Martin Group, which merged with CHR Solutions in September, provided grant application submission assistance for SDN’s middle-mile project. The project will deliver 10 Megabit per second service to community anchor institutions, including schools, hospitals, libraries, and various government organizations, across SDN’s Internet backbone. SDN’s middle-mile infrastructure will consist of 359 route miles of fiber optic network to nearly 305 anchor institutions. The three-year project is scheduled to begin in 2010.

“CHR played a key role in SDN Communications’ application winning a grant in the first round,” says SDN CEO Mark Shlanta. “The fact that SDN was first to be named in the top 1 percent of the applications speaks to the quality of work by CHR. They brought all the necessary resources to the table and participated as a team member rather than a third party vendor.”

For more information, please contact Peter Rasmusson at 605-996-9646.

About SDN Communications
SDN Communications’ 21,000-mile fiber optic footprint touches 300 South Dakota communities and reaches into Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and North Dakota.
Eighteen of South Dakota’s independent telephone companies – cooperative, municipal, tribal, and family-owned companies – own SDN. It is the premier business-to-business broadband service provider for:

– Connectivity – for multiple-location offices
– Internet – dedicated service
– Network Surveillance – guarding networks
– Networking Equipment – cabling infrastructure, data equipment, and IP telephony

For more information go to: www.sdncommunications.com.

About CHR Solutions
CHR Solutions is a comprehensive, single-source provider of professional business services to a variety of industries, including telecommunications, energy, finance, information technology, and emerging technology clients. CHR Solutions prides itself in offering dedicated, resource-rich, world class service and support while maintaining customized care and personalized interaction through local delivery teams. CHR guides clients to manage risks, align technologies, grow revenues, improve operations and control costs. Services include regulatory/business compliance, financial services, marketing services, operational optimization, engineering, wireless strategy, IT managed services and software solutions. CHR provides services to clients in all 50 states and internationally, through a network of 14 offices in eight states.

The merged entity will retain the CHR Solutions name, with company headquarters located in Houston. An additional 13 offices will span eight states. The locations include: Austin,

Texas; Camden, Arkansas; Columbia, Missouri; Dallas, Texas: Lubbock, Texas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Missoula, Montana; Mitchell, South Dakota; Nashville, Tennessee; Rapid City, South Dakota; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Springfield, Illinois and Wichita, Kansas. More than 425 employees will be available to serve client needs.

CHR Solutions is a premier, multi-faceted consulting and managed service IT/infrastructure provider with a 60 year heritage of serving clients in the rural telecommunications, energy and finance market segments. CHR Solutions integrated offerings include engineering, financial services, marketing, regulatory/business compliance, operational optimization, association management, wireless initiatives, strategic planning, IT managed services, remote infrastructure management (RIM), a managed network operation center, data center and applications development.

Martin Group is the nationwide leader of software solutions, business services and engineering resources, serving rural telecom provider and tier 2 & 3 CLEC clients with advanced operation support systems and billing support systems, engineering and consulting services. Martin Group’s expertise has led to development of international clients as well.

The combined company will be a resource-rich, single-source provider using locally based delivery teams guiding clients to grow revenue, control costs, improve operations, manage risks and align technology with business goals. CHR Solutions will provide services to more than 800 clients in all 50 states, as well as internationally. Clients can expect unsurpassed capabilities and dedication to satisfaction from the management-owned company led by experienced and committed industry experts.

More critical than the actual build out of the nation’s broadband infrastructure is how communications providers will spur the adoption of broadband among the one-third of Americans who currently are not utilizing the technology. Mr. McClure will discuss the challenges and opportunities broadband faces in 2009 including reasons broadband has not been universally implemented, accelerants for broadband adoptability, and difficulties with present policy. Mr. McClure will also shed light on the broadband adoption paradox with a focus on the US Broadband Policy.

Revenue 360 will bring together communications providers, a dynamic and expanding value chain of partners including media, entertainment, Internet and search companies, for three days of information-rich discussions, debates and hands-on workshops tailored to help communications providers with Revenue Generation and Churn Reduction. In addition, the conference will deliver a new, interactive track focused on 5-year network planning that will address all aspects of managing communications companies.

Learn more about the conference by visiting www.martin-group.com.

About David P. McClure
Dave McClure is President and Chief Executive Officer of the US Internet Industry Association, an organization he founded in 1994 as the primary US trade association for broadband and the Internet.

Active in the online community since 1983, Mr. McClure has written and lectured extensively on management and technology issues, and is an authority on technology and Internet policy. Mr. McClure is a regular contributor to business and broadband publications, has authored more than 40 white papers related to the Internet, and consults with governments and Internet organizations worldwide. Mr. McClure is also the author of the ReasonedResponse.Com blog on technology, policy and life.

