HOTS : July 2010

Bits N' Pieces

Bisbee’s Buzz

FACTOID BP OIL SPILL TOPS 200 MILLION GALLONS IN THE GULF. By day 80.

That is a real tragedy. Could safety priorities prevent this kind catastrophe?

HEAT WAVE in the Northeast sets many records and pushes the power grid beyond limits.

What is your power plan for all of the black outs and power fluctuations? NECA members are a good source of solutions to protect your business. www.necanet.org also read more on www.minuteman-ups.com

death by negligence" = India Cabinet ministers call for extradition from US of ex-Union Carbide chief for Bhopal leak

India may try ex-Union Carbide chief for Bhopal

India Cabinet ministers call for extradition from US of ex-Union Carbide chief for Bhopal leak

NEW DELHI, India -- Indian ministers called Monday for the government to extradite the former head of Union Carbide and pursue liability claims against Dow Chemical as part of a new push for justice in a 1984 toxic gas leak that killed 15,000 people, a minister said.

Anger over the world's worst industrial disaster -- at a plant owned by a Union Carbide subsidiary in central Indian city of Bhopal -- was revived this month after a court convicted seven former senior employees of the company's Indian subsidiary of "death by negligence" and sentenced them to two years in prison.

Many in India saw the verdict as far too light a punishment for the tragedy, and the government formed a panel of ministers to revisit the case.

The ministers completed their report Monday and the full Cabinet was to meet in a special session Friday to consider the recommendations.

The report called for the government to renew its efforts to pursue the extradition of former Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson, who had been arrested and quickly released when he visited India soon after the tragedy, government officials said.

"The Indian government sent several requests to the U.S. government in the past years. A new request should be sent to the U.S. government in the light of new facts that have emerged," Highways Minister Kamal Nath told the NDTV news channel.

Indian media reports said the panel also called on the government to pursue liability claims against Dow Chemical Co., which took over Union Carbide in 2001, seven years after Union Carbide sold its interest in the Bhopal plant.

In 1989, Union Carbide paid $470 million in compensation to the Indian government and said officials were responsible for the cleanup. Midland, Michigan-based Dow maintains that the 1989 settlement resolved the legal case.

In an e-mailed statement to The Associated Press Monday, spokesman Scot Wheeler said that "if there is any shortfall in compensation, it is to be borne by the Government of India." Wheeler added that since Dow did not own Union Carbide at the time of the leak, it has no liability.

On Monday, Union Carbide declined comment.

Under the ministers' proposal the families of those killed also would receive 1 million rupees ($22,000) each and the government would spend 3 billion rupees ($65 million) to clean up the factory.

"Our focus is now to bring relief to the people. There are still thousands of people who continue to suffer. The government of India is extremely sympathetic to their plight," Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said.

DuPont dumps toxic mercury in NC water supply from NC polymer plant and gets off with $59,000 fine

DuPont Co. has agreed to pay a $59,000 penalty for mercury discharges at a North Carolina plant.

Stan Meiburg is the EPA's acting regional administrator for the region of the U.S. that includes North Carolina.

Meiburg says the settlement underscores the importance of the federal permitting process in protecting the water supply from dangerous chemicals like mercury.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday the settlement relates to the company's polymer fiber manufacturing facility in Kinston. EPA may have other ongoing investigations of DuPont activities.

In a pattern of repeated disregard for regulations and public safety, Dupont continued to dump highly toxic materials for many months. The EPA says discharges at the plant exceeded permitted levels of mercury for eight months between September 2008 and March 2009.

www.epa.gov www.ewg.org

Oil Spill Leaking Up To 2.5M Gallons Per Day Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Scientists provided a new estimate for the size of the Gulf oil spill on Tuesday that indicate it could be worse than previously thought.

A government panel of scientists said that the ruptured well is leaking between 1.47 million and 2.52 million gallons a day of oil. That is an increase over previous estimates that put the maximum size of the spill at

2.1 million gallons per day.

"This estimate brings together several scientific methodologies and the latest information from the sea floor, and represents a significant step forward in our effort to put a number on the oil that is escaping from BP's well," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement.

The new numbers are based on a combination of scientific data, including an analysis of high-resolution video taken by underwater robots, pressure meters, sonar, and measurements of oil collected by the containment device on top of the well.

Dupont, Llucite To Pay $2M Fine For WV violations

Posted: 11:59 AM Apr 20, 2009

Charleston, WV -- State and federal authorities say DuPont and Lucite International have agreed to pay $2 million to settle air pollution violations at a West Virginia plant.

The violations stem from sulfur dioxide releases from a unit owned by Lucite and operated by DuPont in Belle.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Justice Department and the state said Monday that modifications were made to the unit in 1996 without obtaining r epre-construction permits or installing air pollution controls.

EPA said the Belle plant burns sulfuric acid sludge, which creates sulfur dioxide.

EPA said both companies have agreed to close the unit by next April.

The settlement was filed with the federal court in Charleston and people have 30 days to comment.

DuPont worker dies in a preventable incident - PFIB (Phosgene Nerve Gas) is released when Teflon FEP get HOT. What? You didn’t know???

Got any DuPont Certified Limited Combustible Communications Cable?

http://tuberose.com/Teflon.html Check the “outgasses” table.

DuPont reports findings of W.Va. plant probe

DuPont says age of hose, corrosion and pressure buildup caused phosgene release that killed 1

On Thursday June 17, 2010, 4:10 pm

BELLE, W.Va. -- An aging hose, corrosion and a pressure buildup are responsible for a phosgene leak at a DuPont chemical plant in West Virginia that resulted in the death of one worker in January, the company said Thursday.

The leak was the latest in a weeklong series of leaks to hit the sprawling Belle plant in late January. The phosgene unit has remained off line since the leak, and a second unit involved in a separate leak has been permanently closed as part of a business decision, DuPont said.

All other units at the plant, located east of Charleston, have resumed production.

Fifty-eight-year-old Carl Fish died in a Charleston hospital a day after being exposed to phosgene. The 32-year DuPont employee had entered the phosgene building to take a reading when the line failed.

Phosgene is used to make plastics and pesticides, and can damage the respiratory system. The chemical was used as a weapon during World War I and caused the large majority of deaths from gas warfare in that conflict, the Centers for Disease Control said on its Web site.

"Our investigation concluded that several factors combined to cause the hose to fail, including the length of time the hose was in service, physical corrosion concealed by the manufacturer's label, and pressure buildup in the line," the company said in a prepared statement.

DuPont's findings were submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are also investigating.

The company also said it had submitted reports on the release of 2,000 pounds of methyl chloride and 22 pounds of a sulfuric acid solution.

Officials earlier reported that the hazardous methyl chloride leaked for five days before the leak was discovered. DuPont said the leak was caused by a ruptured disk. A ruptured line was cited as the cause of the sulfuric acid solution leak.

DuPont said it has taken steps to improve its emergency actions, including a dedicated telephone line to Kanawha County emergency officials.

A few tidbits found on the Internet.

Safety is too important to ignore.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee
"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
www.wireville.com
4949 Sunbeam Rd, Suite 16
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 645-9077 office
(904) 645-9058 fax
frank@wireville.com

Tyco Electronics to Acquire ADC, Creating a World Leader in Broadband Connectivity

SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland and EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., July 13, 2010

Complementary Product Offerings Will Help Customers Deliver High-Speed Video and Data Communications

Tyco Electronics Reports Preliminary Fiscal Third Quarter Results

Sales of $3.1 Billion and Book-to-Bill Ratio of 1.06

Diluted Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (GAAP EPS) of $0.72; Adjusted EPS of $0.70

Tyco Electronics (NYSE: TEL) and ADC (Nasdaq: ADCT) announced today a definitive agreement under which Tyco Electronics will acquire ADC for $12.75 per share in cash, or an enterprise value of approximately $1.25 billion. The transaction is expected to be accretive by approximately $0.14 per share in the first full year after closing excluding acquisition-related costs. It will position Tyco Electronics' Network Solutions segment as a leading global provider of broadband connectivity products to carrier and enterprise networks around the world.

Tom Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Tyco Electronics, said, "This is a very exciting time for our company and ADC is a great fit as we continue to execute our strategy to create strong leadership positions in all of our connectivity businesses. Consumers and enterprises want access to high-speed video and data wherever they are, on whatever devices they are using -- from smart phones to HD and 3-D televisions to computers with advanced video-conferencing capabilities. The combination of ADC and Tyco Electronics creates an industry leader, with the scope and geographic scale to help customers deliver needed capacity, from the core of the network all the way to the end user."

Robert E. Switz, Chairman, President and CEO of ADC, said, "ADC has a strong heritage of providing innovative wired and wireless solutions that have enabled the expansion of advanced broadband networks worldwide. As part of Tyco Electronics, our organization's ability to serve the world's leading telecommunications services providers and enterprises will be strengthened significantly. I have great respect for Tyco Electronics and know that they share our commitment to meeting customers' changing next generation network needs."

The combined organization will offer a complete product portfolio across every major geographic market. It will also add ADC's Distributed Antenna System (DAS) products, which will expand Tyco Electronics' wireless connectivity portfolio to provide greater mobile coverage and capacity solutions to carrier and enterprise customers as demand for mobile data continues to expand. Additionally, Tyco Electronics will add ADC's professional services organization in the US to its business.

"We expect ADC to be accretive to our earnings in the first year and to reach our target operating margin of 15 percent in the third year after the acquisition," said Lynch.

The transaction is structured as a tender offer to be followed as soon as possible by a merger. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the tender of a majority of ADC shares and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter 2010.

In conjunction with today's announcement, Tyco Electronics reported preliminary results for the fiscal third quarter ended June 25, 2010. The company reported sales of $3.1 billion, an increase of 23 percent over the prior year quarter and up 4 percent sequentially. GAAP EPS were $0.72 in the quarter which included $0.02 per share of income related to other items net of restructuring charges. Adjusted EPS were $0.70 in the quarter. The company's book-to-bill ratio was 1.06 for the quarter and 1.08 excluding Subsea Communications. The company will report complete results and provide further details on its fiscal third quarter before trading begins on July 22, 2010.

BICSI & TIA RENEW FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT

Tampa, Fla., July 12, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), a trade association representing the global information and communications technology (ICT) industries, have signed a renewal to their friendship agreement.

BICSI President, Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, (right) and TIA President, Grant Seiffert (left), were onsite at BICSI World Headquarters for the official agreement signing. Both groups have been engaged in similar activities for a number of years, addressing their mutual interests in information communications technologies and trends, including standards, certifications, knowledge transfer and global technology advancement.

“Renewing the TIA/BICSI friendship agreement strengthens the relationship between our two associations that has been forged over the past several years,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert. “Working closely together enables us to continue being as technologically innovative as possible as the ICT industry evolves, while creating new business opportunities for our members.”

The agreement was signed for the purpose of promoting further growth and development of the telecommunications industries of the United States and the world at large. The two organizations plan to engage in a variety of cooperative activities.

“BICSI is very excited about the extension of the friendship agreement with TIA. We crafted the first friendship agreement in 2006 and have tweaked it every two years to keep it relevant,” said Hansen. “We look forward to continuing to build on what has been a very successful and trusting relationship.”

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

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

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

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

TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

BICSI, INFOCOMM SIGN FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT

Tampa, Fla., July 12, 2010— BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, signed a friendship agreement with InfoComm^® International, the leading nonprofit association serving the professional AV communications industry worldwide. The official agreement was signed by Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of InfoComm International and John D. Clark Jr., CAE, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of BICSI.

BICSI and InfoComm International share a mission to further their respective members’ businesses and their industries. The AV communications industry and the ITS industry intersect in terms of technologies, as well as their complementary roles in the building, communications and IT industries.

To accomplish their shared mission, and for the benefit of the associations’ members who work side-by-side on projects, InfoComm and BICSI have agreed on mutual points of reciprocity, including establishing reciprocal BICSI continuing education credit (CECs) and InfoComm Renewal Units (RUs) and continuing the current government relations cooperative activities and participation in the Green Building Technology Alliance (GBTA). Also included in this friendship agreement is a resolution to update the AV Design Reference Manual (AVDRM). BICSI believes that this relationship will enhance and expand BICSI’s dedicated outreach and also will add significantly to its programs and services.

“We are extremely excited to have signed our first friendship agreement with InfoComm International,” stated Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, BICSI President. “We have worked on so many ventures together over the past few years that it makes sense to have a friendship agreement in place. With this agreement, we have cemented what should be a great relationship moving forward.”

“InfoComm is pleased to formalize our partnership with BICSI through this friendship agreement,” said Tom Stimson, CTS, President, InfoComm International. “We have created many valuable programs together and look forward to working collectively for the betterment of our industries.”

BICSI currently holds friendship agreements with the Electronic Security Association (ESA)—formerly NBFAA—and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

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About InfoComm International
InfoComm International^® is the international trade association of the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm has 5,000 members, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end-users and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV market research and news. Its training and education programs set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers worldwide. InfoComm also produces trade shows in Europe, Asia and China. Additional information is available at www.infocomm.org.

