Issue: March 2013
By: Frank Bisbee

BISBEE’S BUZZ

Behind The Wheel: Alert Today - Alive Tomorrow

The Integrated Systems Contractor, collectively, is one of the most mobile workforces in the USA. Plus, these contractors are connected to an active network of business and personal communications through cellular or smartphone wireless devices. Many installers carry two cellphones (one for work and one for personal use). This year, some experts believe that 4,500 – 6,000 employees will die from workplace injuries. Those statistics include deaths and injuries resulting from worker-related automotive accidents (travel to, from and during the job.)

Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Work related incidents resulting in death for 2011:

·         Transportation - work related incidents = 1,075

·         Falls - work related incidents = 666

Some reactions to new laws to improve safety on the highway are uninformed. For example: A ban on texting while driving is a "horrible idea." It takes only a few seconds to read a text message and then shoot back a five-word response. If you don’t text in heavy traffic or bad weather, you will be okay. Cellphone calls can go on for several minutes, and people also spend more time eating in cars than it takes for a text message. Today, we have massive data showing that texting distraction have lethal results. Cellphone usage still represents a hazard, but hands-free devices reduce the distraction factor.

The potential crackdown also has stimulated research aimed at making technology more driver-friendly. In the car of the future, a driver could keep both hands on the wheel while giving verbal commands to operate communications devices, even dictating e-mails and text messages.

"Within the next decade, your vehicle is going to be as connected to such electronic services as your home or office." said James Carlini, a well known communications consultant and technology visionary. He added, “The big question remains: When will the technology-makers make it safe for the road?"

"You are just an accident waiting for a place to happen when you text message while drive," said Michelle Shannahan, Vice President of Operations at Communication Planning Corporation, Jacksonville, FL. “Any competent driving instructor will tell you the same thing. Unfortunately, the highway casualty count continues to rise, while we fail to ban texting while driving. Just watching some drivers, talking on their cellphones and not paying attention to the traffic, is upsetting."

Many firms and individuals in the cabling industry are going “hands-free” to reduce driver distraction while handling calls. Blue Tooth and speakerphone technology leaves both hands free to handle the wheel and keep maximum focus on the road. TEXTING is still a big “NO-NO!” while driving. 

44 States say NO to Texting

March 2013, Talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving is banned in 10 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, and West Virginia) and the District of Columbia.

The use of all cellphones by novice drivers is restricted in 33 states and the District of Columbia; the use of all cellphones while driving a school bus is prohibited in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 39 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, novice drivers are banned from texting in 5 states (Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) and school bus drivers are banned from text messaging in 3 states (Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas).

Many localities have enacted their own bans on cellphones or text messaging. In some, but not all states, local jurisdictions need specific statutory authority to do so.

Most states that have primary or secondary laws dealing cellphones, some specifically ban text messaging.  [Under secondary laws, an officer must have some other reason to stop a vehicle before citing a driver for using a cellphone. Laws without this restriction are called primary.]

The AAA recommends the following tips for using your cellphone in your car or truck (www.aaa.com).

• AAA's FIRST TIP: Don't use a cellular phone while driving. But if you must, continue with this list.

• Familiarize yourself with the features of your cellphone before you get behind the wheel.

• Use the cellphone only when absolutely necessary. Limit casual conversations to times when you're not trying to safely operate a motor vehicle.

• Plan your conversation in advance, and keep it short - especially in hazardous conditions such as bad weather or heavy traffic.

• Let the person you're speaking with know you are in a vehicle.

• Do not engage in emotional conversations while trying to drive. Pull off the road to a safe spot before continuing this type of conversation.

• Do not combine distracting activities such as talking on your cellphone while driving, eating and tending to a child.

• Use message-taking functions and return calls when you are stopped at a safe location.

• Ask a passenger in the car to place the call for you and, if possible, speak in your place.

• Secure your phone in the car so that it doesn't become a projectile in a crash.

We could lists thousands of pages on information to make your workplace safer, but we suggest starting with a personal commitment to make safety: the top priority. "You cannot talk about safety without mentioning the safety motto of the Bell System that was established decades ago," James Carlini observed.

"NO JOB IS SO IMPORTANT AND NO SERVICE IS SO URGENT-THAT WE CANNOT TAKE TIME TO PERFORM OUR WORK SAFELY."

In addition to a focus on safety behind the wheel, Common Safety Practices should include a review of First Aid, CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid Kits.

Also, review ladders, lifts, safety harnesses, and personal protective equipment (protection of eyes, ears, nose, throat, skin, hands, feet and your noggin).

Don’t forget to cover the indoor and outdoor potential hazardous environments.

Safety planning always includes safety training and worksite evaluation.

BE AWARE -- Safety Is Too Important To Ignore.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee - Editor

"HOTS - Heard On The Street" Monthly Column

www.wireville.com

Network Designs Require the Five “P”s - Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance - Megladon Mfg. plays a strong role in the Fiber Optic Challenge

Automation and Integration Challenge Designers

Network designers are cautiously approaching the traditional (superseded & outmoded) information transport platforms for fear that their legacy will be “the designer who brought a knife to a gunfight.” Copper will be around for many years to come and the demand for the copper in electronics is not predicted to decrease. However, as the outside networks extend their capabilities into the workplace, there is a simultaneous strong trend to automate the building. The emergent demand for the integrated systems contractor is ample evidence of the bright future for the Smart Building.

Fiber Optic Cables Provide Bandwidth, Speed, and Distance

Fiber Optic cables offer us the glowing future – a dazzling super highway of information. The infrastructure industry for fiber optics continues to grow at a steady pace, providing the contractors with the connectors and tools needed to deliver premium quality. Fiber optics are making the leap into aviation and automotive industries where, in addition to transmission challenges, vibration and temperatures are extreme. Also the tsunami of demand for wireless services has created a crushing need for fiber optic backhaul facilities, often where no was planned. It seems like the barrier of obsolescence (is the state of being which occurs when an object, service or practice is no longer wanted even though it may still be in good working order.) is rapidly approaching the thirty million miles of copper-based communications networks in the buildings in the USA.

MILSPEC means TOUGH – especially in aviation

As the aviation industry reduce weight by replacing cooper cable with fiber optic cables new challenges abound. Fiber Optic cabling systems must deliver the physical performance required to face the special conditions of the world of flight. Not only the cable but also the connections must have the durability. MILSPEC usually means the product has made the grade for the military in the rugged world of combat operations (The military tested it twice and then tested it all over again for shock and vibration, plus huge cycles of high and low temperatures and humidity). The time to find out it doesn’t work is NEVER.   

Megladon Announces Pre Qualification Test Results for US Military HLC® Termini

Austin, Texas, December 11, 2012 – Megladon Manufacturing Group announced today a completed project for the US Military to pre qualification test fiber optic termini processed with HLC (Hardened Lens Contact) technology. The HLC process uses a laser to harden the entire mating surface and maximizes coupling efficiency in fiber optic connections.

The termini, placed in a 38999 backshell, were tested for shock and vibration, temperature cycling and multiple matings based on military specifications. The results were extremely good and warrant additional testing.

Vibration testing was done in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, method 514.6. This test simulates some of the harshest conditions in the US military. The mated pairs were tested in both the X axis and the Z axis. Each mated pair included a termini processed with HLC technology and an industry standard termini. This method validated the durability gained by the HLC process and also the interoperability of HLC termini with termini that currently exist in applications.

Temperature testing consisted of a high temperature soak at 165 deg C and a low temperature soak at -55 deg C. The duration of each test was 24 hours. Each mated pair included a termini processed with HLC technology and an industry standard termini. This method validated the durability gained by the HLC process and also the interoperability of HLC termini with termini that currently exist in applications.

Mating testing was designed to test the durability of the HLC termination and to investigate its effects on industry standard terminations when the pair is repeatedly mated and demated. The mated pair included a termini processed with HLC technology and an industry standard termini both placed in a 38999 backshell. Endface pictures and insertion loss data was collected after each 100 mates.

“Megladon’s HLC technology was tested side by side with the industry standard process and performed very well. We did not see any evidence that would suggest the process would not complete full qualification testing. The conditions were extreme and we were very pleased with the results,” stated Daniel Hogberg RCDD, Megladon’s engineering manager.

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.

For additional information regarding Megladon’s variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

Megladon Announces New Product Release of Rack Mount Ultra Dense CWDM Modules

Austin, Texas, June 11, 2012 – Megladon Manufacturing Group announced today an addition to their WDM product family serving fiber optic cell backhaul and CATV markets. The Ultra Dense CWDM modules preserve valuable rack space in head ends while promoting extensive channel capability in a modular design for expansion.

The Ultra Dense CWDM modules are used to transmit multiple wavelengths down a single fiber eliminating the need for multiple long haul trunk cables. The module houses dual, bidirectional 1×8 CWDMs built on an LC connector foundation. This is accomplished in a 2RU frame that can hold up to 19 modules. This provides a density of 38 1×8 CWDMs in 2RU of rack space.

Earlier CWDM modules utilized SC or SCAPC connectors which limited density because of connector size. In these cases, a 4RU distribution panel would hold a maximum of 12 1×8 CWDMs or a total of 108 SC ports. By incorporating the LC connector, the port count is increased to 342 in one-half the size.

“We were presented with an obstacle faced by one of our long time customers. They needed maximum channel count in a minimum amount of space.” stated John M Culbert, President & Partner of Megladon. “We were able to design a solid product that met their current needs, reduced cost and provided the ability to grow long term”.

The HLC (Hardened Lens Contact) patch cable by Megladon is recommended for use in these products. CWDMs are sensitive to optical return loss and the HLC products are designed to provide minimum insertion loss and return loss enabling the network to function in a reliable manner.

Megladon’s WDM product family includes WDM, CWDM and DWDM products that are built to customer specifications. A variety of wavelengths, connector types and package designs are available.

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.

For additional information regarding Megladon’s variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

Megladon Announces New Product Release of Rack Mount Network Simulator with HLC® SCRATCHGUARD® Interconnects

Austin, Texas, May 11, 2012 – Megladon Manufacturing Group announced today an addition to their HLC Test and Measurement product family serving fiber optic transport equipment manufacturers and qualification labs. The 6RU and 3RU rack mount HLC Network Simulators allow testing over fiber optic glass up to 200km and is modular producing a variety of configuration options.

The Network Simulator products are used to test transport equipment for Telecommunication carriers and identify incompatibilities of hardware solutions before they are deployed on a large scale. Instead of simulating a network using attenuation, these products provide the length of glass to send a signal over the actual distance. This enables the carrier and test lab to identify any hardware components producing a nonconformance, make appropriate changes and then verify the change was adequate.

Based on a modular design, the 6U product contains up to 200km of glass in 25km increments or 80km in 10km increments as well as other configurations. The interconnect ports on the front panel allow for distance changes and for multiple boxes to be put in series. The 3U product contains up to 50km for applications where rack space is a critical consideration. These simulators are manufactured with glass from all major glass manufacturers.

“We found an opportunity in the marketplace that required versatility and reliability and used our expertise to provide a solution” stated John M Culbert, President & Partner of Megladon. “ We enjoy solving problems and building relationships”.

The HLC (Hardened Lens Contact) is a unique and critical aspect of the Network Simulator. Continuous testing over a duration of 3-6 months can only be accomplished if the interconnects are of the highest quality. A signal loss during the testing procedure can cause a schedule delay in large deployment projects. The HLC is designed to provide reference grade geometry, low loss and a tempered end face for stability and durability.

Megladon’s HLC Test and Measurement product family includes Test Reference Cables used to test link loss over deployed networks and by fiber optic termination manufacturers, Long Launch and Pulse Suppression products for use with OTDR testing and Network Simulators. The common use of the HLC technology across this product offering provides reliability when you need it most and an extended life span.

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.

For additional information regarding Megladon’s variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

Megladon Announces New Product Release of Angle Polished HLC® ScratchGuard® Fiber Optic Patch Cords

Austin, Texas, September 13, 2011 – 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.

For additional information regarding Megladon’s variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

More News from Megladon Mfg. -- Fiber Optic Builders of Tomorrow

Megladon Mfg. -- Fiber Optic Builders of Tomorrow

Megladon Manufacturing Group, Ltd. was created as a subsidiary of Tyrex Group, Ltd. on January 1, 2000 after spending three years as an incubated division. Megladon became the first company to emerge from the Tyrex Partnering Program.

In 2000, STG 4Fronts, a technology incubator specializing in optical research and development was created as a subsidiary of Megladon. With knowledge from and relationships within the scientific community, this entity was created to provide Megladon and the Fiber Products Group with intellectual property in the fiber optic arena. The first project, the Hardened Lens Contact (HLC) for fiber optic patch cables was a huge success. The project was completed within a tight budget and timeline. The technology was patented and transferred to the Fiber Products Group for application engineering, creation of manufacturing processes and marketing. The result was a core technology with far-reaching effects in the fiber optic industry.

Today, Megladon promotes the same original culture that has made us successful over the years. Megladon’s company culture is based upon the Tyrex Diamond Disciplines: Economic Prosperity, Entrepreneurship, Employee Well-Being and Community Citizenship. We believe all four aspects must be not only present, but in balance, in order to succeed.

Our quest as part of the Tyrex Family is to become “special” as well as successful. This includes a longevity factor that claims we are “Built to Last.” With our individual commitments to our customers, vendors, communities and each other, Megladon is building a strong foundation that will prove invaluable in the years ahead.

Quality is another integral piece of the Megladon company culture. We strive to incorporate the highest level of quality in every transaction. This includes all communications and tasks involving any customer, vendor, employee or community in which we reside. This philosophy allows Megladon to ensure the quality of our products and services are a result of our overall quality mentality. Quality is another integral piece of the Megladon company culture. We strive to incorporate the highest level of quality in every transaction. This includes all communications and tasks involving any customer, vendor, employee or community in which we reside. This philosophy allows Megladon to ensure the quality of our products and services are a result of our overall quality mentality.

www.megladonmfg.com

CLOUD COMPUTING INFRASTRUCTURE: THE COST OF DISRUPTION by JAMES CARLINI

Many organizations that are looking at implementing a new network infrastructure for Cloud Computing; a new building being built; or any other network capability, better look closer at their network designs.

Why?  All the cabling needed to build the network should fit the lifespan of the building, not the lifespan of the technology that is hanging off of it.  A lot of network architects, network designers and “certified” network engineers seem to be forgetting this fundamental design concept.

They also seem to forget the total costs involved in building a network, maintaining it, modifying it, and upgrading it.

LOOK AT THE TOTAL COST, NOT JUST THE UPFRONT COSTS

Over two decades ago, I discussed the True Total Cost of Networks in several articles as well as a couple of presentations at national conferences.

The formula was TTC = UC + (OC + OIC) + HC

where UC = Upfront Costs

OC = Ongoing Costs (external)

OIC = Ongoing Internal Costs

HC = Hidden Costs

Unless you factor all of these variables together, it does not add up to the True Total Cost (TTC).

Many people must have missed the articles and presentations because few actually look at network projects using the True Total Cost approach.

By implementing their network and then having to go back and re-cable it later because it became prematurely obsolete, they have proven that there is another hidden cost involved in their shortsighted approach when cabling new buildings: The Cost of Disruption.

THE COST OF DISRUPTION

There are many who will initially argue this “expanded” cost structure of TTC and say that the customer won’t pay for it.  To that, I say, “You need to sell the customer on why it is important to take all these costs into consideration and install the network that is going to last longer.”

The design costs too much?  You don’t want to initially pull fiber along with the copper cable and pay for all the labor once, instead of twice?  Why not?  There is a legitimate cost savings there (just the labor cost alone is significant).

Not good enough?  Calculate the “cost of disruption” then.  How much does it cost three to five years from now when the new building is all built out and occupied, and now you have to upgrade the wiring throughout the building because you do not have the capacity anymore for all the applications needed to be serviced?

Move out the desks, break open the walls, pull cable from point A to point B, repeat 500 or 1000 times, disrupt whoever is working there and tell them it will only be a few weeks before everything will be upgraded.

Calculate all the demolition and re-building.  Calculate the additional drywall needed, the re-painting of the walls and other finish issues. Calculate that lost productivity throughout the workspace.

What if it is a law firm or a medical office?  How many hours are lost?  It is not just the cost of materials and labor for the job; it is also the cost of disrupting all those people who are supposed to be working in the workspace.

Are you really saving money upfront by not pulling through that extra cable at the time of the initial cabling installation?  I know you aren’t.

CLEAR EXAMPLES OF POOR DESIGN

Every example of NFL stadium or convention centers like the Tampa Convention center where a wireless DAS antenna system was installed and all they ran was copper-based cable to all the antennae endpoints, are ALL prematurely obsolete.

They should have also run fiber optic cable right alongside so when the next-generation antennae come out that are fiber connector-based, they could make a simple upgrade at the endpoint instead of running all the cables all over again.  When are the next-generation antennae coming out?  I was told less than a year.

Add to the Cost of Disruption the extra penalty of “Extra Cost to Upgrade” because the added labor cost.  That could be enough for some accounting person to say no to the upgrade because it costs too much.  The end result: A prematurely obsolete installation that has far less capacity than what it should have, making the building or venue less viable.

So will you do it right the first time or do the upgrade and incur the extra costs of the Cost of Disruption as well as the Extra Cost to Upgrade or will you suffer the problems of a prematurely obsolete venue?

CARLINI-ISM : Network architecture decisions need to be made when ALL the cost variables are accounted for, not just upfront costs.

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

Copyright © 2013 – James Carlini

Sandia’s New Fiber Optic Network Is World’s Largest

Fiber optic network saves energy, money

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia National Laboratories has become a pioneer in large-scale passive optical networks, building the largest fiber optical local area network in the world.

The network pulls together 265 buildings and 13,000 computer network ports and brings high-speed communication to some of the labs’ most remote technical areas for the first time. And it will save an estimated $20 million over five years through energy and other savings and not having to buy replacement equipment. Sandia expects to reduce energy costs by 65 percent once the network is fully operational.

Fiber offers far more capacity, is more secure and reliable and is less expensive to maintain and operate than the traditional network using copper cables.

An optical local area network (LAN) gives people phone, data and video services using half-inch fiber optic cables made of 288 individual fibers, instead of the conventional 4-inch copper cables. Copper cables used to fill up underground conduits and required steel overhead racks of connecting cable, along with distribution rooms filled with separate frames for copper voice and data cables. The fiber distribution system uses only part of the conduit and needs only a 2- by 3-foot cable box.

