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Business Blog: Technology
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Photo by Frederick Cellars
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Frederick Cellars
221 N. East Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301-668-0311
Email: info@frederickcellars.com
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Frederick Cellars starts bottling operation
Posted: 08/10/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
If you've never seen a bottling machine run, you need to head to Frederick Cellars between noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Here's a map
The public is invited to watch Charlie Daneri and his crew bottle about 350 cases of their new wine, City Lights. That's more than 4,000 bottles.
Workers spent 14 hours Thursday bottling more than 500 cases of long-time favorite Reisling and a new wine Charlie calls Trail's End. It wasn't all smooth bottling.
The machine hadn't run in more than a year since Charlie bought Catoctin Vineyards and its equipment.
Much of yesterday's test run included adapting the machine to its new location. That included a few plumbing and electrical problems, but now it's ready to roll.
"We're all about making wine more enjoyable and fun," Charlie said. "It's definitely fun to watch this machine run."
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Apple to launch wireless service, consultant predicts
Posted: 08/08/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Apple, Inc. will transform iTunes into a wireless service for the iPhone, a Silver Spring-based telecommunications consultant predicted in a press release yesterday.
Pike & Fischer offers legal and business products covering the telecommunications industry.
Pike & Fischer believes Apple will either retool iTunes to take advantage of the iPhone's wireless Internet or launch a new wireless music service within a year.
From the release:
"Consumer expectations will advance to the point where they will eschew reliance on a PC and cable to get content onto their iPhones and other portable devices," says Pike & Fischer Senior Analyst Tim Deal, lead author on the report. "Apple will therefore be forced to offer over-the-air downloads to remain competitive."
The release also predicts Verizon will soon launch an iPhone alternative that will cause Apple to lower its price for the iPhone.
For details about Pike & Fischer's Broadband Advisory Services, visit www.broadbandadvisoryservices.com, call Jonathan Wentworth Ping at 212-576-8741 or e-mail jping@pf.com.
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Comcast to launch network for black adults
Posted: 07/17/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Whazzup!
That's the sound Comcast hopes will appeal to its black customers in Frederick on Thursday when it launches the TV One network in Frederick.
The network, "the premier television destination for African American adults," according to a press release today, will show lifestyle, news and entertainment programming, as well as films.
The network will feature original programs, such as dating show "Get the Hook Up" and marathon sessions of what the press release calls "classic reruns of everyone’s favorite funnyman, Martin Lawrence, in his hit show 'Martin.'"
The networks local debut follows Comcast's other efforts to serve its diverse viewers, such as Gospel Music Channel and Spanish language channels ESPN Deportes and Venemovies.
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Technology
Big Business
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Photo by Travis Pratt
Comcast gets local with soon to be released video on demand service. |
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Comcast announces Get Local
Posted: 07/17/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Last week, Comcast announced the roll out of Get Local, a video on demand service focused on hyper local programming such as high school football games, pet adoptions and community events.
From the release:
Comcast Cable’s Eastern Division today announced ... a Local Video On Demand (LVOD) team dedicated to developing exclusive, locally focused and original content for its 5.4 million customers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia. The Division also announced plans to expand its LVOD offerings by more than 200 percent over the next two years, offering approximately 20,000 unique programs in any given region.
Now that's a lot of pigskin, kitty cats and parades.
No word yet on when Frederick residents will be able to enjoy local video on demand.
Some are eager for Comcast to make its Triple Play service available in Frederick. The service bundles digital cable, Internet service and Voice over IP (Internet telephone) into one fee, about $33 in other areas.
Although happy to hear about increased local coverage, Business Editor Cliff Cumber had this to say: "That's great, but when am I going to get my Triple Play?"
Lisa Altman, spokeswomen for Comcast, expects the Triple Play service will be available in the third quarter this year pending upgrades to Frederick's cable infrastructure. Read my coverage here.
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Technology
Big Business
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State attorney general announces AOL settlement
Posted: 07/12/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The Maryland attorney general’s office announced Wednesday its Consumer Protection Division reached a settlement with Dulles, Va.-based America Online, the Internet service provider known for the catchy phrase “You got mail!”
The settlement, which included attorneys general from 47 other states, resolves allegations that AOL made it almost impossible for consumers to cancel the service and refused to honor cancellation requests. AOL will have to change the way it handles cancellations and make refunds to some customers.
AOL also agreed to reimburse the states $3 million.
Customer service reps earned incentives for “saving” customers from canceling their service. The agreement limits this practice, requires AOL to record then verify phone calls, and give customers more cancelation options.
AOL recently announced it would start limiting its role as an Internet service provider, giving customers access to free e-mail accounts.
“You got canceled!”
