Houston Technology Center Articles RSS Feed

Teledrill Field Test #7 Results

david kusko — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Teledrill recently completed its 7th well trial and accomplished several milestones with its Rate of Penetration Enhancement drilling tool that also delivers MWD (Measurement While Drilling) information with a Gamma Ray detector. Those milestones were:

Encoding and Decoding MWD/Gamma Ray information in real time with its own proprietary encoding scheme.
Successful correlation of its Gamma Ray log with Open Hole log Gamma Ray logs done by an independent logger.
Several successful wireline trips in and out of the hole, thus proving its retrievability consistently.
Reliability testing of the turbine, instrumentation, and pulsing/ROP system was proven as the tool was still functioning perfectly after 3 days in the hole.
Enormous & clean 700-1200 psig pulses with low flow rates (under 250 GPM).
Huge jarring effect/WOB nearing 10,000 pounds in a very short period of time.
Effective use of the Teledrill tool as a logging tool when wirelining in and out of the hole.

14-Aug-08 1:00 PM

Guy Kawasaki Speaks to the Houston Technology Community

Marc Nathan — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Guy Kawasaki Speaks to the Houston Startup Community

Part One (Starts at 4 minutes in)

Part Two

Download The Art of the Start Presentation

Thanks to our generous sponsors:

25-Apr-08 3:00 PM

Kinesix and Shengzuo Land First Software Contract in China

Jon Rucket — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:15:00 GMT

China Power Investment Corporation will use Sendera for data management in local plants

July 17, 2006 (Beijing, China) - This month, China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) will become the first local customer to implement Sendera, a collaborative software product from HTC member Kinesix Software and Beijing’s Shengzuo Software Technology Inc. Sendera, customized specifically for the Chinese market, allows users to view dynamic “streaming data” graphics over the Internet via any Java-enabled Web browser.

Sendera manages the flow of information between Web browsers and back-end data sources, allowing any business unit in the enterprise to view the same live, operational data seen by engineers in the control center. Sendera also allows users to custom-build the graphic displays that animate and manage their real-time data – without requiring any programming on the end-user’s part.

CPI, established from the constituent businesses of the former State Power Corporation of China, manages nearly 28,000 megawatts of power within the Chinese market. CPI will use Sendera to manage the data collection, transmission and display needs of its HeNan affiliate – which has 10 power plants, and more than 10,000 data points that it must monitor. Sendera’s Web capabilities will allow CPI to monitor and control this safety-critical data in real time, via the Internet.

“Sendera provides a top-to-bottom solution for the China Power Investment Corporation to collect high volumes of data, custom-build displays to animate that data, and manage and react to that data in real time,” says Kinesix CEO Russ Jamerson. “It allows multiple users to access the data simultaneously, and it is specifically tailored to the Chinese market.”

Kinesix and Shengzuo initiated their partnership in July by launching the Kinesix Development Center–China, a 3,000-square foot Beijing facility dedicated to customizing Kinesix’s highly sophisticated human-machine interface technologies for Chinese end-users in the mission-command and process-control industries.

About Shengzuo Software Technology Inc.

Shengzuo Software Technology Inc. is a software developer servicing the aerospace, industrial-control and industrial-design fields. Shengzuo is based in Beijing and plays a leading role in the fields of system analog and integrated analysis design in China. As a strategic cooperative companion of Kinesix, Shengzuo devotes itself to introducing the most advanced products and technology to Chinese customers. The Chinese version of the company’s website is www.shengzuo.com.

About Kinesix Software

Kinesix Software is the developer of Sammi, an enterprise and control-room graphics tool used by more than 20,000 mission-command and process-control workers. The Sammi product, which was first launched in 1990, allows users to build custom graphical displays that animate and manage massive volumes of streaming data across dozens – or even hundreds – of workstations.

With Sammi, users see full-color dashboards, instead of rudimentary numeric readings or basic, conventional GUIs. While Sammi is often categorized as a graphics product, its real value lies in its proven ability to display live data across a network of command and control systems. Sammi is currently available for Unix, Microsoft NT/2000/XP and Linux platforms. Kinesix offers Sammi for a variety of platforms, including Unix, Microsoft NT/2000/XP and Linux. In addition, Kinesix recently released KX EDGE, its next-generation human-machine interface, based on Microsoft’s .Net platform. Kinesix is based in Houston, Texas. To learn more visit www.kinesix.com.

