June 2007
In this issue

> Security Help
> Battery Tips
> New Wave of Spam
> Employee Spotlight
> Microsoft Office
 

Need Security Help? Talk to Us at Databranch!

Sometimes it’s okay to ask for help — especially if you are a small or mid-sized business that doesn’t have the time, staff, or expertise to properly manage your IT security and availability. Security help is available — you just need to know how to find the right partner for your business’ unique needs. Partners don’t just sell hardware and software; they also offer strategic planning, design, implementation, training, and consulting services. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of enlisting a security partner, and some factors to consider before you make your decision.

Partner benefits
IT security partners are trusted professionals whose job it is to stay on top of the current threat landscape, employ the right data protection and recovery measures for your business, and do so within your budget constraints. This is a win-win situation for many businesses whose in-house IT staff is stretched thin and/or isn’t able to stay on top of current security technology and threats, which can change from day to day. One Symantec partner, TIG in San Diego, has also cited the cost savings that can result from using a partner. 

"For the most part, organizations have realized that they don't have the manpower to watch every node on their network 24/7," says Steve Groom, TIG's director of security and wireless solutions.

According to Groom, outsourcing security and data recovery not only saves money, it allows businesses to have their networks monitored more intelligently than even the best IT in-house employees can accomplish.

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Mention the words "battery life." The first gadget that comes to mind is probably the energy-consuming laptop computer — particularly if you're on the go a lot.

If not, it should be. There never seems to be enough juice to run your portable PC, as I griped about in a previous article. Ah, but if laptop PCs were the extent of your battery blues, you might not feel so, well, powerless.

But power problems plague other mobile devices. For example, a 2003 In-Stat/MDR survey found that long battery life ranked as the most important feature to business users when selecting a wireless handset. Users of personal digital assistants (PDAs) are just as concerned about a possible energy crisis. I know because I am one and I never seem to stop worrying about running dry.

So, what about mobile gadgets? How do you make sure your batteries last as long as possible?

 Here are four tips.