I believe the first time I quoted Gary Rowe in a Network World article – a print one at that – was back in July of 1991, when he was an AT&T email services director and the focus was the very glamorous topic of X.500 directories. Fast forward to 2015, I’m still with Network World and Rowe has moved on to form a new consulting and analysis firm called TechVision Research, and sure enough, when we reconnected recently, we found ourselves talking once again about some of the same themes, including identity management and privacy.
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That’s not to say, of course, that the enterprise and broader technology scene hasn’t changed dramatically over the years. Why the Web was just getting off the ground and Google was years away from forming when Rowe and I first met. But one thing that hasn’t changed a lot, claims Rowe, is the market research and consulting business.
MORE: What is SaaS? Well, the neither S stands for Sexy
In his view, you still have your high-end firms like Gartner (which bought the Burton Group consultancy, which Rowe led, back in 2010), IDC (a Network World sister site company) and Forrester. He compared these outfits to the Nordstroms and Saks Fifth Avenues of the retail world, providing good quality at a premium price. Then at the other end of the spectrum you have what he equated to garage sale-like consulting and research offerings, where good deals can be found, but you take your chances. What TechVision is shooting for is to be somewhere in the middle, the Costco of this market, offering high quality research at attractive enterprise-wide pricing so that it can be accessed by anyone within a client’s organization (no per-seat pricing). TechVision is targeting Global 2000 companies on the IT user side, though will also serve tech vendors.
Members of Rowe’s team include the likes of Fred Cohen, who came up with the term “computer virus,” Bill Bonney, recently director of information security and compliance at Intuit, and Noreen Kendle, who played key roles in enterprise infrastructure projects at organizations such as Delta Air Lines and The Home Depot. Rowe says TechVision won’t have analysts in ivory towers, but rather, everyone will be hands on.
“We’re addressing a gap in the market partly created by the sale of the Burton Group to Gartner,” he says, and in fact quite a few of TechVision’s 20 or so employees have Burton roots (Rowe is quick to defend Gartner’s acquisition of Burton as well). “We’re not positioning ourselves to replace Gartner at all, that would be business suicide. But we are a viable second source in those areas we cover,” says Rowe, whose team is largely based in the United States, scattered across the country.
Among the firm’s early reports are those on the future of identity management, for which Rowe has interviewed about a dozen industry leaders from the vendor (including Kim Cameron at Microsoft and Eric Sachs at Google) and customer side to get a broad perspective on the topic. ID management has become increasingly complex, he says, as it is hooked into everything from security to mobile networking to the Internet of Things. “How is this going to scale when we from hundreds of thousands or millions of objects in a direction in an IoT world, to billions or even trillions?” he ponders.
TechVision is also exploring new directions in which development is going, including containerization and microservices architectures. “Some of it’s not sexy, but it’s fundamental to where organizations are going,” Rowe says.
Speaking of not sexy, the aforementioned topic of X.500 directories likely won’t be anything TechVision will need to delve into even though Rowe and others on his team are experts on the subject. However, Rowe did mention one big prospect in the energy field that is looking to refresh a 10-year-old identity management architecture and roadmap.
read more: http://www.networkworld.com/article/3008473/security/aiming-to-be-the-costco-of-tech-research-and-consulting.html
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
IMAM: Don’t hate on consulting
This semester, two of my fellow Opinion columnists have written pieces concerning the presence of consulting on Grounds and its effects on the University’s community. More specifically, Jesse Berman focused on how the overrepresentation of consulting firms at job and internship fairs can result in apathy towards the events amongst students uninterested in the field. Meanwhile, Will Evans sought to illuminate the dishonorable aspects of entering the financial services sector in an attempt gain a higher status, encouraging students to look to other, “nobler” next steps in life. While both pieces were well thought out and contained understandable concerns, I take issue with the narrow scope of consulting they rely on and the stigma they place on those choosing careers in search of wealth.
