Tuesday, February 2, 2010

SFTA Sponsor, Host.net Teams with StillSecure to Protect Cloud Computing Clients

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan 26, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ ---- Host.net today announced new 24x7x365 managed security services for its cloud computing customers through a partnership with network security provider StillSecure. Utilizing StillSecure's ProtectPoint(TM) managed security service as a virtual appliance, Host.net can now provide 24x7x365 security monitoring and management of the virtual infrastructure, immediate response to security threats, and compliance reporting for enterprises using its cloud computing service for line-of-business applications and complex hosting.

Virtual security services including firewall, VPN, intrusion detection/prevention (IDS/IPS), vulnerability scanning, web security, and email security can be purchased from Host.net on a subscription basis as either a standalone solution or service bundle. Services can be configured for monitoring both gateway and internal connections, providing comprehensive protection against internal and external threats. All security services are backed by a 24x7x365 SAS-70 Type II audited Security Operations Center (SOC) that is staffed by certified security analysts.

The new virtual-based security services offer the same vigilant protection, monitoring and management as the hardware appliance-based service with the added benefits of standard high-availability redundancy, near-immediate failover in the event of a virtual equipment failure, and the ability to rapidly upgrade and add system resources (CPU, RAM and disk) when a specific client's traffic and workload demand more horsepower from the firewall.

"Host.net is one step ahead of most data centers because they truly understand the importance of embedding security within the virtual environment," said Steve Harris, VP of Managed Services at StillSecure. "Host.net customers save time and money by leveraging the pre-built, pre-configured and ready-to-run VMware version of our ProtectPoint managed security services."

"We had the rare opportunity to team with StillSecure during the strategy and design phase of their new platform. The result is a product that protects the customer's mission with CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)," said Roger Barranco, Host.net's Chief Technology Officer and VP of Operations. "Host.net uniquely interweaves security throughout the platform rather than simply layering security on top of their infrastructure as other providers do. It's a critical addition to our service portfolio that will help keep our clients' virtual infrastructure safe from both inside and outside attacks."

Host.net's new StillSecure-based managed security service extends the competitive advantages of Host.net's cloud computing platform, which focuses on performance, high availability and data protection. Benefits of Host.net's cloud computing services include 300-500% performance increases over standard hosted SAN solutions, recovery of virtual machines within one minute of a host failure, full data backup to one on-site and one off-site storage subsystem within Host.net's own national virtual private data center (vPDC) network for near-immediate disaster recovery, and optional replication to additional Host.net sites for added security and redundancy.

As a single source for virtual enterprise server, SAN storage, backup/restore, disaster recovery, colocation, Internet access, multinational transport, MPLS, Metro Ethernet, managed security and IP voice, Host.net leverages their capabilities to ensure the integrity and availability of their clients' data.

About Host.net

Host.net is a multinational provider of network infrastructure services focusing on colocation, cloud computing and storage, and network transport and transit for education, finance, government, healthcare, wholesale and carrier clients. The company operates multiple enterprise-class data centers connected to an extensive fiber-optic backbone delivering Internet, MPLS and layer 2 communications using a wide array of last-mile options. It serves customers in most major metropolitan regions of North America as well as portions of Europe. Founded in 1996, Host.net is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL. For more information visit www.host.net

About StillSecure

StillSecure delivers comprehensive network security that protects organizations from the perimeter to the endpoint. Offering both products and managed security services, StillSecure enables customers to affordably deploy the optimal blend of technologies for locking down their assets and complying with security policies and regulations. StillSecure customers range from mid-market companies to the world's largest enterprises and agencies in government, financial services, healthcare, education, and technology. For more information please call (303) 381-3830 or visit http://www.stillsecure.com.

SOURCE 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

Thursday, January 14, 2010

South Florida Technology Alliance Announces New Leadership for 2010

For Immediate Release
Fort Lauderdale, Fl - January 12, 2010

South Florida Technology Alliance Announces New Leadership for 2010

SFTA is pleased to announce it’s newly elected Directors for 2010:

Chairman of the Board – Christopher Burgio of Seitlin Insurance and Advisory
President - Kevin Brady of Corporate Services IncVice President – Albert Maggio of Carey Rodriguez Greenberg & Paul
Treasurer – Michael Daszkal of Daszkal Bolton
Secretary – Carolyn Childs of The Lindsay Group Inc

Board of Directors:
David Bates of Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.
Anthony Carvalloza of Scripps Florida
Chip Casanave of Data Access Worldwide
Lenny Chesal of Host.net
Christopher Fleck of Citrix
Mark Grossman of Grossman Law Group
Greg Heller of Silverglade Capital Partners LLCJohn Igoe of Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge
Greg Nordone of ENS Corporation
Tim Orr Blue Wave Communications
Michael Richtberg of BluTech Innovations, Inc.
Chris J Terry of Nextshore LLC
Bob Swindell of The Greater Fort Lauderdale /Broward Alliance, IncDeborah Vazquez of PROTECH


About the SFTA…
With over 11 years of leadership as the region’s most effective technology organization, the South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) promotes the growth, success and awareness of the vibrant South Florida technology community. Through events, networking, programs and education, the SFTA provides south Florida’s technology-related companies, academic institutions, entrepreneurs, governments and related organizations with an active forum to grow the business of technology.
For more information about the SFTA, visit www.SouthFloridaTech.org.

