emerging technologies : Innovation + Job News

Columbia-based LJT & Associates, an engineering services provider, has nabbed a major contract from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Range Operations Contract (ROC) covers a five year base period with a total estimated cost-plus-award-fee contract/Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity value of approximately $117 Million.

The firm will provide support services to manage the Wallops Research Range operations and maintenance; training; command, control, and communications information; and computer systems services. Contract support also includes testing, modifying and installing communications and electronic systems at launch facilities; launch control centers and test facilities; and range technology development engineering services. We are proud of our team which includes ITT Industries, CSC, Orbital Sciences, BAH, Airtec Inc, and LKC.

"LJT has supported NASA Wallops for the past 8 years," says Jim Bishop, vice president of Civilian Programs. "We look forward to continuing our support and beginning a new era for the Wallops Range Operations program, and helping NASA advance range technology, range use, and continuing the tradition of the Wallops Range as the "Premier Provider" of Research Range Capability."

Source: LJT & Associates
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The winners of the 10th annual Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Awards were announced last Tuesday. The awards, presented by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), RSM McGladrey Inc., and Saul Ewing LLP were chosen by a selection committee comprised of venture capitalists and government and business leaders. They recognize the achievements of eight companies currently located in Maryland's incubators and one graduate company.

"The finalists and winners of this year's awards program demonstrate the success that can be achieved through Maryland's Incubator program," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "I congratulate the winners and thank all participants for playing an integral role in keeping the State of Maryland at the forefront of the U.S. technology marketplace."

"To ensure that incubator companies continue to grow, the Governor has introduced InvestMaryland, a new initiative to promote jobs and spur innovation, and invested in job-creating tools like the Biotech Tax Credit, which has been increased to $8 million this year, created a Hiring Tax Credit to help businesses both large and small put Marylanders back to work, and developed a Small Business Loan Guaranty fund to help push small business lending. These award winners demonstrate the success of those State programs," adds Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson.

The winning companies were selected based on the organization's goals and its success in achieving their objectives. Judges considered factors such as technology or product development; proprietary intellectual property; increase in employee numbers; growth in revenue or earnings; engagement of significant customers and strategic partners; receipt of awards or grants; attraction of outside investors; innovation; self-sufficiency; impact on the region; and usage of the incubator's services.

The categories and award winners are:

Life Science Company of the Year � CSA Medical Inc. (Emerging Technology Center, Baltimore) Created the CyroSpray Ablation System, a novel, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared energy based medical system that allows physicians to have the ability to quickly and easily freeze, destroy and remove unwanted tissue, freeing patients from discomfort and worry.

Information Technology Company of the Year � Moodlerooms, Inc. (Emerging Technology Center, Baltimore) Created the world's most widely used open-source learning management system (Moodle) that offers educators fully supported, feature-rich learning management tools at a fraction of the cost. 

Technology Service Company of the Year � B&D Consulting, Inc. (Technical Innovation Center, Hagerstown) A veteran, Small Business Administration (SBA) certified 8(a) small disadvantaged business founded by security engineers and information security professionals with more than 20 years experience in providing security services and solutions for both government and Fortune 500 organizations.

New Incubator Company of the Year � Kempbio, Inc. (Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc.) Specializes in the production of recombinant protein expression services which is used in the areas of drug discovery, vaccine research and diagnostic assays.

Technology Transfer Company of the Year �FlexEl, LLC (Technology Advancement Program, University of Maryland College Park) Commercializing a low-cost, high energy density power source for use in devices that require thin, safe, lightweight and flexible batteries. 

Homeland Security Company of the Year � Lookingglass Cyber Solutions (Emerging Technology Center, Baltimore) A cyber security software company delivering vision awareness and intelligence beyond the traditional boundaries to protect enterprise networks and critical infrastructure. The company's core product, ScoutVision™, monitors impacts to critical communications networks during cyber attacks, power outages, terror attacks and natural disasters.

Graduate Company of the Year � Get Real Consulting (Graduate of Shady Grove Innovation Center) Provides customized solutions to make cutting-edge technology user friendly through a cooperative approach to project management. The company has worked with clients such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Planned Parenthood and Kaiser Permanente to develop web applications that give patients more control of their personal health records.

Green Company of the Year (new category for 2010) � Clean Currents (Rockville Innovation Center) Provides area businesses, residents, and institutions with innovative green solutions to today's most pressing environmental and energy challenges. 

