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Volume VIV |
Fall 2006 |
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September WIT.Connect Rewind:
Business Impact of the Next-Generation Internet
by
Joanne Lozar Glenn
IPv6 is the technology of the next-generation Internet, said Tom Patterson, founder and CEO of Command Information in Herndon, Va. Why? Because it’s a better way to route real-time information without building and buying new bandwidth.
Patterson said that devices incorporating IPv6 would impact businesses and consumers in three areas: mobility, security and virus protection, and real time peer-to-peer applications.
For example, businesses will enhance customer relationship management by virtue of 24/7 connectivity. And users could stay connected to the Internet even when crossing network boundaries, and without worrying that a virus will take down their system.
They’d be able to listen to TV and radio on their cell phones, and in a conference, ask the cell phone to tell them if they knew any other people in the audience.
“All this will be free … and available without saying ‘IPv6,’” he said. Free because manufacturers are already incorporating IPv6 into products (e.g., Microsoft has decided that IPv6 will be the default for their next-generation Windows operating system [Vista], which will begin shipping later this year)—and available as long as the technology is already embedded in three places: routers, telecommunication companies, and user devices.
In fact Patterson advised not even focusing on the infrastructure details, but rather on the assumption that “[with IPv6]… you now have a connection to everything.” The U.S. Government, for instance, has mandated that all Federal agencies transition to IPv6 by 2008, and it’s expected that most U.S. corporations will have it by 2008 as well.
“It’s a $25 billion marketplace that didn’t even exist last year,” Patterson said, “and it’s bringing a 10–1 ROI for early investors.”
Asia jumped into the market first, Patterson said, noting that in a survey, Japan named IPv6 as the biggest technology development that would positively affect company growth. In contrast, in that same survey, only a smattering of EU companies and no U.S. companies believed likewise.
Recognizing that nugget of information as a great business opportunity, Patterson founded Command Information, and its subsequent growth validated his hunch. The company, which advises on strategy, tactics, and application development services for Fortune 1000 companies and government organizations interested in adopting next-generation Internet technologies, started with one employee a year ago and now has 330.
Given the surge in this market, what are the career implications of IPv6 for technology workers?
“I would not suggest [seeking] a career in network management,” Patterson said. “If you know IPv6 infrastructure, you’re worth more than if you know network technology.” |
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Letter from the President
Dear WIT Members:
Welcome to the second issue of WIT.Word for the 2006-2007 year.
Over the summer, we worked on plans and activities for this year to ensure that we fulfill the mission of Women in Technology (WIT): to provide women in the technology community a networking and professional growth environment to develop relationships and create new opportunities. We also defined strategic goals for the organization that will enable us to make progress towards achieving the vision of being the premier organization contributing to the success of professional women in the technology community.
There have been many actions, events and initiatives that have taken place in support of our Key Strategies. Let me fill you in on two very important “firsts” that occurred:
- In August, we held the first Volunteer Appreciation Night (VAN) to recognize and thank our dedicated committee volunteers for their commitment, energy, and enthusiasm.
- In August at the VAN event, we announced the first-ever WIT.ty (WIT Thanks You) awards—special recognition from committee peers and the leadership for the volunteers who demonstrated the largest sustained contribution in commitment, time, effort, passion, and results. Please follow this link to see the names of the winners.
And more is in the works. Follow the tracks on the calendar for the programming that is a priority for you. Stay tuned for an improved job posting section on our website and other enhancements. I’ll report on these in a mid-year update.
Our leadership team is striving to make substantive progress towards realizing the WIT vision. Please join us in this work that we do. I encourage you to join a committee or apply for a leadership position. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and have some fun along the way. Enjoy this WIT.Word. Have a great fall and wonderful holidays. I hope to see you soon at an event!
Marguerete Luter |
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Call for Contributors
We’re looking for people to write concise 150- to
200-word summaries that capture the essence of WIT SIG
events for the WIT Connect Rewind Column. Share the good
news and get the byline.
Please contact Le-Marie Vanessa Joan Thompson for details and deadline
dates. |
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Members on the Move
Lynda Alicudo,
was interviewed in July 2006 by Hillary Howard of Washington Post Radio, WTOP 107.7FM, and 1500 AM, as their “Woman of Distinction.” Among her accomplishments, Alicudo was recognized for being the 2005 Heroines in Technology lifetime achievement winner.
