IT : Innovation + Job News

Baltimore Ravens football legend Ray Lewis is expanding his RL52 business conglomerate to include a staffing service. The newly launched company, RL52 Staffing, will focus on job placement for IT professionals. The Baltimore-based company cites proximity to the burgeoning IT industry in the Maryland-DC-Virginia area as a key factor in its choice to launch here.

"Some of the best leaders and the best companies are located in the Baltimore corridor. The Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland markets are some of the best for the staffing industry," says Dan Caporale, an executive with RL52 staffing. "All that aside, Baltimore is where it all began for Ray and we couldn't think of a better place to launch our newest venture."

RL52 Staffing will place information technology professionals in positions covering the spectrum of the IT sector, from systems integration and web development to technical support and network security. The firm works with both job seekers and companies looking for IT professionals to provide temporary staffing, staff augmentation, permanent placement, outsourcing, consulting, and outplacement assistance.

Using social media to provide job seekers with leads is part of RL52 Staffing's "Get In The Game" approach to connecting job seekers with companies looking to fill positions. New job openings are highlighted in the firm's Facebook and Twitter feeds.  

In addition to traditional staffing, RL52 Staffing also seeks to pursue a commitment to community service that is emphasized in the corporate culture of the RL52 Group. The firm will be providing job placement assistance to under-served groups and disabled veterans. RL52 Staffing will also be working with community groups to promote outreach programs that enable entrepreneurship and empowerment.  

RL52 Staffing is the newest addition to Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis growing business holdings. His RL52 Group also includes insurance, fashion, merchant services, consulting, real estate, and fitness companies as well as the Ray Lewis Foundation charity.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Dan Caporale, RL52 Group

The Enoch Pratt Free Library's Forest Park branch re-opened Monday, Feb. 7 with design renovations and six times as many computers as it previously had. Located at 3023 Garrison Blvd. in northwest Baltimore, the library will now provide online access to more community members conducting employment research and filing paperwork as they find potential work.

John Damond, manager of the Business, Science, and Technology center at the Enoch Pratt central branch on Cathedral Street in Mount Vernon, expects the thirty-two new computers at the Forest Park location will see heavy use. "There has definitely been an increase in searching for jobs and job application" using public PCs at the central library, he says.

Many companies that are hiring refer candidates to local public libraries for computer use, and since many human resource departments now operate exclusively online, these services are essential. In the central branch's PC Commons and Public Computer Center, as well as in subject departments and the dedicated Jobs & Career Center, Damond estimates that there are 75-100 computer workstations at his location. Newly overhauled branches like Forest Park, which now has 32 computers, or the Edmondson Avenue branch that reopened in June 2010, generally have dozens of options for job-seekers to get online and get back to work.

Organizational support for the city library system's expansion of computer services has come from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation, and the David and Barbara B. Hirschorn Foundation.

Writer: Sam Hopkins
Source: John Damond, Enoch Pratt Free Library

Baltimore-based Moodlerooms, Inc., an open-source e-Learning solutions developer, has released its joule Mobile application for Android and Blackberry devices.

Available to any joule user, joule Mobile harnesses the capabilities of smart phones to deliver a feature set that satisfies the evolving e-Learning needs of students and faculty while enabling campus leaders to carry out administrative necessities.

"Moodlerooms' release of joule Mobile for Android and Blackberry provides faculty, administrators, and students convenient, 24/7 mobile access on and off campus through multi-platform mobile technology applications," says Lou Pugliese, president.

joule Mobile engages students by delivering access to courses, interactive maps, and campus-wide news, alerts and notifications, while educators are provided with a mechanism for delivering course related information and materials through the Moodle-based, enterprise e-Learning platform, joule. Administrators are also enabled to keep their respective campus informed with timely notifications and alerts. The application can also be configured to display themes, color schemes and logos specific to a particular institution. joule Mobile is the portal to your campus.

joule Mobile is also supported on the Apple iPhone mobile platform.

