When Kentucky is mentioned, many think of smooth bourbon, handsome horses and a slow Southern drawl, but when it comes to high-tech business the Bluegrass State is making a run for the money.

Win, place or show, Kentucky businesses are carving out a niche for themselves in the high-tech world by offering services that include virtual office networks, bookstores, office staff, classrooms and medical records storage, as well as very real hardware, wiring and equipment.

Take a journey through the Kentucky’s high-tech community without ever leaving your chair, courtesy of the World Wide Web.

BICCGeneral develops, designs, manufactures, markets and distributes copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for the communications, energy and electrical markets. Communications wire and cable products transmit low voltage signals for voice, data, video and control applications. Energy cables include low, medium and high-voltage power distribution and power transmission products for terrestrial and subsea applications. Electrical wire and cable products conduct electrical current for industrial, commercial and residential power and control applications.

BICCGeneral is the trade name for a new company formed June 1, 1999, comprised of BICC Energy Cables and General Cable Corporation. Headquartered in Highland Heights, BICCGeneral has 58 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries.

"By combining these two great companies, I believe BICCGeneral will have the broadest product and global reach in the wire and cable industry," said Stephen Rabinowitz, chairman and chief executive officer of BICCGeneral. "The acquisition allows us to diversify our product. It allows us to diversify our geographic mix to better balance our participation in the worldwide wire and cable market."

Nashville-based BlueStar Communications is a data networking company that provides high-speed Internet and data services throughout the southeast, including Lexington and Louisville.

BlueStar offers one-stop shopping for data-connectivity from local loop to Internet to wide area networking as well as web hosting, server collocation, network security services, traditional broadband services and remote access services.

This service includes virtual private networks with encryption technology and high-speed online access by using the digital subscriber line, or DSL, technology to create fast connections. Up to 50 times faster than a standard 28.8 modem, DSL uses special routing equipment to speed data along existing phone lines. BlueStar was the first company to offer DSL in Louisville.

"For business, these services mean access to high-speed data at a fraction of the cost of traditional access medium," said Jay Jackson, BlueStar Communications sales manager. "Basically, using the BlueStar network, we create a private connection between your offices whereby all your traffic is encrypted, thus providing a highly secure network for you and your clients."

Formed in 1996, CGS is an infographics automation firm that develops software packages to automate the labor-intensive task of gathering information then combining that information with graphics for video display. CGS products interface with a variety of sources from stock quote services to news sources to weather services and much more.

Its custom designed software allows clients to display real-time information specific to their needs and customers. Beginning with sports ticker data, CGS’ automated software is continually developing new products to add to its current offerings that include school, business and community closings and Internet chat displays.

"What sets our company apart in the marketplace is our small company size and our vast knowledge of video broadcasting which allows us to quickly turn around a custom project in a short timeframe," said Bryan D. Mullins, a CGS partner and director of operations. "We pride ourselves in being able to tweak our systems to give the customer exactly what they want and need."

Ecampus.com is a virtual online bookstore that sells books and textbooks in all current and future formats as well as apparel, electronics, computers, office supplies, music, gifts and more.

Designed with speed and convenience in mind, ecampus. com was created to make the acquisition of textbooks and course materials as easy as possible. Ecampus.com also offers links to buy, sell and auction books as well as purchase course materials and supplies.

"Our site is designed for students who want to get the materials they need for class, as fast as possible with no hassles, wherever they happen to be," said Steve Stevens, president and CEO of ecampus.com. "We think the Internet ought to be fun and that shopping for textbooks should be as fast and convenient as shopping for anything else on the Internet."  

Founded in June 1995, ntr.net went online as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in August that same year, with the mission to help consumers, businesses and other groups improve how they communicate and do business. One key to the company’s success is its willingness to foster close partnerships with key organizations that provide expertise in specific areas. These partnerships give the company flexibility and growth, such as UUNET, one of the largest ISPs in the country, and UniDial, one of the fastest growing telecommunications companies in the country. The company took that dedication to partnerships one step further by joining Eclipse Telecommunications to offer its ntr.net customers an expanded product line including long distance service, inbound toll-free lines, multiple terminations, calling cards, broadcast fax, teleconferencing, international calling and dedicated and dial-up Internet service.

