ANTenna Blog -- January 2010 Archive

SMB Trends To Watch In 2010

Posted by Jake Widman 07:54 PM ET | Jan 29, 2010

Technology consultants Access Markets International Partners have pointed to six trends among small and medium businesses that, they say, deserve more attention.

HP Extends Financing Plans

Posted by Jake Widman 04:09 PM ET | Jan 29, 2010

SMBs can get 0% lease financing on HP products for either 12-month or 36-month terms, with an option to purchase at the end of the lease. Both programs go into effect on Monday, February 1..

New Initiative A Good Sign For Virtualization Security

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 09:39 AM ET | Jan 29, 2010

A recent agreement involving three major IT vendors is good news for companies with lingering concerns about virtualization security.

iPad And SMBs, Take Two

Posted by Jake Widman 09:12 PM ET | Jan 28, 2010

Now that we've all found out what Apple has had up its sleeve all these months, we can start to assess the iPad's usefulness for business more confidently. At least one possible use case is clearly out the window -- at least for now -- but the demo introduced one no one had thought about.

RatePoint Helps Resolve Customer Disputes

Posted by Jake Widman 06:07 PM ET | Jan 28, 2010

Customer review and survey service RatePoint claims that businesses who use its online testimonial services can resolve 90 percent of customer disputes before they turn into negative reviews. That's one of several pieces of advice the company offers small businesses trying to manage their online reputations.

Does The Apple iPad Have Value For SMBs?

Posted by Fredric Paul 11:08 AM ET | Jan 28, 2010

For SMBs, at least, the most useful part of the new Apple iPad may be an accessory.

Things Are Looking Grim For Overworked Help Desks

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 10:01 AM ET | Jan 28, 2010

Many IT professionals are relieved that the worst of the recession appears to be over. Their help-desk colleagues, however, don't share their optimism.

Report: SMBs To Spend More On Security

Posted by Jake Widman 08:11 PM ET | Jan 27, 2010

According to a new survey from Forrester Research, businesses of all sizes plan to spend more on security -- especially network security -- in 2010.

No Easy Answers In Mac Virtualization Roundup

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 10:47 AM ET | Jan 27, 2010

So, which virtualization product is absolutely, positively the best option for running Windows on a Mac? Sorry -- you didn't really think the answer would be that easy, did you?

Review: Remote Access Options For iPhone Users

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 07:41 PM ET | Jan 26, 2010

A new review takes a look at two of the most popular applications designed to give iPhone users remote access to their desktop PCs.

Cisco Introduces Financing Plan For SMBs

Posted by Jake Widman 04:37 PM ET | Jan 26, 2010

Small and midsize businesses can get three-year, zero-percent financing on products and services ranging in price up to $250,000.

Mobile Cloud Services Ready to Take Flight

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 08:22 AM ET | Jan 26, 2010

Two of the IT industry’s hottest markets, mobility and cloud computing, are poised to coalesce. Juniper Research projects that the worldwide mobile cloud services market will reach $9.5 billion, in part because of the adoption of new mobile application development standards.

Can Your Facebook Friends Sink Your Credit Score?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 06:58 PM ET | Jan 25, 2010

Want more proof that there is a downside to social networking? Look no further than the latest nitwit banking industry scheme to determine your creditworthiness.

BBB Offers SMB Security Info

Posted by Keith Ferrell 02:38 PM ET | Jan 25, 2010

The Better Business Bureau, working with technology and financial companies, unveiled a new online educational resource intended to help small businesses get a grip on data and online security. Based on the BB's numbers, it's past time for plenty of those businesses and their staffs to go back to school.

Symantec Announces Backup Exec 2010 To Address Duplicate Data Issues

Posted by Keith Ferrell 02:08 PM ET | Jan 25, 2010

Backup Exec 2010, a new backup and deduplication service for midsized and growing businesses released today by Symantec is aimed at the explosive growth of data experienced by businesses of all sizes. The elimination of duplicate data promised by the company also promises to cut storage costs and reduce recovery time in the event of a disaster.