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Technology
Government
Big Business
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BP Solar facts and figures
Posted: 07/06/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
Part of Gov. Martin O'Malley's visit July 16 is a groundbreaking at BP Solar, the North American headquarters of the global company.
One of the interesting tidbits that the BP press flaks sent along to Meg Bernhardt for her story today was a factlist on expansion plans for the Frederick location, showing green isn't just a large part of the company logo.
From the sheet:
The expansion will feature several green aspects including:
Extensive on-site water recycling. This will allow BP Solar to grow its production capacity without increasing its water demand or waste water production. Net water demand may even be reduced as a result of the project.
Bio-retention storm water management. This is more environmentally friendly on-site processing / re-use of storm water drainage.
Green roof. Part of the new building structure will incorporate a green roof which includes an actual garden. Green roofs improve efficiency by reducing the heating and cooling load requirements, further improving storm water retention as well as helping to absorb carbon emissions.
Reforestation. In addition to adding dozens of new trees and greenery to the site, BP Solar will work with the Wildlife Habitat Council to reforest the site to provide habitat renewal.
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) building aspects. BP Solar’s expansion project is registered under the LEEDprogram and will include energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling, additional roof photovoltaics, as well as other aspects.
The fact sheet also says BP Solar will invest over $70 million by the end of 2008. That’ll add 70 jobs in a variety of disciplines, double silicon processing capacity, and build new office and administrative space:
The expansion includes a 140,000-square-foot building addition that breaks down into:
56,000 square feet manufacturing
40,000 square feet warehousing/shipping
44,000 square feet office and meeting space
And there’ll be some sweeteners for those 70 new staff alongside the 250 or so already working at the plant:
New building entrance and lobby area
175-seat cafeteria
150-seat on-site auditorium
More natural light provided in office and manufacturing areas
New site entrance tree-lined boulevard
Improved site and local traffic flow
Solar and environmental learning opportunities for local schools and community
While there, the guv's expected to speak on his new energy policy, the summit and maybe unveil some new initiatives.
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Technology
Government
Big Business
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Rural Broadband gets more funding
Posted: 07/05/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Last week, the governor's office released details of a $2 million advance to continue the roll out of the Rural Broadband Initiative, an effort to bring Internet via cable and fiber optic lines to less developed parts of eastern, southern and western Maryland.
The broadband network is intended to help workers in rural areas, such as farmers and fisherman, use technology to increase business and preserve their heritage.
Phase one linked NASA's Wallops Island Space Facility in Virginia to Salisbury State University. The $2 million advance will connect Salisbury to communities surrounding the Bay Bridge.
The money will come from the fiscal year 2009 budget of Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s Maryland Economic Development Assistance Fund.
Isn't taking money from the future for a project today a bad idea? What's the plan for Western Maryland? I asked Delegate Rick Weldon and Minority Leader David Brinkley these and other questions.
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Technology
Government
Rural/Agriculture
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iPhone — Q&A with a deaf user
Posted: 07/03/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The following e-mail interview from Monday didn't make its way into today's Tech Tuesday story about the iPhone.
Lorraine Stoltz, photography instructor at Maryland School for the Deaf, was 12th in line at the AT&T store on Urbana Pike on Friday.
I led with her story on day three of my iPhone coverage because I thought the fact that she would wait in line for hours to buy an iPhone, even though she's not interested in iTunes or voice mail really put the visual interface into perspective.
Now that you’ve had the iPhone for a few days, what’s your overall impression?
Since last Friday, I am still learning something new every day. My impression of iPhone are the clear vision, easy to use touchscreen, easy to use Internet, large storage for my pictures and fast e-mails.
What was the activation process on iTunes like?
Oh I love it, it is easy to follow and it took me about 15 minutes. I bet anyone can do it.
How’s the touchscreen compared to what you expected?
I thought the touchscreen would be too sensitive and I might messed it up, but it was so easy and less stress on my hands and fingers, but with keyboard, it took some time to get use to it. First day I was a bit disappointed with keyboard but on third day, I am comfortable with it.
What have you done online?
I was checking on my bank online, weight watcher website.
What's been the most annoying glitch?
High monthly service fee is most annoying glitch because I am not using the phone and voicemail.
What's been the most impressive feature?
Being a deaf person, the clear and sharp vision is enjoyable and comfortable because we heavily depend on our eyes.
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Technology
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It's the FNP on iPhone
Posted: 06/29/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
It's in the FNP,
It's for you, it's for me it's for iUsers to see.
I couldn't resist!
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Technology
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Photo by Joseph M. de Leon
It's responsive, It's sexy. It's iPhone. |
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iPhone -- I want one
Posted: 06/29/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Ian Yack, sales operations manager for AT&T in DC, Maryland and NoVa, asked me if I understood what all the hype was about after I flicked, rotated and lusted after the iPhone. Yes, Ian. No one likes an I-told-you-so.
