IT : Innovation + Job News

Maryland will join forces with Microsoft in an innovative, public-private partnership to provide free technology training to displaced workers.

"This partnership will provide thousands of people in Maryland with the workforce education that is necessary to come through this recession," says Gov. O'Malley. "Giving people the important job and technology proficiencies to succeed will help to boost our state's employment and improve the quality of our world class workforce. We are excited to work with Microsoft on such an important program."

"Thanks to Governor Martin O'Malley and Microsoft, more Baltimore citizens now have a chance to improve their technology proficiencies as the city and state continues to bridge the digital divide," says Mayor Sheila Dixon. "In today's workforce and classrooms, it is crucial to know basic Microsoft applications. With these vouchers, we will improve the technological knowledge to Baltimore City residents and provide new and better job opportunities."

In Maryland, Microsoft has partnered with the state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to distribute a total of 13,500 training vouchers statewide during the next 90 days to the state's One-Stop Career Centers, local community college system and the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitative Services. Courses range from basic technology literacy to intermediate-level technology skills. A portion of the vouchers will be issued to Maryland residents for Microsoft Certification Exams all at no cost to the recipient.

"Elevate America is a powerful program for people who need crucial skills essential to obtain employment in today's competitive workplace," said Fred Humphries, Microsoft Managing Director, US Government Affairs. "We at Microsoft believe that this type of public-private partnership plays an integral role in rebuilding Maryland - and the nation's economy - through access to technology training that can open doors to employment opportunity."

Maryland will receive 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Windows and Office online training, 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, and 1,500 vouchers for advanced technical professional level online training:

• Each training voucher is redeemable for free online training in Microsoft Windows Vista, or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Each certification exam voucher is redeemable for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam.
• Advanced technical professional level vouchers are redeemable for free online training for individuals in technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.

"This partnership will give thousands of Marylanders the technology skills they need to compete in the 21st century economy," Sanchez said.

Any Maryland resident may request and receive a voucher. The vouchers will be distributed through the state's One-Stop Career Centers and its partners, community colleges, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Human Resources. In its role as Microsoft's "designated partner" for administration of Elevate America in Maryland, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is responsible for the overall statewide distribution program. Vouchers will be distributed to citizens across the state on a first come, first served basis.

For additional information regarding the Microsoft vouchers and locations where citizens can obtain a voucher in Maryland, visit the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website at www.dllr.state.md.us and click on the Microsoft Elevate America button.

Source: Gov, Martin O'Malley
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Ciena® Corporation, the Linthicum-based network specialist, has entered into agreements with Nortel to purchase substantially all of the optical networking and carrier Ethernet assets of Nortel's Metro Ethernet Networks (MEN) business for $390 million in cash and 10 million shares of Ciena common stock.

The purchase includes product and technology assets such as the purNortel's long-haul optical transport portfolio; metro optical Ethernet switching and transport solutions; Ethernet transport, aggregation and switching technology; multiservice SONET/SDH product families; and network management software products.

The proposed transaction would strengthen Ciena's global presence and bring together complementary technologies in switching and transport that will offer customers a practical path for transitioning to automated, optical Ethernet-based networking. Based on the closing price of Ciena's stock on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, the aggregate value of the shares to be issued by Ciena is approximately $131 million, bringing the value of the consideration to approximately $521 million. The assets to be acquired generated approximately $1.36 billion in revenue for Nortel in 2008 and $556 million (unaudited) in the first six months of 2009.

"This is a unique and exciting opportunity for us to accelerate our existing strategy and the pace of our growth plans by two to three years," says Gary Smith, CEO and president, Ciena. "We believe this transaction will position us for faster growth by giving us greater geographic reach, broader customer relationships and a deeper portfolio of solutions. We believe we are best positioned to leverage these assets, thereby creating a significant challenger to traditional network vendors."

"We have tremendous respect for the talented people at Nortel and for their track record of innovation, and we look forward to the opportunity to build on our existing presence in Canada, where we have operated an R&D center of excellence since 2003. Should the transaction be completed, we will be disciplined in integrating the acquired assets on an aggressive timeframe. We will draw from the best in our respective organizations, cultures and expertise to ensure that we deliver continuity of supply and innovation for our customers and meet shareholder expectations," he adds 

Ciena is expected to make employment offers to at least 2,000 Nortel employees to become part of Ciena's global team of network specialists. The proposed acquisition would significantly enhance Ciena's existing Canadian-based development resources, making Ottawa the company's largest product and development center. Ciena currently has development facilities in Alpharetta, Georgia; Linthicum, Maryland; Ottawa, Ontario; San Jose, California; Spokane, Washington; and Gurgaon, India. As of July 31, 2009, the end of its fiscal third quarter, Ciena employed 2,110 employees globally.