Evans points out that the University’s competitive atmosphere lends itself to the financial services sector, creating a culture in which success is often equated with securing a position in a top firm, eventually leading to wealth and status — a point on which I would definitely agree. However, he then goes on to characterize working for a for-profit company as a “shallow pursuit in life.” In doing so, he provides a narrow scope of consulting firms, which often serve non-profit companies as well, while also failing to at least recognize the ways in which money incentivizes businesses to serve us.
While it may seem immoral to make money through helping companies profit, it is important to consider the scope of what those companies will be using that money for, which could include purposes most people would categorize as noble, such as research and development for new treatments for illnesses. For example, Bain and Company’s work with PillCo, an international pharmaceutical company, enabled its research and development department to reach its goal of bringing an average of 2.5 blockbuster New Chemical Entities (drugs that FDA have approved and found to contain to active moiety) to market each year. Another sector in which Bain’s work has helped produce positive impact in aiding companies such as Lavazza reduce energy consumption.
Evans notes Swarthmore Psychology Prof. Barry Schwartz’s findings that most people do not work simply to make money, but to improve the lives of others. When one considers this finding, as well as the fact that many jobs in the financial services sector directly or indirectly improve others’ lives, it becomes clear pursuing a job within consulting does not necessarily mean selling one’s soul.
Additionally, this characterization of those pursuing careers resulting in wealth illustrates a stigma that our society too often places on those motivated by and in search of it. While money should by no means be the only reason for which someone seeks out a career, it is also unfair to label as greedy someone who may choose a particular path partly due to a desire to utilize the wealth it would provide. As cliché as it may sound, money is a tool. Pursuing it, both on the part of individuals and companies, means pursuing the means necessary to provide for those around you, carry out a mission or prove one’s worth to society (although different people may see varying amounts of wealth as necessary to fulfill their desires). Keeping in mind this view of money, it becomes harder to consider working for a for-profit company, or a consulting firm aiming to help one, an endeavor that could result in one’s sacrificing “even the slightest degree of dignity.”
Furthermore, Evans notes corporations enticing students with the “idea that top University graduates become analysts, analysts become associates and associates become vice presidents.” However, this depicted chain seems to be one that could only be attained by working your way up, and I have a hard time understanding what is so bad about attaining status and wealth if it is the result of hard work and talent, as well as putting in that work due to that desire to attain it. While Evans most likely did not mean to demean hard work or talent, I do not think his contention that the initial motivation to join consulting is in certain ways a corrupted one holds due to the broad nature of consulting, the various ways in which people view money and the fact that it is human nature to desire wealth. Due to the many motivations driving people into fields such as consulting, it seems unfair to say that for most people, the end result of wealth and status may not be what they hope.
see more at: http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2015/11/imam-dont-hate-consulting
Evans points out that the University’s competitive atmosphere lends itself to the financial services sector, creating a culture in which success is often equated with securing a position in a top firm, eventually leading to wealth and status — a point on which I would definitely agree. However, he then goes on to characterize working for a for-profit company as a “shallow pursuit in life.” In doing so, he provides a narrow scope of consulting firms, which often serve non-profit companies as well, while also failing to at least recognize the ways in which money incentivizes businesses to serve us.
While it may seem immoral to make money through helping companies profit, it is important to consider the scope of what those companies will be using that money for, which could include purposes most people would categorize as noble, such as research and development for new treatments for illnesses. For example, Bain and Company’s work with PillCo, an international pharmaceutical company, enabled its research and development department to reach its goal of bringing an average of 2.5 blockbuster New Chemical Entities (drugs that FDA have approved and found to contain to active moiety) to market each year. Another sector in which Bain’s work has helped produce positive impact in aiding companies such as Lavazza reduce energy consumption.
Evans notes Swarthmore Psychology Prof. Barry Schwartz’s findings that most people do not work simply to make money, but to improve the lives of others. When one considers this finding, as well as the fact that many jobs in the financial services sector directly or indirectly improve others’ lives, it becomes clear pursuing a job within consulting does not necessarily mean selling one’s soul.
