Communications News

In 1969, four research computers were connected to create the genesis of the Internet at the blazing server speed of 56 Kb. By 1990, there were 313,000 servers on the Internet. Today, Google.com by itself has more than 458,000 servers on line and some servers can operate at speeds of 92 terabits/second (two (2) billion times faster than the 1969 speeds).

Some experts estimate that 17% of the world population has used the Internet and the hypertext World Wide Web (August 6,1991). We may see that user group swell to 50% in the next few years. Internet growth has not slowed. In 1994, the Internet usage growing 2300% per year and Internet growth has not slowed.

Shocking statistics show the USA is third in usage behind China & Europe. However, the USA e-mail traffic has surpassed telecommunications and printed mail. Last year, there were about 170 billion e-mails per day (2 million each second). The introduction of cell phones/portable devices like the Blackberry and other smart phones is increasing the volume significantly. Estimates indicate that by 2010, the information flowing over the Internet will double every eleven hours.

The systems are converging in ways that offer improved efficiency and reduced costs. Using the newer technologies isn't just a choice it is a competitive imperative in both the public and private sectors.

Cabling is the foundation highway at the termination point for this dazzling new INFORMATION AGE. Folks, it ain't getting slower.

Cabling Changes in Store for 2008

By Bisbee, Frank

Fiber to the desktop, Wi-Fi networks and copper prices affect plans. The enterprise network is undergoing a major shift in emphasis that impacts cabling." according to Jim Hayes of the Fiber Optic Association, the international non-profit professional society for the fiber-optic industry that develops educational programs and certifies fiber-optic technicians.

"Users expect mobility, demonstrated by the sales of laptops exceeding desktop computers and the popularity of mobile platforms like the BlackBerry and iPhone. Wireless has had growing pains, but with the advent of 802.11n, better cell phone data systems and the likelihood of success for WiMAX, users now have adequate wireless bandwidth practically everywhere and are not crazy about being tethered to a patch cord.

"The network of the future is certainly not recabling every couple of years with another UTP upgrade," he adds. "If 10-Gigabit Ethernet needs to be delivered to the desk, it's probably going to be on fiber, not just for the bandwidth, but also for the lower power consumption. But I'm betting on more mobile applications, with a backbone of fiber connecting wireless access points. That's how cell phone networks are built, as well as many metro Wi -Fi networks. With most large enterprises already depending on fiber backbones, adding adequate wireless access is easy, and, of course, upgrades are simply a matter of replacing wireless access -point hardware."

Zone cabling with fiber to the zone hub is the first step to fiber to the desktop (FTTD). Fiber has been a crucial part of the campus and riser solution for years; now, fiber is reaching the horizontal plane in the structure with a host of economic and functional benefits.

Currently, plenum-approved communications cable dominates new building installs in the United States. Return -air plenum design is still less expensive than ducting feed-and-return HVAC. That brings up another area of concern: supply.

Copper continues to be a cost concern, as well as a supply issue. The most significant supply weak point, however, is the fluoropolymer materials used to insulate high-performance copper-based twisted-pair cabling for plenum-approved cable.

There are only two major producers of the fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP; commonly known by their trade names: Teflon from DuPont and Neoflon by Daikin USA). If either or both of these material suppliers have a problem, the entire communications industry may have a problem. The National Electrical Code (NEC) may be changed to allow other cable constructions to be approved, but that process with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) takes three years.

The NFPA might open the plenum-approved cable exemption to include low-smoke zero-halogen RoHS-compliant cable that is already approved by the European Union. That would still take three years to approve, however.

A shortage of FEP has occurred several times in the history of plenum-approved (CMP-rated) copper cable. During each shortage, the prices rose dramatically, and hybrid constructions were introduced using a mix of other insulating materials to make up for some of the material shortfall. Today, that may not be possible because the higher-performance copper cables (Category 5e, Category 6 and soon Category 6a) cannot function properly with the resultant delay skew caused by different insulation material properties.

"Fire-safe" fluoropolymer materials used in plenum-approved CMP-rated cables generate toxic gases when the cables are exposed to various levels of heat.

Since the original approval of the use of CMP-rated cables in the return-air building plenum spaces, there has been no official testing of the cables for any incapacitation factor or toxicity of the gases generated in fires.

According to Chris Pezoulas, vice president of business development at Canadian wiring manufacturer Electec, "Engineers, consultants, specifiers, building owners and contractors alike should look at the cable they are contemplating installing in their air-handling spaces and consider setting a higher standard, not only for themselves, but for anybody that may ever occupy the space they are using.

"With all that we know today about the toxic nature of Teflon, FEP and PFOA, it astounds me that the policy and code makers in North America have ignored the toxicity of plenum cable flame retardants," he adds. "Exposed plenum cable in air-handling spaces is a chemical nightmare."

"Fire-safe" fluoropolymer materials used in plenum-approved CMP-rated cables generate toxic gases.

Frank Bisbee is the president of Communication Planning Corp., Jacksonville, Fla., and editor of "Heard on the Streets," a widely circulated newsletter for the communications cabling industry. The newsletter can be found at www.comnews.com.

Reprinted with permission from Communications News Magazine

This month, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is meeting in Las Vegas for their annual conference and voting on many issues under review for the NEC 2011 (National Electrical Code). Our appreciation goes out the army of volunteers who work to build the consensus process for the code development. Our curses go to the shills who represent commercial interests over safety.

Putting Profits over PUBLIC SAFETY is deplorable.

But that's just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee

"Heard On The Street"Monthly column

www.wireville.com
Jacksonville, FL
(904) 645 -9077
(904) 645 -9058
frank@wireville.com

Industry News

3M Releases Improved Dynatel Modular Test Platform

New Features of 3M Dynatel Advanced Modular System 965AMS Focus on Physical Media Layer for Unsurpassed Accuracy

An outside plant technician using the newest features of the 3M Dynatel Advanced Modular System 965AMS will find an easier -to -use test set that includes a standard voiceband spectrum analyzer and live differential TDR in addition to the optional 3M Dynatel All -in -One Modem Module VDSL2 with Internet browser and Ethernet test capability introduced in February 2008.

"The advanced copper test capabilities of the 3M Dynatel Advanced Modular System 965AMS not only measure, but analyze the network," said Steve King, business unit manager for 3M Test & Measurement Solutions. "Unlike many other diagnostic test sets, this system focuses primarily on the physical media layer instead of merely the protocol being carried over it. The advantage is technicians can quickly and accurately identify copper line problems, pinpointing where, why or to what extent a fault or interference exists"

The 3M Dynatel lab brings 100 years of cumulative experience to diagnostics for the physical media layer. Developed with strict adherence to existing industry standards, the 3M Dynatel 965AMS also complies with and encompasses new service types for which standards have not yet been defined.

Now a standard feature of the 3M Dynatel 965AMS, the new voiceband spectrum analyzer provides a graphical representation of the voiceband frequency spectrum giving technicians the ability to identify noise sources that contribute to metallic noise or power influence readings. In addition, the new wideband spectrum analyzer interference templates allow technicians to compare DSL interference signatures to further pinpoint and identify line problems.

The new live differential time domain reflectometer (TDR) option allows the outside plant technician to capture a baseline trace on a troubled pair then view a live trace as stress voltage is applied to the pair. Differential operation with panning and zoom further highlights differences to enable detection of subtle changes in the pair.

Combined with the new "All-in-One" modem module, these new features of the 3M Dynatel 965AMS offer a complete test platform for the field technician. The "All -in -One" modem module provides VDSL2, ADSL2+, ADSL2, ADSL, and Ethernet connectivity in a single rugged module. It is compliant with ITU standards including G.993.2 (VDSL2), G.993.1 (VDSL), G.992.5 (ADSL2+), G.992.3/4 (ADSL2), G.992.1 (G.DMT), and ANSI T1.413 (ADSL). It also supports ADSL2+ Addendum 1 requirements for full rate performance with non -zero INP settings and WAN Protocols including PPPoE, PPPoA, and RFC1483. An integrated Internet browser validates web access to complete the network analysis package.

The hand-held, five-pound 3M Dynatel 965AMS is housed in a lightweight, ergonomically designed case for portability and ease of handling. It has a large display that is highly visible, even in bright sunlight. The unit's rugged, waterproof design meets or exceeds the stringent IEC IP67 immersion test and ASTM D4169 five -foot drop test for reliable outdoor use in all weather conditions.

About 3M Communication Markets Division
With more than 40 years in the telecommunications industry, 3M Communication Markets Division offers one of the widest and most comprehensive suite of scalable solutions to communications service providers around the world, from underground and buried plant, to central office, premises and more. Proven systems from 3M optimize network testing, construction, locating and maintenance for faster, more reliable high -bandwidth transmissions; enable physical media -layer capabilities for FTTP and DSL deployments from central office to customer premises; and deliver fiber optics technologies to leverage existing infrastructure or install completely new networks.