In 2004, Mr. McClure was honored with a Cornerstone Award for leadership in the broadband industry. In 2007, Mr. McClure was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Corporation, the non-profit organization that governs dispersal of Universal Service Funds on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission.

About Martin Group
Martin Group is a global provider of enterprise-wide BSS|OSS solutions, next generation engineering, and consulting services. With nearly 40 years of communications experience, Martin Group’s revenue generating solutions and services enable communications providers to offer any service over any network and meet the time-to-market challenges for today’s new service offerings. Our next generation engineers and dedicated staff enable clients to focus on providing outstanding communications services and maximizing their bottom line. Today, Martin Group serves more than 250 clients around the world. For additional information, visit Martin Group at www.martin-group.com.

By obtaining his license, Mr. Gorter will now function as the engineer in responsible charge of projects, submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority and certify engineering work for clients. Tier 3communications companies who utilize RUS financing will now have a P.E. in close proximity to authenticate allproject documentation.

“Martin Group is proud of Mr. Gorter’s achievement. With his licensure, our clients in the Eastern United States will have a local Professional Engineer to assist them with the complete life cycle of their projects,” says PeterRasmusson, President of Telecommunications Consulting and Engineering. “Mr. Gorter’s licensure also addsdepth to Martin Group’s engineering expertise enabling us to provide additional mentoring to our Engineers?In?Training and other technical staff as well as sharing the project workload among our staff of four ProfessionalEngineers,” comments Rasmusson.

Mr. Gorter graduated from Dordt College with a degree in Engineering and Computer Science. He also earned his MBA from the University of Sioux Falls. While at Martin Group, he has worked with a wide variety of state?of-the?art telecommunications technologies. These include Fiber?to?the?Home (FTTH), Fiber?in?the?Loop (FITL), Routers, Video on Demand (VoD), Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), SONET, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) systems and wireless projects.

OASIS allows communication providers to convert, maintain, and centralize asset and inventory records. It provides access to customized, up-to-date financial information on network infrastructure, graphical layout, geographic location, operational costs, capital cost, and revenues for timely and informed decision making. OASIS is the asset and inventory solution of choice as part of Harris Stratex Networks’ service assurance solution installed at Zain.

Zain aspires to increase its client base in operational stages, transforming Zain into a leading mobile communications company. “The implementation of OASIS has allowed our customer to reduce costs by increasing visibility into their most valued asset – the network,” said Harald Braun, president and CEO of Harris Stratex Networks. He then said, “The enhanced asset management functionality within OASIS helps optimize the use of network infrastructure while maximizing network revenues.”

“OASIS is a key component in Zain’s strategy which focuses on combining value creation and internal growth from existing operations with aggressive expansion into new geographies,” said Jim Odom, President and CEO of Martin Group. “By incorporating financial data and location information into inventory/asset management, OASIS becomes a tool for examining the relationships between the network infrastructure and current or potential customer demographics. This information can be used to drive business decisions related to network optimization and capital investment,” continued Mr. Odom.

About Harris Stratex Networks, Inc.

Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. is a leading specialist in backhaul solutions for mobility and broadband networks. The company offers reliable, flexible and scalable wireless network solutions, backed by comprehensive professional services and support. Harris Stratex Networks serves all global markets, including mobile network operators, public safety agencies, private network operators, utility and transportation companies, government agencies and broadcasters. Customers in more than 135 countries depend on Harris Stratex Networks to build, expand and upgrade their voice, data and video solutions. This firm is recognized around the world for innovative, best-in-class wireless networking solutions and services.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.HarrisStratex.com

About Martin Group

Martin Group is a leading provider of BSS/OSS software solutions, next generation engineering, and business services that address operational and marketplace challenges faced by today’s communications providers. The firm’s integrated BSS/OSS software helps communications providers simplify business infrastructure, integrate service order flow, and improve customer experience. With more than three decades of experience in the communications industry, Martin Group’s engineering team provides next generation solutions backed by extensive IP/data experience and knowledge. Communications providers can minimize exposure to capital, human, and technological risks associated with in-house solutions by utilizing this firm’s business services.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.martin-group.com

About Zain

Zain is a leading emerging markets player in the field of telecommunications by being a specialist in backhaul solutions for mobility and broadband networks and is aiming to become one of the top ten mobile groups in the world by 2011. Zain was established in 1983 in Kuwait as the region’s first mobile operator. Since 2003, it has grown significantly becoming the 4th largest telecommunications company in the world in terms of geographic presence with a footprint in 22 countries spread across the Middle East and Africa providing mobile voice and data services to over 50.74 million active customers (as of 30 June 2008).

