career he spent eight years with The Boston Consulting Group and, prior to that, was an engineer at Motorola.

"Viavi has an impressive leadership position in network instrumentation along with highly innovative software solutions to meet the evolving needs of next generation communication networks. Viavi also has strong leadership and technological excellence in anti-counterfeiting solutions for currency authentication," said. Khaykin. "I am looking forward to the exciting challenge and opportunity to build success at Viavi and creating value for our customers, shareholders and employees as we execute our strategy."

For more information on test systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.

February 3, 2016

Lightwave Staff

Get The All The News On Fiber From:  www.lightwaveonline.com

Superior Essex Launches PowerWise™ Fiber, Expanding Its Suite of Cables Designed to Support PoE Applications

Today’s buildings are smarter than ever before, relying on numerous intelligent devices to control our lighting, our climate, and our security. These intelligent environments require cabling systems that are just as capable and versatile. For these environments, Superior Essex is launching PowerWise™ Fiber, a premises optical fiber cable coupled with copper conductors to support Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) applications, including those with distances that exceed the standard 100m provided by category cables. Power-over-Ethernet is a method of distributing power and data to a device using communications cabling, and plays a critical role in smart buildings where numerous devices, such as Nest, intelligent LED lighting and security cameras, can be powered and controlled using a single cabling system. With the launch of this cable, Superior Essex now offers a complete Power-over-Ethernet cabling solution, with its PowerWise CAT 5e+ 4-pair PoE cable powering and controlling devices at distances of up to 100 meters, and its PowerWise Fiber cable supporting additional power and data transmission over greater lengths throughout an environment.

This initial PowerWise Fiber cable design consists of two (2) – 2 mm bend-resistant G.657.B3 single mode fiber simplex interconnect cables and two (2) – stranded 16 AWG copper conductors. The use of G.657.B3 fiber allows the cable to be installed in environments where the pathway may require a number of 90° turns, yet the attenuation loss will be the lowest of any other typical single mode fiber type. The two simplex interconnect cables allow direct and secure connection to LC or SC type mechanical connectors.  The core is surrounded by strength yarns that provide the cable with the tensile strength to meet the distribution cable requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-83-596. The cable is UL Listed CL3R-OF, CMR-OF and FPLR-OF.

“Our customers required a small, flexible and durable cable for applications that exceeded the 100 meter reach limitation of Power-over-Ethernet and twisted-pair category cables,” says Dr. Paul Neveux, Director of Global Product Management for Premises Fiber products at Superior Essex. “We designed this composite power and fiber cable especially for security camera applications where the reach often exceeds 100 meters.  In addition, using G.657.B3 single mode fiber assures that the signal will not be attenuated even with bend radii as small as 5 mm.”

For more information about this product, visit the product page. Contact your inside sales representative for questions regarding pricing and availability.

Superior Essex International LP

Dr. Paul Neveux, Director of Global Product Management, Premises Fiber

770.657.6000

About Superior Essex

Superior Essex is a leading manufacturer and supplier of communications cable and accessory products serving the communications industry and related distribution markets for over 80 years. Product lines include Premises and Outside Plant (OSP) copper and fiber data cables, Wireless and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) coaxial cables and accessories, Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) closures, Fire Alarm and Security (FAS) cables. Superior Essex is a trade name for Superior Essex International LP and other companies of Superior Essex Inc.  SuperiorEssex.com  

SBA Finalizes Rule to Adjust Monetary Based Size Standards For Inflation

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) finalized an interim final rule that adjusted monetary based small business size standards (i.e., receipts, assets, net worth and income) for inflation.  The final rule was published in the Federal Register on January 25th and will be effective immediately.

On June 12, 2014, SBA published an interim final rule increasing all industry specific monetary based size standards (except for size standards for most agricultural enterprises that are set by statute) by 8.73 percent to reflect the inflation that occurred since the last adjustment for inflation in 2008.  The changes became effective July 14, 2014.  These changes were in addition to the recent revisions as a result of the SBA’s comprehensive size standards review mandated by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Jobs Act).

The final rule, as well as the June 12, 2014 interim final rule, can be viewed/downloaded at www.regulations.gov, identified by the following RIN number: RIN 3245-AG60. 

SBA also adjusted its program specific monetary size standards with the exception of the new alternative size standard based on tangible net worth and net income that applies to SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs.  The new alternative standard was established under the Jobs Act and will remain in effect until the SBA establishes a permanent alternative size standard for these programs.

The rule also clarified that the size standard exception for “Leasing of Building Space to Federal Government by Owners” under footnote 9 in SBA’s table of size standards applies to all industries in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Industry Group 5311, Lessors of Real Estate.

The rule also deleted references to Surety Bond Guarantee size standards for contracts awarded in the Presidentially declared disaster areas following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005.  It also deleted the determination date for eligibility under the agency’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program in connection with Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

SBA estimates that more than 8,400 additional businesses will gain small business status under the adjusted size standards and become eligible for SBA’s financial and federal government procurement programs.  These changes can possibly lead to $150 million to $200 million in additional federal contracts and 80 additional loans, totaling about $30 million, to small businesses. 

The size status of small businesses participating in federal procurement programs as either a prime contractor or subcontractor may have changed for some industries as a result of size standards changes published in the July 12, 2014 interim final rule.  To reflect the status under the revised size standards, small businesses should review the changes and re-certify their entity’s small business status within their entity’s System for Award Management (SAM) registration at www.sam.gov.

A White Paper entitled, “Size Standards Methodology,” which explains how SBA establishes, reviews, or modifies its receipts based and employee based small business size standards, is available at http://www.sba.gov/size.

For more information about SBA’s revisions to its small business size standards, refer to “What’s New with Size Standards” on SBA’s Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size.

TIA Announces 2016 Officers and New Board of Directors Members; Adds 15 New Companies

Arlington, Va. (January 28, 2016) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today announced its 2016 officers and ten new and re-appointed members of the TIA Board of Directors.

The 2016 Board officers will be Walker & Associates President Mark Walker as Chair; Heard Consulting Principal David Heard as First Vice Chair; Dell Inc. Vice President and General Manager of OEM Solutions Joyce Mullen as Second Vice Chair; Adtran Chairman and CEO Tom Stanton as Chairman Emeritus; Power and Telephone Supply Company CEO Jennifer Sims as Treasurer and Ericsson Chief Technology Officer and Head of Strategy for North America Glenn Laxdal as Secretary.

“Under the guidance of these officers and the TIA Board of Directors, the association is well positioned to serve as the voice of the communications industry,” said TIA CEO Scott Belcher. “As communications markets and technologies continue to reshape our world, TIA will serve to accelerate our members’ business growth through policy, technology, and innovation. We are privileged to have the best in business leading us in our mission.”

In addition, the following new and re-elected members will join the TIA Board of Directors serving a three-year term:

·         Argent Associates President and CEO Betty Manetta;

·         Cisco Vice President for The Americas of Global Government Affairs Jeff Campbell;

·         Dell Inc. Vice President and General Manager of OEM Solutions Joyce Mullen (re-elected);

·         Emerson Network Power Vice President of Global Marketing Gary Neiderpruem;

·         Heard Consulting Principal David Heard;

·         Henkels & McCoy Senior Vice President of Corporate Services Dan Pigott;

·         Imagine Communications CEO Charles Vogt;

·         KGP Logistics President Trevor Putrah (re-elected);

·         Panasonic Vice President of Wireless Strategy Victoria Obenshain;

·         Power and Telephone Supply CEO Jennifer Sims (re-elected); and

·         Telit CEO of Telit IoT Platforms Fred Yentz.

Gray Beards Consulting President Jake MacLeod and WirefreeCom, Inc. President Anil Kripalani were elected to serve as senior advisors to the TIA Board of Directors.

For a complete list of members on the TIA Board of Directors and advisors, click here.

The TIA Board of Directors also approved 15 new member companies since November, including the nation’s largest provider of shared wireless infrastructure, Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI). In addition, TIA continued to add diversity to its membership with its newest members representing communications software and hardware manufacturers; service line, mobile broadband, data center, and tower design consultants; and the suppliers helping to build our nation’s broadband infrastructure. TIA is pleased to welcome the following companies to the association:

·         Avion Networks, Inc;

·         AW Solutions;

·         Bentley Systems, Inc.;

·         Capitoline;

·         C-CO Technology, Inc.;

·         Crown Castle;

·         Eagle Commercial Services ;

·         Forge Services;

·         Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board;

·         KCI Technologies, Inc.;

·         OptiPulse Inc.;

·         Premcell;

·         Tower Engineering Company;

·         Tower Numerics Inc; and

·         Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

For a complete list of TIA members, click here.

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global high-tech communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. 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. Visit tiaonline.org for more details.

TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI’s Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org  for details.

Follow TIA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and TIA NOW for the latest updates.

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Launches 9 New Products at BICSI Winter in Orlando

Raleigh, NC – 1/25/2016 – Sumitomo Electric Lightwave (SEL), a Sumitomo Electric Industries Group company, will unveil 9 new products at the BICSI Winter Conference in Orlando, FL. The event will take place at Rosen Shingle Creek Convention Center from February 1-3. The nine products will vary from new cassettes to ultra-high fiber count cable and connectivity solutions. The new products are centered on simplifying network designs for end-users.

“Our research and development will take center stage at BICSI Winter as we launch products, many of which we consider to be game changers for the fiber optic industry,” noted Kevin Mistele, Vice President of Marketing and Manufacturing for SEL. “Our new products are the outcome of listening to our customers’ needs, and responding to them. We hope you will stop by our booth at BICSI and see firsthand the exciting new products we’re planning to exhibit.”

Products that were launched at BICSI Winter:

·         Ultra-High Fiber Count Cables including 1152f, 1728f with patented pliable ribbon technology

·         Indoor/Outdoor OFNR ribbon cable, 864f

·         Indoor OFNR ribbon cable, 864f

·         Indoor OFCR interlocking armored cable

·         CWDM Module

·         Data Center Tap Module

·         Fixed 2RU shelf

·         Flexible, gender and polarity change capable, MPO Cable Assembly

For more information about Sumitomo Electric Lightwave’s products, services, or upcoming tradeshows visit www.sumitomoelectric.com or call toll-free at 1-800-358-7378.

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave will exhibit at booth 818. For more information about the exhibit or educational courses by BICSI, visit www.bicsi.org.

About Sumitomo Electric Lightwave

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave (SEL) is a recognized leader in optical fiber technologies and solutions for data center, enterprise, and communication networks. Drawing from research and development from its parent company, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave offers a variety of advanced products in ribbon technology, air-blown fiber, fusion splicing, PON technologies, and connectivity solutions including splice-on connectors. For more information on Sumitomo Electric Lightwave or its products, visit www.sumitomoelectric.com or call toll-free at 1-800-358-7378.

Gigabit Connections To Rise Tenfold In 2016, Says Deloitte

Wednesday, January 13, 2016 | By Sean Buckley

Driven by telco and cable providers like AT&T (NYSE: T) and Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA), the number of gigabit Internet connections is projected to rise tenfold to 10 million by the end of year, with residential connections accounting for about 70 percent of the total, says Deloitte Global.

The research firm said that rising demand will be fueled by increasing availability and a decline in broadband service prices.

In 2015, Deloitte noted that the number of Gbps tariffs almost doubled in just three quarters, from just over 80 to more than 150. The 10 million subscribers are likely to be a portion of 250 million customers expected to be on networks capable of gigabit speeds by the end of the year.

Pricing for gigabit services has continued to drop over the past three years. As of the end of 2012, the average entry level price was over $400. This is in contrast to the end of the third quarter of 2015, where the average had fallen to under $200, and the lowest package from Singtel was priced at under $50.

Google Fiber (NASDAQ: GOOG) had set a price threshold for 1 Gbps services by offering its plans for $70 a month, a move followed closely by AT&T, Grande Communications and LUS Fiber. However, AT&T's $70 offering requires customers to have their Internet browsing tracked. Grande offers 1 Gbps for $65 a month, while LUS, a municipal provider, offers 1 Gbps for $62.95 when purchased as part of a bundle with TV and a two-year contract.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the advent of music and video streaming is pushing the need for higher bandwidth. According to the report, video streaming services have progressed from offering 0.5 Mbps streams, inferior to standard definition (SD) TV, to bandwidth capable of supporting ultra-high 4K resolution, using 25-50 Mbps, or up to 100 times more capacity.

Deloitte predicts that there will be 600 million subscribers on networks offering a gigabit tariff by 2020, or over half of the world's connected homes.

Despite efforts by service providers to roll out 1 Gbps services, the near-term reality is that the majority of Internet users won't purchase a 1 Gbps service.

"While Gbps subscriptions should surge this year (albeit from close to nothing to niche) the sharpest inflection point for the service may be in terms of perception," said Deloitte in the report. "For homes, the perceived reasoning for Gbps service will likely evolve from meeting the needs of a single application running on a single device to meeting the aggregate demand from multiple devices. Although a Gbps connection for a single device may be overkill, consumers are likely to continue accumulating connected devices in the long term."

For more:
- see the release

Special report: Gigabit Wars: The best prices for 1 Gbps service from ILECs, MSOs and municipal providers

www.fiercetelecom.com

Google Fiber’s L.A., Chicago Plan shows it’s serious about network expansion, Wells Fargo says

Thursday, January 14, 2016 | By Sean Buckley

Google Fiber's (NASDAQ: GOOG) ongoing buildout of its 1 Gbps-capable FTTH service in six metro areas and exploration into entering Los Angeles and Chicago is a sign that the service provider is looking to make a larger impact in the broadband market, says Wells Fargo in a research report.

In December, the service provider announced that it at it sees Chicago and Los Angeles as two potential service rollout targets.

What's significant about these markets is their sheer size. The two cities combined are the home to 6 million people, making them the two largest metros Google Fiber has talked to about building out service.

Another positive sign for Google Fiber is that it also named Gabriel Stricker as Head of Policy and Communications, who returned to the company following a stint at Twitter. In his new role, Stricker will oversee Google Fiber's communications and public affairs.

"We believe this announcement, along with the appointment of Google executive Gabriel Stricker as Head of Policy and Communications for Google Fiber, are indications that Google is getting more serious about its fiber expansion," said Jennifer Fritzsche, senior analyst, a research report.

Besides Chicago and Los Angeles, Google Fiber said in September it was talking to Louisville, Ky., and San Diego. Later in October, it cited Oklahoma City, Jacksonville, and Tampa as three other potential targets.

Previously, it began construction in eight other markets -- including Austin, Texas, Provo, Utah, Kansas City, Kan., Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Raleigh/Durham and Charlotte, N.C., and Nashville. It also has other expansions planned for Phoenix, San Antonio, Portland, Ore., and San Jose.

An additional potential beneficiary of Google Fiber's planned fiber build could be network construction company Dycom, who is rumored to be one of its customers.

