Articles 2008
Christmas Daddies A Huge Success Again This Year
December 10, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
This year's Christmas Daddies Telethon raised $892, 422 for needy children across the Maritime Provinces. $883, 293 was raised in the Atlantic region, and an additional $9,129 was pledged from viewers outside the Maritime Provinces. The funds raised go towards toys, gifts and necessities, and are distributed by the Salvation Army.
This is the eighth year that Nicom IT Solutions has participated by donating the time of its web design and development division, Nicom Interactive, to developing the Christmas Daddies website. On its first day alone, December 7th, 5,581 visitors logged onto the site! Online donations will continue to be accepted throughout the holiday season at www.christmasdaddies.org.
Nicom IT Solutions, all its divisions, management and staff, are proud to be part of this great cause and have made it a part of our longstanding tradition.
TopHalifax firm expanding market for port logistics software
November 25, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
By BRUCE ERSKINE Business Reporter
Chronicle Herald
Halifax-based Nicom IT Solutions is joining forces with the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay to take a port logistics software system global.
"We’re going there anyway and we’re thrilled to be taking the Maritime Exchange along with us," Nicom partner Pat d’Entremont said in a release on Monday. "They’ve been a delight to work with."
Nicom recently rebuilt a logistics software system for the Philadelphia-based exchange, a non-profit group that promotes trade at the world’s largest freshwater port.
"We’ve always intended to take our system to other seaports, and Nicom is the organization to do it," exchange president Dennis Rochford said in a release.
"Nicom has demonstrated to us that their knowledge of the seaport and the IT industry, coupled with their international marketing capabilities, makes for a great partner to help us move our agenda forward."
Nicom, which beat out bidders from across North America for the contract, has spent the past 10 months integrating diverse software applications into a web-based suite called Maritime On-Line.
Maritime On-Line enables marine exchanges and port authorities to record and report on vessel movement, cargo manifests, customs and border requirements and advanced arrival and departure schedules.
Nicom plans to market Maritime On-Line along with its own seaport-related systems and services, including software to track containers, hazardous goods, port property leases and marine pilots.
"It’s not just about perimeter fencing, cameras and guards," said Mr. d’Entremont, although he acknowledged the importance of port security.
"Also of great importance are the information networks that ensure all partners in the transportation chain are aware of the shipping and transit information necessary to promote the secure, efficient and safe movement of goods."
Mr. d’Entremont said in an interview Monday that he sees great market potential for the Maritime On-Line system in the United States, the Caribbean, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
He said his firm, which has 25 employees, could handle the production and implementation of another system in-house, but beyond that, he said, it would involve adding five or six people per system, which he said cost about $500,000 to design and implement.
Mr. d’Entremont said the partnership with Maritime Exchange bodes well for Nicom’s future.
"Two years ago, we were not in this marketplace," he said.
Nicom specializes in web design, electronic commerce application development, technical support services and IT consulting. Its clients include the Halifax Port Authority, the Saint John Port Authority and the Atlantic Pilotage Authority.
TopNicom Signs Second Agreement with Delaware River Organization
November 24, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nicom IT Solutions of Halifax has barely completed rebuilding a ports logistics system for a client in Philadelphia, and already the client wants to take the relationship further.
The Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay wants to make its software available to other seaports throughout the world, and has chosen Nicom to lead the process.
Nicom knows the system well, having spent the past 10 months turning a collection of diverse software applications into an integrated web-based electronic commerce suite, after having beat out contenders from across North America to win the contract.
“Nicom has demonstrated to us that their knowledge of the Seaport and the IT industry, coupled with their international marketing capabilities, makes for a great partner to help us move our agenda forward,” says Dennis Rochford, President of the Maritime Exchange. “We’ve always intended to take our system to other seaports, and Nicom is the organization to do it.”
Called Maritime On-Line, the system enables marine exchanges and port authorities to capture and report on vessel movement, cargo manifests, Customs and Border requirements, and advanced arrival/departure schedules.
Nicom’s intention is to market Maritime On-Line along with its own seaport-related systems and services, including software to track containers, hazardous goods, port property leases, and marine pilots. “We’re going there anyway,” says Pat d’Entremont, Partner at Nicom, “and we’re thrilled to be taking the Maritime Exchange along with us. They’ve been a delight to work with.”
Security is high on the list of priorities for implementing a system such as Maritime On-Line. “It’s not just about perimeter fencing, cameras, and guards,” notes d’Entremont. “Also of great importance are the information networks that ensure all partners in the transportation chain are aware of the shipping and transit information necessary to promote the secure, efficient and safe movement of goods.”
Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, helped seal the deal between the two organizations—one from each side of the border—by presiding over the original contract signing ceremony earlier this year. Mr. Wilson noted how the partnership is a good example of how Canada and the United States are working together to better secure North America.
Nicom IT Solutions is an IT professional services firm based in Halifax which specializes in web design, electronic commerce application development, technical support services, and IT consulting. Other customers include the Halifax Port Authority, the Saint John Port Authority, and the Atlantic Pilotage Authority.
See also: http://www.nicomit.com/industries/ports-pilotage-authorities.html
TopNicom Extends Port Experience to Longshore Industry
November 17, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nicom IT Solutions is using its knowledge of Information Technology in the seaport industry abroad to find new customers at home.
After having spent most of the year developing logistics software for the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay of Philadelphia, the Halifax-based IT shop won a contract to build new software to manage the Halifax Employers Association.
The HEA is a non-profit organization who acts as the bargaining representative for all workers in the Longshore Industry in the Port of Halifax.
HEA membership consists of companies such as Atlantic Container Lines, Ceres Corp, and Halterm, and is responsible for the overall training of employees in the longshore industry in Halifax.
The new system will replace an aging and outdated system currently used by the HEA, and will manage all the billing to shippers entering the Port, including an electronic commerce component accessible over the Internet, something Nicom specializes in.
Besides their electronic commerce capabilities, Nicom was chosen because of its strong partnership with Microsoft as well as past experience in the seaport industry. In addition to their work in Philadelphia, Nicom also developed a billing system for the Saint John Port Authority as well as a Container Tracking System for the Port of Halifax. The Container Tracking System recently won an award from the American Association of Port Authorities.
Nicom Partner David Nicholson also points out that they have many other associations as customers, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the College of Paramedics, and the Offshore/Onshore Technology Association of Nova Scotia.
Nicholson is quick to point out that although foreign contracts catch people’s attention, Atlantic Canadian organizations are Nicom’s bread and butter. “By far the majority of our revenues are domestic,” says Nicholson, “and it’s wonderful to be able to find new customers like the Halifax Employers Association right here at home.”
TopMeet Andrew Black, Avid Supporter of the Arts in HRM
November 12, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
By day, Andrew Black promotes Nicom Interactive’s web design and development abilities. But Andrew is and has always been an avid supporter of the arts. Andrew feels that few people know how good the arts scene is in Halifax, and is Co-Lead of Halifax Fusion’s Arts & Culture Action Team.
As Co-Lead, Andrew is responsible for organizing meetings and events—basically, anything that involves bringing people together. Fusion’s goal is to bring the arts to new audiences.
One example of Andrew’s involvement is the Second Thursday’s event at the NSCAD Port Campus. The Second Thursday event, a regular part of the Fusion calendar, took place this past August. By hosting the event with NSCAD, the Action Team brought dozens of people through the doors of the new campus, letting them see firsthand the world-class facilities that we have in Halifax, while providing business people and art lovers alike a chance to mix and mingle with members of the arts community.
The Action Team also took a leadership role in organizing Nocturne: art at night, which took place on October 18th. On this evening, art galleries across the city were open late to showcase and celebrate the work of local artists. A shuttle bus transported people to the different venues to see paintings, drawings, and sculpture, on display. The Arts & Culture Action Team is planning a winter event that will showcase the performing arts.
With such involvement with the talent in HRM, who better to promote Nicom’s talent?
TopNicom's Newest I.S.P
October 14 , 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Project Manager Barry Milne has just received his Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation, making him the third on staff—joining company partners Pat d’Entremont and David Nicholson. This designation recognizes Barry’s education and years of experience in the IT industry. It also acknowledges that Barry has achieved a standard of excellence set by others in the industry.
To maintain his designation, Barry will need to adhere to the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and provide evidence of continuous professional development. Because CIPS regularly demands recertification of credentials, employers and clients can expect the highest levels of quality and professionalism from ISP holders. The ISP designation is recognized by government legislation for various provinces, including Nova Scotia.
Barry will also be eligible for the Canadian IT Professional designation granted by the Canadian Council of Information Technology Professionals, and the International IT Professional provided through CIPS’s partnership with the International Federation of Information Processing Society and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The latter designation means adherence to global standards.
Barry has been a CIPS member since 1993 and is actively involved in the IT and the project management professional communities.
