The Ekaru Gazette   Vol 3-1. February 2003

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

Technology - Your Business Needs a Plan
We recently came across an interesting statistic: 6,870! - That's how many technology patents were granted in 2002 to IBM, HP, Microsoft, Cisco, and Intel. Intel alone generates, on average, three technology patents every day of the year! No wonder its so tough to keep up with the fast pace of technology while running a successful business!

It can be overwhelming, but the good news is that all this technology enables things that can really help your business: Working anywhere, anytime you choose, generating sales forecast reports at the press of a button, having your accountant serve as a "virtual" CFO for your business, ordering supplies more efficiently on the web, just to name a few. Set aside time this Spring to create a technology plan that will help your business grow and increase margins.

Broadband Internet- Coming to your business location soon!
Dial-up Internet access is slow and frustrating, but in some locations, it's the only economically feasible option. Good news! Broadband may be available at your business location soon! The Boston Globe recently reported ATT's (now Comcast's) broadband rollout plans for 2003:

• Winter/Spring: Boxborough, Concord, Littleton
• Spring: Tyngsboro, Carlisle, Georgetown, Westminster, Groveland, Gardner, Lincoln, Templeton
• Summer: Winchendon, Phillipston, Belmont, Brewster, Orleans, Westford, Ashby, Ashburnham
• Fall: Fitchburg, Leominster, Shirley, Townsend, Lunenburg, Ayer.

A formal site survey must be completed to determine if your location can be serviced. In some cases, even if Broadband is currently available in your area, it may not be immediately available at your address. If significant preparation is required, such as running new cable underground, the process could take months, so start planning now. And don't forget to plan those local area network upgrades that are necessary to take full advantage of your new lightning fast Internet connection: routers and switches, firewalls, PC configurations, and virus software. Your team at Ekaru is ready to help ensure secure and reliable performance to all your PCs.

Firewalls - its not enough to turn off the computer!
Internet users with dial-up connectivity are often naïve about the risk to their computer network because their limited connection time has allowed them to miss being an attack target, even if the avoidance is due solely to good luck and nothing else. An "always-on" broadband Internet connection increases the opportunity for an attack. In all cases, a firewall is needed to protect your network and systems from outside intrusion. Some people think they can simply turn off computers at night and they are "safe". Not true! Make sure you have proper firewall protection. Cost, complexity, and levels of protection vary, with different approaches appropriate for different situations.

Internet Hoaxes:
Its almost April Fools day so we thought this was a timely topic. Everyone knows that computer viruses can be destructive and costly, but virus hoaxes, scares, and chain letters can be almost equally damaging. Why? Based on a false report of a non-existing virus, people often take drastic action such as shutting down their network, and considerable time and bandwidth are often expended reacting to these hoaxes. People frequently forward the hoaxes to many colleagues and generate confusion and embarrassment.

Internet hoaxes and scares typically make false claims about a dangerous virus. They use technical "jargon" to make it believable, are made to look like they come from a reputable source, and often ask you to forward a message to friends and family.

Make sure you are always running up-to-date virus protection, and don't forward these warnings. For more information, check out the Sophos web site: www.sophos.com/virusinfo/hoaxes

Tip:
When you send an email to a large group of people, such as an update report to all your clients, protect their privacy, as well as your valuable rolodex by using the Blind Carbon Copy (Bcc) on your email. In Microsoft Outlook, when you compose the email, go to "View" "Bcc Field". Put your distribution list into the "Bcc" field, and put your own address in the "To" field.

Enjoy Winter!
Spring will be here soon!