Related articles:
Google Fiber eyes Chicago, Los Angeles as potential 1 Gig destinations

www.fiercetelecom.com

SPRINT Lays Off 2500 Employees While Adding 500,000 Customers

The foundering carrier posted a solid quarter, reporting 501,000 postpaid net additions, up from just 30,000 year-over-year, and an adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion, far outpacing Wall Street estimates. It posted net operating revenue of $8.1 billion, however, falling just shy of analysts' expectations of $8.2 billion.

The company reported a net loss of $836 million, down from $2.38 billion a year earlier.

Sprint also raised its guidance for EBITDA in fiscal year 2015 from its previous expectation of $6.8 billion to $7.1 billion to a range of $7.7 billion to $8 billion. It set preliminary guidance for fiscal year 2016 adjusted EBITDA to an approximate range of $9.5 billion to $10 billion.

The company saw the highest number of postpaid ports in its history, indicating the aggressive 50 percent-off campaign it launched in mid-November was effective during the critical holiday season. Sprint's churn was 1.62 percent, down 68 basis points from the year-ago period and marking its best year-over-year improvement in 12 years.

Sprint shares, which had slid dramatically during the past two weeks, were up more than 13 percent in pre-market trading on the news.

Sprint had initially planned to release quarterly earnings next week, but bumped up the announcement to help ease investors' concerns. The operator confirmed earlier this week that it was slashing 2,500 jobs in a third round of layoffs as part of a broader cost-cutting effort. Click here for that full story.

Sprint is also looking to trim its network expenses, and a recent Re/code report indicated the carrier would move aggressively to relocate its equipment from land leased from tower companies to government-owned locations. That report also said Sprint would transition to using microwave for backhaul rather than paying other operators to use their fiber-optic cables to link Sprint's wireless network to telecom infrastructures.

Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure said "the information wasn't correct" in that report, although he declined to discuss any inaccuracies directly. Sprint's recent share slide stemmed partially from skepticism over the carrier's ability to dramatically transition to new network technologies without experiencing any major hiccups.

"It caused a lot of damage and a lot of confusion," Claure said of the report during a post-earnings conference call. "What we're doing is we're densifying our network" by deploying small cells to complement its macrosites. Claure also denied the transition would cause any service disruptions, saying "This is not a rip-and-replace strategy."

Here are some key metrics from Sprint's quarterly report:

Subscribers: Sprint enjoyed 366,000 postpaid phone net additions during the quarter, a dramatic turnaround from the 205,000 net losses it reported in the prior year quarter. The figure was the highest net additions in three years for Sprint and marks a second consecutive quarter of positive postpaid phone gains.

Financials: Aggressive cost-cutting is already paying big dividends for Sprint, as the carrier said it has realized $800 million in savings to date, $500 million of which occurred during the latest quarter. It completed its first sale-leaseback transaction with Mobile Leasing Solutions, which provided $1.1 billion in cash in December. "The pace of cost reduction reveals a genuine sense of urgency at Sprint, something that had been sorely lacking with previous management teams," MoffettNathanson wrote in a research note.

Handsets: Sprint's choice to target lucrative postpaid smartphone users took a toll on its prepaid business, however. The company reported prepaid net losses of 491,000 during the quarter, down from 410,000 net additions during the same period in 2014. "You've got to figure out where do you want to fight and where do you want to grow," Claure said. "We are keeping the customers that matter, but we're not going to fight for unprofitable customers." Sprint executives also said the company is de-emphasizing Virgin Mobile in favor of the Boost prepaid brand, but they didn't disclose detailed plans.

LTE: The company continued to tout its LTE Plus network, noting its recent deployment of two-channel carrier aggregation in the 2.5 GHz band. It stated again that LTE Plus has been expanded to more than 150 markets and is delivering speeds in excess of 100 Mbps on supporting devices. Additionally, it noted that 76 percent of postpaid phone sales during the quarter supported LTE Plus.

Churn: Sprint credited improvements to its network for helping to deliver the 1.62 percent churn, "the lowest ever for a third quarter."

Summary: Analysts agree that Sprint reported a solid quarter and has begun to reverse a severe slide. But the carrier still has an enormous amount of debt that must be refinanced, and its future is still uncertain in a market where two players dominate and a third -- T-Mobile -- continues to build momentum. "After all the puts and takes of accounting distortions, Sprint's results are clearly not as good as they first appear," wrote MoffettNathanson. "But they are still undeniably improving, and none of this diminishes Sprint's apparently genuine progress in reducing costs.

For more:
- see this WSJ article
- see this Re/code article
- see this Sprint press release

Related articles:
Sprint slashes 2,500 jobs as cost-cutting measures continue

The firings will continue until morale improves ?

Editor's Corner

Sprint's thirst for dark fiber-based small cell backhaul spells opportunity for Zayo, Level 3, others

Thursday, January 28, 2016 | By Sean Buckley

Sprint (NYSE: S) recently said during its fourth quarter earnings call that it would be using a mix of 2.5 GHz spectrum and dark fiber for small backhaul -- a move that could potentially benefit various competitive wireline carriers who have aggressively built out fiber networks in anticipation of the emerging small cell backhaul trend.

Initially the majority of the dark fiber backhaul activity has come from Verizon, which uses it in small cell markets.

The opportunity will attract a host of different players: tower providers (American Tower and Crown Castle), traditional competitors (Level 3, Southern Light, Tower Cloud, and UPN) and dark fiber-centric players (Wilcon, SummitIG and Cross River Fiber). What's attractive about dark fiber for these providers is these agreements are multiple years long, providing a long-term revenue stream.

Despite being a more expensive solution and not revealing any partners yet, Sprint sees dark fiber as a way to control bandwidth allocations. Unlike a lit service where an operator has to request their wireline provider partner to provision bandwidth, dark fiber allows Sprint to make upgrades themselves.

By working with competitive providers, Sprint could also reduce backhaul costs it typically pays to the ILECs for special access circuits. The carrier recently said that it pays up above $1 billion a year for such circuits.

Sprint's small cell plans are sizable with plans to add up to 70,000 small cells to its network. Since the small cells will be placed in various parts of the U.S., various competitive providers could compete for Sprint's dark fiber business.

But providing fiber is one part of the small cell backhaul equation. A number of service providers are offering, or are in the process of developing, turnkey small cell services. These turnkey services, which have become Small Cells as a Service (SCaaS), include site acquisition, permitting, installation and even network management. However, none of their approaches are the same. Continue ...

MORE

Webinars

Securing the Future of the IoT - February 2 | 10am ET / 7am PT

Progress on Licensed-Assisted Access (LAA) and Its Relationship to LTE-U and MulteFire - Wednesday, February 17 | 2pm ET / 11am PT

CISCO to buy Jasper for $1.4 Billion to pursue IoT

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Cisco said it will spend $1.4 billion to acquire Jasper Technologies as it steps up its pursuit of the IoT market. Jasper powers a number of IoT applications like Amazon's Kindle book downloads, and the company works with a wide variety of mobile operators including AT&T.

While Jasper isn't the most high-profile brand in tech, the company made several big moves last year as the IoT market began to get legs. Among other announcements, it announced a deal to integrate its Control Center with IBM's IoT foundation platform to provide end-to-end services for IoT devices in the enterprise; it began working with Microsoft to integrate Azure IoT Suite with its own platform; and at last year's Mobile World Congress it unveiled separate IoT-related partnerships with SAP and Salesforce.

Jasper claims to manage and power a variety of connected devices and services for more than 3,500 enterprises in 100 countries worldwide, and it has partnerships with 27 service provider groups. In 2014 Jasper announced it would power AT&T's connected car operations.

Cisco's purchase of Jasper will help the vendor expand beyond its traditional network business and further into the IoT, which will increasingly leverage multiple new devices and technologies.

"Cisco views Jasper as a unique IoT service platform that is disrupting a massive market with strong strategic alignment with Cisco," wrote Rob Salvagno, Cisco's vice president of corporate business development, in a blog post. "Jasper's ability to build strong relationships with both enterprises and service providers makes them distinctive in the IoT industry."

"With the acquisition, Cisco will play a major role in managing the network for both gateway-centric and cellular IoT solutions," agreed Steve Hilton of MachNation, an IoT market research firm. "Enterprises will no longer have to use multiple vendors to manage the IoT, LAN and WAN environments. The combination of Cisco and Jasper technologies will make it easier for businesses to connect. IoT connectivity management and IoT network management will hopefully become more simple."

Analysts say more consolidation is on the horizon as enterprises increasingly have needs that cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are ill-equipped for. "As expected, IoT supplier consolidation," tweeted Lee Doyle of Doyle Research in response to Cisco's acquisition of Jasper. .

The move not only marks a major expansion of Cisco's IoT business, it accelerates the company's transition to a business model based on recurring revenues based on software as a service, Salvagno said. Like Cisco, Jasper doesn't typically serve end users directly but rather partners with carriers to sell and deploy its offerings.

Both companies serve multiple vertical markets including automotive, home automation and security, transportation and logistics, and industrial equipment. And while the debate continues over just how much of a role cellular technologies and networks will play in the IoT, Salvagno said mobility is playing a crucial role as IoT deployments roll out around the world.

"What we're seeing more and more is that mobility is a key part of that solution, whether it's (for) backup or because the (device) is moving," Salvagno said in a conference call following the announcement. "And the service providers have made great progress on that, really powered by Jasper. I think (Jasper) has been the key to success for the service providers."

http://investor.cisco.com/investor-relations/news-and-events/news/news-details/2016/Cisco-Announces-Intent-to-Acquire-Jasper-Technologies-Inc/default.aspx

Klein Tools and Super Rod donate £1 million of products to more than 10,000 apprentices in the United

~Klein Tools continues supporting tradesmen with quality tools and hands-on training in the U.S. and overseas~

February 4, 2016 (Lincolnshire, IL) –Klein® Tools (http://www.kleintools.com), for professionals since 1857, and Super Rod (http://www.super-rod.co.uk/), a leader in wire installation tools, today delivered the first shipment of more than £1 million worth of products and resources to JTL, a top not-for-profit electrical training program in the United Kingdom. As part of a five-year program, the donation will supply Klein Tools’ products to more than 10,000 apprentices studying at JTL’s flagship National Center of Excellence in Birmingham. Today more than 1,500 tool kits were donated at 76 City Electrical Factors locations across England and Wales.

“This donation between Klein Tools and Super Rod ensures convenient access to equipment and education for those interested in becoming electricians,” said Malcolm Duncan, managing director of Super Rod. “We want to continue attracting people to this great career and are committed to putting those individuals on a pathway to success.”

JTL supports more than 5,000 young people in apprenticeship disciplines including, electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation and engineering maintenance fields. The organization works with about 3,000 businesses in the United Kingdom to help place apprentices in corresponding positions.

“These tools and instructional materials give our students a great foundation at the start of their careers,” said Jon Graham, chief executive of JTL. “We teach the importance of working with safe, quality-proven tools, and this donation puts apprentices on track toward long and successful careers as electricians.”

Klein Tools has made a similar donation to the NJATC, the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee in the United States. More than a million dollars of tools and instructional materials have been delivered during the five-year program. The success of the U.S. donation made it possible to expand the program to other markets, including the United Kingdom.

“My great-great-great grandfather started Klein Tools because people came to him to fix poorly manufactured tools that kept breaking. From then on, Klein began making the highest quality tools to ensure electricians could get the job done safely and correctly,” said Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools. “It’s important for us to provide apprentices with the right products and education, so they can continue making advancements in this trade. Expanding this program into the United Kingdom allows Klein the opportunity to help train the next generation of electricians overseas.”

Klein Tools has also launched a similar donation program with Australia Training institutions AIG and Master Electricians Australia.

# # #

About Klein Tools

Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.

About Super Rod

Listen, innovate, deliver – Super Rod puts customers at the heart of everything they do. This approach has enabled them to develop the world’s leading cable installation system, delivering millions of hours of labour savings for its customers. Focused on the needs of the professional electrician, Super Rod continuously seeks industry innovations to provide the best hand tool solutions for their customers. For more information, visit www.super-rod.co.uk.

A Special CABA Event for Technology in San Diego, CA

Upcoming CABA Intelligent Buildings & Digital Homes Forum Conference -- KEYNOTE: Cybersecurity & Intelligent Infrastructure

At the upcoming CABA Intelligent Buildings & Digital Homes Forum Conference in San Diego April 26^th - 28^th. “The Internet of Things is only as good as the Internet of Reality: the Network Infrastructure.”- JAMES CARLINI

In the age of global cyberattacks, corporate and government enterprises which have some type of cloud-based network solutions should be looking at a strategic design focus that guarantees a very secure intelligent infrastructure unsusceptible to cyberattacks or natural disasters.

Hardening an organization’s data center as well as its networks (and clouds) is a critical step to insuring its business continuity. In today’s corporate business environment, many organizations cannot survive if their core applications are out-of-service for a couple of days.

Forget “disaster recovery” as it is a dated term and dated concept.

Business continuity, where enterprise and building operations continue through the duration of the disaster, is a more robust design approach to systems, building/facilities, and network resiliency.

Get pragmatic insights and visionary concepts from the DaVinci of the Intelligent Building Movement – James Carlini  at the upcoming CABA Intelligent Buildings & Digital Homes Forum Conference in San Diego April 26^th - 28^th. Register here - https://www.caba.org/CABA/AnnualConference/Registration.aspx

ALSO:  Carlini will be addressing a special, regional IBEW Conference in Detroit, MI (Warren, MI) on February 24^th on Intelligent Infrastructure and regional Economic Development.

James Carlini, President &

Certified Infrastructure Consultant

CARLINI & ASSOCIATES (since 1986)

Strategic Infrastructure Consultants

773-370-1888

2016 CABA Intelligent Buildings & Digital Home Forum

Handlery Hotel San Diego in San Diego, CA

April 26 - 28, 2016 www.caba.org

GE To Move Headquarters To Boston

January 13, 2016

Following a three year search, GE has announced that it has selected Boston for its corporate headquarters location.

“GE aspires to be the most competitive company in the world,” said GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. “Today, GE is a $130 billion high-tech global industrial company, one that is leading the digital transformation of industry. We want to be at the center of an ecosystem that shares our aspirations. Greater Boston is home to 55 colleges and universities. Massachusetts spends more on research & development than any other region in the world, and Boston attracts a diverse, technologically-fluent workforce focused on solving challenges for the world. We are excited to bring our headquarters to this dynamic and creative city.”

GE has been considering the composition and location of its headquarters for more than three years. The Company began its formal review in June 2015, with a list of 40 potential locations. Boston was selected after a careful evaluation of the business ecosystem, talent, long-term costs, quality of life for employees, connections with the world and proximity to other important company assets.

There is no material financial impact to GE related to the cost of the move. Working with GE, Massachusetts and the City of Boston structured a package of incentives that provides benefits to the State and City, while also helping offset the costs of the relocation to GE. GE will sell its offices in Fairfield and at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City to further offset the cost of the move.