Source: Gary Smith, Ciena
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Avatech Solutions,a design and engineering technologies company, rolled out the latest service for its clients -- the Avatech Client Portal.

Designed as a destination for Avatech's client base, the Client Portal (CP) will provide 24/7 instant access to information and services of special interest to Avatech clients.

Initially CP will only be available to clients who have an Autodesk Subscriptions through Avatech or to our technical support clients. Subscription clients have access to free Avatech productivity software downloads. The Portal could enable Avatech customers to receive thousands of dollars worth of free software that automates tedious manual tasks and dramatically reduces design time. The CP will also streamline technical support. Clients will be able to quickly and easily submit support questions and technical problems, as well as view and search all past issues and resolutions.

Avatech is already making plans to expand the portal that may include additional free software downloads, access to a support knowledge base, on-demand learning, product tips, links, special offers and promotions, RSS, and communities. The company says it will actively solicit user feedback to expand and populate the portal with information and services that its clients want.

"We are constantly pushing ourselves to provide the maximum value to our clients. It's not enough for us to provide initial services to customers; we strive to partner with clients not only as their businesses grow, but during tough times as well. We're in it for the long haul and we want our clients to know that," says George Davis, president and CEO of Avatech. "The Client Portal is just the latest salvo in this continuing effort."

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: George Davis, Avatech

bwtech@UMBC Research Park has expanded its facilities, launching a new incubator in Class A office space that targets small disadvantaged businesses. The new incubator is designed for early-stage companies owned by minorities, women and veterans and have substantial business activities aimed at providing technology-related products and services to state and federal agencies.

Founding tenants include Premier Management Corporation, a network security consultant for NSA and other government agencies; Farfield Systems, a provider of IT and systems engineering services and training; CardioMed Device Consultants, a regulatory consultant for medical device companies; and the Nixon Group, a multi-faceted company in healthcare and financial services

Since its opening several additional companies have expressed interest in the new incubator, says Deborah Shapiro, a bwtech@UMBC spokesperson.

"Businesses that contract with the federal government are still experiencing growth, despite weakening in the overall market," says Alex Euler, associate director, bwtech@UMBC. "The Advantage Incubator's proximity to a number of federal agencies and research centers such as NSA, NIH, FDA, NASA and DOD is a great asset. Client companies also benefit from the park's federal HUBZone and state Enterprise Zone designations."

The incubator offers participating companies the opportunity to operate in a Class A environment, with shared reception areas, conference rooms and university resources.

Two Baltimore area companies earned rankings on Inc. magazine's 28^th Annual List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Annapolis, MD-based High Street Partners, an international consulting firm providing finance, accounting, compliance and human resource assistance to U.S. companies overseas took the No. 78 spot on the list. This marks the company's second year on the list. In 2008, High Street was ranked 84^th.

"We're honored to be ranked at number 78 this year and look forward to continuing our efforts in the market," says Larry Harding, CEO and president. "As increasing numbers of small and medium sized businesses expand overseas, High Street Partners will be there to guide them through the challenges and help them achieve success."

Coming in at No. 224, Carchex, a Baltimore-based nationwide vehicle inspection company, saw sales increase more than 930 percent to $9 million between 2005 and 2008.

"Inc. 500 is one of the most anticipated announcements every year. It's a who's who of skyrocketing companies and entrepreneurs. Being included with the Inc. 500 is an honor and further validation that CARCHEX is leading the way in our industry," says Jason Goldsmith, Carchex CEO.

Writer: Walaika Haskins

Source: Larry Harding, High Street Partners; Jason Goldsmith, Carchex

There's been a lot said about the negative impact for kids who spend too much time tied to their computer screen, but according to a recent $50 million study funded by the MacArthur Foundation, using digital media could teach kids something and is not just mindless Internetainment.

Children, according to the study, can learn technical skills, how to get along with people and maintain an online public identity. Some kids are able to take these lessons to the next level by "geekin-out" a peer-driven method of learning focused on gaining deep knowledge and expertise in specific areas that interest them.

Enter Cogito.org, an online community for so-called geeks, gifted middle- and high-school student who live for math and science. Developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in partnership with other leading centers for gifted children, Cogito, students have geeked out with Terry Tao, 2007 recipient of the Fields Medal in mathematics (the Nobel Prize equivalent on that subject), Johns Hopkins stem cell pioneer Doug Kerr, and geophysicist Allen West, whose theories about the extinction of the great mammals were featured in NOVA on PBS.