Juniper and Polycom Team Up To Take on Cisco

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 11:56 AM ET | Jan 25, 2010

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” That ancient proverb is proving true in the network equipment market where Cisco combatants Juniper Network and Polycom have joined forces to integrate their network and video conferencing products.

Riverbed's Cascade 8.4 Improves WAN Peformance Monitoring

Posted by Fredric Paul 08:23 AM ET | Jan 25, 2010

The upgrade gives Cascade users the ability to monitor Wide Area Networking peformance for end users and in WAN-optimized environments.

Box.net Adds Universal File Viewer To Cloud Content Management

Posted by Fredric Paul 08:03 PM ET | Jan 22, 2010

Using technology gained in its acquisition of Increo, users can now view multiple file types from within the Box.net environment.

Database Virtualization Do's And Dont's

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 02:35 PM ET | Jan 22, 2010

Virtualizing your company's database servers can be an especially tricky process. Here are some tips on what to do -- and what not to do -- in order to get the results you want.

Time To Listen To HP's Sales Pitch?

Posted by Jake Widman 03:38 PM ET | Jan 21, 2010

HP's new SMB Exchange sales team is reported to be ready to entice SMBs with good prices and choice of suppliers.

Avoiding ATM "Skimmer" Threats

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 03:31 PM ET | Jan 21, 2010

A security expert has posted photos of a device that could cost your small business dearly if you fall prey to it: an ATM "skimmer."

Apple iSlate: Can We Do Business?

Posted by Jake Widman 02:50 PM ET | Jan 21, 2010

The Apple tablet computer to be announced next week -- if it's real -- will almost certainly be a sexy beast. But will it hold any practical appeal for business users?

Set Up Employees For Telecommuting Success

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 01:42 PM ET | Jan 21, 2010

According to a recent survey, most SMBs are prepared to let employees work from home. Unfortunately, the employees themselves often see the matter differently.

Microsoft IE Patch Due Today -- Once It's Out, Do The Microsoft IE Patch Today

Posted by Keith Ferrell 09:46 AM ET | Jan 21, 2010

The fact that the patch for the high-buzz IE vulnerability is being released "out-of-band" is an indication of Microsoft's concern -- both for the vulnerability and no doubt for the rising negative buzz chorus as well. Either way, it's up to you to get your browsers patched, the sooner the better.

Toshiba, Aastra Launch New Unified Communications Products

Posted by Jake Widman 08:57 PM ET | Jan 20, 2010

Enterprise communications vendor Aastra has introduced a new SMB-scale IP PBX hardware platform, while Toshiba's Telecommunications Division has announced a software package that supports its Strata CIX IP unified communications systems.

Intuit, Microsoft Join Forces On Web Apps

Posted by Jake Widman 08:09 PM ET | Jan 20, 2010

Microsoft and Intuit have announced plans to integrate the two companies' cloud services development platforms to make it easier for software developers to create and market QuickBooks-compatible applications.

Don't Let Software Licensing Cause A Virtual Disaster

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 01:13 PM ET | Jan 20, 2010

When a company employs server virtualization, the rules of the software licensing game can change dramatically. In this case, what your IT staff doesn't know can definitely hurt you.

Synology's DiskStation DS1010+ NAS Kicks Off Series Of New Storage Products

Posted by Fredric Paul 11:45 AM ET | Jan 20, 2010

The new DiskStation DS1010+ 5-bay Networked Attached Storage device is only the first in a series of new storage devices and upgrades expected from Synology in the first half of 2010.

GroundWork Open Source Expands Network Management Platform’s Reach

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 08:07 AM ET | Jan 20, 2010

Microsoft dominates the desktop operating system market, but competition is still evident in the Linux server space. Consequently, GroundWork Open Source (GWOS) felt compelled to add support for Canonical’s Ubuntu Linux distribution to its open source network management platform, GroundWork Monitor Enterprise.

Intel Demos New vPro Technology For SMBs

Posted by Fredric Paul 10:48 PM ET | Jan 19, 2010

At a small event here in rainy San Francisco, Intel executives showed off the 2010 version of the company's vPro platform, designed to add user benefits to vPro's traditional management and security features.

