Nashville Technology Council

The Nashville Tech Story (July 10, 2009)

The Nashville Technology Council hosted the first session of our Entrepreneurial Series last night with 98 folks in attendance.  Moderator Bryan Huddleston of Microsoft and panelists Kate O’Neill of [meta] marketer and Bill Seaver of MicroExplosion educated the crowd on how to gain a competitive advantage through social media.  Kate and Bill shared social media success strategies they have used and listed some tools that can assist users along the way to be successful. 

Having many followers is good, but attracting the right followers can create a positive image for your online brand.  Latching onto the most successful social media personalities can be very beneficial to your online growth model.  Nashmash.com helps users identify successful tweeters by listing the top tweeter in your area.

Keeping your message fresh and educational is also a large part of social media success.  With the speed of developments on social media sites, information is quicker to become “old news.”  Tweetdeck is a great tool for refreshing your image and message.  Tweetdeck monitors activity and trends on Facebook and Twitter to keep you up-to-date on new trend developments to help keep your message fresh.  

Another interesting fact is that most businesses have multiple objectives to achieve.  As we all know, too much information can cause “overload” on followers.   A strategy to avoid this problem is to invest in multiple accounts on social media sites and utilize hash tags to eliminate tweets from posters that have little or nothing to do with your message.

If you are interested in helpful reading material, a book mentioned last night called “Ground Swell”  is a great read and specifically covers the POST concept – People / Objectives / Strategy / Technology.

Also, if you would like to track the conversation on Twitterfall from last night, you can do so by clicking here.

“The incredible turnout is testament to what a draw “social media” is as a topic, but it’s a challenge, too: almost everyone in the community knows something about it, but as we saw in audience responses last night, the levels of comfort and familiarity are all over the place. We tried to address the disparity by focusing on strategy and overall best practices rather than getting too caught up in the details of implementation and execution, but the success of the event itself seems to have validated a desire for more detailed presentations on these topics. It will be exciting to see this programming evolve.”  Kate O’Neill, [meta] marketer

“I had a great time at the NTC panel last night. I think the size of the group, the level of attention, and the number of questions they asked just showed the kind of momentum around social media in business today. I hope the people who came were encouraged and empowered through the discussion.”  Bill Seaver, MicroExplosion

The Nashville Tech Story (July 9, 2009)

T3 was started in January of 2008; however, the actual work did not begin until the end of May 2008. Over 600 students and unemployed workers were touched by T3 over the last year through events and programs we produced. At every opportunity the topic of available jobs, what the technology industry in Nashville is like, and why they should choose Nashville over other cities was addressed. Over the past year the following has been accomplished:

• Three Solution Teams, Communicate, Collaborate, & Connect, were created to plan for and implement the strategies prioritized by the charter signing participants. Over 80 academic and Business Leaders participate on a solution team.
• The T3 Fund was established to raise money to support at least the first year expenses associated with the various events initiated by the Solution Teams. The goal of $20,000 was met. 
• A quarterly newsletter was launched in September to keep all T3 members and interested parties informed about our activities.
• Staff conducted a survey of its membership to produce metrics and gather information that will assist in the T3 effort to match business needs with academic objectives.
• T3 and InternNashville hosted an event (November 11) to educate the public on T3 and on the new Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s program, which is intended to engage local college students and connect them to the business community via internships. 60 academic and business leaders attended.
• 2 Job Readiness Seminars have been conducted (Austin Peay/Trevecca). These are run by Business Leaders and were attended by over 70 technology students.
• 6 Guest Speaking Engagements (MTSU (2 events)/Lipscomb/Belmont/Nashville State (2 events)) have been held reaching over 150 technology students.
• 1 InternNashville Technology Networking Event was held (Nashville State) which helped students connect with Business leaders in an informal networking event. Over 75 technology students attended.
• A Student Congress was launched with 20 inaugural members from Austin Peay, Belmont, Lipscomb, Tennessee State, MTSU, Nashville State, and  ITT Tech. They had their first meeting in the spring and will have meetings going forward.

