Virginia Company Launches Site

February 28, 1997 - Fairfax, Virginia-based Silver Ridge Productions, a video and multimedia production and publication company, recently launched their Web site. The site contains a listing of clients and awards and a sample of recent productions. For companies with a Web presence, Silver Ridge provides graphic design services and Quicktime video compression. Visit Silver Ridge Productions' Web site for more information.

Local High School Online

February 28, 1997 - Douglass Junior High School (DJHS), in Washington, D.C., recently launched their Web site. The site includes links to National Geographic, CNN Headline News and information on local news and events. DJHS' mission is to use their computer training lab for students to enrich their educational experience through interactive multimedia learning by using the Internet and computer-based, skills-building applications. The Web site is a joint project between East of the River Community Development Corporation/YouthNet and Douglass JHS/DCPS. YouthNet, Inc., an Internet service run by local teens, provides Web design and construction, Web hosting, picture scanning, e-mail accounts, fliers, business cards and brochures.

Media Resource Online

February 27, 1997 - GuestFinder, an Internet-based directory of authors, experts, spokespersons and entertainers, recently launched its Web site. The site includes information people who wish to announce their availability to the media as on-air guests or expert sources for news articles. In addition, visitors may search the directory in ways such as by experts, entertainers or by keyword or concept. Organizations may place free classified ads online for certain professional speakers. The site also includes research links, job links for journalists and a "Cool Guest of the Week".

New Tool for Project Managers

February 26, 1997 - Washington, D.C.-based Virtual Experience Corporation (VEC), a developer of simulation-based training and virtual environment-based courseware, recently released VX-1™ Basic Software Project Management simulator. VX-1 is an interactive simulation training environment for software developers which provides interactive instructional training for project managers. The software enables users to manage a project and a virtual staff from planning to delivery during the course of a simulated year. Visit VEC's Web site to download a demo (850K) of VX-1.

NASM Available Online

February 24, 1997 - The National Air & Space Museum (NASM) is online. The site includes information on exhibits and general information and museum facts. Visitors to the site may also access information on educational programs and links to air and space online resources. Visit NASM's Web site for more information and to view a map of the museum's galleries.

Domain Registering Service

February 21, 1997 - The Internet Domain Bureau (IBD) offers worldwide name registration services for corporations and individuals. IBD's Web site includes information on reasons to register domain names and buying and selling domain names. In addition, visitors may use a search function to determine the availability of their choice domain name. For more information and to register a domain name online, visit IBD's Web site.

Area Law Firm Launces Site

February 20, 1997 - Virginia-based Hazel & Thomas P.C. recently launched its Web site. The site contains information on Virginia laws, rules and regulations and news affecting Virginians. The "Electronic Crossroads" is a resource page that provides links to information on the Virginia Senate; the General Assembly; and towns, cities, counties and businesses in the Commonwealth. Visit Hazel & Thomas' Web site for more information.

Cable TV-Based Internet Services

February 20, 1997 - Community Networks Inc., a unit of Virginia-based BTG, Inc., and Cablevision of Loudoun recently launched consumer trials of cable-based Internet services in Loudoun County, Virginia. Using high-speed coaxial cable technology, the service connects users to the Internet at speeds faster than standard telephone-based connections. The service will allow cable subscribers access to Internet services and community-based information such as neighborhood associations, County Government, local businesses and sports. Cablevision expects to make the service available to all subscribers in April.

Crown Books Online

February 18, 1997 - Maryland-based Crown Books is available online. Visitors may search and order books, get information on the bestsellers' list and register to win prizes by completing a customer profile. The site also has a kids section, which includes book reviews written by other kids, and information on events taking place in Greater Washington area Crown stores.

Downsizing Report Available Online

February 17, 1997 - Government Executive, a monthly business magazine serving executives and managers in the government, recently announced the publication of The Downsizing Report. The report covers management issues and theory and explores the impact of downsizing on civil servants' careers. The report includes articles from "Downsizing Isn't Bad News for Everybody" to "Paid to Leave." The report is based on a series of articles from Government Executive over the past four years.

