Generation IX Has Software Solutions for Daylight Savings

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Maybe it’s the relative ease with which computers and time-keeping mechanisms came through Y2K.


So far, at least, the business community has exhibited none of the near-hysteria prevalent at the turn of the century as we come near the Daylight Savings Time transition. This year, as a result of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, Daylight Savings time will begin three weeks earlier (March 11) and end one week later (Nov. 4).


The shift will affect computer systems throughout the nation and could be problematic for online automated calendars, payrolls, schedules and time trackers.


Los Angeles-based Generation IX, a tech provider for mid- to large-size companies and schools, has come up with some software solutions to fix computer snags that might result from the upcoming Daylight Savings Time transition.


“There are going to be issues, specifically around time, whether it’s a calendar program or time clocks,” Watney said. “Technology companies are now scrambling to offer up patches to remedy these issues. What we’re finding in many cases is that the patches they create also create other problems that require additional patches.”


In the meantime, Generation IX has consulted with and will provide time shift software to L.A.’s United Food Group Inc., Three Arts Entertainment Inc., the Los Angeles Radisson Hotel, Loyola High School, Wildwood School and the Curtis School in Brentwood.



Vantage Point

Venice-based Vantage Media has raised $70 million in a Series A investment for the firm’s search engine marketing and online lead generation business.


The round came from Montgomery & Co., Scale Venture Partners, Tudor Ventures, and Integral Capital Partners. Vantage Media provides search marketing for clients, and was founded in 2002. The firm also named Steve Jillings, former CEO of Frontbridge, as CEO; and appointed Rory O’Driscoll of Scale Venture Partners as a board member.



Hip Hop Instincts

Newly named Electronic Arts president John Riccitiello took over last week. However, he wasn’t on the scene in time to make the rollout of his new company’s videogame from Def Jam Interactive, “Def Jam: Icon.”


Rap star Lil Jon, who posed for the videogame’s lead character, did the honors at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills event. “I can kick your ” yelled Lil Jon as he took on all comers at the event. EA is hoping to expand on the fan base that has developed around its popular “Fight Night” series, which mixes hip-hop music and culture.


In “Icon,” players take on the role of a hip hop mogul and try to build a record label, discover new superstars and become a hip hop icon. Music is the “weapon” used by characters including real-life rappers Big Boi, the Game, Ludacris, Paul Wall and T.I. The game will be in stores nationwide on Tuesday.



Online Pedigree

Forget best picture or actor, it was the Academy Award for best live-action short film that had the gang at MySpace.com’s L.A. headquarters glued to their TV sets last week.


They weren’t disappointed. USC film student Ari Sandel took home the Oscar for best live-action short film with “West Bank Story.” MySpace.com chose Sandel and his film to be the first featured filmmaker on the site a year ago. The film has since had more than 2,500 plays on MySpace and created an online pool of support for the director.


Currently, more than 50,000 filmmakers are using MySpace.com to raise awareness and promote their films.



Tech Council Finalists

The Technology Council of Southern California announced 24 tech companies as finalists for 2007 Technology Industry Awards. The awards dinner will be Wednesday at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Finalists include:


CEO of the year: Brett Caine, Citrix Online; George Klaus, Epicore Software Corp.; Lee Perlman, New Age Electronics Inc.


Entrepreneur of the Year: Eric David Greenspan, Make It Work Inc; Russ Mann, SEM Director; Kerry Shih, SyncVoice Communications.


Hardware and Storage Company of the Year: Dot Hill Systems; QLogic; View Sonic Corp.


Mobile Company of the Year: Amp’d Mobile Inc.; Networks In Motion Inc.; Broadcom Corp.


Network and Security Company of the Year: 8e6 Technologies; Occam Networks; SOA Software Inc.


Internet & New Media Company of the Year: Loan Toolbox; Lowermybills.com; Oversee.net.


Software Company of the Year: Cornerstone On-Demand Inc.; Portellus Inc.; WebVisible Inc.; SYSPRO Inc.; Telelogic North America Inc.; Web Side Story/Visual Sciences.



Staff reporter Dan Cox can be reached at

[email protected]

or at (323) 549-5225, ext. 230.

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