Source: Moodlerooms
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Hunt Valley-based Oculis Labs, a cyber security firm, and Tom Loveland, CEO of Mind Over Machines, were the big winners named at the Greater Baltimore Tech Council's (GBTC) TechNite last Thursday. In truth, though, it was the region's tech community as a whole that won. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the GBTC while also shining the spotlight on some of the area's most innovative technology companies.

Oculis Labs, which took home top honors for the "Hottest Tech in Town," was selected from among 15 finalists. The first-time award was based equally on votes from the public and a panel of judges. Oculis edged out Direct Dimensions, a 3D imaging company, and Gloto, developer of a social media marketing platform, both of which had more votes from the public.

"The judges probably looked at it from a slightly different perspective than the community. These are VC and private equity folks, people who deal with ventures on a regular basis. The judging panel was pretty strict. The community vote was great. We had over 5,000 votes which really blew my mind for a first year competition," says Jennifer Gunner, GBTC's interim executive director.

"I was pleasantly surprised that we won. There are a lot of really good companies in Baltimore doing some really interesting things. It was a really nice surprise to be picked," says Bill Anderson, CEO of Oculis Labs.

Tom Loveland's role as Baltimore's "Google Czar" and the work he's done to help win the Google Fiber competition were only part of the reason he received the GBTC's Beta 2.0 award. Inaugurated in 2009, the award is presented to a person who has done the most to help expand the area's technology and business sectors. Loveland was selected from a group of five finalists that included Newt Fowler, a partner at Rosenberg, Martin, Greenberg LLP,  Christian Johansson, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development, Mike Subelsky, founder of Ignite Baltimore, and David Troy, president of Roundhouse Technologies.

"[Loveland's role as Google Czar] is one part of it, but it's also the fact that he's really been pushing things forward. From something as simple as pulling together everyone for a great barbecue at his house, to his work with the National Academy Foundation School, where he's trying to make sure that students have access to the STEM curriculum," Gunner says.

Loveland emphasizes that the projects he's involved in are group efforts and that he shares the award with the other finalists. And, of course, that none of this would be possible if there weren't smart, innovative people starting companies and working on cool technologies in the Baltimore area.

"What we really want to say is that it's not just about us. There are emerging leaders and we want to get them some recognition. All kinds of people are doing things. It's exciting. There's a lot of energy, a lot of programs that are getting people engaged," says Loveland.

The attention the event attracts for tech companies is significant, says Gunner.

"CSA Medical, Social Toaster, Direct Dimensions, and Juxtopia -- all of the companies are impressive. It was a really hard process to narrow it down. The most important thing that we did is to get their names and their products out into the marketplace," Gunner says.

Sources: Jennifer Gunner, GBTC; Bill Anderson, Oculis Labs; Tom Loveland, Mind Over Machines
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Maryland has been awarded more than $115 million in competitive federal grant funds to extend broadband to rural and underserved communities across the state. The expansion is crucial for increasing Internet access and capacity across the state, helping create jobs, improve public safety, increase educational opportunities, improve health care delivery, and improve infrastructure for BRAC.

The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), in partnership with public and private agencies across the state that form the One Maryland Broadband Network (OMBN), won $115,240,581 in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. Funding was provided through the Fed's ongoing stimulus plan, aka American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and this grant is one of the biggest broadband grants awarded to date.

OMBN will use the funds to build more than 1,200 miles of high-speed Internet line, linking together three independent broadband networks and extending affordable and abundant Internet access to more than 1,000 anchor institutions � including 458 schools, 44 libraries, 262 police and emergency centers, 15 community colleges, 6 universities, and 221 other government and community support centers. The new network will connect the state from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, reaching 2 million homes and 443,000 businesses.

The grants are expected to create more than 800 new jobs now and at least an additional 800 jobs in the future. They will provide high-speed access to parts of Maryland that had little or no Internet connectivity. Many connections are too slow to process large amounts of data quickly � a problem when trying to send business records, video conferencing for educational coursework, medical records, and emergency communications.

