IT : Innovation + Job News

The Center for Digital Government and Government Technology recently named Baltimore as one of the top 10 digital cities in the country. Baltimore was ranked at number 9 on the list. The survey ranks cities based on a number of criteria to determine which are using technology to the greatest benefit of its citizens.
 
In its eleventh year, the Center for Digital Government Digital Cities Survey is conducted annually. The survey is the first and only survey model providing a sustained assessment of city governments’ use of information and communications technology. The Center for Digital Government’s Digital Cities Performance Institute identifies and promotes best practices and emerging trends in the public sector IT community.
 
The survey uses a number of criteria to determine which municipalities make the cut, and which aren't quite keeping up with technology. The top 10 cities are selected in four different population based categories. Municipalities are then judged on their commitment to technology use,  the impact of technology  across multiple municipal program areas, measurable progress on technology use and initiatives from the prior year, cost savings in hard and soft dollars across the municipality brought to city programs and departments as a result of technology use, innovation in adding new technology and using new technology tools and an attitude toward technology that demonstrates a spirit of  effective collaboration.
 
This is Baltimore's first appearance in the top 10.

Writer: Amy McNeal
Sources: Baltimore City, Government Technology

GiveCorps is changing the way the non profits in Baltimore raise funds by offering charitable donors in the Baltimore area a sweet deal: give to something good, get something good.
 
“Our tag line is ‘Give Local. Get Local.’ The local aspect of GiveCorps is unlike other online giving platforms. For donors, GiveCorps provides an easy method to both support and learn about local nonprofits and get great discounts for merchants in return. We provide both on line and off line ways to engage in the community as well as great weekly newsletter GiveCorps Plugged In. GiveCorps offers non-profits a new vehicle for targeting younger donors, a new marketing platform and a vehicle to raise funds,” says GiveCorps founder and president Beth Falcone.
 
By soliciting small gifts from potential donors instead of looking for money from the same small pool of donors, non-profit organizations are able to connect more easily with the people who support them but can only offer up a small donation. Their supporters donate money through the GiveCorps site, and in return they score deals at Baltimore merchants, restaurants and attractions.
 
“GiveCorps is built around the notion that small gifts matter and everyone can be a philanthropist. The idea was to create a broad network of $10- $25 dollar young philanthropists who regularly visit the site, the GiveCorps Facebook page or receive and respond to the daily e-mail,” continues Falcone
 
Response to the site has been strong. GiveCorps has raised over $36,000 for Baltimore's non-profits, with an average gift of $36. The company hopes to expand the concept into another city in 2012.
 
Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Beth Falcone, GiveCorps

https://givecorps.com/

If you're trying to beat the sniffles and sneezes of cold season, Sickweather is looking for you.
The new illness mapping social networking site offers users the opportunity to see maps of
local illness “hot spots” based on data collected from users, Facebook status updates and
Twitter streams.

“With Sickweather, we hope to offer a new and useful resource to help people stay healthy. It
really is baffling to me that people check the weather report every day before they leave the
house or before they go on a trip, but health related symptoms go ignored. If people prepare
for the weather by bringing their umbrella with them, why don't they do a similar thing by
drinking an extra glass of orange juice in the morning to boost their immune system?” asks
Sickweather COO James Sajor.

The Baltimore based start-up behind Sickweather is preparing to launch the social networking
site , which is currently in its final Beta testing phase. The brainchild of entrepreneur
Graham Dodge, formerly involved with Crime Map, and marketing expert James Sajor,
Sickweather aims to not only help healthy people avoid virulent spots, but also allow people
with compromised immune systems and their families a resource to help them avoid exposure
to a potentially life threatening germ.

“I had recently moved back to Baltimore to take care of my mother, who was diagnosed
with an advanced stage of cancer. She was going through a variety of treatments, and her
immune system was severely compromised. That meant that I could not get sick. It would
actually have been a life-and-death situation if I caught a common cold. I was extra careful
when I left the house. So when Graham approached me, I immediately saw the value in the
idea,” says Sajor.