Houston Technology Center

Houston Technology Center (HTC) is a business accelerator that assists Houston-based emerging technology companies in key sectors such as: Energy, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Nanotechnology and NASA-originated technologies. See www.houstontech.org for more information.

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19-Jul-06 1:15 PM

Fund Raising Survey Results

Hilla Barzilai - Abileah — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 19:00:00 GMT

Fund Raising Survey Results

The Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M University invited over 100 companies to participate in a Fund-Raising Survey.

Incubators and angel investing groups around the state provided many of the contacts for the Survey. The Center’s staff and volunteers identified other contacts through web searches and personal contacts.

The focus of the Survey is the experiences of companies attempting to raise capital during calendar year 2004. Not all companies we contacted had actively engaged in fund-raising activities during the year.

The results of the survey, which contains both qualitative and quantitative insights, are provided here.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SURVEY RESULTS

8-Mar-06 1:00 PM

Capitalizing on Internet Marketing

Hilla Barzilai - Abileah — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 15:00:00 GMT

Click on the following links to download the presentations:

Steve Latham presentation

Ed Schipul presentation

Tena Andrus presentation

Kelsey Ruger presentation

27-Jan-06 9:00 AM

Sales Force Strategies for Start-ups

Kathy Alexander — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 22:00:00 GMT

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24-Jun-05 5:00 PM

Powerhouse production company becomes CVBG’s Interactive Broadcast Partner

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 14:00:00 GMT

June 6, 2005

Powerhouse production company becomes CVBG’s Interactive Broadcast Partner

Classic Worldwide Productions, a renowned full-service film and television production company based in Cleveland, Ohio, is now CVBG’s first Interactive Broadcast Partner (IBP).

As an IBP, Classic Worldwide will introduce CVBG and its broadcasting solutions to their clients as an added value to their production offerings. Their clients include:

• American Idol
• MSNBC
• Fox News
• Fox Sports Ohio
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
• American Greetings
• Barnes Distribution
• N B A Entertainment
• Roadway Express

“We are extremely pleased that Classic Worldwide has the confidence in Continental Vista to share our services and broadcasting solutions with their clients,” said Greg Demetriades, CEO of Continental Vista.

Bob Anderson, vice president and creative director of Classic Worldwide, said he has supported Demetriades for several years during the evolution of the interactive broadcasting concept.

“We recognized the potential of expanding events via Internet transmission to broaden the scope of viewership—not only to use broadcasting for information distribution but also to become interactive,” Anderson said. “We’re really seeing it become possible to merge several technologies that have previously been isolated.”

Anderson said he’s eager to introduce CVBG’s turnkey broadcasting solutions to Classic Worldwide’s clients.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Continental Vista network and to help develop the Internet broadcast circle globally,” he said.

Jerry Patton, president of Classic Worldwide, likened CVBG’s interactive broadcasting to an “evergreen technology”—“always growing, greatly capable, something you can build on.”

You can learn more about Classic Worldwide at www.classicworldwide.com.

Continental Vista Broadcasting Group, a cutting-edge interactive broadcasting company, enables content owners to easily and cost-effectively broadcast live and on-demand content via digital Internet networks, including MSBN for sports, First Cut Live for entertainment, Lexipont for academic and corporate education, Politically Yours for political content, and Your Devotion for faith-based content. More networks are under development. CVBG’s proprietary broadcasting system also includes interactive communication and advertising features. To learn more, please visit www.continentalvista.tv.

Houston Technology Center (HTC) is a business accelerator that assists emerging technology companies within several key industries: Energy, Information Technology, Life Sciences and NASA-originated technologies. A non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, HTC helps Houston-based entrepreneurs grow their businesses by providing them with in-depth business guidance and access to capital and professional services. Entrepreneurs also benefit from exposure and networking opportunities provided by HTC events. To learn more, visit www.houstontech.org.

7-Jun-05 9:00 AM

Spirit Airlines and Commerciant Take Flight

Eric Gensheimer — Fri, 13 May 2005 19:00:00 GMT

Spirit Airlines and Commerciant Take Flight With New Wireless Credit Card Terminals

HOUSTON, TX, April 14, 2005 –Spirit Airlines announced today that it will now conduct in-flight credit card transactions for their passengers’ snack and beverage sales utilizing Commerciant- LP’s new MobileScape™ wireless, hand-held credit card terminals. MobileScape™ provides the Spirit flight attendants with the ability to process quickly and easily a passenger’s credit card transaction, saving employee time while better serving the needs of their passengers.

