While currently motivated by security concerns, noted CITA director Steve Peters, the long-term rise of electronic collaboration will also help to reduce time and money spent while increasing productivity. The forum will help to highlight options in teleconferencing through a panel of experts, real-time demonstrations and a technology showcase.
Also at the meeting CITA, in conjunction with the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council, will launch free Web conferencing services for any economic development organization in Arizona.
Taking place at the Doubletree Hotel on South Alvernon, this event is scheduled to take place from noon until 2 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. For more information contact Peters at 321-1309.
BestNet acquires funds
Tucson telecommunications provider BestNet Communications recently reached a financing agreement which could result in nearly $5.5 million in funds. The strategic agreement with the New York City equity Laurus Family of Funds will generate initial gross proceeds of $500,000 with the possibility of an additional $5 million over the next year. Laurus hopes this agreement will lead to a long-term investment opportunity.
BestNet will use the financing to further its marketing efforts. The company provides long-distance and teleconferencing services over the Internet for both desktop and handheld devices. For more information visit www.bestnetcall.com.
Vision7, DomainZoo team up
Vision7 Software signed on another local company, DomainZoo.com, as a venture technology partner late last month. Through the partnership, Vision7 will provide the Web-site registration company with registry software components, a company Web site and other business tools.
The partnership is expected to help DomainZoo.com keep up with changing Internet protocols. DomainZoo.com will keep its current Web site, which features domain name searches, online registrations, affiliate programs and other features and links, but Vision7 will expand and develop the site further.
Walbro updates Nogales facility
Updating its facility in Nogales, Tucson’s Walbro Engine Management added new surface mount electronics in order to increase ignition module capacity.
This added capacity will allow the company to meet growing demand for small engines by increasing circuitry density and increasing the sophistication of those circuits. The result is improved engine performance and better emissions management.
A unit of TI Automotive, Walbro also expects shorter manufacturing cycles, providing greater production flexibility.
More IT training from UOP
University of Phoenix is offering more IT training than ever before.
This year, the school is providing preparatory classes for Cisco network associate certifications in Tucson, Sierra Vista and Nogales. This training includes four classes which prepare students for the CCNA exam.
Tucson, Sierra Vista and Nogales also now have two certified Internet Webmaster programs available, which teach the fundamentals of the Internet and Web design followed by specialization in either administration or design.
Ephibian assists BLM
The Bureau of Land Management now has a centralized enterprise system and customized management applications for its 11,000-plus workstations thanks to a project recently completed by Tucson’s Ephibian. The new software provides the ability to view inventory and monitor distribution, technology for which Ephibian is now overseeing the deployment across 20 states.
