Tekmark Insider
April 2012
Message from the CEO 

 

As one of the largest privately-owned IT consulting companies in the United States, Tekmark is proud of our superior customer service, exceptionally skilled consultants and employees, and the continued success of our team, especially in today's volatile economy.

 

Within the past three months, Tekmark has hired more than 125 consultants and added 20 full time employees to the Tekmark internal team. In fact, Tekmark was recently ranked number 61 in NJBiz's listing of the top 100 privately owned companies in New Jersey, based on the total number of company employees.


For over thirty years, Tekmark has been placing consultants and employees at Fortune 100 and 500 companies in the financial services, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, technology, insurance, health care, manufacturing, electronics industries, as well as state and federal governments.
Tekmark's excellent reputation and outstanding track record in the marketplace are direct reflections of the work delivered daily by the Tekmark family of consultants and employees. Tekmark values every member of the team.

 

Each newsletter will feature a few individuals who consistently represent the Tekmark brand in the best possible way - through exceptional accomplishments, superior technical expertise, and 'above and beyond' dedication to client success.

 

I would like to say thanks to all of you for bringing us through one of the most challenging financial periods in US history. We are well-positioned to face industry fluctuations and economic obstacles by providing extraordinary value and innovative solutions. By continuing to meet and exceed the expectations of our demanding clients, we can stay on top in this highly-competitive environment. Keep up the great work and know that I'm on the front lines pursuing new opportunities!
 


In This Issue
Success Stories
Fun Facts
Referral Program
Tekmark News
Technology Highlights
Community Involvement
Featured Tekmark Representatives

                    

Success Stories

 

Our success stories span a wide range of industries, many new technologies, and state-of the art applications.  Here are a few recent examples in several of the key industries we serve: 
 

Document Management/ Delivery Service  

When one of our newer clients required an experienced, energetic team knowledgeable in Production System Operations, Tekmark quickly stepped up to deliver these specialized resources to administer and operate a high-availability, dynamic, cloud-based production environment.  Our responsibilities included -- compliancy with various industry security and privacy requirements, capacity management, OA&M processes, SLA metrics, patch and release staging, 7x24 on-call coverage, anti-virus tools, management reports, and proactive problem solving.  The client needed a ready-made, proven operations team to assess and run their production environment going into the next phases of the project.  Tekmark's Red Bank, NJ team had the "right stuff"-- operations excellence, technical competence, agility, flexibility, and a mature functioning team -- to complete the project within a short timeframe and deliver the results the client required. As a result, we are administering and monitoring their production environment for Phase 2 - Employee Trial and Live Turn-Up.

Health Insurance

The Tekmark team has always made a strong commitment to deliver the best results to our clients by providing top-notch subject matter experts.  Tekmark worked side-by-side with a major healthcare corporation to develop a comprehensive implementation strategy to replace their aging IT backbone network technology and develop a cloud-computing strategy.  This project consisted of several phases - architecture, design, management, support and remediation and many skill sets - VCE/Vblock, Storage Area Networking, WAN, LAN, VOICE, Wireless, Security and Unified Computing.  Our team was able to synthesize the varying perspectives of fragmented stakeholders by educating the client's internal employees about their network and its inter-operability limitations. We then identified and eliminated roadblocks and gaps.  We were able to get a diverse set of organizations going in one direction to deliver a solution that focused on network integrity and fit their Executive's vision and expectations.

 

Pharmaceutical
 
As the result of a competitive bid, Tekmark was chosen to support the global Siebel integration and deployment initiative for one of our long-standing clients.  Tekmark was selected to provide key ITIL-compliant services including change, release, and configuration management as well as establishing an on-demand test environment.  This represented one of the largest Siebel installations in the world and required expertise in Changeman, ITIL 3.0, Virtualization, Surgient, and VMware.  Our client met extremely aggressive Siebel deployment commitments. Tekmark's project management capabilities allowed the offshore and onshore teams to communicate effectively and work together seamlessly.  The project was universally recognized as a huge success and continued our reputation for delivering, as promised, despite numerous risk factors.   