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.3M.com.

Anixter International Inc. Announces Share Repurchase Program

Anixter International Inc. (NYSE: AXE - News) today announced a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to 1 million of its outstanding shares with the exact volume and timing dependent on market conditions. Anixter noted that all previously announced share repurchase programs had been completed prior to the end of the first quarter of 2008. Anixter currently has approximately 35.7 million shares outstanding.

Anixter International is a leading global distributor of communication products, electrical and electronic wire & cable and a leading distributor of fasteners and other small parts ("C" Class inventory components) to Original Equipment Manufacturers. The company adds value to the distribution process by providing its customers access to 1) innovative inventory management programs, 2) more than 400,000 products and over $1 billion in inventory, 3) 218 warehouses with more than 6 million square feet of space, and 4) locations in 249 cities in 49 countries. Founded in 1957 and headquartered near Chicago, Anixter trades on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXE. http://www.anixter.com

Anixter International to record $4.2 million charge for granting retiring CEO options

Anixter International Inc. said Monday it will incur $4.2 million in charges in the second quarter because the communication products company agreed to let its departing chief executive keep his stock options and restricted stock upon his retirement.

Chief Executive Robert W. Grubbs is retiring at the end of June, to be replaced by Robert J. Eck.

Previously, Grubbs agreed not to compete against the company for two years, and his stock options and other grants would be terminated within 90 days of his departure.

The company said Monday it amended the agreement. Now, Grubbs agrees not to compete against the company for the longer of five years, or two years beyond his retirement from the company's board. In exchange, Grubbs will keep his options and they will vest as scheduled.

Beast Cabling Systems Meets Market Need with New SPEED™ Solutions

Beast Cabling Systems, Inc. introduced new SPEED™ solutions as an enhancement to their comprehensive line of Cabling Installation Systems (CIS) and components. The offering includes the cost -effective SPEED Labeler, SPEED Patch Panel Organizer, and SPEED Installation Services.

"The network cabling industry has been calling for flexible solutions that make copper and fiber cabling installations more efficient and cost effective by speeding up the pulling process, eliminating errors, reducing waste, and maintaining proper separation of today's high -bandwidth cables for maximum performance," says Greg Bramham, vice president of Beast Cabling Systems. "Through recent R&D efforts, we're please to offer a new line of lightweight and significantly lower-cost SPEED solutions that respond to the market need and appeal to a broad range of network cabling installers."

The SPEED Labeler is a lightweight, portable tool that acts as an Extra -Hand™ to maintain order and allow technicians to quickly and accurately label cables for the rough -in pulling stage of a network infrastructure installation. Easily positioned in front of up to 24 boxes of cable, this ergonomic tool enables application of color -coded labels on both ends of each cable in a fraction of the time as conventional processes while eliminating errors, keeping kinks out of pathways, and reducing technician fatigue.

The SPEED Patch Panel Organizer is a convenient, labor-savings sorting board that eliminates the tedious task of cable sorting when routing into racks in the telecommunications room. This lightweight Patch Panel Organizer features a Lexan® dry -erase writing surface mounted on foldable legs with left -right sorting locations for sorting up to 384 cables by patch panel location.

SPEED Installation Services delivers fully trained Beast SPEED Technicians to the job site to help meet compressed schedules or heavy workloads that exceed available staff. Available on short notice and for extended hours, these SPEED Technicians install a significantly greater volume of rough -in cable in shorter periods of time using Beast SPEED solutions and CIS for maximum efficiency and reduced cable usage.

About Beast Cabling Systems
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, privately held Beast Cabling Systems provides patented cabling installation system (CIS) components and services to the voice and data cabling markets. Contractors using Beast CIS achieve a competitive advantage by improving practices and profitability on every job for better network performance and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.beastcablingsystems.com.

Beast Cabling Systems Enters European Market

Beast Cabling Systems, Inc. (BCS) is proud to announce the first product sale of their innovative Cabling Installation System (CIS) into the European Marketplace. CIS and its components are designed to bring systemization and control to the various tasks required to properly install network cabling. CIS enables consistent, efficient installations that conserve time and material, reduce errors, and enhance industry best practices for overall better network performance.

Denmark-based T.J. Transmission A/S, provider of voice and data infrastructure solutions, purchased CIS, and the company will first deploy the technology at a Computer Sciences Corporation data center project in Copenhagen. "When we came across Beast Cabling and the CIS at a BICSI conference, we thought the system had a lot of possibilities for improving cable pulling here in Denmark," says Troels Joergensen of T.J. Transmission A/S. "With CIS, we anticipate being able to pull cables more uniformly, color code bundles for better management, and reduce waste during the installation."

T.J. Transmission A/S has plans to introduce CIS to the Danish market as they deploy the system on many future cabling installation projects. "While there is no committed sales effort to the European market, we're very excited about this sale and the growing interest in our products," says Greg Bramham, vice president of Beast Cabling Systems. "The installation market in Europe has the same concerns and issues that we experience here in the U.S. - - a shortage of skilled technicians, high labor costs, increasing costs for cable and components, and the increasing need for proper installation methods to install their high -speed cable products. Consequently, it makes sense that the demand for our innovative products is growing on a global scale, and we believe it's only a matter of time before CIS tools are the preferred method to install every cable infrastructure installation in the world."

With CIS, Joergensen plans to easily pull 24 to 48 horizontal communications cables at a time, a process that he says previously required more space, wasted approximately 3 to 5 meters of every cable, and resulted in more errors. "We'll be able to now pull cables right to the patch panel without having to cut down lengths and move labels, which created the potential for mistakes. I believe we can reduce waste by 50% with CIS, which is great for the environment and the bottom line," says Joergensen. "Documentation is the one thing that everyone talks about but many don't care enough about. With CIS, there's no reason whatsoever to not properly label the cables, and we now have a greater possibility of ensuring good documentation throughout the installation process."

Belden's CEO Pumps Up HIS PAY - Enters 10b5 -1 Program

Belden (NYSE: BDC - News) announced today that John Stroup, the company's Chief Executive Officer, has established a pre -arranged stock trading plan to sell shares of Belden stock. This plan was established as part of his individual long -term strategy for asset diversification and liquidity. The plan was adopted in accordance with guidelines specified under Rule 10b5 -1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Belden's policies regarding stock transactions.

The transactions under the plan will be disclosed publicly through Form 144 and Form 4 filings with the Securities Exchange Commission.

About Belden
Belden is a leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of signal transmission solutions for data networking and a wide range of specialty electronics markets including entertainment, industrial, security and aerospace applications. To obtain additional information contact Investor Relations at 314 -854 -8054, or visit our website at http://www.belden.com.

Berk -Tek Hires Fiber Optic Product Business Manager

Copper and fiber optic cabling technology and solutions leader Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Connaughton, RCDD, as the Fiber Product Business Manager.

Reporting to Todd Harpel, Director of Marketing, Connaughton is responsible for managing all Berk-Tek optical fiber LAN product activities, as well as participating in the global Nexans Operational Product Management team.

Before joining Berk-Tek, Connaughton spent 15 years at Mohawk, a Belden Company, focusing on fiber optic product development and support. He has held various positions in technical support, sales, marketing and product management. Connaughton has his Bachelors of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, and has achieved the RCDD designation from BICSI. Connaughton and his family will be relocating from Massachusetts to North Carolina, as he will be based out of the Berk-Tek fiber optic facility in Fuquay-Varina.

"Mike brings a wide variety of experience in the industry and a unique perspective on our company," notes Harpel. "Combining his technical expertise with his reputable industry relations, I am sure he will be an asset to Berk-Tek."

About Berk-Tek, A Nexans Company
For more than 45 years, Berk-Tek has been a leading manufacturer of more than 100 different network copper and fiber optic cable products. The company has led in the development of high-performance and enhanced fiber optic and UTP cables designed to transport high-speed data and voice transmissions. Berk-Tek has major manufacturing facilities at New Holland, PA, Fuquay-Varina, NC and Elm City, NC. For more information, visit www.berktek.com .

About Nexans
Nexans, the worldwide leader in the cable industry, brings an extensive range of advanced copper and optical fiber cable solutions to the infrastructure, industry and building markets for telecommunications and energy networks. With an industrial presence in 29 countries and commercial activities worldwide, Nexans employs employs 21,000 people and had sales in 2006 of $10 billion. Nexans is listed on the Paris stock exchange as NEX. Visit www.nexans.com.

California Senate votes to ban heat-resistant compounds

This is big news for the cabling industry. What if Teflon® was banned?- The Associated Press

Published 6:34 pm PDT Monday, May 12, 2008
The California Senate has voted to ban food packaging containing a family of chemicals that have been used for decades in products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water.

The legislation by Sen. Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro, would prohibit the use of perfluorinated compounds in items used to package, transport or hold food, starting in 2010.

