For this second installment in my blog series on utilizing social media, I will address some simple tips you can employ to help boost your LinkedIn profile’s visibility. If you missed the first part of this series, you can read it here.

• Customize your URL. When you register with LinkedIn, a randomly generated URL is created for your profile. However, LinkedIn allows you to personalize this URL. By using a customized URL, you can improve accessibility to your profile. A personalized URL is simpler, making it easier for others to remember, and optimizes your search engine rankings as well. You can make this quick fix by going to “Edit my Profile” on your account, and clicking “Edit” next to “Public Profile partway down the page.
• Add a picture. Adding a picture to your profile helps others identify you. This is beneficial when adding connections with people you already know. It’s also helpful when others search your profile. A picture makes your profile more memorable. Just make sure that your picture is business-appropriate and not too large- LinkedIn’s profile images are small.
• Capitalize on your email signature. Consider updating your email signature to include a link to your LinkedIn account. This can help generate profile views, connections, and recommendations! It can also be a tactful way to keep your resume at the forefront of professional interactions. It would be strange to attach your resume to all email communications, but this link offers identical information without the social taboo. Just make sure that your LinkedIn is current.
• Reach out. Don’t be afraid to draw on colleagues. Make connections, offer recommendations (and request your own), and contribute productively to discussions in groups.

These are a few very quick and easy tips that can help increase your returns on your LinkedIn profile. Whether you’re seeking new sales opportunities, networking with others, or looking to get hired at a new job, improving your LinkedIn’s potential can facilitate your success.

Taking a proactive approach to your IT infrastructure adds strategic value to your organization. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should be proactive with your organization's IT strategy

Technology is critical to the success of your organization. Make sure your technology is an asset in meeting your company’s goals, and not an expense!

The keen observer might have noticed a recent change here at CSC; our brand new logo! Since 1992, CSC has been providing IT services to business, non-profit, government, K-12, and higher education organizations. Our forward-thinking attitude is a fundamental basis to everything we do. It’s evident in our proactive approach to IT. It’s why we work hard to keep abreast of new technologies, so that we can advise you on the latest trends.

At CSC, we’re dedicated to ensuring your technology enables you to achieve your organization’s goals. With that same commitment to the future, CSC has updated our logo. Join us as we celebrate over a decade of service as your chief technology office, and look to a decade and more of continued excellence!

Market experts predict that 2010 will be “the year of the cloud;” but why should you and your company make the jump to the cloud?

The cloud is not a new concept; as a metaphor for the internet, it’s been around for a while. But new uses and applications in the cloud are gaining traction in the IT sector and beyond. Momentum is growing for a new technological status quo, as companies see the benefits of device neutral data accessibility. With cloud computing, organizations can increase capacity and add capabilities to meet the needs of an ever-changing technological landscape without the massive financial burden. They have all the benefits and flexibility of new technology without the drain from investing in updated infrastructure, licensing new software, or training and staffing new personnel.

Cloud computing also allows for incredible mobility; because data is accessed remotely, users can operate from anywhere, not just within the confines of the office. This means quicker turnaround times, less downtime, and the ability to work on the go. It also helps protect the data. Off-site data storage ensures that your data is safe, even if your organization suffers damages such as theft or flooding. Increased productivity combined with data security; with these sorts of advantages, it’s easy to see why cloud computing is quickly becoming an integral part of the savvy organization’s IT management plan.

Many products and services can be offered in the cloud. From long-standing practices like web hosting, to newer transitions such as email hosting, and CRM hosting, cloud computing isn’t just a new buzz word for 2010. It’s a concept that’s revolutionizing how organizations of all sizes utilize IT.

Last Wednesday Apple finally unveiled its much anticipated new product- the Apple iPad. At just half an inch thick, and one and a half pounds in weight, this multitouch device features a large 9.7 inch screen and crisp LED-backlit display. Designed for media consumption, the iPad is ideal for checking email, viewing photos, watching videos, and surfing the internet. At a surprisingly low entry price of $499, analysts suspect it will give the e-reader market in particular a run for its money.