SFTA Contact:
Jackie Fernandez
Executive Director
South Florida Technology Alliance
Jackie@southfloridatech.org
Tel. 954.239.9739

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

eFlorida Roadmap to Florida’s Future

The latest Roadmap to Florida’s Future, the official statewide strategic plan for economic development, is now available online!

Shaped with the input of a wide cross-section of Florida’s leaders in economic development, business, education, workforce, economic development and other community stakeholders, the Roadmap provides a long-term vision for Florida’s economy and specific policy recommendations to achieve it.

As Florida emerges from the global recession, its future trajectory will and must be different. The Roadmap to Florida’s Future charts the state’s path towards an Innovation Economy built on the principles of sustainable growth and expanding high wage employment opportunities in competitive and knowledge-based industries.

This five-year strategic plan provides 24 sets of policy and business development recommendations on how to make Florida a global economic leader. Explore the Roadmap to Florida’s Future: 2010-2015 Strategic Plan for Economic Development to learn more.

Visit www.eflorida.com/roadmap 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, January 5, 2010

SFTA Presents the 2010 State of the Technology Industry Report

* Get a glimpse of what 2010 holds by hearing directly from Gartner Research and CIOs representing major South Florida-based companies in key vertical industries.

* Learn about the principal technical, business and social concerns on CIO’s minds surrounding Cloud-based initiatives.


* Gain insight on technology trends during the next three to five years and the challenges or opportunities they present for your business.



Sponsored by



Keynote address by



Akshay K. Sharma
Gartner Research
Research Director

Roles and Responsibilities
Akshay Sharma is a research director in the Carrier Network Infrastructure group of Gartner Research, leading the Research Agenda for Converged Infrastructure Worldwide. Current research interests include mobile infrastructure (radio and core), mobile broadband, cloud-based Telco 2.0 initiatives, WiMAX/Wi-Fi, PacketCable, VoIP, IMS, FMC, and trends in core network distributed softswitch architectures.

Panelists Include:


Bill Hicks CIO & SVP of Shared Services of Ultimate Software

Jim Bussey MBA Associate Dean, Administration at St Thomas University

Sergio Garcia, SVP and CIO, Bank United

Doug Cormany, SVP and CIO, Preferred Care Partners

Click here to register online now!



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

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Peak 10 Acquires South Florida-based 1Vault Networks

Peak 10 Acquires South Florida-based 1Vault Networks

Moving into its third major Florida market, Peak 10 blankets businesses statewide with its award-winning services and support

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Dec. 22, 2009) – Peak 10 Inc., a managed services company with world-class data centers, today announced its acquisition of 1Vault Networks, a South Florida-based business continuity and data services provider. As part of the acquisition, Peak 10 will immediately make significant investments for data center infrastructure enhancements, the managed services portfolio expansions and adding technical expertise to the team. Effective today, 1Vault will operate as Peak 10 South Florida. The acquisition of the 66,000 square foot facility expands Peak 10’s Florida footprint, allowing more organizations to receive expanded, geographically-redundant solutions such as virtualization, disaster recovery and private cloud infrastructure.

“We have built a relationship with 1Vault over the last several years and respect the operating philosophy established by its management team,” said David Jones, the president and CEO of Peak 10. “With many Peak 10 customers already in South Florida, we sensed an opportunity that was the right fit for both our company and 1Vault. We look forward to further enhancing and expanding 1Vault’s offerings to meet customer growth and market demand.”

This transaction exemplifies one aspect of Peak 10’s steady and consistent growth strategy of expansion through addition of new markets by acquisition, along with its core market expansions and greenfield market entries. Over the last three years, Peak 10 has expanded into the markets of Cincinnati, Ohio, Richmond, Va. and Atlanta. During the same time period, Peak 10 has invested millions of dollars into its current facilities and added additional enterprise-class raised floor space in its Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla.; and Louisville, Ky. markets., providing customers with access to the most current and state-of-the-art infrastructure and systems. “With the acquisition of this 22,000-square foot raised floor facility, we now own and operate 17 data centers in ten U.S. metropolitan markets,” added Jones.

“The acquisition of 1Vault by Peak 10 creates significant value for our employees and customers, including customers of Bocacom – a dedicated server brand owned by 1Vault,” said Jim Thomas, the former CEO of 1Vault who will now serve as the vice president and general manager of Peak 10 South Florida. “It provides us with additional resources and expertise as well as the enhancement and expansion of our disaster recovery business model through Peak 10’s geographic footprint. Customers are going to see immediate value and opportunities to grow their IT operations especially in the areas of managed services, business continuity and disaster preparedness with Peak 10’s 16 other data centers and private network.”