Additionally, this characterization of those pursuing careers resulting in wealth illustrates a stigma that our society too often places on those motivated by and in search of it. While money should by no means be the only reason for which someone seeks out a career, it is also unfair to label as greedy someone who may choose a particular path partly due to a desire to utilize the wealth it would provide. As cliché as it may sound, money is a tool. Pursuing it, both on the part of individuals and companies, means pursuing the means necessary to provide for those around you, carry out a mission or prove one’s worth to society (although different people may see varying amounts of wealth as necessary to fulfill their desires). Keeping in mind this view of money, it becomes harder to consider working for a for-profit company, or a consulting firm aiming to help one, an endeavor that could result in one’s sacrificing “even the slightest degree of dignity.”
Furthermore, Evans notes corporations enticing students with the “idea that top University graduates become analysts, analysts become associates and associates become vice presidents.” However, this depicted chain seems to be one that could only be attained by working your way up, and I have a hard time understanding what is so bad about attaining status and wealth if it is the result of hard work and talent, as well as putting in that work due to that desire to attain it. While Evans most likely did not mean to demean hard work or talent, I do not think his contention that the initial motivation to join consulting is in certain ways a corrupted one holds due to the broad nature of consulting, the various ways in which people view money and the fact that it is human nature to desire wealth. Due to the many motivations driving people into fields such as consulting, it seems unfair to say that for most people, the end result of wealth and status may not be what they hope.
see more at: http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2015/11/imam-dont-hate-consulting
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Ebix Consulting Honored With Multiple Awards at ACORD2015
NEW BRITAIN, Conn., Nov. 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ebix Consulting for Life & Annuity Insurance (formerly known as VERTEX, Inc), based in New Britain, Connecticut has been honored by the Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development (ACORD) with distinction for both their Industry Leadership and their award-winning VTXml Product Suite. This is the 11th year in a row in which Ebix Consulting has been presented with an award exemplifying their dedication to the ACORD standards.
The core of ACORD2015 is three days of knowledge with deep dives into ACORD Standards and Architecture, continuing education and professional development, and the latest on the technology and business horizons.
Pam Simonds of Ebix Consulting was presented with the Leadership award for her consistent commitment to the ACORD organization. Specifically, Pam has co-chaired the ACORD Forms working groups, actively participated in ACORD and IRI working groups, and helped develop the standards that meet the needs of Ebix Consulting clients and the industry.
The Case Study award is in recognition of the Ebix Consulting VTXml Product Suite. The product suite facilitates ACORD transactions for the insurance industry. VTXml is the most widely used tool in the industry for the creation and publication of insurance product definitions using established industry standards like ACORD's PPfA and PPfL data models.
Using these ACORD XML messaging standards offers clear advantages for insurance companies. The product effectively meets the challenge of getting product information into the latest version of ACORD. VTXml offers an intuitive, secure, business-centric solution that allows users to create product definitions once and then create valid ACORD XML transactions in any version desired with the click of a button. The XML generator built into the software ensures data integrity between versions and saves time and effort.
“Ebix Consulting’s continued leadership, valuable participation and implementation of the latest ACORD Standard demonstrates their dedication and commitment to streamlining and simplifying this industry,” said Sandy Hampel, ACORD Director of Life & Annuity Implementations. “We congratulate them on these 2015 ACORD Awards.”
For further information about Ebix Consulting and their product offerings, please contact sales@ebixconsulting.com.
About Ebix Consulting
Ebix Consulting, an Ebix company (NASDAQ:EBIX), is a full service professional services firm providing product and services specific to Life, Annuity and Property Casualty Insurance. Ebix Consulting works closely with ACORD to enhance their data standards, proctor their ACORD Certification Expert program, and support many insurance carriers in their implementation and maintenance of the ACORD data model and transactions.
About Ebix, Inc.
A leading international supplier of On-Demand software and E-commerce services to the insurance, financial and healthcare industries, Ebix, Inc., (NASDAQ: EBIX) provides end-to-end solutions ranging from infrastructure exchanges, carrier systems, agency systems and risk compliance solutions to custom software development for all entities involved in the insurance industry.