 

Telecom Equipment Manufacturer

Tekmark has managed one of our major telecommunication client's transitions from legacy systems to leading- edge hand-set technology.  Our team of experts provided our client with a complex GUI (graphical user interface) design for their mobile devices and completed wire framing for use case scenarios. With Tekmark's assistance, our client was able to expedite the GUI and feature testing which helped them launch their business ahead of the competition and with-in budget. We worked with our client to develop a pool of low-cost, on-shore resources to perform these tests on an as-needed basis, including weekends. Tekmark managed the resources and training and the client managed the work program and quality assurance.  Tekmark's innovative solution helped our client improve the very critical time-to-market while reducing costs and employing local US resources.

 

Telecom Service Provider

 

Tekmark is dedicated to providing innovative, cost-effective, results-driven solutions to our clients.  One of Tekmark's major telecommunication clients was managing all global telecom services for a major computer hardware manufacturer. Tekmark supported the telecom cost analysis, price modeling and client negotiations/support for their end client.  Tekmark was able to deliver all three functions to the Rest of World ("ROW") by analyzing international telecom equipment and services costs along with other financial and economic data to achieve profitable pricing.  The Pricing Managers and Financial Analysts assessed variations in equipment and services, validated cost factors by country, and determined pricing.  The Tekmark team provided expertise in the following areas -- telecom services, corporate finance, pricing, international taxes, currencies, and MS Excel modeling. 

 

Lead us to our next success story! Email pr@tekmarkinc.com today!


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Fun Facts

At this moment, Tekmark currently has 893 open job opportunities!  

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Tekmark is growing!  We opened 2 new branch offices in 2011 and expanded our presence in Dallas, Tampa and Chicago!

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More than 50% of Tekmark consultants have over 15 years of experience within IT industry!

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According to LinkedIn, Tekmark had 13% more annual company growth than the industry standard in 2011!

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Tekmark has engaged 3,812 consultants over the past 5 years!

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Tekmark's Security division, TekSecure Labs identified and reported on their one millionth vulnerability in March 2012! 

2012 will mark Tekmark's 33rd anniversary!

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Tekmark has supported over 1000 different clients and we're going strong!  


Referral Program

Refer a Friend. Earn up to $1,000!

 

Tekmark recognizes the value of consultant referrals, and offers a Referral Bonus of up to $1000! Consultant referrals are an integral part of Tekmark's recruiting program.

 

Please visit our website at www.tekmarkinc.com to make a referral, or obtain more details on the program.


Suggestions?
 
    
Tekmark News
Tekmark Expands in North Carolina and Ohio!

 

In response to the continued growth of our major clients, Tekmark has invested in the expansion of our branch offices in Columbus, Ohio and Cary, North Carolina. In late 2011, our Ohio team celebrated a highly-anticipated move to a newer, larger facility which will better support potential and current accounts and accommodate on-site project work. In North Carolina, our new Raleigh-area location allows us to serve numerous high-profile clients with geographically-convenient recruiting and sales capabilities backed by the strength of our 30-year-old headquarters in NJ.

 

Each location is involved with their surrounding communities, creating numerous job opportunities, hiring new office personnel and participating in philanthropic activities.  There are now over 300 consultant job openings and 225 talented employees and consultants within the Raleigh NC and Central Ohio locations.  To view Tekmark's current job opportunities, please visit the HOT JOBS section on Tekmark's website. To read more about each of Tekmark's new offices please visit the links below:   

Cary, North Carolina
Columbus, Ohio
 

Technology Highlights

 

Tekmark continues to invest in leading-edge technologies and to make inroads in strategic areas ranging from mobile applications to cloud computing to 'big data' management.

 

Mobile Application Security Testing

With a smart phone in everyone's hand, users are quickly finding out that the applications running on the smart phones are what make them even more useful.  Many smart phone owners utilize 'apps' to check in and access hotel reservations, find restaurant reviews or stay connected with their networks on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.  This explosion of apps has also opened up smart phone users to the risk of downloading malicious apps that can steal user account information, share user contacts with third parties or even create additional charges on the user's account.  To safeguard this data, it is important for smart phone users to only install applications that they know and trust.   As this is an emerging market, so is the need for mobile applications security testing.  TekSecure Labs, a division of Tekmark Global Solutions, has a defined practice for testing the security of mobile applications on the iOS and Android platforms. Our engineers use iPads, iPhones and Android tablets to perform security testing of applications, looking for vulnerabilities with data storage, data transmission and application controls (authentication, data manipulation and policy enforcement). If a client is building a new mobile app, let them know that the team at TekSecure Labs can help!