TopNicom announces new division: nicom interactive
September 3 , 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nicom IT is pleased to announce our new website design division – Nicom Interactive! We’ve been designing and developing websites for years as part of our portfolio of offerings, and now we’ve devoted a whole office wing to them!
Nicom Interactive’s creative team is experienced in graphic design, marketing and website development. Our two newest additions are Genevieve Kelly and Greg Ord. In fact it was Genevieve who designed our new Nicom Interactive site, and Greg who programmed the functional elements. Genevieve and Greg work under the direction of Ryan Grant, who has overseen our website design for six years.
Have a look at www.nicominteractive.com. And if you need website design in the near future, please keep us in mind!
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Nicom is a charter member of nova scotia come to life
August 7, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nicom IT became a charter member of Nova Scotia Come to Life this past July. Nova Scotia Come to Life is an initiative of the Government of Nova Scotia to promote the province to potential customers, university students, immigrants, and visitors. Charter members are companies who know the benefits of living and doing business in Nova Scotia and are helping to spread the word wherever they do business.
Visit http://www.novascotialife.com/chartermembers/nicom to see our entry, then from there click on the Come To Life logo, located on the upper right-hand corner of the screen, to see what they are all about.
TopCharles thomas gets another certification
August 5, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
This morning, August 5th, 2008, Charles Thomas aced the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS2007) exam with a score of 929 out of 1000! This means that Charles is now recognized as being fully qualified to install SharePoint servers. This is very exciting because there is a growing demand for these types of services. Congratulations to Charles!
TopAnother MCP Amongst the Nicom IT Midst
July 31 , 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Michael Cullymore passed the Microsoft Certified Professional exam in C#, a Visual Studio.NET language. Michael prefers C# over Visual Basic which is great because we have standardized on C#. Michael taught himself C# by building applications using this language. In the future, Michael intends on attaining other MCP designations.
Mike, by the way is our residential pool shark having recently competed in Las Vegas. So if he challenges you in a pool hall, stay away from him!
TopNew Microsoft Certified Application Developer at Nicom
July 23 , 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ken Acker, Programmer/Analyst with Nicom IT Solutions, recently received his Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) designation, which took many hours of extensive study and required him to pass several exams.
The examinations tested his knowledge of Windows Development, Web Development, and Web Services. Of these three topics, Ken found the Web Services subject matter the most challenging, however he does acknowledge that he has a greater understanding of this area than before.
According to Microsoft, “The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) credential provides industry recognition to professional developers who build powerful applications by using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services.” Ken was self-motivated in pursuing this accreditation, and taught himself all he needed to know in order to succeed. Ken is the only computer programmer at Nicom IT who has achieved this designation.
Congratulations to Ken on this very significant achievement. Nicom is very proud to have him as part of our team.
TopCharles Thomas, Team of the year for nova scotia bassmasters 2007
july 27 , 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Charles Thomas of Nicom IT was one of the two member team to be named Team of the Year for Nova Bassmasters 2007. Charles and his partner, Walter Dominix, had the best combined record for all the tournaments they entered in 2007 in order to receive this title and trophy. Nova Bassmasters is the highest ranked small bass fishing tournament trail in Nova Scotia. As a point of interest, Charles and Walter enter tournaments with the slowest vessel but remain one of the most consistent producers—their boat travels at 21 miles/hour while some boats exceed 90 miles/hour. Charles competed in eighteen tournaments in 2007. This year, he will be more selective in which tournaments he chooses to enter, and expects to participate in six events.
Small bass fishing tournaments require competitors to catch five fish in total. Once these fish are weighed they are released back into their habitats. There is less than a three percent fish mortality rate in these tournaments. Charles believes strongly in conservation. Charles loves to talk about fishing and feels he has an understanding of nature and animals as a result.
Charles is currently looking forward to his next tournament to be held Sunday, July 27th, 2008, at Big Lake Mush-a-Mush, near Bridgewater. He will be entering this tournament with Nicom co-worker, Steven Foley. Their goal is to win. Charles has given Steven pointers, and says, “It is better to fish with someone you can have fun with.”
TopNicom software developer geoff gillespie is a rising star in the performing arts in two ways, as a chorus member and also in the movies!
june 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Halifax Camerata Singers were awarded the Galaxie Rising Star Award in the 17th biennial choral competition co-sponsored by CBC and the Canada Council for the Arts, of which Geoff Gillespie of Nicom IT is a member. The final competition was broadcast nationally live-to-air on April 29−30, 2008, with the Halifax segment performing at Cathedral Church of All Saints on Tower Road. The group also received an Honourable Mention in the top category of ‘Chamber Choir.’ Camerata is the first choir from Nova Scotia ever to make it to the finals in the competition’s 34-year history, adding to the enthusiasm. This year 130 choirs competed in 13 categories. The competition was created to foster the continuing development of amateur choral singing in Canada and to provide a national stage for the very best Canadian choirs.
