Electrical and communications products distributor Graybar (www.graybar.com) has developed a complimentary seminar designed to help technology managers, data center managers, facilities managers, and network architects make the most of their data centers.
The half-day seminar, offered in 15 cities from October through January, will feature technology and products from such companies as APC, Panduit, Fluke, Ingersoll Rand, Panasonic, Security Inc., and Square D.
“The seminar covers data center redesign and construction, including the problems with space constraints, heat dissipation, and the need to increase bandwidth,” says Karl Griffith, director/enterprise market, at Graybar. “Other topics include security, thermography, asset management (RFID), grounding, and power monitoring. These technologies are critical for optimal data center performance and should be incorporated into all data center redesign projects.”
In addition, Graybar says the seminar will cover the standards of data center design, practical tricks of the trade, and how to create a critical-issues checklist. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with a panel of data center re-design and construction experts.
Short runs…
SCOTTSDALE, AZ-Recent research compiled by In-Stat (www.in-stat.com) finds that broadband powerline technology is poised to emerge as the leading residential networking technology worldwide, overtaking in-home coax and twisted-pair cabling solutions. In its report, “Broadband Powerline Networking Gets a Jolt from IPTV,” researchers say powerline technology is advantageous particularly in regions with few existing coax or phone jacks, such as in Asia and Pacific Rim countries. Competing residential technologies, including coax and twisted-pair, will end up sharing the market in some areas of the world. “Some service providers fully expect to use multiple technologies and mediums that will co-exist in their in-home deployments, as long as each medium meets the operators’ service of quality and cost objectives,” says Joyce Putscher, In-Stat analyst. The report also believes that broadband powerline access will be successful in selected areas where there may be only one broadband Internet provider. According to In-Stat, worldwide annual shipments for broadband powerline equipment will exceed 200% growth this year.
STONINGTON, CT-Hubbell Premise Wiring (www.hubbell-premise.com) has formed a marketing alliance with IP-based solutions provider Mitel (www.mitel.com) to address the physical infrastructure requirements of enterprise IP communications deployments. Hubbell’s PowerTrac Power over Ethernet patch panel has been tested and verified by Mitel as a midspan panel solution for use with the Mitel 3300 IP Communications Platform. Hubbell is installing its infrastructure solutions at select Mitel demonstration centers, including the company’s Costa Mesa, CA, Atlanta, and Vancouver, BC offices.
RICHMOND, IN-Cabling system manufacturer Belden (www.belden.com) has entered the wireless arena via a recent technology partnership with WLAN developer Extricom (www.extricom.com). The multi-year, multi-million dollar global agreement focuses on Belden’s development of enterprise Wi-Fi solutions that are enabled by Extricom’s core technology. Extricom’s patented interference-free WLAN system is a next-generation Wi-Fi technology, with a fundamental shift in architecture from cell-planning to channel-blanket topology. The technology is designed to eliminate co-channel interference that can plague typical WLAN systems. “Belden is in the business of answering customers’ signal transmission needs,” says Peter Sheehan, president of Belden Americas. “Our entry into wireless technology presents another avenue for the fulfillment of our customers’ needs, with unified wired-wireless solutions they can depend on. Extricom provides a highly differentiated technology that will be the basis for Belden’s future wireless products.”
HOUSTON, TX-DataVox (www.datavox.net), Houston’s largest privately held business communication firm, has announced an expansion to its structured cabling department that focuses on providing end-to-end solutions. The company says its cabling solutions now encompass all communication applications, including voice, video and data. Cabling projects are managed by an experienced project manager, whose primary responsibility is to ensure that installations meet industry standards and are completed on time. Once installed, the company says, all cables are tested and documented electronically. Installation warranties range from 15 to 25 years.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA-The Ethernet Alliance has announced the addition of eight new members: Finisar, Kenet, Nexans, Plato Networks, PowerDsine, ProCurve Networking by HP, Quadrics, and the University of Toronto. The Alliance is an industry group that promotes awareness, acceptance and advancement of technology and products based on existing and emerging IEEE 802 Ethernet standards. Companies interested in joining the alliance can apply for membership at: www.ethernetalliance.org/join.
HICKORY, NC-Corning Cable Systems has released its third edition of downloadable hardware product drawings, which can be used for network designs and bid specifications. The two-dimensional and isometric drawings of LANscape and LANscape Pretium hardware family products are available in PDF, and AutoCAD-compatible DFX and Visio formats. Free downloads are available at: www.corning.com/cablesystems/productdrawings.
SPICEWOOD, TX-Spicewood Publishing (www.smart-buildings.com) has released Jim Sinopoli’s Smart Buildings-A Practical Guide for Architects, Engineers, Developers, Contractors and Design Consultants-a how-to book covering the design and operation of the multitude of cabled systems involved in newly constructed buildings. The book covers the basic design foundations, technology and management systems encompassing a “smart building” framework. The book contends that smart building designs can enable cost savings in construction and operation, and improved functionality via system integration. Sinopoli, RCDD, is a licensed professional engineer and a recipient of BICSI’s Harry J. Pfister award.
NEW YORK CITY-The 2007 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is available through the IEEE (www.ieee.org). The code, updated every five years, offers guidance on safeguarding employees and the public when electrical supply and communications lines are designed, installed, operated, and maintained. The NESC Handbook, Sixth Edition is a companion product that offers insight into its rules and how to apply them. Also, the IEEE Communications Society will hold its 49th annual Global Communications Conference in San Francisco, Nov. 27 through Dec. 1. The conference will encompass developments in voice, data, image and multimedia communication technologies, including wireless, the Internet, and fiber-optics. For more information, visit: www.ieee-globecom.org/2006.