“The frames go away, and the walls are bare and the tray empties,” said senior engineer Steve Gossage, who has spent his 36-year career at Sandia in advanced information and network systems engineering.

The national laboratory has always pushed for speed beyond the fastest transmission rate available, Gossage said. “When people were working in much slower data rates, kilobit-type rates at short distances, we were trying to get 10 times the distance and 10 times the speed,” he said.

Adopting fiber optics

Sandia began looking at fiber optics early in the technology’s development because of its promise of higher bandwidth — greater communication speed — at longer distances.

The labs started converting from copper in the 1980s, first installing then-emerging fiber optics in a single building and bumping that facility to megabit speeds. “Today we’re way past that. We’re at 10 gigabit-type rates and looking hard at 100,” Gossage said.

After years of planning, Sandia completed a formal network plan in late 2008 and sought competitive bids the following year. Sandia selected Tellabs of Naperville, Ill., as the equipment vendor for the network, and Gossage and his colleagues simultaneously began to jumpstart the deployment of the fiber infrastructure and set up a test lab to validate the performance of configurations for the equipment and various network functions. The technology began moving to desktops in 2011, and by the end of 2012, Sandia had converted more than 90 percent of bulky copper cable to a fiber optics LAN.

Sandia, which will spend about $15 million on the project, needs superb computing capability for the problems it tackles as part of its support for the mission for the National Nuclear Security Administration.

“Whether it’s a materials science problem or modeling an event, we need a lot of data and a lot of processing capability,” Gossage said. “We need to be able to see it, we need to be able to view it, we need to be able to put teams together. This is a large laboratory, deeply stocked with scientists and engineers and test labs. For the analyses we get, the problems are not small and they’re not easy.”

Since its first experience with fiber optics, Sandia envisioned being able to use multiple wavelengths in a very high bandwidth single strand reaching the farthest tech areas. But decades ago, when Sandia began putting in single-mode fiber to desks and adding underground fiber capabilities, the technology wasn’t quite mature enough to take advantage of fiber optics’ inherent multiple wavelengths and speeds.

So Sandia continued to install the fiber optics cable foundation and waited as the technology developed, and moved quickly when commercial optical networks began deploying voice, data and video to large collections of homes and offices.

“There weren’t that many unknowns for us because we had been thinking about ways to do this on a large scale for quite a while,” Gossage said. “We had already thought through what this might mean to us, what it might mean to our lifecycle costs and where the investments would be, and we were already pretty comfortable with fiber and the technologies that go with it.”

Copper versus fiber optics

Buildings with conventional copper LANs have separate networks for phones, computers, wireless, security and so on. Fiber optics puts everything in a single network cable. That eliminates a large number of power-consuming switches and routers and makes the network simpler to operate and cheaper to install. Since it requires less space, energy and maintenance costs go down.

“As we research and deploy new technologies, our main objectives are to enable the labs’ mission, decrease life-cycle costs and if possible reduce our footprint on the environment. With the deployment of passive optical networks we have been able to meet and exceed all of these objectives,” said Sandia manager Jeremy Banks.

Where a conventional LAN serving 900 customers requires a space the size of three double ovens, an optical network serving 8,000 requires a microwave oven-sized space. Where copper cable required Sandia to maintain and manage 600 separate switches in the field, optical LAN allows it to operate a data center in one building and simple, standard ports to offices. Because fiber optics reaches beyond the 100-meter radius that once was the standard from a wiring closet to a desktop, remote areas such as the National Solar Thermal Test Facility have high-speed communications for the first time.

The only copper wire for most of Sandia today is a short connection from the wall to the desktop. Everything behind the wall is fiber.

Moving away from copper wasn’t easy. It required new technology for the core communication system and made Sandia its own network provider, Gossage said. He credited a central team of about 10 people across Sandia who worked together every day throughout 2011, plus sub-teams totaling about 40 people. The effort included engineering design, information technology, network systems, computing, facilities, security and people in the field pulling cable and connecting ports.

Still to come

Sandia is recycling copper as it’s replaced, which keeps tons of valuable material out of a landfill. The estimated $80,000 for the copper will offset some of the fiber optics cost.

The labs also must turn off hundreds of switches before it can fully realize the energy savings. That will take longer because it depends on such things as staffing, Gossage said.

More change could be coming. A small trial is under way for voice-over-fiber — putting data and voice in one system rather than the two Sandia uses today. Testing shows Sandia can protect voice running through a congested circuit — what Gossage calls “a Mother’s Day test,” when everyone calls at the same time. The Gigabit Passive Optical Network standard Sandia works with can dedicate part of the bandwidth and give priority to selected traffic such as voice. So calls would go through even with heavy competition from data.

Sandia also is working with a small number of researchers who need more bandwidth than they’re getting. The labs’ needs are ahead of the market but it’s pushing for next-generation increases in speed, Gossage said.

Communication speed improves every five to eight years. With copper, each improvement required replacing large, heavy bundles of jacketed cable to re-engineer them to perform at the new speed, he said. Fiber optical cable offers a bandwidth good for 25 years or more.

“We change the wavelength, we change the modulation rate, we don’t get back in the ceiling, we don’t get back in the customer’s office,” Gossage said. “So our return on investment, our capital investment, our operational investment, the impact on our customers — everything gets better.”

Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. With main facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., Sandia has major R&D responsibilities in national security, energy and environmental technologies, and economic competitiveness.

https://share.sandia.gov/news/resources/news_releases/fiber_optic/

Volkswagen put the priority on safety and rules out toxic DuPont/ Honeywell refrigerant

Volkswagen (VOW3.DE), the world's third largest carmaker, has joined compatriot Daimler (DAI.DE) in deciding not to use a new air-conditioning refrigerant developed by U.S. firms DuPont (DD) and Honeywell (HON)  in its cars.

Volkswagen plans to roll out carbon dioxide-based air conditioning systems throughout its entire fleet instead of the toxic and potentially hazardous Honeywell/DuPont refrigerant called HFO-1234yf, which was created to meet more stringent environmental regulation.

Daimler engineers testing the flammability of DuPont HFO-1234yf discovered that it could spark a fire under the hood of the car strong enough to spread throughout the vehicle. In the process, the chemical emits a highly toxic gas when burning.

DuPont and Honeywell invested heavily in bringing to market the refrigerant, which conforms to a new EU directive. Due to its high price, costing 10 times more than the current common refrigerant R134a, it's only commercial application is in cars.

While Daimler sold only about 1.5 million Mercedes and Smart cars last year, VW's decision means DuPont and Honeywell have lost another 9.3 million vehicles worth of business.

A spokesman for Volkswagen declined on Friday to say when exactly Volkswagen would begin to use carbon dioxide in its A/C systems, citing such information was relevant for competitors, but ruled out any possibility that it could begin this year.

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech had signaled in November that his group - consisting of brands that include Audi, Porsche and Skoda - would not use HFO-1234yf because of its flammability and dangerous toxic gasses.

“It is refreshing to see companies putting public safety ahead of profit. VW and Mercedes are ahead of the competition on the quality and safety points.” said Art Padgett, industry analyst. See the Environmental Working Group  www.ewg.org for more information on DuPont and other safety concerns.

How High Quality Wire Saved Time and Money During Kubota Plant Construction

Value-added features make large installation go smoothly

Selecting the right type of wire for a facility can make a huge difference how smoothly a construction project is executed. For the construction of a large Kubota tractor plant in Georgia, contractors selected wire with a variety of value-added features that contributed to a fast and efficient installation. THHN cable jacketed with self-lubricating polymer reduced labor and installation costs, while a unique, sequentially printed cable reel provided accurate wire length with each cut, making it easy to plan the long cable runs required. The wire was supplied by Cerro Wire, LLC.

High quality wire sought for large factory addition

As the project manager for construction of Kubota Industrial Equipment’s (KIE’s) new 540,000 square foot factory in Jefferson, Georgia, electrical contractor Cedartown Electric needed wire products that would ensure the installation was fast, smooth, and trouble-free.  The new facility will produce compact tractors for the North American market, and is located next to an existing 440,000 square foot KIE facility that manufactures tractor implements, including loaders and backhoes.

Cedartown Electric’s project manager James Moates, who handled procurement, ordering, delivery, and installation for the facility, says, “This was a fairly decent size plant, with feeder wires that had extremely long paths, so the wire chosen had to be as easy as possible to install.”

For procuring wire, they turned to Gexpro, a subsidiary of Rexel, the largest electrical distributor in the United States. Gexpro then requested Electrical Products, Inc. (EPI), who is Cerrowire’s agent representative based in Atlanta, Georgia, to provide a quote offer for this job. EPI worked closely with Cerrowire, being sure to promote their excellent product benefits along with noting their manufacturing location nearby in Alabama.

The original specifications listed several major wire manufacturers, and EPI was successful in having Cerrowire added to the job specification as an approved product. Their addition was based on a detailed review of the specifications on the products the company had to offer. “We were convinced that the Cerrowire products had features that made them ideal for this large installation,” said EPI’s Inside Sales Rep assigned to Cerrowire, Carol Tinberg. “Both Cedartown and Kubota were impressed with the wire, especially the colored wire, SLiPWire™, and the True Sequential Footage markings and Footage Guarantee. They weren’t previously aware of all the benefits of Cerrowire’s products offered, and the proximity of the manufacturing plant to the job site along with EPI offering local Cerrowire stock even closer to the job site, were also positives.” 

The nearness of the plant along with the large warehouse inventory provided the quick turnaround time the project managers were looking for, as well as the ability to run product to the job site within hours when needed.

Wire features on display

More than 150,000 pounds of copper wire was used on the project in a wide range of large sizes, and all colors. Many runs were as long as 800 feet and several were 1,000 feet.

Cedartown Electric attributes the ease and speed of installation to a few unique features the wire had to offer. For example, Cerrowire provided SLiPWire™, a thermoplastic high heat-resistant nylon-coated (THHN) cable jacketed with a self-lubricating polymer that provides an improved, lower co-efficient of friction. SLiPWire™ reduces the time, labor and cost for installation, eliminates the materials and labor required for lubricating the wire, and avoids messy clean-up activities. James Moates comments, “I found that it was a better product with the best lubricant, and just about the slickest wire I’ve seen.” They were able to achieve 800 feet pulls at a rate of 3 feet a minute.

EPI’s Carol Tinberg agreed, noting that with many other wire manufacturers you have to use additional lube, but that with SLiPWire, you do not. The product is extremely easy to install and smooth going through the conduit. On-site at the Kubota facility to observe wire pulls, EPI along with representatives from Cerrowire were exceptionally impressed with the product performance. James Moates commented during the visit, “A lot of times when on a wire pull you hear cracking or popping as elbows break loose because of the pressure of the wire coming through, but this doesn’t happen with the SLiPWire,” he explained to Bill Carroll, EPI’s Outside Sales Rep, “Not having to lube the wire cuts down on valuable man hours and time spent running soap and lube.”

The contractor also appreciated the wire’s True Sequential Footage feature. A footage mark is used to document remaining wire, beginning with zero at the bottom of the reel and ending with the finished length at the top. The accurate footage mark allowed for quick identification of the re-order point, guaranteed the full purchased wire length was received, and reduced random lengths, leading to better control of end-of-reel scrap. True Sequential Footage uses Doppler lasers to ensure far more accurate precision than a mechanical counter.

“This feature made a huge difference on our job,” says Moates. “Being able to do a continuous pull without reset, especially when the feeder wires had extremely long paths, made installation a lot easier and helped save money and time.”

He explained that with other wire measured by wire rollers on a spool, you often come up short on a run, whereas with the guaranteed footage, “We no longer had to guess that the wire might or might not make it on a pull. We also knew how much was left and whether we had enough left over to fill the next pull. When you’re trying to match numbers to add up to certain lengths, knowing exactly what is left on the spool makes everything a lot easier.” True Sequential Footage significantly minimized time spent with pulls, therefore helping Cedartown’s production run with exceptional efficiency.

With copper wire being as expensive as it has become, minimizing waste is an important method of saving money on a job. Using wire with the True Sequential Footage feature cut down considerably on unusable scrap wire, which has to be thrown away. This reduces inventory and minimizes labor time spent tracking wire.

Servicing customers on large projects

EPI is proud to represent Cerrowire and is consistently impressed with their emphasis on customer service, as well as their wire’s value-added features that are a good fit for the company’s own “closed loop” philosophy. Per Richard Boyd – EPI’s General Manger, this philosophy is based on working hand in hand with the contractor and distributor to address all material issues and make the job go as smoothly as possible. From their point of view, Cerrowire really delivered to the customer, offering a great product, providing error-free shipping and scheduling emergency shipments, often within a 2-hour window. They also honored their wire footage guarantees.

Cedartown Electric heartily agreed, saying, “They provided the correct poundage of wire early on, and maintained the wire numbers and sales to meet what we needed.” James Moates explained that when dealing with large quantities of wire, it’s common for some things to get missed or dropped in order spools. On the one occasion this happened during the Kubota construction, Cerrowire drove to the site and hand-delivered the shipment the next day to save their customer the cost of paying for overnight Fed Ex delivery.

He concludes, “The job went very smoothly and Cerrowire was always responsive to my needs, interested in helping me rather than simply selling products.”  www.cerrowire.com

A Defense Of ‘Austerity’ – Commentary by Joe Salimando

By Joe Salimando (ecdotcom@gmail.com)

Something called “Austerity” is under attack – from economists, politicians, and media types – worldwide. Cutting back on spending now is just wrong, the thinking goes. Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize winner, says the U.S. government should actually gin up another huge ($1 trillion or $2 trillion) stimulus; we don’t need and should not cut back!

And in Europe, where (some say) a version of Austerity has been tried – it has, it is said, failed.

There is shorthand in use here . . . what the heck does this word, as currently used, actually mean? Let’s take it home – to your personal situation.

1. Your family take-home pay is $500 a week.

2. Up until recently, your family has been spending on the order of $625 a week. It can’t be sustained. You know this. Yet: You’ve been spending anyway. The lifestyle you and yours you can live with the use of $125 more per week than you otherwise would be able to afford are wonderful! AND: You only live once, you know!

3A. But: Upon sober analysis, it would seem that your future prospects may not include a winning ticket in a big lottery . . . or, even, a stupendous salary boost. So the debt you are taking on won’t be paid off anytime soon. In the meantime, you are adding to it, week after week.

3B. Further, your parents, while older than you, are living the good life. What’s better (or worse, if you think they might be a solution) – they are healthy and happy. And: Even should they be called from this mortal coil tomorrow morning, they probably won’t leave you enough money to get out of financial trouble.

3C. You’ve looked around. Sure, there are headlines about housing “coming back,” but they seem . . . overly optimistic. What’s relevant is where YOU live; and prospects for future price appreciation in your home (if you own it) really aren’t worth discussing. Odds of bailing yourself out with a Home Equity Line of Credit (which amounts to taking on more debt to get out of debt, doesn’t it?) really suck.

4. So you have a family meeting. The decision is pretty simple: At least until more money starts coming in, you MUST STOP spending more than $500 per week. In fact, you need to cut back to $450/week . . . with some of the non-spent money (all of $2,600/year) going to paying down the debt you’ve accumulated, and some of it shunted into a “rainy day” fund.

5. Essentially, then, you’ve set yourself and your family on a road to a set of decisions that will hurt. You are going to cutback – and NOT slowly – from spending $625/month to $450/month. To get there, your personal life MUST become, to use a word carefully – Austere.

You don’t have to chop off 3 fingers. But . . .

What changes does this mean? Plenty Here are a few:

·   There’s no room for you to join the (guys or girls) and go to Starbucks two mornings a week.

·   Dinner out moves from a weekly thing to a monthly thing. Maybe you give Groupon a try to see if you can afford to eat dinner out more than 1x/month, but the amount of $ you spend on meals out shrinks drastically.

·   For dinners at home, you forget the Chianti Classico Reserva (or the Sam Adams) . . . you move to the equivalent of “Two Buck Chuck” wine (or Budweiser).

·   When you and your spouse both come home exhausted from work, the idea of calling out – for Chinese food, for Pizza, or for whatever – is now out of the question. It just can’t be on the agenda. Maybe every blue moon; but you can’t allow “blue moons” to come weekly anymore.

·   Your kids want a lot of things. You end up expending a lot of energy (instead of money) wrestling mentally with them. Right now, you must reduce those “But I need it” comments (and the thinking behind those). There’s the holidays. You’ll get “it” for them then. But there can only be one “it” – even then.

·   Shopping at the supermarket has transitioned from some kind of party-in-motion to a deliberate, planned-out-ahead thing. There’s a list, made out before you hit the store. You must buy a week’s worth of eat-at-home meals on the cheap; and it can’t all be horsemeat! When at the store, if someone puts something NOT on the list into the cart . . . the other person removes it.

·   You might go to 3 supermarkets in your area in a week – one has a box of Cheerios for $2 less than the other; frozen food is cheaper at Store Z than Stores X and Y; and so on. And you even start looking at using the coupons that are all over the place . . . items you previously ignored.

Perhaps you’ve done none of the above and lived a financially sound life anyway. Maybe your family has one wage-earner bringing home a very large check. It’s possible that you hate coffee, you never liked Chinese take-out, and restaurant service has always freaked you out, in some Felix Ungar type of thing.

Is that the case for you and yours? If so, it’s unusual. There are all kinds of studies showing that the average U.S. citizen (and family) has very little in savings. Those about to retire haven’t saved very much money – and their attempts to build up assets via investing in the stock market and/or owning a house haven’t panned out very well.

Other than those who are very wealthy, or who are earning very big incomes, others – even those taking home much more than $500/week – just are not living within their means.

There’s no bail-out for you (or me)

At one time, a young married couple might realistically “stretch” to buy a house; the future certainly would include higher incomes (at the current jobs or new ones). If the worst-case happened – maybe a pregnancy, or you must leave town to get a better job – you could be sure that the price someone else would pay for your house would be, in a short period of time, much more than you paid for it.

You’d come out ahead whether you stayed or moved on! You’d “win” whether you started a family now, or just a bit later. You literally could not make a bad decision!!!

Today, however, college graduates are having trouble just getting a foot in the door. There are tales of folks with Ph.Ds after their names finding work at that Starbucks at which you used to be a regular.

And housing (despite a lot of Realtor-inspired baloney in the media) remains a dead issue, at least in your town.

Perhaps it’s all temporary. Perhaps the U.S. will resume serious real annual economic growth, creating opportunities for those with college degrees and those without ‘em. Maybe home equity loans will increase greatly; maybe everybody and his brother will have a Home Equity Line of Credit checkbook, just as in 2005.

