2011 - Page 3 of 9 - TBL Networks

Quest for the Perfect Social Platform–Part 2

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Patrick Tredway

Let’s call this Quad day 1 and what a ride its been so far. Admittedly, my Linux skills are limited and that most certainly did not help in this process. There’s been quite a bit of learning about command and control of files systems and mount points that I had previously been able to get through life with which not having to become so familiar. This is all without brining up the oracle discussion…which I’ll skip, for now.

As it stands right now, I have created and deployed twelve, count them, twelve virtual machines to support this meager deployment. This sounds like an extraordinary number of servers, and it is, except for the fact that it’s all running on only two UCS B-Series blades and barely touching the CPU and RAM counts. Each blade has a single 6 core processor and 48GB or RAM.

For performance and failover testing reasons, I have all images running from one host and it’s topping out at less that 10% average CPU and 21GB of RAM consumed.

The number of virtual machines and the subsequent installation of each was initially disconcerting. Having said that, through the install process I have gathered a pretty good understanding of each machine and the role it provides. The manner in which Quad separates services would easily allow for rapid growth and roll out capacity to the tens or even hundreds of thousands of users. This isn’t all that surprising when you take into account Cisco’s history or delivering a product for the enterprise market and over time bringing it downstream.

Cisco’s approach to separating services isn’t all that different that say SharePoint; however, SharePoint allows for database, search, web, and cache services to be installed co-resident. Quad is in essence doing the same thing except that its abstracting the services out at the virtualization layer as opposed to a windows service layer. If anything, this gives Quad a bit of an advantage from flexibility and agility in allow services to be moved around or scaled without having to re-spin.

Now that we’ve completed the installation phase of this little project, we move into usability testing. Over the next few weeks I’ll be making a number of integrations with Communications Manager for phone services, Unity Connection for voicemail presentation, Exchange 2010 for calendar accessibility, and the WebEx Connect cloud for presence federation. It’s going to be an exciting few weeks. More info to come!

TBL Achieves VCE Vblock Qualified Partner Status

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Steve Glissman

Leading Technology Integrator becomes 58th company in U.S. to attain VCE qualification

TBL Networks, Inc. announced today that the company has achieved Vblock Qualified Partner Status. TBL Networks becomes just the 58^th company in the U.S. to receive this qualification from VCE.

“TBL Networks is very honored to receive the title of Vblock Qualified Partner,” said Alan Sears, President and CEO of TBL Networks, Inc. “With this certification, TBL will continue to provide its clients with the most advanced solutions in Unified Communications, Virtualization and Storage.”

TBL Networks is now qualified to sell the VCE Vblock, the world’s first completely integrated converged infrastructure offering for rapid virtualization deployment. To be considered for the status of Vblock Qualified Partner, a company must receive the highest designations and certifications for the Cisco, EMC, and VMware products that comprise the Vblock Infrastructure Platform. TBL’s accolades include Cisco Gold Certified Partner, VMware Enterprise Level Solutions Provider Partner, and EMC Premier Tier Velocity² Services Partner.

TBL Networks is a major source of expertise for the technology sector in Central Virginia. Recently, TBL was included on CRN’s Next-Gen 250 channel partner list. In addition, TBL was ranked 406 on the 2011 Inc. 500 list, becoming the only firm in Central Virginia to make the list, and ranked 34th overall in IT services.

TBL Networks is the only technology integrator in the Commonwealth of Virginia with five Cisco Voice CCIEs, employs the state’s only VMware VCDX, and had two engineers recognized as 2011 VMware vExperts.

TBL’s partner status can be found on the VCE website at http://www.vce.com/partners/profiles/tbl-networks.htm.

About VCE

VCE, the Virtual Computing Environment Company formed by Cisco and EMC with investments from VMware and Intel, accelerates the adoption of converged infrastructure and cloud-based computing models that dramatically reduce the cost of IT while improving time to market for our customers. VCE, through the Vblock platform, delivers the industry’s first completely integrated IT offering with end-to-end vendor accountability. Learn more at www.vce.com.

