Charles Kao, who is often referred as father of fiber-optic communications for his work in the 1960s fiber optics has won a share of this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics. Kao’s discovered in 1966 how to transmit light over long distances using ultrapure optical glass fibers, which enabled such transmissions to reach 62 miles vs. the mere 65 under the previous technologies hampered by impurities. The first ultrapure fiber was produced in 1970.

Kao, was formally honored by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden "for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication. Kao shares the award with Willard Boyle and George Smith, who invented imaging technology using a digital sensor dubbed a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device). The good old boys from Bell Labs brought us many breakthroughs, like the transistor, the laser, and more.

Coppers Last Stand?

The CCD is the basis for the technology in digital photography. Digital cameras have crushed the film based photography business. Many experts predict that the fiber-optic cabling is already on the way to giving the same devastating fate for copper-based communications cabling.

DuPont Co. exposed workers in Argentina to asbestos until the late 1990s despite knowing the risks of the material, according to three lawsuits filed Wednesday in Delaware.

The lawsuits came from former workers at a Lycra spandex plant in Mercedes, Argentina, that was part of DuPont until the sale of its textile unit in 2004.

Follow this link for the full article

Counterfeit Electrical Products Destroy Lives, Property and Your Business

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=138006&sessionid=1
&key=E01B45E8CB68245DD6DE048E65365031&sourcepage=register

Counterfeit electrical products are a $20 billion per year crime, and it's growing every day. Protect the lives of your workers and customers, and avoid serious liability to your business. Learn more about how it affects you and what to do about it.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 12:00 noon Eastern Daylight Time

Join ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR and TED magazines as we host a free, one-hour Web seminar to help you better understand the scope of the problem and how to cope with this growing industry crime. It costs lives and causes property damage, and your liability can destroy your business. John W. Maisel, publisher of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, will moderate the Webinar. A panel of experts from the electrical industry industry, UL, NEMA and the legal profession will discuss who's involved, how it affects you, what you can do and much more.

www.ecmag.com

Megladon Manufacturing Is Added to Corning® Cable Systems' Cable Assembly House (CAH) Program

Austin, Texas, March 26, 2009 - Megladon Manufacturing Group announced today acceptance into Corning Cable Systems' Cable Assembly House (CAH) Program. A new product family is now available for immediate shipment that includes Megladon's HLC SCRATCHGUARD™ termination technology and Corning Cable Systems' fiber optic components. This will provide the industry with a scratch resistant mating surface assembly manufactured with the most widely accepted fiber optic connectors and jacketed premise/trunk cable.

"We are excited about utilizing Corning Cable Systems fiber optic components for several of our product families", stated John Culbert, President and Partner at Megladon. He continued "We know our patented HLC technology and termination experience coupled with Corning's products and support will give our customers a powerful solution. We are also located in a geographic area that can support Corning's customers with quick-turn availability of finished assemblies".

Corning Cable Systems LLC, part of Corning Incorporated's (NYSE:GLW) Telecommunications segment, continues to demonstrate its leadership and innovation in local area network (LAN) and data center solutions. www.corning.com/cablesystems

Megladon Mfg. Scratch Guard™ Fiber Optic test & patch cables and Fluke Networks combined to deliver a powerful and durable testing system solution for the Fluke Networks amazing DTX CableAnalyzer™.

Incredible but true: Test results showed that over 1000 insertions of the Megladon Scratch Guard™ Fiber Optic test cables used on the Fluke Networks amazing DTX CableAnalyzer™ showed virtually no degradation or scratching. www.megladonmfg.com www.flukenetworks.com

About Megladon Manufacturing
Megladon Manufacturing Group Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd.®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company's website at www.megladonmfg.com or respond by email to scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

About Corning Incorporated
Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology. Corning cabling Systems continues a healthy growth during these exceptional times.

Austin, Texas, February 16, 2009 -Megladon issued a new product release of standard LGX Fiber Distribution Panels to compliment its HLC® SCRATCHGUARD™ patch cords and trunk cables. Also in the new product line is a full suite of cable management products including fanning panels, storage and combination shelves.

