Entretrech - Serving Businesses in the Pasadena Area

Pasadena-based Metacloud announced this morning that it has released a new version of its product, Carbon|OS. Metacloud offers up software to help businesses and enterprise deploy their own, OpenStack-based enterprise cloud. The upgraded software is based on OpenStack Grizzly. MetaCloud said it is one of the first, commercial deployments of the latest OpenStack release, OpenStack Grizzly. The update includes a new self-service tenant management system; new tools to maximize the performance of virtual machines; a better web interface; and more. Metacloud said it has already deployed the new software at its clients, which include Fortune 5000 companies in industries including entertainment, finance, and technology. Opencloud is led by Sean Lynch.

Silicon Beach--the self-appointed name that has been used to describe many parts of Southern California's tech community, but which has seemed to have centered itself over Santa Monica and surrounding towns--has no shortage of events and conferences. However, Silicon Beach Fest, the upcoming conference which combines both the local high tech community as well as the entertainment industry, seems to be emblematic of the spirit and energy which has become apparent recently in the local startup scene. [Read more...]

Pasadena-baesd UberMedia, the Idealab-backed developer of mobile Twitter applications and mobile advertising technology, said today that it has named Michael Hayes as its new Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer. Hayes is an online advertising vet, having most recently been at agency Initiative. UberMedia said Hayes was managing accounts with Hyundai-Kia, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and MillerCoors. UberMedia is headed by Bill Gross, the founder of Idealab. UberMedia recently refocused its efforts to focus on providing mobile advertising technology.

Pasadena-based Jacobs, the provider of professional technical services and construction and engineering services, said today that it has acquired Compass Technology Services, a provider of wireless telecommunications infrastructure design and construction services. Financial details of the buy were not disclosed. Compass Technology Services is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and provides telecommunications professional and field services in the Southeastern U.S.

Pasadena-based X1 Discovery, the developer of enterprise e-discovery and search tools, has some new funding in hand, and has been ramping its efforts in the market. In a blog post Wednesday, CEO John Patzakis said that X1 hasd recently "enjoyed the support" of a number of investors, who have enabled the company to double down on its support of current customers and focus on development of its next generation search and discovery software. No other details of the investor backing were announced by the company. X1 Discovery is one of the companies out of Idealab. X1 Discovery recently released a brand new release of its X1 desktop search software, X1 Search 8.

It's always a challenge with freemium services--how much do you give away, and how much do you charge for? For online web conferencing provider AnyMeeting, it looks like it's moving one of its features--the ability to record webinars--into the charge category. AnyMeeting told its free users today that, starting June 1st, the recording feature of its service will only be available to its "Pro" plan users. AnyMeeting, which is based in Huntington Beach, has slowly been ramping its premium offerings, ever since adding a premium account offering back in 2011. The firm's pro accounts start at $17.99 a month. AnyMeeting is backed by the Tech Coast Angels, Keiretsu Forum, Pasadena Angels, and Sand Hill Angels.