Higbie forecasts for the future of data centres at DatacenterExpo in Düsseldorf

Infrastructure thought leader and data centre expert, Carrie Higbie of Siemon, is due to speak on the topic of the changing face of the data centre in light of new technologies at the forthcoming DatacenterExpo event in Düsseldorf on 17 September 2010. Her talk will focus on the impact of cloud computing, virtualisation, consolidation and higher bandwidth demand technologies on the data centre environment.

Explaining her topic, Carrie said, “Data centres are evolving due to new technologies. But how can you ensure your datacentre remains manageable? Careful planning is one answer: On 17 September in Düsseldorf I will explain cause and effect decisions throughout the data centre ecosystem. Layout and configurations will be included plus considerations for colo or hosted environments, solutions for colo providers and power and cooling – with a particular eye towards greening operations.”

DatacenterExpo will take place at the Düsseldorf Congress Centre on 16 to 17 September in Düsseldorf. Carrie Higbie speaks on the second day at 12:40pm.

The event is designed for the data centre and IT management community. It encompasses not only the conference programme, but also an exhibition which will showcase the industry’s newest technology and services.

According to the organisers, the event provides an excellent opportunity to talk to experts and listen to thought leaders from around the world.  They claim that the resources, knowledge and examples on offer can be immediately applied to help maximise performance, minimise cost and improve efficiency and scalability. 

Carrie Higbie MBA MSBA, is global director of data centre solutions and services for fibre and copper infrastructure specialist Siemon.  She has been involved in the computing and networking industries for over 25 years and participates with the IEEE, TIA, COMMON, ASHRAE, USGBC, WGBC, ISO, the Uptime Institute and various consortiums for standards acceptance. Carrie is Siemon’s liaison into the company’s participation into the Cisco Developer Program, APC’s BladeReady ™ Program and works with other electronics manufacturers and system integration companies.

Carrie has an extensive background in all aspects of networking and application development as a consultant, project manager, and Fortune 500 executive.  Carrie has taught at a collegiate level and she is now a popular speaker at industry events.   She has authored an impressive body of technical articles and whitepapers and her work is published around the world. 

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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New Cabling Speeds Network for Global Aerospace

When the world’s leading specialist aerospace insurer, Global Aerospace, needed an infrastructure upgrade it selected Siemon cabling technology and – perhaps surprisingly – installed a category 5e UTP system.  With twin drivers of rapid rollout and keen pricing, this well-proven technology was chosen to support Gigabit Ethernet and all members of staff are undoubtedly glad to have a robust system to enable them to serve global airlines, aircraft builders and light aircraft owners, particularly in light of recent aviation challenges.

Global Aerospace has 10 offices strategically located around the world and its headquarters sit in the centre of the insurance and banking market in London.   As the oldest specialist insurance company in the world, Global’s 450 staff expertly serve its customers with tailored insurance, assessing each risk on its own merits.  The organisation as a whole calls on over 85 years of experience in the dynamic aviation market.

When Global Aerospace moved into its two story office 16 years ago category 5 cabling was already in place and served well until two years ago when the company invested in upgrading much of its hardware.  Clearly it needed its network infrastructure to support Gigabit speeds, but those on the front line of customer delivery were experiencing dropped packages. The resultant resends meant that the system as a whole was downgraded to 100Mb.  The category 5 foundation was letting down the entire IT network and an upgrade was essential to capitalise on the investment already made. 

Category 6 was originally considered to be the solution for Global Aerospace, but when trusted suppliers CCS Media introduced the installation company NetCare, the decision makers realised that a Siemon category 5e system would supply all the necessary capacity and at a much more competitive price.  After careful comparisons and consideration, UK IT manager at Global Aerospace, Chris Ellery, confirmed that, as they have no plans to move beyond 1 Gb network application speeds in this location, this would be the cabling to equip the firm for the next 10 years.

“We were told that Siemon’s solution represents one of the worlds highest performing 5e solutions, with 160mhz performance across the channel (versus the more standard 100mhz)” explained Chris Ellery.  “Now that we have undergone the very efficient 800 point install and gone live, I am pleased to report that this performance has been noticed by all the system users who have commented on faster operating speed.  The system is stable and robust – both crucial considerations in our business.”

NetCare was the company that Global’s IT provider, CCS Media, introduced to undertake the installation and the integrater commissioned it in just six weeks.   Alan Williamson, sales director at NetCare commented, “Global Aerospace needed a guaranteed solution that could be implemented rapidly and cost-effectively.  Working with Siemon, we put together a very competitive package that meant they could rely on quality technology for real peace of mind.”

Just as Global Aerospace underwrites on behalf of a panel of insurance companies, Siemon also underwrites this system with a 20 year warranty.  NetCare’s Certified Installer status means that this is a system warranty; guaranteeing not just the products used, but also the application performance of the total installation.

The last word goes to Chris Ellery; “This was very well organised by NetCare and disruption to day-to-day business was kept to an absolute minimum.  We are delighted with the Siemon system and the resultant performance improvement it has enabled for our entire operation.”

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon announces DIN Rail mounted patch panels for Industrial Ethernet applications

Siemon, the network cabling infrastructure expert, announces the release of its new DIN Rail mounted patch panel.  This 4-port panel snaps securely into any standard 35mm DIN-Rail to provide a quick and flexible patching solution for RJ-45 based copper and optical fibre Industrial Ethernet connections.  This allows Ethernet connectivity to be easily mounted wherever DIN Rail is available, including in distribution cabinets, alongside DIN Rail Ethernet switches and with PLCs and other control devices.

Siemon’s DIN Rail patch panel features an angled mounting design for low-profile cable routing.   By angling the outlet orientation, the panel provides ample cable routing space and secure strain relief in just 70mm (2.75 inches) of mounting depth, without impeding port access or exceeding performance-critical cable bend radius requirements.

At just 130mm (four inches) wide, the 4-port modular panels are side stackable, allowing a simple, high-density expansion path to address expanding network connectivity needs. These durable panels are constructed of lightweight, high strength steel with industrial black powder-coat finish and integrated cable management features.

Compatible with Siemon Z-MAX® outlets and MAX modules, these panels support a wide array of cabling connectivity options, including Z-MAX 6A category 6A/Class EA systems in both UTP and shielded configurations,  category 6 UTP Z-MAX, shielded and UTP category 5e MAX as well as LC, SC, ST and MTRJ MAX fibre modules.

The new DIN Rail panel from Siemon comes from the company’s SIS  (Siemon Interconnect Solutions) development team, focused on solving industry and customer-driven interconnect challenges by developing standards-based, application specific products.  The SIS expertise calls together extensive network engineering knowledge with design innovation and considerable production capability. 