The content of GE’s headquarters will also change, with more emphasis on innovation. In Boston, GE will have roughly 800 people; 200 from corporate staff and 600 digital industrial product managers, designers and developers split between GE Digital, Current, robotics and Life Sciences. A GE Digital Foundry will be created for co-creation, incubation and product development with customers, startups and partners. The remainder of administration will be placed in shared service operations throughout the Company.

GE has a significant existing presence in Massachusetts, with nearly 5,000 employees across the state in businesses including Aviation, Oil & Gas and Energy Management. In 2014, GE moved its Life Sciences headquarters to Marlborough, and in 2015 GE announced its energy services start-up, Current, would also be headquartered in Boston.

The headquarters will be located in the Seaport District of Boston. Employees will move to a temporary location in Boston starting in the summer of 2016, with a full move completed in several steps by 2018. GE will host a public briefing in Boston with government officials, and business and community leaders, on February 18, 2016.

www.ge.com

AFL Receives Three Patents for New Technologies

Spartanburg, SC – January 25, 2016 – AFL, a leading global fiber optics manufacturer and service provider, has been awarded three patents for new technologies used in the enhancement of AFL’s Optical Connectivity and Apparatus (OCA) products.

Ted Lichoulas, engineering manager, Roger Vaughn, product technology manager, and Wink Courchaine, senior engineer received a patent for an Optical Fiber Event Sensor that allows continuous monitoring of network assets such as fiber distribution cabinets. The sensor creates an event by inducing a set amount of attenuation when compressed or released depending on the application, as in opening and closing a door. A single fiber is looped through all of the sensors in series so that multiple assets can be monitored. An optical monitoring device (OTDR) connected to the fiber then scans for these attenuation events and alerts an operator when and where they occur.

Rich Cubala, OSP product specialist and Craig Henderson, regional sales manager, secured a patent for a splice tray rail system. Responding to market demand for better organization of splice trays, the team implemented a rail system that allows for easier access. The trays are attached to a rail connector plate that allows the splice trays to be moved easily from the stack and over the rails to access an individual tray without disturbing other trays and splices.  

Kheng Seng, director of supply chain for OCA, received a patent for a secured fiber optic connecting system and method using offset fiber position in a single-fiber connector. The combination of the fiber’s offset distance from the ferrule’s longitudinal center axis and its angular offset relative to a key on the connector housing provides a unique position achieving secured mating for a pair of connectors.

About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, enterprise and OEM markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, renewables and transportation. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting OEM, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com. 

America Ilsintech scores big with BICSI attendees = ALL-IN-ONE Fusion Spicer

ALL-IN-ONE Fusion Spicer REALLY DELIVERS. The demos at BICSI were very impressive and VERY FAST- All 5 functions: stripping, cleaving, cleaning, splicing, sleeving, are in a single unit.

- Thermal stripper in ALLINONE system : It prevents cracks on the fiber usually caused by using manual strippers. (Cracks on the fiber : the main reason of A/S and maintenance cost)- Applied model : Swift S5, R5, F1

America Ilsintech -- Since 1982, founded as a high precision tools manufacturer with management motto, “Challenge and Innovation”, ILSINTECH leads and pioneers the processing equipments for optical fiber, other tools and accessories. Launching the first optical fiber termination products in 1999, in order to meet the customer's needs for highly efficient and reliable quality products, ILSINTECH has been developing and introducing various products for processing optical fibers such as strippers, cleavers, multi pack, core alignment splicers, clad alignment splicers integrated with thermal auto stripper and cleaver, Fusion Splice-On Connector(FSOC) and many other related accessories.

Keyman S1, the core alignment optical fiber fusion splicer, was launched successfully in 2007 and its sales skyrocketed in the world market with the highest competitiveness in its reliability, efficiency and price. ILSINTECH is a leading supplier of 8 degree angled cut cleaver for optical fibers in the world. This 8 degree angled cut cleaver has been popularized, all over the world with its excellent performance. In 2010, Swift F1, a state-of-the-art FTTH mini Fusion Splicer (thermal auto stripper, single action cleaver, air-pump cleaner, clad alignment splicer and sleeve oven are integrated into one small unit), together with simple/easy-to-assemble low-cost Fusion Splice-On Connectors(FSOC), had been launched. Swift F1 splicer and its Splice-On Connector(SOC) benefit users the most EFFICIENT and ECONOMIC SOLUTION in spreading high-speed FTTH networks.

ILSINTECH is very proud of being qualified as the first class manufacturer of precision technology products, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 certified, holder of many domestic and international patents. Also ILSINTECH products have passed strict quality standards of major international certification. ILSINTECH, highly appreciated for the fastest customer service by worldwide customers, will keep putting every possible effort to serve its valued customers with leading-edge technology products as a total solution provider in optical fiber industry in the world.

America Ilsintech

Address 4230 LBJ Freeway, Ste.149 Dallas, TX75244
Office (972)556-0916, (972)239-5836 | Fax (972)910-8384

Dallas Office: 972-556-0916
Dallas Office Fax: 972-910-8384
www.americailsintech.com

TiniFiber demos at BICSI -- ALL-IN-ONE Power/Fiber armored cable for security cameras plus a host of other applications

TiniFiber®, a brand of Certicable Incorporated (Farmingdale, NY), stunned the BICSI attendees with their launch of its newly patented Micro Armor Fiber (MAF) power cable. This plenum rated “power in the jacket” fiber optic cable is designed to provide an all-in-one cable solution for security camera connectivity.

Based on its Micro Armor Fiber (MAF) technology, the company says the outer diameter of the new cable is minimized, enabling the most efficient use of space and materials. The cable consists of aramid strands and 12 to 48 multicolored 250 μm fibers packaged in a high performance PVC jacket.

"[Our] Micro Armor Fiber core cable offers unparalleled bandwidth potential from single to 144 strands for both single and multimode usage,” says Roman Krawczyk, chief technical officer for TiniFiber's product line.

TiniFiber adds that its MAF technology minimizes the outer diameter of the cable through a stainless steel tubular coiling process that adds maximum tensile strength and bend radius, while yielding an outer diameter that is similar to a conventional fiber-optic cable housing.

Krawczyk continues, “Cost value proposition is something taken very seriously at TiniFiber. TiniFiber will add value to every project as the defacto 'best in class' Micro Armor Fiber solution. There is not a security solution that cannot benefit from the installation of Tinifiber into their project. The security industry can spec in the TiniFiber and have confidence that the system will not fail or be disrupted due to the cable installation."

Micro Armor Fiber® by TiniFiber™ was launched in 2015 as a patent-pending solution that promises to be “The Only Fiber Optic Cable You Will Ever Need.” The solution is designed for ALL project usages, including data IT, premises, aerial, indoor/outdoor, tight spaces, burial, DAS, Security, Pro A/V and much more.

UPDATE: TiniFiber® by CertiCable was awarded the U.S. Patent for the Armored Flexible Fiber Optic Cable 11/10/2015 Farmingdale, NY – CertiCable Inc., the parent company to TiniFiber® has announced today that the U.S. Patent office has awarded U.S. Patent No. 9,182,562 B2 for the stainless steel Micro Armor Fiber™ developed to protect the fragile fiber glass within the cable jacket.

·                     Micro Armor Fiber™ is a new product category that incorporates a tightly wrapped stainless steel coil designed to provide the lightest, strongest and most flexible solution

·                     Jackets available for Riser, Plenum, Indoor/Outdoor, LSZH, Direct Burial, Industrial and Harsh Environments

·                     Designed to lower the installation cost of support systems, pathways and manpower labor hours

·                     TiniFiber® Micro Armor Fiber™ is approximately 65% smaller and 75% lighter than typical Aluminum Interlock Armor (AIA) fiber

·                     Smallest OD and very high flexibility allows for easy installation into tight pathways, risers and bends

·                     Available in OS2, OM1, OM3 and OM4 from 1 to 144 Strands (250u/900u/Ribbon)

·                     Multi-strand pre-termination is available with MTP/MPO, LC, SC, ST, MU, etc…

·                     Micro Armor Fiber™ patch cords are half the size and approximately 100 times the strength of conventional jumpers

·                     TiniFiber® uses Corning ClearCurve® and InfiniCore® as a standard

·                     25-Year Limited Warranty against rodent attack and manufacturing defect

Learn more about Certicable's TiniFiber Micro Armor Fiber at www.tinifiber.com.

Stronger Together – BOMA and You

You already know the value that BOMA generates for the commercial real estate industry, but do you know the powerful impact that BOMA has, as an association, on the economy, the workforce and society at large? For our first vlog of the new year, I would like to take a step back and explore BOMA’s place in the broader universe of associations and nonprofits.

About BOMA International

Page Content

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 91 BOMA U.S. associations and 18 international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types including nearly 10.4 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 1.8 million jobs and contributes $227.6 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge.​​

BOMA International is a primary source of information on building management and operations, development, leasing, building operating costs, energy consumption patterns, local and national building codes, legislation, occupancy statistics, technological developments and other industry trends.

Learn more about BOMA International's 100-year history.

Who are BOMA's Members

BOMA International's members are building owners, managers, developers, leasing professionals, corporate facility managers, asset managers, and the providers of the products and services needed to operate commercial properties.

What Does BOMA International Do?

• Monitors and lobbies pertinent legislative, regulatory and codes/standards issues. Learn more about BOMA’s advocacy work.
• Publishes The BOMA Magazine, the official publication of BOMA International
• Produces a variety of leading industry publications, including:
• A comprehensive suite of building measurement standards, including Office Buildings: Standard Methods of Measurement (ANSI/BOMA – Z65.1 2010
• The Experience Exchange Report^® (EER^®) - the industry benchmark for nearly 100 years, which contains income and expense data for office buildings across North America
• The industry’s first green lease guide
• Hosts the BOMA International Annual Conference & Expo every June; conducts seminars on topics including office marketing and leasing, asset management, technology, and security and emergency preparedness planning. BOMA International sponsors a Winter Business Meeting and hosts the National Issues Conference. The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards are the industry's most prestigious and coveted awards in commercial real estate. The TOBY honors buildings based on community impact, tenant/employee relations programs, energy management systems, accessibility for disabled people, emergency evacuation procedures, building personnel training programs and overall quality indicators. 
• Designates excellence in building management and operations through the BOMA 360 Performance Program, groundbreaking program designed to validate and recognize commercial properties that demonstrate best practices in all major areas of building operations and management.

BOMA International and BOMI International Expand Areas of Collaboration

February 11, 2016

Page Content

(Washington, D.C. – February 11, 2016) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International and BOMI International, the Independent Institute for Property and Facility Management Education, announced their collaboration on several new initiatives including an asset management certificate program to be offered at the BOMA International Conference & Expo, exploring international distribution of education offerings including courses leading to the commercial property management professional RPA^® designation, enhancing joint outreach to commercial real estate company training directors, and facilitating joint events between the respective boards of directors of both organizations.

“We have found growing synergy between our education offerings and see opportunities to collaborate with BOMI International in ways that provide impactful education and training for today’s and tomorrow’s workforces,” said Kent Gibson, BOMA International Chair.

”BOMA International represents a significant segment of the markets we serve and we recognize the opportunities that joint collaboration between our organizations can provide to the industry and professionals we both serve, “said Dave Fagone, BOMI International Chair. “Training, development and education of the incoming and next generation of property and facility management professionals is critical to the success of our industry.”

The first collaboration, an asset management certificate program, “The Business of Buildings: The Property Manager’s Guide to Asset Management” will be offered at BOMA’s June conference. This six-hour course focuses on the fundamentals of asset management to help property managers better understand the asset management function. Following the conference, BOMA and BOMI will modify the program for future use by BOMA local associations, conferences and potentially online instruction. In response to requests from BOMA’s affiliated organizations outside of North America, BOMA and BOMI International are pursuing an agreement to jointly offer their training abroad. From timely, topical education provided by BOMA to foundational education provided by BOMI International, they will seek to match their offerings to international market needs.

Together they continue to seek ways to anticipate and target the future training needs for the commercial real estate industry and to develop offerings to match a rapidly evolving marketplace. BOMA and BOMI International are committed to at least annually meeting with training directors to determine professional development needs, as well as convening their leadership groups together to brainstorm and partner where beneficial. Based on that outreach, they will identify areas where collaboration creates the most value in addition to their individual offerings.

About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 91 BOMA U.S. associations and 18 international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types including nearly 10.4 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 1.8 million jobs and contributes $227.6 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge.​​  Learn more at www.boma.org.

About BOMI International
BOMI International, a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1970, provides critical education and expertise to personnel with property, facility, and building systems management responsibilities. More than 27,000 industry professionals hold one or more BOMI International designations, and over 90,000 property and facility management professionals have turned to BOMI International’s courses, certificate programs, and industry-standard designations to meet their continuing education, professional development, and staff training needs. Learn more at www.bomi.org.

www.boma.org

Brady Announces “Get Real Value from the Right Labels” Guidebook

Learn more about the benefits and options for wire, cable and component marking

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (January 19, 2016) — Brady (NYSE:BRC), a global leader in industrial and safety printing systems and solutions, today announced its Get Real Value from the Right Labels Guidebook. This guide explains the value of an effective wire, cable and component marking system, label considerations and examples, and more.

“When it comes to installing, managing and updating hundreds to thousands of wires on a daily basis, the right labels can make a big difference,” says Chris Gauthier, regional product manager, Wire ID for Brady. “Not only do durable and professional-looking labels help to create an aesthetically flawless installation that you can be proud of, but they lead to increased efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction. That’s because they provide the consistency you need to find just what you’re looking for and quickly complete the task at hand.”

The Get Real Value from the Right Labels Guidebook explains the variety of benefits of labeling, label durability and feature considerations, and the elements of a complete labeling system. It also provides visual examples of labels for wires, cables, components and facility identification.

Learn more and find out what it takes to establish an effective labeling system by downloading the Get Real Value from the Right Labels Guidebook.

For More Information

For Brady’s complete product offering, visit BradyID.com.

About Brady Corporation

Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect people, products and places. Brady’s products help customers increase safety, security, productivity and performance and include high-performance labels, signs, safety devices, printing systems and software. Founded in 1914, the Company has a diverse customer base in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, medical, aerospace and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as of August 1, 2015, employed approximately 6,400 people in its worldwide businesses. Brady’s fiscal 2015 sales were approximately $1.17 billion. Brady stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BRC. More information is available on the Internet at www.bradycorp.com.                                 

ECMAG.com ARTICLE by James Carlini – the first of many to enrich the readers experience with ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine

The Need for Resiliency in 21st-Century Power and Network Infrastructures, Part 1

Published: January 2016

By James Carlini

Welcome to the initial column of Intelligent Infrastructure Insights. We are going through a huge paradigm shift in real estate today. There is a convergence of next-generation real estate, intelligent infrastructure (power and network connectivity), technology (smartphones, Wi-Fi & DAS networks) and their combined impact on regional economic development. This clearly spells new opportunities for the market-savvy electrical contractor.

