“Frank’s experience across the ‘Smart Home’ value chain was an important factor in our decision,” said Affinegy CEO and Co-Founder Melissa Simpler. “He is the ideal hire for Affinegy. Over the last decade, we have been highly successful at propagating our TR-069 Auto Configuration Server (ACS) platform, touching approximately 40 million homes and businesses around the world through our service provider partners.”

A veteran of the technology industry, LaBarbera brings close to 20 years of experience in executive management, business development, strategy, product marketing and sales management. At Affinegy, he is responsible for setting the sales and marketing direction, building the team to execute these strategies, and developing the ecosystem partnerships to grow Affinegy’s top line revenue.

LaBarbera has established tremendous success across the “connected everything network” through his leadership roles at companies that include General Instrument, Broadcom, ClearAccess(Cisco) PacketVideo (NTT DoCoMo), and a number of successful startup companies. He has been instrumental in leading and delivering growth during key market inflections. LaBarbera has been at the forefront of numerous industry initiatives including WiFi home gateways, end to end broadband home lifestyle services, SaaS cloud management offerings and the sharing and streaming of premium and OTT content to every device in the home.

His experience reaches across the globe having built markets in NA, EMEA and APAC serving the cable, telco, satellite, mobile, media and consumer electronic sectors including the value chain to support these sectors.

Art Lancaster, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Affinegy, said LaBarbera impressed him, not only because of his experience, but by his resourcefulness in demonstrating his value to the company.

“Frank wants to be a part of Affinegy’s story as we utilize our patented technology to develop new areas of growth including in areas such as Machine To Machine (M2M) technologies,” said Lancaster.  “He understands the value of our technology to our existing customers in the home and small business as well as its potential to device manufacturers.”

LaBarbera said he was honored be a part of the Affinegy team. “This company is poised for great things,” he said. “The value of its technology stands out in the marketplace, especially as the industry moves in the direction of helping people get the most of the network and the devices that are connected to it.”

About Affinegy

Affinegy’s software brings together the “Internet of All Things” into a single experience for profitable quality connections. The company’s smart network management solutions automatically provision, configure, and manage the network and devices that are at the heart of new cloud-based applications and services delivered to homes and businesses. Leading broadband service providers, Internet-enabled device manufacturers, and application/service providers deploy Affinegy’s solutions to improve the customer experience, increase services adoption, and slash support costs.  Founded in 2003, Affinegy is headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in Dallas, London, and Wroclaw, Poland.

Affinegy customers include global broadband service providers that leverage Affinegy’s software to make it simple and profitable to activate video, voice, data and wireless smart connection services for the home consumer. Using Affinegy’s solution with WebMux load balancers provides the high availability required to support services delivered to the homes served by broadband service providers. Other Affinegy customers that may benefit from WebMux include software vendors that provide software and managed technology services as well as customer support and care centers that support home users.

“We chose WebMux load balancers and recommend them to our customers because of the flexibility in deployment in existing network configurations. Overall, WebMux provides our customers a high performance, feature-rich, and user-friendly solution at a good price point,” said Brian Peck, Director Business Development for Affinegy.

AVANU’s WebMux load balancers are used with Affinegy’s software on the northbound interface to distribute HTTP traffic from Web browser GUI activity, as well as Web services from service provider’s OSS/BSS systems to multiple ACS servers. On the southbound interface, the WebMux load balancers distribute TCP/IP traffic from thousands or millions of TR-069 enabled devices to the servers. WebMux provides high-availability via failover, ensuring optimal network performance.

The WebMux Out-of-Path mode allows configuration of transparent load balancing without changes to current IP addresses. The high performance and stability allows use of multiple secure connections based on SSL Termination. The WebMux solution also allows use of OSI Layer 7 (Application) load balancing which ensures that server-specific content is appropriately routed. WebMux can be deployed in a paired configuration, not only providing high availability via failover for inoperative IP servers, but also for the WebMux itself. This kind of failover capability is invoked automatically and requires no user intervention.

“Our alliance with Affinegy is an ideal fit. WebMux load balancers play a vital role for Affinegy’s customers who are using its TR-069 ACS platform solution to service home users. With AVANU and Affinegy, customers always stay connected and get the quality connection they expect,” said Pamela Sun, President of AVANU.