Introducing QuickTreX^®, a New Manufacturer of Datacom Products

Clark, NJ – July 9, 2010
Announcing QuickTreX^®, a new manufacturer of high quality datacom products - such as copper cabling hardware, fiber optic cable assemblies, tools and testers - catering to the low voltage cabling industry for use in premise networks, security, and electrical applications. The QuickTreX brand objective is to design high quality products for technicians to work and accomplish their goals with speed and agility, just like the swift and athletic cheetah symbolized in the QuickTreX logo.

The company was founded in 2010, but the idea for the QuickTreX brand had been in the works for many years. It originated from the daily experience of e-commerce pioneer Tony Casazza, throughout his many years of field installation as an electrician and structured cabling installer, plus the last 13 years of operating a successful online datacom supply store offering cabling, connectivity and network components.

"In the online store we face the product limitations set by various manufacturers and always knew that we could do much better in many different ways,” states Casazza. “Our main focus at QuickTreX is the value of our products.” Listening to the needs of his customers, both as an installer and a supplier, has given Cassaza a unique perspective to keep in tune with the needs of the people who use the products. The company has conducted extensive research, development, and testing while improving existing products and developing new innovative products.

The QuickTreX brand will initially consist of the following product categories:

Premise Copper Cabling Hardware such as Category-X Plugs, Jacks, Patch Panels, etc.

FiberWhips™, which are pre-terminated fiber optic cable assemblies that can be custom ordered and installed by customers with limited fiber optic termination knowledge.

Tools for terminating, testing, and installing network cabling.

Toolkits that are very well suited for experienced professional technicians.

“We have made many great contacts, acquiring a vast amount of knowledge of our industry,” continues Cassaza, “and we’ve identified entities around the globe whose quality and R&D are above the rest and who are willing to work with us in developing new products. So we partnered with these companies, shared ideas, and undertook the research and development of the products. QuickTreX tools have been honed to achieve perfection and are thoroughly designed, engineered and tested by experts under real-world conditions.” More new products will be launched in the coming year.

Despite the current economic downturn, Cassaza is optimistic about starting this venture now. "Some Industry naysayers had been predicting the end of structured cabling due to the introduction of wireless technologies. In fact, these days we are actually seeing more opportunity for structured cabling due to the need for infrastructure for new technologies, including wireless,” comments Cassaza. “A campus Wi-Fi system must be inter-connected by a network of fiber optic cabling to assure full speed and bandwidth for all hot-spots. Other technologies increasing the need for structured cabling include gigabit and ten gigabit Ethernet (the need for speed), colocation, video over twisted pair, network security systems, and power over Ethernet (POE), just to name a few."

“At QuickTreX, we have a strong passion for our tools and a great admiration for the people who use them. We believe that the professionals who choose our tools take great pride in their workmanship and therefore deserve nothing but the very best,” says Cassaza. To obtain additional information, call QuickTreX at 800-642-8320 or visit the website at www.quicktrex.com

# # #

About QuickTrex

QuickTreX^® is a manufacturer of high quality datacom products - such as copper cabling hardware, fiber optic cable assemblies, tools and testers - catering to the low voltage cabling industry for use in premise networks, security, and electrical applications. QuickTreX was founded to fill a need for products that are in tune with the technicians who use them. The QuickTrex R&D team is continually researching, staying ahead of developing trends in the market place, in order to offer quality innovative products.

To obtain additional information, call 800-642-8320, or visit the website at www.quicktrex.com

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER

To introduce the quality of QuickTreX products, the following introductory specials are available through September 10, 2010. Use Coupon Code: QTINTRO1 to get the special pricing.

QuickTrex^®Wire Surgeon™ RJ45 Modular Crimping Tool

Reg. $119 Intro Special $77

http://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Professional-Wire-Surgeon-RJ-45-Modular-Crimping-Tool-P5742C0.aspx

Tool Kits

Two durable tool kits designed for real world professional electricians, electronic technicians, premise network and low voltage and cabling installers. All of the tools that you'll ever need and then some. Both tool kits are equally durable and the contents are the same. The difference is in the styling. The Electro-Tech has a rugged look and the Helios has an attaché case design.

Reg. $835.00 Intro Special $560.00

Helios www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Artisan-Series-Helios-Electro-Tech-Toolkit-P5758C0.aspx

Kronos www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Titan-Series-Kronos-Electro-Tech-Toolkit-P5760C325.aspx

FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS – the latest and greatest

Megladon Manufacturing Group took a monumental step for the CATV market by adapting the HLC process to angle polished connectors. Angle polished connectors have been used for years in high speed video transport applications due to inherent low reflection characteristics. The fragile nature of fiber mating surfaces, however, has continued to plague an industry that is more competitive than ever.

With the growing video on demand and streaming video content on the web, a need arises for high quality fiber optic products capable of withstanding this trend. Industry leaders and providers are having to transition into a more competent network infrastructure to conform to the now industry standard of high performance fiber optic networks.

The SCRATCHGUARD™ Fiber Optic Patch Cords (by Megladon Manufacturing Group) is a critical step forward in quality. The fiber optic connector is a crucial component and the “gateway to the fiber optic cabling network”. Damage to the connector due to repeated use has been the biggest problem for network managers, until now. The patented SCRATCHGUARD™ Fiber Optic Patch Cords have virtually eliminated the problem. “We have studied the Megladon Manufacturing products and spoken with several major network operations that are using these breakthrough products. The product exceeds anything else they have ever used.” said Frank Bisbee, Editor of the Heard On The Street column (www.wireville.com). “Jim Hayes, President of the Fiber Optic Association (www.thefoa.org) confirmed the need for education in the fiber optic communications industry as new solutions are coming to the marketplace like a tsunami.” Bisbee added.

Megladon’s SM APC HLC SCRATCHGUARD fiber optic patch cords are ideally equipped for network installers that are utilizing high speed video networks. The HLC technology provides mating surface durability and low loss; paired with an Angle Polish Connector we now have a product that significantly reduces reflection, cutting down on interruptions in any given network.

“Up until now CATV and high speed video applications have not been able to take advantage of our HLC patented processes due to standardization on angle polish connectors. Now they can not only experience the HLC SCRATCHGUARD durability, but we added a reduction in insertion loss and reflection over traditional angle polish products,” said John Culbert, President of Megladon.

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

What is Business Critical?

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

View our Scratch Test demonstration video

Draka Communications Americas Announces Ultra Light ADSS, a New Addition to Draka's All-Dielectric Self Support Product Line

Claremont, North Carolina, (NYSE EURONEXT: DRAKA) – Draka Communications Americas, one of the leading fiber optic cable manufacturers, announces an addition to its All-Dielectric Self Support (ADSS) product line. Branded as Draka Ultra Light ADSS, this new ADSS fiber cable provides customers a lighter weight, smaller diameter, more cost effective design for use in short pole to pole span distances.

Ultra Light ADSS, available up to 30 fibers, can reach maximum span distances of 430 feet in NESC Light weather loading. Ultra Light ADSS is fully compliant and tested to industry requirements such as IEEE1222, RUS 7 CFR 1755, ICEA640 and Telcordia GR20. In addition to aerial self support requirements, Ultra Light ADSS is fully compliant with standard all-dielectric duct cable applications. Ultra Light ADSS is available with factory tested support hardware.

UltraLight ADSS cable is available with Draka's expansive line of optical fibers such as Enhanced Single-Mode Fiber, bend insensitive single-mode fibers (BendBright, BendBright-XS, and BendBright-Elite), long distance fibers (TeraLight Ultra & NZDSF-LA), and multimode fibers.

"Draka continues to meet the growing challenges posed by ADSS applications through an ever expanding product portfolio. We are listening to our customers and constantly delivering products that lower the total cost of ownership, yet maintain network reliability" states Jim Ryan, Product Manager of Outside Plant Products for Draka Communications Americas.

About Draka
Draka (Euronext Amsterdam: DRAK), headquartered in Amsterdam, has 9600 employees in countries worldwide and 2009 revenues of over € 2 billion. Draka has a presence in 31 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

Draka's activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Specialty and Communications. Draka Communications with its four business units, Telecom Solutions, Multimedia Specials, Optical Fiber and Cable Solutions is a global market leader in the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced network solutions. For more information visit us online at www.draka.com/communications.

Electec leads the way for halogen-free next-generation building wiring

ELECTEC Ltd., a Canadian innovator of Manufactured Wiring Systems is leading the way when it comes to delivering new breed halogen-free and eco-friendly building wiring systems. Beginning with EZ-Cabling® in 2006 and more recently, EZ-Wiring®, Electec produces environmentally-responsible voice/data and electrical modular wiring solutions constructed with non-halogenated materials.

Mirroring Electec’s vision of better, safer building wiring solutions, the US Green Building Council recently issued LEED Pilot Credit 2 which allows organizations to earn LEED credits for the use of non-halogenated building wiring and cable jacketing.

Electec’s VP of Business Development, Chris Pezoulas states “Electec’s proactive use of non-halogenated compounds and flame retardants in our products demonstrates our innovation and dedication to building improved modular wiring systems that better reflect the needs of modern building owners, engineers and installers”.

In addition to an eco-friendly construction, the plug-and-play nature of Electec’s modular wiring systems can save owners up to 40% on installed cost and provide years of ongoing value resulting from rapid reconfiguration of electrical equipment, reduced downtime in the event of electrical maintenance and high-quality reusable and relocatable connections.

For further information contact Chris Pezoulas, VP Business Development at 613-836-0300 x226 or click www.electeconline.com

About Electec
A leading-edge manufacturer of modular wiring systems (MWS), Electec is the only GreenSpec™ listed manufacturer of modular wiring systems for branch circuit and voice/data applications. Electec manufactured wiring systems are industry proven with hundreds of installations across North America.

Hitachi Cable Manchester Introduces Revolutionary Cable Design

Manchester, NH, June 27, 2010 – Hitachi Cable Manchester (HCM) launches revolutionary Category 6 cable design.

Hitachi Cable Manchester is pleased to introduce the result of significant research and development efforts, the new Category 6 Plus™ CMP cable. Utilizing state-of-the-art process equipment and a patented design, HCM engineering has been able to make significant improvements to an already successful product. The new Category 6 Plus™ CMP cable (part # 30025-8) features HCM’s new RAD (Reduced Area Design) filler that enables the cable to have an O.D. that is 15% smaller than the previous construction yet provide improved electrical performance. “The RAD filler is really a game changer” said Todd Thurston, Vice President of Sales for HCM. “The new design will benefit contractors and owners alike. The smaller O.D. permits improved conduit fill ratios and with higher performance than the previous model, owners can be certain they are getting the electrical performance they desire. Compared to the competition, we believe this product offers the best value on the market.” The new Plus™ cable is available in Reelex boxes or on reels.

About HCM

HCM, located in Manchester, NH manufacturers a complete line of copper and fiber optic cables for the communication industry. Over 3,500 different cable products are manufactured at this facility. In addition to Category 6A cables, products include Category 6 and 5e cables, outdoor Category 5e and 6 cables, indoor and outdoor fiber optic cables, armored fiber optic cables as well as plenum-rated indoor/outdoor fiber optic cables.

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

FOA Publishes New Textbook On Outside Plant Fiber Optics

FOA Reference Guide to Outside Plant Fiber Optics

The FOA has published a new textbook on outside plant fiber optics, the FOA Reference Guide to Outside Plant Fiber Optics. This textbook is designed to be used for training outside plant fiber optic technicians, studying for FOA certification and as a reference guide for anyone interested in outside plant fiber optics. The book is available from the FOA eStore or Amazon.com for only $27.95 and will soon be available on the Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle electronic book reader.

Outside plant (OSP) fiber optics covers a giant topic, including applications like telephone and wireless backhaul, CATV, municipal networks, utility “smart grid” and the like. The book covers all types of OSP installations including underground, buried, aerial and submarine along with the specialized components, installation techniques and testing requirements for these applications.

This new FOA textbook is the third in a series of reference guides from the FOA covering basic fiber optics, premises cabling (fiber, copper and wireless) and now outside plant fiber optic cabling. This textbook was developed from new material on the FOA Online Reference Guide website (www.foaguide.org), the largest and most widely used reference site about fiber optics on the Internet. For those who prefer reading printed material, we offer this new book, a basic reference for fiber optics and a study guide for FOA certifications. Supplementary materials with even more depth on many subjects, are, of course, on the FOA Reference Guide website.

The FOA has always tried to provide the world with sources of technically correct, unbiased information on fiber optics using both print and electronic media. With the FOA’s experience in certifying over 30,000 fiber optic techs in the last 15 years, we have included the most up-to-date information and organized the materials to make them better arranged for training.

The FOA Reference Guide to Outside Plant Fiber Optics will be used as the new reference guide for training students for the FOA Certified Outside Plant Fiber Optic Technician (CFospT) certification.

