New UAV mission for Ellsworth Air Force Base
South Dakota’s Ellsworth Air Force Base has been selected by the U.S. Air Force as one of two new squadrons for personnel who will operate unmanned aerial vehicles used in patrols over Iraq and Afghanistan.
RELATED CONTENTMINNESOTA COMPANY OFFERS FREE ONLINE WEB RESOURCE 
Anyone who has started a business from the ground up knows it isn’t an easy task. There are questions, concerns and uncertainties. Often, the biggest worries surface after normal business hours when experts aren’t available.
RELATED CONTENTQwest to be acquired by CenturyLink 
Denver-based Qwest Communications would be acquired by CenturyLink in a deal that is expected to produce a stronger combined national telecommunications company with operations in 37 states.
RELATED CONTENTOnline video advertising on the rise 
Cisco forecasts that video will comprise 90 percent of total internet traffic by 2013.
RELATED CONTENTCOVER SERIES: Software as a Service becoming more nimble 
One of the biggest knocks against Software as a Service has been its uniform approach to web-based software solutions that has limited the amount of customization available to individual firms.
RELATED CONTENTCOVER SERIES: Why SaaS may not be right for your business 
Software as a Service applications aren’t ideal fits for all industries and types of businesses.
RELATED CONTENTCOVER SERIES: Why SaaS may be right for your business 
One of the biggest advantages of using Software as a Service platforms, especially for smaller businesses, is the generally lower up front costs.
RELATED CONTENTRegion supported by strong telecommunications backbone 
The region is well connected to telecommunications infrastructure. All but the most remote villages, farms and ranches in North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota have access to fiber optic communications networks, allowing technology firms and other businesses in the region to remain competitive.
RELATED CONTENTCOVER STORY: Region experiencing technology growth 
Technology clusters are developing in Fargo and Sioux Falls and high-tech employment has also recently increased in Bismarck, Rapid City, SD, Minot, ND, and Grand Forks, ND. The global recession has led to IT worker layoffs in the region at firms like Microsoft and the closings of Alien Technology Corporation’s Fargo plant and the Hutchinson Technology Inc. plant in Sioux Falls earlier this year. Despite the setbacks, the region still appears to be well positioned for long-term technology growth.
RELATED CONTENTIncubators foster business startups 
Incubators in research and technology parks help foster business start ups and lead to innovation in the marketplace.
RELATED CONTENTSouth Dakota research centers aid economic development 
South Dakota's 2010 research centers program created by Governor Mike Rounds is aiding economic development efforts and increasing research capabilities in the state.
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