TechLife Columbus: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Toobla Pushing Social Bookmarking Into the Future?

(Ben's note: Toobla is a local Columbus startup please support them by checking them out and telling your friends about them - www.toobla.com )

Toobla Pushing Social Bookmarking Into the Future?

by Kristen Nicole on September 30, 2009

Toobla is a visual social bookmarking service that has launched its public beta today. After first debuting at the TechCrunch Demo Pit last year, and having spent the last few months beta testing, Toobla is ready to present itself to the world.
Even though it seems like yet another social link-sharing service, Toobla’s point of differentiation is the advanced social aspects of Toobla along with the interactive capabilities included for the content you’ve bookmarked. These are useful aspects of Toobla’s bookmarking service, as they present new dimensions to the ability of cataloging and organizing content you clip from across the web.
They’re also important because they incorporate many of the capabilities that are missing from similar bookmarking sites. While some offer the visual features that Toobla has, they may not offer the social sharing capabilities. To be fair, Toobla is very focused on the sharing capacity of social bookmarking, so the personal organization and synchronization features some may need will find tools better than Toobla.
Nevertheless, Toobla is going after a unique portion of the semantic web, looking to find a better way in which to experience the web. That means that the interactive aspects of Toobla are shifting the way in which users utilize browsers, websites, as well as organizing access to those websites. Coupled with the sharing features of Toobla, you now have a discovery engine for recommended web content as well as a visually organized and interactive web experience.
Twine is very similar in concept, in its ability to organize the web around personal and public needs. Both have a high focus on the sharing necessity of clipped web content. Along with other sites such as Evernote, it’s evident that there’s still an interest in finding a way to better organize the web.
While the hype around the semantic web trend has died down, especially in regards to sites such as Twine and Toobla, we are still seeing development around socially aware tools of this nature. We’re also seeing some development around browser-specific tools and new browsers all together, all of which look to find more effecient ways in which we comprehend and consume content on the web.
Time will determine the best way in which this can occur for the every day user. Other aspects of technological and social trends, such as increased mobile usage, will help to dtermine the winners and innovation leaders for these particular trends. In the meantime, sites like Toobla will help to push those trends forward and encourage development in this particular area of development.

Posted using ShareThis

TechLife midweek roundup - bundle up it's chilly out

Good morning everyone,

(Click through links for more info)

Student entrepreneurship is alive and kicking!!! - Did you know that there is a Business Builders Club at Ohio State to help groom our future entrepreneurs. They have meetings on Tuesday's at 7:30pm on campus. Last night's meeting was standing room only 80+ students - click here for more info and to sign up for their mailing list.

New tech focus - 5 companies, 5 minute demo, 5 minute Q&A - once/month - Would you or someone you know want to participate? Join our discussion and let us know if you're interested in participating.

Looking for new opportunities? - Post your resume and let us know what you're looking for

Recognize Innovators in Columbus - nominate someone for a TechColumbus Innovation award - click here for categories and more - nominations close 10/19

Creating Tech Jobs in Columbus - Tracewell Systems Announces IBM Technology Agreement

Tech Across Ohio - Check out other emerging tech companies in Ohio invested in by Jumpstart

Free Software - Announcing the WebsiteSpark Program

Open Position - Progressive Medical - Programmer Analyst - BI Group

This week's headlines:

Upcoming events:

Oct 2 - 4th Annual Nonprofit IT Conference - "Sustainability

through Technology"
Oct 1 - TechColumbus Campus Start-up Mixer
Oct 1 - Central Ohio Agile Alliance - Agile 2009 Retrospective
Oct 2 - Jelly Columbus @ Sandbox
Oct 8 - DEC presents...International Bootstrapper Association's Monthly Meeting
Oct 8 - DEC presents...Jelly @ The DEC
Oct 9 - Effectively Managing Changes in a Highly-Customized PeopleSoft Environment

Peace out,
Ben

On the fun side - Road to Roubaix, a truly unique film about one of cycling's most historic races

Click here for more info and to register

Join Columbus Collective for an EXCLUSIVE showing of Road to Roubaix, a truly unique film about one of cycling's most historic races. We'll meet in the parking lot next to Bodega and watch the film against the brick wall of a neighboring building, an urban viewing that matches the grit of the Paris-Roubaix race. We encourage everyone to bike to the event if possible. There will be plenty of space to store the bikes towards the back of the fenced lot.

About the film, Road To Roubaix:
Celebrating one of the most historically relevant races in the world, the film highlights rare interviews with current superstars, legends of the sport, mechanics, and fans lead the audience through the brutal, unpredictable landscape that elevates Paris-Roubaix to its epic status. Director of photography Patrick Reis and his team masterfully capture the beauty of the region through stunning panoramic views and footage of the race, riders, and the infamous cobblestones which serve as the star of the film. The film deftly weaves rare behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and a collection photographs—both contemporary and archival—that make Road To Roubaix an organic visual narrative that engages audiences from beginning to end. This is a rare look at Paris-Roubaix usually reserved for the sport's insiders.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Clean Energy Forum - Wed Oct 7 - 7pm

Click here for more info and to register

JOIN THE DISCUSSION WITH:
Representative Ted Celeste
Chairman, State House Alternative Energy Committee
Samantha Herd
District Director for Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy
Caleb Bell, Bricker and Eckler
Justin Milam, Upper Arlington City Planner
Wendy Patton, Policy Matters
Mary Flint, Community Affairs Manager, American Electric Power.
Introduction by Eric Zimmer of Tipping Point Energy

• How will federal and state legislation affect energy use in our community?
• Will clean energy really bring new high quality jobs?
• How do I get tax help to buy solar power for my home or business?
• What is AEP’s gridSMART program?