Geoff believes that it was the group’s performance of With a Lily in Your Hand, by Eric Whitacre, that secured Camerata’s spot. With a Lily in Your Hand is a technically challenging piece and Camerata put much effort into a strong performance. Camerata’s album, entitled Songs of the Stable secured a nomination in the East Coast Music Awards’ 2008 Classical Recording category.
Geoff received a Bachelor of Music Education from Acadia University before furthering his studies in computer science.
Congratulations on this great achievement! It is quite an accomplishment to be part of a group that makes it this far. You did know that you were competing against the Stanley Cup Playoffs, didn’t you?
Since his performance in the musical competition, Geoff was approached by the casting director of the movie Amelia which is slated to be released in 2009, to play a Welsh singer. The biography’s cast includes stars such as Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart, Ewan McGregor, Richard Gere, and Virginia Madsen. Geoff filmed his scenes on June 18th, and was on set for 14 hours. He was given his piece the day before filming to memorize, and although he does not speak the language, as a choir member he has had to learn many languages phonetically in order to perform.
Geoff was hired as an actor through the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Arts. This was his first acting experience other than small roles in high school musicals. Geoff was given his own dressing room, and had his make-up and wardrobe professionally prepared as all other actors. He found the period costumes very interesting. Geoff did meet Hilary Swank, and is looking forward to seeing his “face on the screen and name in the credits.”
TopBilliards Michael Cullymore
May 15, 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
This past May, Michael Cullymore of Nicom IT won an all inclusive trip to Las Vegas which earned him a spot to play in the North American 8-Ball Championship representing Halifax, Nova Scotia and Canada in one of the largest pool tournaments in the world. This was the first year Locas Billiards held a Billiards Congress of America (BCA) Pool League, which was founded and led by Michael. The six person team competed in the Men’s Team Division held at The Rivera in Las Vegas. Michael plans on leading the league again, hopeful to expand with more players and corporate involvement, looking forward to another successful season.
Michael has been playing billiards — including snooker, straight pool, 9-ball and 8-ball—since the age of six. Along with being a great way to meet new people – Michael also enjoys the mental and physical challenges associated with the sport. He has been playing competitive pool since 1998 and looks forward to competing in future events. There is fierce competition here in Halifax, housing some of the best players in Canada.
TopCanadian Ambassador Applauds Nicom IT Solutions' American Port Contract
April 02 , 2008 philadelphia, pennsylvania
By The Canadian Government Trade Commissioner Service
Washington DC
It was all smiles and handshakes at the Coast Guard Headquarters for the Delaware River and Bay as a Canadian ICT company and an American trade association signed a contract to work together to make seaports safer.
Canada's Ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, was present for the ceremony, and called the partnership yet another example of how Canada and the United States are working together to better secure North America.
From left to right:
Michael Wilson, Canada's Ambassador to the U.S.;
David Nicholson, Partner; and Pat d'Entremont, Partner
Photo Credit: David Scott
Nicom IT Solutions of Halifax, Nova Scotia won a major contract to redevelop the port logistics system for the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, an organization based in Philadelphia.
The new system, called "Maritime On-Line" will consist of a number of software applications to capture and report on vessel movement, cargo manifests, Customs and Border requirements, and advanced arrival/departure schedules. This will be a web-based electronic commerce system that will be used by a large number of organizations who form part of the Maritime Exchange.
Pat d'Entremont, Nicom Partner in charge of new business development sees this as central to Nicom's growth plans. "This event is pivotal in our corporate history as it represents our first significant international project, and the largest project we have ever undertaken", says d'Entremont, "Where better to start than in the United States of America".
Nicom credits the success, in part, to the Canadian Consulate of Philadelphia in helping advance the agreement. As well as developing the application, Nicom will be working with Canada's Trade Commissioner Service towards marketing this product, once completed, to other ports throughout the world.
Nicom has already developed software systems for other seaports, including the Saint John Port Authority, the Atlantic Pilotage Authority, and the Halifax Port Authority. The system they developed for Halifax won an award at the American Association of Port Authorities, which is how they were introduced to the Maritime Exchange.
The Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay represents the interests of federally regulated ports, vessels, and related businesses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. As a not-for-profit trade association the Exchange's role is to promote commerce, protect trade, and enhance navigation safety.
The Exchange continues to promote and encourage commerce on the Delaware River and Bay by fully utilizing today's modern technologies. "We have always been conscious of the changing needs of our members and the port community," remarked Dennis Rochford, President of the Maritime Exchange. "Our work with Nicom will result in significant improvements to a system used by both the private and public sector to facilitate trade, improve maritime domain awareness and enhance navigational safety."
"Canadians and Americans are in this together. We make things together. Keeping North America safe is our commitment. Nicom IT Solutions is typical of the many Canadian firms that have developed innovative technologies to take on the ever-evolving security threat", said Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the United States.
TopIT firm lands u.S port deal
january 22 , 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
By BRUCE ERSKINE Business Reporter
Chronicle Herald
Nicom IT Solutions of Halifax has won a contract to rebuild the port logistics system for the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a Philadelphia organization that promotes trade at the world’s largest freshwater port. The web-based Maritime On-Line system will collect and report vessel movements, cargo manifests, customs and border requirements, and advanced arrival/departure schedules. Nicom, which beat out bidders from across North America for the Delaware River contract, has developed similar logistic systems for the ports of Halifax and Saint John, N.B. “(It) is the foot in the door we’ve been working so hard to establish into the U.S. marketplace," Nicom partner Pat d’Entremont said in a release Monday. "We will be able to use this win as a springboard to many other new opportunities.” Nicom, which is in discussions with the Maritime Exchange about marketing the logistics system to other ports, has visited eastern U.S. markets recently with government organizations like Nova Scotia Business Inc., the province’s business marketing agency, and the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. "Opportunities like this don’t come every day and we fully intend to capitalize on it," said Mr. d’Entremont. Last year, a container tracking system that Nicom developed for the Port of Halifax won an award from the American Association of Port Authorities for improvements in intermodal freight transportation. The company said that award caught the attention of the Maritime Exchange.
TopNicom iT solutions wins american port contract
january 21 , 2008 Halifax, Nova Scotia
By BRUCE ERSKINE Business Reporter
Chronicle Herald
Nicom IT Solutions won a major contract to rebuild the port logistics system for the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, an organization based in Philadelphia. Capitalizing on successful projects of a similar nature for the Port of Halifax and the Port of Saint John, Nicom was able to beat out other contenders from all over North America.
The new system, called "Maritime On-Line" will consist of a number of software applications to capture and report on:
- Vessel movement
- Cargo manifests
- Customs and Border requirements
- and advanced arrival/departure schedules
This will be a web-based electronic commerce system that will be used by a large number of organizations who are located all over the world. This project will take a team of developers most of the year to develop.
Pat d'Entremont, Nicom Partner in charge of new business development sees this as pivotal in Nicom's growth plans. "This will be the largest project we've undertaken since the merger [between DDA Solutions and Nicom Ltd. in early 2006]", says d'Entremont, "and is the foot-in-the door we've been working so hard to establish into the U.S. marketplace. We will be able to use this win as a springboard to many other new opportunities".
Nicom had been targeting the eastern US marketplace, having recently taken several trips to that market in association with organizations like Nova Scotia Business Inc. and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
As well as building the application, Nicom is in discussions with the Maritime Exchange for marketing this product, once completed, to other ports throughout the world.
"Opportunities like this don't come every day and we fully intend to capitalize on it", says d'Entremont.
Nicom's initial foray into port systems began with a contract in Saint John New Brunswick where they developed a system to manage vessel and cargo movement, hazardous goods and property leasing for the Saint John Port Authority. In related business, Nicom also developed a system for the Atlantic Pilotage Authority that enables central dispatching of marine pilots across the four Atlantic Canadian provinces.
Then last year, a container tracking system that Nicom developed for the Port of Halifax won an award from the American Association of Port Authorities for "improvements in intermodal freight transportation". Intermodal freight transportation refers to freight that is shipped via multiple modes of transportation, for example both sea and rail. The system tracks dwell time (the time a container sits at a terminal) and transit time (time to its ultimate destination), two key factors for the Port of Halifax to be competitive.
It was this award that caught the attention of the Maritime Exchange in Philadelphia and which led to this new contract for Nicom.
Nicom IT Solutions is an IT professional services firm based in Halifax which specializes in web design, electronic commerce application development, technical support services, and IT consulting. It is owned by David Nicholson and Pat d'Entremont.
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