The SIS portfolio includes a comprehensive line of connectors and cable types that may be integrated with an array of transmission technologies, providing solutions for a variety of markets and customer applications.  For more information on the DIN Rail panel or other Industrial Ethernet components, structured cabling products and high-speed interconnects refer to the  http://www.siemon.com/sis

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Aquantia sets new bar for 10GBASE-T with the industry’s highest performance 40nm PHY

Aquantia, the leading developer of mainstream 10GBASE-T PHY solutions, announced today that it has achieved a performance breakthrough with its 40nm generation product platform, demonstrating 120 metre reach on a category 6A cabling system in a data centre environment.  The company’s full portfolio of the industry’s highest performing PHY chips includes quad, dual and single-port configurations.

Robust cable reach, with margin above the standard 100 metre mark is important for accelerated adoption of 10GBASE-T technology.  Whilst others have set the 100 metre reach as their goal, Aquantia’s solutions have established a new bar in performance.  Additional margin enhances the end user experience and mainstreams the design for system OEMs.  End users benefit from the additional margin, as it allows for variability in connectors, cable bends, etc.  It also helps system OEMs to simplify their design and lowers their cost by allowing for generic magnetic, fewer PCB layers and overall enhanced reliability.

Aquantia partnered with Siemon to test its flagship 40nm 10GBASE-T PHYs across the wide range of copper cables typically deployed in enterprise and data centres.  The tests were performed on cable configurations extending beyond the IEEE 802.3an standard of 55m on category 6 and 100m on category 6A and 7, pushing the envelope to the maximum insertion loss defined by TIA standards.  The tests demonstrated the Aquantia 40nm 10GBASE-T PHY running error-free performance over a 120 metre Siemon Z-MAX® category 6A channel; the maximum distance achieved so far in the industry for 10 Gigabit Ethernet on copper.

“For Aquantia to extend the transmission distance of high performance category 6A cabling to 120 metres is the ultimate evidence of the robustness and superiority of its 10GBASE-T architecture and its successful implementation in 40nm,” says John Siemon, chief technology officer at Siemon.  “This is a further confirmation of the maturity of the 10GBASE-T industry and the lead taken by Aquantia as an outperforming silicon supplier.  We are excited about working with Aquantia.  Instead of shortening the distance over copper cabling in the data centre and falling short of industry standard requirements, we are extending it, while offering end users greater design flexibility,” says Siemon.

Aquantia’s 40nm devices build upon its disruptive, patent protected, Mixed-Mode Signal Processing architecture, which has the characteristics of both simplifying the Analog Front End (AFE) and reducing the size and complexity of the digital section of the chip by performing advanced signal processing in analog.  The net result is lower power consumption and lower cost, compared to competitive approaches.  Ramin Shirani, Aquantia vice president of engineering, said “The superior linearity of our AFE along with our MMSP architecture are the cornerstones of our product offering and the reasons for this latest achievement.  We are already working to break our own record as we have done in previous generations.”

Aquantia is currently sampling its full portfolio of 40nm 10GBASE-T PHYs, ranging from quad to single port configurations:

• AQ 1401 quad-port 10GBASE-T, for high density top of rack (ToR) and chassis-based switches
• AQ 1202: dual-port 10GBASE-T, for emerging LAN-on-motherboard server applications and stand-up NICs, CNAs and HBAs
• AQ 1103: single-port 10GBASE-T for single-port high end PC applications and X2 modules

Aquantia CEO and president, Faraj Aalaei states, “We are seeing great market momentum for 10GBASE-T with switch and server OEMs, following our recent achievements in the 40nm generation. A strong track record in innovation, expertise and a constant search for the highest performance are the drivers behind this success.”

Go to www.aquantia.com/news_videos.php for footage of recent Interop discussions on 10GE in the data centre, as well as additional footage on 10GBASE-T data centre trends, and follow Aquantia on Twitter for ongoing updates on 10Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in the data centre.

About Aquantia

With it’s 10GBASE-T silicon products for mainstream high-speed connectivity, Aquantia meets business needs for efficiency, lower total cost of ownership (TCO), productivity and easy-to-use network infrastructure. The company’s versatile technology platform is based on advanced signal processing, while fully leveraging the maturity of Ethernet and offering the universal appeal of the RJ-45. Aquantia ICs connect multi-core data centres, applications-optimised workgroup computing and virtual server networks with one flexible low cost and standards based architecture. Aquantia is a venture-backed private company. For more information, visit www.aquantia.com.

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon’s Z-MAX 6A achieves ISO/IEC 11801 category 6A component compliance

Independent, third party testing confirms that Siemon’s Z-MAX 6A achieves both component compliance and full channel compliance with the published version of ISO/IEC 11801.

The Z-MAX 6A shielded connector exceeds all category 6_A component performance parameters specified by newly published amendment 2 of ISO/IEC 11801, 2^nd ed. and IEC 60603-7-51 for category 6_A connecting hardware.  Performed by Intertek, an industry-recognized testing facility, the testing assessed NEXT loss, return loss, insertion loss, FEXT loss, TCL, TCTL, DC resistance, DC resistance unbalance, PSANEXT loss, and PSAFEXT loss performance.  The Z-MAX 6A shielded connecting hardware showed performance headroom across all tested parameters.

In addition to component compliance, independent third party testing conducted by UL verifies that Siemon’s Z-MAX 6A shielded end-to-end system exceeds category 6A/class E_A channel requirements specified by ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 and amendment 1 of ISO/IEC 11801 2^nd ed. The complete Z-MAX 6A shielded channel consists of Z-MAX 6A outlets, Siemon category 6A shielded cable and Z-MAX 6A patch panels, as well as Z-MAX 6A patch cords, which feature a design integrating a precisely tuned printed circuit board into every plug, for enhanced signal integrity and unparalleled end-to-end system performance.

The Z-MAX 6A shielded connector’s high performance is driven by an exclusive, patent-pending linear termination module that eliminates split and crossed pairs. The linear Z-MAX termination module allows conductors to be laced quickly into position without pair crosses, thereby maintaining and protecting cable pair geometry for optimised transmission.

The Z-MAX 6A shielded outlet also features exclusive diagonally-oriented IDC contact technology. This unique diagonal configuration maximises distance between contacts within side-stacked outlets, compared with traditional rectangular contact layouts. Maximising pair-to-pair separation between adjacent outlets minimises alien crosstalk. The enhanced noise resistance in shielded Z-MAX systems enables ultra-high density patching, accommodating up to 48 ports within 1U (one rack mount space).

The innovative combination of Z-MAX linear termination module and outlet is also at the heart of the system’s best-in-class termination time. Using the simple, patent-pending Z-TOOL™, Z-MAX 6A shielded outlets can be terminated in as little as 60 seconds from start to finish, including cable preparation. To further enhance flexibility and user-friendliness, Z-MAX work area outlets feature an exclusive hybrid design that allows both flat and angled mounting orientations with the same outlet. Enhanced high visibility printed icons provide a complete colour-coded identification system.