Robert A. Spar Hall of Fame �Ception Therapeutics (Shady Grove Innovation Center) A biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes novel products to address areas of unmet medical needs. It offers Reslizumab for eosinophilic inflammatory conditions. The company also provides Anti-TNF, a class of small molecule anti-TNF receptor agents with the potential to be orally administered. As of April 5, 2010, Ception Therapeutics, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Cephalon Inc.

Source: Maryland Technology Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Biotechnology Center, the State of Maryland's portal to programs and resources intended to grow and strengthen the state's bioscience community, has awarded $270,000 through the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program to six biotechnology companies to their product development projects .

MIPS teams Maryland companies with faculty from the University System of Maryland to help the companies develop high technology, biotechnology, or technology-related agricultural products. Companies provide matching funds to help pay for the projects. All funding goes to participating faculty.

The Center recently signed off on initial funding for three projects. Each was in the second year of a two-year (phase 2) project. Three additional first-year projects were also made possible by freeing up MIPS funds to support them.

"As Maryland's resource center for growing and strengthening the state's bioscience community, one of the Maryland Biotechnology Center's charters outlined by Governor Martin O'Malley in his 2009 BioMaryland 2020 strategic plan is to provide funding to assist companies with late-stage commercialization objectives," says Judy Britz, the Center's executive director. "MIPS has a proven process for evaluating viable research projects and a strong history of successfully helping biotechnology companies develop commercial products, so by supporting MIPS, we are fulfilling part of our charter and are boosting key contributors to the growth of the state's bioscience cluster."

The phase 2 projects that the Center will directly support include Rockville-based Aparna Biosciences Corporation that has teamed with A. James Mixson, associate professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore to develop therapeutics to treat a variety of fungal infections; Encore Path Inc., based in Baltimore has, and Appa Anjanappa, professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, who are developing a new rehabilitative TREADTRAC Device to enable stroke patients to regain walking skills; and another Rockville-based company, VectorLogics Inc. and Vikram Vakharia, professor, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, who are working on a treatment for the hepatitis C virus that uses viral vectors to deliver therapeutic proteins.

MIPS was able to support three additional projects thanks to the Center funding, including, Rockville-based Celek Pharmaceuticals LLC and Susan Keay, professor, University of Baltimore, to evaluate the efficacy of a novel therapeutic for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, a chronic and debilitating bladder disorder; Cellphire Inc., also in Rockville that has teamed with the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute MDBioproSM (GMP Biomanufacturing Program) to establish a quality system and manufacturing processes for the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) production of the company's freeze-dried platelet products for both diagnostic and therapeutic indications; and College Park's Zymetis Inc. that is working with Robert M. Briber, professor, University of Maryland, College Park, in the development of low-cost solvent systems to reduce the crystallinity of native cellulose, reducing the need for enzymes in biomass digestion for the production of ethanol and other biofuels.

"MIPS has helped three of the most successful biotechnology companies in Maryland�MedImmune [part of AstraZeneca], Martek Biosciences, and Digene Corporation [now part of Qiagen]�develop products," says MIPS director Martha Connolly. "These companies have generated thousands of jobs, brought in millions in revenue and contributed tax dollars to the economy. The Maryland Biotechnology Center funding allows us to bolster what could be the leading biotechnology companies of tomorrow."

The Maryland Biotechnology Center contract with MIPS is for one year.

Source: The Maryland Biotechnology Center
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Baltimore-based Fastspot, an interactive design agency, has been nominated for two Best School/University Websites in the 14th Annual Webby Awards. The firm garnered the noms for their work on the Bucknell University Virtual Tour and the University of Puget Sound's website. And since each category includes just five finalists, Fastspot now has a two out of five chance to take home the Webby for the School/University category.

Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile websites. Fastspot is a former Webby honoree and winner. This year, Fastspot Creative Director, Tracey Halvorsen, also participated as a judge for the Awards.

"As a past Webby winner, we recognize the level of competition that occurs in this particular awards program, and what an honor it is to be recognized," says Halvorsen. "It is truly the highest compliment to an interactive agency to have your work make it to the finals in the Webbys. We are beyond thrilled to have two nominations in the same category this year, a very unique distinction."

