Tampa Bay CEO Magazine - Business News

Creative Recycling Systems Debuts State-of-the-Art TV Recycling Technology

Creative Recycling Systems, an industry leader in the recycling of end-of-life electronics, has launched its newest recycling innovation. As consumers move to digital televisions and communities stiffen regulations on the disposal of cathode ray tubes (CRTs), the recycling company has added new industry leading technology that processes tubes from televisions and computer monitors into furnace ready glass cullet.

 

The machines, affectionately called the CRT Angels, are the world’s most efficient and cost-effective CRT recycling machines. The glass cullet produced from the CRT Angels drastically offsets the carbon footprint from new CRT glass production and reduces the energy consumption by as much as 90%.

 

“Dealing with end-of-life CRTs is a global environmental challenge,” said Jon Yob, President and Chief Executive Officer of Creative Recycling Systems, Inc.  “We are constantly working to develop state-of-the-art technology and processes that handle end-of-life electronics in the most responsible manner.”

iDatix Named to List of 100 Companies That Matter in Knowledge Management by KMWorld

iDatix Corporation, a leader in the development of Document Management, Workflow and Business Automation solutions was named to the "2009 KMWorld's 100 Companies that Matter In Knowledge Management" list. iDatix's iSynergy Business Automation Solution automates business processes while providing instant access to all corporate documents, enhancing cross departmental communications, enforcing compliance with policies and regulations, and securing business assets with controls, backups and business continuity. iDatix continues to provide powerful proven solutions that "Simplify the Workplace."

KMWorld is the leader in providing information that serves the Knowledge, Document and Content Management systems market. This is the 8th year for KMWorld's list of top companies in the Knowledge Management industry being compiled by KM World practitioners, theorists, industry analysts, vendors and their customer and colleagues.

"Each company embodies as part of its agile culture and limber execution of its mission, embracing a spirit of both adaptability and innovation," said Hugh McKellar, editor in chief of KMWorld.

Steve Allen, CEO of iDatix stated, "It is an honor to be included on this list of prestigious companies by such a highly respected group like KMWorld. Selection to this year's list is the fruits of nine years of labor from a dedicated iDatix team." Allen added, "We also would like to thank our loyal customers who continue to support our cutting edge iSynergy business automation solution. Inclusion on this list validates our mission of Simplifying the Workplace."

This year's 100 Companies that Matter In Knowledge Management list will be featured in the March 2009 issue of KMWorld magazine. For more information about the KMWorld's 100 Companies that Matter In Knowledge Management, please visit www.kmworld.com.

Tampa Bay Technology Forum Announces Winners of 5th Annual Industry Achievement Awards

The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF), Central Florida’s premier technology industry association, announced the recipients of its 5th Annual Industry Achievement Awards last night. The Awards Gala, presented by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, celebrate the excellence and leadership of technology companies and individuals in the Tampa Bay area. The award recipients were selected by a distinguished panel of judges and were honored in front of over 500 attendees at an exciting black-tie awards gala on November 6th.

The 2008 Industry Achievement Award recipients include:

CIO of the Year
David Segal, Pro Tech Monitoring, Inc

Emerging Technology Company of the Year
IntegraClick, Inc.

Innovation of the Year
Medical Education Technologies, Inc

Professional Services Company of the Year
Digital  Hands

Quantum Leap Technology of the Year
FrankCrum

“This year’s recipients are breaking new ground and are a prime example of the amazing technology developing in our region. There are great things happening in technology in Tampa Bay and TBTF is proud to recognize the individuals and organizations responsible for it,” said Amy Norman, TBTF President and CEO.

The Award recipients were selected by the following judges:

• Jonathan Baer, Principal, Threshold Ventures
• Renee A. Benton, President and CEO, Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance, Inc.
• Beck Besecker, EVP, Chief Development Officer, Catalina Marketing
• David Day, Director, Office of Technology Licensing, University of Florida
• Patricia K. Gehant, Director of Information Technology, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County
• Karen A. Holbrook, Vice President for Research & Innovation, University of South Florida
• Shawn Hughes, President & COO, ThermoEnergy Corp.
• Janet L. Kumpu, President, Fortress Technologies, Inc.
• Larry Langebrake, Director of Marine Technology, SRI International
• M. J. Soileau, Vice President for Research & Commercialization, University of Central Florida
• John B. West, Chairman, Lion Investments
• David Weiss, CEO, Numara Software

The awards were held at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa. The prestigious evening included dancing to a live band and Vegas-style fun including casino games.

