Tag Archives: Comcast

Pittsburgh Tech News Round Up

Posted on by Jonathan Kersting

Give TechVibe Radio a 360-Degree Spin

TechVibe Radio employed the use of homegrown technology from EyeSee 360 to record show segments in 360 video. Our first experiment includes Charlie Batch and Pittsburgh Tech Council CEO Audrey Russo interviewing BHiveLab. The segment is a little blurry, compliments of the not-so-great iPhone 4 camera, but it’s fun to play around with the video and a 360 view of the studio in action. Give it a spin right here.

Plextronics Awarded SBIR Grant for Reducing OLED Lighting Costs

Plextronics, a U.S.-based  global  company specializing in conductive polymer technology, announced today that it is the recipient of a Phase I Release 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Award for the design and development of low-cost processes of printed electrodes for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) lighting. The SBIR program is well recognized for supporting important technological advances.   According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it received 756 applications for the latest round of SBIR grants.  Plextronics was among 79 grant recipients.  The company will receive a $175,000 grant from the SBIR program and will partner with Electroninks, a spin-off of the University of Illinois and provider of printable metal inks.

PBS Coals Mines for High-Bandwidth, Fiber-based Connectivity with Comcast Business Ethernet

Comcast Business, the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to business and residential customers, announced that PBS Coals, the fourth-largest coal producer in Pennsylvania, is using Comcast Ethernet services to expedite the transfer of critical files to maintain the accuracy of its mining operations and to help ensure the safety of its approximately 650 employees in multiple locations across Somerset County. While the new fiber connection is critical to supporting PBS Coals’ business, there is an added benefit to the broader community, as the investment to extend Comcast’s fiber network to the company’s locations means that other area businesses will now have access to a high-capacity, fiber network as well.

 

Metis Secure Launches Command Center 2.3

The latest software release from Metis Secure makes it easier than ever to instantly communicate actionable emergency instructions to everyone at the site of a crisis, and rapidly respond to people who need help. In an emergency, safety and security personnel use Metis Secure’s Command Center software, combined with a variety of facility communications devices, to immediately alert everyone at or near the location of  the crisis, and provide urgent emergency instructions. The software also transmits help calls from Metis Secure Emergency Help Stations, which are wall- or pole-mounted communications hardware located at strategic indoor and/or outdoor locations throughout a site.  Authorized users can launch alerts and answer help calls through any internet browser, from any location on- or off-site. Mobile security patrols can also answer help calls on their handheld radios or mobile phones. Universities and schools, industrial facilities, hospitals, office buildings, large parking garages, and third-party security operations centers rely on the Metis Secure system to optimize their response speed and effectiveness if an emergency strikes.

 

Carnegie Mellon Researchers Develop Zooming Technique for Entering Text Into Smartwatches, Ultra-small Computers

Technology blogs have been abuzz that smartwatches may soon be on their way from companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung and Microsoft. But as capable as these ultra-small computers may be, how will users enter an address, a name, or a search term into them? One solution is an iterative zooming technique developed and tested by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. Called ZoomBoard, this text entry technique is based on the familiar QWERTY keyboard layout. Though the full keyboard is impossibly small on a watch-size display, simply tapping the screen once or twice will enlarge an individual key until it can be comfortably and accurately pressed.

Capital letters can be typed by momentarily holding a key. A swipe to the left deletes a character. A swipe to the right types a space. An upward swipe calls up a secondary keyboard of numbers and other symbol. “You aren’t going to write a novel, but it gets the job done,” said Stephen Oney, a Ph.D. student in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII). “This opens up new possibilities for devices such as smartwatches, which generally lack any means of entering text, as many aren’t powerful enough for voice recognition.”

Comcast Business Services Unveils Upware

Posted on by Jonathan Kersting

Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company, announced the Upware™ marketplace, a suite of cloud-based business solutions that can be purchased through one integrated web portal. The Upware marketplace contains a carefully selected list of third-party, cloud-based business applications from industry-leading companies in key categories such as data backup, data security, and collaboration.