Z-MAX 6A is supported by multiple work area faceplates and surface mount options in addition to a full suite of Siemon data centre cabinet, rack and cable management products.

Follow Siemon on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/siemoncabling

Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon Network Cabling Systems Support IBM’s Enterprise Modular Data Centre (EMDC) Solution

Siemon has announced that its network cabling solutions can now be implemented as a part of IBM’s enhanced Enterprise Modular Data Centre (EMDC) programme.  EMDC is a large data centre design concept which uses pre-engineered design strategies, allowing customers to meet unpredictable business and IT demands.   By building to a design that allows customers to increase density and footprint as required, clients can scale their data centres when needed without disruption to existing operations.

To bring this vision of large modular, plug and play data centres to the market, Siemon will work collaboratively with IBM and its global ecosystem of the world’s leading data centre physical infrastructure providers. End-to-end Siemon network cabling systems that complement IBM’s EMDC solution include high-performance Z-MAX™ category 6A and TERA® category 7A twisted pair copper, plus 10, 40 and 100-Gigabit-ready fibre optic cabling, the MapIT™ G2 Intelligent Infrastructure Management System and super density VersaPOD data centre cabinets.  

Siemon’s full network cabling infrastructure solution set, as well as their expert support network and global footprint, fully aligns with IBM’s vision that data centres can be constructed in a flexible way with the ability to scale on-demand. This, they claim, can significantly reduce initial capital and operating costs.  In addition to Siemon’s network cabling and data centre infrastructure capabilities, the IBM EMDC collaboration includes existing and new partners in power, cooling, monitoring and management, working with data centre architecture and engineering to help clients design, build and operate modular data centres.

“More than 60 per cent of CIOs around the world are expecting significant change brought by soaring data volumes, increasingly complex analyses and ever larger populations of users.  The struggle to respond to changing IT requirements to fit business demands is outdating a classic approach to building large, monolithic data centres which have to last 20 or more years.” said Steven Sams, vice president, Global Site and Facilities Services.  “By working with Siemon to deliver innovative data centre infrastructure, IBM enhances its global ability to lead data centre innovation and meet changing requirements with a very flexible plug and play approach – allowing data centre capabilities to be added – and paid for – when and where they are needed.”

As part of a supplier agreement between IBM and Siemon and based on IBM client requirements, EMDC solutions may be deployed with Siemon’s high-performance cabling systems, including the IBM-branded FTS I-Line.  Launched globally as part of IBM’s Fibre Transport System (FTS), the IBM FTS I-Line is a specialised offering of high-performance plug and play pre-terminated fibre cabling, developed specifically under Siemon’s strict quality guidelines. Constructed of laser optimised multimode and singlemode fibre optic cable and components, the IBM FTS I-Line provides IBM’s global customers with future-proof support of critical data centre links including 10 Gb/s, as well as future 40 and 100 Gb/s applications. Utilised within the EDMC, the IBM FTS I-Line offers a highly flexible and scalable cabling infrastructure, capable of supporting a wide range of vendor equipment configurations with simple plug and play implementation.

IBM’s EMDC may also be supported by Siemon’s high-performance twisted pair copper cabling solutions, including end-to-end shielded and UTP copper cabling systems, ranging from category 5e to 10Gb/s category 6A and to the highest performing fully shielded category 7A TERA system.   Global access to Siemon’s comprehensive line of copper cabling systems allows IBM to ensure that its EMDC solutions are outfitted with the a high quality, high performance cabling infrastructure to help maximise their clients’ return on investment and deliver best in class products to supports their clients’ requirements, anywhere in the world.

To learn about Siemon’s comprehensive line of copper and fibre optic network cabling solutions, visit: www.siemon.com

Follow Siemon on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/
Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

IBM’s Enterprise Modular Data Centre is one member of the IBM data centre family ® of solutions to drive greater advancements in energy efficiencies by making data centres more flexible in matching IT needs to capital and operating costs. 

Notes to Editors

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Fortis selects Siemon Z-MAX for Stoke call centre expansion

Fortis Insurance Solutions (FIS), part of the Fortis UK insurance group, one of the UK’s leading providers of award winning insurance solutions, continues to expand after 28 years of successful operation.   As a result of expansion, FIS recently appointed Siemon to deliver a new future-proof 10Gb/s capable physical layer network infrastructure to provide the business with a base to build more advanced applications and systems without being concerned about network performance issues or cabling limitations for many years to come.

Significant growth across the Fortis business, as a result of insurance partnership deals, lead to the company increasing its workforce and investing in redesigning its Stoke-based call centre, which will now accommodate around 550 advisors. The new cabling has enabled the business to deploy voice-over IP technology within its call centre, as well as allowing the deployment of more bandwidth intensive applications, without the need for further upgrades and business disruption.

Compounding the infrastructure design challenges were operational imperatives:  With service level agreements to fulfil, FIS specified zero downtime as essential during the work to ensure that business with its customers was not disrupted, along with special consideration on the impact on its employees’ working environment. Upholding data security and confidentiality was also a specified imperative throughout the installation project.

NETcare, a long standing Siemon Certified Installer, undertook this complex infrastructure installation for FIS.  10Gb/s category 6A was selected as the required standard and Siemon’s high performance Z-MAX® was the system chosen, thanks to its proven quality and unmatched service support.   

“Our infrastructure choices have to underpin our customer service standards for many years to come,” commented FIS finance and operations director, Jason Banwell.  “Choosing Siemon category 6A has provided real lifetime return on investment value.”

The network cabling project was completed without any interruption to the business and in line with FIS’ growth plan requirements. To meet the 100 per cent uptime target, NETcare engineers started on site at 5am and call centre staff were moved into different parts of the office whilst work was completed, thereby mitigating the need for temporary accommodation.  A total of 1400 new Z-MAX 6A connections have been made in the horizontal, structured via 70 multi user Telecommunications Outlet Assemblies, providing consolidation points under the raised floor.  Siemon XGLO OM3 fibre has been used as the backbone.

Finance and operations director, Jason Banwell concludes, “Our clients enjoy fully tailored, seamless solutions with access to a wide range of products, quotes from the UK’s leading insurers and detailed management reporting.  Delivering this proposition requires that our systems are built to perform faultlessly and enable our highly trained staff to provide the best standard of service.  We believe that this new infrastructure will provide the foundation for that delivery and is fundamental to the continuity of the efficiency and quality of our service levels.”

Fortis’ success is built on the ethos that puts the customer at the centre of everything it does. Known in the insurance industry for its market leading service, Fortis’ Stoke operation now services almost a million customers, using efficient processes delivered at the lowest cost.

