Collaboration Tools Help Firms Trim Costs, Boost Productivity
Microsoft Access: Customize Forms and Reports
Adding Wireless Is Easier Than You Think
More Power to You
Securing Mobile Devices Still a Question for Businesses Worldwide
Mini-Notebook Mania
Internet Filtering Software
Stay Ahead of the Technology Use Curve

When American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Information Technology Executive Committee members want to exchange information with one another, they can do so via a Web-based SharePoint portal. The portal, which exists on an AICPA server, enables members to go online, click on a URL, sign in, and obtain access to any files or informational updates put there. "Twenty Seconds in the Future" author Robert Spencer explains the utilization of collaboration tools is growing in small and mid-sized businesses. Besides sharing and editing documents over the Internet, collaboration tools provide Web conferencing, emailing, instant messaging, blogs, and podcasts. Companies are also starting to make internal "Wiki" pages to keep workers abreast on certain matters or situations. Microsoft is one of the leaders in collaboration tools, providing SharePoint and Groove, which are simple to implement and offer a big installed base. The greatest difference between SharePoint and Groove is that Groove is desktop-based, meaning that infrastructure and a server are not needed to establish a workspace. In addition, Microsoft has started to add collaboration tools to Office products, something that will make sharing data over the Internet easier.
(http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=29744&pg=ros&pri nt=yes)

Microsoft Access Design View can improve corporate reports and forms. The software has a series of interactive buttons users can add to their forms. The Find button, for instance, is particularly useful for finding a matching record in the currently chosen field or the whole data file. In Design View, you can alter a field's size and its caption. This can be done by switching to Design View and clicking the textbox for the State and decreasing its size utilizing its sizing handles. Forms consist of headers and footers, and the header is a good place for the form title. A basic report entails resizing fields to better handle the company's data. In addition, users can add the corporate logo or a different image to the form. This can be done by finding the Image button in the toolbox and clicking-and-dragging a box on the form in which to keep the image.
(http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/buyersguide/article.ph p/3783426)

There are many reasons why wireless networks are worth adding. In addition to easy installation, wireless networks are mobile, allowing users to work from any location within signal range. They also afford convenience and scalability so that users are able to take their workstations from place to place without being restricted to areas where there is an Ethernet outlet. By adding limited access guest log-in capabilities, clients, especially those that prefer to stay connected, can enjoy the same convenience found in the office. To install a small wireless networks, organizations need a wireless router, wireless adapter, and security. Setting security options such as MAC address verification or network keys are explained in instructions that come with the new wireless router.
(http://www.cpatechnologyadvisor.com/print/The-CPA-Technology -Advisor/Adding-Wireless-Is-Easier-Than-You-Think/1$2164)

Xerox has rolled out several new products that cater to the unique needs of small businesses. Xerox's DocuShare Express solution is a modified version of the company's original DocuShare product, except the Express version is customized for SMBs by helping them store, access and share valuable documents. DocuShare Express also boasts an imaging and scanning feature that saves times by allowing users to instantly upload documents to specific folders where employees can view them in real time. Two more Xerox products, the Phaser 8860 and 8860MFP, delivers innovative and affordable ink technology that helps SMBs produce color prints at the same price as black and white. Meanwhile, Xerox's Phaser 3635MFP offers SMBs image overwriting and secure printing and faxing.
(http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2008/novem ber/198034.html)

Recent research from Vodafone UK states that numerous U.K. companies seem uncertain about how to protect their mobile devices from security risks. Almost 25 percent of those surveyed state they had witnessed security troubles due to workers utilizing laptops or mobile-mail gadgets after working hours and in violation of corporate security protocols. Vodafone's study cites the possible risks that mobile employees are unintentionally causing through not obeying information-technology security rules. The study reveals that although many companies are seeing the benefits of mobile devices, including increases in productivity, flexibility, and corporate continuity, they could be hurt by not enforcing IT rules and shielding important corporate information outside of the workplace. The study adds that one-third of employees have never reviewed their company's IT regulations, or are otherwise uncertain if there are any. Meanwhile, around 50 percent of individuals surveyed were not certain if they are subject to various IT regulations for working inside or outside of the workplace. "Businesses that implement a remote access solution across their network will benefit from reduced risk, improved compliance and productively as well as improved peace of mind, knowing that their corporate information is secure," states Vodafone UK's head of Enterprise Mobility Solutions, Curt Hopkins.
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Mini-notebook computers offer numerous benefits to mobile workers. At only two to three pounds, they are lightweight and easier to travel with than standard laptops. They cost less than laptops but have similar features, such as multiple USB 2.0 ports, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Webcams. However, they have lower-level processors, less memory, and shorter battery life than laptops. This means mini-notebooks are best suited for Realtors and other mobile workers for note-taking, e-mail, and Web searches.
(http://www.pcworld.ca/news/column/351609aec0a80006013828975c 9026b5/pg0.htm)

Corporate information-technology divisions are working hard to make certain workers do not misuse Internet access at work. Certain surveys suggest employees may spend as much as 40 percent of their working day visiting non-business sites, thereby reducing productivity. In addition, casual surfing exposes network infrastructures to more risk of infection by viruses, Trojans, and other types of malware. While Internet filtering software can help guarantee that workers do not visit the wrong types of sites and do not spend too much time looking at non-business sites, this software can have a few drawbacks, including providing false positives, which can inadvertently keep some workers from legitimately getting onto sites for their jobs. The software also increases a company's workload due to continually maintaining the software signature databases. Worker morale could be negatively impacted if some sites are made off-limits. Lastly, implementing Internet filtering software could hurt performance because of poorly configured customer-side and gateway solutions. Ascentive founder and CEO Adam Schran claims businesses must adopt a balanced attitude toward enforcement. "You don't want to go after people who have simply been checking a Web site for 20 minutes," he says. "You want to identify the egregious time wasters."
(http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?article=artic les%2Fp3044%2F31p44%2F31p44.asp&guid=&searchtype=&WordList=&bJumpTo=True )

Employers must learn to consistently develop broad and effective technology use policies that are stringent enough to curb privacy and other violations but flexible enough to adapt to the latest technology in the workplace. Policies should guide workers on their use of email, blogs, and social networking sites and should address associated privacy and legal risks, the pitfalls of corporate security, and breaches to nondisclosure agreements. Policies should govern the increasing use of mobile devices and the possible legal risks associated with using those devices after traditional work hours. Most importantly, companies should have in place policies regarding mobile device security and plans to recover or mitigate damages resulting from the loss of devices containing confidential data. The greatest risk lies in any disconnect between policy and practice, which can cost organizations significantly in a court of law.
(http://www.shrm.org/hrmagazine/articles/1008/1008roberts.asp )