By incorporating HLC SCRATCHGUARD patch cords and trunk cables into the distribution product line, Megladon is able to deliver the most robust turnkey solutions of any company in the marketplace. These solutions can be shipped pre-tested and pre-populated for installation time-savings and increased network performance. Megladon has experience in making complex fiber networks simple, and the versatile LGX Fiber Distribution System products create value within our customer's networks.

"The addition of fiber distribution products is exciting and allows Megladon to diversify our product portfolio. Being able to offer turnkey solutions with our HLC cables assemblies increases our value to the marketplace", stated Daniel Hogberg, Product Group Manager at Megladon. He continued, "A mated pair of matched HLC connectors at the distribution panel provides the highest level of performance in a fiber optic network."

Why is the ScratchGuard™ technology a big value in this new product? This patented new technology really delivers Durability and Dependability. For example we found out that the ScratchGuard technology has already made a big impact on portable fiber optic testing performance. Incredible but true: Test results showed that over 1000 insertions of the Megladon Scratch Guard™ Fiber Optic test cables used on the Fluke Networks amazing DTX CableAnalyzer™ showed virtually no degradation or scratching. www.megladonmfg.com www.flukenetworks.com

Richard Brammer, Special Projects Manager for Communication Planning Corporation (a communications contractor based in Jacksonville, FL), told us that this new product has added a significant boost to the value of CPC's solutions package. "We really save time and deliver a better installation with the Megladon LGX Fiber Distribution System products. Any reconfiguration is easier for field technicians." The Megladon product line supports the technician with terminations, connections, splices and convenient access within fiber optic networks. www.communicationplanning.com

Megladon Manufacturing Group Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd.®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company's website at www.megladonmfg.com or respond by email to scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

Tampa, Fla., January 30, 2009- Events surrounding the 2009 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition have officially concluded after a full two weeks of BICSI courses, credentialing exams, educational presentations, exhibits and valuable networking opportunities.

The conference hosted more than 4,800 attendees. In addition to the more than 1,600 registered information transport systems (ITS) professionals, there were 1,888 one-day passes purchased onsite for those who were focused on seeing the new ITS products and solutions that were debuting at the conference.

"We have a fresh start going into 2009," said Edward Donelan, RCDD, NTS, TLT, BICSI President. "The results coming out of this conference support the fact that the ITS industry is strong and will continue to flourish."

The closing general session on Thursday, January 22, opened with two technical presentations. Alfred Flores, RCDD, with Berk-Tek, talked about the next generation solution for networking environments in the program "40/100 Gb Ethernet Over Multimode Optical Fiber, Planning for Infrastructure Readiness." He was followed by Todd Fries, with HellermanTyton, who presented the audience with an advanced look at what is being proposed for the new TIA-606-B labeling standard.

Despite uncertain economic times, the BICSI Reception and Exhibits drew healthy crowds each evening. "It really didn't matter about the quantity, it was more about the quality of the people that stopped and visited our booth," said Crystal DeSiena, with Tyco Electronics AMP NETCONNECT. "We are rather happy with the business leads."

Eric Sadler, with Porta Systems Corp. in Syosset, New York adds, "BICSI events are always great venues for quality networking and this was a very productive show for us."

Finishing out the conference, closing keynote speaker Lou Holtz shared his inspirational, and oftentimes hilarious, life stories as a college football coach, a husband and a father.

Touching on a theme President Obama expressed in his inaugural address, Holtz urged the audience to think about the attitude they present in difficult situations. "We're all going to get knocked down from time to time, that's life, but when you're down, you can stay down or you can choose to pick yourself up." he stated. "You still have the chance to succeed even if others don't believe in you, but if you stop believing in yourself, then you have no chance to succeed."

The ITS industry will carry forward and venture on to the beautiful Inner Harbor of Baltimore in May for the 2009 BICSI Spring Conference & Exhibition.

