Small Business Tech

As more of us use online software applications such as Yahoo mail or Google mail or Google Docs the questions and concerns about safety come up. This is a common discussion among not only IT people, but also among business and even casual users. Peter Nulty of Wells Fargo recently had an discussion about the subject and his first question was about security. There are three main concerns that come to mind.

1. Accessibility - Will we always be able to access our data when we need it?
2. Security - Will our data be protected from prying eyes?
3. Exit Strategy - What if the provider goes out of business?

Accessibility is usually stated in the service level agreement. Keep in mind that often quoted 99.9% up time does not mean all the time. If you do the math that level of service could equal up to some serious downtown:

Number of Minutes For Given Period
Day Week Month Year
1.44 10.08 43.2 525.6

This level of service could result in up to 8.76 hours of downtime per year. You could lose slightly more than a workday of service. On the plus side it is statistically impossible that your downtime would happen on a business day and encompass the entire time from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Security is more important than ever. Security of data and even data stored online is the responsibility of two parties. It is your providers and your responsibility. The provider should store your data in a hardened data center with around the clock monitored physical security. The stream of data should also be encrypted. Most studies of big name application and storage providers have demonstrated security measures that far outweigh the security found at even the largest enterprises.

Your responsibility falls in the areas of strong access controls, good password policy, and using secure networks. Be sure that each user as a separate login and password. This way you can more easily track data changes and more easily make personnel changes. You might also be able to set access rights based on each users identity. Also do not fall short in choosing passwords. Choose random strings of letters, numbers, and symbols that are at least eight characters long. Always consider the network that you are using to access your data. Try not to access sensitive data on public non-encrypted networks such as those found in coffee shops and etc.

In this economy it is more important than ever to have an exit strategy. It has been discussed that like many other types of businesses that not all online application providers will survive this economic downturn. You should be aware during the evaluation stage what mechanisms are in place to migrate your data to a different provider or even your own premises if necessary. Nothing would be chilling than the thought of going to the provider web site one day to find an apology about their recent closure.

Labels: Cloud Computing, Google Docs, Remember The Milk, SaaS, thin client, zoho

I have been watching Zonbu for about a year since the release of their initial desktop computer. Zonbu has recently begun shipping a notebook computer, which I also like watching the space of portable, low-cost, Linux-powered computers as well.

Here is a complete comparison between to VIA-powered and Linux-equipped notebooks computers including the Zonbu.

Learn more about Zonbu's desktop and notebook computers.

Labels: family, Linux, thin client, Zonbu

It can be said that Apple started this small-computer trend with the MAC-mini, but others are picking up the ball and running with it. In addition to the very small ASUS eee notebook computer there are other companies entering the fray with small desktop computers as well. Most of these companies are small shops, but you can bet that bigger names such as Dell and HP will jump on board if they see an opportunity.

One of the small shops is Sharp and Tappin of England. They have created the PicoPC which uses the same low-power processor as the gPC now available at Wal Mart. You can purchase the computer as a kit or a ready-built, tested unit. The cost is still prohibitive, but it will get better if more manufacturers join the fray. The unit pictured on the right costs 295 Euros or $424.89 at the current exchange rate.

Labels: Apple, Asus, eee, thin client, Wal-Mart

It has long been rumored that Google has wanted to get into the personal computer operating system business. Based on Google's recent moves I doubt they want to go that far but instead have chosen to provide application support to those that want to build low-cost computers based on open source software.

Wal-Mart is now featuring a low-cost PC that is based on Linux with a nice mix of Google-hosted applications and built-in open source software. This isn't a "Black Friday" dash for a low-price computer. It is what appears to be an everyday item in the electronics department in many Wal-Mart stores. The Everex gPC is a low-power $198 computer with a nice mix of applications.

The applications pre-installed or linked to include Skype, Wikipedia, Google Docs, Gmail, Facebook, Google Maps, and Gimp. That is a package that will allow most people to take care of all of their needs. The obstacles that will cause problems for some users is difficulty in finding a printer or scanner that will work with the Linux Ubuntu operating system.

Not all Wal-Marts currently carry this low-priced computer, but many do have them in stock. My father recently saw one at the Deland, FL Wal-Mart store. Here is a list of stores that carry the gPC. One last feature that many will like is that this computer includes 24/7 toll-free phone tech support.

Labels: Google, Linux, thin client, Wal-Mart

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of the very portable Asus eee line of computers. According to rumors the wait might be over this Fall. In the mean time you can view a few details at the official eee web site.

Another rumor that I have found is that the price is continuing to creep closer to $300. I think that the sweet spot for the pricing of a computer like this is about $200 to $250. I hope Asus does not continue to kill this computer market segment by over pricing.

Labels: Asus, eee, thin client

Here is a good blog from someone who has ordered and plans on using the Zonbu computer day-to-day. http://mrzonbu.wordpress.com/

Labels: family, Linux, thin client

The Zonbu computer that I first reported about in May is finally available. I had hoped that the price would be lower so that it would be more accessible to everyone. They do offer a variety of monthly service plans that range from free to $19.99 per month. The higher cost plans if they are paid at sign-up for two years do offer up to $150 rebate on the hardware. That leads to a cost range from $249.00 for the basic plan for life up to $517.95 for the best plan for two years. You can try out different combinations very easily and quickly see the cost on the Zonbu web site.

A month ago I would have whole heartily recommended this computer to a family or light computer user. Since I have seen the possibility of a $199 notebook computer from Asus, I am somewhat hesitant to recommend Zonbu. Possibly Zonbu will lower their hardware costs when and if the Asus notebook hits the street for $199.

Labels: kids, Linux, thin client

Zonbu is soon to release a new type of computer for the home user. It features low power consumption and online backup of data. The greatest features are that it is always updated and includes many useful software applications.

The purchase cost is low, but there is a monthly subscription fee based on how much storage that you need. If you compare the costs of a computer, software, and backup media - this could be a positive product for someone that is not proficient in setting up or maintaining their own computer. This also covers computers for kids when the adult does not have the time to maintain the computer? (guilty) This will also keep the kids from "using" your computer. One downside of this computer for younger kids is that it will most likely not run any video games.

This type of computer is called a thin-client. The bulk of the storage and application data is stored on a central server somewhere. This not a new idea. It was discussed by several companies in the 90's. It has even been implemented by some organizations such as the Florida city of Largo.

Labels: kids, Linux, thin client