Plug In to this technology blog by Integrated Building Systems

The IBS Holiday Tech Wish List for 2015

Chip Chapman — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:35:29 -0600

With the holiday gift-giving season at hand, what will you present to the technology lovers on your list?

If your gift ideas so far are lackluster, get inspiration from a few of the tech-savvy folks at Integrated Building Systems. Here’s what tops their tech wish-list:

Amazon Echo

Kraig Pritchett, Project Manager

Why: I like being connected! Yes, I know I’m always connected via my smart phone, PC, and tablets, but with the Echo I’m connected via voice. I don’t have to stop what I’m doing to get information, play some music, get the news, or listen to one of the many podcasts I subscribe to. I just have to ask and it’s there. So yea, this tops my list.

iRing

Tanya Fisher, Business Development Manager

Why: I love my tech devices but showing them off and handling them in this world of fast-paced interactions can be awkward. So I want to put an iRing on it! This isn’t ‘til death do you part—it’s removable and reusable. It gives me support as a stand, and adds to my forward flair by expanding the ways I can use my beloved tech devices, especially for taking better pictures at any angle. It even comes with a hook that keeps my device where I want it. Let’s just say I want to put the bling on my tech things!

Beats by Dre – Solo2 wireless headphones

Shannon Dembeck, Permit Coordinator

Why: I love music and wireless freedom! I’ve been coveting my kids’ Beats for about a year now…don’t tell them, but I secretly use them while they’re at school. While they walk around in music heaven, I’m suffering with the tiny, white, pain-in-your-ears, ear buds! I want to enjoy sleek design, great sound quality, and long-lasting comfort…did I mention no wires? And let’s face it, colors like gold and shock yellow are far more interesting than white.

Microsoft Surface 4 with the sixth gen i7 processor, 1 Terabyte solid state hard drive, and 16 gigabyte of RAM

Eric Evans, Audio-Visual Design Engineer

Why: You’ve got to admire the solid magnesium case, 8 megapixel rear-facing camera, and 802.11 AC WiFi, all in a tablet weighing less than 2 pounds. Even sweeter? Bundle it with a Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, rational acoustics Smaart v7 software, ISEMcon SC1 Microphone calibrator, four Lectrosonics TM400 wireless paired with earthworks M30 microphones, and microphone stands. Talk about geeking out on multi-track recording, setting up sound systems, and testing those acoustically challenged rooms properly with one portable package.

iPad Pro

Chip Chapman, President

Why: We're an Apple family--phones, TV, music, Mac book--and we've about worn out our original iPad2 (1.33 pounds, 9.7" screen, 8.8mm case, FaceTime with WiFi that we use even more now with a daughter in college). The new iPad Pro offers a little larger 12.9" Retina Display, thinner 6.9mm case, and still weighs only 1.57 pounds. Most importantly the new A9X chip will nearly double the CPU and graphic performance of our old one, with refined Multi-Touch technology. Plus you know you need the four new High Fidelity speakers that automatically adjust orientation based on how you're holding it for streaming movies and live TV.

At the holidays as well as year-round, contact IBS for advice and help with choosing the best technology solutions to fit your needs.

Crestron sponsors fall BICSI meeting at IBS

Chip Chapman — Mon, 2 Nov 2015 13:40:43 -0600

On October 29, IBS hosted the fall North-Central Region Breakfast Club meeting, sponsored by Crestron, a firm that engineers, manufactures, and delivers control and automation technology. Their solutions for buildings and homes let people control entire environments with the push of a button, integrating systems such as A/V, lighting, shading, IT, security, BMS, and HVAC to provide greater comfort, convenience, and security.

Thanks, Crestron, for your support!

Photographed at last week's meeting are (left to right) IBS President Chip Chapman, Steve Malmgren with Crestron, and Eric Evans, AV Design Engineer at IBS who is a Digital Media Certified Engineer through Crestron.

At the Oct. 29 breakfast meeting, Steve Malmgren spoke on "AV Technology Impacting Architectural Design," and Dennis Morgan with Specified Technologies, Inc., Firestop presented "Pre- and Post-Occupancy Fire Barrier Management."

IBS hosts quarterly BICSI meetings to bring unique technology presentations to area BICSI members, which helps them increase their knowledge and earn continuing education credits required for industry credentials.

Presentation topics in 2015 included:

The Data Center as an Ecosystem: Don't Just Be Green, Be Agile
Advanced Biometric Access Control
Why LEED Buildings Kill Cell Signals

Dates for 2016 will be announced soon. For information about presenting, attending, or sponsoring an event, contact Tina Parsley at tparsley@IBSwebsite.com or 614-240-5999.

