American Online Inc.,
a Dulles-based Internet services provider, introduced
local and long-distance
phone service via high-speed Internet in 44 cities
around the country. Users will be required to have
AOL's software on their computers. The market for this
type of service is evolving and expected to be very
competitive from the increased presence of telecommunications
and cable companies. (The Washington Post)
Arrowhead Global Solutions Inc., an information
technology firm headquartered in Falls Church, completed
the integration of its Critical Infrastructure Warning
Information Network to all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. The network connects federal and state
officials and national infrastructure sectors along
a network survivable under emergency conditions. It
is not dependent on the Internet or public networks. (PRNewswire)
Boehringer Ingelheim Chemicals Inc.,
a German chemicals manufacturer, will begin production
of phenylephrine
hydrochloride, an active ingredient for nasal decongestants,
at its Petersburg plant. Demand for the chemical is
growing to replace pseudoephedrine, which is now being
regulated and controlled in many states because of
its frequent use in the illegal production of methamphetamine.
Boehringer is the world's largest producer of phenylephrine
but does not make it in the United States. (Richmond
Times-Dispatch)
Velocity Micro Inc.,
a Midlothian-based manufacturer of high-end, custom
PCs, will use Intel's top-line
dual-core processor, the Pentium Process Extreme Edition,
in its new line of high-speed computers. The dual-core
processors allow computers to run faster and process
several tasks within the same program at once. (Richmond
Times-Dispatch)
XO Communications Inc., a Reston telecommunications
company, unveiled its Xoptions Flex, a bundled service
for businesses that provides Voice over Internet Protocol
service for local and long-distance calling, Internet
access and Web hosting services at a flat monthly rate.
The package is available in 45 markets nationwide. (PRNewswire)
