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Working Nets
April 3, 2013

Baltimore Disaster Recovery Services: It should be at the Top of the List

Tags: , IT Tips Baltimore

You have probably heard disaster recovery horror stories before. If not, just check out our blog from last week, “Disaster Recovery Horror Story #1: Manhattan Investment Firm springs a Leak.” Instead of implementing a full disaster recovery plan, the investment firm decided that they were okay with their current backup system. Three months later, a water main burst in the street outside their building. Everything was ruined, including the backup tapes, which were stored on-site.

Don’t let this happen to your business. It pays to be prepared.

According to a NFIB National Small Business Poll, 10% of businesses are affected by man-made disasters, while 30% are affected by natural disasters. Of these businesses that experience catastrophic data loss as the result of a disaster, only 6% survive, according to research by the University of Texas. 43% of businesses never reopen and 51% close within 2 years.

So don’t take any chances. Be prepared. Implement a disaster recovery plan.

Baltimore Disaster Recovery Services: It should be at the Top of the List

  1. Your Devices aren’t perfect: Computers, machines, and hardware fail. Because of this, it is important to have a plan in place. Is your data backed up off-site? If not, what would happen if your business was struck by a natural or man-made disaster?
  2. Human Error: Humans are far from perfect. Even the most cautious person can accidently cause data loss. Having incremental online data backups in place will allow you to restore your files.
  3. Weak Links: Your company is only as strong as its weakest link. Don’t let that weak link be your lack of a disaster recovery plan. No business is immune to disasters and data loss.
  4. Cost-Effective: Implementing a disaster recovery plan is a much more cost-effective solution than trying to salvage what is left of your business and customer base following a disaster and major data loss.
  5. Avoid Downtime: Downtime is costly. A disaster recovery plan can help you minimize downtime and get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

At Working Nets, we know computer and network performance is crucial to success. We were founded to provide small businesses, like yours, with expert information technology support. That is why we offer disaster preparedness and disaster recovery services to help assure that your vital business data is kept secure if disaster strikes.

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

Working Nets
March 27, 2013

Disaster Recovery Horror Story #1: Manhattan Investment Firm springs a Leak

Tags: , IT industry

If you have ever visited our blog before, you have probably noticed that we put a huge emphasis on disaster preparedness and disaster recovery. Why? Well, because it is that important. Of companies that experience major data loss, 51% close within 2 years, while 43% never recover.

If you want to prevent your company from becoming another statistic, you need to have a disaster recovery plan in place.

Disaster Recovery Horror Story #1: Manhattan Investment Firm springs a Leak

About 10 years ago, one Manhattan-based investment firm decided it was time they toyed around with the notion of implementing a disaster preparedness & disaster recovery plan. This investment firm had recently had issues following 9/11 and the New York City blackout. They didn’t want to get caught off-guard again.

The investment firm had no disaster preparedness & disaster recovery plan in place. They did backup their data, but they stored these tapes onsite. They were content with this system. Why not? It had worked for them for years. And after weighing their disaster recovery options, the investment firm decided that they were okay with their current backup system.

Three months later, a water main burst in the street outside their building. Everything was ruined, including the backup tapes.

This company, like so many others, was unable to recover and was forced to close its doors for good…

Baltimore Disaster Preparedness & Disaster Recovery Services

At Working Nets, we know computer and network performance is crucial to success. We were founded to provide small businesses, like yours, with expert information technology support. That is why we offer disaster preparedness and disaster recovery services to help assure that your vital business data is kept secure if disaster strikes.

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Working Nets
March 20, 2013

Managed IT Services Baltimore: Big Solutions for Small Businesses

Tags: , , IT industry

Your small business is anything but small to you. It is your livelihood. More than that, your small business is your life. With the budget restrictions of small businesses, small business owners are forced to wear many hats, including accountant, customer service representative, salesperson, custodian, and so much more. Unfortunately, there are just some things that you, as a small business owner, just cannot keep up with, such as IT.

Nowadays, technology plays a major role in every business, both small and large. And while large businesses have the financial wherewithal to hire a full-time IT specialist (or two or three), small businesses simply do not have the luxury. So where do you turn when your computers, network and security systems need an upgrade to accommodate growth? What do you do when one of these systems fails?

You turn to Working Nets!