I spent 20 minutes with the iPhone. I can say the following with authority: It's responsive. It's intuitive. It's sexy.
I've been reading and hearing that all week, but to actually experience it -- It's quite a unique sensation. Remember as a kid when butterflies tickled the pit of your stomach every time you looked at the presents under the Christmas tree. Yeah, it's like that.
It's not often that adults get to experience a completely new way of doing something familiar. The last time I felt this was when I first played with the Wii. Apple, you done good.
Stuff I loved: Ultra crisp display; awesome transitions and momentum during scrolling; responsive touch screen, surprisingly easy to use keyboard, even in portrait mode; amazing playback and detail of iTunes movies (I watched a few minutes of School of Rock); it's freaking cool looking.
Stuff I didn't: Slow loading and stuttery playback of YouTube videos; camera wasn't so hot -- every shot I took was blurred; web pages loaded slower than I expected considering we were using AT&T's hotspot.
Check tomorrow's FNP for more details. Which reminds me. I gotta get back to the newsroom to file this story!
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Technology
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Photo by Joseph M. de Leon
About 30 future iPhone owners line up in front of the AT&T store at Valley Mall in Hagerstown. Note the extra security and stanchions. |
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iPhone launches in 1.5 hours
Posted: 06/29/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
So I'm in Hagerstown at the Valley Mall to witness the launch of the iPhone. It's the only place I could get AT&T to let me get my hands on the phone.
Check back after the iPhone launches at 6 p.m. I'll have more pics and give you my impression of the gadget that's as geeky as is it is sexy.
As of this post, about 30 people have lined up to be the first to show off the most anticipated phone in the world.
I spoke with Ian Yack, sales operations manager for AT&T in DC, Maryland and NoVa, and he had this to say:
"This is the biggest thing in my career -- we're looking at this as the revolution. Others have attempted integrating a phone with music, or a phone with Internet access, but this is truly the first. Apple has brought forth a device that does all these things elegantly."
Amen, Ian. Amen.
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Technology
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FTC issues net-neutrality study
Posted: 06/29/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The Federal Trade Commission issued a study Wednesday based on a two-day net neutrality workshop between consumer advocates and experts in business, government and academic.
If you don't know, net neutrality is the idea that everyone should have affordable access to the Internet.
The report leans toward anti-net neutrality, saying there's no urgent need for the government to require all web users and websites be guaranteed equal broadband service at a fair price.
The Electronic Retailing Association, which represents marketing companies and retailers that use electronic media to sell goods and services, disagrees.
It issued a press release today saying:
"ERA warns that there are many anti-competitive characteristics of the broadband market that have the potential to threaten consumer protections by controlling received content. With anti-competitive policies of the phone and cable companies’ duopoly dominating 96 percent of the industry, the U.S. broadband market continues to fall behind the rest of the world."
In other words broadband companies have a lot of financial incentives to limit access to the web. That could mean speeding access to partners, while charging consumers more for faster access, the release says.
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Technology
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iPhone: Flawed, but beautiful
Posted: 06/29/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
I don't often like to boost other media outlets, but in this case it is NPR, and they do have, as part of an iPhone review, one of the best, most descriptive quotes I've ever heard.
It's from New York Times technology writer David Pogue, who calls the latest Apple device "flawed, but absolutely beautiful."
Much like me, David.
And also, much like me, Pogue says the iPhone doesn't quite live up to the hype.
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Technology
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iPhone line stretches
Posted: 06/29/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
As of about 11 this morning, more than a dozen people lined up for Frederick's iPhone debut at 6 p.m. The light rain made some take cover under umbrellas, ponchos and even a tarp stretched between 3 cars.
Lorraine Stoltz, number 12 in line, won't bother using iTunes or the phone because she's deaf. She just wants wireless Internet access and a visual interface.
Matt Gardiner, number seven, works in Alexandria, but came to Frederick because he thought the atmosphere would be more relaxed. The iPhone and other wireless devices will probably change the way he designs Web sites.
William Harris, second in line, is buying the iPhone for his mom's birthday next month. She's a huge Mac fan and has been waiting for a device that combines music, Internet and voice for about a decade.
Now that's a good son.
Read their stories in tomorrow's FNP.
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Technology
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Photo by Bill Green
Charlotte Whalley, 14, helps John Moulton, 18, set up camp to wait for the iPhone. Charlotte and her sister Dani, 17, will keep him company, share his donuts and watch his spot when he has to go to the rest room in the bushes. |
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Will camp iPhone draw hecklers, rain?