BATTELLE AND THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY TO INCREASE THEIR COLLABORATION

Central Ohio to benefit from heightened focus on science and community development

Columbus, OH—One of the world's leading independent research and development organizations and one of the world's premier research universities today announced a major step in expanding their collaboration on scientific research and community development efforts.

Battelle and The Ohio State University have established a joint appointment to lead the joint initiatives and strategy development between the two organizations. Blake Thompson, Ph.D., who has been named Vice President for the Battelle/Ohio State collaboration, will spearhead broad interactions between the two organizations in the areas of laboratory science and technology, economic development, and industrial relations.

"Our organizations have a long and proud history of working together to enhance the community and address some of the nation's most pressing issues," said Jeff Wadsworth, President and CEO of Battelle. "Blake's appointment represents another step toward our organizations devoting increased attention to a growing list of strategic projects and joint research/economic development ventures," Wadsworth added.

Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee agreed.

"Together, Ohio State and Battelle have unparalleled intellectual resources to bring to bear on issues central to the future of Ohio and this nation," said Gee. "Now more than ever, we are duty-bound to fulfill our shared, core purpose of improving lives. With Blake's leadership, we will strengthen and expand our partnership, enabling us to make meaningful and enduring advances—in scientific inquiry, in economic development, and in individual lives."

The two organizations already collaborate on a number of fronts.

•Recently, Ohio State announced Wadsworth will chair the newly-created OSU Medical Center board charged with enhancing strategic alignment between the Medical Center's five individual hospital boards as the university embarks on its largest medical expansion ever.

•Metro High School is a successful collaborative effort between Battelle, Ohio State and 16 Franklin County school districts to provide a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-focused high school and early college experience. Metro catalyzed a state-wide initiative that now consists of nine STEM schools.

•The Battelle Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy housed at Ohio State's John Glenn School of Public Affairs brings higher education together with leaders in K-12 education, business, technology and government to develop policies and practices that will increase the number of students prepared to become leaders in STEM fields.

•Battelle estimates that in the last decade it has provided approximately $88 million to Ohio State through fellowships, scholarships, research grants, and other contributions.

"I look forward to working as a part of these two outstanding institutions. Together, Battelle and Ohio State have unrivaled capabilities to address the nation's most pressing issues in energy, health care and other areas, while further enhancing this great community," Thompson said.

Prior to this appointment, Thompson served as Director of University Partnerships for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Department of Energy's largest science laboratory, and also worked as part of the University of Tennessee System administration. In these roles, he was responsible for the development and management of partnerships between leading academic and research institutions by creating new opportunities in research, educational outreach, economic development and technology transfer.

He formerly worked as deputy staff director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, and prior to that was Legislative Director to Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi. In both these roles he worked as a senior advisor on major federal research, development and construction related funding issues across the federal agencies.

Thompson received his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi. He holds an Executive Master's degree from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, as well as Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy.

As the world's largest independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world's most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management, National Security, Energy Technology, and Health and Life Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $5.2 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories which
Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and two international laboratories—a nuclear energy lab in the United Kingdom and a renewable energy lab in Malaysia.

Battelle also is one of the nation's leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science and math education.

The Ohio State University's main campus is America's largest and most comprehensive, with more than 53,000 students, 17 colleges and 240 masters', doctoral and professional degree programs and an annual operating budget of more than $4 billion. Ohio State's depth and excellence is complemented by a top-five academic medical center and a premier cancer center.

Ohio State consistently ranks as one of the nation's top research institutions, with $703 million in spending last year in areas that are critical to Ohio's ability to compete locally, nationally, and internationally. The university ranks second nationally in the amount of industry sponsored research it conducts. Ohio State has particular strength in areas such as global warming, cancer, infectious disease, advanced materials, and ag-bio products that feed and fuel the world.

Ohio State Buckeye Bullet 2 tops 300 mph

For the second time this week, Ohio State's Buckeye Bullet 2 team has exceeded the international speed record it set in 2007.

Late yesterday (9/25), the Bullet set an average speed of 302.877 mph, which is pending certification by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile before it can be called an official record.

The hydrogen fuel cell powered landspeed streamliner racer and its engineering student team made the record attempts in the Salt Flats in Utah this week. On Wednesday, the Bullet reached an average 299.91 mph, far surpassing the certified record of 132.129 mph the vehicle set in 2007.

The Bullet was required to make two speed runs, one each in opposite directions and within 60 minutes, in order to be considered for the record, which is officially determined by averaging the speed of the two runs.

The students overcame several obstacles on the way to today's highest speedometer reading, said Giorgio Rizzoni, director of Ohio State's Center for Automotive Research and adviser to the team.

"The skill level, ingenuity and resilience of this student group is unparalleled," he said. "Just last night they had a broken gearshift. They worked overnight to take the whole thing apart, and here they are now surpassing the 300 mph mark. It's just phenomenal."

"This record will hold for a long time," Rizzoni said. "I can't see who is going to take this away from us."

The vehicle, engineered by Ohio State students, is driven by professional racing driver Roger Schroer.