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.zain.com

Opening an office in Sioux Falls further enhances Martin Group’s ability to attract highly skilled people. The city of Sioux Falls offers Martin Group employees the quality of life that blends urban living with small-town charm. With its location near Mitchell headquarters, it leverages existing management and industry expertise while augmenting Martin Group’s plans for continued growth.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, November 6, 2008, to commemorate the opening of the Sioux Falls office. Eugene McCord, VP of Operations for Martin Group, officially cut the ribbon and shared several milestones in the company’s 38 year history and a few inspiring words for the future of Martin Group. “As we cut this ribbon, we celebrate the future of Martin Group. Let’s recognize our founding leaders who built a company of integrity and customer focus and our next generation visionaries who drive our technological vision and innovation,” said McCord during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A second regional office was opened in Nashville to better serve Martin Group’s current and prospective customers in the eastern United States as they evolve their networks to Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and end-to-end IP functionality.

“Opening an office in Nashville gives communications providers a local option for technical expertise specializing in communications technology.” says Peter Rasmusson, President of Telecommunications Consulting and Engineering for Martin Group. “We look forward to serving communications providers in the eastern United States with our extensive outside plant, FTTH, and IP network experience,” adds Rasmusson.

About Martin Group

Martin Group is a leading provider of BSS/OSS software solutions, next generation engineering, and business services that address operational and marketplace challenges faced by today’s communications providers. Martin Group’s integrated BSS/OSS software helps communications providers simplify business infrastructure, integrate service order flow, and improve customer experience. With more than three decades of experience in the communications industry, the firm’s engineering team provides next generation solutions backed by extensive IP/data experience and knowledge. Communications providers can minimize exposure to capital, human, and technological risks associated with in-house solutions by utilizing Martin Group’s business services.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.martin-group.com

Martin Group will leverage the acquired technology in combination with OASIS, Martin Group’s Operation Support System, and OMNIA™, which is its Business Support System, as the foundation for an enhanced services platform enabling communications providers to provide next gen products and services.

Effectively immediately, Martin Group will begin providing ongoing product support and maintenance in accordance with the contracts of existing SwitchMaxx and VoiceMaxx customers. Martin Group will shortly be contacting all existing SwitchMaxx and VoiceMaxx customers to discuss their product and service requirements.

About Martin Group

Martin Group is a leading provider of BSS/OSS software solutions, next generation engineering, and business services that address operational and marketplace challenges faced by today’s communications providers. The firm’s integrated BSS/OSS software helps communications providers simplify business infrastructure, integrate service order flow, and improve customer experience. With more than three decades of experience in the communications industry, Martin Group’s engineering team provides next generation solutions backed by extensive IP/data experience and knowledge. Communications providers can minimize exposure to capital, human, and technological risks associated with in-house solutions by using Martin Group’s business services.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.martin-group.com

InterOp Lab suppliers: ADTRAN, Calix, Conklin-Intracom, Foundry, Infinity Security Solutions, Occam Networks, Pannaway, and Zhone, will share their knowledge and expertise. The following is a brief description of the presentations:

*** ADTRAN will present “The Total Access 5000: From POTS to PON.” This session will highlight ADTRAN’s flagship Multi-Service Access and Aggregation Platform (MSAP) and how it can be used for triple-play service delivery.

*** The latest Calix access solutions: GPON, 10GE Transport, VDSL2, etc. and learn how they’re helping service providers deliver a Unified Access Infrastructure.

*** Conklin-Intracom will be demonstrating its fs|cdn IPTV middleware and conditional access solution, focusing on back-office operations, ecosystem integration, and delivery of non-traditional revenue generating applications.

*** Foundry Networks will be presenting the just announced NetIron CES 2000 – a multi-service edge switch with a powerful set of capabilities that combine performance with rich functionality at the network edge.

*** Infinity Security delivers a building block approach to affordable network security for performance-demanding applications – at the edge or inside the network – as traditional borders dissolve.

*** Occam Networks’ broadband access solutions empower service providers to offer profitable new voice, data, and video services over copper and fiber with fastest time to revenue.

*** Pannaway Networks will discuss building core networks that support current and future access technologies. This firm will also conduct a brief demonstration.

*** Zhone will present their Multi-Service Access Platform (MSAP) products available today offering solutions for voice, data and video, including Sky Zhone WiFi and EFM Solutions.

“We look forward to the high caliber presentations and demonstrations that the InterOp Lab suppliers have planned and prepared,” says Peter Rasmusson, President of the Telecommunications Engineering and Consulting Department at Martin Group. “The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for discussion, learning, and innovation for our clients,” Rasmusson adds.