Ordering Books

The FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics, ISBN: 1450559670, is available at the FOA eStore (https://www.createspace.com/3429177) or Amazon.com for $27.95.

Review Copies

Review copies of the book are available from the author. Contact Jim Hayes at jim@thefoa.org or 1-760-451-3655 to request a copy.

About the FOA

The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. is an nonprofit educational organization chartered to promote fiber optics through education, certification and standards. Over 230 FOA-Approved schools around the world have certified more than 27,000 fiber optic technicians. The FOA offers free online introductory fiber optic programs for everyone and training for instructors at FOA-Approved schools.

For more information on the FOA, see the organization's website http://www.thefoa.org/, email info@thefoa.org or call 1-760-451-3655.

IT Cabling Manufacturer Siemon’s American Operations are Significantly Carbon Negative

Company’s carbon reductions and offsets exceed actual emissions by over 330%

June 25, 2010 Watertown, CT, USA – Siemon, a worldwide leader in IT network infrastructure, today announced that its U.S. and Canada operations have achieved carbon negativity. Siemon reached this green benchmark through an aggressive program of environmental improvement initiatives, including the development of more energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, Zero-landfill recycling, increased reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar power and carbon offsets based on extensive forestland conservation efforts. Siemon is the first and only network cabling manufacturer to achieve this notable green milestone.

The announcement is based on an extensive audit that identified Siemon’s 2009 US and Canada-based carbon emission sources and calculated their total carbon footprint utilizing publicly available U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. The scope of the study focused on facility-level emissions within organizational boundaries as specified by ISO 14064-1 and included electricity and fossil fuel usage-related CO2 output at Siemon’s Watertown, CT based global headquarters and United States manufacturing facility as well as the effects of the facility’s waste management programs. The audit also compiled fuel consumption for the company’s US and Canada auto fleet and air travel.

Siemon’s 2009 carbon reduction and sustainability programs were also analyzed using EPA data. According to the calculations, Branch Hill Farms, a 3000 acre tree farm established and operated by the Siemon Company board of directors as well as 900 metric tons of waste recycled at Siemon in 2009 and company’s clean solar energy system further reduced yearly carbon output by a combined 16,330 metric tons.

Balanced against the approximately 4880 metric tons of CO2 emissions, the combined 16,330 metric tons of carbon reductions and offsets noted above brings Siemon’s total US and Canada carbon footprint figures to negative 11,450 metric tons – a carbon reduction over 3.3 times larger than the company’s actual carbon output.

“Just about every enterprise - especially manufacturers like Siemon - will produce carbon, but our success proves that there are economical and effective ways to offset the impact of those emissions,” explained Carl Siemon, the company’s CEO.

According to Mr. Siemon, his company’s approach was twofold. Siemon adheres to longstanding continual improvement policies that drive efficient manufacturing and business processes. A more efficient use of energy and materials is not only sound business practice, but also makes the company a more environmentally sustainable operation. Confident that carbon emissions were being reduced at the source, Siemon developed ways to cut further through better waste management, alternative fuels and offsets. As Siemon continues to improve internal operations and processes, they are also working proactively with suppliers and partners to identify areas where mutual improvements to upstream and downstream impact can be made.

“We didn’t set out to be carbon negative,” Mr. Siemon explained. “We just want to be as efficient and environmentally responsible as possible. Being carbon negative is the natural result of over 50 years of progressive environmental stewardship.”

For more information on Siemon’s environmental initiatives, including an overview of their carbon footprint analysis, visit www.siemon.com/green.

Follow Siemon on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/

Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

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About Siemon:

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

Siemon Introduces New Low Power QSFP+ 40Gb/s Active Optical Cabling for High Performance Data Center Applications

Innovative combination of silicon photonics transceiver technology and single mode fiber offers low power, high-speed interconnects that deliver high performance connectivity, increased reliability and extended transmission distances

Watertown, CT June 24, 2010 – Siemon, a leading global manufacturer of IT cabling infrastructure systems today introduced its new line of four lane QSFP+ 40Gb/s active optical cabling assemblies, designed to support interconnect applications such as high-performance computing (HPC), enterprise networking and network storage systems. These high-speed interconnects are a part of Siemon’s Moray™ Active Optical Cabling (AOC) product family and expand Siemon’s extensive portfolio of copper and fiber data center cabling solutions. To learn more about Siemon’s Moray QSFP+ active optical assemblies visit: http://www.siemon.com/sis/

The Moray QSFP+ active optical cable assemblies incorporate the lowest power transceiver in the market that typically requires 780mw by utilizing Silicon CMOS Photonics technology, which features an integrated opto-electronic chip with a directly attached fiber and a micro-packaged laser. This “Fiber-to-the-Chip” technology enables Siemon’s Moray active optical cabling to break the cost barriers while decreasing the number of components in the AOC and improving its reliability when compared with existing vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and multi-mode fiber solutions. Unlike traditional optics that utilize VCSELs and multi-mode fiber for short connections, Moray’s single chip transceivers support any distance from 1 meter to 4,000 meters for inter- and intra-building applications.

The Moray line offers high performance and extended reach optical interconnects at lower-cost than legacy multimode fiber, providing an additional option for high-speed data center connectivity. These single-mode active optical cable assemblies will overcome the technical challenges of legacy technologies to support Ethernet, FibreChannel SAN Storage, InfiniBand systems and several other IO interface links between various blades, boxes, racks, containers and buildings.

The market continues to demand higher bandwidth products and the future Moray product family is poised to support next-generation optical interconnect products for 40Gb/s and 100Gbps applications.

The Moray product is available in custom length options ranging from 1-4000m. EPROM programming options are also available.

Refer to the Siemon Interconnect Solutions website at http://www.siemon.com/sis for additional information on their innovative high-speed interconnect solutions, structured cabling product and Industrial Ethernet components.

Follow Siemon on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/
Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

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About Siemon:
Established in 1903, Siemon (www.siemon.com) is a global industry leader in the development and manufacture of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Siemon’s Interconnect Solutions business unit (SIS) specializes in the development of high-speed interconnects. Headquartered in Watertown, Connecticut, USA, Siemon operates directly in over 30 countries and, through its channels, services customers in over 100 countries. Siemon offers a comprehensive suite of copper and optical fiber cabling systems. With over 400 patents, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and is actively involved with numerous industry standards organizations around the world.
www.siemon.com/is
www.siemon.com

Health Care Connections

By Vawn Himmelsbach

A new cabling standard now in development will go a long way to changing the current landscape in this country's health care sector. With upwards of 30 new hospitals being built in Canada over the next five to eight years, at a cost of $20 billion, the timing is critical.

In 2007, the 479-bed Brampton Civic Hospital, a $790 million high-tech project, opened its doors, hailed as a centre of innovation. Months later, three top executives resigned after several patient deaths were blamed on long wait times, short staffing and poor communication, leading to a march of 1,500 protestors through the streets of downtown Brampton.

The problem was blamed on the magnitude of the project, which included a hospital with new systems, protocols and technology, as well as a number of newly graduated hires. The emergency room, for example, was set up differently than other hospitals, in "pods," and this system still had some kinks in it. But in a hospital environment, technology "kinks" cost lives.

There is no doubt, however, that technology has huge potential for transforming health care, which is why the development of a new cabling standard to address both current and future needs is now underway.

With upwards of 30 new hospitals being built in Canada over the next five to eight years, at a cost of $20 billion, the timing is critical.

The ANSI/TIA1179 draft standard specifies requirements for telecommunications infrastructure in health care facilities including cabling types, topologies and distance requirements, outlet requirements as well as cabling design and installation requirements.

It is intended to support a range of applications, including nurse call, patient tracking, pharmaceutical inventory and clinical systems. The standard could be approved as early as June or later this year.

"Every piece of diagnostic imaging ranging from ultrasounds to CAT scans are based on understanding particle wave theory," says Brantz Myers, director of healthcare business development with Cisco Canada. "Meanwhile we have this other great product of quantum physics - computing - which in the past has been haphazardly applied to the problems around health care. While computers have traditionally been embedded into diagnostic imagers, ultimately those imagers would kick out yet another piece of film. So they would get back to being bound by pulverized cellulose and vegetable dye."

A lot of the problems surrounding e-health and electronic medical records have had to do with getting out of a paper-based world. Historically, computing solutions were created by computer people and thrown over the fence to clinical people. They were not included in the design process, and proponents of those solutions also did not consider the role change management plays in applying new tools and technologies.

"There has been a huge gap or barrier to the successful implementation of what is now called health informatics," says Myers. "While the tools have been around for a long time, they have not been applied well, and there are a myriad of challenges beyond the technology - around uptake, adoption and change management. Now we are seeing consultants who do nothing but change management, since it is so vitally important to deployment."

That is even true of devices. If you bring in a new infusion pump, where the old one was manual and the new one has an LCD display on it, nurses will reject it unless you build in a win for them and train them properly, he adds: "The moving parts are there - the problem comes down to politics and people and money. And while there needs to be a simple, easy "wrapper" for the users of the system, underneath all of this is a powerful medical-grade network that ties together everything from clinical information systems to heating, cooling and lighting systems and conforms to the appropriate privacy and security standards.

"We can now deliver some intelligence to the network through biomedical MAC access control, which allows the network to query what is being plugged into it and apply the right policy to that device," says Myers.

"That actually takes the wiring requirement down a little bit, but at the same time you are applying more wiring into the ceilings of the hospitals to put in access points for location services and wireless information access. That means the skills of the structured cabling industry need to be enhanced with wireless to understand office automation and control systems, because these networks are now touching heating, cooling and lighting."

While the new health care standard is awaiting approval, new hospitals are already taking into account the "spirit" of the standard, says Henry Franc, senior account manager for capital projects with Belden and chair of the TIA TR 42.1 engineering subcommittee. It will help them ensure they have enough space and flexibility in their design to accommodate future changes.

"Often when you are in the planning stages of a hospital that will not go live until 2015, you are doing a basis of design for technologies that may not even have been conceived of yet," says Franc. "And even after they have designed it, they do not necessarily know what the clinical networking requirements are because as much as telecommunications technology is changing at an ever-increasing pace, so is clinical care equipment."

Structured cabling standards evolved from commercial requirements in the 1980s and early 1990s, when everyone was using proprietary systems that required proprietary cabling. When generic cabling came into effect, the TIA 568 series provided a foundation for cabling, but in application the standard was very much a prescriptive document for commercial premises.

Telecommunications was the central focus of the document, since it assumed telecommunications was the primary focus of the facility. "But when you get into a premise standard like health care, what we have to acknowledge is the primary function of the facility is not to deliver telecommunications, but to deliver clinical services," says Franc.

This led to a broad-based open study about the role of telecommunications and health care standards.

Standards are a good thing, but (the results) highlighted the fact we need more work on this, says Franc.

"This health care document is really the first premise-based telecommunications standard where the first priority was respecting the unique nature of that facility and its functions. In a commercial premise, the authority having jurisdiction is typically the building inspector. In hospitals, however, they are not the highest authority having jurisdiction - it is those in infectious control. You are going to build it to code, and the building inspector has to sign off on it, but whoever is in charge of infectious control and clinical operations will have the final say.

In the old commercial document, diversity and resiliency were optional.

In a hospital there are a myriad of other factors that affect patient safety. In a commercial building, for example, the doors swing out to maximize the space in the room. In hospitals, opening up into a common hallway could result in a gurney being hit. As a result, doors have to swing in, which takes up an extra three feet of space. "There are so many more telecommunications IP-based services in a hospital than a commercial building it's not even funny," says Franc.

If you start at the infrastructure level, it becomes an enabler at other levels, meaning data flow is faster and there is better redundancy, fewer patches and fewer points of failure, he points out. Historically each dedicated system was managed by a different department and often a different third-party partner outside the hospital.

"You have got different people going into ceiling tiles at different times and moving or managing other people's systems," says Rod Sampson, vertical marketing manager with Belden. "If you follow the standard, you do not invest in dead-end proprietary protocols. You are not investing in something that's going to become obsolete."

Because hospitals do not renovate - they build a new wing. They cannot just shut down that wing for six months, which is why it is important to put cabling in the walls that will future-proof their investment. Even if systems and applications are designed to be supported over the local-area network, the needs of that LAN are going to change. "Clinici ans do not care about infrastructure, they just want it to work - but infrastructure is a critical component of making it work, and that is where you get a disconnect," says Sampson. CNS

Cabling the 2010 Winter Olympic Games

Reprinted with permission from CNS – Cabling Networking Systems Magazine May/June 2010

Bell's Madigin explains how it was all done at BICSI Canadian Conference

By Paul Barker

MONTREAL - It was massive, it was intimidating and it began with a simple request to Bell Canada executive Joe Madigin: Find out what would it take to successfully cable the Vancouver Winter Olympic and Para-Olympic Games.

With two villages, two media centres, three training venues, nine sporting venues, seven non-competition venues and 54 support sites to worry about, it was evident from the onset that this was not going to be your traditional installation.