With 40+ offices across Brazil, Singapore, Australia, the US, UK, New Zealand, India and Canada, Ebix powers multiple exchanges across the world in the field of life, annuity, health and property & casualty insurance while conducting in excess of $100 billion in insurance premiums on its platforms. Through its various SaaS-based software platforms, Ebix employs hundreds of insurance and technology professionals to provide products, support and consultancy to thousands of customers on six continents. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.ebix.com
read more: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/globenewswire/6023605.htm
The core of ACORD2015 is three days of knowledge with deep dives into ACORD Standards and Architecture, continuing education and professional development, and the latest on the technology and business horizons.
Pam Simonds of Ebix Consulting was presented with the Leadership award for her consistent commitment to the ACORD organization. Specifically, Pam has co-chaired the ACORD Forms working groups, actively participated in ACORD and IRI working groups, and helped develop the standards that meet the needs of Ebix Consulting clients and the industry.
The Case Study award is in recognition of the Ebix Consulting VTXml Product Suite. The product suite facilitates ACORD transactions for the insurance industry. VTXml is the most widely used tool in the industry for the creation and publication of insurance product definitions using established industry standards like ACORD's PPfA and PPfL data models.
Using these ACORD XML messaging standards offers clear advantages for insurance companies. The product effectively meets the challenge of getting product information into the latest version of ACORD. VTXml offers an intuitive, secure, business-centric solution that allows users to create product definitions once and then create valid ACORD XML transactions in any version desired with the click of a button. The XML generator built into the software ensures data integrity between versions and saves time and effort.
“Ebix Consulting’s continued leadership, valuable participation and implementation of the latest ACORD Standard demonstrates their dedication and commitment to streamlining and simplifying this industry,” said Sandy Hampel, ACORD Director of Life & Annuity Implementations. “We congratulate them on these 2015 ACORD Awards.”
For further information about Ebix Consulting and their product offerings, please contact sales@ebixconsulting.com.
About Ebix Consulting
Ebix Consulting, an Ebix company (NASDAQ:EBIX), is a full service professional services firm providing product and services specific to Life, Annuity and Property Casualty Insurance. Ebix Consulting works closely with ACORD to enhance their data standards, proctor their ACORD Certification Expert program, and support many insurance carriers in their implementation and maintenance of the ACORD data model and transactions.
About Ebix, Inc.
A leading international supplier of On-Demand software and E-commerce services to the insurance, financial and healthcare industries, Ebix, Inc., (NASDAQ: EBIX) provides end-to-end solutions ranging from infrastructure exchanges, carrier systems, agency systems and risk compliance solutions to custom software development for all entities involved in the insurance industry.
With 40+ offices across Brazil, Singapore, Australia, the US, UK, New Zealand, India and Canada, Ebix powers multiple exchanges across the world in the field of life, annuity, health and property & casualty insurance while conducting in excess of $100 billion in insurance premiums on its platforms. Through its various SaaS-based software platforms, Ebix employs hundreds of insurance and technology professionals to provide products, support and consultancy to thousands of customers on six continents. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.ebix.com
read more: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/globenewswire/6023605.htm
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Virtusa to acquire majority stake in Polaris
Polaris Consulting and Services Ltd. (“Polaris”), an innovator in digital transformation and financial technology, has entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Virtusa Corporation (“Virtusa”) whereby a subsidiary of Virtusa will acquire approximately 53% of the paid up share capital of Polaris from certain promoter entities led by Arun Jain and certain other shareholders, including OrbiTech Private Ltd (formerly known as Orbitech Limited).
In accordance with the terms and conditions of the SPA, Virtusa will purchase the shares at a price of approximately INR 220.73 per share, aggregating to approximately INR 1,173 crores.
In addition, Virtusa will make an unconditional mandatory offer to the public shareholders of Polaris to purchase up to an additional 26% of the outstanding shares of Polaris.
The board of directors of Polaris approved the execution of the SPA as Virtusa would be a complementary partner offering a compelling alternative to drive the digital agenda of the global BFS industry. The deal will expand presence in key markets and enhance the ability to pursue larger consulting and outsourcing contracts.