Gateway Communications is a network consulting and solutions integrator.

Since 1986, the company has worked with its clients to provide network design, implementation and management as well as remote systems management 24 hours a day. Gateway serves a wide customer base ranging from commercial to government entities.

Image Entry Inc. provides a wide variety of information processing services that include document scanning, online data conversion and imaging, data entry and processing, digital document storage and retrieval systems. In addition, micrographics services include microfilming, blowback, developing and duplication and microfilm to image conversion, clerical support, hardware acquisition, OCR/ICR and image conversion.

The Image Foundry is a team of multimedia programmers, digital video specialists and 3-D animators who began their careers as traditionally-trained painters, potters, sculptors and photographers.

The Image Foundry creates digital media including broadcast commercials, training videos, web site development, 3-D animation and interactive CD-ROM presentations.

"We feel that we offer a unique set of services to our clients," said Colvin Atchison, president of The Image Foundry. "We specialize in new media: video production, web development and interactive media delivered on CD-ROM. What sets us apart from the pack is our ability to integrate digital video into virtually any of these mediums."

Kizan Corporation is a Microsoft Solution Provider Partner and Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center.

Kizan works closely with Microsoft to give customers Microsoft products and services as well as a full array of support services including system engineering, consulting, client/server design and application development as well as training.

Founded in 1992, LexTech is a computer solutions company that offers custom programming design for communications, accounting, computer hardware, workflow and sales automation.

In addition, LexTech offers network services and web site services. LexTech also plays an active role in educating the business community about trends and technology solutions with seminars and speaking engagements.

"LexTech brings organization and structure to its customers’ computer integration projects," said CEO Basha Roberts.

"LexTech helps each company develop a strategy for project prioritization, planning and implementation in a way that will result in immediate and consistent rollout of benefits to the company," said Bill Roberts, LexTech CFO.

Micro Computer Solutions is a full-service computer services business that complements the retail computer sales market and helps the business community take advantage of emerging technologies. Those services include Internet services, technical services, education services, software services, contract services and business intelligence.

For over 15 years, MCS has offered end-to-end solutions for their customers including pre-sales support and consulting as well as installing networks, providing repairs and application specialists for after the sale.

"What makes this time for us even more exciting is that very few competitors in this region focus and specialize in all areas of the technology industry (allowing clients to choose one vendor for all their technology solutions) that have helped MCS grow over the years," said Timothy Hollinden, president and CEO/founder. "We analyze industry patterns and focus on customer needs, growing our company with those aspects in mind. Who knows where we will be by the Year 2000."  

My Virtual Corp serves as an office support for small businesses, consultants, salespeople and anyone who needs cost-effective administrative capability without the presence and possible problems of adding a new staff member.

My Virtual Corp matches experienced administrative professionals with customers to provide services including database management, spreadsheets and bookkeeping, desktop publishing, word processing and correspondence.

"We are the next generation of support staffing," said Merrily Orsini, the company’s founder and president. "We bring together the technology of today with seasoned executive support staff that allows us to assist businesses and their executives from any place, at any time, for a fraction of the cost of hiring staff and paying for space and equipment."

The Orb-Bit Design Group is on the forefront of the communication revolution, offering a multi-disciplined approach to project management of multimedia communications. Orb-Bit concentrates on information design and includes such sites as WKYT-TV and KY AutoConnect. On the WKYT site, visitors can watch the broadcast live during real time or access a copy of the news until the next newscast. The interactive AutoConnect site allows car buyers to search by price, make or model and then view each car’s features and options as well as a photo by exploring car lots throughout Kentucky.

Founded in 1979, PlanGraphics Inc. is the oldest GIS (geographic information system) consulting firm in the country. As a GIS and IT (information technology) systems integrator, the company helps its clients design, build and operate an infrastructure to allow the exchange of information for business. PlanGraphics provides geographic information systems and systems integration consulting to local, state and federal governments as well as the private sector.

"PlanGraphics Inc. has been able to provide professional IT services that focus on spatial information around the world and the U.S. because of the overlooked accessiblity that air travel provides to the Bluegrass region, with three airports within 90 miles and eight hub airports within an hour flight," said John Antenucci, president and CEO.