As a nominee, Fastspot is also eligible to win a Webby People's Voice Award that is decided by votes from the global Web community, meaning anyone cast a vote for Fastspot. Voting has already started and will continute through April 29.  People's Voice and Webby Award winners will be honored at the 14th Annual Webby Awards in New York City on June 14, 2010.

Source: Stacy Spakowsky
Writer: Walaika Haskins

While area tech companies aim to score big with an iPad app in Apple's App Store, electronics accessory maker M-Edge is taking a different tack with a line

M-Edge Accessories, has launched a suite of accessories designed specifically for Apple's iPad. Designed to bring protection, innovation, and personalization to the iPad experience, M-Edge's offerings will allow users the freedom to take their device into any environment, from the office to the subway to the beach.

"With the iPad, Apple is putting forth a compelling eReading platform, and we are excited to broaden our focus and develop accessories that will enhance the iPad experience," commented Patrick Mish, CEO at M-Edge Accessories. "Our laser-focus on eReader devices the past four years has offered M-Edge valuable customer insights and allowed us to achieve numerous product successes. I am confident that with this experience under our belt, we are positioned to bring fresh, novel, and industry-leading accessories to the iPad market."

In addition to it's line of protective slevves, M-Edge also offers its FlexStand bookstand for iPad users. The innovative bookstand is compact and portable, and uses flexible legs and adjustable feet to provide an adaptable, hands-free user experience.

M-Edge's Professional Line of iPad jackets is designed for those looking for classic and stylish protection that is suitable for work environments. Available in up to 12 leather colors, the jackets in this comprehensive line are among M-Edge's bestsellers.

 

Source: Patrick Mish, M-Edge Accessories
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Storyfarm New Media, a Baltimore-based video production company, has launched a new all video professional services directory. A long-time dream for partners John Sherman, John Brosman and Beau Kershaw, the service is intended to provide people a way to find a real estate agent, doctor or lawyer that goes beyond just picking them from a static list.

"We started out looking at About Us pages and doctors and real estate agents listings -- just text and a picture -- and thought this isn't really doing anything all. You don't get to know anything about the people, and thought how great it would be if you had a really nice video that would be sort of a personal introduction that would give you all the intangibles you get when you're meeting somebody. If we make a really good video for a website, then why not make a second distribution point for it, collect all the videos together," says Sherman.

Storyfarm's first directory, MeetLocalAgents.com, launched with about 30 local real estate agents. Two other directories, MeetLocalDoctors.com and MeetLocalLawyers.com, are also up but have limited listings. Users can search the directories by area or several other criteria.

"There's really no way to quantify the success of a doctor, lawyer or real estate agent. It's all about personality, especially for doctors. I think it's crazy how we pick our doctors. Are they close to me? Do they take my insurance? Okay, you're my doctor. What we're really doing is empowering consumers to make better choices," says Sherman.

Cheaper than a commercial, the service is available for a monthly subscription fee of $59, $99, $149, and $199 for 30, 60, 90 or 120 second video, respectively. There are no upfront video production costs and the service is available for an inital 30-day trial.

Source: John Sherman, Storyfarm New Media
Writer: Walaika Haskins

It was a good night, a very good night last Wednesday when Fastspot, a Baltimore-based interactive design firm, learned Jumbalaya, a word game designed for Apple's new iPad device, would be one of about a thousand apps available for the iPad's launch on Saturday, April 3.

"There's a big advantage to being in at the ground level on something like this. The marketplace will get more and more flooded over time and we think it will be a pretty revolutionary device and we wanted to have something for it when it came out," says Tracey Halverson, Fastspot's creative director and principal.

Available on Apple's App site, Jumbalaya is a word scramble game that takes advantage of the iPad's multi-touch technology. "You can really use all your fingers to move the Scrabble-like blocks around to create as many words as you can," Halverson says.

The game offers players two distinct gameplay modes -- Survival and Quick Play. Survival pits players against the clock, making words to stay alive. In Quick Play gamers are challenged to get as many points as as possible in two minutes. Players can choose between three -- Wood, Earth and Ice.

It took the design team at Fastspot about one month to create the game, submit it and get accepted by Apple. The big challenge was creating the game on a simulator because the iPad was not available until last Saturday. "We have experience developing for the iPhone, so our lead developer was able to tap into that experience. Apple has been very good about providing feedback on the app along the way, so we just followed their deadline," Halverson explains.

Now that the team has experience designing for the iPad, Halverson hopes that they will be able to use that to create iPad apps for Fastspot's clients.

