Most business owners are not aware that 8 out of 10 businesses like theirs have serious information technology problems.

Background on Problem

Make Sure

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Problem

Business is changing rapidly. When your business changes strategically, or tactically, the technology needed to support the business often changes as well

To review the strategic business goals and technology goals every 90 days, or as your business changes.

Unexpected costs and downtime are not a regular occurrence.

Downtime and slow system response cost thousands of dollars in lost productivity. Two common problems, inconsistent maintenance and inadequate system configurations cause downtime and slow response.

Systems are configured by an expert and optimized for performance.

Performance has not degraded over time.

Firewalls and antivirus are critical for systems with internet access. Not having effective firewall and antivirus costs thousands to millions of dollars in lost information and productivity.

Firewall and antivirus are up to date to prevent hacker intrusions and viruses from compromising security and productivity.

Most businesses have taken action to prevent SPAM and viruses from killing productivity or compromising security.

At least 80-90% of SPAM is eliminated.

In July 2004, the Wall Street Journal wrote the article "Spyware is Easy to Get, Difficult to Remove, Increasingly Malicious". Spyware monitors your internet activity, displays unwanted ads or web sites, allows theft by capturing user-ids and passwords, and slows and crashes systems.

Browser software is updated every week and two antispyware programs are used to help prevent and remove malicious spyware

Background on Problem

Important Practices

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Problem

Backup systems work quite well when failures occur if your backup practices adequate for the day a failure occurs. Poor backup practices can cost you thousands of dollars.

Back up all critical data nightly, ensure you have a copy offsite at least weekly, and test restore monthly.

Because busy managers rarely develop clear security policies, the security options in server software are not implemented, and many systems are not secure. Without both security systems and policies that insure information security, your confidential is information at risk.

Develop and implement clear security policies for internal and remote users.

Most employees are unaware of the problems caused by visiting web sites or downloading files. Millions of people download music through file sharing sites like Kazaa. What people don't know is that sites like Kazaa also load spyware that places ads on their computers.

Train employees how to avoid problems from SPAM, viruses, and spyware.

Inform employees about how surfing the internet or downloading files increases the risk of spyware intrusions.

Only download software from trusted sites.

According to International Data Corp., internet surfing on the job is a serious problem that accounts for 30% to 40% of lost employee productivity and costs thousands of dollars per employee per year.

Place an acceptable use policy in the employee handbook regarding use of the internet and computers. Inform employees about the policy and the reasons for it.

The axiom “Trust but Verify” applies to monitoring internet surfing. Most employees deserve your trust, but some employees are abusing your trust, costing you thousands in lost work, and putting your whole computer network at risk. When you receive a monthly report about employee internet usage, you can take action and gain peace of mind about your employees and your network.

Use software to restrict and monitor employee surfing

Background on Problem

Important Practices

OK

Problem

Many business do not have an effective process for evaluating and measuring return on investment in information technology.

Evaluate and measure the ROI on technology investments and invest in the highest priorities to achieve business objectives and gain competitive advantage.

Delays, frustrations, disappointments, and higher than expected costs are common in technology projects. Businesses need a trusted technology advisor that eliminates the frustrations and high costs of implementing technology.

Use a technology advisor that has the integrity, expertise, professionalism, service, and value to effectively to implement technology projects successfully and at low cost.

Trust is critical in a technology advisor because most small businesses do not understand technology well enough or research alternatives thoroughly enough to know they are buying the best technology for their needs at the best price possible.

Use a technology advisor:

• with the expertise to uncover your needs and recommend the best solution for them
• with a Code of Conduct that makes it clear they only sell you what you need
• that sells hardware and software at its wholesale cost with NO markup; huge savings are possible