Tampa Bay Technology Forum Announces Finalists for 5th Annual Industry Achievement Awards

The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF), Central Florida’s premier technology industry association, today announced the finalists for its 5th Annual Industry Achievement Awards presented by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.  The awards celebrate the excellence and leadership of technology companies and individuals in the Bay area.  Finalists were selected by a distinguished panel of judges and will be honored in front of hundreds at an exciting black-tie awards gala on November 6th.

“The nominations our judges had to study were an outstanding group,” said Amy Norman, president and chief executive officer of TBTF.  “It was a tough year in which to choose winners. The Tampa Bay area’s growth in the tech sector is great to see, and we’re thrilled that such high caliber people and companies were chosen.”

A total of 15 finalists were chosen in five award categories:

CIO of the Year
Paul Davis, Spring Air
Lindsey P. Jarrell, BayCare Health  System
David Segal, Pro Tech Monitoring, Inc.

Emerging Technology Company of the Year
IntegraClick, Inc.
MyUS.com
SGIS

Innovation of the Year
Medical Education Technologies, Inc. and L-3 Aviation Recorders  Division
Teltronics, Inc.
Ultramatics, Inc. 

Professional Services Company of the Year
Bayshore Solutions
Digital Hands
STAR Technology Enterprise Center/CTC Tampa Bay,  Inc.

Quantum Leap Technology of the Year
DataMentors, LLC
FrankCrum
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

The Awards finalists were selected by the following judges:

Jonathan Baer, Principal, Threshold Ventures

Renee A. Benton, President and CEO, Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance, Inc.

Beck Besecker, EVP, Chief Development Officer, Catalina Marketing

David Day, Director, Office of Technology Licensing, University of Florida

Patricia K. Gehant, Director of Information Technology, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County

Karen A. Holbrook, Vice President for Research & Innovation, University of South Florida

Shawn Hughes, President & COO, ThermoEnergy Corp.

Janet L. Kumpu, President, Fortress Technologies, Inc.

Larry Langebrake, Director of Marine Technology, SRI International

M. J. Soileau, Vice President for Research & Commercialization, University of Central Florida

John B. West, Lion Ventures, Inc.

David Weiss, CEO, Numara Software.

The awards gala will be held at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa Thursday, Nov. 6. The fun doesn’t end after the awards are handed out, though. You’ll have the chance to dance the night away to a live band and enjoy Vegas-style fun including with casino games at the post party.

For more information on the TBTF Awards Gala visit www.tbtf.org

Tampa Bay Technology Forum confirms two new board members

Tampa, FL –  The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) has confirmed two new board members: Anand Pallegar, President of atLarge, Inc., an interactive advertising agency focused on building client brands through compelling online experiences, and Dusty Williams, CIO of OSI Restaurant Partners Inc., the developer of restaurant concepts such as Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Roy’s. 

“Both Anand and Dusty bring outstanding technology expertise, community leadership and executive experience to the TBTF board,” said board chairman George Gordon. “They are very committed to pursuing the goal shared by the rest of our dedicated board and membership to make Tampa Bay one of the nation’s top 10 technology hubs in the U.S. by 2015.”

Pallegar was named one of the 50 “high impact leaders who are making a difference in Florida and beyond…” in Florida Trend’s September 2008 publication. atLarge, Inc. is a privately held, interactive advertising agency headquartered in Sarasota.  Founded in 2004, atLarge specializes in all facets of interactive brand development including Web site development, strategic planning, e-promotions, print, advertising, public relations and research. They use the web to measure results for all online and offline marketing activities for clients. The digital channel enables accurate ROI and customer behavior measurement and enables the firm to develop and implement retention strategies to encourage repeat visits and increased brand loyalty.

Williams has been with OSI since 2003. Prior to this role he was the CIO for Kforce, Inc. a national staffing company headquartered in Tampa.  Earlier in his career he held multiple Electronic Commerce (EC) related positions at Clearwater-based Tech Data Corporation, the world’s second largest computer distribution company, with the last being Director of Electronic Commerce with responsibilities for establishing strategic direction for all EC initiatives.