At Working Nets, we provide managed IT services to companies who don’t require a full-time IT department or who cannot afford a full-time IT department, but do need reliable assistance when challenges arise. Working Nets was founded to provide small businesses with expert information technology support – because we know computer and network performance is crucial to success.

Managed IT Services

  1. System Setup & Support: Whether you are starting a new business or expanding your current business, you will need to setup your system. Fortunately, Working Nets is here to keep your office running smoothly, from installation to testing to support.
  2. Security & Disaster Preparedness: It is important to be prepared for the worst. Did you know that 86% of companies suffered costly downtime last year? Some of these instances resulted in major data loss. Of companies that experience major data loss, 51% close within 2 years, while 43% never recover. Don’t let this happen to your business. Data protection and recovery is crucial. Working Nets assures that your vital business data is kept secure if disaster strikes.
  3. Virus/Spyware Protection: Viruses and spyware are time-consuming and costly. The virus protection we offer at Working Nets is top-notch and consistently updated, ensuring your business is safe.
  4. Managed Services Program: Why be reactive when you can be proactive? Working Nets can monitor and analyze your computer systems, looking for potential problem areas so they can be handled before they become serious issues.
  5. Guidance with Equipment Purchases: With so many hardware and software option on the market, how do you know which ones best suit your business needs? Working Nets can make recommendations based on our knowledge and experience.
  6. Network Design and Configuration: Your network is at the core of your business. Ensuring that it is designed correctly and properly maintained is at the core of ours.
  7. Troubleshooting: When trouble arises, how do you handle it? At Working Nets, we’ll figure it out and provide the right solution that gets your business up and working again, minimizing costly downtime.

Working Nets can handle any challenge, from the simplest software installation to creating and implementing a network. We’ll meet with you, listen to your problems, and then propose a solution to fit your needs. After all, information technology solutions aren’t one size fits all. Different businesses require different systems and infrastructure.

Our goal is to help you get the most out of the technology investment you’ve made!

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Working Nets
March 13, 2013

New Technology you need to see to believe: The Leap Motion Controller

Tags: , IT industry, Review / Opinion

First there was the keyboard. Next came the mouse. Then touchscreen technology was the new, trendy thing. So what’s next? How about gesture control? The Leap Motion Controller, which will retail for $80, plugs into almost any newer laptop, allowing the user to manipulate the screen using a series of hand gestures and finger movements.

“It’s sort of like having a touchscreen computer, but without actually touching the screen.” – Jason Gilbert, The Huffington Post

Just take a look!

According to Wired’s Roberto Baldwin, the Leap Motion Controller works best as a secondary controller, used in conjunction with a trackpad or mouse. The gesture control device is scheduled to be available for purchase on May 19 (May 13th to those who pre-order).

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Sources:

  1. Leap Motion, Gesture-Control Gadget For Your Laptop, Will Be Released This May For $80
Working Nets
March 6, 2013

The New Licensing Model for Microsoft Office 2013: A New Twist

Tags: , Review / Opinion

A few weeks back, Microsoft announced its new licensing model for Microsoft Office 2013. More importantly, Microsoft announced that licensing would be non-transferrable.

“The Office 2013 software is licensed to one computer for the life of that computer and is non-transferable,” explained a Microsoft spokesperson in an email to PCWorld.

So what does this mean? Well, it means that if you install Office 2013 on your computer today and your computer crashes, is stolen, or is lost in a house fire tomorrow, Microsoft expects you to go out and buy a completely new copy of Office 2013. You can never re-install Office 2013.

As you can imagine, Microsoft has experienced more than a little backlash over this announcement.

Well today, Microsoft relented, announcing an update to its Office 2013 retail licensing agreement. Now, customer who purchase or have already purchased Office Home and Student 2013, Office Home and Business 2013, Office Professional 2013, or any standalone Office 2013 application can move the software to a new computer every 90 days. You can also sell or transfer the license to another user.

“Based on customer feedback we have changed the Office 2013 retail license agreement to allow customers to transfer the software from one computer to another,” explains Microsoft spokesperson Jevon Fark. “This means customers can transfer Office 2013 to a different computer if their device fails or they get a new one. Previously, customers could only transfer their Office 2013 software to a new device if their PC failed under warranty”.

“These transferability options are equivalent to those found in the Office 2010 retail license terms,” added Fark.

