Additional Related News Items: HOME NETWORKING/SYSTEMS Sector

Here we present a selection of related news items that are of interest to our subscribers. These are presented "as is" - meaning with minimal to no editorial treatment by us. They are intended to keep our subscribers informed of related developments, but are not stored at our site as are the regular articles developed by our editorial team. We invite your comments/suggestions about the content in this section at info@vtechlink.com.

• CEA Report Says Consumers Seek Smarthomes and Simple Terminology
• Siemon Unveils Online Network Cabling Learning Center
• Cisco Releases Home Networking Simplified Book
• Northern Virginia Town Awards Video Franchise to Verizon

CEA Report Says Consumers Seek Smarthomes and Simple Terminology

Phrases and descriptions of home technology should emphasize the environment they create within a home according to "Exploring the Language of TechHome: How Consumers Talk about Home Technologies," a study recently released by the Consumer Electronics Association [CEA]. Language that emphasizes comfort and efficiency will also appeal to potential customers.

The study focused on five main home technologies, including distributed audio systems, structured wiring, automatic lighting and temperature regulation, designated home theater rooms and media servers. The research tested phrases currently used by the industry to describe home technology products in order to gauge consumer reaction to these terms.

Although not the primary focus of the study, the survey also explores consumers' decision to purchase home technology systems. The study concluded that regardless of whether a homebuilder offers these technologies themselves or refers customers to an outside vendor, homebuilders should strive to educate consumers and communicate the possibilities these technologies provide.

"Exploring the Language of TechHome: How Consumers Talk about Home Technologies" was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research, international research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $500.

The Consumer Electronics Association [CEA] is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

Siemon Unveils Online Network Cabling Learning Center

In order to keep the market up to speed on the ever-evolving network cabling industry, Siemon has launched a new online resource center that features a variety of new and updated e-learning features:

* Siemon Cabling Standards Guide - Developed as library of relevant national and international telecommunications standards, the library is continually updated to provide a timely reference point

* Global Customer Success Library - Covers Siemon successes in industries such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, data centers, education, financial services, government, military, healthcare, pharmaceutical, hospitality, retail, telecommunications and transportation.

* "Industry Standards Online Radio Show" Podcasts - This new technology enables electronic broadcasting over the Internet where listeners learn about the latest network applications, trends, telecommunications standards, cabling technology, future innovations and global cabling standards.

* White Papers Library - Featuring papers on topical network subjects such as 10G Ethernet Over Structured Copper Cabling, Cabling Life Cycles and the Laws of Networking Communications and Voice Over IP network readiness.

* Emerging Technologies - Online webinars and articles on the future of network infrastructure

* Glossary of Cabling Terms - including definitions for popular cabling terms, acronyms, abbreviations and conversion charts

In addition to e-learning modules, the Web site includes a variety of tools for end-users as well as network designers and installers:

* New e-catalog

Database driven, real-time accurate product resource
Hi-res pictures of every product
Browse by part number or product image
System and product comparison charts
Easy access to spec sheets, installation videos and instructions, and related products

* Support and Services

Provides simple access point to Siemon value- added programs
Project Assistance - provides referrals to Siemon's global network of Certified Installers and designers
Locate a Distributor --Geographic Siemon distribution point search engine
Warranties - Information source detailing Siemon warranty support and options
"Ask Siemon" --This service allows visitors to pose specific network and cabling related questions directly to an appropriate Siemon expert
Installation Videos Library - Features clear instructions for selected patch panels, patch cords, jacks, connectors and fiber terminations kits.
System Design Guides - A tool for standards based network cabling system design and installation

Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of unshielded, shielded, twisted-pair copper and fiber cabling systems available. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long- term commitment to its customers and the industry.

Cisco Releases Home Networking Simplified Book [Review]

Cisco Press has published a four-color, easy-to-read reference book for everyday users interested in learning home networking. Written in a straightforward fashion, and featuring a visual approach to learning, Home Networking Simplified walks the non-technical user step-by-step from basic Internet connectivity to a networked home.

In our review of the book, we found it to be easy to read and grasp, even for a non-technical user interested in home networking. Authors Jim Doherty and Neil Anderson make home networking approachable by providing step-by-step instructions, and, professional advice from the Geek Squad, a company of on-call troubleshooting professionals, and they include tricks, tips, and troubleshooting guidelines at the end of each section in the book.