Perfluorinated compounds, or PFCs, are considered to be likely human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.

They also are associated with higher rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes and with diminished weight in newborns, immune system problems and hormone imbalance.

Monday's 22-15 vote sent the bill to the Assembly.

CommScope to Close Jaguariuna, Brazil Facility

CommScope, Inc. (NYSE:CTV- News), a world leader in infrastructure solutions for communication networks, plans to close its Jaguariuna, Brazil broadband facility as part of the company's goal to eliminate duplicate manufacturing and distribution centers to reduce costs and enhance its long-term competitive position.

The Jaguariuna facility, which employs approximately 200 people and primarily produces broadband cable products, is expected to close by the end of September, with most equipment redeployed to other facilities elsewhere in the world. These changes do not affect the company's other Brazilian facility located in Sorocaba or the company's ongoing commitment to providing Latin America customers with high-performance wireless, enterprise and broadband solutions.

"This is the latest step in our ongoing drive to improve our competitive position, enhance our long-term financial performance and achieve our cost-synergy targets associated with the Andrew Corporation acquisition," said CommScope President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Garrett. "We regret the impact on our people in Jaguariuna and appreciate their many contributions during the past eight years. However, we have an extensive worldwide manufacturing and distribution footprint that can be better utilized and more efficiently operated by consolidating facilities. As we execute this manufacturing strategy we intend to make sure that our customers continue to receive the outstanding service that they have come to expect from CommScope."

The 221,000 square-foot Jaguariuna facility was purchased in June 2000. Both the costs and the savings related to this facility closing will make up part of the projected total savings and transition costs announced in connection with the acquisition of Andrew, which was completed in December 2007.

Separately, CommScope Europe S.P.R.L. has notified its Works Council of its intention to discontinue production activities at its facility in Seneffe, Belgium. A final decision on the proposed restructuring will be made after a consultation period with the Works Council. The company also has notified employees of its intent to proceed with the closing of its Capriate, Italy facility, which was acquired as part of the Andrew acquisition. Some Capriate activities will be centralized in the company's Agrate, Italy site. Discussion is ongoing to finalize these consolidation plans.

About CommScope

CommScope, Inc. (NYSE: CTV www.commscope.com ) is a world leader in infrastructure solutions for communication networks. Through its Andrew® brand, it is a global leader in radio frequency subsystem solutions for wireless networks. Through its SYSTIMAX® and Uniprise® brands, CommScope is the global leader in structured cabling systems for business enterprise applications. It is also the premier manufacturer of coaxial cable for broadband cable television networks and one of the leading North American providers of environmentally secure cabinets for DSL and FTTN applications. Backed by strong research and development, CommScope combines technical expertise and proprietary technology with global manufacturing capability to provide customers with infrastructure solutions for evolving global communications networks in more than 130 countries around the world.

President and CEO Clark Kinlin Assures Corning Cable Systems' Technology Community That Corning Will Protect Intellectual Property Around the World

Corning Cable Systems LLC, part of Corning Incorporated's (NYSE:GLW) Telecommunications segment, recently recognized its technology community for development of numerous patented technologies significant to advancements in telecommunications. Over the past 3 years, more than 400 patents have been granted globally to Corning Cable Systems.

In remarks to members of Corning Cable Systems' U.S. technology community, President and Chief Executive Officer Clark Kinlin hailed innovation as the key to providing Corning with sustainable competitive advantage in its global markets. Kinlin touted the development of products with clear customer value, coupled with protection of related intellectual property around the world, as one of Corning's top priorities. He added that Corning's intellectual property leadership in the industrial materials sector has been well recognized by sources such as The Patent Board.

Kinlin made his remarks to more than 350 Corning employees and guests during recent awards ceremonies in Texas and North Carolina. In addition to honoring patent recipients and operations excellence awards winners at these celebrations, the 2007 Corning Cable Systems Inventor and Innovations of the Year were announced for both cable and hardware & equipment.

Kinlin opened his remarks by highlighting Corning's 2008 celebration of 100 years of research and development, one of only five U.S. -based, industrial R&D companies to achieve this significant milestone. He noted, "Corning is an innovation -driven company. And managing the innovation process is one of Corning's top business priorities. We invest approximately 10 percent of sales in RD&E and will continue that level of investment in 2008. This sustained investment in RD&E is one of the factors that drives Corning's success."

Kinlin acknowledged that "innovation is expensive and requires sustained commitment." He continued, "The problems we solve for our customers are difficult technology challenges requiring highly- skilled knowledge workers. Where we are successful, we deliver dramatic new utility and value to our customers."

As an example of this utility and value, Kinlin referred to Corning's ClearCurve™ product suite, named by Time magazine as one of 2007's Inventions of the Year. Corning's breakthrough solution to a customer's challenge involved re-creating the molecular structure of optical fiber to prevent signal loss. This was paired with new cable designs and smaller, compatible hardware to create the ClearCurve solution set, currently being deployed by several of Corning's U.S. customers.

Kinlin closed by pledging Corning's vigilance regarding its intellectual property. "We are committed to vigorously protecting and defending our intellectual property in the marketplace," said Kinlin.

About Corning Incorporated Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology.

Jim Young Construction Company, Inc. Becomes Newest Member of the Corning Total Access ProgramSM (TAP)

Corning Cable Systems LLC, part of Corning Incorporated's (NYSE:GLW) Telecommunications segment, announces Jim Young Construction Company, Inc. as the newest member of the selective Corning Total Access Program^SM (TAP).

Corning's TAP provides highly qualified design, engineering, furnishing and installation companies with the tools necessary to ensure successful fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and wireless deployments. Certified TAP members receive all-inclusive access to Corning's innovative and reliable FTTH solutions. After completing specialized training in the installation of optical access networks, TAP members are able to offer their customers an extended product warranty on complete Corning FTTH solutions.

Jim Young Construction Co., Inc. is a privately owned enterprise established in 1978 with extensive experience in all types of fiber-optic construction, including FTTH, intra-exchange trunking and long-haul applications. The company provides full-service outside plant construction to telecommunication service providers. Jim Young Construction Co., Inc. delivers quality and value-based services to a client base that includes consumer-owned cooperatives, privately held corporations and large publicly-held corporations. The company is licensed in Ga., Ala., N.C. and S.C.

"We look forward to a long and successful association with Corning," said Larry Lance, president of Jim Young Construction Company, Inc. "This program will allow us to provide our clients with the best in installation technology."

Through its Evolant® Solutions for Access Networks, Corning Cable Systems offers specialized portfolios of innovative products and services that enable customers to cost-effectively deploy fiber in the last mile. For additional information on Corning Cable Systems, contact a customer service representative at 1-800 -743 -2675, toll free in the United States, or (+1) 828 -901 -5000, international, or visit www.corning.com/cablesystems . (www.corning.com)

Craig Consulting Services : BELDEN Training Schedule

June - September 2008

Dates	Class

JUNE
6/9 -6/10	303 Design	San Antonio, TX
6/11 -6/12	700 Installation	San Antonio, TX

6/23- 6/24	303 Design	Memphis, TN
6/25 - 6/26	700 Installation	Memphis, TN

JULY
7/22 - 7/23	303 Design	Kansas City, MO
7/24 - 7/25	700 Installation	Kansas City, MO

AUGUST
8/5	303 Design	Salt Lake City, UT
8/6 -8/7	700 Installation	Salt Lake City, UT
8/11 -8/12	303 Design	Tulsa, OK
8/13 -8/14	700 Installation	Tulsa, OK

SEPTEMBER
9/9 -9/10	303 Design	Denver, CO
9/11 -9/12	700 Installation	Denver, CO
9/23	303 Design	Las Vegas, NV
9/24 -9/25	700 Installation	Las Vegas, NV

This schedule is subject to change based upon Customer requests.

James R. (Ray) Craig RCDD/NTS Specialist
Belden Regional Trainer
Craig Consulting Services
520 Lynn Court
Coppell, TX 75019
* Classes scheduled by Belden Training Department

Craig Consulting Services :BICSI Training Schedule

June - December, 2008

Dates	Class

JUNE
6/16 - 6/20	Technician

JULY
7/14 - 7/18	ITS Installer 2

AUGUST
8/18 - 8/22	TPMA PM 125
8/25 - 8/29	Technician

SEPTEMBER
9/15 - 9/19	ITS Installer 2

OCTOBER
10/6-10/10	Technician

NOVEMBER
11/10 - 11/14	Installer 1

DECEMBER
12/8 - 12/12	Technician

This schedule is subject to change based upon Customer requests.

James R. (Ray) Craig RCDD/NTS Specialist
Craig Consulting Services Training Center
13370 Branch View Lane
Farmers Branch, TX 75234

D-Tools Unveils New Website

D-Tools Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, today announced, the launch of its newly re-designed website located at www.d-tools.com .