About TBL Networks, Inc.
TBL Networks is about moving forward with innovative technology. With over 60 years of combined technical expertise, we empower clients’ collaboration, virtualization and data centers to do more with less. TBL delivers these advanced solutions directly where it counts the most – the desktop. Building secure and reliable solutions that introduce efficiencies in human interaction is how we see the future. Let us take you there at www.theblinkylight.com.

Revving Up the Data Center

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Steve Glissman

Every fall, Richmond International Raceway hosts a demonstration showcasing the power of advanced engineering and cutting edge technology. When NASCAR’s “One Last Race to Make The Chase” comes to town, race fans get a chance to see (and hear) the power of converged technology in person. On the eve of the Wonderful Pistachios 400, TBL Networks used this back drop to announce our latest advancement in the use of converged technology in the data center – the Vblock.

TBL Networks’ President Alan Sears announced that TBL Networks has achieved Vblock Qualified Partner Status, becoming just the 58^th company in the world to receive this certification from VCE. With this announcement, TBL Networks can now provide it’s clients with the VCE Vblock, the world’s first completely integrated converged infrastructure offering for rapid virtualization deployment.

Using the combined resources of four technology stalwarts – VMware, Cisco, EMC and Intel, the Vblock brings together the best of the best to create a simple yet powerful data center. The Vblock’s converged infrastructure places virtualization, server, storage, networking, security and management in a single, prebuilt solution. Whereas most data centers are constructed from individual components, the Vblock arrives fully integrated and test, providing users unmatched operational simplicity.

In addition, the Vblock brings together simple yet powerful customer service and support. VCE’s partnership allows client’s access to cross-company, cross product-trained support experts. If you need support, you will not have to ponder which vendor to contact; VCE allows you to receive a single customer service experience.

Following the Vblock presentation, participants got a chance to view live NASCAR Nationwide action, exploring the pit area and watching as Kyle Busch won the Virginia 529 College Savings 250.

Revving up the data center might not be as loud as revving up a NASCAR engine, but with Vblock, it can be just as powerful.

A Cius User, Part II

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Alan Sears

The much anticipated day has arrived! The first installment of this series was posted on June 24^th, where I anxiously awaited the arrival of the Cius tablets we had just ordered from Cisco. The accessories have been trickling in over the last few weeks: first the power supplies, then the Bluetooth headsets, leather cases, a spare battery, then the media station dock with telephone receiver. I could practically visualize the full solution, we just needed the Cius tablets themselves!

Then, this past Tuesday the 30^th of August, while I was away on business in Charlotte, NC, the Cius tablets were delivered. My coworkers delighted in the irony that I was not in the office that day, and expressed their feelings in a portrait that they graciously sent to me.

So now begins the task of integrating the Cius into our infrastructure. I will leave the details of Cisco Unified Communications Manager versions, Microsoft Exchange compatibility, VMware View, Windows Folder Redirection, etc. to the technical blogs, but as we deploy the Cius for our own use, you will see more here on the user experience. Stay tuned!

End User Computing with VMware

Posted on September 6, 2011February 11, 2019 by admin

The desktop PC is dead! Finally!

Well, not yet, but VMware is sure working hard to make this a reality. I have been discussing with clients and colleagues why the traditional desktop model does not make sense for “today’s” end user for quite a few “todays.” VMware calls a user-centric approach to computing End User Computing. End users need access to their applications and information on any device from anywhere. They should not know or care about the nuances of the Operating System. This sounds like a lofty goal, but it is becoming a reality more and more every year.

If we look at the last decade (or even further into the 90’s), we have seen the Operating System itself have the spotlight. New “Operating System” features were actually marketed towards end users.

The latest OS supports more RAM!
The latest OS supports 64-bit computing!
The latest OS supports Solid State Flash Drives!
The latest OS can take advantage of a USB drive to cache your file searches and access! (What?)