BICSI by the numbers
Total attendees: 4,898
Total professional attendees: 1,637
Total exhibiting companies/exhibitors: 175 companies with 987 representatives
Total guests: 386
Total Exhibit Hall one-day passes: 1,888
Pre-conference seminars attendance: 910
First-time attendees at a BICSI Conference: 90

###

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data and video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 25,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 140 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

Contact: Tom Damico, tdamico@bicsi.org, or Maarja Kolberg, mkolberg@bicsi.org, +1 813.979.1991

BICSI started the year off with one of the best conferences in years. If you missed it, you missed a great opportunity to find new goodies to build and maintain your business. www.bicsi.org

Despite tough economic times, professionals in the information transport systems (ITS) industry continue to recognize the importance of continuing education and staying abreast of new technology and business solutions showcased at a BICSI Winter (Jan. 2009) Conference & Exhibition in Orlando. More than 1,637 registered professionals attended at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. At the close of Thursday's BICSI meetings, Receptions and Exhibits, more than 4898 participants passed through the doors to visit more than 175 exhibiting companies.

Siemon new hot Z-MAX RJ45 connector - introduced by Carl, John & CK Siemon
http://www.siemon.com/us/white_papers/09-01-13-reinventing-the-rj-45-for-tomorrows-network.asp

In a revolutionary move, Siemon has completely overhauled the internal functionality of the RJ-style modular plug and outlet. Newly patented and patent pending techniques virtually eliminate plug and outlet termination variability, optimize mated performance, and prescribe the use of complete and focused corrective compensation circuitry that result in a connections system that exhibits unprecedented transmission headroom and mechanical reliability. These revolutionary enhancements are incorporated into Siemon's new Z-MAX family of category 6A connecting hardware and patching solutions.

The Siemon Company booth was "busier than a one-armed paper hanger in a wind storm". There were a host of new offerings with more value and headroom performance than their competitor can deliver.

Plus: Valerie Rybinski Maguire of The Siemon Company received the well-deserved BICSI Harry Pfister Annual Award. Her acceptance speech recognized the company's support and commitment to quality. www.siemon.com

Siemon's new Z-MAX family of category 6A connecting hardware and patching solutions.
Where can you buy this hot new cabling solution? CSC - Communications Supply Corporation

NETWORK CONVERGENCE
One Distributor. Everything Infrastructure.

Founded in 1972, Communications Supply Corporation is a leading distributor of low voltage network infrastructure and industrial wire and cable products. Through a network of 32 branch offices, CSC distributes a full range of products to support advanced connectivity for voice and data communications, access control, security surveillance, building automation, video distribution, life safety broadcast systems and electrical construction and manufacturing for commercial, residential and government customers.

CSC is recognized for delivering measurable value and outstanding support to its customers and suppliers alike. Vast application expertise makes CSC an unbiased knowledge resource for product information, documentation and training. www.gocsc.com

Megladon Mfg. Scratch Guard™ Fiber Optic test & patch cables and Fluke Networks combined to deliver a powerful and durable testing system solution. www.flukenetworks.com   www.megladonmfg.com

Fluke Networks amazing DTX CableAnalyzer™
Incredible but true: Test results showed that over 1000 insertions of the Megladon Scratch Guard™ Fiber Optic test cables used on the Fluke Networks amazing DTX CableAnalyzer™ showed virtually no degradation or scratching. www.megladonmfg.com   www.flukenetworks.com

EZMOUNT shelf - a real find for functionality and convenience.

We overheard an interesting discussion in the Exhibit Hall at the January conference. A contractor attending the BICSI annual conference in Orlando was talking with Bob Laukonis of iNNOdata, and was complimenting him and thanking him for the EZ Mount Network Shelf. He told Bob he searched diligently and finally found this great product about 6 months ago. His company has been using it on CISCO Systems UC500 installs, as he is a Cisco partner. www.cisco.com The shelf is perfect for the set up of the product, and his guys love the simplicity and ruggedness of the shelf. Internally inside his company they refer to it as the "Cool Rack", cool referring to the sleek, sturdy design and affordable price. The contractor said that they were sorry they didn't some across it sooner. Bob Laukonis asked where he found the shelf, and he simply said "Google. It's where you can find everything". He finished up the discussion by telling Bob to keep up the great work. www.ezmt.com

What's next? The NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Annual Conference & Exhibition.

Mark your calendars for NECA's Annual Conference & Exhibition.
NECA Convention and Trade Show - Sep 13, 2009 - Sep 15, 2009 in Seattle, WA. This event rivals BICSI and has a host of different buyers with very substantial budgets. The Electrical Contractor is definitely in the IBS business.

