September 2008

September 2008

Former Red Sox star pitcher Curt Schilling talks about his move from the baseball world into the PC gaming industry with startup 38 Studios. Also in this issue: Aircell brings broadband Internet access to air travel. SMBs say networked IP cameras let them monitor and safeguard buildings 24x7 from anywhere. IT managers share the technologies that offer best value in these tough times.

Features

Let The Games Begin
Backed by an all-star lineup, 38 Studios squares off against the Goliaths in the booming PC game industry.
Private Eyes
Small businesses embrace IP cameras to safeguard buildings 24x7.
Airborne Wireless
Aircell takes terrestrial broadband Internet access to 35,000 feet: transcontinental flights on American Airlines now offer wireless in-flight service.
Mary Sbaschnig
Chief Operating Officer of Delos Insurance
Big Brother Gone Good
Monitoring and surveillance show an upside through companies that keep the roads and public spaces safer and more navigable.
Pat McClintock
Deputy Director of Program Administration<br />Iowa Legal Aid<br /><a href="http://www.iowalegalaid.org" target="_blank">www.iowalegalaid.org</a><br />2008 Budget: <strong>$7.7 million </strong>
Scott Preston
Chief Information Officer<br />Fulbright & Jaworski<br /><a href="http://www.fulbright.com" target="_blank">www.fulbright.com</a>
Best Value IT
IT managers say in tough times it's best to go for the sure thing. That means technologies such as disaster recovery, remote access and security.
Joe Glessner
IT Manager<br>Howe Electric<br><a href="http://www.howe-electric.com" target="_blank">www.howe-electric.com</a><br><strong>2007 Revenue: $50 million</strong>
Ed Kessler
Chief Technology Officer<br />Capitol Bancorp<br /><a href="http://www.capitolbancorp.com" target="_blank">www.capitolbancorp.com</a><br />2007 Revenue: <strong>$208 Million</strong>

Departments

Best Practices: Just the Basics
Reducing complexity can help you plan for growth.
Profile: Curt Schilling: The Ultimate Gamer
Boston Red Sox pitching great Curt Schilling shares how his passion for gaming led to the launch of 38 Studios.
Best Practices: Ten Steps to Speed Up Your WAN
Follow these tips to improve your network's performance.
Tech Tips: 6 Steps to Develop A Successful Video Conferencing Guide
Use these tips to develop a successful program.
Tech Trends: Sensible Storage
IT shops at SMBs say NAS offers faster, more centralized data protection at an affordable price.
Tech Trends: Dynamic Sales Engine
SMBs say Microsoft CRM frees up the data so salespeople can look good in front of customers.
Tech Trends: Think Thin
Security and cost-cutting are driving companies toward thin-client computing.
Tech Trends: Detect and Protect
Faster response time, more efficient reporting and tighter integration with existing security apps have made intrusion technologies a valuable part of small-business security strategy.
Tech Trends: Power Up
Enhanced processors can take a company's performance level up a notch — but first you have to make the business case for an upgrade.
Dashboard: Dashboard: August 2008
Talk'n Jabra
Versatile Bluetooth phone headset lets users pair up to eight devices.

Opinions

Speaking from Experience: Threats Know No Downturn
Even with a stretched budget, you need — and can have — an IT security strategy that protects your business.
Inside I.T.: Practicing Change
Keep your staff prepared for change and you can take on any challenge.
The Lowdown: The Law's on Your Side
You can monitor employees, but there must be consent on both sides.
Letter From the Editor: Top 3 Strategic Priorities For Small Business IT Leaders
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