"With its fresh appearance and dynamic interactivity, our new website's new format and redesigned navigation bar makes it easy for visitors to quickly and easily navigate through the site and locate information they are seeking, "said Tim Bigoness, VP of Sales and Marketing of D-Tools. "The new website is completely template-driven which makes it easier to update and add new content, while the new design gives it a more atheistically pleasing appearance." www.d-tools.com

D -Tools Enhances Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) Program with Elegant Addition

D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, today announced that Media Decor has joined the D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program. Florida-based Media Decor, LLC was founded in 2003 to fulfill elegant designer-level solutions for today's home entertainment installations. Media DÃ©cor's elegant product line provides cutting edge solutions to custom entertainment display concealment.

"We anticipate joining D-Tools MVP Program to be a great deal of success for our team," said Jonathan Graham, President of Media Decor, "This is a great opportunity for SI users to offer their clients a stylish and customized solution for their entertainment systems and we are pleased to be the only concealment company within the program at this point."

The D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program is designed to help provide system integrators with the most up-to-date product information to over 2,500 companies using D-Tools System Integrator software. D-Tools MVP members are dedicated to helping companies streamline the design process and making it easier for system integrators and installers to provide accurate proposals to their clients.

"We are pleased to have Media Décor be a part of the MVP Program," said Adam Stone, President of D Tools. "Their designer-level solutions will offer our users a high-end outlet adding another stylistic attribute to their clients systems."

About Media Decor
Florida-based Media Decor, LLC was founded in 2003 to fill the growing demand for elegant designer-level solutions for today's home entertainment installations. Its team of expert and inspired technicians, interior designers, and structural craftsmen collaborate to create and deliver the world's most compelling, beautiful, and customized entertainment environments. For more information on Media Decor and its service and product offerings, please visit www.mediadecor.com .

About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, founded in 1998 and based in Concord, California, is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate system design and documentation software. The company's flagship product, System Integrator™ (SI), is a total design solution that utilizes Autodesk® AutoCAD and Microsoft® Visio for comprehensive system design, documentation and project management. D-Tools SI allows commercial integrators to streamline their business processes to increase overall revenues while reducing the time and costs associated with the installation and integration of low-voltage systems. Over 2,000 leading companies use D-Tools software to reduce time and costs and streamline the system integration process. D-Tools is the recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association's Mark of Excellence Award (2004, 2005, 2006), National Systems Contractors Association and Sound and Video Contractor's Innovations in Technology for Business Productivity Award (2004, 2005) and CE Pro's High Impact Award for Design Software. www.d-tools.com.

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New Test Suite in EtherScope Network Assistant Creates New Business Opportunities for Value Added Resellers and System Integrators

Installers now have the ideal tool for LAN installation and validation, allowing projects to be completed more quickly at lower cost

Fluke Networks today announced new capabilities for the company's award winning EtherScope Network Assistant that helps Value Added Resellers (VARs) and System Integrators (SIs) expand their network installation business. VARs and SIs installing new networks will find that the EtherScope analyzer's new capabilities help them install, validate, and document LAN installations faster and at a lower cost.

Validating LAN performance during installation is made possible by EtherScope's new Service Performance Tool. Installers, VARs and SIs use this tool to demonstrate and document that those network services that are critical for acceptable LAN operation (DHCP, DNS, web) are available and responsive. Such documentation may be a client requirement, or the installer may use this feature to differentiate his service from the competition. When teamed with Ethernet performance testing, network installers have a powerful new combination of tools to validate that network infrastructure was correctly installed and configured. Validation and the resulting documentation provide assurance that the LAN will perform as designed - resulting in robust network operation, fewer trouble tickets and more satisfied users and clients.

These validation results are captured by the EtherScope Network Assistant and turned into easy -to -interpret documentation that thoroughly characterizes LAN and WAN link performance at turn-up. Any performance issues later noted by the customer can be compared against this turn-up documentation. Validation documentation serves as proof of a project successfully completed.

Other new installation tests are provided by the expanded Ethernet performance test suite. Users can now measure and assess end -to -end Ethernet performance using new RFC 2544 procedures and other advanced tests, including jitter and bit errors, with customizable pass/fail criteria. The EtherScope analyzer can now also be paired with a low-cost Gigabit LinkRunner Pro packet reflector for end-to -end testing. The smart LinkRunner Pro packet reflector supports layer 2 and 3 networking at a price that allows installers to instrument multiple links or to equip multiple field technicians.

Technicians working for SIs and VARs typically spend 70% of their time on deployment issues. EtherScope's new battery of installation validation tests lets installers spend less time on site and helps SIs and VARs save money.

In addition to these new installation -centric features, the EtherScope Network Assistant now offers enhanced troubleshooting with the addition of draft 802.11n access point detection and location. "We have a customer who swore there were no unidentified wireless access points on the site," said Jennie Lassig of CompuTech Consulting in Woods Cross, UT. "With EtherScope we found that a user had mounted an unknown AP and was transmitting unsecured."

The EtherScope Network Assistant is a handheld network analyzer that helps network professionals quickly solve problems on 10, 100 and Gigabit, twisted pair and optical fiber LANs and wireless LANs. CompuTech's Lassig reported that a "customer had a tech on site for 2 days who couldn't resolve the problem of slow network performance." With the EtherScope Network Assistant "we went there and within two minutes found a network loop in a switch that didn't have spanning tree enabled. The customer was thrilled and we gained their trust and confidence in our technical expertise." EtherScope also now supports SNMPv3, crucial for network technicians responsible for devices using this newest version of SNMP.

Product availability
The EtherScope Network Assistants is available for immediate delivery from Fluke Networks sales partners worldwide. All EtherScope Network Assistants shipped after April 28 will include new version 4 software. Existing EtherScope owners with Gold support can upgrade their units by visiting www.flukenetworks.com/EtherScope .

About Fluke Networks Fluke Networks provides innovative solutions for the installation and certification, testing, monitoring and analysis of copper, fiber and wireless networks used by enterprises and telecommunications carriers. The company's comprehensive line of Network SuperVision™ Solutions provide network installers, owners, and maintainers with superior vision, combining speed, accuracy and ease of use to optimize network performance. Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the company distributes its products in more than 50 countries. More information can be found by visiting Fluke Networks' Web site at www.flukenetworks.com

New MicroScanner 2 Termination Test Kit Increases Technician Productivity From the First Day of Use

Complete set of best -in -class tools for network cable installers, TV cable technicians leads to faster, higher quality work with less risk of error

Fluke Networks, provider of innovative Network SuperVision Solutions™ for the testing, monitoring and analysis of enterprise and telecommunications networks, today announced the new MicroScanner2 Termination Test Kit. This comprehensive new collection of installation and service tools includes everything a network cable installer or TV cable technician needs to locate, terminate and verify their copper cabling installations.

Central to this combination of best -in -class tools is the MicroScanner2 Cable Verifier, which works with all major cable types: coax, UTP and two -lead conductors. This cable tester shows installers the four most important test results - cable length, wire map, cable ID and distance to break or short - as visual representations on a single screen. This makes testing faster and reduces the chance of human error switching between tests.

"Seeing all test results at once saves time and improves technician accuracy. That allows us to deliver high quality installations at a lower cost to our clients, " said Kevin Kolinac, owner of Communications Facilities & Design, Los Angeles, CA.

Cable ID simplified, faster with IntelliTone digital toning
Also part of the MicroScanner2 Termination Test Kit is Fluke Networks' IntelliTone Pro Probe. The IntelliTone probe is immune to electrical interference, using digital signaling technology to separate trace signals from background noise. This permits quick, precise identification of specific wire pairs and cables on active networks. The IntelliTone probe responds to the built -in tone generator of the MicroScanner2, which produces both digital and analog tones.

All -in -one Voice/Data/Video test set
The MicroScanner2 Termination Test Kit provides the installer with all common adapters and patch cords needed on the job site. The essential hand tools include an impact tool which accepts all industry standard blades, electrician's D-Snips™ with long -tailed handle for better cutting leverage, an adjustable wire cutter -stripper with depth gauge, flashlight and marker.

Of particular use to cable TV technicians is a push -on F -Coax patch cord. Also included are six remote cable identifiers, a shielded twisted -pair RJ45 patch cord, an RJ11 patch cord, and a clip -set that connects the MicroScanner2 RJ45 jack to 8 bare wires via alligator clips. This gives a new installer everything needed to be productive from day one.

Product availability
The MicroScanner2 Termination Test Kit is available for immediate delivery from Fluke Networks sales partners worldwide.