With Upware, Comcast has chosen a select group of top-tier vendors that meet a strict set of security, redundancy and customer service requirements and can provide both the best performance as well as ease of use for businesses. Organized on the online portal in “aisles” by technology, the vendors include:

  • Data Backup – Carbonite (data backup), DigitalSafe (data backup), and Mozy (online backup).
  • Data Security – Norton (security) and Websense (security).
  • Collaboration – Box (online storage), Microsoft (Web collaboration), Soonr (online file sharing), and YouSendIt (document collaboration).

“We know small business owners and we know what tools they need to grow their businesses,” said Kevin O’Toole, Senior Vice President and General Manager, New Business Solutions at Comcast Business Services. “Upware simplifies what can be a complex world of choices when evaluating cloud-based services. With the choice of these top vendors, business owners can quickly choose what tools they need to run their businesses and keep their focus on their number one priority – serving their customers.”

Upware is designed to meet the needs of small and medium sized businesses looking to use cloud-based solutions to simplify their IT systems, control costs and increase productivity. Upware, which is available now at business.comcast.com/Upware, gives business owners a single, trusted source to meet some of their most critical technology needs, helping them to be more productive and improve their business.

Through the easy to use Upware marketplace, business customers can purchase and use cloud services, as well as order other Comcast Business services including Business VoiceEdge, Website Hosting and Signature Support, a program for on-site tech support. It also enables customers to pick and choose one or many of the offerings, based on their unique technology and business needs. Upware simplifies application management with the convenience of a single sign-on, which makes access fast and easy for individual users. In addition, business owners can quickly add or remove employees from the system as their business needs change. Plus, users have the simplicity of one number to call for support, management and troubleshooting for everything associated with their Comcast Business Class Internet service including the Upware marketplace and the software applications themselves.

In addition to the nine applications currently on the Upware marketplace, more applications will be added in the near future to existing aisles and new aisles will be added to address other business needs such as marketing and customer relationship management.

TechVibe Radio to Feature SnapRetail and Comcast

Posted on by Jonathan Kersting

Be sure to tune in to TechVibe Radio this Saturday at noon on FM News Talk 104.7.

Steelers QB Charlie Batch will fill in as co-host ready to interview some of Pittsburgh’s most dynamic tech companies.

Comcast Business Class will unveil its new Business VoiceEdge as a cloud-based voice and unified communications solution. Think HD-quality voice service and a full suite of productivity-enhancing features delivered over Comcast’s network.

Don Lazarri will stop by to talk about intelligent deal management. Yes, there’s an app for automating your sales pipeline. Don will tell you all about it.

Hold on to your seat, Ted and Suzy Teele will give us an update on their fast-growing retail software company SnapRetail. They’re helping small retailers compete with big box shops with software and social media.

Hosted by the PTC’s CEO Audrey Russo and Director Visibility Initiatives Jonathan Kersting, TechVibe is on the air every Saturday at noon bringing you interviews and conversations from the Pittsburgh region’s fast-moving technology and entrepreneurial communities.

Stream TechVibe Radio on www.wpgb.com or iHeart Radio.


Missed a previous broadcast? We have a massive library of podcasts right here.

TechVibe Radio is sponsored by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Chorus Call, DQE Communications, EyeFlow, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,  Lincoln Financial, PTC Employee Benefits Group, Pittsburgh International Airport and PNC.

Comcast Business Services Offers an All-in-One Communications Suite

Posted on by Jonathan Kersting

comcast_cComcast, a global media and technology company, today announced Comcast Business Hospitality, a new product suite consisting of Ethernet, Internet, video and voice services packaged in one integrated offering customized for the hospitality industry. Available across its entire service area, Comcast’s new product suite enables hotels and motels to leverage advanced technology from a single provider to improve the guest experience, streamline back-office operations and reduce costs.

As the line between business and pleasure continues to blur for many travelers, seamless connectivity and high-speed Internet access are in high demand. With Comcast Business Hospitality, hotels and motels can provide their guests with fast and reliable Internet connectivity, quality voice services and up to 60 high-definition (HD) channels in each room – and the services scale quickly to meet growing business needs, seasonal demands and other peak usage periods.

