By: Keith Barthold
If you're a business owner, or even a manager at a business, then
there's a high likelihood that at one point or another you've
experienced some sort of a computer problem. Whether it was as small as
having troubles with a particular software program or as significant as a
hard drive crashing. In today's day and age we all are exposed to
technology every day and therefore it's just a matter of time before we
encounter a problem with the technology. While some of these problems
are common across the board occasionally you'll find an issue that stems
from an inexperienced person patching something together. With the end
result being an overly exposed and vulnerable network.
Sunday 2 March 2014
IT Service Outsourcing Factors to Consider
By: Sara Fisher
When your business is growing, it’s hard to tell at what point you should consider outsourcing your IT service. One of the first things to consider is if your business is even ready for this. Take a step back and look at the big picture: are all areas of your business ready to engage in outsourcing? Do you have enough money in your budget to hire an outside company to take on this task? Bear in mind that if you don’t have to worry too much about your business’ IT needs because there is another company handling them, that will allow you to put more of your attention on other aspects of the business, like administrative tasks. But also keep this in mind – if your employees need any training on this new technology, you will have to allot time and money for this training, so be sure that is in the budget too.
Consider if the part of your business you are trying to outsource is your core business. If it is, you might not want to outsource it. But if you decide that this is the best bet for your business and the outsourced aspect isn’t part of your core business, here are a few things to think about while you’re in the process of hiring an IT service.
First, while it will help if you think about your budget, don’t focus too much on the cost when it comes to choosing your IT service provider. Bear in mind that you get what you pay for! See how much the entire package will cost: from upfront money to monthly service fees.
Second, look into what service-level agreements the IT service company offers and focus on the monthly reporting they should provide to you. Are the services they are providing worth it? Do the savings align with your original goal?
Third, look into what brands the IT service company offers and supports. Are they well-known brands with good reputations? Does your IT service company offer a choice among those brands? If the answer to either or both of these questions is "no," you may want to keep shopping around for a better IT service company.
Fourth, word of mouth is often the best way to find a good service or product. Ask colleagues and other business owners about their experiences outsourcing their IT service. Who did they end up hiring (or firing) and why?
If you keep these in mind while going through the process of finding and outsourcing an IT service, this information should be a good jumping-off point.
Sara Fisher independently authors articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. SEM clients like the Minnesota networking support specialists at IT Express Services. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only, and not those of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051620447-1-it-service-outsourcing-factors-to-consider/
When your business is growing, it’s hard to tell at what point you should consider outsourcing your IT service. One of the first things to consider is if your business is even ready for this. Take a step back and look at the big picture: are all areas of your business ready to engage in outsourcing? Do you have enough money in your budget to hire an outside company to take on this task? Bear in mind that if you don’t have to worry too much about your business’ IT needs because there is another company handling them, that will allow you to put more of your attention on other aspects of the business, like administrative tasks. But also keep this in mind – if your employees need any training on this new technology, you will have to allot time and money for this training, so be sure that is in the budget too.
Consider if the part of your business you are trying to outsource is your core business. If it is, you might not want to outsource it. But if you decide that this is the best bet for your business and the outsourced aspect isn’t part of your core business, here are a few things to think about while you’re in the process of hiring an IT service.
First, while it will help if you think about your budget, don’t focus too much on the cost when it comes to choosing your IT service provider. Bear in mind that you get what you pay for! See how much the entire package will cost: from upfront money to monthly service fees.
Second, look into what service-level agreements the IT service company offers and focus on the monthly reporting they should provide to you. Are the services they are providing worth it? Do the savings align with your original goal?
Third, look into what brands the IT service company offers and supports. Are they well-known brands with good reputations? Does your IT service company offer a choice among those brands? If the answer to either or both of these questions is "no," you may want to keep shopping around for a better IT service company.
Fourth, word of mouth is often the best way to find a good service or product. Ask colleagues and other business owners about their experiences outsourcing their IT service. Who did they end up hiring (or firing) and why?
If you keep these in mind while going through the process of finding and outsourcing an IT service, this information should be a good jumping-off point.
Sara Fisher independently authors articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. SEM clients like the Minnesota networking support specialists at IT Express Services. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only, and not those of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051620447-1-it-service-outsourcing-factors-to-consider/
The Next Steps to Build Your Network
By: Sonja Stetzler
You’ve come home from the conference with a stack of business cards from people whom you have met. Now what? Don’t let them sit on the corner of your desk until next year. It’s time to start developing and building relationships with newly added members to your network. A quick "Nice to have met you" or "It was great to see you again" e-mail gets you started in the right direction with developing a relationship with your contact.
