Friday, February 19, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Google Buzz
Our belief is that organizing the social information on the web — finding relevance in the noise — has become a large-scale challenge, one that Google's experience in organizing information can help solve. We've recently launched innovations like real-time search and Social Search, and today we're taking another big step with the introduction of a new product, Google Buzz.
Google Buzz is a new way to start conversations about the things you find interesting. It's built right into Gmail, so you don't have to peck out an entirely new set of friends from scratch — it just works. If you think about it, there's always been a big social network underlying Gmail. Buzz brings this network to the surface by automatically setting you up to follow the people you email and chat with the most. We focused on building an easy-to-use sharing experience that richly integrates photos, videos and links, and makes it easy to share publicly or privately (so you don't have to use different tools to share with different audiences). Plus, Buzz integrates tightly with your existing Gmail inbox, so you're sure to see the stuff that matters most as it happens in real time.
We're rolling out Buzz to all Gmail accounts over the next few days, so if you don't see it in your account yet, check back soon. We also plan to make Google Buzz available to businesses and schools using Google Apps, with added features for sharing within organizations.
On your phone, Google Buzz is much more than just a small screen version of the desktop experience. Mobile devices add an important component to sharing: location. Posts tagged with geographical information have an extra dimension of context — the answer to the question 'where were you when you shared this?' can communicate so much. And when viewed in aggregate, the posts about a particular location can paint an extremely rich picture of that place. Check out the Mobile Blog for more info about all of the ways to use Buzz on your phone, from a new mobile web app to a Buzz layer in Google Maps for mobile.
We've relied on other services' openness in order to build Buzz (you can connect Flickr and Twitter from Buzz in Gmail), and Buzz itself is not designed to be a closed system. Our goal is to make Buzz a fully open and distributed platform for conversations. We're building on a suite of open protocols to create a complete read/write developer API, and we invite developers to join us on Google Code to see what is available today and to learn more about how to participate.
We really hope you enjoy the experiences we've built within Gmail and for mobile phones. If you want to learn more, visit buzz.google.com. We look forward to continuing to evolve and improve Google Buzz based on your feedback.
Posted by Todd Jackson, Product Manager, Gmail and Google Buzz
What Redbeacon Learned By Entering the TechCrunch50 Conference
Redbeacon co-founder Ethan Anderson has written an article on the MBA Blogs section of BusinessWeek sharing what he and his two co-founders learned by applying to TechCrunch50, going through the entire process, and winning it all. He highlights five key points:
1. You need a stellar product.
2. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
3. Listen to feedback from those who matter.
4. You need to take risks.
5. You need to engage in a little self-promotion.
Read Ethan’s article here.
"Monday, February 1, 2010
British Columbia Technology Companies Shine at metabridge Las Vegas


The Las Vegas event provided an opportunity for British Columbia companies to gain access to a global audience. Industry leaders from ATT, AVG, BitTorrent, Dell, Device Lock, CNBC, Lenovo, McAfee, PCMag.com, Sierra Ventures, Symantec and Time Warner were among those who met with 15 British Columbia-based companies seeking opportunities to connect.

metabridge is the brainchild of Steve Wandler, a successful technology entrepreneur who returned to the Okanagan after his company, YourTechOnline was acquired by support.com in the Silicon Valley. Wandler continues to play a key role and helps to bring major US company leaders from companies such as Hewlett Packard, Mitel, Red Beacon, Trend Micro, RIM and Radware to metabridge.
metabridge Las Vegas was supported by the BC Innovation Council, Sage Business Solutions, the Okanagan Science & Technology Council and tech entrepreneur Steve Wandler.




Friday, December 18, 2009
Eric Schmidt from Google explains Web 2.0 vs. Web 3.0
There has been some talk lately about the differences between Web 2.0 and 3.0. For some Web 3.0 is NEW.
Interpretation is loose and confusing, I think Eric does a good job of explaining in a clear and decisive way that all can understand.
Take a look
Monday, December 14, 2009
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Organizes metabridge Event to Showcase BC Technology Companies to the World
metabridge, an initiative that provides British Columbia's technology companies with direct connection and access to key international technology partners for investment, joint strategic partnerships, mentorship and advisory opportunities, will hold a networking event in Las Vegas on January 7, 2010.
Developed by The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) in partnership with the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC), and with support from the Okanagan Science and Technology Council, metabridge's Las Vegas event will provide an opportunity for British Columbia's technology companies to have access to a global audience present at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow.
"The Economic Development Commission continues to see firsthand, the impact and importance of connecting the Region to the global business world. metabridge at CES is the next step in a multi-phased opportunity to grow local technology companies," said Robert Fine, Manager, Economic Development, COEDC. metabridge is the brainchild of Steve Wandler, a successful technology entrepreneur who returned to the Okanagan after his company, YourTechOnline was acquired by support.com in the Silicon Valley. Wandler continues to play a key role and helps to bring major US company leaders from companies such as Hewlett Packard, Mitel, Red Beacon, AVG Antivirus, Trend Micro, RIM and Radware to Metabridge events.
metabridge's Las Vegas event will have over 100 guests in attendance including 80 US and Canadian companies. Media will also be present at this event looking for interesting companies to highlight.
"metabridge is an excellent opportunity for startup companies from British Columbia to develop valuable partnerships," said Dean Rockwell, CEO, BCIC. "BCIC is committed to developing entrepreneurial talent and the commercialization of technologies for the benefit of economic development in our province."
"As an entrepreneur, one of the most valuable resources one can gain is access to experience and great connections. Without these fundamentals, getting an idea off the ground is almost impossible. The metabridge event not only brings these elements but some of the best and brightest people in the world," acknowledged Peter Matejcek, Founder and CEO of Kelowna-based company, Hustream.