Source: Office of Governor Martin O'Malley
Writer: Walaika Haskins

General Dynamics Information Technology's ViPS, part of the company's Health IT Solutions business sector, is adding more than 100 new technology jobs in Baltimore County to support recently awarded contracts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - including an $80.3 million award to support the agency's Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP). ViPS, with offices in downtown Towson and Woodlawn, currently employs more than 600 workers in Baltimore County.

Under the ERRP award, General Dynamics IT's Health IT Solutions sector will be responsible for overall software design, development and business application support, which includes a public website and educational outreach programs as well as data center infrastructure and administration.

The new jobs include opportunities for highly skilled IT professionals across multiple technologies.

Source: Baltimore County Department of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Columbia-based LJT & Associates, an engineering services provider, has nabbed a major contract from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Range Operations Contract (ROC) covers a five year base period with a total estimated cost-plus-award-fee contract/Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity value of approximately $117 Million.

The firm will provide support services to manage the Wallops Research Range operations and maintenance; training; command, control, and communications information; and computer systems services. Contract support also includes testing, modifying and installing communications and electronic systems at launch facilities; launch control centers and test facilities; and range technology development engineering services. We are proud of our team which includes ITT Industries, CSC, Orbital Sciences, BAH, Airtec Inc, and LKC.

"LJT has supported NASA Wallops for the past 8 years," says Jim Bishop, vice president of Civilian Programs. "We look forward to continuing our support and beginning a new era for the Wallops Range Operations program, and helping NASA advance range technology, range use, and continuing the tradition of the Wallops Range as the "Premier Provider" of Research Range Capability."

Source: LJT & Associates
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Baltimore-based Integrated Systems Research (ISR) Corporation recently announced the integration of its core technology with Garmin personal navigation devices. The integration adds dispatch and in-vehicle navigation capabilities to the ISR FleetTrack mobile resource management platform. QuickRoute, is integrated solution combines Garmin portable navigation devices with ISR's Silent Position Monitor (SPM) series of in-vehicle tracking hardware. 

The technology platform allows easy dispatching of job assignments directly to a driver's Garmin device. Drivers receive a single message containing detailed job assignments, and turn-by-turn directions, with voice prompts. Using QuickRoute, dispatchers can communicate directly with Garmin units in the field to find out what time a vehicle is projected to arrive at its assigned destination. The system also automatically sends dispatchers a confirmation message once a vehicle reaches an assigned job site.

QuickRoute enables fleet owners, managers and dispatchers to send job assignments to, communicate with, and monitor the activities of individual vehicles or the company's entire fleet. Incorporating Garmin's in-vehicle navigation and two-way text messaging capabilities with ISR FleetTrack should significantly increase the productivity and safety of companies using the QuickRoute solution.

"Garmin is at the leading edge of what they do, so we are excited to partner with them on this," says Yukie Novick, Integrated Systems Research Corporation's CEO. "The integrated solution gives our customers a powerful, easy-to-use, yet affordable way to dispatch job assignments and stay in touch with their drivers throughout the day. It's something our customers were asking for. We listened, and QuickRoute is the result."

Source: Integrated System Research Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

ManTech International Corporation, a technical and engineering services firm based in Va.,  broke ground on its newest location at 4696 Millennium Drive in the Water's Edge Corporate Campus in Belcamp, Md., near Aberdeen Proving Ground.

The new facility will accommodate ManTech's growing Maryland workforce. The company currently has more than 700 employees in Maryland supporting a number of federal government and U.S. military organizations. When the building opens in March 2011, the company will occupy 63,000 square feet of the 125,000-square-foot space. ManTech expects to have 300 to 500 technology jobs at the location in the next three years.

Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., with approximately 9,000 employees, ManTech provides innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs for the intelligence community; the departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security and Justice; the space community; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and other U.S. federal government customers.