The next step involves shifting your focus on giving. What do the people in your network need? Information? Connections? If you give something to somebody, they will generally give you more than what you gave him/her according to the Law of Reciprocity. Giving first positions you as a resource.
What do you have to give? Try the 4 I’s : Information, Introductions, Invitations, and Interaction.
Information – Share relevant or helpful information to one person in your network each day. You might have read an article or blog post that might be pertinent to that person’s work. Sharing useful information is one of the easiest ways to let a colleague know you are thinking of her. This may lead to a deeper conversation about the topic you just sent to her and allows for an opportunity to advance the relationship.
Introductions – Introduce two people in your group who don’t know each other yet have a common interest (could be a professional interest or personal interest). If you are not comfortable making the introduction, ask each individual if they would like to be introduced. Chances are they would, since many are looking to meet others with common interests and expand their own networks.
Invitations – If you are sponsoring an event/webinar or going to an event that you think a colleague would enjoy, invite him or her – especially if the event is relevant to their business or industry. Make it a win-win where your colleague can gain new knowledge or contacts through you.
Interactions – Recognize birthdays and other special days of members in your network with a card, e-mail or phone call. Social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook make it easy to reach out, and a small gesture of kindness will go a long way to nurture your network.
You say you don’t have time to connect? If you are just reaching out to 1 person a day, it should only take 10-15 minutes. And over time, if you invest in your network, you will see your network flourish. You will experience better relationships, and you will stay top of mind to the people who are important to you in achieving your goals.
Only the top 1% of all people take the next step to grow their network and make a connection – are you part of that 1%?
Sonja Stetzler, MA, RD is a communications and public speaking coach who works with business and healthcare professionals to improve their presentation skills so that they can grow their business or advance in their careers. For FREE tips on improving your presence on the platform, visit www.effectiveconnecting.com
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051620184-1-the-next-steps-to-build-your-network
You’ve come home from the conference with a stack of business cards from people whom you have met. Now what? Don’t let them sit on the corner of your desk until next year. It’s time to start developing and building relationships with newly added members to your network. A quick "Nice to have met you" or "It was great to see you again" e-mail gets you started in the right direction with developing a relationship with your contact.
The next step involves shifting your focus on giving. What do the people in your network need? Information? Connections? If you give something to somebody, they will generally give you more than what you gave him/her according to the Law of Reciprocity. Giving first positions you as a resource.
What do you have to give? Try the 4 I’s : Information, Introductions, Invitations, and Interaction.
Information – Share relevant or helpful information to one person in your network each day. You might have read an article or blog post that might be pertinent to that person’s work. Sharing useful information is one of the easiest ways to let a colleague know you are thinking of her. This may lead to a deeper conversation about the topic you just sent to her and allows for an opportunity to advance the relationship.
Introductions – Introduce two people in your group who don’t know each other yet have a common interest (could be a professional interest or personal interest). If you are not comfortable making the introduction, ask each individual if they would like to be introduced. Chances are they would, since many are looking to meet others with common interests and expand their own networks.
Invitations – If you are sponsoring an event/webinar or going to an event that you think a colleague would enjoy, invite him or her – especially if the event is relevant to their business or industry. Make it a win-win where your colleague can gain new knowledge or contacts through you.
Interactions – Recognize birthdays and other special days of members in your network with a card, e-mail or phone call. Social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook make it easy to reach out, and a small gesture of kindness will go a long way to nurture your network.
You say you don’t have time to connect? If you are just reaching out to 1 person a day, it should only take 10-15 minutes. And over time, if you invest in your network, you will see your network flourish. You will experience better relationships, and you will stay top of mind to the people who are important to you in achieving your goals.
Only the top 1% of all people take the next step to grow their network and make a connection – are you part of that 1%?
Sonja Stetzler, MA, RD is a communications and public speaking coach who works with business and healthcare professionals to improve their presentation skills so that they can grow their business or advance in their careers. For FREE tips on improving your presence on the platform, visit www.effectiveconnecting.com
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051620184-1-the-next-steps-to-build-your-network
Saturday 1 March 2014
Google Shows Penguins Off In A foul Light
By: Raphael Miyoshi
Where to start with Google? So many contradictory policies, I really think they must be called the double standard search Company or occasion Elgoog as they seem to have everything backwards. Due to the fact that every person has their very own ideas on that topic, I do not get political in any of my posts. I need to say, Matt Cutts or Cooty, whatever you want to call him today, is without question Liberal to the core. How do I involve this conclusion? Well, he looks like a nerd and although he looks well informed he does not have a molecule of cleverness or common sense. I in fact discussed one of his web conferences that I was perplexed how on earth Google had actually grown to the giant it is today as they have actually never ever revealed an inkling of good sense. Just a liberal would reward a competitor for spamming somebody into oblivion. As a program of good faith they punished Google Chrome for purchasing links that could assist to ranking on their very own site. It really would be laughable if not for the hundreds of small companies that for years vigorously advertised their websites. Since of Google's incompetence, with the new updates most are now facing bankruptcy.
