Willard installs high-tech minibars
Bartech Systems International of Millersville, Md. has installed a wireless minibar network at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, connecting all 341 rooms. Each minibar is given an Internet protocol address, allowing it to communicate with Bartech's refreshment center to provide real-time information on food and beverage inventory. Each fridge is equipped with sensors so that anytime a guest removes an item, the transaction is transmitted to the hotel's property management system. If the item is replaced within a certain time the sale is not recorded, although hotel staff is notified to ensure there is no tampering.
Telkonet tests high-speed network in Chicago
Annapolis-based Telkonet Inc. is jointly conducting a field trial with the Chicago Housing Authority to see if its powerline networking system can be deployed to bring high-speed Internet access to that city's public housing residents. Telkonet is working with information technology company Anteon Corp., based in Fairfax, on the project, one component of the Chicago Housing Authority's multibillion-dollar modernization program for 25,000 apartments.
Telkonet develops what it calls powerline communications tools, patent-pending technology enabling high-speed Internet connectivity over existing electrical wiring. The wiring becomes a backbone for a local area network, and a gateway directs data to various modems, which users plug into electrical outlets to access the Web from an Internet service provider.
SourceFire gains funding
Columbia-based network security company Sourcefire s closed a $15 million Series C venture funding round that will enable it to expand product development and boost sales and marketing. The moves mean Sourcefire will also add jobs this year. The three-year-old company expects to add 35 positions by the end of the third quarter. Much of Sourcefire's work will be spent expanding its RNA product, which the company began selling in November and which already has about 70 customers. RNA stands for Real-time Network Awareness, and the product monitors companies' networks for security breaches and other malicious behavior. Sourcefire executives envision extending RNA from the network to specific devices. For example, if a consultant hired by a Sourcefire client was running an outdated operating system on a laptop accessing its network, Sourcefire's tools would alert the company's network administrator of possible security non-compliance. Sourcefire, which employs 85, did well in excess of $10 million in revenues last year and has about 300 customers.
Nextel tests broadband service
D.C.-based Nextel Communications began testing a wireless broadband service in February. The company says it will run the trial in Raleigh-Durham using technology supplied by Flarion Technologies, which it says could let users reach wireless data speeds 50 times faster than a dial up Internet connection, and on par with wired DSL service. Those taking part in the trial will include selected Nextel customers from companies that include Cisco, Nortel and IBM.
The wireless broadband test in Raleigh-Durham will last a minimum of six months, and Nextel says it will have no material impact on financial results this year. Cisco and Nortel are both providing infrastructure support as part of the trial. The company did not say what such a service, if ever deployed to its subscribers, would cost.
Absolute Quality adding jobs, space
Hunt Valley-based technical support services company Absolute Quality plans on adding new space and employees this year after a 2003 that saw its revenues increase to $11.1 million. The company attributed the jump to an increased emphasis among businesses on providing the type of tech support that cultivates repeat customers rather than frustrated consumers. Absolute Quality added 165 staffers last year. Muirhead said the company will look to add to its 35,000 square feet of space by mid-year.
Got a local news story? Let us know about it. Send your local news to dan@computeruser.com.
