ANTenna Blog -- August 2009 Archive

New Survey Questions SMB Interest In Netbooks and Cloud Computing

Posted by Fredric Paul 09:16 PM ET | Aug 31, 2009

The results of a new Spiceworks survey shows that while more than half of small and midsize companies are using some form of cloud computing, they're still showing caution about fully embracing the technology. And only 13% of SMBs say they plan to buy netbooks. All this as the Great Recession forces SMBs to hold on to computers longer and cut key projects.

Snow Leopard vs. Windows 7: Does It Matter?

Posted by Jake Widman 01:38 PM ET | Aug 31, 2009

As President Obama said, the media loves a ruckus. But should SMBs really care about the alleged Snow Leopard-Windows 7 throwdown? And is the OS where the real battle is anyway?

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Apple | Company Size: 1-49 | Company Size: 50-249 | Hardware & Software | Windows

Data Breach Silence Breached: 5 Good Security Tips

Posted by Keith Ferrell 11:23 AM ET | Aug 31, 2009

For every high profile big headline data breach, there are plenty of others that are kept quiet. A good piece in Informationweek takes a peek behind the curtain of quiet and offers some solid lessons in how to avoid having your data compromised.

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Security

Top 10 (Hidden) Reasons SMBs Should Go Virtual

Posted by Fredric Paul 05:46 PM ET | Aug 28, 2009

On the eve of the VMworld event in San Francisco, VMware virtualization guru Joe Andrews wonders why so many small and medium-sized businesses still sitting on the virtual sidelines. And he coughs up ten lesser-known ways virtualization can help even smaller companies

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IT

Is Cell Phone Security A Virtual House Of Cards?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 05:20 PM ET | Aug 28, 2009

Mobile service providers insist there is nothing wrong with their security standards. Are they whistling past the digital graveyard?

Apple Identifies Snow Leopard Incompatibilities

Posted by Jake Widman 03:28 PM ET | Aug 28, 2009

In the wake of widespread concern about software that might be incompatible with Snow Leopard, Apple has posted a support page describing known incompatibilities and how Snow Leopard handles them. A few items of interest to SMBs are on the list, and the smart businessperson will make sure to wait for updates or be prepared for workarounds.

Comments(2)
Apple | Business Continuity | Company Size: 1-49 | Company Size: 50-249 | Hardware & Software

Does Apple's Snow Leopard Really Matter To SMBs?

Posted by Fredric Paul 06:47 PM ET | Aug 27, 2009

This is a big week for the Apple Macintosh. The company is rolling out its big Snow Leopard Mac OS X upgrade, and of special interest to SMBs, the server version of Snow Leopard debuts as well. But how big a deal is the Macintosh world to SMBs anyway?

Comments(3)
Apple | Company Size: 1-49 | Hardware & Software | IT | Professional/Creative Services

Job Seekers Flunk The Social Networking IQ Test

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 04:15 PM ET | Aug 27, 2009

Want to scrape the muck out of your company's job applicant pool? Just head for your favorite social networking site.

Is Your Wi-Fi Network Open to Intrusion?

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 03:45 PM ET | Aug 27, 2009

Security has been an ongoing concern among wireless LANs users since their emergence in the middle 1990s. While vendors have worked diligently to close up any holes, new ones seem to emerge on a regular period, and one is now coming to light that could impact many small and medium businesses.

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Company Size: 1-49 | Networking & Communications | Retail | Security

Printer Security? Yep: Printer Security!

Posted by Keith Ferrell 11:00 AM ET | Aug 27, 2009

The news that IEEE has released new standards for networked printer security is a good reminder that it's not just the computers and servers on your network that pose risks.

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Business & E-Business | Hardware & Software | Networking & Communications | Printers/Printing | Security

Iomega Rolls Out 4-Drive Networked Attached Storage Appliance

Posted by Fredric Paul 12:03 AM ET | Aug 27, 2009

Designed for small businesses and branch offices, Iomega StorCenter ix-4200d uses virtualization, RSA security, data protection, replication, and video surveillance technology from new corporate parent EMC.

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Apple | Backup | Company Size: 1-49 | Linux | Storage

Snow Leopard To Have Malware Protection?

Posted by Jake Widman 09:21 PM ET | Aug 26, 2009

Sources with advance copies of Snow Leopard have discovered a built-in anti-malware feature. If Apple's taking threats to OS X seriously, maybe it's time for Mac-based businesses to do the same.

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Apple | Company Size: 1-49 | Company Size: 50-249 | Security

Open Source: One Sure Way To Keep Piracy At Bay

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 07:36 PM ET | Aug 26, 2009

The software cops are just a phone call away from showing up at your small business. It's your job to figure out how to slam the door in their faces.