In addition, electrical contractors are seeing more markets open up for low-voltage projects as well as the traditional high-voltage projects. This column will help electrical contractors understand the changes in the market, the new opportunities, and the new ways of capturing new business for their companies and their employees.

Without further introduction, let’s start uncovering the current trends and transactions:

Tomorrow is not the time to start building for tomorrow. Future regional viability tomorrow depends on building and maintaining a solid, resilient infrastructure today.

This holds true for both power and network infrastructure. Both are going to have to support a larger and more broadband-voracious set of edge technology accessing mission critical applications in the coming years.

Resiliency is an essential term many organizations are becoming aware of as they implement more mission-critical applications. Electrical contractors need to understand this if they want to chase new opportunities within the industry

The game has changed; Cheap solutions do not work

Today, one out of three applications are considered mission critical. That number is growing to one out of two applications. Robust networks and redundant power sources need to support these enterprise-wide applications.

Resiliency focuses on business-continuity concepts where networks and systems remain in service compared to a disaster recovery strategy, where the approach is an orderly shutdown of systems and/or services for a period of time, followed by an orderly and speedy recovery from failures and disruptions. It is an important concept to understand because there has been a shift from employing disaster recovery concepts to establishing business continuity concepts in many organizations.

The six R’s of mission-critical systems

The six R’s of mission-critical systems should be adhered to in all important intelligent infrastructure (network and power grids): Reliability, Redundancy, Robustness, Resiliency, Resistance-to-Attacks, and Rigorous Regular Testing.

As more organizations rely on sophisticated applications to sustain their business, they need to ensure they are building network infrastructure that can remain operational when unforeseen disasters occur. This infrastructure will enable them access these applications during the aftermath of such disasters.

Disaster recovery meant invoking an orderly shutdown of systems when a disaster strikes and when it is clear, the systems are turned back up and business resumes. The organization incurs a downtime, and it could be a couple of hours, several days, or even more than a week where all business stops.

With a systems design focus of “business continuity," when a disaster occurs, the business continues to function and nothing is shut down. It continues to run, impervious to outside disruptions and events.

“Disaster recovery” and “business continuity” are very different strategies in the way systems, networks, and applications are designed, implemented, and maintained for an organization. The costs to implement either strategy are different as well.

Working with a client like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, they would want the highest resiliency for their networks. The reason is simple. They cannot afford any downtime with hundreds of trillions of dollars in transaction values running through their networks annually.

In today’s marketplace, leading-edge organizations are more dependent on mission-critical networks and applications that support their core businesses and governmental responsibilities. These technologies need to be resilient and robust for the organizations to thrive in a very competitive market. This translates into new opportunities for the electrical contractors that do not reflect the "cheapest cost solution” strategy.

Over three decades ago, I first said this, and it still holds true today:

Leading-edge organizations do not maintain their position using trailing-edge technologies.

What is an hour of downtime worth? You can calculate this value. When you can measure the cost of downtime, the cost for resiliency can be compared to what the cost of downtime is.

Let’s continue this discussion in next month’s column.

James Carlini

Freelance Writer

James Carlini, MBA, is a strategist for mission-critical networks, technology and intelligent infrastructure. He has been the president of Carlini & Associates since 1986. He is author of "LOCATION LOCATION CONNECTIVITY," a visionary book on the convergence of next-generation real estate, intelligent infrastructure, technology, and the global platform for commerce.

His “Platform for Commerce” definition of infrastructure and its impact on economic growth has also been referred to by the US ARMY Corps of Engineers in their Handbook, “Infrastructure and the Operational Art.” (2014)

His firm has been involved with applying advanced business practices, planning and designing mission critical network infrastructures for three decades.

He served as an award-winning adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University’s Executive Masters and undergraduate programs for two decades (1986-2006).  He has been the keynote speaker at national and international conferences.

He also appears in civil and federal courts as well as public utilities commission hearings as an expert witness in mission critical networks, network infrastructure and cabling issues.

He began his career at Bell Telephone Laboratories (real-time software engineering), AT&T (technical marketing & enterprise-wide network design support for major clients) and Arthur Young (now Ernst & Young, Director of Telecommunications & Computer Hardware consulting).

Contact him at james.carlini@sbcglobal.net or 773-370-1888.

REPRINTED with permission from ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine – www.ecmag.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine serves the field of electrical construction, including inside, line work, lighting, maintenance, control, electrical work, voice/data systems, security, fire and life safety, fiber optics, home and building automation systems, integrated building systems applications and others applicable to the field. The magazine is part of the National Electrical Contractors Association, but serves the entire electrical construction industry. The 85,000+ readers include business owners, partners, presidents, engineers, estimators, purchasing agents, project managers, supervisors, foremen, electricians and others. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine is the official publication of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

ECmag.com is the fastest growing and most visited site by electrical contractors in the industry and offers the broadest array of digital information available, all of which is fully searchable with archives going back to 2000. ECmag.com contains videos, webinars, white papers and a whole lot more.

The mission of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine is three-fold:

·  Circulation: Our Circulation mission is to identify and reach professionals working in electrical contracting firms who in the aggregate, are responsible for a minimum of 90% of the total market dollar volume as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.  Circulation is industry-wide, regardless of any association or other industry affiliation. To accomplish that mission we regularly and aggressively use our own and outside market research to provide detailed documentation of the activities, specific interests, future needs and demographic makeup of our total audience.

·  Editorial Content: Our overall editorial mission is to provide our readers with the most complete information package available pertaining to their needs in both business management and everyday field working environments. Editorial is 100% staff written, with no unsolicited/unpaid editorial accepted. We present editorial in a graphically stimulating, instructive, and pleasant-to-read atmosphere.  

·  Advertising Content: Our advertising mission is to provide the most compelling, must-read customer (reader) friendly environment to maximize our customer's (advertiser) ability to communicate with their customers. Our mission is to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their investment to the largest audience of decision makers in the industry.

CompTIA reveals 12 tech trends to watch this year from the pages of CONNECTIONS + magazine

January 27, 2016 at 3:08 pm

Anticipating strong customer demand for the next waves of digital business technologies, information technology (IT) industry executives view the year ahead with a general sense of optimism, according to the IT Industry Outlook 2016 released today by CompTIA, the industry’s nonprofit trade association.

Maintaining its momentum, CompTIA’s IT Industry Business Confidence Index recorded an uptick of 1.2 points heading into the first quarter of the year. While a range of economic concerns have affected the Index, the rating component covering the IT industry continues to perform well.

“The Index indicates industry executives see far more positives than negatives,” said Tim Herbert, senior vice president, research and market intelligence, CompTIA.

“Businesses of all sizes increasingly recognize the need to remake their workflows and customer engagement practices with an eye towards digital transformation. If investments in these technologies accelerate, and the economy holds steady, growth could lean towards the upside of the forecast.”

In its IT Industry Outlook 2016 CompTIA identifies 12 trends that are expected to further make their mark on the IT industry, IT channel, IT workforce, and broader economy in the year ahead.

Macro Trends

Moving Beyond User Interface: User Experience Drives Technology Initiatives

Tech Policy Gets a Seat at the Presidential Election Issues Table

Digital Business Encompasses More than the IT Department

Organizations Strive to Develop More Tech Talent In-house

Technology Trends

Cloud is the New Electricity

Companies Go On the Offensive with Security

The Chase for Analytics Heats Up (Again)

The Software Layer Gets Much More Attention

IT Channel Trends

Vendor Partner Programs Strive to Reach Escape Velocity

So Who’s a Vendor Anyway?

Skip the Data Centre Build-out – Everyone Else is

Getting Closer to the Customer

“Cloud computing, mobility, social, workforce automation, big data, the Internet of Things and other disrupters will continue to expand their reach in 2016,” Herbert said. “Many organizations will move beyond the experimental, early adopter stage into broader, more varied uses of these technologies as they seek to capture the benefits of becoming a digital business”

The outlook is based on a December 2015 survey of 673 IT industry companies in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.

ABOUT Connections + magazine

The magazine for ICT professionals

With the cabling, networking and mobile industries now impacting everything from how people heal to how people work it is time to create a new magazine for ICT professionals. Connections+ will be targeted at personnel in the Information and Communications Technology fields and provide insight and commentary from experienced journalists, industry analysts and telecommunication experts.

Readership

The scope of Connections+ readership has grown tremendously to include individuals who purchase, design, specify, install, maintain and test structured cabling, networking and telecom products as well as facilities management specialists and senior IT executives who are responsible for overseeing the implementation and installation of these initiatives.

Connections+, formerly Cabling Networking Systems, will be sent to 60,000+ IT specialists — 15,000 will receive the print edition and an additional 45,000 in an electronic format.

REPRINTED with Permission from CONNECTIONS + magazine.

You think you have problems? Dupont now faces more than 3,550 lawsuits over Toxic Cancer Causing Teflon Chemical

 NEW YORK

Once great Chemical maker DuPont will be faced with up to 40 trials a year, starting April 2017 involving plaintiffs who say they developed cancer from a toxic chemical used to make Teflon that leaked from one of the company’s plants in West Virginia.

The schedule laid out by U.S. District Judge Edmund Sargus in the Southern District of Ohio during a hearing Wednesday is aimed at pushing the parties closer to resolving more than 3,550 lawsuits.

NOTE: DuPont Teflon® FEP is used in many plenum cable products.

The outcome could have a material impact on Chemours Co (CC.N), since liability for litigation connected with the chemical C-8 was passed on to the firm spun-off by DuPont in 2015. The cases have been filed by individuals who say they developed one of six diseases linked to perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA or C-8, which was found in their drinking water. Their cases are consolidated before Sargus.

JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED - The initial 40 trials will be selected from between 250 and 300 lawsuits brought by individuals who say they contracted kidney or testicular cancer from C-8. "People shouldn’t have to wait ten years for a trial," Sargus said, according to a transcript of the hearing.

A lead plaintiffs' lawyer, Michael London, called Sargus' plan "a good start."

Most of these lawsuits center on claims DuPont used C-8 at a West Virginia plant for decades despite knowing it was toxic and had been found in nearby drinking water.

While the cancer claims are moving forward to trial, DuPont has said in court filings that 90 percent of the litigation involves less deadly conditions such as high cholesterol and thyroid disease.

DuPont LOST THE FIRST CASE -- To help estimate the aggregate value of individual suits in mass litigation, it is common to hold a series of bellwether, or test trials. The first C-8 bellwether ended in October with a $1.6 million verdict for a plaintiff who had kidney cancer. Four other trials are scheduled for 2016.

While DuPont was the named defendant, Chemours said it would cover DuPont’s liability for the first verdict. Chemours agreed to take on some of DuPont's legal liabilities when it was spun off from the company to house its performance chemicals segment.

Chemours has said an unfavorable outcome from the lawsuits could have a "material adverse effect" on its finances. Chemours stock on the NYSE has fallen 80 percent since it was spun off.

www.dupont.com

Berk-Tek Launches Transceiver Product Line

February 1, 2016 – New Holland, PA – Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company and leading manufacturer of network infrastructure solutions, launched a new transceiver product line at the 2016 BICSI Winter Conference and Exhibition. The new product line includes optical transceivers for both Ethernet and Fibre Channel protocols.

Berk-Tek’s transceivers are 100% compatible with all major switch and server manufacturers through a partnership with ProLabs, the leading global independent provider of OEM compatible networking solutions. Additionally, when Berk-Tek’s 40GBASE-SR4 enhanced transceivers are paired with Berk-Tek’s GIGAlite™-10XB glass, the company guarantees enough power budget to support a 40G link distance up to 500 meters. This is more than three times the reach guaranteed with standard-compliant fiber and transceivers. The enhanced transceivers are also available for Short Wavelength 8G and 16G Fibre Channel.

“As bandwidth increases, the reach and number of connections that each link can support decreases. This is especially relevant with our data center customers,” states Mike Connaughton, Data Center Market Segment Manager for Berk-Tek. He adds, “Our TEK Center has been working with data center customers for years to help them overcome this inverse relationship. Up until now, our engineers were able to achieve additional reach by employing our premium GIGAlite glass. But with no control over transceiver performance, they were limited to the cabling. Now, they can take it a step further by pairing GIGAlite glass with our enhanced transceivers to support links well beyond the limits defined by the standards.”

Berk-Tek is promoting its new transceiver product line with the tagline “Own the Link.” This supports the company’s position that Layer 1 network infrastructure – or “the link” – is comprised of not only the cabling and connectivity, but also the transceivers. Connaughton states, “A transceiver’s performance has more to do with the associated cabling than the host IT equipment. It makes sense to specify the transceivers and the cabling together in order to determine the optimum solution.”

In addition to optimized performance, using Berk-Tek transceivers in conjunction with GIGAlite glass simplifies maintenance of the entire link. For example, if there’s a problem with a link, the customer no longer needs to call several different manufacturers for support. Berk-Tek provides technical support for all components in the link. For more information, please visit: www.berktektransceivers.com

About Berk-Tek, A Nexans Company

For more than 50 years, Berk-Tek has been a leading manufacturer of more than 100 different network copper and fiber optic cable products. The company has led in the development of high-performance and enhanced fiber optic and UTP cables designed to transport high-speed data and voice transmissions. Berk-Tek has manufacturing facilities in New Holland, PA and Fuquay-Varina, NC.. For more information, visit www.berktek.com.

About Nexans

Nexans brings energy to life through an extensive range of cables and cabling solutions that deliver increased performance for our customers worldwide. Nexans’ teams are committed to a partnership approach that supports customers in four main business areas: Power transmission and distribution (submarine and land), Energy resources (Oil & Gas, Mining and Renewables), Transportation (Road, Rail, Air, Sea) and Building (Commercial, Residential and Data Centers). Nexans’ strategy is founded on continuous innovation in products, solutions and services, employee development, customer training and the introduction of safe, low-environmental-impact industrial processes.

In 2013, Nexans became the first cable player to create a Foundation to introduce sustained initiatives for access to energy for disadvantaged communities worldwide. We have an industrial presence in 40 countries and commercial activities worldwide, employing close to 26,000 people and generating sales in 2014 of 6.4 billion euros.

Nexans is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris, compartment A.

For more information, please consult: www.nexans.com

CommScope Major Website Update - Explore the Updated CommScope.com: More Products, Improved Search

When you visit our website, you’ll find more information faster!

Find more product and solution information: We’ve added more than 8000 products from the TE acquisition. You’ll find them in areas labeled “New to CommScope” highlighted with an orange accent for easy identification.

Experience enhanced site functionality: Based upon feedback we’ve received from you, key improvements include:

• More complete product data and documentation
• An updated “mega menu,” for easier site navigation
• A more powerful site search 

Thank you for using CommScope.com to find the right solution faster and thank you for choosing CommScope!

Take Me to CommScope.com

Siemon Jacks Crowned King of PoE

February 2, 2016. Watertown, CT — Siemon, a leading global network infrastructure specialist, is pleased to announce that its patented Z-MAX^® and MAX^® RJ-45 jacks and TERA^® jacks deliver the industry’s most reliable jack-plug connection for superior support of the latest PoE applications.