 

Mobile Application Innovation

This sudden increase in Mobile applications along with the popularity and availability of the smart phone is creating a demand for innovative applications which highlight new network technology. Network providers are investing in technologies which highlight location, intelligent messaging, content delivery and support for bandwidth management. These applications utilize the 'cloud'- specialized applications servers and high speed third and fourth generation networks. Tekmark has been providing architects, project managers and subject matter experts to help accelerate the development and deployment of these new and complex applications. These highly skilled resources have been involved in architecture, design, applications integration, configuring applications that work outside the network; and project managing the end-to-end deployment of new network services and applications. The continued evolution of the handset from a voice-only device to a lifestyle-management device will accelerate 'time-to-market' for these new and complex applications and Tekmark is on the leading-edge of this technology.

 

Hadoop

Hadoop is a new way for enterprises to store and analyze data under a free license. It is an open-source project administered by the Apache Software Foundation. Hadoop's contributors work for some of the world's largest technology companies including Yahoo!, Facebook, LinkedIn and Cloudera. This diverse, motivated community has produced a genuinely innovative platform for consolidating, combining and understanding large-scale data in order to better comprehend the data deluge. Tekmark has launched a 'Big Data' practice through its majority-owned affiliate, Knowledge Solutions LLC (www.ksols.com), based on Hadoop technology and experienced resources. The practice is designed to serve all industries but will specifically focus on the Utilities, Communications, and Financial industries. Services include Environment Assessment, Model Design and Implementation, ETL Design and Implementation, Environment Development and Hosting/Remote Support.

(Wondering where a name like "Hadoop" originated? It was the name of the yellow stuffed elephant belonging to the founder's son. Doug Cutting used the name for his open source project because it was easy to pronounce and easy to Google. It was also a nod to the classic Dr. Seuss character, Horton - also a pachyderm.)

 
Community Involvement

 

Tekmark is involved with multiple charitable organizations, as we believe giving back is a fundamental obligation.  We have demonstrated this commitment throughout the years by standing behind numerous national and local non-profit organizations. By raising awareness, coordinating events and supporting different organizations such as NPower, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and The Cancer Institute of NJ, Tekmark takes an active role in our community. To learn more about the events and organizations that Tekmark supports, please click here.

 

NPower

NPower is a national nonprofit located in New York, NY that brings information technology services to nonprofits and training to young adults. NPower's strategy is to reach more nonprofits by engaging more corporate IT leaders. They are making powerful connections between socially responsible companies and the nonprofits they serve. One of three core programs is 'The Community Corps' which is an online, skilled volunteer portal to connect corporate IT volunteers to nonprofits with IT needs. Most projects are short, simple and impactful; requiring anywhere from 2 to 25 hours of volunteer time. Tekmark has worked with NPower over the past several years to provide recent graduates of the TSC (Technology Service Corps) program with resume writing workshops, career advice and technology training. Tekmark also provides NPower with back office support, technology assistance and quarterly security audits from TekSecure Labs. For more information, or to donate to NPower, please visit: http://www.npower.org/

 

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 

 

Mark your calendars for the Light the Night Walk on Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Forrestal Village in Princeton, NJ. This is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. In 2011, the Walk raised $50M for research and patient services. The walk is a great family fun event for a great cause. We hope you'll consider joining the Tekmark team! For more information, or to donate to Light the Night, please visit:
 
Featured Tekmark Representatives
 
Tekmark appreciates the hard work and effort put forth by our entire team of our consultants and employees. Tekmark would like to spotlight a few representatives for their 'above-and-beyond' accomplishments and contributions to the overall success of the company. 

 

Fran Gursky

Senior Account Executive

 

Fran has been with Tekmark for over thirty years. She is being recognized not only for her dedication and determination but her enthusiasm and perseverance. She began her career with Tekmark as a programmer and then became an Account Executive. Fran attended NYU classes at night to earn her MBA degree in Finance. She is now responsible for the development, growth, and support of consulting services and project work at major financial services and government accounts. Fran works with Tekmark's recruiting staff and executive management to cultivate and support client relationships. Fran's technical background and industry knowledge help her to better understand her clients' business and their requirements, thereby providing well-qualified candidates and solutions. She has over 15 years' experience working with New York City and State government agencies. She has single-handedly closed numerous major contracts and accounts. Residing in New York, Fran enjoys going to the beach, playing Mah Jong and taking spin and Zumba classes. She is celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary this year and is the proud mother of two daughters. We congratulate Fran on 30 years and looks forward to many more successful years.  

