      |
Vol 2, #41, Oct. 12, 2010 |
National 4G network to debut in rural Canada Barrett Xplore Inc. is creating a next-generation 4G network for rural Canadians, starting with terrestrial fixed wireless and quickly followed by a new satellite network. This is the first commercial deployment of a national 4G network in Canada. For rural Canadians, the deployment of this technology will mean they have better access to faster, affordable broadband with higher bandwidth allowances. And this state of the art technology is coming to rural Canada first. 4G wireless and satellite means a new world of opportunity for rural Canadians. "Barrett Xplore's mission is to bridge the urban/rural broadband divide in Canada," said CEO John Maduri. "4G means the goal of bringing fast, robust, affordable broadband to all Canadians, regardless of location, will be achieved in the very near future. The potential impact of rural broadband can't be overstated. From telecommuting to new business in rural areas to distance health and education, rural broadband can change the face of Canada." The 4G network will have both terrestrial and satellite components. The terrestrial wireless network, which will be comprised of roughly 1200 towers, will be capable of speeds over 40 Mbps improving to over 100Mbps by next year. While speed is important, the key to a great experience is more bandwidth, and the new network will provide the capacity for more robust service packages—ranging from 3-10x the capacity of today's HSPA. The terrestrial 4G network will initially be based on WiMAX, and is software-upgradable to the future WiMAX protocol or to LTE—whichever will offer rural customers a better experience. BXI's investment in the new terrestrial wireless network is planned to be approximately $150 million. The terrestrial wireless network will be complemented by a new 4G satellite network, which will be based on new High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) architecture, starting with the first satellite scheduled to launch in 2011, followed by a second satellite in early 2012. These satellites will allow Barrett to provide robust speeds up to 25Mbps. In combination, the 4G networks will mean that by 2012 , every rural Canadian will have access to affordable, robust broadband. Construction of the new terrestrial 4G wireless network is commencing in fall 2010 with the first customers coming online by the end of this year. The 4G satellite network will see its first customers coming online in late 2011. Top of Page Rogers Communications Inc. has announced the launch of a comprehensive Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network technical trial with Ericsson Canada in the Ottawa area. LTE is a fourth generation (4G) wireless technology that enables lightning-fast HD video streaming, gaming, communications, transactions and other connected experiences through mobile internet. LTE allows significantly more data to pass through a network at speeds of up to 150 Mbps and it will become the foundation of a world defined by connected experiences. "Our customers increasingly want anywhere, anytime access to information, communications, entertainment and transactional experiences on their device of choice," said Nadir Mohamed, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rogers Communications Inc. "LTE is the next generation platform delivering superior mobile speed and functionality similar to what Canadians currently experience at home and at work. This technical trial is significant because it builds on our industry-leading networks and it sets the groundwork for our customers to do even more in the future." Ericsson, in co-operation with Rogers, has been conducting LTE lab testing at its Ottawa Research and Development facility, comparing speeds and performance of LTE technology in multiple frequency bands. Rogers will expand on this testing and move to a comprehensive technical trial of LTE on both low and high band frequencies across the Ottawa area. "Through this trial we will validate how LTE technology will perform in real world situations across a variety of spectrum frequencies in urban, suburban, and rural environments," said Bob Berner, EVP, Network and Chief Technology Officer, Rogers Communications Inc. "Furthermore, we will verify LTE data throughput speeds, performance quality, and interoperability of LTE with our existing advanced HSPA+ network ensuring that future commercial deployment enables the best customer experience. The technical trial will initially use recently auctioned AWS spectrum. Rogers is also working with Industry Canada to secure a development license to use 700 MHz spectrum for the trial. Top of Page First Canadian hospital implements Meditech 6.0 Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences ( Ontario Shores) is the first Canadian hospital to go live with Meditech 6.0, a new advancement in healthcare informatics. Meditech 6.0 was designed to help hospitals track records using a fast user interface with workflow-oriented screens and secure internet access as a means to enhancing patient safety, improving access to care, and increasing efficiency of service and care for patients. "The transition to Meditech 6.0 is a complete transformation of how all clinicians at Ontario Shores deliver care safely, efficiently, securely and collaboratively," said Debra Churchill, Interim Chief Nurse Executive and Director, Nursing Professional Practice. Clinical documentation standards in the electronic format allow for less duplication of information on file; better communication across interdisciplinary teams and from one shift to the next; less risk of error; better data available for more powerful and accurate reporting and decision making; and improved access to information across multiple sites. The advanced clinical systems functions include:
