Is it Time For Your Small Business to Upgrade to a Server?
PC World (12/07) ; Deveau, Denise

Small businesses may need a server to improve their efficiency even if they just have two computers because access to data is essential to small business owners and those on the go. Servers also provide data security for businesses, particularly in terms of backed up information and the ability to recover corrupted or deleted files. In an environment in which collaboration is key and workers must share calendars and schedules, servers can provide an internal portal through which workers can increase productivity and coordinate their projects, while at the same time accessing shared information. Microsoft Small Business Server product manager Constanza Zalaba says servers also allow for instant upgrades because they provide space for up to 75 licenses at a time, which increases the return on investment for most small firms. Gorts Truck Wash Owner Jeremy Jablonski says, "Before the server, we had a couple of situations where we had critical losses of data that cost me $400 to $500 a pop for recovery services. However, it's the efficiency that's the real benefit. You can't put an exact price on that, but as far as I'm concerned, [the server] has paid me back within nine months."
http://www.pcworld.ca/news/column/e96b19a30a0104080056e684826dd1b
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Storage: Is More Better?
Processor (12/21/07) Vol. 29 , No. 51; Robb, Drew

If a company's storage system cannot fulfill its needs in the future, then replacing it with a solution that is more flexible will save a business both time and money. Information-technology executives need to think about a larger range of choices, including information lifecycle management, disk-to-disk backup, and long-term archiving. Tiered storage can help with all of these needs. "Using tiered storage, IT can allocate high-performance, high-bandwidth storage to mission-critical applications and then use lower-cost equipment for archiving and other less time-critical needs," notes CDW technology specialist James Rankin. Deduplication--in which files are given specific fingerprints--is another technology that is growing in popularity. Numerous users can save the same file repeatedly, but not waste disk space. The initial step to installing a tiered storage approach is to label applications based on service levels and corporate impact. Primary application criteria to think about when classifying application tiers include performance mandates, availability needs, recovery point goals, and recovery time goals.
http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2
Fp2951%2F33p51%2F33p51.asp&guid=&searchtype=&WordList=&bJumpTo=Tr
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Virtual Data Rooms 101
Legal Technology (12/06/07) ; Ginsberg, Joel

A virtual data room (VDR) is a protected Web-based form of a conventional physical data room. By making it easier for those involved in corporate transactions to exchange and review documents, VDRs offer many benefits. Not only do VDRs supply involved parties with convenient and immediate access to deal-related documentation, VDRs also speed up the due diligence process. When choosing a VDR solution, professionals must consider certain aspects. For one, selecting a VDR user interface that is similar to the layout of familiar Web tools can improve the odds of successful VDR implementation, as most users will not have to learn new skills. Professionals must distinguish between traditional VDRs, which store and organize documents, and virtual "deal" rooms that function not only as data rooms, but also as virtual collaboration spaces. Regardless of which technology is selected, professionals must ensure the provider offers an expert and accessible technology support team, which should be familiar with both technology and corporate transactions. To ensure data integrity and security, professionals should verify that the provider uses industry-standard metrics and established systems that preserve the confidentiality of sensitive data. Most providers will set up a VDR by scanning, importing, and organizing the documents, which are then available to sanctioned users. By using VDRs, professionals transfer their administrative burdens to third-party VDR providers that execute document sharing and organization more affordably and efficiently.
http://www.law.com/jsp/legaltechnology/pubArticleLT.jsp?id=119684
9073222

5 Tips to Boost Execs' Efficiency
Crain's New York Business (12/16/07) Vol. 23 , No. 50 , P. 22 ; Traster, Tina

Effective time management is one of the most important skills a business owner must have. There are several things an executive can do to make each day more productive, starting with the creation of a to-do list at the end of the previous workday. This will not only help keep track of tasks throughout the next day, but also allow an executive to prioritize their tasks and make sure they are not trying to accomplish more than is possible. It also can be helpful to divide a large project into several, more manageable pieces or allow for several small tasks, such as checking and responding to E-mail, to build up and then tackle them all at once. Including a block of personal time into the daily schedule can help maximize performance by removing the temptation to spend idle time using the Internet or making phone calls. Another important skill to have is the ability to effectively delegate work to other employees. Giving employees the chance to work independently not only motivates them to work harder, but frees up time for a manager. Outsourcing responsibilities, such as accounting, can help business owners focus on activities vital to the growth of their firms. Keeping a clean office with an electronic filing system also improves efficiency by cutting down on the amount of time spent looking for documents or contact information.
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071209/
FREE/312090039/1010

Preparing for and Responding to Megacatastrophes
Risk & Insurance (12/07) Vol. 18 , No. 15 , P. 30 ; Kerney, Gary

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which decreased New Orleans' population by half for almost two years, showed businesses the importance of having a recovery and continuity plan. Models show insurers face over $100 billion in exposures if a catastrophe hit the Northeast, Florida, or California, but this does not include the actual economic impact a disaster could have over time. For instance, 1992's Hurricane Andrew has some firms still struggling to recover. Insurers must come up with a plan to accumulate and distribute resources while maintaining an acceptable level of service to clients. However, in a large disaster, it will take a long time for the claims process to be completed, which should force businesses to create a survival plan. Hurricane Katrina illustrated many of the challenges that insurers, businesses, and governments face in the event of a catastrophe. Local governments were unable to restore basic services and critical infrastructure, such as bridges and electricity. It also was difficult for contractors to get building plans and permits approved, which caused a delay in rebuilding. Additionally, a decreased supply of materials and labor led to increased prices and a delay in obtaining the resources needed to operate. Without a return to previous population levels, New Orleans' infrastructure could take 15 years to repair and replace.
http://www.riskandinsurance.com/story.jsp?storyId=49509272&query=
megacatastrophe