So what does a hyperconnected employee look like?

• Extreme connection. Those who own the distinction of “hyperconnected” use a minimum of seven devices for work and personal activities in addition to nine applications.

• Technologically dependent. The hyperconnected depend on their devices and applications- 47% said a network outage at work would have an extreme impact on them.

• Work/life difference? Hyperconnected employees claim they are happy with their work/life balance, even though they use almost all devices and applications for both, and they are willing to use them at work, on vacation, in restaurants, from bed, and even in places of worship!

• On the cutting edge. They are the first to adopt new technologies, such as the Apple iPhone, and the Slingbox video transmitter

• Clear priorities. If they had to leave their house for 24 ours they would take their laptop out before their wallets or even mobile phones.

• Appreciation for connection. The hyperconnected appreciate their companies’ efforts to support their connectivity needs.

• Considerations for employment. The hyperconnected seek a work environment that supports communication and will consider the adoption of newer technology as a condition for employment.

Small businesses should take note…

But not always is the free alternative the better or more practical solution when it comes to running a small business. When deciding whether to purchase software or use a free program, there are three things that you should consider:

1. Do you need support? One advantage that licensed software has over free applications is customer support. Without it, it will be up to you to properly install the program onto your computer, handle any glitches, and answer any questions about integrating the software into your business practices.

2. Does it suit the needs of your business? Licensed software also tends to be more practical solution since it generally comes with a fuller range of features. Photoshop Express may be a good option if you only intend to use it to touch up the occasional photo. But if your business depends on image editing then it may be worth it for you to purchase Photoshop CS3.

3. Will it effect your image? The other thing that you will have to consider is if your customers will be exposed to this software and how it will come across to them. Some free software, for example, comes with advertisements.

Whether you decide to go with licensed or free software, or some combination of the two, there is no doubt that small businesses can benefit from many free applications. For an up-to-date, searchable list of free and open source software, check out this free software catalog.

For the small business, protecting sensitive customer information, such as names, social security numbers, pin numbers and access codes, is essential to running a successful operation So what can your small business do to protect your valuable data? Here is a quick checklist:

1. Get educated. Many free tutorials and workshops available for the average computer-literate person. You can start by checking out the tutorials posted on the About.com and IT Security.com websites.

2. Hire a security professional. Where a high level of security is needed or computer literacy is lacking then it is a good idea to hire a professional security consultant.

3. Install up-to-date anti-virus software. Look for antivirus products that include anti-spyware and anti-phishing security features, and make sure to install this software on all of your computers.

4. Set up firewalls. A firewall allows only secure traffic in and out of your network or individual computer while simultaneously blocking access from hackers and other intruders. There are two kinds of firewalls: hardware and software. Hardware firewalls are physical devices that are connected to your network. Software firewalls, on the other hand, are installed on every computer. To be effective, firewalls should be installed by someone who is knowledgeable in information security so that they can be properly configured to the business.

5. Back up your data. Making a physical backup of your small business’ information is a necessity that many small business owners overlook. There are several reliable data backup solutions on the market, including backup software programs, tape backups, external hard drives, and off-site backup services.

6. Secure your mobile devices. Make sure that the data on your mobile device is encrypted and password-protected (remember to change the default username and password) and that access to your network is limited to authorized users. You should also hide the service set ID that is used by your access point. You can also set up a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure data transmissions are secure when you access your business’ network from a remote location.

7. Keep track of your employees. Keep tabs on your workers to make sure they are not mishandling data or abusing their access to your computer systems. Network access rights should be set up properly so that private information can only be accessed by authorized people. Also make sure to encrypt any sensitive information stored on your corporate computers, especially laptops. Educate your employees about how to avoid a security breach. Make it a policy that your employees should never give out their user names, or passwords and the like unless they are absolutely certain about the person who is requesting the information.

For more information on how to secure your business’ data, check out this Guide to Internet Security.

While big corporations may have the resources to test the waters of emerging technologies and thus place themselves at the cutting edge, small businesses with their limited resources are often left to wade through the currents with little sense of direction.