Both WebMux load balancers and Affinegy’s solution platform provide high availability, smart network management, while delivering quality connections.

AVANU’s WebMux Load Balancers Availability

WebMux load balancer models start at US$3,999 and come with one (1) year of limited product warranty, firmware updates, and technical support. WebMux load balancers are readily available from Affinegy. Affinegy can be reached at 1.512.535.1700.

About AVANU, LLC

Established in 1997 and based in the Silicon Valley, California, with a satellite office in the Washington DC area, AVANU® is a privately held network infrastructure product developer with manufacturing and production in the United States. AVANU’s focus is on products, including its powerful WebMux load balancer, for IT network infrastructure and data center environments. AVANU also provides network design, security consultation, and product implementation services. Among AVANU’s customers are specialized system integrators, value-added resellers, Web-hosting companies, ISPs, co-location entities, Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, and local and federal government agencies. AVANU® is a certified participant in the U.S. SBA’s 8(a)/SDB development program and WOSB Certified. For additional information, please visit: http://www.avanu.com

About Affinegy

Affinegy’s software brings together the Internet of All Things into a single experience for profitable quality connections. Affinegy’s smart network management solutions automatically provision, configure, and manage the network and devices that are at the heart of new cloud-based applications and services delivered to homes and offices. Leading broadband service providers, Internetenabled device manufacturers, and application/service providers deploy Affinegy’s solutions to improve the customer experience, increase services adoption, and slash support costs. Founded in 2003, Affinegy is headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in Dallas, London, and Wroclaw, Poland. For additional information, please visit: http://www.affinegy.com

Affinegy General Manager (EMEA) Yusuf Hassan will discuss “Challenges of the Connected Home: Connectivity; Care; In Home Support” at the event, which has been described as “highly technical” and will be attended by technical managers, chief engineers and research leads from across the member companies of DTG (www.dtg.org.uk).

Among the topics he will address are:

• Platform Architecture and Technology
• Tier 1 Remote Care capabilities
• Self-service in-home support diagnostics and self-fix capabilities
• Reports and customer insight
• Customer Self-Serve Diagnostics – Mobile

Hassan, who joined Affinegy in the spring of 2012, was previously the vice president (EMEA) at Radialpoint, which provided security and care services for broadband service providers. He also has served as head of business alliances at iManage, a content and collaboration leader and General Manager at Symantec UK Ltd.

At Affinegy, he is responsible for developing the European and EMEA markets with telecommunications and cable companies as well as service providers in the B2B markets.

“Yusuf’s presence at the conference speaks volumes about our commitment to grow our UK/European operations,” said Affinegy CEO Melissa Simpler. “With senior executives on board, such as Yusuf, Affinegy is poised for significant growth in 2013.”

About Affinegy

Affinegy’s software brings together the “Internet of All Things” into a single experience for profitable quality connections. The company’s smart network management solutions automatically provision, configure, and manage the network and devices that are at the heart of new cloud-based applications and services delivered to homes. Leading broadband service providers, internet-enabled device manufacturers, and application/service providers deploy Affinegy’s solutions to improve the customer experience, increase services adoption, and slash support costs.  Founded in 2003, Affinegy is headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in Dallas, London, and Wroclaw, Poland.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/345657#ixzz2NYHLvrNo

Besides attending what is arguably the most prestigious event for the “connected home industry,” Affinegy General Manager (EMEA) Yusuf Hassan has been invited to take the stage as a speaker at the conference.

Hassan, who joined Affinegy last spring, will talk about “Developing Reliable Wi-Fi, IPtv Solutions and Beyond to Enhance the Connected Home Experience.”

Among the topics Hassan will explore are:

- The role of hybrid networks
- Opportunities within the home automation and security segment
- Where we are now, and what a large-scale industry needs from cellular, broadband and Wi-Fi networks

Hardly a stranger to the industry, Hassan was previously the vice president EMEA at Radialpoint, which provided security and care services for broadband service providers. He also has served as head of business alliances at iManage, a content and collaboration leader.

• At Affinegy, he is responsible for developing the EMEA markets with telecommunications and cable companies as well as service providers.

“Yusuf’s presence at the conference speaks volumes about our commitment to grow our UK/European operations,” said Affinegy CEO Melissa Simpler. “With senior executives on board, such as Yusuf, Affinegy is poised for significant growth in 2013.”

