Archive for September, 2008

Pittsburgh TweetUP: A Real Tweet

Tomorrow, October 1, will be Pittsburgh’s first ever TweetUP. Cities all around the country have been participating in TweetUPs for some time now and it’s Pittsburgh’s turn. A TweetUP is a casual forum for users of Twitter, a social media tool considered a micro-blogging mechanism, to congregate in person and share ideas, thoughts and stories surrounding this on-line culture.

Twitter is comprised mostly of individuals, however, businesses are finding great ways to use Twitter as a constant communication tool with their customer base. One of the most memorable “tweets” lately have come from the CEO of Zappos.com, who tweeted about his recent trip to the Olympics. Subscribers to his Twitter saw regular updates about what the experience was like and included pictures and links of the excursion. It really helps customers realize that there are real, approachable people behind the larger, corporate brands.

So, even if you don’t currently use Twitter, but just want to find out more about it, stop by! The TweetUP will take place at the Firehouse Lounge in the Strip District from 7-9 p.m. Come learn and discuss Twitter and other social media at this first time event. Find out more on the TweetUP Ning site.

Twitterers we like:  @iheartpgh, @zappos, @pghpenguins

Have a Twitter account? Post a link in our comments section so people can start to follow you!

Shredding Some Tire with DC2PGH

It’s hard to believe that the DC2PGH bike ride is already underway and into day 3! The Council’s own Jonathan Kersting is riding on the trek, promoting regional technology along the way. Through his blog and Flickr site, this self-proclaimed Bike Nerd has passed through Fort Frederick and is in route to this Saturday’s finale celebration at the Point, as part of the Pittsburgh 250 celebration. Be sure to check back with the DC2PGH blog throughout this week to track where Jonathan is at and find out what comes up along the way.

For more information on this initiative and how it is supporting local technology, visit the DC2PGH web page.

Here’s an excerpt from the blog journal:

We started out with a chilly, crisp breeze and an easy spin for 12 miles to the Antietam Battle Field. We took a tour and watched a movie and it was incredible to see the site of the “bloodiest day” in American history. The scene was absolutely awe inspiring. The beauty of rolling farmland and rugged mountains is immediately interrupted as you enter the visitor’s center and are confronted with a 8-ft tall picture of dead bodies heaped in front of Dunkers Church hours after the battle on Sept. 17 1862. Just knowing so much blood was shed on this serene setting put a lot of things in perspective for me. I have no real problems.

Brunner Digital Approved for iPhone Application Development

Brunner Digital, announced recently that they are now an approved iPhone applications developer. The newly launched program from Apple allows web and mobile applications developers to apply to become an approved iPhone developer and also allows for access to the iTunes Store — the exclusive applications distribution platform.

“On the surface it appears that almost anyone can become a certified developer since Apple offers the SDK for free to anyone who wants to download it.  However it is actually more difficult than that to become an approved developer with access to their distribution platform – iTunes”, according to Brunner’s Chief Quality Officer, John Roden. ”You have to be an approved iPhone developer in order to distribute your applications through the iTunes store front, otherwise the only place that you can run them is on the SDK emulator. Getting approval is critical to the success of developing applications for this platform”.

Brunner Digital has offered mobile marketing services to its clients for the past several years. The addition of the iPhone platform helps to round out an already expansive list of mobile marketing services including FlashLite, Blue Casting, SMS, MMS and mobile content development and distribution.

So, as a result of this news we ask: What is your favorite iPhone application? What application ideas do you have for the iPhone?

Company: Brunner Digital ALGOR, Inc.
Web Site: www.brunnerdigital.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Description: As the integrated eMarketing brand within Brunner, Brunner Digital is quickly earning a reputation as the premier digital communications expert. We have earned this reputation because we continually deliver results for our clients. Read more.

Show and Tell CMU Style

Carnegie Mellon University’s Project Olympus has another fun and stimulating program in store, chock full of exciting talent and ideas, showcasing university research, new initiatives and community perspectives coming up in October. The Homecoming Show and Tell 6 will feature some top content around university-related initiatives. Featured at the event will be:

Olympus

Prof. Lenore Blum, Founding Director, Project Olympus, “Looking Ahead”

New from the School of Computer Science (SCS)

Prof. Randy Bryant, Dean of the School of Computer Science, “Cloud Computing”

Prof. Jessica Hodgins (CS and Robotics), Director Disney, Pgh, “Disney Pittsburgh”

Start-ups and Spin-offs

Jessica Trybus, MET (ETC), FACULTY ETC, CEO & Founder Etcetera Edutainment, “Etcetera Edutainment”

Matt Humphrey, BS ’07 (CS) &MBA ’08 (Tepper), coFounder Kickball Labs, “Views from a Pgh native, CMU grad & Olympus Alum”

Olympus Connects

Rich Lunak, BS (ECE), President & CEO Innovation Works, “Regional Technology: past, present and future”
A reception will follow.

