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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 07/12/2022
The chapter would like to thank everyone who made the July Membership Meeting. The chapter had a great turnout for Jonah White with Trust Digital discussing Gamified Hacking. Congratulations to the student scholarship winners, Tyler Steward, Kaylyn Grant, Elizabeth Ohse, Grant Hilton and Tanner Smith. Also, congratulations to Virginia Dewey with Mid-Del Technology Center for the Teaching Award and Daniel Sudmeier for his professional scholarship. |
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 01/11/2022
In January, the chapter met in person and online to conduct their monthly chapter luncheon meeting and invited Suresh Gursahaney, CEO and NG9-1-1 thought leader of MicroAutomation, a leading provider of Next Generation 9-1-1 Solutions, to be their guest speaker. The chapter services Tinker Air Force Base and the surrounding greater Oklahoma City area.Gursahaney was awarded the Oklahoma City Chapter coin after his 'Modernizing Emergency Communications with the DoD' presentation at the chapter meeting. The presentation explored the challenges of enabling the U.S. Defense Department to support modern emergency communication solutions. Specifically, the current limitations of 9-1-1 communications at Defense Department bases and solutions for how the armed forces can transition from basic 9-1-1 services to Next Generation 9-1-1. "It was an honor and privilege to be able to present new ways of using Next Generation 9-1-1 technology to support the people who protect and serv ... READ MORE |
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 10/08/2020 The chapter held the 15th Annual Cybersecurity and Technology Day in October. This was an excellent opportunity to learn more about cybersecurity best practices, view and demo the latest cyber and technology products/services available and to network with peers. The event featured local speakers and local companies, which encouraged local networking. |
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 07/14/2020
In July, the chapter hosted a virtual event with Ciena and ConvergeOne to explain the technology of 5G and the impact it may have as it is deployed across the United States. Recently, the Oklahoma City area was notified that 5G would become available, so the chapter's technology briefing couldn't have come at a better time. The chapter held a WebEx meeting to facilitate the virtual discussion. Members got a great overview of what to expect, from explaining the acronyms and terms to defining the evolution of 5G and concluding with the benefits and features. Now it is up to members to identify areas in their lives in which 5G can make a big difference. The Internet of Things is everywhere!
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 05/12/2020
National pandemic activities didn't stop the chapter from spreading technical knowledge to its members. The organization leveraged Google to provide an online meeting that enabled Red Hat to demonstrate their vision on the future of OpenShift and the adoption of CNCF-Compliant infrastructure to host, build, deploy and monitor products. Over 50 attendees participated in the session. While we missed breaking bread with other like-minded professionals, the delivery by Red Hat exceeded expectations, making the chapter's first virtual event a success.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 08/13/2019 Join the chapter for the August luncheon at Santa Fe Cattle Co., where Sharica Robinson from Microsoft will be speaking. Santa Fe Cattle Co. is located at 7101 SE 29th St., Midwest City, Oklahoma, 73110. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. for networking and presentations start at 11:30. |
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 06/09/2015 In June, Walt Madden gave a presentation to the chapter on the principle of least user privilege. Madden discussed the principle, which is well-known among system administrators. He covered the variety of tools and techniques administrators can use to monitor user activity and manage rights. |
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 07/14/2015
In July, Alexander Orr gave a presentation to the chapter on national critical infrastructure cyber defense. He discussed historical case studies of national critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and the precipitous balance between user convenience and system security.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 09/08/2015
In September, Michael Selheim of Brocade gave a presentation to the chapter regarding IEEE 802.1br. He discussed the complexity of managing large networks. This complexity could be reduced by aggregating more complex bridging functions onto fewer bridges and by collapsing bridge layers from a management perspective. This would result in reduced maintenance costs when correcting network issues as well as expedite settings updates throughout a network.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 10/13/2015
In October, Eric Oehlers from Avaya gave a presentation to the chapter about Shortest Path Bridging (SPB). SPB, specified in the IEEE 802.1aq standard, is a computer networking technology intended to simplify the creation and configuration of networks while enabling multipath routing. He discussed the potential benefits of adopting the standard, in particular, reduced service downtime and lower maintenance costs.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 04/14/2015
