Here are 3 very important reason why it’s time to upgrade to more reliable protection.

1) Tapes have a failure rate of 100%. No, that’s not a typo. Statistically, every single tape drive will fail at some point – it’s only a matter of when.

2) Your network could be inaccessible for days, or even weeks. Most standard backup software using Tape Drives is configured to ONLY back up your data; not your programs, operating system or network settings. If your server crashes or is somehow stolen, corrupted or destroyed, your entire network might have to be rebuilt from scratch – no small feat. Only at that point can your data be reloaded.

3) Human error. Tapes need near perfect care to function properly. Someone has to remember to rotate them every day, take them offsite, and keep them in a dry, cool and clean place – not in a purse or front seat of the car where they can be stolen, melted, frozen or disabled due to moisture, dust or condensation.

For a better solution, check out our PriorITyCare Recovery option!

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security!

Imagine not being able to send or receive e-mail for days, possibly weeks. Don’t think this could happen because you have a reputable anti-virus software installed? If so, you’re operating on a false sense of security and hackers are praying that you keep thinking that way. Here’s why:

Most business owners think that because they have anti-virus software installed and a software firewall, that their network is “secure.” Not so. One of the most common stunts hackers pull is breaking through a software firewall to hijack a server. Once they’re in, they use YOUR server to relay spam and other viruses to millions of users in a matter of seconds.

This is double bad for two reasons:

1. In no time flat, your company’s server and email gets “blacklisted”, which means the big email delivery hubs (like Comcast, Google, Verizon, etc.) flag ALL e-mails coming from your server as “dangerous” and won’t let them through; and on the net, you’re guilty until proven innocent, which means it could take days or weeks to get your name cleared. During that time, you are completely without e-mail.

2. Your clients, prospects and vendors start getting Viagra ads and invitations to XXX-rated web sites from your company. Not good.

The absolute best way to make sure this never happens is to invest in a top-grade managed Cisco firewall. This small investment is worth many times the cost in peace of mind and saved time. Software firewalls that come with most servers or Internet providers are better than nothing, but they’re a weak lock that any hacker can easily pick.

DO – Find out if all your software programs will be compatible.
Anytime Microsoft creates a new operating system, software companies often scramble to make their package work properly with it so there are no errors, glitches, or data corruption (a.k.a “your information deleted”). Some software companies are faster and better at this than others, so be sure to check with your software manufacturer to make sure you won’t end up with more problems than when you started.

DON’T – Hold back from getting the new computers you need.
Maybe you want to wait until Windows 7 gets the bugs out. Or, maybe it’s because you’re worried about buying a computer now that will be considered “old” when Windows 7 is officially released. The good news is you don’t have to wait. For a limited time when you buy from Microsoft-approved vendors, your new computer purchase will come with the ability to upgrade to Windows 7 for free, giving you the flexibility to have the upgrade option now and install it when you choose. Also, if you participate in Microsoft’s “Software Assurance” program for your operating system, you’ll be entitled to the new version for free as well.

DO – Know how to “shake” it.
Have you ever had a bunch of windows open on your computer and felt like it was out of control and you couldn’t find anything? Then Windows 7 might be for you. It is designed to save time for people who work on multiple documents, spreadsheets, and web pages at once by allowing you to simply shake your mouse vigorously and make all those open Windows drop to the bottom of the screen and clear up your workspace. In addition to the “shake” feature, Windows 7 also makes it easier to view and use two programs side-by-side with just one click.

DON’T – Expect miracles.
Windows 7 does truly make using your computer faster since many of the features Microsoft has rolled out to help business owners and their teams work on multiple projects at once easier to use than ever before. Initial studies are showing that it might add one to two hours of productivity to your week over previous versions. But, if you expect Windows 7 to actually do the work for you, you may be disappointed.

I have personally had Windows 7 running for a couple months now and I love it! Much faster than XP and great new tools.

-Scott K.