"First, we had to decide how big this elephant was going to be," said Madigin in his opening keynote speech here at the recent BICSI Canadian Conference & Exhibition held in early May.

"There is no blueprint for these things. The geography is different, the countries are different. You have to improvise and things change constantly."

The real work began once Madigin had completed his analysis and Bell was named the exclusive telecommunications partner in 2004, at which point it vowed to deliver the first all-IP Games. In his presentation, he outlined what went on at each of the venues during the building phase over a five year period that ended with the successful completion of the infrastructure.

First, there was a 120 kilometre fiber line in the Sea to Sky corridor between Vancouver and Whistler.

"That was an incredible task," said Madigin, Bell's Manager of Telecommunications Infrastructure. "As that piece got underway, we had to take a good look at what was required within the venues. We had to look at past Games as a starting point."

The venue build involved nine cable designers, 10 cabling contracting firms, and the installation of 24,400 Category 5e drops, 451 telecom closets and over 900 kilometres of fiber. Copper and fiber totals ended up being twice as much as the original estimate.

Combined, they provided connectivity for such functions as timing and scoring and the administration network to scoreboards and security.

"Connectivity is king," said Madigin. "Without it, you would not have seen the Games on television or read about them in newspapers. Every picture, every story, every timing result was all running over the cable that we installed for the Games into these venues."

The flip side is that the bulk of the cable that was installed was ripped out at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in late March.

A case in point is GM Place, home of the Vancouver Canucks, and BC Place, site of the Opening and Closing ceremonies.

Peter Christoff, general manager of Centre Communications Ltd., a Richmond, B.C. cabling contractor which carried out the installation at both venues as well as in an outside compound, says multimode and single mode fiber were installed at each along with 2,200 Category 5e cables.

It took a crew of 15 six months to carry out the installation at each of the three locations and two weeks to remove it.

"There was absolutely, crazy serious pressure during the last two weeks before the Games," recalls Christoff. "David Atkins (who choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies), had changes, upon changes upon changes every day. To manage them and keep smiling was a very, very daunting task."

Despite that challenge, it was an exhilarating time. For example, Christoff conducted a post-project recap evaluation with all crew members. Everyone, he says, "loved the grandness of the venue and working in the big stadium."

"How did we do it?" asked Madigin. "First you have to build a good team. I was very fortunate to have a great team of designers and each had one prime venue to work on. We had to take the risk out of this project very early on, which meant putting out an RFP early. All of the cabling contractors"

Reprinted with permission from CNS – Cabling Networking Systems Magazine May/June 2010

More than 50 Buildings Earn BOMA 360 Designation for Exemplifying Excellence

Largest BOMA 360 Class Ever to be Recognized during BOMA Conference in Long Beach

(WASHINGTON—June 22, 2010) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International today announced the latest class of buildings to earn the BOMA 360 Performance Program® designation. The BOMA 360 Performance Program is a groundbreaking new program designed to recognize commercial properties that demonstrate best practices in building operations and management. More than 50 buildings were conferred with the BOMA 360 Performance designation this month. These buildings, along with all BOMA 360 buildings conferred in the last year, will be honored in a ceremony at the 2010 BOMA International Conference in Long Beach, Calif.

“These buildings and their management teams have demonstrated that they are operating at the highest levels of excellence in our industry,” noted BOMA International Chair James A. Peck, RPA, FMA, senior director of asset services, CB Richard Ellis. “The growing number of buildings seeking the BOMA 360 designation further speaks to the importance of comprehensive, high-quality property management and operations.”

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

The new class of BOMA 360 buildings includes:

1000 Parkwood Circle

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: Parmenter Parkwood LP, LLLP

Manager: Parmenter Realty Partners

1500 Quail

Newport Beach, Calif.

Owner: MIREF 1500 Quail, LLC

Manager: Cushman & Wakefield

2040 Main

Irvine, Calif.

Owner: 2040 Main, LLC

Manager: Transwestern

245 Park

New York, N.Y.

Owner: BFP 245 Park Co.LLC

Manager: Brookfield Properties

2500 City West

Houston, Texas

Owner: TPG 2500 City West, L.P.

Manager: Thomas Properties Group

505 Montgomery

San Francisco, Calif.

Owner: RREEF AMERICA REIT II CORP. RRR

Manager: CB Richard Ellis, Inc.

Aon Center

Chicago, Ill.

Owner: Piedmont Office Realty Trust

Manager: Jones Lang LaSalle

Bank of America Tower

Jacksonville, Fla.

Owner: Jacksonville Tower Associates, LLC

Manager: Parmenter Realty Partners

300 Madison Avenue

New York, N.Y.

Owner: BFP 300 Madison II LLC

Manager: Brookfield

China Basin-Berry Street Building

San Francisco, Calif.

Owner: China Basin/San Francisco LLC

Manager: McCarthy Cook & Co.

China Basin-Wharfside Building

San Francisco, Calif.

Owner: China Basin/San Francisco LLC

Manager: McCarthy Cook & Co.

Concourse Corporate Center Five

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: 485 Properties, LLC

Manager: Cousins Properties Inc.

Concourse Corporate Center Four

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: Concourse IV Associates

Manager: Cousins Properties Services, LLC

Concourse Corporate Center One

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: Teachers Concourse, LLC

Manager: Cousins Properties

Concourse Corporate Center Six

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: TIAA-CREF

Manager: Cousins Properties Services

Concourse Corporate Center Two

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: Teachers Concourse, LLC

Manager: Cousins Properties

Four WestLake

Houston, Texas

Owner: WestLake Four Tenant LLC

Manager: Stream Realty Partners - Houston

Grace Building

New York, N.Y.

Owner: Brookfield Properties

Manager: Brookfield Properties

Granite Tower @ 290

Houston, Texas

Owner: NWX Partners Ltd

Manager: Granite Properties

Hawthorne Street

San Francisco, Calif.

Owner: RREEF America REIT III Corp. EE2

Manager: B Richard Ellis

Highland Oaks I & II

Downers Grove, Ill.

Owner: Realty Associates Fund VII, LLC

Manager: CB Richard Ellis

Howard Street

San Francisco, Calif.

Owner: RREEF America REIT III Corp. EE3

Manager: CB Richard Ellis

Las Colinas Corporate Center I

Irving, Texas

Owner: Wells REIT - Las Colinas Corporate Center I, LP

Manager: Piedmont Office Management

Lenox Park Building A

Memphis, Tenn.

Owner: Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, LLC and Tenants in Common

Manager: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc.

Lenox Park Building B

Memphis, Tenn.

Owner: Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, LLC and Tenants in Common

Manager: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc.

Lenox Park Building C

Memphis, Tenn.

Owner: Grubb & Ellis Reality Investors, LLC. and Tenants in Common

Manager: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc.

Lenox Park Building D

Memphis, Tenn.

Owner: Grubb & Ellis Reality Investors, LLC. and Tenants in Common

Manager: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc.

Lenox Park Building E

Memphis, Tenn.

Owner: Grubb & Ellis Reality Investors, LLC. and Tenants in Common

Manager: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc

Lenox Park Building F

Memphis, Tenn.

Owner: Grubb & Ellis Reality Investors, LLC. and Tenants in Common

Manager: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc

Lincoln Plaza

Dallas, Texas

Owner: California State Teachers Retirement System

Manager: CB Richard Ellis

MacArthur Plaza

Irving, Texas

Owner: Falcon Southwest

Manager: Transwestern

Manhattan Towers

Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Owner: Wells REIT II - Manhattan Towers

Manager: Piedmont Office Management

Metro Center - 535

Costa Mesa, Calif.

Owner: RREEF America REIT II Corp, CCCC

Manager: Transwestern

Metro Center - 555

Costa Mesa, Calif.

Owner: RREEF America REIT II Corp CCCC

Manager: Transwestern

Metro Center - 575

Costa Mesa, Calif.

Owner: RREEF America REIT II Corp CCCC

Manager: Transwestern

One Liberty Plaza

New York, N.Y.

Owner: Brookfield Properties

Manager: Brookfield Properties

One New York Plaza

New York, N.Y.

Owner: Brookfield Properties

Manager: Brookfield Properties

One World Financial Center

New York, N.Y.

Manager: Brookfield Properties One WFC Co. LLC

Owner: Brookfield

Paces West

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: Behringer Harvard

Manager: Behringer Harvard

Park Central 7

Dallas, Texas

Owner: Parmenter Park Central, LP

Manager: Parmenter Realty Partners

Park Central 8

Dallas, Texas

Owner: Parmenter Park Central, LP

Manager: Parmenter Realty Partners

Park Central 9

Dallas, Texas

Owner: Parmenter Park Central, LP

Manager: Parmenter Realty Partners

Pennzoil Place

Houston, Texas

Owner: Metropolis Investments Holding, Inc.

Manager: Transwestern

Ralph H. Metcalfe

Chicago, Ill.

Owner: General Service Administration

Manager: General Service Administration

Republic Plaza

Denver, Colo.

Owner: Brookfield Republic Plaza LLC

Manager: Brookfield Properties Colorado LLC

Resurgens Plaza

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: Behringer Harvard

Manager: Behringer Harvard

Riverwood 100

Atlanta, Ga.

Owner: Riverwood 100 VAF, LLC

Manager: Fifth Street Management

San Jose Campus

San Jose, Calif.

Owner: Adobe Systems Incorporated

Manager: Cushman and Wakefield

The Orrick Building

San Francisco, Calif.

Owner: 405 Howard LLC

Manager: Ashforth Pacific of California

Three WestLake

Houston, Texas

Owner: WestLake Three Tenant LLC

Manager: Stream Realty Partners - Houston

Two Forest Plaza

Dallas, Texas

Owner: Parmenter Two Forest Plaza, LP

Manager: Parmenter Realty Partners

Two Riverway

Houston, Texas

Owner: Two Riverway Holdings, LLC

Manager: Stream Realty

U.S. Bank Plaza

St. Louis, Mo.

Owner: U.S. Bank

Manager: Cassidy Turley

Westwood Corporate Center

Orlando, Fla.

Owner: Manulife Financial

Manager: Manulife Financial

Xerox Centre

Santa Ana, Calif.

Owner: 1851 East First Street Investors, LLC

Manager: PM Realty Group

To view all the buildings that have received the BOMA 360 designation, visit http://www.boma.org/getinvolved/boma360/Pages/360Buildings.aspx.

For more information on the BOMA 360 Performance Program, visit www.boma.org/GetInvolved/BOMA360.

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About BOMA International

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. Founded in 1907, its 17,000-plus members own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties. BOMA International’s mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. On the Web at www.boma.org.

Siemon Announces New ConvergeIT Infrastructure for Green Intelligent Building Infrastructures

Program developed to help architects, design-build firms, building owners and contractors plan and deploy efficient IT cabling infrastructure for support of green intelligent buildings

June 10, 2010, Watertown, CT — Siemon today announces the launch of its new ConvergeIT intelligent building cabling program. ConvergeIT combines Siemon’s well-known network infrastructure expertise and technical and installation support capabilities with its comprehensive structured cabling product line to provide a straightforward process for the implementation of a converged, IP-based intelligent building cabling system.

Growing in global popularity, the intelligent or “smart” building concept combines multiple data, low voltage and building automation applications onto one centrally managed network. These converged systems can include voice/data, video surveillance, access control, digital signage, audio/video, fire alarms, energy management, HVAC and more. According to a study conducted by the Continental Automated Building Association (CABA), properly planned intelligent buildings can cut energy costs by up to 70%¹ and the US EPA states that these smart platforms can enhance building asset value by 2-3² times initial investment.

Siemon’s ConvergeIT program takes the intelligent building approach a step further, supporting the facility’s various low-voltage applications on a single IP-based structured cabling system rather than on separate and often proprietary cabling plants. “IT structured cabling is the ideal solution for a converged intelligent building cabling infrastructure,” explained Robert Carlson Siemon’s Vice President of Global Marketing. “It provides the flexibility and performance to support multiple critical building systems at the highest reliability levels.”

The efficient ConvergeIT approach to smart buildings also offers strong cost reduction and simplified system management benefits. By eliminating multiple proprietary cabling types in favor of a single structured cabling plant, material and labor costs can be cut significantly. According to CABA, overall intelligent system cabling material costs can be reduced by up to 33%¹. This consolidation of infrastructure can also drive up to 40% savings in pathway material costs³. Because the structured cabling plant can be deployed by a single IT contractor as opposed to the multiple specialized installation groups often required with proprietary systems, ConvergeIT can reduce overall low-voltage building cabling and pathway installation labor costs by 28%³ or more.

“ConvergeIT also drives a greener, more sustainable smart building,” adds Carlson. “The energy savings enabled by power management systems like automated HVAC and lighting controls as well as cable and pathway material reductions not only save money, but are key elements of green building initiatives such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification system.”