About Fluke Networks
Fluke Networks provides innovative solutions for the installation and certification, testing, monitoring and analysis of copper, fiber and wireless networks used by enterprises and telecommunications carriers. The company's comprehensive line of Network SuperVision™ Solutions provide network installers, owners, and maintainers with superior vision, combining speed, accuracy and ease of use to optimize network performance. Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the company distributes its products in more than 50 countries. Fluke Networks is part of the Danaher (NYSE:DHR) family of companies. More information can be found by visiting Fluke Networks' Web site at www.flukenetworks.com or by calling (800) 283 -5853.

General Cable's Goenaga cashes in on options

General Cable Corp.'s executive vice president and CEO of its European and North Africa operations, Domingo Goenaga, pocketed more than $900,000 before taxes from the exercise of options and sale of the stock in late May. Goenaga exercised 10,000 options with a strike price of $7.71 and another 5,000 at $14.125 and then sold the resulting shares for between $70.50 and $71.50 each, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The transactions left him with no direct holdings of the company's stock, it said. Goenaga has been in charge of Highland Heights -based General Cable's European operations since 2001. He joined the company in 1963. General Cable (NYSE: BGC) designs, manufactures and markets copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products.

Graybar reports hefty increase in first quarter net income

Graybar reported first quarter 2008 net income of US$18.9 million, a 58.7% over the first quarter of 2007.

Net sales grew 4.8% during the quarter to US$1.28 billion. The company said the increase is a result of modest growth in electrical market sales coupled with a solid rate of sales growth and competitive performance in the data communications market.

He added that Graybar continues to invest in technical resources to help its customers manage the implementation of complex projects such as data center redesign and energy -efficient facility construction. www.graybar.com

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Graybar Starts 2008 with 58.7 Percent Increase in First-Quarter Net Income

Company's Organic Growth Strategy Continues to Deliver Top-and Bottom -Line Results

Graybar, one of the nation's leading distributors of electrical and communications products and related supply chain management and logistics services, reported net income of $18.9 million, a 58.7 percent increase over the first quarter of 2007.

Net sales grew 4.8 percent during the first quarter of 2008 - to $1.28 billion - compared to the same period in 2007. The company said the increase is a result of modest growth in electrical market sales coupled with a solid rate of sales growth and competitive performance in the data communications market. First -quarter 2008 income from operations rose 22.8 percent - to $30.5 million - compared to the first quarter of 2007.

"Our focus on organic growth, expense management and process improvement continues to deliver positive results for the company and its customers," said Robert A. Reynolds Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer of Graybar. "We provide products and supply -chain solutions that make our customers more efficient and productive. During this economic slowdown, we see customers leveraging our distribution services more than ever to lower their total cost of ownership."

Reynolds added that Graybar continues to invest in technical resources to help its customers manage the implementation of complex projects such as data center redesign and energy -efficient facility construction.

"We understand these opportunities, especially where it relates to power, energy conservation and faster completion to take advantage of cost savings," Reynolds added. "With our knowledge and use of leading -edge technology, we continue to raise the bar on performance and value for our customers."

About Graybar
Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee -owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, telecommunications and networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 250 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, serving as the vital link to hundreds of thousands of customers. For more information, visit http://graybar.com/

DialAmerica Improves Operational Efficiencies with All -in -One IP Communications Software Suite from Interactive Intelligence

DialAmerica, one of the largest privately owned telemarketing companies in the U.S., has reported increased operational efficiencies and reduced costs as a result of deploying an all -in -one IP communications software suite from Interactive Intelligence (Nasdaq: ININ).

DialAmerica deployed the Customer Interaction Center® (CIC) software suite to replace its multi -point PBX, automatic call distributor and interactive voice response systems.

"Due to our growing customer base we needed to re -evaluate the capacity of our existing call center platform," said DialAmerica's director of technology, Michael Bardwell. "After a thorough analysis, we chose an all -in -one platform to improve efficiencies and continue to provide the highest return on investment for our customers."

DialAmerica selected Interactive Intelligence based on CIC's architecture and the vendor's experience and responsiveness to better support the challenges presented by DialAmerica's diverse and demanding client base.

"Interactive Intelligence's superior product offering and scalable architecture provided us with an all -in -one -solution to meet our changing needs," said DialAmerica's senior vice president, Christopher Conway. "In addition, Interactive Intelligence offered us the ideal combination of a proven track record and a culture of accessibility that we were seeking."

Today DialAmerica uses the all -software SIP -based CIC version to support approximately 600 contact center agents and 200 business users across four sites in Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The company uses CIC for IP switching, multi -channel routing and queuing, IVR, call recording, and unified messaging.

In addition to simplifying management by consolidating systems across sites, DialAmerica has also credited CIC with helping it to more quickly and cost -effectively scale up and down as business needs require.

"DialAmerica has built a business model based on distributed contact center sites that enables us to more effectively recruit the best quality agents," Bardwell said. "Because of this model, we need to be able to quickly and cost -effectively activate new centers and redirect calls to outbound sites based on call volume. CIC has provided cost savings by using voice over IP technology and enabling us to purchase off -the -shelf servers. The centralization of administration and use of non -proprietary hardware have resulted in improved reliability and maximum flexibility so that we can effectively meet our customers' needs."

Another benefit of CIC has been the product's customization capabilities, according to Bardwell. "CIC has enabled us to develop our own agent interface along with a host of other custom applications so we can best satisfy our unique business requirements," he said. "As a teleservices firm that supports an incredibly diverse and dynamic client base, this kind of business agility has been essential to our success."

About DialAmerica
DialAmerica Inc., one the nation's largest teleservices companies, is recognized for its expertise in providing comprehensive, cost -effective customer acquisition and care solutions for consumer and business -to -business marketers. Serving the marketing and fundraising communities for 50 years, DialAmerica has a diverse portfolio of clients in multiple industry sectors, including financial services, communications, healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, travel and leisure, consumer products, energy and others.

The company has extensive experience in the publishing arena and in supporting clubs, continuity programs and cause -related marketing. DialAmerica's vast expertise in designing customer acquisition and care programs and in hiring/training superior teleservices representatives - coupled with its proprietary technology platform - enables the company to provide its clients with the highest standards of account service, information security and regulatory compliance, while delivering the lowest cost -per -transaction. For more information about DialAmerica call 800 -913 -3331, or visit http://www.dialamerica.com .

About Interactive Intelligence
Interactive Intelligence Inc. (Nasdaq: ININ) is a global provider of unified business communications solutions for contact center automation, enterprise IP telephony, and enterprise messaging. The company was founded in 1994 and has more than 3,000 customers worldwide. Interactive Intelligence is among the top 500 global software and services suppliers, and is ranked among the top 200 North American networking vendors. The company employs approximately 600 people and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It has six global corporate offices, with additional sales offices throughout North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Interactive Intelligence can be reached at +1 317.872.3000 or info@inin.com ; on the Net: http://www.inin.com.

Interactive Intelligence Adds Contact Center and IP Telephony Capabilities to Microsoft Office Communications Server Environments

Interactive Intelligence Inc. (Nasdaq: ININ) is releasing an integrated solution that combines its all -in -one IP communications software platform with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. The integration is designed to help organizations communicate more effectively by adding contact center and IP telephony functionality to OCS environments.

The Interactive Intelligence all -in -one IP communications software platform adds features such as multi -channel skills -based routing, call and screen recording, an operator console interface, workforce management, and cradle -to -grave reporting. The integration also offers the ability to exchange instant messages (IM) between the two systems using OCS's secure IM engine through a common enterprise -wide user directory.

"We've gone beyond the basic integration of simply connecting audio calls between systems," said Interactive Intelligence founder and CEO, Dr. Donald E. Brown. "Combined with OCS, our solution provides a broad set of contact center and IP telephony applications, a common company directory, and simplified administration for user provisioning.

"The beauty of this combined solution is that all users can share information and communicate with one another in real -time even though they are running desktop software from two different vendors. For instance, an engineer in California running an Office Communicator Client using a PC as a soft phone can call or â€˜IM' a product manager in New York running our Interaction Client®. In addition, because our integration to OCS uses a direct SIP connection, customers don't have to purchase pricey gateways."

"Interactive Intelligence has taken OCS integration a step forward by enabling customers to more easily take advantage of both the collaboration capabilities in OCS, and the contact center and IP telephony functionality in CIC - all while giving users the choice of which client to run at the desktop," said Yankee Group enterprise research group analyst, Vanessa Alvarez. "From an industry perspective, this move pushes unified communications forward, which Yankee believes is critical for achieving the Anywhere Enterprise™ where employees, customers, assets and partners can easily connect to applications, information and services whenever and wherever they need them."

Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 manages real -time communications, including instant messaging, voice over IP, audio and video conferencing. It works with existing telecommunications systems so businesses can deploy advanced VoIP and conferencing without tearing out their legacy phone networks. Microsoft OCS also powers presence, a key benefit of Microsoft unified communications that unites all the contact information stored in Active Directory with the ways people communicate.