Online hunt kicks off Investor Education Month The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is launching an online scavenger hunt for Albertans to promote the investor tools and resources it has available. The contest kicked off today to mark Investor Education Month in October. Albertans can enter by reading clues posted on Twitter or the ASC website. Once they find the answer in the ASC's investor tools and resources, Albertans may then submit that answer via Twitter or the ASC's website. Each correct answer they submit will equal an entry into a draw where one lucky winner will receive a Kindle. "The ASC is an unbiased, free source of investor education with resources and tools that teach the public about investing and how to avoid unsuitable investments," says Tamera Van Brunt, ASC's director of Communications and Investor Education. "We hope that through the contest, Albertans will become more familiar with the information we have available for investors on our website and how to find it." According to a recent survey, 84 per cent of Albertans recognize the need for reliable unbiased information about investing and 82 per cent agree that it is their responsibility to acquire the skills they need to make sound investment decisions. However, when asked, only 34 per cent said they actually sought information about investing (Source: CSA Investor Index 2009). The ASC's goal during Investor Education Month and throughout the year is to raise awareness of the ASC and its investor education, investing and fraud prevention resources. The contest began on October 6 and will end on October 29. Albertans can find out how to participate by following ASC on Twitter@ASCUpdates or viewing the contest page and rules on the ASC website. Top of Page Free apps enhance sharing and personalization Wacom first two Facebook applications, Bamboo DoodleScape and Bamboo CardBuilder, take advantage of Wacom's patented pen input technology and allow users to share an open drawing canvas with friends or create a truly unique "handmade" digital card. Though the apps are a ccessible to anyone using Facebook, owners of a Wacom pen tablet gain additional benefits when using Bamboo DoodleScape and Bamboo CardBuilder. When crafting a personalized online creation, these applications recognize pen input and pressure sensitivity, creating a more precise, natural and accurate representation of a user's vision, a first for any Facebook application. "Bamboo is adding fun and creativity to everyday computing," says Dennis Hoff, consumer product manager at Wacom. "There is no longer a need to rely on the default fonts or static imagery we have become accustomed to over the years. Users everywhere, of every age and background, can quickly and easily express their personal creativity and vision through Bamboo DoodleScape and Bamboo CardBuilder, creating a whole new level of social interaction." Bamboo DoodleScape The Bamboo DoodleScape application provides Facebook users with one square mile of virtual drawing space to sketch and collaborate with friends. From the DoodleScape application in Facebook, users can apply Bamboo's full pen pressure sensitivity to create new drawings within their own DoodleScape. Then, send "doodles" to friends, post on your own wall, invite others to add their own doodles, or even crowdsource a personal masterpiece. Doodlers may also find and collaborate with other DoodleScape users, with the ability to "tag" their contributions on the virtual canvas. Bamboo CardBuilder With the CardBuilder application, Facebook users simply upload an image from either their own or their friends' photo library and then utilize the natural strokes of the Bamboo pen to handwrite a personalized message and signature. To provide further customization, users have the ability to draw on the select image and add borders, text, backgrounds and embellishments from Wacom's pre-populated library. Cards are available in 3D and 2D formats, and make a unique, yet fast, post on a friend's wall, adding a new twist to sending online greetings. Bamboo Tablets Providing a true pen-on-paper feel with pressure-sensitive, battery-free and cordless pen input, Bamboo is a flexible solution for work and play. With many exciting models to choose from, every user is bound to find a perfect match to help deliver a natural and intuitive workflow ideal for drawing, annotating and editing while working with digital photos, art and crafts. Bamboo is compatible with current and next generation operating systems such as Microsoft® Windows® 7, Windows XP, Vista?, and Mac OS® 10.4 and 10.5. Top of Page Rogers Communications acquires Atria NetworksRogers Communications Inc. has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Atria Networks LP, owner and operator of one of Ontario's largest fibre-optic networks for cash consideration of $425 million, subject to certain adjustments. Atria Networks is privately owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners. The purchase of Atria Networks, based in Kitchener, Ontario, augments the Rogers Business Solutions offering by enhancing its ability to deliver on-net data centric services within and adjacent to the company's cable footprint. "The business-to-business market represents a significant opportunity for Rogers. The acquisition of Atria strategically fits with our enterprise strategy to offer on-net, high growth data services to small and medium sized businesses," said Nadir Mohamed, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rogers Communications Inc. "Atria brings a highly experienced and dedicated management team with a strong track record of success. We are pleased to welcome Atria's 130 employees to the Rogers team." Atria's unique and scalable network includes 5,600 fibre route kilometers and over 3,800 on-net buildings in high-growth territories including Ottawa, Cornwall, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, RichmondHill, Markham, Hamilton, Barrie, Orillia, Peterborough and Vaughan. Atria serves a diverse customer base of over 1,100 customers spanning the public sector, enterprise and carrier providers. "We are very proud of the part that we played alongside the management and employees of Atria in building this great company," said Michael Salamon of Birch Hill Equity Partners. "As