ABL ONLINE JUNE 7, 2007

IOGEAR & ATEN Debut New Cable & Switch
IOGEAR, where Sampson Yang is CEO, has released Smartlink Transfer Cable for Windows Vista™, designed to work with Windows Easy Transfer, a new feature on the Vista operating system. Smartlink sends files, music, pictures and settings from Windows XP computers to another PC running Vista through a USB connection. Meanwhile, ATEN Technology, where Sampson is also CEO of U.S. Operations, announced a new 8-port KVM switch that is the first to feature Intelligent Platform Management Interface 2.0 monitoring from a single console.

Memeo Teams with SupportSoft
Memeo, Inc., where Hong Bui is CEO, has formed an alliance with SupportSoft Inc. whereby support.com will offer Memeo’s high performance content management and data protection software, AutoBackup 2.0, as the backup solution along with SupportSoft's new Data Backup Service.

Microsemi Unveils Latest Products
Microsemi, where Jim Peterson is CEO, has announced a variety of new products, including its most powerful amplifier to date for wireless LAN access point applications; a new line of RF PIN diodes in a breakthrough surface mount package for high volume microwave applications; the addition of the ARF476FL transistor to its family of high voltage RF Power MOSFETs in lower-cost flangeless packages; and four additions to its DRF family of RF MOSFET drivers and hybrid RF driver/MOSFETs.

Transcepta Creates Online Invoicing Community
Transcepta, where Ray Parsons and Mitch Baxter are Co-Founders, has created an online community focused on allowing buyers and vendors to exchange electronic invoices. The firm allows companies to manage Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable online via software-as-a-service. (socaltech.com TechNews, 6/1/07)

Alvaka Networks Has a New Address
Alvaka Networks, where Oli Thordarson is CEO, has moved to 10 Corporate Park, Irvine, CA 92606, (949) 428-5000.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

OC Most Diverse High-Tech Economy in the Nation
Orange County has moved from a middle ranking among peers to the most diverse high-tech economy in the country, according to the Orange County Business Council Economic Indicators report. OC increased its share of high-tech industries with employment above the national average from 15 industries in 2003 to 18 industries in 2004. In other indicators, venture capital funding in OC in 2005 more than doubled to $605.6 million in comparison to $269.6 million in 2004. Investments for the first half of 2006 totaled $254.9 million – slightly behind the pace of 2005 and well below the 2000 high of $1.5 billion. The top sectors receiving funding in the first half of 2006 were medical devices ($77.5 million), computer software ($63.8 million), and industrial/energy ($33.3 million). While OC’s share of national venture capital is only about 2%, the larger Tech Coast region - comprised of Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties – received 10.8% of all national VC dollars in the first half of 2006. The Tech Coast region is the third largest source of VC funding behind Silicon Valley and Boston. (OC Business Council Economic Indicators Report, 2007)

California Brain Drain?
The number of college graduates leaving California has jumped, up from 30% between 1995 and 2000 to 38% from 2000 to 2005, according to a Public Policy Institute of California study, which cited expensive housing and a high cost of living as the main reasons. The problem will get worse, the study suggests: more than 41% of all jobs will require at least a college degree by 2025 – as compared to only 33% in 2005. (OC Business Journal, 5/23/2007)

Philadelphia Moving Toward Citywide Wireless Web Access
Philadelphia has finished testing its wireless Internet project and approved results from a 15-square-mile test zone where people can access the Internet for $21.95 a month or $9.95 if they qualify for low-income assistance. Access is free in parks and other outdoor spaces, and for people participating in community programs such as employment training or housing assistance. By the end of this year, Philadelphia will have wireless Internet access throughout its 135 square miles in a project being watched by many cities throughout the world. (KenRadio's Daily Tech News Clicks, 5/25/07)
Half of Wi-Fi Hotspot Money is Wasted
Wireless hotspot usage is climbing, but more than half of the money spent on ad-hoc hotspot access is wasted, according to a survey by Trustive. Research showed that half of the users surveyed were connected for 30 minutes or less per session, and more than a quarter of sessions were 15 minutes or under. With most hotspots charging by the hour, basically they're wasting half of their money. (eMarketer Daily, 5/31/07)

Hi-Def TV Upgrades to Create Low-Tech Trash
The conversion from analog signals to all digital in broadcast television in 2009 is expected to send many Americans to the store for new TV sets, meaning a potential flood of outdated TVs, which contain lead-encased picture tubes and other hazardous material, heading into landfills. The latest U.S. Census figures indicate that the average household had 2.5 TV sets in 2004, a 25% increase since 1990. In all, there were 268 million TVs. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, last year 19% of people threw their old electronics in the trash, and the rest either gave them away (55%), recycled them (18%) or sold them (7%). The Association's new recycling website, http://www.mygreenelectronics.org, helps people find places to drop off their old TVs and other devices. (KenRadio's Daily Tech News Clicks, 5/25/07)

UPCOMING ROUND TABLES & EVENTS

6/7 - Thursday Orange County Round Table
6/8 - West Los Angeles Round Table
6/13 - Wednesday Orange County Round Table
7/6 - 210 Corridor Round Table