Generally,when transmitting information it is good practice to use https: in front of a url (i.e. https://www.gmail.com). This provides for the encryption of information transmitted over the Internet. Most companies that take credit cards over the web already have these measures in place. Nevertheless, there are many web email providers that still do not require users to log in to a more secure page.
So if you have the option of https vs. http then always pick HTTPS. It generally requires little to no work of the end user.
See what Google Gmail is doing to make web email more secure: PC World Article
Hosting, Security
1. People costs. Gartner estimates that 37% of the average IT budget is dedicated to personnel. Outsource parts or all of your IT to outside vendors.
2. Lighten the load for existing IT staff. If you like the idea of having IT staff close at hand then make their job easier by outsourcing certain jobs that are outside of their skillset. For example, programming, telecom or desktop support. That way you get more out of your technical people.
3. Audit your wireless voice and data plans. Shop around and see if you can cut your companies cell phone bill.
4. Consider moving selected servers and/or applications into the “cloud”. Choose applications that run within a web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer or Firefox) and are hosted offsite. A good example is Salesforce.com. You pay a small monthly fee and no longer need to pay for the upkeep of a server or worry about costly electric bills.
5. Consolidate servers. If you do need to have servers then virtualize them. You will save on power and additional hardware. These days you can run multiple servers applications on the same box.
6. Use VoIP. Voice over the Internet has come a long way over the last few years due to increased bandwidth. Consider having your voice calls run over business class cable or DSL lines. Negotiate with traditional voice carriers to let them know you have other options. The days of monopoly are over.
7. Printer Costs. Keep an eye on what it costs for paper, cartridges and toner. Consider using duplex printers which have come way down in price. Avoid having printers at each employee desk because they are a pain to manage, tend to be of lesser quality and never get fully utilized. It’s often better to have one or more networked printers that can be easily monitored by IT staff.
Cutting Costs, cloud cutting costs
OK, so cloudxuberance is not a word. However, I am officially making it part of my lexicon. A recent report by McKinsey & Co. states that:
While it has great potential, many of the claims being made about cloud computing have lead some to the point of “irrational exuberance”and unrealistic expectations.
Do we have another dot com bubble ready to burst? Probably, not because there is real value in having technology savvy companies host certain parts of IT infrastructure. A good example would be a small business with a handful of employees looking to leverage expensive CRM software that is payed for on a monthly basis (i.e. SalesForce.com, Microsoft CRM, etc.). However, a few things that businesses of all sizes need to keep in mind:
1. Who has control of my information? (i.e. are they trustworthy, experienced, will be in business for a long time)
2. Is the connection to resources secure? (i.e. encrypted as it passes through the Internet)
3. How much downtime can we afford? (i.e. if an Internet connection goes down, hosted server goes down)
4. Is the hosting company certified and in compliance? (i.e. SAS-70 certified)
There are many more things to think about including a cost benefit analysis but those are some quick ones that come to mind. This is not a situation of either cloud or no cloud. It has a lot to do with business size and risk tolerance.
For a pretty good definition of cloud computing go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
For a copy of the report: http://uptimeinstitute.org/images/stories/McKinsey_Report_Cloud_Computing/mckinsey_clearing_the%20clouds_final_04142009.ppt.pdf
Biz Continuity, Cutting Costs, General, cloud
1. Have someone else host your servers (depending on nature of your biz). Save on upkeep and energy bills.
2. Move to hosted applications (i.e. Salesforce CRM, Hosted QB, etc.). Just make sure you have thought about connection speeds and multiple DSL, Cable, T-1 lines. Less of a need for IT staff because all updates, upgrades and technical issues are usually handled by the company selling you the software.
3. Outsource your critical technologies to IT companies that will take care of everything for a flat monthly fee. More predictable, more secure, and better long term IT strategy.
Cutting Costs, cloud
Sox lost another one but not without a little drama. Beckett through a little to close to Bobby Abreu’s head last night.
http://videos.espn.com/m/video/22100645/josh-beckett-suspended-six-games.htm?col=en-vid-espnvideo_1-ep&q=%22red+sox%22
Cut Beckett some slack. Abreu does have a big head and it was probably hanging over the plate!
Red Sox
Never liked Curt Shilling. Great pitcher but not Hall of Fame material. Maybe its the way he rolled into Boston like some sort of savior. I always felt like he had his own agenda. Always thinking about stuff outside of baseball. Politics and Hollywood might be his true calling.
Boston has given Curt a shot at the HOF. Your welcome Curt!
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/other/bal-sp.digest24.10mar24,0,5660340.column
General Red Sox
Something to remember when selecting off-site backup for your business or personal computers is that technology doesn’t always work! (newsflash)
See: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2009/03/21/data_backup_firm_sues_2_hardware_suppliers/
If you are using (or thinking of using) Carbonite for backup you may want to ask them a few questions before backing up your data with them. Please bear in mind that this could happen to any of the off-site backup providers. If your business or personal data is important you will make sure that you have multiple backup strategies in place. On-site and off-site backup is best practice.
Plan for worst case. Then you will always be ready!
P.S.
To me, it sounds like Carbonite is blaming the hardware vendor when they really should be looking at their own business process.
Biz Continuity, Cutting Costs, cloud
It’s not the first time Google has had issues. Couple weeks back many users (including me) had issues with Google Search which was flagging many of the links as “malicious links”.
Just a reminder that no technology is 100% trouble free!
For more on this story see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/google/4797727/Googles-Gmail-service-crashes-across-world.html
cloud cloud
Former All Star Brad Penny will is a welcome addition to the Sox. He had a few problems with the Dodgers but that is to be expected with the rag tag bunch over there. To many distractions out in LA. In Boston he will get back on track. Fenway has a way of doing that to “washed up” stars.
Read about the drama here: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-fyi18-2009feb18,0,2140814.story
Red Sox Red Sox
