Technology is such a game changer for all businesses. From phones to netbooks to 3G/4G connectivity, things are really beginning to pick up for giving workers access to applications and data. This bodes well for all those who work remotely with a notebook or netbook. However, what about the desk bound worker? Are you providing them with a way to work remotely?

Deskbound workers like their workstations, they create their own end user experience and in most cases it is what makes them efficient producers for your organization. They arrange their icons a certain way, create shortcuts to their data on the network, and their email is configured to reflect their work environment. Applications being used currently to allow them to connect direct to their desktop from home (in most cases) are GoToMyPC, LogMeIn, VNC, or Remote Desktop. All of these applications work well and provide connectivity, but they come with a bit more management as well as adding risk. The risk is each of these applications could force you to open up more ports on your firewall to allow connectivity; also if the users' accounts are compromised, there is a hole in your network to the outside world. Axxys and Array Networks have a more secure solution, Array's Desktop Direct.

Desktop Direct is a product created by Array that allows end users to connect to their desktop using Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection over a secure SSL tunnel. The process is very simple. The end user opens their browser on their remote machine and goes to the secure site. Once they log in a client runs and they are directed straight to their desktop. The process is simple and they are using their same credentials for this process they would use when sitting at their desk. This solution is very secure and requires very little maintenance for Network Admins. Setting up and configuring a VPN, creating Remote Desktop policies, and other forms of connectivity all take administrative resources to maintain. The Array box ties directly in to your already existent Microsoft Active Directory server and provides them the same rights they have on the network. Also since you are controlling the remote connection, you can allow or not allow the copy of data offsite. For VPN only users all they have to do is drag data to their local desktop and it is out of your control. This solution just works and works well. They even have an iPhone client (currently in beta) where you can attach direct to your desktop from an iPhone. Pretty powerful if you need a spreadsheet or other company document while on the go.

Call us for a free demo or if you want to evaluation the solution in your evironment. It is very easy to setup and configure and will fit into most any network with very little changes. Keep your people productive and your data secure even when they can't make it to the office.

Acceptable Computer Usage Policy
-Eric Reynolds, Senior Technician - Wood Networks

Whether presented as part of the company handbook, or as a standalone document, an Acceptable Computer Usage Policy is a must in today's workplace. Having a good policy in place will clearly communicate to the staff what is acceptable and what is not. The main reason behind Acceptable Computer Usage Policy is to protect computer investments and company data. Here is a look at what should be contained in an Acceptable Computer Usage Policy.

The Policy Statement - This statement includes the items covered and has a brief overview of what is to come. It also outlines "excessive" use.

The Ownership Statement - This statement outlines what data is owned by the company. Many companies claim ownership of any data residing on their network or created while employed at the company.

The Confidentiality Statement - This outlines what is considered private and what is subject to monitoring. E-mail is usually mentioned specifically as an item which can be monitored.

The Internet Statement - This outlines internet use in much greater detail. It should mention whether personal browsing is allowed during breaks and lunch and it should include a liability statement for not following company procedure.

The Personal Electronic Equipment Statement - This outlines the use of personal computers, phones, digital cameras, and any other electronic devices. It should state that no electronic device be hooked to the network without proper consent.

The Conclusion - This is an overview of all of the policies in place, and a clear statement regarding action in case of violation of the policy.

What a VAR Can Do for Your Business
by Peter Alexander
used with permission from the Microsoft Small Business Center

Technology can go a long way in helping your business stay competitive, meet customer expectations and improve operational efficiencies. But most small businesses simply don't have the resources to evaluate technologies and aren't sure where to find the right technology partner. That's where a value-added reseller can help.

A VAR enhances an existing product, such as hardware, with additional features, such as software, and then sells it as an integrated package often tailored for specific industries. VARs add further value to the products they sell through consultation and design, training, implementation, and ongoing service and support.

The right VAR can serve as a small business's IT advisor and help it deploy the same technologies that larger companies use, such as CRM software and IP communications. You can then use those tools to enhance customer experience--a key step in growing customer loyalty and the bottom line.

A VAR can also offer the following benefits:

• One-stop shopping. A single VAR can provide an integrated solution involving technologies from one or more vendors, as well as a single point of contact for both deployment and problem resolution.

•Broad expertise. A VAR can provide you with expertise in a variety of technologies.

•The big picture about small business. Many VARs cater to small businesses and are small businesses themselves. They're positioned to understand your challenges and to deliver a solution that'll fit your business now and in the future.

•Customized solutions. Many VARs•specialize in particular industries and have experience with industry-specific solutions. In addition, they often have relationships with niche players and can utilize them as needed.

Finding the Right VAR
So how do you find a VAR that's the best fit for your business?

•Shop locally. Do an internet search to find out which VARs in your area specialize in the particular technology you're interested in, such as CRM or IP communications. Another option is to visit a network or other hardware vendor's website, which often offer tools you can use to find qualified, certified VARs.

•Ask around. Ask colleagues, customers or others whose opinions you trust to recommend a VAR, keeping in mind that your specific requirements are probably different than theirs.

•Look within your industry. Try to find VARs that specialize in your industry by looking through industry publications and exhibitor lists at the top trade shows.

Schedule appointments to meet with representatives from the VARs you're considering. Interview them

• Ask plenty of questions upfront.

•Pay attention to the VAR's motives. The right VAR will give you the sense that it's•partnering with you to make the best technology decision for your company, rather than just trying to sell you hardware and software. They should take the time to understand your mission and future goals and should be able to tell you how the proposed solution will improve your relationship with your customers.

•Find out who you'll be dealing with. Most likely, the VAR will dedicate one or more staff members, such as a project manager, to the technology deployment. Ask to speak to them before making a commitment. The goal is to ensure you'll be working with someone who understands your business's needs and objectives.

•Decide on the level of support you need. Will your business need the VAR to supply a comprehensive service plan that covers nearly all IT concerns for an annual fee? Or do you want per-incident support that you pay for only when needed? Keep in mind a turnkey support contract might provide a better return on investment over time, as IT emergencies on a per-incident pricing plan can quickly become expensive. Make sure the VAR provides the level of support your business needs, such as 24-hour assistance. You should receive a service-level agreement that details specifically what your VAR will--and won't--provide.

•Talk money. Have the VAR thoroughly explain the costs your business will incur in as much detail as possible. Also, ask them to help you determine what the return on investment is likely to be.

•Ask about financing. Any new technology deployment can be costly for a small business. Your VAR may offer financing options or resources to make it more affordable.

As with any technology initiative, it's important to review your business goals and objectives before proceeding. Examine whether the technology you're considering is the best platform for the current and future size of your business. Be clear on which business problems you hope to solve, what results you want to see and when you want to see them. This information will help you better explain your business needs to a potential VAR. In turn, they will be in a better position to supply the technology and support services needed to help your small business grow.