Where to start with Google? So many contradictory policies, I really think they must be called the double standard search Company or occasion Elgoog as they seem to have everything backwards. Due to the fact that every person has their very own ideas on that topic, I do not get political in any of my posts. I need to say, Matt Cutts or Cooty, whatever you want to call him today, is without question Liberal to the core. How do I involve this conclusion? Well, he looks like a nerd and although he looks well informed he does not have a molecule of cleverness or common sense. I in fact discussed one of his web conferences that I was perplexed how on earth Google had actually grown to the giant it is today as they have actually never ever revealed an inkling of good sense. Just a liberal would reward a competitor for spamming somebody into oblivion. As a program of good faith they punished Google Chrome for purchasing links that could assist to ranking on their very own site. It really would be laughable if not for the hundreds of small companies that for years vigorously advertised their websites. Since of Google's incompetence, with the new updates most are now facing bankruptcy.
Orange Broadband for Mobile Users
By: Laura Ginn
Long gone are the times when Internet access involved being stuck at home sitting in front of a desktop or laptop computer. Today, the mobile Internet is fast becoming ubiquitous, and it is rapidly overtaking desktop broadband usage as well. Instead of using fixed-line technologies like ADSL or cable broadband, mobile broadband uses the same networks which the mobile phone network operators use. By far the most common technology currently in use today is 3G, also known as the third generation of mobile broadband. This offers maximum download speeds of 8Mb/sec, although performance and reliability are heavily dependent on signal strength.
The fourth generation of mobile broadband (4G) is currently being rolled out in various areas of the country. Still not widely available, this will eventually replace 3G in the coming years. It offers vastly higher download speeds and improved reliability.
Orange broadband offers a number of mobile broadband packages, including prepaid and contract options. They provide the necessary hardware with all of their packages, allowing you to connect either your laptop, desktop or tablet computer to the Internet by way of a USB dongle modem.
Before you consider going for a mobile broadband package, you should be aware that mobile broadband is not really meant to be a substitute for fixed-line broadband, unless you live in one of the few areas of the country where ADSL or cable broadband is unavailable. Mobile broadband is usually significantly more expensive, and they come with relatively small monthly download limits. Whereas all of the fixed-line home broadband packages from Orange are unlimited, allowing you to download as much data as you like per month, their mobile broadband packages are more limited than most.
With Orange mobile broadband, you have a choice of two hardware devices to use for connecting to the Internet. The cheaper option is the standard Huawei E3131 USB dongle which you can connect to any laptop, desktop or tablet computer to enable mobile broadband Internet access. The more expensive option is the Huawei Wireless E5332. This allows you to connect to your mobile broadband service wirelessly from any device which supports Wi-Fi. This way, you will not need to rely on wireless hotspots or driver installation and other issues.
Only the standard USB dongle is available for prepaid connections. Prepaid mobile Internet with Orange allows you to pay per day, per week or per month at £2, £7 or £15 respectively. There is an upfront cost of £14.99 for the hardware and a £15 fee for the initial top-up of credit. Alternatively, you can choose to pay £29.99 upfront and get 90 days of mobile Internet access included without having to worry about additional monthly charges or contracts.
Regardless of whether you choose the Huawei E3131 or the Huawei Wireless E5332, contract options remain much the same. The only difference is that you will have to pay an initial cost for the E5332 with the cheaper packages. Orange broadband contracts are divided into three categories for light, medium and heavy users. These provide you with monthly download limits of 500MB, 2GB and 5GB respectively. Be aware that these download limits are far smaller than they are for even the cheapest of fixed-line broadband packages. For this reason, mobile broadband from Orange is best suited to light usage or secondary Internet access. All three options are available for thirty-day or eighteen-month contracts. Additionally, they all include free wireless Internet access on the London Underground.
How Much Data Do You Need?
All mobile broadband packages currently available in the UK are subject to monthly download limits. For this reason, mobile broadband is generally not to be considered as an alternative to fixed-line broadband. Many home broadband packages come with unlimited monthly data downloads, while even the cheapest have much more generous limits of fifteen or forty gigabytes.
If you only plan to check your emails, use Facebook and browse the Internet occasionally while you're on the move, then a 500MB limit may be just enough for your requirements, provided that most of your Internet usage is through a fixed-line connection at home. If you plan to use mobile broadband a lot, a higher limit is essential.
Laura Ginn enjoys the internet connectivity speeds provided by Orange broadband. Find out more about the different network providers on uSwitch.com and see how you can get the best deal by comparing prices online.