“The needs of today’s modern traveler are changing, and high-performance connectivity is now just as important as price, location and loyalty programs when selecting a hotel,” said Alexandra Sewell, senior director of Hospitality Services and Cross-Segment Verticals, Comcast Business Services. “Hospitality decision makers must adapt to support this trend, and Comcast Business Hospitality offers them an easy way to do so by packaging scalable, cutting-edge technology with a fast and reliable network – without complicating back-end operations. In an extremely competitive market, this is a vital business differentiator for hotel properties.”

The combination of Comcast’s broad portfolio of services, high-performance network and dedicated hospitality support team make it uniquely suited to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. Comcast operates and supports its advanced network, which is separate and diverse from traditional telecom carrier networks and serves 20 of the nation’s 25 largest markets. The strength and reach of Comcast’s network, which is a result of decades of investments by the company, provides hotels with a reliable connection – even across geographically dispersed properties – and enables them to deliver seamless data, video and voice services, including:

  • Business Hospitality Ethernet – Provides fast, reliable and secure network connectivity and scalable bandwidth from 1 Megabit per second (Mbps) to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps). Hospitality organizations can easily and quickly adjust their bandwidth levels based on guest demand – often by simply placing a phone call.
  • Business Hospitality Internet – Offers a range of speeds to address changing needs, including download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 10 Mbps. Additionally, the service equips IT departments with two modems – one for the property’s back office and one for hotel guests – so they can better manage network traffic and maintain fast browsing speeds for guests surfing the Web.
  • Business Hospitality TV – Provides quality HD video service with up to 60 HD channels. Designed specifically for the hospitality industry, Comcast’s HD video services are delivered via a single piece of equipment that enables property managers to remotely manage video feeds – simplifying upkeep and maintenance and providing for better design aesthetics, as set top equipment is no longer required in guest rooms.
  • Business Hospitality Voice – Provides hotel properties with full-featured phone lines, including call management and other advanced business functions.
  • Business Hospitality Trunks – Connects legacy PBX equipment with Comcast’s advanced IP network, enabling hotels and motels – and their guests – to experience next-generation voice services. Property managers can also remain confident that their investments in existing technology will be protected.

For more information on Comcast Business Hospitality, please visit http://business.comcast.com/enterprise/industry-solutions/hospitality.

Advent Communications Presents the 3rd Annual Technology Explosion

Posted on by Sandi

Join us for an educational conference, networking event, luncheon and trade show showcasing the best business-to-business opportunities Voice, Data, Video and Wireless Mobility technology trends.

In this technology fair you will have an opportunity to network with IT professionals of all levels, you will be well positioned to take advantage breakout sessions offering the latest technologies in Voice, Data, Video and Wireless Mobility, plus shareable conference session documentation, and networking contacts.

Last year the attendance scaled to more than 200 IT professionals from all business verticals combined with a broad sweep of top vendors like Comcast, Aruba Networks, LifeSize Video Conferencing, Avaya and many more.  All in one efficient space empowered by knowledgeable experts’ onsite, down-to-business exhibits, hands-on demos, solution-provider sessions, and face-to-face meetings.

When: Thursday, October 11th, 2012 – 12:00 Noon to 6:00 (register rsvp@adventcom.com)
Where: Rivers Casino – Ohio Ballroom
Cost: No fee

Advent Communications is an Avaya Business Partner with over 25 years of industry experience; we understand what it takes to deliver the superior communications your organization needs to move your business forward. As an industry leader in field of IP Telephony, our experienced, knowledgeable experts in telephony are on board to deliver innovative, advanced technology for enterprise and small to medium businesses.

Advent Communications designs, implements and deploys cutting edge technologies and cost effective business solutions for all business verticals. We differentiate ourselves in how we value and listen to our clients, hence our motto “Communication Begins with Listening”.   Our simple, honest, diligent approach fosters trust and long term relationships that evolve into true partnerships.