Youtube footage of the record-setting run is available here. HD footage of the run is available here: http://new.buckeyebullet.com/press-kit
Read about the team's week in Utah at its blog, http://blog.buckeyebullet.com/ .

An Ohio Story – Advanced Energy Company Finds the Perfect Balance in Ohio

From Ohio Means Business Blog

Jim Garrett is chief executive officer of Vadxx Energy, a privately owned company that produces oil and gas from petroleum-based liquid and solid wastes. Vadxx has offices in Bedford Heights and Akron, Ohio.

Vadxx Jim recently spoke to me about why he chose to start his advanced energy business in Ohio. He cites both professional – and personal reasons that led to his decision. With 25 years experience in the energy industry, Jim has worked in the oil, gas and utilities fields. During this time, he lived in a number of different cities – both small and large – across the country. He believes Ohio offers “a balanced blend of business opportunity with a very diverse, comfortable and affordable personal lifestyle” – the perfect work-life balance.

He also started Vadxx in Ohio because the state offers an exceptional pool of technically trained labor in advanced energy, as well as a number of regional economic development arms that help grow small companies like his own.

Jim’s story exemplifies the authenticity of the Ohio Promise – the promise you can achieve professional success within the context of a fulfilling life. Click here to read more about Jim’s story and how he achieves the perfect work-life balance in Ohio.

OSU Med Center joins trial of genetic-based, personalized care

Business First of Columbus

Ohio State University Medical Center is teaming up with a New Jersey research institute for a project that will give 2,000 patients in the area a detailed look at their genetic make-up that researchers hope could help reduce the risk of some diseases.

The medical center on Tuesday announced a partnership with the Camden, N.J.-based Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative. That initiative has a goal of mapping out genetic information for 100,000 people and providing disease risk assessments that can be used in health-care decision-making. The first, 10,000-patient phase of the project is roughly halfway complete and Ohio State will play a key role in reaching the 10,000 mark, said Dr. Clay Marsh, executive director of Ohio State’s Center for Personalized Health Care

Patients receive an assessment after supplying a saliva sample, which researchers probe for genetic attributes linked to common diseases, along with information about health, medication use and lifestyle. The collaborative then turns out a customized “risk report” with information on diseases whose risks can be limited by medication or lifestyle changes. The limited set of diseases the risk assessment screens include inherited forms of cancer along with diabetes and heart disease, Marsh said.

Ohio State’s participation in the project represents the first – and only – step outside of New Jersey for the effort, run by the Coriell Institute for Medical Research with the participation of nearby hospitals, health systems and Camden-area residents.

The university’s participation differs in its approach, however, because it’s putting a heavy focus not only on individuals looking to head off potential problems but on those who have them already, Marsh said. For ill patients, the genome study can shed light on how to better line up medication dosage and other treatments with a specific patient’s needs and identify other potential problems.

For patients with a clean bill of health or an existing illness, the research itself is key to the future of treatment as technology equips more patients with genetic information, Marsh said.

“The ultimate goal is to transform what we do today, which is reactive ... to becoming proactive,” he said.

Ohio State hasn’t drawn up a process for enrolling participants for the free assessment, but they’ll be culled from patients of practitioners and other specialists within the OSU health system, the third-largest in Central Ohio. Marsh said the school is looking to get the program up and running by the end of the year, adding that Ohio State could become a part of Coriell’s march from participants 10,001 to 100,000 depending on the progress of the first phase.

More information on the collaborative is available here.

Tech Across Ohio - Rolls-Royce Investment Accelerates Ohio's Fuel Cell Technology Economy

Fuel cell research division expansion to invest $3 million at North Canton testing center

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Rolls-Royce's announcement that it will expand its Ohio fuel cell research operations furthers the state's reputation as a national advanced energy leader in fuel cell technology, according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment. Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems will invest $3 million in processing and testing equipment to consolidate its research and development activities at its North American headquarters at Stark State College of Technology in North Canton.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071107/CLW113LOGO )
"The partnership with Rolls-Royce, Stark State and the state of Ohio demonstrates a commitment to accelerating Ohio's economy through continued growth in our high-growth industries and collaboration with our higher education institutions," said Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. "This type of investment is exactly what we need to create and expand business opportunities for Ohio companies and position our state as a leader in innovation and technology." Rolls-Royce's expansion is expected to create about 60 jobs and sustain 32 existing fuel cell technology jobs in Ohio.
More Rolls-Royce investment into fuel cell research at Stark State is a return on investment for Ohio, which has awarded $3.5 million to the company and invested $7.5 million at the college to help establish its fuel cell prototyping center. Rolls-Royce is developing utility-scale fuel cells at the North Canton site, with potential to launch production in 2012.
Over $75 million in Ohio grants have been invested in fuel cell R&D and manufacturing process improvements, demonstrations and commercialization projects since 2003 with a continuing state commitment to additional funding support. The Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, of which Rolls-Royce is a member, also supports the industry as a fuel cell commercialization advocate.
"Ohio's unique assets are what makes it the hub of the global fuel cell technology economy," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "It's one of the few places in the world where all phases of fuel cell development take place. And beyond advantages in supply chain and skilled work force, it's an ideal location for business investment with work:life balance for executives and their employees. Ohio's low-cost, low-stress communities and combination of micropolitan and metropolitan cities provides executives and employees the resources and time to make any ambition achievable. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."
About the Ohio Business Development Coalition
The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment. The OBDC provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information on business development or business relocation, visit www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.

