Industry Briefs

NEWS

BUDGET CUTS EASED.

With so many colleges and universities faced with budgetary constraints, schools like the University of Idaho need to find creative solutions. So, when UI’s Public Speaking 101 course recently suffered a 25 percent budget cut, educators developed an online program via the WebCT (www.webct.com) Campus Edition course management system (CMS). The school charged $30 per student/per course, which generated $24,000 in revenue—all while saving students money in materials fees.

STREAMLINING ERP.

Methodist Theological School (OH), specializing in professional ministry studies, has signed on with Campus Management (www.campusmanagement.com), a provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP), to implement a new administrative system. By this fall, MTSO expects to have Campus Management’s CampusVue Collegiate software fully operational to streamline and integrate its admissions, financial aid, academic records, and back-office operations, and to improve student services and communication, say Campus Management reps.

REBUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP.

Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, the University of New Orleans (LA) got its core Oracle/PeopleSoft (www.oracle.com) financial, human resources, and student information systems up and running, thanks to a disaster recovery initiative manned by the university and Oracle Premier Support Services. By rebuilding UNO’s technology infrastructure, Oracle helped the university reopen within weeks, and make payroll for its employees.

AND THE AWARD G'ES TO…

Creators of enterprise Wi-Fi architecture Xirrus (www.xirrus.com) earned the 2006 Mobility Award from MobileTrax (www.mobiletrax.com), a market research firm that focuses on mobile computing and wireless data markets. In addition, video over IP network solutions provider VBrick Systems (www.vbrick.com) received Frost & Sullivan’s (www.frost.com) 2005 Excellence in Technology of the Year Award in the VoIP technologies market. VBrick was recognized for its digital video capabilities: real-time collaboration, distance learning, streaming presentations, and video-on-demand.

M&A, ETC.

NEW NAME, SAME FOCUS.

PEC Solutions Inc., acquired by Nortel in mid 2005 and renamed Nortel PEC Solutions, has now become Nortel Government Solutions (www.nortelgov.com). The change was made to reflect the company’s focus on secure network communication solutions and services for the government sector. “Our new name more accurately speaks to our emphasis on delivering unique combinations of advanced technologies and integration services to the government market,” says Chuck Saffell, president and CEO of the newly monikered company.

PEOPLE

ADDING LEADERSHIP.

Mike Zackrison has joined Unicon (www.unicon.net) as VP of product management, and will be responsible for developing and executing Unicon’s product-related business strategies, tactics, and activities while working with Sales, Marketing, and other departments to meet the company’s development and revenue goals. Prior to joining Unicon, Zackrison held positions at SunGard Data Systems and SCT Corp., now SunGard SCT (www.sungardsct.com).

MANAGMENT CHANGE.

Adobe Systems Inc. (www.adobe.com) has announced the resignation of Murray Demo, who was executive VP of Finance and CFO. Demo has made a personal decision to leave Adobe in order to spend more time with his family, say Adobe spokespeople.

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