“We are delighted to be working with Commerciant on this innovative and technology advanced solution for inflight purchases. Initially, these will be used for our snack and liquor sales but with such versatile technology, they will support new and future ideas in onboard service” said Ben Baldanza, President and Chief Operating Officer of Spirit Airlines. “We know our customers will appreciate our being cashless for their convenience and being able to use a credit or debit card inflight with confidence. Commerciant couldn’t be a better partner.”

“We are honored to have Spirit Airlines as a new partner,” said Tim Davis, CEO of Commerciant LP and Chairman of its Board of Directors. “We believe our ability to develop a wireless solution tailored to the airline industry will bring an even better flight experience for Spirit passengers.”

Real-time transaction reports are immediately available for Spirit Airlines through the secure MobileScape™ Manager website. Not only does the system save valuable field time, but also the airline can determine exactly what items were sold and by whom on a daily basis. The MobileScape™ terminal is lightweight, rugged and exceptionally easy to use, making it ideal for in-flight use. It also makes flight attendants’ job more efficient by eliminating the need to carry cash and make change.

Commerciant’s MobileScape™ solution capitalizes on the technology of industry leading companies - the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network renowned for high-speed, secure transport of payments and other business critical data combined with Commerciant’s POSware, its brand of enterprise solution and business application software.

For more information about MobileScape™ , visit Commerciant’s website at: www.commerciant.com.

About Commerciant
Commerciant is the technology leader in the wireless payments and mobile business process service industry. Commerciant provides authorization, settlement, wireless access, and its low cost, hand held MobileScape™ terminal capable of performing remote credit card processing under a single contract. Powered by POSware™, the MobileScape ™ terminal delivers highly customizable mobile business process services. Learn more at www.commerciant.com

About Spirit Airlines
Founded in 1990, Fort Lauderdale-based Spirit Airlines is the largest privately-held airline in the U.S., bringing low fares and friendly service to 18 cities, including: Atlantic City, N.J.; Cancun, Mexico; Chicago/O'Hare; Detroit; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Nassau, Bahamas; New York/LaGuardia; Providence/Boston Area; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Washington, D.C./Reagan National; and the Florida cities of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa, with seasonal service to West Palm Beach.

Commerciant™, MobileScape™ , POSware™ are trademarks of Commerciant Holdings Inc. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein. These factors include risks relating to technological changes.

13-May-05 2:00 PM

CVBG Converges Academic and Sports Broadcasting Within One Institution

Fri, 13 May 2005 18:00:00 GMT

CVBG Converges Academic and Sports Broadcasting Within One Institution

May 12, 2005

With the May 8 broadcast of American University’s commencement ceremonies, Continental Vista Broadcasting Group extended its presence in universities beyond sports programming, opening up new opportunities for academic departments to utilize the broadcasting technology that already serves their athletic programs.

CVBG’s versatile, end-to-end solution enabled American University to broadcast its 2005 commencement live via MSBN, the same sports network that brings sports fans the AU Eagles’ basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse.

More than 200 viewers each spent, on average, more than an hour watching the three ceremonies.

The first broadcast, for the Kogod School of Business and School of Communication, featured speaker Judith McHale, the president of Discovery Communications, which, under her direction, has acquired the Travel Channel and launched Animal Planet and the Discovery Health Channel.

The College of Arts and Sciences’ broadcast featured Tim Russert, the managing editor and moderator of Meet the Press, a political analyst for NBC Nightly News, and a senior vice president and Washington bureau chief at NBC News.

Daniel Inouye, the third most senior member of the U.S. Senate, spoke at the third broadcast for the School of Public Affairs and School of International Service.

To watch the American University commencement ceremonies on-demand, go to www.msbn.tv/eaglevision.

American University is located in Washington, D.C.

13-May-05 1:00 PM

Raising Early-Stage Capital - Bob Ulrich

Genevieve Harbourt — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:00:00 GMT

18-Mar-05 12:00 PM

Raising Early-Stage Capital - Wally Klemp

Genevieve Harbourt — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:00:00 GMT

18-Mar-05 12:00 PM

Raising Early-Stage Capital - Bob Gray

Genevieve Harbourt — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:00:00 GMT

18-Mar-05 12:00 PM

Presentation - Oracle President Charles Phillips at Houston Technology Forum - Feb. 17

Genevieve Harbourt — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 22:00:00 GMT

On February 17, 2005, Houston Technology Center held the Houston Technology Forum featuring Charles E. Phillips, Jr., President of Oracle Corporation.