In an effort to improve the electrical and mechanical performance of traditional modular jacks, Siemon invented and patented a curved or “crowned” contact shape for its modular jacks. In additional to achieving the industry's highest transmission performance and eliminating the risk of permanent contact deformation due to mechanical stress, Siemon’s crowned jack contacts provide superior support for remote powering applications.

Unmating a jack-plug connection under a PoE load produces an arc that erodes the gold plated jack-plug contact surfaces at the arcing location. When this erosion occurs in the area of the fully mated position, the result is an unreliable connection that can cause degraded network performance and bit error rates. While some manufacturers have succeeded in ensuring that erosion on jack contacts is separate from the fully mated position, their contact geometry does not ensure the same for plug. Erosion on either the jack or plug contacts results in an unreliable connection.

“Only Siemon’s patented crowned contact geometry places arcing damage to the both the plug and jack contacts away from the fully mated position,” explains John Siemon, vice president of global operations and chief technology officer for Siemon. “This allows our customers to connect and disconnect to the latest PoE applications with zero risk over the lifetime of the system —it’s what makes our jacks King of PoE.”

Every day, the Internet of Things (IoT) places more PoE-enabled devices on the network, from IP phones and surveillance cameras, to wireless access points, building automation devices and LED lighting. With PoE standards in development that will enable even higher power delivery over all four pairs of a network cable, the ability of Siemon Z-MAX, MAX and TERA jacks to maintain reliable, stable connections throughout the life of the system is more important than ever.

Siemon’s jacks have been third-party tested and certified to be in full compliance with IEC-60512-99-001 standards that specify the maximum allowable resistance change that mated connections can exhibit when subjected to insertion and removal cycles under PoE load. For superior end-to-end PoE-enabled systems, Siemon jacks are ideal for use with Siemon’s Category 6A and 7A shielded cables that are qualified for mechanical reliability up to 75°C (167°F) to ensure superior heat dissipation in remote powering applications.

To learn more about Siemon’s superior support for PoE via crowned jack contact geometry and to access the third-party test report, visit:

www.siemon.com/convergeIT/PoE

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the design and manufacture of high quality, high performance low voltage infrastructure solutions and services for Data Centers, LANs and Intelligent Buildings. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global sales, technical and logistics expertise spanning 100 countries, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suites of copper and optical fiber cabling systems, cabinets, racks, cable management, data center power and cooling systems and Intelligent Infrastructure Management solutions. With more than 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and the development of Industry Standards, underlining the company’s long-standing commitment to its customers and the industry. Through an ongoing commitment to waste and energy reduction, Siemon’s environmental sustainability benchmarks are unparalleled in the industry, including 179% global carbon negativity and zero-landfill status.

Siemon Interconnect Solutions (SIS) is a Siemon business unit comprised of a team of dedicated technical sales professionals supported by Siemon Labs, mechanical, electrical and signal integrity engineers committed to solving industry and customer driven interconnect challenges. We provide custom network infrastructure solutions to: OEM's, Leading Manufacturers, Value-Added Resellers and System Integrators. www.siemon.com

Graybar Expands Reach to Grand Forks, North Dakota

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 1, 2016 – Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today announced the opening of a new facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Graybar Grand Forks is located at 4434 16^th Avenue Circle N and will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with after-hours emergency service available. The branch is approximately 9,000 sq. ft. and will serve Grand Forks and northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Graybar Grand Forks can be reached at (701) 402-2950.

Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 260 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

Trade Up to the Ultimate Performance in Clamp Meters with the IDEAL "Cash for Clamps" Promotion

SYCAMORE, IL, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 -- Technology moves fast... IDEAL Electrical is helping electricians move faster with its Cash for Clamps sales promotion running from now until April 30, 2016.

Cash for Clamps rewards buyers of new IDEAL TightSight Clamp Meters with valuable rebates when they send in their old clamp meter. For the purchase of a TightSight 660A model the electrician will receive a $50 (U.S.) rebate, or $75 if they buy the 1000A clamp model. Rebate forms are available at IDEAL distributors or online at www.clamp-meter.com.

Only the IDEAL TightSight clamp meter has the exclusive TightSight bottom display for safe reading from virtually any angle, an advantage when accessing cables deep within a distribution panel or when measuring overhead. With TightSight, there is no more need to twist the meter or risk pulling on an energized conductor. The easy to read backlit displays feature large numbers and icons so the electrician always sees the correct reading. The clamp meter alsoincorporates an on-screen low battery indicator that warns the user an hour before power is shut off to avoid inaccurate readings.

Tough as it is smart, the TightSight features a hardened meter case and rugged dial construction that withstands heavy-duty commercial and industrial work. HFR makes the meter immune to electrically noisy areas when measuring AC current, DC current, AC/DC voltage, frequency, resistance or capacitance.

The IDEAL TightSight clamp meter is available in four professional quality models: 660A with or without DC current measurement, and 1000A with or without DC current measurement. Each is ergonomically engineered to feel comfortable, even when the user is wearing heavy gloves.

For more information about IDEAL Electrical products, visit www.idealindustries.com.

About IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. is a global, diversified family business designing and manufacturing superior products and tools for professional tradesmen in the electrical, wire processing, data communications, aerospace, automotive and construction industries. The 99-year old company was founded in 1916 on the premise of forging ideal relationships with customers, employees and communities. The company has consistently grown and expanded under four generations of family ownership.

About IDEAL Electrical
IDEAL Electrical is a Division of IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. The division is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of enhanced energy management systems, products and technologies for professional electricians, design engineers and facilities executives.

IDEAL Ramps Up Sales Efforts in Illinois

Electrical Division Promotes Two Sales Managers, Hires New Manufacturing Representative in Chicago

SYCAMORE, IL, JANUARY 21, 2016 -- IDEAL ELECTRICAL, one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of quality tools, connectors and testers for electricians, is ramping up its sales force in Illinois with the announcement today of two key promotions and the addition of a new manufacturer representative. These steps should prove valuable to its efforts to execute long-term business plans, grow as a company and enhance service to customers.

As of February 1, Jeremy Corn will be taking sales responsibility for IDEAL Electrical products in the Central Illinois territory. A business-oriented sales profession who first joined IDEAL in 2000, Corn had been Area Sales Manager in the Chicago territory for the past five years. In Central Illinois, he will likewise be responsible for supporting IDEAL distributor and major end-user relationships, providing training, and demonstrating new products, along with managing promotional activities and conducting market analysis.

In addition, Andy Salemi has been promoted to the position of Key Account Area Manager for the Chicago territory. He was previously the territory's Senior Area Sales Manager where he was instrumental in the strategic direction and execution of Chicago territory sales. Both Corn and Salemi will report directly to Matthew Barrett, Regional Sales Manager of Central United States sales.

"Jeremy and Andy have proven themselves to be valuable team members who have bolstered our sales and strengthened our distributor relationships throughout the Chicago area. They bring exemplary track records to their new positions," noted Barrett.

Over the past five years IDEAL sales have continued to exceed expectations in the Chicago area, especially following the introduction last year of its AUDACY™ Wireless Lighting Solutions brand. AUDACY's local manufacturer's representative company, KSA, has now been added to support sales of IDEAL Electrical products in the Chicago area. KSA 's sales efforts will led by Andy Salemi.

Barrett explained: "KSA has established itself as the premier representative of lighting and lighting controls in Chicago metropolitan area. We welcome their Electrical division to our Chicago team, and look forward to seeing the combination of IDEAL Electrical and KSA in action." 

Learn more at www.idealind.com.

Johnson Controls to Combine with Tyco in Tax-Inversion Deal

Johnson Controls Inc. and Tyco International PLC agreed to merge in an inversion deal that will place the combined company's headquarters in Ireland.

Under terms of the agreement, Johnson Controls will own about 56 percent of the merged company. The new firm will be renamed Johnson Controls PLC and maintain Tyco's Irish legal domicile.

So-called inversion deals, in which U.S.-based companies acquire foreign-based businesses to take advantage of the more favorable tax status, have become more popular - and controversial - in recent years.

Jupiter Networks To Buy BTI Systems

Juniper Networks has agreed to acquire privately held packet-optical transport systems specialist BTI Systems. The company is not announcing terms of the deal "as the terms are not considered to be material to our financials," in the words of a blog posted on Juniper's website.

ARTICLE - “Why Your Grandfather Would Outsell Today’s Salesperson” by John Chapin

With the development of the internet, social media, and the “new” relationship and solution selling techniques, there seems to be a belief out there that today’s salespeople are superior to those of the past. As you can probably gather from the title, I don’t necessarily agree. Here’s why.

Three key factors that give the old guard an advantage over the new guard

Preparation and sales skills

When my dad went for training at I.B.M. in the early 60s, it was primarily sales training. Yes, you learned the product too, but they made sure you knew everything about selling: getting through the gatekeeper to the decision maker, how to present your product, overcoming objections, closing, follow up, and how to build solid, long-term relationships. Everything was scripted and you role played until you could recite everything verbatim if someone woke you from a sounds sleep at three in the morning. They also covered the important basics such as how to dress, the right way to shake hands, and to pop a breath mint before a sales call while avoiding garlic during the workweek.

These days I am amazed by the lack of sales skills I run into on a daily basis. If I walk into almost any sales meeting and blurt out objections, stalls, and other prospect obstacles they have been running into every day for years, salespeople stall, stammer, and trip over their tongues as if it’s the first time they’re hearing what I’m throwing at them. I even give people objections during the interview just to see what their best, current response is to something simple like, “I can get it cheaper down the street.” If they’ve been in sales for any length of time, they’d better have a good, quick response to that one. Add to that the fact that many salespeople these days seem to be much more lax with dress, manners, and etiquette in general. Knowing how to sell, having a good handshake, and other “basics” should be common sense, but that common sense, which was common decades ago, is more the exception than the rule in today’s selling world.

Dedication and commitment

When it comes to dedication and commitment, you’re not going to beat The World War II Generation. They were also tough to beat when it came to living up to promises and their word. When you hired someone from that generation they understood that they had an obligation to the company, their boss, and their family for whom they needed to provide.

Regarding one of the biggest issues today: accountability, decades ago people were responsible enough to hold themselves accountable. My dad tracked his calls and kept a call sheet, but these were success tools as opposed to something his manager used to make sure he was doing what he was supposed to be doing. My dad’s generation would never consider fudging a call sheet or hiding out in a coffee shop or movie theatre when they were supposed to be out making calls. Yes, there were a few of those people back then but not many, and they weren’t employed with that company for very long. When it came to another major issue motivation, simply putting in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, along with taking care of the company, the customers, and one’s family, was all the motivation one needed. It didn’t matter how you felt on a given day, the question was about the obligation and commitment you signed up for.

That generation also brought character traits and a work ethic to the job that we rarely see these days. All of this comes back to the dedication and commitment they felt toward others and the obligation in knowing that if you’re taking a paycheck from someone, you owe them your best.

Focus on people

The World War II Generation would never be accused of being the “me” generation. My dad was the number one sales rep in New England for over 30 years for I.B.M. and Diebold Banking Equipment because, like most people of his generation, his objective was to help and serve other people. Decades ago I think there was much more of a focus on other people and more of a “the-customer-is-always-right” mentality. While many talk about past salespeople beating people up and having one more close than they had objection, I find that the best of the best have always sold the right way, with a focus on the other person. And by the way, there is no “new” relationship selling. Even 60 years ago, the best have always focused on the relationship and what’s best for the other person, thinking of themselves, their product, and their company second.

All of the above said, are there hard workers out there today who are committed? Yes. Also, social media, technology, and new sales ideas are tremendous tools to warm up cold calls, pinpoint prospect pains, and continue to connect and communicate effectively with prospects and customers. So although I’ll take the work ethic and character traits of someone from the World War II Generation using a car, pay phones, and keeping track of prospects on index cards, every day of the week and twice on Sunday, imagine the best of both worlds. Start with someone hungry, with a blue-collar mentality, and a thick skin who isn’t afraid to show up early, leave late, and pound the pavement making more calls than anyone else. Combine that with someone who cares about people, studies their craft and knows their product. Who practices, drills, and rehearses their presentation, answers to objections, closes, and anything and everything they’re likely to run into during the day. Finally, add knowledge of social media and technology, using it in a supporting role, in the background, and not as the foundation for their sales efforts. Yes, those people are out there. No, they are not easy to find. Time to get to work.

John Chapin is a sales and motivational speaker and trainer. For his free newsletter, or if you would like him to speak at your next event, go to: www.completeselling.com John has over 28 years of sales experience as a number one sales rep and is the author of the 2010 sales book of the year: Sales Encyclopedia. For permission to reprint, e-mail: johnchapin@completeselling.com.

John Chapin

# 1 Sales Rep w 28+ years’ experience, Author of the 2010 sales book of the year: SALES ENCYCLOPEDIA (Axiom Book Awards) - The largest sales book on the planet (678 pages).

508-243-7359 - 24/7

johnchapin@completeselling.com

www.completeselling.com

LINKEDIN: once logged in find me under: johnchapin1

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/johnjchapin

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/johnjchapin

Fiber Optic Association – FOA January 2016  NEWSLETTER

The Latest Issue Of The FOA Newsletter Is Now Online

Stories this month:

FOA Has Another Record Year
2015 - Another Great Year For Fiber Optics
How Much does Fiber Construction Cost?
More History On Visual Fiber Tracing
Microprocessor Communicates With Light
Where To Learn Legacy Telecom Cable Splicing
Video On Directional Drilling
Polishers For Bare Fibers

Don't miss the interesting questions asked this month!

We post lots of "Worth Reading" articles on Pinterest.

Do you follow FOA on social Media?

We post lots of interesting articles on Pinterest.

FOA's free online learning site, Fiber U, has some new courses and now offers certificates of completion for online study - great preparation for FOA certification exams.

Legrand Celebrates 50 Years of Data Communications Excellence

New London, CT – February 1, 2016 –Today at the 2016 BICSI Winter Conference, Legrand®, a global leader in high-performance network infrastructure hardware announced the commencement of their 50 years of Data Communications Excellence celebration. The Data Communications division of Legrand was founded as Ortronics® in 1966 in Norwich, CT. Since the inception, Legrand’s Data Communications division has grown continuously with the acquisitions of many great brands, including Wiremold®, Cablofil®, Electrorack®, Quiktron®, C2G®, and RapidRun®.

Legrand will kick off the celebration at BICSI Winter in Orlando, Florida January 31- February 4th. Make sure you stop by booth #407 where they will be handing out pins honoring the years of customer partnerships as well as other great items promoting the milestone. New products will be featured in Legrand’s booth, including the Transceivers, and a new display featuring RapidRun® Optical .

Festivities are planned throughout the year across all Legrand locations to commemorate the anniversary. A celebratory event including past customers and distributors as well as retired employees will be held in June.

“I am very proud to be part of the Data Communications Division of Legrand’s 50 year anniversary celebration. The organization continues to reach new heights each year and we have the team and tools in place for continued success in the years ahead,” said Mark Panico, president of Legrand Data Communications.