"I think this device will really become quite popular and we want to do more of it for our clients as well. So it was really great to dive in and get our feet wet," says Halverson.

Source: Tracey Halverson, Fastspot
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, and Maryland Clean Energy Center Executive Director Kathy Magruder officially opened Maryland's first Clean Energy Technology Incubator (CETI) at UMBC.

" By growing our own companies, we'll add new green jobs to our economy, while supporting the discovery of new technologies that will further our commitment to a sustainable environment," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith

The Clean Energy Technology Incubator at UMBC is the first in a statewide network of clean energy incubators. It promotes entrepreneurship and job creation in industries that will impact the use of alternative energy sources in areas of interest including renewable energy, biofuels, smart grid technologies, electric vehicles, cybersecurity, and energy policy. Baltimore County is providing a $75,000 grant over two years through its Department of Economic Development to partially fund an Entrepreneur in Residence at the incubator.

Six companies were announced as the first tenants in the incubator, which is located in the Biotech Building on UMBC's South Campus. The incubator contains approximately 18,000 square feet of combined office and wet laboratory space.

Clean Green Chesapeake, LLC which focuses on using algae to simultaneously generate clean water, sequestration of CO2 and biofuels.

Plant Sensory Systems, LLC that develops technologies to improve crop performance, alleviate negative environmental impact, and increase levels of sugar, oil, and cellulose in plants so they can convert into biofuels.

Amethyst Technologies, LLC that consults on FDA guidelines and regulations and offers "green" services for design and creation of environmentally sustainable solutions.

COLUMBIA Technologies, LLC that provides 3D maps of underground pollution to lower the cost and risk of real estate redevelopment and contaminated site cleanup. The same software can be used in energy efficiency applications.

Amidus, LLC that works with clients to help them formulate and realize their strategies in the energy market.

UMBC Training Centers Offers high quality training and certification to individuals and organizations in the Baltimore region, including courses on CyberSecurity for the electric grid.Maryland Clean Energy Center Technology Incubator Network Opens First Site at bwtech@UMBC*

The Maryland Clean Energy Center has partnered with bwtech@UMBC to support early stage companies working with clean energy technologies and advance green job creation in our state.

"The Maryland Clean Energy Center is striving to partner with energy experts throughout the state in order to fulfill its mission of growing Maryland's clean energy economy through related economic development and job creation. Because bwtech@UMBC has a proven track record of success our Board elected to work with their team to establish our first Clean Energy Incubator Network site at UMBC," Katherine Magruder, executive director of MCEC says.

According to Magruder, "The intention is to draw from the depth and variety of the research presence in the state, and use the incubator network to move discoveries from the bench to the bank in the commercialization pipeline." She added, "The program seeks to provide affordable space as well as assistance with business plans, marketing, and management of intellectual property for start-up companies that are focused on a clean or renewable energy product, service or technology."

CETI is a natural fit with UMBC's strengths in environmental sciences and bwtech@UMBC's interest in and support of environmental science companies. bwtech@UMBC already hosts the headquarters of the U.S.

"bwtech@UMBC is delighted to establish this groundbreaking incubator," says Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. "Maryland is positioned to become a leader in bioscience and environmental technologies, and we are excited to be a part of it."

Initial funding for the CETI will be provided by MCEC, bwtech@UMBC, and a grant from the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development to support the Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

"bwtech@UMBC has been a leader in nurturing entrepreneurship, fostering new ideas and generating jobs in Baltimore County for nearly two decades," says David S. Iannucci, executive director of Baltimore County Economic Development. "The Clean Energy Technology Incubator will increase its economic impact on the region."

In the long term MCEC is hoping to replicate this model in partnership with other jurisdictions and their economic development agencies.

Source: Baltimore County
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake kicked Baltimore's push to win the Google Fiber competition up a notch last week, enlisting the support of top business and technology leaders and organizations. Heading the team is Tom Loveland, president of local tech company Mind Over Machines and the newly annointed Google Czar.

Loveland will work with Joseph Weaver, president Global Design Interactive,  and Scott Plank, vice president Under Armour in conjunction with Baltimore Fiber, a grassroots effort launched several weeks ago in response to the announcement about Google Fiber for Communities, an initiative that asks American cities and municipalities to compete for up to a billion dollars in fiber optic network infrastructure delivering speeds nearly 100 times faster than most internet connections.