About Siemon                                        

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.   www.siemon.com/uk

About Fortis Insurance Solutions

Fortis Insurance Solutions has over 25 years’ experience as a personal lines insurance broker and outsourced solutions provider.

Formed in 1981 as Alliance Insurance Brokers, the company was acquired by the HSBC group in 1998 and changed from Alliance Auto Direct to become HSBC Select.

Following a management buyout in April 2003, the business became The OutRight Company UK Ltd.

In September 2005, The OutRight Company became part of Fortis (UK) Limited, a leading provider of award-winning personal and commercial lines insurance solutions and life protection in the UK, and was rebranded to UKFIS Limited in October 2008.

Today Fortis Insurance Solutions forms part of the Fortis multi-channel distribution strategy, providing transaction and support services via the Internet, Aggregators and Telesales, for personal and commercial lines insurance business. Fortis Insurance Solutions distributes and services through its own branded business AutoDirect and CoverDirect and third party branded business, offering solus or panel arrangements to suit the needs of its clients. Aligning its business activities with its partners’ general insurance strategies enables Fortis to offer end-to-end white label capabilities in product development, marketing, campaign management, sales, fulfilment and claims – providing a seamless integration with partner brands.

With a turnover in excess of £17 million and operating profit of £2 million (as at December 2008), Fortis Insurance Solutions provides a UK based customer contact centre with over 200 trained advisors (and capacity for 550). The business is committed to continuous growth, having a broad spread of clients and contractual agreements covering three and five year terms.

About NETcare

NETcare Europe Ltd is an established provider and installer of quality computer networks and systems to the SME, corporate and public sector. Committed to the long-term, NETcare installs best in class solutions, developed using quality products and utilising the latest technology.  The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of networking products and services from a diverse yet structured range.

NETcare tailors advice, selection and implementation of the appropriate communications solution for each client through a thorough understanding of their organisational needs and objectives.  The customer’s requirement of added value solutions combined with competitive pricing are key priorities that focus this tailoring.

NETcare Europe is fully registered with the British Standards Institution as holder of ISO 9001:2008. The company holds a wide range of accreditations from the leading manufacturers of IT networking products, supported by investment in industry-recognised training programmes for its workforce.

NETcare’s success has been built by continually exceeding customer expectations. www.ldd.co.uk

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Siemon declares American operations carbon negative by over 330 per cent

Siemon, a worldwide leader in IT network infrastructure, today announced that its US and Canada operations have achieved carbon negativity.  The company says that its carbon reductions and offsets exceed actual emissions by over 330 per cent. 

Siemon reached the carbon negative benchmark through an aggressive programme of environmental improvement initiatives, including the development of more energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, zero-landfill recycling, increased reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar power and carbon offsets based on extensive forestland conservation efforts. Siemon is the first and only network cabling manufacturer to achieve this notable green milestone.

The announcement is based on an extensive audit that identified Siemon’s 2009 US and Canada-based carbon emission sources and calculated their total carbon footprint utilising publicly available US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. The scope of the study focused on facility-level emissions within organisational boundaries as specified by ISO 14064-1 and included electricity and fossil fuel usage-related CO2 output at Siemon’s US-based global headquarters and manufacturing facility as well as the effects of the facility’s waste management programmes.  The audit also compiled fuel consumption for the company’s US and Canada auto fleet and air travel.

Siemon’s 2009 carbon reduction and sustainability programmes were also analysed using EPA data.   According to the calculations, Branch Hill Farms, a 3000 acre tree farm established and operated by the Siemon Company board of directors, as well as 900 metric tons of waste recycled at Siemon in 2009 and the company’s clean solar energy system, further reduced yearly carbon output by a combined 16,330 metric tons.  

Balanced against the approximately 4880 metric tons of CO2 emissions, the combined 16,330 metric tons of carbon reductions and offsets noted above brings Siemon’s total US and Canada carbon footprint figures to negative 11,450 metric tons – a carbon reduction over 3.3 times larger than the company’s actual carbon output.

“Just about every enterprise – especially manufacturers like Siemon – will produce carbon, but our success proves that there are economical and effective ways to offset the impact of those emissions,” explained Carl Siemon, the company’s CEO. 

According to Carl Siemon, his company’s approach was twofold: Siemon adheres to longstanding continual improvement policies that drive efficient manufacturing and business processes.  A more efficient use of energy and materials is not only sound business practice, but also makes the company a more environmentally sustainable operation.  Confident that carbon emissions were being reduced at the source, Siemon developed ways to cut further through better waste management, alternative fuels and offsets.  As Siemon continues to improve internal operations and processes, they are also working proactively with suppliers and partners to identify areas where mutual improvements to upstream and downstream impact can be made.

“We didn’t set out to be carbon negative,” Carl Siemon explained.  “We just want to be as efficient and environmentally responsible as possible. Being carbon negative is the natural result of over 50 years of progressive environmental stewardship.”

For more information on Siemon’s environmental initiatives, including an overview of their carbon footprint analysis, visit www.siemon.com/green.

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon announces new ConvergeIT infrastructure for green intelligent building infrastructures

Siemon has launched a new ConvergeIT intelligent building cabling programme.  ConvergeIT combines Siemon’s well-known network infrastructure expertise and technical and installation support capabilities with its comprehensive structured cabling product line, to provide a straightforward process for the implementation of a converged, IP-based intelligent building cabling system. The programme has been developed to help architects, design-build firms, building owners and contractors plan and deploy efficient IT cabling infrastructure for support of green intelligent buildings

Growing in global popularity, the intelligent or “smart” building concept combines multiple data, low voltage and building automation applications onto one centrally managed network.  These converged systems can include voice/data, video surveillance, access control, digital signage, audio/video, fire alarms, energy management, HVAC and more.  According to a study conducted by the Continental Automated Building Association (CABA), properly planned intelligent buildings can cut energy costs by up to 70 per cent¹ and the US EPA states that these smart platforms can enhance building asset value by two to three² times initial investment.

Siemon’s ConvergeIT programme takes the intelligent building approach a step further, supporting the facility’s various low-voltage applications on a single IP-based structured cabling system, rather than on separate and often proprietary cabling plants. “IT structured cabling is the ideal solution for a converged intelligent building cabling infrastructure,” explained Robert Carlson, Siemon’s vice president of global marketing.  “It provides the flexibility and performance to support multiple critical building systems at the highest reliability levels.” 

The efficient ConvergeIT approach to smart buildings also offers strong cost reduction and simplified system management benefits, says Siemon. By eliminating multiple proprietary cabling types in favour of a single structured cabling plant, material and labour costs can be cut significantly.  According to CABA, overall intelligent system cabling material costs can be reduced by up to 33 per cent¹.  This consolidation of infrastructure can also drive up to 40 per cent savings in pathway material costs³.  Because the structured cabling plant can be deployed by a single IT contractor as opposed to the multiple specialised installation groups often required with proprietary systems, ConvergeIT can reduce overall low-voltage building cabling and pathway installation labour costs by 28 per cent³ or more, claims Siemon.