In 1997 Interactive Intelligence launched its first product based on the company's all -in -one IP communications software platform called Interaction Center Platform®. This platform was designed to deliver comprehensive applications minus the cost and complexity introduced by multi -point products. Today it serves as the basis for all the Interactive Intelligence products, including Customer Interaction Center® (CIC) for contact center automation and Vonexus Enterprise Interaction Center™ (Vonexus EIC) for enterprise IP telephony.

The Interactive Intelligence integration to OCS is planned for general availability in Q3 2008. It will be offered through the Interactive Intelligence channel of approximately 300 value -added resellers worldwide.

Interactive Intelligence Introduces Customer Feedback Management Products

New offerings designed to help organizations better
measure and improve customer service

Interactive Intelligence (Nasdaq: ININ), a global provider of unified IP business communications solutions, is introducing new customer feedback management products designed to help organizations better measure and improve customer service.

The first product being introduced is Interaction Feedback™ -an automated customer satisfaction survey module that enables organizations to accurately measure customer service levels in a timely and cost -effective way.

Further extending its customer feedback management portfolio, the company is also actively developing a speech analytics/emotion detection product. The product is designed to provide real -time alerts to contact center supervisors when heightened emotion is detected on a call.

Both customer feedback management products are designed as add -on modules to the company's Interaction Center Platform® -a standards -based, all -in -one platform designed to reduce the cost and complexity introduced by multi -point products.

"During these challenging economic times the need for communications technologies that help organizations improve service levels and retain customers becomes more critical than ever," said Yankee Group program manager and senior analyst, Ken Landoline. "We consistently find there is a major discrepancy between company perceptions of customer satisfaction and reality. The new customer feedback management products from Interactive Intelligence enable organizations to take a more real -time approach to identifying and resolving specific customer problems, while providing a cost -effective method for measuring and managing true customer satisfaction levels."

In addition to a wizard interface that eliminates the need for programming expertise, Interaction Feedback™ offers organizations real -time supervisory alerts, integration with call recording and scoring features, the removal of agent bias in the survey process, and a built -in third -party question library from CFI Group (www.cfigroup.com), which holds a patented methodology for tying customer satisfaction to financial results.

The Interactive Intelligence real -time speech analytics software module will enable organizations to monitor calls in real -time to detect heightened states of emotion. The module will also include supervisory monitoring and alerts, along with the ability to distinguish between customer and agent emotion.

"Real -time feedback and simplicity are the two main things missing from today's customer feedback methods," said Interactive Intelligence founder and CEO, Dr. Donald E. Brown. "By offering our Interaction Feedback™ and real -time speech analytics products as part of our all -in -one communications software suite, we give organizations the most cost -effective and simple way to proactively address customer issues before they escalate. With discussions of improving the customer experience now taking place at the board level, our alternative to costly and complex standalone feedback management products has major significance that extends beyond the contact center into the entire enterprise."

The Interactive Intelligence Interaction Feedback™ and real -time speech analytics products are targeted at mid -size to large contact centers and enterprises. They will be sold through the company's channel of more than 300 resellers worldwide.

Interaction Feedback™ is planned for general availability in Q3 2008. The Interactive Intelligence real -time speech analytics software module is part of the company's customer feedback management roadmap.

Leviton Tops Patent Board's Scorecard for Third Consecutive Quarter

Rated # 1 in Brand Preference by Builders and Electrical Contractors, Leviton Maintains Dominant Position in Tech Strength and Industry Impact

Leviton Manufacturing Company, North America's leader in residential, commercial and industrial wiring devices, was ranked by the Patent Boardâ„¢ for the third time as having one of the strongest and most influential patent portfolios for Industrial Components and Fixtures. Of 35 companies whose patent activity was analyzed using the Patent Board's Patent Scorecard metrics, Leviton received the second highest ranking in Tech Strength of all companies surveyed and moved up 3 percentage points in Current Impact over last quarter's ratings.

"Our exceptionally high ranking in the areas of tech strength and industry impact is evidence of our leadership in pioneering new technologies that set the benchmark in our industry," said Donald J. Hendler, President and CEO of Leviton. "It is a tribute to our staff of talented engineers that we stand at the forefront of progress and innovation in the marketplace. Given the very high profile of those industry giants and the relative size of their patent portfolios, all of us at Leviton could not be more pleased."

The 13 -week rolling average of manufacturers of Industrial Components & Fixtures was published in the April 22nd issue of The Wall Street Journal. It positions Leviton highly favorably when compared to companies of significantly greater size, market capitalization and size of their patent portfolio. Leviton's rating in the Tech Strength category placed it nearly 40 points ahead of General Electric, 65 points ahead of the Legrand Group, 90 points ahead of Thomas & Betts and 100 points ahead of Lutron Electronics.

The Patent Board's Scorecard rates corporate innovation across 17 industries and combines more than 50 industry -standard indicators to arrive at measures of patent portfolio quality, technological strength and breadth of impact. The aggregate score received by a company determines its ranking.

The Scorecard criteria includes measures of a company's technology strength, industry impact, patents granted, science strength, research intensity and innovation cycle time.

Founded in 1906 at the dawn of the electrical era, Leviton manufactures over 25,000 different products and is North America's leading electrical and electronic wiring device producer. Leviton products are used in nine out of ten homes in the US and Canada, and in commercial facilities, industrial plants and OEM operations. Independent surveys consistently show Leviton is Number One in brand preference among builders, electrical contractors, architects, specifying engineers and end -users. A third -generation family owned and operated business, Leviton sets the pace of progress in the industry. For more information about Leviton, visit www.leviton.com.

Leviton Introduces Expanded Line of Cable Management

Leviton Network Solutions, a leading manufacturer of voice and data equipment and a division of Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc., now offers an expanded line of Velcro® Brand Fasteners designed for cable management. The broad line of products, including Bulk Rolls, Compression Straps, Soft -Cinch Rolls and Bulk -Packaged Wraps, secures and organizes copper and fiber cables in a variety of applications.

Leviton recommends Velcro Brand Fastener products for all low voltage multimedia systems. The reusable solution safely secures cables without kinking or crimping and facilitates quick moves, adds and changes.

All products in the Velcro Brand line are available in black, blue, orange and yellow. Velcro Wraps in bulk rolls and Tie Wraps in three standard lengths are also available with plenum rating indicated by the color maroon. Search "Velcro" at www.leviton.com and explore the full line today.

About Leviton Network Solutions
Leviton Network Solutions was created 20 years ago to meet the growing need for telecommunications and high -speed data technologies. Today, the division is dedicated to producing complete system solutions for network infrastructure, from the backbone to the workstation, for the enterprise, data center, service provider, and residential markets. Incorporating fiber and copper innovations to create the best and most integrated network possible, Leviton Network Solutions offers connectors, cabling assemblies, panels, wall plates and workstation solutions, cable management, and home technology equipment for commercial and residential uses. www.leviton.com

Megladon Announces New Product Release of E2000 HLC® Fiber Optic Patch Cords.

Megladon's cutting edge patch cord technology provides mating surface durability and low loss.

Megladon Manufacturing Group, LTD announced the release of its singlemode and multimode E2000 patch cords utilizing HLC technology. Applying the HLC process to E2000 connectors provides a mating surface that is dust and scratch resistant with signal losses well below industry standards. The result is one of the most reliable, long lasting, and efficient patch cords to serve the global market.

"Our customers realize fiber optic patch cords are not a commodity. They are just as critical as the application hardware and software," stated John M. Culbert, President of Megladon. "Reliable networks require reliable patch cords." He continued: "Our product has proven itself in numerous applications including a Fortune 20 solution. We now feel it is time to adapt this value proposition to a wider variety of products and serve additional markets."

The emphasis of solving intermittent network failures caused by using sub -standard patch cords was the reason for creating Megladon's HLC technology more than 7 years ago. It's dust and scratch resistant durability provides an extended life span that lowers overall cost of replacement for network managers and companies. Its ease of install and compatibility with all existing connectors make it the only choice for replacement and newly engineered environments. Now proven in a Tier 1 ILEC, Megladon's solution looks to soon become the benchmark product for network installers and network applications worldwide.

www.megladonmfg.com

Come and See Mike Holt Live

Mike is nationally recognized as one of America's most knowledgeable electrical trainers. He has touched the lives of many thousands of electricians, inspectors, contractors and engineers. His dynamic and animated teaching style is relaxed, direct and fun. Perhaps Mike's best quality is his ability to motivate his students to become successful.

Now is your chance to meet Mike in person and experience one of his live seminars. Get your book autographed and picture taken with Mike and find out why his seminars are so popular.

Mike's Upcoming Seminars:

Coral Springs , FL

July 30 - 31: Instructor Conference

August 1: Business Management, Workplace Safety, Workers' Comp.