In addition to the final beta testing of the site, Sickweather is also developing a mobile app
version for Android and iPhone.

Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: James Sajor, Sickweather

http://sickweather.com/

Friedrich Associates is forming a partnership with Promising Outcomes. The Phoenix, MD based consulting firm will be partnering with UK/US based Promising Outcomes to offer a new service called PROMIS. The PROMIS service offered by Friedrich Associates and Promising Outcomes will allow users to regularly measure, monitor, manage and improving client relationships.

The program includes a variety of consulting services and tools. Customer surveys using a proprietary survey method that is based on Cognitive Load Theory are included in the service. PROMIS also uses Customer Expectations Theory to look into the unexpected issues that may arise between an supplier and a client and give the supplier a view of those issues from a client's perspective Expected PROMIS users include a European aerospace company, a global telecommunications equipment firm, an international advertising and events firm, and a U.S. government agency.

"We are extremely excited about our partnership since it adds significantly to our ability to provide extra value to our clients through the implementation of practical strategies that help them in this time of unprecedented economic challenges to retain, grow, and enhance their valued customer relationships," says Gerhard Friedrich, President of Friedrich Associates. Promising Outcomes has established partnerships with companies in other regions, including Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Gerhard Friedrich, Friedrich Associates
http://www.promis-it.com/

A newly launched company on Kent Island aims to change the way that retail and service industry workers find jobs. JobOn is using an online platform, complete with video, to connect retail and service industry workers looking for jobs and employers looking for help. JobOn offers job seekers the opportunity to post recorded video interviews to save them the running around that can be a big part of looking for a service industry job.

"Our objective is to improve the job search experience for seekers. We no longer want them to go to multiple stores, fill out paper applications, go home and wait for a call to come back for an interview. Now, using a webcam or smart phone, they can offer a recorded interview first and send it to several possible employers. Their search is more efficient and they have a better platform to showcase their skills." says Chris Ourand, Chief Marketing officer at JobOn.

JobOn was launched on September 13th at the DEMO conference in Santa Clara, California. The company was founded by former DICE executive Jody Presti and IT expert Dave Atherton. The site offers opportunities from over 200 employers from Maryland and the surrounding area. "We are excited that we have launched at a time when the market is perfect for our product. Technology is readily available with most people having webcams and smart phones, and the need is tremendous. From the results of the last six weeks we expect the concept to take off and the business to grow steadily for quite some time," continues Ourand.

JobOn hopes to expand its service to include job opportunities from across the nation in the future.

Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Chris Ourand, JobOn

http://www.jobon.com/

Sales Focus, Inc, a Marriottsville based sales outsourcing firm, is launching a new subsidiary of their Travel and Tourism division devoted to specialized business travel -- specifically meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions travel.

The new division, MICE Focus LLC, will be managed by Kevin Hichour, who previously ran the Travel and Tourism division. "Our focus into the MICE Travel sector is based on a real need that we see in the industry. At this time, no other company can offer our breadth of integrated Marketing & Advertising services to U.S. or international MICE Destinations & Suppliers," says Hichour.

The new division is intended to provided an integrated one stop shopping style platform for MICE industry suppliers and destinations to reach their targeted audience of business travelers and travel planners. The company's new MICE Travel Portal is designed to showcase the options that are available to MICE travelers, and highlight promotions and special offers.

"As we continue to expand our services in the Travel and Tourism industry, we launched a MICE travel industry-dedicated website catering to the needs of Destinations, Airlines, Hotels & Resorts, DMC's, Cruise Lines, Convention Centers and all other MICE travel suppliers who are looking to expand their strategic partner base and increase their revenues," says MICE Focus president and Co-Founder Anthony Horwath. The site will be devoted entirely to the group travel industry. MICE Focus has also formed a new travel partnership with Meeting Professionals International.

Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Anthony Horwath, Sales Focus Inc.

http://www.micefocus.com/index.php

Towson-based CampaignOn, launching in November, will offer people running for office a suite of tools and the expertise of campaign management professionals in one package and at a price that most campaigns can afford.

"We really believe in the candidate who is serious and wants to run the best possible campaign. We're the game changer. This is something that will dynamically change the way that they run their race," says Herbert Sweren, President of CampaignOn.

The company's Campaign Manager Solutions suite offers office seekers several tools for success. Victory Map allows candidates to enter state-obtained information about likely voters into a program that will generate an interactive map detailing the locations and records of likely voters, with 16 options for categorization. VoterMonster makes interactive and updatable campaign sheets for use by workers detailing the locations of volunteers, donors, and signs to be placed for maximum efficiency. Town Hall Live allows candidates to conduct online town hall style Q&A meetings with potential constituents. The software contains additional tools for tracking mailers, spending, sending email, and template messages. The package also includes expert advice from the CampaignOn staff.

Formed by business expert Herbert Sweren, former Baltimore County Executive Dennis Rasmussen, and advertising executive Barry Silverman, CampaignOn aims to make the tools of professional campaigns accessible to even grassroots local efforts.

"An  average client will have a  $50,000 budget, some less. We can save them 60-70% of their operating cost, and they can put that back into things that will help them get elected. We can guarantee that they will be the best educated, best organized candidate they can be if they work with CampaignOn," Sweren continues.

IT solutions for the software were handled by Adventure Web Productions. One of the partners' goals is to use Baltimore-based service providers whenever possible. CampaignOn's Campaign Manager Solutions software launches in November. The company will be launching Chief of Staff Solutions, software devoted to helping incumbents stay in office, in the near future.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Herbert Sweren, CampaignOn

The Governor's office updated Marylanders on the progress of the One Maryland Broadband Network this week. The initiative is designed to provide a unified means of communication through all levels of government and improve broadband internet access for undeserved and rural portions of the state. The new broadband lines will increase access to high speed internet for more than 1,000 of what the state calls "anchor agencies" -- government agencies, community support centers,  hospitals, libraries, educational institutions, and police departments.

Initial funding for the One Maryland Broadband Network was established in late 2010. The project received more than $115 million in competitive federal grant funds through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, one of the largest broadband grants awarded in 2010. Additional funds were raised through state local and private contributions bringing the project total to $158 million.

To date, $16 million of this money has been spent on the initial field and design engineering phase of the project, which has created 241 jobs. Engineering is underway in every county in Maryland, with an estimated 63% of the engineering completed. Construction of the One Maryland Broadband network's new broadband lines has begun in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore, Carroll, Charles, and Prince Georges Counties. The remaining Maryland counties are expected to begin construction by the end of 2011.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Office of the Governor of Maryland

Baltimore-based website SpotCrime has become the web's most visited online crime mapping site, with over 300,000 subscribers. The company estimates that over 6 million people interact with SpotCrime every month, including media partners and other websites.

The SpotCrime site aggregates nationwide crime data, and allows users to search by zip code to view a map with icons for crimes in that area. The site tracks local crimes from vandalism to shootings, and displays icons and addresses of the locations of crimes reported in that area. Data can be generated for most US areas. The data displayed is pulled from police reports and verified news sources.

Subscribers to SpotCrime can sign up to receive SMS text alerts when a crime is added in their area, or download the app for iPhone to receive and share crime information. SpotCrime also maintains a blog explaining crime data trends and updating subscribers on current mapping projects.

The website has partnered with real estate site Trulia to report crime data to potential home buyers in 50 metropolitan areas nationwide. SpotCrime is also available to Direct TV users. It is the second most popular app available through that service. 

