PEAK noted by Symbol Technologies

Columbia-based PEAK Technologies Inc., an international systems integrator of automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) equipment and systems, received Exceptional Sales Achievement and Top Revenue Producer Global Partner Awards from Symbol Technologies, Inc Symbol makes enterprise mobility products.

CPA exam goes high-tech

Baltimore computer-based testing company Prometric is developing the first computer-based CPA exam, and Loyola College's Sellinger School of Business and Management will serve as a pre-test site for the new exam later this fall.

Several other professional exams, such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), have gone computer-based in recent years. The accounting industry's major professional bodies are overseeing the changes in the CPA exam.

Industry officials said that by going computerized, the CPA exam can reflect the changing nature of the accounting profession such as an increased need for research and communication skills.

The computerized exam places greater emphasis on applying accounting principles to real-world problems. Simulations, which comprise about 20 percent of the test, include the use of spreadsheets and word processing software.

Philly VC target Baltimore biotechs

A Philadelphia-based venture capital firm that invests in bioscience companies is nearing its first deal with a Maryland firm and may open a Baltimore office to better spot promising startups in the region.

Quaker BioVentures Inc. closed a $180 million fund, its first, in February and has been aggressively scouting bioscience companies from New York to North Carolina developing therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices and information technology tools.

Baltimore business leaders hope Quaker BioVentures' interest not only opens a new source of capital for entrepreneurs but also helps build momentum behind two bioscience research parks planned for the city.

Metastorm lands Blue Rhino contract

A leading player in the propane gas industry is turning to business process management software, provided by a Columbia company, as part of a strategy to automate its business with information technology.

Metastorm has landed publicly held Blue Rhino Corp., a leading propane fuel products company, as a customer. Blue Rhino, traded on the Nasdaq and based in Winston-Salem, N.C., will use Metastorm's software to track and streamline ordering and inventory of its fuel and cylinders as well as manage its financial reporting accuracy to maintain compliance with the federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Group1 wraps up Sagent buy

After being twice delayed by shareholders, Lanham-based Group1 Software has completed its acquisition of data integration firm Sagent.

The acquisition expands Group1's integration and customer relationship management offerings and gives it access to more customers. California-based Sagent has distribution operations in 20 countries, including Japan, China and South Africa.

OAO wants foreign aid for expansion

OAO Technology Solutions has formed a European advisory board that will help guide the company's European market expansion.

OAO Technology, a Greenbelt company that offers managed IT products, said the board members' relationships with experts worldwide will help expand its client base.

Steelcloud wins software contract

Dulles, Va.-based SteelCloud says it has received a $400,000 contract from the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide software services to VA Medical Centers in Maryland, Virginia and the District.

SteelCloud will provide consulting and support services and install Network Associates help desk and management software. It will also provide VA workers with training on the new systems.

SteelCloud, which specializes in antivirus and intrusion detection systems, broke even last quarter as it spent more money developing new security products. Sales rose 28 percent to $8.2 million.

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