Posted on Tue, Jan 26, 2010 @ 04:30 PM
- All threats in a disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity (BC) plan should be highlighted as part of the risk assessment phase of the BC plan. The risk assessment should incorporate all sites, which includes the disaster recovery site. And if the risk assessment is completed correctly, and an objective view of all threats are identified, there should not be any hidden threats in an organization. However, unanticipated threats can still occur, which are issues that can come up during or part of an unforeseen incident. For example, damage to the infrastructure (road closures) can cause delays in reaching your disaster recovery site, which will affect the recovery time.
Also, if the BC plan is not reviewed properly it may contain incorrect information which can threaten the disaster recovery process. If the business focus has been modified since the BC plan was compiled and these changes have not been incorporated within the BC plan, the recovery process will not go smoothly. Similarly, if hardware in your company has been modified and you have not updated your DR plan, you may have issues with the recovery. Both the disaster recovery and business continuity plans need to be current to reduce unanticipated surprises.
Lastly, hidden threats may exist if the business continuity plan does not reflect reality. That is, if the business impact analysis (BIA) does not reflect the true impact on the organization, issues may arise. For this reason it is important to be accurate in the BIA looking at dependencies up and down the line to ensure the recovery time objectives (RTOs) are correct.
Written by Harvey Betan
Posted on Thu, Jan 07, 2010 @ 04:47 PM
Take a look at these 7 reasons why an SBS solution may be a great fit for your company's needs.
There never seems to be enough time or resources when you're running a business, you feel married to your work. Fortunately, a Windows Small Business Server can help.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 (SBS) is an award-winning server solution designed for businesses to help protect their data and connect with customers like never before.
SBS provides small businesses with many of the features used by large companies like company e-mail, Internet, internal websites, remote access, support for mobile devices, file and print sharing, as well as backup and restore functions-all in one affordable, integrated solution.
7 reasons SBS could be a perfect match for your business.
Let it be known, a SBS is a commitment, not a one night stand. You cannot just test it for a few days and accurately gauge the impact of such a change on your company. Take a look at these seven reasons why you may find a SBS to be a perfect fit for your needs and what to expect when you purchase one of these fantastic servers.
1. Two heads are better than one! SBS takes the guesswork out of e-mail, calendaring, and software. Everyone in your company will have what they need, at their fingertips, when they need it. So, there is no excuse not to work as one cohesive unit.
2. Businesses rely on crystal clear communications. With a Windows Small Business Server, you have access to contacts, appointments, and files from any computer with Internet or even your mobile device. That way, you can communicate clearly with the facts you need to respond in a timely and accurate fashion.
3. A SBS is by your side like a shield of protection. Your business is a valuable asset. As a matter of fact 77% of people use their own money or family assets for business startup funding (US Census Bureau, 2006.) A Small Business Server can help you protect your business from data loss by backing up your information on your network and enabling you to retrieve files with ease even if they are accidently deleted.
4. Windows SBS 2008 offers the latest in update technology. Minimize owntime and ensure your network's health by keeping your computers and server current. In combination with our all inclusive service contract, a Small Business Server gives your company the support you need to keep your systems up-to-date and running smoothly 24/7/365.
5. A blanket of security you will cherish. Windows Small Business Server (2008) also offers anti-spam and anti-virus technologies to protect your company formation and intellectual property from hungry attackers.
6. SBS is with you through sickness and health. Inevitably, your company will all victim to an infection or compromise at some point. With a SBS and a managed ervice agreement, our technicians can remote into your server or computers to combat the infection immediately. You can rest assured the assistance you need is available when you need it most.
7. Ready, set, grow! Think about it for a second, if your company was able to treamline the day-to-day business processes and improve efficiency, could you grow your business? Yes! Even in our depressed economy, many businesses are still stable, even thriving. Simplify communications and share information with one easy tool, a Small Business Server.
Doesn't your business deserve the best? Give your company the upper hand in this cutthroat economy, virtually eliminate downtime, and increase efficiency with just one purchase. A SBS could be just the solution you have been waiting for. Many businesses thrive on cuttingedge software solutions that just aren't fully compatible with other types of servers. The Windows Small Business Server design gives you the flexibility and scalability you need to grow and thrive.
The icing on the cake... Couple your SBS purchase with one of our hassle-free ervice agreements and you could be riding on easy street. We will take the helm with regards to your server installation, configuration, monitoring, and updates. This service also includes technical support for your business that is invaluable when disaster strikes.
In addition, our managed service contracts are structured with a fixed monthly fee you can budget for just like an insurance policy, instead of nickel and diming you in your hour of need. We focus on preventative measures to protect your business from costly downtime and head off dangers before it surfaces, negatively impacting your business.