C-IT Receives Funding

TAMPA – C-IT (pronounced “See IT”), which stands for Cartoons in Teaching, announced that it has received funding of more than $600,000 from family and friends.

Headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL, C-IT has developed a proprietary patent-pending method of using visual imagery of cartoon characters for subscription based web books and video games to increase comprehension of various subjects ranging from science to health care to history and math.  C-IT's tools can be used from kindergarten through graduate school and can even be used by non-readers (adult and pre-school).

Utilizing the resources of regional organizations such as the Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) and the University of Central Forida’s Venture Lab, C-IT was able to receive guidance for funding, confidence in developing investor relationships, and executing market strategies.

According to James C. Mauch, M.D., Ph.D., “Tampa Bay Technology Forum and the UCF Venture Lab directly mentored C-IT's founders, in our business planning, market strategies, and fund raising efforts, which gave us confidence and in turn, resulted in the confidence of our investors.” 

Additionally, C-IT was selected to participate in TBTF's Emerging Companies Academy (ECA), which was launched last year.  The ECA was created to provide startup technology companies with the mentoring, resources and community support needed to fuel their growth and achieve long-term success.

These services are delivered through regularly scheduled mentoring meetings, quarterly pitch and business plan reviews, investor critiques, intensive entrepreneur boot camp programs, monthly networking events and other activities.

“C-IT’s success shows how TBTF supports promising enterprises and is willing to put time and effort into that support,” said George Gordon, TBTF Chairman.

The UCF Venture Lab specifically focuses on mentoring companies that are located in Central Florida and that have the potential to create jobs in technology or science domains. Since 2004, the UCF Venture Lab has been involved with the launch and early-stage revenue growth of over 20 startups and have directly raised over $200 million in venture capital.

"C-IT's founders are incredibly passionate, and have created a unique approach to teaching science to people of all ages. C-IT has all the right ingredients to grow the business into a great company with products that serve an urgent need in education." said Kirstie Chadwick, Director of the UCF Venture Lab. "The Venture Lab is proud to have been able to assist in helping C-IT take their great idea and migrate it into a viable, growing business."

C-IT's initial funding is partially dedicated to producing its first commercial product, Basic Chemistry and Cell Biology. This first product is being field tested for effectiveness in one of Florida's largest public school systems. The University of Central Florida's Department of Education Associate Professor, Rebecca Hines, Ph.D., a specialist in inclusion and technology in the classroom, is independently designing and monitoring the test with the goal of publishing the results in a peer reviewed educational journal.

Upon validation of C-IT's tools, TBTF and the UCF Venture Lab will assist the company in its next phase of development, which will include establishing venture capital and/or corporate partnerships.

For more information about the TBTF, visit www.tbtf.org. Details about the support services offered by the UCF Venture Lab are available at www.venturelab.ucf.edu.

Florida’s Tech Exports Grow by Nearly $1 Billion, 2nd Largest Rise in the Nation

Orlando – AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, today released its annual report detailing national and state trends in the international trade of high-tech goods. The report, Trade in the Cyberstates 2008: A State-by-State Overview of High-Tech International Trade, covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

In 2007, Florida exported over $13 billion in high-tech products overseas, making it the third largest tech exporter in the nation. Overall, the state saw an increase of high-tech exports of $989 million in 2007, an eight percent increase. Brazil was the largest destination for these exports, buying nearly $2 billion tech goods in 2007. Florida’s largest single tech sector was computers and peripheral equipment, which had $5.1 billion of exports in 2007.

"When many people think of Florida exports, they probably think only of citrus fruits,” said Maryann Fiala, Executive Director of AeA’s Florida Council. “But nearly a third of all exports from the Sunshine State are high-tech products. State public policy officials need to see trade as a great job creator for Florida – high-tech exports support nearly 70,000 jobs in the state.”

“As we are the gateway to Latin America, we also urge Congress to reconsider passing the Colombian Free Trade Agreement, continued Fiala. “Colombia is Florida’s fifth largest destination for high-tech goods. By passing the agreement, Colombia would lower tariffs on U.S. imports, creating even more revenue and jobs for Florida.”

Nationally, Trade in the Cyberstates 2008 shows that U.S. high-tech goods exports decreased by three percent in 2007, totaling $214 billion, representing 18 percent of all U.S. exports to the world. High-tech imports totaled $333 billion in 2007, up by three percent, resulting in a high-tech trade deficit of $118 billion. High-tech exports supported 894,600 jobs in the United States.