Beware structured cabling monsters!

Chip Chapman — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 08:16:29 -0500

Don't let your technology systems get trapped in a web of cabling like this equipment room. Scary! Tangled webs of structured cabling may not haunt your dreams, but you probably would lose sleep over lost company data, slow connections, and chronic system errors. All these nightmares happen because of faulty cabling.

Monstrous cabling wastes money and creates safety hazards, among other risks. Read our article about "3 Sure-Fire Ways to Waste Money on Structured Cabling" to learn why messy cabling should give you nightmares, and what you can do about it.

If you're living with nightmare cabling, or if you're planning updates to your technology systems and you want to keep them scare-free, contact IBS to schedule a free, on-site evaluation of your business needs, budget, and timeline.

5 Ways to Keep IT Cool This Summer

Chip Chapman — Thu, 9 Jul 2015 12:55:56 -0500

To be honest, it’s hard to think about hot, summer weather when it’s been so rainy and cool in Columbus, Ohio. With 19 straight days of rain in June, let’s hope that July will bring sunshine and warmer weather.

When it does come, summer weather can overheat technology systems. Prevent costly repairs by following these 5 easy tips to keep your office technology systems cool this summer:

Control the temperature. From small equipment rooms to large data centers, work cubicles to private offices, a cool environment will help technology hardware operate at its peak. Do all you can to moderate room temperatures: service your HVAC system, add spot cooling where needed, caulk leaky windows and doors, add room-darkening blinds if sunny windows heat up your space, switch to LED lighting.
Retire idle equipment. Even if you’re not using them, old servers and computers are generating heat if they’re still plugged in. At least unplug unnecessary equipment, and consider recycling it. IBS collects old electronics for recycling—just call 614-240-5999 to arrange a drop-off time.
Tidy the cabling. Tangled cabling can trap the heat released from servers and other equipment. Proper cable management will make moves-adds-changes easier and faster—and aid air flow, too.
Clean your equipment. When was the last time you dusted behind your computer? Remove the grime and dust that accumulates on fan blades and slotted covers. If you have a raised floor, clean that space, too.
Use a quality UPS. Summer thunderstorms often zap the power, which can in turn fry the fans that cool IT equipment. Spend the money to buy a quality uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and protect all your hardware investments.

Bonus tip: Remove abandoned cabling. Low-voltage voice and data cabling does not lack high-voltage fire power. For example, if the wrong type of cabling is used in an open-air-return HVAC system, it can burn like wildfire. More fuel for the fire? Installing cable through a fire break and not resealing the hole with an approved fire-stopping material is another no-no. Be safe and follow the National Electric Code requirement to label, reuse, or remove abandoned cabling.

Do you have questions about keeping your IT cool this summer? Maybe it’s time to tidy hot, messy data closets? Call IBS at 614-240-5999 or schedule an on-site evaluation with one of our technology experts.

Sources: The Cabling Guide by IBS, CIO.com, Blog.shi.com, Superheroyou.com

IBS celebrates 22 years as technology consultant

Chip Chapman — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 13:07:27 -0500

It's our 22nd birthday this year!

In 1993, when Integrated Building Systems was founded, "Jurassic Park," the World Wide Web, and Intel's Pentium Processor were new, too.

Let's hear it for longevity!

Take a look at our company history.

Earth Day recycling drive yields 6.5 tons of electronic equipment!

Chip Chapman — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:54:36 -0500

On Earth Day, Integrated Building Systems collected 6.5 tons of equipment during our annual Electronics Recycling Drive!

Customers, Harrison West neighbors, and many others dropped off computers, laptops, phones, servers, printers, microwaves, cords, cables, gaming systems and more.

It's important to keep IT equipment out of our landfills where it can poison the environment. Our great recycling partner, Community Computer Alliance, aims to meet this goal as it offers recycling, job-training, and technology donations to other nonprofit organizations.

Missed the event? Attended but found more stuff to recycle? Schedule your drop-off at IBS.

Free electronic recycling on April 22, Earth Day!

Chip Chapman — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 10:16:58 -0500

Join IBS for our third annual Electronics Recycling Drive on Earth Day, April 22, from 7:30 am to 4 pm at 950 Michigan Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Drive by and drop off old or unwanted computers, printers, scanners, phones, cables, cords and more. Let's keep IT out of the landfill!