SMBs Investing Billions in Managed Services

Posted by Fredric Paul 06:25 PM ET | Aug 26, 2009

A new TechAisle study reveals that small and midsize companies will spend $3.6 Billion on remote managed services in 2009, up more than 9% from last year. And SMBs will spend $14.3 billion on all managed services, up almost 9%.

OOOPS Factors: Accidental Data Leaks Are Biggest Business Threat

Posted by Keith Ferrell 10:56 AM ET | Aug 26, 2009

A new IDC/RSA report shows that the the accidental data leak is the insider threat businesses feel is most likely to happen. Not a lot of comfort in that, if you think about it.

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Business & E-Business | IT Management | Messaging | Networking & Communications | Security

Pidgin Brings Order To The IM Jungle

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 04:11 PM ET | Aug 25, 2009

Instant messaging is supposed to be quick and easy. One of my favorite open-source projects actually delivers on that promise.

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Company Size: 1-49 | Hardware & Software | Internet/Web | Messaging | Open Source

4 Keys To Starting An Online Business

Posted by Fredric Paul 03:29 PM ET | Aug 25, 2009

Robin Kohli -- lead developer of E-Junkie and an “accidental” entrepreneur -- offers up four helpful tips to jumpstart the creation of a new Web-based business.

What Snow Leopard Will Really Cost You

Posted by Jake Widman 07:58 PM ET | Aug 24, 2009

The latest upgrade to Mac OS X is widely touted as costing only $29, but that's only part of the story. Paradoxically, the people who end up paying more may actually get a better deal.

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Apple | Company Size: 1-49

Is Videoconferencing Really Ready For SMBs?

Posted by Fredric Paul 05:00 PM ET | Aug 24, 2009

While many small and midsize businesses already make use of low-end point-to-point video communications, videoconferencing maker Polycom says new advancements are about to extend full multi-point videoconferencing and telepresence to SMBs.

Nokia Joins the NetBook Fray

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 02:35 PM ET | Aug 24, 2009

With employees bounding from place to place, small handheld devices have become all the rage. Nokia, the world's leading cell phone supplier, understands that its foes are no longer limited to Apple and Samsung. Consequently, the Finnish supplier has moved into the burgeoning netbook market, one where it faces significant competition.

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Company Size: 1-49 | Hardware & Software | IT | Mobile

Businesses Banning Social Networks? Not So Fast!

Posted by Keith Ferrell 10:06 AM ET | Aug 24, 2009

Social networks such Facebook and Twitter are the new porn, at least according to one security firm that finds three quarters of businesses blocking social nets. But social nets' business potential is so large that by banning them businesses are essentially cutting off their noses to spite their Facebook.

More SMBs Advertising Online Than In Traditional Media

Posted by Fredric Paul 08:06 PM ET | Aug 21, 2009

According to an ongiong study by the Kelsey Group, online media penetration has finally surpassed traditional media usage among small businesses.

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Sales/Marketing

Why Microsoft Still Wins -- Even If Microsoft Loses

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 05:52 PM ET | Aug 21, 2009

According to so much recent news coverage, the world is still hurtling towards Life Without Office. I think it's worth raining, one last time, on this misguided parade.

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Government | Hardware & Software | Open Source

What Are Botmasters Thinking?

Posted by Keith Ferrell 10:24 AM ET | Aug 21, 2009

They're thinking that bots are where the money is, according to a fascinating piece over at Dark Reading. Did you know, for instance, that the average bot is worth between a dime and quarter on the market? You gotta sell a lotta bots at that price to make real money -- and people are making real money doing just that.

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Business & E-Business | Internet/Web | Messaging | Security | Social Networking

Bargain Bin: HP Upgrades Its Online Marketing Tools For SMBs

Posted by Fredric Paul 07:35 PM ET | Aug 20, 2009

HP's new promotions come via collaborations with Microsoft Office Online, printer Avery Dennison, and Stamps.com.

Flash Cookies Serve Up An Annoying New Trick

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 06:14 PM ET | Aug 20, 2009

When you delete something from your PC, you expect it to stay deleted. Some online services, however, see things differently.

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Hardware & Software | Internet/Web | Services | Web 2.0

Windows 7 Update: Timing, Tips, And Security

Posted by Fredric Paul 12:17 PM ET | Aug 20, 2009

Lots of Windows 7 news this week, but here's the big one: If you want to download the Release Candidate version, better do it soon -- it won't be available after today.

Comments(1)
Company Size: 1-49 | IT | IT Management | Security | Windows

WimMo Runs The Wrong Way In Smartphone Race

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 05:42 PM ET | Aug 19, 2009

There is more evidence this week that Windows Mobile is headed the way of the dodo.

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Linux | Mobile | Networking & Communications | Windows | iPhone

Option Emerges to Secure Google Android SmartPhones

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 08:26 AM ET | Aug 19, 2009

One of the first signs in growing acceptance of a new technology is an influx of security products. An Israeli startup, DroidSecurity, thinks the time has come for companies to try and secure their Android smartphones, so the company has delivered an anti-malware and physical security package for the device.