But Common Sense is whispering in your ear: Sure, maybe – but perhaps that would not be the smart way to bet right about now.

Obviously, personal experience matters here. If you’ve tried “Austerity” – well, you might not be fond of it; but you know it works. To delve into the personal: Austerity has worked for me, over and over again; it’s easy to forget it – but it’s proven important, in my life, to return to it. Even as recently as 2012!

Salimando’s EleBlog (www.electricalcontractor.com), updated frequently, contains content about the electrical & datacom industries, contracting companies, green issues, how economic developments could affect business owners, and much more. The site had more than 320 posts in October & November 2012.

Starting as a copyboy on the Binghamton Sun-Bulletin in 1974, Joe Salimando has worked as a reporter, writer, columnist, editor, and publisher for various publications (over 38 years). He served as Publisher of NECA’s Electrical Contractor magazine from July 1990 to April 1998.

A freelance writer/editor these days, he’s the managing editor of CapitalTristate Now, a publication of the mid-Atlantic unit of electrical distributor Sonepar. He posts regularly to NECA’s Energy Solutions blog.

Brady introduces new training video, “Lockout/Tagout: Global Best Practice Training”

Lockout video speaks to global regulations, best practices

MILWAUKEE, Wis., (March 8, 2013) —Brady, a global leader in lockout solutions, announced today the debut of its new safety training video, “Lockout/Tagout: Global Best Practice Training.”  This 25-minute training video speaks to the many global regulations that focus on lockout and the importance of implementing a comprehensive plan.

During the “Lockout/Tagout: Global Best Practice Training” video, viewers will learn about lockout,  the benefits of creating an internal program and an overview of compliance standards and regulations from countries around the world. Additionally the video covers important subtopics such as handling group lockout and shift changeovers and provides an outline for an effective four-step lockout program.

“Lockout is considered a best practice act around the globe,” says Danielle Gallo, Brady’s product specialist for safety and facility identification. “Having an effective and up-to-date lockout program is essential for any business. Brady’s new “Lockout/Tagout: Global Best Practice Training” video ensures safety managers have the most current training solutions for their authorized and affected employees.”

The training video also includes 19 bonus lockout device installation videos for the most common devices used in facilities. Available in both DVD-format and USB/flash drive, Brady’s training video includes an instructor’s guide, employee quiz and is available in five languages, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and simplified Chinese.

Lockout/tagout was the ninth most cited regulation by federal OSHA and the sixth most cited regulation in the general industry. It also has the third highest fines associated with it, garnering 2.8 million dollars in 2012. On a global scale, many jurisdictions and worker safety agencies are incorporating lockout and the control of hazardous energy into their specific programs. 

For more information

To learn more about Brady’s new lockout safety training video, visit www.BradyID.com/lockouttagout. For Brady’s complete product offering, visit www.BradyID.com. In Canada, visit www.BradyCanada.ca.

About Brady Corporation

Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC) is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products and people. Its products include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has millions of customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs 6,900 people at operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Brady’s fiscal 2012 sales were approximately $1.3 billion. More information about Brady Corporation is available at www.bradycorp.com.

Oberon, Inc. Joins COWA Industrial Advisory Board

The Center on Optical Wireless Applications will play a role in developing new optical and wireless devices that will improve the named applications and reduce energy consumption and pollution.

State College, PA – March 7, 2013

Oberon, Inc., a leading manufacturer of wireless infrastructure products, has joined a number of technology leadership corporations as a member of the Industrial advisory board for the Center on Optical Wireless Applications (COWA). The COWA is an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) developed under the auspices of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

This (I/UCRC), led by researchers at the Pennsylvania State University and Georgia Institute of Technology, will provide leadership to develop a new generation of environment-friendly, extremely wideband optical and/or wireless technology applications, employing solid-state devices for communications, networking, imaging, and remote sensing applications.

The primary goals of this center are to initiate formal partnership with various industry partners and national laboratories that have an interest in optical and wireless applications design. The Center has the potential to improve the profitability of industry and technical leadership of government laboratories by developing new optical and wireless devices which will improve the named applications and reduce energy consumption and pollution. Oberon joins a number of industry-leading technology companies on the industrial advisory board of COWA.

ABOUT OBERON, INC. - About Oberon: Since 1999, Oberon, Inc. has been providing products and services to integrators and end users of wireless LAN "Wi-Fi" network products. Oberon’s wireless enclosures and antenna products are used where the RF coverage, infrastructure security, environmental robustness, and aesthetics are paramount in the network design and implementation. Oberon offers ceiling-mounted telecommunications enclosures for Ethernet switches, patch panels, wireless controllers, and other networking and A/V components - ideal for structured cabling, Fiber-to-the-Enclosure (FTTE), and PON deployments.

Oberon’s products and services have helped thousands of integrators and end-users in the global healthcare, government, transportation and logistics, education, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing achieve reliable indoor network connection mobility.

www.obernwireless.com

ShoreTel Advances Unified Communications for the Apple iPad - ShoreTel Mobility 6 & ShoreTel Conferencing redefine Enterprise Communications

ShoreTel – Tue, Mar 5, 2013 5:00 PM EST

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ShoreTel® (SHOR), the leading provider of brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, including business phone systems, applications, and mobile UC solutions, today announced the availability of ShoreTel Mobility 6 and ShoreTel Conferencing – two new releases optimized for turning the Apple iPad into a business communications tool, enabling integrated collaboration capabilities, increased accessibility and improved communications, regardless of the user's location.

ShoreTel Mobility 6 delivers a native iPad user interface for enabling multi-modal communications. Users place and receive calls with their business persona (desk phone caller ID), exchange instant messages, listen to voice mail messages and even create multi-party calls by simply dragging names from enterprise directories together with a swipe of the finger.

"We've seen widespread endorsement of BYOD initiatives across the board," said Michael Finneran, principal at dBrn Associates™. "And based on our latest research, Apple devices appear to be coming into the enterprise at almost twice the rate of Android. ShoreTel's focus for making mobile applications easy to use could lead to higher user adoption."

ShoreTel Conferencing for iOS further extends the communications experience with application collaboration capabilities. Users easily share presentations controlled by their iPad or iPhone with remote participants; or can view shared desktops of their colleagues' PC and Macs.

"As more staff members bring tablets to our university, having an intuitive ShoreTel Mobility client for the iPad is more valuable than ever before," said Hernan London, associate CIO, Barry University. "It enables greater mobile communications for all – while minimizing the demand on our IT department for support."

The combined applications from ShoreTel make the Apple iPad a fully featured business-grade communications device that is brilliantly simple to operate. Users place calls from their iPad using the speaker or a Bluetooth headset, with the same caller ID as their desk phone. Security is assured with integrated VPN SSL encryption that is automatically enabled for the user.

"The Apple iPad has quickly become the most popular tablet brought by users into the workplace," said Peter Blackmore, chief executive officer, ShoreTel. "ShoreTel transforms the iPad into a true multi-modal business communications device – for placing and receiving calls just like a desk phone, for sending and responding to instant messages, and for easily collaborating with other PC, Mac and iPad users. By combining these applications together in a manner that is brilliantly simple for employees to use, businesses can feel comfortable supporting a BYOD policy to drive effective communications and enhance productivity."

Pricing and Availability
ShoreTel Mobility 6 and ShoreTel Conferencing are universal client applications available as free downloads from the Apple App Store. Both applications are available for Apple iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch users, with some functionality limited on smaller screens. ShoreTel Mobility 6 voice applications are also available for ShoreTel Sky customers, and SIP-supported IP PBXs from Avaya and Cisco Systems.

About ShoreTel
ShoreTel, Inc. (SHOR) is a provider of business communication solutions whose brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, applications and mobile UC solutions promise a new rhythm of workforce engagement and collaboration. With costly complexity eliminated by design from its award-winning, all-in-one IP phone system, UC and contact center solution, and its industry-leading hosted phone system, workers enjoy a freedom and self-reliance that other providers can't match. Users have full control to engage and collaborate, no matter the time, place or device, for the lowest cost and demand on IT resources in the industry. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and has regional offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit shoretel.com or shoretelsky.com.

ShoreTel, ShoreTel Sky, and the ShoreTel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ShoreTel, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

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

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

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

Lynn Electronics Corporation (Ivyland, PA)  announces the opening of its new west coast sales office and  warehouse in Irvine, CA

Lynn Electronics Corporation (Ivyland, PA)  announces the opening of its new west coast sales office and  warehouse in Irvine, CA. This new location will serve  Datacom markets and products will be stocked and shipped from this location directly to Lynn’s distribution partners on the west coast .

Lynn Electronics offers a complete solution for copper and fiber cabling applications. Products include Modular Telephone cords and cordage, Category 5E/ 6/ 6A Slim-line High Density Patch cords, 25 Pair Cat 3 and Cat 5E Telco Connector Cables, Audio/Video/Data Cable Assemblies, Power Cords, Fiber Optic Pigtails, Patch Cords and Jumpers as well as Custom Cable Assemblies in Copper ( Optilink ) and Fiber Configurations. In addition, Lynn offers a full line of High Speed Ethernet and Gigabit Media Converters, Switches, Rack Mount Chassis, Attenuators, SFP’s and Transceivers.

Please see LYNN ELECTRONICS web site @ www.lynnelec.com for company history, product info, specs, downloads and PDF’s or contact Lynn in Ivyland, PA at 1.800.523-6075 or contact Audrey Goddard at our new location on the west coast at 1.888. 324.6456

ShoreTel Helps Healthcare Organizations Enhance Patient Care

ShoreTel – Mon, Mar 4, 2013 6:00 AM EST

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ShoreTel® (SHOR), the leading provider of brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, including business phone systems, applications, and mobile UC solutions, continues to provide communications solutions that help healthcare organizations increase productivity and improve patient care, while keeping costs under control.

"Healthcare organizations require reliable, flexible communications tools that allow them to be quick and nimble with patients," said Kevin Gavin, chief marketing officer at ShoreTel. "With ShoreTel, healthcare institutions can leverage their existing IT staff to create a seamless, centrally managed communications system that immediately connects the right medical personnel and the right resources at the right time—and doesn't force doctors and nurses to learn a new and complex technology."

In the healthcare industry, communication is vital—and, at times, a matter of life and death. ShoreTel provides a brilliantly simple solution that's easy to deploy, use and administer for healthcare organizations of all sizes. Powerful features and functionality, along with centralized management, help ensure patients receive quality care and prompt responses, while healthcare facilities eliminate the need for additional IT resources and lengthy training periods. With support for open standards, ShoreTel makes it easy to integrate legacy phone systems, the variety of devices typically used in and around hospitals, and various healthcare applications, including nurse call systems and electronic medical record systems.

Healthcare organizations worldwide are reaping the benefits of a ShoreTel UC system to streamline work processes, enhance patient service and improve their bottom lines. ShoreTel's roster of healthcare customers includes Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma, Henry County Health Center, Lighthouse International, Klickitat Valley Health and Terry Reilly Health Services.

"With ShoreTel we have an unbeatable team of best-of-breed products that, together, provide a very interoperable, scalable and cost-efficient solution for meeting the communications needs of our patients and staff," said Patrick Bruce, IT director for Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma. "Because everything works together, we continue to realize savings on operations and an overall reduction of complexity."

This week ShoreTel is exhibiting its powerful communications tools for healthcare organizations in booth number 1318 at HIMSS (March 3 – 7, New Orleans, La.), the largest medical conference in the country.

• "In 2011 we implemented a ShoreTel unified communications solution including phones, contact center, conferencing and video across our nine clinics. What really sold us was how easy the system was to use but by implementing ShoreTel we have seen better patient care and improved patient satisfaction. Everything we do at Henry County Health Center is patient focused and ShoreTel has enhanced our ability to deliver on that vision."
  – Stephen Stewart, Chief Information Officer, Henry County Health Center
• "In 2010 our contract was running out with our previous phone vendor. We realized it was less expensive to get a new ShoreTel system than renew our existing contract. We chose ShoreTel because of price and functionality and purchased ShoreTel solutions including Contact Center. The benefits since implementing ShoreTel include cost savings from needing less staff to manage the phone system, improved customer service and the ability to connect easier with external offices."
  – Paul Garrin, Chief Information Officer/Vice President, Lighthouse International
• "Our previous system was unreliable, expensive and cumbersome to maintain. We chose ShoreTel because of their reputation as a cost-effective solution that offered a plethora of options and scalability. Since implementing ShoreTel, not only have we seen a considerable cost savings, but our users have been impressed with the ease of use and intuitive design which has resulted in increased productivity."
  – Jonathon Hatfield, IT Manager, Klickitat Valley Health
• "Before ShoreTel we had separate phone systems that couldn't be integrated which made inter-site communication difficult. We also had to pay a technician whenever we needed changes made to the system which was expensive and time consuming. With ShoreTel we truly have a unified system which helps improve communications for our patients, doctors and staff regardless of where they are located physically."
  – Dan Shadix, IT Director, Terry Reilly Health Services

About ShoreTel, Inc.

ShoreTel, Inc. (SHOR) is a provider of business communication solutions whose brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, applications and mobile UC solutions promise a new rhythm of workforce engagement and collaboration. With costly complexity eliminated by design from its award-winning, all-in-one IP phone system, UC and contact center solution, and its industry-leading hosted phone system, workers enjoy a freedom and self-reliance that other providers can't match. Users have full control to engage and collaborate, no matter the time, place or device, for the lowest cost and demand on IT resources in the industry. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has regional offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit www.shoretel.com or www.shoretelsky.com.

ShoreTel, ShoreTel Sky, and the ShoreTel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ShoreTel, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

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

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

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

Webcast - Fiber Optic Connectors – (The bottom line is still performance) produced by Lightwave (PennWell) and sponsored and presented by the Light Brigade

     In all fiber optic systems, it is necessary to join two fibers together with low signal attenuation while maintaining low reflection levels depending upon the type of system used. Fiber optic connectors are used as the mechanical and optical means for cross connecting fibers and linking to fiber optic transmission equipment.

You’ll find an overview of the webcast, along with all the pertinent logistical details, here -- http://www.lightwaveonline.com/webcasts/2013/03/fiber-optic-connectors.html.

Premieres LIVE: March 12, 2013   Free to Attend     Register Today

This webinar will outline critical details you need to know in order to select and implement the correct fiber connectors for your application.

NEW! All live and on demand webcasts are now available on any mobile device including iPads, tablets and phones!

If you miss this live webcast, Lightwave will still have it online.

      A plethora of connectors have been designed over the years to meet the varied optical and mechanical specifications necessary to ensure reliable performance.  This session looks at fiber optic connectors in detail, including how they function, the types and variations that are available, and how their performance is specified.  The session goes on to discuss other critical connector-related topics such as termination techniques, reflection in single-mode terminations, and managing your termination costs and connector yield.

     This webinar will outline the critical details you need to know in order to select and implement the correct fiber connectors for your application, such as:

·         The main components of a connector

·         Connector types and selecting the correct one

·         Variations in single-mode and multimode fiber connectors

·         Termination, polishing, and cleaning techniques

·         The importance of yield

About the Light Brigade

Over 45,000 people around the world have attended The Light Brigade’s state-of-the-art fiber optic training courses, which cover the entire spectrum of fiber optics from basic theory, design, maintenance, and testing through to advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM, SONET, PMD/CD, and fiber-optic video transmission. In addition to its public courses, The Light Brigade offers course development services in which courses can be customized to a desired skill level, to focus on specific subject matter, or to take place at a special location. The company has produced professional-quality educational DVDs, a self-paced training on-line training course, and self-study courses. These materials are technology based and demonstrate theory and techniques applicable to any manufacturer's product.  The Light Brigade provides critical training for your personnel to lower operating costs and improve installation efficiency. www.lightbrigade.com

About the Instructor

Larry Johnson, founder and president of The Light Brigade, has been involved with fiber optics since 1977 and is regarded as an expert in all aspects of fiber optic design, installation, testing and measurement. He was identified as a Fiber Optic luminary in 2001 and has participated in the development of fiber optic standards. He has also co-authored Troubleshooting Optical Fiber Networks, a comprehensive book on OTDRs. His leadership in the optical networking industry has resulted in repeated invitations to speak at key conferences and professional symposia worldwide and to coordinate FTTH activities at the Optical Fiber Conference, the Outside Plant Expo and the Fiber to the Home Conference.

AFL and Excalibur Engineering Launch New Test Equipment Leasing Program

Spartanburg, SC and Irvine, CA – February 20, 2013 – AFL and Excalibur Engineering announced a new leasing program featuring NOYES® fiber optic test equipment. Products include the NOYES M310 Data Center OTDR, the FLX380 High Performance Micro OTDR and the C880 Optical Loss Test Set.

“Network operators often need additional test equipment for network construction, repair, installation and commissioning tasks,” said George Rose, general manager for AFL’s NOYES Test and Inspection Division. “Now, even when tight budgets prohibit capital purchases, the Excalibur Engineering leasing program can provide them with an excellent alternative to securing the equipment they need.”

“Since 1989, Excalibur Engineering has provided its clients with sales, service, calibration, rental and leasing of the most trusted brands of test equipment,” explained Bob McBride, general manager of Excalibur Engineering. “NOYES fiber optic products are relied upon by many of the world’s telecom and datacom network operators and we are pleased to now offer these quality products to our customers.”

All leased products are supported with a three-year warranty and calibration plan. Leasing information and quotes are available via the Excalibur Engineering online leasing storefront.

Visit the AFL product pages at www.excaliburengineering.com/Rent-or-Buy-AFL-Noyes. For additional information on AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company's diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicer’s, test equipment and training. AFL's service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

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

About Excalibur Engineering
Since 1989, Excalibur Engineering offers the highest quality of service for precisely reconditioned test and measurement equipment rentals, leases, and sales available anywhere in the world. Excalibur has become a dependable industry source by specializing in the most trusted brands in the test equipment industry and provides customers with ready access to over 90 manufacturers and thousands of models including Agilent Technologies, Tektronix, Fluke, Rhode & Schwarz, Aeroflex, Ametek, Bruel & Kjaer and AFL/NOYES.

Located in Irvine, California, Excalibur is supported by the best independent engineering representative firms in the industry. For more information, visit www.ExcaliburEngineering.com

AFL Introduces New Indoor/Outdoor Plenum Distribution Cables

Spartanburg, SC – March 5, 2013 – AFL has updated its line of Indoor/Outdoor Plenum Distribution Cables. Ideal for interbuilding campus network cabling, the NFPA 70 Article 770-compliant plenum cable supports installations where a transition from a traditional loose tube outside plant cable is problematic and cost prohibitive.

