The Ekaru Gazette  Vol 3-4  August 2003

Welcome to this month's issue! Our mission is to provide technology information you can use to grow your business.

Get more for your Technology Dollar
Let's face it. You can't run a successful business today without technology. Computers, networks, email, the Internet, databases, QuickBooks… they're here to stay. As a business owner, it is crucial that you develop a technology plan to build your technology into a strategic asset instead of something that you have to put up with that's too expensive. Here are some tips to help you and your staff get more from your technology dollar:

1. What is your budget? Honestly assess what your business can afford. Perhaps you really love the new high-end, industry-specific software solution, or the lightning-fast server, but there may be a lower-cost alternative you'll be just as happy with.
2. Clearly differentiate between "musts" and "nice-to-haves".
3. Develop a punch list clearly identifying top-priority items and a budget. Be disciplined about thinking strategically about your spending.
4. What is the solution worth to you? Will you be able to invoice more efficiently, will a CRM solution help increase sales, is your staff consumed with time-draining tasks, are you doing a calculation by hand that could be done automatically? What can you do with the time that's freed-up?
5. Who in your organization is authorized to request IT services? Just the business owner? the office manager? specific staff?
6. Ask questions. Many IT problems require "layers" of troubleshooting. One problem may be solved only to reveal another problem hidden under the surface. A task that may appear to be simple may actually be quite time consuming. We may ask you to consider another path to solve a problem.
7. Consider phone support. Some (not all) problems can be solved over the phone to avoid minimum on-site billing requirements.
8. If the equipment is too old, get rid of it. Our rule of thumb is that after three years, it's simply cheaper to invest in new hardware rather than investing in upgrades to old hardware.
9. Talk to your accountant to see how the new tax laws may make it beneficial for you to make key purchases before the end of the year.
10. Consider a strategy session to define your IT future. Planning in advance can save you a bundle in the future.
11. Don't wait for a crisis! Repairing a virus-infected computer is much more expensive than installing and running proper virus protection. Plan ahead.

In the News - "Blaster":
The "Blaster" worm has been a big story in the news recently. Typically, many viruses are spread by email. This one was different. Blaster exploits a security weakness in several Microsoft operating systems (Windows NT, 2000, XP), and computers connected to the Internet without properly configured firewalls are at risk. A free patch is available on the Microsoft web site www.microsoft.com, and we urge you to check your operating system and apply the patch before you have a problem. Blaster is an Internet attack program designed to attack the Microsoft web site to prevent people from getting access to the site, specifically security patches. We received a lot of calls from people this week who turned out to have the worm. Symptoms are a bit tough to diagnose at first, because basically your system just starts misbehaving. Here's what you can do to protect your systems and network in the future:

1. Make sure you have a properly configured firewall to protect your computer and network against intrusion.
2. Run anti-virus software on your systems. Make sure you run regular updates (new viruses are generated all the time) and make sure you run system scans on a regular basis.
3. Check the Microsoft web site www.microsoft.com regularly for patches and upgrades for the products you use. These downloads are free. The site also contains many helpful tips for running your office technology so it's a great site to visit for more than just patches.

Technology Tip - New Tax Laws and Technology Spending.
If you haven't already done so, now is a good time to talk to your accountant to learn how the new tax laws may affect your business. Specifically, you may be eligible to expense the cost of depreciable assets in the year of acquisition. Many people splurged on technology in the late 1990's, and this hardware and software may be running out of steam. Many people today are frustrated with slow systems and distracting problems with applications, but with the tough economy they have been holding on to what they have. Depending on your situation, you could get new computers and software at effectively 30% off the retail price because of the new tax advantages. Call your accountant today.

Workshop Annoucement: Get more from Microsoft Office!
Wednesday August 27, 7:30am to 9:00am. Residence Inn by Marriott, Westford, MA. Learn how to get more from the technology you already have: Word, Powerpoint, Excel. In conjuction with the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce at: 978-263-0010.

  Enjoy your summer!

Sincerely,
Team Ekaru

  ©2003 Ekaru, LLC. All Rights Reserved.