Do you have questions about a SBS or our managed service agreements? Give us a call today! 626-737-2966
Posted on Thu, Oct 15, 2009 @ 06:01 PM
As many of you know and some of you may not know former telecom giant Nortel Networks Filed for Bankruptcy protection in early January this year. on september 11th through the 13th there was an auction for Nortel Networks Enterprise division, the winner of the 3 day auction was Avaya Inc. who will $900 Million in cash to buy the business, which is almost double the $475 million Avaya initially offered in July.
So what happens to all of those existing customers on Nortel Equipment? No one except the executives at Avaya Really know but the perception is that Avay will continue to support them and honor their Nortel support contracts. After that year Avaya wil more than likley stop supporting or maintaining these clients and will push them to the Avaya platform.
With many Nortel customers nervous about teh future with Nortel equipment, our Partner CallTower Inc. (www.calltower.com) The leading provider of Unified Communications as a Service (UcaaS) Based in Henderson, NV has announced that they will give any new CallTower customer with Nortel equipment free set up and installation by trading in their Nortel equipment. If you currently have Nortel or are just interested in finding out more about CallTower Please contact TMS @ 626-737-2970 to get more info.
written By Tom Hill
Posted on Fri, Sep 25, 2009 @ 12:01 PM
Convincing management that something's needed to mitigate business risks and prevent potential disasters can be like telling our government leaders to stop spending our money -- it's next to impossible. However, even if management doesn't initially listen to you, this doesn't mean you can't make an impact. A lot of disaster recovery (DR) procedures and information security is handled the wrong way by cramming fear, uncertainty, and doubt down managements' throats. That doesn't work long-term.
In order to convince management of the necessity of a disaster recovery plan in your company, you need to do three things:
- Establish your credibility to get them on your side.
- Get (and stay) involved with the business to show that you understand where they're coming from and what they're up against.
- Show that your effort and their money are adding ongoing value to the business. Building relationships and learning to communicate effectively will do wonders for getting management on your side with disaster recovery.
Also, keep in mind that not everything related to DR is expensive. Once you gain the trust and assurance of the management team, everything else should eventually fall into place.
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Posted on Mon, Jul 20, 2009 @ 04:33 PM
Forrester's Research Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George Colony talks about how Information technology should really be treated as Business Technology. He points out 7 specific items that he talks about with any CEO or business owner he meets with.
In this video he make some very good points but the one that stood out to me the most was "Stop Being Clueless"he goes on to say that all executives and business owners know about financials, marketing and all the other aspects of their business but have NO CLUE about technology, the one thing everyone use to make their business more productive, efficient and profitable. I personally have found this statement to be very true, i would even go as far as saying that 95% or more of the executives and business owners i have meet with are in this category.
Lastly i would like to thanks to Sean Green who 1st brought this video to my attention via his Magic Software Blog
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Posted on Wed, Jul 08, 2009 @ 01:45 PM
The good news is that every email message contains unique information (like a fingerprint), making it possible to trace it...with a little research. Here's how to do it:
1) Get The Header Information
Virtually all email programs provide access to the header showing exactly where and when the email originated. Ignore the "From" and "Return-Path" lines - they can be very easily forged.
1) Identify The Last "Received" Address
The "Received" line closest to the email body in the header reflects the first leg of the email journey with the source IP address (looking something like this - 131.247.112.23)
2) Research The Source IP Address
Find the "owner" of the IP address through the American Registry for Internet Numbers at http://www.arin.net/. The "Tech Name and Number" will provide you with the administrator's contact information.
3) Query the Global Domain Name Network (DNS)
A DNS "nslookup search" will provide specific information about the IP address and can be performed through one of many private firms (Google "DNS search firms").
4) Contact The Appropriate Authority
Depending on the nature of the message, you should consider contacting your attorney or the appropriate enforcement agency to handle the situation. It could also be helpful to contact the network administrator to discuss your situation.
Tracing e-mail can be done; it just requires some knowledge and the means to apply it. For help on tracing an e-mail, contact us today at 626-737-2976
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Posted on Mon, Jul 06, 2009 @ 02:09 PM
David Silverman Words at work - Harvard Business review
"People think that the first draft is the big event and that revision is cleaning up afterward. But the first draft is really setting up the chairs, tables, and cups, and revision isn't cleaning up after the party, it is the party."
"All first drafts are terrible. I don't care if you're Hemingway."
"What comes out unfiltered from anyone's mind is mud."
The first two quotations come from writing professors whose names I've since forgotten (and they were quoting other people whom they'd forgotten). The last one is one I just made up myself. But regardless of the source, the advice is sound: no email should be clicked-to-send without revision.
I've found that for your average email, the number of revisions largely depends on the number of recipients. Here's my experience:
1 to 5 recipients = 2 to 4 revisions
5 to 10 recipients = 8 to 12 revisions
Company-wide or to Executive Committee = 30 to 50 revisions
Even the simplest missive to one person benefits from a couple of extra passes, and if it's going to the management committee, expect everyone to have changes (and changes to those changes).
Here's a checklist to consider when revising:
1. Delete redundancies. Say it once. That's enough. If you're repetitive, the reader will stop reading and start skimming. (Like you probably just did.)