Integrated Building Systems included: Power - Communications - Control -Security - Life Safety systems plus wireless backbone infrastructure. Change is happening in their world. www.necanet.org

"September 12-15, 2009 - Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Plan to attend the NECA Convention and NECA Show in the Emerald City on September 12-15, 2009. Bring your key staff with you. Budget to bring your key people and educate your staff in today's electrical industry. NECA promises to give you the educational tools that you need to effectively compete in this work environment." http://www.necanet.org/meetings/

The Board of Directors for BICSI, the professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, has announced the appointment of John D. Clark Jr., CAE, as the Executive Director/CEO effective September 22.

After a thorough search of many qualified candidates and months of careful deliberation, BICSI’s Executive Director Search Committee elected to appoint the hybrid professional based on his broad knowledge and unique credentials.

Clark joins BICSI as a highly experienced Certified Association Executive (CAE) and telecommunications industry executive, most recently serving as President/CEO for the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE).

“I’ve been well aware for several years of the great work being done by BICSI,” stated Clark. “Career-wise I have two loves—telecommunications and association management. The BICSI Executive Director/CEO opportunity allows me to blend these two on a global stage.”

The Board’s decision directly correlates with BICSI’s new strategic direction to advance the knowledge and success of BICSI’s membership, their customers and the ITS industry.

“Mr. Clark will lead BICSI into the future providing leadership, experience and clear vision to implement the BICSI Strategic Plan, BICSI NxtGEN Business Plan, Association Outreach Mission, as well our goal to increase membership value, and provide exceptional customer service to the ITS communities around the globe,” said BICSI President, Edward J. Donelan, RCDD, NTS, TLT.

The extensive and thorough search by the committee was led by Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, BICSI President-Elect and Committee Chair; Ronda VanGundy, Human Resources Manager; Russ Oliver, RCDD, NTS, BICSI Past President; Jerry Bowman, RCDD, NTS, BICSI U.S. North-Central Region Director; and Ed Donelan.

Clark is a former marketing executive with more than 28 years of experience in the cable and telecommunications industries and holds an MBA from The University of Maryland. He brings a wealth of resources and contacts to the position that will be invaluable in driving the focus of BICSI in both the national and international forums.

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data and video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 25,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 140 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

ACUTA Offering Hurricane Preparation

Checklist to All Colleges and Universities

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, June 11, 2008 – Just in time for the beginning of the 2008 hurricane season, ACUTA, the Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is making available a communications- and networking-focused hurricane preparation checklist to all higher education institutions.

The 13-page document covers a broad range of pre-storm and post-storm activities and considerations, tailored to the needs of the college and university information communications technology personnel who make up ACUTA’s membership. ACUTA is the only international association dedicated to serving the needs of higher education information communications technology professionals. It represents nearly 2,000 individuals at some 780 institutions.

The checklist can be accessed by both ACUTA members and non-members through the ACUTA website (www.acuta.org), specifically at this URL: www.acuta.org/?2026 or by searching for “hurricane checklist.”

“Colleges and universities play an important role in disaster preparedness and recovery for both their campus constituencies and their communities in general,” said Dr. Walt Magnussen of Texas A&M University, president of ACUTA. “In the event of a major disaster such as a hurricane, these schools often provide emergency medical care, temporary shelter, communication services, and a variety of other functions in addition to providing for the safety of life and property on campus.”

Magnussen added, “I can’t overemphasize the importance of maintaining communication services to a campus community during an emergency situation.”

In the wake of the devastation wrought by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, ACUTA began working closely with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), a technical planning and standards development organization, and its Network Reliability Steering Committee. As a result, ACUTA adapted a master ATIS checklist to the specific needs of information communications technology professionals at colleges and universities.

The checklist covers areas such as emergency facilities and lodging, creation of contact lists, physical power and fuel, staffing, computer and network services, damage assessments and other post-storm activities, and training.

“One major advantage of the hurricane preparation checklist is that it covers very extensively the basic considerations, and schools can build on those to add specific activities and preparations of their own,” said Jeri Semer, executive director of ACUTA. “Our goal in preparing this checklist is to do what we can to help our members and others contribute to the health and safety of everyone on campus.”