Beyond reduced deployment costs and sustainability improvements, ConvergeIT can cut ongoing maintenance and management costs. Converged IP-based cabling can cut intelligent system-related move, add and change costs by 20% versus multiple systems¹. The centralized smart cabling plant approach can also reduce the reliance on multiple specialized installers in favor of a single IT cabling contractor, saving up to 15% in service contract costs¹.

This operational efficiency extends to facility maintenance and IT personnel. The simplified system management capabilities of IP-based intelligent building cabling allows critical information to be more easily shared between building systems and enables staff to access system information from anywhere on the network. This can help minimize staff resource requirements while simultaneously reducing response time to minimize costly business disruptions.

To learn more about Siemon’s ConvergeIT intelligent building cabling program, please visit www.siemon.com/convergeit. This online resource center provides key information on Siemon’s ConvergeIT technical support and design resources as well assistance in locating a highly-trained Siemon Certified Installer to deploy your ConvergeIT system.

Follow Siemon on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/

Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

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References:
1 – Bright Green Buildings: Convergence of Green and Intelligent Buildings, CABA, 2008
2 – EPA EnergyStar
3 – ConvergeIT: Enabling Intelligent, Green Buildings, Siemon

About Siemon:

BICSI ANDEAN AREA RISES TO DISTRICT STATUS

Tampa, Fla., July 8, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, has seen recent growth in the Andean area in South America. Composed of the countries of Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, the newly formed Andean District has 110 members, including 24 corporate members.

BICSI Districts are formed when more than 100 members are active within the area. In 2001, the Andean area achieved district status for a short time. Since then their member numbers have fluctuated but, recently, the area has regained its status.

This May, the 2010 Andean Conference, held in Bogotá, Colombia, hosted more than 636 ITS professionals and 40 exhibitors. This conference marked the largest BICSI event to be held outside of North America. Andean District activity is led by District Chair Nelson Farfan, RCDD, and District Secretary Carlos José Buznego Niochet.

“The Colombian steering committee helped us achieve success at the Andean Conference,” stated Farfan. “Professionals from 10 countries were present at the event. As a District, we now have plans to do small events every two months to give the members updates on technology and products.”

“I was extremely impressed with all aspects of the Andean Conference,” said BICSI President-Elect and Chair of the BICSI International District Council Jerry Bowman, RCDD, NTS, CISSP, CPP, TPM, CSI. “It was clear that Nelson and his Steering Committee worked very hard to ensure a world-class conference. The overwhelming success in the number of attendees and exhibitors is evidence of the spirit of BICSI International. I applaud the leadership that was so evident everywhere you looked during the conference.”

The Andean District joins the ranks of other BICSI districts including the Caribbean, Middle East/Africa, South Pacific and Japan. Other international areas working toward district status include India, Central America, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Cono Sur, Brazil and Mexico. BICSI Regions, which are comprised of more than 500 members, include Europe, Canada, U.S. North-Central, U.S. Northeast, U.S. South-Central, U.S. Southeast and U.S. Western.

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

BICSI EUROPEAN CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS NEW ITS TRENDS AND DATA CENTER STANDARD

Dublin, Ireland, June 25, 2010―BICSI, the international association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, brought its 2010 BICSI European Conference & Exhibition to a close yesterday afternoon at the Citywest Conference & Golf Resort in Dublin. The event brought together over 250 industry professionals and exhibitors for two days of presentations, workshops, debates, social events and networking.

John Bentham, RCDD, of CISCom Technology Ltd and BICSI Ireland Country Chair, said, “Ireland has been privileged serving as a host for the BICSI European Conference & Exhibition for the third consecutive time. The close accessibility of the conference to our members has helped the development of BICSI in Ireland. This year's conference was particularly remarkable for the high-level content in a format which is only found at BICSI conferences. Keeping up to date with technology developments and standards and having the opportunity of discussing these with other industry professionals is of great value to our members. As the only integrated ITS conference, BICSI provides a unique platform for this. We are already looking forward to next year's conference in Edinburgh.”

The conference also marked the launch of the new Data Center Standard—BICSI 002-2010, Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices, a comprehensive guide to all the requirements and regulations for data center designers, owners and operators. As the industry’s first standard providing a holistic approach to data center design, this document will help the roll out of more efficient data centers, complying with increasingly challenging regulations.

The Conference General Session opened with a technical presentation, “Cabling for Distributed Antenna Systems: A Cost-Effective and Non-Disruptive Strategy to Cater for Today's and Tomorrow’s In-Building Wireless Coverage Needs,” by Matias Peluffo of CommScope (Ireland), which addressed the issue of how to deliver indoor mobile coverage anywhere and everywhere, as now expected by consumers, and the pros and cons of several distributed antenna systems (DAS) cabling strategies.

This was followed by a presentation on “Supportive Cabled Infrastructures for Wireless Topologies,” by Dr. George R. Rivera Jr., RCDD, from Chino, Calif. The seminar covered additional opportunities in cable provision that are present in the deployment of wireless networks.

The conference then broke into a series of concurrent sessions, led by speakers from across Europe and the U.S., covering a range of industry topics, including:

· Why Cable Bends Matter in Enterprise Networks, and Why Multimode Fiber Prevails

· IP Consolidation—Security and Other Applications

· A Future-Proof Approach to ITS Design for Safety and Security

· How Energy Legislation Will Affect the IT Industry

· Layer Zero: Your Network Revolution

· New Developments in Field Testing of Fiber Optic Links

· Guide to Deploying a HDTV Network Surveillance Solution

· UPS Value and Need in the Data Center

· Auditing a Data Center—But to What Standard?

· New Cabling Technologies for Data Center Management and Control

In addition, two after-hours debates allowed a more in-depth focus on key industry trends. The first looked at “Optical Fiber for 40G/100G in the Data Center: Singlemode or Multimode?” As IEEE nears completion of its 802.3ba - Standards for 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s, Ethernet data center planners are evaluating the different physical layer choices available to them. Hosted by CommScope, the debate was moderated by Mike Gilmore, Technical and Standards Director of the UK Fibreoptic Industry Association.

The second, hosted by Fluke Europe, discussed “10 Gigabits per Second” and such questions as which accuracy measurement it would be essential to assume when testing links and whether testing with patch cords gives reliable and accurate results.

“The 2010 BICSI European Conference & Exhibition has offered delegates an exciting two days, packed with prime education and networking value,” commented Rita Recalcati, BICSI European Region Director, from Anixter. “In addition to the in-depth technical presentations, delegates enjoyed two high-quality after hours debates hosted by CommScope and Fluke Networks. These debates were particularly well received as highly interactive sessions featuring industry experts discussing the latest technological developments and challenges. The many networking opportunities at the exhibition, as well as during the social functions allowed ongoing discussions well into the evening hours. Organizing this type of event during the World Cup allowed BICSI to turn a challenge into an opportunity by providing a unique chance to watch the matches with a group of 250 IT professionals. Our cheers, supported with sponsored drinks, must have been heard all the way to South Africa, and surely contributed to the UK's victory against Slovenia! The excitement carried through into the BICSI Barbeque, another prime networking evening. Thanks to all delegates for coming to Dublin to learn and network with us, and thanks to our sponsors for helping us making this event a success.”

The content and format of the conference was appreciated by the attendees. Paul Sanders, RCDD, of PR Power Installations Ltd in Nottingham, U.K., said, “The conference was a lot of fun and packed with useful technical information. What I liked best was the opportunity to network with other RCDDs and learn how they handle campus and hospital security issues. The football and barbeque parties were not bad either." Denis Dumont of Panduit (France) found the conference “a wonderful venue to learn. I especially liked the fiber optic and energy sessions."

A new award was also launched at the conference—the BICSI European Member of the Year Award. The winner, Greg Sherry, RCDD, NTS, WD, of Data Center Dynamics, was recognized as the member who has done most to further BICSI’s development in Europe.

The conference closed with a presentation on the BICSI Cares initiative, the association’s charity arm. BICSI Cares ensures support for local charities in every location where a BICSI conference is held. Donations by delegates from the 2010 European Conference & Exhibition were given to The Children First Foundation which supports poor children living in Ireland. The foundation provides counseling, educational, emotional and developmental support, assisting those less fortunate in breaking free of the poverty trap. More information can be found at www.childrenfirst.ie.

For more information about the conference, visit www.bicsi.org/european.

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

CINCINNATI BELL TELEPHONE UPGRADES TO ETI’S TRIAD

ETI Provides Flow-Through Service Activation for Fiber Products

Norcross, GA, June 4, 2010 – Cincinnati Bell Telephone (‘CBT’) has deployed Enhanced Telecommunications, Inc.’s (d.b.a. ETI Software Solutions) (www.etisoftware.com) Triad Service Delivery Platform (‘SDP’), for automated, flow-through service activation on CBT’s fiber network - providing voice, video and data services.

CBT identified the need for automation due to the technical complexities associated with activating the Optical Network Terminal (“ONT”), and the desire for tight integration between billing and service activation.

“We selected ETI because they have a proven solution,” says Darrick Zucco, FIOPTICS Vice President and General Manager, Cincinnati Bell Telephone, referring to ETI’s previous integration and deployments with Alcatel-Lucent’s 7342 GPON product and Motorola’s AXS Vision GPON product. “We expect this product to improve the installation, activation, service and billing of our fiber products after the integration of Triad into our existing architecture.”

Using Triad’s business-level XML API, several BSS and OSS applications push data into the SDP. The SDP, in turn, provides the flow-through activation of voice, video, and data on the ONT ports.

“Cincinnati Bell demonstrates the scalability of our solution,” says Pete Pifer, Chief Executive Officer, ETI. “They see the value in using a proven solution, and have allowed us to showcase the tangible ROI we deliver. Triad enables CBT to deploy new services quickly, seamlessly, on-schedule and on-budget.”

CBT also uses Triad to control service activation on video set top boxes (‘STB’s) and Video on Demand (“VoD”). Within the scope of the provisioning, ETI provides direct interfaces to CBT’s service routers for data provisioning, telephone gateways for voice provisioning, and an interface to a SIP server for VOIP provisioning using the Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”).

“CBT also uses ETI’s Triad to activate video, video-on-demand and numerous network elements to support fiber services – it’s an impressive use of Triad and speaks to what we’ve always designed it to be,” Pifer added, referring to the complete array of ETI’s provisioning interfaces used by CBT.

About Cincinnati Bell Inc.

With headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Bell (NYSE:CBB) provides integrated communications solutions - including local, long distance, data, Internet, wireless and entertainment services - that help keep residential and business customers connected with each other and with the world. In addition, businesses ranging in size from start-up to large enterprises turn to Cincinnati Bell for efficient, scalable office communications systems as well as complex information technology solutions including data center and managed services.

About Enhanced Telecommunications, Inc. d/b/a ETI Software Solutions

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, ETI Software Solutions is a developer of software products deployed by more than 120 telecommunications service providers serving millions of subscribers worldwide. ETI Service Delivery Platforms (SDP) allow existing IT back office systems to support new technologies without the need for expensive and time consuming system design and integration activities. For more information visit www.etisoftware.com

DATA CENTER DESIGN STANDARD RELEASED BY BICSI

Tampa, Fla., June 21, 2010—BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, is proud to announce the release of its newest standard, BICSI 002-2010, Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices.

With the push for greater capacity, increased efficiency and higher levels of utilization, data centers have become more complex to design and bring on-line. Due to this, today’s data center designer is often required to have knowledge in mechanical, electrical and telecommunications systems—areas not typically found in the same reference manuals or standards.

BICSI 002 addresses this need. Written to complement existing standards, within its pages are requirements, recommendations and additional information that should be considered when planning and building a data center, such as site selection, layout, thermal systems and security.

“BICSI 002 is a great resource for data center designers and operators because it provides a wealth of information on the subjects important to this audience—all in one place,” said Jonathan Jew, Co-chair of the Data Center Standards Subcommittee and lead editor of the standard. “It is the culmination of the efforts of more than 150 subject matter experts in a wide variety of disciplines related to data center design.”

BICSI’s Standards Committee is comprised of more than 200 members from around the globe. Established in 2004, the Data Center Subcommittee has put in significant time and expertise approving BICSI 002.

“This is truly a great achievement for BICSI and our membership as BICSI 002-2010, Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices is the ultimate standard for anyone working in the data center arena,” said Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, CSI, BICSI President. “I’d like to extend a thanks to all of the Data Center Subcommittee members for their hard work and dedication in producing what we believe to be the most comprehensive data center standard to date.”

BICSI 002 is available for purchase at www.bicsi.org/standards. BICSI members qualify for a reduced fee.

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

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Launches Its Next Generation Lynx2 Splice Connector, Enabling Cost Effective SC, LC, and FC Customized Field Termination

Lynx2 fusion splice connector is the first in the industry to offer the three leading SC, LC, and FC connector types. It eliminates the crimping process, expensive crimp tools, and other processes and materials, yielding faster deployment and cost savings for customized field termination for data center, FTTx, Fiber-to- the- Home, central office, optical network terminal (ONT), fiber distribution hub, and other fiber optic network applications.