A total of four metabridge events are planned each year to connect technology companies in British Columbia with key technology players from Silicon Valley, across the US and Canada.
The event is supported by BC Innovation Council, Sage Business Solutions, Okanagan Science & Technology Council and tech entrepreneur Steve Wandler.
For more information, contact Robert Fine, Manager, Economic Development at (250) 469-6280
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
First Lady Requires More Than Twenty Attendants
"In my own life, in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much” "See, that's why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service, " - Michelle Obama .
Michele Obama does not get paid to serve as the First Lady.
She doesn't perform any official duties.
But she does employ an unprecedented number of staff to cater to her every whim and request in the midst of the Great Recession.
1st Lady History
Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War.
Mamie Eisenhower had a personal secretary, but she paid her salary from her husband's pay.
Other 1st ladies paid for their staff with tax payer’s money.
Total Personal Staff members for other first ladies…
Mamie Eisenhower : 1 (paid for personally out of husband's salary)
Jackie Kennedy: 1
Roseline Carter: 1
Barbara Bush: 1
Hilary Clinton: 3
Laura Bush: 1
Michele Obama: 22… 22?
Personal Staff members for Michele Obama: (salaries are annual)
1. $172,200 - Sher, Susan (Chief Of Staff)
2. $140,000 - Frye,Jocelyn C. (Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)
3. $113,000 - Rogers , Desiree G. (White House Social Secretary for Mrs. Obama)
4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Director of Communications for the First Lady)
5. $100,000 - Winter, Melissa E. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
6. $90,000 - Medina , David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady)
8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling for the First Lady)
9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady)
10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
11. $64,000 - Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Dir of Scheduling/Events Coordinator for 1st Lady)
13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady)
14. $57,500 - Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady)
15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director/Deputy Press Secretary to First Lady)
16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special Assist. for Scheduling /Traveling Aide to First Lady)
17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady)
18. $43,000 - Tubman, Samanth a (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office)
19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary)
21. $35,000 - Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant)
22. $35,000 - Jackson , Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for 1st Lady)
Total of annual salaries paid for Michelle Obama’s staff = $1,591,200
Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright,… both of whom traveled aboard Air Force One to Europe .
Note: The benefit packages for Michelle Obama’s servants are the same as members of the national security and defense department, and are paid by US taxpayers.
There has NEVER been anyone in the White House history, who has employed such an army of staff whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life.
Again, in Michelle’s own words…
"In my own life, in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much ". "See, that's why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service, " - Michelle Obama
Copyright
2009 Canada Free Press.Com canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/12652
Ye
Monday, November 16, 2009
Affirmation on why you need to jump on a plane
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/01/avoiding-the-cargo-cult-and-getting-the-trans-atlantic-startup-model-right/
Roman Stanek from the Czech Republic talks about his 3 startups and how his connections in the Bay Area were crucial to each.
My strong belief is that living outside of the Bay Area makes it tuff to build a technology business without strong ties to the Bay. This affirms why you need to get on a plane and spend some time in the Silicon Valley to understand and be successful.
Blog post on Tech Vibes from the 2009 Fusion Forum
Tech Vibes blog post from the 2009 Fusion Forum
Jump On A Plane And Go Do Business In The Valley
Posted by Victoria Revay on Mon, November 16, 2009 2:46 PM · Filed under Vancouver , Venture Capital, Web 2.0, Start-up, NewMediaBC · No Comments
...said Steve Wandler, the founder of one of Kelowna's start-up successes, when I last spoke to him at New Media BC's FUSION Forum. Steve started his company, YourTechOnline.com in 2000 and was bought-out by a NASDAQ traded company in the Valley in 2008. So he was at the forum to inspire and help other start-ups get closer to that sweet place where he was just last year.
Steve is also looking for things to do. And that one thing might be investing in your company or helping you meet investors from California. He has a new company called Metabridge that aims to do that. In partnership with EDC and BCIC, if you qualify, you can shake hands with Silicon Valley big-wigs and network, network, network. But you have to have ambition, a solid business plan and the intention of going south to Silicon Valley and networking your tuchus (bottom)-off. That's because Steve thinks that we just don't have the critical mass and marketing commercialization up here in British Columbia (and Canada to say the least) to make it happen.
However reluctantly we want to agree, we sort of have to take a deeper look at BC's start-up and investor scene and be honest. Does Steve have a point?
As you know, FUSION is a forum where 20 high tech companies got to pitch their ideas and got feedback from major local and visiting investors and experts about that idea. Would it work and was it a good idea? That kind of thing. So when I asked Steve about what we were missing in BC or why he was at the forum, Steve's point of view was clear and not complicated. He said that while we are bubbling-over with innovators in the tech-sector in BC, he thinks that unless we go to the Valley and meet those "movers-and-shakers" that can get things to move-and-shake, we're not really getting it. So his message is to hop on a plane, go network and meet influencers that can actually not only invest in your business, but also help you make connections for future investment opportunities.
Following is my interview with Steve. If you have any questions, please contact him on his Web site.
How Do You Like Vancouver for Start-Up Business?
British Columbia as a whole, the tech-community isn't that large as it relates to the Valley, so Kelowna and the surrounding communities need to use Vancouver as the central place to meet. I've been very active to get government and entrepreneurs to understand that you need to come together, rather than doing it on your own.
What I'm trying to do is push the community. We talk a lot, but we need to be more aggressive and get out of our comfort zone and try to get companies here at the Fusion forum to go down to the Valley. Get them out of the nest, because if you haven't been to California in the last 6 months...it's almost too late. You need to get down there and build relationships there.
