VoIP Rollout in 10 Steps
SearchSMB.com (11/13/07) ; Darrow, Barbara

If implemented properly, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can do a world of good in the way of communications and productivity by combining mobile and office communications. Experts recommend 10 steps for any company hoping to experience as little disruption as possible when making the VoIP transportation. First, companies should prepare for VoIP by checking their network for problems, updating all security programs and operating systems. When beginning VoIP introduction it is important to start with a pilot program to work out any potential glitches. Any network switches or other hardware should also be upgraded with VoIP in mind, even if it has not yet been instituted. Consulting other businesses that already have VoIP to learn best practices is another excellent idea. This step will help companies keep their expectations realistic, which is essential to a smooth transition. When putting best practices to work, employees must be made aware of data phishing and information theft possibilities. Furthermore, company practices pertaining to VoIP should keep any regulatory requirements, like Sarbanes-Oxley, in mind. Finally, the most important aspect of VoIP is to guarantee all information is transmitted only through secure company networks.
http://searchsmb.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid44_gci1281805,00.html

Social Networkers Reach Out More With Cellphones
USA Today (11/14/07)

The cellphone is becoming fertile territory for the popular social-networking trend. Though social networks take different forms, they typically link folks with common interests and values. Wireless carriers, handset makers, and social-networking upstarts confront a challenge: turning mobile networking into a profitable venture. Opportunities for small business users include the ability to get useful information on a sales prospect. Lucian Beebe, director of product management at business-oriented social networker LinkedIn, says users shouldn't have to go through several screens on a phone to find the answers. Beebe says a mobile LinkedIn is likely to look very different from services that tend to be more socially or entertainment-oriented. "We're not trying to create an application where people spend (a lot of) time," he says. "We want to get you in, solve your problem and get you out as fast as possible."
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2007-11-13-moible-networkin
g_N.htm

Data Destruction Made Simple and Cheap
SearchSMB.com (11/08/07) ; Dubin, Joel

Failing to destroy all information on old corporate computers and PDAs could lead to stolen data and other security breaches; however, experts have some tips for companies as they oversee this vital area of risk management. Once equipment is out of use, it must be returned to a company's IT department, where the manager can mark the computer or PDA from the inventory and keep it in a secure place until destroyed. For small and medium-size businesses (SMBs), outsourcing data destruction to another company is the most feasible option financially, and many of these firms offer to pick up equipment as well as destroy information and degauss, or demagnetize, data. Before enlisting the services of a destruction company, make sure they are certified by the industry-watchdog National Association for Information Destruction Inc., and find out ahead of time if the vendor provides proof of destruction and if equipment is housed steadfastly before it is demolished. Also, managers should inquire about the methods of destroying equipment and should be given tracking information on all equipment under the care of a destruction company. For extra sensitive information, choose a vendor that meets Department of Defense 5220.22-M standards for destruction of data, such as DMD Systems Recovery Inc. Hand-held devices like Blackberrys and other PDAs can be erased through other programs that meet Defense Department standards, such as The Nth System's NecroFile software, or Active@KillDisk from LSoft Technologies.
http://searchsmb.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid44_gci1280673,00.
html

Connecting Remote Workers
Processor (11/09/07) ; Gain, Bruce

Ensuring workers have access to the company network while they are out of the office can be difficult. Because of TCP protocols, remote file access can be slow at best. Luckily, a new type of technology, known as wide-area data services (WADS) allows users to bypass this problem. WADS increase file and application speeds through a public connection so the employee can enjoy speeds similar to those within an office LAN. Several major vendors, including Cisco, Expand Networks, GlobalSCAPE, Packeteer, Riverbed, and Silver Peak Systems now offer WADS solutions. When selecting a WADS system, experts recommend companies pick the solution that best balances their budget with the amount of access they need. When making this choice companies are asked to remember WADS usually allow remote data to be stored within the organization's LAN. In fact, some companies may not need WADS at all. Instead they can use browser-based technology. These solutions, like those offered by Google and the Motorola Good Technology Group, let users access applications without the hassle of downloading them to their remote device. Whichever choice is made, in the end security must remain the company's top priority.
http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Fp2945%
2F30p45%2F30p45.asp&guid=&searchtype=&WordList=&bJumpTo=True

Keeping Company Information Safe When Using Remote Access
Royal Gazette (Bermuda) (11/09/07) ; Wright, Alex

As more workers travel and access company data remotely, firms must employ the best security programs and policies possible. Check Point UTM-1 appliances are just one option in a single threat management program aimed at simplified security and data protection for laptops, PDAs, desktops, and other wireless devices. Calabash Consulting Chief Technology Officer Jody Hubert says about 80 percent of data breaches can be traced back to lost or stolen devices, which is why many companies are increasing accountability among workers and improving their abilities to track these devices. Another option for firms with remote workers is to extend the company security system into workers' homes. Lost data and devices can have a minimal impact on workers, who merely have to pay to replace the device, but can have lasting effects on a firm's reputation.
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/art
icle.jsp?articleId=7d7b4af3003000a§ionId=65

Unchain Your Computing Power: Develop a Wireless Network Plan
Network World (11/05/07) ; Rasmussen, Sven

Small and medium-sized business are making it a priority to provide their employees with mobile computing power, according to several recent studies, because doing so increases the value and productivity of IT and the employees themselves. But before businesses begin using a wireless network, they must first consider several factors. For starters, businesses need to consider the physical environment that their wireless network will be used in. Businesses should examine the physical characteristics of their building, including its square footage, in order to determine how many access points are needed. In addition, business should determine how many employees will be using the wireless network, and ensure that there is enough bandwidth on the network to support the activities of these users. Businesses should also watch out for a number of common pitfalls related to deploying a wireless network. For example, businesses should make sure not to use wireless devices designed for home use, since such devices are made specifically for single deployments and can interfere with each other when used simultaneously.
http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2007/110507-cdw-develop-wi
reless-network-plan.html

Data Governance: Corporate Messaging Governance
DM Review (10/07) ; Laurent, William

The increasing volume of email combined with the danger of abuse by employees caused email governance issues to rise on the agendas of corporate executives. Although corporations are doing a good job of restricting improper use, poor retention policies can lead to violations of both federal and state regulatory policies. Many companies are coping with an increase in email volume by implementing an employee delete policy, but this can result in the improper storage or accidental deletion of sensitive emails. Often it takes an audit or lawsuit for corporations to see the value of having an infrastructure that allows the easy retrieval of documents. New solutions can group emails automatically into compartments, allowing companies to reduce the size of their archives and save on management costs. Corporations should take the time to understand and implement one of these Web-based solutions before a legal action or loss of classified documents hurts business.
http://www.dmreview.com/article_sub.cfm?articleId=1093519