News From Us and About Us

June 2005, In Memory of Tom Gaynier

Tom Gaynier

1946 - 2005

Tom Gaynier, our good friend and supporter, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2005.  Always optimistic, even in the toughest times, always curious about “strange” things that happen in this world – he was great visionary in his belief that TRIZ can help automotive industry better than continuous “cost reductions” and lay-offs.  Unfortunately, only few shared this vision.  He did not pretend to be the “iron man,” but he was a person with very strong person: I know that from the fact that he was not afraid to joke about himself, a sign of the personality with a strong core. 

Today, I was at Ford Chapel; I looked at him – and could not believe that it’s him laying in peace.  Then, I’ve seen a stand with his photos – and there was real Tom, live, curious, mocking, loving, caring, serious, laughing – whatever but “in peace.”

He enjoyed life, he enjoyed talking with us, he enjoyed developing the artful presentations…  I still cannot believe that I’ll never again pick up the phone and hear, “Hey, tovarich!” – he enjoyed using Russian words while talking with us, his Russian friends.  Tom, we’ll miss you a lot.  Sorry, I did not say these words to you when you were here; we always are dead late with kind words to our friends.

Len “Tovarich” Kaplan

May 2005, OutCompete and Pretium Strategic Partnership

OutCompete and Pretium Consulting Services LLC announced a strategic partnership to deliver innovative consulting services and develop user friendly TRIZ products for the world wide marketplace.
 

May 2005, OutCompete and Ideation International Inc.

Len Kaplan, Managing Partner of OutCompete, signed a one year agreement with Ideation International Inc., to resell software products developed by Ideation.
 

May 2005, Len Kaplan and Ideation International Inc.

Len Kaplan becomes the first person to be certified as an expert in customization of software products developed by Ideation International Inc. The certification allows Len Kaplan to customize previously purchased software from Ideation upon clients' request.