08.25.06
Posted in Software and Technology, Marketing at 7:57 pm by Diana Heeb Bivona
Webpronews.com expert, Alicia Harper offers 6 Do’s and Don’ts for launching a small business website. They include:
(1) DON’T focus on images and how pretty your site will be. Your website is there to educate and inform customers of your services. Alot of pictures and images can prove distracting.
(2) DON’T compare web designers by their price. Services provided by web designers vary greatly. You need to thoroughly research what is included in the price you are paying.
(3) DON’T hire a web designer until you are ready to go. You should purchase your domain name, set up your hosting service, and have a general idea of how your site will work before you bring the web designer on board.
(4) DO request several quotes from web designers before selecting one.
(5) DO plan on regularly updating your site with new information.
(6) DO find a web designer that specializes in working with small businesses. A small design firm understands the needs of another small business and is more likely to be more personal with your questions.
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08.24.06
Posted in Software and Technology at 2:38 pm by Diana Heeb Bivona
Computers, technology and the Internet have not only transformed the way we think about business, but the way in which we conduct it. Opportunities abound for almost every type of business to embrace these new innovations, and most have. Technology is truly an asset.However, with all good things also come risk and potential liabilities. As businesses become more information-based, their vulnerability to possible attacks by cyber-criminals also increase. And, do not assume that this is just a problem faced by large corporations because its not. More and more small and mid-size businesses are being targeted daily because they lack the adequate resources to shore up their computer systems. As a result, not only is sensitive proprietary and client information at risk, but so are your sales and customer-base.
By taking the time to review your current business practices, you may end up not only stopping a would-back cyber criminal from hacking your system, but reducing your chances of a lawsuit. Business owners should:
- Assess and Prioritize Vulnerabilities
- Evaluate Security for Intellectual Property
- Enforce In-House Security
- Extend Security Beyond Technology to Employees
- Create Security Audit Checklists
For a detailed explanation of these and other tips on how to shore up your security and protect your information, read “Cyber Risk: Insuring the Escalating Threats from New Technology Exposures” by Brad Gow.
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07.09.06
Posted in Software and Technology at 12:21 pm by Diana Heeb Bivona
Instant Messaging (IM) is an ever-increasing communication tool, not only in the social but business environment as well. However, there are potential pitfalls which businesses should be aware of if they choose to allow or use IM.
Lacks security safeguards
Consumer versions of IM such as Yahoo! Messenger, Microsoft MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger, which many employees sometimes install themselves, can become an open door to hackers and data thieves. Quicker then you can hit that “send” button, a virus, worm or Trojan can unknowingly be transmitted through IM to your servers and network.
Provides no legal form of recordkeeping
Rare is the individual that prints a transcript of their IM conversation after they have finished. In cases where companies may become embroiled in potential sexual harassment or wrongful termination cases and IM was used, but no record kept, it becomes a case of the company’s word against the employee’s. Are you ready for a trip to court?
Productivity drain
Employee usage of the Internet at work for unrelated work issues is on the increase. IM can potentially encourage longer periods of socialization at work which can drain productivity. Without stricter usage controls, it can place quite the drain on your employees’ productivity.
What can you do? IM is not going to go away and it would be illogical to suggest that it should. If IM is an important part of your communication process, then take steps to ensure that it is secure. In other words, use IM programs specifically designed for businesses such as IBM Lotus Sametime or Messenger Enterprise Edition. These types of applications come with encryption and firewall protection.
Finally, incorporate appropriate policies and procedures into your employee handbook regarding IM usage. Clearly spell out what is appropriate and expected and the possible consequences so that everyone is on the same page.
Questions: Do you use IM in your business? How do you use it, i.e. to communicate with customers and/or between employees?
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