Continue Reading →

May 5, 2010
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
ICON in the Gulch | 600 12th Ave. South, Nashville, TN

Click Here to Register

Join us as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Margaritas at our second annual networking mixer.  Mix and mingle with Nashville’s business leaders and members of the local technology community.  A $5 entry fee includes unlimited margaritas, Mexican beer, wine, and chips and salsa from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Nashville Tech Story (July 8, 2009)

Do you feel lost in the high tech world? Do you find yourself confused by the new language known as “tech talk”? You are not alone. Fortunately in this technology-based world there are those who want to provide basic information for those who are not so “techie”.Here are examples of how to navigate around a computer for the help menu. There are also examples of three search engines that can help you find your way.

Helpful Resources in Nashville for the Not So Techie Crowd

1. Let your device (computer or phone) help you first.  For help on a PC, click F1 key and a help menu will come up.  If you need help with the main PC, then do this while on the desktop.  If you do this an application, it will bring up help for that application.  Type in your question until you see an answer that looks like it will answer your question. 

If you have a Mac, click on Help in the top menu.

If you have a cell phone and need help, scroll through the menu.

I find that 95% of the questions most users have are answered here.

2. If you can’t get your answer here, then you can always try the following search services:Below are web sites that are available with basic information and step-by-step instructions.

• http://teachmecomputers.tripod.com/
• http://www.computerhope.com/
• http://www.moontoast.com
• http://www.liveadvice.com
• http://www.library.nashville.org/
• http://www.nash-pc-users.com/napcug/
• http://www.seniornet.org
• http://www.pcdude.com/
• http://www.geeksquad.com/

a. Google Search -  http://www.google.com/search?q=PC+Help&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
b. About.com – http://www.about.com/gadgets/
c. More Advanced PC Questions/Queries (http://www09.wolframalpha.com/examples/WebAndComputerSystems.html)

As you can see there is hope for you not so techie types. There are several resources at your fingertips. Jump in and stop feeling lost and confused.

The Nashville Tech Story (July 7, 2009)

The Nashville Technology Council (NTC) announced the appointment of the 2009-2010 Board of Directors and Officers.  The new Officers of the Board are Chair – Andy Flatt, CIO, HealthSpring; Chair-Elect – Chris Sloan, eCommerce & Technology Attorney, Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLC; and Secretary – Glenn Acree, Professor, Mathematics, Belmont University.  Beth Chase, CEO, C3 Consulting preceded Flatt as chair from 2007-2009.

“The Nashville Technology Council continues to grow and be in a very good position.  Our new board members will further reinforce what is already a very strong and seasoned group.  We owe a great debt to our current board members, those who have served in the past and our leadership,” said Andy Flatt.
 
“It has been a pleasure to serve on the Nashville Technology Council board of directors over the past 5 years. The tech community here is a “hidden gem” that quietly supports our major industries,” said Beth Chase, Former NTC Board Chair.  “It’s exciting to start to see the increased visibility of our tech capabilities through the work of the Council. I look forward to watching our positive tech progress in the years to come.”

This year’s board ranges widely including private and the public sector companies that represent how technology reaches through all industries including technology products and services, healthcare, education, law, and nonprofit.  These board members will be key factors in supporting the growth of technology in this region.

“We have plans to continue to reach out to business and technology leaders in all sectors of Middle Tennessee,” said Flatt. “Connections to our educational institutions will continue to be an emphasis in the new fiscal year.  We will also continue to strengthen our association with entrepreneurs and a new generation of brilliant innovators who are increasingly making Middle Tennessee their home.” 

The new board will convene for their first meeting in August.

The 2009/2010 Board of Directors include:

• Beth Chase (C3 Consulting, LLC)
• Bill Grana (PureSafety)
• Bob Chaput (WhealthAdvise)
• Bob Greenberg (AGCO)
• Brian Shore (ZOOM International)
• Camellia Petty (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
• Chris Stovall (Digital Pigeon, LLC.)
• Christopher Rand (Vanderbilt University)
• David Houghton (North Highland Company)
• David Klements (Qualifacts Systems, Inc.)
• Debra Hays (Comframe Software Corporation)
• Gary Seay (Community Health Systems)
• Greg Huddleston (IBM)
• Janice Malaszenko (Nissan North America, Inc.)
• Jason Epstein (Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz P.C)
• John Chadwick (Claritas Capital)
• Ken Russell (The Nexus Group)
• Kevin O’Hara (HealthStream, Inc.)
• Larry Quinlan (Deloitte)
• Lee Adams (Hospital Corporation of America)
• Marcus Whitney (MoonToast)
• Mark Kornegay (Microsoft Corporation)
• Nicholas Holland (Centre {Source})
• Nicole Dunigan (Pinnacle Financial Partners)
• Ron Styers (Peak 10)
• Saurabh Sinha (eMids Technologies)
• Scotte Hudsmith (Passport Health Communications)
• Shannon Terry (Rivals.com)
• Steven Howard Smith (Zycron)
• Tim Stofka (TITAN Technology Partners, Limited)
• Tony Rodefer (Dell Computer Corporation)
• Vic Gatto (Solidus)