Pomeroy Computer Resources is a full-service computer integration company, providing a comprehensive assortment of professional services from consulting to procurement to configuration to asset management. Pomeroy designs, provides and manages information technology and services for business, education and government and is one of the country’s five largest network integrators.

"The company offers a true all-inclusive end-to-end solution from consulting to wiring and cabling to procurement to services to lease solutions, simplifying the IT acquisition and management process and providing one source accountability," said Addie Rosenthal, vice president of marketing and investor relations.

In addition, Pomeroy hosts and maintains Internet-based learning sites for a variety of companies and industries. The company offers more than 200 interactive, multimedia courses and packages as well as tracking testing results for the employers offering courses.

Pomeroy’s newest venture, Learning University, is a web-based training solution that will enable organizations to provide employees and learners with the training and support they need to improve their work force anytime and from anywhere.

PurchasePro.Com is an "e-marketplace" where businesses can buy and sell a wide range of products and services over the Internet in an efficient, competitive and cost-effective manner using web sites, electronic catalogs and banner and classified advertising.

The company’s marketplace system utilizes Internet technology to transport data efficiently, inexpensively and accurately, streamlining the entire product cycle for both the buyer and supplier. Members include manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, and buyers of maintenance and operating supplies for industries including hospitality, construction, government and education. Because each company does its purchasing differently, PurchasePro’s marketplace can be completely customized to work for each company’s individual needs.

In addition to offering the sales and marketing of IBM hardware, Software Information Systems Inc. offers software development and consulting as well as technical services. These services vary from communications connectivity, migration planning and installation, networking services to e-commerce implementation and delivery.

Software Information Systems works with clients to develop software to meet their specific needs including sales force automation, data warehousing, claims processing, purchasing systems and more. Technical services include providing hardware and networking services for communication services, network design and installation.

"Our commitment is to provide our customers total solutions as it relates to their information services requirements," said SIS president Steve Sigg. "This has been accomplished by providing a structured, team approach to solving complex business problems and carefully addressing future opportunities for our clients."

Founded in 1984, Strategia provides specialized information processing services specifically designed to sustain technology services for a wide range of organizations throughout North America and Europe. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of services ranging from Year 2000 compliance to disaster recovery as well as consulting and outsourcing services.

Hundreds of companies count on Strategia to prevent unexpected interruptions in their data processing. Strategia serves corporate and government organizations throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Established in 1978, Tele-Tech Company Inc. provides engineering and installation services to the telecommunications industry and helps to build the Information Highway.

Tele-Tech provides computer network installations, specializing in voice and data cabling, fiber optics and structured wiring systems.

Founded in 1993, UniDial is known as one of the largest telecommunications resellers in the industry, serving customers from coast to coast and billing more than 100 million long distance minutes each month. A full-service nationwide telecommunications provider, UniDial offers a full selection of telecommunications products including switched and dedicated phone services, local and long distance phone service, wireless phone service, toll free services, paging, enhanced fax capabilities, data networking, calling cards, Internet access, billing software, multimedia conference services and telcom products for network marketing companies.

"The difference between UniDial and other carriers is simple: we offer a whole menu of telecommunications services, sold through one salesperson, all bundled on one easy-to-understand bill, with the very best in personalized services," said Doug Huston, regional director of sales.

ZirMed.com is the nation’s first company to offer claims data entry and filing via a web browser that allows healthcare providers a simple, easy way to enter and file their medical claims data. The innovative system gives healthcare practitioners, hospitals and clinics access to programs via the Internet, avoiding the need to purchase, install and update expensive software and systems.

Fully Y2K compliant, ZirMed.com’s system allows any subscriber to use it with only a computer and Internet access, regardless of the computer or browser they use. All information is encrypted for confidentiality as well as protected by extensive backup systems.

"ZirMed.com is a second-generation Internet company," said John Freeman, ZirMed.com’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. "In its first generation, the Internet allowed access to volumes of information, use of e-mail and even the ability to download software to use on individuals’ hard-drives. Now, in the second generation of Internet use, we’ve taken it one step further by providing software that can be used on the Internet server itself."

Deanna Mascle is a staff writer for The Lane Report.