Enjoy a free hot dog at lunchtime, too! And, thanks to donations from Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, 20 lucky recyclers will receive a gift certificate for a free ice cream treat.

Flat-screen TVs are free to recycle, but it will cost $25 (payable by cash, check or charge) for tube-style TVs in order to cover hazardous-materials fees.

Learn more details at IBSwebsite.com/Electronic-recycling.html.

Deadline March 21: 740 area code changing

Chip Chapman — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 07:51:00 -0600

Starting March 21, 2015, business and residential callers must use a 10 or 11 digit phone number to make a local call in the 740 area code.

Why the change? Phone numbers in that area are dwindling, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is adding a 220 area code to meet demand. PUCO projects that 740 numbers will run out by June 2015. Once that happens, two area codes will serve the region.

What should you do? Update your contact lists, check your business listings (print and online), and reprogram automatic dialing equipment (e.g., life-safety systems, PBXs, voicemail service, security systems) to meet new dialing requirements in the 740/220 area code.

A PUCO news release stated:

Current telephone numbers, including area codes, will not change.
Calls currently considered local calls will remain local calls.
Long distance calling will not change.
911 and other three digit numbers (211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, 811), if available in the local community, can still be dialed as such.

For more information, visit the PUCO website or contact your service provider.

IBS is hiring: Technology Consulting Engineer

Chip Chapman — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:31:12 -0600

Integrated Building Systems is seeking a Technology Consulting Engineer for an immediate, full-time opening on our team. This position is responsible for constructability reviews, consultation, design, project management, and coordination with clients on technology projects and multi-discipline projects that include technology.

A successful candidate for this position must demonstrate:

Technical expertise in the design, installation, and integration of structured cabling systems.
Ability to meet IBS standards for constructability, quality, and longevity relative to a project’s scope, budget, and timeline.
Ability to work effectively with customers and potential clients to develop a clear understanding of each project.
Excellent project management skills, from design stage to deployment; includes experience with preparing bid documents for scaled floor plans, technology room plans, rack elevations, details, wiring schematics, specifications, and cost estimates.
Knowledge of TIA, EIA, and BICSI standards related to commercial building systems.
Design experience with related technology systems, such as access control, CCTV security systems, audio-visual communications systems, business phone and paging systems, distributed antenna systems, or LAN/WAN and wireless systems including IP integration.
Strong professional written and oral communication skills.
Ability to effectively collaborate with project teams as well as work independently.
Certification as an RCDD through BICSI (or currently pursuing an RCDD), or an electrical engineer with telecom/data background.

IBS offers:

A work environment that values honesty, integrity, reliability, responsibility, and quality
A 21-year history of success and a reputation as a trustworthy business partner.
Training.
Support for maintaining required certifications.
Full-time employment with excellent benefits.

To apply for this position, please email a resume to info@ibswebsite.com.

Top 10 strategic IT trends for 2015 from Gartner

Chip Chapman — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:30:42 -0600

What are your technology plans for 2015? Information-technology research firm Gartner identified 10 strategic trends for this year:

See slidedeck on Forbes.com

1. Computing Everywhere

As mobile devices continue to proliferate, Gartner predicts an increased emphasis on serving the needs of the mobile user in diverse contexts and environments, as opposed to focusing on devices alone.

"Phones and wearable devices are now part of an expanded computing environment that includes such things as consumer electronics and connected screens in the workplace and public space," said David Cearley, vice president and Gartner Fellow. "Increasingly, it's the overall environment that will need to adapt to the requirements of the mobile user. This will continue to raise significant management challenges for IT organizations as they lose control of user endpoint devices. It will also require increased attention to user experience design."

2. The Internet of Things

The combination of data streams and services created by digitizing everything creates four basic usage models — Manage, Monetize, Operate and Extend. These four basic models can be applied to any of the four "Internets." Enterprises should not limit themselves to thinking that only the Internet of Things (IoT) (assets and machines) has the potential to leverage these four models. For example, the pay-per-use model can be applied to assets (such as industrial equipment), services (such as pay-as-you-drive insurance), people (such as movers), places (such as parking spots) and systems (such as cloud services). Enterprises from all industries can leverage these four models.

3. 3D Printing

Worldwide shipments of 3D printers are expected to grow 98 percent in 2015, followed by a doubling of unit shipments in 2016. 3D printing will reach a tipping point over the next three years as the market for relatively low-cost 3D printing devices continues to grow rapidly and industrial use expands significantly. New industrial, biomedical and consumer applications will continue to demonstrate that 3D printing is a real, viable and cost-effective means to reduce costs through improved designs, streamlined prototyping and short-run manufacturing.