part of Rogers, we are confident that Atria will continue to flourish as a customer focused service provider and best-in-class employer." TD Securities Inc. and Torys LLP are acting as advisors to Rogers in connection with the transaction. BMO Capital Markets is acting as Senior Financial Advisor to Birch Hill Equity Partners in connection with the transaction. Scotia Capital is also acting as financial advisor to Birch Hill Equity Partners. Stikeman Elliott LLP is acting as legal advisor and Deloitte & Touche LLP is acting as tax advisor to Birch Hill Equity Partners. The closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Rogers expects the transaction to close prior to the end of its first quarter, 2011. Top of Page Bell announces two exec team appointments Following the recent announcement that Kevin Crull, President of Bell Residential Services, will join the organization as its Chief Operating Officer, Bell has unveiled two appointments of current Bell senior leaders. President of Bell Mobility Wade Oosterman will also assume leadership of Bell Residential Services, the national business unit providing Bell TV, Bell Internet and Bell Home Phone services to millions of Canadians. At the same time, John Watson will be promoted to the role of Executive Vice President, Customer Operations, responsible for all residential and wireless customer service across Bell. Both appointments are effective January 1, 2011. "Wade Oosterman and John Watson are renowned innovators and team-builders in Canadian communications with a clear commitment to Bell's customer-focused strategy," said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell and BCE. "Their new cross-functional roles will enhance the execution of our service improvement and wireline and wireless growth imperatives, ensuring we keep Bell's strong momentum rolling forward." As Bell Mobility President since 2006, Mr. Oosterman's accomplishments include the launch of Bell's HSPA+ wireless network and the leveraging of its high-speed broadband capabilities with leading-edge data services such as Bell's unique Mobile TV service. In his role as Bell's Chief Brand Officer, Mr. Oosterman has also led the revitalization of the Bell brand and the company's high-profile marketing at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Mr. Watson is a senior executive with more than 15 years of experience in Canadian communications, previously serving as president of the consumer division of one of Canada's largest telecom companies. Mr. Watson joined Bell Mobility earlier this year as Senior VP, Operations, quickly applying his strategic expertise in service, retention and distribution channel operations by introducing new programs and tools to enhance wireless customer experience. Top of Page New VP World Sales for Platform Computing Platform Computing has named Ian Miller vice president of sales worldwide, responsible for expanding the global sales organization to support increased demand for Platform products and the company's long-term growth strategy. Mr. Miller will be a member of Platform's Senior Leadership Team. "Ian's extensive track record in international sales and marketing will be a strong asset in building out our go-to-market efforts, integrating our global sales team and accelerating revenue growth," said Peter Nichol, General Manager, Platform Computing. "I look forward to leveraging his in-depth industry knowledge to continue to grow and service our solid installed customer base across all vertical industries and implement creative go-to-market strategies that will accelerate new customer adoption." Mr. Miller has a unique blend of experience in the enterprise and high performance computing (HPC) software markets in Asia, Europe and North America. Prior to joining Platform Computing, Miller served as senior vice president of sales and marketing at Cray, Inc. Before joining Cray, he was vice president of worldwide sales for PolyServe and vice president of sales for PolyServe software at HP after PolyServe's acquisition by HP. He was also vice president of worldwide marketing and vice president of Asia Pacific at Sequent Computer and, upon its acquisition by IBM, worked as IBM's vice president of Sales for High-End xSeries Servers. Earlier in his career, Ian held senior sales positions at Software AG and Unisys. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science with honors in Economics from Queen Mary, University of London. Top of Page SAND Technology appoints new CFO SAND Technology Inc. has announced that Mr. Tony J. Guiliano, C.A., will join the company as Chief Financial Officer effective October 4, 2010. Mr. Giuliano spent the first nine years of his career with Deloitte & Touche Canada in Montreal, where he gained expertise in Canadian public companies operating in both the manufacturing and financial services sectors. In 2000, Mr. Giuliano was appointed Corporate Controller of a U.S. public company where he was involved in commercializing a new product, raising capital and ensuring SEC compliance. In 2002, Mr. Giuliano was appointed Vice-President, Finance for Channel Analytics Ltd., an investment bank that provided consulting and corporate finance services. In 2004, Mr. Giuliano was appointed Chief Financial Officer of a private aviation company providing corporate and individual executive air travel. In 2006, Mr. Giuliano was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Avensys Corporation, a U.S. public company that was involved in the manufacture of high-tech components for the telecommunications industry and the distribution of environmental monitoring equipment for public utilities and municipalities. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Concordia University and is a member of the Quebec Order of Chartered Accountants. "SAND Technology is privileged to attract a new Chief Financial Officer with the level of ability and experience that Tony brings to us," said Tom O'Donnell, President and CEO, "and we are confident he will make a strong contribution to our management team." Top of Page |
|