Don't we have something here that does the same thing, maybe Bootup Labs?
I think what Danny, Boris and Bootup Labs is doing is fantastic. But it's not the end. You are still required as a start-up to hang out and partner in California. Ultimately it's up to you to fly two hours and find out what it's like to do business there. If we want to create something, we don't need to be the Silicon Valley, we need to be ourselves. But still there is not enough here. It's not here. We don't have the critical mass. We're weak in that one area. Not innovation, but we lack in commercialization size, the marketing and partnership aspect.
More on California...
You need to go to California and get people in front of you, your product or service, and help them understand why they should be partnering with you. They're not here, so you have to go there. If they start to understand that it's here, they'll come. But they're not engaged yet.
What is your remedy?
My remedy is that I've teamed up with the EDC and BCIC and created a business called Metabridge. We bring people together–founders and entrepreneurs and investors– in a personal party with about 50 people in it and we actually put you into a room with them. We filter through people by where they are in the cycle of their business, they've pitched a few times, they ahve a business plan, they have got to have something. Once that is there, we put them in pre care and after care.
Structure like this, forums and places where people pay money to hang out– it's all over the place. I'm more interested in how do I get you talking to Stewart Butterfield when he knows people, connecting people through business. We're doing a party at CES actually where we will do this. We're all about connecting quality people.
If you're interested in Metabridge, contact Steve @stevewandler or on his site.
Read more: http://www.techvibes.com/blog/jump-on-a-plane-and-go-do-business-in-the-valley#ixzz0X4pEEpBi
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
killer presentation - setup a startup from the ground up
You need to watch this video. I think this is were most people lose. They over complicate it when it doesn't have to be.
Website: mint.com
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
Founded: November 1, 2006
Acquired: September, 2009 by Intuit for $170M
Mint.com is a free online personal finance service that is aimed at being “easy and secure way to manage and save money online.” The service is accessible anywhere, anytime over the web.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Red Beacon wins Tech Crunch 50
In June 2009 I ended up inviting Ethan to British Columbia Canada to talk to, engage and encourage founders of Canadian Tech Startups on what it is like to do "startup" in the heart of techland, the Bay Area during a function we hosted called metabridge, with over 10 other Sr Executives we flew up from fortune 500's from the Bay Area.
Well if you haven't heard yet Red Beacon - Ethan's company won Tech Crunch 50 (TC50) a couple weeks ago and I just wanted to give a huge shout out to Ethan and his team for the hard work and dedication they all put in. Its a ton of work but as you can see from the video links and articles below....its paying off.
Now get the heck out there and do something you founders and stop reading this blog post.
Tech Crunch 50 Presentation from Red Beacon
Red Beacon receiving the $50,000 for winning Tech Crunch 50
Red Beacon Interview after winning TC50
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Keys to Angel Investment for the entrepreneur
CanadExport Magazine - 5 Keys to Angel Investing
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Obama kills a fly
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Twitter Business Day
He came up with the idea of Twitter Business Day or #TBD for you twitterer's on September 9,2009, again for your twitter freaks that would be #090909, to be able to show businesses, big and small the force a tool like twitter can produce.
Here is a video that @nickkellet did that explains what the Twitter Business Day initiative is all about. Its simple...don't over complicate it. Twitter Business Day Video
If you are not yet on Twitter... you need to be and you should to take 9 minutes to learn how to use it - Here is link for you: Twitter Video. You don't need to be a twitter freak, however its helpful to get more people to follow you. It can be very useful - example. My community has been on fire watch for the past 3 weeks due to forest fires in the area. I have found it easier and MUCH MUCH faster to find out what is going on with the fire through Twitter then it is to listen to the radio or try and find a site that's typically behind by an hour or so in its postings....just one example. I also used it to find a wireless speaker system for my house just the other day. It was fantastic, especially since the company (Sonos - Twitter name: @sonos) was also on Twitter, they sent me a tweet, set up a time to call me the follow day and POW...done. Simple and easy!
Have fun with it and use it as a tool to get instant information.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Okanagan Business Journal Article - July 2009
Fuller, who sold his first company WhoWhere to Lycos for $133 million but has also been the CEO of big-name companies, wanted to know more about the young entrepreneur's company.
"That's what happens at a function like this," said Wandler, who sold his Kelowna start-up company ourTechOnline.com, the No. 1 ranked Online Tech Support Company in North America, to SupportSoft. "People connect and say 'I want to talk to you.' It changed (the young entrepreneur's) life because this big shot wants to know about his company and how they can do business together. Throughout the weekend, a whole bunch of this happened."
Wandler, a high-tech guru in his own right, is working with the Kelowna Economic Development Corporation to build a bridge to the San Francisco area so Okanagan tech companies can connect with high-powered executives.
He said the 10 people - from Hewlett Packard, Mitel, Red Beacon, AVG Antivirus, Trend Micro, RIM and Radware - who came for the first Metabridge in June were enthusiastic. "It really worked both ways because we didn't make it onerous on the people we invited; we let them have fun and on the side they did a few deals."
Networking is crucial to success in most businesses, but Wandler found while starting his company here that the community isn't big enough. "I thought I could do it on my own and the people I knew. Once I got exposed to the Bay area and how they got things done, my business skyrocketed.
"One of the things I have noticed with high tech is that (the people with) most of the great ideas out there have no clue where to turn to get exposure or make the connection(s) they need to get the next (first) deal," Wandler wrote on his blog. "After having a successful exit, I looked back and found that in the early days the biggest challenge wasn't the great idea we had, it was getting people worth talking to, to listen to what we had."