At an April event, Jeff Ramby of EMC discussed the importance of planning for the failure of data storage systems though the combined use of cloud, local and off-site data backups. After his presentation, Ramby was presented with an AFCEA polo shirt from Lt. Col. Nicholas Kozdras, USAF, chapter president.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 09/11/2012
In September, the chapter presented three $250 scholarships to enlisted members from Tinker Air Force Base. Helen Davis, special projects team lead, Enterprise Services Center (ESC), also spoke on transforming their information technology support organization. The ESC provides information technology support for approximately 4,000 users and 4,600 machines in the Federal Aviation Administration. Davis discussed how she helped change the information technology support culture and origination in the ESC. These changes increased customer satisfaction and reduced down time.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 04/13/2010
Lt. Col. Stan Chase, USA (Ret.), chief operating officer, Perimeter Technology Center (PTC), Oklahoma City, spoke at the chapter's April luncheon. Col. Chase discussed disaster recovery and business continuity and provided an overview of PTC facilities and capabilities. The Oklahoma City bombing, the attacks on September 11, 2001, and frequent tornadoes have alerted corporate and information technology staff members to the importance of alternate storage sites and workplaces, said Col. Chase. In addition to natural and man-made disasters, he said the increased cost of real estate, labor, and utilities, and exponentially growing data requirements make off-site data centers an attractive part of a corporate business strategy. PTC provides data center collocation and business continuity office space, as well as network design, critical infrastructure support, firewalls, security patches and tape rotation. Their data centers are carrier neutral with a number of vendors providing connect ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 03/10/2010
The March chapter luncheon featured guest speaker Albert Heitkamper, professor of computer science/cybersecurity at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). Heitkamper discussed OCCC's cyber/information security degree offerings and provided an overview of the Cyber Security Education Consortium (CSEC). Cybersecurity courses lead to either an associate's degree or certificate of mastery in cyber/information security, the professor emphasized, and they are a stepping-stone to careers in the cybersecurity field. OCCC partners with 28 programs in eight states in the CSEC to further cybersecurity education. According to Heitkamper, the CSEC received $7 million in grants from the National Science Foundation to develop and improve the cybersecurity program and enhance work force development. The OCCC program also is at the forefront of digital forensics, which has received a lot of interest recently in support of law enforcement and court systems.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 02/10/2010
The chapter awarded $1,000 to local schools for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching in February. Robin Collins accepted $500 for Midwest City High School, and Tami Torres thanked the chapter for the $500 granted to Carl Albert Middle School. With the funds, Torres plans to purchase TI-30X IIS calculators for her classroom. These will help her 8th grade class learn about radiometric age dating of rocks and minerals. In addition, the chapter's newly appointed officers were sworn into their positions, and following the induction, Lt. Col. John Jurgensen, USAF, commander, 552 Air Control Networks Squadron, and chapter vice president for awards, spoke to the chapter about the history, mission and organizational structure of the White House Communications Agency.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 01/01/2010
Dave Fralish, chief, Chief Information Officer Support Branch, 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, served as the keynote speaker at the January meeting. He discussed software management in a fiscal environment and identified some of the key issues facing the government in a constrained economy. Fralish also described some of the cybersecurity issues he and his staff deal with as they maintain a secure environment for both on-base and remote customers.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 10/13/2009
Percy Kirk, senior vice president and general manager of Cox Communications Oklahoma, discussed the company's strategy for meeting growth opportunities at the chapter's October meeting. Kirk noted that the company, which has more than 22,000 employees, is the third largest cable and broadband provider in the country. He shared that the company started in the late 1800s in the newspaper industry. Cox provides communications, radio, cable television and other business services. In order to keep up with its competitors, Kirk explained, the company continues to increase its infrastructure investment and increase bandwidth to offer services such as more high-definition channels and interactive or on-demand programming. It also is expanding its voice services and wireless markets. Kirk concluded his presentation by emphasizing that the company puts a vast amount of focus on surveys and data analysis to best meet customer expectations.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 09/08/2009