4. Advanced, Pervasive and Invisible Analytics

Analytics will take center stage as the volume of data generated by embedded systems increases and vast pools of structured and unstructured data inside and outside the enterprise are analyzed. "Every app now needs to be an analytic app," said Mr. Cearley. "Organizations need to manage how best to filter the huge amounts of data coming from the IoT, social media and wearable devices, and then deliver exactly the right information to the right person, at the right time. Analytics will become deeply, but invisibly embedded everywhere." Big data remains an important enabler for this trend but the focus needs to shift to thinking about big questions and big answers first and big data second — the value is in the answers, not the data.

5. Context-Rich Systems

Ubiquitous embedded intelligence combined with pervasive analytics will drive the development of systems that are alert to their surroundings and able to respond appropriately. Context-aware security is an early application of this new capability, but others will emerge. By understanding the context of a user request, applications can not only adjust their security response but also adjust how information is delivered to the user, greatly simplifying an increasingly complex computing world.

6. Smart Machines

Deep analytics applied to an understanding of context provide the preconditions for a world of smart machines. This foundation combines with advanced algorithms that allow systems to understand their environment, learn for themselves, and act autonomously. Prototype autonomous vehicles, advanced robots, virtual personal assistants and smart advisors already exist and will evolve rapidly, ushering in a new age of machine helpers. The smart machine era will be the most disruptive in the history of IT.

7. Cloud/Client Computing

The convergence of cloud and mobile computing will continue to promote the growth of centrally coordinated applications that can be delivered to any device. "Cloud is the new style of elastically scalable, self-service computing, and both internal applications and external applications will be built on this new style," said Mr. Cearley. "While network and bandwidth costs may continue to favor apps that use the intelligence and storage of the client device effectively, coordination and management will be based in the cloud."

In the near term, the focus for cloud/client will be on synchronizing content and application state across multiple devices and addressing application portability across devices. Over time, applications will evolve to support simultaneous use of multiple devices. The second-screen phenomenon today focuses on coordinating television viewing with use of a mobile device. In the future, games and enterprise applications alike will use multiple screens and exploit wearables and other devices to deliver an enhanced experience.

8. Software-Defined Applications and Infrastructure

Agile programming of everything from applications to basic infrastructure is essential to enable organizations to deliver the flexibility required to make the digital business work. Software-defined networking, storage, data centers and security are maturing. Cloud services are software-configurable through API calls, and applications, too, increasingly have rich APIs to access their function and content programmatically. To deal with the rapidly changing demands of digital business and scale systems up — or down — rapidly, computing has to move away from static to dynamic models. Rules, models and code that can dynamically assemble and configure all of the elements needed from the network through the application are needed.

9. Web-Scale IT

Web-scale IT is a pattern of global-class computing that delivers the capabilities of large cloud service providers within an enterprise IT setting. More organizations will begin thinking, acting and building applications and infrastructure like Web giants such as Amazon, Google and Facebook. Web-scale IT does not happen immediately, but will evolve over time as commercial hardware platforms embrace the new models and cloud-optimized and software-defined approaches reach mainstream. The first step toward the Web-scale IT future for many organizations should be DevOps — bringing development and operations together in a coordinated way to drive rapid, continuous incremental development of applications and services.

10. Risk-Based Security and Self-Protection

All roads to the digital future lead through security. However, in a digital business world, security cannot be a roadblock that stops all progress. Organizations will increasingly recognize that it is not possible to provide a 100 percent secured environment. Once organizations acknowledge that, they can begin to apply more-sophisticated risk assessment and mitigation tools. On the technical side, recognition that perimeter defense is inadequate and applications need to take a more active role in security gives rise to a new multifaceted approach. Security-aware application design, dynamic and static application security testing, and runtime application self-protection combined with active context-aware and adaptive access controls are all needed in today's dangerous digital world. This will lead to new models of building security directly into applications. Perimeters and firewalls are no longer enough; every app needs to be self-aware and self-protecting.

Now hiring: Business Development, Consulting Engineer, Network Cabling Technician

Chip Chapman — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:10:45 -0600

Integrated Building Systems is now seeking candidates for three full-time positions: Business Development Manager, Technology Consulting Engineer , and Network Cabling Technician.

Click on any title to view the job posting.