Google, Inc. is asking local governments and communities to express interest and provide information by completing a "request for information" or RFI by March 26.

With Baltimore's rich history of technological innovation, "there is no doubt in my mind that Baltimore is the best and most appropriate City in America to invest in new blazing fast internet infrastructure," Mayor Rawlings-Blake said. "Baltimore is a 'City of First's' and we should be Google's first choice," Rawlings-Blake says.

The Mayor also pegged Greater Baltimore Committee and the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore to assist the already burgeoning grassroots campaign to lure Google to Baltimore by recruiting additional support from larger corporations and institutions. Mayor Rawlings-Blake announced an agreement with Under Armour to supply in-house marketing capabilities to assist the effort.

"Baltimore's business community will enthusiastically engage to take full advantage of this opportunity to achieve a quantum leap in technology resources and enhanced speed capabilities," says Donald C. Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. "This project fits Baltimore's business legacy of technology advancements and transformational innovations."

"Greater Baltimore has emerged as the nation's "knowledge center"... from the best hospital and researchers in the world to the nation's leaders in defense intelligence and communications. This framework provides an opportunity to enhance our connectivity within the region, as well as connecting the rest of the world to our community," says J. Thomas Sadowski, President & CEO, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore:

Loveland in his role as a volunteer "Google Czar" will be charged with working with the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and Neighborhoods to complete and submit the RFI by the due date.

"Baltimore is a tinderbox of innovation. Google Fiber is the spark, a game-changer that could turn Baltimore into a global innovation leader," Mr. Loveland said. "Mayor Rawlings-Blake understands that and I'm honored to serve the City."

According to Loveland, Baltimore is an ideal city for the Google project. "We are fortunate to have a multitude of unique, world-class resources that we all know and cherish. We are fortunate [to have a] growing population of entrepreneurs and creative's who want to make a difference in our community. We are fortunate that our region has the largest population of technology professionals in the country."

"Mix these together � unique world-class resources, entrepreneurs, and technologists � and you see that Baltimore is a tinderbox of innovation just waiting for a spark. Google Fiber is that spark. Google Fiber can turn Baltimore into a global innovation leader," he continues.

Whether Baltimore is successful or not in its bid to win the Google Fiber competition, both Loveland and David Troy, who has helped spearhead the grassroots effort among businesses and communities, say the city will have won. Both men expect the consortium of business and community leaders to tackle future projects.

"This is just the beginning," says Troy.

Mayor Rawlings-Blake also released a new YouTube video that will be posted on the Bmore Fiber website.



Source: Tom Loveland, Mind Over Machines; David Troy, Baltimore Fiber
Writer: Walaika Haskins
Google logo by Senait Weaver

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has launched a new program to promote the use of electric vehicles in Maryland. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (EVIP) initiative will provide aid in the installation of Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification. The new program, run by MEA and the Maryland Clean Cities Coalition will provide $1 million during the current fiscal year in grants to state and local governments as well as nonprofits and private entities.

The announcement follows Gov. Martin O'Malley's introduction of an Electric Vehicle Tax Credit bill during 2010 legislative session. The proposed bill provides Maryland residents with up to $2,000 in tax incentives to help defray the upfront costs of purchasing electric vehicles.

"These grants represent the future of sustainable transportation," says Gov. O'Malley. "Today's announcement is part of our long term commitment to lead by example in energy advancements and create cleaner, less expensive, and more fuel efficient transportation options for our citizens."

The grants will assist organizations in purchasing and installing Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification systems. Several plug-in electric vehicles are expected to be commercially available later this year, including the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. These vechicles will reduce the amount of liquid petroleum utilized in the state while also reducing our carbon footprint and promoting energy independence. Interested parties may download the application from the MEA website.

"The Maryland Energy Administration is thrilled to be able to partner with Clean Cities to make continued strides in promoting electric vehicles and accelerate our transition to a cleaner energy future," says MEA Director Malcolm Woolf, "Maryland is moving to take advantage of this exciting technology, which promises to reduce fuel bills, improve air quality, and reduce our dependence on oil imports."

Source: Maryland Energy Administration
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Abel Communications has added two new clients to its roster, Force 3 and GoBeyondIT. The company will provide Force 3 and GoBeyondIT with strategic communications services, including message development, copy writing, media relations, and social media strategy and implementation.


