So now that Windows 7 has hit the market and starting to make its way into business networks, whats the judgement?  Mostly, a definite improvement over previous versions of Windows. However, there are some caveats and facts that your should be aware of.

First, is the real cost to upgrade.  Most likely you will want a new processor.  If you are not using a processor from Intel or AMD with the new VT technology, you won’t be able to take advantage of at least one key feature; the ability to run XP in virtual mode.  Not every motherboard will support this processor or even be able to support it correctly.  There are issues concerning correct BIOS versions, step codes on processor lot numbers, etc. 

Additionally, if you don’t have at least 3 GB of RAM, count on adding some more in.  If you don’t have a graphics card that supports Direct X 10, plan on adding one in.  Direct X 10 takes full advantage of the updated Aero interface.  Some software will need to be upgraded and this can be expensive if multiple licenses need to be bought for your company.  Finally, there are a few older peripherals (printers and scanners that may not play nicely).  So, be sure to review the list of devices and check it out.

You probably are getting the picture here. In many instances, it will be more cost effective to simply buy a new workstation/notebook preloaded and with the proper hardware.   So while Windows 7 is definitely worth the upgrade, plan on some extra costs along the way.   Additionally, you need to check EVERY program currently running, particularly specialized programs like those you use to run your business.   Finally, there is NO upgrade path from XP. So, unless your hardware is brand new with the XP OS, you will definitely want to plan on a whole new unit.

Lenovo’s IdeaPad U1 is a clever combination of multi-touch tablet and laptop.  The device is notebook computer with a detachable screen that has it’s own processor and can be used as a multi-touch slate tablet.   When closed it looks like a regular laptop, with rounded edges and a snazzy red cover. 

When both halves of the U1 are together, it runs on Windows 7 on an Intel Core 2 Duo SU processor, but when you split them up, the tablet will use a custom version of Linux and a Qualcomm ARM Snapdragon processor.  This means that you get the best combination of power and battery life for each scenario.   Weighing just 3.8 pounds total, each mode supports more that 5 hours of Web browsing and 60 hours of standby. 

Lenovo will start selling the hybrid in June and until then we will be left wondering if it really the best of both worlds wrapped in a pretty package.

Being an eco-conscious business is no longer just something that’s the right thing to do - it makes financial sense. Environmental policy and energy efficiency are priorities of the Obama administration, so businesses that don’t take voluntary steps to reduce their carbon footprints may face regulations later on. What’s more, consumers are demanding more sustainable practices from the companies they patronize.  Technology is one place that businesses can focus with a clear economic return.

The Green Plan:

1. Write a sustainability plan for your technology systems. Put your environmental goals in writing, so you have a roadmap to follow throughout the year. Any plan should include a mission statement describing what you’re trying to achieve and set some attainable goals for the year ahead - along with descriptions of how you’ll achieve those goals. Sign up for a Launch Pad Green IT Audit.
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In today’s global and always-on business environment, organizations are racing to adopt new technologies to enhance productivity and reduce costs, such as mobile devices, cloud computing, and collaborative Web 2.0 technologies. A new study by the Ponemon Institute and commissioned by Lumension, Worldwide State of the Endpoint Survey 2010, found that many organizations are struggling to adapt to changing endpoint security environment, resulting in greater risk to sensitive corporate and personal data. Insufficient budget allocations, poor collaboration between IT operations and security, and a lack of C-level support for security initiatives cited among reasons for shortcomings.

Key findings:

• 56% of individuals surveyed said mobile devices are not secure, representing a risk to data security;

• 49% of individuals surveyed said data security is not a strategic initiative for their company;
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 Did you know that the SMB market (<500 employees) employs nearly 10 times that many (about 60 million according to the US Census Bureau) and yet it seldom receives the same attention? CompTIA is definitely paying attention and has released the ” Third Annual SMB IT Spending Trends” research study.

A few highlights for savvy MSPs and Technology Provider Prospects:

  ü    More SMBs will embrace a software-as-a-service model.

ü    Top areas of SaaS interest include: productivity applications (e.g. word processing), accounting/financial applications and business intelligenceapplications.

ü    55 % of SMBs expect to increase spending on IT products and services over the next 12 months

ü     Desire to maximize IT ROI will entice many SMBs to explore the full range of IT options available to them.

ü     More SMBs will turn to a managed services solution to handle their IT needs. Most small firms do not have a dedicated IT department (4 in 10 do not) and among those that do, many face reduced headcount. Moreover, a number of SMBs report IT complexity often sours their opinion of IT investments. For these and other reasons, more SMBS will find the managed services model is a good fit for their needs

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