Résumé samples written by Abby Locke
have been selected for publication in the second edition of Same-Day Résumé, a new guide by Jist Works, Inc. Locke was also selected to speak on "Career-Transition Résumés" for the 2006 National Résumé Writers’ Association convention, held this past September in Arizona.
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Seventh annual WIT Golf Tournament Raises More Than $9500 for WITEF
by
Laura Janes
On October 5, 2006, the seventh annual charity golf tournament was held to benefit The Women and Girls in Technology Education Foundation, or WITEF. This is the largest fundraiser for our Foundation, and was a huge success this year, raising more than $9500.
Held at the Westfield’s Golf Club in Clifton, VA, the annual golf tournament continued a tradition of great fun and networking, all for an important cause. This year's sponsors included the following:
Gold Sponsors: Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Sapient
Silver Sponsors: Business Objects, CACI, Iditarod Systems, McDonald Bradley, SiloSmashers, TEOCO and Unisys
Hole Sponsors: Connelly Works, GTSI, Intervise, TekPartners, and Women in Military Service
The mission of WITEF is to empower young girls by engaging them in technology and computer-related learning. It is an outreach program that provides scholarships, mentoring, tools, speakers, and other types of support for school-sponsored and community programs that foster technology interest in elementary, middle, and high school girls. Our primary focus is on economically and socially disadvantaged girls in the Metro DC area. Through our charitable efforts, we have helped hundreds of girls in the local communities by providing not only mentors and speakers, but also financial support for sponsoring field trips, assisting with program and curriculum development, providing program resources for Career Days in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., and exploring any and all opportunities to engage girls to technology. The Foundation is working to ensure that the next generation of professional women is well equipped for tomorrow’s challenges.
For information on how to support next year's event, contact Valerie Voci at val@voci.com. |
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream…
by Pamela Hirsch from A Connected Life, Inc
You’ve probably heard more than once that we live in a sleep-deprived country. And you likely didn’t need to hear it from the media— you knew it already from personal experience. Being nimble and flexible on the job often translates to long hours and increased stress. And then there is the badge of honor worn by those who insist they need only need four hours a night and one “power nap” a day to keep them on top.
The truth of the matter is that we humans are genetically wired to need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. It’s how our bodies stay healthy. There’s an old Irish saying that states “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.”
The link between sleep medications and the potential for accidents is clear. Although it’s true that there are people for whom medication is truly indicated, for most of us modifications in the way we live and prepare for sleep can be as effective as a pill and without the worrisome side effects. Here are just a few to get you started:
- Go to bed at the same time every night—even on the weekends—and wake at the same time each day.
- Don’t perform rigorous exercise within four hours of sleeping. However, gentle stretching can be effective, especially yogic restorative poses.
- Lose weight—even a 10% gain can affect your sleep adversely.
- Create a gentle sleeping environment for yourself—limit sound, remove the TV from the bedroom, keep the room as dark and clutter-free as possible and set to a cool temperature.
- Take a warm bath scented with four to six drops of lavender essential oil before bed.
- Don’t drink caffeinated drinks beyond noon and limit your alcohol intake (it interferes with sleep).
- Create a sleep ritual for yourself and practice it—meditation, a warm bath, and reading motivational texts are a few examples.
Restful, quality sleep is one of the major components of good health and it pays to get it without the side effects of sleep medication, if possible. Sweet dreams! |
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2006 Heroines in Technology Awards Presented
by Women in Technology and March of Dimes
by
Laura Janes |
The March of Dimes and Women in Technology announced the recipients of the 2006 Heroines in Technology Awards on Friday, October 27, 2006, at a lively black-tie optional event that ultimately raised $141,000 to support the March of Dimes. Master of Ceremonies I.J. Hudson of Washington's NBC4 joined Women in Technology President Marguerete Luter and Heroines in Technology Chair Dede Haskins in presenting the awards at the sixth annual gala held at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
The Heroines in Technology Awards honor women and businesses that balance demanding roles in the fast-paced technology sector with significant philanthropic commitments in the Greater Washington community. All proceeds from the event benefit March of Dimes programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies.