While he was in California, he kept getting calls from Canada asking him for an introduction to people down there. His original idea, with the support of Robert Fine of the EDC, was to bring Okanagan entrepreneurs down to California, but when he decided to come home, he turned the idea around. "The only way I was going to survive in Canada was if I connected Kelowna to the Bay area."
The success of the first Metabridge ensures it will become an annual affair, with at least two other events as well - one where Canadians go down to the Bay area, in addition to the event the EDC throws every year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
"We're actively teaming up with the Canadian consulate in Palo Alto and San Francisco to broaden the whole thing," said Wandler. "My vision (for the Metabridge connection to Silicon Valley) is Canada, but the Okanagan is where I live so I want to focus it here. Okanagan companies will get the cream off the top because of it. Because Robert (Fine) is one of the key people, he needs to benefit from it as well; he allowed me to make this happen."
Fine started wooing Silicon Valley executives about three years ago at the CES, but knew it was time to take it to a new level.
"I'm convinced that best way to build the tech industry is by taking talent here and trying to ensure that it thrives grows and prospers," said Fine.
"The Metabridge event is the start of activity between this region and other established tech centres and connect people of influence who have significant backgrounds and connection in Silicon Valley and Eastern Canada as well."
Douglas MacLeod, executive director of the Okanagan Science and Technology Council, thinks Metabridge is a big deal because tech heavy hitters who had never heard of Kelowna before like the people and the place. "They were impressed by the capacity and capability of people here. Dale Fuller, whose great uncle was Buckminster Fuller, looks at a lot of companies and he was impressed.
"A great lesson (from the event) is that so much is about the team of people you assemble. We need to work together to build skills and experience."
Ross Freake - Okanagan Business Journal
Monday, July 20, 2009
West Kelowna Fire Map
it can be hard to find the areas that are threathened but I found a map that has a pretty good layout. Check it out: West Kelowna Fire Map
Best of luck to everyone effected by the fires! Stay Safe!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
West Kelowna Fire - Helicopter standing by and not called out
This is ridiculous as the fire is a cat 4 fire now with homes burning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyj09zJ7l8A
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Okanagan Science and Technology Council Announces Board of Directors
OSTEC Announces 2009 Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
June 25, 2009 - KELOWNA, BC - The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC) held its 8th Annual General Meeting at the Delta Grand Okanagan on June 24, 2009. Business conducted at the meeting included presentation of the financial statements for 2008/2009 fiscal year, report of activities and election of the Board of Directors. Mr. David Jenkins has been elected to the position of President. Mr. Jenkins, with Borcom Associated Consultants, begins a one-year term as President after serving as a director on the board for two years.
The new Board of the Okanagan Science & Technology Council is as follows:
David Jenkins, Borcom Associated Consultants Inc.
President
Simone Brunton, Grant Thornton LLP
Director
John Christie, Vineyard Technology Consulting
Director
*Aaron Dow, Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP
Director
Raghwa Gopal
Director
Peter Haubrich, Okanagan Research & Innovation Centre (ORIC)
Director
Andrew Hay, Okanagan College
Director
David Jones, UBC - UILO
Director
Mike Martin, Quantech Software.com
Director
Jason Richards, Vineyard Networks
Director
*Dr. Ian Stuart, Faculty of Management - UBC Okanagan
Director
Jack Van der Star, WaveTeq Communications Inc.
Director
Sonja Vrcic, Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
Director
Steve Wandler
Director
* denotes new board members
The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC) is a not-for-profit, membership driven organization that fosters an environment that supports science and technology initiatives by acting as a representative and advocate for the interests of members and the business community as a whole. OSTEC is a conduit that brings people together, partnering with industry, agencies and government and supports the region as a globally competitive centre of excellence in the research, development and application of science, technology and innovation.
For more information, please contact:
Douglas MacLeod, Executive Director
Okanagan Science & Technology Council
e. execdir@ostec.ca
p.(250) 712-3344
f. (250) 861-4728
http://www.ostec.ca/
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Top Silicon Valley CEO’s Visit and get down to Business in the Okanagan as metabridge Successfully Launches



For Immediate Release – June 23rd, 2009
Kelowna - A leading group of technology company CEO’s from Silicon Valley, Washington DC, Ottawa and Toronto descended upon the Okanagan last week for an introduction to some of emerging technology companies in the Region. Dubbed metabridge, a link to established technology centres, the event was hosted by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and the Okanagan Science & Technology Council, and was the brainchild of Steve Wandler, a successful tech entrepreneur who returned to the Okanagan after merging his company in the Silicon Valley.
The metabridge initiative is designed to provide direct connection and access to key technology players for local companies seeking investment, joint partnerships, mentorship and advisory opportunities. Company leaders from Hewlett Packard, Mitel, Red Beacon, AVG Antivirus, Trend Micro, RIM and Radware spent two days seeking opportunities and connecting with local companies.
“This was the first step in building a comprehensive program in linking our tech community to those that are well established. A number of local companies have already had post event contact with some major players who visited”, suggested Robert Fine, Manager, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.
“The metabridge event introduced me to a tech community I never knew existed. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the entrepreneurs I met, and I'm looking forward to maintaining the connections I made in Kelowna over the coming months and years”, stated Ethan Anderson co founder of Red Beacon and former Product Manager at Google.
Locals were equally enthusiastic. “The metabridge not only connected us with key contacts in the global technology hot spots like the Silicon Valley and Ottawa but also showcased Kelowna as a world class technology and living destination. This event, and more like it in the future will play a key role in the success of every technology company in the Okanagan Valley”, commented Jason Richards, President of Vineyard Networks.