About Affinegy

Affinegy’s software brings together the Internet of All Things into a single experience for profitable quality connections. Affinegy’s smart network management solutions automatically provision, configure, and manage the network and devices that are at the heart of new cloud-based applications and services delivered to homes and offices. Leading broadband service providers, internet-enabled device manufacturers, and application/service providers deploy Affinegy’s solutions to improve the customer experience, increase services adoption, and slash support costs.  Founded in 2003, Affinegy is headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in Dallas, London, and Wroclaw, Poland.

The global provider of technology solutions that promotes profitable and reliable  connections in the home is also a leader when it comes to helping those less fortunate.

Despite having a modest employee base to call upon, Affinegy emerged yesterday as one of Austin leading corporate participants in Amplify Austin, the one-day effort to increase philanthropy in Central Texas. Amplify Austin’s goal was to raise $1 million online for more than 300 Central Texas nonprofits. Instead, the movement collected almost $3 million through more than 20,000 donations.

Affinegy and its employees contributed approximately $2,000 to the cause, a level of participation that brought a smile to the face of CEO Melissa Simpler.

“We are a tight-nit company with employees who love Austin and the ideals it inspires,” said Simpler. “This was out opportunity to practice conscious capitalism and make a difference in the lives of others.’

In no particular order, Affinegy and its employees supported the following local charity chapters:

ACLU
Ronald McDonald House
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
Texas Archive of the Moving Image
Planned Parenthood
Nature Conservancy
American Red Cross
El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission
PAWS
Susan G. Komen Foundation
Austin Humane Society
Texas Freedom Network Education Fund
Austin Zoo
KLRU
SafePlace
Janes Due Process Legal Hotline
Austin Pets Alive

About Affinegy

Affinegy’s software brings together the Internet of All Things into a single experience for profitable quality connections. Affinegy’s smart network management solutions automatically provision, configure, and manage the network and devices that are at the heart of new cloud-based applications and services delivered to homes and offices. Leading broadband service providers, internet-enabled device manufacturers, and application/service providers deploy Affinegy’s solutions to improve the customer experience, increase services adoption, and slash support costs.  Founded in 2003, Affinegy is headquartered in Austin, TX with offices in Dallas, London, and Wroclaw, Poland.

Established in 2004, the CABA Connected Home Council initiates and reviews projects that relate to connected home and multiple dwelling unit technologies and applications. The Council also examines industry opportunities that can accelerate the adoption of new technologies, consumer electronics and broadband services within the burgeoning connected home market.

“CABA is honored to have Melissa Simpler serve as the new Vice-Chair of its Connected Home Council. She brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and insight into connected home solutions and her leadership and management experience will be a tremendous asset,” stated Ronald J. Zimmer, CABA President & CEO.

Simpler co-founded Affinegy (www.affinegy.com), a supplier of service enablement and network management solutions for the home and business. Leading broadband service providers and equipment manufacturers have deployed Affinegy’s solution worldwide in over 33 million households and 27 languages. As CEO, she directs business strategy, company operations, marketing and sales. Previously she served in corporate business and engineering management roles at Motorola, Dell, and National Instruments.

Simpler has a BSEE, cum laude, and MBA from the University of Texas. She actively contributes to Austin’s technology sector including driving membership growth for Austin Technology Council and serving as a founding member of the Software SIG of the Greater Austin Chamber. She is also actively involved in the Software CEO Group and Tech Women CEO Network.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to CABA’s Connected Home Council,” said Simpler. “I look forward to advancing the connected home marketplace by helping to lead collaborative initiatives in conjunction with other leading industry organizations.

Scott Burnett, Chairperson of the Connected Home Council for CABA and Director, Global Consumer Electronics, IBM Electronics Industry, said the appointment of Simpler is a terrific win for CABA. “The Council gets a leader and visionary, whose expertise will help propel the council forward addressing the needs in an accelerating market.”

Austin, TX – Affinegy, a global supplier of service enablement and network management software solutions for the home today announced the release of the latest version of its TR-069 Auto Configuration Server (ACS) platform and accompanying software for management of the Connected Home.

Major updates to the ACS platform include:

Hosted Solution:  The Affinegy ACS is now deployable as a hosted, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application. This reduces the up-front financial and operational costs associated with a traditional data center implementation and the time to deployment.

