At SAP Labs, developers, solution managers and designers are continually seeking ways to improve the usability of the company’s business software applications. Researchers from the SAP User Experience group test global business applications during various phases of the software development process by conducting hands−on studies with actual users in SAP’s usability labs in Palo Alto, CA. And Kramer products are there every step of the way.
In each of three observation rooms at the SAP usability lab, Kramer digital scalers, switchers, distribution amplifiers and video picture−in−picture inserters keep the testing running smoothly. The Kramer VP−413 digital scalers and VP−6xlN 1x6 computer graphics video distribution amplifiers, which are housed in racks in the observation rooms, connect identical 21−inch flat screen computer monitors between the rooms. Software developers, solution managers and designers in the observation rooms can see what the user in the participant room is viewing and how the person is navigating through the software.
In each lab, cameras positioned around the room record the user’s facial expressions as they work with the software. A ceiling camera records any hard−copy documentation on the table. A Kramer VS−88V 8x8 matrix switcher lets observers see pictures from any camera source on their screen. Using a simple software interface, video inputs can be switched to view the reactions of the participants, as well as the software screens. With the addition of the Kramer PIP−200xl picture−in−picture inserter, observers can view any two camera shots simultaneously on their own flat screen monitors. The images can also be individually sized and positioned on the screen.
“The Kramer products have been reliable through every usage level,” said Calzada. “During our heaviest times when all the labs are running continuously, we can count on the Kramer product. That’s important when we run usability studies back−to−back daily,” he said.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