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Security

Dell Exec: Linux Netbook Returns A "Non-Issue"

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 11:40 PM ET | Aug 18, 2009

Lately, Dell has stuck a fork in some "facts" regarding Linux netbook return rates. Now, the company is considering whether to sell a new type of netbook where Windows won't even be an option.

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Hardware & Software | Linux | Mobile | Open Source | Windows

What Are Small Businesses Afraid Of?

Posted by Fredric Paul 12:07 PM ET | Aug 18, 2009

According to a new study from the folks at Warrillow & Co., what scares SMBs is very different from the "pain points" they face. And effective marketing tops the list of biggest fears.

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Business & E-Business | Company Size: 1-49 | Government | Sales/Marketing

Wi-Fi Clearly in the Mainstream

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 11:27 AM ET | Aug 18, 2009

A billion is a very large number, one that illustrates how widespread an IT technology has become. Wi-Fi chipsets are well on the way to meeting that mark, so small and medium businesses need to examine how that technology can enhance their businesses.

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Mobile

The Hidden Gems In Twitter's Tower Of Babble

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 02:06 PM ET | Aug 17, 2009

Do two recent studies prove that Twitter is a waste of time? That's the prevailing wisdom -- and here is why it's wrong.

Twitterbot Tweets Malware Orders

Posted by Keith Ferrell 11:23 AM ET | Aug 17, 2009

The discovery of a Twitter profile being used to tweet botnet updates and link is one more indication (not that we needed one) that cybercriminals are using the same tools that we are.

U.S. Near Bottom In Proportion Of Small Businesses

Posted by Jake Widman 08:43 PM ET | Aug 14, 2009

A recent study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research has found that, perhaps surprisingly, the United States has one of the smallest small-business sectors among developed nations.

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Company Size: 1-49 | Entrepreneurs | Healthcare | International

Disaster Recovery And How To Avoid It

Posted by Jake Widman 07:08 PM ET | Aug 13, 2009

Data recovery services make a good living getting data off apparently useless hard disks, CDs, and tape. It's good to know the service is available -- but it's even better never to need it.

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Backup | Business Continuity | Disaster Recovery | Services | Storage

Did Microsoft Just Throw WinMo Under A Bus?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 03:52 PM ET | Aug 13, 2009

Would Microsoft really dump Windows Mobile in favor of an open-source competitor? For all practical purposes, that is exactly what happened this week.

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Linux | Mobile | Open Source | Windows

Get A Grip: Microsoft Word Isn't Going Anywhere

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 09:55 PM ET | Aug 12, 2009

Here is what yesterday's Microsoft Office legal "bombshell" means to your small business: nada. Zip. Zilch. Nothing to see here, move along.

Comments(2)
Company Size: 1-49 | Government | Hardware & Software | SMB Vendor News

SMB Business Systems Vendor Acquired By Enterprise IT Specialist

Posted by Jake Widman 08:27 PM ET | Aug 12, 2009

Versata, an IT solutions provider to Fortune 500 and other large companies, has acquired Everest Software, a business management software vendor.

Recession Refocuses Small-Biz Growth Strategies

Posted by Gayle Kesten 06:53 PM ET | Aug 12, 2009

Five pages into a new report about post-recession growth strategies among small and midsize businesses and, lo and behold, the "t" world finally comes up.

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Company Size: 1-49 | Economics | Hardware & Software | IT

Dasient Offers Free Open Source Anti-Malware For Apache Server

Posted by Keith Ferrell 12:54 PM ET | Aug 11, 2009

New security company Dasient is offering at no charge a limited functionality version of its anti-malware software. The module, for Apache Web server, blocks infected Web pages and aims to help keep companies from finding their site on Internet black lists.

Psst! Wanna Buy A Black-Market IP Address?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 06:34 PM ET | Aug 10, 2009

Some problems always seem so far away -- until you turn around and find them chomping on the seat of your pants.

Why Isn't Software Getting Any Cheaper?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 03:39 PM ET | Aug 10, 2009

For many years now, two traits have defined the PC hardware industry: falling prices and skyrocketing performance. So why is software playing the heavy in this high-tech lovefest?

SiSense Beefs Up SMB BI Tool

Posted by Jake Widman 02:52 PM ET | Aug 10, 2009

The maker of the Prism information visualizer has announced PrismCubed, an easy-to-configure business intelligence (BI) product aimed at smaller businesses.

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Business & E-Business | Hardware & Software | Management

Hardware Vs. Software: The Great Price Divide

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 07:21 PM ET | Aug 9, 2009

How much value does commercial software really offer for the money? It's an interesting question, given our assumptions about the price of computer hardware.

