IT Expo 2011 Austin, Texas

ITEXPO News
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Why You Need To Be At ITEXPO
ITEXPO will travel to Austin for the next installment of ITEXPO West. With the latest tech developments, it will benefit both your knowledge and your wallet! Austin ranked #7 on the list of America’s Top Tech Centers, and is also a spot for the highest job growth!

•Austin ranks #7 on the list of America’s Top Tech Centers, according to American Cities Business Journals. (May 2009)
•Austin lands the number one spot as the top U.S. city for job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
•TMC has arranged for all ITEXPO participants to enjoy free WiFi connections through the Austin Convention Center’s massive network—capable of serving 5,800 simultaneous users
•Convenient, non-stop flights from virtually every U.S. city on major U.S. carriers.
Get to ITEXPO and Take Charge of Your Future

Deploy New Communications Solutions
Deliver New Communications Services

Resell New Communications Solutions
Develop New Communications Applications

Network with Media and Analysts
Network with Your Peers

Form Valuable Partnerships
Explore Mobile Network Opportunities


Experience the Largest Communications & Technology Event of the Year.

•7 Conference Tracks
•6 Free Workshops & Training Sessions
•Free Keynotes from Siemens, IBM, Polycom & More
•2 Free Networking Receptions
•10 Collocated Tech Conferences
•1 Job Fair, Hosted by DICE
•1 Kickin' Party
Come join thousands of people from within the communications and technology communities who gather with enterprises, SMBs and other end users to build their businesses and gain knowledge for the future at ITEXPO.

At ITEXPO, the academic setting in conference sessions, benefit-driven presentations and demos on the expo floor, and informal collaboration and exchange of ideas during impromptu, one-on-one networking aids in you becoming better equipped in your career and for your company.

You'll experience a first-class conference education, unrivaled networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall filled with cutting-edge solutions.

Come explore all key issues, and debate many others with colleagues, competitors, and potential partners at the largest gathering of communications and technology professionals.
We are at a critical turning point in the growth of cloud-based solutions, mobile networks, UC applications, and so much more.


Topics Covered:
Understanding the Transformation to an all IP World: Interview with GENBAND

Extending Security to the Mobile Enterprise: Interview with Sipera Exec

TMC and Embrase Business Consulting Announce Exciting Program Updates for Cloud Communications Summit
DemandResults Partners with Twilio to Launch RingDNA

TelStar Hosted to Jointly Host a Booth at ITEXPO with VOCALCOM

HootSuite Goes 'Owl' the Way with Facebook Dashboard Enhancements
ITEXPO West Interview: The Potential in Mobile Apps
SugarCRM's Bucholtz to Discuss the Future of CRM at ITEXPO West 2011

Colorado Pro Cycle Challenge..What a Blast!

Can't Wait For Next Years Race!



Click Here for some amazing Pictures from all week~

American Airlines Trials In-Plane Streaming

American Airlines Trials In-Plane Streaming

By Glenn Fleishman

Finally: I've been asking the question for several years: when will media servers on planes be used to provide in-flight entertainment over Wi-Fi? The answer is now. Aircell told me years ago that they had provisioned the ability to put media servers on planes, and were waiting for pieces to fall into place. Its public trial with American Airlines on a couple of 767-200s will start this summer.

It's a logical connection that when you have people on a local, high-speed wireless network that you could deliver content to them for free and for a fee. Given that the majority (sometimes entirety) of people on a flight have some kind of device with a screen, why build in miles of wire and clunky seatback entertainment systems?

One of the best, Virgin American's Red, is still slow, hard to navigate, and of poor quality relative to even the worst tablet or netbook. Alaska Airlines never installed such systems for reasons of cost, and rents its digEplayer instead—a portable tablet preloaded and precharged.

An airline that moves away from seatback systems and into passenger-provided hardware could also stock tablets for rental, now that there will be ready availability of a variety of sizes and capabilities that handle video playback well, and which cost relatively little compared to custom systems like the digEplayer.

This could also eliminate live satellite feeds by providing time-delayed playback on demand. Imagine that when a plane comes to a halt and the doors are opened that a system at each gate starts a high-speed 802.11n transfer of several hours of news and other recent sports, talk shows, and network programs. There's something nice about "live," but there's also the reality of operational cost and antenna drag.

Aircell and American haven't announced which programs and movies will be available nor the cost or other particulars.

Top Ten Cleantech Real Estate Projects in the United States

Top Ten Cleantech Real Estate Projects in the United States
by Shawn Lesser


It is not enough just to talk about clean technologies, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, but they must be promoted and utilized in businesses, arenas, and homes as well. Currently, there are a number of real estate projects that assist in making the United States much more energy efficient and greener, reducing the need for fossil fuels and shrinking the greenhouse gas effect.