Trade in the Cyberstates 2008 provides a comprehensive review of international trade of high-tech goods at the national and state-by-state level. The report provides overview pages for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These "snapshot" pages highlight historical high-tech export trends, exports by individual tech sector, and leading export destinations.

This report is a partner publication to AeA's other two annual cyber publications, Cyberstates and Cybercities, which provide data on high-tech jobs, wages, payroll, and other factors at the state and metropolitan levels.

AeA members can purchase each of these reports for $125; non-members for $250. Visit www.aeanet.org/research to purchase the reports.

What Does High-Tech Trade Mean for Florida?

    * $13.4 billion in high-tech exports (3rd ranked cyberstate)

    * Up $989 million in tech exports between 2006 and 2007

    * 30 percent of exports from Florida are tech exports (12th ranked cyberstate)

    * 69,900 jobs in Florida are supported by tech exports

Florida’s Leading Tech Export Destinations:

    * $2.0 billion in tech exports to Brazil

    * $1.3 billion in tech exports to Venezuela

    * $1.0 billion in tech exports to Mexico

Florida’s Leading Tech Export Sectors:

    * 2nd in photonics exports at $529 million

    * 3rd in computers and peripheral equipment exports at $5.1 billion

    * 3rd in communications equipment exports at $3.3 billion

Inc. Magazine Reveals Its 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Bayshore Solutions, a Tampa-based Internet marketing and Web design firm, placed in the top 2000 on Inc. magazine's annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the country. Bayshore Solutions also ranked 43 in the Top 100 Computers & Electronic Companies with a growth of 210.4 percent.

The Inc. 5000 list is an extension of the Inc. magazine's popular Inc. 500 list. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U.S. economy.

The 2008 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2004 through 2007. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based and privately held, independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2007, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2004, and $2 million in 2007.

"Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism," said Inc. 5000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. "The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivalled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth."

"It is an honor for all of the team members at Bayshore Solutions to be recognized for the second year," says Kevin Hourigan, President and CEO of Bayshore Solutions. "Our achievement is due to the growing demand for our services that help our customers leverage the internet to help them grow their businesses. The changing economic climate and very effective, measurable results are creating a demand for the interactive marketing strategies that our clients are continuing to reinvest in, catapulting our growth at the same time," said Hourigan.

Tribridge Announces Director of Strategic Alliances

Tribridge a national Microsoft consulting firm with customers throughout the United States, has named Scott Leslie director of strategic alliances. Mr. Leslie will develop and implement formal alliance partnership strategies between Tribridge and leading technology, financial and professional services firms across the country. "Strategic alliances are quickly becoming the vehicle through which technology firms stay competitive in today's market," said Tony DiBenedetto, Tribridge chairman and CEO.

"Tribridge was built on a foundation of partnering and leveraging relationships, and with the addition of Scott Leslie to our team we now have the opportunity to expand our collaboration with other organizations on a national level. "Scott brings more than 20 years of experience to Tribridge, and we look forward to building a successful alliance program under his leadership."

Prior to joining Tribridge, Leslie served as a founding partner and president of PrimeVision Communications, where he built formal alliance relationships with companies such as Alcatel-Lucent, Circuit City and Calix. He was also vice president of sales and alliances for Scient, Inc., earning "best in class" recognition by Gartner for that firm's alliance program. Leslie's earlier career included executive management positions with media conglomerates Scripps Howard, Ellis Communications and Gannett. "Alliances have proven to be beneficial in driving both revenue and business efficiency as evidenced by the successful collaborative movement in the healthcare, communications and high-tech industries," said Leslie. "There are three fundamental ways to grow a business -- build, acquire or ally.

Tribridge has excelled in creating partnerships with giants like Microsoft and Ernst & Young, and the time has come to deploy a more formal alliance process to ensure its continued growth. With our new strategic alliance program, Tribridge will be among the elite technology firms in the nation focused on this important growth initiative." Leslie is an active community volunteer and holds a bachelor's degree in advertising with a minor in marketing from the University of Florida.

TBTF Selects Veteran Entrepreneur to Direct Emerging Companies Academy

Pamela Kauten, co-founder of FloridaCareerLINK, a successful local online recruiting organization sold in 2007, has been confirmed as the Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum’s Emerging Companies Academy. In her new role, Kauten will shape the future direction of the Academy and the mentoring services it provides for early stage companies. 