Force 3, based in Crofton, Md.,offers technology solutions to government agencies and partners. Services include security, data center and unified communications and collaboration and has grown to include 300 employees. Founded in 1991, the company has been recognized as one of Cisco's top 5 Federal Gold Partners and recently opened a new office in Herndon, Va. to support its growing government business.


GoBeyond IT, an innovative IT provider for the small and medium business market, specializing in hosted desktop services, enables its clients to quickly deploy desktops and applications without the associated cost and burden of owning, managing or supporting technology. GoBeyondIT recently announced the availability of the Hosted Hourly Desktop, a fully hosted Microsoft Desktop solution available at tiered pricing based on usage.


"We are very excited to begin working with Force 3 and GoBeyondIT because both companies bring innovative products and ideas to the market," says Abel Communications President Greg Abel. "With Force 3, it's an honor to support a business of their size, scope and reputation. GoBeyondIT has also distinguished itself as a technology thought leader that isn't afraid to take chances and shake up the status quo."

Source: Abel Communications
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Imagine being able to download an HD movie or other large file in just a few minutes. Or collaborating with classmates around the world while watching live 3D video of a university lecture. Those are just a few possibilities available to communities with universal ultra high-speed internet access, according to Google.

That's why, on Feb. 10, Google announced plans to build ultra-high speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the country. The search giant's plan is to invest a few billion dollars to bring a few lucky communities with a fiber-to-the-home broadband network that offer speeds of one gigabit per second. The network would be competitively priced to at least 50,000, and potentially up to 500,000 people.

This connection would be 2,000% faster than the fastest connection currently available to Baltimore residents, according to BmoreFiber, the recently formed group trying to win the service for Baltimore.

BmoreFiber,  a conglomeration, of local leaders, tech companies and business owners, wants to show Google that Baltimore is a city replete with creative types who would be able to take full advantage of super fast broadband network.

"We expect the level of investment to be about $1 billion dollars and that's hard to turn down. I don't care what the investment is. It's something we'd love to see happen here in Baltimore," says David Troy, CEO of Roundhouse Technologies, founder of Beehive Baltimore, and BmoreFiber spokesperson.

"We have a burgeoning technical community in terms of tech startups. It's an opportunity to make a difference with the digital divide and that sort of thing. We offer a lot of diversity and opportunity for a business like Google," he continues.

However, the group needs the help of every citizen in Baltimore. They need everyone who would also like to see the Google project come here to vote for Baltimore by logging in their location and then filling out a short questionnaire about their current Internet service.

Google is asking local governments and residents to express their interest in the fiber optic trial, and to provide information about their community by completing a request for information by March 26, 2010.

"Part of this is that [Google] is trying to use these early implementations as a test market for learning the lessons that would be required to do this in other places. What we need to show is that if they came here people would be interested in it and sign up for services."

The second thing the Baltimore community needs to do, according to Troy, is show that we have a "representative climate," and that Google would be able to learn a broad number of lessons about physical infrastructure, dealing with digital divide issues, and what it takes to make businesses happy. "[We want to offer them] a nice test lab," he adds.

Historically, Baltimore has been a pretty good test market for a variety of technologies. "We're our own media market. We have a diversity of socio-economic classes represented and its a relatively low cost place to do something," explains Troy.

The win for Baltimore is that businesses would see the service as a plus when considering Baltimore.

"We are always looking for opportunities to distinguish Baltimore City from its competition," says Andrew Frank, deputy mayor for Economic and Neighborhood Development. "We need to find new and build on existing strengths that retain and attract residents and businesses. The Google high speed Internet opportunity would achieve those goals. Also, as a technology gadget aficionado, the Mayor gets that having access to the latest technology can influence the choices that residents and businesses make."

But, whether Google choses the city or not, Troy says its win-win for Baltimore either way.

"What's the worst that can happen, we are up against some pretty sitff competition with cities like Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. all which I'm sure have good stories about why they'd be good for this as well. It's not clear how many cities Google will do this in. It could 1, 5 or 10, we just don't know yet. Even if this doesn't come through, aligning stakeholders around that cause is a good exercise and gives us something to rally behind going forward. There might also be other funds out there -- stimulus money or other kinds of investment -- that we can repurpose some of this work for."

Follow BmoreFiber on Twitter or join their mailing list.

Sources: Dave Troy, BmoreFiber; Andrew Frank, City of Baltimore
Writer: Walaika Haskins