“As an entrepreneur one of the most valuable resources one can gain is access to experience and great connection. Without these fundamentals, getting an idea off the ground is almost impossible. The metabridge event not only brought those elements but some of the best and brightest in the world." acknowledged Peter Matejcek, Founder and CEO of Kelowna based Huestream
A total of three events are planned each year to continue to connect technology players in the Okanagan Valley with key players in the developed technology world.
The events opening mixer was co-sponsored by Vineyard Networks. Along with a premiere breakfast at Woodland Hills Developments, where a welcoming breakfast was held for the invited guests.
- 30 -
Further information:
Robert Fine, Manager Economic Development Steve Wandler
250-469-6234 www.stevewandler.com
250-864-4622
Sunday, June 21, 2009
a fantastic golf shot at Harvest Golf and Country
![]() |
| From 2009 metabridge |
We had a great time on the course with a few future partner deals to be made. It was well worth flying a few people in to Kelowna for a couple days of fun and business.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
metabridge 2009
I am excited about the line up we have coming for the event and look forward to a good time doing business and having some good ol'Okanagan fun - golf and wine!
Here is the line up of invited guests.
Tim Eades
Everyone.net
Chief Executive Officer, Board Member
Timothy Eades was most recently VP of Market Strategy, Operations and Branding at BEA Systems which was acquired by Oracle. Prior to BEA Systems he was SVP of Sales and Marketing at Sana Security, a leader in the consumer security market driving distribution relationships with Symantec, Trend Micro, Earthlink and Lenovo.
Before Sana Eades was Senior VP and GM of Corporate Marketing and Products Division for Phoenix Technologies, a global leader in device-enabling and management software products for PCs and other user-driven connected digital services. Eades began his career as a business analyst for Dun & Bradstreet. He then served in various roles for IBM in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including managing new business and a brand marketing role for the Personal Systems Group. In 1998, he moved to IBM Worldwide to assume several roles, including Worldwide Personal Systems Group program director.
Eades holds advanced degrees in business, international marketing, and financial analysis, primarily from Solent University in England.
Tony Rosati, B.Sc., P. Eng., CACR Fellow
VP Intellectual Proerty Licensing
Certicom, a RIM company
Tony Rosati is an electrical engineer with more than 20 years of commercializing new technologies in the field of network & security technologies. As a founder of two companies, he has extensive management expertise in developing companies. Recent assignments include the management of a large intellectual property portfolio (450 patents) in a public company, Certicom Corporation. Certicom was recently acquired by Research In Motion (RIM) where he continues to manage security research, standards and related patent portfolio.
As Certicom’s VP Intellectual Property Licensing, his primary responsibility has been to maximize the value of an extensive patent portfolio. Notable IP license agreements with IBM and NSA worth more that $50M in license revenue.
Prior to representing Certicom’s IP portfolio, Tony held the position of Vice-President, Marketing & Product Management. While under this title, his responsibilities included product strategy, branding, outward marketing, and public relations management.
From 1991- 1999, Tony co-founded TimeStep, a network security company that specialized in managed IP VPN hardware and software. He held a variety of executive positions, including Marketing, Sales, and Product Management. When Newbridge Networks acquired TimeStep in 1999 for approximately 100 million US, the company employed 150 people, had worldwide distribution, and annual sales upward of 20 million US. Just a year later, Alcatel acquired Newbridge Networks, and as a result, TimeStep technology has been integrated into may core products and Alcatel’s world-wide security research initiative is located in Ottawa.
Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo (1985) and obtained his P. Eng. in 1987. In 2006 he received a Fellowship from the University of Waterloo Center for Applied Cryptographic Research (www.cacr.math.uwaterloo.ca).
Dale Fuller
President & CEO - Moka5
COB - AVG Anti Virus
Dale Fuller is a leading technology executive with extensive experience in starting up and growing both technology and consumer businesses. He is responsible for leading MokaFives's overall strategy and guiding day-to-day operations. He also serves on the boards of Krugle, Phoenix Technologies, AVG Anti Virus, and Quest Aircraft Company. Most recently, he served as interim CEO of McAfee and CEO of Borland, both of which experienced huge shareholder value and revenue gains during his tenure. Dale has a track record of successfully starting companies. He has lead companies through crisis situations and directed turnarounds that resulted in substantial improvements in operational performance and increased shareholder value. In an earlier part of his career, he founded one of the leading community sites on the Internet, WhoWhere, later acquired by Lycos. As a start-up company CEO, Dale led the expansion of numerous domain sites, including Angelfire.com and Mailcity. He is a an active personal investor in approximately 60 different staged start-ups based in Silicon Valley, China, and India. He holds an honorary doctorate from St. Petersburg State University.
Danny Robinson - Managing Director
Boot Up Labs
Danny is the quintessential serial entrepreneur, with two Internet companies already under his belt. He has raised over $100M in venture capital across 8 rounds of financing, and was recently named one of TechVibes Digital Media People to Watch in 2008. As Strutta's fearless leader, Danny pushes forward the goal of creating a community of competitors from all around the globe. In his spare time, Danny studies old Saturday Night Live recordings and perfects his More Cowbell performance in order to one day be the best Cowbell player in the world.
Prior to founding Strutta, Danny was co-founder and Chairman of Peerflix, an online P2P DVD trading company, where he raised $10M from US venture capitalists Battery Ventures, 3i and BV Capital. Previously, he was co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Spinway, Inc., a pioneer technology company that developed ecommerce and private-label ISP solutions for leading brick and mortar retailers. Under his stewardship, Spinway grew to 8 million registered members in 11 months and was later sold to United Online (NetZero), which is still in operation today. Spinway investors included Mobius (then SoftBANK), Spectrum Equity, and Deutche Banc Alex Brown.