“ConvergeIT also drives a greener, more sustainable smart building,” adds Carlson. “The energy savings enabled by power management systems like automated HVAC and lighting controls, as well as cable and pathway material reductions, not only save money, but are key elements of green building initiatives such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification system.”

According to Siemon, beyond reduced deployment costs and sustainability improvements, ConvergeIT can cut ongoing maintenance and management costs. Converged IP-based cabling can cut intelligent system-related move, add and change costs by 20 per cent versus multiple systems¹.  The centralised smart cabling plant approach can also reduce the reliance on multiple specialised installers in favour of a single IT cabling contractor, saving up to 15 per cent in service contract costs¹. 

This operational efficiency extends to facility maintenance and IT personnel. The simplified system management capabilities of IP-based intelligent building cabling allows critical information to be more easily shared between building systems and enables staff to access system information from anywhere on the network.  This can help minimise staff resource requirements, whilst simultaneously reducing response time to minimise costly business disruptions.

To learn more about Siemon’s ConvergeIT intelligent building cabling programme, please visit www.siemon.com/convergeit.  This online resource centre provides information on ConvergeIT technical support and design resources, as well assistance in locating a highly-trained Siemon Certified Installer to deploy a ConvergeIT system. 

References:
1 – Bright Green Buildings: Convergence of Green and Intelligent Buildings, CABA, 2008
2 – EPA EnergyStar
3 – ConvergeIT: Enabling Intelligent, Green Buildings, Siemon

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

Green Data Centre Seminar at Mercedes Benz World

Infrastructure specialist Siemon is teaming up with complimentary suppliers to delivery a new education seminar entitled ‘Growing a Green Data Centre – from the ground up’.  The event is being held at the prestigious, state of the art, Mercedes Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, on Thursday 10 June 2010.

Joining Siemon to deliver the seminar programme are collaborators Daxten, who specialise in data centre cooling, construction giants Galliford Try Communications and data centre design consultants, Future Facilities. 

Keynote speaker will be Siemon’s global director of data centre solution and services, Carrie Higbie, who will be outlining the choices for data centre professionals presented by cabling manufacturers.  Her talk will also explain how infrastructure design can positively impact green operations for any data centre, whether new build or an existing facility.

On the half day programme, other talks include ‘Mission critical power – changing the way you think of power distribution’, given by speaker Phillip McGuinness of Daxten.  ‘Data centre design software and energy efficiency’ presented by Jonathan Leppard of Future Facilities and ‘Building a green data centre’ by Paul Crowther of Galliford Try Communications.

Attendance at the educational seminar is complimentary but strictly by invitation.  Guests have been invited from across the data centre world.

Commenting on the launch of this new event, Graeme Stoker, marketing manager for Siemon in EMEA, explained, “We know from the demand for our papers and articles on green data centre design that there is a huge interest in cost effective ideas for reducing the environmental impact of data centre operation.  So, it seemed a logical step to bring together selected experts that can explain how to develop a green data centre from every angle and covering aspects of infrastructure, cooling, design and construction.  By offering a concise and informative programme in just a morning, we hope to provide an injection of useful and practical information that would be of use to any data centre professional.”

“The fact that we’re hosting the event at Mercedes Benz World is an incidental attraction,” added Stoker.  “But this dream location and state of the art facility sets the scene very well for our event.”

Keynote speaker Carrie Higbie MBA MSBA, has been involved in the computing and networking industries for over 25 years and participates with the IEEE, TIA and various consortiums for standards acceptance.  She has an extensive background in all aspects of networking and application development as a consultant, project manager, and Fortune 500 executive.  Carrie has taught at a collegiate level and she is now a popular speaker at industry events.   She has authored an impressive body of technical articles and whitepapers and her work is published around the world. 

About Siemon                                        

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon Strengthens Middle East Team

Siemon, the network infrastructure specialist, has appointed Prem Rodrigues, RCDD, to its Middle East operation.  Rodrigues takes the newly created role of business development manager for the Middle East and will work across the region from Siemon’s base in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

Prior to joining Siemon, Rodrigues worked for Syscom Emirates LLC (a subsidiary of M’sharie, which is wholly owned by Dubai Investments).  Syscom specialises in turnkey networking, ICT and physical security installations and Rodrigues was a senior sales manager for them, leading all project teams through the presale and design phases of client contracts.

Rodrigues has previously worked in various project vertical markets, such as healthcare, finance, commercial/residential, government/military and leisure. Based on his design work on major projects he secured BICSI  RCDD in 2007

As business development manager for Siemon, Rodrigues will focus on developing channel partners and VAR relationships in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, Syria and Iraq.  He will also provide support to leading ICT consultants, specifiers and end user clients, working on infrastructure and network planning.  This will range from multi-million dollar data centre builds to office structured cabling, both for upgrade and new installation.

Appointing Prem Rodrigues, regional director Rob Tansley commented; “Prem is highly technically qualified and has a wealth of experience of delivering successful IT projects in the region.  His understanding of the region and network of contacts means that he will rapidly prove an asset to Siemon as we continue to invest in developing our business in the Middle East.”

Rodrigues is enthusiastic about his new role; “Siemon stands for quality and the company is a world leader in both technical innovation and green operation. Being part of such a highly esteemed organisation makes me both proud and driven to achieve.”

 Rodrigues is married and currently lives in Dubai.  When away from the networking arena, he indulges a passion for music, movies and confesses a developing love of golf.

Photo: available by e-mail from direland@turtleconsulting.com

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.co.uk

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Higbie talk on fibre futures at FIA Summer Seminar

Infrastructure thought leader and data centre expert, Carrie Higbie of Siemon, is due to speak on the topic of the changing face of fibre in the data centre for higher speed communications – at the forthcoming FIA Summer Seminar on 9 June 2010.  Her talk will focus on the impact of 40/100GbE and offer predictions on how it will change fibre plans in the data centre.

Explaining her topic, Carrie said, “With 40/100GbE on the horizon, two strand field terminated fibre will be going away for multimode fibre.  So what does this mean for a data centre?  It surely means that designs are more critical than ever and also that planning new equipment will affect more than one budget.  In fact, I’ll explain why the varied budgets in data centres may soon be a thing of the past.  My talk for the FIA is billed as ‘reviewing the impact of MPO connectivity’ and in it I will explain how the changing face of fibre will impact data centre plans.”