Energy’s High-Tech Future: Insight from Accenture‏ - Free on line seminar

The Global Consulting Market:
Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
October 8, 2009 from 11:30 to 6:00 p.m. EST
Registration fee: WAIVED
http://events.unisfair.com/rt/consulting~symposium
---------------------------------------------------

In "Energy's High-Tech Future: SmartGridCity" - one of four critical sessions
featured at our October 8th online Virtual Symposium - Jeffrey Taft, Global
Smart Grid Chief Architect, Accenture will provide a sneak peak at the future
of energy.

Taft contends that we are entering a new era where clean energy will be at a
premium, networks will need to be flexible to the incorporation of new low-
carbon technologies and customers will demand greater insight and control over
their own consumption.

In this virtual presentation, Taft will highlight his groundbreaking work with
Xcel Energy to bring SmartGridCity to Boulder, Colorado - the nation's first
fully integrated smart grid community that will boast the largest and densest
concentration of these emerging technologies.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn the details behind the engagement
that constructed a community that combines traditional with cutting-edge
technology to modernize the energy grid and provide customers with the best
service possible.

Other sessions in "Consulting" magazine's Virtual Symposium include:
-IBM Client Case Study: How Analytics Will Fundamentally Change Consulting
-Tech Action Plan: Launching a Cloud Computing Practice
-The Rules of a Recovery: Benchmarking the Best Firms

Visit http://events.unisfair.com/rt/consulting~symposium for complete details
and to register today! And remember, this powerful online event is available at
no cost.

Presented by:
Consulting magazine
http://www.consultingmagazine.com/

Platinum Sponsor:
AVAYA
http://www.avaya.com/usa/

Silver Sponsors:
Epicor
http://www.epicor.com/
Novell
http://www.novell.com/

Monday, September 28, 2009

On the fun side - Night of 1001 Tacos

Tour of North Side Taco Trucks, for bikes, scooters or cars. Everyone welcome. Ride starts at 7pm. Donations requested for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Great cheap food and A MOVIE. 3 Amigos will be showing at Studio 35 at 11.30pm after the ride.

Start Time: Friday, October 9, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time: Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 1:30am
Location: Studio 35
Street: 3055 Indianola Ave
City/Town: Columbus, OH

Email: tacotruckscolumbus@live.com

IT Martini Hour 6 Wrap-up With PICS

Thank you Columbus for another rockin' IT Martini event! The pouring rain created an electric setting for over 500 IT Pros, who took shelter in Park Street Patio and The Social, then raised over $1500 for EdHeads and Groundwork Group.

You can read the wrap-up and see the pictures here. Stay tuned for the videos, and a very special announcement about the next IT Martini Hour!

IT Martini Hour 6: Fall Forward happened thanks to Top Shelf Sponsors Datacenter101 and GRIP Technology, two sponsors doing great things for YOUR IT Community.

John Bishop founded IT Martini with Aladin Gohar in 2008. His resume includes technology roles within companies such as JPMorgan Chase and AEP. John divides most of his time contributing to IT Martini, evangelizing the need for IT Community investment, and, of course, his full-time job (search). He would like to hear your feedback at john@itmartini. com.

Free software - Announcing the WebsiteSpark Program

From ScottGu's Blog http://bit.ly/DoeTp

Ben's note: I believe that TechColumbus is a partner in this program.

I’m excited to announce a new program – WebsiteSpark – that Microsoft is launching today.

WebsiteSpark is designed for independent web developers and web development companies that build web applications and web sites on behalf of others. It enables you to get software, support and business resources from Microsoft at no cost for three years, and enables you to expand your business and build great web solutions using ASP.NET, Silverlight, SharePoint and PHP, and the open source applications built on top of them.

What does the program provide?

WebSiteSpark provides software licenses that you can use for three years at no cost. Once enrolled, you can download and immediately use the following software from Microsoft:

3 licenses of Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
1 license of Expression Studio 3 (which includes Expression Blend, Sketchflow, and Web)
2 licenses of Expression Web 3
4 processor licenses of Windows Web Server 2008 R2
4 processor licenses of SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
DotNetPanel control panel (enabling easy remote/hosted management of your servers)

The Windows Server and SQL Server licenses can be used for both development and production deployment. You can either self-host the servers on your own, or use the licenses with a hoster. WebsiteSpark makes it easy to find hosters who are also enrolled in the program, and who can use your licenses to provide you with either dedicated or virtual dedicated servers to host your sites on.

In addition to software, WebsiteSpark provides partner opportunities to grow and build your business (including customer referrals through our partner programs). It also includes product support (including 2 professional support incidents) and free online training for the products.

Who can join the program?

WebSiteSpark is available to independent web developers and small web development companies. The only two requirements to join the program are:

Your company builds web sites and web application on behalf of others.
Your company currently has less than 10 employees.

If you meet these requirements you can visit the WebsiteSpark website and sign-up today.

As part of the enrollment process you can pick either a network referral partner (for example: a hoster or an existing Microsoft partner), or enter a referral code that you have received at an event or from a Microsoft employee. If you send mail to webspark@microsoft.com you can get a referral code quickly. You can then use that code to enroll in the program on the WebsiteSpark website. Once enrolled you can immediately download and use the software, as well as begin to participate in the network/partner opportunities.

If you have any problems enrolling, you can also send me mail (scottgu@microsoft.com) and I can connect you with someone who can help.

What happens after the 3 years?

