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IN THIS ISSUE
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DATE: May 2007Visit us online at : www.intelligentns.com 24/7 Support: (408) 260-1601
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Small Business Productivity: How to Take Your Company to the Next Level through Efficient Technology Many small businesses fail because they do not utilize technology adequately or efficiently. Key elements of business technology must interface, function properly and make employees more efficient in serving customers. Critical efficiency areas for any business are in communication, information (data) management, and product sales and delivery. When these critical efficiencies are supported by the right technologies, moving a company to the next level becomes easier. How can efficient technology help you move your company to the next level? Let’s consider the three critical efficiency areas. 1.Communication. Communication is critical for any business. Every company must communicate internally, with vendors and suppliers, with sales outlets, and with customers. In this age of instant communication, every business must know that at least key employees and company leaders are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The world has become accustomed to instant responses to questions, instant access to information, and instant solutions to problems. Communication technologies include:·
2. Information (data) management. Access to information is essential in any company. Employees require access to market analysis, product information, customer information, and corporate information. Technologies enable small businesses to manage information in critical ways: ·
3. Product sales and delivery data. The key to financial viability is management of inventory and money. Sales and product delivery are critical aspects of the success of a small business. Whether your sales team is on the road or in the office, whether your inventory manager is in a meeting with vendors or discussing a large sale with a sales rep, or whether you need to know what functions should be added to a new product, you need instant access to product information. This information might include: ·
Efficient use of technology to manage these issues of accessibility and data integration will make your business operate more smoothly and effectively. Choosing the right systems, the right programs, the right accessibility options, and effecting optimal system integration, will provide the communication, information, and sales information every small business needs to succeed and grow. IT Problem of the Month: Antivirus/Malware Most businesses receive hundreds or thousands of emails a day, which in turn puts computers and networks at risk, because the most common way a virus enters a computer system is through an email attachment. Antivirus software is a great tool to protect information systems, but that antivirus software needs to be updated regularly. People do not realize that there are anywhere from a few, to hundreds of new viruses identified each month, and it is imperative that virus software be updated on a daily basis. In most cases, virus software licensing must be renewed on a yearly basis or the updates do not download to their computers. In a corporate environment, the software licensing can either be leased or purchased with a perpetual license. With leasing, they cannot legally have the software installed after the lease period expires. With perpetual licensing, they can continue to have the software loaded, but cannot get any updates. Another crucial aspect pertaining to antivirus software is the need for antivirus software to be running on all workstations and all servers. The most common mistake most businesses make is only putting antivirus software on a select few computers or just on the server. Antivirus software does not only need to be utilized on every computer and every server, but most importantly, server-based email virus scanning must be installed on all local email servers in order to catch email viruses before they get to users mailboxes. Users must also be trained not to open emails and attachments that look suspicious. Hackers use emails that appear to come from banks or online stores, such as eBay and Pay Pal, to capture login names, passwords and bank account information. HOT MAY SPECIAL OFFER: If you sign up for a 1 year service contract with INS at any time during the month of May, you will be eligible for an additional $5.00 per hour off the already discounted rate! Sign up today! Don't miss this sizzling springtime opportunity! OTHER NEWS:
Recent statistics now place Blackberry use on a par with primping while driving as a leading cause of traffic accidents.
A recent article in the Washington Post offers a critical reminder to all businesses that rogue networks are causing problems for businesses of all sizes. The IRS recently discovered unauthorized wireless networks in at least 4 offices. If you don't know you are protected from a rogue network, call us today.
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