“We are very fortunate and excited to have Pam leading the Emerging Companies Academy,” said Amy Norman, CEO and president of TBTF.  “As an entrepreneur whose company experienced fantastic highs and painful lows on its path to success, her insights will help her to identify the right mentors for Academy participants as they navigate key issues such as attracting and keeping great talent, weathering cash flow challenges, and finding the right investors to fuel growth.”

Kauten was most recently the CEO of FloridaHomeLINK.com, a local real estate startup that she decided to shut down after one year due to a lack of outside investment capital.  The experience did not dim her enthusiasm for launching a business at all.

“The Emerging Companies Academy is the kind of program I wish I had when we started my company in 1995,” said Ms. Kauten.  “The fact that companies here in Tampa Bay can get hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars worth of expertise from some of the most successful entrepreneurs, service providers, and investors in this market is incredible. Our mentors are passionate about helping our Academy participants succeed.”

Under Ms. Kauten’s leadership and participation from TBTF’s board and members, the Emerging Companies Academy hopes to announce soon the first company funded as a direct result of the connections facilitated by and support received from the Emerging Companies Academy mentors.

She is also working on several strategic partnerships with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the STAR TEC Accelerator and the University of Central Florida Technology Incubator to expand the services of the Academy to entrepreneurs throughout Central Florida. For more information about the Emerging Companies Academy and other TBTF programs such as the Entrepreneur Boot Camp.

TBTF’s Tech Jam 2008 Raises More Than $100,000

Funds from Bash at St. Pete Times Forum Benefit At-Risk Youth of Tampa Bay

Tech Jam 2008, held at the St. Pete Times Forum on August 7, was the Tampa Bay Technology Forum’s biggest annual bash to date.  Over fourteen hundred people attended and the group raised more than $112,000 for the TBTF Foundation, which provides scholarships for underserved youth pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as well as career training and computer labs at area Boys & Girls Clubs.

Ken Block and Drew Copeland from double platinum-selling pop band Sister Hazel performed live at the event and also signed autographs.  Guests enjoyed great food and drink catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

“It was a great event, the best ever, with a number of people from many different tech industries attending,” said TBTF Foundation Chairman Tony DiBenedetto. “We set a new record in attendance and money collected, folks bid generously in our silent auction, and we’re thrilled at the strength of our community support for the TBTF Foundation.”

All proceeds from sponsorships, silent auction items, and ticket sales benefit the TBTF Foundation.  Since its inception in 2001, the TBTF Foundation had provided over $1.5 million in donated computer equipment, software, infrastructure, labor, and instruction for 20 computer labs in local Boys & Girls Clubs.

This year, the TBTF Foundation Scholarship program was launched.  The goal of the program was to raise $100,000 this year to fund up to 40 scholarships for local disadvantaged youth pursuing four year college degrees or technical school certifications in a STEM discipline. Not including Tech Jam, nearly $75,000 has been raised from local corporations and individuals.  The funds are disbursed through the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County Education Foundations.

The 7th Annual TBTF Summer Tech Jam was sponsored by Syniverse Technologies, AgileThought, Alvarez & Marsal, Bright House Networks Business Solutions, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, DocuVantage, Dynamic Communities, FusionStorm, IBM, KPMG, Marine Max, The Nielsen Company, Netwise Technologies, Numara Software,  Red Vector, Tampa Bay CEO Magazine, TEK Systems and the University of Central Florida. Numerous in-kind sponsors also contributed services and time to the fundraiser.

Tampa Bay Tech Jam 2008 lineup set, proceeds benefit TBTF Foundation

Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel to headline August 7 Bash at St. Pete Times Forum

TAMPA - Mark your calendars, round up your friends and get ready for the tech community’s party of the year!  The Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF), central Florida’s leading technology industry association, will welcome thousands of people at its 7th annual summer Tech Jam, beginning 6 p.m. on August 7 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Ken Block and Drew Copeland from double platinum-selling pop band Sister Hazel will perform live at the event.  Guests will also enjoy great food and drink catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill and networking with people you don’t normally run into at the usual business card swap meets.

Tickets are $35.00 for TBTF members, $45.00 for non-members, and $50.00 at the door. Bring your checkbook – you'll want to bid generously on the amazing items the volunteer team has collected this year. 

