Databranch Newsletter

April 2011
In this issue

> Top-Notch Password
Security
> Own Your Servers?
> Get Grounded
> Software and the
Taxman
> Workspace Comfort
> Business Continuity Tip
> Cartoon & Quote

Ultimate Tips
for a More Comfortable Workspace
reprinted with permission from the HP Small Business Center

Work is stressful enough without the added annoyance of an aching back, cramped fingers and a sore neck. But the fact is that people who are generally sedentary -- which can include anyone who spends most of their day behind a desk -- is at risk of developing these sorts of problems, as well as more serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress injuries.

Ready to feel more comfortable at work?

Business Continuity Tip

Prepare for
the first 72 Hours
The crisis in Japan is heart wrenching and hard to fathom. It's been said that this will be one of the most closely examined disasters in history. The lessons learned will help generations for years to come. But what can you do today to prepare your business and family for a large scale event? Simply put, prepare to go it alone for the first 72 hours.

FEMA recommends to be prepared with adequate supplies for the critical first 72 hours after a disaster. This includes operating under the assumption that utilities (phone, electricity, gas) as well as public safety (police and fire departments) may be unavailable. The following items should be included in a 72 hour "go bag" or kit: Please forward this newsletter to anyone else in your organization who might be interested!

5 Tips for Top-notch Password Security
by Kim Komando
used with permission from the Microsoft Small Business website Whether it's a few PCs or hundreds on your network, there's one thing that can separate your system from being compromised: a great password. Why? Hackers want access to anything and everything. If they can guess your user name and password, you might as well have given them your wallet and the keys to your building. Before we talk about what makes a good password, let's begin with the first of five things to know and practice in using passwords. 1. Don't be complacent: Attacks can and do happen. Hackers are a devious bunch and will stop at nothing to get into your network and files. They use three different methods to get to you: brute force, dictionary attacks, and social engineering.

Should You Own Your Servers?
used with permission from the Microsoft Business Site

Technology buyers today have more choices than ever before. Hardware and software can be purchased, leased or rented. Software can deployed "on-premise" or accessed "on demand" using cloud computing offerings, where you pay a monthly fee for software access. Each of these options have their place. In spite of the trend toward cloud computing, many companies are still buying servers and software to run their business. In fact, most businesses will deploy one or more servers in-house for needs which are not effectively met by in-cloud services. Before you go out and buy your own servers, consider your options. A server purchase requires an upfront investment, but over the course of several years, you may meet your business objectives much more effectively by buying servers and software vs. using cloud computing or co-location (data center rented server space) options.

Get Grounded Before You Reach for the Clouds
By Paula Klein, Editor
used with permission from the Microsoft Small Business website Like most IT deployments, deciding whether to use cloud computing is not as simple as it first looks. While it is straightforward to have a third-party vendor host certain business applications — such as sales or HR — for your employees to access over the Internet, "the reality is, the cloud is very specialized; one size does not fit all," says Judith Hurwitz, president of Hurwitz & Associates consultancy and co-author of the recent book, Cloud Computing for Dummies. CIOs can't dismiss the trend toward cloud computing nor obstruct its progress because business-side executives like the idea of "IT as a utility where they can use services as needed," she says. However, "If you randomly pick applications in a piecemeal fashion," she says, "you're not going to get the value you seek. Good planning really is important."

Software and the Taxman
By Jeffrey A. Levenstam, Partner, Ernst & Young LLP—International Tax Services
used with permission from the Microsoft Small Business website What do you consider when you're buying new business software? How well the product addresses the needs of your organization? Naturally. The cost per seat? Sure. The ease of administration and maintenance? Of course. The tax implications of the purchase? If you're not thinking about taxes, you should be. The green-eyeshade gang in your finance department will thank you for it, and heaven knows we could all use a friend or two in finance. So, sharpen your pencil and grab your abacus, and let's take a look at some of the tax implications of software licensing.

Quote of the Month

All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.

- Bob Burg

Databranch, Inc.
132 North Union Street, Suite 108 | Olean, New York 14760
(716) 373-4467 - Olean | (607) 733-8550 - Corning/Elmira
www.databranch.com

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