Research Triangle Park, NC, March 24, 2010 — Sumitomo Electric Lightwave (www.sumitomoelectric.com), a leader in fiber optic product manufacturing, announced today the introduction of the Lynx2 CustomFit® Splice-On Connector, the first splice connector in the industry to offer the three leading connector types, SC, LC, and FC for single-mode, 50 and 62.5 micron multimode, and gigabit laser optimized multimode fiber types. The latest design of the Lynx2 Splice Connector eliminates the need for crimping, making splice connectorizations easier and more cost effective for customized FTTx, outside plant, and inside plant field terminations. The splice-on connector is ideal also for central office, enterprise network, fiber distribution hub, data center, and other fiber optic network applications.

Lynx2 features a fast and easy to use screw-on collar to secure the Kevlar® and jacket, eliminating the crimping process and the use of high priced crimping tools. The method of termination provided by Sumitomo’s Lynx2 CustomFit Connector eliminates the guess work in predetermining the length of preterminated jumpers required for a given application, allowing the field technician to customize the termination in the field, ensuring quick, accurate, and permanent connectorizations. The Lynx2 also eliminates the necessity and associated costs of hand polishing, and maintaining an inventory of splice trays, index matching gels, and varying lengths of preterminated jumpers.

“ At Sumitomo, we’re committed to continuous innovation, striving to make our next generation products significantly better than the last,” says Josh Seawell, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave’s product manager for its Lightwave Network Products division. “The Lynx2 CustomFit Connector ensures that our customers achieve faster deployments, increased productivity, and reduced costs.”

Lynx2 has passed independent testing for GR-326-CORE and GR-1081-CORE compliance. The new splice-on connector provides APC, UPC, and PC (MMF) polishing options, and yields average insertion losses of only 0.15dB for single-mode fiber and 0.10dB for multimode fiber. The new splice-on connector is compatible with Sumitomo’s FastCat Type-39FH, TuffCat Type-66 Mass, TomCat Type-25e fusion splicers, and earlier models, and can also be used with other splicer brands. The Lynx2 CustomFit Connector is currently available for order.

About Sumitomo Electric Lightwave: Sumitomo Electric Lightwave (SEL), located in Research Triangle Park, NC, is dedicated to tailoring the fiber optic networks of major communications service provider companies through the manufacturing of optical fiber cable, ribbon-configured network solutions, fusion splicers, FTTx products, and its FutureFlex®Air-blown Fiber® System. SEL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Industries, a global leader in the innovation, development, and manufacturing of products to advance the information and communications industry. For more information, please call 800-358-7378, email us at info@sumitomoelectric.com, or visit us at www.sumitomoelectric.com. ®Kevlar is a registered trademark of DuPont

Fiber Solutions Shine in Latest USDA List of Stimulus-Funded Rural Broadband Projects

WASHINGTON, DC - A clear majority of the rural broadband stimulus projects funded thus far under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are using fiber to the home as the principal access technology, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council said today.

In a new report summarizing all of the awards announced thus far under the recovery act's Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the 68 projects funded thus far will create 5,000 immediate and direct jobs and serve more than a half million rural households. The report is available for download here.

In its analysis, the FTTH Council noted that more than half of the 62 initiatives identified as "last-mile" projects in the BIP program will involve end-to-end fiber optic solutions, with the reminder divided over other access technologies including wireless, DSL and coaxial cable.

"Given that the goals of the recovery act include creating both new jobs and a robust network infrastructure that will serve these rural communities for many decades to come, it is no surprise that FTTH appears to be the access technology of choice for rural broadband," said Joe Savage, President of the FTTH Council. "Studies have shown that using end-to-end fiber is the best way to create the maximum number of jobs while 'future-proofing' networks against ever-increasing demand for more bandwidth."

Savage echoed the comments of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who in releasing the report noted that the BIP projects will also create new opportunities for rural prosperity, particularly by supporting improvements in education, public safety, medical diagnostic services, business development, and opportunities for farmers and agricultural producers.

"There are already more than 700 companies deploying fiber to the home networks in communities across the U.S., most of them in rural areas," said Savage. "We feel FTTH has proven itself as the best technology for rural broadband, and we're delighted that the decisions made thus far in awarding stimulus monies appear to be confirming that."

About the Fiber-to-the-Home Council

Now in its ninth year, the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council is a non-profit association consisting of companies and organizations that deliver video, Internet and/or voice services over high-bandwidth, next-generation, direct fiber optic connections - as well as those involved in planning and building FTTH networks. The Council works to create a cohesive group to share knowledge and build industry consensus on key issues surrounding fiber to the home. Its mission is to educate the public and government officials about FTTH solutions and to promote and accelerate deployment of fiber to the home and the resulting quality of life enhancements such networks make possible. The Council organizes North America's largest annual FTTH event, the FTTH Conference & Expo, to be held September 12 - 16, 2010 in Las Vegas. More information about the Council can be found at www.ftthcouncil.org.

GENERAL CABLE management changes

General Cable Corporation announced the appointment of Emmanuel Sabonnadiere as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Europe and Mediterranean region and Executive Vice President of General Cable Corporation effective July 1, 2010. Emmanuel will succeed Domingo Goenaga, who will remain with the company as an Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of our European holding company. He will assist Emmanuel in the transition and will join the boards of a number of other General Cable investments and operating companies around the world, building on Domingo’s more than 45 years of leadership and demonstrated results in the wire and cable industry.

Emmanuel has a MBA, as well as a PhD in physics and nearly 20 years of senior management experience in energy transmission and distribution with Schneider Electric and Alstom. Emmanuel joined General Cable two years ago as Managing Director of our Silec operations in France and recently became Chairman of the Board of our Algerian business.

According to Chief Executive Officer Gregory B. Kenny, “The company continues to leverage European skills in high voltage and undersea cables as well as process and material science know-how across the globe. At the same time, General Cable will continue to look for ways to expand its presence in the Europe and Mediterranean region including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Emmanuel is the right person for this job with his strong academic and professional background. We welcome him to the global Operating Committee of General Cable.”

General Cable is a leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for the energy, industrial, and communications markets.

GRAYBAR NEWS 2010

The good guys keep getting better.

Pelco Mobile Security Showcase to Visit Graybar Branches

Graybar Appoints Steve Stone Vice President, Comm/Data

Graybar Reports 2010 First Quarter Results

Graybar Opens New Logistics Center in Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Graybar Sponsors Formula Hybrid Car Competition

Graybar Names Scott Neubauer Vice President, Service and Administration

Graybar Names Scott Clifford Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Graybar Appoints Rob Bezjak Vice President, Government Sales

Graybar Appoints Bill Mansfield Vice President, Industrial Market

Graybar Reports 2009 Results

Graybar Announces Organizational Changes to Drive Strategic Growth

Graybar Names Rick Harvey New York District Vice President

Graybar Announces Executive

WWW.GBE.COM

Fusion Communications wired Ware Disposal’s infrastructure with ICC structured cabling solutions

Fusion Communications, Inc. is one of the fastest growing telecommunications providers in a Southern California.

A leader in environmental protection, solid waste and recycling services, Ware Disposal Co., Inc. needed to network together its two facilities in Fullerton and Santa Ana. The 25,000 square foot Fullerton location required 60 voice and data connections in two wiring closets. The 17,000 square foot Santa Ana location required 40 voice and data connections, also in two wiring closets. Both infrastructures support multi-user workstations and handle high bandwidth activity such as network servers, printers, VoIP phones, and employee time clocks.

Choosing the Right Structured Cabling System

Fusion Communications opted to install an ICC cabling system for both locations, selecting high performance CAT 5e data connectivity and premise cables. ICC 7-foot distribution racks were installed and loaded with CAT 5e data patch panels and horizontal cable management.

Fusion Communications’ Systems Engineer, Frank Amato, said, “By networking Ware Disposal Co., Inc. locations with Mitel® 3300 ICPs, Mitel NetSolutions^® and ICC cabling, we were able to combine voice and data network services in a much more efficient manner. This not only greatly reduced Ware Disposal Co., Inc.’s monthly phone bill, but also has increased their overall operational efficiency, resulting in enhanced customer service.”

The Benefits of Offering Manufacturer Warranty

As an ICC Elite Certified Installer, Fusion was able to offer Ware Disposal Co., Inc. ICC’s manufacturer warranty to guarantee the quality and performance of the network installation. Amato said, “By offering ICC’s manufacturer warranty, we can set ourselves apart from our competition and offer our customers a quality product and service on every installation.”

For more information about ICC products, call us at 888-ASK-4ICC (275-4422) or visit us on-line at www.icc.com.

DuPont spent $1.2 million lobbying gov't in 1Q

DuPont said they paid registered lobbyists 1.21 million in the first quarter to lobby the federal government on climate change, energy issues and the genetically engineered seed industry, according to a disclosure report.

DuPont's lobbying expenditures are up from the $800,000 the company spent during the same period last year, but are about even with the $1.2 million the company spent in the fourth quarter of 2009.

DuPont, a chemical company with diverse holdings and a growing stake in the genetically engineered seed business, also lobbied the federal government on a bill to develop alternative energy sources, according to the report filed April 20 with the House clerk's office.

In the January-to-March period, DuPont lobbied Congress, the White House, the Department of State, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to the report.

Optical Cable Corporation Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results

ROANOKE, Va., June 14, 2010 Optical Cable Corporation announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended April 30, 2010.

Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results

OCC reported consolidated net sales of $15.3 million for second quarter of fiscal year 2010. Sequentially, consolidated net sales for the quarter increased 1.7% compared to the consolidated net sales of $15.0 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. Net sales were flat when compared to consolidated net sales of $15.3 million for the second quarter of last year.

Net sales of OCC's enterprise connectivity products and in OCC's commercial markets increased during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 compared to the same period last year. These increases were offset by decreases in net sales of the Company's fiber optic cable products and in OCC's specialty markets.

OCC recorded a net loss attributable to the Company of $7.5 million, or $1.27 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010, compared to net income of $16,000, or earnings of less than $0.01 per basic and diluted share, for the same period last year.

Significantly contributing to the net loss during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 was a non-recurring, non-cash impairment charge of $6.2 million to write-off the carrying value of the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Applied Optical Systems, Inc. ("AOS").

Fiscal Year-to-Date 2010 Financial Results

OCC's consolidated net sales for each of the first halves of fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were $30.3 million. Net sales of OCC's enterprise connectivity products and in the Company's commercial markets increased during the first half of fiscal year 2010 compared to the same period last year. This increase was partially offset by decreases in net sales of OCC's fiber optic cable products and in the Company's specialty markets.

Gross profit decreased 6.9% to $9.8 million for the first half of fiscal year 2010, compared to $10.5 million for the same period in fiscal 2009. Gross profit margin for the first half of fiscal year 2010 decreased to 32.3% compared to 34.7% for the first half of fiscal year 2009.

For the first half of fiscal year 2010, OCC recorded a net loss attributable to the Company of $7.8 million, or $1.32 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $726,000, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, for the first half of fiscal year 2009. The non-recurring, non-cash impairment charge of $6.2 million to write-off goodwill associated with the AOS acquisition significantly impacted the fiscal 2010 year-to-date results.

Management's Comments

Neil Wilkin, President and Chief Executive Officer of OCC, said, "Over the past several years we have worked to continually improve operations while at the same time expanding our business to offer the full range of products necessary to meet the needs of our customers. Today OCC is well-positioned in our markets, and we believe our financial results in the first half of fiscal 2010 -- including stable net sales -- demonstrate that our efforts to reduce costs and diversify our product offering have successfully mitigated the impact of the global economic recession. Our balance sheet continues to be strong and, as announced last month, we have secured a new revolving credit facility that provides OCC with additional financial flexibility. While the economic environment remains challenging, we are confident that we have taken the right steps to deliver profitable growth and shareholder value creation."

Company Information

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

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

Founded in 1983, OCC is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices, manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in each of Roanoke, Virginia, near Asheville, North Carolina and near Dallas, Texas. OCC primarily manufactures its high quality fiber optic cables at its Roanoke facility which is ISO 9001:2008 registered and MIL-STD-790F certified, its high quality enterprise connectivity products at its Asheville facility which is ISO 9001:2008 registered, and its high quality military and harsh environment connectivity products and systems at its Dallas facility which is MIL-STD-790F certified.

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

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

ShoreTel Accommodates Hotel Growth

Olde worlde charm complemented by global leading UC services

SYDNEY, Australia, May 27, 2010 – ShoreTel^® (NASDAQ; SHOR), the leading provider of brilliantly simple IP phone systems with fully integrated Unified Communications(UC), today announced that Tasmania’s Launceston City Park Grand Hotel, a multi-award winning and heritage-listed tourist attraction, has selected a ShoreTel UC system to accommodate its refurbishment and growth strategy.