Early criticism has surfaced however, regarding the iPad’s inability to multi-task. As with the iPhone, the iPad only allows for one window at a time. "It looks very nice but having no Flash, camera or multi-tasking, and very limited business apps makes it look more like a companion device so far," says John Eaton, president of Eaton & Associates. But even as a simple companion device, the iPad has already generated interest in the tablet market. Only time will reveal the iPad’s success; will it prove to be as revolutionary as the iPod? Wi-Fi models begin shipping in late March, 3G models begin shipping in April.

Postponed Due to Weather, Rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25.

Data is one of your business’s most important assets; are you doing everything you can to protect it? CSC will be partnering with the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce and Microsoft to present a lunch and learn on business data security. We’ll discuss the latest productivity enhancements being offered by Windows 7, and explore the safety and security improvements that Windows 7 provides.

Utilizing these current technologies can help improve your company’s data security and reliability. Learn how to help minimize common threats, and maximize your use of mobile devices for your business’s on-the-go technology needs. Discover how Windows 7 can facilitate daily tasks, from easily sharing files and devices, to finding information quickly. Windows 7 can help you stay productive and protected, letting you focus on your business.

Please see the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce’s web site to register by February 14th for this exciting and informative event! There will be a live demo of Windows 7, a demo station where you can explore Windows 7 yourself, drawings for some great technology-based door prizes for participants, and our Microsoft experts available on hand to answer any questions. So mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 16th February 25, 11:30 am to 1 pm at 6161 Busch Boulevard, Suite 300.

Register Here

Staying current can cut costs.

Many of us believe that we can’t afford to invest in new technology right now.  However, recent studies show that the cost of maintaining old technology could be more expensive than we imagine.  Outdated technology has a much higher susceptibility to viruses, incurs higher electricity costs, and enjoys less performance power.  And this doesn’t even take into account the decreased productivity and downtime that unreliable technology brings! Memory is often limited too, as is running speed; even a memory or RAM upgrade can only take an old machine so far.  Instead, consider investing that money in a technology update.  

Almost every school in the United States is struggling financially because of sharp declines in income and sales taxes caused by high unemployment rates and falling consumer spending from the recent economic depression. This is the first time that we have seen budget cuts hit at all levels of education

The federal stimulus package might have saved thousands of teaching jobs in education, but now thousands more are in peril as a result of lingering budget crises in states from coast to coast. These include positions in areas such as virtual-school programs, higher-education funding, and other school initiatives. “The federal stimulus funds have helped schools, but not as much as hoped," says Mark Bielang, president of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

When asked how their districts are using federal stimulus funds to bring about education reforms, 47 percent of respondents said that these funds are merely filling budget cuts and are not enough to support new innovations.

"This year is bad, but next year could be worse," says Daniel A. Domenech, AASA's executive director, in a statement. "School districts are bracing themselves for a 'one-two punch' as they budget for the 2010-11 school year. They will be facing tough questions about items, programs, and personnel that can be cut with the least impact on student achievement, considering what--if any--economic recovery is in store at the state and local levels, and contemplating the anticipated end of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds."

Educators will be asked to cut more next year. These cuts will be necessary due to declining state revenues caused by the ongoing national economic downturn. The budget cuts will hit programs like bussing, online education, and school closings. The city of Columbus has decided to close nine schools next year.

As jobs in education struggle, so too does our education system itself.

As the web continues to grow, computer users must learn to deal with an annoyance called spam (and I’m not talking about the canned meat, which I was never that fond of either)!

So what is spam exactly? Spam is any kind of unwanted online communication (such as flooding the internet with the same message). The most common form of spam is unwanted email, although you can also receive text message spam, instant message spam and social networking spam.

Some spam is annoying but harmless. However, other spam can be malevolent, like when part of an identity theft scam (called a phishing scam) or other types of fraud.