Posted: 06/28/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The last time I covered a camp out for hyped-up electronics, there were hecklers, police and a $1,200 bribe to take the first place in line.
The iPhone may be a slick slab of engineering, but I have to wonder just how many people are going to put up with this.
Sure there was rain during the PS3 launch, but people also started camping out two days in advance. Many were motivated by money. Do you think many iPhone buyers plan to sell on eBay?
A group of four people were starting camp behind the AT&T store at 5509 Urbana Pike in Frederick.
They brought a tent, but it's not water proof. If it rains really hard, they plan to stretch a tarp between two cars to make a makeshift roof.
Genius. Maybe Apple should come out with an iTent.
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Technology
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Camp out begins for iPhone
Posted: 06/28/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
Joseph's out at the AT&T store right now and reports three people have showed up -- with one on the way -- for the launch at 6 p.m. tomorrow of Apple's iPhone.
All three -- one from Knoxville, two from Hagerstown -- know each other, Joseph says. Apparently being in Frederick improves the chance of being first to swag the new technology (only 30 are available, as Joseph says here).
So they're rabid, right? They're desperate to buy, right?
Er, well, no, not necessarily.
"One for sure is going to buy one," Joseph says. "One may buy one, but probably won't."
Apparently the iPhoneafites have their lawn chairs in place and will pop their tents in a little while. What supplies do you need for this kind of excursion? Joseph says one of the queuers brought "a tent, water and donuts."
At least they're not this guy.
Photographer Bill Green is on his way to snap pics, which we'll hopefully post later. Joseph has a nifty story lined up for tomorrow's edition, so don't forget check out the biz page.
Weather report says rainy in the morning, and cooler Friday. That's if those guys survive the heavy thunderstorms predicted for this afternoon.
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Technology
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Scholarshop recipients are honored for academic merit and their interest in pursuing a STEM-related career. |
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Workforce services awards STEM scholarships
Posted: 06/28/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Frederick County's future scientists got a boost earlier this month when eight high school students earned $1,000 to $2,500 scholarships to pursue STEM studies in college.
For those not in the know, that's science, technology, engineering or math.
The recipients are Andrea Carras of Middletown High School, Michael Foote of Tuscarora High School, Robert Hoffmaster of Brunswick High School, Lauren Zenner of Frederick High School, Nancy Rogan of Tuscarora High School, Noe Turcios of Maryland School for the Deaf, Tory Fogle of Walkersville High School and Tiffany Green of Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
Frederick County Workforce Services and the Workforce Development Board honored the students based on academic merit and their interest in pursuing a STEM-related career.
Want to know about next year's STEM Scholarship Program? Call Helen Riddle at 301-600-2758.
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Technology
Awards
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Photo by Cliff
Cliff's Moto Q, which is in his hand right now, and which he gets to take home |
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iPhone: Do you want it? Huh? Do you?
Posted: 06/28/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
So, the buzz around the iPhone is intense, and the media for tomorrow's launch is tightly controlled to ramp up the debut into a frenzy.
But, is it going to be worth it? Do you want one? If you're angling to be in the 0.014 percent of Frederick County's population who will be the first 30-members of the iPhone elite at the AT&T store at 6 p.m. tomorrow, we'd like to hear from you.
And if you're not planning to buy one, we want to know why as well.
Drop Cliff or Joseph a line, or call us at 301-662-1177, ext. 263 for Cliff, 283 for Joseph.
Personally, I have another two years to run on my Moto Q contract with Sprint, and I'm very happy with it so far, thank you. Sniff.
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Technology
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This is what my hand will look like Friday. At least for a few minutes. |
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It's iPhone time
Posted: 06/28/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
AT&T invited me to demo Apple's new iPhone on Friday. I'll get my hands on it while the public buys or lusts after the $500 phone that triples as an iPod and web browser.
Among the things I'll be looking for:
Touch screen sensitivity
Ease of browsing the Web
Intuitiveness of menus
If it really grates cheese, sprays mace and dispenses condiments like Conan O'Brien says it does?
Check back for more updates.
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Technology
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Velvet ropes keep hordes from mobbing store. Or at least that what AT&T hopes. |
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Everyone’s hot for the iPhone
Posted: 06/27/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Rumor has it, Frederick will only get 30 iPhones, Apple’s triple-threat smartphone that’s a phone, an iPod and a Web browser.
AT&T hopes a mob of people will be waiting in line 6 p.m. Friday when the $500 iPhone debuts.
In fact, AT&T issued an alert to all of its stores to set up stanchions to keep the throngs of people under control. Stanchions, you know, those velvet ropes that keep people in line.
iPhones are first-come-first-served. Better camp out.
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Technology
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