Please find his presentation attached.

23-Feb-05 4:00 PM

Taking Your Brand to Market - Steve Latham

Genevieve Harbourt — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 21:00:00 GMT

See complete presentation below.

10-Dec-04 3:00 PM

Messaging - Phil Morabito

Genevieve Harbourt — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 21:00:00 GMT

Please see complete presentation below.

10-Dec-04 3:00 PM

Branding - David Greely

Genevieve Harbourt — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 21:00:00 GMT

Please find complete presentation below

10-Dec-04 3:00 PM

Houston's IT Workforce: Infrastructure for and uncertain labor market

Janice Dorr — Wed, 24 Nov 2004 14:00:00 GMT

The report documents challenges getting accurate labor market demand information in Houston, and also includes descriptions of innovative strategies in other communities to improve feedback amongst employers, educators, and the workforce. The report concludes with recommendations on how Houston can better support technology workers in today's more uncertain employment environment.
The University of Houston and the Houston Technology Center completed this joint study to assess how students and educators actually get and interpret information about skills in demand in order to make these educational investments.

See below for full text pdf. file

24-Nov-04 8:00 AM

Energy Technology Investment Trends

Bob Martin, Steven Meyers, Bob Schwartz — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 12:00:00 GMT

ABSTRACT: As a result of increasing consumer needs, rising energy costs and recent technological advances, new energy technology markets have grown rapidly throughout the past decade, with promise of dramatic advancements in the years ahead. Energy technology and infrastructure no longer lie exclusively within the realm of government programs. Rather, such segments have opened to the private sector, indicating significant return on investment (ROI) possibilities. Recent research has revealed a wave of private venture capital flowing into energy startups - a trend echoed in the pages of this study.

A survey was conducted to determine the investment tendencies within new energy technologies. The study analyzed 18 investment organizations that focus on emerging energy markets. Using a combined qualitative and quantitative study, researchers delved into firm demographics, current investments, segments of future interest, and funding decision criteria.

Please click on the document link below for the full text of the white paper.

20-Oct-04 7:00 AM

Client Company Testimonials

Kelli Pitts — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 19:00:00 GMT

“First, HTC has provided great publicity for us, which has given us an advantage in sourcing talent when we have had key management positions to fill. Second, through its advisory board, HTC has provided instant access to influential business leaders in the Houston community. This networking base has led to useful introductory meetings in the past few years and also has laid a foundation for intersections of interest down the line.”

Kit Cooper, President
Hispanic Teleservices
Client since 1999

“HTC helped Tyrell tap into networks that are still paying dividends for the company. From filling out the management team, to providing critical technology resources, to completing a major funding round, HTC was there to help. We could not have asked for a better return on our investment in HTC.”

Walter Klemp, President and CEO
Tyrell
Client since 2003

“In addition to serving as a focal point for entrepreneurs, HTC enables us to meet talented and experienced industry executives who frequently become advisors and occasionally become customers.”

Craig Moore, President
CMO-IQ
Client since 2004

“Houston Technology Center helped Vuico 'make the cut.' Vuico secured an agreement as the exclusive distributor and licensor of NTT Software's portfolio for North and South America, but in order to realize our vision of giving consumers and businesses an always-on mobile, wireless internet experience, we needed business guidance and seed funding. HTC's advice on how best to penetrate the market, their assistance with our presentation, and the introductions to the Houston Angel Network helped us to raise $500,000 to start building our company.”

Vui Le , CEO
Vuico, L.L.C.
Client since 2001

“HTC has connected me to several key people that I would not have had access to otherwise. The HTC has helped us grow faster than anticipated.”

Karl Maier, President
Therapy Track
Client since 2004

“Everyone at HTC added tremendous value and insight. Not only did HTC help refine our business strategy, they led us to the Houston Angel Network for initial funding. With HTC's help, we raised $500,000 in seed funding in March 2002. To date, we have raised over $4.3 million equity and bridge financing . Our relationship with HTC is a huge asset!”

Chris Wasden, CEO and President
Tympany, Inc.
Client since 2001

“The Houston Technology Center understands and promotes entrepreneurial experience from concept through mentoring, networking and facility report.”

Steve Catha, CEO
SmartPipe
Client since 2004

“The concept of the HTC Client Company has had both short term and long-term benefits for Webvideolink. We are far better prepared as we seek to raise outside funding and this is directly related to our involvement with HTC. We have an improved market and sales strategy and we consistently receive support from the staff of both the Emerging Markets Group and the team supporting us within the Houston Technology Center.”

