Gyricon updates SyncroSign

Ann Arbor-based Gyricon introduced a new version of its SyncroSign Message Board, as well as an updated version of the current product line.

The message boards are electronic information-display units used for agendas, announcements, schedules or event information. The message boards are customized and controlled by a wireless or wired network.

The new V series hits the market with Ethernet connection. The E series, developed in December 2003, has been updated with Ethernet connection.

Walsh site addresses Internet safety

Walsh College in Troy unveiled a Web site to help students search safely on the Internet.

The Walsh College Kindergarten-12th Grade Cyber Awareness Web site can be found at http://iacmembers.walshcollege.edu:8080.

The site's information is targeted to educate children, their parents and teachers on the potential dangers that exist on the Internet and how to deal with them.

The site was developed by three students graduating from Walsh's information assurance program.

Meyers new GlimaWest President

Jeff Meyers was named president of GlimaWest in Grand Rapids by the association's board of directors.

GlimaWest supports and promotes the development of the interactive and technology industries in West Michigan with educational and networking opportunities for its individual and corporate members.

Meyers replaced Darren Brown of Arivium Inc. in Rockford, a management and consulting firm. Brown remains on the board of directors as chairman.

Meyers is a senior applications engineer at Grand Rapids-based furniture maker Steelcase Inc.

New World Systems gains contracts

Troy-based New World Systems Inc. recently won contracts worth more than $5 million.

New World makes software used in the public sector, including programs to manage public-safety departments.

The largest contract, worth $3.3 million, was with Gaston County, N.C. New World will provide its Aegis/MSP Public Safety software and services. The software will be used by the Gaston County Sheriff's Department, Gaston County Police, Gastonia City Police, Gastonia City Fire, and various other emergency-related departments.

A second contract worth $1.5 million was signed by Dutchess County, N.Y. New World's software will replace an old mainframe system in use since the 1970s to manage the county.

A third contract worth $700,000 was signed by Michigan's Shared Information Network Consortium.

State redesigns Web site

The Michigan Department of Information Technology recently unveiled a redesigned Michigan.gov Web site

The site's front page offers top stories of the day in Michigan government. Links to all of the state Web sites, including Legislature and courts, are also provided.

The site is at www.michigan.gov/dit.

Farmington Hills company announces name change

Farmington Hills-based Pro Graphics Document Solutions Inc. changed its name to Data Resources to reflect new technology services it now offers.

Data Resources has a new e-commerce system that allows customers to order and manage all of their business documents, marketing materials and promotional products from the company's secure online site.

The firm also handles business forms, brochures, direct-mail and advertising.

Bantel named new Cyber-state.org president

Karen Bantel was named president of Cyber-state.org, replacing founder Katherine Willis.

Part of the Ann Arbor-based nonprofit Altarum Institute, Cyber-state is a nonpartisan information-technology policy research, analysis and advocacy organization.

Bantel is the former executive director of Michigan Entrepreneurs Education Network, an education initiative for Michigan technology entrepreneurs.

Cyber-state helps state and local government better understand how information and communication technologies can be used to improve the lives of Michigan citizens.

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