December 2008

December 2008

Do you need a lot more storage — fast? Then check out our cover story on speedy SAN implementation strategies. Also in this issue of BizTech, learn best practices for starting up a small-office network from scratch and tips about running XP and Vista on the same network. You can also pick up pointers on supporting teleworkers and on virtualizing servers. Plus, the features offer insights on how SMBs are integrating technology into their business models.

Features

Drilling for Dollars
In the booming natural gas and oil drilling business, Pumpco Energy Services relies on blade PCs to manage and monitor its pumping equipment.
Storage Value
SMBs find that strategic storage deployments help them cut costs, reduce risks and manage applications more effectively.
SANs for the Rest of Us
SMBs say that SANs are less costly and easier to manage than in the past.
The DNA of Computing
Pharmasset turns to computer simulations run on blade servers to speed the drug discovery process.
In the Nick of Time
Companies find that automated time-and-attendance systems can pay for themselves in a matter of months.
Explosive Opportunity
Tracking and safely managing explosives with RFID tags has become a winning business formula for startup ExploTrack.

Departments

Security at the Gate
Fortinet serves up one UTM box to rule them all.
Eye-Pleasing Upgrade
In its second-generation smartphone, Samsung improves the look and feel of the popular BlackJack.
End Your Crippling Support Nightmare
Counter security threats with solid endpoint security.
Tech Watch: Five Ways to Win With Hyper-V
If you're not deploying virtualization today, you might soon be tempted to -- in part because Microsoft is making it easy and free.
Best Practices: Can XP and Vista Coexist?
The short answer: Yes. Follow these five tips for a phased migration to Windows Vista.
Best Practices: Network Starter Kit
Follow these best practices to build a small office network from scratch.
Best Practices: Ten Steps to Server Virtualization
Follow this step-by-step guide for a smoother project.
Tech Trends: VoIP Goes Mobile
By extending VoIP, SMBs boost customer service and cut costs.
Tech Trends: I'll Be Seeing You
Videoconferencing helps SMBs reduce travel costs and unify their growing companies.
Tech Trends: The Password Factor
SMBs say two-factor authentication increases security with the least inconvenience to end users.
Tech Trends: When Mac and PC Get Along
SMBs take advantage of tools that simplify backing up Macs and PCs over a single network.
Tech Trends: Cut Your Losses
Data loss prevention software can plug security leaks and force end users to change careless habits.
Dashboard: Dashboard: November 2008
Keeper of the Site
Software lets network managers run updates for security, applications and operating systems.
Tech Tips: 6 Tips To Help Teleworkers Work
Six tips to keep teleworkers running smoothly.

Opinions

Inside I.T.: Manage Your IT Team Like a Startup
Build an entrepreneurial department where ideas flow.
Speaking from Experience: Secure — From the Inside Out
Data is the currency that makes your business tick. That's why keeping it safe is more important than ever
The Lowdown: The Cost of a Breach
One breach can ruin your business, but there are ways to prevent, detect, respond to and remediate the worst cases.
Letter From the Editor: IP Mobility
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Security

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Review: Belkin Advanced Secu... |
This tool can prevent KVM toggling from being a source of network vulnerabilities.
Honeywords: Password Securit... |
Researchers are proposing a new method of spiking the password punch as a way to identify...
How Many Vulnerabilities Doe... |
The potential for damaging data breaches lurks in nearly every corner for SMBs.

Storage

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EMC World 2013: Software-Def... |
Storage virtualization is a key element of providing on-demand, flexible cloud services.
How Steve Wozniak Explains V... |
Fusion-io's chief scientist breaks virtualization down into terms everyone can understand.
Product Review: Quantum NDX-... |
Device does double duty for storage and backup.

Infrastructure Optimization

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Why More Software Is Headed... |
Many of your favorite software suites are trading in their shiny discs for cloud-based...
Cisco Live 2013: Brush Up wi... |
Get up to speed on convergence, wireless networking, collaboration and more ahead of the...
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Storage virtualization is a key element of providing on-demand, flexible cloud services.

Networking

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How to Secure Optimized Netw... |
WAN optimization and security aren’t always complementary. These tips can help you deal...
Cisco Live 2013: Brush Up wi... |
Get up to speed on convergence, wireless networking, collaboration and more ahead of the...
Do Virtual Meetings Boost Pr... |
New study finds that face-to-face meetings don’t always work in workers’ favor.

Mobile & Wireless

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Consumr App Powers Informed... |
Reviews and ratings for products on the shelf are only a barcode scan away.
Faster In-Flight Wi-Fi: Com... |
The FCC is working on regulation to free up more Internet bandwidth for air travelers.
CTIA: Wireless Network Data... |
The invisible bytes that zip through the air continue to multiply at rapid rates.

Hardware & Software

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Consumr App Powers Informed... |
Reviews and ratings for products on the shelf are only a barcode scan away.
Review: Belkin Advanced Secu... |
This tool can prevent KVM toggling from being a source of network vulnerabilities.
How Many Vulnerabilities Doe... |
The potential for damaging data breaches lurks in nearly every corner for SMBs.