An icon of luxurious Tasmanian hospitality since 1855, the luxury boutique styled Launceston City Park Grand Hotel plans to double its number of guest rooms from 40 to 80 in the next few months. The ShoreTel UC system, which is purpose-built for IP for management ease and scalability, was the perfect choice so the City Park Grand can continue to grow its business while ensuring its high standard of customer service.

The Launceston City Park Grand Hotel chose ShoreTel because the easy-to- use, highly reliable and powerful UC system fully complements the luxury boutique hotel’s well-appointed spacious deluxe rooms and spa suites. “The Launceston City Park Grand Hotel presents a formidable guest perception, combining olde worlde charm with global leading technology,” said Ian Hall, owner of the hotel. “In the highly competitive luxury hospitality sector, you have to provide a guest experience with a competitive edge and offer it at great value. ShoreTel helps us provide special guest features, such as automated wake-up calls, easy contact to other rooms, and real-time connection to a hospitality booking system for room availability.”

Another major benefit of the ShoreTel system is the elimination of manual, clean room monitoring. This means that once a room is ready for check-in, cleaning staff automatically update the property management system (PMS) using the ShoreTel phones in each guestroom, saving time and adding service value.

The ShoreTel UC system was installed by Melbourne-based systems integrators, SCAA and comprises ShoreTel’s easy-to-use ShoreTel IP phones and switches. The hotel also deployed SIP trunks for lower outbound call rates to further help reduce the costs of communication.

“The ShoreTel solution delivers enterprise-level quality communications, yet offers a large variety of sophisticated and easy-to-use features,” Mr. Hall said. “These features include easy access to all rooms, the restaurant, front desk, gym, laundry, conference centre and back office operations, and virtually eliminate the need for guests to call reception.”

Vasili Triant, ShoreTel managing director Asia Pacific said the City Grand Hotel refurbishment that includes ShoreTel’s award-winning UC system represents a new standard for national hospitality excellence in Tasmania. “ShoreTel offers the hospitality industry a brilliantly simple UC system that provides exceptional reliability, powerful features and the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry,” Mr. Triant said. “This is important for companies like Launceston City Grand Hotel that traditionally seek to present the highest value guest experience at the most competitive cost. ShoreTel’s scalability and management ease mean businesses of all sizes have the flexibility to make moves, adds and changes to their system without incurring significant costs.”

About Launceston City Park Grand Hotel

Launceston City Park Grand Hotel has been an icon of affordable luxury, Launceston accommodation and Tasmanian hospitality since 1855, winning multiple awards and showcasing the heritage-listed boutique hotel and converted stables. The hotel is superbly located adjacent to the beautiful City Park, which features Monkey Island, Senses Garden, barbecue area and playground, and is just a short stroll to the Museum and Art Gallery, Design Centre, Automobile Museum and many other local attractions.

The Launceston City Park Grand Hotel has recently completed a major refurbishment of all rooms and offers luxury boutique styled accommodation with fabulously well-appointed spacious deluxe rooms and spa suites to a level of style, sophistication and elegance that you would expect in a luxury boutique hotel. For more information, visit http://www.cityparkgrand.com.au/

About ShoreTel, Inc.

ShoreTel, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHOR) is the provider of brilliantly simple Unified Communication (UC) solutions based on its award-winning IP business phone system. We offer organizations of all sizes integrated, voice, video, data, and mobile communications on an open, distributed IP architecture that helps significantly reduce the complexity and costs typically associated with other solutions. The feature-rich ShoreTel UC system offers the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) and the highest customer satisfaction in the industry, in part because it is easy to deploy, manage, scale and use. Increasingly, companies around the world are finding a competitive edge by replacing business-as-usual with new thinking, and choosing ShoreTel to handle their integrated business communication. ShoreTel is based in Sunnyvale, California, and has regional offices in Austin, Texas, United Kingdom, Sydney, Australia and Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.shoretel.com.

WESCO International, Inc. Announces the Acquisition of the Business of Potelcom Supply, Inc.

PITTSBURGH, June 30 2010 WESCO International, Inc. a leading provider of electrical and industrial MRO products, construction materials, and advanced integrated supply procurement outsourcing services, today announced that it has acquired the business of Potelcom Supply, Inc. headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. Potelcom, a single branch operation with annual sales of approximately $25 million, supports the utility, industrial and government markets in Alaska.

Stephen A. Van Oss, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer stated, "This acquisition strengthens and expands our utility, industrial and government market positions in Alaska, as well as broadens our supplier lines. Combining Potelcom's cabling expertise, with WESCO's industrial MRO and construction expertise, and data communication product offerings provides a complete solution for our customers in Alaska. The Potelcom organization is well regarded in the Alaskan marketplace and we are pleased to welcome them as part of WESCO. The acquisition should be immediately accretive to earnings."

Gary Erber, Potelcom's President commented, "Our association with WESCO provides growth opportunities for our employees and additional resources and programs for our customers. We are pleased to become a member of the WESCO organization and to continue to serve our base of customers in Alaska under the Potelcom banner."

WESCO International, Inc. is a publicly traded Fortune 500 holding company, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, whose primary operating entity is WESCO Distribution, Inc. WESCO Distribution is a leading distributor of electrical construction products and electrical and industrial maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies, and is the nation's largest provider of integrated supply services. 2009 annual sales were approximately $4.6 billion. The Company employs approximately 6,100 people, maintains relationships with over 17,000 suppliers, and serves over 100,000 customers worldwide. Major markets include commercial and industrial firms, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications businesses and utilities. WESCO operates seven fully automated distribution centers and approximately 380 full-service branches in North America and select international markets, providing a local presence for area customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.

Did you know there are airplanes that are made in Wisconsin?

One of the car clubs I belong to has a monthly tour that goes to some little known place in the Midwest to look at long-forgotten Frank Lloyd Wright houses and other architecture, obscure companies making world-class products, or not-too-famous car collections that are always an amazing find. It is always an education.

This month was no different as we toured the manufacturing plant of American Champion Aircraft Corporation (www.amerchampionaircraft.com) in Rochester, Wisconsin which is west of Racine. Yes, airplanes manufactured in Wisconsin.

This is a complete shop that designs the planes, assembles the wings, fuselage, tail section, control panel and paints everything. The engines are bought from Lycoming (in Pennsylvania) and then added to the finished plane at the Rochester plant.

LIKE SO MANY OTHERS - BUSINESS IS SLOW

Their single-engine planes are sold worldwide and come in several models including ones that can do aerobatics as well as one model used by farmers, ranchers and state and federal agencies as an observation plane. They are dependable, utility planes which have found a big niche but have been affected by the economic downturn like so many other small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.

The president of the company, Jerry Mehlhaff, Sr. took us on a tour of the three-building facility. The number of planes made by this manufacturer is down by about 70%, but it is starting to pick up, according to Mr. Mehlhaff. That is a great sign, not only for the company but for the state and region as well.

Mr. Mehlhaff showed us some very sophisticated machines throughout his plant. He said he purchased some of them from other companies who were either going out of business or moving their operations to Asia. (The cost to ship the machines overseas would be too much.)

He said some of the machines were very good and still had a lot of life left in them. It would have cost a lot more if he would have bought them new and chances are, he could not afford them or install them into his operation. The ability to get these more sophisticated machines and utilize them to build the airplanes with a higher level of quality has helped build the brand.

This seems to be a growing trend. Companies are looking at procuring other companies' machines and tools when they want to expand. If they can get a million-dollar machine for pennies on the dollar, this can improve their overall operations and efficiencies when it comes to manufacturing their own products. This type of procurement should be maximized by small and medium businesses to enhance their competitiveness.

ALTERNATIVE PROCUREMENT: BUY PRE-OWNED

Getting a laser-based cutting table or a computerized, high-impact stamping machine can save money not only in manufacturing time but also in the overall costs of the finished product. The precision of the machines are also more accurate, so there is also less waste in materials used to build the airplanes as well as an inherent boost to overall quality within the finished product. These were some of the important issues pointed out by Mr. Mehlhaff when asked about the sophisticated machines which occupied the one “final assembly” building.

These same principles of alternative procurement should be applied to government agencies and school districts. If we can look at buying materials and finished products for schools to include pre-owned furniture, computers and other tools for education, we cannot only stretch budgets but sometimes afford to buy a much higher caliber or quality of equipment than we could if only restricted to buying new.

I guess education in alternative approaches for government procurement should be a red-hot course to develop and teach. How come no universities are offering this?

WORLD-CLASS DOES NOT MEAN HUGE ANYMORE

We are going into a new phase in businesses, especially manufacturing. Instead of have 50,000 to 200,000 employees, companies are evolving more to what has been common in Europe for decades. A world-class company in Germany may only have one location and a couple of hundred employees. Another one could be in France with the same small group of employees.

We need to nurture these types of companies and make it easier for them to succeed. If they succeed, they bring in more jobs to a region and add to the sustainability of the region's economic base.

To go a step further would be to try to get similar companies together in one high-tech business park. Just think if you could have the airplane company along with several of its key suppliers all in one geographic area. You would get a much higher level of day-to-day collaboration as well as a much smoother process of taking something from research and development to commercialization, implementation and distribution.

CARLINI-ISM: Look closely at the economic base of your state. You might be surprised at what you find.

Recent columns by James Carlini

To see his international weekly business column from DUBAI - check here:

http://english.alrroya.com/editors?auth=James Carlini

Accu-Tech Corporation Completes Web Redesign

Accu-Tech Corporation is pleased to announce the re-launch and redesign of its website. A few features of the redesign include:
· improved navigation on the Home, Accu-Tech Federal, and Accu-Tech Security pages
· menu drop-downs to help visitors discover product specification sheets, whitepapers, case studies, upcoming training events, Accu-Xcess, and more
· quick access to the resources and support pages visitors use most
· access to your local Accu-Tech with two clicks of the mouse

The focus powering the redesign centered on the user’s experience “We wanted to design a site that’s a sort of ‘launch pad’ for our visitors. We refer to this as our Launch Pad because so much valuable manufacturer and industry information is collected and easily accessible in one concise page. Basically, with just a couple of clicks a visitor can get all the information they may need,” says Brian Brown, Accu-Tech Director of Marketing.

“This redesign is the first step in Accu-Tech’s larger goal to bring the wire and cable industry to the on-line space. Expect big thing in the coming months”
Brian P. Brown
Web Development & Internet Marketing

ACUTA Salutes Two Longtime Members and Former Presidents with Top Leadership Awards

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, June 9, 2010 – Two former presidents and longtime members of ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, have been honored with special awards by the organization. They are Walt Magnussen of Texas A&M University in College Station and Patricia Todus of Northwestern University.

Magnussen was honored with the Bill D. Morris Award, which is named for a popular past president. ACUTA gives the Morris Award to the member who best exemplifies the dedication, vision, professionalism, and leadership that Morris brought to the organization.

Magnussen, who has been an active participant in ACUTA since 1993, is the director for telecommunications at Texas A&M and also serves as associate director for the Academy for Advanced Telecommunications and Learning Technology, an adjunct faculty member, and the co-director for the TAMU VoIP Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC). He is also co-chair of Internet2’s VoIP Special Interest Group (SIG) and IPTV SIG, a member of the State of Texas Telecommunications Planning Oversight Council (TPOC) and a board member for the SIP Foundry, Open Source SIP Organization.

Todus received the Ruth A. Michalecki Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding leadership by a member. She has been an ACUTA member since 1985, and was the organization’s 2005-2006 president.

Todus is deputy chief information officer and associate vice president at Northwestern, where she has led strategic IT planning and helped develop a degree program in telecommunications. Todus has been a member of ACUTA since 1984, frequently speaking at ACUTA events and serving as president in 2005-2006. She currently serves as chair of both the Higher Education Advisory Panel and the prestigious ACUTA Forum for Strategic Leadership in Information Communications Technology.

“ACUTA is strong because its members are not only very capable, but also willing to share their leadership skills and their technology and management expertise,” said Jeri Semer, executive director of ACUTA. “The winners of the 2010 Bill D. Morris and Ruth A. Michalecki awards have been great assets to ACUTA. We are honored to recognize the contributions that Patricia Todus and Walt Magnussen have made to our association.”

About ACUTA
ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is an international non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities. Its core purpose is to support higher education information communications technology professionals in contributing to the achievement of the strategic mission of their institutions. ACUTA represents nearly 2000 individuals at some 790 institutions of higher education, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the 50 largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA’s Corporate Affiliate members represent all categories of communications technology vendors serving the college/university market. For more information, visit www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

CABA delivers the best Intelligent Buildings Research Available

Intelligent and Integrated Buildings Technologies: Market Size in North America 2010
This report provides an in depth analysis of the growing North American markets for integrated and converged intelligent building control systems ranging from environmental control technologies, to fire detection, to security to lighting systems to IT convergence.

By assessing the developments in technology and technical standards in the past five years, our report is able to make an unparalleled forecast of what lies ahead in the next five years.

The result is the authoritative analysis of the size and potential of the North American intelligent building technologies marketplace. Our report continues CABA's 20-year-long tradition of collaborating with leading companies in the industry to create essential and actionable market research for the automated buildings industry.

