6 (Mostly) Free Online Contact Apps to Consider
Web Worker Daily (07/11/07)

Contact management software has not been given a lot of attention by online application developers simply because of the privacy and security issues associated with storing personal information on the Web, but there are several programs available for those interested in doing so. Big Contacts uses an Ajax interface to facilitate the addition and editing of contact information, which can be imported from such email applications as Outlook or Gmail. Users can store up to 500 contacts at no cost, as well as tasks and notes for each one. Other contact management applications are more advanced, such as Oprius, a personal organizer that features calendars, email, and task and contact managers. Highrise from 37Signal is a customer relationship management (CRM) application with a contact management feature that offers an entire page for each contact with space for personal information, tasks, notes, images, and emails. Zoho CRM also features a contact management tool; but unless the company needs campaign management, lead generation, pipeline analysis, sales forecasts, and other such capabilities, this application might be too sophisticated.
http://www.webworkerdaily.com/2007/07/11/6-mostly-free-online-con
tact-apps-to-consider/

Understanding and Resolving IP Address Conflicts
Small Business Computing (07/13/07) ; Moran, Joseph

A warning such as, "There is an IP address conflict with another system on the network," is typical for computer users, and it happens every so often. IP address conflicts tend to be temporary and eventually resolve themselves, but that does not always happen immediately, which means computer users may loose time rebooting their machines, and sometimes the problem may not be remedied. IP address conflicts occur because a network disables the connectivity of devices that are supposed to have different IP addresses. Sometimes two systems have identical static addresses that were manually assigned, and conflicts also often occur when a system has been in stand-by or hibernate mode and attempts to come back online using the same address, which is now being used by another system. Computer users can manually enter IPCONFIG /RELEASE and IPCONFIG /RENEW from a command prompt to quickly address the issue. If the situation is not resolved, computer users can check the System Log within the Windows Event Viewer and look for a DHCP error entry. Chronic problems with no apparent cause may mean the router should be updated with the latest firmware.
http://www.SmallBusinessComputing.com/webmaster/article.php/3688491

5 Simple Ways to Store Your Files Online
Frantic Industries (07/12/2007) ; Schroeder, Stan

Web sites that offer free online data backup and storage are abundant, but many have flaws that make them poor options for regular use. However, five sites provide simple, stripped-down programs that allow for easy data uploading and retrieval without bombarding users with advertisements and other headaches. DropBoks is an entirely ad-free service that offers a single upload form and file listing. Users can store individuals files up to 50 MB and are given a total of 1 GB of storage space at no cost. Registered users of Ewedrive are given a personal subdomain and 1 GB of storage space. The free service does not restrict the size of individual files and enables encryption, and users in need of additional storage capacity can pay for more. Users who need to upload data quickly and easily might want to consider OneDump or JustUpIt, as neither require registered accounts nor impose space restrictions. However, individual files uploaded to JustUpIt cannot exceed 100 MB, while OneDump has a limit of 5 MB. Users in need of 250 MB of storage and the ability to transmit files too big to email should consider DropSend's free service; the site also offers up to 250 GB of storage space for $99.
http://www.franticindustries.com/blog/2007/07/12/5-simple-ways-to
-store-your-files-online

Document Management Takes Hold
WebCPA.com (07/01/07) ; Stimpson, Jeff

Many of the accounting firms that have gone paperless or are in the process of reducing paper consumption report numerous benefits. To ensure success, paperless offices require scanners, document management systems, support from upper management, and training on how to use all the hardware and software. Donald Mess of Woodland Hills, Calif.-based An Accountancy Corporation underscores the importance of having two or three monitors, as it enables users to view numerous documents simultaneously to make comparisons. Other accounting professionals like document management systems because it makes it easy for clients to review documents via email. According to Karl Springer of Middleton, Burns & Davis in Dallas, firms can eliminate the need for route sheets and numerous papers indicating that documents have been reviewed by the appropriate parties, as paperless files feature signature stamps and document a file's movement through the office. Springer also stresses the importance of top-notch data backup, disaster recovery, and archiving systems when paper files are no longer being saved. Companies that go paperless stand to record a substantial return on investment, mainly because they need less storage space, do not need to shell out much money on such things as folders, and can eliminate certain staffed positions. Doc.It, ECopy Inc., Cabinet NG Inc., and Thomson Tax & Accounting are among the companies offering document management systems.
http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=24584

Selecting a Small-Business Accounting App
PC World (07/07) ; Morochove, Richard

The most popular accounting software might not be suitable to a particular business. To select the appropriate accounting application, a small business should first define its business needs and determine which software capabilities it will need to fulfill those needs. Next, the capabilities would be compared to what is offered by various solutions, and the best match should be selected. To this end, companies should use a spreadsheet, listing the accounting software capabilities they need in the first column. Other columns should be used to evaluate the capabilities of each accounting solution being considered. Firms should research the solutions by accessing vendors' web sties, contacting vendors, or attending software demos.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,134241/article.html

Training is Virtually a Mouse Click Away
SmartBiz.com (07/09/07) ; Rosenthal, Steve

Online training or e-learning can improve the talent base of most companies, while reducing expenses, increasing productivity, and improving firms' abilities to compete in the marketplace. Colleges and universities were ensnared by online training early on, but now even small firms are adopting the inexpensive tool to train workers, managers, and others. Bersin & Associates reports that training budgets at many firms rose 7 percent in 2006, as companies continue to be faced with talent shortages in a number of industries. These talent and skills shortages are impressing upon executives that talent cultivation, recruitment, employee performance improvement, leadership development, and succession planning are essential to the hiring process. Workers are able to learn new skills and roles, as well as take refresher courses, from the comfort of their offices or homes, so long as Internet access is available. Employees garner a more personalized experience from online training programs, and can learn at their own pace, note experts.
http://www.smartbiz.com/article/articleprint/2153/-1/3

The Intranet Grows Up
Entrepreneur.com (06/07) ; Pierce, Sarah

As social networking tools become more prevalent in American culture, many companies are using them as a way to enliven their intranets and get keep employees connected. Some of the most common tools currently popping up on company intranets include video sharing, blogs and personal profiles similar to those on MySpace. Other businesses are taking the trend even further. Pleasant Ridge, Mich.-based ePrize has a "Water Cooler" bulletin board-like area on its intranet, where employees can make announcements or sell concert tickets and other items. Some companies are using chat sessions and videos on their intranets to replace traditional meetings. "Employers who set up intranets need to remember, it's not supposed to be a brochure; it's supposed to be 'intra'-active," says "Punk Marketing" author and RLM PR CEO Richard Laermer.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/technology/managingtechnology/article
180672.html