Bader’s Bits

Sometimes it seems that we’re the Rodney Dangerfield of high tech towns: we just don’t get no respect. But at least one astute surveying firm recognizes what’s already here, mentioning Tektronix, InFocus and others, and commenting on our godfather of what’s coming, Linus Torvald. If Portland’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for any other open source hacker/entrepreneur/investor, don’t you think?

Read more at eWeek: Not Just for Layovers: 10 Off-the-Radar Tech Hubs (Updated link)

It certainly was a great event for the community, and that’s what counts. I felt a sense of optimism that I haven’t experienced in many years about the growth in our “innovation economy”.

We’re very proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for the event this year, and hope that you found it worth your time as well. Leave some comments or email me to let me know what you thought and how we could improve things for next year.

For those of you that would like copies of the presentations, here they are:

• Open source economic development strategy.ppt This is the complete presentation that includes more specific programs and activities.
• Rethink Your Network (Updated pdf with graphics) For anyone with at least a T-1 to the Internet, or looking to put more infrastructure in a data center (like ours!), check out this presentation that describes metro area Ethernet services and how they enable better network deployments.
• Voice Over IP panel A brief overview of the voice over IP market, and why we think VoIP is a matter of “when” not “if” for just about every business.

Tis the season for local industry events. Innotech is shaping up as the premier innovation and high tech event in Portland.

EasyStreet is pulling out all the stops in support of the conference. I’ll be on so many panels that my handlers are worried about overexposure. Our booth theme is: EasyStreet 2.0–Bigger, better, faster, and more. Make sure you stop by to find out why. Need another reason? We’ve got the Starbucks coffee wagon in our booth first thing in the morning. Getcha free latte’s here! And we won’t bug you while you’re trying to wake up.

Sean Lowery, Innotech’s director, tells us registation is running 2x over where the conference was a year ago. All your buds are going be there. You should too. And you can get in for free. Click here and enter the magic discount code: ESP305

See you there!

Interface is one of Portland’s “must attend” events. A free, by-invitation only event for CIOs and IT managers, Interface is designed by folks like you to deliver maximum value. In one day, you’ll have the chance to hear from national and regional vendors (or not!), see the latest in technology, and network with your peers. Focused on quality, not quantity in attendees and exhibitors, this event is the one you’ve been hoping for.

EasyStreet is a bronze sponsor at Interface and we’re participating in a number of ways. I’ll be presenting Top Five Technology Trends You Can’t Ignore at 1:40, just preceding the keynote presentation. I look forward to hearing what you think about them and what you’d add to my list.

More importantly, we’re hosting the reception following the keynote. Good food and drink and a chance to discuss the day’s events with your colleagues.

You can visit with us at Booth 324 and chat with me and your account manager about our latest services including Metro Area Ethernet, Hosted Microsoft Exchange for Outlook users, and our family of storage and backup services. And we’d be delighted to tell you about our new facility expansion, now nearing completion.

I know you’re busy, but I believe you’ll find this event to be worth your time. The event is Thursday, March 23rd. Even if you only think you can make it, please register in advance at http://www.f2fevents.com/register_pdx.htm. There is no onsite registration.

I look forward to seeing you there.