WRAL Tech Wire

Best Advice for Protecting Intellectual Property? 'Plan Ahead'

Sam Byassee, one of North Carolina's best-known tech and IP lawyers, says attorneys must understand their clients' businesses. 'Knowing the law just isn't enough,' he adds.

Technology for the 'First Mile' Remains a Work in Progress

<b>Tech Trends:</b> The first mile -- called by some the 'last mile' - is where the data transport bottleneck remains. Engineers are in a race to find new ways around fiber obstacles.

Georgia Firms Raise $331 Million in VC So Far This Year

Total is divided among 30 companies. Amount more than double that invested in Carolinas. Top two deals represent more than $100 million.

Survivor Story: Blue292 Didn't Pluck Survival From a Clear Blue Sky

Durham company's strategic switch from selling its B2B exchange services to selling software could be 'a white paper in survival,' one venture capitalist says.

Batanga, Kucera Pharmaceuticals Get Piedmont Angel Funds

Network invests $280,000 in Hispanic-focused media company and $215,00 in Wake Forest spin-off. Deals are first ones for new VC group.

A Chat With Jeff LeRose: 'This Is the Best Time to Launch a Company'

Serial entrepreneur talks about his seventh startup Research Triangle Software and explains why 'the best time to start a company is when everybody else is downtrodden.'

Debating Open Source: Is Linux the Answer? Will Red Hat Succeed? Experts Jab, Counter Jab

CED Forum generates some heat and offers insight into software warfare. 'Linux is for real,' says Red Hat CIO. But at same time, one panelist questions Red Hat model.

NC Biotech Center Hires New Director

Budget Crunch Puts the Pinch on 'State of Minds' Campaign

Officials from NCEITA, Department of Commerce struggle for money to launch drive designed to pitch state's high-tech industry. Competing interests in state government and sluggish economy dry up public, private funding.

Some 6,000 People Expected for ITEC Expo Which Will Showcase Charlotte's IT Sector

Third annual Charlotte event, set for June 18-19, will offer exhibits, seminars, hands-on learning opportunities, and features keynote by CEO of Computer Associates.

Southeast's Share of Venture Funding Pie Continues To Shrink

Percentage has dropped by nearly half since 1995 -- and the decrease worsened first quarter of this year. Meanwhile, Texas and New York are getting increasing shares.

Breaking Glass: InfoStrength's Name Reflects Nature of Its Focus and Intensity of Its CEO

'As women in technology, it's unfortunate that we have to continue to prove ourselves, but that's reality,' says Rita Geiger. But, she adds, the climate in changing -- for the better.

Growing Therapy Edge Is Cutting Through HIV Treatment Options

Two-year-old Triangle Pharmaceuticals spinout is getting its road show together and will seek a third venture round between $3 million and $5 million.

Don't Think Wireless -- Think Mobile Internet, Experts Stress

'My suggestions for how to make the most money is to start with a user and ask yourself what they are going to want to be able to do with their mobile Internet connection,' consultant Bill Weiss tells RTP Wireless Initiative.

Green at LendingTree Is Product of Staying Focused, Says Doug Lebda

LendingTree turned a profit for the first time this year, heralding a dramatic turnaround in the company's fortunes. Says its CEO: 'LendingTree has always conducted our business in the same disciplined manner.'