NanoLumens Lights Up CenturyLink's New Technology Center of Excellence With a Unique NanoWrap™ Solution

Last March, CenturyLink (www.centurylink.com), a global communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company, cut the ribbon on its new Technology Center of Excellence. The 300,000 square-foot state-of-the-art (LEED certification pending) R&D center features of a stunning array of NanoWrap visualization solutions from NanoLumens (www.NanoLumens.com), an industry leading manufacturer and marketer of visualization solutions.

The new building’s lobby is a palace of glass that incorporates 37,000 square feet of View Dynamic Glass, making it the single largest installation of electrochromic glass in the country. View Dynamic Glass leverages nanotechnology and pre-programmed intelligence to tint automatically in response to outside conditions and user preferences, eliminating the need for blinds or shades. But, even with that technology, the lobby is still very bright. The exceptional brightness of NanoLumens’ technology, which can be adjusted as the ambient light levels change throughout the day, assures that the video on the solutions will remain clearly and crisply visible at any time, under any conditions. 

“The NanoLumens displays create a stunning effect in the lobby, and it’s fair to say that this sets the lobby apart from any other atrium like it,” said Ben Cating, Senior Consultant-VP of Idibri (www.idibri.com), the Addison, Texas-based consulting firm hired by CenturyLink. “It’s more than just a video installation — it’s a visual achievement.”

The center also includes a technology research and development lab, a network operations center, a customer experience center and a collaborative office and meeting space.  But, said Cating, the space also needed to make a definitive statement that immediately established the facility as a cutting-edge technology location. NanoLumens NanoWrap solutions helped the client make this visual statement and capture the attention of customers as they walk through the door. 

Three columns in the building’s three-story-tall atrium are wrapped with NanoLumens’ 5MM NanoWrap displays in a 42-inch-diameter circular panel that covers 12 feet of vertical surface on each column. The NanoLumens LED panels, made up of thousands of Nixels™, NanoLumens’ patented display module, turn these architectural elements into archi-technological elements. They provide a continuous stream of full-motion video that’s visible throughout the entire lobby and from any angle. Each display can show different video content or all three columns can play synchronously, with content fed over IPTV via fiber from a cloud-based Cisco-AppSpace content delivery system.

The NanoWraps are attached to the columns by a unique circular mounting system, incorporating a custom metal frame around the column in which the panels are attached. This system was carried out by AV systems integrator American AVL, based in Ruston, LA.

“CenturyLink wanted to make this lobby a unique technological experience for visitors and guests,” Cating emphasized. “We looked at a lot of possibilities, and video would keep the columns as an integral part of the aesthetic design. But attaching conventional flat displays to them would have ruined the flow they create visually. Only the flexibility of the NanoWraps, which we could literally wrap around the columns, offered us the solution that we needed. NanoWraps were the only way we could address this particular form factor. The result is striking to look at.”

“The space- and energy-efficient NanoWrap solution offers quiet, low energy consuming cylindrical visualization wherever a customer would like to place it,” emphasized NanoLumens Executive Vice President of Business Development, Karen Robinson. “Whether that’s hanging overhead, in a fixed position on its own, or around the columns of a building, NanoWrap solutions are made to equip customers like CenturyLink with the perfect visualization solution that’s just right for them– no matter what size, shape, or curvature is needed.”

To download additional hi-res images, click here. All photography is courtesy of Idibri Consulting. 

WHOOSH! Appoints Antimicrobial Expert Dr. Curtis White to Serve as Technical Advisor

Reinforcing its commitment to develop the industry’s best tech hygiene solutions, WHOOSH! today announced the appointment of Dr. Curtis White, PhD to serve as a Technical Advisor to the company. Specializing in antimicrobial agents, Dr. White brings to his new role more than 50 years of experience in biochemistry, inventing, developing, and commercializing various chemicals and formulations.

“We are honored to have Dr. White join our team,” WHOOSH! CEO Jason Greenspan said today. “Curt has been working in biochemistry laboratories since 1962, and has, as a result, a detailed understanding of the science. His expertise will help us to develop the next generation of cleaning solutions that are required by today’s mobile consumer who is increasingly dependent on mobile devices to stay informed and entertained.”

White comes to WHOOSH! after co-founding ÆGIS Environmental Management, a global supplier of solutions to microbial problems in buildings, enclosed transportation units, and consumer and medical textiles including wound care products and construction materials. The company was recognized for its antimicrobial activities focused under the Aegis Microbe Shield Brand serving major retailers and brand name companies. ÆGIS Environmental Management was acquired by Microban International in 2012.