August 2: Grounding versus Bonding

August 1st and 2nd (Both Days): Business Management, Workplace Safety, Workers' Comp. and Grounding versus Bonding

July 30th through August 2nd (All 4 Days): Instructor Conference plus Business Management, Workplace Safety, Workers' Comp. and Grounding versus Bonding

Portland, OR , September 4 - 5: EC&M -Changes to the NEC 2008

San Antonio, TX , September 8 - 9: EC&M -Changes to the NEC 2008

Allentown, PA , September 11: ABC Eastern PA -Changes to the NEC 2008

Salt Lake City, UT , October 3: Northern Utah Building Inspectors Association -Changes to the NEC 2008

We hope to see you at one of these seminars! If you can't join Mike for one of these live seminars then visit www.MikeHolt.com to order one of his special 2008 Code Change or Grounding versus Bonding packages.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office at 888 -632 -2633.

Certified Partner Program for Resellers announced by Para Systems/ Minuteman Power Technologies

Para Systems has introduced its Certified Partner Program for resellers of its Para Systems/Minuteman Power Technology products. The Minuteman Certified Partner Program is an opportunity for resellers and installers and their customers to tap into Para Systems' marketing resources and earn funds for the promotion of Minuteman products with annual purchases of Minuteman products in excess of $10,000.

Qualified resellers and installers of power and communication -related products and services are eligible for Para Systems'

Certified Partner program if they agree to:

Submit a Minuteman Certified Partner Program application
Actively sell power -related products to end users in the United States.
Annually purchase at least $10,000 of Minuteman products from authorized Minuteman distributors.
Have sales, service and technical personnel trained on Minuteman products.
Participate in promotional campaigns initiated by Para Systems.
Include a customized www.sizemyups.com page on their website
Highlight Minuteman products on their web site

In order to qualify for the program, resellers must submit an Certified Partner Program application (available on -line at www.minutemanups.com/partners).

Each Partner Agreement will be valid for one year and may be renewed annually. Certified Partners may be re -certified each year based on the prior year's performance and with agreement of both parties.

In turn, Para Systems will:

Provide early notification of product news and announcements.
Provide and additional year of warranty on Minuteman UPS products.
Provide full access to technical and marketing assistance.
Provide a customized www.sizemyups.com website for their business.
Provide on -line access to forms and information updates.
Include the Certified Partner in the Certified Partner/Dealer Locator on www.minutemanups.com which allows potential customers to find their business and contact information.
Provide signage for their office.
Offer replacement batteries and Minuteman services at a 20% discount.

In announcing the Certified Partner Program, Rod Pullen, President of Para Systems stated:

"We are very excited about being able to add this level of support for the resellers of our Minuteman product line. This will help us better support some of our vertical markets including security and telephone systems resellers. We look forward to working with our reseller partners. "

Minuteman Power Technology products are sold through major national and regional distributors. Products include:

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems
Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Power Management Systems
Keyboard -Video -Mouse (KVM) systems
Surge Suppressors
Power monitoring and management software

Additional information on the program can be found at:
www.minutemanups.com . A free UPS sizing and selection tool is available at www.sizemyups.com that can determine which Minuteman(r) UPS units can best meet your application's power protection needs. The website www.sizemypdu.com can determine which PDU is appropriate and www.comparemyups.com can compare UPS features to competitive products.

MOHAWK Announces The Addition Of Lee Snedaker To Their Staff

Effective immediately, Mohawk would like to announce the appointment of Lee Snedaker for the South Texas territory.

Mr. Snedaker has over 13 years of broad industry experience from Lockheed -Martin, TCI Cablevision, Datacom Design Group, 2002 Olympics Organizing Committee in Salt Lake City and most recently ACS Dataline. Lee's broad knowledge and experience in the South Texas territory will allow Mohawk to expand our market position and grow our open architecture strategy with all our channel partners as well as open new opportunities in strategic vertical markets.

Lee resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Juliet, 10 year old son Jacob, 8 year old son Jordan and 2 year old daughter Brooklynn.

About Mohawk
Mohawk, a division of Belden, is headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, and has been providing fiber and copper cable innovations for over 50 years. Their headquartered location dedicates 210,000 square feet to today's most advanced facilities for the design, development and production of copper, fiber optic, and hybrid wire and cable. Mohawk, an ISO 9001 certified company, develops products to meet and support TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, ICEA and NEMA standards. As part of the global Belden operations, Mohawk is supported with worldwide management, financial resources, and distribution capabilities.

Magenta Endorses Mohawk Low -Skew Cable for Use With MultiView™ Product Line

Spectrum M55814 exceeds Magenta performance standards to 2,000 feet

Magenta Research, a leading manufacturer of equipment for video, audio and serial signal distribution plus switching over UTP cable or fiber, has endorsed Mohawk's Spectrum™ Low Skew UTP cable for use with its MultiView Series product line.

The approval follows rigorous in -house testing of Mohawk's cable with a wide range of Magenta manufactured signal distribution systems; products that concurrently pass analog video, stereo audio and duplex RS -232 signals on a single cable. The Mohawk cable facilitated the transmission and reception of exceptionally strong and consistent signals, even over a single 2,000 -foot length of cable.

This latest endorsement continues Magenta's long -standing commitment to offering its customers a cabling choice when implementing long -distance signal transmission over UTP. For situations when cabling is already installed and cannot be changed without a large capital expenditure, Magenta offers an optional hardware delay compensation (Aku Comp II) that is integrated into long distance MultiView receivers.

For applications where cable can be specified ahead of time, the Mohawk cable enables users to forego employing Aku Comp II without compromising signal quality.

Mohawk Spectrum low skew cable is available in plenum (#M58814) and non -plenum (#M58813) versions that fit all categories of application types, from commercial to residential. Both cables also comply with EU -RoHS directive regulations.

"The cable was designed to deliver the uncompromising signal quality and clarity that have been demanded from Magenta's products and the rigorous tests they perform," stated Joe Barry, Mohawk's Manager of Specialty Products who is also the cable's designer. "We know that distance and signal quality are the two most important criteria to the end user to ensure a reliable and versatile installation and that is exactly what these cables provide."

"We ran Mohawk's cable through a battery of tests," explained Magenta Chief Scientist Chris Miller. "The end result was that it performed exceptionally well with Magenta's MultiView products, even at 2,000 feet when used with Magenta's flagship XR -2000 receiver. We endorse the use of Mohawk M58813 and M58814 as a MultiView cabling solution with no hesitations!"

About Magenta Research
Magenta Research is the industry -recognized leader in the adaptive distribution and switching of video/audio/control signals over CatX cable, DVI over fiber and/or Cat6 and more recently, HDMI over Cat6. Over ten years, Magenta has developed the highest -performance, broadest and most flexible video -over -CatX product line, the MultiView™ Series. The company utilizes proprietary technologies to enable WUXGA/1080p video distribution at 2,000 feet (610m). MultiView Series transmitters, receivers, switchers and distributive systems have been installed in a large variety of A/V applications, especially dynamic signage for retail, airport, fast food, museum, casino, theatre, courtroom and corporate applications. In 2005, Magenta introduced the Mondo Matrix, the first multimedia Cat5 matrix switcher that can be scaled incrementally from 16x16 to 256x512. The Mondo has quickly become the new standard for larger -scale video plus audio and/or serial matrix switching. In 2006, Magenta launched the Infinea DVI Series and an industry -first - unlimited DVI extension over optical fiber and/or Cat6 using digital signal repeaters at 10km of fiber or 600 ft. (183m) of Cat6. Based in Connecticut, USA, Magenta utilizes a network of international distributors, manufacturers' representatives and resellers to market its enabling technology worldwide. http://www.magenta-research.com

About Mohawk
Mohawk is headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, and has been providing fiber and copper cable innovations for over 50 years. Their headquartered location dedicates 250,000 square feet to today's most advanced facilities for the design, development and production of copper, fiber optic, and specialty wire and cable including a line of professional HD broadcast camera cables. Mohawk, an ISO 9001 certified company, develops products to meet and support TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, ICEA and NEMA standards. As part of the global Belden operations, Mohawk is supported with worldwide management, financial resources, and distribution capabilities. www.mohawk-cable.com

More news on the Toxic Teflon chemical

The webcast is accessible on the WVU Department of Community Medicine website. To find it, go to http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/index.asp. Click on "Education and Students", "Continuing Education", then "Public Health Grand Rounds". Then click on "webcast". Go to the May 7, 2008 presentation and click on "webcast" again. Or you can select "handout" to view or print the materials.

http://wvgazette.com/News/200805080134

May 9, 2008

Early C8 results suggest liver, immune impacts Researchers believe that C8 may be associated with changes in liver and immune function, as well as higher cholesterol levels in children, according to a preliminary analysis of data from a landmark new health study.

Researchers believe that C8 may be associated with changes in liver and immune function, as well as higher cholesterol levels in children, according to a preliminary analysis of data from a landmark new health study.