To register online, visit www.tampabaytechjam.com

All proceeds from sponsorships, silent auction items, and ticket sales benefit the TBTF Foundation, whose mission is to encourage and equip "at-risk" youth of the Tampa Bay area to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).  Since its inception in 2001, the TBTF Foundation had provided over $1 million in donated computer equipment, software, infrastructure, labor, and instruction for 20 computer labs in local Boys & Girls Clubs.

This year, the TBTF Foundation Scholarship program was launched.  The goal of the program is to raise $100,000 in 2008 to fund up to 40 scholarships for local disadvantaged youth pursuing four year college degrees or technical school certifications in a STEM discipline. To date, nearly $60,000 has been raised from local corporations and individuals.  The funds are disbursed through the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County Education Foundations.

The 7th Annual TBTF Summer Tech Jam is sponsored by Syniverse Technologies, Agile Thought, Bright House Networks Business Solutions, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, FusionStorm, KPMG, Numara Software, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa Bay CEO Magazine and Veredus.

For more information call the Tampa Bay Technology Forum at (813) 341-TBTF.

Persystent Raises $11.6 Million Round to Fund Expansion

TAMPA - Persystent Technologies, a provider of automated PC repair and high-speed imaging, today announced it has raised $11.6 million in equity financing from two leading technology venture capital firms and inside investors. The company will use the working capital to expand and accelerate the level of sales and marketing and R&D, where maintaining a solid state of continuous computing is essential. ABS Ventures (Boston, MA) and Valhalla Partners (Vienna, VA) led the equity round with additional funding coming from existing investors.

Persystent has developed the world's only PC automated repair (pre-boot of OS), on or off the network, and high-speed imaging solution that transforms today's computers from their current state of unpredictability and vulnerability to a new solid state of continuous computing. Persystent's software automatically repairs and restores an infected or corrupted PC's operating system and software applications, on or off the network, while also ensuring enforcement of corporate configuration policies. It returns the PC operating environment to a work-ready and compliant state each time the computer is turned on -- all without human intervention.

"This important round of funding will help Persystent build a scalable and sustainable business with greater emphasis on marketing, sales, and continued development of the company's product portfolio," said Joe Loughry, Persystent's CEO. "The investment demonstrates that Persystent has innovative technology and a business model that clearly fills a void in the market to deliver real business value addressing real business PC problems."

Persystent's break-through high-speed imaging technology delivers unsurpassed value in terms of cost savings and efficiencies for corporations. Its automated PC provisioning, O/S migration, selective file-level imaging and single-level storage are unmatched in the industry.

More than 100 customers have already successfully deployed Persystent's flagship product, Persystent Enterprise, including the Department of Defense, PacCoast Builders, Travis County (Austin) Texas, Continucare, Mediacom, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, City of Orlando, U.S. Army and the Pentagon. Persystent Enterprise has been deployed in a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, government, technology, and education, and has the scalability to be deployed in the largest of enterprises.

"Persystent's superior technology combined with an experienced management team made the company a very attractive investment," said Jim Sanger, Partner, ABS Ventures. "The company is well-positioned to grow its leadership in providing software that takes corporate PCs from a dysfunctional, unpredictable state to a solid state of continuous computing."

Hot Summer? Chill out at Cool Tech!

New TBTF event offers visitors an interactive experience in interactive tech zones

The Tampa Bay Technology Forum, central Florida’s largest and most influential technology association, is hosting its first ever showcase of new consumer and business technologies June 12 from 3 – 7:30 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 South Franklin Street in Tampa.

“We are excited to showcase the diverse array of fascinating technologies that are created or offered right here in Florida,” said Amy Norman, chief executive officer and president of TBTF.  “Cool Tech is set up so that we can experience these new technologies first hand, learn more about them, and get a more comprehensive understanding of the breadth of innovation going on in our region.”

Cool Tech 2008 will feature different tech zones representing innovative new technologies from the following sectors:  Aerospace, Consumer Technology, Emerging Technology, Green Technology and Information Technology. 

Some of the cool technologies on display include:

• The University of Florida’s Center for Intelligent Machines and Robotics will display a self-driving car. The car is outfitted with 12 computers and five cameras and  recently participated in the DARPA Urban Challenge. In addition, UF’s three-time world champion autonomous submarine will be on display, and there will be videos to show how both operate.