Davin Baker, product manager, SafeNet Incorporated, served as the featured speaker at the September meeting. He provided an overview of SafeNet's network encryption business line and discussed an alternative approach to network encryption that ensures increased security and maximum performance at minimal cost. Baker also talked about enterprise data protection (EDP), which secures data across the connected enterprise and protects data at rest, in transit and in use. He outlined the challenges of increased threats, performance demands and budget constraints that come with implementing EDP. Baker concluded his presentation by emphasizing the advantages of hybrid architectures and the Security Management Center, which reduces the cost of network security management by providing a single management element to administer security across heterogeneous networks. The chapter awarded 1st Lt. Melanie Alvarez, USAF, network systems flight operations officer, 34th Combat Communications Squadron ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 07/14/2009
Special Agent Richard Lay, head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI's) cybercrime unit in Oklahoma City, served as the keynote speaker in July. He discussed the FBI's cyber operations, which proved to be a timely topic given the recent news regarding the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Defense Department's cyber commands. Lay provided an overview of the types of cybercrime, and he shared how cyber criminals can gain access to information. He also discussed some of the FBI's approaches in combating cybercrime. Col. Mary Gillam, USAF, chapter president, presented plans for the next quarter and upcoming events.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 08/14/2009
In August, the chapter teamed with the Combat Communications Steering Group (CCSG), 3rd Combat Communications Group, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, to host the chapter's annual TechNet and Scholarship Golf Tournament fundraiser in coordination with the CCSG's conference and technology demonstration. The events provided an opportunity for the local military, government and industry communities to view the latest capabilities. Vendors displayed a variety of technological products that increase data throughput to the tactical arena while simultaneously reducing the size and weight of the equipment and reducing the size of the personnel needed to operate the equipment. More than 30 vendors attended the event, which raised more than $3,000 for the chapter's scholarship programs.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 05/13/2008
Col. Michael Niezgoda, USAF, commander, 38th Engineering Installation Group (EIG), Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, spoke at the chapter's May luncheon. Col. Niezgoda provides infrastructure management for over $35 billion worth of integrated communications and computer systems through planning, program management, and implementation of organic and contract engineering and installation services. He is also responsible for the wartime employment of Air Force systems telecommunications engineering managers (STEMs). Col. Niezgoda provided an overview of the 38th EIG mission and the new vectors for warfighter support in Air Force Cyberspace. He emphasized the EIG's transition to Air Force Cyber Command, transformation of STEM functions, and strengthening warfighter support. Col. Niezgoda also discussed the role of the Cyberspace Infrastructure Planning System (CIPS) and the CIPS Visualization Component (CVC), which are used to automate communications infrastructure planning and imple ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 10/09/2007
Captain David Canady, USAF, Training and Standards flight commander, 3rd Combat Communications Support Squadron, provided an overview of Radio over Internet Protocol Routed Network (RIPRNET), along with its technical and operational aspects, at the October chapter luncheon. RIPRNET uses Internet-based technology to extend radio range, providing the ability to use radios that are geographically separated as opposed to being limited by traditional line-of-sight (LOS) requirements. The RIPRNET also dramatically reduces the number of personnel required to man radio relay sites in a hostile environment. Capt Canady deployed to the USCENTAF A6-Forward staff's chief engineer supporting the operational fielding of the RIPRNET for the air defense of Baghdad project and extended its successful use to convoy communications, control and reporting center (CRC) support, and Joint Security forces patrols. These successes have driven interest in similar solutions for Ground Theater Air Contro ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 09/11/2007
Norman Cool, vice president of the midwestern operations division and chief technology officer for TKC Communications, provided a strategy for business continuity planning at the September chapter luncheon. Cool used examples such as the World Trade Center attack, the 2003 Northeast U.S. blackout and Hurricane Katrina to show what disruption can do to business operations. He stated that companies must understand needs, define requirements and apply technology on a modular scale to meet business demands. Many organizations have continuity plans, but fail to exercise properly or keep up with technology, Cool said. He gave the example of tape media, which does not fare well in today's business model that utilizes massive amounts of data, faster computing capability and high speed networks that demand shorter recovery times to keep information and revenue flowing. Cool added that he has designed virtualization technologies (server, network, storage and application virtualization) into h ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 08/23/2007 In August the chapter hosted an information technology expo with the theme "Command and Control: The Heart of America." The event had approximately 39 companies in attendance. The companies provided patrons with information on computer services, manufacturing, software video, and communications technologies. |