2. Use numbers and specifics instead of adverbs and adjectives. "The project is currently way behind schedule on major tasks," is not as clear as "The project is 3 weeks late delivering hamburger buns to Des Moines." (If you don't have numbers, still get rid of the adverbs and adjectives.)
3. Add missing context. Does your reader know that hamburger buns in Iowa are required for the company to collect $37 million? If you're not sure, remind them.
4. Focus on the strongest argument. Should those hamburger buns get shipped because the delay is embarrassing for the company, because it's costing children their lunch, or because it's costing the company tens of millions of dollars? Maybe all three, but one of those reasons (and it depends on your reader) will be enough to get buns on the road.
5. Delete off-topic material. The best emails say one thing and say it clearly. One-subject emails also make it easier for the recipient to file the message once they've taken action, something anyone who uses Outlook to manage tasks appreciates.
6. Seek out equivocation and remove it. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" works for Dickens, not status reports.
7. Kill your favorites. Is something in your text particularly pithy, amusing, or clever? Chances are, it's not. If it sticks out, it's probably a tap-dancing gorilla in boxer shorts - hilarious when you thought of it, embarrassing when it gets in your manager's inbox.
8. Delete anything written in the heat of emotion. Will this sentence show them who's been right about the hamburger buns since the beginning? Yes? Cut it.
9. Shorten. Remember the reader struggling to digest your message on the run - a BlackBerry or an iPhone gets about 40 words per screen. What looks short on your desktop monitor is an epic epistle on their mobile device.
10. Give it a day. With time, what seemed so urgent may no longer need to be said. And one less email is something everyone will thank you for.
Do you agree that even late-night emails sent from the bar should be revised before sending? (Have you ever seen one the next day?) Have you bravely sent something unrevised only to have it come flying back at you? What's your best advice for revising?
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Posted on Fri, Jun 19, 2009 @ 02:04 PM
As regulatory compliance laws for the financial industry have steadily increased it has triggered an avalanche of email archiving products over the last 10 years. The need for businesses to retain email for legal discovery is driving a new wave of enhancements in the e-Discovery market. xur4yiczj7
regardless if it's a high-profile, high-penalty court cases involving corporate defendants, or simply the amount of data storage that email and its attachments eat up, storage managers are increasingly putting email archiving at the top of their priority lists.
Email archiving is not just for financial companies anymore we are finding companies from manufacturing, healhtcare, legal, entertainment are all wanting to archive email, for regulatory issues, disater recovery or just to cover them selves from disgruntled employees or frivolous law suites.
One challenge for companies is identifying an email archiving policy that makes sense. Saving everything does not, experts say. Having an email retention and deletion policy for email that is based on preservation dates set by state and federal regulations, for example, is a good starting point. Once a litigation hold is placed, or an e-discovery request is made, a company must often change that policy, and start retaining many more documents. But a company is not likely to be held liable for emails or attachments that were eliminated as part of a reasonable retention and deletion policy prior to the existence of a litigation hold -- as long as it was applied regularly across the board without exception.
Best practices for email archiving often start with the prickly issue of establishing retention policies for users. The shorter the retention period, the harder it will be to enforce. A 90-day retention policy, for instance, sounds good in theory, until users balk and seek out other ways to save what they consider important emails.
We at TMS have had a lot of experience it writing and implementing such policies with our clients or any other policies such as Acceptable use, Disater recovery and many more. please inquire with us if your company needs such services.
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Posted on Wed, Jun 17, 2009 @ 10:40 AM
Khali Henderson06/16/2009
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Whether you are an IP PBX dealer in denial or a reluctant telephony agent, it's time you thought long and hard about your stance on hosted VoIP. You see, hosted VoIP sales are growing despite the recession. For the first three months of 2009, U.S. service providers experienced an average of 43 percent year-over-year growth for hosted IP telephony services, according to data released in May by Infonetics Research Inc.. |
remainder of story
http://www.phoneplusmag.com/articles/hosted-voip-sales-up-in-a-down-economy.html
Posted on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 @ 01:26 PM
Cisco has a new line of Switches out that are compaitble with their SBCS (Small Business Commuinications Solution)Small Business VoIP. The New ESW switch has a GIG interface that was needed for the US520 systems. The switch is a managed layer 2 switch that is purpose built for small business and competes with HP's mid level line of switches the ProCurve. This new switch is a Simplified configuration, deployment and management with choice of embedded switch configuration utility (web GUI) or Cisco Configuration Assistant (CCA 2.0 required).
You can not purchase cisoc SmartNet for this product but Cisco is giving a Enhanced 5 year warranty with next business day replacement.
The Cisco ESW come is 7 diffrent options
Standard 10/100 24 & 48 port
10/100 24 & 48 port w/ POE (power over ethernet)
24 port with Gig 10/100/1000
24 port poe w/ gig 10/100/1000
and a 48 port gig 10/100/1000