Nov 02, 2000

Microsoft

Starting in January 2001, the University of Phoenix will introduce the use of the Microsoft Reader as its exclusive e-Book platform. The University is the first to use the Microsoft reading technology for educational purposes. Microsoft Reader is a software application designed to deliver an on-screen computer reading experience that approaches the quality of paper. Once the application is installed, e-Books will be available to purchase and download online from participating publishers.

Keystroke.com

Seattle-based Keystroke.com brought in a new president and cut a deal with Fannie Mae. Michael W. Hart became president and CEO, taking those positions from company founder Joe Hausauer, who remains Keystroke's chairman. Hart was vice president for product marketing at BGS Systems Inc. and technical services director for Federated Department Stores. He also co-founded a management consulting firm called MGT Technology Group. Keystroke.com writes Internet software for the financial services industry. Last week the company said the national mortgage agency Fannie Mae agreed to used Keystroke.com's product eligibility and pricing technology in Fannie Mae's Desktop Originator On The Web, which connects lenders and mortgage brokers.

Nov 01, 2000

Washington Software Alliance

The Washington Software Alliance, headquartered in Seattle, has added several new members to its staff. Lew McMurran has been named the director of government and public affairs. Alix Compton joins the Alliance as programs director where she will manage all aspects of program development and implementation for the organization.

ISNetworks

Josh Eckels has joined ISNetworks as a software engineer, working on all aspects of application development. He previously worked as an independent consultant for Pacifiq Technologies. ISNetworks is an e-commerce and software development company specializing in digital signature technology

Berger/ABAM

Lee Marsh has been promoted to Grade VIII senior project manager at Berger/ABAM Engineers in Federal Way. He has experience in seismic research, planning and design, and construction management. His recent projects include the seismic upgrade design of the main terminal Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and a seismic upgrade project for the traffic control tower at Boeing Field.

Aaron Savage, who has been with the company's business development and communications group for more than three years, has been promoted to graphics manager.

The firm also promoted Jef Blake to applications programmer, level II. An employee since 1990, Blake works in the company's AutoCAD and information technology departments.

PAE Consulting Engineers

PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc., a Portland mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, and lighting design firm, has promoted staff members and hired three new employees.

Paul Schwer has been promoted to principal. In his new role, Schwer will assist with PAE's marketing efforts and continue in his role as project manager. His recent projects include Whitman College Lab, Ashland Library, Oregon State University Oceanography and various Washington State University projects in Vancouver.

Steve Reidy, who has been with the firm for six years, also has been promoted to principal. He is the project manager for Micron Fab Lab and Office Building and several projects for Alcatel.

Brian O'Gara joins PAE with 15 years of experience in telecommunications infrastructure sales, design and project management.

Bruce Irby is a recent graduate from Portland State University where he received his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. He is working on the intensive care unit of the Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Marc Brune, who recently graduated from the University of Portland with a degree in mechanical engineering, is working on a project at Whitman College and the Hikade Dental Building.

McLellan & Copenhagen

M. Reza Agahian has been promoted to principal at McLellan & Copenhagen LLC, a Seattle firm specializing in scientific laboratory design. He has more than 11 years experience with the company in the planning, design and construction administration of scientific research and teaching facilities. His current projects include the University of California's Riverside Physical Science Building and the University of British Columbia's Michael Smith Building Vancouver.

Mark Osborn, who has 20 years of professional experience, has been promoted to associate principal. His projects include Millennium Pharmaceuticals' genomic research building in Cambridge, Mass., and the National Marine Fisheries Service Honolulu laboratory renewal project in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Michele Brittany, who has been with the firm for one year, has been promoted to business development. She is managing the marketing department.

Oct 31, 2000

Digital Signature Trust

Digital Signature Trust (DST) has become the latest firm to meet the rigorous licensing requirements of Washington state's Electronic Authentication Act. The Utah-based company, an affiliate of Zion's Bancorp, is the fourth firm to become a state-licensed certification authority. A certification authority acts as a "third party" in electronic transactions, providing verification of the authenticity of digital signatures used to sign documents online. The licensing of DST is especially important to the state of Washington's efforts to offer citizens the convenience of conducting online transactions with state agencies.