• IBM will display its Speech Recognition and Translation technology. Speech to Speech Translation will run on a laptop translating English to Arabic in real time and real time speech to speech between English and Mandarin in a flash demo.

• Ford will display SYNC, a voice-activated, customizable media system that fully integrates your Ford vehicle with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and portable digital media players. You press a button and use simple voice commands to make calls and take calls and more, with both hands on the wheel.

• FSU’s High Performance Material Institute will showcase nanotechnology and composite development capabilities. The nanotechnology-based BuckyPaper is a paper-like substance formed using carbon nanotubes or nanofibers. BuckyPaper can be produced using traditional paper making methods. FSU’s technology for fabricating buckypapers is one-of-its kind and has applications in a variety of industries including EMI shielding, lightning strike protection, radiation shielding and thermal management.

• Destruct Data will display the Hammer and Digital Shredder. It removes data from hard drives using "Security Erase" which was developed by the National Security Agency. It removes the data on the firmware level of the hard drive and are the only two products in the world that utilize this process. The data is removed beyond forensic recovery, at a fraction of the time of traditional methods, leaving the drive re-usable or safe for transport for destruction.

Attendees will also be treated to a spectacular keynote presentation from Russell Romanella, director of International Space Station at Kennedy Space Center, visit an array of exhibits from companies throughout the state, network while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and vote for their favorite cool tech with live text voting.

Cool Tech 2008 is sponsored by the Florida High Tech Corridor, Tampa Bay Technology Forum, ProSys, STAR Technology Enterprise Center, Sun Microsystems, Bright House Business Solutions and Wireless Toyz.

The cost to attend Cool Tech is $15 for TBTF members, $20 for non-members, and $10 for students.  Registration is available online at TBTF web site: www.tbtf.org.

SRI International Teams With Tampa Bay Technology Forum to Help Emerging Technology Companies

TAMPA - SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development organization, and the Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF), Florida's premier technology industry association, today announced that SRI will serve as a strategic advisor to TBTF's Emerging Companies Academy (ECA).

The Emerging Companies Academy works with companies ranging from raw startups to companies that have a shipping product but are looking to accelerate their growth. The program and resources made available to technical entrepreneurs help them refine their plans and prepare them for everything from product launch to raising angel or venture investment.

SRI and the ECA will identify a select group of early-stage technology companies that could benefit from SRI's innovation and technology expertise. To launch this effort, SRI and TBTF will co-host a day-long ECA open house and evening reception on Wednesday, May 14th at the University of Tampa's Vaughn Center. Any technology startup company interested in pitching its business concept and making a case for participation in the ECA program may apply for this opportunity. For ECA participants, SRI will provide business and technical mentorship, which could include strategic counsel, market analysis and assessment, business planning, customer identification and selected operational assistance. SRI will also serve as a liaison between the emerging companies and local and Silicon Valley venture capitalists.

Florida Research Funds Up By $77 Million

Impact and Importance of this Research Measured by List of New Products Introduced Into the Marketplace

ORLANDO -  Public and private sector investments in research at major Florida research universities were up $77 million between 2006 and 2007, totaling more than $1.6 billion in 2007, according to a new survey.  Licensing income increased for Florida universities, and university researchers applied for and were issued more patents than in 2007, according to the survey of 13 Florida research institutions, organized by the Office of Intellectual Property Development and Commercialization at Florida State University.   The official results were announced at the Florida Innovation 2008 Showcase, held in Orlando, Florida in March.

Florida university researchers were issued 171 U.S. patents in 2007, up from 156 the prior year. The survey also reported that 135 licenses generated revenue for universities last year, up from 130 in 2006. Licensing income totaled over $53 million, up over $6 million from 2006 and a continued an upward trend after a downward trend that occurred up to 2005, due to the phasing out in the marketplace of several successful products based on Florida university inventions.  Additionally, invention disclosures were up with a total of 730 filings, versus 636 in 2006.  More results from this survey can be found at www.techtransfer.fsu.edu/FLResearchSurvey.