Arun Jain, Chairman of Polaris Consulting & Services Ltd., said, “I am delighted to have identified Kris Canekeratne and his team at Virtusa to pass on the baton to grow Polaris by offering greater value to customers and more opportunities for the team. I wish all Polaris associates who contributed to building Polaris into a world class company in the BFSI space, continued success in their journey under the larger canvas of Virtusa and Polaris. This will also enable me to establish and pursue innovative models for social impact using Design Thinking in the areas of health and education, in addition to my focus on steering Intellect Design Arena Limited into a global digital products powerhouse”.
Kris Canekeratne, Virtusa’s Chairman and CEO, said, “Polaris brings a terrific team and an attractive, blue-chip client base to our organization. The combination of Virtusa and Polaris enables us to provide end-to-end global BFS services and solutions, expand our addressable market, and position us to pursue larger consulting and outsourcing opportunities. We are enthusiastic about working with the Polaris team to build out our platform and offer clients a distinctive set of offerings.”
Jitin Goyal, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Polaris Consulting & Services Ltd.s, said, “Virtusa and Polaris combined will create an indisputable brand to reckon with in the digital space. Both organisations share a common goal of delivering best-in-class solutions and the highest level of service excellence to our clients. I believe the combination of the two companies will enable us to better address our clients’ most critical business objectives.”
Upon closing of this transaction, Citigroup Technology, Inc. (“Citi”), has agreed to designate Virtusa and Polaris as a preferred vendor for Global Technology Resource Strategy for the provision of IT services to Citi on an enterprise-wide basis. In addition, Polaris and Virtusa agreed to certain productivity savings and associated reduced spend commitments for a period of two years, which, if not achieved, would require Virtusa/Polaris to provide certain minimum discounts to Citi. The parties agreed to amend Polaris’ master services agreement with Citi such that Virtusa Corporation would also be deemed a contracting party and would assume, and agree to perform, or cause Polaris to perform, all applicable obligations under the master services agreement. The Preferred vendor status provides an opportunity to competitively bid for additional/new work. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2016. The transaction is subject to certain conditions to close, including regulatory approvals.
read more: http://finextra.com/news/announcement.aspx?pressreleaseid=62027
In accordance with the terms and conditions of the SPA, Virtusa will purchase the shares at a price of approximately INR 220.73 per share, aggregating to approximately INR 1,173 crores.
In addition, Virtusa will make an unconditional mandatory offer to the public shareholders of Polaris to purchase up to an additional 26% of the outstanding shares of Polaris.
The board of directors of Polaris approved the execution of the SPA as Virtusa would be a complementary partner offering a compelling alternative to drive the digital agenda of the global BFS industry. The deal will expand presence in key markets and enhance the ability to pursue larger consulting and outsourcing contracts.
Arun Jain, Chairman of Polaris Consulting & Services Ltd., said, “I am delighted to have identified Kris Canekeratne and his team at Virtusa to pass on the baton to grow Polaris by offering greater value to customers and more opportunities for the team. I wish all Polaris associates who contributed to building Polaris into a world class company in the BFSI space, continued success in their journey under the larger canvas of Virtusa and Polaris. This will also enable me to establish and pursue innovative models for social impact using Design Thinking in the areas of health and education, in addition to my focus on steering Intellect Design Arena Limited into a global digital products powerhouse”.
Kris Canekeratne, Virtusa’s Chairman and CEO, said, “Polaris brings a terrific team and an attractive, blue-chip client base to our organization. The combination of Virtusa and Polaris enables us to provide end-to-end global BFS services and solutions, expand our addressable market, and position us to pursue larger consulting and outsourcing opportunities. We are enthusiastic about working with the Polaris team to build out our platform and offer clients a distinctive set of offerings.”
Jitin Goyal, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Polaris Consulting & Services Ltd.s, said, “Virtusa and Polaris combined will create an indisputable brand to reckon with in the digital space. Both organisations share a common goal of delivering best-in-class solutions and the highest level of service excellence to our clients. I believe the combination of the two companies will enable us to better address our clients’ most critical business objectives.”