The seminar will be held on 9-10 June in Oxford and is open to all FIA members and their guests.  The schedule of seminars starts with a cabling standards update by FIA technical director, Mike Gilmore and the programme includes a discussion on links to national standards, plus legislative updates.  Carrie Higbie speaks on the first day at 2.45pm.

The seminar and networking forum is described as a celebratory event, marking the year in which Charles Kao was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for his work in the world of fibre optics.  The event encompasses not only the seminar, but also a mini-exhibition and formal dinner.

According to the FIA, the event provides an excellent opportunity to update knowledge, meet with FIA members and talk to the FIA directors.

Carrie Higbie MBA MSBA, is global director of data centre solutions and services for fibre and copper infrastructure specialist Siemon.  She has been involved in the computing and networking industries for over 25 years and participates with the IEEE, TIA and various consortiums for standards acceptance.  She has an extensive background in all aspects of networking and application development as a consultant, project manager, and Fortune 500 executive.  Carrie has taught at a collegiate level and she is now a popular speaker at industry events.   She has authored an impressive body of technical articles and whitepapers and her work is published around the world. 

About Siemon                                        

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon Launches Online Educational Resource Centre on Shielded Network Cabling

Siemon, a globally recognised leader in network cabling solutions, has launched a new online resource centre, dedicated to helping IT networking and data centre professionals get clear facts on shielded network cabling.  This includes systems such as category 6A F/UTP and category 7A S/FTP and outlines the benefits of shielded twisted-pair copper cabling.

Focusing on key network infrastructure issues such as 10Gb/s performance requirements, noise resistance, installation considerations, cost savings and future-proofing, http://www.siemon.com/uk/learning/shielded/ provides an easily navigated portal to Siemon’s library of in-depth resources. From a simple, one-page list of key shielded cabling benefits, advantages and myths, users can access instructional videos, whitepapers, customer case studies and an array of other materials.

Key topics covered in the shielded cabling resource centre include considerations such as market drivers, performance headroom, electromagnetic interference and security.  Practical information is provided on termination speed, installation practices, grounding and bonding and alien crosstalk resistance.  Subjects such as PoE and PoE Plus heat generation issues are also covered and cable sharing for high density work areas.

 “Shielded cabling suffers from a legacy reputation of being difficult to install and hence the market adoption has not been as rapid as the considerable benefits of this cabling should justify,” said Graeme Stoker, marketing manager for Siemon in EMEA.  “This type of misconception is challenged by the clear and informative materials contained in this new online resource centre.  From technical written papers to short instructional videos and customer case studies, there is a wealth of information here, readily available for all IT professionals.”

 To explore these and other Siemon resources, visit http://www.siemon.com/uk/learning/shielded/

Photo: supporting images are available by e-mail from direland@turtleconsulting.com

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon Adds Door to Fast Terminating Z-MAX™ RJ-45 Network Cabling Connector

Siemon Z-MAX  outlets now feature an optional spring-loaded door

 Siemon’s line  of Z-MAX network cabling outlets are now available with an optional spring-loaded hinged door to minimise  ingress of dust and other contaminants.  This option is available in category 6A shielded, category 6A UTP and category 6 UTP and the new door-equipped outlets share the same extended transmission performance headroom and straightforward fast termination features found in the original Z-MAX outlet. 

 The new door protects the outlet’s internal components and critical connector mating surfaces from exposure to environmental contaminants such as dust.  When the outlet is in use, the door stays perpendicular to the outlet face, ensuring that it does not interfere with stacked or adjacent outlets in high density patching or work area applications. 

 Using the simple, patent-pending Z-TOOL™, all varieties of Z-MAX door-equipped outlets, including category 6A shielded versions, can be terminated in 60 seconds or less from start to finish, including cable preparation – the fastest RJ-based outlet termination in the industry.   All Z-MAX 6A outlets offer industry best category 6A performance margin across all critical cabling parameters as part of an end-to-end system. 

 To further improve flexibility, the Z-MAX work area outlet features an exclusive hybrid design that allows either flat or angled mounting orientations. Newly enhanced printed icons can be inserted into the door or outlet face, providing a complete colour coded identification system  that remains visible even when a cord is inserted.

 Siemon’s Z-MAX line includes complete end-to-end category 6A/class E_A systems in both shielded and unshielded configurations as well as category 6/class E UTP.  The full Z-MAX 6A channel consists of Z-MAX 6A outlets and patch panels, Siemon category 6A cable and  patent pending Z-MAX 6A patch cords that feature a precisely tuned printed circuit board (PCB) within every plug for enhanced signal performance.   The Z-MAX category 6 UTP channel features Z-MAX 6 outlets and patch panels, Siemon category 6 cable and category 6 BladePatch and MC patch cords. To explore Siemon’s entire Z-MAX line, visit:  http://www.siemon.com/uk/zmax/

Follow Siemon on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/siemoncabling/

Join Siemon on Facebook: http://www.siemon.com/go/facebook

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

New Siemon Whitepaper Compares Point-to-Point and Structured Cabling Options in the Data Centre

Leading networking infrastructure company Siemon has published a comprehensive new white paper addressing one of the hottest topics in the data centre market:  “Data Centre Cabling Considerations: Point-to-Point vs Structured Cabling.” This new paper is authored by respected data centre infrastructure expert Carrie Higbie and is available for download at http://siemon.com/uk/white_papers/09-06-18-data-center-point-to-point-vs-structured-cabling.asp

Direct connection cabling configurations, also known as “point-to-point” (ie; switches to servers, servers to storage, server to server, etc.) have a fairly long history in the data centre and although they have been largely out of favour for some time, some active equipment manufacturers have recently advocated a comeback.  This is due in large part to recent developments in Top of Rack and End of Row switching, which promise to reduce cabling in the data centre by up to 70 per cent, according to the manufacturers. While this may seem attractive at first, these savings are not always realised and can be negated by additional equipment requirements, increased power and repeatedly higher annual maintenance costs.     

Before making any data centre cabling decision, IT network and data centre professionals should understand all of the options. This whitepaper was developed to provide important information on the pros and cons of both structured cabling and point-to-point options from the perspective of varied disciplines and departments within the data centre environment.  The analysis includes: when and where each is the best fit and, ultimately, how a well implemented combination of the two is the best and most cost-effective solution to provide maximum data centre flexibility, scalability, performance and future-proofing.  To download a complimentary copy of “Data Centre Cabling Considerations: Point-to-Point vs. Structured Cabling”, visit http://siemon.com/uk/white_papers/09-06-18-data-center-point-to-point-vs-structured-cabling.asp

About the Whitepaper Author

Carrie Higbie has been involved in the computing and networking industries for 25+ years. Carrie currently works with Siemon™ as the global director of data centre solutions and services. She participates with the IEEE, TIA and various consortiums for standards acceptance. She has extensive background in all aspects of networking and application development as a consultant, project manager, and Fortune 500 executive and has taught at a collegiate level.  She speaks at industry events and has published several articles and whitepapers globally.  Carrie holds an MBA and MSBA.  Carrie is an expert in TechTarget’s Searchnetworking, SearchEnterpriseVoice and SearchDataCenters forums and is on the board of advisors.  She writes a weekly column on a variety of topics.  She is the President of the BladeSystems Alliance. 