I can’t think of one real end user (IT folks don’t count, sorry) that cares about any of the above. Operating System, you had your chance in the spotlight. It’s time to fade into the background where you belong. End users care about their applications to get work and play done. Operating Systems just get in the way of delivering those applications more often than not.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure certainly eases the pain of managing the Operating System for the IT Administrator while still giving the end user a computing experience that they are accustomed to. For some end users the desktop that they are accustomed to will be adequate. For some users, IT needs to deliver a computing experience beyond what they are accustomed to. No start menus, no shortcuts, no c: drive, d: drive, etc. What I’m talking about is an end user experience where the applications take front and center on any device from anywhere. This is exactly the type of technology that VMware has been working on and was previewed at VMworld 2011. They are calling it Project Appblast.

Imagine being able to launch any application (including Windows Applications) using nothing more than an HTML-5 compliant browser. Below is a technical preview of this exciting project from VMware.

The desktop PC and Operating System’s days are numbered. Bring on the apps.

Hurricane Irene No Match for Collaboration Technologies

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Patrick Tredway

As you may have seen from previous posts, TBL eats its own dog food. Even in the wake of wide spread power disruptions and communication network outages, TBL is able to continue operations and support its clients. As I write this post sitting in a local area Starbucks, I cannot help but think about what it was like, even a few short years ago, and how things have changed. In a matter of moments, I’ll be posting this article to our website; I’m able to instant message with co-workers, client and partners on Cisco Jabber; And, I can receive phone calls via Single Number Reach from our Communications Manager.

This is all in the face of nearly the entire county where I reside being without power, our corporate office being inaccessible for the day, and more than 1.2 million others throughout the area without power or communication services. So as you go about your day, raking leaves, cutting up brush, refueling your generators, or even responding to the occasional email…just stop and think for a moment – how technology has changed your life or business, and just imagine what could be possible tomorrow.

Tropical Depression Eight

Security in a Virtualized World

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Steve Glissman

For our August Lunch & Learn presentation “Security in a Virtualized World,” TBL’s virtualization expert Harley Stagner was joined by Bryan Miller of Syrinx Technologies. The speakers each brought their own unique perspectives to the subject matter, as Harley’s job is to help clients to build virtual infrastructures, and Bryan’s job is to see if he can break into them (with his clients’ permission, of course).

Harley and Bryan discussed the challenges of managing a virtualized infrastructure while maintaining system security. Focus areas included patching issues and best practices for auditing and hardening your system. In addition, Harley and Bryan covered vulnerabilities that are germane to virtualized environments, while also reviewing the newest compliance guidelines.

To conclude, Harley and Bryan provided a live demonstration of vMotion, and explained how it can be infiltrated. Bryan demonstrated how during a typical vMotion session information could be easily exposed without taking security measures.

A big TBL “Thank You” to all those who attended for sessions in Virginia Beach and Richmond in August. In September, TBL Networks is participating in two very exciting events. On Wednesday, September 14, TBL is hosting an exclusive Lunch & Learn in Virginia Beach entitled “Cisco Collaboration Meets Virtualization.” This presentation will be lead by TBL Networks’ CCIE and Collaboration Practice Lead Engineer Patrick Tredway. For our Richmond readers, please join us at RichTech’s Annual TechLinks Golf Tournament on Monday, September 12th. TBL Network is serving as a Reception Sponsor for this event, and we look forward to meeting everyone in the technology field in Central Virginia for a great day of golf and socializing.

>>>>>

For more information on Bryan Miller and Syrinx Technologies, please to http://www.syrinxtech.com

September TBL Lunch & Learn – Cisco Collaboration Meets Virtualization

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Steve Glissman

Join us for lunch to learn more about how how Cisco Collaboration suite integrates with your virtualized infrastructure. TBL’s Patrick Tredway will lead the discussion and allow you the chance to ask questions. PLUS, NO POWERPOINT PRESENTATION!

LOCATION/DATE

Virginia Beach, VA – September 14th- Ruth’s Chris

Click here to attend our August Lunch & Learn

Agenda
11:30 AM – Registration
11:35 AM – Order Lunch
12:00 PM – Discussion with Patrick
1:30 PM – Event Close

Topics:

Migration Path to Virtualized Voice
Requirements to Virtualize
QoS in a Virtualized Environment
Benefits of Virtualized Voice
Breaking the Pizza Box Server Model

Who should attend:
Anyone interested in collaboration and how it affects your virtualized IT infrastructure.

