Worthwhile Small Business Technologies
BusinessWeek (02/05/08) ; Marks, Gene

Experts say there are 10 technologies that can simplify day-to-day operations for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Remote desktop technology is one of them. Offerings such as Microsoft Windows Terminal Server allow computers to be operated remotely. Another tool well-suited for small organizations is desktop sharing software. This technology facilitates Webinars and allows small business owners to dispose of useless information, resulting in increased productivity. Microsoft, Cisco and CrossLoop have all released their own versions of the technology. Another time-saving technology for small businesses is wireless connectivity. Perhaps more than any other technology, wireless technology enhances productivity for businesses of all sizes by enabling them to conduct business from any location quickly and efficiently. Other technologies small firms should consider are e-mail marketing services, contact management software, hosted phone systems, messaging software, Google applications, and SQL Server.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2008/tc2008025_
632829.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_top+stories

SMBs Get Some Love From Storage Vendors
Small Business Computing (02/01/08) ; Mottl, Judy

Over the last several months, a number of storage vendors have launched new products aimed at the small- and medium-sized business market. For instance, IBM recently introduced PowerVM Express, a basic virtualization starter kit for small- and mid-sized business. In September, Dell introduced the MD3000i, a product that it said was a "more affordable alternative storage solution" for the small work environment. Vendors such as IBM and Dell are opting to target the SMB market because it is growing and there is no slowdown on the horizon. According to the Small Business Administration, about half of all private-sector employees work for SMBs. In addition, SMBs have created 60 percent to 80 percent of net new jobs annually over the last 10 years. The SBA also noted that SMBs hire 40 percent of high-tech workers and produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting companies. Storage vendors' desire to serve the small business market is good news for SMBs. Increased competition should bring economies of scale, better price leverage, and new features and functions that can help SMBs protect their data.
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/article.php/3725436

Reduce Security Costs at Your SME
Processor (02/01/08) ; Millard, Elizabeth

There are a number of ways that cash-strapped small- and mid-sized enterprises can boost their IT security without breaking their budgets. One inexpensive tactic that SMEs can use is to conduct deeper background checks on potential employees. For example, a SME's human resources department should ask a prospective employee's former employer whether they have an Internet use policy, whether the candidate abided by that policy, and if there were any issues regarding device use, IT support issues, or the inappropriate forwarding of company materials. In addition, SMEs may want to consider using Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances instead of a number of different security devices. When a number of security devices are used in a single environment, one device may not work well with another. However, UTM appliances can run a variety of services, including intrusion prevention, VPNs, content filtering, and antispam and antivirus software. "UTM is a cost-effective, all-in-one solution, making it easier for small-business owners to apply security services buying just a firewall at the gateway level," said Stan Oien, a security specialist at CDW. Oien added that UTM allows for centralized management and a one-vendor solution, which is easier to support.
http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?Article=articles/p
3005/20p05/20p05.asp&GUID=59AD7A9423C54954B17B620FD1FF2695

Security Efforts Hindered by Untrained Users
SearchCIO.com (01/29/08) ; McGillicuddy, Shamus

A recent GFI Software Ltd. sponsored survey found that midmarket CIOs are more interested in educated workers than a larger security budget. The survey asked IT executives at 455 small-and mid-sized companies what would help upgrade the security level at their firms. Just 12 percent stated a bigger budget would help, while 48 percent said they would prefer more awareness about security among workers, while an additional 25 percent noted that better security awareness among senior executives was primary. GFI's David Kelleher explains that while midmarket businesses have security protocols, there is not a strong level of communication between IT and end users. He recommends that CIOs make certain new workers enroll in an in-depth instructional class that describes what they can and cannot do on the network. Meanwhile, Yankee Group Research Inc.'s Gary Chen thinks while it is smart to instruct end users, he is not convinced it will reap any substantial benefits. He states that small-and mid-sized businesses should try to enact technologies that assume the user will take the wrong action. Chen adds that these firms should seek out vendors who provide integrated security services or managed services.
http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,s
id183_gci1296314,00.html#

How to Get What You Need From Your Small Business Software
PC World Canada (01/23/08) ; Deveau, Denise

Small- and medium-sized companies can become more efficient by making the most of their business-applications software. The combination of upgraded software and appropriate instruction can yield substantial savings in both money and time. One way to optimize business-applications software is by upgrading collaboration. Superior integration abilities make it simple and quick for users to set or change appointments, get contact data, look at and move documents safely, and communicate with their coworkers and clients. Search applications, including in-depth graphics archives, contact or inventory data, and native search abilities, can provide significant results immediately. Business-applications software can also reduce outsourcing mandates. Capabilities such as graphics archives, specialized templates, and drop and drag features can enable users to make their own high-quality materials and presentations while providing a consistent appearance and tone. Microsoft Office Small Business 2007, which was introduced in November, provides numerous features that have been specially created to handle the requirements of the small- and medium-sized business sector.
http://www.pcworld.ca/news/column/a378705b0a01040801160fa6135e360
c/pg1.htm