Spigit Introduces 'Idea Management' for SMBs

Posted by Jake Widman 07:10 PM ET | Jan 19, 2010

WE by Spigit is a small and midsize business version of the company's enterprise-level "innovation software." The platform enables various methods of teamwork and collaboration to identify good ideas from employees.

Remote Access Options Multiply For Mac Users

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 07:02 PM ET | Jan 19, 2010

Over the past few weeks, several vendors have released new or updated remote access tools of particular interest to Mac users.

Toshiba Debuts Business Laptops

Posted by Jake Widman 06:12 PM ET | Jan 19, 2010

New entries in Toshiba's laptop line are intended for SMBs, among other markets, and include a redesigned Tecra model and a new quad-core Qosmio.

Verizon Rolls Out Business Bundles

Posted by Jake Widman 12:12 PM ET | Jan 19, 2010

New SMB-oriented packages of high-speed Internet, phone, and TV services are available to customers of Verizon, and some of them come with bonus features.

7 Ways To Help Your Employees Use Their Own Smartphones

Posted by Fredric Paul 09:23 AM ET | Jan 19, 2010

Sharing the cost of mobile equipment and service can be cost-effective for companies of all sizes -- according to a new Forrester Research report.

Avaya Maps Out Migration Plan for Nortel Customers

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 09:05 AM ET | Jan 19, 2010

What’s next? IT managers often ask that question once an acquisition takes place. Nortel customers, who have been twisting in the wind for more than a year, now have a few answers to what Avaya plans to do with customers’ networking gear, some of which they will like and other they may not.

Survey Says IT Execs See Virtualization Savings

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 11:02 AM ET | Jan 18, 2010

A new survey offers some insights into why companies are -- or are not -- jumping on the server virtualization bandwagon.

Introducing The E-Learning How-To Center

Posted by Fredric Paul 06:22 PM ET | Jan 15, 2010

Do your company's IT staffers know everything they need to know? Didn't think so. After all, how could they? Combine all the different technologies with the speed of new developments and increasing demands on IT staffers' time in this rough econonmy, and staying up to speed can seem practically impossible. But as shown in the new InformationWeek SMB E-Learning How-To Center, though, it doesn't have be that way.

IE Hole Enables "Most Sophisticated" Attacks Yet

Posted by Keith Ferrell 10:46 AM ET | Jan 15, 2010

The latest critical vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer, tagged as the key vector in a series of corporate attacks over the past three weeks, is being exploited in what one security expert calls "the most sophisticated" attacks ever committed against commercial targets.

Lenovo Introduces ThinkCentres Aimed At SMBs

Posted by Jake Widman 11:47 PM ET | Jan 14, 2010

Lenovo has announced new entries in its ThinkCentre line of desktop PCs. The low-cost A63 is pitched directly to SMBs, while the M90s, while still moderately priced, are intended for larger organizations.

SMBs Boost Interest In Software as a Service

Posted by Fredric Paul 08:17 PM ET | Jan 14, 2010

A new CompTIA survey of small and midsize businesses reveals growing interest SaaS and managed services.

Apple STILL Doesn't Sell Cheap Computers

Posted by Jake Widman 07:45 PM ET | Jan 14, 2010

Two research and analysis firms have come out with figures for the PC market at the end of last year, and both show that Apple enjoyed dramatic growth year-over-year. Why, then, will you read about how badly Apple did?

Spam Tips For SMBs

Posted by Fredric Paul 06:20 PM ET | Jan 14, 2010

Sure, even the smallest companies need some sort of anit-spam solution. But that doesn't mean there aren't things you can do to reduce the amount of spam you get in the first place.

Can Your Business Keep Snow Days At Bay?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 05:37 PM ET | Jan 14, 2010

Desktop remote access tools are an important part of a company's telecommuting strategy. But even if they are the stars of the show, they still need a strong supporting cast.

