PROVIDENCE – State Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-Hopkinton, introduced legislation earlier this month that aims to help protect privacy on the Internet and make installing intrusive spyware punishable by civil action.
“This is a great consumer protection bill,” Kennedy said. “People are sick of having their personal information pilfered and having their computers hijacked by thieves who want to know what you eat, what you wear, what you read and how you spend your personal time. This legislation will help put an end to such intrusive acts.”
The bill, 2005-H 6211, would forbid the installation of spyware – software that tracks a user’s actions, collects data about customers or reconfigures computer settings. The spyware is often installed on a computer without the user knowing when they visit Web sites and can lead to computer viruses or identity theft, Kennedy said in a release.
California and Utah already have anti-spyware statutes on the books. Twenty-one other states are considering other measures.
Swedish security firm opens College Hill office
PROVIDENCE – A Swedish security firm has opened its Global Technologies Division headquarters in the College Hill section of Providence.
This division of ASSA ABLOY was formed in 2003 and is dedicated to high-tech products and services.
“Choosing Providence as the location for our headquarters was incredibly easy,” said Joe Grillo, president and CEO of the Global Technologies Division. “It has the perfect blend of big-city convenience and small-town New England charm.”
The division, which accounts for 17 percent of ASSA ABLOY’s sales and employs 3,000 people, is made up of 10 production units and 41 sales companies in 40 countries.
Local company tees up state golfing Web site
NORTH KINGSTOWN – The Little Rhody Golf Company LLC is launching an online resource for Ocean State golfers.
The North Kingstown company says the Web site will be a complete source of local golf information, including course and practice facility reviews and instruction tips from local professionals.
“We designed RhodyGolf.com to fill what we perceive to be a void here in Rhode Island … access to useful and localized golf information,” said Little Rhody’s president, Dan Clawson. “Whether someone wants to find a course for their next round, is in search of some quick instructional tips or wants information on the latest equipment or technology, I’m confident RhodyGolf.com will be a good starting point to help them find what they are looking for.”
The site includes “the business ring,” which allows individuals and businesses to advertise their services.
KVH publication wins ‘Best in Show’ award
MIDDLETOWN – KVH Industries Inc. received a “Best in Show” award for technical publications for the STC’s Boston/Northern New England chapter. Winning an award was the TracVision A5 satellite TV system installation poster, designed to provide technical dealers and installers with an easy-to-follow guide for equipping cars with the A5 satellite TV system. The installation poster was selected to compete in the STC’s International Competition, currently in progress.
In addition, KVH received an Award of Merit for its TracVision G8 owner’s manual.
“KVH’s award-winning documentation is part of our comprehensive dealer and customer service experience. The awards from the Society for Technical Communication validate the commitment and effort put into our technical documentation for every one of our products,” said Ian Palmer, executive vice president of satellite sales for KVH. “Correct installation is critical to long-term customer satisfaction. Clear and easy-to-understand technical communication and user materials ensure both proper installation and easy operation of all our products by dealers and customers alike.”
KVH Industries is a provider of in-motion satellite systems. The company designed, manufactured and sold more than 75,000 mobile satellite antennas for boats, RVs, trucks, buses and automobiles.
TowerStream launches new partner program
MIDDLETOWN – Fixed wireless broadband provider TowerStream launched a new channel partner program, allowing value-added resellers (VARs) an opportunity to resell TowerStream’s fixed wireless broadband service for businesses. The program will be available in all metropolitan areas where TowerStream service is offered: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Providence, the company said in a release.
TowerStream already delivers T1 and 100Mbps services to businesses from its points-of-presence on top of tall buildings in each city, which extends its secure broadband signal across a 10-mile radius. Broadband installation is guaranteed within 48 hours through TowerStream’s rapid installation program. VARs participating in TowerStream’s channel partner program will receive a recurring commission on its sales.
“We are committed to expanding TowerStream’s reach within our markets, as well as extending the service to more of the nation’s top cities moving forward,” said Jeff Thompson, president and COO of TowerStream.
