Connecticut's IT Managed Services Blog

With an entire department dedicated to IT Consulting for the small to medium businesses space, we are often asked about the future and impact of smart phones. The Mobile world is changing, and fast. If you remember the big boom for computers in the 90's then be prepared for something similar to happen in the Mobile world as phones are becoming powerful enough to replace desktops and laptops for many tasks. But this time around the major technology companies aren't guessing on what strategies will work, they've learned from their past mistakes. So what’s going to happen and who will be the next major tech players in this upcoming generation?

Nobody can be certain on who is going to dominate the mobile world, for the longest time it seemed like Apple was the only company with a real plan, but as 2011 is starting to gear up, all the major mobile companies are showing that they are ready to compete. If we were to look at the current landscape I would say there a few names to look out for; Microsoft with Windows Mobile 7, Google with Android, Apple with iOS, HP with palm's WebOS and finally RIM with Blackberry OS. There is one more, Nokia, but they are a currently going through major structural changes, switching from their own Symbian OS to Microsoft's Windows Mobile 7 so for now we won't consider them. All these companies are hoping to become THE mobile OS provider, just as Microsoft was THE desktop OS with Windows. At this point it is good to look at each and see where they are going and how this is can affect the future.

For many business owners, spending money on IT Services, Network Support, Technology Assessments, Upgrades Analysis, or IT Consulting is daunting. Especially if it is an area in which you have only a little expertise.  We see customers struggle with these decisions, every day, and we advise them to follow a few guidelines to ensure they are not wasting money.  Here they are:

1. Know what you have.  Get an accurate inventory of your equipment and software.  You should know the make and model of all your pcs, servers and printers.  Along with the types and versions of the operating system and applications.  Make sure you know when your software licenses expire.
2. Stay consistent and standardize across the board.  You don’t have to do it all at once, but make a plan and stick to it, keep everything the same.  Operating System (version and release), PC’s and laptops same makes and models all imaged and configured the same.  Why is this important – if everyone is on the same “stuff”, you or your IT provider only trouble shoot one problem instead of ten, this will save you time which saves you money.
3. Stay current on all required software updates. Lacking the software updates required can expose your company to viruses and other security risks. It’s a good idea to check for updates regularly. Doing so can prevent your PC from crashing (spyware removal) or having to install the updates when it's not convenient for you.  And while you're at it, keep all software media, license agreements and installation codes locked up.
4. Install only licensed and authorized software programs. Make sure that you or your company has a license for any software you install on your computer.  Don’t let users install their own software, as the business owner the PC is your asset.  Installing that program your friend “gave you” can lead to enormous piracy liability, virus infections and major operating system and application instability, DON’T DO IT.
5. Do you have a UPS?  Do you know what it stands for?  It stands for uninterruptable power supply.  And it will protect your computer and your phones from brownouts, blackouts, surges and sags?  Without it you are vulnerable.  Plug your server, phone systems and critical PC’s into this today.  You are not done, make sure to test it and check the logs on a regular basis.
6. Printers – you have them, do you know how many?  Do you know how much toner/ink they use?  Do you have any idea on what you spend on that toner and ink?  Find out today by taking inventory or hire someone to do it for you, collect the make and model.  Check your supplies, find out how much they cost, check and see how many you have bought in the last year.  You can’t do anything until you know, so step one is gathering the information.  You may have older printers that use lots of electricity and expensive toner, get rid of them and buy a couple new multi-function devices, they print, scan and fax.  The newer units are faster, cheaper and better. 
7. Use virus detection software and keep it up to date,  make sure every PC, notebook and server in your office is licensed for antivirus software, has antivirus software installed and properly configured—and most importantly KEEP IT CURRENT you need to refresh at least once every two weeks.
8. Scan each computer on your network regularly for spyware and adware, see #7 – same story.