WebsiteSpark is a 3 year program. There is no obligation to continue to use any of the software after the three years is over, and there are no costs for the three years other than a $100 program fee at the end of the three years.

At the end of the three years, WebsiteSpark participants can optionally choose to purchase all of the software in the WebsiteSpark program via a $999/year package. This includes 3 copies of VS Professional, 1 copy of Expression Studio (including Blend and Sketchflow), 2 copies of Expression Web, and 4 processor licenses of Windows Web Server 2008 and 4 processor licenses of SQL Server Web edition that can be used for production deployment.

Alternatively, if you want to purchase only the production server licenses, you can take advantage of a $199/year offering that includes both 1 Windows Web Server processor license and 1 SQL Server Web edition processor license. You can buy the quantity you need of this package at $199/year each.

Summary

The WebsiteSpark program joins the other two successful “Spark” programs we’ve previously launched - BizSpark for startups, and DreamSpark for students.

Coming at a time when the current economic climate is still tough, WebsiteSpark will help support developers and companies by providing the business resources, training, and software necessary for companies to get started and grow successful businesses on the Microsoft Web Platform.

Visit www.microsoft.com/web to learn more about the Microsoft Web Platform, as well as download and install the new Microsoft Web Platform Installer V2 we released today – which makes it really easy to quickly provision web servers and web development machines. You can then browse and download and use open source web applications from the Windows Web Application Gallery.

Hope this helps,

Scott

P.S. In addition to blogging, I have been using Twitter more recently to-do quick posts and share links. You can follow me on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/scottgu (@scottgu is my twitter name)

$11.5 million NCI SPORE Grant To Boost Leukemia Research At Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James) a five-year, $11.5 million Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant to study and treat leukemia.

The SPORE grant represents a milestone for the leukemia program at OSUCCC-James, which is only the second recipient of such an NCI grant directed at leukemia research. Titled “Experimental Therapeutics of Leukemia,” the SPORE grant focuses on translational research to improve the understanding of leukemia cause, risk stratification and therapy.

Principal investigator Dr. John C. Byrd, and co-principal investigators Dr. Clara D. Bloomfield and Dr. Guido Marcucci were involved in planning and applying for this award, which encompasses laboratory and clinical investigation in acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The grant team includes a number of prominent senior investigators at OSUCCC-James who have worked together for years to improve prognostic factors and treatments for acute and chronic leukemias.

“This prestigious award will help an extraordinary team of accomplished cancer researchers at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center engage in bedside and laboratory translational research of adult leukemia with the ultimate goal of improving clinical outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Michael A. Caligiuri, director of Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of The James.

The SPORE grant supports five research projects, each led by Ohio State cancer center researchers including Byrd, Bloomfield, Caligiuri, Marcucci, Dr. Albert de la Chapelle, Dr. William Blum, Dr. Michael Grever, and Robert Lee.

Accompanying these five projects are five cores that provide a SPORE leukemia tissue bank and services for biostatistics, biomedical informatics, medicinal chemistry and administration and operations. The SPORE grant also supports a career development program geared toward young women and minority researchers, and a developmental research program to recruit innovative pilot projects that, if successful, may later become part of the SPORE.

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center- Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute is one of only 40 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 20 cancer hospitals in the nation, The James is the 180-bed adult patient-care component of the cancer program at The Ohio State University. The OSUCCC-James is one of only five centers in the country approved by the NCI to conduct both Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.

# # #

2Checkout.com, Inc. Names Tom Dailey President

Columbus, Ohio, September 28, 2009: 2Checkout.com, Inc., a leading provider of e-commerce and payments processing solutions for merchants, announced today the appointment of Tom E. Dailey as president of the company. Dailey is a 25+ year credit card and payments industry veteran who has held a number of executive and corporate board roles, most recently as head of Discover Card’s global merchant business.

Alan Homewood, founder of 2Checkout.com, stated, “we are happy to have Tom onboard as part of the 2CO family. Tom’s experience and leadership will be key as we take an already successful company to a new level.”

Established in 2000, and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, 2Checkout.com (2CO) is a full service e-commerce solution servicing thousands of web-based businesses throughout the world. 2CO provides online businesses a merchant account alternative and a fully automated suite of backend services. In addition to a fast and secure checkout system accepting a wide variety of payment methods, 2CO offers built-in fraud protection, 24-hour customer care, PCI data storage compliance, an automated shopping cart and easy to use plug-n-play code.

Open Position - Progressive Medical - Programmer Analyst - BI Group

Join the incredible award winning IS team at Progressive Medical. We have an opening for another talented team member.

Business First Fast 50 - 14 years in a row

Innovation/TopCat award winner and finalist for last three years in multiple categories

Inc 500 Hall of Fame Company

American Red Cross - 2008 - Philos Award (Philanthropist of the Year)

Computer World - 2009 - IS Best Places to Work - Top 100 List

Not that I'm biased on anything... :-) .thanks Ben

Click here for more information and to apply

Programmer Analyst II

Tracking Code

36-113

Job Description

Develops or modifies information systems to solve problems for assigned business segment including definition, analysis and design. Prepares program and system specifications, writes systems code, tests functionality and prepares documentation of developed programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts systems analysis research and design activities for improving or enhancing system performance of inbound and outbound data file transfer processes to meet client needs.

Provides detailed specifications in accordance with department standards.

Writes well-structured, easily-maintained, efficiently operating program code from moderate to high-level functional specifications for new and existing programs. Identifies areas where additional definition is required and obtains information.