Advanced Router Management: The platform provides a uniform, simplified user interface to manage advanced router settings for both the subscriber and the customer care agent. This simplifies the challenges service providers face as they maintain a multi-vendor CPE environment.  Advanced functions like Port Forwarding, MAC Filtering and Wireless Health Optimizer, are now presented in a clear, browser-based interface, bringing simplicity and ease of access to what has traditionally been a difficult to understand and complicated user experience.

Alarm Management System:  Service providers are now able to monitor, filter and act on alarms generated by the ACS, its applications, subscriber events and CPEs.  Alarms can trigger actions such as executing scripts to perform specific tasks and even sending electronic notifications.

“This release marks the latest integration milestone of the acquired Sagemcom ACS functionality with the Affinegy Connected Home platform” remarks Affinegy CEO Melissa Simpler, “and the joint solution brings powerful visibility and manageability to our service provider customers.  The simplicity of the system interaction and its unparalleled troubleshooting capabilities far exceed the typical firmware management activities found in traditional ACS platforms.”

The Affinegy ACS is a comprehensive remote CPE management platform fully compliant with the Broadband Forum’s TR-069 specifications.  The platform is complimented by web-based portals for Customer Care and Subscriber Self Care functions along with a patented approach to managing non-TR-069 legacy devices inside the home. The Affinegy portfolio of products delivers the OPEX containment measures service providers seek and enable the service revenue generating capabilities they require.

About Affinegy

Affinegy is a proven global supplier of service enablement and network management software solutions for the home. Leading broadband service providers, equipment manufacturers and premium care providers use Affinegy products to power profitable quality connections for their customers and have deployed Affinegy solutions worldwide in over 33M households and 27 languages. Affinegy software increases product and service adoption, slashes inbound support costs and improves customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.affinegy.com.

Austin, TX – Affinegy, a global supplier of service enablement and network management software solutions for the home, and ZyXEL Communications, a leading provider of secure broadband networking, Internet access, connected home and routing products today announced broad interoperability between the Affinegy ACS Platform and the P660HN-51 DSL Gateway device.

The sheer number of devices being connected inside the home is making life more complicated for the consumer and the broadband service provider, who is often being asked to help resolve the confusion.  “Savvy service providers are recognizing this situation as an opportunity to both better serve their subscribers and monetize activities they are often already performing”, states Melissa Simpler, CEO and Co-founder of Affinegy.  “The widely deployed ZyXEL family of TR-069 gateways along with the Affinegy ACS platform products are bringing greater visibility and remote device manageability to the toolkit of the digital service provider – two elements greatly needed if they are to continue to evolve their business strategy and take advantage of emerging digital lifestyle services.”

The Affinegy ACS is a comprehensive remote CPE management platform fully compliant with the Broadband Forum’s TR-069 specifications.  The platform is complimented by web-based portals for Customer Care and Subscriber Self Care functions along with a patented approach to managing non-TR-069 legacy devices inside the home brings a simplicity of system interaction and unparalleled troubleshooting capabilities, far exceeding the typical firmware management activities found in traditional ACS platforms.  The Affinegy portfolio of products delivers the OPEX containment measures service providers seek and enable the service revenue generating capabilities they require.

About Affinegy

Affinegy is a proven global supplier of service enablement and network management software solutions for the home. Leading broadband service providers, equipment manufacturers and premium care providers use Affinegy products to power profitable quality connections for their customers and have deployed Affinegy solutions worldwide in over 33M households and 27 languages. Affinegy software increases product and service adoption, slashes inbound support costs and improves customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.affinegy.com.

About ZyXEL Communications Corp.


ZyXEL Communications Corp., founded in 1989, is a world-class networking company providing leading technology Internet product and solutions. As one of the early modem manufacturers, ZyXEL has gone through transformations in the fast-paced networking industry. Today, ZyXEL is one of the few companies in the world capable of offering complete networking solutions for Telcos, small to medium-sized businesses, and digital home users for a wide range of deployment scenarios. Telco solutions include Central Office Equipment, Customer Premises Equipment, Wired and Wireless Access Network Devices, and Carrier Switches. SMB and Enterprise solutions include Unified Security Gateways, LAN Switches, WLAN, and IP Telephony. Digital Home solutions include Network Connectivity Devices and Multimedia Solutions.