Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co. Increases Business Continuity Coverage at 1Vault Networks

SFTA Member News


Published Tuesday, June 2, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Bell
954-970-3394
prseitz@bellsouth.net

Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co.Increases Business Continuity Coverage at 1Vault Networks

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL‹JUNE 2, 2009‹As a leader in the property and casualty insurance marketplace, South Florida-based Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co. certainly understands the science of risk management and protecting the assets of its customers.
As part of its corporate business continuity/data protection plan, Universal has decided to expand the scope of its colocation/disaster recovery coverage with 1Vault Networks (www.1vault.net), a secure, Category 5, hurricane-rated colocation facility in Fort Lauderdale.

³We are expanding our business, and 1Vault Networks¹ secure and full-service data center compliments our expansion needs and meets our compliance requirements,² said Don Myers, Chief Information Officer for Universal Property & Casualty Insurance.

Recently Universal¹s internal IT staff and 1Vault coordinated a seamless operational systems upgrade to expand its server infrastructure and security. The company moved into a protective, customized 8¹ x 16¹ Data Center cage at 1Vault, significantly increasing its scalability options, supporting multiple platforms and providing more space and storage capacity for future business growth.

³We are pleased to provide Universal Property & Casualty a colocation solution that meets their business expansion needs,² said Kevin Bly, VP Business Development for 1Vault Networks. ³As a full service data center, 1Vault Networks focuses on providing business solutions that are customized to the customers¹ requirements. We worked closely with the Universal team to meet all of their expectations.²

A 1Vault Networks client since 2006, Universal protects its data from catastrophic events such as loss of power, network outage or natural disaster. The company¹s server infrastructure is located on the 22,000 square-foot, raised floor 1Vault Data Center that is monitored for ideal temperature and humidity levels throughout. The Data Center features 24/7 monitoring and protection systems that immediately alert personnel in the event of an alarm. Overall, the 66,000-square-foot 1Vault facility is a self-contained, self-sufficient stronghold with its own back-up power plant, diverse fiber optic network and on-site cooling plant to ensure non-stop business.

The world-class data center can withstand any disruption caused by natural disaster, system failure or human intervention. The company¹s comprehensive plan covers business continuity, disaster recovery suites and seats, high-speed IP connectivity, self-contained power, support services, and SAS 70 Type II, Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA audit compliance certifications.

About 1Vault Networks Offering colocation, disaster recovery and hosted IT services, 1Vault Networks combines over 50 years of experience in helping small, medium and large enterprises design, manage, maintain and monitor IT infrastructure and disaster recovery plans. For more information, please contact:

Kevin Bly
Vice President Business Development
954-736-2709
kbly@1Vault.net

About Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co.
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Insurance Holding Company, a Florida corporation. Universal Insurance Holding Company is wholly owned by Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.
UPCIC has aligned itself with some of the best and most respected service providers in the industry. This functional structure affords UPCIC the opportunity to take advantage of a unique combination of financial strength, underwriting skills, analytical expertise and administrative capability.
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company has a distinguished and experienced group of individuals as its directors and officers. The individuals provide guidance and lend their expertise to ensure this insurance operation continues to be successful in the property and casualty insurance marketplace.

Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739
P.O. Box 831046
Miami, Florida 33183-1046
http://www.southfloridatech.org/
http://jackiesfta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/JackieatSFTA

Monday, June 1, 2009

SFTA Member BISG to host 2nd Annual Open House

BISG proudly presents our Second Annual Open House Reception!

Today's current economic climate is such that time is at a premium and cash even more so. With that in mind, we have designed this year's event to focus on the technologies, services, and strategies designed to save you money, yet operate more efficiently and profitably.

The current list of presenting vendors and what they intend to display includes:

BISG - HostIT hosted infrastructure/cloud computing and ManageIT outsourced IT/support
Cisco Systems - Voice and Video communications, Infrastructure solutions
Concord Fax - IP/network based fax solutions
Hewlett Packard - Servers, storage, desktops, and printers
Host.net - Co-location Services, BISG's HostIT partner
MX Logic - Managed email and web based filtering
Pano Logic - Cost-effective virtual desktop devices
Sophos - Anti-X solutions for desktops and servers
Time Warner Telecom - MetroE and fiber based transport services
VMware - The industry's leading Virtualization Suite

(*note this list is subject to change)

Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served throughout the day.
DO NOT MISS OUT! REGISTER TODAY!!!

Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739
P.O. Box 831046
Miami, Florida 33183-1046
http://www.southfloridatech.org/
http://jackiesfta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/JackieatSFTA

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

SFTA Member WHOLESALE CARRIER SERVICES IN SFBJ TOP 100 LIST

PRESS RELEASE

SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL'S LARGEST PRIVATELY OWNED COMPANIES
SHOW WHOLESALE CARRIER SERVICES IN THEIR TOP 100 LIST

CORAL SPRINGS, FL: Thursday, May 14th, 2009: Enabling businesses to take advantage of the latest and most comprehensive telecommunication network products and services, billed and delivered from one dedicated source has helped Wholesale Carrier Services (WCS) become one of the largest privately owned companies in South Florida.

South Florida Business Journal published its results showing the top revenue generating companies. WCS was the highest ranked telecommunication company listed, with only 16 companies in the list older than WCS (>15 yrs).

Founded in 1994, WCS serves the needs of enterprise-class corporate telecommunications users and resellers of telecom network services.

A delighted President and CEO, Chris Barton commented; "Today, businesses recognize more than ever that telecom and data expenses play a significant part in a company's continual success and future advancement. Our skilled and loyal staff ensure that we deliver tangible financial benefits to our client's bottom line while also making telecommunications less of a day-to-day burden. This has been my vision and WCS' continued growth as recognized by the South Florida Business Journal is testimony that our unique solutions are effective and successful."

WCS directly purchases services from over 90 network providers and offers a comprehensive line of network solutions consolidated under a single invoice and web-based expense manage me nt portal, billing to any companies telecommunication needs throughout the United States and in 26 countries.

Chris Barton added; “Performance recognition me ans as much to our clients as it does to us. In today’s economy, the sign of a successful and sustainable business is critical. With an average client retention rate exceeding 5 years, it’s clear that WCS is delivering to our custo me rs needs. We continuously identify and deliver the latest technological advances in telecommunications and the loyalty shown by our clients is as a result of our focus on custo me r service.”

WCS will be showcasing the very latest telecom technology here in South Florida at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. This 3 day event will be taking place September 23-25 at the Miami Beach Convention Center , South Beach, Florida .

End For more information about press relations, please contact: Sharon Phillips FMI Marketing, Inc. Tel: 954 575 4973 Email: Sharon@fmi-marketing.com

For more information about WCS, please contact:Chris Barton President & CEO Wholesale Carrier Services, Inc. Tel: 954 227 1700 Email: cbarton@wcs.com

URL: www.wcs.com

Note To Editor About WCS
Wholesale Carrier Services, Inc. (WCS) was established in 1994 to serve the needs of me dium-large enterprise, com me rcial telecommunications users and resellers of telecom network services. WCS provides services to enterprise clients via a distribution channel of value-added resellers (VAR). Via WCS, VAR’s directly purchase services from over 90 network providers and offer a comprehensive line of network solutions to service the needs of nearly any custo me r require me nt on a single consolidated invoice. WCS clients range from sophisticated Fortune 500 corporate custo me rs to carrier and resellers clients utilizing WCS’ platforms for private label and co-branded telecom solutions with their custo me r basis. (www.wcs.com)

Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739
P.O. Box 831046
Miami, Florida 33183-1046
http://www.southfloridatech.org/
http://jackiesfta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/JackieatSFTA

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

South Florida Technology Alliance Presents, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Keeping the Wheels on When Things Get Rough

Press Release – For Immediate Release
Fort Lauderdale, Fla
May 19, 2009

South Florida Technology Alliance Presents, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Keeping the Wheels on When Things Get Rough

The South Florida Technology Alliance, an organization promoting the growth, success and awareness of the South Florida technology community, is hosting an event May 28 discussing business continuity and disaster recovery.

Hurricane season begins June 1, making disaster recovery and business continuity planning a top priority for many South Florida businesses. The SFTA is bringing together a panel of senior IT executives to share the practical realities of preparing for the worst.

Topics being discussed with include how to keep critical departments functioning, ensuring delivery of key systems, leveraging computer architecture, virtualization, cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS).

“We want people to understand the critical differences between recovery planning and keeping business running, as well as how to evaluate return on investment,” said Chris Burgio, president of the SFTA. “The panelists are true experts in their industries and bring valuable perspective for our members to get their readiness checklists in order.”

Panelists will include Ron Lynch, Assistant Vice President and Senior Property & Casualty Risk Engineer of Chubb, Johann Vaz, Senior I.T. Director of BioTest Pharmaceuticals, Patty Barney, CIO of Broward College, Wayne Clary, Director of Worldwide Technical Operations for Avaya, and Jason Herrera, South Florida Senior Storage Specialist for Dell.

The event will be held Thursday, May 28 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Marriot North, 6650 North Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The event is sponsored by Host.net (www.host.net), drinks provided by Avaya (www.avaya.com) and Empire Technologies (www.getempire.com).