Formulates test plans and tests and debugs developed programs. Participates in user acceptance testing.

Works directly with clients and business analysts to identify client needs and alternative solutions.

Prepares estimates of work effort.

Reports status, activities and issues to project team leader in accordance with department standards.

Prepares documentation of developed programs including program and client documentation. Conducts client training, education and presentations.

Provides technical guidance and support to less experienced programmers.

Maintains a professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.

Required Skills

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

Developed oral and written communication skills; strong customer service abilities.

High degree of initiative and independent judgment.

Well-developed analytical and problem solving abilities.

Strong attention to detail.

Able to write reports, business correspondence.
Computer skills:

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or 2008 package and procedure development
ETL development experience utilizing SSIS
Report creation experience utilizing SSRS
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) site creation and administration
C# and .NET Framework development experience
Data Warehouse database design

Required Experience

Education, Training and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field with minimum 5 years programming or systems analysis experience, or equivalent combination.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with any of the following tools or technologies are a plus:
SQL Server Database Administration
Java
JavaScript
IIS
ASP.NET
VBScript

Any one of the following certifications is desirable:
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
Microsoft Certified Applications Developer
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer
Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)

Job Location

Westerville, OH, US.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Schedules

8:00am-5:00pm

Reminder - Special event - Oct 1 - Central Region Supply Chain Optimization Forum

Tear Down the Walls: How to Increase Transparency onto your Supply Chain

The recently announced 2009 AMR Research Supply Chain Top 25 companies are all masters at creating economic value through supply chain excellence. Software AG is proud to be working with 17 of AMR's Top 25 to enhance productivity and improve their top line performance.

Market leaders like Apple, Best Buy, Coca Cola Enterprises, and Motorola are automating, integrating, and increasing the transparency of their vital business processes using Software AG technology across their Supply Chain.

Join us at the Central Region Supply Chain Optimization Forum to hear the latest techniques for using key performance metrics to optimize supply chain processes and strategies to develop mutual performance goals that deepen relationships with customers and trading partners.

During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn and share best practices, such as:

Harnessing an event-driven supply chain to drive better business decisions
Sharing performance goals with your trading partners for mutual success
Translating Key Performance Indicators into customer satisfaction
Using intrinsic process metrics to drive operational excellence

Build your organization's capabilities in the downturn so you can fully capitalize on the opportunities to come.

Check out the Central Region Supply Chain Optimization Forum homepage for event details, featured speakers, and information packed agenda http://central.supplychainforum2009.com/

Register Today! http://central.supplychainforum2009.com/register

Sunday, September 27, 2009

NYTimes.com - Bringing Solar Power to Africa’s Poor

Bringing Solar Power to Africa’s Poor

By Pete Browne

The Solar Energy Foundation, a Swedish nonprofit, is one of several organizations endeavoring to bring solar power to poor communities in Africa.

Politicians from 11 southern African countries gathered in Maputo, Mozambique, over the weekend to examine how to address climate change issues without reducing access to energy.

Off-grid solar is seen as one of the continent’s strongest options, capitalizing on Africa’s abundant sunlight without the need to invest in expensive grid networks.

Lawmakers and renewable energy experts were shown practical examples of how sensitive green energy developments have the potential to satisfy both requirements.

According to the World Bank’s 2010 development report, 1.6 billion people in developing countries still have no access to electricity.

“Decentralized solar systems have a huge potential,” said Jasper Groening of e-Parliament, an international network linking global citizens to their legislators and one of the organizers of the event.

In Djabula – 50 miles south of Maputo – Mozambique’s National Electricity Fund established a photovoltaic standalone station providing electricity for 45 residencies, a primary school and a heath outpost. Legislators and politicians visited the project to see how projects like this could provide answers to many of the energy and climate change problems facing communities across Africa.

“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr. Groening said, “and politicians are working on integrating schemes like this into their own national energy plans.”

Small-scale projects like this are becoming more common in Africa.

“The demand for our solar kits is huge,” said Katie Bliss of Solar Aid, a British organization that aims to bring clean, renewable power to the poorest people in the world.

“In Tanzania the price of kerosene, the main energy alternative, is rapidly increasing,” added Ms. Bliss, whose organization also has projects in the works in Zambia, Kenya and Malawi. “Our studies found that 20 percent of household income was being spent on fuel.”

As with other solar products targeting poor communities, SolarAid does not give away its micro-solar kits. “It’s not a handout,” Ms. Bliss said. “We want to encourage a viable trade. Solar has a huge future here, and anyone we have trained with solar skills has a good chance of finding employment. We also encourage distributors to take solar products to rural villages.”

Groups like Solar Aid provide solar power kits — which typically consist of locally sourced parts and simple construction — starting at about $20.

But when scaled up, some community projects can challenge grid power. In an award-winning project in Remu, Ethiopia, the Swedish Solar Energy foundation supplied electricity to 10,000 people with an off-grid solar photovoltaic system charging less than $2 per person.

Shout out to Angelo Mazzocco, Jeff Wallace, and the team at Gladden House

Ben's note: I recently got the chance to see TBDBITL at a fundraiser for Gladden House. What a thrill. Thanks to the team at the Gladden House for letting me be part of your special night.

Gladden Community House Gala At Ohio Stadium Sept 17, 2009

On September 17, 2009 a fundraiser for Gladden Community House was held at "The Shoe", home of The Ohio State University Buckeyes and TBDBITL as the feature performers. The performance was conducted by Dr. Jon Woods, Band Director of The Ohio State University Marching Band.

