[January 08, 2011] Jacksonville's Global Cache hits the big stage Tweet Jan 08, 2011 (Mail Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- With thousands of people gawking at the latest tablets, cloud technology and 3-D TVs, a small contingent from Jacksonville's Global Cache firm isn't likely to get the headlines or 15 seconds of fame on a cable network covering the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. But that doesn't mean they're a total unknown among their contemporaries in the rarefied air of the high-tech world. Few business events gather more coverage, glitz and buzz than the annual CES event, where it seems virtually everyone associated with technology tries to wow the world. The event continues through Sunday. For John Ivy, Josh Sherman and Josh Benton, it's just another way to get out of the office and add to their contacts. The control hardware company, owned by Walt and Rusty Keller, makes network-enabling equipment for home devices. It moved to the Applegate Valley in 2004 and has steadily gained momentum. After merely taking stock and networking in recent shows, Global Cache dove in this year, showing off its latest products at a CES booth. Those products aren't necessarily what you would expect to find at Best Buy or Radio Shack. But if you run your home's electrical systems via your smart phone, they may have a part in it. "Some of the people know what we do and are interested in our new product," said Josh Sherman, support engineer with the firm. "Others are unfamiliar." That's not surprising, given the niche market Global Cache serves. "No one else is doing what we're doing," Sherman said. "For the people who know what we do, we are very popular. The biggest reason we are down here is so we show people how quickly and easily our new product line can interact with smart phones or tablets and PCs. It allows centralized control of the house. Rather than using a standard remote, people can use their smart phone as a universal remote." The Southern Oregon company doesn't expect to sell a lot of products at the show. Rather it's hoping to add to its momentum, showing it's a player in consumer electronics field flooded with new entries every year. "Essentially, we're collecting contact information," Sherman said. Rather than exchange business cards, attendees at the CES electronically swipe their credential cards, which pass along a world of information. "We've got a corner booth by the Audi electric cars," Sherman said. "So we've got really good exposure, actually." Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or e-mail [email protected]. To see more of the Mail Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.mailtribune.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Mail Tribune, Medford, Ore. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]