Many claim that small businesses cannot afford to pass up on these industry-shaping trends, while others suggest that they be ignored- at least for now.

But the truth is, that while small businesses should certainly take note of the following trends in business technology, the answer to how much to invest in them will really depend on the particular nature of each small business and the resources available to it.

1. Mobile technology is spreading its wings. The emergence of smartphones, such as Apple’s iPhone and an eminent explosion of mobile software applications promises small businesses greater flexibility, effciency, and coordination that will help maximize resources and create growth opportunities. Small businesses will increasingly rely on their smartphones for mobile e-mail, integrated calendars, contact lists, and location-based services.

2. Software as a service (SaaS) creates opportunities. On-demand software (also called software-as-a-service or SaaS) refers to software applications that are leased over the Web or to mobile devices from an outside vendor, such as NetSuite. These hosted software applications provide the infrastructure needed to effectively and efficiently operate various aspects of a business- from sales and marketing reports, to payroll processing, and a slew of location-based services, such as Vettro’s application for mobile devices that helps utility crews and excavators navigate around buried cables and pipelines.

3. Social Networking and virtual societies. There has been a lot of speculation regarding the earning potential of social networking sites such as, Facebook and MySpace as well as virtual societies, such as Secondlife. What is certain, however, is that these sites offer a new way for small and mid-size businesses to connect with their customers and employees. Retail companies, for example, can create a virtual store, to monitor how many people it attracts and how these people interact with the space.

4. Going Green Tech-style. Much of the hottest techonology today not only helps the environment by reducing the use of utilities and the need to travel, but it also increases employee productivity, efficiencey, and job satisfaction. The use of audio, video and Web conferencing services often reduces the need for business travel, in addition to cutting down carbon emissions. Location-based services for mobile devices also improves the efficiency of operations on the road by effectively directing travelers to their destinations and thereby reducing fuel consumption. Businesses are moving away from paper invoices, statements, letters, and memos in favor of paperless options, such as e-faxes and e-mail.

5. Data Storage. Many small businesses these days need a significant amount of storage to hold their digital assets and information. In response, companies such as Amazon.com (S3 Simple Storage Service) and AOL (XDrive.com) are offering businesses online storage solutions for their web applications. Google is also expected to enter the fray with a “Google Drive.” There are many smaller companies offering storage services, such as Box.net and ElephantDrive.com. Many of these storage services offer up to 25 GBs for free with additional storage and features costing from $2 to $10 per month Some of these companies also offer advanced features such as versioning, personal encryption keys and multiple user log-ins.

5. Turn off lights and equipment when not in use and use Energy Star qualified CFLs wherever appropriate. High utility costs are often a result of paying for energy that is completely wasted by lights left on for long periods while not in use. CFLs use 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, last up to 10 times longer, and generate less heat than conventional light bulbs.

4.Use fans to reduce the need for air conditioning. Energy Star qualified ceiling fans can cut energy use — circulating air can make a somewhat higher temperature and/or humidity feel more comfortable. In fact a temperature setting of only 3 to 5 degrees higher can feel just as comfortable when fans are used. So turn the thermostat up several degrees while using the fans to deliver the extra cooling comfort. A ceiling fan cools you - not the room - so remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room.

Each degree of higher temperature can save about 3% on cooling costs. When the temperature outside is more comfortable than inside, a “box fan” in the window or large building fan in the attic can push air out of the building and pull in comfortable outside air.

3. Install an Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat. Install as Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat to automate your air-conditioning (HVAC) system and save energy while your small business is closed or unoccupied. This solid-state, electronic device automatically adjusts temperature settings based on your schedule, and can be “overridden” as needed for unscheduled events. This “smart thermostat” can turn on the HVAC one hour before arrival and keep it off or at a higher, more energy- efficient temperature on weekends instead of heating or cooling unoccupied space.

2. Schedule annual, pre-season maintenance checkups with a licensed contractor to ensure your cooling system is operating efficiently and safely. “Tune-up” your heating, ventilating, and HVAC system with an annual maintenance contract. Even better, have your HVAC serviced prior to both heating and cooling seasons.