Over 200 attendees were privileged to listen to the community service Gladden provides to the people of Franklinton, on the near West side of Columbus, Ohio including a video and slideshow of the work Gladden provides.

A special thanks To Our Generous Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor
Limited Brands Foundation

Underwriting Sponsors
Progressive Medical, Inc.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP
The Robert Weiler Company

Platinum Sponsor
American Electric Power

Gold Sponsors
Huntington Bank
Nationwide Insurance
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ciriaco
Bruce R. Henke
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Jeffrey
Angelo and Eileen Mazzocco
Kristen E. Blum and Grady W. Metoyer
Tim and Mary Neff

Silver Sponsors
Ernst & Young LLP
Bill and Laura Mackin
Carl and Connie Smallwood
Susan E. Brown

Band Sponsors
OhioHealth Foundation
Resource Interactive
Nancy Ordonez

A live auction was held for 2 attendees to sit with the band during a skull session then the Wisconsin game with the band! The bidding was active enough that 2 sets of seats were auctioned.

A silent auction was also conducted all evening with features such as dinner for 10 in your home prepared by a chef from the Cameron Mitchell restaurants, a tailgate pack that included a custom made corn hole game, coolers, cozy's and beverages, a signed Jim Tressel football, spa visits and much more. The frenzy continued until told to set down their pens for their bids.

The crowd then was ushered out to the stadium and the 50 yard line where the band performed across the field, script Ohio. Carmen Ohio, The Can-Can and many, many more for over 30 minutes. There is not a site to be seen anywhere than a personal performance by conductor Dr. Jon Woods and The Best Damn Band In The Land (TBDBITL), they never missed a beat and everyone joined in to yell OH-IO each time needed.

This inaugural gala will continue annually, hope to see you all next year!

Timothy M. Neff, Chairman
Joy Chivers, President/CEO
Gladden Community House

2009 Innovation Awards - 2007 winners - get your nominations in

Know an Innovator? - nominate them for an Innovation Award - click here to learn more

2007 Innovation Award Winners:

Executive of the Year-50 or more employees Bob Irwin, Sterling Commerce

Executive of the Year-less than 50 employees William Dawson, NexTech Materials, Ltd

Green Innovation Bruce Monzyk, Battelle

Inventor of the Year Wayne Poll, Minimally Invasive Devices

Minority Owned Enterprise Ravi Kundru, Ventech Solutions

Innovation in Non-Profit Service Delivery John Hrushovsky, GroundWork Group

Outstanding Product-50 or more employees Joseph Sanda, Astute Solutions

Outstanding Product-less than 50 employees Pam Springer, ECNext

Outstanding Startup Business Doug Stewart, Aircraft Logs

Outstanding Service-50 or more employees Ben Blanquera, Progressive Medical

Outstanding Service-less than 50 employees Adel Mikhail, Phylogeny

Outstanding Technology Team Michael von Fahnestock from Battelle

Outstanding Woman in Technology Jeanne Gokcen, FutureCom Technologies, Inc.

Upcoming Columbus Tech events

Oct 2 - 4th Annual Nonprofit IT Conference - "Sustainability

through Technology"
Sept 29 - "After Effects in Production" and- "Flex on the Facebook Platform"
Sept 30 - BioOhio Annual Conference
Sept 30 - Get Green with Your Transportation (only 12 seats left)
Oct 1 - TechColumbus Campus Start-up Mixer
Oct 1 - Central Ohio Agile Alliance - Agile 2009 Retrospective
Oct 2 - Jelly Columbus @ Sandbox

TEdxNEWYORK - Seth Godin

TEDxNewYORK

Tech Across Ohio - Jumpstart Portfolio Companies

What Does JumpStart Do?

JumpStart is a nationally recognized venture development organization that accelerates the progress of high potential, early-stage businesses. Through the depth of its entrepreneurial team and breadth of its high value resources, JumpStart improves client success in achieving the milestones and raising the follow-on capital necessary to create wealth. In doing so, JumpStart strives to create a more prosperous future for Northeast Ohio.

JumpStart strives, through its activities, to create a thriving entrepreneurial economy of prosperous companies and citizens in Northeast Ohio.

Business Products & Services

CoupAd (Day-Day, Ltd.) offers in-store merchandising services and programs for urban consumers and retailers, enabling manufacturers to generate incremental sales within this “price-sensitive urban shopper” segment. Read more.
DIY Real Estate Solutions is the developer of highly intuitive, web-based property management software solutions designed specifically for the independent rental owner and manager of apartment units or single-family dwellings. Read more.

HF Food Technologies Inc. provides innovative food technologies to enhance food flavor while minimizing fat content. Their flagship product, Nutrigras™, enables one-to-one replacement of fat in beef, pork, and other food products. Read more.

VeriShot (fka Charitee) is an automated hole-in-one monitoring system designed to enhance player experience while generating incremental revenue for golf courses. Read more.
TOP

Cleantech

AMTI is developing and commercializing a line of high-tech, energy-curable, nanoparticle dispersions and coatings. The product significantly reduces ink, coating drying time and the space requirements needed for air drying large pieces. Read more.

Aria Analytics uses a novel analytical technology to characterize liquids in industry and medical testing by providing a unique acoustic signature during the drying process of a sample. Read more.

