Implementing Accounting Software On Time, On Task And On Budget
Accounting Software 411 (11/07) ; Gill, Rebecca

Successful implementation of new enterprise software requires solid planning, the cooperation of the whole organization, and a lot of research. To begin, organizations should always evaluate essential business targets and long range organizational objectives. New business software should also be able to promote growth and future direction of the organization, and sustain existing user requirements. An organization should also designate a team leader or project manager to preside over the project to ensure that implementation targets are realized. Once a project plan is drafted, the implementation team should meet and reassess the project plan regularly. Projects must also remain within budget. To avoid budgetary mistakes, a budget should be prepared ahead of implementation and research conducted to obtain realistic license costs, implementation rates, and hardware requirements. Organizations must also select software packages that are a good fit for them; define clear requirements and project goals; and be sure to test the package to ensure that core business processes used within the organization generate predictable results when processes are carried out in a production environment.
http://www.accountingsoftware411.com/Press/Insider/InsiderArticle
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Companies Should Set Limits for Personal Use of the Internet, But Also Be Flexible
Los Angeles Times (11/02/07)

Some small business owners consider how much time their employees spend using the Internet for personal reasons a major issue. However, human resources (HR) professionals, labor lawyers, and some business owners say companies should not be overly concerned. In fact, some experts argue that allowing a balance between personal and work Internet usage can be a productivity booster. When at work, staff members can become preoccupied with personal concerns ranging from childcare to holiday shopping. Allowing workers some leeway for personal Internet usage offers an outlet to alleviate these concerns. In addition, banning personal Internet use can cause stress and resentment among workers. As an alternative, companies should be clear and upfront about their Internet policies, and managers should set reasonable limits so usage does not interfere with productivity. However, companies should be wary of possible legal issues associated with some sites. If employees use company computers to access pornographic, illegal download, or gambling sites, employers could be held liable, which is why monitoring programs of access restrictions are beneficial.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-smalltalk2nov02,1,2830815.s
tory?track=rss

VPNs and Small Business, Part 2: Solutions and Alternatives
Ecommerce Times (10/26/07) ; Germain, Jack M.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are beginning to become popular for linking remote users and branch offices safely to the networks of small- and medium-size firms. A small company seeking a VPN solution can do the entire thing themselves, utilize a small managed solution such as AVTS/ANIRA, or employ a bigger solution such as MPLS or frame relay, among other alternatives. There are two kinds of VPN configurations, the first being site to-site, which links a pair on networks and entails an exchange of public keys for authentication and encryption and is operated by software via the Internet. The other kind of VPN is for remote access, in which customer software is installed on laptops of workers and others allowed to access a firm's VPN. If a small- or medium-size company decides to utilize a VPN, it is helpful to team a VPN product with the current network, such as obtaining a VPN solution that is compatible with a business' current firewall hardware and is backed by the firewall's maker. Another choice for companies is to retain a VPN service that specializes in their demographic, including Cisco, Microsoft, and SonicWall. Steganos sells four separate VPM products for small- and medium-size companies, including Steganos Secure VPN, Steganos Secure VPM Premium, Steganos Secure Traveler, and Steganos Secure Traveler Premium. Meanwhile, Check Point provides a pair of products for the small- and medium-size company, a basic model that has a firewall and the VPN appliance, and another model that can be used by an unrestricted amount of users.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/59948.html

Another Small Step
CFO (10/07) Vol. 23 , No. 10 , P. 26 ; Stuart, Alix Nyberg

The newest example of XBRL is scheduled to roll out this month. To ensure a smooth transition and test to see how well the latest application is working, XBRL-US is working with about 13 of the 48 companies in the process of filing documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in XBRL. As part of the effort, the nonprofit organization has been standardizing tags for primary financial statements and footnotes. With the number of tags expanded from 2,500 to 15,000, companies should have an easier time converting items on financial statements to XBRL format because they will not have to do as much customization. But there is concern that the complexity of the new format will not receive a warm reception from Wall Street analysts. The SEC has spent $54 million on technology for the conversion project.
http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/9889796?f=search