The upcoming Ex-Officio members include:

• Carlyle Carroll (Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce)
• Elin Eifler (Digital Nashville)
• Jeff Cornwall (Belmont University)
• Joe Rolwing (TN Biotech Association)

Peak 10 Announces Enhanced Backup Platform
Managed Services Leader Enlists VeriStor to Architect Platform Using CommVault® Simpana® Software

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Embargoed until 10:00 a.m. EST, July 7, 2009) – Peak 10, Inc., the leading independent data center operator and managed services provider, announced today the upgrade of its advanced, fully managed backup platform with the addition of CommVault® Simpana® software. The platform boasts robust features and enhanced capabilities geared toward a state-of-the-art data protection solution for customers. Working with its long-time partner VeriStor and CommVault, Peak 10’s enhanced solution provides customers a more flexible, cost-effective platform designed to ensure superior customer service, reliability and data availability.

Peak 10’s upgraded platform integrates the Simpana data backup, restore, replication, archive and resource management software modules that are designed to work together from the ground up, sharing a single code and a common function set. The platform has passed extensive testing and will further enhance Peak 10’s multi-center and off-premise managed services offerings, enhancing operational efficiency and mitigating risks for customers.

“This exciting platform upgrade ensures immediate backup options for new applications and operating systems, in addition to better reporting,” said Monty Blight, the vice president of managed services for Peak 10. “We remain committed to providing leading-edge solutions to ensure that our customers receive top-notch support and managed services.”

VeriStor assisted Peak 10 with the upgrade through its vendor certification partner process. The procedure involves a careful selection of solution portfolio products and vendors to cover specific business requirements, ensuring that companies like Peak 10 receive products that are technically sound and bring significant cost savings. As a certified VeriStor partner, CommVault provides reliable products like the Simpana software, as well as a new service provider licensing model which integrates backup, replication, archive and recovery operations into a single platform and pricing model.

“These days, demands for data management solutions are increasing, as regulatory pressures escalate and enterprise data protection needs skyrocket. For customers, partnering with a full-service managed services provider like Peak 10 can be key to lowering costs and achieving a faster time to productivity,” said Ron Miller, vice president of sales, Americas for CommVault. “Peak 10’s custom-architected platform built on CommVault Simpana software allows the company to scale seamlessly as customer demands grow, and provides them with an easily integrated solution that will exceed their backup requirements, improve data availability and help ensure data protection and service levels are met.”

Peak 10’s managed IT and data center services improve reliability, increase revenue growth, lower costs and maximize internal resources for customers while keeping their valuable information technology assets close to the business. The company combines its secure, private network and enterprise-class data centers with world-class engineering and support to serve market-leading companies nationwide. As a managed services leader, Peak 10 offers a wide range of technology services including virtualization, full service hosting, and cloud based services in a cost-efficient and reliable platform for its customers. The company owns and operates data centers in nine key markets that include Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlanta, Ga.; Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky.; and Richmond, Va.

About VeriStor Systems, Inc.

VeriStor Systems Inc. is the Southeast region’s leading enterprise data storage solution provider.As a result of its unique requirements driven, multi-vendor approach, VeriStor has established a track record of success with storage and virtualization solution implementations for over 300 enterprise, government and higher-education customers.VeriStor is a full service Virtual Infrastructure solution provider. For more information visit www.veristor.com.