About Legrand Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for use in commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. Innovation for a steady flow of new products with high added value is a prime vector for growth. Legrand reported sales of $6.0 billion in 2014. Legrand has a strong presence in North America, with a portfolio of well-known product lines that include C2G, Cablofil, Electrorack, Middle Atlantic, Nuvo, On-Q, Ortronics, Pass & Seymour, Quiktron, Vantage, Watt Stopper, and Wiremold. Legrand is listed on Euronext Paris and is a component stock of indexes including the CAC40, FTSE4Good, MSCI World, ASPI, Corporate Oekom Rating and DJSI (ISIN code FR0010307819). www.legrand.com.

Intelligent Building Expert James Carlini to Keynote CABA Forum

January 22, 2016

The Continental Automated Buildings Association is pleased to announce that James Carlini has been confirmed as the main keynote speaker for CABA's Intelligent Buildings & Digital Home Forum.

James Carlini, MBA, is President of Carlini & Associates, a consultancy that has been focused on mission critical networks, technology, intelligent infrastructure since 1986. A former award-winning adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University in both its Executive Masters and undergraduate programs, he developed and taught courses in technology management, team dynamics, Six Sigma, network security, and international applications of technology. He is author of "LOCATION LOCATION CONNECTIVITY, Next-Generation Real Estate, Intelligent Infrastructure, Technology, and the global Platform for Commerce". Currently, he is writing his second book "NANOKRIEG: BEYOND BLITZKRIEG", a book about Military Infrastructure, Strategies & Tactics to fight the War on Terrorism. 

Carlini is scheduled to speak on "Cybersecurity and Intelligent Infrastructure". CABA's Forum, to be held at the Handlery Hotel San Diego, will feature exclusive track sessions and workshops that examine the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity on intelligent buildings, consumer demands for privacy and trust in connected homes, interoperability between competing standards and protocols in commercial buildings and connected home market channels. The event will also feature exciting intelligent building and smart home facility tours, which will include some of San Diego's most notable connected homes and large buildings.

CABA's Intelligent Buildings & Digital Home Forum will be held at the same time as LIGHTFAIR International, North America's largest annual architectural and commercial trade lighting show: April 28-28, 2016 in San Diego.

The event will bring together leading organizations involved in the integration of intelligent building systems and connected home technologies. CABA estimates that over 150 industry stakeholders will gather to discuss current trends in the intelligent and integrated buildings and connected home sectors.

CABA's Forum will be an opportunity to attend the organization's Council meetings and network with the majority of CABA Board of Directors during the entire event. The Forum will also feature evening networking receptions. The majority of CABA's Board members will be in attendance due to a regularly scheduled Board meeting held in conjunction with the Forum.

Program information and registration for attendees is now open online at: http://www.caba.org/forum and highly discounted early bird pricing and hotel rates will be in effect for a limited time.

About CABA

The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) is a leading industry association that promotes advanced technologies in homes and buildings in North America. More information is available at http://www.caba.org.

Media Contact:

Rawlson O'Neil King

Communications Director, CABA

king@caba.org

613.686.1814 x225

888.798.CABA (2222)

Special Report – Prepared for the Bandwidth Tsunami …or Face the Barrier of Obsolescence

Is Your Institution Ready for the Bandwidth Tsunami?

What do today's experts in education technology networks have to say about bandwidth needs in higher education, and how to strategize for meeting future network demands?

In this special report, you'll gain valuable insight from our panel on the impact of the coming bandwidth tsunami on higher education.

Download today for more on:

• What's driving the massive growth in bandwidth requirements
• Current and emerging applications driving network needs
• Key build-versus-buy considerations
• Network upgrade funding tips and tactics

>>DOWNLOAD<<

Milliken: Vis is the Next Big Thing in Infrastructure

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of Milliken & Company, today announced it will officially launch the Vis™ brand, a new line of high performance cable management and infrastructure optimization solutions, at the 2016 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition, held Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2016 in Orlando, Fla. Visitors to Milliken’s Vis booth (#828) at the BISCI show will learn more about the new Vis product lineup, including Vis Divide, a segmented high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rigid conduit that provides dedicated pathways for the placement of more than one cable in a single conduit without damaging the cables, and Vis Tape, an industrial grade pull tape featuring long-lasting print legibility and durability, print length accuracy and soft feel.

“In our Vis products, we’ve combined over 150 years of innovation with Milliken’s long and successful history with providing practical solutions for infrastructure challenges. The result is a product line that addresses the modern demands in telecommunications and power cable installation and management,” said Dale Willis, vice president for Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC. “Vis Divide and Vis Tape make the deployment of cables significantly easier while offering solutions that will help to reduce cost on every project.”

Vis Divide offers a distinct advantage over other HDPE conduits by allowing for the placement of multiple cables into a single conduit. Vis Divide includes a fabric divider molded directly into the conduit that provides operators deployment flexibility and efficiency—optimizing network infrastructure space and easing cable replacement. By maximizing capacity—thus requiring fewer conduits on a job—Vis Divide also helps to lower long-term costs of projects by reducing operational costs, including boring/trenching, transportation and replacement.

Like all Milliken products, Vis Divide offers long-lasting reliability. Vis Divide conforms to ASTM F-2160 and ASTM D-3350 standards and specifications. The product is currently available in a 1.5” DR 11, 2 cell configuration, but additional sizes and cell configurations are planned line extensions.

Vis Tape was designed using Milliken’s MPrint™ technology, an entirely new process, which results in an industry-leading print durability and legibility standard for measurements and other markings. Installers can rely on Milliken’s process for creating Vis Tape’s highly accurate print lengths—with sequential markings every two feet—to ensure cable runs are correct each and every pull. Vis Tape’s non-abrasive coating also helps to prevent conduit damage during cable installations.

Milliken’s Vis Tape features an ultra-soft feel for their durable tape, which eliminates the rigidness commonly found in other tapes and ropes. Vis Tape is manufactured with low elongation properties to reduce snap backs, providing a safer alternative to pull ropes.

Milliken’s Vis Tape is available in a standard and detectable version in a variety of tensile strengths, ranging from 1,130 to 2,500 pounds.

To learn more about Vis from Milliken, visit www.visisthefuture.com.

About Milliken Infrastructure Solutions

Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC offers a range of smart, practical innovations focused on exploring new materials and installation-friendly methods to make it easier and more efficient to rehabilitate, repair, and strengthen infrastructure. Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company’s extensive range of products – from fiber reinforced polymer and geopolymer mortar systems, to geosynthetic composite concrete mat and cable management products – offer solutions for oil, gas and industrial; storm and sanitary; buildings and parking facilities; tra­nsport infrastructure; and telecom markets. Milliken Infrastructure Solutions is a subsidiary of Milliken, a global innovation leader that has over 2,200 U.S. patents - and more than 5,000 patents worldwide - since its founding in 1865. To learn more about Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, visit infrastructure.milliken.com.

About Milliken & Company

For 150 years, Milliken has been innovating with the purpose to explore, discover and create ways to enhance people’s lives. Our community of innovators has developed one of the larger collections of United States patents held by a private U.S. company. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines, including specialty chemical, floor covering and performance materials, we work around the world every day to add true value to people’s lives, improve health and safety, and help make this world more sustainable. For more information, visit www.milliken.com and join us on Twitter and Facebook.

GENERAL CABLE Awarded Conductor For Oklahoma Gas & Electric Cimarron Project Utilizing E3x™ Technology

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KENTUCKY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016 — General Cable (NYSE: BGC) announced today that it has been awarded the conductor portion of the Cimarron to Mathewson transmission project by Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), the largest electric utility in the state of Oklahoma, to address the need for additional electric transmission capacity for the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. The Cimarron to Mathewson project is a new network upgrade and will consist of a 345 kV transmission line that is intended to increase capacity, enhance reliability and system stability for the state’s largest urban region. OG&E will construct and own the line as part of the regional transmission plan developed by the Southwest Power Pool.

In order to assist OG&E in keeping pace with the ever-growing demand for cost-competitive power,

General Cable will apply its groundbreaking E3X™ Technology to a TransPowr^® 1590 kcmil ACSR Lapwing bare overhead conductor that will interconnect a new transmission line within OG&E’s Canadian County Oklahoma service territory. The patent-pending E3X Technology is a thin, durable coating applied to the surface of any General Cable overhead conductor that is engineered to improve grid efficiency by lowering operating temperature reducing power losses and increasing power carrying capacity, allowing greater efficiency and lower total system costs without compromising on safety and compliance.

“We are excited that Oklahoma Gas & Electric selected General Cable to support the Cimarron to Mathewson transmission project,” said Joshua Katzman, Vice President of Sales, General Cable Electric Utility Products. “As a leader in safety, quality and innovation, General Cable is pleased to partner with OG&E to add electric transmission capacity and enhance grid reliability by using our E3X Technology.”

For more information about the E3X Technology please visit http://e3x.generalcable.com

About OG&E

OG&E, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE: OGE), serves approximately 822,000 customers in a service territory spanning 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Visit our Website at www.oge.com

About General Cable

General Cable (NYSE: BGC), a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Highland Heights, Kentucky, is a leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of aluminum, copper and fiber optic wire and cable products for the energy, construction, industrial, specialty and communications markets. General Cable is one of the largest wire and cable manufacturing companies in the world. It operates manufacturing facilities in its core markets and has worldwide sales representation and distribution. Visit our Website at www.generalcable.com

A Sold Out Exhibit Hall, Industry Awards, Memorable Keynote And Moving Charity Presentation Bring BICSI Winter Conference To A Close

Orlando, Florida, February 4, 2016—BICSI, the association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community, brought the 2016 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition to a close this afternoon. Thousands of attendees from all over the world gathered at the five-day conference to gain industry knowledge, take in the latest ICT products and services, and network with colleagues.

During Wednesday night's annual Awards Banquet, BICSI celebrated the accomplishments of several individuals who have displayed great dedication to BICSI and the ICT industry. The awards given on the evening of Wednesday, February 3, 2016, include:

• 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. Andrew Jimenez was given the award for his work throughout his 20-plus year career in the fields of telecommunications testing and product certification.
• Selected by BICSI’s President, the Presidential Eagle Award is given to individuals who have exhibited leadership, sacrifice and faith in BICSI and the industry as a whole, showing dedication to a greater cause over a period of time. This year’s award was presented to Bob Erickson for his work on numerous BICSI committees and task forces, as well as for his contributions during his tenure on the BICSI Board of Directors.
• 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 for outstanding efforts in promoting BICSI’s educational programs and commitment to professional development within the industry. For his amazing dedication and pride in BICSI, including taking on multiple volunteer tasks, the award went to Bob Hertling, RCDD, OSP.
• In honor of all the work done to grow BICSI globally, the Global Outstanding Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to promote BICSI and encourage membership around the world. For his work in promoting BICSI throughout the CALA District, Rick Ciordia, RCDD, DCDC, RTPM, CT, PE, took home the award this year.
• The Larry G. Romig Committee Member of the Year award honors individuals for exemplary efforts and dedication within a BICSI committee. The Larry Romig award was presented to Peter Levoy, RCDD, Chair of the BICSI Cares Committee for his tireless efforts and commitment to the charity arm of BICSI, BICSI Cares.
• During the conference, 14 Installers and Technicians competed for the chance to become the next Installer of the Year in the ninth annual BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge. Every year, the Cabling Skills Challenge competitors represent the best of the industry, and the overall winner receives a check for five thousand dollars. For the second year in a row, Alberto Luna, Technician, took home the title and the winnings.
• The Ray Gendron BICSI Cares Scholarship went to Nick Plueger, Installer 2, Copper. Plueger attends Bellevue University in Bellevue, Neb., and majors in Computer Information Systems and Networking. He will graduate this summer and will then work toward his master's degree.

"All of the award winners are truly deserving," said BICSI President Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, RTPM, CSI. "I have had the pleasure of working with many of them, and they display a deep love of and passion for BICSI, the ICT industry and the work they do. Congratulations to the winners, and I look forward to seeing more of their amazing contributions in the years to come."

Following the awards, the evening concluded with a musical performance from eighties legend JT Taylor, former lead singer of Kool and the Gang.

On Thursday morning, BICSI Cares, the charitable arm of BICSI that supports children’s charities and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, made a donation to the Boca Raton, Fla.-based Kindness Shared Happiness Squared, a non-profit created to distribute happiness to children. BICSI Cares collected donations from attendees throughout the conference, and 100 percent of the funds were given to the charity.

Following the BICSI Cares presentation, attendees were treated to an inspirational Closing Keynote address by J.R. Martinez. Martinez is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, actor, advocate and wounded U.S. Army Veteran. He travels the world spreading his message of reslilence and optimism, reinforcing the fact that one's path in life is decided by one's own ability to adapt and overcome.

In addition to the Keynotes, attendees were able to learn from more than 25 technical sessions over the course of the conference. Topics discussed included higher-power PoE; design considerations for 4K systems; the evolution of blue light infrastructure at the University of Florida; and more.

"I've been to many BICSI conferences since the 1980s, and this conference is packed! The education has been great, and there are a bunch of RCDDs and others here that I can network with," said Andy Potter, RCDD, of ICE Communications in Lawrence, Kan.

Exhibitors were happy with the bustling Exhibit Hall and were able to share their products and services with attendees and visitors. "We love BICSI!" said Wayne Bunce or Jonard Tools in Tuckahow, NY. "The traffic has been excellent. We've been coming to BICSI conferences for more than a decade, and we'll definitely be coming back for more!"

BICSI President Ensign adjourned the conference early Thursday afternoon, thanking everyone for attending and encouraging them to come to the 2016 BICSI Canadian Conference & Exhibition, May 2-5 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

2016 BICSI Winter Conference Exhibit Hall Sold Out

Tampa, Fla., Jan. 14, 2016—BICSI, the association supporting the information and communications technology (ICT) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, is pleased to announce that the 2016 BICSI Winter Conference Exhibit Hall is sold out with no exhibit space remaining.

The 2016 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition is being held January 31-February 4 in Orlando, Florida. The conference features several days of education, exhibits, networking and technical presentations.

A BICSI Conference is one of the best places to see all of the new ICT industry developments in the same place. Exhibitors will be offering the latest and most critical products and services in the voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. Many companies are launching industry-changing products at BICSI conferences and will be displaying them both at their booths, as well as in the New Product Pavilion.

"BICSI launched the New Product Pavilion last year, and it was a great success," said BICSI President Michael Collins, RCDD, RTPM, CCDA, NCE. "The Pavilion gives companies the ability to really spotlight their latest and greatest, and attendees get the opportunity to take an even closer look at products that they can use in their careers. This brings yet another value-added aspect to the Hall. We are very happy to have filled the Exhibit Hall with relevant, state-of-the-art exhibits; this benefits both the attendees and the exhibitors, giving everyone a significant return on their investment."

