Matrics releases radio frequency product
Columbia-based Matrics released a device for reading radio frequency tags the company says will seamlessly interact with a variety of computer systems. The systems are meant to improve inventory-tracking systems and other facets of electronic commerce, the company says. Matrics' new device is its second-generation reader, which is undergoing additional product development and shipping to select customers. The readers collect, write, process and communicate information collected from the RFID tags. They are also designed for easy upgrades and will enable users to manage RFID systems internally or through a Web connection.
Maryland has fourth-strongest tech economy
Maryland has the fourth-strongest technology economy in the nation, according to a recent study. Massachusetts tops the list compiled by the Milken Institute, a California-based think tank with particular expertise in assessing how public policy fosters entrepreneurship and activity in regional business centers. California came in second and Colorado third, while Virginia rounded out the top five. The report analyzed 75 indicators of technology strength to come up with its ranking of all 50 states.
CareFirst unveils Web page for senior drug plan
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and the Maryland Health Insurance Plan recently launched a new Web page for the state's prescription drug program for seniors. Visitors to www.seniordrugprogram.com can now get information about prescription drugs and can also enroll in the Senior Prescription Drug Program, which is now in its third year. The program is administered by CareFirst and operated by MHIP. More than 33,000 seniors are enrolled. The Web site includes the criteria for enrolling in the senior drug program, downloadable enrollment applications, frequently asked questions and answers and the program's preferred drug list. Users can also e-mail questions about the program or prescriptions.
Computerized CPA exam comes Baltimore
The new computerized Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination officially made its debut recently. Baltimore computer-based testing company Prometric developed the exam along with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Over the past year, the new computerized CPA exam went through several pre-tests, including one at Loyola College in the fall. CPA candidates can take the exam during four periods each year, instead of twice a year for the paper exam. Candidates also have the option of taking one section of the computerized exam at a time instead of a two-day battery of tests. Taking the exam by computer costs about $300 more. The first-time CPA exam previously cost about $275 in Maryland.
Aberdeen incubator brings in RTR Technologies
RTR Technologies LLC, which develops computer simulation models, has moved into the incubator at the Higher Education and Applied Technology Center in Aberdeen. The HEAT Center, as its known, is considered a critical element of Harford County's plans to expand its economic base with technology startups, particularly those doing homeland security work built around research at the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground. RTR's technology models management decisions within organizations, in areas ranging from budget analysis to personnel needs.
Metastorm, Xlipstream team up
Two Columbia technology companies are joining forces to help companies translate and store proprietary data into the XML computer language. Metastorm, which develops business process management software, will work to integrate XML-generation appliances made by Xlipstream Inc. into its products so that data can be converted to XML, then retrieved and deployed by Metastorm's software. XML (Extensible Markup Language) improves the functionality of Web-based applications by offering more flexible and adaptable ways to identify information.
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