As an accomplished entrepreneur, Danny works to promote Vancouver as the tech center he believes it can be by connecting local entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley-based VCs, co-organizing the popular tech mixer, Launch Party Vancouver, speaking at local and international tech events and serving on the Science World Equity Committee. Danny is a member of the Board of Directors for Suite101, Techtrack, and iFind Media systems and is on the Board of Advisors for Lypp and YourTechOnline.
Ethan Anderson - Co-Founder
Red Beacon
Ethan Anderson is Cofounder of Red Beacon, a stealth mode internet startup working to revolutionize online local search. Red Beacon will represent a powerful new paradigm, employing advanced algorithmic matching to ensure consumers are matched with the right service provider for their particular need. Prior to founding Red Beacon, Ethan was a Product Manager at search giant Google. He was responsible for launching and managing Google Video outside the United States prior to the YouTube acquisition. He also was Google’s first Product Manager for the fast growing Southeast Asian emerging markets, and a Product Manager on Google Image Search, the top image search site in the world. Before joining Google, Ethan worked in a number of internet strategy and marketing roles at The Clorox Company, Buy.com, and McKinsey & Company. Ethan graduated with Honors from Harvard Business School and Magna Cum Laude from Duke University, where he earned a BA in Economics and Public Policy Studies.
Jeff Cates
Vice-President, Consumer, Personal Systems Group
Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co.
Jeff Cates is responsible for the HP PC and Digital Electronics business unit in Canada. This includes managing the Desktop, Notebook, and Display business units, as well as alliances and partnerships that increase HP’s presence in Canada. Jeff is also responsible for the overall Consumer segment go-to-market strategy for the PC business and for HP Shopping, HP’s on-line store in Canada.
Jeff joined HP in 1994 as Marketing Program Manager in HP's Medical Products Group. Since then he has held progressively senior appointments such as Small to Medium Sized Marketing Manager for the Imaging and Printing Group, responsible for segment marketing and channel strategy, Retail Sales Manager, responsible for managing HP's key retail partnerships.
Jeff holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and an undergraduate degree in Commerce from McMaster University.
Punit Minocha, VP Corporate Development, GM Incubation Business Unit
Trend Micro
As vice president of corporate business development and general manager of Trend Micro's incubation business, Punit Minocha is responsible for mergers and acquisitions as well as for driving new growth businesses for the company.
Prior to joining Trend Micro, Punit was director of business development at Nexsi, an Internet security company. Before that, Punit helped design Intel's Pentium, Pentium II and Itanium.
Punit holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in business administration from the Hass School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Hampshire.
Stephen Beamish - Sr VP Bus Dev & Strategic Alliances
Mitel Corp.
Stephen Beamish is responsible for all Mitel®corporate business development initiatives.This includes managing Mitel’s growth in channel development and
business partnerships and expanding Mitel’s global market presence.As well, Stephen is responsible for the management and expansion of Mitel’s key
strategic alliances including heading Mitel’s partnership within the Microsoft® Unified Communications group.
Prior to this latest appointment,Stephen was responsible for marketing Mitel’s comprehensive portfolio of small,medium and enterprise business
communications solutions that deeply integrate into customer processes,creating new efficiencies and productivity benefits.These include Networked Enterprise,
Mobility,Messaging,Customer Interaction and Team Working solutions. Since joining Mitel in 2003,Stephen has spearheaded the efforts that have led
to the integration of Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 with Mitel’s Live Business Gateway solution.Combined,the unified communications
solution seamlessly integrates voice,presence,chat and email into powerful real-time collaboration and presence capabilities that Live Communications Server 2005 brings.
Prior to joining Mitel,Stephen was Director of Product Marketing at Tropic Networks®,a supplier of metro-area optical networking equipment.Prior
to Tropic Networks,Stephen was Director of Global Product Marketing for the Alcatel®Broadband Access Product Line.Stephen is a sought out speaker for many industry events and has published a number of business and technology white papers.He has an International MBA from the Norwegian School of Economics and holds a patent in ROI Business Modeling.
Richard Ford
Richard Ford is an independent consultant with 19 years experience in the technology industry. His practice concentrates on assisting companies with product strategy, product development and marketing, and implementation of WAN Optimization.
He spent 10 years at Packeteer (PKTR) in a variety of marketing and engineering management roles. He served as product manager for the company's flagship product, PacketShaper, making Packeteer the market-leading, trusted, safe and established brand. In engineering and operations Richard led Packeteer’s transition from in-house hardware development to collaborating with manufacturing partners in China and Taiwan.
Richard joined Packeteer from Apple Computer where he was product manager for networking & communications. He oversaw successful MacOS and 3rd party application software transitions from 68K to PowerPC, and from AppleTalk to TCP/IP. Software projects Richard managed in this period laid the foundation for the future success of iMac and Apple’s current renaissance by making internet access a built-in feature of every Macintosh computer.
Richard started his career at Falcon Microsystems, where he worked in sales and systems engineering for 4 years. At the time, Falcon was the second largest GSA Schedule reseller and specialized in selling Apple, DEC, Ungermann Bass to the US Federal Government.
Richard holds a B.S. in Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University.
Frank Rubio -Vice President, Channel Development & CALA Sales
Radware
Frank Rubio serves as Radware Alteon’s Vice President of Channel Development as well as Vice President of Sales for the Caribbean and Latin America Region. As VP of Channel Development, he has the overall responsibility for the strategy and implementation of the channel partner and reseller programs for Radware. As VP of CALA Sales, he is responsible for all sales functions for Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. With over 18 years of experience in the IT industry, Frank has held several growth-impacting leadership roles in Channel and Business Development, Sales, Marketing, Alliances, and Systems Engineering for companies such as Seagate Software (now SAP), Packeteer (now Bluecoat), Crescendo Networks, and QinetiQ.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
metabridge
After having a successful exit, I look back and found that in the early days the biggest challenge wasn't the great idea we had, it was getting people worth talking too, to listen to what we had.
