Incipient Technologies IT Blog

Information: Your Most Valuable Asset

noreply@blogger.com (Steve LeBoeuf) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:54:00 +0000

The term "data security" spends a lot of time in the news, but too often falls low on the priority list. With all the talk about viruses, spyware, system failures and natural disasters, one would expect to see more people taking a proactive approach to protecting their data. Data is just another term for information and when you think about it, information is your most valuable asset.

Take a moment to think about the "information" your company owns. Customer lists, financial records, taxes, vendor and partner accounts, personnel records, proprietary and intellectual property. Now take another moment to think about how your business would be impacted if you suddenly lost all of that information. How much time and how much would it cost to recreate it? Could your business survive long without it? When you consider the time, money and effort you've put into collecting all of your data, protecting it should be your top priority.

Create a secure environment for your data and restrict access to essential files. Use quality virus protection and update it frequently. Backup your data often and keep it in a safe place (if your backup burns down with the building, it's not going to help you much). Develop a disaster recovery plan so when the unexpected happens you'll be prepared.

The Importance of Proper Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (Steve LeBoeuf) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:34:00 +0000

Information Technology is a key component in any successful business. Whether you have a single computer or many, the significance of these systems cannot be understated. From the most basic of needs such as email and Internet access to the complexity of accounting systems and customer databases, every business relies on computers to function.

If your IT systems are not running efficiently, you business is not running efficiently. Computers that are slow, unresponsive or unreliable drain time and resources that reduce profitablility and make your work harder.

Cars and homes need regular maintenance to stay in proper working order; IT systems are no different. Regular maintenance will keep things running smoothly and reduce frustrations, allowing you to focus on running your business, not dealing with computer problems. Make sure your IT systems are properly maintained by a qualified support specialist and you'll avoid "breakdowns" and costly repairs in future.

Technology Planning is Key to Success

noreply@blogger.com (Steve LeBoeuf) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:46:00 +0000

The vast majority of businesses rely, at least in some part, on technology to operate. The goal of using technology in business has been (and should be) to increase efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, far too many businesses have fallen victim to poor planning and implementation resulting in technology becoming a burden rather than playing a supportive role. The key to creating an effective business technology solution is proper planning, implementation and support.

As with any other business component, technology needs should be assessed carefully - taking into consideration the needs of those who will use it. This planning and developent phase is of paramount importance and will determine the overall success of the project. A well-crafted plan will create a solid foundation for implementation, reduce initial and long-term costs and ensure that technology makes your business more efficient and profitable.