BRADENTON -- The Manatee County Government was awarded a patent for a computer-based system on May 5 of this year, only the second county in Florida to receive such recognition. Michael McLaughlin and Bill Kersey are the inventors of the computer system, which was created in order to help manage the billions of Internet protocol (IP) addresses that come into any large network. The invention has value for any large organization that operates their own data network. The county owns the intellectual property of the invention.
The invention has a user-friendly, creative graphical interface to view and navigate the billions of IP addresses. Now, it will be easier to allocate each individual address amongst the long list of others. This unique system will help create an efficient work environment, as well as reduce the likelihood of problems within the large networks.
”This is a very powerful system,“ McLaughlin said. ”It's intended to make things less accident-prone within the network.“
McLaughlin is a Bradenton native, as he was born and raised in this area. After high school he joined the Air Force, and later pursued an engineering degree at the University of Florida. He then worked his way up the corporate ladder. The idea came about when McLaughlin was managing IP addresses, and realized the original system's deficiency. Kersey is the Communications Manager for the County's IT Department, and McLaughlin used to be the IT Department Director.
The two worked together to come up with a scheme to manage the addresses quickly and easily. As the computer system is run through a fine-tooth comb, the invention is expected to be used by the Manatee Sheriff's Office, Property Appraiser and the Clerk of the Court.
”This is a great accomplishment for myself, Bill, and Manatee County,“ McLaughlin said. ”Hopefully, we can pursue it and obtain some value for the county.“
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