Stressful 2008 May Lead to Project Management Growth

Despite Reports of Economic Slowdown,  PROGGEX’s Diverse Clients Continue Moving Forward with Major Project Implementations

Clearwater, FL - The credit crunch, housing bubble and unemployment woes have made nationwide economic  growth in 2008 tough to find. But a project management expert in Florida believes that 2008 isn’t a complete wash for all active US corporations and predicts that  2009 will bring an upturn in the economic affairs of many, particularly when  it comes to building on the success of carefully executed projects throughout  2008.

NASA Deputy Administrator to Speak at SBIR/STTR National Spring Conference in Orlando

Pensacola, FL - NASA Deputy Administrator, Shana L. Dale, will deliver the keynote address, detailing the future course of NASA’s space program, on Wednesday, May 28, at the 2008 National Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Conference that will be convened at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. 

During her address, Deputy Administrator Dale will share NASA’s new vision and explain the dramatic mission changes that NASA will be making to its space program to enable the United States to stay at the forefront of space exploration. While describing future missions, she will give insight into the innovative products and services NASA will need to support the nation’s next round of space exploration. 

On Wednesday afternoon, a panel of NASA experts will drill down further, providing attendees with detailed examples of NASA’s future technology and bioscience needs, as they plan for Constellation, NASA’s next generation of space craft; the next round of manned space missions to the moon and Mars; and other future robotics and science missions.      

The 2008 SBIR/STTR National Spring Conference, co-hosted by NASA, the Florida SBDC Network and the Florida Small Business Development Foundation, celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the SBIR Program and 50 Years of NASA Space Exploration. It brings together federal program administrators from the 11 SBIR participating agencies, investors, lenders, university and federal laboratory representatives, prime contractors and others who provide assistance to early-stage ventures. A $2.2 Billion appropriation is set aside for the SBIR program this year. Eligible small businesses may compete for Phase I SBIR and STTR grants and contracts of up to $100,000 to undertake a feasibility analysis on their idea. Phase II awards of up to $750,000 or more, which may be awarded to successful applicants to validate their research.

Visit www.sbirflorida.org to register for the conference and for more information, and/or contact Jennifer Crews (850.473.7807) or Lew Attardo (850.473.7805), or email at jcrews@uwf.edu or lattardo@uwf.edu. The early bird Registration Fee of $325 has been extended and the hotel rooms are guaranteed through April 26.

Private Proxy Introduces Automatic Connection to Private Domain Names

Tampa, Florida - PrivacyView Software, LLC the developer of award-winning Internet and computer privacy software, announced today that the latest release of its anonymous proxy server, Private Proxy, automatically connects to private domains.

This recent update allows Private Proxy users to avoid being blocked by outside parties, such as restrictive governments found in Asia or the Middle East. Private Proxy automatically connects to private domain names that are not blocked enabling secure anonymous surfing on the Internet.

Many restrictive governments have banned websites that their citizens wish to visit such as news websites from the NY Times and CNN, reference sites like Wikipedia and popular social media sites such as MySpace and Facebook. With the increase in censorship, people need safe and secure access to the Internet in order to protect their privacy and freedom. Private Proxy allows users to choose an anonymous proxy server where their Internet browsing can not be monitored or blocked. Learn more about censorship issues. The software comes with a 7 day free trial allowing users to decide if they want to keep the service without having to spend any money.

SunView Software Announces New Reseller Agreement with Vitility, Expanding Presence in United Kingdom

TAMPA, FL - SunView Software Inc., a provider of IT Service Management software, today announced a new reseller agreement with Vitility Limited, an IT solutions provider based in the United Kingdom.

Under the agreement, Vitility will resell the ChangeGear™ technology suite to UK-based companies who are looking to better track, manage and control their IT infrastructures. In addition to SunView’s software solutions, Vitility will also provide local support and professional consulting services for SunView Software’s new and existing UK customers.

Ashcroft Defines Role of Biometrics

Former U.S. Attorney General focuses on biometrics as key to protecting the nation’s precious information resources during InfoSec World 2008 keynote.

TAMPA, FL - Some of the most insidious threats to freedom today are posed not by weapons, but by technologies capable of disrupting the exchange of information upon which the nation has come to rely. However, just as technology has the capacity to threaten, so to can it be used to protect freedom and defend liberty.

That was the message sent by former U.S. Attorney General John D. Ashcroft, Chairman, The Ashcroft Group, to attendees of InfoSec World 2008 during his keynote address that closed out the March conference. The address was sponsored by Ceelox (www.ceelox.com), an industry leader in biometric software and encryption solutions.