IBS is a technology contractor in Columbus, Ohio, and our mission is to connect technology by design to make buildings smarter! We specialize in the design and deployment of structured cabling systems, and we offer expertise in WiFi, AV, phone, data networking, and security systems as well. At IBS, we value a positive attitude, perseverance, and commitment to our shared goals and purpose.

To apply for any of these positions, please email a letter and resume to info@IBSwebsite.com.

Spooky! Our fifth annual pick for scariest cabling photo

Chip Chapman — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 05:45:14 -0500

The creepy canopy shown in this photo is our fifth annual choice for scariest cabling photo.

(For more horrific images, take a look at our first picks from 2010.)

Why is cabling like this so scary? Because it devours data, time and money.

Find out more about wasteful cabling practices in our new article, "3 Sure-Fire Ways to Waste Money on Structured Cabling."

Earn BICSI credits at free educational event Nov. 6 at IBS

Chip Chapman — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 08:21:33 -0500

Integrated Building Systems will host a regional BICSI meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6, at its offices at 950 Michigan Avenue, Columbus. Registration for this free event is required.

BICSI members can earn 2 continuing education credits for attending. Topics to be covered are:

Implementing Intelligent Cabinet-Level Power Distribution Units by Patrick Braham with Server Technology, Inc.

Wireless – The Network Edge: The Promise of 802.11ac and Software Defined Networking (SDN) by Stewart Christensen with Meru Networks

Questions about the event? Please contact Tina Parsley at IBS at 614-240-5999 or tparsley@IBSwebsite.com.

IBS Tech Trekkers raise $10K for JDRF!

Chip Chapman — Tue, 7 Oct 2014 08:17:29 -0500

On October 5, 2014, the IBS Tech Trekkers braved cold winds on the OSU campus to complete the Walk to Cure Diabetes, sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Our goal was to raise $10K to honor Joe Chapman's decade with diabetes.

WE DID IT!

Joe, the son of IBS President Chip Chapman, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 4, and in the past 10 years has endured more than 18,000 insulin injections and 21,000 finger sticks to test his blood sugar.

We Walked because we want Joe, and so many other kids and adults with type one diabetes, to live without daily injections, and without the fear of life-threatening complications from the disease.

Thank you to all the family, friends, and colleagues who made such generous donations to JDRF. Your support brings us closer to finding a cure, and turning Type One Into Type None!

Donations for the 2014 Walk will be accepted through November 7. To donate, visit the IBS Tech Trekkers team page: http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR/Walk/Chapter-Mid-Ohio4504?team_id=156356&pg=team&fr_id=3972.

Thank you for your support!

Easton chooses IBS to design new GPON

Chip Chapman — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 09:27:59 -0500

Viewed from the outside, Easton Gateway in Columbus, Ohio, offers a unique shopping and dining experience with over 500,000 square feet of retail space.

Inside, the retail destination is just as unique, thanks to a new gigabit passive optical network (GPON) designed by IBS. GPON replaces Easton's multi-mode-and-switch network, using a point-to-multipoint design over single-mode fiber-optic cable.

Why switch to GPON?

Lower capital costs. IBS prepared a side-by-side comparison for Easton of their existing fiber-and-switch network and GPON, which demonstrated the savings.
Streamlined structure. GPON will allow Easton to manage multiple systems (including building automation, meters, sprinklers, traffic management, security, and data) over single strands of single-mode cable.
More benefits. Compared to the old network, GPON will provide dramatic gains in bandwidth, security, and distance, as well as 99.999 uptime.

Compare GPON to your network

PON can benefit single-building environments as well as campus settings like Easton. Would it make sense at your facility? Learn more about GPON through video and case studies, and request a side-by-side comparison of your own network.

Help IBS Walk to Cure Diabetes and you may win this great basket!

Chip Chapman — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:20:29 -0500

Integrated Building Systems is going to Walk to Cure Diabetes on October 5 in Columbus with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We're walking on behalf of Joe Chapman, son of IBS President Chip Chapman, who was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes 10 years ago at the age of 4.

Our goal: to raise $10,000 in honor of Joe's decade with diabetes.

Donate to our Walk Team and you'll be entered to win this great chocolate-and-wine-filled basket, donated by BMI Federal Credit Union. Donations are tax-deductible. If you prefer to send a check (instead of making an online donation), address it to JDRF and mail it to IBS at 950 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH 43215.

Thank you for your support! Go, Joe!