The company's expertise includes systems engineering, systems integration, enterprise architecture, cyber security, information assurance, intelligence operations and analysis support, network and critical infrastructure protection, information operations and information warfare support, information technology, communications integration, global logistics and supply chain management, and service-oriented architectures.

Source: ManTech
Writer: Walaika Haskins 

ITT Corporation has announced plans to locate its Information Technology Global Center of Excellence at Arundel Mills Corporate Park in Hanover, Maryland.

The 23,000 square foot center will create 90 new jobs over the next four years, operating as the information technology (IT) center of excellence and training center for ITT offices worldwide. The facility will be supported by the airline services at BWI-TM Airport and the array of hotels and hospitality services near the Arundel Mills location.
 

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake kicked Baltimore's push to win the Google Fiber competition up a notch last week, enlisting the support of top business and technology leaders and organizations. Heading the team is Tom Loveland, president of local tech company Mind Over Machines and the newly annointed Google Czar.

Loveland will work with Joseph Weaver, president Global Design Interactive,  and Scott Plank, vice president Under Armour in conjunction with Baltimore Fiber, a grassroots effort launched several weeks ago in response to the announcement about Google Fiber for Communities, an initiative that asks American cities and municipalities to compete for up to a billion dollars in fiber optic network infrastructure delivering speeds nearly 100 times faster than most internet connections.

Google, Inc. is asking local governments and communities to express interest and provide information by completing a "request for information" or RFI by March 26.

With Baltimore's rich history of technological innovation, "there is no doubt in my mind that Baltimore is the best and most appropriate City in America to invest in new blazing fast internet infrastructure," Mayor Rawlings-Blake said. "Baltimore is a 'City of First's' and we should be Google's first choice," Rawlings-Blake says.

The Mayor also pegged Greater Baltimore Committee and the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore to assist the already burgeoning grassroots campaign to lure Google to Baltimore by recruiting additional support from larger corporations and institutions. Mayor Rawlings-Blake announced an agreement with Under Armour to supply in-house marketing capabilities to assist the effort.

"Baltimore's business community will enthusiastically engage to take full advantage of this opportunity to achieve a quantum leap in technology resources and enhanced speed capabilities," says Donald C. Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. "This project fits Baltimore's business legacy of technology advancements and transformational innovations."

"Greater Baltimore has emerged as the nation's "knowledge center"... from the best hospital and researchers in the world to the nation's leaders in defense intelligence and communications. This framework provides an opportunity to enhance our connectivity within the region, as well as connecting the rest of the world to our community," says J. Thomas Sadowski, President & CEO, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore:

Loveland in his role as a volunteer "Google Czar" will be charged with working with the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and Neighborhoods to complete and submit the RFI by the due date.

"Baltimore is a tinderbox of innovation. Google Fiber is the spark, a game-changer that could turn Baltimore into a global innovation leader," Mr. Loveland said. "Mayor Rawlings-Blake understands that and I'm honored to serve the City."

According to Loveland, Baltimore is an ideal city for the Google project. "We are fortunate to have a multitude of unique, world-class resources that we all know and cherish. We are fortunate [to have a] growing population of entrepreneurs and creative's who want to make a difference in our community. We are fortunate that our region has the largest population of technology professionals in the country."

"Mix these together � unique world-class resources, entrepreneurs, and technologists � and you see that Baltimore is a tinderbox of innovation just waiting for a spark. Google Fiber is that spark. Google Fiber can turn Baltimore into a global innovation leader," he continues.

Whether Baltimore is successful or not in its bid to win the Google Fiber competition, both Loveland and David Troy, who has helped spearhead the grassroots effort among businesses and communities, say the city will have won. Both men expect the consortium of business and community leaders to tackle future projects.

"This is just the beginning," says Troy.

Mayor Rawlings-Blake also released a new YouTube video that will be posted on the Bmore Fiber website.