"These preliminary results are exactly that -preliminary," said West Virginia University researcher Stephanie Frisbee.

"Right now -first pass -it looks like there may be something there,"

Frisbee said Thursday. "There is something there that warrants further investigation."

Frisbee and other WVU researchers are poring over blood tests and other data assembled as part of a huge study of C8's possible impacts on the health of nearly 70,000 residents near the DuPont Co. Washington Works plant south of Parkersburg.

The C8 Health Project is a multi -year effort to examine the chemical's possible effects on mid -Ohio Valley residents. It is funded by major portions of a $107.6 million settlement paid by DuPont to settle a lawsuit alleging the company poisoned residents' drinking water with C8. The settlement is also funding a related examination by a three -person science team of possible C8 links to adverse health effects.

C8 is another name for ammonium perfluorooctanoate, or PFOA. DuPont has used the chemical since the 1950s at its Washington Works plant. C8 is a processing agent used to make Teflon and other nonstick products, oil -resistant paper packaging and stain -resistant textiles.

Researchers are finding that people around the world have C8 in their blood in low levels. Evidence is mounting about the chemical's dangerous effects, but regulators have not set a federal standard for its safety.

Earlier this week, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology linked C8 levels in newborns with smaller abdominal circumference - an indicator of liver size - and decreased birth length.

Last month, initial data from the C8 Health Project reported that residents of communities around DuPont's plant have more than five times more C8 in their blood than average Americans. Over the next six months or so, additional data that examines possible connections between C8 exposure and health effects is expected to be made public.

NTI Goes North

The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry (NJATC), co -sponsored by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the University of Michigan (U -M) jointly announced today that the NJATC's annual National Training Institute (NTI) is moving to the University of Michigan's main campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2009. NTI has grown into the most comprehensive training program in the electrical construction industry. Serving all sectors of the electrical construction market, NTI offers hands -on state -of -the -art technical training, advanced educational theories and practices for the classroom, and cutting -edge workshops and seminars for Apprenticeship Committee members and NECA contractors. NTI was jointly established in 1990 by the NJATC and the University of Tennessee. The U -M will proudly host the NTI for the first time July 31 - Aug. 7, 2009. This will be the NTI's 20th anniversary, marking a true milestone in training for the organized electrical construction industry. Joining the U -M in this effort will be the Ann Arbor Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as numerous merchants and service providers from the Ann Arbor area.

The NJATC expects total participation in the 2009 NTI to be well in excess of 2,000 industry representatives. It is estimated that this will annually produce $4.5 to 5 million in new revenue for the economy of Ann Arbor. In selecting a new home for the NTI, of major concern was the commitment to and support of organized labor. The U -M currently employs IBEW members full -time in the electrical division of its maintenance department. Additionally, the University retains the services of NECA contractors employing IBEW members to complete all of its electrical construction projects. IBEW President, Edwin D. Hill, NECA CEO, John M. Grau, and U -M President, Mary Sue Coleman are delighted to announce this new tripartite alliance dedicated to the training and betterment of all members of the NECA/IBEW electrical construction family.

About the NJATC
The NJATC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1941 by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The organization is committed to developing and standardizing education in the electrical industry to properly and effectively train members of NECA and the IBEW; providing the electrical construction industry with the most highly trained and highly skilled workforce possible. Since its inception, more than 325,000 apprentices have completed NJATC training programs and become competent Journeymen, making the organization one of the largest training and apprenticeship programs of its kind. For more information, go to www.njatc.org .

About NECA
NECA has provided over a century of service to the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA's national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org .

About The IBEW
The IBEW is an international labor organization that has trained the most qualified electricians in the trade for more than 110 years. With approximately 725,000 members in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Republic of Panama, the IBEW has members in construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government. For more information, visit www.ibew.org

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RHINO & Leviton Team Up

RHINO labeling products will give Leviton end users and contractors a cost -effective and efficient solution for their labeling needs.

RHINO Professional Labeling Tools is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Leviton Network Solutions. Leviton Network Solutions is the most recognized brand in the Telcom/Datacom arena and is sold through major distribution across the U.S.. Teaming with Leviton will provide RHINO a new avenue for reaching customers in these markets and enable them to address their labeling needs in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

"I was employed by Leviton for almost 20 years," stated Keith Smith, National Field Sales Manager for RHINO. "It is a fact that Leviton's Network Solutions product line is one of the most widely accepted US manufactured connectivity products in the nation. Combining RHINO and Leviton expertise will be a powerful benefit to installers and contractors who can now acquire both a superior network solution and the best available handheld labeling solution to easily identify installed system components and connections."

As part of the new business relationship, Leviton will recommend RHINO products for use in labeling Leviton panels, enclosures, wall plates, QuickPort housings and patch cords, using RHINO's non -adhesive, nylon, polyester and vinyl labels, applied with the newly released RHINO 6000 & 6500 label printers. These two new printers allow installers to create and print labels in the field and/or to connect to a PC via RHINO CONNECT software. Their dedicated buttons for patch panels, vertical & horizontal cable -wrapping labels and flag labels make the RHINO 6000 or 6500 a must to own. The software allows Leviton customers to easily customize label designs from scratch or import label data from an external file. Of notable mention, the RHINO 6000 & 6500 are currently the only available options for creating printed labels for Leviton's ¼" wide, magnifying lens label holder found on the 1RU/48 -port high density patch panel.

To make the transition to RHINO Labeling Products easier for Leviton customers, RHINO and Leviton have developed a Quick Reference Guide. This guide provides the correct settings to create labels for use with Leviton Network Solutions patch cords, wall plates and QuickPort housings, 110 termination blocks and the many patch panels in Leviton's product portfolio. This guide, along with pre -formatted Leviton template files for the RHINO CONNECT software, are available for download at RHINO's website, www.rhinolabeling.com .

"This labeling solution will save our end users time and money while making their installations look more professional," commented Z Zakaria, Industrial Global Business Team Leader. "It's a great example of how RHINO continues to differentiate our product offering, build category awareness and promote labeling through strategic partnerships."

About RHINO
RHINO is a brand of Newell Rubbermaid company (NYSE: NWL). RHINO designs and manufactures professional label printers and tools for commercial, residential and industrial use. RHINO professional labeling tools are designed with easy -to -use features that greatly reduce labeling time. Learn more at www.rhinolabeling.com.

About Leviton
Leviton Network Solutions, a division of Leviton Manufacturing Company inc., develops and manufactures complete copper and fiber connectivity solutions for enterprise, data center, service provider and residential applications. Solutions include eXtreme 10G, eXtreme 6+, and GigaMax 5e copper systems and Plug -n -Play, LightSpace, and Opt -X fiber systems. Leviton offers connectors, wallplates, patch panels, enclosures, cable management, PoE, wireless, power and industrial connectivity. For more information please visit www.leviton.com

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SNAKE TRAY® Launches New Website To Help Customers Design Cable Management And Power Distribution Systems

Snake Tray® is pleased to announce the launch of the new website www.snaketray.com)designed to help architects, engineers, installers, distributions and end users design the most cost effe

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BISBEE'S BUZZ

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Beast Cabling Systems Enters European Market

Belden's CEO Pumps Up HIS PAY - Enters 10b5 -1 Program

Berk -Tek Hires Fiber Optic Product Business Manager

California Senate votes to ban heat-resistant compounds

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Craig Consulting Services : BELDEN Training Schedule

Craig Consulting Services :BICSI Training Schedule

D-Tools Unveils New Website

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New Test Suite in EtherScope Network Assistant Creates New Business Opportunities for Value Added Resellers and System Integrators

New MicroScanner 2 Termination Test Kit Increases Technician Productivity From the First Day of Use

General Cable's Goenaga cashes in on options

Graybar reports hefty increase in first quarter net income

Graybar Starts 2008 with 58.7 Percent Increase in First-Quarter Net Income

DialAmerica Improves Operational Efficiencies with All -in -One IP Communications Software Suite from Interactive Intelligence

Interactive Intelligence Adds Contact Center and IP Telephony Capabilities to Microsoft Office Communications Server Environments

Interactive Intelligence Introduces Customer Feedback Management Products

Leviton Tops Patent Board's Scorecard for Third Consecutive Quarter

Leviton Introduces Expanded Line of Cable Management

Megladon Announces New Product Release of E2000 HLC® Fiber Optic Patch Cords.

Come and See Mike Holt Live

Certified Partner Program for Resellers announced by Para Systems/ Minuteman Power Technologies

MOHAWK Announces The Addition Of Lee Snedaker To Their Staff

Magenta Endorses Mohawk Low -Skew Cable for Use With MultiView™ Product Line

More news on the Toxic Teflon chemical

NTI Goes North

RHINO & Leviton Team Up

SNAKE TRAY® Launches New Website To Help Customers Design Cable Management And Power Distribution Systems