Based on 900 µm tight buffered designs, AFL’s Indoor/Outdoor Plenum Cable family can be efficiently terminated in the field when using either mechanical or splice-on connectors. The outer jacket is moisture, fungus and UV-resistant, making AFL’s Indoor/Outdoor Plenum Distribution Cable reliable for both outdoor and underground buried-duct applications.
 
“With a strong focus on engineering and design, AFL continually works on improving our solutions by listening to our customer base. The new design of the indoor/outdoor ONFP- and plenum-rated cable was a direct result of customer feedback in order to meet the need for implementing campus network installations,” explained Doug Baker, commercial manager for enterprise cable at AFL. “Our updated family of Indoor/Outdoor plenum-rated cables provides a sound building block for those networks.”
 
The new Indoor/Outdoor Plenum Distribution Cable is suitable for spaces requiring plenum, riser, general purpose and outside plant UL flame ratings. Available in single-mode and multimode, including Laser-Optimized 50 µm OM4, cables within the family are also available with options up to 24 fibers.

For more information about AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

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

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

AFL Introduces the NOYES® FOCIS PRO Fiber Optic Connector Inspection System

Lowell, MA and Spartanburg, SC – February 25, 2013 – AFL introduces the family of NOYES FOCIS PRO automatic fiber inspection solutions that provide network personnel with an automated solution for analysis and documentation of fiber connector cleanliness and integrity, thus completely eliminating the subjective aspect of fiber inspection. Designed for field inspection tasks, FOCIS PRO is a powerful, easy-to-use alternative to existing inspection solutions. Because the optical resolution and detection specification exceed current international standards, and software-based applications are upgradeable, FOCIS PRO solutions are future-proof.

“As network vendors pursue higher data rates associated with the substantial growth in data traffic, the demand for exceptional performance of network systems is becoming more and more crucial,” explained Bill Thompson, marketing director for AFL’s test equipment division. “Simply stated, it is imperative that fibers are clean and free from defects. AFL’s FOCIS PRO system delivers a solution that supports these demanding requirements.”

The FOCIS PRO System consists of the DFD1 Touchscreen Tablet, the DFS1 Digital FiberScope and the new SimpleView™ PRO software. Capable of centering a fiber image, identifying critical core, cladding, adhesive and contact zones while detecting and tallying the types of defects found, this software analyzes a typical fiber in under five seconds. Its Zoom/Pan feature combined with a large, clear display enables users to identify the smallest particles, scratches and imperfections.

Unique to FOCIS and FOCIS PRO products is the patent-pending paired image feature which allows users to make immediate fiber cleanliness comparisons. With the FOCIS PRO, users can capture and save up to 1,000 fiber images, review images on-site and share images via USB memory sticks or SD flash cards. All FOCIS units can be upgraded to the functionality of FOCIS PRO.

FOCIS PRO is the most advanced NOYES fiber inspection product on the market, and only FOCIS PRO combines automatic analysis, inspection and reporting features with superior handheld ergonomics.

For more information about AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

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

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

AFL Launches BuyAFL.com eCommerce Site

Spartanburg, SC – February 28, 2013 – AFL, the leading provider of fiber optics and engineering expertise, has launched BuyAFL.com, a new e-commerce site that complements the company’s primary website, AFLglobal.com. BuyAFL.com offers a complete selection of fiber optic cleaning products, cleaning supplies and accessories.

The new e-commerce site was developed in response to direct customer feedback. Technicians, contractors and installers often require a very quick turn on supplies and BuyAFL.com simplifies the process. Customers can easily select the products they need, and if necessary, have them in hand the next day, keeping their networks operating properly and at optimal capacity.

Products are available individually or in bulk, and include refill and replenishment items, standalone products, application-specific bundles and kits. Visitors can shop by category, brand or use the Product Quick Search, a tool that connects customers to the products they need with just one click. BuyAFL.com supports same day and next day shipping to both domestic and international destinations.

For more information about AFL, its products and services, visit AFLglobal.com.

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

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

AFL’s Fiber Security™ Perimeter Intrusion Detection System Evaluated by National Safe Skies Alliance

Spartanburg, SC – March 11, 2013 – AFL announces that its Fiber Security, a fiber optic perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS), was tested by the National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies), an FAA-funded non-profit, independent organization that specializes in airport safety and security testing.

Safe Skies subjected the Fiber Security system to an intensive all-season evaluation in an airport environment from December 2011 through October 2012. During this time, rigorous intrusion detection performance and environmental exposure testing was performed to assess the system’s detection reliability, as well as nuisance and false alarm rates.
 
“AFL’s Fiber Security system offers an optimal balance between threat detection and extremely low nuisance alarm rates,” said Sean Foley, security market manager for AFL. “We believe that the Safe Skies testing provides the best comparison of AFL's system’s capabilities as compared with other PID systems on the market.”
 
AFL’s Fiber Security perimeter intrusion detection system is a vibration sensing system that alerts users when an intrusion event occurs along a facility’s perimeter. AFL’s technology utilizes a fence-mounted fiber optic sensing cable coupled with a central optical sensing unit. While the common application is to mount the sensor cable onto a chain link fence, buried and solid wall solutions are also available. The system pinpoints the location of the intrusion event and has robust algorithms for avoiding nuisance alarms that often plague other vibration-based detection systems.
 
Foley continues, “After reviewing the test report, we believe users will find our solution very appealing when considered with additional benefits including immunity to lightning and EMI, a wide range of external interface options, no power or signal cable required at the fence and a low incremental cost per foot. Fiber Security is a rugged and reliable system that offers an attractive solution to the airport security community as well as other government agencies.”
 
For additional information on AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
 
About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

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

AFL’s LightGuard™ Aerial Closures Now Rodent-Resistant

Spartanburg, SC –March 4, 2013 – AFL has an incorporated a non-toxic anti-rodent concentrate into the plastic pellets used in molding its aerial closures. The new additive is completely toxin free and will not cause harm to animals or the environment; however, the concentrate will give the plastic an unpleasant taste, deterring animals from chewing on closures.

Acting on a study by a large Internet Service Provider, AFL learned that 17 percent of their overall network damage is caused by squirrels nibbling on fiber optic cables. AFL conducted research and concluded that by adding an environmentally safe, non-toxic concentrate network damage caused by rodents could be reduced.

AFL’s family of aerial weathertight splice closures is designed to provide a cost-effective solution for aerial splicing in a variety of outside plant applications. Through rigorous engineering, closures have been proven to reduce installation time and the complexity associated with fiber splicing in the field. All aerial closures have been designed to be installed without the need for special tools, heat, adhesives, drills or any powered equipment.

For more information about AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

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

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

Brady introduces the BBP85 Sign and Label Printer for large-format, multicolor printing

- New industrial printer offers simple operating system, multicolor printing and ten inch wide output -

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (March 4, 2013) Brady today introduced the BBP®85 Sign and Label Printer, its all-new large-format, multicolor thermal transfer printer. The BBP®85 Printer has an exceptionally easy-to-use touch-screen interface and can print multicolored signs and labels up to 10 inches wide. Combined with Brady materials that last in challenging indoor conditions and up to 10 years outdoors, the BBP®85 Sign and Label Printer offers the optimal in-house printing solution for custom safety and facility identification.

 “The BBP®85 printer opens the door for high visibility labeling capabilities, cost savings, time savings, and improved training efficiencies” said Matt Luger, Brady’s senior product marketing manager. “If customers don’t have the time or budget to order custom signs, they can make their own high quality visuals right at their facility in a matter of minutes.”

The new printer comes with Brady’s fastest, easiest operating system to date. Its touch-screen interface makes label design fast, simple and accessible. It is also pre-programmed with convenient applications for creating common visuals such as pipe markers, arc flash labels, GHS labels, and right-to-know chemical signs.

“Anyone on your team can walk up to this printer and make signs and labels with little to no training,” said Luger. “It completely changes what you expect from an industrial desktop printer. This is the Hassle Free printer experience.”

With such an intuitive operating system and large multi-color output, the BBP®85 printer is an ideal system for companies that have multiple printer users – especially during lean, 5S and kaizen labeling events. Every team member can have the capability to create effective, full color signs and labels, whenever and wherever they are needed throughout the facility.

In addition to its simple operating system, the BBP®85 printer offers an extensive list of advanced design and print capabilities. It has over 300 built-in symbols, hundreds more pictograms, three barcode symbologies, and 11 operating languages. There is a convenient USB port for sharing and uploading files, as well as an Ethernet port for easy networking. Users can import their own files, logos, and standard fonts, or connect the printer to a PC for even more design flexibility by using Brady’s MarkWare™ Facility Identification Software.

Continuing Brady’s commitment to high performance materials, the BBP®85 printer offers an expansive list of industrial grade material options. These materials lead the industry in durability and offer an aggressive adhesive that sticks to nearly any type of surface – indoors or outdoors. The BBP®85 Sign and Label Printer can print on vinyl, polyester, glow-in-the-dark, reflective and other specialty materials. Pre-printed sign headers are also available to help users design and print common safety, facility and compliance visuals even faster. These visuals can easily be adhered to blank signs to create a custom rigid sign in minutes.

For more information:

To learn more about the new BBP®85 Sign and Label Printer, visit www.BradyID.com/BBP85. For more information about Brady’s complete line of products and offers, visit www.BradyID.com.  In Canada, visit www.BradyCanada.ca.   

About Brady Corporation:

Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC) is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products and people. Its products include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has millions of customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs 6,900 people at operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Brady’s fiscal 2012 sales were approximately $1.3 billion. More information about Brady Corporation is available at www.bradycorp.com.

Brady offers limited-time industrial and portable printer promotion- Special 30 percent off discount is available on Brady printers until May 31, 2013

MILWAUKEE, Wis., (March 1, 2013) — Brady, a leading manufacturer for label printers and materials is now offering a special 30 percent off discount on a variety of its printer models. This limited-time offer is available beginning today until May 31, 2013.

Brady also has a bonus offer of a free label material of choice (up to a $300 value) if the customer purchases any six rolls of materials for their new printer within 30 days of their printer purchase.

The printers included in the promotion are:

·         BBP®31 Label Printer

·         BBP®33 Label Printer

·         IP® Thermal Transfer Printer

·         MiniMark™ Industrial Printer

·         GlobalMark®2 Industrial Label Printer

·         BMP®51 Portable Label Printer

·         BMP®53 Portable Label Printer

·         BMP®71 Portable Label Printer

“Offering Brady printers and consumables at a discounted rate provides customers an opportunity to purchase the industry’s best labeling equipment for their facility while saving on costs,” says Matt Luger, senior product marketing manager for printers. 

Brady’s portable and benchtop printers provide label solutions for a variety of applications, including facility operations, lean and 5S, workplace safety and compliance, product identification, laboratory, electrical, automation, telecomm and more.

For more information

For more information about Brady’s printer promotion, visit www.BradyID.com/Save30.  To learn more about Brady’s complete product offering, visit www.BradyID.com. In Canada, visit www.BradyCanada.ca.

About Brady:

Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC) is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products and people.  Its products include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has millions of customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical and a variety of other industries.  Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs 6,900 people at operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Brady’s fiscal 2012 sales were approximately $1.3 billion.  More information about Brady Corporation is available at www.bradycorp.com.

CABA NewsBrief – CABA’s 25th Anniversary and the growth just keeps on going stronger

FOLLOW CARLINI’s CORNER

James Carlini, long-time contributor to HOTS has launched a new weekly business column at ONPURPOSE Magazine.  He will be discussing real estate, technology, business and politics from his unique and pragmatic perspective. 

Here is his latest column on “Defining 21^st Century Real Estate”:

http://onpurposemagazine.com/2013/02/20/defining-21st-century-real-estate-2/?goback=%2Egde_2773366_member_216143097

TOP SECRET:  He also has mentioned he will be getting a book out by the end of this year on all the Intelligent Infrastructure concepts he talks about at the BICSI conferences.

James Carlini, President &

Certified Infrastructure Consultant

CARLINI & ASSOCIATES  (since 1986)

Strategic Infrastructure Consultants

773-370-1888

CSA Group Announces New Wire And Cable Laboratory + Expanded Photovoltaic Product Testing Capabilities In China

GUANGZHOU, CHINA (March 5, 2013) – CSA Group today announces a new wire and cable testing and certification laboratory in Guangzhou, the first in the southern region of China.  In addition, it also increased its product testing capabilities for US Energy Star testing.   In Kunshan, CSA Group is expanding its alternative energy testing and certification services with a new photovoltaic (PV) laboratory.

“Accelerating investment in our laboratories, service offerings and employees in China is at the core of our global corporate strategy,” said Ash Sahi, President and CEO, CSA Group. “The new wiring and cable laboratory is equipped to provide CSA Group’s clients with highly sophisticated and innovative localized testing and certification services for global markets.   With regional service and global support, our customers will gain competitive advantage with the expertise of CSA Group on their side.”

The newly added wire and cable facility located in the CSA Group Guangzhou laboratory, which occupies an area of over 3,800sq m in the Hi-tech Development Zone, is state-of –the –art and will provide cost-effective testing and certification services for a wide range of products like flexible cords, communication wires, and equipment wires included in household and commercial appliances, power cords, power supplies, industrial control equipment and alternative energy applications for solar and wind.   Testing and certification will be completed against Canadian, U.S. and other international standards.

In Kunshan, the centre of electronic and PV manufacturers of China, CSA Group is building a new solar PV laboratory.  It will increase capacity for testing and certification of PV modules, grid-connected inverters and components to North American and IEC standards.  The PV laboratory will be equipped to test 100 KW PV grid-connected inverters and will be able to complete IEEE 1547 and IEEE 1547.1 testing.

“CSA Group has specialized knowledge and expertise in the area of testing and certifying PV products. Our investment into China and this industry is CSA Group’s continuous effort to strengthen its commitment and service offerings in the Asian marketplace,” said Hans Pan, Regional Vice President Asia, CSA Group.

With innovative testing and certification services, a team of highly-skilled engineers, testing specialists and knowledgeable technicians, CSA Group is well positioned to help its Asian customers meet their growing needs and those of the foreign marketplace.

About CSA Group
CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit membership association dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. Its knowledge and expertise encompass standards development; training and advisory solutions; global testing and certification services across key business areas including hazardous location and industrial, plumbing and construction, medical, safety and technology, appliances and gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability; as well as consumer product evaluation services. The CSA certification mark appears on billions of products worldwide. For more information about CSA Group visit www.csagroup.org

CSA Standards
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is the pre-eminent standards development organization (SDO) in Canada. We work with business, regulators, government and industry to develop standards that work for people and business. CSA has published over 3,000 standards and codes, and is responsible for national standards including the Canadian Electrical Code (C22.1), Z662 Oil & Gas Pipeline Systems standard, and the B149 Natural Gas & Propane Installation code. In addition to publications, CSA provides training, application tools & guides, personnel certification and other resources to help organizations apply and derive the benefit of standards within their operations. Our heritage is Canadian, but our reach is global, with our programs available to organizations in the US, Europe and Asia.

Crestron Brings First-Class Control & Automation to Flying Eye Hospital

Next-Generation ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital Uses Crestron Integrated Technology Solutions

Rockleigh, NJ, March 12, 2013 – Crestron, a world leader of advanced control and automation systems, and ORBIS International, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that works in developing countries to save sight worldwide, have teamed up to outfit the next-generation Flying Eye Hospital (FEH), a MD-10 aircraft donated to ORBIS by FedEx^®, with Crestron's state-of-the-art technology. Crestron streamlines and simplifies sophisticated technology, with easy-to-use touch screens, keypads, or remotes so healthcare professionals can focus on their patients. The next-generation FEH will include an operating theater, laser treatment room, communications center, recovery room, audiovisual/IT room and a 46-seat classroom, all of which will rely on the Crestron's technology to achieve ORBIS's mission.

As an ORBIS partner, Crestron will play an instrumental role in delivering eye care training to thousands of eye care professionals across the world. In addition to providing healthcare solutions, Crestron provides integrated solutions for corporate, education, residential, and government applications. Crestron’s flexibility and scalability make it the proven solution for every implementation.

“Crestron’s audio/video solutions will serve as an invaluable advantage in ORBIS’s mission to continue to save sight worldwide. ORBIS is fortunate to receive their full support as we build our new training facility,” said Jack McHale, Director, MD-10 Project at ORBIS International. “Crestron’s generous donation and state-of-the-art control and automation systems will help us continue to provide the gift of sight to people around the globe.”

The FEH will utilize Crestron audio/video technology to teach, collaborate and disseminate information. Doctors, nurses and other eye care professionals will gather for lectures, discussions and live broadcasts of surgical procedures performed onboard the FEH. Crestron control solutions include audio and video distribution systems, multimedia processors, and camera control. The teaching facility with wings features 15 cameras and 17 monitors. The IT/AV technician can broadcast from any camera to any monitor using Crestron. Several Crestron 24-inch HD touch screen displays will provide control and 2-way communication between the operating theater and the classroom. Crestron speakers will provide the audio for the training sessions, and Crestron DigitalMedia^™ will handle the toggling between cameras to allow eye healthcare professionals to view the procedures in HD onboard. Tablet-style Crestron TSW touch screens will also allow for full control of the audio/video systems.

Crestron CEO and aviation enthusiast, George Feldstein took a special interest in this project. His deep involvement in philanthropy and love of flying was a natural fit for becoming involved with the work of ORBIS International and other global organizations. Feldstein founded the Crestron Eagles Program, a program that donates state-of-the-art home theater systems to military hospitals to provide comfort and entertainment to wounded service men and women returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“ORBIS is providing quality eye care to an underserved population. Our complete solution will facilitate communication and collaboration between doctors, nurses, and technicians to administer care in ways that were previously unimaginable,” said Feldstein. “We look forward to helping ORBIS extend the value of its training programs and transform the lives of thousands around the world.”

For more information about Crestron control solutions, visit www.crestron.com. For more information about ORBIS, visit www.ORBIS.org.

About ORBIS
ORBIS International is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to saving sight worldwide. ORBIS prevents and treats blindness through hands-on training, public health education, improved access to quality eye care, and partnerships with local health care organizations in an effort to eliminate avoidable blindness. By building their long-term capabilities, ORBIS helps its partner institutions take action to reach a state where they can provide, on their own, quality eye care services that are affordable, accessible, and sustainable. To learn more about ORBIS, please visit www.ORBIS.org.