The 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award went to April Young, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Manager, Mid-Atlantic South Region Technology and Life Sciences Division, Comerica Bank.
In addition to her highly regarded professional accomplishments, Dr. Young has provided keen leadership skills to a large number of worthy organizations, including Environmental Planning Development, the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, the Federal Home Loan Bank Community Advisory Panel, Atlanta National Parks and Conservation Association, and the Women's Growth Capital Fund. Dr. Young has twice joined other business executives from the region in a two-week mission trip with Five Talents International to teach basic business principles, empowering women in several cities in Africa to change their economic circumstances.
Also awarded on Friday were the following:
The 2006 Individual Heroine in Technology Award
- Melany Smith, President, Mel's Computer Help
The 2006 Corporate Heroine in Technology Awards
- EFX Media, Jennifer Cortner, President of EFX Media
- DefyWire, Jill Stelfox, Chief Executive Officer of Defywire
Other 2006 finalists who joined in the celebration included Joy Hughes, Ph.D., Vice President of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, George Mason University; Karen Penn, Vice President, Director of Corporate Diversity, SAIC; Kim Shackleford, President, Ambit Group; Cindy Troutman, President, CGH Technologies, Inc.; and Patricia A. Weaver, Senior Vice President and Director, Corporate Administration, Alion Science & Technology.
The March of Dimes and Women in Technology were supported in this event by sponsors
including SAIC, Sprint, EFX Media, Freddie Mac, American Airlines, Business Wire, ExecutiveBiz, Government Computer News, Potomac TechWire, Washington Technology, and WGMS. |
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WIT Woman in the Spotlight: Dede Haskins
by Arlene Taffera
5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days, 5 weeks
Do something proactive and positive in the first five minutes, move onto the first five hours, continue for the first five days, then aim for the first five weeks,and you will |
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make a positive impact on your job, your project, your position. And make an impact she has—Dede Haskins, presented with the WIT Founder’s Award on May 18th, embodies that best bit of business advice given to her.
As vice president and managing principal at Cigital, Haskins has stacked up more than 24 years of experience in technology, focusing on software development, marketing, and professional services. Haskins will tell you that “people tend to hire from their own network and you always need to be on the lookout to create opportunities to expand your network”—this is one of the most important things that Haskins learned and teaches to others—“[and] you have to create your own opportunities to succeed,” she says.
Pam Casale, Chief Marketing Officer of Intellitactics, will tell you that Haskins brings value to everything she touches. “The name ‘Dede Haskins’ simply translates into energy. Whether she is developing a new process in a big company or bringing order to chaos in an evolving startup, her energy envelopes everyone around her—she is simply hard to ignore. The best is yet to come for her and a great adventure awaits those who work with and for her.”
Haskins joined WIT in a roundabout way. She was working at Proxicom, and Ana Maria Boitel, sponsorship chair of WIT at that time and later WIT president, approached Proxicom for sponsorship. While the sponsorship did not materialize, Haskins did get involved with WIT. After attending SIG meetings for a year, she was asked to jointly chair the membership committee and following the advice of Mario Marino, one of her mentors who taught her the value of nurturing a strong network, Haskins realized that this would be an ideal way of expanding her network to meet colleagues and ultimately friends. Being the consummate go-getter, Haskins played an important role in doubling the size of WIT membership—from 350 to 700 members in a short two-year time span. Eventually, Haskins became president elect and then president of WIT.
With a full plate, Haskins still finds time for play. This summer she took a cruise with ports of call in Venice, Italy; Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Athens, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey.
What’s on the horizon? Haskins thinks “…maybe COO or GM.”
Jim Condon, Chief Operating and Finance Officer of GetWellNetwork, said this about her: “Haskins is living proof that being smarter than the other guy and outworking him always wins.”
We have no doubt that Haskins will achieve her next goal! |
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Contact
Editor:
Le-Marie Vanessa Joan Thompson
Le-Marie.Thompson@sprint.com |
Contributors:
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Joanne Lozar Glenn
Pamela Hirsch
Laura Janes
Arleen Taffera
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