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Working Nets
February 28, 2013

Windows Blue: The Evolution of Microsoft Windows

Tags: , , Review / Opinion

The buzz around the IT world has grown louder and louder recently. Windows Blue, which is either an update to Windows 8 or the de facto Windows 9 (we don’t know), has been THE hot topic as of late, especially when the Chinese-language Win8China website posted the follow:

  1. Windows Blue development has passed Milestone 1.
  2. Microsoft will release a preview version of Windows Blue sometime in early June (June 7th seems to be the rumored date).
  3. The final product is slated to be released “a few months” after the public preview, most likely in August.
  4. Windows Blue will be faster, use less power, and run with a new, smaller kernel, version 6.3.
  5. Windows Blue will support more screen scaling.
  6. There is even some talk of “multi-screen applications.”
  7. “The Bing team is working closely on Windows Blue to improve search in a significant way,” said Tom Warren.

So what is Windows Blue? Well, we don’t know. Still, while we don’t know much about Windows Blue, one thing is for sure. Windows Blue represents a shift from Microsoft’s standard three-year upgrade schedule, opting more for an Apple-like one-year rolling revisions. After all, if you can’t be ‘em, join ‘em.

Are you excited for Windows Blue (whatever it is)?

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Sources:

Windows Blue: How Will Windows 8 Evolve?

Working Nets
February 22, 2013

System Downtime costs Companies $366,363 annually. Fight Back!

Tags: , , , IT industry, IT Tips Baltimore

Where did all the data go?

Shockingly, according to the 2012 Acronis Disaster Recovery Index survey, system downtime costs companies an average of $366,363 annually. The survery, which was conducted by the Ponemon Institute and data protection software developer Acronis, found that 86% of companies suffered costly downtime the year before, losing an average of 2.2 days annually. The primary culprits were…

  1. Human Error: 60% of respondents cited human error as the most common cause of downtime.
  2. Data Storage: 70% of respondents cited data storage and the moving of data between different physical, virtual and cloud environments as the biggest cause of downtime.

According to Continuity Software, a New York-based provider of service availability risk management solutions, data storage carries the biggest risk for data loss and costly downtime. The company found that…

  1. The primary cause of downtime and data loss in 58% of cases is storage.
  2. Servers come in second at 17%.
  3. Clusters account for 11%.
  4. Virtualization and the cloud, 9%.
  5. Databases round out the group at 5%.

What is perhaps most shocking is what follows. According to Continuity Software’s findings, 25% of downtime results in Response Time Objective (RTO) violations, which increase downtime. Why? According to Working Nets own David Spigelman, the primary culprit behind RTO violations could be fear.

“The first question the boss is going to ask is, ‘Why didn’t we have that covered?’” explained David. “And if you don’t have a good answer to that question, there’s a real fear that you should have.”

According to a 2011 EVault survey, 17% of IT decision makers would rather have their teeth pulled without painkillers than inform their bosses of critical data loss. And for good reason. Major data loss can be devastating for a business. Of companies that experience a major loss of business data 51% close within 2 years, while 43% never recover.

Do you want to know the secret to minimizing downtime and data loss? Be proactive! Having a disaster recovery and data backup system in place is the best way to minimize downtime and get your business back on track quickly.

Minimize Costly Downtime with Working Nets, your Virtual IT Department!

Downtime is a business owner’s worst nightmare.  This is why data protection and recovery is crucial. At Working Nets, we help ensure that your vital business data is kept secure if disaster strikes. We provide top-notch information technology services to companies who don’t require an IT department, but do need reliable assistance when challenges arise.

By reducing downtime, your office remains more productive and ultimately more profitable!

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Sources:

6 Surprising Surveys About Causes And Effects Of System Downtime

Working Nets
February 12, 2013

LinkedIn Etiquette: Why you shouldn’t solicit a LinkedIn Endorsement

Tags: , , , Review / Opinion

Believe it or not, there are some things you should and should not do on the Internet. There are certain unwritten rules that Internet users are expected to follow and, in some cases, these rules are actually clearly visible, like with LinkedIn. Still, countless users stray from these rules, using LinkedIn in ways that run counter to its intent.

