The first half of 2007 is almost over. And as we close the books on Q2, we thought it would be helpful to revisit a sampling of our advice, news, IT Management Guides and special features from the past three months. And for even more from 2007, check out our first-quarter recap.
Tips
SOA adoption check list
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) projects can now be implemented easily and affordably by small and medium-sized businesses. Know your needs and goals and make a plan.
Blade servers: Check IT List
Blade servers offer many benefits for space-challenged and energy-conscious SMBs. Before you invest in blades, know the basics on blade servers and blade centers.
IM security best practices for SMBs
Instant messaging offers SMBs many benefits, as long as their systems are secure.
CM systems -- Keep your customers in the driver's seat
Selecting a content management system can be daunting, but it's not much different from dating. And if done right, it can increase your bottom line.
ITIL at SMBs challenging but rewarding
With the right training and investment, ITIL can help SMBs define and improve IT best practices just as much as it benefits large businesses.
Virtual private networks offer secure, simple remote access
VPNs are an easy, inexpensive way to offer secure remote access. Here's why SMBs should implement them.
IT contract negotiation strategies
Vendor contracts can save SMBs money -- if negotiated properly. Follow these four steps to help your contract negotiations go smoothly.
>> Visit our SMB tip archive.
News
CIOs struggle with open source governance, cite lack of tools
Open source software is being left to run amuck because IT managers can't find the right tool to help them get their heads around the hundreds, sometimes thousands, of downloads within their networks.
Storage: SMBs need more than cheap hardware
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If you're going to buy enterprise-class storage hardware, make sure you've got the resources to manage it.
Application maintenance colossal pain point for SMBs
Forrester Research found that SMBs tend to apply "Band-Aids" rather than fix problems when their application maintenance groups start to falter.
Laptop-tracking technology rarely used among SMBs
Laptop theft isn't just a problem for large, high-profile companies. IP-based laptop-tracking technology can help SMBs, too.
Business intelligence now a given for SMBs
Busting at the seams in data, SMBs increasingly are buying into BI for better sightlines into how they do business.
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs drop, better processes credited
A new survey found that Sarbanes-Oxley compliance is getting cheaper. Technology is a big part of it, experts say.
IT rank and file nervous about inadequate security
IT's rank and file are just as concerned about being used as the company scapegoat in the event of a major security breach as CIOs -- maybe more so. Many believe that when under pressure, the stressed-out CIO will point the finger at them.
>> Visit our SMB news archive.
IT Management Guides
Networking for SMBs
Networks at SMBs, like most IT components, can always be improved, updated and made even more secure. But as new technologies promise to simplify your job, they also add another layer of complexity to your network. This guide offers articles, tips and advice on just about everything networking for SMBs.
ERP for SMBs
The decision to purchase an ERP system can lead to a number of questions for IT professionals at SMBs. This guide offers tips and articles to address implementation issues.
PCs, servers and tools for SMBs
PCs, servers, other hardware and software change by the minute, and keeping up with them or just maintaining the status quo isn't easy. This IT Management Guide will help SMBs make smart choices.
>> Check out our IT Management Guides.
Special features
When disaster strikes, have preset recovery objectives at hand
SMBs need to take every possible measure to ensure efficient and effective recovery in the event of a disaster. Determining recovery objectives is a key step in prioritizing the resumption of IT services.
Data storage pop quiz: Are you prepared?
Regulatory compliance requirements and the growing volume of data flowing through SMBs are just two factors that have led to a surge in the SMB storage market -- IDC predicts it will hit 5.7 billion by 2010. What do you know about this growing IT segment? Find out with our quiz!
Business intelligence applications
Read this excerpt from Business Intelligence: The Savvy Manager's Guide and learn about the various applications of business intelligence and how you can use information strategically to help your business.
SearchSMB.com blogs
Keep up with the latest information for SMBs with SMB Weekly Roundup, our podcast blog, and SMB Connection, which tracks news, trends and more.