About Crestron
For more than 40 years Crestron has been the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology and reinventing the way people live and work. Providing integrated solutions to control audio, video, lighting, computer, IP and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life for people in corporate conference rooms, hotels, classrooms, auditoriums, and in their homes. Crestron's leadership stems from its dedicated people who are committed to providing the best products, programs and services in the industry. In addition to its World Headquarters in Rockleigh, New Jersey, Crestron has sales and support offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia. Discover the world of Crestron by visiting www.crestron.com.

EPA Recognizes BOMA International with 2013 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award

Marks Sixth ENERGY STAR Award Earned by BOMA International

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 5, 2013) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International with a 2013 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award for its continued leadership in protecting our environment through superior energy efficiency.  BOMA International has received a total of six ENERGY STAR awards and is the only commercial real estate association to have received this honor.

The 2013 Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year.  These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, and employing innovative energy efficiency approaches.  These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program, including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors.  Award winners are selected from the nearly 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program and will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 26, 2013.

BOMA International, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2005, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency through a number of programs and initiatives, including:

·         The successful conclusion of the 7-Point Challenge, BOMA’s unique five-year program designed to help incentivize voluntary market-driven efforts among commercial real estate companies to reduce their use of natural resources, non-renewable energy sources and waste production.  The 7-Point Challenge called on BOMA members to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent across real estate portfolios by 2012 as gauged against an average building measuring a 50 on the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmarking tool.  Participating buildings saw an average decrease of 26.7 kBtu/square foot in adjusted energy use and an average decrease of 113.35 kGal in total water use.

·         Educational programs, including the “Sustainability and Energy Management” education track at BOMA’s annual conference and webinars focused on topics such as energy benchmarking and electric vehicle charging stations.

·         Publications including Commercial Lease: Guide to Sustainable and Energy Efficient Leasing for High-Performance Buildings, the industry’s first green lease guide, and Working Together for Sustainability: The RMI-BOMA Guide for Landlords and Tenants, a free eBook created in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Institute.

·         The BOMA 360 Performance Program and the Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) competition, both which require applicants to complete benchmarking through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

·         Advocacy efforts on data access issues to drive more energy benchmarking.

Across the U.S., top organizations and companies are leading the way toward a more energy-efficient future through their participation in ENERGY STAR.  Over the last 20 years, with help from ENERGY STAR, American families and businesses have saved more than $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

“BOMA International is honored to receive its sixth ENERGY STAR award,” commented BOMA International Chair Joe Markling, managing director of Strategic Accounts with CBRE.  “Earning this prestigious award reaffirms our reputation as a leader in energy efficiency and sustainability as we continue to provide “green” solutions that not only benefit our members, but also protect the environment.  We also congratulate our member companies who have been honored with 2013 ENERGY STAR awards for their sustainability efforts.”

"EPA is recognizing BOMA International for earning EPA’s highest ENERGY STAR award, the 2013 Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award,” said Bob Perciasepe, acting administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  “BOMA International leads the field with their commitment to energy efficiency and demonstrates how all Americans can save energy, save money and create a healthier environment.”

BOMA International previously was honored as Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2007 and 2008, and received the Sustained Excellence Award in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

About BOMA International

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 93 BOMA U.S. associations, BOMA Canada and its 11 regional associations and 13 BOMA international affiliates.  Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types, including nearly 10 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 3.7 million jobs and contributes $205 billion to the U.S. GDP.  Its mission is to advance the interests of the entire commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information.  Find BOMA online at www.boma.org.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency.  Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money, and help protect the environment for future generations.  Nearly 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and buildings.  For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

Graybar to open 3 new locations- expanding the Graybar footprint throughout the USA to provide greater flexibility to customers. Graybar Works To Your Advantage. From tED magazine

Published 3/8/2013 9:57:10 AM

Graybar, a distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, has announced the opening of new branches in Carrizo Springs, Texas, and Dickinson, N.D., and a new sales office in Rockford, Ill.

“We are expanding our footprint throughout the United States to provide greater flexibility to customers,” said Graybar Chairman, President and CEO Kathleen Mazzarella. “We expect to open additional locations throughout 2013 to support our overall growth strategy and work to our customers’ advantage.”

The Dickinson branch will be led by Branch Supervisor Jon Kremer and the Carrizo branch by Branch Supervisor Tom Selcer.

These new locations continue Graybar’s strategy of broadening its reach to customers. In 2012, Graybar opened branches in Charleston, S.C., Lincoln, Neb., Lafayette, Ind. and Joplin, Mo. Graybar plans to announce additional branch expansions and openings in the coming months. www.graybar.com

GSA Connections II Overview on YouTube Presented by Concert Technologies

DULLES, VA, FEBRUARY 19, 2013 – Concert Technologies, a prime contractor on the GSA Connections II (CNX2) contract, released its first video to provide federal government agencies an overview of this $5 billion, IDIQ, multi-award contract for telecommunications and technology infrastructure. This video can be viewed on YouTube at http://youtu.be/5uDRRoIet7c.

This less-than-4-minute video, titled Concert Technologies Presents GSA Connections II Overview, guides federal agencies through the use of the GSA Connections II contract to supplement Networx−GSA’s premier telecommunications transport contract. While the Networx contract is known for bringing telecommunications transport services to federal agencies worldwide, the GSA Connections II contract provides services, products and solutions for telecommunications and technology within federal facilities worldwide.

“BCCP Consulting, with years of Networx experience on both the vendor and government sides, believes this video demonstrates how the uniqueness of GSA Connections II combines with the Networx contract to provide federal agencies a total solution,” said Chuck Brock, President and CEO of BCCP Consulting.

The Concert Technologies Presents GSA Connections II Overview video reviews:

·         GSA Connections II capabilities

·         Solutions available under GSA Connections II, such as VoIP, WiFi, and other infrastructure technologies for federal agency facilities

·         How GSA Connections II supplements the Networx contract

“A survey cited in an article published October 2011 by AOL Government, indicates that the use of YouTube by federal workers has increased from 61% in 2010 to 80% in 2011. Professionally-produced videos on YouTube and other websites are important tools in assisting with the decision-making process for federal agencies using the Connections II contract,” said Dennis Mazaris, President of Concert Technologies. “Agency representatives not aware of the capabilities of GSA Connections II or its ties to the Networx contract can find a quick overview in our video.”

About GSA Connections II

The Connections II (CNX II) Program is a multiple award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a three year and three month base period with six one-year options. Connections II complements and enhances GSA's Networx and regional telecommunications contracts. Concert Technologies is one of a select few companies awarded a Connections II contract by GSA. For more information about GSA Connections II, visit the GSA Connections II website.

About Concert Technologies

Concert Technologies, founded in 1995, is a privately-held technology rollout company based in Dulles, VA. It is the leader in the accelerated delivery of nationwide and global technology rollouts for federal government, commercial and international organizations. Utilizing Concert’s unique system of methodologies, it quickly implements, installs and manages multi-site, multi-service, technology infrastructure projects utilizing local authorized partners. Visit Concert Technologies online: www.concerttech.com

HENDRIX Announces New Line Post Insulators

New design offers the benefits of composite line posts with a traditional tie top style

Milford, N.H. - Hendrix Molded Products is pleased to announce its new HPI-LP-14 Line Post Insulators for the utility industry. Constructed from Hendrix’s high density polyethylene blend, they won’t chip, crack or break, and at under 10 pounds are lighter than porcelain or metal-topped composite designs.

The insulators meet both porcelain and composite ANSI requirements, and exceed ANSI cantilever strength requirements. With a leakage distance of 31.4 inches the line posts have flashover values of 128Kv dry, and 94Kv wet. With the innovative molded-in “F” neck design, no metal top is needed for the insulator, and it features an optimized skirt design for improved performance.

“This new Line Post Insulator represents a great complimentary addition to our current Insulator Product Line,” said Tom Wilson, Vice President for Molded Products. “We have mechanically and electrically tested it to ANSI Standards, C29.7 and C29.18, for both Porcelain and Composite Line Post requirements. I am confident that the HPI‐LP‐14 Line Post will become the industry benchmark for all composite line posts.”

The Hendrix Molded Products division has been offering innovative product solutions to a multitude of industries for over 45 years. For more information about the products and service solutions from Hendrix, please visit www.hendrix-wc.com.

About Molded Products

Molded Products is one of three operating divisions of Hendrix / Marmon Utility LLC, a provider of high-quality overhead and underground power distribution products located in Milford, NH. 

The division’s benchmark products, polyethylene pin-type and spool insulators, offer utilities significant benefits over traditional porcelain products, including superior performance, longer life and ease of handling.  The division also offers a variety of products for secondary voltage and wildlife protection.

ISO 9002-certified Hendrix is a member company of The Marmon Group, an international association of more than 125 business units that operate independently within diverse business sectors.  Member companies have collective revenues of $7 billion.  More information about the company is available at www.hendrix-wc.com. 

Klein Tools® Names Greg Palese Vice President of Marketing

March 11, 2013 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools (http://www.kleintools.com/) for professionals since 1857, has named Greg Palese as vice president of marketing. This is a newly created position to manage the growing marketing needs of the North American and international markets which Klein Tools serves.

As vice president, marketing, Greg will be responsible for the marketing strategy of Klein Tools while growing the brand globally. He will also partner with product development and sales to define opportunities and develop business plans to support company objectives.

“Greg’s expertise in developing and launching products and brand strategies will contribute to the expansion of Klein Tools,” comments John McDevitt, executive vice president sales and marketing. “His innovative thinking and vision will help drive growth and market share both here and abroad.”

With more than 20 years of experience, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge to Klein Tools. He comes to Klein Tools from Lowe’s Home Improvement where he managed the Kobalt Tools brand and was responsible for the recent launch of Kobalt's Handheld Power Tool lineup.  Under his direction, Kobalt was named a “Brand to Watch” in Landor’s “Breakaway Brands” study for their significant upward momentum from 2008-2011. Prior to that, Greg was a brand manager at PEAK/Old World Industries working on their branded and private label wiper blade programs as well as the launch of Procter & Gamble’s branded automotive products into the automotive retail channel.  He has also worked for several advertising agencies on many local, regional and national brands.           

Greg holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration and marketing management from Villanova University and an MBA with a concentration in e-business from De Paul University.

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

Introduction to Fiber Optic Safety Article by Larry Johnson - Director and Founder of The Light Brigade

In today’s workplace, the issue of job safety has never been more important to the success of an organization. Litigation, lost productivity and human costs can take an enormous toll if safety is not considered as “Job 1”

Each year, approximately 6,000 employees in the US die from workplace injuries while another 50,000 die from illnesses caused by exposure to workplace hazards. In addition, 6 million workers suffer non-fatal workplace injuries at an annual cost to U.S. businesses of more than 125 billion dollars.

“Safety culture” is a term used to describe the way in which safety is managed in the workplace, and often reflects "the attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and values that employees share in relation to safety. Unfortunately, worker overconfidence is often a potential safety problem.

When strong health and safety practices become part of the operational fabric of the organization, everyone wins. Although a positive safety culture begins at the top, it is still up to individual workers to obey all safety standards and practices and go beyond ‘the call of duty’ to identify unsafe conditions or behaviors.

In this introductory article we will address one of the basics safety concerns that fiber optic professionals can be exposed to, the power of lasers.

Laser Safety

Most fiber optic systems today use laser transmitters and the optical signals carried by the fibers can also pose eye hazards to the unwary. Even short distance multimode systems, which in the past used LEDs, have now migrated to low cost Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser sources. For this reason, all cables must be handled as if they are carrying a laser signal unless it has been verified by an optical instrument that no laser energy exists.

It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to provide the correct classification of a laser, and to equip the product with appropriate warning labels and safety measures as prescribed by regulations.

In the United States, lasers are regulated by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). A branch of the FDA, the CDRH is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing, importation, performance and safety of all medical devices as well as devices that emit certain types of electromagnetic radiation, including cell phones, microwave ovens and lasers. With lasers, the CDRH is concerned that the devices are properly labeled as to their output power and are equipped with the appropriate safety equipment if necessary.

Safety measures used with the more powerful lasers include key-controlled operation, warning lights to indicate laser light emission, a beam stop or attenuator, and an electrical contact that the user can connect to an emergency stop or interlock.

A number of organizations have developed standards and guidelines for safely working with optical fiber, cables and optical transmission equipment. These include the ANSI Z136.2 American National Standard for the Safe use of Fiber optic and Free Space Optical Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources and the OSHA standard on laser safety STD-01-05-001.  Another standard issued by the International Telecommunications Union is the ITU-T G.664 recommendation, which covers optical safety procedures and requirements for optical transport systems critical for DWDM and other high powered systems.

For construction, the Telcordia SR1421 Blue Book is a detailed manual of construction procedures which also contains numerous safety references for all types of physical plant construction.  The ANSI Z117.1 standard covers safety requirements for confined spaces, and its provisions must be strictly adhered to when working in vaults, manholes or any other type of confined space.

Whereas the construction hazards of a fiber optic transmission system are temporary, the potential optical hazards will exist throughout the entire working lifetime of the system, and will affect not only the installation personnel, but future maintenance technicians and even end-users as well.

For the lasers used in fiber optic communication systems and test equipment the ANSI Z136.2 standard divides laser devices into a set of 4 general classes and several sub-classes based on their wavelength and optical power output. The first version of the standard was published in 1988 at a time when laser-based fiber optic communications systems were very simple. They used only two wavelengths, 1310 and 1550 nanometers, at maximum power levels well under 10 milliwatts. The standard was the first written specifically for fiber optic communications systems.

However through the 1990’s, laser and fiber optic technology developed rapidly. Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA) along with Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) installations and the use of high-density ribbon fibers began to fundamentally change the optical communication landscape. Higher laser powers at more wavelengths prompted the ANSI to revise the standard in 1997.

In today’s DWDM systems, it is not uncommon to find optical power levels in individual fibers exceeding several watts. High-density fiber ribbon structures are also common in fiber optic cables, with each fiber carrying high levels of laser energy.

These advancements have allowed modern optical communication systems to pose hazards significantly greater than in the past. This is why standards must continually evolve to meet current needs. In 2007, the IEC featured a re-organization of the laser classification system, where a number of sub-classes have been added to better define the hazards posed by laser devices. This was further updated using the optical fiber communication systems.

Briefly, a Class 1 laser system is considered to be incapable of producing damaging radiation levels during operation, and is exempt from any control measures or other forms of surveillance.

A Class 1M laser is incapable of producing hazardous exposure conditions during normal operation unless the beam is directly viewed through an optical instrument such as an eye loupe or a fiber inspection scope. For this reason, the “M” stands for Magnifying Optics Caution. Class 1M lasers are also exempt from control measures other than to prevent direct viewing of the beam through optical instruments.  Most fiber optic lasers are class 1 types.

Class 2 lasers emit in the visible part of the spectrum between 400 and 700 nanometers. Eye protection is generally provided by a person’s natural aversion response to bright lights.  A common product is the 1 milliwatt red laser tracers used by technicians for troubleshooting.

Class 2M lasers emit in the visible part of the spectrum, and also rely on aversion responses for eye protection, but can be hazardous if viewed through optical instruments.

Class 3, or medium power lasers, is divided to two sub-classes 3R and 3B. While the “B” has no special meaning other than a means of dividing Class 3 lasers, the “R” stands for Reduced Requirements. Class 3R lasers have reduced product safety requirements and represent a transitional zone between safe and hazardous laser products. A Class 3 laser may be hazardous when directly viewed, and its specular reflection off a shiny surface may also be hazardous. The higher power 5 mW red lasers are class 3 types as are most EDFAs.

Class 4 lasers are high power lasers whose output is a hazard to eyes or skin from the direct beam, specular reflections, and in some cases even diffuse reflections. Class 4 lasers often have sufficient optical power to be a fire hazard as well.  A few of the higher optically amplified fiber systems using Raman and EDFA amplifiers can be rated as class 4 types.

The classifications relate specifically to the laser itself and its potential hazard, based on operating characteristics. However, the conditions under which the laser is used, the level of safety training of the individuals using the laser, as well as environmental and other factors are important considerations in determining specific safety control measures.

These situations require the informed judgment of a responsible person, namely the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) who has the authority and the responsibility to monitor and enforce the control of laser hazards and effect the knowledgeable evaluation of Class 3and Class 4 hazards. An LSO is required when the employees of an installation or maintenance organization routinely encounter optical power levels of Class 3B or Class 4.

Today, most optical signals are laser based; with low power and low speed LEDs now used only in the simplest and shortest links. Fiber systems that use LEDs emit non-coherent energy at wavelengths longer than 700 nanometers at power levels considerably less than laser diodes. Since the potential risk of eye injury is determined by the output characteristics of the optical fiber system including power, coherence-time, wavelength and beam divergence, it is less for an LED than a laser. However, for the purpose of uniformity, all control measures commensurate with a specific hazard level apply to laser diode and LED systems.

Conclusion

The safety issues discussed herein are believed to be of general importance in working with fiber optics. They do not constitute an exclusive list of all safety issues and potential protective measures relevant to fiber optics. Numerous potential safety hazards and protective measures exist which are not mentioned herein, as they are beyond the scope of this article. Failure to include any such item herein is not meant as a comment on the potential danger of any such safety hazard or the potential utility of any safety measure or technique.

Although the safety measures presented herein are intended to reduce the general risk of accidents and injury, they may not be adequate or effective in all situations. Please consult a safety expert or other specialist that may be appropriate concerning any particular safety issues or concerns with which you are confronted. The safety measures and other information presented herein are subject to and do not supersede any applicable company, local, state or federal
rules and regulations.

All these topics and many more are covered in the Light Brigades latest Staff Training Video, “Fiber Optic Safety”, part number W-6D-221, which is available from the Light Brigade directly at www.lightbrigade.com.

About The Light Brigade

Founded in 1987, The Light Brigade has instructed over 45,000 attendees in its public and custom classes around the world on fiber optic design, maintenance, and testing.  This includes advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM, and PMD/CD. In addition to creating custom courses tailored to any need or skill level, the company produces educational DVDs and CDs.  Whether your application is voice, video, and/or data, or you are a service provider, contractor, or end user, The Light Brigade can provide critical training for your personnel to lower operating costs and improve installation efficiency.