Any companies still wishing to purchase exhibit space at the 2016 BICSI Winter Conference can be put on a waitlist.

In addition to the sold-out Exhibit Hall, conference highlights include:

• More than 25 educational sessions
• Networking with fellow ICT professionals
• 2016 BICSI Board of Directors inaugurated at the Annual Membership Meeting
• Annual Awards Banquet featuring entertainment from JT Taylor, former lead singer of Kool & the Gang

BICSI thanks the following conference sponsors:

• Diamond Level Sponsor: Hyperline Cabling Systems
• Gold Level Sponsors: Telegärtner and Whoop Wireless

For a complete list of conference sponsors and other conference details, visit bicsi.org/winter.

###

BICSI is a professional association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community. ICT covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, optical 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 ICT industry. We serve nearly 23,000 ICT 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 ICT 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 100 countries

Minuteman Launches New Remote Power Manager

New product offers power monitoring and management from anywhere in the world

Dallas, TX – January 25, 2016 – Para Systems, Inc. today announced the release of the Minuteman RPM1521E, the latest in a line of remote power management products, featuring a variety of upgraded features and capabilities. Designed to eliminate downtime and costly service calls, this new RPM offers individual outlet control with remote re-start, monitoring, and management over all connected devices making it ideal for security systems, retail point of sale systems, telephone/VoIP systems, servers and network peripherals.

Minuteman’s 2-port RPM1521E is a useful tool for system administrators who manage one or more remote locations. From an easy-to-use web-based interface, the user can easily control power to attached devices from virtually anywhere using any standard web browser. This remote management capability reduces downtime and provides fast resolution to equipment lock-ups.

“As we all know, locked-up systems are a fact of life, and whenever a device fails, the only method for restoring the device is to cycle power or reboot,” stated Bill Allen, director of marketing for Para Systems. “With the cost of an average trip to fix a failed device in a remote facility currently estimated at $350 an hour, the RPM can quickly pay for itself when attached devices need to be rebooted and you don’t have to send a technician to a remote location to merely cycle power off and then on.”

The RPM1521E has a “ping” feature that automatically senses that a device is locked up or no longer functioning. Users can program the RPM to send a text message or email to individuals or groups when a device has stopped working. Users can also program the RPM to immediately reboot if a lock-up occurs or the attached device can be manually re-started remotely with the click of a mouse. Attached devices can also be power cycle sequenced, plus power shut-downs and re-starts can be easily scheduled.

The RPM Series connects to a network via a CAT5 connection. Once an IP address is assigned, connected devices can be monitored, controlled, and managed via a secure web interface, allowing administrators to remotely resolve issues.  Access is controlled with a user name and password, and other security features include SYSLOG, Web API function and SSL encryption, along with HTTPs and TLS email encryption.  SNMPv2 and v3 are also supported. Each port provides surge protection to connected equipment with a surge energy rating of 800 Joules. The new model also has a cTUVus safety certification which is tested to UL60951-1 standards.

The full line of Minuteman remote power management products includes the 2-port RPM1521E, as well as 8, 16 and 24-port versions. All Minuteman remote power management products feature a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty. The RPM1521E’s are now shipping in the U.S. through Minuteman’s nationwide network of distributors and resellers, as well as authorized distributors in Canada, Central, and South America.

For more information on the RPM1521E and other products from Minuteman, visit minutemanups.com.

About Para Systems, Inc.

Para Systems, Inc., based in Carrollton, TX, is a leading provider of power protection products. The company’s Minuteman brand of comprehensive power protection solutions includes both single phase and three phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) products, along with a full line of surge protectors, power distribution units, and remote power management systems. Minuteman products protect telephone/VOIP systems, computers, network servers and peripherals, security systems, audio/video equipment, and industrial applications. The Minuteman brand of products is sold through a network of distributors and resellers throughout the United States, Canada, Central, and South America. Para Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Components Corporation of America, headquartered in Dallas, TX, whose roots date back to 1916. For more information, visit www.minutemanups.com.

Transition Networks Expands Hardened Fiber Ethernet Solution Offering with Mini Media Converters

New Hardened Media Converters Enable Cost-Effective Conversion in Small Spaces and Outdoor Environments

Minneapolis, MN – January 19, 2016 — Transition Networks, Inc., the fiber network integration technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ-GM: JCS), today announced a new family of hardened mini 10/100/1000 Ethernet bridging media converters (M/GE-ISW-xx-01), enabling cost-effective conversion of copper to fiber in extreme or outdoor 10/100/1000 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) environments.

The new environmentally hardened mini media converters support a wide temperature range for reliable operation in extreme conditions, such as outdoor enclosures or other challenging locations. Measuring only 1.8 inches wide by 3.3 inches deep by 0.8 inches high, the converters add the benefits of fiber – increased data throughput, distance and security - to a hardened Ethernet network within a very small footprint.

The M/GE-ISW-xx-01 media converters provide numerous economic benefits by affordably integrating fiber infrastructure and legacy copper equipment. They install easily and allow networks to be turned up quickly through features like Auto-Negotiation, AutoCross, Active Link Pass Through and Automatic Link Restoration, which automatically establish, configure and restore optimal links. They also increase the scalability of a network by providing rate conversion, distance extension, support for jumbo frames, and choices of fixed fiber connectors or open slots for small form factor pluggable (SFP) connections.

There are three converters in the family with fixed fiber connectors (SC, LC, SM) and one converter with a small form factor pluggable (SFP) opening for flexible connection options. Link budgets for the converters range from 7.5 dB to 10.5 dB.

The media converters enable reduced capital expenditures by affordably integrating fiber infrastructure and legacy copper equipment. And the compact design of the mini media converter makes it ideal for locations with space constraints, particularly at the network edge.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with the best tools for delivering fiber connectivity simply and cost-effectively,” said Curt Carlson, Product Manager for Transition Networks. “We’re excited to announce these new mini converters to allow our customers a plug, play and walk away solution that will reliably meet their needs in harsh environments, even in the smallest locations, such as alongside outdoor security cameras or other remote equipment.”

Media converters are available in two formats, Layer 1 and Layer 2, referring to the functionality of the converter in relationship to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, which defines standards and promotes interoperability between various manufacturers of network equipment. Layer 1 media converters are ideal for applications where quick throughput and low latency are top priorities, such as data centers, big data analytics, and financial institution networks requiring immediate processing of data with little to no delay. Layer 2 converters can support multiple network speeds on the copper side—such as connecting Fast Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet networks or half-duplex legacy networks to more modern full-duplex networks—which is often needed in enterprise, manufacturing and government networks. Layer 2 converters may increase latency in order to provide this flexibility.

Transition Networks’ portfolio offers go-to solutions for both Layer 1 and Layer 2 media converter applications. Mini media converters are provided in fixed configuration, for simple installation when you need to “just convert it.” Alternatively, the company’s ION Multi-Service Integration Platform offers a full line of more feature-rich modular conversion solutions for secure network management applications.

About Transition Networks, Inc.

Transition Networks, Inc. is an industry leader with over 25 years of experience designing fiber integration products that deliver the security and reliability for today’s networks while future proofing for tomorrow. Offering support for multiple protocols, any interface, and a multitude of hardware platforms, including Hardened Ethernet, Carrier Ethernet, CWDM, 1G/10G Ethernet, SFPs, PoE and PoE+, Transition Networks gives you the power to deliver and manage traffic reliably over fiber in any data network – in any application – in any environment. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ-GM: JCS). For more information about Transition Networks, please visit www.transition.com.

Superior Essex Launches PowerWise Fiber, Expanding Its Suite of Cables Designed to Support PoE Applications

Atlanta, GA – February 1, 2016

Today’s buildings are smarter than ever before, relying on numerous intelligent devices to control our lighting, our climate, and our security. These intelligent environments require cabling systems that are just as capable and versatile. For these environments, Superior Essex is launching PowerWise™ Fiber, a premises optical fiber cable coupled with copper conductors to support Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) applications, including those with distances that exceed the standard 100m provided by category cables. Power-over-Ethernet is a method of distributing power and data to a device using communications cabling, and plays a critical role in smart buildings where numerous devices, such as Nest, intelligent LED lighting and security cameras, can be powered and controlled using a single cabling system. With the launch of this cable, Superior Essex now offers a complete Power-over-Ethernet cabling solution, with its PowerWise CAT 5e+ 4-pair PoE cable powering and controlling devices at distances of up to 100 meters, and its PowerWise Fiber cable supporting additional power and data transmission over greater lengths throughout an environment.

This initial PowerWise Fiber cable design consists of two (2) – 2 mm bend-resistant G.657.B3 single mode fiber simplex interconnect cables and two (2) – stranded 16 AWG copper conductors. The use of G.657.B3 fiber allows the cable to be installed in environments where the pathway may require a number of 90° turns, yet the attenuation loss will be the lowest of any other typical single mode fiber type. The two simplex interconnect cables allow direct and secure connection to LC or SC type mechanical connectors.  The core is surrounded by strength yarns that provide the cable with the tensile strength to meet the distribution cable requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-83-596. The cable is UL Listed CL3R-OF, CMR-OF and FPLR-OF.

“Our customers required a small, flexible and durable cable for applications that exceeded the 100 meter reach limitation of Power-over-Ethernet and twisted-pair category cables,” says Dr. Paul Neveux, Director of Global Product Management for Premises Fiber products at Superior Essex. “We designed this composite power and fiber cable especially for security camera applications where the reach often exceeds 100 meters.  In addition, using G.657.B3 single mode fiber assures that the signal will not be attenuated even with bend radii as small as 5 mm.”

For more information about this product, visit the product page.

Contact your inside sales representative for questions regarding pricing and availability.

Superior Essex International LP

Dr. Paul Neveux, Director of Global Product Management, Premises Fiber 

770.657.6000

About Superior Essex

Superior Essex International LP is a leading manufacturer and supplier of cable, wire and accessory products serving the communications industry, energy industry and related distribution markets for over 80 years. Product lines include Indoor and Outside Plant (OSP) copper and fiber data cables, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) coaxial cables and accessories, Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) closures, fire alarm/security (FAS) cables, and low/medium voltage energy cable products and accessories. Superior Essex International LP is a subsidiary of Superior Essex Inc. SuperiorEssex.com

SBA Revises Employee-Based Size Standards for Manufacturing and Other Industry Sectors

WASHINGTON–The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) published two final rules to revise small business size standards for Manufacturing industries in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 31-33 and industries with employee-based size standards that are not a part of NAICS Sector 31-33, Sector 42 (Wholesale Trade), and Sector 44-45 (Retail Trade).  The final rules were published in the Federal Register on January 25^th and will be effective February 26, 2016.

As part of its comprehensive size standards review required by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, SBA evaluated employee-based size standards for all 364 industries in NAICS Sector 31-33 and 57 industries and five exceptions that are not in NAICS Sectors 31-33, 42, or 44‑45 to determine whether they should be retained or revised.

In the first final rule, SBA increased size standards for 209 industries in Sector 31-33.  SBA also increased the refining capacity component of the Petroleum Refiners (NAICS 324110) size standard to 200,000 barrels per calendar day total capacity for businesses that are primarily engaged in petroleum refining.  The rule also eliminates the requirement that 90 percent of a refiner’s output being delivered should be refined by the bidder. 

In the second final rule, SBA increased the employee-based size standards for 30 industries and three exceptions and decreased them for three industries that are not in Sectors 31-33, 42, or 44‑45.

Additionally, in the second rule, SBA amends Footnote 18 to SBA’s table of size standards by adding the requirement that the supply (i.e., computer hardware and software) component of small business set-aside Information Technology Value Added Resellers (ITVAR) contracts must comply with the nonmanufacturing performance requirements or nonmanufacturer rule.  In the proposed rule, the SBA sought comments on eliminating the ITVAR exception under NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) together with its 150-employee size standard.  In the final rule, SBA maintains ITVAR exception” under NAICS 541519 with the 150-employee size standard. 

The second rule also eliminates the Offshore Marine Air Transportation Services exception under NAICS 481211 and 481212 and Offshore Marine Services exception under NAICS Subsector 483 and their $30.5 million revenues based size standard.  Accordingly, the rule also removes Footnotes 15 and 18 from the SBA’s table of size standards.

The new size standards will enable nearly 1,650 more businesses in those industries to obtain or retain small business status; will give federal agencies a larger pool of small businesses from which to choose for their procurement programs; and will make more small businesses eligible for SBA’s loan programs.

When reviewing size standards, SBA takes into account the structural characteristics of individual industries, including average firm size, startup cost and entry barriers, the degree of competition, and small business share of federal government contracting dollars.  This ensures that small business size definitions reflect current economic conditions and federal marketplace in those industries.  Public comments on the proposed rules are also important to this process.  The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 requires SBA to review all size standards at least every five years. 

A White Paper entitled, “Size Standards Methodology,” explaining how SBA establishes, reviews, or modifies its receipts based and employee based small business size standards, is available at http://www.sba.gov/size.

For more information on SBA’s revisions to its small business size standards for various industry sectors, click on “What’s New with Size Standards” on SBA’s Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size.   

ShoreTel – 5 Business Phone System Trends to Watch in 2016

At ShoreTel, we’re looking ahead to an exciting new year of innovation for IP phone systems and unified communications that empower today’s always-on workforce. Here are five trends we see shaping up in 2016:

1.     More organizations will cut the cord on desktop phones. As smartphones become the primary business communication device, more organizations are rethinking their business phone strategy. Many businesses are eliminating their desk phones entirely, and instead workers use softphones and high-quality headsets to communicate using laptops or other mobile devices. It’s a trend that’s accelerating, especially in organizations where workers want to be free to roam and collaborate, rather than be tied to their desks.

The best part is that with mobile unified communication (UC) software, workers can have enterprise-grade communication capabilities wherever they go, including videoconferencing with room-based systems, peer-to-peer video, web conferencing, calendar access, CRM integration, instant messaging and presence—as well as desk phone features like extension dialing, conference calling, company directory, hold and call transfer.

It’s a cost-savings win too, because businesses don’t need to buy desk phones as well as the associated wiring, power, maintenance and support. But if your organization wants stylish desk phones with crystal-clear sound, don’t worry, ShoreTel has them.

2.     The popularity of hybrid business phone systems will rise, as organizations want to lighten the IT load. The less time businesses spend managing any IT system, the more resources they have for activities that will drive revenue and enhance customer loyalty. That’s the driving factor behind the move to cloud services of all kinds, including business phones. With a managed service, organizations can keep pace with the latest UC and phone features without making a capital investment or fuss with ongoing maintenance.

But the reality is that most companies already have an on-premises phone system, and with a hybrid phone system they can migrate to the cloud on their own terms. Businesses can keep their on-premises phone systems but take advantage of new capabilities and applications in the cloud. And new sites and remote offices can easily be added to the cloud service, while other locations continue to use their on-site phone systems. Regardless of whether the service is delivered on-premise or from the cloud, everyone enjoys the same UC and phone capabilities.

