Technology & Productivity Weekly

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The Ultrabook is slated to become a device of choice for mobile workers. The Ultrabook's sleek design and battery life are top selling points for business users, while its processing speed and RAM position the tool as a high-performing notebook. The need for optical drives has diminished while the demand for lightweight, enhanced displays and powerful computing have become critical factors for mobile workers. Though tablets have increased in popularity, the ability to run robust applications and use a standard keyboard will remain important advantages of notebooks. Fast booting time, coupled with a reasonable price at around $1,000, also position the Ultrabook as a strong competitor in an iPad market. The Ultrabook will grow as a computing tool of choice in the coming years, serving as a more solid choice for employees who need a portable computing tool without the limitations of a tablet.
(http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/desktop/2325003 54?cid=nl_IW_smb_2012-01-24_html&elq=4b6d88e5a7f341c39f2f90626c371a32)

Notebooks have seemingly declined as preferred computing as tablets and smartphones have skyrocketed in the computing market. Yet the productivity quotient of notebooks is still significantly strong, with features like a full keyboard and greater computing power that tablets and smartphones lack. Creating presentations or heavy typing on tablets is still bothersome with only a touch-screen keyboard, and these tasks are not ideal on smartphones. Notebooks boast larger displays that are conducive to working on multiple projects simultaneously, supporting side-by-side views and switching between screens seamlessly. Software for notebooks is more flexible than that of tablets or smartphones; for example, Photoshop is simpler via notebook than alternative devices. Lastly, notebooks support peripherals and other external devices like a mouse or removable storage devices, which are important conveniences for mobile employees.
(http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/do-notebooks-matt er-in-the-age-of-tablets-smartphones.html)

Small businesses should follow three tips for securing data on mobile devices. First, all employees should observe simple protocols like password protecting these devices, including regularly updating their mobile software. Ongoing reminders should be set so that employees are reminded of the safety policies they should adhere to when using mobile devices. Next, employees should have access to user-friendly tools that support mobile security. Creating time for the entire office to install and update anti-virus protection on mobile devices is a good method of encouraging everyone widespread adoption of mobile security. Finally, business-sensitive data should not be stored on mobile devices; employees should ensure that personally identifiable customer information is never stored on applications, either.
(http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/222658)

According to Channel Insider, mobile devices will be the single most important technology in 2012. Managed service providers and remote monitoring and management vendors are expected to market more mobile device management options to businesses, aligned with a trend toward consumers purchasing these devices for personal use. Enterasys reports that nearly 80 percent of IT professionals used personal devices for business, with a majority of respondents stating concerns about mobile devices connecting to business networks. Small businesses still have a reputation of inadequate mobile security, with AVG reporting that less than one-third of SMBs implement mobile security. The proliferation of mobile devices will lead to mobile management tools, as well as the introduction of mobility management service providers. Consequently, SMBs will need to implement improved mobile device and network usage polices.
(http://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/Commentary/Why-You-Need-to -Make-Mobile-Device-Management-a-Priority-in-2011-490896/)

2011 was most notably characterized by the rise of tablets, with the iPad rising in popularity as a consumer and business productivity device. According to NPD Group, most enterprises adopted iPads as their tablet of choice last year, but small businesses are expected to spend more on the devices this year. More than 70 percent of SMBs said they will invest in tablets for the coming year, NDC reports. Similarly, 20 percent of SMBs say their PC purchases will decline in 2012. NPD noted, "Businesses of all sizes appear to be determined to capitalize on the tablet phenomenon." Microsoft's release of Windows 8 for PCs and tablets is slated to change the way in which businesses purchase devices, though the survey did not evaluate respondents' attitude about the potential impact of the new OS.
(http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=81582&full_sk ip=1)

Iomega debuted the StorCenter ix2 Network Storage, an SMB storage solution. The two-bay desktop NAS device features several configurations with options of from 1TB to 6TB of storage. The device will be offered in three models: a diskless chassis; a populated unit with one drive and different storage options; and a fully populated unit with two drives for RAID mirroring data protection and other multi-drive storage capabilities. The StorCenter has been dubbed as an affordable solution for SMBs, with user-friendly deployment and enterprise-like capabilities. Features of the StorCenter include video surveillance IP camera support; user-replaceable hard drives; Iomega Link for iOS devices; VMware and XenServer certified for virtual desktops; and the capability for expanding storage capacity via USB drives. The StorCenter is priced at $200 for the diskless model, including a three-year warranty and limited technical support.
(http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/News/Storage/iomega-in troduces-desktop-nas-for-small-businesses.html)

For any businesses desiring a competitive edge, using social network is a necessity. According to Phil Robinson of TakeThirdStreet.com, the equivalent of neglecting social media's impact on a business is similar to neglecting the advent of the Internet years ago. Robinson says, "A very real and inexorable shift is occurring, and that change is moving the primary focus of online consumers away from search and toward networking." Robinson says consumers are shifting toward connecting selectively with the brands and businesses they desire, while a desire to provide personal feedback to businesses. Security and productivity have remained impediments to businesses adopting social media, yet industry experts say engaging proactively with clients is key to securing a successful presence. However, analysts warn firms to be vigilant about hackers and securing company data, as well as following due compliance.
(http://www.informationweek.com/thebrainyard/news/social_netw orking_consumer/232301417/why-your-business-cant-ignore-social-networking)

Following twelve important technology tips that can amount to tremendous savings for companies. Mobile technology is a big expense for firms, so using local phone providers will add up to significant savings. For firms using national carriers, installing apps that will track voice and data usage will help keep employees' mobile usage on an as-needed basis; similarly, using Voice-over-Internet-Protocol for long distance calls will also save on phone bills. Online faxing services like MyFax will provide cheaper faxing than maintaining hardware, offering basic faxing for $10 per month. Software licensing can also amount to huge bills, so selecting volume licensing plans with multiple desktops should be considered; an open source software like LibreOffice is a great solution for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Energy-efficient units should replace older power supplies, with programs like Trade-UPS offering recycling for outdated units. Saving power in the office should be a priority, so turning off equipment every day and on weekends is important for the environment and a firm's bottom line. Cloud computing is critical to the business of the future, and saves SMBs significantly. Firms should also consolidate supplies for better priced options, and follow simple tasks like double-sided printing for saving toner and energy.
(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-busi ness/digital/biz-categories-technology/12-ways-to-save-with-tech-in-2012/art icle2290168/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Home&utm_content=22 90168)

As firms seek new technologies for the new year, a combination of strong sales, mobile devices, and cloud computing is expected to propel successful business. A number of businesses discussed these technology trends at the Salesforce Cloudforce conference, which focused on innovative solutions for the future of business. Salesforce technology has been hailed by businesses of all tiers, with Chatter.com deemed a top pick for businesses with needs for a private social network. The power of social media has been used for connecting with potential clients during off-business hours, while firms have sought Twitter and Facebook for publicity needs. Technology that is intuitive and integrates business practices has been hailed as a priority for businesses, while mobile devices continue to provide significant productivity advantages. Similarly, a strong sales team was cited as a critical part of building a business, since time wasted on non-sales lead to wasted resources. The cloud is expected to continue evolving, as the technology strengthens customer and internal relationships.
(http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/74120.html)