About CommVault

A singular vision – a belief in a better way to address current and future data management needs – guides CommVault (NASDAQ: CVLT) in the development of Singular Information Management® solutions for high-performance data protection, universal availability and simplified management of data on complex storage networks. CommVault’s exclusive single-platform architecture gives companies unprecedented control over data growth, costs and risk. CommVault’s Simpana® software suite of products was designed to work together seamlessly from the ground up, sharing a single code and common function set, to deliver superlative Data Protection, Archive, Replication, Search and Resource Management capabilities. Every day more companies join those who have discovered the unparalleled efficiency, performance, reliability, and control only CommVault can offer. CommVault’s corporate headquarters is located in Oceanport, New Jersey in the United States. Information about CommVault is available at www.commvault.com.

About Peak 10, Inc.

Peak 10 is the leading independent data center operator and managed services provider, delivering scalable, economical and reliable solutions for hosting and managing complex information technology infrastructure. Its team of experts embrace the industry’s evolving technologies by adopting and tailoring solutions such as virtualization and cloud services as part of its robust managed services offering. The company’s strong customer focus, financial stability, geographic diversity and technical strength attracts market-leading companies such as LendingTree, Rivals.com, Global Knowledge, Pergo, Healthways, Churchill Downs and The Fresh Market. Peak 10 is SAS70 Type II compliant and helps companies meet the requirements of various regulatory compliance acts such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), HIPAA, PCI and Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLBA). For more information on data center solutions from Peak 10, visit www.peak10.com.

The Nashville Tech Story (7/5/2009)

Twitter has become a popular communication tool for nearly all businesses, young professionals, etc.  However, one organization that is overlooked when talking about social networking is the church.  Yes that’s correct, even your pastor is beginning to rely on Twitter.  

One of the first churches to experiment and tweet about a hosted major event on Twitter was Trinity Church in Manhattan on Good Friday this past April.  While it seems like a great marketing tool for the church to get folks interested, there are also a lot of negatives that have to be addressed.  Besides, most that use social media are young people, so what better way to increase your global marketing presence.

As church staff members twittered on the church’s annual Crucifixion event, thousands from around the globe followed the event via smartphones.  Great visibility and marketing for this denomination, right?  Some of the quotes from those tweeting included “Darkness and earthquake,” “Crucify him!”

…so much for that idea.

However, even though Trinity church experienced unexpected feedback on their first run with the social media world, the discussion about further involvement continues.  While Twitter has no bar against crude tweeters, churches and religious leaders all over the world are questioning whether they should incorporate, not only Twitter, but other social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Even though Trinity church had a bad experience, they continue to tweet about their Sunday services and their following continues to grow.  However, religious organizations still have some serious questions to answer.  Should there be limited access? Censoring? Is it appropriate for a clergy member to “friend” a minor?

While these questions continue to surround the merger of religion with social media, church goers only need to ask themselves one question.  WWJD – What would Jesus do?

The Nashville Tech Story (July 3, 2009)

The Nashville Technology Council Board of Directors and staff would like to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July weekend!  To celebrate this weekend, we decided to post a special blog to celebrate our Independence Day in the technology world. 

I hope you enjoy reading about some developments that took place on July 4th that had a significant impact on the future of technology:

• 1826 – Not technology based, just interesting:  Thomas Jefferson, then John Adams both die on the 50th anniversary of Declaration.
• 1827 – A patent is submitted to develop a writing apparatus, which self supplies itself with ink.
• 1917 – AT&T accomplishes their first ground-to-air transmission over a distance of 2 miles.
• 1934 – Leo Szilard filed the first patent application for the method of producing a nuclear chain reaction aka nuclear explosion.
• 1956 – MIT’s Whirlwind allows keyboard input to the machine.  The Whirlwind is also important because it helped bring in a new form of memory for computers, core memory, which was installed in 1953.
• 1996 – Hotmail Launches its free online email service.
• 1997 – NASA Pathfinder landed on Mars. Unmanned mission included physical and chemical characterization of Martian surface.
• 2006 – The Discovery Shuttle Launches in to space on its way to the International space station with a mission to repair the Hubble telescope.

The Nashville Tech Story (7/2/2009)

With fuel prices rising each year, inventors are continually trying to find alternative fuels and fuel sources. Ethanol is the most talked about fuel source and is already being incorporated into the current fuel mixtures.   Vegetable oil was another option and some environmentalists have also gone as far as to take the leftover vegetable oil from Asian restaurants.  One of the obvious sources is coal, but production would be expensive and could be harmful to the environment.  However, a source that many of us have never heard of is the use of algae.