Tips To Avoid Server Virtualization Train Wrecks

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 11:07 AM ET | Jan 14, 2010

Treating server virtualization as a miracle cure for your IT department's management headaches is a big mistake. And treating it as a cure-all for an IT budget crunch is a recipe for disaster.

Netgear Introduces SMB-Size Wireless Network Management

Posted by Jake Widman 08:23 PM ET | Jan 13, 2010

Over the next several months, networking provider Netgear will be rolling out a new line of ProSafe wireless management solutions, meant to make it easier for small and midsize businesses to set up and manage wireless networks.

Citrix Introduces GoToMyPC Remote Access For Macs

Posted by Jake Widman 02:42 PM ET | Jan 13, 2010

Mac-based businesses can now provide remote access to their computers -- even from PCs -- through Citrix Systems's well-established GoToMyPC service.

Russian Researcher Sets Vulnerabilities Free

Posted by Keith Ferrell 11:41 AM ET | Jan 13, 2010

Intevydis, a previously little-known Russian security firm, is making a name for itself by releasing details of unpatched zero day exploits at the rate of one a day for the rest of this month.

Quick Fixes For Two Common Remote Desktop Issues

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 11:24 AM ET | Jan 13, 2010

If you're a Windows Remote Desktop user, then sooner of later you're likely to hit a glitch during a remote access session. Here are a couple of the most common issues, along with pointers to quick and easy fixes.

The Street Touts 3 Kinda Crazy New SMB Tech Tools

Posted by Fredric Paul 08:45 PM ET | Jan 12, 2010

Earlier today, InformationWeek SMB posted our take on SMB-oriented technology introductions at CES. Turns out we weren't the only ones: TheStreet.com came up with three choices of its own. But be warned, they get increasingly strange...

Ecessa Aims To Improve VoIP Reliability

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 09:33 AM ET | Jan 12, 2010

Mission critical data is no longer limited to data applications. Increasingly, companies rely on voice and video connections to get their work done. Increasingly, this information flows over IP links, which are often subject to issues, such as jitter and latency. Ecessa wants to help small and medium businesses solve that problem.

i365 Launches EVault Cloud-Connected Services Platform

Posted by Fredric Paul 09:37 PM ET | Jan 11, 2010

The Seagate company is making its hybrid cloud storage platform available to independent software vendors. Look for the first backup vendors to start using the platform to enable cloud-connected backups within a few months, with more following next year.

Apple's Slate To Get Videoconferencing, Multi-Touch Business Apps?

Posted by Jake Widman 04:48 PM ET | Jan 11, 2010

According to reported statements by a French telecom executive and to newspaper sources, the long-awaited Apple "iSlate" will be an advanced videophone and will enable gesture control of productivity applications. These two capabilities, if true, could make the device a much more attractive business tool.

Aruba Expands Management Reach

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 02:02 PM ET | Jan 11, 2010

Consolidation is a common theme in the IT space. Aruba Networks, a leading wireless network equipment supplier, has enhanced its management tools, so they can now monitor wired networks as well as various end devices.

Winter Worryland: Keeping Secure When The Weather Turns Rough

Posted by Keith Ferrell 11:20 AM ET | Jan 8, 2010

The chill that's wrapped much of the country in its grasp the last couple of weeks offers a pretty good, if pretty obvious, opportunity to take a look at the effects weather can have on your business -- and especially your business security.

Taking A Dim View Of Cloud Data Storage Privacy

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 11:02 AM ET | Jan 8, 2010

The FTC is taking a closer look at how cloud computing service providers handle data privacy issues. Is this really a step in the right direction, or another bureaucratic exercise in futility?

iPhone Gets A Full-Size Keyboard

Posted by Jake Widman 08:11 PM ET | Jan 7, 2010

ION, best known for its line of USB turntables, has announced a physical desktop keyboard for the iPhone. Does it point the way to the kind of peripheral that could make an Apple tablet a real business computer?

Will Telepresence Finally Be Practical For SMBs?

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 10:33 AM ET | Jan 7, 2010

Sometimes, there is just no substitute for a face-to-face business meeting, even if it means traveling across the country. Or is there?