“We at Webvideolink consider the Houston Technology Center as ‘our most valuable' partner in this business venture and as we move forward with our active sales and marketing of our products HTC continues to support us and guide us towards success! ”

Doug Copper, President and CEO
Webvideolink, LLC
Client since 2003

“Being an HTC client and a building tenant has given us an edge with our customers this past year. We held our product launch here, and the facility itself helped us make a good impression on everyone.”

Shelley Ryan, Founder
BirdNest Software
Client since 2001

“The HTC is a great place for networking, recruiting and finding strong outsourced service providers.”

Rudy Prince , CEO
Always on Wireless, Inc
Client since 2003

14-Oct-04 2:00 PM

Houston Technology Center Women Honored With Leadership in Technology Award

Fri, 02 Apr 2004 21:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON (June 18, 2003) – The Houston Technology Center is proud to announce two key women have been nominated for the prestigious Leadership in Technology Award issued by the Houston Chapter of the National Association for Women in Computing (AWC). Aruna Viswanathan and Sharon Fortmeyer-Selan, along with 21 women from 16 different companies, will be recognized at a gala dinner and reception at the Inter-Continental Hotel June 21.

Viswanathan is Director of Business Development for the Houston Technology Center, where she helps new companies developing software and hardware-related technologies. Since joining HTC in 2001 she has worked with more than 30 businesses in the areas of business development, raising capital, strategic marketing and building management teams. Viswanathan, who previously worked for Motorola’s wireless subscriber signal processing division, also worked with two successful software start-up companies.

Fortmeyer-Selan, as a member of HTC’s Service Provider Network, has created marketing plans for several HTC client companies including Vuico, LLC and FrogPad. At Vuico Fortmeyer-Selan developed branding, packaging and pricing for GoWireless™ and connectWireless™. While at FrogPad she created branding, positioning, launch strategy and marketing plans.

“Aruna has been a wonderful asset to HTC as she has helped so many companies get their start and Sharon has been a great addition to our Service Provider Network, “ said Paul Frison, President and CEO of the Houston Technology Center. “These women both have made significant contributions to our organization and we are proud they are being honored by the National Association for Women in Computing.”

In 2002, the AWC event attracted more than 500 supporters of technology developments in Houston including business and political leaders. This year more than 700 people are expected to attend. Proceeds support the Kathi Bowles Scholarship for students pursuing technology degrees at Houston-area universities.

The 2003 Leadership in Technology Award winners include:

Alicia Acebo - Continental Airlines
Lori Allen - BMC Software
Sushma Bhan - Shell Chemicals
Cindy Boyd - Sentigy, Inc.
Cheryl Brown - Hewlett Packard
Teresa Carroll-Childers - CSC
Lynn Cranford - Hewlett Packard
Twila Day - SYSCO Corporation
Parmita Derden - Phoenix EDH
Deborah Dinsmore - Sterling Bank
Linda Durham-Goff - Hewlett Packard
Sharon Fortmeyer-Selan - Vuico
Mary Beth Gracy - Accenture
Jodie Kontowicz-Mark - Cap Gemini Ernst & Young
Mary Lawrence - Lyondell Chemical Company
Marcia Meaux - Hewlett Packard
Mary Nugent - BMC Software
Suzanne Quinn - Hewlett Packard
Mimi Reilly - Hewlett Packard
Bettina Samper - Hewlett Packard
Karla Stuebing - FSD Data Services
Aruna Viswanathan - Houston Technology Center
Kimberly Williams-Smith - Texas Instruments

About Houston Technology Center
Houston Technology Center (HTC) is a business accelerator that incubates Houston-based emerging technology companies within several key sectors: Energy, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Nanotechnology and NASA technologies. In the new 26,000-square-foot Houston Technology Center, HTC’s Client Companies receive in-depth business guidance and Houston’s underemployed receive workforce development skills necessary to participate in the Information Economy. A non-profit corporation, HTC is enhancing greater Houston’s position as a leading technology city with the support of more than 300 corporations and organizations, Houston’s leading academic institutions, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Texas Medical Center, NASA-Johnson Space Center and the City of Houston. See www.houstontech.org for more information.

About the Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
The National organization was formed in 1978 to encourage women in technology-related careers. The Houston chapter is among the largest and oldest in the country.

2-Apr-04 4:00 PM