About ACUTA
ACUTA, the Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is an international non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities. Its core purpose is to support higher education information communications technology professionals in contributing to the achievement of the strategic mission of their institutions. ACUTA represents nearly 2000 individuals at some 780 institutions of higher education, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the 50 largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA’s Corporate Affiliate members represent all categories of communications technology vendors serving the college/university market. For more information, visit www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

Contacts:
Pat Scott, ACUTA, 859-278-3338, ext. 221, or pscott@acuta.org
Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR, 972-889-9577 or kevin@duxpr.com

Tuesday, October 11, 2007

Now Hiring

Telephone System Technician.
Familiar with Northern Telecom MICS, CICS, etc. Experience with voice and data cabling. Background and References checked. Drug test required. Fax resume to 904-645-9058, or click below to apply with posted resume or apply via email.

Cabling Installers - Voice/ Data/Video
Cabling Installers - Voice/ Data/Video
Experience with CAT5E and CAT6 copper UTP
Including termination and testing.
Fiber Optic Cable installation experience is a plus.

Northeast Florida area. Typically Mon-Friday, some evenings and weekends. Competitive hourly wages based on experience and performance.


COMMUNICATION PLANNING CORPORATION

SERVING NORTH FLORIDA SINCE 1980

4949 SUNBEAM ROAD SUITE 16
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32257

TEL. 904-645-9077
ASK FOR FRANK BISBEE OR MICHELLE GILLEO

FAX 904-645-9058

INFO@COMMUNICATIONPLANNING.COM
WWW.COMMUNICATIONPLANNING.COM

The Southeast Is Sizzling

The communications marketplace is energized. We saw major signs of increased business throughout the SE beginning in April and reaching fever pitch during June.

Part of this increase may be due to the migration of people and businesses from other sections of the US. We surveyed various contractors and distributors to confirm our finding of this business growth pattern.

Graybar, CSC, and Rexel reported similar surges in sales. Michael Shannahan, Vice President - Communication Planning Corporation (a communications contractor based in Jacksonville, FL) said, “Due to increased demand and higher sales, we are increasing our capabilities. We have added technicians, new vehicles, upgraded test equipment and, for projects, the new Beast III Cabling System.” Shannahan commented, “We’ve also added Fluke Networks DTX 1800 test equipment and a certification process. Now, we are expanding our capabilities on the fiber optics cabling solutions with training by the Light Brigade.”

Michelle Gilleo, VP Operation - CPC, also added, “Our old-fashioned customer service is a powerful tool to capture and keep our customer base. We treat our customers with TLC and we try to respond faster than the fire department.” www.communicationplanning.com

http://www.wireville.com/hots/hotsjuly06.html#52

New Service For Abandoned Cable Requirements - Communication Planning Corporation (www.communicationplanning.com), Jacksonville FL, is pleased to announce the addition of Abandoned Cable Removal Services. With the focus on safety in the workplace and the changes in the building safety codes and standards staying in compliance can be expensive and confusing. CPC's service has been designed to help building owners and tenants navigate through the process.

SAFETY IS TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), states that approximately 60 billion feet of communications cabling has been installed in the United States.

Nearly 4,000 people died in U.S. fires in 2004. Toxic gasses or smoke caused almost 80% of those deaths. In all, 17,785 people were injured in fire situations during 2004. That number may be under reported because the symptoms from some toxic gasses may not appear for many hours after the exposure. www.nfpa.org

Communication Planning Corporation believes a significant percentage of communications cabling has been abandoned in buildings and represents a large potential fire hazard and a dangerous source of toxic gasses in a fire scenario.

Communication Planning Corporation's Abandoned Cable Removal Services will provide assessment services for identification of abandoned cable in office buildings, and connections with local contractors to handle the required removal to comply with the code as approved by the local authority having jurisdiction. This packaged offering is available to building owners, property managers, tenants, and corporate network engineers. This recommended abatement is based on concern over the accumulated build-up of combustible and toxic materials in the abandoned cable.

Communication Planning Corporation's Abandoned Cable Removal Services are delivered through professional cable inventory specialists, local contractors, referred by Communication Planning Corporation through its contacts at NECA, BICSI, BOMA, and CABA.

Contact: Frank Bisbee, President
Communication Planning Corporation
4949 Sunbeam Road Suite #16
Jacksonville, FL 32257

Tel: 904-645-9077
Fax: 904-645-9058
Email: frank@communicationplanning.com