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 08/07/2007
Steve Stafford, director of information technology, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, spoke at the August meeting on his company's strategies for integrating wireless networks into business operations. Chesapeake has drilling operations throughout the Southwestern U.S. and has implemented wireless networks to support surveillance monitoring, security and systems status reporting to higher headquarters. He said that while cost is an important decision factor, the speed and efficiency provided to support business decisions play a major role in the network implementation decision. Stafford compared implementation issues to those of gas well operating locations such as the Dallas/Fort-Worth Airport area, where extensive aircraft operations and frequency use impact wireless networks of remote well locations with limited support infrastructure. He then described cooperative efforts between oil and gas companies, including a committee established to address network, frequency and informati ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 07/10/2007
Jillian Little, major accounts manager for Air Force customers, Dell Corporation, spoke at the July chapter meeting. Little discussed the Dell business strategy of providing simple, scaleable information technology systems. She said that Dell's "direct to the customer" concept is a global approach and supports cost control by placing manufacturing near customers. Little also provided an overview of the extensive Dell information technology network and described the company's efforts in reducing the footprint of their equipment and server base to reduce operating costs. She said these cost savings result in operational efficiency and provide corporate opportunities to re-invest. |
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 06/12/2007
Brig. Gen. David Wagie, USAF (Ret.), Ph.D., president of St. Gregory University, Shawnee, Oklahoma, spoke at the June chapter luncheon. Gen. Wagie addressed the transformation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from an autocratic culture to a modernized regional powerhouse. Gen. Wagie, previously the dean of faculty at the United States Air Force Academy and a consultant to the UAE minister of education, said the UAE transformation relies heavily on its higher education system, placing a strong emphasis on science and engineering curriculum to bring its citizens into the global knowledge-based economy. The UAE is building an educational strategy that introduces the latest information technology at all levels, fosters extensive cooperation between public and private sectors and provides the ability for graduates to operate in an increasingly complex technological world and develop their leadership potential. The chapter also presented high school education grants to Lauren Swearin ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 05/09/2007
Dr. Thomas Jourdan, assistant director of the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Forensic Science Institute (FSI), spoke at the May chapter luncheon. Jourdan discussed technology's impact on forensic science and how the partnership between UCO and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provides training and research opportunities for students, professionals, and first responders for evidence collection, preservation, analysis, reporting and testimony. Jourdan is retired from his Federal Bureau of Investigation job as a special agent and liaison to the Department of Energy/Department of Homeland Security. He participated in evidence collection in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the Centennial Park Olympic bombing in Atlanta and the Oklahoma City bombing. He used those and other incidents to describe the process used to track and detect illegal materials used by enemy fighters in the war on terrorism.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 04/10/2007
Col. Richard Kenney, USA (Ret.), who is the group manager at Verizon Federal Network Systems, spoke at the April chapter luncheon. Col. Kenney provided an overview of his transition from a military signal officer to an industry information technology manager and discussed his role in managing Verizon's support to the U.S. Defense Department's Defense Information Systems Network and to the U.S. Air Force's Network-Centric Solutions program. Col. Kenney also described Verizon's growth and their business model for providing enterprise-wide communication solutions and professional services for the federal government. The chapter also held its annual scholarship golf tournament in April, with 31 teams participating.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 03/13/2007