To protect yourself against email spam, use email software with built-in spam filtering and follow these guidelines from Microsoft to help keep spam from becoming a real problem:

• If you receive a phishing email message, do not respond to it. If an email looks suspicious, don't risk your personal information by responding unless you're certain that the message comes from a legitimate source. This includes options such as "Remove me from your list" or “unsubscribe.”
• Delete junk email messages without opening them. Just opening spam can alert spammers, or put your unprotected computer at risk.
• Utilize the junk mail tools in your email program. For example, Windows Live Hotmail gives you the option to unsubscribe from mail that you had previously trusted or requested. This sends a notice back to the sender to have you removed from their list, while at the same time automatically adding the sender to your block list.
• Approach links, images, and attachments in email messages with caution. Links can take you to phony sites that encourage you to transmit personal or financial information to con artists (avoid clicking a link in an email message unless you are sure of the real target address, or URL). Pictures in email messages can be adapted to secretly send a message back to the sender (spammers rely on information returned by these images to locate active email addresses). Images can also contain harmful code and can be used to deliver a spammer's message in spite of filters. And attachments might be viruses or spyware that download to your machine when you open the attachment file (if you don't know where the attachment is from or if it is unexpected, don't open it). Be wary!
• Finally, if a deal or offer in an email message looks too good to be true, it probably is. Use your common sense when you read and respond to email messages.

It has been said that personal information stolen in identity theft isn’t really stolen at all, but given away unknowingly by users. Use this information then to be careful concerning spam, and remember the age-old adage that “it is better to be safe than sorry.”

CSC has recently been honored with a nomination for both the 2009 TechColumbus Innovation Award in the category of Outstanding Service (less than 50 employees), and a nomination for the prestigious Columbus Chamber’s Small Business Leader Award.

Additionally one of CSC’s very own, President Tom Hastings, has recently been honored as a recipient of the Columbus Chamber’s inaugural Community Philanthropist Award. Recognized for his seven years of assistance with many of the Chamber’s initiatives, Hastings has given his time and energy in several positions with the Chamber’s Small Business Council (SBC).

He has served as the SBC’s Education Chair, the SBC Vice Chair, and the SBC Chair. He has additionally represented Central Ohio’s small business community as a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and as Chair of the Chamber’s Contact to Contracts (C2C) Program.

“I was both surprised and honored to receive [this award]. The Chamber and my peers honored me with this recognition,” says Hastings.

The mobile work force is an amazing thing.  Both larger organizations with employees able to access company systems anytime, anywhere; and smaller firms operating completely in the cloud.  The advantages are endless.

However most people don’t realize that along with all those advantages are severe security risks.  Imagine all of your organization’s proprietary electronic data printed out clearly on paper.  Financials, contact information for your most valued clients, costs and bid info, member’s personal data, private emails, intellectual property, etc.  Now take that stack of paper and put it in a briefcase and take it with you everywhere.  Would it make you nervous?  Would you guard it with your life for fear of it ending up in someone else’s hands?

This is the equivalent of what is being carried around on Smart phones, laptops, and on home computers with remote access.  I can bet most users don’t treat those devices the same way as they would that briefcase!  That is why it is so important to go the extra mile with data security.  Below are some important steps you can take…

• Make sure you are using an enterprise system for Smart phone access like Good Mobile Messaging (Windows Mobile/Palm/Symian/iPhone), or BlackBerry Enterprise Services.  This gives you complete security in the data transmission as well as the ability to wipe the handset remotely should it be compromised.
• Use a drive level encryption on your laptops like PGP Whole Disk Encryption.  Did you know that a Windows password can be bypassed with a free program anyone can download in 5 minutes?  The whole disk encryption not only protects your important files, but it also removes the finder’s ability to remotely access your organization’s internal information systems.
• Secure your network’s perimeter.  Did you know that most malware isn’t created for nuisance purposes?  It is made to steal your data for financial gain.  That is why it is so important to have an enterprise class firewall like a SonicWall security appliance.
• Make sure you have a full disaster recovery plan so that your data can be not only restored, but also made available in hours, not days.

Don’t think that this kind of risk doesn’t apply to you.  Remember the briefcase full of those sensitive printouts!  Security breaches can and do happen on a regular basis; but these steps go a long way to making sure your organization’s data is safe and secure.

To stay competitive, small businesses must make the most of current information technology. And that means having a proactive approach. What are the advantages of staying proactive with your IT?

1. Gain time to focus on core business.
Researching solutions, implementing new technology and fixing IT-related problems are extremely inefficient for non-IT professionals. Free up internal staff from trying to fix IT problems and allow them to focus that energy on their field of experience by being proactive with IT.

