Alan Sears, Author at TBL Networks

TBL Limelight PCaaS Solutions

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Alan Sears

TBL Unveils New Product Offerings and Premieres New Video

I am very excited to announce the official launch of an introductory video that explains TBL’s new product offering: Limelight PCaaS (Private Cloud as a Service). TBL Limelight PCaaS is an original new way for organizations to consume technology, spotlighting the key benefits of both on-premise and public cloud solutions. TBL is bringing this unique service to market initially for its three core technologies: Limelight Collaboration for voice, video & collaboration solutions, Limelight Desktop for VDI solutions, and Limelight Infrastructure for server consolidation solutions. I could go on about this innovative technology design, but instead, I’ll just post the great new video. Take 2 minutes and learn why organizations will be deploying TBL Limelight PCaaS:

TBL in Tech Elite 250 for 3rd Time

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Alan Sears

Fourth Annual List recognizes TBL Networks’ deep technical expertise and premier certifications

TBL Networks announced today it has been named to CRN’s fourth annual list of the Tech Elite 250. Companies on the 2014 Tech Elite 250 list represent an elite group of IT Solution Providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most technical certifications in the IT Channel.

In compiling the list, CRN editors worked with the UBM Tech Channel research group and a team of outside experts to define the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the IT channel. These technical certifications have enabled solution providers to deliver the most premium products, service and support to their North American customers.

“TBL Networks is honored to be named once again to CRN’s Tech Elite 250,” said Alan Sears, President and CEO of TBL Networks, Inc. “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing our clients with technology aligned with business outcomes and unmatched customer service.”

TBL Networks’ dedication to training and certifications were instrumental in their selection. Founded by three Cisco Voice CCIEs, TBL Networks is a Cisco Certified Gold Partner, a VMware Enterprise Solutions Provider, an EMC Premier Velocity Partner, and a VCE Vblock Qualified Partner.

“The 2014 Tech Elite 250 list recognizes an exclusive group of solution providers that have invested in training and technical know-how to help their customers understand the benefits of some of the most sophisticated technology deployments in the market – and have shown a dedication to helping customers innovate while reducing costs,” said Kelley Damore, Senior Vice President, Editorial Director at UBM Tech Channel. “By identifying and adapting to the skills and training needed to best serve today’s customers, members of the Tech Elite 250 have proven their commitment to delivering the products and services that today’s customers value most.”

A sample of CRN’s 2014 “Tech Elite 250” list is featured in the February issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.crn.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.

Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Alan Sears

As many of you know, TBL Networks began a partnership in 2010 with the World Community Grid, an entity that allows organizations with idle compute capacity to donate it for use in research projects ranging from cancer research to clean energy. When idle, a member computer will request data on a specific project from World Community Grid’s server, and perform computations on this data, sending the results back to the server, and then ask the server for new work. Each computation that a computer performs provides scientists with critical information that accelerates the pace of human discovery. For the last three and a half years, TBL Networks has had a 40 machine Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment using VMware View on our Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) dual B-series blade farm dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. In that time, TBL’s VMware View cluster has computed almost 61 years of runtime towards finding a cure for cancer.

What is exciting now is that the Help Fight Childhood Cancer research team in Japan recently announced it has discovered seven drug candidates that show great promise as new treatments for neuroblastoma, one of the most common and dangerous forms of childhood cancer. In lab tests, these drug candidates were very effective at destroying neuroblastoma tumors without any apparent side effects. This breakthrough marks one of the most significant scientific discoveries to date for World Community Grid and was made possible by the computing power of member computers like the Cisco UCS system at TBL.

Learn more about this groundbreaking discovery in this blog post from Dr. Nakagawara, who leads the Help Fight Childhood Cancer research team, and share the exciting news!

Connecting the Unconnected

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Alan Sears

Cisco has been discussing the next advance in technology, describing it as the Internet of Everything. Cisco defines the Internet of Everything (IoE) as “as the networked connection of people, process, data, and things.”[i] Not only will IoE change the way that we are connected, it will provide opportunities for companies across the globe to increase their profit and market share. A recent report reviewed the Top 10 Insights from Cisco IoE Value Index survey. Some highlights follow below:

Insight – “The Internet of Everything is poised to generate at least $613 billion in global corporate profits in calendar year 2013.”
As technology continues to evolve, the impending efficiencies in operations and customer service experience will allow companies to generate more income.