OpenOffice.org Gives The "Ribbon" A Try

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 07:10 PM ET | Aug 7, 2009

OpenOffice.org is trying on a new user interface for size. Guess what it looks almost exactly like?

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Hardware & Software | Open Source

Tips For Virtual Offices

Posted by Jake Widman 03:07 PM ET | Aug 7, 2009

The Worldwide Workplace Council has released a report titled "5 Simple Steps to a Virtual Workplace Program," which identifies how SMBs can achieve the flexibility and employee satisfaction that can come from telecommuting.

Comments(1)
IT Management | Management

Top 3 Bots: Billions (With A B!) Of Spams A Day!

Posted by Keith Ferrell 10:53 AM ET | Aug 7, 2009

How much havoc can a botnet wreak? Too much, according to MessageLabs, which reports that the top 3 bots are spewing 21 billion spams a day.

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Business & E-Business | Internet/Web | Security

Is Your Linux Distro Here For The Long Haul?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 05:15 PM ET | Aug 6, 2009

Trying to pick the right Linux distro for your small business? Read this before you make another move.

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Hardware & Software | IT | Linux | Open Source

Twitter Takedown: DDoS Attack Beats Tweets

Posted by Keith Ferrell 12:14 PM ET | Aug 6, 2009

Twitter was shut down for a couple of hours this morning by a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack; blogsite LiveJournal went down too, and the rumors flew that FaceBook was having traffic troubles of its own.

Comments(1)
Business & E-Business | Internet/Web | Messaging | Security | Social Networking

July Jobs Report: Less Down Is Still Down

Posted by Gayle Kesten 11:28 AM ET | Aug 6, 2009

The numbers are still nothing to cheer about -- especially among the 279,000 small and midsize business employees affected -- but at the very least, fewer jobs were lost last month than reported for June, according to the ADP's latest National Employment Report.

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Company Size: 1-49 | Economics

PDF Tools For The Mac

Posted by Jake Widman 12:21 AM ET | Aug 6, 2009

Yesterday, bMighty blogger Matthew McKenzie ran down some Acrobat alternatives for Windows users. But there are some useful PDF tools Mac-using businesses should know about too; here are a few.

Comments(4)
Apple | Company Size: 1-49 | Hardware & Software | Open Source

Openbravo And Ubuntu: A New Small-Biz ERP Option

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 07:03 PM ET | Aug 5, 2009

Openbravo and Canonical have partnered on an open-source ERP offering that could prove attractive to small and midsized businesses.

New Add-It Yourself Business Directory

Posted by Jake Widman 03:13 PM ET | Aug 5, 2009

Bizwiki.com provides a Wikipedia-style opportunity for businesses to list and describe themselves. The intent is to build the "most detailed and up-to-date index of business in the United States."

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Business & E-Business | Internet/Web | Web 2.0

Turn Off Auto-Updates Before Hitting the Road

Posted by Keith Ferrell 03:30 PM ET | Aug 4, 2009

The convenience of automatic software updates can create major problems if apps are updated via unsecured public Wi-Fi connections. Hotspots make great hijack spots, and as a result, your mobile employees need to make some adjustments in their update settings.

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Internet/Web | Mobile | Networking & Communications | Security

Tools That Help You Say No To Acrobat's PDF Bloat

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 03:13 PM ET | Aug 4, 2009

These days, it pays to keep an eye out for lightweight, low-cost IT management tools that still get the job done. That is especially true when it comes to working with PDF documents.

Comments(2)
Company Size: 1-49 | Hardware & Software | Open Source | Printers/Printing

Microsoft Applications, Cheap And Legal

Posted by Jake Widman 02:14 PM ET | Aug 4, 2009

A colleague has posted a rundown of ways to avoid paying full freight for Microsoft software, including several that a clever SMB could benefit from.

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Hardware & Software

Glide Engage Is No Twitter

Posted by Gayle Kesten 11:57 AM ET | Aug 4, 2009

Micro (adj.): very small; involving minute quantities or variations. Sorry, I just had to double check that definition after reading about a new "microblogging" service that wants to take on Twitter.

IBM Packages Data Protection Solution

Posted by Jake Widman 07:45 PM ET | Aug 3, 2009

As the first product of a new initiative to provide integrated solutions for midsize companies, IBM has introduced a new data protection package. The package is available at a promotional price of nearly 40% off.

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Backup | Company Size: 250-999 | Company Size: 50-249 | Disaster Recovery

Secure Certificate Vulnerabilities Revealed

Posted by Keith Ferrell 10:06 AM ET | Aug 3, 2009

The SSL Certificate that tells visitors a site is certified as trustworthy may be easier to fake than previously thought. And that's one more reminder that the whole system of trust authorization is in need of work.

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Business & E-Business | Internet/Web | Security

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