Jun 20, 2010 By Herald Standard Staff 3 min read

The Fayette-Washington Keystone Innovation Zone (FWKIZ) is announcing that Synaptic Systems Inc. of Southpointe, Washington County, has been awarded a $10,000 business micro grant for its VDi technology. Synaptic was founded on Jan. 19, 2006, as an end-to-end information technology solution provider and are experts in implementing, monitoring, and managing network infrastructures. Synaptic Systems offer server solutions, network architectures, software and software licensing strategies that maximize their client’s profitability and productivity. A main focus is building communication/collaboration systems that automate and streamline how their clients operate. One of their specialties is designing and deploying private clouds for enterprise computing and corporate telephony. By leveraging the power of virtual desktop computing, Synaptic Systems helps its clients realize unprecedented savings in hardware, maintenance and energy costs-directly improving their bottom line.

Mike Ruscitto is president of Synaptic Systems.

Lisa Winfrey, public relation/marketing director for Synaptic Systems, said that the FWKIZ micro grant will enable Synaptic Systems to complete the research and development phase of bringing its new VDi solution to market. “We currently have several pilot installations in operation. The micro grant will also enable us to accelerate our production cycle. This in turn will translate into a direct increase in market share, which will subsequently require a significant increase in our technical and general staffing needs. The equipment to be purchased with the grant will shift our HR needs from low-cost computer support personnel to premium, high-wage personnel and help establish the virtualization infrastructure these technical HR resources will build, deploy and support,” she said.

Joe Podolinski, FWKIZ coordinator, said their target market is corporate organizations, schools, colleges and call centers. Their product replaces the hot, noisy, desktop PC with an unobtrusive network appliance that attaches to the back of any VESA – compliant LCD monitor, it allows the user to have more space and the benefit of regaining their desktop. In addition, the total cost savings on infrastructure management and support can save the organization up to 60 percent over desktop solutions. Podolinski also noted that companies applying for a business micro grant must provide a dollar-for-dollar match. For companies to be KIZ qualified, a company must be under eight years old, operate in a designated zone and be involved in either energy, IT, defense/homeland security. Companies involved in other industry sectors would be looked at on a case-by-case basis for program eligibility.

The Fayette-Washington Keystone Innovation Zone is a collaborative project with Fay Penn Economic Development Council and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The focus of the FWKIZ is to work with such companies and colleges/universities to promote innovation, technology and entrepreneurial activity in designated zones