For consumers who need to set up a wired and/or wireless networking in their home, this book has adequate information and advice to help them in their task. In the process, they will also be demystified of some of the jargon the industry is fond of using and they might be able to enjoy the benefits of networking without having to spend hours on hold in support lines.

Having said that, this book is not for everyone who wants to network their home: it assumes the consumer will have a Microsoft Windows PC and related products. Apple users have to fend on their own or get another book specifically written for Apple users. The book is based on Linksys products for networking which is not a surprise since Cisco owns Linksys, one of the leading home networking products company. In our experience, each company's products have their own quirks, especially in the wireless networking area and for those customers, they might have to go the Web sites of those companies or get additional instruction from the Geek Squad.

The book does not cover powerline networking - using the home's electrical lines to establish a network. The HomePlug standard is making headway in the market and maybe, the authors might choose to cover it in a future edition. Another area the authors might want to cover in the future would be networking of non-computer devices, such as lighting control, HVAC, security, etc which one hopes will move beyond the province of hobbyists in the near future.

Jim Doherty is currently the director of Strategic Marketing with Symbol Technologies. Prior to joining Symbol, Jim worked at Cisco Systems, where he led marketing campaigns for IP Telephony, and routing and switching. Over the past several years, he has taught professionals in both academic and industry settings on a broad range of topics, including networking, electric circuits, statistics, and wireless communication methods

Neil Anderson is a manager in Enterprise Systems Engineering at Cisco Systems, currently responsible for enterprise branch-office networking and teleworking systems architectures. Neil has 20 years of diverse telecom experience, including public telephone systems, mobile telephone systems, IP networks, wireless networking, and home networks.

Cisco Press, a partnership between Cisco Systems and the Pearson Education business of Pearson, is the official publisher of Cisco networking technology and Cisco certification self-study materials for networking students and professionals. With products designed to help users prepare for Cisco certifications and master the implementation and support of a diverse range of networking technologies, Cisco Press provides a variety of products to suit individual learning styles.

Northern Virginia Town Awards Video Franchise to Verizon

The Herndon Town Council recently voted to provide its citizens with true choice for their cable television services, awarding a video franchise to Verizon for its Verizon Fios TV product, to be delivered via the company's new, fiber-to-the-premises [FTTP] network.

In awarding the franchise, this northern Virginia town of 22,000 becomes the first community in the state to pave the way for improved competition in the cable television market. In addition to Herndon, Verizon has obtained video franchises in California, Florida and Texas.

When Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises network is completed in the Town of Herndon later this year, residents will enjoy Fios Internet Service, which delivers download speeds ranging from up to 5 Mbps to up to 30 Mbps [megabits per second]. Verizon began offering these services earlier this month in parts of the Herndon and Reston areas.

Verizon will introduce Verizon Fios TV in parts of North Texas later this year. Additional communities with franchises in place will begin to receive the product sometime after this initial rollout.

With its Herndon franchise, Verizon will provide a state-of-the-art video service to the town's residents. Under the agreement, which covers 15 years, Verizon will provide service to all of the Town of Herndon once the company's fiber network is completed. In addition, the agreement contains provisions for the network's future growth; financial support and capacity for public and governmental access channels, including Herndon Community Television [HCTV]; and other important provisions.

Verizon Fios TV will deliver hundreds of digital video and music channels, high-definition programming, video-on-demand content, a robust interactive programming guide and other customer-friendly features via the company's FTTP broadband network. Verizon currently is constructing FTTP networks in more than half the states where it offers landline communications service.

Fios TV also will deliver a wide range of programming specifically designed to meet the entertainment and information needs of northern Virginia's diverse population.

Customers will be able to buy Fios TV as a stand-alone service or packaged with voice and Fios Internet Service. Currently, Verizon has announced video content agreements with major and independent network groups, including NBC Universal Cable, Starz Entertainment Group, Showtime Networks, Turner Broadcasting System, A&E Television Networks, Discovery Networks, SiTV and NFL Network, and is close to finalizing agreements with several other major content-partners.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of 212,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe.

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