Project Olympus Homecoming Show and Tell 6

Collaborative Innovation Center, Carnegie Mellon
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
3:30 – 5 p.m.

About Project Olympus

Project Olympus is a new initiative designed to create and sustain Next Generation Computing innovation for Western Pennsylvania. It aims to build an infrastructure and foster a climate that will enable talent to take root and flourish in the region-and bring to fruition projects and ideas born here.

Company: Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon University
Web Site: www.cmu.edu
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Description: Carnegie Mellon is a national research university of about 7,500 students and 3,000 faculty, research and administrative staff. Carnegie Technical School was founded in 1900 in Pittsburgh by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Read more.
 
Company: Etcetera Edutainment
Etcetera Edutainment
Web Site: www.etceteraedutainment.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Description: Etcetera Edutainment develops immersive virtual training solutions. Etcetera’s computer-based experiential simulations increase the efficacy of knowledge transfer and skill training, which improves retention, reduces the rate of errors and disorganization, and cuts productivity losses that constitute major expenses for corporations and government. Read more.
 
Company: Innovation Works Innovation Works
Web Site: www.innovationworks.org
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Description:Innovation Works (IW) strives to increase the success rate of the region’s technology companies by providing business expertise, direct investment and hands-on support. As part of a collaborative network of organizations, including angel networks, venture capitalists, foundations, and public agencies, IW is working to create a vibrant community of innovative companies in southwestern Pennsylvania that will enable our region to succeed in the global economy. Read more.

Flashers Unite!

The PTC is pleased to be a sponsor of Flashpitt 2008, a one-day conference for multimedia designers, developers and artists. It’s Pittsburgh’s first major Flash-centric conference. National and international industry leaders will be present to inspire, educate and challenge the region’s Flash community. The speaker line up will share inside tips, new technologies and behind the scenes looks to Flashpitt’s attendees.

Two tracks of sessions, running from 9 a.m. until about 6 p.m., will provide creative and technical support for all levels of Flash folk. An after party full of fun and networking opportunities will cap the end of the conference.

Flashpitt 2008

Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Dr., 15219
Friday, October 10, 2008
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Register  |  Connect on Twitter  |  Connect on Facebook

MSDN Developer Freedom Roadshow

Developers, architects, designers and database professionals are invited to the September 19 MSDN Developer Freedom Roadshow. Part of a series of local Microsoft MSDN events delivered by local Microsoft evangelists, Microsoft MVPs and influentials, this first set focuses on web development and Microsoft web technologies. Sessions and contents range from overview for beginners to in-depth discussions for intermediate audience and all share the same goal: to free the technology professional to do the best work they can do. No charge, but please RSVP.

MSDN Developer Freedom Roadshow

Microsoft Offices
Friday, September 19, 2008
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Read More or Register

Company: Microsoft Microsoft
Web Site: www.microsoft.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Description: Microsoft Corporation’s long-held vision of a computer on every desk and in every home continues to be at the core of everything the Company does. Microsoft is committed to the belief that software is the tool that empowers people both at work and at home. Read more.

EWC Announces Fall Inaugural Event

Join the Executive Women’s Council (EWC) on Monday, September 22 as they inaugurate the new EWC fall program schedule with lunch and a panel discussion on the subject of Women in Leadership. This program will feature a trio of top professional women from the Pittsburgh community. Each of them holds a powerful leadership position in a large, complex and successful organization.

In addition to discussing what it takes to master the organizational challenges they face every day, these three women leaders will probe the top leadership competencies they must test as they work with their staffs and constituencies to advance their organizational visions.

The panelists are:

  • Audrey Russo, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council
  • Honorable Joy Flowers Conti, Federal District Judge, Western District of Pennsylvania
  • Patricia Waldinger, CEO, American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania

The moderator is Yvonne Campos, longtime EWC member as well as the founder and president of Campos, Inc., one of the region’s premier marketing research organizations.

Come prepared to learn, contribute your own insights, and ask provocative questions of these three notable women leaders.

Read More or Register (Registration closes tomorrow, September 18)

Don’t forget about the PghTech Women Network. More coming on that soon!

Company: Campos, Inc. Campos, Inc.
Web Site: www.campos.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Description: Campos Market Research, Inc. (Campos Inc), is a full-service marketing research and strategic marketing consulting firm providing organizations with the research planning & measurement tools needed to analyze, plan & execute marketing strategies that are customer focused & market driven. Read more.