Crawford Hoying chooses IBS to provide technology design at Bridge Park

Chip Chapman — Thu, 7 Aug 2014 08:12:03 -0500

Crawford Hoying artwork: Eastern view from pedestrian bridge to be built at Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio

Integrated Building Systems is proud to announce that we've been chosen by Crawford Hoying to join the design team for the Bridge Park project in Dublin, Ohio. When completed, the mixed-use project will include more than 2.5 million square feet of apartments, retail space, condominiums, office space, and restaurants.

IBS will provide comprehensive technology design and planning services, with an eye toward guiding both current and future technology needs and concerns.

"Planning technology at the design stage opens up so many possibilities," said Chip Chapman, president of IBS. "Our team can help clients develop a strategic plan and budget, streamline the technology footprint throughout a facility, and even caution against decisions that will have a negative, long-term impact."

IBS, a technology infrastructure and integration consulting firm founded in Columbus in 1993, offers design, planning, and installation services to clients when they are building, updating or moving offices.

Meet our technology design team.

5 easy-to-use, affordable collaboration tools

Chip Chapman — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 06:24:46 -0500

These days, video conferencing isn't confined to fixed equipment in a designated room. Modern presentation systems allow you to learn and share from wherever you are, with whatever device is on hand.

Check out these 5 easy-to-use and affordable tools:

Use the device of your choice to connect to the cloud-based, video conferencing solutions from lifesize or Blue Jeans. Both offer free trials.

Allow up to 64 users to take turns presenting from any computer, tablet, or smartphone using the wireless, interactive presentation system from wePresent.

Get free video chat for up to 12 users, presented in a Brady Bunch format, from ooVoo. The service also offers free video call recording and video messaging.

Create an interactive, digital whiteboard on any hard surface with the portable, $349 system from BoardShare (product video below).

The benefits of offering free WiFi

Chip Chapman — Wed, 2 Jul 2014 07:03:45 -0500

These days, it's easy to take for granted that you'll have access to free WiFi when you're shopping or dining. But as a business owner and provider of that free service, have you ever wondered about the ROI of WiFi?

Small Business Trends just wrote about a new study on the benefits of offering free WiFi, which include gains in:

Foot traffic
Time spent at the business
Revenue

Need help improving the reliability of your WiFi, or even getting one installed? IBS can help. Contact us to set up an on-site assessment of what you need to get a fast, reliable wireless network up-and-running.

Learn about Passive Optical LANs and USB for AV applications on June 12

Chip Chapman — Wed, 28 May 2014 10:46:01 -0500

On June 12, 2014, learn about Passive Optical LANs and USB for AV applications at a breakfast club meeting for the North-Central Region of BICSI. The meeting will be held at IBS offices, 950 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH 43215.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Sign up online through BICSI.

BICSI members who attend this session can earn 2 continuing education credits.

If you have questions about the event, please call Tina Parsley at IBS at 614-240-5999.

Earth Day electronics drive yields nearly 6 tons of equipment!

Chip Chapman — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 12:15:40 -0500

On April 22, 2014, Integrated Building Systems and Community Computer Alliance collected 11,671 pounds of old electronics during our Earth Day Ewaste Recycling Drive. Nearly 100 individuals and organizations dropped off old computers, phones, servers, cords, gaming systems, printers, fax machines and more, which filled a 26’ truck.

Individuals and businesses buy new technology all the time, but they don’t always know what to do with their old equipment. People know it shouldn’t go in the trash, so it piles up in their homes and offices. We're happy to solve this problem and support a great nonprofit organization at the same time.

IBS designs and installs technology systems for commercial clients, but often over our 20-year history, we have collected electronic waste from job sites, especially old network cabling.

We chose to partner with CCA because this nonprofit organization not only offers environmentally responsible recycling, it refurbishes computers to donate to other nonprofits and offers job-readiness training to individuals with autism and other disabilities.

At the Earth Day drive, individuals from Embracing Autism helped unload equipment, and later they will dismantle it for recycling at the CCA warehouse.

Dan Hurst, founder and Executive Director of CCA, had this to say about our Earth Day drive: “It was such a pleasure seeing everyone who donated materials for this good cause. After a quick inventory it appears as though 40 computers will be able to be refurbished and donated to over 10 charities where hundreds of lives will be affected by the use of the systems. The remaining 11,000 pounds of electronics will put individuals in our Job Readiness programs to work for well over 371 hours.”

Thank you to everyone who recycled here at IBS on Earth Day!

Learn more about what electronics we accept for recycling.