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon adds Category 6 UTP to the Z-MAX Range of Systems

Siemon has launched a new category 6 unshielded (UTP) version of the Z-MAX range of end-to-end network cabling systems. Based on Siemon’s 10Gb/s capable Z-MAX 6A platform, the new category 6 UTP combines exceptional performance margins with 60 second termination time.

The new category 6 Z-MAX system employs the same fast and simple, termination process as the Z-MAX 6A. Using Siemon’s patent-pending Z-TOOL, outlets can be terminated in less than 60 seconds from start to finish, including cable preparation.

Overwhelming positive feedback on the Z-MAX 6A and speed of termination has driven requests and demand for a category 6 version of Z-MAX, says Bob Carlson, Siemon’s VP of Global Marketing. “We listen to our customers and respond accordingly,” says Bob. “The market for category 6 is still ripe and this is a logical extension of Siemon’s breakthrough MAX product line.”

In addition to the Z-TOOL, the new category 6 Z-MAX outlet utilises the Z-MAX 6A’s patent-pending linear termination module. The linear termination module allows conductors to be laced quickly and naturally into position without crossing pairs. Maintaining and protecting cable pair geometry optimises transmission performance and consistency while removing a significant noise source present in all other RJ-45 outlets.

Utilising Siemon’s Premium 6 UTP cable, the Z-MAX 6 outlet’s unique design provides extended category 6 performance margins and transmission headroom. Additionally, the outlet’s enhanced noise resistance enables ultra-high density patching, allowing Z-MAX 6 modular patch panels to support up to 48 ports in just 1U of rack or cabinet space.

Available in both flat and angled configurations, the Z-MAX 6 patch panels feature a unique modular Quick-Snap panel design, which allows Z-MAX 6 panel outlets and pre-terminated trunking cable assemblies to be quickly snapped into place to speed initial deployment and subsequent moves, adds and changes. Combined with 48-port, 1U patching, Z-MAX 6′s Quick-Snap design and pre-terminated trunking cable compatibility provides rapid deployment, superior flexibility and ultra-high density in mission-critical data centre infrastructures.

To further enhance flexibility and user-friendliness, all Z-MAX work area outlets feature an exclusive hybrid flat/angled design that allows either flat or angled mounting orientations with the same outlet. Newly enhanced high visibility printed icons provide a complete colour-coded identification system.

The end-to-end Z-MAX 6 UTP channel is supported by Siemon’s category 6 MC patch cords and high-density BladePatch modular cords. Z-MAX 6 hybrid flat/angled outlets are compatible with all Siemon MAX series modular patch panels and faceplates.

To receive more information about Siemon’s end-to-end category 6 Z-MAX, and to access Z-MAX resources such as whitepapers, detailed specifications and termination videos, visit http://www.siemon.com/uk/e-catalog/ECAT_GI_page.aspx?GI_ID=wa_z-max-6-utp-outlets

Photos: available by e-mail from direland@turtleconsulting.com

Notes to Editors

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Siemon Seminar Introduces Intelligent Infrastructure for Physical Layer Network Management in UAE

A new Intelligent Infrastructure Management (IIM) solution for physical layer network management has just been showcased in the UAE.  Siemon, an industry leader in the innovation and manufacture of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions, and Mart Networks Middle East FZC, Siemon distributor for the Middle East and Africa, jointly held a seminar in Dubai in February to introduce the new MapIT™ G2 IIM system, which they report is capable of monitoring 65,000 concurrent users in a single patch zone configuration.

Delegates at the seminar saw how MapIT G2 may be integrated into  high performance category 6A Z-MAX™ and 10Gb/s XGLO® Optical Fibre system.  When housed in Siemon’s VersaPOD™ data centre cabinet with Zero-U vertical patching, MapIT G2 offers the best value performance solution for centralized data centres. The system is also supported by copper and fibre trunking cable assemblies, small form factor MTP® fibre Plug and Play, and other high density modules.

The seminar was well attended, drawing a wide array of regional network infrastructure professionals and integrators from over a 20 influential companies. The highlight of the seminar was a hands-on exercise where attendees could experience the exceptional simplicity and speed of Siemon’s Z-MAX patented termination process and compete to be the fastest to terminate the connector. The fastest termination was done by Mr P K Aristo of Wincomm, who was presented with a gift by Mr. Lee Funnell, Siemon’s training and support manager for EMEA.

On the second day of the seminar the installers were taken through a fast track Distributor Listed Installer (DLI) training programme, summarising the standards and termination best practices for both copper and fibre.

Commenting on the success of the seminar, Aunally Maloo, CEO of Mart Network Group, said, “There was a huge amount of interest in the new innovations demonstrated in Dubai. The audience appreciated Siemon’s high performance systems with Intelligent Infrastructure Management and the ease of installation of this sophisticated networking. Siemon’s commitment to providing customers and partners in the Middle East with the solutions and support they need was well demonstrated, allowing customers to maximise the return on their infrastructure investment.” he concluded.

Photo: Available on request

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

 www.siemon.com/uk

Siemon™, Z-MAX™, VersaPOD™, XGLO® and MapIT™ G2 are trademarks of The Siemon Company.  MTP® is a trademark of USConnec, Ltd.   All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Siemon Launches New VersaPOD Data Centre Cabinet for High-Density Switch Environments

Network infrastructure experts Siemon have launched VersaPOD VP2, an extended-depth version of the super high density data centre cabinet that combines ZERO-U vertical patching capability with additional cable management space for switch, server, SAN and distribution area configurations.

Like the original 1000mm depth VersaPOD VP1, the new 1200mm (48”) deep VersaPOD VP2 integrates bayed data centre cabinets with Siemon’s exclusive ZERO-U vertical patching and cable management capability. The VersaPOD VP2’s combination of additional front-to-back cabinet space and space-saving ZERO-U patching is ideal for high-density data centre environments, enabling increased cabling and equipment density, while providing excellent accessibility and thermal efficiency.

The extended-depth VersaPOD VP2 retains the same standard 760mm (30”) width as the original version, leveraging the vertical space between bayed cabinets for patching, cable management or standard 19” vertically mounted PDUs, without consuming horizontal mounting space for connectivity.   VersaPOD’s ZERO-U vertical copper and fibre patch panels (VPP) provide up to 24U of mounting space between every two cabinets, while end-of-row panels offer an additional 8U of vertical space for end units.  The top and bottom of the vertical patching units may be populated independently allowing patching, wire management or 19” rack mount PDU’s to co-occupy the bayed space.  The extended depth also creates additional vertical cable management space in both the front and rear of the cabinet for efficient management of high-density cabling, eliminating the need for equipment swing arms while providing aesthetically pleasing, efficiently dressed cabling.

