Supernova’s Mission

Supernova’s mission is to share our people’s stories, ideas, discoveries, and solutions.

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COMPUTERWORLD Recognizes The MetroStar Advantage!

Written by: Monica Huie

Logo of ComputerWorld Best Places to Work in IT 2011

ComputerWorld recently released its annual report recognizing the 100 Best Places to Work in IT for 2011. I am excited to announce that MetroStar Systems made the list with an impressive showing at #85 overall! We also finished in the Top 10 of the Small Business Category and #2 in the South Atlantic Region. In a region filled with many tech companies, it is also noteworthy to mention that MetroStar Systems is the only IT firm in Reston, Virginia ranked in the report.

Our commitment to employee learning and development gave us a significant edge in the selection process. ComputerWorld created a special employer profile for each of the Top 100 companies and our Employer Profile highlights our innovative employee training, career development, and recognition strategies.

screen capture of MetroStar Systems employer profile in ComputerWorld Best Places to Work in IT 2011

We are excited to see that our dedication to excellence is being recognized by the one of the “leading sources in technology news and information for IT influencers nationwide.” This special recognition also comes on the heels of a fruitful 2010 where we were awarded accolades for significant growth. Job satisfaction, working in an enjoyable environment, employees benefits, and excellent employee morale add significant value to the quality of work we are able to provide to our clients, and acknowledgement for being a leader in this area only serves to strengthen our reputation. Special thanks to all of our team members who make MetroStar Systems one of the Best Places to Work in IT everyday!

StarLabs

Written by: Monica Huie

When I started working here at MetroStar Systems, approximately 8 months ago, one of the very first things I remember being told was, “No Idea is a bad idea”…and I have learned that mantra definitely holds true. It’s great to be in an environment where no matter how off the wall your idea may be, it’s always taken into consideration, provided feedback and sometimes given the green light to make it happen. While most of the daily work hours are spent getting things done for clients, many of our developers and engineers spend their after-hours coming up with tools and solutions to help enhance and improve internal processes. As all these great ideas floated around, it was only a matter of time, something was created to house them…thus, StarLabs was born.

StarLabs is where our engineers and artists collaborate and share innovative projects. It allows those unfamiliar with MetroStar Systems to learn more about the behind the scene things we do and the people who bring them to life.

screenshot of StarLabs website by MetroStar Systems

One of the current projects we feature on StarLabs is Visualize It, which provides a rich user experience for navigating and exploring SharePoint Libraries. It is a powerful solution for not only finding data but also discovering data. An example of how Visualize It works can be found on this blog! See the top of the page, the little guy holding the “Visual Search” banner. Click on it and type in a keyword like “SharePoint” and watch Visualize It in action.

Currently, Visualize It, is available for free download. System administrators can download it and implement it to their SharePoint Portals. If you test it out, please let us know your feedback!

Learn more about StarLabs and the different projects we are working on by visiting http://labs.metrostarsystems.com

Tips to name a brand, product or service!

Written by: Kathy Ohlhaber

Last week our New Media team was brainstorming a name for a new application MetroStar Systems is creating, and we thought our tips for name creation might be worth sharing.

In this video, Theresa Kattula, Monica Huie, Patricia Joo, and Kathy Ohlhaber give four quick tips for naming a product or service. Let us know if you have any questions or ideas!

MetroStar Systems Sweats for Veterans

Written by: Theresa Kattula

Sweat for a Vet

I’m thrilled to announce that MetroStar Systems is sponsoring a team for Sweat for a Vet, an indoor cycling, Kranking® and rowing fundraising event. The benefits will go to help provide disabled Veterans equipment that will enable them to carry-out their physical therapy training and pursue an active lifestyle.

New Supernova bursts onto the scene!

Written by: Derek Yale

Supernova

Nearly a year and a half (524 days to be precise) has passed since we released Supernova to the world, shedding light on the inner workings of MetroStar Systems. In that time we’ve experienced continuous expansion, enjoyed a wide spectrum of client projects, and made a positive impact in our local and global community.

Week 9 @ Metrostar Systems

Written by: Jon Malley

As my two month internship here in Reston draws to a close, I have taken the time to reflect back on the time spent at MetroStar Systems.  The experience has given me a window of perspective into life at one of the most personable, friendly and team-oriented companies I’ve ever had the pleasure to have

Mostafa Extends His Microsoft MVP Streak to Five Years in a Row

Written by: Jon Malley

Another year has passed here at MetroStar Systems and yet another Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Visual C# award has been bestowed upon our own Mostafa Elzoghbi. In what has seemingly become an annual occurrence, Elzoghbi secured a Visual C# MVP award for the fifth consecutive year. This exclusive award is given to those who

Hottest DC Area Companies Award

Written by: Jon Malley

The summer of 2010 has been a hot one in the DC metro area with temperatures averaging in the 90′s for most of July.  So it’s no surprise that MetroStar Systems was recently recognized as one of the “Hottest DC Area” Companies.  Temperature was not really one of the requirements, it is really because of

Week 1 @ MetroStar Systems

Written by: Jon Malley

My first week at MetroStar has been full of new and exciting experiences. Though I have no idea what I’ll be doing by this time next week, it’s been a great start so far. I started my internship here the Tuesday after the Memorial Day weekend. The morning on my first day consisted of a

Training Stands Alone Together

Written by: John Gianopoulos

We instructors do stand alone, but we are not by ourselves… we often forget the instructor is not alone.