Free electronics recycling on Earth Day at Integrated Building Systems

Chip Chapman — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 09:07:07 -0500

On Earth Day (April 22), Community Computer Alliance (CCA) and Integrated Building Systems (IBS) will present a free Ewaste Recycling Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at IBS, 950 Michigan Ave., Columbus.

This event is open to the public. Volunteers will be on hand to unload items. All electronic data and personal information from computers will be professionally erased by a secured three-pass scrub of the hard drives.

Acceptable items for donation include computers, laptops, cell phones, gaming systems, home stereos, and LCD and CRT computer monitors. Televisions will not be accepted.

See a full list of electronic items that you can recycle. Call IBS at 614-240-5999 if you need to schedule an alternative date to drop off your items.

CCA, through its workforce development program, will refurbish working computers collected at the drive and donate them to people in need.

Community Computer Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers workforce development to clients of partner organizations, which includes Embracing Autism, Food for Good Thought, and Greenleaf Training Services, Inc. Participants learn valuable job skills through dismantling, sorting, and rebuilding electronics, and training in a workplace environment. CCA then donates refurbished computers to families and nonprofit organizations most in need of them.

Microsoft ends support for Windows XP today -- recycle old computers at IBS

Chip Chapman — Tue, 8 Apr 2014 05:49:22 -0500

Today (April 8, 2014) Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP. What does this mean for you? It's time to either update your computer, if possible, or purchase a new one. Follow this link for end-of-life support from Microsoft: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help.

And, if you're planning to buy new computers, recycle your old ones on Earth Day (April 22, 2014) at the free Ewaste Recycling Drive at IBS! You can drop off old computers, printers, copiers, phones and more from 7:30 am to 4 pm at 950 Michigan Ave, Columbus.

See a complete list of the electronics you can drop off for free recycling.

IBS receives Milestone Award for 20 successful years in business

Chip Chapman — Thu, 7 Nov 2013 08:06:24 -0600

We're proud to share some great news!

Integrated Building Systems has received a Milestone Award from the Conway Center for Family Business, recognizing our 20 successful years in business. We would like to thank our supportive community of clients, industry partners, friends, and IBS family for helping us reach this important milestone!

Details about the Family Business Awards appear in a special insert of the November 8 Columbus Business First. Attending the awards event were (pictured above, left to right) IBS Marketing Manager Rebecca Chapman; IBS President Chip Chapman; retired co-founder and former President Al Chapman; his wife, Virginia Chapman, a former IBS associate as well; IBS Vice President Bill Helland; and his wife, Laura Helland.

The technology world has changed dramatically since IBS was created 20 years ago! Today, it is hard to imagine a place of business that operates without some type of information-technology system -- networked computers, WiFi, VoIP phones, CCTV security systems, even digital signage or smartboards. But 20 years ago, when IBS opened for business, organizations of all types were just beginning to understand the ways they could use IT systems to improve their business, and they needed a company to help them build the infrastructure necessary to support these emerging technologies.

Early on, we focused our services on the design and installation of network cabling infrastructure, primarily in the commercial and education markets. As the IT field grew and changed rapidly, IBS stayed on top of the changes and adapted with them, adding services until we became a one-stop resource for all our clients' technology solutions: network cabling, business phones and paging, data networks, wireless and cellular, audio-video, and security systems.

Though our clients are primarily in the central Ohio area, we have worked in 20 states, in 8 primary markets, and with all types of organizations -- large and small, local and national, and public and private.

Today, IBS plays many roles for clients -- consultant, installer, design-build contractor, negotiator, educator -- but none is more important to the way we do business than the role of partner. Being a partner to us means working hard to understand what our clients truly need, and providing a solution that is reliable, affordable, and long-lasting. Early on, we adopted a "do what you say you will do" and "take care of the customer" philosophy that has guided how we do business and helped us earn trust and respect from our clients and within the construction industry.

Thank you to all our clients and partners for being part of our 20-year history!

Cabling monsters like this are as scary as it gets!

Chip Chapman — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 10:31:36 -0500

Forget ghosts and goblins. Cabling like this is really scary. It's a monster, gobbling up time, endangering files and data, and feeding on technology investments.

Master the monster in the (data) closet and you'll gain benefits like these:

Lower costs to move/add/change IT equipment. It takes dramatically less time for a technician to complete updates when cabling is tidy and labeled.
Improved safety. No more trip hazards, fire hazards, or code violations.
Faster networks. Improperly installed cabling causes data errors and increases network traffic, which slows down the network (and frustrates everyone in the office).
ROI. If you need to update cabling, a certified installer can offer at least a 20-year performance warranty on your cabling system, backed by the manufacturer.

