Maddux Report - Tampa Bay's Business, Finance and Development Magazine

Along the Corridor

Florida Tech Ranks High

Despite the national economic downturn, Florida created more jobs than any state in the nation and was one of 14 states to post positive job growth from July to December 2001, according a report from Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development organization. While job growth in Florida slowed during that period, the numbers indicate that Florida is improving in terms of attracting new jobs.

The report indicates that Florida is the fifth fastest-growing state for high-tech jobs, ranking fourth nationally for high-tech exports.

High Speed Internet
Xytrans Inc., an Orlando high-tech manufacturing firm, has produced a satellite transceiver device that will help bring high-speed data and Internet access to sparsely populated rural areas. The device is related to a cable booster. It acts to improve signals from satellites for the purpose of making Internet connections. "Satellite communications is becoming an important technology in the development of broadband services," said Ed Weatherwax, vice president of business development. "We believe our subsystems provide two-way satellite communications hubs and terminals with the high performance they need to offer reliable, high-speed data connectivity to areas where cable and DSL are not available."

Xytrans releases next-generation VSAT transceiver and power amplifier.

Because it offers a cost-effective way to provide two-way Internet and direct home video and audio on demand, this technology also has the potential to replace existing one-way direct television service, and provide consumers with high-speed, two-way Internet access that is twice the speed of digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable modems. For additional information, visit www.xytrans.com or call (407) 345-8008.

SkyEurope Taps Radixx
Slovakia's SkyEurope Airlines, a low-cost airline operating in Central Europe, has tapped Orlando-based Radixx Solutions International to develop software that will drive its central reservation system. From a technical viewpoint, Radixx is to provide the airlines with software that delivers "object-oriented" and database programs. www.radixx.com

Workforce Study Available
A comprehensive study of the Central Florida High Tech Corridor workforce is available online at www.usworks.com/floridahightech. Information includes a list of the region's highest-paying jobs and detailed information on specific jobs. The study is based on responses from more than 47,000 of the region's employers. The study was produced by various economic development organizations.

Also, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, an influential development organization, is now producing a a free newsletter that tracks high technology activities within the Corridor, which stretches from Tampa Bay to the Space Coast, covering 21 Central Florida counties. www.floridahightech.com/ enewsletter.htm

UCF Security Grant
The University of Central Florida in Orlando won a $140,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct research related to airport security. The university's psychology department and the Institute for Simulation and Training will work together on the project. The UCF team will investigate methods designed to speed a security screener's ability to learn observation skills needed to recognize dangerous items in scanned luggage.

Tech FYI
Looking for just the right bed and breakfast inn for your vacation? Try www.usinns.com. This Web site competes with travel and other sites by offering specific information on U.S. inns. Send information on technology or technology companies to Frank Ruiz, editor, by email: fruiz@maddux.com

Send high tech news and tips to Frank Ruiz, editor, Maddux Report, P.O. Box 202, St. Petersburg, Fla., 33731. Email: fruiz@maddux.com Coverage extends from St. Petersburg along the Interstate-4 corridor to the Space Coast, among 21 counties.

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