Prior to that, White spent eleven years at Dow Corning, guiding the technical activities for SYLGARD® Antimicrobial Treatment. During this time, White published more than fifteen trade journal articles, seven peer reviewed papers, five chapters in books, produced two video tapes, delivered thirty-five major addresses at technical and trade conferences, and wrote multiple product guides and case histories. White was responsible for the global expansion of the SYLGARD product line and was instrumental in the launching of the SYLGARD/BIOSIL business in Japan and Korea.

White also served as General Manager of the Micronic Filtration Division at machine tool company F. Joseph Lamb. While at F. Joseph Lamb, White was responsible for the development of an industrial filtration business that allowed for the removal of micron sized particles and, by use of proper chemical controls, extended the life of the metalworking fluids almost indefinitely.  

During his time as a researcher at Dow Chemical, White studied the invention of new industrial antimicrobials, understanding their toxicology and utility, and the development of sophisticated analytical techniques. White was responsible for a variety of bench and customer activities in the field of industrial microbiology. He was instrumental in the development of test techniques in the area of the paint preservatives, paint film mildewcides, marine antifoulants, metalworking fluid preservatives, and cooling tower slimicides.  

“With experience in organic chemistry and inorganic chemicals, Curt has experience in all phases of product-feature development and commercialization,” Greenspan added. “Curt will be working with management and the Technical Advisory Board to referee new products and business opportunities.”

Majoring in biology, chemistry, and education, White holds a B.S. degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Central Michigan University. White has been recognized by the Central Michigan University College of Science and Technology as a distinguished alumnus and sits on the alumni advisory board and executive board of Central Michigan University. 

Furman to Host Manufacturer Power Management Training Program at InfoComm 2015

Today’s information technology systems are connected more than ever before, but they still face common issues like surges and AC line noise that can wreak havoc in a variety of ways. To help prepare integrators, Furman, the nation’s leading provider of power management systems, announced an all new manufacturer’s training course that will be offered at InfoComm 2015.

“With this training program, we are providing integrators the necessary knowledge and tools they need keep systems running smoothly,” John Benz, Core Brands Director of Product Management for Power explained. “When a system goes down it can cost both the client and the integrator money. “Be the Hero” is designed to address common issues and provide solutions to protect gear and optimize networks.”

Networked devices can create complex systems that have multiple points of failure and require specific boot sequences. This course will address power management features and benefits, best practices to employ power management solutions, and how the integrators can use the latest technologies to provide the highest level of service to their clients.

“Power management solutions from Furman can eliminate up to 80 percent of service calls, monitoring networks and giving integrators remote access to control devices from anywhere in the world,” Rob Harris, Furman Product specialist stated. “Furman is dedicated to providing attendees with the facts they need to greatly reduce or eliminate costly power management issues.”

Harris will lead the training program, showing manufacturers why typical surge strips are not enough to protect your equipment and maintain a healthy network of devices.  Join him as he walks integrators and technology users through common AC problems and their solutions while covering the science behind AC surge protection and noise filtering. Real-world examples will be used to show how Furman solutions protect gear, optimize networks and create reoccurring revenue opportunities for integrators.

Everyone who attends will be eligible to win one of Furman’s award-winning AC-215A power conditioners. Featuring the highest level of surge and spike protection available, linear filtration to ensure clean power, and auto-resetting extreme voltage shutdown, the compact, non-sacrificial AC-215A is one of the most versatile power management devices on the market today.

To register, visit: https://inf151.experientevent.com/showinf151/Default.aspx?UITEMS=_MT86

Trident Case Introduces Industry's Toughest Case for Chromebooks in the Classroom

Trident Case™, designer and manufacturer of innovative education, business and lifestyle case solutions, today announced the introduction of their all-new Chromebook Case, the industry’s first case to offer drop protection from up to four feet. Trident’s patent-pending Chromebook Case, debuting at CSC 2015, Booth #3 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Anaheim, California, fully shields devices from any possible classroom wear-and-tear.

“Trident Case prides itself on designing and engineering mobile device case solutions that offer versatility and maximum protection in any usage environment,” Trident Vice President of Marketing Vickie Achee said today. “We believe our new Chromebook Case lives up to this standard of excellence. With the help of reinforced corners and drop protective hinges, this case will serve as a comfortable barrier for Chromebooks, especially for students and teachers in classroom environments.”

