| Howard tech firm preps for rollout of server software
A move by businesses to better manage their information technology resources by synchronizing groups of servers to act as one is driving growth for a Howard County software startup led by a former top executive with pioneering tech firm USinternetworking. Fortisphere is gearing up for mass distribution of its software -- part of a growing category called "life cycle management" in IT circles -- after landing $10 million in venture capital. The Glenwood company will use the money to expand development and marketing of its software as it moves toward mass distribution in the first quarter of 2008, Fortisphere CEO Michael Harper said. The company is working on a software package called Virtual Essentials that is being tested by a small group of initial clients, meaning it isn't yet taking in significant revenue, Harper said.
Thriving SSD aided by tenacity of founder
When Barbara Hines first fell in love with computers, the desktop was still in its infancy. Apple Computer Inc., Radio Shack, and Commodore all debuted mass-market computers in 1977, but they were still an anomaly.Hines' introduction occurred when her employer, McDonald's Corporation, purchased a computer for accounting and inventory. "I backed into technology," says the Kansas native, who attended Wichita State University.She was hooked from the start. "The whole concept of feeding all this information into a computer and have it produce results—instead of pushing a pencil and using a calculator—to me was incredible," she says. "It sucked me in. I loved it."Over the years her fascination has not waned. Today, Hines is president of SSD Technology Partners, a New Castle firm providing technology consulting and support services.Hines and her partners have adapted their company with the times, moving from designing custom accounting programs to offering a full range of IT services for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Nevada TeleCenter offers plan training to business owners
The Nevada TeleCenter is offering a three-part program helping small business owners and hopeful entrepreneurs write a successful business plan on December 3, 10, and 17 from 8 to 10 a.m. A Business Plan is the most important means you can use as a business owner to set and achieve goals, outline strategies, provide background information, secure funding, and ensure the success of your business. Your Business Plan is your blueprint for success. It is equally as important to develop and follow a business plan for a start up business as it is for an existing business. During this three week, six hour training, you will learn: The difference between a feasibility plan and a business plan, the purpose of a business plan, the components of a successful plan, how to write a winning business plan, funding sources for start ups and established businesses, and information gathering ideas.
Business events calendar
Thursday ORMOND BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ribbon-cutting ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Tradewinds Grille, 1425 Hand Ave., suite N., Ormond Beach. Information: (386) 677-3454. Friday PORT ORANGE/SOUTH DAYTONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ribbon-cutting ceremony, 9 a.m., Beville Dental Care, 911 Beville Road, suite 1, South Daytona. Information: (386) 761-1601. Daily SCORE 87 -- COUNSELORS TO AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESS, free startup business counseling by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Continuing counseling for existing businesses on Tuesdays. Two hour free workshops on Fridays in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City, and Palm Coast. Spanish available. For more information or appointment call (386) 255-6889 or email score87@earthlink.net or visit the Web site at score87.org.
It’s time to be thankful
In over 30 years in the newspaper business, I have never written a Thanksgiving column. This year, though, the timing just seems right.Like everybody, I guess I've had plenty to be thankful for over the years. I've got two great kids, I've been to see a doctor maybe twice in the past 35 years, and there haven't been many days since I got out of college when I didn't look forward to going to work.But as 2007 winds down, I seem to have a few more things to look back on — and forward to — this year and give thanks. I might as well start with the trivial stuff:� The Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers are both simultaneously leading their divisions for one of the few times (maybe the only time) in my 40-plus years as a fan of both teams. As a kid, I lived and died with the Packers through more good years than bad, and I really didn't have high expectations this season, with an aging quarterback, no running game and a group of mostly young receivers.
Software brings unified communications to mobile devices.
Supporting iPhone; RIM, Palm, Java, and WAP mobile devices; as well as Symbian and Windows Mobile, Avaya one-X(TM) Mobile provides secure access to corporate telephony, voicemail, call logs, and corporate directories. It unites enterprise and mobile networks, allowing businesses and employees to extend unified communications from Avaya and Cisco. Mobile devices act as endpoints on corporate network, promoting responsiveness to customers and supporting compliance requirements.
Related categories: Software .
BSA Battles Piracy One SMB at a Time
Michael Gaertner worried he could lose his company. A group called the "Business Software Alliance" was claiming that his 10-person architectural firm was using unlicensed software. The alliance demanded US$67,000 -- most of one year's profit -- or else it would seek more in court. "It just scared the hell out of me," Gaertner said. An analysis by The Associated Press reveals that targeting small businesses is lucrative for the Business Software Alliance, the main copyright-enforcement watchdog for such companies as Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) , Adobe Systems (Nasdaq: ADBE) and Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC) . .
Many Businesses See No Reason to Upgrade to Vista
According to a survey by ComputerWire's sister publication Computer Business Review, among 300 senior IT decision-makers in the UK, most enterprises delaying an upgrade to Windows Vista on the desktop are doing so because they see no advantage in upgrading. .
|