According to Terry Hoffmann, Director, BAS Marketing at Johnson Controls, Inc.: "The recent Intelligent and Integrated Buildings Technologies: Market Size North America 2010 research study is a great example of the value that CABA brings to our industry and the members who actively participate in the association. It combines both quantitative and qualitative research into a document that fills a specific information void identified by the group.

www.caba.org

Professional Services – Corporate Writing

Perry J. Greenbaum., an award-winning journalist, is branching out to corporate communications. He’s an industry veteran, with more than 15 years of experience covering the structured cabling sector. He has experience writing press releases, reports, and websites. Perry can be reached directly at 514.515-2076, or at pjgreenbaum@gmail.com.

Draka Communications Americas Announces a New Cable Solution to Simplify Routing Inside Multi-Dwelling and Multi-Tenant Units (MDU / MTU) Environments

Claremont, North Carolina, (NYSE EURONEXT: DRAK) - Draka Communications Americas, one of the leading fiber optic cable manufacturers, announces the introduction of a new line of fiber cables designed for installation inside residential multi-dwelling units (MDU) and commercial multi-tenant units (MTU). This riser rated product is available in color-coded 6-fiber or 12-fiber units and is intended for use with wall mounted conduit systems typically found in residential hallways or office corridors. The newest addition to the ezINTERCONNECT cable solution family, Draka Indoor Bundle Drop, is part of a continuing expansion of MDU fiber cable products aimed to reduce the time and cost of fiber deployment inside apartments, condominiums and retail centers. The Indoor Bundle Drop can provide the installer with time and cost savings by enabling efficient and rapid deployment to multiple locations on the same floor.

Draka Communications Indoor Bundle Drop has undergone stringent qualifications to guarantee compliance to the industry standard performance requirements. This product has completed a comprehensive test program conducted by an accredited Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL).

Available immediately, Draka's Indoor Bundle Drop incorporates several exceptional features and benefits to optimize performance and reduce installation complexity. This product leverages Draka’s unsurpassed bend-insensitive optical fiber technology including Ultra Bend Insensitive Fiber (UBIF) BendBright-Elite that provides low loss in radii as small as 5mm. The Indoor Bundle Drop may be pre-connectorized for “Plug and Play” applications and fitted with a pulling sock to facilitate routing through wall penetrations. The product is lightweight, flame retardant and individual subunits are uniquely identified for traceability.

"Draka continues to meet the growing challenges posed by FTTH MDU applications through an ever expanding product portfolio. We constantly look for products and methodology to simplify the installation process and build on efficiencies of scale. The Indoor Bundle Drop provides a fast, simple and craft friendly way to establish service connections for an entire building in short order" states Dean Yamasaki, Applications & Technology Manager for Draka Communications Americas.

About Draka
Draka (Euronext Amsterdam: DRAK), headquartered in Amsterdam, has 9600 employees in countries worldwide and 2009 revenues of over € 2 billion. Draka has a presence in 31 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

Draka's activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Specialty and Communications. Draka Communications with its four business units, Telecom Solutions, Multimedia Specials, Optical Fiber and Cable Solutions is a global market leader in the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced network solutions. For more information visit www.draka.com/communications.

Rexel comes together to weather Nashville flood

Electrical distributor’s team effort maintains customer services following natural disaster

DALLAS and NASHVILLE, Tenn., (June 16, 2010) – When middle Tennessee experienced its greatest amount of rainfall in recorded history on May 1^st and 2^nd, massive flooding devastated many homes and businesses in the area including the Rexel Inc. electrical distribution branch in Nashville. The 61,000 square foot facility, stocked with electrical and datacom products, was inundated with five feet of water and sewage, destroying all inventory and office equipment – a total loss. That’s when Rexel’s national organization, sister branches and community offices came to the rescue to help maintain customer services for the Nashville operation and its customers.

Immediately following the disaster, the Rexel Clarksville branch, approximately 45 miles away, offered interim quarters, phones and data lines to the Nashville sales team. Meanwhile, the Nashville operations team jumped into action to expedite occupancy in a new building, that was coincidentally – and fortunately – being completed for a summer 2010 grand opening. That structure itself had only been slightly damaged by the flood waters.

With the help of the local and regional Rexel teams, the Nashville crew worked closely with their new landlord, the Nashville chief of police, the mayor’s office and other officials to occupy and secure the Rexel location. Offices were set up in a rented trailer located next to the new branch site. Division management coordinated with vendors to replace the inventory that was destroyed, bringing the warehouse of this nearly completed facility to life as the shipments began to arrive.

The Rexel IT team secured computer equipment and established communications for the provisional location. Associates from the five sister branches in the region arrived on site and teamed up to help ready the branch. Rexel’s national operations team re-routed trucks, located new warehouse racking, and provided shipping equipment. The Rexel branch in Sacramento, California, shipped in wire racking, while the Doraville, Georgia, branch sent pipe racks. The Rexel branch in Melbourne, Florida, supplied a lift truck; the branch in Orlando sent generators, and the Tampa branch shipped over a counter desk and a wire machine.

This whole team effort made it possible for the temporary Nashville branch to be fully operational in just five days.

“The strength within Rexel and the pride of our associates generated the confidence to weather the storm,” remarked David Silas, regional operations manager, Middle Tennessee & Alabama. “The show of mutual support was unbelievable from locations across the country. It is a great feeling to know we have so many people supporting us.” Incidentally, Silas’s first day in his role as regional operations manager was the day of the flood.

About Rexel

Rexel, a global leader in the distribution of electrical supplies, serves three main end markets: industrial, commercial and residential. The Group operates in 34 countries, with a network of some 2,200 branches and employs 28,000 people. Rexel’s sales were €11.3 billion in 2009. Its majority shareholders are an investor group led by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Eurazeo and BAML Capital Partners.

Rexel is listed on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris (compartment A, ticker RXL, ISIN code FR0010451203). It is integrated in the following indices: NEXT 150, SBF 120, and CAC Mid 100.

The Craig Law Firm Commences Practice in Atlanta

A new law firm specializing in civil litigation has opened practice in Atlanta, Georgia. The Craig Law Firm, LLC is a civil litigation firm that helps clients reach favorable outcomes in private dispute resolution. The Firm currently handles cases from a wide variety of practice areas, including employment issues, debt collection, fraud, construction claims, property disputes, and family law. The firm’s lead attorney, James Craig, is a graduate of University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he served on the school’s law review. Prior to law school, Mr. Craig spent six years working as an industry and market analyst and business information manager at an investment bank specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions. Individuals seeking legal counsel are invited to visit the Firm’s website at: http://thecraiglawfirm.com.

DuPont dumps toxic mercury in NC water supply from NC polymer plant and gets off with $59,000 fine

DuPont Co. has agreed to pay a $59,000 penalty for mercury discharges at a North Carolina plant.

Stan Meiburg is the EPA's acting regional administrator for the region of the U.S. that includes North Carolina.

Meiburg says the settlement underscores the importance of the federal permitting process in protecting the water supply from dangerous chemicals like mercury.

www.epa.gov www.ewg.org

RED VECTOR is the Educator with a bright future - Some thoughts for reflection

RED VECTOR is the Educator with a bright future. The recent record of Modern Technology is a lot more than facts and dates. It is a wildfire of change. The improbable we do right away. The impossible just takes a little longer.

Many of the technological innovations of the last generation have become “must have for almost all of us, without regard for age. We can’t seem to live without these recent addictive techno products and services. The Internet tops the list for communications marvels.

FACTOID:
Radio took 38 years to reach 50 million users.
Television took 13 years to reach 50 million users.
The Internet took 4 years to reach 50 million users. It now serves more than one billion users.

The Internet is the fastest growing form of communications in history. Internet advertising is the most powerful advertising tools ever known. Last year internet advertising revenues reached more than $23 billion.

We are excited to see RED VECTOR focused on the Internet marketing. The RED VECTOR message is part of the greatest public forum the world has ever seen and it is barely out of it’s infancy. WELL DONE.
Your website is already an electronic powerhouse of information on the world wide web.

It is clear that your focus includes technology for tomorrow.

The age of high speed communications is unfolding and we see the need to overcome the speed bumps by rewiring America. Copper cabling has served us well, but it has speed and distance limitations. The real estate sector is focused on converged technology in buildings with automated services. They are trying to converge the areas:

POWER
CONTROLS
COMMUNICATIONS (wired and wireless)
SECURITY LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

We should realize that the world of commercial real estate is a new target for your marketing as they attempt to develop smart buildings.

For another example of the rate of change, please consider cellular digital devices and phones.
Worldwide, in 1985 there were 11.2 million in service. Ten years later, there were more than 4 billion in service. That is a growth rate of 35,000%. Now there is one wireless device for every two humans on the face of the earth.

To paraphrase Clint Eastwood, “Do you feel like your grabbing the opportunities? Well, do you? Sport”

How is RED VECTOR addressing the growing marketplace of the Internet? In 1995, Amazon.com opened for business selling books over the internet. Their revenues for the first two years totaled $15,000,000.
In 2005, Amazon.com revenues topped $19 billion. That’s an increase of 125,000%.

CHANGE HAS COME AMAZINGLY FAST.

One thing you can depend upon is the speed of innovation going forward is going to make the speed of innovations behind us look slow.

SO, HOLD ON TIGHT. THIS RIDE HAS JUST BEGUN. The information Age is growing up FAST.
This is the business of RED VECTOR

Safe Chemicals ??? EPA may get new & long overdue powers over U.S. chemical industry

Jun 04, 2010

Legislation recently introduced to overhaul the nation’s outdated chemical law is a ‘no-brainer’—so much so that the industry itself largely supports the move. Given the complexities of the global marketplace, however, the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 easily could lead to unintended consequences that harm the U.S. economy at the worst possible time, asserted James A. Kosch, a shareholder on LeClairRyan’s Newark-based tort defense team.

“As they begin hashing out this legislation, lawmakers will be forced to confront a host of thorny issues and balance manifold competing interests,” said Kosch, director of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s environmental law section. “These include the imperative to protect consumers amid very real safety concerns about untested substances; the need for our exports to comply with Europe’s strict chemical regulations; the need to protect trade secrets, and the conundrum of what to do about trade partners who often give lip service to safety, but then turn a blind eye as businesses within their borders violate every chemical regulation known to man.”

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2010, versions of which were introduced in both the House and Senate on April 15, would give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency new regulatory powers over the U.S. chemical industry by modernizing the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

As introduced, the bill’s provisions include compelling manufacturers to develop and submit safety-testing data on any chemicals they produce, and require EPA to use this data to identify and rank hazardous chemicals based on a variety of factors. Only those chemicals shown to be safe would be allowed on the market. This could help protect American exports from being banned under the European Union’s strict regulations known as Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), passed in December 2006.

Along with those trade benefits, however, might come significant risks, Kosch said. “One of the concerns about the current bill is that it could lessen protections for trade secrets,” he noted. “That is an issue under REACH as well. These chemical-safety databases will be public information. Companies will use them to disclose those factors that might make a given chemical unsafe under certain circumstances. That is all the information an enterprising plaintiff’s attorney would need to file a lawsuit. That attorney might say, ‘Well, these circumstances might not exactly constitute a violation, but they are close enough for us to bring suit.’ Plaintiffs’ attorneys already do this now by combing through the general chemical-safety literature.”

The degree to which U.S. lawmakers will be willing to match the provisions of REACH also is unclear, he noted. “REACH has something called ‘the precautionary principle’ that sets an exceedingly high standard,” Kosch advised. “Basically, if there is any risk at all of harm, the chemical is supposed to be kept off the market. Do we want to follow suit as a matter of policy? This could be a step in that direction.” copyright 2010, 1105 Media Inc.

DuPont worker died from phosgene gas exposure at work

JUNE 2010, BELLE, W.Va. An aging hose, corrosion and a pressure buildup are responsible for a phosgene leak at a DuPont chemical plant in West Virginia that resulted in the death of one worker in January, the company said Thursday.

All other units at the plant, located east of Charleston, have resumed production.

The DuPont investigation concluded that several factors combined to cause the hose to fail, including the length of time the hose was in service, physical corrosion concealed by the manufacturer's label, and pressure buildup in the line, the company said in a prepared statement.

DuPont's findings were submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are also investigating.

The company also said it had submitted reports on the release of 2,000 pounds of methyl chloride and 22 pounds of a sulfuric acid solution.

DuPont said it has taken steps to improve its emergency actions, including a dedicated telephone line to Kanawha County emergency officials.

REMEMBER TO RECYCLE, REDUCE AND REUSE

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Wireville.com

Issue: July 2010
By: Frank Bisbee

Bell's Madigin explains how it was all done at BICSI Canadian Conference

Wireville.com

Issue: July 2010 By: Frank Bisbee

Bell's Madigin explains how it was all done at BICSI Canadian Conference

Issue: July 2010
By: Frank Bisbee