To register, visit www.southfloridatech.org.

About the SFTA
South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) brings more than 11 years of leadership as the most effective technology organization in the region. Committed to the growth, success and awareness of the vibrant South Florida technology community, SFTA fosters an exciting network of companies, academia, capital resources, and government for the immediate and future success of technology-related interests in our region. (www.southfloridatech.org)


Contact
Jackie Fernandez (jackie@southfloridatech.org)
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Upcoming Networking Event

I am very excited to find a new networking event in Miami. It is MobileMonday Miami. Their next event is Monday May 18th. Here is the link to their site:
http://momomiami.com/

Maybe I will meet you there!!

Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739
P.O. Box 831046
Miami, Florida 33183-1046
http://www.southfloridatech.org/
http://jackiesfta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/JackieatSFTA

Monday, May 4, 2009

Host.net Acquires Ft. Lauderdale Data Center & Colocation Operations



Host.net Acquires Ft. Lauderdale Data Center & Colocation Operations

Newly Acquired Facility Extends Host.net Colocation Footprint in South Florida

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Host.net, a leading provider of colocation, network transport and transit services, announced today it has acquired a 12,000 Sq. Ft. Data Center and its’ Colocation customers. This center was previously occupied by Hostway and Affinity Internet/ValueWeb.

Jeffrey Davis, Host.net’s Co-Founder & CEO, said “the move into Ft. Lauderdale reflects Host.net’s strategy of expanding in its existing markets to better service our customers needs. Our team has done a wonderful job of delivering a disciplined local service-driven business model, while deepening our footprint and service delivery capabilities. As a result, we have achieved significant scale without diminishing our core value proposition – strong local market presence and customer service.”

“We will be adding over 40Gbps of lit Internet and Transport connectivity as well as increasing the cooling and electrical capacity of this newly acquired facility,” stated Randy Epstein, Host.net’s Co-Founder & CIO. “The building boasts diverse conduit and fiber entrance facilities from such carriers as FiberLight, AT&T, Level(3), tw telecom & FPL FiberNet along with Host.net’s own metro fiber network.”

According to Host.net’s Chief Marketing Officer, Lenny Chesal, “Customers and partners have been asking Host.net to consider opening a Ft. Lauderdale facility to provide additional geographic diversity and business solutions, which is in line with the company’s long-term strategic plan. Our success in partnering with clients combined with a truly local service philosophy has enabled us to extend a customer-focused team and service mentality to the South Florida market.”

Chesal further added, “Host.net’s expansion has capitalized upon the growing trend in the business community to outsource IT infrastructure; increasing awareness of the need for business continuity and disaster recovery services; increasing demand for managed IT services; and meeting regulatory compliance demands. Host.net allows customers to cost-effectively manage and accelerate their growth, due to the importance of having a trusted and scalable partner.”

About Host.net
Founded in 1996, Host.net is a global communications and information services company, and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. The company operates a large diverse multinational fiber-optic based Internet, MPLS and layer 2 backbone, delivered to its customers utilizing a vast number of last-mile options. The company also operates over 30,000 square feet of enterprise-class colocation space in South Florida and provides other vital network services including Disaster Recovery office space, Managed VoIP, and Managed Network Security. To learn more about Host.net, please see the company’s web site www.host.net.

Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739
P.O. Box 831046
Miami, Florida 33183-1046
http://www.southfloridatech.org/
http://jackiesfta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/JackieatSFTA

Friday, May 1, 2009

SLPowers is pleased to sponsor the 2009 Business Survival Expo

Deerfield/Boca Raton HiltonTuesday, May 26th, 2009

SFTA member, SLPowers is pleased to sponsor the 2009 Business Survival Expo.

More than ever, South Florida businesses are under attack from economic pressures, employee theft, foreign competition, the risk of data loss, hackers, malware, even the weather. The event, to be held on May 26th at the Deerfield / Boca Raton Hilton, is a South Florida first and will feature local and national speakers and presentations designed to help your business save money, increase security and improve efficiencies.

The event is sponsored by SLPowers and supported by our national, as well as local, vendor partners including WatchGuard, Cymphonix, Citrix Systems, Host.net, SECNAP, Brother, IBM, ISN Telecom and Anderson Telecom.

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Don't miss the 2009 Business Survival Expo - Tuesday, March 26th. Every organization needs to control spending, conserve cash and increase efficiency in this economic climate. You can't afford to miss this event.

Register Online
CLICK HERE for ONLINE REGISTRATION

Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
954.239.9739
P.O. Box 831046
Miami, Florida 33183-1046
http://www.southfloridatech.org/
http://jackiesfta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/JackieatSFTA