Source: Tom Loveland, Mind Over Machines; David Troy, Baltimore Fiber
Writer: Walaika Haskins
Google logo by Senait Weaver

Maryland beat the odds when it came to technology-related jobs in 2009. The state saw growth in the computer systems design and related services adding 5,3000 jobs in 2009 as well as the management, scientific and technical consulting, where 4,500 jobs were added, subsectors and in fact, led the nation in both. 

The 8.7 percent growth in computer systems design and related services and a 13.8% increase in management, scientific and technical consulting meant Maryland accounted for almost half of the jobs added nationally in those areas.

Overall, while 2009 saw every state lose jobs, Maryland retained jobs at a rate better than all but five states. The state lost 41,000 nonfarm payroll jobs at a 1.7 percent rate during the year, compared to the national rate which saw nationwide jobs lost at a 3.0% rate, almost twice as fast.

Industrial sectors leading the state's job creation included health care, federal government and educational services. The health care and social assistance industry added 5,800 jobs for 1.8 percent growth. The fed added 4,100 jobs for 3.2 percent growth and private educational services added 3,600 jobs for 4.9 percent growth.

Without 31,500 job losses in construction and 10,800 jobs losses in financial activities, Maryland would have gained jobs. Construction lost jobs at an 18.5 percent rate and financial activities lost jobs at a 7.3 percent rate.

Source: Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Canton-based R2integrated has begun expanding its operations to other cities, including Seattle and St. Louis following a bang up year during which revenue increased by some 60 percent.

"We're attributing most of that growth to the fact that a lot of companies, particularly during economic down times, are seeking more creative and cost effective marketing approaches through the Internet, Internet technology and active tech services," says Matthew Pugh, R2i's director of communications .

R2i, bouyed by that trend, has seen not only a substantial increase in revenue, but also large engagement with more substantial brands such as Yamaha, Forbes, Black and Decker, Heineken, Coca-Cola, Pella, and Ford. The company was also one of 10 vendors selected for Microsoft's digital marketing campaigns.

"Though the Seattle office is not exclusively to serve Microsoft, that is why we entered the market there and it is our full intention to become engaged with the community there," explains Pugh.

Pugh credits R2i's success to the company's technology development expertise. "Even the best creative technology in the world is only as good as the technology that sits underneath it."

R2i provides the platforms that enable companies to more quickly and easily distribute critical communications, leverage social media and social networks, and implement rich internet applications. R2i technology enables companies to create and manage the dynamic media and social interactions that drive brand value and sales in the age of peer-to-peer communications. They have helped the world's largest corporations improve their customer communications and relationships, by providing them internet marketing systems that provide direct, compelling interaction with their customers.

The firm is currently hiring for its local and New York offices. "We're looking for system development people in New York and we're always looking for additional web designers, programmers and digital account execs, search specialists and positions like that locally," says Pugh.

A recent survey, conducted by R2i found that while mobile marketing is recognized as an integral component of digital marketing strategies in 2010, uncertainty looms over its return on investment. R2i conducted this survey from January 13 � January 25.

Twenty two percent of survey respondents said that mobile marketing is "very important" to their overall marketing strategy for 2010; 26 percent said "important"; and 28 percent said "somewhat important." Only 8 percent said "not important." The majority of respondents, 41 percent, said their main reason for executing a mobile marketing campaign was "company awareness," followed by "lead generation," 33 percent.

Quantifying the return on investment was considered the most critical area of improvement for planned mobile marketing campaigns among respondents at 43 percent. Forty nine percent said an increase in customers would measure a successful campaign.

"It appears that 2010 will be a year of experimentation and education on mobile marketing as marketers struggle to come to terms with its practicality and ROI," says Matt Goddard, co-founder and CEO, R2i. "This shouldn't suggest that marketers ought to table their mobile marketing plans, but that they should pay considerable attention to how they can connect the dots back to driving revenue."

The biggest impediments to executing a mobile marketing campaign were "not knowing how to develop the business case," 32 percent, and "not enough analytics to measure the ROI," 30 percent. Sixty three percent of respondents said they'd only allocate up to 15 percent of their budgets on mobile marketing.