About Martin Group

Martin Group is a leading provider of superior BSS|OSS software solutions, next generation engineering, and business services that address operational and marketplace challenges faced by today’s communications providers. The organization’s integrated BSS|OSS software helps communications providers simplify business infrastructure, integrate service order flow, and improve customer experience. With more than three decades of experience in the communications industry, Martin Group’s engineering team provides next generation solutions backed by extensive IP/data experience and knowledge. Communications providers can minimize exposure to capital, human, and technological risks associated with in-house solutions by utilizing Martin Group’s business services.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.martin-group.com

Martin Group will leverage the acquired technology in combination with OASIS, Martin Group’s Operation Support System, and OMNIA(tm), its Business Support System, as the foundation for an enhanced services platform enabling communications providers to provide next gen products and services. Subject to closing of the transaction, asset ownership will transfer from CopperCom Acquisition Corp. to Martin Group and Martin Group will begin providing ongoing product support and maintenance in accordance with the contracts of existing SwitchMaxx and VoiceMaxx customers. Closing is anticipated by the end of August 2008.

About Martin Group

Martin Group is a leading provider of BSS/OSS software solutions, next generation engineering, and business services that address operational and marketplace challenges faced by today’s communications providers. The firm’s integrated BSS/OSS software helps communications providers simplify business infrastructure, integrate service order flow, and improve customer experience. With more than three decades of experience in the communications industry, Martin Group’s engineering team provides next generation solutions backed by extensive IP/data experience and knowledge. Communications providers can minimize exposure to capital, human, and technological risks associated with in-house solutions by utilizing Martin Group’s business services.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.martin-group.com

Martin Group announced that LightEdge Solutions selected OMNIA(tm) and OASIS(tm), which are Martin Group’s integrated BSS|OSS (Business Support System|Operational Support System), to enable LightEdge increase operational efficiency by replacing manual processes with automated or streamlined processes that will eliminate redundancy and errors.

Providing a fully-managed business voice, network and IT services over an MPLS Cisco Powered Network, LightEdge provides their services out of four data centers located across the Midwest. The firm’s small to medium-sized business offering includes: Voice-over-IP Telephony, Wide Area Networking, Business Internet, Managed Security, Managed Backup, Remote Access Services, Dedicated Servers, and Business Continuity Services.

“Our vision is to level the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses by offering enterprise-grade managed businesses through our state-of-the-art network, ensuring the highest level of reliability for a predictable monthly service charge and minimal upfront costs,” says Jim Masterson, CEO of LightEdge. “Martin Group’s integrated BSS|OSS will enable us to deliver on our vision, focus on our core business, gain competitive advantage, and scale for growth,” added Mr. Masterson.

OMNIA and OASIS will help LightEdge manage revenue effectively and efficiently with customer care, billing, facilities management, service order management, CABS, and automated provisioning functionality. “LightEdge can expand with assurance because OMNIA and OASIS were designed to meet the requirements of today and tomorrow,” says Jim Odom, CEO of Martin Group. “The flexibility and configurability within OMNIA and OASIS give LightEdge a significant competitive advantage needed to gain market share,” adds Odom.

About LightEdge

LightEdge is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa with offices in Cedar Rapids; Moline, Illinois; Kansas City; Minneapolis; Omaha; and Scottsdale with a new regional office opening in Denver. “Our growth strategy expands our Midwest footprint across the Western United States,” says Jeff Springborn, Chief Operating Officer of LightEdge. “In order to achieve significant market share growth, we need scalability and process automation which Martin Group delivers with OMNIA and OASIS,” added Mr. Springborn.

About LightEdge Solutions

LightEdge Solutions empowers businesses to be productive, mobile, and effective with managed voice and data services delivered through a multi-homed, Cisco Powered Network data center environment. By out-tasking voice, data and IT services, small and medium-sized businesses are able to realize unparalleled scalability and reliability with a lower total cost of ownership and reduced administration. LightEdge Solutions(r) is a registered trademark of
LightEdge Solutions, Inc.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.lightedge.com

About Martin Group

Martin Group is a leading provider of BSS/OSS software solutions, next generation engineering, and business services that address operational and marketplace challenges faced by today’s communications providers. Martin Group’s integrated BSS|OSS software helps communications providers simplify business infrastructure, integrate service order flow, and improve customer
experience. With more than three decades of experience in the communications industry, Martin Group’s engineering team provides next generation solutions backed by extensive IP/data experience and knowledge. Communications providers can minimize exposure to capital, human, and technological risks associated with in-house solutions by utilizing Martin Group’s business services.

For additional information, please visit their website: http://www.martin-group.com

Source: Martin Group

Websites: http://www.lightedge.com

http://www.martin-group.com