Insight – “Corporations could potentially nearly double those profits by adopting business practices, customer approaches, and technologies that more fully leverage IoE.”
By adjusting corporate strategies to adopt to this coming change, companies have the opportunity to capture additional income.

Insight – “Competition will intensify as IoE evens the playing field between large and small companies around the globe.”
IoE will not occur in a vacuum. Competition will increase as your rivals adapt to these new advances and compete for market share.

Insight – “While technology is pivotal, people and process make the difference.”
Any advance in technology or new method of addressing old problems does not matter if it does help people. Your employees and customers will not see the benefit of these developments without a focus on how it helps people.

At TBL Networks, we pride ourselves by designing solutions for our clients that allow their employees and customers to connect to each other in ways that improve the quality and speed of interaction. We call this techumanity. The Internet of Everything is coming – whether it improves our world will depend on where we all keep the focus. By connecting the unconnected and remembering the value of our customers and employees, the Internet of Everything can benefit us all.

TBL No. 4025 on the Inc. 5000

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Alan Sears

Richmond, VA, August 20, 2013 – Inc. magazine has ranked TBL Networks, Inc. number 4025 on its Inc. 5000 list, 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. This is TBL’s third straight year of being recognized on the prestigious list.

TBL Networks is a major source of expertise for the technology sector in Central Virginia. Earlier this year, TBL Networks was included on CRN’s Tech Elite 250 channel partner list for the second year in a row. TBL’s CEO was recognized as one of Richmond’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2011. TBL Networks is the only technology integrator in Virginia with four Cisco Voice CCIEs, employs Central Virginia’s only VMware VCDX, and had two engineers recognized as 2012 VMware vExperts.

TBL Networks has experienced remarkable expansion in the marketplace since their creation six and a half years ago, with a three-year sales growth of 67% that earned them their current ranking. “It is an honor for TBL Networks to be recognized by Inc. now three consecutive years,” said TBL President and CEO Alan Sears. “This continuing award is a testament to the dedication and experience of our team of employees. Their commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences to our clients is a major component of our success.”

For 32 years, Inc. has welcomed the fastest-growing private companies in America into a very exclusive club. The Inc. 5000 was harder to get into this year than ever in its history. The median company on the list increased sales more than 140% since the start of 2010, while the average honoree grew 468% in the economy of the past three years.

The 2013 Inc. 5000 was unveiled today on the company’s website at http://www.inc.com/inc5000/list/2013.

About Inc.
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today.

Cancer Research Project Wraps

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Alan Sears

If you have been keeping up with TBL news, you know that on July 1, 2010 TBL Networks began a partnership with the World Community Grid. The World Community Grid allows organizations with idle compute capacity to donate it for use in research projects ranging from cancer research to clean energy. When idle, a member computer will request data on a specific project from World Community Grid’s server, and perform computations on this data, sending the results back to the server, and then ask the server for new work. Each computation that a computer performs provides scientists with critical information that accelerates the pace of human discovery. In 2010, TBL Networks fired up a 40 machine Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment using VMware View on our Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) dual B-series blade farm and dedicated all of those machines’ computing power to find a cure for cancer.

After almost 3 years of donated processing capacity, TBL’s VMware View cluster has computed 59 years of runtime towards finding a cure for cancer. After five and a half years of working with the World Community Grid, researchers from the Ontario Cancer Institute have used these results to develop tools to identify, analyze and treat cancer, and are now wrapping up their engagement with the Grid and volunteers’ computers. As this project ends, you’ll have the chance to join a live webcaston May 29th to hear directly from the Help Conquer Cancer researchers and find out how the results are being used. The webcast will begin at 12:00pm Eastern Time (16:00 UTC). Please join a few minutes early to give yourself time to log in (you may check if your browser can support the live webcast here). You may access the live webcast on May 29th here – it’s a perfect way to commemorate National Cancer Research Month.

Rest assured, even though the Help Conquer Cancer project with the World Community Grid is ending, TBL Networks will continue to donate its Cisco UCS server computing power to other worthy research projects with the Grid. In addition to a continuing reseach project on fighting Childhood Cancer, the Grid is currently running projects for Schistosoma, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, and AIDS. At TBL, we believe it is important to find uses for technology that not only improve the way we work, but also how we live. That’s not limited to how we balance our own work and personal lives, but how we can use our own technology to help others as well… now that’s techumanity.