The company estimates that continued growth at this pace will enable them to break the 500,000 subscriber mark by mid 2012.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: http://spotcrime.blogspot.com/, http://www.spotcrime.com

AVF Consulting is hiring. The Towson-based company, a Microsoft Silver ERP partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics NAV financial management systems, has added four positions this year, and has two more positions open currently. The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

"AVF began in 1986 when Andrew Fass, a CPA for a big five accounting firm, coupled his strength in accounting with his love for technology and started AVF Consulting. Andrew began AVF Consulting because he had the skills and vision required to provide businesses not only with the right software, but with guidance and direction," says Karen Tran, Marketing Specialist at AVF Consulting.

The company has also added several new programs and clients this year. AVF's K12 Enterprise division added Groton Public Schools in Connecticut, Vandalia-Butler City Schools in Ohio, and YES Prep Charter Schools in Texas to its client list. The National Endowment for Democracy purchased Serenic Navigator from AVF in July 2011.

"AVF recently hired a customer care representative and has another position open. We are actively recruiting a consultant with deep NAV and retail experience. Because we specialize in Microsoft Dynamics NAV we are always looking for highly skilled and experienced NAV consultants," Tran continues.

In 2011, AVF launched Dynamic Shared Services (DSS), a shared services organization, providing accounting, membership management, dues processing, and reporting services to organizations. DSS currently serves Labor Unions throughout the country, but plans to provide services to nonprofits and school districts. The company also plans to release Click-to-Pay Invoicing for its ChargeLogic Connect systems in the fourth quarter of 2011.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Karen Tran, AVF Consulting

Go Long Wireless, part of a consortium of MVDDS spectrum holders and investors who partner with broadband service providers, has chosen Baltimore as the launchpad for its new MVDDS pilot. The program is designed to demonstrate that the wireless FTTH option can increase connectivity and options for business customers.

MVDDS, fixed wireless broadband technology, uses 500 MHz of licensed spectrum in the 12.2 -12.7 GHz band. MVDDS frequencies in this spectrum are the same as the frequencies used to provide satellite TV signals by companies like  DirecTV and Dish Network. However, while those companies use satellites to distribute their signal, Go Long Wireless's signal transmission and transfer stations are all on the ground. The signal for the Go Long Wireless MVDDS pilot in Baltimore uses a transmission antenna at the World Trade Center in the Inner Harbor. The receiving antenna for the signal is located at the Emerging Technology Center in Canton. The system is currently capable of delivering up to 50 Mbps in downstream broadband, 3+ Mbps in upstream broadband, multichannel 1080p HD video, and voice services.

One concern with the technology is that in order to receive a signal, an outdoor antenna is required. This may prevent some consumers from being able to access the service. Go Long Wireless is not entering the market as a service provider. The company plans to lease the technology and spectrum to existing wireless service companies.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Bruce Fox, Go Long Wireless

AVF Consulting is growing. The Towson-based company offers ERP business management software and IT consulting to clients in retail, education, and the nonprofit sector. AVF recently added four new clients to its roster. Unity Healthcare, Community Options, Inc. and The Albert B. Sabin Vaccine Institute, Inc. have signed on with AVF to implement new management and accounting software. Pet supply retailer Care-A-Lot is also working with AVF on IT solutions as it moves from an online operation to brick and mortar retail.

"We're an organization that focuses on helping nonprofits deploy newer accounting systems to help them become more efficient. We bring 25 years worth of experience to the table working with similar organizations, understanding how non-profits operate. We have the professionals on staff that help them get the most out of it," says Jeremy Fass, Executive Vice President of AVF Consulting.

The company is also looking to expand staff as it develops these new projects. AVF has just added new staff to focus on its newest division - - outsourced accounting services. They're also looking for nonprofit and retail implementation consultants.

"We're hiring and growing, very selectively," Fass says. "We're focused on hiring and retaining professionals who understand how to create solutions to people's problems."

The company recently started work on a solutions study with the American Psychiatric Association to explore possibly implementing new software. The project is in the early planning phases, as the two organizations explore the feasibility of the budget and requirements.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Jeremy Fass, AVF Consulting, Inc.

