Visions of Vista: Which Version, If Any, is Right for You?
Small Business Computing (02/12/07) ; Robb, Drew

Small businesses interested in upgrading to Windows Vista have a number of different versions of the operating system to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Vista Home Basic, for example, is by far the cheapest option--roughly $100 for the upgrade and $200 for the new version-- and may be the best choice for a one- or two-person person business with only the most basic computing needs. However, this version of Vista does not come with Microsoft's new Windows Aero interface, which allows users to navigate their way around the operating system by using 3D animated views of all open programs and documents. Home Premium, the next most basic version of Vista, does include Windows Aero, though it also contains so many graphics and media features that it may become a distraction for employees. Businesses concerned about their employees being distracted by Vista's new features may want to opt for Vista Business, which contains all the features of Home Premium but without the Windows Media Center features. It also includes Small Business Resources, a how-to guide for computer maintenance and trouble shooting that could be invaluable to bosses who deal with IT issues or for companies with relatively inexperienced people in their IT department. The premium version of Windows Vista, Vista Ultimate, contains everything that is in the other three versions--including Media Center--as well as advanced features such as Bitlocker, which allows users to encrypt a hard drive so that no one can access the data on it even if it's stolen. However, Vista Ultimate's price--$400 for the new version and $260 for the upgrade--makes it unlikely that it will be used by small businesses, except in rare situations such as a computer used for presentation purposes in a conference room, said Al Gillen, an analyst at IT consultancy International Data Corp.
http://www.SmallBusinessComputing.com/biztools/article.php/3659236

Reduce Telecommuting Costs
Processor (02/09/07) Vol. 29 , No. 6 , P. 8 ; Millard, Elizabeth

Security and tech support can drive up telecommuting expenses, but there are ways for companies to control costs without having to eliminate the work-from-home benefit. Companies can provide remote access through a managed service, paying a per-month, per-employee fee to have a third-party handle network traffic, security, and tech support. Managed services are also available for wireless devices, putting the service provider in charge of such tasks as application recovery, software patches, and security updates. Cost savings can also be achieved by leasing--not purchasing--laptops and other equipment, as well as allowing employees to use their own equipment for business purposes. Companies that choose the latter option should have a member of the tech department ensure that employee-owned devices are secure, providing access via a virtual private network.
http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2
Fp2906%2F21p06%2F21p06.asp&guid=&searchtype=&WordList=&bJumpTo=Tr
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Accountants Put Security First
Small Business Computing (02/09/07) ; Hickins, Michael

According to a recent survey of 1,500-plus CPAs by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), respondents said their biggest concern this year is information security management. Other technology initiatives moving up in importance from last year are data breaches, e-discovery, and compliance. Making the top 10 for the first time are mobile computing, document management, electronic archiving and data retention, and secure information distribution. Also in the top 10 are disaster recovery, business continuity, and IT governance.
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/article.php/3658951

Changes for the Better
SmartBiz.com (02/12/07) ; Finch, Curt

The telecommunications industry and the Internet are changing each other just as rapidly as they are changing themselves, causing service and network providers to drop prices as users find free alternatives in other industries. By offering Internet telephone service for next to nothing, Skype has prompted major telecom providers to lower their prices to maintain market share. In addition to showing that users are willing to deal with lower levels of call quality in order to achieve cost savings, Skype has generated interest in merging phone, instant messaging, and chat technologies. Telecoms are also scrambling to offer network access for online meetings. Meanwhile, Internet-based companies are implementing cell-phone pricing structures for their Software as a Service offerings. They are also adopting speech recognition tools made popular by the telecom industry.
http://www.smartbiz.com/article/articleview/1954/1/61/

Wikis Evolve as Collaboration Tools
BPM Today (02/06/07) ; Heck, Mike

Wikis can help companies enhance their Web sites by letting individuals create new pages as needed and add links within the content. Companies can use applications like Atlassian Confluence 2.2.10, which features comprehensive searches, easy organization, discussion forums, and reference attachments. The software also integrates with other systems via included Web services interfaces. Another application called Near-Time allows team members to swap data via a group Weblog. Content can be arranged within areas designated as public or private, and podcasts and RSS feeds can be created. Near Time's Power Plan option costs $699.95 per year and provides SSL data encryption, management controls, and 1 GB of file storage. Socialtext Workspace 2.3 features the highest number of deployment options, such as hosted Professional and Personal versions, an Enterprise appliance, and community-supported open source software. Socialtext's simplicity allows most tasks to be completed using just one or two clicks. A dashboard offers a summary of new pages and access to authorized workspaces; these workspaces are formed using a simple form, while the WYSIWIG editing mode removes the need to know wiki markups.
http://www.bpm-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=012000SL5UWO&nl=3

Managed Security Services--an SMB Option
TechTarget (02/01/07) ; Rothman, Mike

Many small businesses are focusing on meeting the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and protecting their computer systems from hackers. Information Technology (IT) experts are charged with devising strategies that make use of firewalls, virtual private networks, application security, and intrusion prevention to protect their systems. The frequent changes that impact the security sector require security experts to keep track of the latest technology trends. Small businesses may want to choose a key service provider that is experienced in their industry and ensure that the provider can offer 24/7 support for their systems. In addition, small businesses should employ their experts to assess threats to operations and verify that the service provider has skilled security experts as well.
http://searchsmb.techtarget.com/columnItem/0,294698,sid44_gci1025
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Top Technology Questions Every Penny Pincher Should Ask
Business Know-How (02/01/2007) ; Marks, Gene

Before small companies spend money on the newest technological devices for their businesses, there are a few things they need to consider. The first thing to find out about is the reputation of the equipment manufacturer, as well as who supports it when something goes wrong. It is also very important to know exactly all the costs that are involved, including training, installation, and customization, and what additional technology will be required to make the equipment function. In addition, businesses need to know what services are mandated to make the equipment work, and how long the equipment has been in existence. Before purchasing any technology, it is wise to find out who else is employing it; this can be done by obtaining references and visiting sites. Businesses need to ask themselves how new technology will benefit their companies financially and whether or not they can try it out before buying. Lastly, new equipment must be compatible with equipment that has already been implemented.
http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/techquestions.htm