About the author: Larry Johnson is Director and Founder of The Light Brigade

Larry Johnson has been involved with fiber optics since 1977 and is regarded as an expert in all aspects of fiber optic design, installation, testing, and measurement. In 1987, he founded The Light Brigade, a leading fiber-optic training company responsible for instructing more than 45,000 people. Mr. Johnson has participated in the development of fiber optic standards, authored books on fiber-optic technology and is currently documenting and archiving the history of fiber optics.

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NEW: The Light Brigade® Incorporates Latest Standards in Fiber Optic Safety Training DVD

Tukwila, WA and Spartanburg, SC – March 18, 2013 – The Light Brigade, AFL’s education and training division, has incorporated the content of the ANSI Z 136.2 standard along with the international IEC 60825-2 optical fiber communications safety standard to its Fiber Optic Safety DVD. The new ANSI standard provides guidance for the safe use, maintenance, service and installation of fiber optic and free space optical communications systems which use laser diodes that operate between standard wavelengths of -850-1650 nm. The standard is applicable for those who assemble, service or maintain end-to-end fiber optic communication systems and optical components.
 

“As installers build and test a system, awareness of possible risks is crucial,” stated Ron Peterson, Chairman of the Standards Subcommittee (SSC-2) under the NSIASC, and who also spearheaded the team that crafted the guidelines.
 

The standard is published by the Laser Institute of America (LIA), a recognized industry leader in laser advocacy and safety education. To order the ANSI Z136.2 standard (ISBN# 978-0-912035-68-0), visit www.lia.org/ANSI or call LIA at 1.800.34.LASER.
 

The Light Brigade’s Fiber Optic Safety DVD serves as a training tool to help enhance the fiber optic safety program for anyone who works with optical fibers or lasers or who installs or operates fiber optic communication systems. The DVD’s 10 menu-selectable chapters focus on topics relevant to today’s fiber technicians, including:
 

• Laser types and classifications, how they operate and various control measures
• National and international fiber optic and laser safety standards
• Optical fiber handling and safety
• Chemicals and right-to-know documentation
• Fiber and laser testing and inspection equipment types and applications
• The impact of high-power Raman and EDFA optical amplifiers
• Safety practices during installation and restoration
• Potential safety problems along with their causes and possible solutions
• Safety in confined spaces
• Types of personal protective equipment

Bonus materials provided on the DVD include a student quiz with matching instructor version, written in Microsoft® Word format, which allows customization for specific safety needs. BICSI® recognizes Fiber Optic Safety DVD training for the following BICSI Continuing Education Credits (CECs): one RCDD; one RITP; one Installer 2, one Technician and one Certified Trainer.
 

The Light Brigade will showcase this video at booth #2641 at the OFC/NFOEC show in Anaheim, CA, March 19-21. For additional information or to order a copy of the Fiber Optic Safety DVD, visit www.lightbrigade.com.
 

About The Light Brigade
 

Since 1987, The Light Brigade has instructed over 45,000 attendees in its public and custom classes on fiber optic design, maintenance, and testing, including advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM and PMD/CD. In addition to creating custom courses tailored to any need or skill level, the company produces educational DVDs and CDs.
 

About AFL
 

AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.
 

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

D-Tools To Sponsor CE Exchange 2013

D-Tools enlists to be a Silver sponsor of CE Exchange to support industry education, promote new technology, and connect with integrators from the east coast.

CONCORD, CA, MARCH 5, 2013 - D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, recently announced that the company will be a silver sponsor of  CE Exchange 2013, held in Mashantucket, CT on May 6-8, 2013 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.  D-Tools' latest version of System Integrator software, SIX, will be on display.

Designed to serve integrators and retailers from the east coast megapolis (Maine to Virginia) along with their suppliers, the CE Exchange is a new kind of event for the custom electronics industry that combines the best of executive conferences, exhibitions and hosted guest events to provide unparalleled value and efficiency.

"We're thrilled to have a true market leader in design and proposal software on board as a sponsor of the CE Exchange", said John Galante, managing director, EH Events. "Companies not yet using D-Tools will get an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of adopting their always-improving solutions and existing customers will get insights into what's new and be able to meet with key players on the D-Tools management and service team. It's one of many great reasons to get to Foxwoods in May and get your custom integration company back on the road to rapid growth and profitability."

Designed to be a catalyst for change and growth in the custom industry, the CE Exchange focuses on efficiency in its format, minimizing footsteps and windshield time at the host location and maximizing productive interaction among participants. The CE Exchange features compelling general sessions and seminars, manufacturing training sessions, a showcase exhibit area where suppliers and integrators will connect, and exciting networking events. The theme of the inaugural event is "The road to rapid growth in custom electronics," and all of the high quality education and information content is designed to help integrators identify and seize opportunities based on evolution of their product and service mix, identification of new market opportunities, and improvement of their operational practices and business models. The CE Exchange will draw owners and top managers of the best custom companies in the East and provide them with their most important and valuable event experience of the year. The companies who support and participate in the creation of these integrators' growth strategies through sponsorship of the Exchange position their products and services to be part of the business expansion plans.

"We're proud to sponsor the Innaugural CE Exchange event and meet with leading integrators from the Northeast," said Tim Bigoness, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for D-Tools. "We look forward to meeting with this dynamic community of integrators and manufacturers who are coming together to strategize about ways to grow their businesses. CE Exchange is a perfect venue to share ideas and to demonstrate how our latest software solution can help streamline their processes, save them time, and ultimately increase their bottom line."

D-Tools System Integrator is currently used by over 4400 companies to streamline the design, estimation, and documentation processes associated with the installation and integration of low voltage systems. SI SIX helps residential and commercial AV, Networking, and Security system integrators streamline the design, documentation, and integration of low voltage systems. 

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About D-Tools, Inc.

D-Tools, founded in 1998 and based in Concord, California, is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate system design and documentation software. The company's -flagship product, System Integrator™ (SI), is a total design solution that utilizes Autodesk® AutoCAD and Microsoft® Visio for comprehensive system design, documentation and project management. D-Tools SI allows residential and commercial integrators to streamline their business processes to increase overall revenues while reducing the time and costs associated with the installation and integration of low-voltage systems. Over 4,400 leading companies use D-Tools software to reduce time and costs and streamline the system integration process. D-Tools is a three time recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association's Mark of Excellence Award, multiple recipient of Custom Retailer's Excite Award (2007,2008,2009,2010,2011), Multi-Room Audio Video Awards - Best Installation Aid, National Systems Contractors Association, Sound and Video Contractor's Innovations in Technology for Business Productivity Award and CE Pro's High Impact Award for Design Software.

For more information, contact D-Tools at (866) 386-6571, e-mail at info@d-tools.com, follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DTools, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/beatoolor visit D-Tools online at http://www.d-tools.com

Mars Drinks Joins BOMA International as a Cornerstone Partner

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 4, 2013) Mars Drinks, a leading supplier of drinks to offices and businesses around the world, announced that it has joined the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International's Partnership Program.  As a Cornerstone Partner, Mars Drinks pledges to support BOMA's vital programs in education, research and membership at the highest level.

BOMA International's Partnership Program, developed in 2004, allows companies to invest in their own success and viability, as well as that of the building management industry. The program demonstrates the commitment of leading organizations to support BOMA International with the resources to advance its advocacy, education and research initiatives that benefit the entire commercial real estate industry.

Mars Drinks provides more than a billion drinks to employees in more than 35,000 office break rooms each year and is an integral part of the Mars, Incorporated family of brands, which includes M&M’s®, Snickers®, Uncle Ben's®, Juicy Fruit® and Skittles® to name a few.

Sustainability is an important aspect of Mars Drinks belief that to endure, a business must create shared benefits for all its stakeholders. Mars Drinks' ambitious five-year plan to become more sustainable is being obtained by following five key principals: sourcing more sustainably, developing responsible products, reducing operational impacts, supporting its customers and engaging its associates.

“We are extremely pleased Mars Drinks has joined our Partnership Program and we look forward to working together on a variety of programs,” commented BOMA International Chair Joe Markling, managing director of Strategic Accounts with CBRE.  “They provide exceptional product offerings to businesses in office building across the U.S. and around the globe, which pairs well with their commitment to excellence in customer service and sustainability. We look forward to working closely with Mars Drinks help us develop even more programs and initiatives to serve commercial real estate professionals.”

“We are incredibly selective when it comes to choosing business partners, as our partners' beliefs and ways of working must align with our own. That said, working with BOMA was an easy decision,” said Mars Drinks Vice President of Business Development Frank LaRusso. “The Mars Drinks hassle-free solution focuses on impacting employee energy and creating opportunities for more productive conversations while providing an energy efficient, 100-percent recyclable hot drinks system that is exclusive to the office. We feel that BOMA’s focus on research, education and sustainability go hand-in-hand with our own commitment to bringing value to some of the best places to work around the world.”

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About BOMA International

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 93 BOMA U.S. associations, BOMA Canada and its 11 regional associations and 13 BOMA international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types, including nearly 10 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 3.7 million jobs and contributes $205 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance the interests of the entire commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. Find BOMA online at www.boma.org.

About Mars Drinks

The Mars Drinks objective is “delivering the best tasting hassle-free drinks you’ll ever get in the office.” Our ALTERRA ® Coffee Roasters coffees, THE BRIGHT TEA CO.® teas, DOVE®/GALAXY® Hot Chocolate and FLAVIA® brewer brands are part of the Mars, Incorporated family of brands which include some of the world’s most loved brands such as M&M’s®, Snickers®, Uncle Ben’s®, Juicy Fruit® and Skittles®. Mars Drinks is dedicated to providing refreshment solutions for the office environment and provides more than a billion drinks to more than 35,000 businesses each year. Mars Drinks believes that office environments should help diverse individuals engage with one another and have a better life at work. By offering the Mars Drinks Single Serve system, companies encourage worker productivity and engagement by providing a place to connect, educate, motivate and debate. Find Mars Drinks online at www.marsdrinks.com.

The NAED Joins Forces with Businesses Nationwide in Renewed Push for Online Sales Tax Fairness

ST. LOUIS... The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) today became one of the newest members of the Marketplace Fairness Coalition. The Coalition supports federal legislation that empowers states to update sales and use tax laws to level the playing field for all sellers.

“The NAED is proud to support the Marketplace Fairness Coalition,” said Tom Naber, president/CEO of NAED. “It makes sense that states would have the ability to collect sales taxes on all purchases whether they are online or in-store.”

The Marketplace Fairness Act was introduced on February 14, with bipartisan cosponsors. The bill provide states with the authority to require all remote sellers to collect sales and use taxes at the time of purchase, removing the physical presence requirement.

The Marketplace Fairness Act is a well-balanced bill that reflects more than a decade of in-depth deliberation. The bill relieves consumers of having to self-report sales/use taxes already owed; exempts small businesses with annual remote sales of less than $1 million; promotes states' rights; and creates a framework for states to adopt that reflects today's evolving marketplace. Most importantly, the Marketplace Fairness Act will encourage greater competition in the marketplace and ensure a level-playing field for all retailers including NAED members.

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

NAED Learning Center Unveils New Videos plus New ‘Shorts’ offer a quick look at online learning

St. Louis, Mo….The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) today unveiled the first in a series of video shorts. The NAED Shorts were developed to help introduce members to the association’s online education courses.

Three videos are currently available for viewing on the NAED website. Topics include overviews on two EPEC chapters - "Sell More: Create Returning Customers" and "Lamp Families" - and "Basic Financial Terms for Electrical Distribution" includes a preview of a popular course, Bottom Line Basics.

Simply designed, the videos represent a virtual chalkboard and take about five minutes to address the topic. Additional topics will be added this summer with the intent of creating a library of video shorts to highlight the offerings of the NAED Learning Center and to give students a brief look at the course before registering.

Those interested in learning more about the topics can log in to the NAED Learning Center for more courses. The NAED Shorts are available free of charge.

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

New Fox-Flo® delivers high performance LSZH cable labelling - from Silver Fox

Silver Fox, the UK manufacturer of high performance labelling solutions, has launched its latest range of UV-stable, zero halogen, tie-on cable labels.  Called Fox-Flo®, the new labels have been designed to offer a tough, reliable and cost-effective method of securely marking cables in any application where LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) is specified.

The new Fox-Flo labels have been developed to save instrument and electrical engineers time and money.  Each label is 1mm thick, offering excellent flexibility and strength, for long life and resilience in the most demanding of conditions, and is quick and simple to apply using standard nylon or stainless steel cable ties.  Labels are supplied as rolls in a free dispensing pack, and are pre-perforated for fast and clean tear-off from the roll.

Just as importantly, Fox-Flo labels can easily be printed using the Silver Fox Plug'N'Play thermal printer.  This can also be supplied with the company’s Labacus labelling software, which uses a combination of pre-loaded templates, powerful free-form fields and the ability to import data files, to help end users easily create, manage and print complex sequences of identification or serial numbers on all label media. Fox-Flo Zero Halogen Tie-On Cable Labels are currently available in two widths – 15 and 25mm – with options for 80, 100 and 120mm lengths. 

“The response from engineers to Fox-Flo has been extremely positive,” said Nick Michaelson, Managing Director of Silver Fox.  “They are looking for proven label strength and reliability in specialised applications.  Additionally, they want the reassurance that comes from working with a company that manufacturers in the UK, and that offers an extensive range of label options, with dependable, customer-focussed technical and support services around the world.” 

Silver Fox Ltd, Swallow Court, Swallowfields, Welwyn Garden City,
Herts, AL7 1SA UK Tel: +44 (0)1707 37 37 27 www.silverfox.co.uk

Wanted: Oldest Pair of Klein® Side-Cutting Pliers!

Reward $5,000 in tools and cash from Klein Tools®

March 4, 2013 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools (http://www.kleintools.com/) for professionals since 1857, is searching for the world’s oldest pair of Klein Side-Cutting Pliers. Customers can see if their pliers are eligible by determining if their tool is the standard side-cutting type, bears the original Klein trademark and has ‘code markings’ that will be found inside the handle. Photos of the pliers and completed form may be mailed or uploaded to Klein’s website. For specifications/details, please visit www.kleintools.com/oldestpliers.

The winning pliers will be selected by Klein Tools’ engineering team based on above requirements. The tool owner will receive $2,500 in cash and approximately $2,500 in new Klein Tools. All photo entries must be uploaded to our website or mailed and postmarked by May 31, 2013.

Klein Tools was founded in 1857 by an industrious German immigrant, Mathias Klein, who began in the hand tool business when a broken side-cutting pliers was brought to his forge shop by a telegraph lineman. Mathias repaired the pliers by forging and finishing a new half for the tool and riveting it to the old half. Soon the lineman returned because the original half of the plier had broken and needed replacement. Mathias forged and finished the second half of the pliers and riveted it to the other replacement half -- thus creating the first complete Klein pliers.

“Klein tools are known for their quality and durability,” says Channel Sales Manager Thomas Barton. “Our customers are very loyal and some have tools that have been handed down from one generation to another. So, we thought it would be interesting to see exactly how long our pliers soldier on.”   

Datagroup Chooses Ekinops for Deployment of Coherent 100G Across Ukraine

PARIS, February 28, 2013 – Ekinops, a leading supplier of next-generation optical equipment, announced that Datagroup, a major Ukrainian telecommunications operator, has chosen Ekinops as its 100G supplier and has deployed Ekinops’ coherent 100G systems across its long-haul Ukrainian network.

Datagroup was seeking a solution that offered a cost-effective upgrade path to higher capacity and faster network speeds across the thousands of kilometers of fiber that make up its trans-Ukrainian network. Datagroup offers a range of integrated communications services to individuals and businesses, as well as to education and research networks.

100G transport offers Datagroup a massive increase in bandwidth to serve the needs of its diverse customer base. Before deploying, Datagroup performed extensive testing of the Ekinops system to assess its performance and compatibility with its installed base of 10G equipment.

The successful deployment involved transmission of 100G signals over an existing DWDM network for a distance of 820 kilometers between Kiev and Kharkev. The existing DWDM network is transporting many 10G waves and the 100G channels were added without affecting the existing traffic. This was achieved without making any changes to the existing network. The initial deployment is on the route Lviv-Kiev-Kharkiv, connecting western and eastern parts of the country.

Datagroup tested and selected the flagship Ekinops 360 platform and its 100G modules, which can be configured as either transponders for transmission at 100G or as muxponders for aggregation of 10G services into 100G. The modules are highly compact, at only 1RU.

"The Ekinops equipment worked exactly as we hoped," said Aleksandr Danchenko, CEO of Datagroup. "The equipment was easy to install and operate, delivering error-free 100G transmission across our existing network."

"Our solution is ideal both for greenfield deployments and for upgrading existing transport networks," says Didier Bredy, CEO of Ekinops. “Its small form factor and low power consumption allow operators like Datagroup to scale their investment while upgrading their networks to 100G. Ekinops’ long haul 100G solution is unique as it offers superior optical performance in a 1RU design that can be configured as either a 100G transponder or as a muxponder. We’re having great success with this product that has been shipping for a year now.”

Francois Xavier Ollivier, Ekinops' CTO, noted that “Datagroup’s successful deployment is one of many that validate Ekinops' technological leadership at 100G. Our T-Chip (Transport-on-a-Chip) technology allows us to deliver industry-unique capabilities at 100G, just as we have at 10G. Our 100G offering is the industry’s only software programmable transponder and muxponder in one and our leading-edge FEC (forward error correction) allows us to deliver superior distance performance."

About Datagroup

Datagroup, one of the fastest-growing companies in the Ukraine, serves the Ukrainian market with residential and businesses communications services. Datagroup maintains its own fiber-optic network throughout the country, with a total length of 17,000 kilometers. Datagroup owns four optic transition points to Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Russia. Total capacity of the backbone network is 800 Gbps in the Europe and Russian direction. For more information, visit http://www.datagroup.ua/.

About Ekinops

Ekinops is a leading supplier of next generation optical transport equipment for telecommunications service providers. The Ekinops 360 addresses Metro, Regional, and Long-Haul applications with a single, highly-integrated platform. Ekinops is a market-leading innovator in 100G transport with its unique all-in-1RU^® approach that truly optimizes optical networks. The Ekinops 360 system relies on the highly-programmable Ekinops T-Chip^® (Transport-on-a-Chip) that enables fast, flexible and cost-effective delivery of new services for high-speed transport. Using the Ekinops 360 carrier-grade system, operators can simply increase capacity of their networks – CWDM, DWDM, Ethernet, ESCON, Fibre Channel, SONET/SDH, and uncompressed video (HD-SDI, SD-SDI, ASI). Ekinops is headquartered in Lannion, France, and Ekinops Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary, is incorporated in the USA. For more information, visit Ekinops at www.ekinops.net.