1) Arkansas Home Energy Consultants. In an effort to increase energy efficiency within existing as well as new residential structures, Home Energy Consultants in Arkansas are providing their assistance. In all new homes, they created an Energy Star Qualified Homes Program as well as technical assistance and training for all construction companies. Existing homes are provided with a Diagnostic Energy Audit to find areas where electricity is being overused, and then provide an inexpensive energy saving improvement program.

2) Promotion of City Green Building in Seattle, Washington. Seattle, Washington has often been seen as a leader in cleantech real estate projects in an effort to make their city more “green.” For example, the Green Building Sustainable Communities Program, created by the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, aims to provide the necessary support in ensuring that future city projects utilize renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

3) State of New Jersey Green Homes Office. New Jersey supports a large number of programs to assist with the creation of buildings and homes that are energy efficient and use renewable energy. The State of New Jersey Green Homes Office is an organization heavily devoted to assisting with the development of buildings that will ensure a sustainable New Jersey. This program offers financial and technical assistance to building developers to guarantee that they not only incorporate, but also standardize the utilization of efficient and sustainable design practices that do not harm the environment.

4) Florida Babcock Ranch. Started in 2009, Babcock Ranch, a project created by real estate company Kitson and Partners, aims to become one of the first sustainable cities in the United States. With more than 17,000 acres at their disposal, the plan is to erect a number of office buildings, retail centers, light industrial spaces, and 20,000 residences all in line with Florida Green Building Council standards and will be powered using a solar PV energy facility.

5) Michigan Renewable Schools Program. 2011 saw the expansion of the Michigan Renewable Schools Program by Energy Works Michigan. With a contract from the Michigan Public Service Commission for $4.4 million, this project creates the ability to provide 90 K-12 private and public school in the state with solar and wind power generation systems by 2014. By the close of 2010, the project was already able to provide these systems to 30 schools. The project also provides energy audits as well as technical assistance to schools to aid in reducing total electricity costs and increasing energy efficiency.

6) North Carolina Farm Energy Efficiency Project. While most programs focus on businesses and homes, a number of real estate projects, especially in the south, focus on farms. For example, there is the Farm Energy Efficiency Project in North Carolina. This project was created by a partnership between the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to assist in creating more energy efficient farms. The Projects instructs farm owners on how to become energy efficient and provides the resources to make necessary improvements. The project offers a number of financial assistance programs to offset costs incurred by farmers in implementing energy efficient measures and renewable energy technologies.

7) Renewable Energy Project at the Philadelphia Eagles Stadium. Going down the list of renewable energy projects, one cannot forget the strides many sporting arenas are taking to become more energy efficient and use renewable energy. Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, home to the Eagles, is set to become the first major sports arena to be powered fully by renewable energy through the use of solar and wind technologies. The project is supported by a number of renewable energy companies, including SolarBlue. Completed by the end of 2011, the project will save the stadium more than $60 million in total energy costs.

8 ) Philips Arena goes LEED in Atlanta, Georgia. The home of the NHL Thrashers, Philips Arena in Atlanta in 2009 received LEED for Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance certification. This marked the first time an existing arena obtained LEED status. Working with a national leader in sustainable building promotion, Southface, the company provided technical assistance when it came to upgrading the energy performance of the arena, as well as water consumption, indoor air quality, and total waste management. This project aims to start a domino effect in the United States for other venues to become more energy efficient.

9) Seattle Energy Efficient Real Estate Fund. GSB Ventures, a Seattle0based real estate company, created the Seattle Energy Efficient Real Estate Fund in 2009 to promote energy efficiency. Starting with $50 million in funding money, the project aims to rebuild distressed homes currently on the market and utilize energy efficient measures, afterward, putting them back on the market for rent or buy. The first real estate fund of its kind, the project aims to increase and get federal debt funding and take advantage of tax credits and rebates for energy efficiency in the homes.

10) Going Green in Greensburg, Kansas. In 2007 an F5 tornado hit the town of Greensburg, Kansas, wiping much of the city out. When discussing the rebuilding of the city, Greensburg decided to live up to its name and rebuild its entire city “Green.” This rural city declared that it would become the national model of environmentally conscious living. Although the rebuild would cost more than average, the energy savings would make up for the cost. Greensburg is set to become a “living lab.” All buildings more than 4,000 square feet will get the USGBC LEED Platinum rating, including City Hall, which will be installed with solar panels and be constructed from recycled bricks. All electricity in the city will be from renewable sources. Numerous research institutes, cleantech companies, and universities are aiding in the effort.

6 Lessons for Sales Success, From Telecom Prospecting to Tech Cold Calling

6 Lessons for Sales Successby Tony Cole Article Link
I did something today that I haven't done in 16 years. Early on in our business, I established rules for our sales success. One of my rules was No Cold Calling. Even though there is a lot of information on effective cold calling, by having that rule, I was forced to get introductions and network with centers of influence. This has worked well over the years. But, that was 16 years ago and a lot has changed since then. Occasionally, you need to change your approach to maintain your success.

