ReminderMedia updates technology, streamlines processes

Robert Bennett of White Mountain Cable, a subcontractor for Comcast, installs fiber optic cable at ReminderMedia's offices in Vernon. Photos by Lauri Voter.

Business managers at the Vernon-based ReminderMedia made a recent decision to implement a technology upgrade that they say will result in a greater streamlining of business processes. The company recently began the process of installing fiber optic cable, with the goal of maximizing efficiency for ReminderNews customers, readers and staff.

On Jan. 26, a crew from White Mountain Cable, contracted by Comcast Business, was onsite to conduct the initial stages of the installation.

ReminderMedia Information Technology Director Curtis T. Panlilio said that the long-and-short of upgrading to one of technology's latest and greatest capabilities is “going to increase our bandwidth.”

“By doing this, we're reducing the number of ISP [internet service provider] lines into the building. We use three now, it will be down to one,” which should reduce the company's service provider costs, while allowing more efficient data transfer. 

Other recent upgrades in the company's technology have resulted in increased web-based transactions being conducted by sales and editorial staff in the field. The internal demand on the company's server to process these requests has, in the past, caused slight delays in functions. Fiber optic technology will enable field-based personnel to realize a more efficient transmittal process for best practices in customer services.

“Most of this is an internal upgrade, because our services are consumed in greater amount by staff who are uploading data such as stories, photos and proofs from the road,” said Panlilio. Nonetheless, Panlilio also said that the fiber optic upgrade will offer a benefit to readers of ReminderNews' online features, who will no longer “compete” with each other as they visit the company's website. The increased bandwidth could provide a faster response time for readers, as more and more of them visit www.ReminderNews.com to see up-to-date stories and features.

Panlilio said that the fiber optic technology will also make it easier for ReminderMedia to make additional technological updates in the future. “Fiber versus copper is inherently faster. As time goes on and we need to increase our bandwidth for whatever reason, you can do it more easily with fiber,” said Panlilio, who also said that the full installation will be completed in February.

Visit www.ReminderNews.com for more information, to submit online news coverage or advertising requests and to view up-to-date stories, photos and special features.