Upon closing of this transaction, Citigroup Technology, Inc. (“Citi”), has agreed to designate Virtusa and Polaris as a preferred vendor for Global Technology Resource Strategy for the provision of IT services to Citi on an enterprise-wide basis. In addition, Polaris and Virtusa agreed to certain productivity savings and associated reduced spend commitments for a period of two years, which, if not achieved, would require Virtusa/Polaris to provide certain minimum discounts to Citi. The parties agreed to amend Polaris’ master services agreement with Citi such that Virtusa Corporation would also be deemed a contracting party and would assume, and agree to perform, or cause Polaris to perform, all applicable obligations under the master services agreement. The Preferred vendor status provides an opportunity to competitively bid for additional/new work. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2016. The transaction is subject to certain conditions to close, including regulatory approvals.
read more: http://finextra.com/news/announcement.aspx?pressreleaseid=62027
Monday, November 2, 2015
Leo George Woerner, consulting engineer
Leo George Woerner, a consulting engineer in Baltimore for 45 years who was known for using his abilities to help others, died Oct. 27 of heart failure at his Mays Chapel home. He was 88.
Mr. Woerner was trained as an electrical engineer but found himself better suited to mechanical engineering. He worked as a consultant for some big names nationally and locally — Black & Decker, Caterpillar, Northrup Grumman, Pritchard Brown and Hedwin — but found joy in fixing things for family and neighbors when they needed it.
Or if he thought they did.
"There was always a list of things around the house to fix, and he did want us to know how to maintain our cars so we weren't helpless," said Susan Graham of Bloomington, Ind., one of his three daughters. "But he definitely was a Mr. Fix-It and a Mr. Helpful, and he loved being able to do it."
Aid extended to neighbors who had car or plumbing troubles, and a nearby building of people who called on him to fix, among other things, their elevator. It also extended to young engineers, who found a mentor in Mr. Woerner.
He was born in Manhattan, the son and Leo Woerner, an accountant, and the former Elsie Heinrich, a medical technologist. He served two years in the Navy and graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 1949.
He earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana in 1950, and then married Gloria Evelyn Duff, with whom he celebrated a 65th wedding anniversary just before his death.
Mr. Woerner worked in engineering for 70 years until 2013. He began his career at 16 at the Bartol Research Foundation, part of the Franklin Institute, as a laboratory assistant. After getting his degree he worked on computer systems with the Burroughs Adding Machine Company Research Laboratory and designed magnetic computer memory components that were patented.
Later he worked for the International Resistance Corporation, an electronic parts manufacturer, and then moved onto Schick Inc. in Lancaster, Pa., where he expanded their product line from plug-in shavers to battery-operated shavers, as well hair dryers and electric toothbrushes.
He was awarded more patents for mechanical equipment in his next post at AMP Inc. in Harrisburg, Pa. At the Head Ski Co. in Timonium, he oversaw expansion into fiberglass skis and a new tennis racket design. When the company moved, he stayed in the area and became a consultant, designing and improving technology, as well as inspecting other equipment, investigating accidents and giving expert testimony.
Mr. Woerner was a member of Sigma Xi, American Institute of Steel Construction, American Consulting Engineers Council, American Concrete Institute and a lifetime member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Charles Gears of Lewes, Del., a fellow engineer and a friend for the past several decades, said he hired Woerner for one job and then kept on hiring him as Gears moved from company to company. Among other things, the pair worked on 100,000-pound generators that back up energy to hospitals and data centers.
Belying the seriousness of the work, Mr. Gears said Mr. Woerner was quick with a pun or joke. He also seemed to revel in the construction of language as much as equipment, finding delight in the way his fellow Baltimoreans pronounced words, Mr. Gears said.
"He was a longtime friend and mentor, a really good guy," said Mr. Gears, who got a call from Mr. Woerner about seven weeks ago. Mr. Woerner wanted to say goodbye when he knew his time was short. Mr. Gears drove to Baltimore the next day.
"We spent a half a day together," he said. "I took couple of old engineering books home with me, and he was happy about that, that someone could get some use out of them. That's how he was."