Algae BioFuel placed in a closed water system, may be the best alternative we have available to us.  There are two means of algae production that are heading to mass production.  A closed water system that is fed by the sun and CO2 coming out of smoke stacks, such as those at power plants. Or an open water system that relies solely on the sun and requires large acreage farms to house the open ponds. Creating Algae BioFuels using a closed water system would require less acreage, zero food crops and zero mining to produce.

There are plenty of power plants worldwide with smoke stacks able to feed the Algae that can be converted into BioFuel.  If we want to improve the air and make a difference in the environment, then converting algae to BioFuel looks to be the best alternative.

COMCAST ROLLS OUT EXTREME 50 MBPS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET SERVICE
ACROSS MIDDLE TENNESSEE
13 Communities Now Have Access to New, Faster Speed Tier Options;
Will Double Speeds for Most Existing Customers For No Additional Cost

NASHVILLE, TN (June 30, 2009) – Comcast, Tennessee’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services, today announced it is beginning to make the leap from broadband to wideband with the launch of next-generation DOCSIS 3.0 for residential homes across Middle Tennessee.  Communities served by the new upgraded services include Murfreesboro, La Vergne, Smyrna, Rutherford County, Dickson, Dickson County, Tennessee City, Kingston Springs, White Bluff, Burns, Charlotte, Pegram and Waverly. Comcast will continue the rollout in its Middle Tennessee market throughout 2009.
 
With wideband, Comcast will introduce a new echelon of Internet speed tiers, which will redefine the customer experience online and create a platform for Internet innovation in the years ahead.  Comcast will offer among the fastest speeds available today, including the Extreme 50 tier with download speeds of up to 50 Mbps. Wideband will also enable Comcast to double speeds for the majority of existing high-speed Internet customers at no additional cost.
 
“Comcast has the largest fiber optic network in the nation, and with wideband we will utilize our existing fiber optic network that is already in the ground in neighborhoods across our footprint. With this next generation of service, our customers’ online experience will be dramatically enhanced. Best of all, this service will continue to be launched in Middle Tennessee throughout 2009 making it available to all of our customers throughout the service area,” said John Gauder, market vice president for Comcast in Middle Tennessee. “And this is just the beginning, wideband, combined with our fiber optic network, will give us the capability of meeting the needs of our customers for many years to come by offering even faster speeds in the future.”
 
As part of the wideband deployment, Comcast will launch two new premium speed tiers to its residential customers. Both new services are ideal for households simultaneously using several computers or Internet-connected devices. They also will appeal to those who simply want some of the fastest speeds available today:
 
New Residential Tiers
• Extreme 50, offering up to 50 Mbps of downstream speed and up to 10 Mbps of upstream speed at $99.95/month.*
• Ultra, offering up to 22 Mbps of downstream speed and up to 5 Mbps of upstream speed at $62.95/month.*
 
With Extreme 50, Comcast customers will be able to download a high-def movie (6 GB) in about 16 minutes, a standard-def movie (2 GB) in about 5 minutes and a standard-def TV show (300 MB) in a matter of seconds. Customers with Extreme 50 also will be able to download digital photos, songs and games faster than ever. 
 
In addition to the new speed tiers, Comcast also is increasing speeds for most of its existing customers at no additional charge.
 
• Performance tier customers will benefit from doubled downstream and upstream speeds, offering up to 12 Mbps and 2 Mbps, respectively.
• Performance Plus customers will be upgraded to Comcast’s Blast! tier, which will double their download speeds to up to 16 Mbps and provide up to 2 Mbps of upload speed.
 
Plus, with PowerBoost® technology, customers are able to enjoy even faster speeds to download and upload files such as videos, games, music and photos.
 
To find out when wideband will be available customers can visit www.comcast.com/fastestfast or call (615) 244-5900. Comcast customers will also receive notification as DOCSIS 3.0 becomes available in their area.
*Pricing for residential customers and requires subscription to Comcast Cable and/or Comcast Digital Voice service (does not include modem/EMTA or router).
 
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (www.comcast.com) is the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 24.1 million cable customers, 15.3 million high-speed Internet customers, and 6.8 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.
 
Comcast’s content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast’s Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.