The VersaPOD VP2’s highly configurable design provides options tailored to a wide variety of data centre equipment needs and layouts and is an ideal solution for central patching, horizontal distribution and main distribution area configurations.  Its 1200mm depth supports today’s deepest  IT equipment, such as Cisco’s popular Nexus 7000 switch, and enables it to be populated in both front and rear, decreasing the number of cabinets required for connectivity and freeing up valuable data centre space.

Additionally, the VersaPOD VP2’s design provides thermal benefits by segregating cabling channels into the designated cabling area, away from equipment air intake and discharge areas.  By utilising the vertical space adjacent to the equipment mounting rails, the ZERO-U configuration provides ideal patching proximity to switch equipment, minimising patch cord runs and slack congestion that can obstruct critical airflow.

In data centre designs where cabinet-to-cabinet isolation is desired for side discharge electronics, optional cable trays minimise airflow between bayed cabinets, while providing cable channel routing and slack management of cables terminated behind the vertical patch panels. 

The VersaPOD VP2’s design offers full accessibility from the front and rear of each bayed unit. Dual hinged front doors open from both the left and right and are easily removed. Split rear doors offer an innovative quad hinge design, allowing each split door to be independently opened in either direction or removed. With doors and side panels removed, the VersaPOD 2 provides the same accessibility as an open rack.  An open floor design and multiple roof entry points allow flexible routing of horizontal and backbone cable.

For more information about VersaPOD, as well as other Siemon network cabling and connectivity, visit www.siemon.com/versapod.

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Greener Cabling: Siemon’s Global Headquarters Goes Zero Landfill

Released: February 2010

Network infrastructure specialist Siemon has announced that its global headquarters and major manufacturing facility is now a zero-landfill operation.  The company is well known for its green credentials, including a 3000 acre tree farm that is operated by the Siemon board.  The zero-landfill status is the latest green milestone in the company’s progressive approach to environmental responsibility.

According to an extensive ISO-14001 driven internal audit, over 99 per cent of the waste material at Siemon’s campus is recycled, reused or repurposed in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Siemon’s efficiency and environmental management programmes maintain a 95 per cent recycling rate on all waste material, including manufacturing by-products and office scrap. These ongoing recycling efforts ensured that over 900 tons of waste materials were reused in 2008 alone, the company claims.  All remaining non-recyclable items are transported to a local waste-to-energy plant, where they are incinerated under carefully controlled conditions to produce electricity. A small amount of ash, the by-product of the waste-to-energy process, is all that reaches a landfill.

According to Paul Knickerbocker, Siemon’s plant engineering and facilities manager, achieving the zero-landfill benchmark was not a function of a single effort, but years of full-scale efficiency and waste management initiatives. “Since 2006, and perhaps even earlier, 97 to 98 per cent of our waste was being repurposed,” explained Knickerbocker. “To get beyond 99 per cent, we looked hard at our rubbish and found that with the right recycling programmes, we could divert even more from the waste stream.”

Carl Siemon, the company’s President and CEO, was quick to point out the employees’ role in the zero-landfill achievement. “This is a team effort all the way,” he explained. “To make it work, everyone at Siemon has truly stepped up their recycling efforts. While that has paid great dividends here, we also hope it encourages more recycling at home and beyond.”

While zero-landfill status is viewed as a progressive and far-reaching environmental achievement, Knickerbocker cautioned that it is only one element of a comprehensive green effort, joining Siemon’s implementation of a renewable solar energy programme, forestland conservation efforts and more. “When you have made environmental stewardship a matter of corporate culture for as long as we have, it is hard to look at any one benchmark and say ‘we’ve made it.’ We’re proud to be zero-landfill, but we can’t lose sight of Siemon’s other, equally-important green initiatives.” he said.

For more information on Siemon’s environmental initiatives, visit www.siemon.com/green

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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Top of the Class Cabling for Educational Giant

Released: February 2010

In the world of education, Findel Education is the market leader. The company is Europe’s largest supplier of educational resources to schools and other academic institutions, as well as exporting all around the world.

Findel Education Ltd currently employs around 650 staff and operates a portfolio of leading brands including Hope Education, GLS and Davies Sports.  The extent of the company’s product range is comprehensive by any standard and it supports all curriculum subjects as well as supplying furniture, audio visual equipment and commodities such as stationery, which are in constant demand. This breadth and volume is served via both printed catalogue and a variety of e-procurement systems, not only Europe-wide but via an International Division to more than 150 countries and regions including the Middle East, Far East and Africa.

With such impressive scope it’s not surprising that Findel Education recently outgrew its traditional home in a historic cotton mill in Hyde near Manchester. This site, although inspiring, was largely outdated and restrictive, so as the company continued to grow it was clear that a new site would be needed to allow expansion and to harness the benefits of a modern work environment.  A brand new three storey head office building was planned and, with it, an IT infrastructure to empower Findel Education’s future growth.

When it came to selecting the right IT infrastructure to support the business John Duxbury, IT Technical Operations Manager, had to take an extensive list of requirements into account as the new building was going to become the company’s central hub for many years to come.

For support and advice in IT related matters, John turned to 4Net Technologies, the company’s long standing voice application specialist, who had helped Findel Education manage its integration and migration to a common platform after the acquisition of a number of businesses in the education market. 4Net, in turn, brought IT cabling partner NETcare Europe Limited in to advise on physical layer requirements. “We sat down with NETcare and 4Net Technologies and discussed in detail our requirements as well as future plans and upgrades,” explained John.

“From the outset we recognised that VoIP was the preferred solution and with future requirements for a higher bandwidth network we would need to propose a 10Gb/s cabling solution,” comments Steve McMurrough, operations director of NETcare Europe.

“Our preferred cabling choice is Siemon. We have a long standing business relationship with Siemon and have installed Siemon systems in a number of projects before. We are especially experienced at installing the company’s 10Gb/s solutions, including category 6A and category 7A/TERA.”

1700 category 6A F/UTP outlets, category 6A F/UTP cable and Siemon’s 10G XGLO OM3 24 core multimode fibre optic cable, jumpers and panels were installed in the new building in Hyde. Due to NETcare’s experience with Siemon product the project could be realised within the very short time frame of three months.

Photo can be found here:

http://fs.turtleconsulting.co.uk/PICS/TSC0406%20Findel_Ed.jpg

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon™ is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. With global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available and is one of only three network cabling infrastructure companies worldwide with true global partnership capabilities. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

www.siemon.com/uk

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