If it's time to tidy cabling, add cables, or make plans for new cabling, call IBS at 614.240.5999 or email us to ask questions or set up a free, on-site evaluation.

Learn more

What should you be asking your cabling contractor in order to get the best result for your investment? IBS outlines the 7 questions you should ask any vendor in "The Cabling Guide." Click here to get a copy of this white paper.

IBS offers free ewaste recycling, thanks to new partnership with CCA

Chip Chapman — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 08:43:31 -0500

Thanks to a new partnership with the Community Computer Alliance (http://ccompa.org/wp/philanthropic/electronic-waste/), Integrated Building Systems continues to offer free recycling of old, outdated, end-of-life electronics, commonly called ewaste.

If your office is planning to replace equipment in 2014 or if you need to clear out your storage closets, call IBS at 614-240-5999 and schedule a time to drop off your ewaste.

Here's a list of the kinds of items we'll recycle at no charge to you:

Computers, servers, CRT or LCD monitors
Laptops and PDAs
Wires and cables
Computer board
iPods and iPads
Printers, scanners, and copiers
Phone systems, cell phones, fax machines
Stereo and audio equipment
Game consoles

For more information, call IBS at 614-240-5999 or visit http://www.ibswebsite.com/Ewaste-recycling-Columbus-Ohio.html.

Take our online course and earn an A+ on network cabling!

Chip Chapman — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 08:35:16 -0500

SCHOOL IS IN SESSION:

NETWORK CABLING 101 WITH IBS

Planning to build, update or move offices? Is your computer closet a tangled mess? Need to complete some moves/adds/changes to your technology systems?

Then you need to take our online class on Network Cabling! You'll learn:

Why network cabling has become a vital "fourth utility"
Key considerations for planning, price, and common oversights
How to get a warranty (often for 15 years or more) and therefore a better ROI on your cabling

This class consists of a 13-minute video lecture featuring IBS President Chip Chapman and Vice President Bill Helland, as well as class notes, which you can download now.

Click the play button to view the video on YouTube, or watch this video on our website.

As always, if you need advice or help planning your next cabling project (let's call it private tutoring, since school is in session!), call IBS at 614.240.5999.

5 tips for choosing security cameras

Chip Chapman — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 08:22:44 -0500

If you're in the market for security cameras, you're probably looking for a way to protect your people and property, to control shrinkage, or to protect against false claims.

And, if you've started doing your research, you've discovered that there are literally hundreds of companies making commercial security cameras these days. How do you decide if analog or IP-based cameras will be best? What kind of cabling and power supply are required? What system fits your budget? Should you buy from a local retailer or do you need professional help?

Integrated Building Systems just released a new white paper to help you find answers: "CCTV Security Cameras: 5 Tips for choosing what's best for your business." You can download this white paper on our website: http://www.ibswebsite.com/CCTV-security-cameras-white-paper.html.

If you'd like to determine your organization's security risks and vulnerabilities, call IBS at 614-240-5999 to schedule a free, on-site security assessment.

Our favorite British slang in honor of the IFMA golf outing

Chip Chapman — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 08:19:17 -0500

As the British Open begins in Scotland on July 18, IBS will enjoy a spot of golf, too, as we join the Central Ohio Chapter of IFMA at its 24th annual golf outing at Riviera Golf Club. (IFMA stands for International Facility Management Association.)

IFMA chose the British Open as the theme for this year's outing, so to entertain golfers at the IBS table at hole #8, we created a guessing-game out of British slang.

We found some great phrases -- here are some of our favorites:

Barmy -- you've gone crazy or mad
Cracking -- something that is the best
Diddle -- to rip someone off
Gormless -- means someone is clueless
Naff -- not cool
Parky -- describes weather that is cold
Shambolic -- in a state of chaos

For more, visit "The Very Best of British Slang" at www.effingpot.com/slang.shtml.

Cheerio!

Earn 4 CECs at BICSI breakfast meeting June 25

Chip Chapman — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:44:00 -0500

Join IBS next Tuesday, June 25, as we host the BICSI North Central Region Breakfast Club. This is a free event; BICSI members can earn 4 continuing education credits (CECs).

Learn about:

Data Center Enclosure Best Practices
Structured Grounding and Bonding Systems
Designing Flexibility and Scalability in Network Cabling Systems
Enterprise Passive Optical Network