Computer training firm Bit BY Bit has grown from from one entrepreneur's idea to a thriving company in downtown Hampden. Founder Kimberly Branch is using her company's success as an opportunity to give back to the community by providing computers to disadvantaged families in Baltimore.

"In providing training, I realized that a lot of people don't have computers in the home. How can they retain what they are learning or even keep pace with the rest of society with out access to technology?" Brand says.

"I ask clients, friends, family, anyone that I can think of for donations. I take the donations and refurbish them. Then I donate them to my students who need computers."

Branch's desire to use her company to help those in need was inspired by her own experiences. While receiving public assistance in the 1990's, Branch participated in a program offered through the Department of Housing and Urban Development that encouraged residents of public housing to take entrepreneurship and business training classes offered by The Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore. Her experiences in the program encouraged her to both open her business and give back to the community.

"I started working with Housing clients and others who are considered to be a part of the 'economically disadvantaged' population, [and] I realized that people needed to see a real person who had come from where they are. A person who had a desire to make a change and despite the 'Nay Sayers' to take steps to do so," she says.

Bit BY Bit is continuing to grow with the changing technology market. The company is increasing its network and database security programs to meet increased demand for those services.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Kimberly Branch, Bit BY Bit Computer Training

Oculis Labs in Hunt Valley, developers of information security technologies, has been recognized by two major organizations as a leader in innovation. The company was listed in April by fundedIDEAS as one of its "Top 300 Startups". The company was also honored in May at the TEDCO ICE Awards with the Innovation award.

Oculis Labs offers two information security products. Privateeye, designed for general use in offices where information may need to be kept confidential, uses facial recognition screen lock technology to keep documents secure to a machine's registered user. It can be used on laptops and desktops, and uses the computer's camera to establish the identity of acceptable readers for a protected document. When an unauthorized person comes into the camera's view, the screen blurs to protect the information. Privateeye can be used to protect confidential information by health clinics, financial institutions, or in other industries where confidentiality is a concern.

"This takes the user out of the security equation. It's very effective with proprietary and personal data," says Oculis Labs CEO Bill Anderson.

Chameleon, Oculis' most advanced security tool, is designed for use by people working with highly sensitive documents, especially in the intelligence and military sectors. The technology works similarly to the Privateeye program, but provides a few additional safety features. Using a special plug-in box for each machine, Chameleon tracks the gaze of the person reading the document, and scrambles the information ahead and behind the reader's view, allowing only what the registered user is looking at currently to be readable. Nonsense words appear in place of the protected data.

"We protect the last 2 feet of the internet," Anderson says. "There's security available for the rest of it, but this protects your data once it hits your screen."


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Bill Anderson, Oculis Labs

Baltimore tech industry pioneer System Source in Hunt Valley is moving into a post-recession growth phase. The company is expanding operations and hiring new personnel to meet the area's rising demand for remote office management, IT training, and teleconferencing.

"In 30 years, we've lived through four recessions," says System Source President Maury Weinstein. "You have to reinvent yourself."

Opened in 1981, System Source has grown with Baltimore's tech industry. The company's newest focus is on remote managed service for small companies that can't necessarily afford to staff their own full-service IT department. System Source offers clients the opportunity to have a remote IT department that can handle their servers and equipment. The company is also expanding its portfolio of services with updated videoconferencing.

"With the price of gas, video conferencing really makes sense. For a business in Baltimore, driving to see a client nearby might not even be as economical," Weinstein continues.

System Source recently opened its 15th Learning Center classroom in Havre de Grace. The opening of this new facility is directly tied to the training opportunities created by BRAC. As more defense contracting and other BRAC-related jobs open in the area, job seekers and existing employees will need new certifications and applications training.

In response to this expansion of operations, System Source is looking to grow its team. The company is currently looking to fill 5 openings. System Source is looking for tech teachers for the Learning Centers, and sales support staff in the company's home office in Hunt Valley.

"We've seen explosive growth in some technologies," Weinstein says. "We're gearing up for something new."


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: System Source, Chris Riley and Maury Weinstein