Catacel Corporation creates high-performance, low cost catalytic heat exchange and reactor solutions. Read more.

Delta Plant Technologies is developing and commercializing an alternative source of natural rubber for this $40 billion world market, while also producing useable ethanol as a byproduct. Read more.
Logos Energy, Inc. develops alternative energy technologies through two operating companies, Contained Energy LLC and Phycal LLC. Contained Energy produces direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs) that use inexpensive, readily available carbon as fuel. Phycal is developing and commercializing systems for growing algae and harvesting commercially viable energy products from the biomass: primarily algal oil (also called lipids) and methane gas. Read more.
MAR Systems’ patented process, jointly developed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, removes metal contaminants from water and industrial fluid waste streams through the use of recycled alumina catalysts. Read more.

MesoCoat is an advanced materials company offering nanocomposite coatings and focused arc coating systems to industry. Read more.
Myers Motors develops, manufactures, and sells the most affordable all-electric vehicle in America today: its single passenger vehicle, the NmG ("No more Gas"). Read more.
reXorce Thermionics, Inc. develops and manufactures the Thermafficient thermal engine, which recovers thermal energy from a wide variety of thermal sources that are transformed into useable electricity, cooling, and heating. Read more.

RSP Tooling has commercialized a process for manufacturing dies and molds by spraying atomized molten tool steel onto a ceramic negative. This patented process reduces production lead times and produces tools with increased tool life. Read more.

Stanton Advanced Ceramics’ patented FireSlayer™ ceramic technology operates in the highest temperature, most severe thermal-cycle, and highest-corrosion refractory environments in existence. Read more.
Wireless Environment designs light-emitting diode (LED) lighting products that improve the convenience and energy efficiency of current lighting solutions. Read more.

Consumer Products & Services

Embrace Pet Insurance is a direct-to-consumer provider of pet health insurance policies. The company has developed proprietary veterinary actuarial tables and offers a highly customizable menu of insurance options. Read more.

STACK Media is the nation’s leading producer and distributor of sports performance, training and lifestyle content for high school athletes and the high school sports community. Read more.
TOP

Healthcare

AnalizaDx, LLC is a cancer diagnostics company that has developed a proprietary technology to improve cancer detection, diagnosis, progression, and prognosis. Read more.

CardioInsight Technologies Inc. is commercializing patented electrocardiographic imaging technology that non-invasively images electrical activity on the surface of the heart. Read more.

CerviLenz™, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of a patented, FDA-cleared device to predict preterm birth risk in pregnant women by accurately measuring cervical length. Read more.

Freedom Meditech, Inc. is a developmental stage medical device company focused on the commercialization of novel technologies for the management of diabetes. Read more.

Great Lakes Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage company focused on developing and commercializing products that prevent infections associated with indwelling catheters. Read more.

Juventas Therapeutics is a Cleveland Clinic spinoff company developing novel regenerative therapies for cardiovascular disease. Read more.

Neuros Medical, a Cleveland, Ohio-based neurostimulation company, is focused on developing neurostimulation therapies for unmet needs to patients worldwide. Read more.

Synapse Biomedical Inc. is focused on the development and commercialization of minimally invasive neurostimulation technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative impairments. Read more.

Telerad Express provides remote daytime radiology interpretations, performed with rapid turnaround, by highly specialized radiologists. Read more.

Tursiop Technologies, LLC is developing MRI coil devices utilizing proprietary nanotechnology that will produce higher image quality and faster scan times resulting in a significant boost of the functional capabilities of any installed MRI system. Read more.

VasoLux MicroSystems, LLC has developed a novel diagnostic imaging system to help surgeons identify later-stage osteoarthritis patients who are best suited for cartilage repair procedures or joint replacement surgery. Read more.
TOP

Information Technology

Ayalogic’s flagship software, Green-Ear, allows developers to easily add text and video chat, voice morphing, private channels, and much more to video and PC games at a relatively inexpensive price. Read more.

Banyan Technology provides manufacturers and distributors with real time control over freight costs by enabling them to communicate with their carriers through a single web-based interface. Read more.

BSKLive, Inc.'s flagship product, StaffKnex, is a web-based application that combines staff scheduling, work requirements, employee qualifications, business rules, and communications into a highly automated staff management system. Read more.

ComSense Technology, Inc. manufactures innovative high temperature pressure sensors that enable more precise control of diesel, gasoline and turbine engines in harsh environments. Read more.

FLX Micro manufactured silicon carbide-based pressure sensors designed to work in harsh (i.e. corrosive and/or very high temperature) environments. Read more.

iGuiders develops solutions to improve online search and lead generation for complex products and services. Read more.

InSeT Systems LLC is commercializing a patented inertial tracking system for underground mines with the mission to help miners return home safely. Read more.

Inspiron Logistics has developed a Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), based on SMS text messaging that enables officials to manage and send emergency alerts and information instantly to any user in their system. Read more.

Knotice is an on-demand software firm that, with their breakthrough software platform Concentri™, delivers direct digital marketing solutions designed to maximize ROI through process automation, increased relevance, and improved performance. Read more.

Knowledge Sphere (dba Inspherion) operates proprietary database search and analytical tools that unlock the U.S. Patent Office database by identifying, analyzing and reporting on highly relevant competitive activity. Read more.

PreEmptive Solutions, Inc. is a developer of software “obfuscation” and size reduction products designed to help businesses secure their intellectual property assets. Read more.

TechLife Columbus