Yesterday, I grabbed a business card from a prospect that attended a Cincinnati Chamber session that I delivered in February. I decided to just stop by his office, hand the receptionist his card and my card and ask "Is this guy in?" I was going to be in the area so I decided today would be a good day to drop in.

Lesson 1 - Have a plan, think through the plan, practice the plan.
I went to his place of business this morning after my coffee appointment, walked up to the receptionist, handed her three cards - two of which belonged to people at the company and one of mine - and asked the question, "Any of these guys here?"

She left with my card in hand and then came back out saying, "Rich will be with you in a minute." Rich came out with a big smile on his face, greeted me and said that it was great that I would stop in. I told him that if I didn't have the guts to stop in and see him, then he shouldn't hire me to begin with.

You see, I'm a bulldog when it comes to prospecting. Once I get a sense that there is something we should be talking about, I just keep calling, writing, and in this case, really get outside of my normal box and drop in. I didn't have on a suit or blazer with a tie. My first meeting was very informal; I was clad in blue jeans, cowboy boots and polo shirt. I was, as Seth Godin would put it, a Purple Cow.

Lesson 2 - Be unique. It is what clients are looking for today.
We spent an hour together and I learned a great deal about their business- what is working and not working, how the business has changed and what is keeping them from performing at a higher level. No sales pitch, no sales talk, just asking questions. I asked them questions that went well beyond areas that I specifically could help them with, because I am interested. And the best way to help anyone is to be sincerely engaged in their business and courageous enough to ask sometimes tough and unusual questions.


Lesson 3 - Have courage. What is the worse that could happen?
He took me on a tour and we just happened to go by the VP of sales office where he introduced me to Jim. He told Jim about our history, our conversation that morning and that Anthony Cole Training Group had some really "good stuff" for sales and sales management. Additionally, he suggested that we have a meeting to discuss what they do, what they need to do, and how "maybe" we might be of help. Jim said yes.

Lesson 4 - If you ask enough times and are persistent, sooner or later someone will say yes.
Additionally, given the nature of their business - B2B with lots of dropping in and cold calling - the VP was very impressed that the "president" of the company would be out on the road dropping in on prospects.

Lesson 5 - You never know what will impress your prospect.
For additional prospecting help, go here and pull down Questions for Drilling Down, the 8 Step Compelling Phone Approach, and Qualify Your Prospects.

Lesson 6 - Go back to Lesson 1 and Go Prospect.

I started this site to help others with tips in Sales, Telecom-Renewable Energy awareness. Contact me Tradd Duggan , LinkedIn profile. To Network, possible Sales openings your company may have or more information.

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WAN using IP VPN over Internet versus MPLS – Pros and ConsPosted by Steve Garson Published in Get MPLS Price Quote, International Networks

WAN using IP VPN over Internet versus MPLS – Pros and ConsPosted by Steve Garson Published in Get MPLS Price Quote, International Networks, Network FAQs, New MPLS Implementations, Notes About Implementations, Quotation ThoughtsThere’s a price for everything in this world, and Internet based IP VPNs are no exception. While IP VPNs are a cheaper alternative to any MPLS network, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re for everyone, as customer requirements always vary. In this posting, I will explain both the Internet IP VPN advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s take a look at a few IP VPN advantages over most MPLS circuits:

•Cheaper rates. Internet service providers provide a simple NxT1, Ethernet or Cable connection to the Internet, using the highest possible speed with. The price for internet connectivityis considerably cheaper than almost any WAN MPLS service, making it extremely attractive for companies seeking to cut telecom costs.
•Fully configurable. WAN engineers have total control over the VPN tunnel created between sites. They are able to perform on-the-fly configuration changes to compensate for any network problems or help rectify any problem that might arise. With full access to the VPN, terminating equipment like routers and firewalls, engineers have the ability to see the condition of the internet circuit and take any action(s) deemed necessary…provided they have the staff resources and skills.
•VPN backup included. For mission-critical sites, backup via another internet circuit is possible if your primary connection fails. Time response for the backup line to come online is configurable by the network engineer, and there is no need to wait for the ISP to fix a line so your company can continue working.
•Two-in-one. When configuring the site-to-site VPN, engineers can also configure remote VPN access for users traveling around the country or world, a feature most companies would have to pay additional money for to receive from their service providers.
•Upgradable features. Perhaps one of the strongest advantages is the fact that your site-to-site VPN characteristics are strictly dependant on those that your VPN routers/firewall support. This means that as new features are introduced with the newer router operating systems (i.e., Cisco IOS), they will be available to your engineers to implement. For example, QoS pre-classification was a feature Cisco introduced in its IOS that fixed a number of QoS features for different services running over VPN tunnels. Dynamic Multiple VPN (DMVPN) was another great feature allowing scalable IPsec VPN tunnels between multiple sites. DMVPN allows every endpoint to dynamically build a VPN tunnel with any of its other peers, providing a low-cost mesh VPN solution.

Article Link Via MPLS Tier 1 Experts Blog

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