Maximum four attendees per organization.

About Patrick

Patrick Tredway is TBL’s Collaboration Practice Lead and Account Engineer. He is a CCIE Voice certified engineer and has been working with Cisco Unified Communications since 2002. In addition, Patrick is co-owner of TBL Networks and a fully licensed pilot.

About TBL

TBL Networks, Cisco Gold Certified Partner and certified VMware Enterprise Solutions Provider partner, provides our customers a wide range of advanced technology solutions, with a focus on Unified Communications, Virtualization and Storage.

TBL No. 406 on the Inc. 500

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Alan Sears

Richmond, VA, August 23, 2011 – Inc. magazine today ranked TBL Networks, Inc. number 406 on its 30th annual Inc. 500, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs. TBL Networks is the only company in Central Virginia from the IT Services group to make the Inc. 500, and ranked 34th overall in IT Services.

TBL Networks is a major source of expertise for the technology sector in Central Virginia. In 2010, TBL Networks was named Collaboration Partner of the Year for Cisco’s East Area as well as RichTech’s Emerging Company of the Year. Recently, TBL Networks was included on CRN’s Next-Gen 250 channel partner list. TBL Networks is the only technology integrator in Virginia with five Cisco Voice CCIEs, employs the state’s only VMware VCDX, and had two engineers recognized as 2011 VMware vExperts.

TBL Networks has experienced remarkable expansion in the marketplace, with a three-year sales growth of 836% that earned them their ranking with Inc. “It is a tremendous honor for TBL Networks to be listed on the Inc. 500,” said TBL President and CEO Alan Sears. “This award is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our staff. Their commitment to providing outstanding customer service to our clients is a major component of our success.”

The 2011 Inc. 500 is unveiled in the September issue of Inc., available on newsstands beginning August 23. TBL Networks is profiled in the magazine and online at http://www.inc.com/inc5000/profile/tbl-networks.

About Inc. Magazine
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 710,106, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.

TBL on CRN’s Next-Gen 250

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Alan Sears

Richmond, VA, August 22, 2011 – TBL Networks, a leading provider of advanced technology solutions, today announced Everything Channel has named the company to the first ever 2011 CRN Next-Gen 250 list. The CRN Next-Gen 250 is an annual listing of innovative and nimble business and technology integrators, solution providers, and resellers in North America offering solutions and services in cloud computing, mobility, unified communications, virtualization and other emerging technologies.

TBL Networks is a major source of expertise for the technology sector in Central Virginia. In 2010, TBL Networks was named Collaboration Partner of the Year for Cisco’s East Area as well as RichTech’s Emerging Company of the Year. Recently, TBL Networks was ranked 406 on the 2011 Inc. 500 list. TBL Networks is the only technology integrator in Virginia with five Cisco Voice CCIEs, employs the state’s only VMware VCDX, and had two engineers recognized as 2011 VMware vExperts.

The CRN Next-Generation 250 list is comprised of the most exciting new solution provider organizations (founded 2000-2011) bringing new and emerging implementation ideas and business models to the market. To view a sample of the listing, visit http://www.crn.com/news/channel-programs/231500383/channel-up-and-comers-crns-next-gen-250.htm.

“In today’s competitive environment solution providers have to do more than just talk about innovation. The ability to quickly implement new processes, models and technologies is what drives margins and the bottom line,” said Kelley Damore, VP, Editorial Director, Everything Channel. “The CRN Next-gen 250 highlights the most interesting new solution providers who are demonstrating such innovation and uncovers the new techniques and technologies that are driving their success.”

About Everything Channel
Everything Channel is the premier provider of IT channel-focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services. With over 30 years of experience and engagement, Everything Channel has the unmatched channel expertise to execute integrated solutions for technology executives managing partner recruitment, enablement and go-to-market strategy in order to accelerate technology sales. Everything Channel is a UBM company. To learn more about Everything Channel, visit us at http://www.everythingchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/everythingchnl.