2. Control operating expenses.
The business value of proactive technology can result in very hard dollar savings. Making decisions on upgrades and related improvements with IT can become costly with time and money when done on a spur of the moment basis. Being proactive with these costs can create a more budgeted, predictable and controlled environment.

3. Reduce down time.
Even a few minutes of systems downtime carry enormous business costs. Planned, measured approaches to pro-active systems maintenance, security, backup and disaster recovery will save a company money and time.

4. Improve productivity.
Being up to date on technology allows a company’s employees to enjoy the quickest and most advance technology. This technology lets them deliver the best results.

5. Ensure the security of your important data.
This is the era of data theft and information is one of the most valuable assets of any business. Learning how to control insider and outsider access with good password practices is critical. Staying ahead and up to date on the latest security tools offered with technology is becoming increasingly important to small business.

Apple did it…. can Microsoft do the same? Apple recently released Snow Leopard, and it has been received with open arms. Apple said that Snow Leopard compared to Leopard was not revolutionary it was evolutionary. Snow Leopard gave back 6GB of additional space, and has cut boot up and shut down time in half.

Windows 7 look and feel is similar to its predecessor, BUT Windows 7 will boot up faster and connect to Wi-Fi quicker. Windows 7 has been designed to only run needed programs and services.

Laptop users will enjoy new power management tools, which give longer battery life.

My favorite improved feature is the touch-screen interface AKA multi-touch. Windows 7 allows the multi-touch to work with all programs even if the program does not have touch-screen interfaces. This version allows you to get rid of that old keyboard and mouse and act like you are part of the crime team on CSI Miami (all you need is the touch-capable PC). This feature will also help students and employees with special needs.

Windows computer minimum system requirements: 1GHz 32-bit processor; 1GB RAM; 16GB available hard disk space; DirectX9 graphics device. Windows Vista users will be able to preserve many of their files and settings when upgrading to Windows 7; those still running Windows XP will need to perform a clean install. P.S. Please remember to back up your data!

CSC recently entered into an IT partnership with a small business that has a staff of (35).  Due to the economy, this firm had to let go their internal IT person. 

This small business had (5) PCs acting in the role as servers. Desktop computers are not adequate to act as servers because they are not built with the processing power or redundant hardware components that a server has. To address this issue of processing power, the client had to use a farm of PCs that was expensive to both manage and operate.  In addition, if a PC's hard drive or power supply was to fail, there was no redundancy in place.  So, they were looking at an extended downtime, should a PC fail.

Our first course of action was to combine server roles into (1) server that had redundant hard drives and power supplies.  We moved our client to our ThinkCSC (TCSC) hosted service for enterprise email and email security.  In order to address their lack of a disaster recovery plan, we implemented an automated online backup strategy for their company data.

Overnight, their spam disappeared, the access time to their data increased and they now had the ability to truly collaborate via shared contacts, calendars and task lists.  Should they have a disaster (i.e., power outage), the company can now access their data remotely through their TCSC online backup service.

After the first (30) days of our partnership, the business owner expressed her enthusiasm and appreciation for our expertise and commitment.  Before hiring CSC, they could no longer afford their internal IT person but they delayed letting him go for (18) months because they were worried that her firm would be worse-off without this person.  Now, her only regret was not outsourcing her CIO needs sooner.

HP and Microsoft have teamed up to proved a free upgrade copy of Windows 7 (Shipping and handling fee may apply) for HP computers purchased between June 26, 2009 to January 31, 2010. This program lets you order a Windows 7 Upgrade Kit from HP if your PC meets the eligibility requirements. You can order your Windows 7 Upgrade Kit by clicking here today and you will receive it after Windows 7 becomes publicly available October 22, 2009.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have purchased an eligible HP Computer  between June 26, 2009 to January 31, 2010 from an HP authorized reseller
• Must have Windows Vista Business installed (or XP Downgrade from Vista, which requires a full clean install)
• Must have Proof of purchase or receipt
• Must have HP computer part number and serial number

Click here to see all other information and requirements

For more information, contact CSC