More than half (52 percent) of respondents said that their mobile marketing campaign would focus on mobile Web site development channel, while 40 percent said they would focus on mobile application development. When asked to rate the importance of mobile platforms, 59 percent of respondents said the iPhone and 40 percent said the BlackBerry were "very important"; only seven percent thought that Android was a "very important" platform.

"I think because the technology is still working to fully prove itself, most marketers are playing it safe by focusing on the mobile browsing experience, where they can leverage existing Web assets, rather than on mobile marketing where the ROI proposition is still being evaluated," says Goddard. "The iPhone still reflects the largest base for marketers to sell into even though the Android may be the platform du jour in terms of hype.

Source: Matthew Pugh, R2integrated
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Chicago-based TravelClick, a digital marketing and consulting firm for hotels, has opened a new Digital Agency in South Baltimore. The move, the compay explains, comes during a time when despite the downturn in the tourism industry, hoteliers continue to see marketing directly to consumers through the web as a critical part of their business strategy. More than 55 percent of hotel reservations are booked directly through hotel and corporate websites now. The new location will help TravelClick accommodate this demand and better serve its growing number of hospitality clients.

The new facility, located at 1410 Key Highway, is the homebase for a talented group of designers, marketing experts, and Internet gurus who blend the art of design with the science of marketing hotels directly to online consumers. They are dedicated to serving the digital marketing needs of the hospitality industry, including improving website performance, expanding online visibility, enhancing guest engagement, and ultimately, increasing online bookings and profitability.
 
A 50-person staff has reportedly been hired to fill a variety of positions at the new office with more positions expected to become available as the company expands its operations. The company will be recruiting world-class designers, Flash developers, media specialists, and programmers. The expanded team will support TravelClick's growing roster of global clients, including the industry's best-known chains, iconic properties, and independent hotels.

"Our new location is a positive indication of TravelClick's financial strength and the growing importance of Internet marketing in the hospitality industry," says Robert Post, TravelClick's President and CEO. "Not only does this new presence help us support our customer-centric culture, it brings more jobs to the Baltimore area."

Follow TravelClick or friend the company on Facebook.

The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM), the state's largest technology trade association with more than 500 members employing more than 250,000 in the region, has released its 2010 Policy Platform. The legislative wishlist calls on state lawmakers to double funding for the Biotech Tax Credit, invest pension funds in Maryland's most innovative companies, oppose harmful corporate tax reform and create long-term funding solutions for higher education and transportation. The 2010 session of the Maryland General Assembly is set to begin January 13.

TCM's newly released 2010 Policy Platform outlines the organization's specific priorities in the areas of advanced technology, biotechnology, clean and green technology, tax climate, transportation, higher education and workforce development. TCM's advocacy efforts during the 2010 session of the Maryland General Assembly are focused on making Maryland a great place for technology and biotechnology companies to start, grow and flourish. As the only technology association with a full-time lobbying staff in Annapolis, TCM works year round advocating the interests of Maryland's most advanced growth industries.

"Advanced industries like information technology and biotechnology are part of the solution for Maryland to emerge strongly from its economic challenges," says Ren�e M. Winsky, Chief Executive Officer of TCM. "The Tech Council of Maryland looks forward to forging an even closer relationship with policymakers in Annapolis to advance the interests of our membership and get Maryland's economy moving again," said Winsky.

Legislative accomplishments during the 2009 session included the preservation of the $6 million budget request for the Biotech Tax Credit, no new taxes on innovation and the creation of a Joint Information Technology and Biotechnology Committee. TCM has worked closely with both legislative leaders and the Governor's Office to ensure continued state support for critical biotech research and development including $2 million for the Enterprise and Challenge Investment programs, $12.4 million in funding for stem cell research, $1.6 million for the Nanobiotechnology Initiative Fund and the creation and funding of the Maryland Biotechnology Center.

Download a copy of TCM's 2010 Policy Platform.

Source: Tech Council of Maryland
Writer: Walaika Haskins