As you can probably tell by my writing skills or lack there of, I'm not smart enough to be an MBA or frankly have any college degree. But I was dumb enough to believe I could create something great. Without my network of high end people around me, I would of never been able to achieve what I have today. With that we created metabridge, a forum to get Canadian startups introduced to quality executives in the Silicon Valley.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Is it worth it?
We are coming up on my one year anniversary and I am seeing why we (YourTechOnline) wasn't involved in the past...No Real Value to the High Tech Community. You are probably saying to yourself - well why the heck haven't you changed it? Well, I thought the same thing and I am coming to the old dog new tricks realization.
Listening to comments from a CEO of a high tech company say he struggles to find OSTEC's value and watching the old guard glaze over and tell him where the value was....I have to giggle...they aren't listening.
Am I saying I'm the golden child? NOPE! but i do think I could help in a serious way if people would just listen and stop drinking the kool-aid.
I was hesitating on writing anything about this, as I know some read this blog, but I have determined that creating change in this organization is going to take a serious intervention. If OSTEC truly wants to help the high tech industry prosper, they need laser focus and the right people on the bus...maybe we need to go buy a bus.
I do think an organization like OSTEC is much needed but not in its current state.
Suggestions? email me...I'd love to hear them.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Golf is AWESOME....when you hit the ball proper
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saas CRM
Going to take a closer look at it in a couple weeks with a in-person run through with the CEO and his team. I will be sure to let you know the pros and cons
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Ideas are a dime a dozen
The combination for success is the idea and as big, the team around you have around you.
Without a strong management team your idea is just that. It needs the people ingredient which I am finding is harder and harder to find as more ideas are put in front of me.
If you have a startup and not sure of where to go from here.... Start calling UP and not down or lateral for the strong people. There are no lack of average people to get excited about what you have, that is the easy part. Look outside of your circle of friends and go big....or go home.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Field Trip with a bunch of Grade 4's
Inside a first nations winter pithouse. A grade 4 field trip to the muséum. This would never go over in todays world. We have no idea how fortunate we are not having to live on a dirt floor and imagine....no internet
Monday, April 6, 2009
SupportSoft sells off Enteriprize biz
This is huge for the future direction of the company. Josh (CEO of SupportSoft) tells in the PR "The transaction allows us to focus on growing our Consumer business". He is so right!
Their is no question that in a few short years support.com has become THE force to be reckoned with in the remote tech support business. With the acquisition of YourTechOnline in 2008, the demise of HiWired in the same year and the growing retail sector they are in my professional opinion at the top in the category and quickly pulling away from the pack.
What gives me the right? Well, I pioneered the remote tech support business back in 1999 when the idea of remote support and the work from home model was a pipe dream to most, in 2005 became the #1 rated in remote support and survived a successful exit. You tell me... do I have the right to say?
I like where these guys are heading!
See the press release here: http://www.consona.com/news/pressreleases/consonaacquiressupportsoft.aspx
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Do something worth while
Friday, March 27, 2009
twitter here I come
Facebook is really starting to annoy me, with everyone and their dog wanting to add me as a friend. I'm not that keen on having people i barely know see pictures of my family on vacation or at a family birthday party. Blogging is fantastic but difficult to create a solid following. I think twitter creates a great balance of getting a message out in small bite size chuncks, along with the ability to banter back and forth on something or with someone that interests you.
If you haven't created a Twitter account - do it! If you have, add me to you following: Steve Wandler's Twitter
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Deep Thoughts
More DEEP THOUGHTS
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Coming up with a good idea
We are in a time of HUGE opportunity and prime for spawning ideas that make Millions...wait, even Billions!
I have a board in my office that it is constantly being marked up with new ideas for the next big thing. I don't think we take enough time to sit around and think creatively. Take 20 minutes today and do it... I bet once you get going you will end up burning much more then 20.
Check out this video to get you started: http://www.gitomer.com/rants/Weekly-Rant.html
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Clicktoy - a game for 1yr to 5 yr old kids
www.clicktoy.com
If you have kids in that age group, try it out and tell me what you think. I am thinking of helping the company out and would love to get some feedback from users.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
my time is done
Most of all I want to give a huge shout out to my close friend Lyndon Pohl who walked with me through the acquisition - thanks so much buddy! I couldn't of done it without you. Lets do it again, sometime!
ON TO THE NEXT VENTURE!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Its cold in Canada but EDC and OSTEC can warm me up
I've been working with Robert Fine at the EDC (thats the Economic Development Commission of Canada) and the folks over at OSTEC to setup a conduit for technology companies in British Columbia and across Canada to integrate in to primary tech sectors around the world.
With the economy it is great timing since governments are sinking money into the system to get the engine rolling. We are still hashing things out and I would love to get some feed back on how we are best launch this program and have fun doing it. Tell me ...what do you think?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Canadian Consulate and GDC 2009
Here is a blog that relates to the gaming industry leading up to GDC 2009 that was created by the creative and forward thinking folks at the Canadian Consulate in San Francisco.
Check it out!
http://canadagdc2009.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
No stranger to the high tech business
http://blog.guykawasaki.com/ or email Guy at:guy@alltop.com
What's Next?
