| Nov. 02 2006 at 3:27 PM |
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There seems to be text missing after "decentralized" in the second section.
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| Jan. 02 2007 at 12:10 PM |
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This is a great article for any entrepreneurs who are curious about beefing up and enhancing the computing end of their business. "Tech" is a tricky topic and opinions about what's good or bad (Windows vs. Linux, AMD vs. Intel, Dell vs. HP, IBM vs. Oracle) have occupied hundreds of pages on the Internet. One topic that needed some covering, however, is security.
But security here doesn't simply mean purchasing antiviruses and firewalls, but security as a decision on a personal level when using a server. Computers and the Internet, which have leveled the playing field so much for small businesses also level the playing field for small-time criminals. Half a dozen hackers can now do the same economic damage to a business that once would have taken dozens of con men, shoplifters, and large competitors.
There are many horror stories of small businesses whom lose millions to fake chargebacks, stolen credit cards, and technology-dependent scams because they do not take the time to learn and instead trust that a hunk of metal and silicone can replace a business owner's choices. Seemingly small and (relatively) simple steps like ensuring employees don't have Post-Its of passwords on their monitor, monitoring all laptops and cellphones have critical security updates installed, separating important customer data from the public with firewalls and data encryption, and putting up a password for your wireless network can all foil costly attacks on the livelihood you love doing.
"Forget inspirational quotes to keep you going. If by doing what you do, you get an hour every day to relax, be with the ones you love in comfort without doing wrong, then it is all worth it." -Anon.
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| Sep. 26 2007 at 6:14 PM |
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Thanks for quoting me in this article and for helping to raise awareness of this issue that receives so little "ink" in mainstream business publications.
Again, one of the most important things a small business owner can do is find a TRUSTED technology advisor that he/she can lean on for advice on everything and anything having to do with information technology.
All too often, new entrepreneurs go looking for a good attorney and a good CPA. Right after locating these 2 trusted business advisors, look for a good computer consulting firm. And don't be shy about asking your new attorney or new accountant for a personal recommendation.
Joshua Feinberg, author/editorial director
Computer Consulting Kit Home Study Course
Edited by: JoshuaFeinberg - Sep. 26 2007 at 6:15 PM
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| Nov. 05 2007 at 3:11 PM |
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Another thing to look at for growing small businesses are the new category of 'converged' appliance - that mix high-end solutions for phone systems, servers, email, networking devices, routers, wireless access points into a single device with easy to use management tools.
There is a good explanation/review on Gearlog.com - http://www.gearlog.com/2007/10/from_von_fall_appliances_bund lesgood_complex_ip_pbxbad.php#more
(disclaimer: I work for a company that manufactures this type of device)
Edited by: jpjanze - Nov. 05 2007 at 3:13 PM
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