Siklu's Small Cell Backhaul System In Advanced Trials with Leading Mobile Operators

Siklu's Etherhaul-600T is Now in a Live, Street-Level Small Cell Backhaul Test

with Vodafone, Following Lab and Outside Distance and Performance Testing

PETACH TIKVA, Israel, February 21, 2013 – Siklu Communication Ltd., a leading provider of millimeter wave systems, is in the advanced trial stage of its new EtherHaul-600T small cell backhaul system with leading mobile operators, including Vodafone Group.

As thousands of small cells are expected to be deployed in street-level, highly populated metropolitan scenarios, it is clear that providing backhaul to the small cell is a key challenge. An ultra-low-cost and small form factor backhaul solution that blends into the street level environment is a key enabler to the mass deployment of small cells. To formulate their strategy for cost-effective small cell and backhaul deployments, major mobile operators are currently conducting technology trials with Siklu.

The EtherHaul-600T is an ultra-small all-outdoor small cell backhaul system operating in the unlicensed 57-66 GHz V-band spectrum. Its design enables rapid deployment anywhere from street lamps to rooftops, as service providers boost their network capacity through small cells in dense urban environments.

Siklu’s EtherHaul-600T has undergone lab testing and outdoor performance testing with mobile operators, with the units' performance gauged at various distances. For example, Vodafone has now deployed several EtherHaul-600T links in a U.K. city's downtown area. The EtherHaul-600T units are deployed in a daisy chain to provide the backhaul for real-life traffic generated by small cells, monitoring the performance and availability of the links.

"What is unique about this live trial," said Gaby Junowicz, vice president of marketing and business development for Siklu, "is that the EtherHaul-600T units are installed at street level installations, mounted on light poles. Not only are they designed to blend into the environment so they are virtually invisible, but they are also performing reliably even as the streetlight poles twist and sway in the wind." 

Siklu's EtherHaul-600T offers ease of installation and commissioning with plug-and-play, zero-touch integration into the operator's Self Organizing Network (SON). Leveraging Siklu’s field proven all-silicon radio technology makes it possible for the company to offer the EtherHaul-600T at a fraction of the cost of other millimeter wave solutions. The EtherHaul-600T will be commercially available later this year.

Siklu, the market leader in E-band millimeter wave systems, will be exhibiting at Mobile World Congress February 25-28 in Barcelona. Siklu will showcase both the EtherHaul-600T and its EtherHaul millimeter wave systems in Hall 5, Stand 5H70.

About Siklu

Siklu builds gigabit millimeter-wave wireless backhaul solutions over the 70-80 GHz E-band and 60 GHz V-band. Based on a unique all-silicon design that reduces price and increases reliability, Siklu's radios are ideal for LTE macro and small cell backhaul, fiber extension and business service delivery. The field-proven radios are the top choice of tier one operators for gigabit backhaul worldwide, and thousands of units have been deployed and are operating reliably in all weather conditions. Serving the needs of service providers around the world, Siklu Communication is based near Tel Aviv, Israel. Learn more at www.siklu.com

SMARTPHONE WARS: SAMSUNG Galaxy 4 by James Carlini

It’s been almost a year since I moved up to a Smartphone. I did not jump on the first wave of Apple Smartphones because I wanted to see how the market shook out and what competitors would offer. It is so typical to see technology get refined in a short period of time after the market becomes established.

My final choices at the time were the Apple iPhone i3 and the new-on-the-market “dark horse” at the time, the Samsung Galaxy 3 that I eventually bought.

My advice: Never buy first-generation, always buy the next generation of products where everything becomes more refined.

It’s been almost a year since I moved up to a Smartphone. I did not jump on the first wave of Apple Smartphones because I wanted to see how the market shook out and what competitors would offer. It is so typical to see technology get refined in a short period of time after the market becomes established.

My final choices at the time were the Apple iPhone i3 and the new-on-the-market “dark horse” at the time, the Samsung Galaxy 3 that I eventually bought.

My advice: Never buy first-generation, always buy the next generation of products where everything becomes more refined.

For the rest of the article follow the link:

http://onpurposemagazine.com/2013/03/13/smartphone-wars-samsung-galaxy-4/

James Carlini, President &

Certified Infrastructure Consultant

CARLINI & ASSOCIATES  (since 1986)

Strategic Infrastructure Consultants

773-370-1888

LIA Newest Standard – Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources = Z136.2

LINK : LIA’s Newest Standard – Z136.2 Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources

ORLANDO, FL, Feb. 28, 2013 — With the exponential growth of fiber-optic telecommunications comes the need for well-trained installation and service personnel. Guiding those employees will be the new ANSI Z136.2 laser safety standard, available from the Laser Institute of America.

The release of the standard, timed to coincide with the annual meeting of the Z136 committee March 17 in Orlando, has been more than 10 years in the making.

“Fiber is going everywhere now,” says Ron Petersen, who spearheaded the team that crafted the guidelines. “With (Verizon) Fios and numerous other systems, and now even for going back and forth between base stations for the switch for cellular telephone, it is being used for absolutely everything.”

Since the early ‘90s, the technology “has evolved from a visionary laboratory technology to a mature industry standard for telecommunication transport,” notes Paul Testagrossa, secretary of the Z136.2 subcommittee and an engineer with Alcatel-Lucent. “This has been made possible with smaller, more powerful laser sources and trends to single-mode from multimode fiber. This has led to more hazard concerns (due to the) higher energy and higher power density associated with these systems.” 

The standard provides guidance for the safe use, maintenance, service, and installation of optical communications systems utilizing laser diodes or LEDs operating at wavelengths between 0.6 microns and 1 mm. Optical communication systems include end-to-end optical fiber-based links, fixed terrestrial point-to-point free-space links or a combination of both.

“Usually it’s just purchased components strung together into a system,” says Petersen, who was head of the wireless and optical technologies safety department for about 30 of his almost 41 years at Bell Labs. “This gives some guidance for what has to be done for certain Class devices. Part of the problem is that the end-to-end system is Class 1, or hazard level 1, but individual components are not. As people build and test a system, they really ought to be aware of what the possible risks are. Labeling on the equipment bays is important.”

This standard is intended to be used by those who assemble the end-to-end system and by service, maintenance, and other personnel who may come in contact with such systems where access is in uncontrolled, controlled and restricted locations.  It provides detailed safety information for systems where optical energy may be accessible and where source parameters are uncertain or not under the control of the user. Control measures commensurate with the specific hazard level (optical fiber links) and access level (free-space links) are provided. Most evaluations can be carried out analytically. A number of representative examples of hazard evaluation are provided in the appendices.

The origins of the Z136.2 standard go back to 1988, when Petersen became chair of the group. “At that time, there was sort of little interest in it, but I and (LIA safety instructor) Dave Sliney put together a document, pointing out what the risk could be and the fact that this isn’t even addressed anywhere because it’s completely different from conventional lasers. In most cases, the beam is divergent — it’s less of a hazard to the eye. So instead of having classes, we came up with a whole series of nomenclature called service groups.”

In this standard, “the nomenclature has changed. Instead of using service groups, because of influence from IEC, we chose hazard classes to be consistent with international documents. Where the IEC (guidelines are) mainly for manufacturers, this one is more for users,” particularly those who are splicing fiber.

“While the physical handling aspects have progressed from being manual labor intensive to automated processes for connection, splicing, repair, etc., hazardous conditions for services personnel need to be addressed,” Testagrossa adds. “Especially considering that laser energy in an optical fiber communication system is typically in the infrared region, where the potential for serious eye injury exists.”

LIA, the recognized industry leader in laser advocacy and safety education since 1968, serves as secretariat of the Accredited Standards Committee that develops the Z136 series of laser safety standards. To order the .2 ($130 for LIA members, $150 for non-members, ISBN# 978-0-912035-68-0), visit www.lia.org/ANSI or call LIA at 1.800.34.LASER.

About LIA

Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.  The international society for laser applications and safety

Requiring Telephone Companies to Keep Old Copper Networks in Place Will Slow the Evolution to Ultra High Speed Fiber, FTTH Council Tells FCC

In filing, Council urges Commission to support fiber deployments as essential to America's economic future

(WASHINGTON) - The Fiber to the Home Council Americas, a non-profit organization of nearly 300 companies and organizations dedicated to expanding the availability of ultra high speed broadband, has urged the Federal Communications Commission to support the efforts of telephone companies to deploy all-fiber networks and eliminate their more costly and duplicative copper facilities once those fiber upgrades are made.

"It is clear that fiber technology is superior, that consumer demand is increasing rapidly for higher-performance networks, and, as a result, wireline providers of all types are by necessity deploying fiber plant," the FTTH Council wrote in  comments filed with the FCC today.

A group of competitive broadband providers, which under FCC "unbundling" regulations are afforded access to offer their services over legacy copper networks, have petitioned the FCC to require telephone companies to keep those networks in service after they upgrade to fiber.  Given the high cost of maintaining old copper networks, the Council said that such proposals would "turn back the clock" on the Commission's stated goal of accelerating private sector deployment of gigabit capable, all-fiber networks. 

"The Commission has demonstrated it understands the great value of having high-performance networks deployed throughout the country and the need for regulatory policies to align with this objective," the Council wrote.  As examples, the Council cited the FCC's Broadband Acceleration Initiative to expand the reach of robust broadband and its internal Broadband Acceleration Task Force that seeks to reduce barriers to broadband build-out by at least 20 percent as well as federal broadband stimulus programs that have focused largely on bringing fiber to community anchor institutions and supporting fiber to the home projects in hundreds of rural communities.

The filing also quoted FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's recent statement that "high-speed broadband is vitally important to our global competitiveness and the continued growth of our economy, and we must keep pushing for faster speeds and greater capacity through new investments in broadband networks."

The Council wrote that virtually no network provider is presently installing "new" copper in its access network in any meaningful way.

"Keeping copper lines in place after fiber is built imposes substantial additional costs on (local exchange carriers), materially harming the business case for fiber deployments," the Council argued, saying that the overall effect will be to slow "the critical - and inevitable - evolution to all-fiber wireline communications infrastructure."

To support its argument, the Council cited the FCC's 2010 National Broadband Plan finding that "requiring an incumbent to maintain two networks - one copper and one fiber - would be costly, possibly inefficient and reduce the incentive for incumbents to deploy fiber facilities."

"In sum, the technology of choice for wireline network providers - and for their customers - is fiber," the Council wrote.  "And the real issue before policymakers is how to remove barriers and provide incentives to increase the pace of these deployments."

About the FTTH Council Americas

Now in its 12th 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. Its mission is to accelerate deployment of all-fiber access networks by demonstrating how fiber-enabled applications and solutions create value for service providers and their customers, promote economic development and enhance quality of life. More information about the Council can be found at www.ftthcouncil.org.

FibeAir IP-20C selected because of its unmatched data throughput and low TCO

Paramus, New Jersey, February 20, 2013 - Ceragon Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: CRNT), the #1 wireless backhaul specialist, today announced that it has received initial orders from PEG Bandwidth for the FibeAir IP20-C , Ceragon’s recently launched, new generation of multi-core, packet radio solutions. PEG Bandwidth, a leading provider of customized cell site backhaul networks for wireless carriers, selected Ceragon’s FibeAir IP-20C to complement their extensive, 12-state fiber network because of its ability to deliver unmatched capacity throughout the backhaul network at a low total cost of ownership (TCO). The deployment will include dozens of FibeAir IP-20C links throughout the United States.

“The capacity needs of the U.S. marketplace are changing as 4G/LTE usage increases,” said Christopher Pickard, Chief Technology Officer, of PEG Bandwidth. “Ceragon’s FibeAir IP-20C enables us to offer our customers a broad network of seamlessly integrated, high capacity backhaul solutions which can suit the growing needs of our carrier customers, and help us to retain our competitive edge.”

“Receiving these first orders for FibeAir IP-20C just weeks after its launch is testament to the game-changing nature of the product,” said Ira Palti, President and CEO of Ceragon Networks. “In addition, having the orders come from a company as successful and focused on innovation as PEG Bandwidth speaks even further to how the FibeAir IP-20C can transform the backhaul and fronthaul process.   We believe that the FibeAir IP-20C, together with our upcoming range of next-generation solutions will enable us to extend our market share and assert our clear technological advantage over our competitors.”

“We are delighted that PEG is Ceragon’s first customer to deploy our new FibeAir IP-20C and are confident that this is a good indicator of the excellent fit that this product will have in the North American market,” said Charles (Chuck) Meyo, President of Ceragon North America.

With a focus on lower-tiered and rural markets, PEG Bandwidth customizes cell site backhaul networks for the major wireless carriers, aggregating mission critical backhaul traffic across multiple networks and providing a seamless end-to-end connectivity solution. PEG Bandwidth has earned the trust of the their customers by delivering solutions which meet stringent Service Level Agreements and delivering those solutions on-time.

FibeAir IP-20C breaks the traditional capacity barriers, and is the only microwave radio to offer a virtual-fiber solution in licensed bands. It features a breakthrough multi-core technology that employs a parallel radio processing engine to double the link performance. Ceragon’s FibeAir IP-20C also boosts spectral efficiency to meet the increasingly demanding capacity requirements of advanced HetNet backhaul and fronthaul scenarios. Built around Ceragon’s own baseband modem and RFIC technologies, the FibeAir IP-20C is the first step in Ceragon’s Holistic HetNet Hauling (3H) vision, which redefines wireless connectivity in heterogeneous networks.

About PEG Bandwidth

PEG Bandwidth provides customized cell site backhaul solutions for wireless operators to support 4th generation (4G) deployments.  With offices in Dallas, St. Louis and Philadelphia, PEG Bandwidth delivers complex network solutions across broad geographies utilizing a combination of new fiber builds, available dark fiber, partner fiber networks and licensed, point-to-point microwave.  PEG Bandwidth’s team of backhaul experts aggregates traffic across these disparate networks to provide a seamless, end-to-end solution from a wireless operator’s cell site to their switching facility. The company focuses mainly on lower-tiered and rural markets where operators are struggling to find carrier-class, scalable solutions for their backhaul requirements. 

About Ceragon Networks Ltd.

Ceragon Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: CRNT) is the #1 wireless backhaul specialist.  We provide innovative, flexible and cost-effective wireless backhaul solutions that enable mobile operators and other wired/wireless service providers to deliver 2G/3G, 4G/LTE and other broadband services to their subscribers.  Ceragon’s high-capacity, solutions use microwave technology to transfer voice and data traffic while maximizing bandwidth efficiency, to deliver more capacity over longer distances under any deployment scenario. Based on our extensive global experience, Ceragon delivers turnkey solutions that support service provider profitability at every stage of the network lifecycle enabling faster time to revenue, cost-effective operation and simple migration to all-IP networks.  As the demand for data pushes the need for ever-increasing capacity, Ceragon is committed to serve the market with unmatched technology and innovation, ensuring effective solutions for the evolving needs of the marketplace. Our solutions are deployed by more than 430 service providers in over 130 countries.

Melissa Simpler, CEO of Affinegy, Appointed Vice-Chair of CABA's Connected Home Council

Feb. 26,2013 - The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) announced that Melissa Simpler, CEO of Affinegy, has been appointed Vice-Chair of CABA's Connected Home Council.  The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) announced today that Melissa Simpler, CEO of Affinegy, has been appointed Vice-Chair of CABA's Connected Home Council.

Established in 2004, the CABA Connected Home Council initiates and reviews projects that relate to connected home and multiple dwelling unit technologies and applications. The Council also examines industry opportunities that can accelerate the adoption of new technologies, consumer electronics and broadband services within the burgeoning connected home market.

"CABA is honored to have Melissa Simpler serve as the new Vice-Chair of its Connected Home Council. She brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and insight into connected home solutions and her leadership and management experience will be a tremendous asset," stated Ronald J. Zimmer, CABA President & CEO.

Simpler co-founded Affinegy, a supplier of service enablement and network management solutions for the home and business. Leading broadband service providers and equipment manufacturers have deployed Affinegy's solution worldwide in over 33 million households and 27 languages. As CEO, she directs business strategy, company operations, marketing and sales. Previously she served in corporate business and engineering management roles at Motorola, Dell, and National Instruments.

Simpler has a BSEE, cum laude, and MBA from the University of Texas. She actively contributes to Austin's technology sector including driving membership growth for Austin Technology Council and serving as a founding member of the Software SIG of the Greater Austin Chamber. She is also actively involved in the Software CEO Group and Tech Women CEO Network.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to CABA's Connected Home Council," said Simpler. "I look forward to advancing the connected home marketplace by helping to lead collaborative initiatives in conjunction with other leading industry organizations."

Scott Burnett, Chair of CABA's Connected Home Council and Director, Global Consumer Electronics, IBM Electronics Industry, said the appointment of Simpler is a terrific win for CABA: "The Council gets a leader and visionary, whose expertise will help propel the council forward addressing the needs in an accelerating market."

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

About Affinegy
Affinegy is a proven global supplier of service enablement and network management software solutions for the home. Leading broadband service providers, equipment manufacturers and premium care providers use Affinegy products to power profitable quality connections for their customers and have deployed Affinegy solutions worldwide in over 33M households and 27 languages. Affinegy software increases product and service adoption, slashes inbound support costs and improves customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.affinegy.com.

Snake Tray Announces New Ultra Thin Power & Data Distribution Enclosure

Snake Tray is pleased to announce the Snake Box, an ultra thin enclosure for super low profile access floors that delivers power and data directly to the workstation.  Data and power receptacles are built-in to the 1.6 inch height enclosure. Enclosure can be customized to meet customer’s specifications.

Snake Tray® manufactures a series of innovative products for cable management and power distribution all designed and proven to significantly save on labor, time and materials. Snake Trayâ products are made in USA utilizing solar power generated from our roof top solar array.

For information on Snake Tray call 800-308-6788, email molly@snaketray.com, or go to www.snaketray.com.

USGBC Launches its First Senior Policy Fellow Portfolio of Activities

Washington, D.C. (Feb. 27, 2013) — Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the goals of its inaugural USGBC Senior Policy Fellow, including growing and developing USGBC and furthering the mission of the green building movement worldwide. Mark Ginsberg, who was named USGBC’s Senior Policy Fellow in December, will pursue an ambitious international and domestic agenda.

Ginsberg, an expert in the energy management and efficiency field, will assume dual roles. As an ambassador representing USGBC senior leadership, he will work to enhance USGBC’s international relationships, and as a senior adviser and informal consultant, he will assist with the development of strategy for sustainable green eco-cities across the globe.

