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This Week's Headlines
Access to Files Across the Miles
Access to Files Across the Miles
Fifty percent of small businesses regularly use smartphones to conduct
business, according to a recent study conducted by Decision Analyst, and
half of those firms say they now use their smartphone more often than their
computer. Egnyte's m-Drive user interface enables firms to do even more
away from the office by guaranteeing secure and ubiquitous remote access
to all business data, requiring no additional software purchase or
installation on a phone. Egnyte's on-demand server offers both Mac and PC
users online file storage, file-sharing functionality, and automatic backup
in one solution. Any data stored on the server is now accessible via
BlackBerry and Android m-Drive user interfaces optimized for both keypads
and touchscreens, giving businesses the tools to navigate folder
hierarchies and open and share files. Top 5 Social Networking Tips You Need to Know
According to Debi Kleiman of Communispace's product marketing division,
businesses can benefit from adhering to five social network tips. First,
SMBs should communicate in online communities their customers frequent;
accountants can seek out clients that are using social networking groups to
find a CPA, help with finances for their own businesses, etc.. Kleiman
says that companies should then listen to customers' concerns and questions
online, engaging in conversations with them rather than simply emailing
mass-marketing messages. According to Kleiman, keeping a close
relationship with potential clients is critical; businesses should respond
in a timely manner to online inquiries, which will demonstrate that these
clients are valuable. Since the "human" value of business is often lost
online, Kleiman advises SMBs to use real pictures of people versus a brand
logo and to communicate in non-corporate tones. Finally, Kleiman advises
that SMBs use social networking spaces to provide advice and consumer
education, rather than just pitches about a product. Small Business Mobile Trends for 2010
In 2010, four major trends are expected to impact small businesses. The
market for smartphones and applications is expected to skyrocket, as phones
like Google's Android Nexus One are unveiled. SMBs will benefit from the
presence of unlimited apps for business productivity, including apps like
Dropbox that provide file storage, synchronization, and sharing. The
concept of the smartbook, a hybrid of the smartphone and netbook, will also
emerge as a top niche player. Lenovo will release the $500 Skylight which
includes a 3G network and wireless capability. Apple has also stirred the
market with an expected release of its tablet, priced at about $1,000, with
capabilities for Wi-Fi, video, gaming, and reading books. This year, the
release of the peer-to-peer protocol Wi-Fi Alliance from Wi-Fi Direct is an
improved Bluetooth-like device that will provide greater mobility for
wireless synchronizations. Businesses are recommended to create
mobile-friendly versions of their Web sites, since Nielsen Co. more users
will browse companies through their smartphones in 2010. Disaster-Proof Your PC: Image Your Drive, Make a
Backup Plan
Imaging computer hard drives and conducting regular data backups are
integral to minimizing the downtime in the event of a disaster. Creating a
drive image can be accomplished by using tools like the Macrium Reflect
Free, which is user-friendly and allows users to store their data on DVDS,
external drives, or network drives. Automating data backups are also
essential to safeguarding critical information at all times. Through
OffiSync, users can synchronize their data with a Google Docs account for
free. With the Win7 Library Tool, users can readily access their Windows 7
music, pictures, and documents through network folders. The Win7 Library
Tool is a top solution for businesses that need to access files from
different locations, since Windows 7 Libraries does not support network
locations. Five Ways Apple's Tablet May Change the World
In April, Apple is expected to revolutionize the market with the debut
of the iPad. The 10- to 12-inch device will boast Web capability and a
video camera for an estimated cost of $800. The launch of the iPad is
expected to boost the news industry as more customers subscribe to
tablet-accessible news. The iPad will provide an edge for businesses that
will be able to use the tablets to communicate through enhanced Web
conferencing at a cheaper cost. The tablet is also expected to increase
the market for telecommuting workers who will be able to remotely work from
virtually anywhere with the sleek device. The iPad is slated to drive
product innovation to a new level with the expectation that Apple will find
novel ways of integrating the device with businesses of all levels, while
retaining the appeal of the common consumer. Electronic Deposits Increase SMB Efficiency
Any small business can benefit from implementing a remote deposit
capture service. This service provides companies with the ability to scan
checks and electronically submit the images to a bank account through the
Web. Then, the designated financial institution issues a credit for the
deposit. RDC is a significant workflow efficiency tool and provides SMBs
with a much faster return on their deposits. Additionally, RDC eliminates
costs and provides greater security since there is no possibility of theft.
Some financial institutions provide same-day processing as well, which is
an added benefit of RDC. Finally, RDC provides SMBs with improved
record-keeping since errors are reduced and is environmentally friendly,
which saves the environment and the company's bottom-line.
How to Customize a Business Facebook Page With
Apps
Businesses that want to leverage their Facebook presence can benefit
from the application Static FBML. Through Static FBML, SMBs can create
boxes that can be customized according to the needs of your business. FBML
can also be used to invite more fans to your businesses' list-serve,
distribute company promotions, and highlight specific products. Using FBML
is simple, since HTML code can be copied and pasted in the application's
boxes, so users need little knowledge to craft professional-looking sites.
Taking advantage of the Social RSS feed on Facebook is a great way to post
company updates that fans can subscribe to, while using the Facebook Events
tab will allow companies to easily invite all their fans to a special event
and track who is interested in attending.
Top 10 Security Challenges For 2010
In 2010, businesses are expected to be faced with ten new threats to
their IT security. A number of security research firms project that
cyberattacks such as spam and social networking breaches will multiply this
year, particularly since real-time applications are more susceptible to
malicious attacks. As cloud computing becomes more widely used, a number
of security vendors expect to see more cloud-based attacks. According to
IBM, these "exploits-as-a-service" attacks will be directed to
Software-as-a-Service platforms. Following the trend of previous security
attacks, cybercriminals are expected to continue hijacking legitimate sites
with malware, while Macs are expected to see an increase in cyber threats.
The number of malicious search results is expected to multiply, as is the
number of bots. With mobile devices virtually ubiquitous, mobile security
will remain a critical concern for 2010. Additionally, experts forecast
that cybercrime will become more organized while "clickjacking," the method
of fooling users to click on malicious links, will become more popular.
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