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051620333-1-orange-broadband-for-mobile-users
Long gone are the times when Internet access involved being stuck at home sitting in front of a desktop or laptop computer. Today, the mobile Internet is fast becoming ubiquitous, and it is rapidly overtaking desktop broadband usage as well. Instead of using fixed-line technologies like ADSL or cable broadband, mobile broadband uses the same networks which the mobile phone network operators use. By far the most common technology currently in use today is 3G, also known as the third generation of mobile broadband. This offers maximum download speeds of 8Mb/sec, although performance and reliability are heavily dependent on signal strength.
The fourth generation of mobile broadband (4G) is currently being rolled out in various areas of the country. Still not widely available, this will eventually replace 3G in the coming years. It offers vastly higher download speeds and improved reliability.
Orange broadband offers a number of mobile broadband packages, including prepaid and contract options. They provide the necessary hardware with all of their packages, allowing you to connect either your laptop, desktop or tablet computer to the Internet by way of a USB dongle modem.
Before you consider going for a mobile broadband package, you should be aware that mobile broadband is not really meant to be a substitute for fixed-line broadband, unless you live in one of the few areas of the country where ADSL or cable broadband is unavailable. Mobile broadband is usually significantly more expensive, and they come with relatively small monthly download limits. Whereas all of the fixed-line home broadband packages from Orange are unlimited, allowing you to download as much data as you like per month, their mobile broadband packages are more limited than most.
With Orange mobile broadband, you have a choice of two hardware devices to use for connecting to the Internet. The cheaper option is the standard Huawei E3131 USB dongle which you can connect to any laptop, desktop or tablet computer to enable mobile broadband Internet access. The more expensive option is the Huawei Wireless E5332. This allows you to connect to your mobile broadband service wirelessly from any device which supports Wi-Fi. This way, you will not need to rely on wireless hotspots or driver installation and other issues.
Only the standard USB dongle is available for prepaid connections. Prepaid mobile Internet with Orange allows you to pay per day, per week or per month at £2, £7 or £15 respectively. There is an upfront cost of £14.99 for the hardware and a £15 fee for the initial top-up of credit. Alternatively, you can choose to pay £29.99 upfront and get 90 days of mobile Internet access included without having to worry about additional monthly charges or contracts.
Regardless of whether you choose the Huawei E3131 or the Huawei Wireless E5332, contract options remain much the same. The only difference is that you will have to pay an initial cost for the E5332 with the cheaper packages. Orange broadband contracts are divided into three categories for light, medium and heavy users. These provide you with monthly download limits of 500MB, 2GB and 5GB respectively. Be aware that these download limits are far smaller than they are for even the cheapest of fixed-line broadband packages. For this reason, mobile broadband from Orange is best suited to light usage or secondary Internet access. All three options are available for thirty-day or eighteen-month contracts. Additionally, they all include free wireless Internet access on the London Underground.
How Much Data Do You Need?
All mobile broadband packages currently available in the UK are subject to monthly download limits. For this reason, mobile broadband is generally not to be considered as an alternative to fixed-line broadband. Many home broadband packages come with unlimited monthly data downloads, while even the cheapest have much more generous limits of fifteen or forty gigabytes.
If you only plan to check your emails, use Facebook and browse the Internet occasionally while you're on the move, then a 500MB limit may be just enough for your requirements, provided that most of your Internet usage is through a fixed-line connection at home. If you plan to use mobile broadband a lot, a higher limit is essential.
Laura Ginn enjoys the internet connectivity speeds provided by Orange broadband. Find out more about the different network providers on uSwitch.com and see how you can get the best deal by comparing prices online.
Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051620333-1-orange-broadband-for-mobile-users
Why and how to adopt cloud computing?
By: Denor Linen
Application delivered as a service over Internet and system programs and hardware in the data centers are referred to be the core components of cloud computing. The IT infrastructure that consists of software and hardware is called as cloud computing. It is being widely accepted as the core infrastructure practices inspite of being a very new invention. The main benefit of cloud computing is virtualized infrastructure that gives a logical separation between many computing systems just appearing like different physical machines. Many distributed computer systems are created by sharing a large pool of common system resources, capable of handling large amount computation.
Application delivered as a service over Internet and system programs and hardware in the data centers are referred to be the core components of cloud computing. The IT infrastructure that consists of software and hardware is called as cloud computing. It is being widely accepted as the core infrastructure practices inspite of being a very new invention. The main benefit of cloud computing is virtualized infrastructure that gives a logical separation between many computing systems just appearing like different physical machines. Many distributed computer systems are created by sharing a large pool of common system resources, capable of handling large amount computation.
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