A new Energy Star qualified HVAC system, like a new car, will decline in performance without regular maintenance. A contract automatically ensures that your HVAC contractor will provide pre-season tune-ups before each cooling and heating season. You save energy and money, and your system may last years longer with reasonably priced yearly maintenance fees. Your chances of an emergency HVAC break-down also become very remote with regular maintenance. Change (or clean if reusable) HVAC filters every month during peak cooling or heating season.

1.Use Energy Star qualified products. Energy Star qualified products are a good business investment. Products that display the Energy Star label operate more efficiently, save energy, and help protect the environment.

Another noteworthy change to the tax code involves a significant increase to the Section 179 expensing limits. Previously, the limit on equipment purchase deductions was $128,000, and the total cost of equipment purchased could not exceed $510,000. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 has almost doubled the deduction cap, to $250,000, and raised the total allowable cost of new equipment purchases to $800,000.

Though experts disagree regarding the effect the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 will actually have on the economy, one thing is clear: if you own a small business and are need of new or additional equipment, now is the time get it.

Another major benefit to server virtualization is the impact it will have on your efficiency. Management tasks can be automated and controlled from a single point. Maintenance also becomes easier as virtual machines have the ability to be shut down, transferred across the network to a new physical server and accessed instantly.

Server virtualization also brings about significant savings. Not only do you save on physical floor space and having to buy a lot of hardware, but you also save money on maintenance, energy, and installation.

What are contractors buying?

A third of contractors who plan to buy construction equipment are considering both new and used equipment, up from 19% with similar plans a year ago. Almost half of contractors plan to buy only new equipment in 2008, while 20% are looking to purchase only used machinery.

Thirty-eight percent of the contractors who plan to invest in equipment in 2008 expect to purchase at least one highway truck. The most common expected purchases among contractors include: hydraulic excavators, rubber-tire backhoe loaders, wheel loaders and crawler dozers.

Trends in leasing and renting

According to the industry forecast, the percentage of contractors looking to rent or lease equipment in 2008 is expected to rise to 19%. Just over half of contractors find renting or leasing a good alternative to purchasing construction equipment, especially for equipment that is not often used. One-third said they rent to meet unexpected needs, and 21% said lower cost makes renting an attractive option.

Contractors rent or lease a wide range of equipment including: loaders, backhoes, dozers, forklifts and fork trucks

Finance issues

Over half of contractors (55%) and almost half of distributors (49%), said cash flow was one of the construction industry’s most serious problems for 2008. More than half of each group also considers profit margins and cost of capital to be serious issues.

When determining the right financial services provider, several factors are considered important. Top on the list was personal experience with the provider (89%), followed by construction industry reputation (81%), and interest rates (79%).

• Get advice. Seek the advice of a professional IT consultant or any person who has experience either in your industry or in the technology you want to acquire. This is especially important if you yourself are not so tech savvy or if you do not have the time to research your options.

• Plan ahead. Get equipment that has the capacity to handle future growth or that can be easily upgraded.

• Evaluate and prioritize. In order to streamline your IT expenses, you will need to periodically reevaluate the equipment needs of your business versus your available resources. Where possible, you could consolidate equipment, as for example in server virtualization, or set up a system of rotating equipment among employees.

• Look into leasing. Instead of tying up precious capital in the purchase of new equipment, you could try leasing. With leasing, usually only a small initial down payment is needed and the cost is spread out over several months or years. Moreover, many leases come with option to upgrade at the end of the term. This allows a small business to get the equipment it needs even as its needs change.

• Maximize tax deductions. With the planned purchase or lease of new equipment, you can take advantage of several tax breaks. Section 179 of the tax code, for example,gives a small business the option to entirely write off most of its new equipment and furniture in the year that it is put into service rather than depreciating it over a few years.

• Consider outsourcing. Some technology solutions, such as IP communications and network security, can be outsourced to a professional service provider who can design, implement and maintain the technology solution for your business. The service provider will either host the equipment on their premises or support and maintain the equipment at your site.

The pupose of the Blog will be to provide interesting and informative information, news, opinion, and articles about business technology and commercial equipment.  

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