This was the topic of the Information Week article, “Why Soliciting LinkedIn Endorsements Is A Bad Idea.” LinkedIn users are straying away from the sites original, intended use: to better connect people with the co-workers, peers, business associates, and clients that they ALREADY know. Instead, users are blindly connecting with contacts they do not personally know and they are endorsing skills that they have no intimate knowledge about.

Doesn’t this defeat the purpose of LinkedIn? Working Nets own David Spigelman weighs in on the subject.

“I’m in total agreement with this,” said David. “I’ve also noticed that most people use LinkedIn in ways that run counter to its intent.”

“You meet people at a networking meeting, and are expected to connect via LinkedIn. But why? I don’t really know you. I don’t know whether you’re good at your job. Endorsements are intended to be your stamps of approval on the other person’s professionalism. If I say that you are a good engineer, and I only know you because we play basketball together, how valuable is that endorsement?”

“And then you want me to introduce you to my other connections. On what basis do I make that connection? Or maybe you just want to connect to me directly, with no other connection. Who ARE you? How am I supposed to be able to connect you to others when I know NOTHING about you at all?”

How do you use LinkedIn?

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Sources:

  1. Why Soliciting LinkedIn Endorsements Is A Bad Idea Information Week
Working Nets
January 24, 2013

Is Big Brother watching? The Government requests Data about Google Users

Tags: , , , Computer Security Baltimore

According to Google, government requests for data about Google users continue to grow each and every year. In just the last six months, Google has received 21,389 requests for information about 33,634 user accounts. The six months before that, Google received 20,938 data requests for information from about 34,615 user accounts.

However, despite the increasing number of requests, Google’s response rate has declined from 94% in 2010 to 88% in the previous reporting period. So does this mean that an increasing number of data requests lack sufficient legal basis?

“It’s difficult to draw meaningful conclusions about the numbers we’re reporting because they only show a tiny sliver of what’s happening on the Internet at large,” said a Google spokeswoman. “The vast majority of requests we receive are for legitimate reasons and follow proper legal procedures.”

Data Request Statistics

  1. 22% of requests came with a judge-issued warrant.
  2. 68% of requests were made using a subpoena.

“The alarming statistics in this latest Transparency Report serve as a reminder of the need for stronger national and regional privacy protections in relation to online communications,” said Carly Nyst, head of international advocacy at Privacy International.

How do you feel about the subject?

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Sources:

  1. Google Sees Growing Government Demand For User Data InformationWeek
Working Nets
January 11, 2013

Windows Sales have declined since the launch of Windows 8

Tags: , , , , , , , IT industry, Opinion, Review / Opinion

“People always fear change. People feared electricity when it was invented, didn’t they? People feared coal, they feared gas-powered engines… There will always be ignorance, and ignorance leads to fear. But with time, people will come to accept their silicon masters.” – Bill Gates

Well, Microsoft has recently changed, launching its newest version of its popular operating system, Windows 8, and people have not been receptive. In fact, window sales were down 21% after the first four weeks Windows 8 was on the market.

“Windows 8 has captured 58% of Windows computing device sales. Comparatively, Windows 7 had garnered 83% of such device sales in its first four weeks of release,” according to the NPD Group.

However, it is unclear as to whether the drop in sales is due to the release of Windows 8 or the fact that Microsoft increased the average price of its machines from $433 to $477 after the release of the new operating system. The only thing that is for certain is that Microsoft Windows sales are down. But Microsoft should have saw this coming, right? Public opinion of Windows 8 was not good when the product was demoed before its full scale launch. If you recall from one of our previous blog posts a few months ago, before the launch of Windows 8, most analysts were not very high on the new operating system.

 

According to ZDNet.com, even hard-core Windows 8 fans prefer Windows 7 by a two to one margin.

 “We really don’t think Windows 8 will get significant traction as a PC OS in a corporate environment,” said Gartner analyst Steve Kleynhans. “Why? Because Windows 8 is a “plumbing” upgrade. This is an upgrade that drastically changes the technology without adding significant improvements.” “An SMB is unlikely to decide ‘Windows 7 is no longer good enough, I must have Windows 8!’,” said Analysys Mason analyst Patrick Rusby. “Windows 7 is proven and popular.”

Do you have Windows 8 or have you used it? What do you think about the new operating system? Do you love it, hate it, or are you indifferent? We want to hear from you!

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Sources:

Windows Sales Down 21% Since Windows 8 Launch

Brainy Quote