“Mark is an extraordinary figure in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy, and we count his experience and knowledge as a great asset to our organization,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “He has already made tremendous contributions toward helping us realize our goal of a sustainable built environment within a generation, and I am confident his work in 2013 will give us further momentum for protecting our planet and enhancing the quality of life for people around the world.”

Ginsberg’s focus will be on green building initiatives in China and India, working with a new U.S.-China Eco-City Council, the China Green Building Council (CGBC) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), among other groups. As a senior adviser and consultant supporting USGBC eco-city strategy, Ginsberg will also cooperate and confer with groups such as the World Green Building Council and C40 Cities.

“Representing USGBC, the organization that sparked a revolution in our thinking about the sustainable built environment, is a tremendous honor,” Ginsberg said. “USGBC, with its network of global partners, is actively working to address some of the greatest challenges of our age, and we are poised to build on years of success as we forge worldwide partnerships to promote clean energy and build green cities and communities.”

In India, Ginsberg is working to strengthen USGBC’s ongoing relationship with the IGBC. Ginsberg will also attend the India Green Building Congress and Green Cities Summit, continuing the alignment of the USGBC green cities effort with that of its Indian counterparts.

In Beijing, Ginsberg is speaking at the International Green Buildings Conference and will work with the CGBC, Qiu Baoxing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and U.S. companies to help advance short- and long-term green building strategies for China. He is also participating in the China Urban Planning Conference and assisting the China Society of Urban Studies in their development of guidelines for Chinese eco-cities, which is a critical piece of USGBC’s overall strategy in China.

Furthering his role as a worldwide USGBC ambassador, Ginsberg will support the LEED International Roundtable and International Day at USGBC’s annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo.

The LEED green building program is a global tool being successfully used in more than 135 countries. The leadership and commitment of USGBC members and volunteers, partner green building councils and others around the world help ensure global consistency and applicability for LEED. These groups and individuals are also furthering USGBC’s goal of accelerating adoption of sustainable and green building development practices worldwide.

USGBC’s approach to addressing the needs of projects in regions across the world allows for the development of solutions unique to an area while maintaining a common green building language.U.S.

About the Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter and Facebook.

ALI Announces Upgrades to Ladder Safety Training Platform and Availability of Training Modules in Spanish

CHICAGO – The American Ladder Institute (ALI) has completed significant enhancements to its free online Ladder Safety Training platform, including increased accessibility on mobile devices, the availability of all training modules in Spanish, and better tools for managers.

ALI's Ladder Safety Training website, www.laddersafetytraining.org, has been upgraded to make its free training modules available using a wide range of devices and operating systems. The site's new responsive design supports the play and control of training videos, tests, and other features using modern Internet browsers, as well as on popular mobile and tablet platforms including Android and Apple iOS.

“The updated ALI Ladder Safety Training platform is a reflection of our strong commitment to the safe use of all ladders by all people," said Ron Schwartz, ALI president. "We recognize that it's not enough to set standards and expect them to have any real impact without proper instruction and easy-to-use resources. We are excited that managers and employees can now access the safety training modules, no matter where they are or what technology they use."

As a major part of the laddersafetytraining.org upgrade, the entire website's contents, including all training videos and tests, are now available in Spanish. This makes the site's valuable guidance on the proper selection, use and care of various ladders accessible to a far wider audience. Spanish speaking ladder users can visit the site and click on the "Español" button in the top right corner to view the site and the complete training library in Spanish.

"Increasing safety for all ladder users is a universal goal of the ALI," said ALI Executive Director Janet Rapp. "With our widely-used Ladder Safety Training modules now available in Spanish, we can reach an important and growing segment of ladder users to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace and at home. We encourage all managers of workers who use ladders, as well as all employees who work on ladders, to view these modules, adopt the safety principles they teach, and share them with colleagues."

The new Ladder Safety Training platform also includes tools that help managers share training modules with employees. Managers can easily add users from within their company, track their progress on each module, and access certificates earned by each trainee.

With these upgrades, all ALI Ladder Safety Training modules can now be easily viewed, shared, and followed by managers and employees in a wide variety of workplace and non-work settings. The modules can be accessed for free online or purchased on DVD through laddersafetytraining.org.

ALI is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved developer of standards for the ladder industry, intended for use by manufacturers, consumers and the general public. ALI develops and maintains standards for wood, portable metal, fixed, job-made, and portable reinforced plastic ladders, as well as mobile ladder stands, mobile ladder stand platforms, and disappearing attic stairways.

ABOUT ALI

Founded in 1947, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) represents North American ladder manufacturers and is committed to the highest standards of ladder safety. The ALI mission is to educate the public about the selection, care and safe use of ladders. It also develops and disseminates the appropriate standards for design, construction, testing, care and use of ladders. For more information, please contact ALI at 312.673.5769 or online at www.americanladderinstitute.org.

Southwire To Roll Out New Cable Pull Technology

Comparing it to what the iPod did for Apple, Southwire has announced it will begin marketing its new CoilPAK Wire Package to contractors beginning April 2.

"We put an intense focus on the end user, and that motivated us to try to find a solution," said Southwire CEO Stuart Thorn. "I don't see why spools would even exist in five years."

The SIMpull CoilPak rests on its side, is held in an easy-to-carry package, improves safety and makes cable pulling easier. The packages all weigh less than 50 pounds, with the 10 gauge up to 1,250 feet, the 12 gauge up to 2,000 feet, and the 14 gauge up to 2,500 feet.

It also eliminates waste and time needed to set up to pull wire.

"We want to help contractors beat their circuit branch installer budgets by eliminating wasted time by having to handle numerous wire spools on a job site," said Norman Adkins, executive vice president of Southwire's electrical division. "Southwire's goal is to make each job more predictable and easier to manage."

© 2013 The Electrical Distributor. All rights reserved.

Testimonial on CABA - As They Turn 25

CABA is the Continental Automated Building Association and they have been a powerful growing influence on our world for more than a quarter of a century.

CABA (North America’s Home & Building Automation Association) is on top of the Tsunami of Technical Change, sweeping the commercial and residential real estate world. Whether we call it Intelligent Structure, Smart Home, or Automated Building; CABA is the organization that is defining the opportunity and the path forward. www.caba.org

Almost immediately, we recognized CABA’s influence in energy savings and advancements in integration of various systems. The leadership role of the CABA organization is helping to guide us through the maze of Codes, Standards, and Protocols.

CABA Research Reports is a collection of some of the most powerful data ever gathered on the “connected home and intelligent buildings” market. Numerous members are already reaping the rewards (and profits) in these powerful markets.

CABA is unique. This organization is the undisputed leader in this impressive wave of automation in buildings. We are seeing many new facets of business opportunities that are revealed by the diligent work of the CABA staff. If you are looking for new revenue areas, look no further than CABA.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee - Editor

"HOTS - Heard On The Street" Monthly Column

www.wireville.com

New CABA Group in Linkedin

In this CABA's 25^th Anniversary Year....we are pleased to announce that the CABA Group in LinkedIn has grown to over 1,800 industry professionals in the "connected home and intelligent buildings" sector. Further to the great information that many industry professionals have been sharing over LinkedIn, please consider joining the CABA Group on LinkedIn. CABA's LinkedIn group is a valuable networking forum to share discussions, ideas, and opportunities with industry leading people and organizations.  You may join and introduce yourself and/or company to the CABA Group at: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2121884&trk=hb_side_g. 

If not already taking advantage of this complimentary publication, please subscribe to the weekly CABA NewsBrief that provides the most updated industry news and research for the "connected home and intelligent buildings" sector. You can subscribe to this publication and view back issues at: http://www.caba.org/newsbrief . CABA's iHomes & Buildings Magazine continues to provide valuable insights to the industry and for your free copy please go to: http://www.caba.org/ihomesandbuildings. CABA also has the largest collection of "connected homes and intelligent buildings" research in the world. Anyone can view the CABA Public Library at: http://www.caba.org/research/public-research-library and the list of White Papers and Research Reports, in the CABA Member's Library, can be viewed here: http://www.caba.org/research-publications/information-series

Also, the CABA Board of Directors ( http://www.caba.org/board ) will be meeting on April 25 in Toronto, ON. For the first time, on April 24, the CABA Digital Home Forum and CABA Connected Home Council will be held concurrently with the CABA Intelligent Buildings Forum and the CABA Intelligent & Integrated Buildings Council. There will be a keynote plenary speaker, followed by a networking reception/dinner with the CABA Board. These events will be hosted by CABA Board member Hydro One Networks and the reception is co-hosted by CABA Board member Cadillac Fairview Corporation. More information on these great events can be found at: http://www.caba.org/caba-forum. Please confirm your attendance to Tony Disipio at 613.686.1814 x228 or Disipio@CABA.org.

It is great to be linked and do take advantage of the free research and information that CABA offers!

Regards,

Ronald J. Zimmer CAE

President & CEO

Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA)

Email: Zimmer@CABA.org

Phone: 613.686.1814 x230

Fax: 613.744.7833

Web site: http://www.CABA.org

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/caba_news

LinkedIn (5,800+): http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2121884

The Light Brigade® Launches New Fiber Optics 1-2-3 Course

Tukwila, WA and Spartanburg, SC – February 19, 2013 – The Light Brigade, AFL’s education and training division, has launched the most significant upgrade to its core course in fiber optics. Staying abreast of the latest innovations and changes in the industry, the Fiber Optics 1-2-3 course has been updated to feature the latest in fiber optic technology, products and standards. The accompanying 470‑page manual provides comprehensive instructional material on multimode and single-mode technologies. Considered the foremost technical primer and resource manual for anyone involved in fiber optics, updates to the course and manual include:

·         Multimode fiber technology featuring OM3, OM4 and bend-insensitive fibers

·         Restricted mode and encircled flux launch conditions

·         Single-mode fiber technology including G.652D, G.655 and G.657 fibers

·         The newest termination products and techniques

·         Up-to-date standards and specifications

·         Fiber-to-the-Home, Ethernet and Internet protocol

·         Expanded installation and optical testing content

·         The latest active devices including FTTx products

·         In-depth information on passive devices such as optical switches and splitters

Students who completed the Fiber Optics 1-2-3 course previously can purchase the latest revision of this manual for $100 by calling 800-451-7128 and ordering Fiber Optics 1-2-3 Rev #W-13U.
 
The most up-to-date information on The Light Brigade courses is available in the 2013 Light Brigade Training Catalog. For additional information on The Light Brigade, visit www.lightbrigade.com, email sales@lightbrigade.com or call 800-451-7128 or 206-575-0404.
 
For more information about AFL and its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
 
About The Light Brigade
Founded in 1987, The Light Brigade has instructed over 45,000 attendees in its public and custom classes on fiber optic design, maintenance and testing, including advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM and PMD/CD. In addition to creating custom courses tailored to any need or skill level, the company produces educational DVDs and CDs.
 
About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.
 
Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

NAED Names Kelly Vliet as Incoming South Central Region Vice President-Elect

Vliet is an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the electrical distribution channel

ST. LOUIS… The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) has named Kelly Vliet as the incoming vice president-elect of the South Central Region. Vliet was elected by the South Central Region Council, which represents NAED member companies in the South Central U.S.

“I am looking forward to serving the NAED and the South Central Region as the incoming vice president-elect,” said Vliet, who serves as vice president and sales manager for Medler Electric Company. “Giving back to the industry is rewarding. We have the opportunity to spend time with others that understand by helping others - we get much more out of our investment than the time we put in.”

Vliet has been in the industry more than 30 years and has served on the NAED’s South Central Region Council since 2007. He was also a member of several task forces including the Energy Audit Task Force and the Strategic Technology Task Force. In 2012, Vliet participated in the Congressional Fly-In.

Headquartered in Alma, Mich., Medler Electric Company is a full line distributor that supports a wide variety of products from distribution, control, lighting, and energy efficient technology. Medler operates 14 branches in the state of Michigan.

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

Paul McCool, chief executive officer, Revere Electric Supply, currently directs the South Central Region Council.

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

World Green Building Council Showcases Cost-Effective Green Building Benefits Throughout the World

New Report Released Today Highlights Financial Value of Green Buildings to Business Communities

LONDON (March 6, 2013) — A new comprehensive report released this week from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), highlights that there are a large number of compelling benefits from green buildings received by different stakeholders throughout the life cycle of a building.
 
The report, “The Business Case for Green Building: A Review of the Costs and Benefits for Developers, Investors and Occupants,” examines whether or not it’s possible to attach a financial value to the cost and benefits of green buildings. Today, green buildings can be delivered at a price comparable to conventional buildings and investments can be recouped through operational cost savings and, with the right design features, create a more productive workplace.   
 
“This report synthesizes credible evidence from around the world on green buildings into one collective resource, and the evidence presented highlights that sustainable buildings provide tangible benefits and make clear business sense,” said Jane Henley, CEO of WorldGBC. “From risk mitigation across a building portfolio and city-wide economic benefits, to the improved health and well-being of individual building occupants, the business case for green building will continue to evolve as markets mature. Indeed we have already seen this momentum grow globally where in more and more places, green is now becoming the status quo.”
 
Key findings include:

• Asset Value: As investors and occupiers become more knowledgeable about and concerned with the environmental and social impacts of the built environment, buildings with better sustainability credentials will have increased marketability. In fact, studies from around the world demonstrate a pattern of greener buildings being able to more easily attract tenants and to command higher rents and sale prices;
• Design and Construction Costs: Research shows that building green does not necessarily need to cost more, particularly when cost strategies, program management and environmental strategies are integrated into the development process right from the start;
• Operating Costs: Green buildings have been shown to save money through reduced energy and water use and lower long-term operations and maintenance costs. The energy savings alone typically exceed any cost premiums associated with their design and construction within a reasonable payback period;
• Workplace Productivity and Health: Research shows that the green design attributes of buildings and indoor environments can improve worker productivity and occupant health and well-being, resulting in bottom line benefits for businesses;
• Risk Mitigation: Sustainability risk factors can significantly affect the rental income and the future value of real estate assets, in turn affecting their return on investment. Regulatory risks have become increasingly apparent in countries and cities around the world, including mandatory disclosure, building codes and laws banning inefficient buildings.

The report concludes that illustrating that by greening our built environment at the neighborhood and city scales, the green building industry can deliver on large-scale economic priorities such as climate change mitigation, energy security, resource conservation and job creation, long-term resilience and quality of life.
 
 “This report underscores that green buildings play a fundamental and cost-efficient role in tackling some of the immediate challenges of our times,” said Rick Fedrizzi, chair of the WorldGBC and president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “The WorldGBC is proud to continue to play a leadership role in the explosive growth of global green building industry as we all continue to create a world that will give people better, brighter, healthier spaces to live, work and play.”
 
This report was produced in partnership with PRP Environmental along with the following sponsors: Skanska, Grosvenor, and the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council/Estidama.
  
About the World Green Building Council
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is a network of national Green Building Councils (GBCs) from around the world, making it the largest international organization influencing the green building marketplace. Green Building Councils are member-based organizations that partner with industry and government in the transformation of their building industries towards sustainability through the adoption of green building practices. On the ground in over 90 countries, GBCs create change in their local markets as a way to globalize environmentally and socially responsible building practices.  Visit: www.worldgbc.org

About the U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter and Facebook.

Z-Band’s Video Distribution System Provides Reliable Solution for Penn State Smeal College of Business

Video Distribution can be a difficult technical wrestling match without the right solutions provider. Z-Band Inc., a Veteran-Owned and operated small business located in Carlisle, PA, has provided an effective long-term video distribution solution for the Penn State Smeal College of Business.

In 2005, Gary Field, Operational Manager for the Smeal College of Business, was seeking the best way to implement a RF broadband video distribution system into the design of a new campus building. A New York-based AV design firm recommended Z-Band. After seeing a live demo, it was obvious that the Z-Band solution was the right choice for the college.

The Z-Band installation includes the use of a main closet holding a master video hub (not a switch) known as a “GigaBUD” that is capable of distributing hundreds of analog, SD and HD channels. Four additional hubs were also used in the Smeal College setup. The system transports the CATV signal via Category 6 cable, which eliminates the need to run coax cable throughout the building. An intelligent balun called “GigaBOB” is on the receiving end of the CAT cable and has the capability to adjust the signal levels to each TV based on its distance from the hub.

The Z-Band system can easily accommodate the entire Penn State College of Business broadcasting network, which consists of 72 analog and 60 digital channels. Flawless video distribution is available to all areas of the building including lobbies, 20 conference rooms, 40 classrooms, and hundreds of offices. A 24/7 video feed to two 55-inch televisions in the lobby provides continuous news programming. The building is also used to host Penn State football tailgate parties where students can watch the game via video feed. Other uses include broadcasting to classrooms, break rooms, the auditorium, and Smeal’s Rogers Family Trading Room.

In 2012, Z-Band’s video distribution system was used to provide a live feed of an interview with General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt, which was part of Smeal’s “Leadership in Focus: Executive Insights” speaker series. The feed originated from a broadcast provided by WPSU, the local PBS affiliate. Z-Band’s modulator/channelizer took in the feed and used the 2-way feature of the Z-Band system to insert the program as channel 4 on the Smeal’s cable TV system, enabling the interview to be broadcast live throughout the building.

Field has been extremely pleased with Z-Band’s ability to provide a cutting-edge video distribution solution that has helped reduce labor costs, as no additional staff is needed to maintain it. The RF broadband system has also surpassed his expectations for reliability.

“In seven years, we’ve had zero problems — no service calls to Z-Band,” Field said. “Between the reliability and the Z-Band people … unbeatable.”

Z-Band was founded by three former AMP Incorporated executives in 1999. The company is planning to launch its fourth-generation product in the first quarter of 2013. Companies interested in a RF/TV video distribution system demonstration can visit www.z-band.com/education.html., or contact John Rinaldo, Director of Educational Sales, 717-249-2606 x 114.

Z-Band is a Veteran-Owned Small Business that sells the industry leading RF Broadband Video Distribution System that broadcasts CATV/HDTV, satellite, internally generated video, and other video-on-demand (VOD) services over twisted pair/Category cable.

The full bandwidth of Analog, Standard Digital, and High Definition video are available over CAT 6 cable at 90 meters from the data closet to the drop plus an additional 10 meters for connections on both ends. When using CAT 5e the system is capable of distributing 750 Mhz to a distance of 100 meters. This video distribution system is gaining a sweeping acceptance across the Higher Education market. www.z-band.com