Black Collegian Online

February 14, 1997 - Black Collegian Online is a career and self-development site for students and professionals. In addition to career planning and job search information, there is commentary by African-American writers, news of what's happening on college campuses and information on entertainment and lifestyle. The site also includes an online resume database where students may post their resumes and a job opportunities listing of charter sponsors. In honor of Black History Month, Black Collegian Online is having a Black History Contest for a trip for two to Walt DisneyWorld Resort.

Taxing Internet Commerce

February 14, 1997 - In response to "A Framework for Global Electronic Commerce," a paper drafted by the Information Infrastructure Task Force, the Internet Society (ISOC) recently sent a letter to the The White House cautioning against the imposition of any taxes on Internet commerce because it might significantly hurt the industry. The letter indicated that taxing business conducted on the Internet would not be recommended at this time because it may constrict an industry in its early stages of development. ISOC, based in Reston, Virginia, is an international organization for the technical, economic and policy development of the Internet.

IMA's Call for Papers

February 13, 1997 - The Interactive Media Association (IMA) and the U.S. Copyright Office calling for papers and participation for the Electronic Commerce for Content II, an inter-sector/inter-industry forum on technology-based intellectual property management issues. The forum will be held at the Library of Congress on April 28 and 29. The purpose of the forum is to promote understanding of technical issues and related market development problems across industries and serve as a venue for exchange of information and ideas. For more information on the Electronic Commerce for Content II visit IMA's Web site or send an e-mail to forum@ima.org.

Seminar Panelists Named

February 11, 1997 - Three regional executives will share their experiences on expanding their businesses to the Internet and discuss the impact on their organizations at a seminar entitled "Your Business and the Internet: A Practical Forum for Executives." Sponsored by Potomac KnowledgeWay Project and the Washington Business Journal, the seminar will be held on Thursday, March 6 from 7:30-10 a.m. The panelists are Brian Garr of Globalink, Inc., Larry Lux of National Geographic Interactive and Catherine Yandel of BTG, Inc.; Clif Webb, of Ryan-McGinn, will serve as moderator. For more information on the panelists and to register, visit the KnowledgeWay Project's Web site.

KPMG Calls for Nominations

February 10, 1997 - Nominations for the KPMG Peat Marwick LLP High Tech Entrepreneur Award are now being accepted through March 28. This Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of technology business in the Greater Washington region. The Awards will be presented at the 10th Annual Greater Washington Region High Tech Awards Dinner scheduled for May 14, 1997. For information on nomination guidelines, to obtain a nomination form or to learn more about the Awards Program, visit KPMG Peat Marwick's High Tech Awards Nomination Web page.

New Domain Names Planned

February 7, 1997 - Under a plan recently announced by the International Ad Hoc Committee (IAHC), the number of names available to specify Internet locations, such as Web sites and e-mail addresses, will increase. Chaired by Donald M. Heath of the Internet Society, IAHC is a coalition of participants from the Internet community, working to satisfy the requirement for enhancements to the Internet's global Domain Name System. Internet users will have seven new generic domains, including .firm, .store and .arts, and more firms will be allowed to act as registrars when the plan is implemented. For more information, visit the IAHC's Web site.

CIPE Launches Web Site

February 6, 1997 - The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, recently launched its Web site. CIPE promotes private enterprise and market-oriented economic reform by matching funds with a variety of local institutions in emerging democracies worldwide. Economic Reform Today, CIPE's quarterly magazine, is now available online and contains information on building institutions that are essential for the functioning of market economies. CIPE's Web site also includes a discussion forum, which promotes economic reform, business development and democratic institutions.

Civic Clubs Online

February 5, 1997 - Carper's Internet Services recently announced the opening of Civic Club Central, a Web site development service for civic clubs throughout the world. Clubs may create and maintain their own Web pages and engage in chat discussions with the civic club community. The site also includes links to existing civic club home pages worldwide and serves as a hub for civic group resources and interaction.

DCOL Debuts Wild Discovery Wired

February 4, 1997 - Discovery Channel Online (DCOL) recently introduced a new feature: Wild Discovery Wired, which puts the online audience in touch with experts in natural history, ranging from animal behavior to habitat conservation, and with one another. Featuring a different topic each week, Wild Discovery Wired is linked to the themes featured on Discovery Channel's nightly series, "Wild Discovery", and can be found in the Nature area of DCOL's Web site.

WCO Chosen for Venture Conference