Col. Bradley Ashley, USAF, chapter president and an AFCEA member since 1985, spoke at the March chapter luncheon. Col. Ashley, who is vice director, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, provided a background on what AFCEA has meant to him in his Air Force career. He has been a member of over a dozen chapters and has served in multiple officer roles ranging from chapter to international levels, and was selected twice as Distinguished Young AFCEAN. Col. Ashley emphasized that most of his current contacts in military and industry come from AFCEA, not from primary duties, and strongly encouraged the younger airmen and sailors in the audience to use opportunities with AFCEA as career-enhancing steps. Col. Ashley also provided the goals and plans for the upcoming year for the chapter.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 02/27/2007
Garry Richey, executive director of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, spoke at the February luncheon. Richey described his career progression and experience observing different types of leaders, leadership qualities and philosophy and finding effective role models to support career goals. The chapter presented Enlisted Education Grants to four Tinker Airmen and three Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching. The chapter also installed new officers during the February meeting. New officers are: Col. Brad Ashley, USAF, president; Col. James Appleyard, USAF, executive vice president; 1st Lt. Clayton Baker, USAF, secretary; Lou Bianco, Defense Information Systems Agency, treasurer; Lt. Col. Kyna McCall, USAF, vice president; Capt. Bruce Carver, USAF, vice president for membership; 2nd Lt. Mike Stephens, USAF, vice president for awards; 2nd Lt. Mark Walkusky, USAF, vice president for programs and arrangements; Col. Bruce Harmon, USAF, national member a ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 01/09/2007
In January, Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Gregory Brundidge, USAF, director of communications, Headquarters Air Combat Command (ACC), Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, visited the Oklahoma City Chapter. Brundidge presented his perspectives as the senior communicator in ACC supporting the warfighter amid decreasing resources. He identified priorities as C4I systems and networks operationally integrated and ready; maximum system integration; effective lead command actions and making information technology an asset, not a liability. According to Brundidge, organizations can manage change, with sound justification, if they address resistance early and look for opportunities to share strategies with outside agencies. The January luncheon/meeting also featured a Reverse TechNet event, with nine base units, setting up 22 displays. Air Force and Navy teams exhibited communications systems, technological gear, processes and procedures to local business members.Event host Col. James Appleyard, USAF, com ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 12/14/2006
Oklahoma City's December lunchean featured presentations from Shellie Gullion, Regional Solutions Manager, IDSolutions, and Tim Kiernan, Sales Director, North America, LifeSize Communications. Gullion's Next Generation High Definition (HD) Video Conferencing demonstration showed HD video resolution that made participants appear true-to-size. The presentation also showed how LifeSize Room's advanced processing capabilities provide better video at any bandwidth, including HD resolution at 1Mbps, DVD quality at 512Kbps and Cable TV quality at 384Kbps. Kiernan gave a history on video conferencing standards and described the competition between HD standards that parallels the BETA/VHS recording battle. The presenters also discussed their respective companies: IDSolutions focuses on visual communications technology and services, such as videoconferencing and IP Video Surveillance; LifeSize Communications develops and delivers products with a technology focus on quality, simplicity and ... READ MORE
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 11/01/2006
At the Oklahoma City Chapter's November meeting, Lt. Col. Brian Magers, USAF, commander, 552 Computer Systems Squadron (CSS), 552 Communications Group (CG), Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and AFCEA Oklahoma City and chapter vice president spoke . Col. Magers provided a report on his recent deployment in the Southwest Asia theater of operations supporting the war on terrorism. Col. Magers was responsible for communications support for the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) at Al-Udeid, Qatar, and for command and control assets in the theater.
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OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER - 07/20/2006
From Military to Successful Small Business OwnerMr. Mike Lyles, President and CEO, Leader Communications, Inc. (LCI) spoke at the July chapter luncheon about his experiences in transitioning from the military and the steps he took to form a successful Information Technology/ Telecommunications company. Mr. Lyles completed a 21-year Air Force communications career in 1999 and was instrumental in consolidation of several systems into the High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) - saving the Government $15 million, and the development of the 'Lights Out' concept centralizing HFGCS network operations in 1995-resulting in a continuing $10 million a year savings. Mr. Lyles, with the technical and management experience gained in the Air Force, formed LCI and rapidly became recognized as a superior Information Technology/Telecommunications services provider. LCI was recognized in 2005 as the Minority Enterprise Development Southwest Region Minority Technology Firm of the Y ... READ MORE |
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