Should Your Company Be Girding up for Telepresence Services?

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 05:25 PM ET | Jan 6, 2010

The popularity of HD video services could have a ripple on your small or medium business. Carriers, such as Verizon and France Telecom, and Cisco, the industry’s leading networking company, are preparing new telepresence services that eventually could make it possible for companies to conduct lifelike virtual meetings.

Verizon Introduces Wireless Broadband Internet Continuity Service

Posted by Jake Widman 04:32 PM ET | Jan 6, 2010

SMBs whose operations rely on guaranteed Internet access can be severely impacted by an Internet service outage. Verizon customers can now choose a package that automatically switches to the company's 3G mobile network in the event of a primary service interruption so that businesses can stay connected.

Nehalem: Intel's Virtual Workhorse Hits Its Stride

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 02:15 PM ET | Jan 6, 2010

As we enter 2010, Intel's Nehalem processors are sitting pretty in the server market sweet spot. For SMBs, this is good news for a number of reasons.

What Does The Nexus One Google SuperPhone Mean For SMBs?

Posted by Fredric Paul 10:41 PM ET | Jan 5, 2010

Today's big news was the introduction of Google's Nexus One smartphone. Initial reactions were largely positive, but didn't center on its possible application in small and midsize companies. InformationWeek SMB contributor Steve Hilton fills the gap.

SMB Support: Beware The Big Box!

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 05:21 PM ET | Jan 5, 2010

If your SMB goes looking for a remote support provider, you'll find plenty of options. But in this case, bigger definitely does not equal better.

Looking for an Easier Way to Reset Passwords?

Posted by Paul Korzeniowski 12:15 PM ET | Jan 5, 2010

It is the bane of many small and medium business IT departments, user passwords. They have evolved to become so long and complex that regularly users forget what they are and need to call for help. In response, ManageEngine has developed a simpler way for companies to manage user passwords.

Top 10 Threats: Malware List From Sunbelt

Posted by Keith Ferrell 09:59 AM ET | Jan 5, 2010

Sunbeltlabs' look at December's top ten malware threats offers a reminder that while Trojans remain the biggest threat, search strings are gaining fast, particularly searches involving young dead celebrities (Brittany Murphy)and -- surprise! -- Tiger Woods.

Snow Leopard Anti-Malware Feature Never Updated

Posted by Jake Widman 03:48 AM ET | Jan 5, 2010

Apple included a feature in Snow Leopard that blocked two Trojan horse pieces of malware. According to Kaspersky Lab, however, the feature has not been updated with new malware signatures since Snow Leopard shipped.

Round-Up Peruses The Portable Hard Disk Market

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 10:51 AM ET | Jan 4, 2010

Looking for a portable hard drive? Here's a pointer to a review roundup that can help you pick the right model for your small business.

Here Come The Holiday Devices -- And The Post-Holiday Risks

Posted by Keith Ferrell 09:30 AM ET | Jan 4, 2010

Smartphones and thumb-drives and players and everything else digital and USB-equipped (and wireless!), oh my! How many of the people in your business received digital, connect-able gifts this holiday season? How many of them brought those gifts to work with them today? And more to the point, how many of those devices are now connected to your network?

It's Time To Get Serious About Virtualization Security

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 08:46 AM ET | Jan 4, 2010

Server virtualization was one of the hottest IT trends in 2009. Unfortunately, in the race to keep up, both vendors and their customers may be overlooking important security concerns.

New Year's Security Resolutions Require Full Year's Security Resolve, Especially Where Employees Are Concerned

Posted by Keith Ferrell 11:29 AM ET | Jan 1, 2010

Everybody makes resolutions, everybody breaks resolutions. No less true for small and midsized business security resolutions than any other kind. But security resolutions generally require the participation of others who might not be as security conscious as you are (You think?). And that's where the resolve comes in.

Tax Breaks Aim To Encourage Telework Programs

Posted by Matthew McKenzie 07:05 AM ET | Jan 1, 2010

Wondering how remote access technology can benefit your company's bottom line? Don't forget to factor the potential tax benefits into your calculations.