 

 

Stan Davidson
Application Developer/Architect

 

Industry: Financial

Technology Expertise: Java, C, C++, C#, Rich Internet Applications (RIA), Distributed Systems, Market Data and Operating Systems

 

 

For two decades, Stan Davidson has successfully undertaken and resolved challenging and complex projects for our customers. In 1985 he joined Tekmark as a consultant for Bell Labs on a 9 month assignment which lasted 6 years and has been with Tekmark ever since. He has worked in many industries ranging from Telecom and Process Control/Instrumentation to Financial Services, Banking and Brokerage. Stan consistently impresses every customer with technology insights, high quality software, delivery speeds, and conscientious personality. Customers quickly realize that they can depend on Stan to make things happen and solve even the most demanding software challenges. Stan is a delight to work with and maintains a positive attitude during even the most stressful work assignments.  On the personal side, Stan enjoys music, electronics, and photography. Tekmark is proud to have Stan on our team - we applaud not only his longevity but his commitment to excellence and to keeping pace with technology.

  

 

Jay McWhorter

Technical Project Manager 

 

Industry: Telecom

Technology Expertise: Project Management/ Infrastructure Industry Education: BSEE, CMP Certified (Certified Management Professional)


Tekmark would like to recognize Jay McWhorter for his exceptional performance, particularly in two recent assignments. Jay did a stellar job for one of our major financial clients in Columbus, Ohio, successfully completing his assignment. He then showed amazing commitment to finding a new position and drove 10 hours to Stamford, CT to work as a Technical Project Manager for an important new Telecom client. 
He quickly showed his incredible work ethic and devotion to the new assignment by putting in 60-hour work weeks in a critical PM role.  Tekmark received many compliments about Jay's work performance, his efficient progress in a new environment, and versatility across industries. On a personal note, Jay also volunteers in numerous community organizations including the Humane Society, Samoyed Rescue, Habitat for Humanity, Give Camp, and Starfish Alliance. Jay has set high standards and easily meets the qualifications as an outstanding "featured" consultant in 2012.

 

 

 

Jay Modh

Senior Solutions Architect

 

Industry: Healthcare/Financial
Technology Expertise: Project Management, Cisco, Symantec, Blue Coat, EMC, VMware

Industry Education: Cisco Certifications, Blue Coat Certifications,Symantec Certifications


For over five years, Jay Modh has shown immense success throughout his positions with Tekmark as a Senior Solutions Architect.  
Jay is the on-site technical manager representing Tekmark's Advanced Technology Group.  Most recently, Jay managed the VCE/vBlock Network Remediation project. When an enterprise-level health insurance company asked Tekmark to review, plan, design and implement an upgrade and remediate their entire IT backbone, we brought in Jay Modh. A project of this magnitude requires unparalleled technical knowledge, the capability to make effective supervisory decisions and the experience to manage a team of external vendors (with diverse agendas). By the client's own account, Jay has met the challenge and then some. Regular 100-hour work weeks, 3am server turn-ups and travel between two data centers in different states might wear down a lesser technologist, but Modh seems to thrive on it.  He exemplifies the level of technical quality that Tekmark brings to our clients, regardless of size.  Jay Modh IS the Tekmark difference.

 

 

Vivek Vellayapan

Senior Java/J2EE Developer

 

Industry: Chemical/Financial  

Technology Expertise: Java, J2EE, Spring, Hibernate, Struts, C/C++, Oracle Database   

Industry Education: Master of Computer Applications, Oracle Certified Developer

 

Vivek has been with the Ohio office since 2005. He consistently receives accolades for his willingness to go 'above and beyond' and is consistently held up as the 'gold standard' of consultants our clients love to hire.  For a leading financial institution, he stepped in to fix a critical volume-related production problem with late nights and UNIX scripts, meeting the clients SLA's and establishing a new distribution process for their marketing group.  Vivek is frequently requested by name and one influential manager commented "Vivek was by far one of the best consultants or employees he ever had."  Vivek also makes a special effort to assist internally by acclimating newly hired consultants to their positions, evaluating prospective contractors, and referring new candidates.  On a personal level, Vivek is involved with India TEAM Columbus, an organization which raises funds for schools in India.  This non-profit organization hosts an annual Volleyball tournament, which Tekmark proudly sponsored this year. Tekmark thanks you for your exemplary service and exceptional representation of our company on all levels!