TBL in Tech Elite 250 Again

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Alan Sears

Third Annual List recognizes TBL Networks’ deep technical expertise and premier certifications

TBL Networks announced today it has been named to CRN’s third annual list of the Tech Elite 250. Companies on the 2013 Tech Elite 250 list represent an elite group of IT Solution Providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most technical certifications in the IT Channel.

“TBL Networks is very honored to be named to CRN’s 2013 Tech Elite 250,” said Alan Sears, President and CEO of TBL Networks, Inc. “This recognition reflects our dedication to providing our clients with business-relavant technology solutions and unmatched customer service.”

TBL Networks’ dedication to training and certifications were instrumental in their selection. Founded by three Cisco Voice CCIEs, TBL’s staff also includes the only VMware VCDX in Central Virginia, in addition to two 2012 VMware vExperts. TBL Networks is a Cisco Certified Gold Partner, a VMware Enterprise Solutions Provider, an EMC Premier Velocity Partner, and a VCE Vblock Qualified Partner.

“The 2013 Tech Elite 250 list recognizes an exclusive group of solution providers that have invested in training and technical know-how to help their customers understand the benefits of some of the most sophisticated technology deployments in the market – and have shown a dedication to helping customers innovate while reducing costs,” said Kelley Damore, Senior Vice President, Editorial Director at UBM Tech Channel. “By identifying and adapting to the skills and training needed to best serve today’s customers, members of the Tech Elite 250 have proven their commitment to delivering the products and services that today’s customers value most.”

A sample of CRN’s 2013 “Tech Elite 250” list is featured in the February issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.crn.com.

TBL Cust Sat Excellence

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Alan Sears

Cisco Recognizes TBL Networks with Customer Satisfaction Excellence

Cisco Systems is pleased to recognize and congratulate TBL Networks, Inc. for achieving Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence.

Customer Satisfaction Excellence is the highest distinction a partner can achieve within the Cisco Channel Partner Program. TBL Networks, Inc. will be recognized for Customer Satisfaction Excellence in the Cisco Partner Locator with a special star indicator representing its achievement. Customers, Cisco personnel and partners will be able to identify TBL Networks, Inc. as having achieved outstanding customer satisfaction as part of Cisco’s worldwide assessment process.

Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence assessment is based upon the customer satisfaction results captured in the Cisco Partner Access Online tool. Each quarter, Cisco will acknowledge Certified Partners that have the highest customer satisfaction distinction within each geographic region.

Customer Satisfaction Excellence is a core value Cisco and TBL Networks, Inc. share and a key driver of current and future success. Cisco thanks TBL Networks, Inc. for their commitment to the success of their customers.

TBL No. 1100 on the Inc. 5000

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Alan Sears

Richmond, VA, August 23, 2012 – Inc. magazine has ranked TBL Networks, Inc. number 1100 on its Inc. 5000 list, 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. This is TBL’s second straight year of being recognized on the prestigious list.

TBL Networks is a major source of expertise for the technology sector in Central Virginia. Earlier this year, TBL Networks was named to the 12^th spot of Virginia’s Fantastic 50 and included on CRN’s Tech Elite 250 channel partner list. TBL’s CEO was recognized as one of Richmond’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2011. TBL Networks is the only technology integrator in Virginia with four Cisco Voice CCIEs, employs Central Virginia’s only VMware VCDX, and had two engineers recognized as 2012 VMware vExperts.

TBL Networks has experienced remarkable expansion in the marketplace, with a three-year sales growth of 289% that earned them their ranking. “It is an honor for TBL Networks to be recognized by Inc. two years in a row,” said TBL President and CEO Alan Sears. “This award is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our team of employees. Their dedication to providing exceptional customer service to our clients is a major component of our success.”

In a stagnant economic environment, median growth rate of 2012 Inc. 5000 companies remains an impressive 97 percent. The companies on this year’s list report having created over 400,000 jobs in the past three years, and aggregate revenue among the honorees reached $299 billion.

The 2012 Inc. 5000 was unveiled on the company’s website at http://www.inc.com/inc5000/list/2012.