As a side project I have teamed up with OSTEC, the EDC of Kelowna and the Canadian Government, to help Canadian Technology companies integrate and network in the Silicon Valley. More to come on that as it develops but we are calling it the Silicon Bridge.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Roller Coaster in Disneyland
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Starting the Silicon Bridge in Canada
This Thursday, November 27th, the Okanagan Science & Technology Council presents The Silicon Bridge at the Landmark Conference Centre in Kelowna. At this interactive seminar, Steve Wandler will discuss the challenges of building a high tech start-up in Canada while going after the USA consumer market. He will reveal some of the successes YourTechOnline.com made growing the business and getting it to market and candidly talk about the mistakes they made and how to overcome those.
In 2000, Steve Wandler Founded YourTechOnline.com out of the master bedroom of his rental house in Kelowna, British Columbia. The company was an innovative online tech support business that used remote access to assist end consumers in diagnosing and fixing a wide variety of PC problems.
Over the years, YourTechOnline.com picked up a plethora of awards including BDC's Technology Business of the Year, PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award, and PC Magazine's Small/Medium Business of the Year in North America.
In May 2008, Wandler sold YourTechOnline.com to California-based SupportSoft (NASDAQ: SPRT), where he now resides and works in a Senior Leadership position for the consumer brand of SupportSoft - support.com.
Wandler currently sits on high tech company advisory boards and enjoys sharing his technical and entrepreneurial expertise with other young businesses – especially those trying to build their connections with larger, more established companies in the high tech sector in the Silicon Valley. As a result of his experience, Wandler has teamed up with OSTEC to begin building bridges between high tech companies in the Silicon Vineyard and the Silicon Valley.
Read more: http://www.techvibes.com/blog/the-silicon-bridge-in-kelowna#ixzz0DqMi95O8&B
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Zappos Happy Happy Happy
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Bobby Orr the best hockey player in his generation
I had to post this video - Bobby Orr is truely a part of hockey history and truely Canadian.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
a witness to American history...World History!
Let’s see what happens next...... still lots of work to do!
Congratulations Barack Obama!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
FREE Financial Template for Startups - Danny Robinson
http://blog.bootuplabs.com/2008/10/27/free-financial-template-for-startups/
Friday, October 24, 2008
David Cowan and his blog worth reading
I love this post from his blog in Sept 2008: http://whohastimeforthis.blogspot.com/2005/09/best-startup-advice-i-have.html
Friday, October 10, 2008
18th at Pebble Beach
Thursday, September 25, 2008
OSTEC 2008 BOD
OSTEC Announces 2008 Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
September 25, 2008 - KELOWNA, BC - The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC)
held its 7th Annual General Meeting at the Coast Capri Hotel on September 24, 2008.
Business conducted at the meeting included presentation of the financial statements for 2007/2008 fiscal year,
report of activities and election of the Board of Directors.
The new Board of the Okanagan Science & Technology Council is as follows:
Mike Boudreau, Technology Brewing Corporation President
David Webb, Everest Recruitment Inc. Vice President
*Simone Brunton, Grant Thornton LLPTreasurer
David Jenkins, Borcom Associated Consultants Inc. Secretary
Mike Martin, Quantech Software.com Inc.Director at Large
John Christie, FormaShapeTM division of Whitewater Composites Ltd. Director at Large
Hans DeBruyn, Okanagan Technology Consulting Inc. Director
*Raghwa Gopal, co-founder of Vadim SoftwareDirector
Peter Haubrich, Okanagan Research & Innovation Centre Director
Dr. Andrew Hay, Okanagan College Director
David Jones, University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UILO) Director
Richard Okimaw, Pushor Mitchell LLP Director
*Jon Rever, School District 23 Director
*Jason Richards, Vineyard NetworksDirector
Keith Schiehl, Rent-A-Geek Computer Services Director
Larry Smith, Next Stage Consulting Inc. Director
Jack Van der Star, WaveTeq Communications Inc. Director
Sonja Vrcic, Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) Director
*Steve Wandler, SupportSoft Inc.Director
Mark Ziebarth, Bongarde Media Director
* denotes new board members
The Okanagan Science & Technology Council (OSTEC) is a not-for-profit, membership driven organization that fosters an environment that supports science and technology initiatives by acting as a representative and advocate for the interests of members and the business community as a whole. OSTEC is a conduit that brings people together, partnering with industry, agencies and government and supports the region as a globally competitive centre of excellence in the research, development and application of science, technology and innovation. OSTEC's Mission Statement is to lead the development of thriving technology-driven sectors in the Okanagan.
For more information, please contact:
Douglas MacLeod, Executive Director
Okanagan Science & Technology Council
Tel. (250) 712-3344 Fax (250) 861-4728
www.ostec.ca
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Thursday, May 15, 2008
Danny Robinson - mover and a shaker
Danny a very successful entrepreneur, who has founded and worked on the inside of several high tech startups (most recently started a company called: www.stutta.com) was an advisor to YourTechOnline.com. Danny was introduced to me by a mutual friend Dale Fuller.
My advisory team was a major key to the success of YTO - Thanks Danny for all your help and guidance through the last few years.
Lets do it again, Eh!
http://blog.bootuplabs.com/2008/05/06/yourtechonline-acquired-by-supportsoft/
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Celebration! YourTechOnline.com is acquired
The acquisition on YourTechOnline.com and SupportSoft Inc closed, May 2, 2008.
I founded YTO in 2000 and with a great team of people, we built it to be the Premier in Online Technical Support company in the world, all from a small town in British Columiba, Canada.
Thanks to Lyndon Pohl and Dhugael Mclean for being such a huge part in building the business and of course to our tech support agents - the guys and gals that did the real work!