3.     Contact centers are even more important in the era of customer experience. According to Gartner, 89 percent of companies surveyed believe that the customer experience will be the primary basis for competition by 2016. Businesses need to look at all the ways they are interacting with customers and optimize them for expectations of an always-on, digital world.

A good place to start is the contact center. Most contact center communications take place over the phone today, but customers expect to be able to flip their service channels. They can chat with support if they’re watching TV or send an email if they’re just not a “phone” person. The customer experience—and contact center interactions—needs to be seamless across multiple channels.

Businesses can modernize their service and support interactions with a cloud-based contact center. With contact-center-as-a-service, businesses can easily add contact center capabilities beyond voice, including email, chat, workgroups and analytics. Using a cloud service puts sophisticated contact center capabilities in the hands of small and medium businesses.

4.     WebRTC, which lets you make phone and video calls from your browser, is on the upswing. WebRTC gives web browsers the ability to make phone calls, video chat and peer-to-peer file share without plug-ins. It has great potential for customer support because customers don’t have to download anything before they can communicate.

Technology leaders are recognizing the benefits of browser-based communications. According to Webtorials, 47 percent of IT professionals surveyed had used WebRTC or planned to use it within 12 months.

5.     SIP trunking adoption goes mainstream. SIP trunking is used to connect an organization’s headquarters, branch offices and data center to itscommunication service provider. SIP trunks replace legacy telecom connections, enabling organizations to embrace UC more easily, make communications more reliable and create a virtual call center. SIP trunking can result in cost savings—up to 40 percent of your voice expenditure by one estimate.

There’s a lot of growth in the SIP trunking market. Market analyst firm IHS Infonetics found that 45 percent of enterprises in North America that are using premises-based PBX used SIP trunks for some of their voice connectivity requirements in 2015, and predicts that will rise to 62 percent by 2017 as the use of legacy T1 and other lines decrease.

Businesses can take advantage of these trends to make their communications more effective, their businesses more responsive and employees more productive. We’re excited about the year ahead.

About ShoreTel, Inc.
ShoreTel, Inc. (SHOR) is a leading provider of brilliantly simple IP phone systems and unified communications solutions powering today’s always-on workforce. Its flexible communications solutions for on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments eliminate complexity, reduce costs and improve productivity. Recognized for its industry-leading customer experience and support, ShoreTel’s innovative business phones, application integration, collaboration tools, mobility, and contact center applications enable users to communicate and collaborate no matter the time, place or device, with minimal demand on IT resources. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and has regional offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit www.shoretel.com.

ShoreTel and the ShoreTel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ShoreTel, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks herein are the property of their respective owners.

Communication Planning Corporation is North Florida’s leading ShoreTel dealer.

Since 1980, CPC has provided quality service for their communications and cabling needs. CPC and ShoreTel can deliver unified communications. www.communicationplanning.com

Contact Michael Shannahan, Vice President – Communication Planning Corporation (Jacksonville, FL) Tel. 904-645-9077 or michael@communicationplanning.com

Siemon Donation Supports Youth in FIRST® Robotics Competition

January 13, 2015. Watertown, CT – Siemon, a leading global network infrastructure specialist, is pleased to announce its recent donation to the FIRST^® Robotics Competition, a global high-school program that provides students with a real-world engineering experience. FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science & Technology) is an international, K-12 not-for-profit founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

In the FIRST Robotics Competition, more than 3,100 teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors—all under strict rules, limited resources and time limits. Siemon’s contribution of more than 3,000 Ethernet patch cords are part of the generous donations that help ensure FIRST participants received the best experience possible. The patch cords were included alongside a variety of switches, controllers, motors, circuit breakers, connectors and other electronic components in the 2016 Kit of Parts, the competition’s kick-off kit provided to each participating team at FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff on Saturday, January 9, 2016, which marked the beginning of their design and build season.

“Siemon is excited and grateful to be able to support FIRST with this donation and help some of our nation’s best and brightest high school students become the next generation of engineering and technology professionals,” says John Siemon, vice president of global operations and chief technology officer for Siemon.

The catalyst for this donation was John Siemon’s active involvement with the Yale Science and Engineering Association (YSEA), whose strategic alliance with FIRST includes regional and national support of teams and events through its members. Noted for its philosophy of cooperative competition, FIRST relies heavily on the generous donations and extensive network of corporations, educational and professional institutions, foundations and individuals. According to FIRST, the funding, mentorship time and talent, volunteers and equipment donated by these organizations and individuals are vital to ensuring that FIRST continues to grow and fulfill its mission of inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders.

For more information about FIRST and the FIRST Robotics Competition, visit www.firstinspires.org. For more information about Siemon, visit www.siemon.com.

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the design and manufacture of high quality, high performance low voltage infrastructure solutions and services for Data Centers, LANs and Intelligent Buildings. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global sales, technical and logistics expertise spanning 100 countries, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suites of copper and optical fiber cabling systems, cabinets, racks, cable management, data center power and cooling systems and Intelligent Infrastructure Management solutions. With more than 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and the development of Industry Standards, underlining the company’s long-standing commitment to its customers and the industry. Through an ongoing commitment to waste and energy reduction, Siemon’s environmental sustainability benchmarks are unparalleled in the industry, including 179% global carbon negativity and zero-landfill status.

Siemon Interconnect Solutions (SIS) is a Siemon business unit comprised of a team of dedicated technical sales professionals supported by Siemon Labs, mechanical, electrical and signal integrity engineers committed to solving industry and customer driven interconnect challenges. We provide custom network infrastructure solutions to: OEM’s, Leading Manufacturers, Value-Added Resellers and System Integrators.

NAED Names Timothy Young as Incoming Western Region Vice President-elect

Industry veteran brings experience and energy to council role.

ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) has named Timothy Young, district manager, Interstate Electric Supply – a district of Crescent Electric Supply Company, as the incoming vice president-elect of the Western Region. Young was elected by the Western Region Council, which represents NAED member companies in the Western U.S.

“I am deeply honored by my appointment as the VP-elect for NAED’s Western Region,” said Young. “NAED brought me to this industry thru tED magazine, educated me with amazing courses such as EPEC and educational sessions and provided networking opportunities. To me, the ultimate privilege is to give back to industry that has given me so much.”

Young has been in the industry 26 years and has served on NAED’s Western Region Council since 2014.

As an NAED regional vice president-elect, Young will serve on the NAED Board of Directors, help lead the region’s conferences, council meetings, and other events.

John Maltby, president and CEO of Maltby Electric Supply, currently directs the Western Region Council.

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 more than 5,100 locations internationally. www.naed.org

Article by Jim Carlini – NANOKRIEG© IN CLOUD COMPUTING: BATTLES WITH MICRO-SECOND SYNCHRONICITY

If we are involved in a cyber-war, where are the Frontlines? Should we be spending more time (and money) in figuring out cyber-warfare, instead of conventional warfare?

(Part of this article is an excerpt of Carlini’s upcoming book, NANOKRIEG: BEYOND BLITZKRIEG)

In the middle of World War II, very basic and primitive computers were designed to improve accuracy for naval gunfire. The first computers ran complex mathematical applications to calculate trajectories and gunfire from large battleships. The size of the computer was huge and was made up of vacuum-tube technology. You could literally walk into the computer. (And needed to, when a tube went bad and you had to replace it)

Since then, computers shrank in size and costs, but their computing power and applications to various industries grew exponentially with new minimalization of circuits and integrated chips, as well as efficiencies designed into power applications supporting the computer. Their applications became almost universal in every commercial application possible from:

- inventory and industrial process controls,

- to accounting and payment processing,

- to manufacturing, computer-aided design, and shop floor systems,

- to managing all financial transactions and stock exchange server farms.

Computers were also used in various weapon and war applications from fire control systems for controlling multiple gun systems aboard ships and airplanes, to guidance systems on rockets and missiles, to strategic game simulation used in analyzing various conflict scenarios with various enemies and terrorist organizations.

NANOKRIEG: WAR BEING WON AND LOST IN MICROSECONDS

As Sun Tzu, the author of The Art of War stated, “Quickness is the essence of the war.”

Today, attacks aren’t measured in days or even hours. A whole war can last only a couple of seconds – or less. Battlefields are now in server farms and across the network. Some wars could happen and no one would even know about them. Most are not reported – and you can understand why.

No company or financial firm wants to announce their protective measures are inadequate and that all their internal confidential information has been compromised.

We have already seen in multiple instances, where people’s credit card and personal information is stolen. Where were the safeguards? Where were the defenses against attacks?

According to IBM, almost one out of four financial institutions (23.8%) are still exposed. Is your money sitting in one of these institutions?

In less than a second, 1000s of pinpoint attacks on different targets can be executed by high-speed transaction processors. Stocks could plummet. Bank accounts could be wiped out – or transferred. Certain controls in power grids and other utilities, like maximum temperature levels or power load levels, could be overridden.

Weapons do not have to be flown into the battle zone or brought in by big transport ships, they are carried in by the network. Trojan horses, worms, viruses, and other destructive malware weapons do not need huge supporting logistics or long timeframes. They can be sent off in a microsecond on an electronic pathway to the “war zone”.

Riches and treasures do not need heavy equipment or convoys of trucks to pull them out, they can get taken out on the network as well. Electronic valuables have no physical weight, just virtual value.

There are no Frontlines any more, only virtual lines within electronic borders in Nanokrieg.

As I have mentioned in a whitepaper, “The speed of response equals victory, or at least, survival.”

EMP: IS YOUR DATA CENTER PROTECTED?

An Electro-Magnetic Pulse bomb (EMP) was a threat scenario discussed in the Cold War-era. An EMP bomb is not a bomb that is dropped and strikes a target or a city. An EMP bomb could be exploded 100 miles above the earth and its coverage is a much wider area.

With more terrorist organizations around the world and countries like North Korea, this type of threat has been given more credence as to being a real possibility.

The delivery system for an EMP bomb is a lot more imprecise than a guided, intercontinental missile. All it needs to have is a simple rocket that can get it out into space above a country. It does not have-to-have pinpoint accuracy as a missile launched to hit a particular city or facility.

The effects of an EMP bomb is that all unshielded electronics go dead. The generated electronic “pulse” fries all the electronics in computers, cars, data centers, buildings, and anything that is unprotected. Basically, a well-placed EMP bomb can throw a whole region back into the 1700s. No vehicles, no computers, no radio, no TV, nothing electronic functions anymore.

Data centers as well as the power grid should be protected from this type of attack. Building amenities should include the ability to shield tenants’ electronics from an EMP attack. The more electronics that are shielded, the less impact an EMP will have on a region.

Some organizations are discussing the effects of an EMP and what it would do to the total economy. They are identifying those rogue nations and terrorist groups that could use a weapon like this.

Some articles are popping up in the mainstream press about EMPs but unfortunately, some reporters have no clue as to what EMPs entail. One such article is in the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/01/15/no-you-dont-really-need-to-worry-about-an-emp-attack/ ) He talks about the “improbability” of having an EMP bomb because in order for it to be “effective”:

It requires a missile that can deliver the bomb to a precise point in the atmosphere.

Precise point? Look at the map. The beauty of the EMP bomb is that you do NOT have to have pinpoint accuracy, you just need to get it up over a region.

My advice to the reporter is to stick with what he knows and not delve into infrastructure and electronic warfare issues that he knows nothing about. All you need is to deliver the bomb 100 miles above the earth anywhere over the United States and you will effect a LOT of territory. He tries to make it into a “Republican issue” which is total nonsense. This is why most people have turned away from the Mainstream media. Facts are not being represented.

North Korea is working on a satellite that will orbit the earth 100 miles away which is the perfect location for an EMP bomb. At this point, this is not science fiction or a theoretical threat, it is cold reality.

EMP bombs are definitely part of the arsenal of Nanokrieg and they are very effective as to knocking out civilization as we know it. EMPs should be viewed as a force equalizer for those countries which do not have all the money and resources to sustain a huge military force. All you need is one well-placed bomb 100 miles or so above us. And well-placed does not equal “accurate”. Just look at the map to see the spread.

Carlini’s visionary book, LOCATION LOCATION CONNECTIVITY is available on AMAZON.

http://www.amazon.com/LOCATION-CONNECTIVITY-JAMES-CARLINI/dp/0990646041/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425899104&sr=8-1&keywords=location+location+connectivity

Follow daily Carlini-isms at www.TWITTER.com/JAMESCARLINI

Copyright 2016 – James Carlini

Leviton to Display the Future of Data Center and AV Networks at 2016 BICSI Winter Conference

Leviton will preview Category 8 copper, next-generation fiber and advanced AV controls that prepare networks for future demand

Bothell, Wash., January 26, 2016 – Leviton recently announced that they will show the latest in data center copper and fiber network systems at the 2016 BICSI Winter Conference, from February 1–3, at booth #1119. Attendees can preview the Atlas-X1^TM Category 8 Copper Cabling System for the first time, and get a hands-on look at advanced multimode fiber connectivity and new IT/AV controls. These solutions are designed to equip customers with flexible and scalable infrastructures, capable of supporting future data and AV network requirements like more frequent tech refreshes and rapid growth.

Built on a unified connector form-factor across Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A and Cat 8 applications, the Atlas-X1 System allows for a seamless migration from 1G to 40G networks. Attendees can get an early look at Leviton Category 8 connectivity and complementary Berk-Tek Category 8 cable in advance of emerging standards. In early 2015, Leviton announced that Atlas-X1 connectivity and Berk-Tek cable had been tested to meet connectivity performance standards found in the current draft 2.0E of the TIA-568-C.2-1 Category 8 proposed standard and can support the operation of IEEE 802.3bq 25G/40GBASE-T applications up to 30 meters.

Leviton’s Violet OM4+ Opt-X^® Unity solutions — including fiber trunks, cords, cassettes and more — were recently installed by eBay Inc. when upgrading its data center networks to 40G. These solutions will be on display at the booth, while eBay’s award-winning project will be featured at a lunch-and-learn session titled “Go Inside an eBay Data Center.” Attendees can learn how eBay and Leviton collaborated to create longer multimode cable runs, greater density and a design that helps the company easily migrate to network speeds of 40G, 100G and beyond. The event will be held during BICSI on Tuesday, February 2, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. The lunch-and-learn has limited space and attendees must register at Leviton.com/LL16.

New Leviton AV solutions help prepare classrooms and conference rooms for the latest technologies like UHD displays with 4K resolution. Visitors to the booth can see new additions to Leviton’s plug-and-play IT/AV Systems, such as innovative wallplates that connect, switch and extend multiple high-definition AV signals to displays or projectors. Leviton IT/AV Systems can extend signals up to 100 meters over HDBaseT™ certified links with no programming required.

Complete information about the BICSI Winter Conference can be found at bicsi.org/winter/2016.

To learn more about recent Leviton Network Solutions innovations, visit leviton.com/ns.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data center, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fiber optic connectivity, power distribution units, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry’s best service and support. Builders, contractors and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry. Make the smart choice for a better network. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS.

About Leviton

Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter.com/leviton or http://www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.