Inmedius Appoints New Director of Inmedius Europa GmbH

Inmedius, Inc.® has announced the appointment of Michael Klemme, Director, Inmedius Europa GmbH.  Klemme is responsible for the operations of Inmedius’ Munich office, as well as sales and servicing clients in other German language speaking regions of Europe.

Klemme joins Inmedius with 10 years experience in content management in the publishing, financial and aerospace industries.  He has extensive, detailed knowledge of numerous aerospace standards, including; ATA, S1000D™ and DITA.  Having expertise with both the supplier and customer sides of product management, Klemme worked with several large clients that include; Bombardier, Saab, Airbus and MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. Klemme’s diversified background includes key skills in the design of XML/SGML based information systems, XML data conversion, data design, DTD design, and validation systems.

“Klemme will be supporting the exponential growth that Inmedius has seen in the past two years, particularly in German speaking Europe.” stated Michael Ingledew, Vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Inmedius. “Inmedius’ clients, including RUAG Land , Electronics and Aerospace, Liebherr-Aerospace and MTU Friedrichsafter GMBH will benefit greatly from Klemme’s past experience working with other German organizations and defense contractors.”

Most recently, Klemme served as Product Manager, Content Management at Corena Deutschland where he was responsible for technical documentation in the aerospace sector and maintenance planning solutions for airlines.  Prior to Corena, Klemme was Senior Consultant at the Content Management Competence Center of Bertelsmann mediaSystems (now arvato systems).  Klemme previously worked as Technical Coordinator for New Media at Bankakademie, a continuous education provider for the German and European financial industry.  He was also a research assistant at the University of Auckland’s HyperMedia Unit.  Klemme graduated with a degree in Computer Science (Informatik) and a minor in Chemical Engineering from the University Paderborn.

“I am pleased to be working with a company that has great depth associated with its domain expertise and fully featured technical documentation products,” stated Klemme, “I hope to facilitate the further growth in the German speaking region and help our customers to leverage the potential of Inmedius’ offerings.”

Company: Inmedius, Inc. Inmedius, Inc.®
Web Site: www.inmedius.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15229
Description: Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and India, Inmedius is a global leader in delivering innovative, performance-oriented applications and services that capture, create, manage and deploy information assets. Read more.

Share your Cool PA Story

Our friends over at the Tourism Office of Pennsylvania are launching a new VisitPA.com web site with lots of user generated content and they would like you to add some great Pennsylvania stories.

We’ve all had a rip-roaring time somewhere in Pennsylvania. Like that night you ran out of gas in (Altoona/Scranton/Wellsboro), or the time you loaded up the car with your friends for a day of (Penn State football/skiing/outlet shopping), or the great (concert/art exhibit/ethiopian restaurant)  you went to and bumped face to face into your (ex/mother/boss). Whatever you’ve got, we bet it’s memorable. Help save the internet from boring travel stories. If it’s (adventurous/scary/hilarious/juicy-but-clean), they want it. The site’s going to be really cool, if you chime in.

To get started, e-mail your story and a user name with the subject “Cool PA Story” to Mandy. She will set you up and send you a password to go in and add more stories later if you want. And she’ll send you a link to the site as soon as the cool beast is unleashed.

The Office is adding some great social media efforts to build PA tourism. Together we can work to attract folks to our great state.

Check out the TO of PA in other places:

Flickr | YouTube

…here’s a pretty funny video on the Weavers to wet your whistle…

If You Can Read This…PodCamp is For You

We totally swipped this information from their site, but PodCamp Pittsburgh 3 is right around the corner and is adding stuff daily…it is a great forum for anyone with any ties to social media. There is definately something for everyone at every level. TECHburgher will be there, will you? These guys do a great job and know their stuff…

Digital media creators, unite!

Bloggers, podcasters, artists, musicians, journalists, designers, programmers and web surfers of all stripes are invited to share their insights and meet potential collaborators at the 3rd annual PodCamp Pittsburgh!

Students, educators, small business owners and the generally curious are invited to learn more about social media from the people who create it on a regular (sometimes daily) basis.

Whether you’re a veteran blogger, an aspiring podcaster, a business person or instructor in search of new tools, or simply interested in learning more about emerging media and technology, there’s something for everyone at PodCamp Pittsburgh 3!

(Oh, and it’s free! — unless you want to be a VIP for $25!)

What does the VIP package include??

  • 1 PodCamp Pittsburgh 3 T-shirt
  • 1 Swag bag from our lovely sponsors
  • VIP listing on the PCPGH3 registration page
  • VIP name badge @ PCPGH3 with your photo & URL

We’ve compiled some quick links for easy use:

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