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Smartphone usage is currently a popular platform for mobile business communications, yet potentially critical data threats exist. According to Bob Egan of TowerGroup, "Employers have no way of knowing whether these devices are being used for non-sanctioned applications or whether their data is secure." Former employees pose data threats, while current employees carelessly carrying around enormous information about a company could set the stage for a security breach. Egan says that companies that believe they are at-risk should erase handsets and put VPN connections in place. He also advocates limiting Wi-Fi access. For employees that do telecommute, they contend that ability to use wireless during a flight is essential to their productivity, noting that working on other assignments such as PowerPoints or items that need multiple drafts is time well spent in-flight. Others contend that flying is the downtime they need in between meetings and presentations, using such time to potentially network with other travelers.
(http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/july/ 202240.html)

Telecommunications is a crucial part of best business practices, but companies should consider a few key suggestions to improving the remote work environment. Remote management is essential to assisting employers with flexible communications while simultaneously allowing IT administrators access to the remote desktop. Security considerations are a significant part of telecommunications operations, so including the usage of USB devices with limited capabilities and specified access for different types of secure devices will mitigate vulnerabilities. Implementing virtual or hosted desktops provide remote workers with optimum access to data from virtually anywhere, eliminates time that IT staff expends on help desk issues, and the convenience of centralized data. Also, access for real-time updates is crucial in a telecommuting environment and many real-time applications can be streamlined across multiple devices. Finally, companies should update their systems accordingly since the ability of processes to run efficiently will rely on ensuring systems in-place can handle current capacity.
(http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?article=artic les%2Fp3116%2F26p16%2F26p16.asp&guid=&searchtype=&WordList=&bJumpTo=True )

Employee updates on Twitter can be amusing--feuds with boyfriends and girlfriends, gripes about clients, etc.--executives admit, but for the most part Twitter and other social networking sites carry huge risks when it comes to brand management. Managers are divided over the uses of these platforms. On the one hand, they give employees a wide audience with which to gush about their employer, but on the other hand, they can be a platform for leaking employer secrets. Noticing an online blogging trend among its employees, IBM issued a social networking code-of-conduct in 2005 that asks employees to be transparent about their identities, accept responsibility for everything they publish, and proofread before hitting the send button. Though many employees use Twitter as a way to indulge personal thoughts and feelings, IBM wants each worker to "add value" to their updates.
(http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_22/b41330006 31535.htm)

Business application appliances are bundled with features such as CRM packages, storage, and virtualization all-in-one. The efficiency of this model allows small- to medium-sized businesses to more easily run these appliances, yet certain applications offer more flexibility and customization for the SMB client. IBM-Intuit Smart Cube's appliance contains the Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise accounting software that provides users with the option for collaborative databases. IBM Lotus Foundations Start also provides more breadth for business application appliances through its Lotus Notes/Domino collaboration and Lotus Symphony. Clients using these platforms also have the option of having Windows-based solutions through virtualization. The Sage MAS 90, 200, 500, and Sage SalesLogix solutions offered from Sage's Applianz, allows clients to combine hardware maintenance and automated nightly backup service into one solution. Business application appliances are a sound investment as they cost little for IT support and end up being more efficient in the long-run. Before purchasing an application appliance, SMBs should consider the ability of the vendor themselves to backup company data, the frequency of such backups, and the maintenance included in the purchase price.
(http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3 825551)

A new report from the Small Business Majority stands behind the Obama Administration's health plan proposals, which the nonprofit group says would be more affordable than the existing system. While the small business community largely opposes a measure that would compel small employers to help cover the cost of medical insurance for their staff, the Small Business Majority's analysis suggests that -- even with this requirement -- the measures now on the table could save small firms tens of billions of dollars annually. This would be an improvement over the current structure, according to the organization, under which 50 percent of companies with nine workers or less cannot afford to offer any employee coverage.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/business/smallbusiness/11i nsure.html)

Many businesses are considering adding microblogging tools to their intranets to enable workers to conveniently share information. Microblogs have unique capabilities, focusing on short messages, social messaging-friendly user profiles with short handles, integrated URL shorteners, specialized tagging, and Twitter-compatible APIs to use the high quality clients on desktops and mobile platforms. Most businesses have their own requirements, which may include adhering to internal and external technical standards, industry and local regulations, enterprise architectural guidelines, and other factors. A successful workplace microblogging effort should feature several tools, including a strong, unique search application and social network analytics to prevent microblogs from being lost and to help users find important social connections. Most well-managed organizations also require centralized identity and single sign-on via a managed enterprise-wide security system. Some excellent workplace microblogging tools include SocialText Signals, which is part of a broader Enterprise 2.0 suite; SocialCast, an Internet hosted microblogging site for businesses; CubeTree, which offers structured social messages amongst other unique features; and Yammer, which includes policy-based controls, bulk account management, directory integration, and governance tools such as keyword monitoring.
(http://blogs.zdnet.com/Hinchcliffe/?p=414)

Smartphones have become more commonly used among a variety of businesses, no longer exclusive toys for the business sector. The availability of more phones such as Apple's iPhone that allow customers to download a variety of applications, including speech-to-text/text-to-speech features, has boosted the appeal of smartphones. Other iPhone applications include the Fring, which allows users to place long-distance calls via a wireless connection. The general use of the desktop has been expanded through smartphones, with companies such as Redtail Technology offering smartphone applications that provide desktop to mobile phone sharing. Considering a mobile browser is also important for smartphone users, since the selling point for smartphones is their ability to boost productivity. Although security vulnerabilities exist over mobile connections, software such as Pyxis Mobile software and Junxure offer programs to safeguard data transmission.
(http://www.financial-planning.com/fp_issues/2009_6/smartphon e-smarts-2662104-1.html)

With Twitter's user base surging 1,841 percent last year to 14 million, many small business owners and professionals are using the free social media service to reach out to customers, advertise their businesses, and generate sales leads and sometimes contracts. "It's immediate, public and searchable," says "Citizen Marketers" co-author and online marketing consultant Jackie Huba. "It's never been easier to know what your customers and your prospects are saying about you." However, experts say users should not aggressively "tweet" about advertisements or press releases, and they would be wise to respond to private messages, provide relevant and timely information, and be mindful of what they say. While not a problem presently, experts say business owners should keep an eye out for Twitter users employing their names and posting harmful messages that could damage their reputation.
(http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/12/smallbusiness/make_twitter_w ork_for_you.fsb/index.htm)