Writer: Walaika Haskins

Source: JHU

In an effort to bump up its profile, Hair Cuttery, the national salon chain, pegged Baltimore-based Vision Multimedia Technologies (VMT) to create several digital communications projects, including a Web site redesign, social marketing strategy development, pay per click advertising, search engine marketing, electronic lead capture and comprehensive reporting and analysis.

"Our proprietary technical solution really appealed to the Hair Cuttery team as they try to leverage the social networks of their fans, friends and followers. The reports that we will be able to generate will provide meaningful data in real time and that is truly valuable marketing return on investment information," says Brian Razzaque, president and chief technology officer of VMT, based in Hampden.

The using an open source content management system, DotCMS, VMT will bring social media functionality such as blogging and electronic newsletters to the revamped Hair Cutter Web site. The site is scheduled to launch in fall 2009.

In addition, the company will train Hair Cutter stylists on ways to engage and react to various social media outlets and how to promote their services online. VMT's proprietary software application will give Hair Cutter execs the power to track sales leads and results spawned by the stylists interactions on social networks.


Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Brian Razzaque, Vision Multimedia Technologies

Kalypso Media Group, a German-based game publisher continues its global expansion, choosing Baltimore as the site of its U.S. headquarters, beating out Los Angeles, New York and Silicon Valley. The deciding factor was the high concentration of video game companies in the area, including Firaxis Games, BreakAway and Big Huge Games. The Baltimore office boasts a minimal staff of about five.

With its new digs located in Roland Park, the company named Deborah Tillett president. Former president of BreakAway Games, Tillett is responsible for developing and implementing Kalypso's strategic and creative vision in North America. Kalypso is perhaps known best for its "Tropico" series now on its third installment.

The company is seeking game developers who have created PC or mobile phone games in any genre of entertainment software. The company is particularly interested in strategy, adventure, action and simulation games. Kalypso offers developers marketing on a global scale in retail stores and via online platform. Interested game designers should contact the company at [email protected].

In other gaming news, Zynga, a San Francisco developer of games for social networking sites including Facebook and MySpace, plans to hire 12 to 15 game designers, web developers, artists and producers by the end of the year. The company has chosen Baltimore as the location for its new East Coast office. Helmed by Brian Reynolds, a former exec with Firaxis Games and Big Hug Games, anticipates that the office will locate in Timonium.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Kalypso Media Group

A Baltimore-based technology firm is making money keeping computer systems secure. Sourcefire announced a 38 percent increase in revenues for the second quarter of 2009 -- topping $22.2 million for the quarter compared to $16 million for the same period in 2008. Revenues for the first six months of 2009 reached $40.8 million, an $11.1 million increase compared with the same period last year when revenues were $29.7 million.

This is big news and the best kind of news for Sourcefire. Since it went public in 2007, despite a reputation as one of the most innovative companies in the cybersecurity industry, Sourcefire had failed to turn a profit.

The improvement in financials comes one year after John Burris, a former Citrix exec, took the reigns as CEO.

"When I joined Sourcefire a year ago, we said we would grow revenue, control expenses, leverage our channel relationships, and achieve full year profitability on an adjusted basis. I am very excited by the progress that Sourcefire has made and confident in our ability to continue to execute against these objectives," Burris says.

Under his leadership, Sourcefire continues to grow and deliver new and innovative security solutions. Most recently, the company announced a virtual appliance for protecting leading VMware-based systems, a first in the industry.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: John Burris, Sourcefire

Salar Inc., an electronic documentation firm located in Fells Point, is growing. The company recently added the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and the George Washington University Hospital to its roster of clients.

Salar's bread and butter is the healthcare industry. Founded in 1999, the company takes traditional paper-based physicians notes and puts them into an electronic format, which boosts productivity and enhances hospital revenues.

Both the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and the George Washington University Hospital have contracted with Salar to bring clinicians at both hospitals TeamNotes, which enables physicians to create medical forms, including daily notes, admission notes and discharge notes electronically on desktops, laptops, and tablet PCs.

"Our ultimate goal is to maximize the amount of time physicians spend interacting with and treating patients and minimize the time occupied with completing paperwork and correcting billing errors," says Salar president Todd Johnson.

President Barack Obama has made the shift to electronic medical records a priority that he would like to see accomplished within the next five years. With less than 10 percent of the 5,000 hospitals in the U.S. and just under 20 percent of the 800,000 doctors currently using computerized records, there is plenty of potential for growth for Salar.

Johns Hopkins Hospital, UMass Memorial Health Care and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center also use Salar's technology.

Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Todd Johnson, president, Salar, Inc.