In addition to its protective guard, the Chromebook Case’s patent-pending design offers tablet users sleek and lightweight protection that allows for easy transport. This design includes anti-skid protective corners, access to all ports (USB and charging) while the case is on, as well as shock-absorbing lining. These preventative solutions are able to construct the stylish outer surface, while keeping the tablet safe from any drops.  Furthermore, the case also provides users with comfortable nylon fabric carrying straps.

To better accommodate users, devices can be used with the case attached, so you don’t have to compromise protection for use. The case also comes with additional straps that can adjust to different Chromebook sizes. These straps, which are attached to the reinforced corner guards, are designed to fit Chromebook brands up to 11.6” in size, while having the capability to protect devices from harm.

“Trident’s introduction of the Chromebook Case reinforces our commitment to providing consumers with the ultimate protection for every single solution,” Achee added. “Every device needs to be protected, and we design solutions with that simple fact in mind.” 

The Chromebook Case carries an MSRP of $49.99. The case comes with a black and gray exterior and is available atwww.tridentcase.com.   

San Diego's 2014 Restaurant of the Year Matches World-Class Food With High Tech Automation — Thanks to ELAN

When world-class chefs open a new restaurant, they want to create a unique dining experience that keeps guests enticed from the moment they walk through the doors until the next day when they inevitably tell all their friends about it. Richard Blais, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars and host of several network television cooking shows, does this by using science and technology to offer dishes unlike any other. Think nitrogen-frozen desserts that melt as your waiter pours hot fudge over them.

In his new San Diego restaurant Juniper & Ivy, which was named the city’s Restaurant of the Year by the San Diego Union Tribune, Blais matched his penchant for high-tech cooking with a comprehensive audio-video, security and climate control system that ensures the restaurant operates smoothly from opening to closing, every day. Using an ELAN g! Control Systemdesigned and installed by local integrator Paradise InfoTech, the staff at Juniper & Ivy has instant control over all of the lights, 11 distinct zones of audio and 10 zones of climate control, ensuring every guest has the best experience possible.

According to General Manager Dan Pena, “The guest experience is everything. We pay close attention to how bright it is in the restaurant, we make sure the temperature stays within a certain comfort range and maintain the desired ambience with specific genres of music. It’s amazing to be able to make changes on the floor immediately, rather than having to walk back and forth from the dining area to an office, and it’s freed me up to focus all my attention on the staff and the guests, rather than having to spend time worrying about the atmosphere.”

It’s a well-known fact that music can set the mood for any environment. Quality, volume and song choice are of the utmost importance. With the ELAN g! system running things behind the scenes, select Juniper & Ivy staff can make adjustments right from their mobile phones to cater to any guests’ request. Crucial to this operation is the separation of zones, offering different volume levels and audio sources for the main dining area, three semi-private dining cubes, a private dining room, two offices, the kitchen, the bar, the lounge and the outdoor patio. Each of these zones also has its own climate control, so a private party can set the temperature to exactly what they want.

“Restaurants, bars and retail stores are all about the customer experience,” said Zack Paradise, owner of Paradise InfoTech. “What ELAN’s technology does is give the owners and managers of these establishments full, instant control of the environment so they can make small adjustments throughout the day to appeal to their customers. It also frees up more of their time to manage staff and ensure the human operations run smoothly, without having to worry about the infrastructure or the building itself.”

Behind the scenes the technology goes even deeper, providing enhanced security and streamlining opening and closing the restaurant. Using the ELAN g! app on their mobile phones and house iPads, select staff can view any of the establishment’s 13 IP video cameras even when they are off-site. This gives owner Michael Rosen extra peace of mind, because he can ensure that everything is going smoothly no matter where he is in the world, and if anything does go wrong, he can log in to view it firsthand.

“The remote capabilities of the system mean that I can ensure that everything is going as planned without the need for me to be on-site seven days a week,” Pena said. “Also, the implementation has been flawless. The ELAN control system is so easy to use, I would really be surprised if anyone couldn’t learn it right away. My managers have full control over the restaurant, which makes their jobs easier, and it helps us save energy by showing if the air conditioning and lighting has all been shut down after closing. Every restaurant could benefit form the control offered by the ELAN g! system.”

Paradise InfoTech was founded as a full-service IT company in San Diego with a mission to provide the highest customer satisfaction and the best end user experience possible. In response to customer demand, the company expanded into AV solutions and sophisticated automation systems and employs dedicated staff to meet the distinct needs of enterprise, corporate, retail and residential clients.