“There is an increasing demand among South Florida-based organizations for business continuity, disaster preparedness, and managed IT services, and we are excited about Peak 10’s growth options for our IT business community,” said Mike Schweiger, chief financial officer at Zimmerman Advertising and longtime 1Vault customer.

“Peak 10 has a highly-regarded reputation due to its continued investments in each of its markets and we are thrilled about what the company brings to South Florida,” added Randy Smith, the chairman and chief technology officer of Omnicomm Systems and longtime 1Vault customer.

Peak 10’s continued success in Florida is evident by its recent recognition as one of the Best Companies to Work For by Florida Trend magazine. In addition, Peak 10 has been nationally acknowledged as a finalist for a Stevie Award in the Sales and Customer Service category.

“We continue to bring our disciplined business model to new markets like South Florida, which enhances our footprint and service delivery capabilities in our existing markets,” said Jeff Spalding, the executive vice president of market operations at Peak 10. “As we continue to expand our scale, we focus on maintaining our core value proposition – strong local market presence and exceptional customer service.”

"This acquisition is great news for both 1Vault and Peak 10," said Bob Swindell, interim president and CEO of The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Economic Development Alliance. "Our organization has worked with Jim Thomas and his team for several years now and is excited about their growth and continuing commitment to Broward County."

Peak 10's managed IT and data center services improve performance, reliability, lower costs and maximize internal resources for customers while keeping their valuable information technology assets close to the business. The company combines its secure, private network and enterprise-class data centers with world-class engineering and support to serve market-leading companies nationwide. As a managed services leader, Peak 10 offers a wide range of technology services including virtualization, managed hosting, and cloud-based services in a cost-efficient and reliable platform for its customers. The company owns and operates data centers in ten key markets that include Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlanta, Ga.; Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; Tampa, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky.; and Richmond, Va.


About Peak 10 Inc.
Peak 10 is managed services company with world-class data centers. It delivers scalable, economical and reliable solutions for hosting and managing complex information technology infrastructure. The company’s expert team embraces the industry's evolving technologies by adopting and tailoring solutions such as virtualization and cloud-based services as part of its robust managed services offering. Its strong customer focus, financial stability, geographic diversity and technical strength attracts market-leading companies such as LendingTree, Global Knowledge, Pergo, Healthways, Churchill Downs and The Fresh Market. Peak 10 is SAS70 Type II compliant and helps companies meet the requirements of various regulatory compliance acts such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), HIPAA, PCI and Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLBA). For more information on data center solutions from Peak 10, visit www.peak10.com.


Media Contacts:
Amanda Brown
(252) 796-3160
amanda.brown@peak10.com

Dave Murray
(919) 412-4291
dave.murray@peak10.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

Friday, December 18, 2009

Michael Daszkal elected Chairman of the Florida Atlantic Research & Development Authority

Michael Daszkal elected Chairman of the Florida Atlantic Research & Development Authority

BOCA RATON, FL. - December 16, 2009 - The Florida Atlantic Research & Development Authority has elected Michael Daszkal, CPA, Managing Partner, to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a two year period. In the role, Michael will lead the Authority Board which serves as the governmental and administrative body to support: new tenants, architectural design, and, relationships with FAU Research for the two parks. Previously, Michael served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer.

"I am excited to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Florida Atlantic Research & Development Authority. This is a great organization that acts as a conduit for incubator and emerging companies in the technology industry."

Scott Ellington, CEO of the Florida Atlantic Research & Development Authority said, "We are excited to have Michael serve as Chairman because in his first years as a board member he demonstrated strong leadership and support for FAU Research and the Incubator. In the past he has been very active as Finance and Audit Chair and we look forward to the fresh perspective and new ideas he will bring to our team."

About Florida Atlantic Research & Development Authority

The Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority is responsible for the Research Parks associated with FAU. The purpose of the Authority and the Parks are to find, grow and support, through research, new and second stage growth companies, providing high wage, high tech jobs for our area. The R & D Authority hosts an 11,000 square ft. Technology Business Incubator in the Boca Park with 16 new start-up- high tech companies. The Authority also provides financial support directly to FAU Research Seed funding and the Adams School of entrepreneurial studies Business Plan Contest.

About Daszkal Bolton LLP

Daszkal Bolton LLP is ranked as one of the Top 25 accounting firms in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal. The firm has over 100 professional and administrative staff and provides audit, tax and consulting services to middle market privately held and SEC registered companies. Daszkal Bolton LLP specializes in a variety of service areas including real estate, high tech, life science, light manufacturing/distribution, professional service firms, non profit organizations and benefit plan audits. For additional information visit www.daszkalbolton.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

Thursday, October 29, 2009

This Is My Day Job!

As executive director of the South Florida Technology Alliance, I am always asked, "so what's your day job?" It makes me giggle because this really is my day job!

That's a good thing. I have no hidden agendas. My sole mission is to ensure the success of the SFTA and to continually concern myself with whether or not our sponsors and members feel the value of a collaborative relationship with our organization.