Mr. Woerner was active in other pursuits, including the Knights of Columbus. He served as chaplain for American Legion Post 174, assisted in the installation of a Phi Delta Theta chapter at the Johns Hopkins University and served as a pastoral visitor and a lector at Nativity parish and then St. Joseph's parish for more than 40 years.
A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Joseph Parish, 100 Church Lane in Cockeysville. Visitation with family was scheduled for Sunday at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center in Timonium.
read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obituaries/bs-md-ob-leo-woerner-20151101-story.html
Mr. Woerner was trained as an electrical engineer but found himself better suited to mechanical engineering. He worked as a consultant for some big names nationally and locally — Black & Decker, Caterpillar, Northrup Grumman, Pritchard Brown and Hedwin — but found joy in fixing things for family and neighbors when they needed it.
Or if he thought they did.
"There was always a list of things around the house to fix, and he did want us to know how to maintain our cars so we weren't helpless," said Susan Graham of Bloomington, Ind., one of his three daughters. "But he definitely was a Mr. Fix-It and a Mr. Helpful, and he loved being able to do it."
Aid extended to neighbors who had car or plumbing troubles, and a nearby building of people who called on him to fix, among other things, their elevator. It also extended to young engineers, who found a mentor in Mr. Woerner.
He was born in Manhattan, the son and Leo Woerner, an accountant, and the former Elsie Heinrich, a medical technologist. He served two years in the Navy and graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 1949.
He earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana in 1950, and then married Gloria Evelyn Duff, with whom he celebrated a 65th wedding anniversary just before his death.
Mr. Woerner worked in engineering for 70 years until 2013. He began his career at 16 at the Bartol Research Foundation, part of the Franklin Institute, as a laboratory assistant. After getting his degree he worked on computer systems with the Burroughs Adding Machine Company Research Laboratory and designed magnetic computer memory components that were patented.
Later he worked for the International Resistance Corporation, an electronic parts manufacturer, and then moved onto Schick Inc. in Lancaster, Pa., where he expanded their product line from plug-in shavers to battery-operated shavers, as well hair dryers and electric toothbrushes.
He was awarded more patents for mechanical equipment in his next post at AMP Inc. in Harrisburg, Pa. At the Head Ski Co. in Timonium, he oversaw expansion into fiberglass skis and a new tennis racket design. When the company moved, he stayed in the area and became a consultant, designing and improving technology, as well as inspecting other equipment, investigating accidents and giving expert testimony.
Mr. Woerner was a member of Sigma Xi, American Institute of Steel Construction, American Consulting Engineers Council, American Concrete Institute and a lifetime member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Charles Gears of Lewes, Del., a fellow engineer and a friend for the past several decades, said he hired Woerner for one job and then kept on hiring him as Gears moved from company to company. Among other things, the pair worked on 100,000-pound generators that back up energy to hospitals and data centers.
Belying the seriousness of the work, Mr. Gears said Mr. Woerner was quick with a pun or joke. He also seemed to revel in the construction of language as much as equipment, finding delight in the way his fellow Baltimoreans pronounced words, Mr. Gears said.
"He was a longtime friend and mentor, a really good guy," said Mr. Gears, who got a call from Mr. Woerner about seven weeks ago. Mr. Woerner wanted to say goodbye when he knew his time was short. Mr. Gears drove to Baltimore the next day.
"We spent a half a day together," he said. "I took couple of old engineering books home with me, and he was happy about that, that someone could get some use out of them. That's how he was."
Mr. Woerner was active in other pursuits, including the Knights of Columbus. He served as chaplain for American Legion Post 174, assisted in the installation of a Phi Delta Theta chapter at the Johns Hopkins University and served as a pastoral visitor and a lector at Nativity parish and then St. Joseph's parish for more than 40 years.
A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Joseph Parish, 100 Church Lane in Cockeysville. Visitation with family was scheduled for Sunday at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center in Timonium.
read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obituaries/bs-md-ob-leo-woerner-20151101-story.html
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