May 2010

In this Issue:

Register for the 5th
    Annual VODA Techshow

Vendors at Techshow

Windows 7 on Lenovo

Fortinet

DLink

VODA Tip

Quote of the Month

Product of the Month

Ask the VODA Expert

Latest Virus Threats

Resourses

   VMWare Server Virtualization

   NVidia: Meant to be played

   Ergotron - Workspace         Planner

   Symantec - Backup Exec         Challenge

   3D Maps

VODA News                                                             Back to
VODA Home

The 5th Annual Information Technology for Business highlights VODA’s success with bridging the gap between the most innovative technology trends and the needs of small to medium businesses. The time is now to explore ideas for making your business more efficient. Learn how to optimize your operational efficiencies to improve productivity. This will help reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability. Join IT industry leaders as they showcase their technology products and services.

TITLE Sponsor: IBM

Date: May 26, 2010
The Coast Capri Hotel
1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC

Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Grand Prize: Lenovo Laptop

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Click Here!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Kelly Carter from IBM
Click here for more info!

For more information or to register visit: www.vodagroup.com

 





IBM Canada Ltd. is one of Canada's leading providers of advanced information technology products and services. They are dedicated to helping customers pursue new market opportunities and become more productive through the end-to-end transformation of their business models and the innovative application of e-business technology and solutions.



Lenovo is a global leader in the PC market. Through a customer focused approach, they develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge, reliable, high-quality PC products and value-added professional services that provide customers around the world with smarter ways to be productive and competitive.


HP is the worldwide leader and industry standard in printing and imaging solutions. This leadership is based on a heritage of innovation, quality, performance, and a brand built on customer trust. Businesses know they can count on HP for reliable printers and MFP products, outstanding quality, and stellar support.



Foreseeson Technology
Foreseeson Technology is a value added distributor providing best-of-breed IT security, networking and communications products to our reseller partners. We create high value to our resellers through complimentary solutions that meet critical demands of end users, target similar vertical markets, and create the demand for professional services.  Based in Richmond, BC Foreseeson Technology is 100% Canadian owned and operated.

About Fortinet
Fortinet is the pioneer and leading provider of multi-threat security systems that enable secure business communications and deliver the best security, performance and total cost of ownership available. Fortinet’s award-winning security systems and subscription services. Protect the networks of more than 20,000 customers worldwide.



Xerox Corporation (NYSE:XRX) is a $15.7 billion technology and services enterprise that helps businesses deploy Smarter Document Management SM strategies and find better ways to work. Its intent is to constantly lead with innovative technologies, products and services that customers can depend upon to improve business results.

Xerox provides the document industry's broadest portfolio of offerings. Digital systems include color and black-and-white printing and publishing systems, digital presses and "book factories," multifunction devices, laser and solid ink network printers, copiers and fax machines. Xerox's services expertise is unmatched. Xerox also offers associated software, support and supplies such as toner, paper and ink.



D-Link is an award-winning designer, developer and manufacturer of networking, broadband, digital electronics, voice, data and video communications solutions for the digital home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small to Medium Business (SMB), and Workgroup to Enterprise environments.


Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in Internet content security, focuses on securing the exchange of digital information for businesses and consumers. A pioneer and industry vanguard, Trend Micro is advancing integrated threat management technology to protect operational continuity, personal information, and property from malware, spam, data leaks and the newest Web threats. Visit TrendWatch at www.trendmicro.com/go/trendwatch to learn more about the latest threats. Trend Micro's flexible solutions, available in multiple form factors, are supported 24/7 by threat intelligence experts around the globe. Many of these solutions are powered by the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network, a next generation cloud-client content security infrastructure designed to protect customers from Web threats. A transnational company, with headquarters in Tokyo, Trend Micro's trusted security solutions are sold through its business partners worldwide



Barracuda Networks Inc. built its reputation as the worldwide leader in content security appliances by offering easy to use and affordable products that protect organizations from email, Web and IM threats. Barracuda Networks has leveraged its success in the security market to offer networking products that improve application delivery and network access as well as world-class solutions for message archiving, backup and data protection.
Since its inception, Barracuda Networks continues to gain wide acclaim from customers, media and analysts by offering exceptional customer service and top-notch products. Companies and organizations of all sizes rely on Barracuda Networks solutions for these key reasons.

  • With no software to install, all Barracuda Networks products are easy to deploy and use. 
  • All Barracuda Networks products feature an intuitive Web user interface that ensures smooth product management.  
  • Barracuda Networks does not charge per user, per port or per server licensing fees making its solutions the most affordable integrated network solutions available 
  • Every Barracuda Networks solution comes backed by automatic Barracuda Energize Updates which ensure continuous protection against the latest threats

Barracuda Networks’ product portfolio includes: Barracuda Spam and Virus Firewall, Barracuda Web Filter, Barracuda IM Firewall, Barracuda Web Application Firewall, Barracuda SSL VPN, Barracuda Load Balancer, Barracuda Link Balancer, Barracuda Message Archiver, Barracuda Backup Service, and the BarracudaWare software portfolio. Combining its own award-winning technology with powerful open source software, Barracuda Networks solutions deliver easy to use, comprehensive security, networking, and data protection products. Barracuda Central, an advanced 24/7 operations center manages data centers for all service-based offerings and works to continuously monitor and block the latest Internet threats.

   

EMC is the world leader in products, services, and solutions for information storage and management, helping customers manage their growing information through information lifecycle management. Using networked storage as the foundation, EMC unifies technologies, platforms, software, and services to help extract maximum value from information, at the lowest total cost.

EMC backup and recovery solutions are at the forefront of next-generation data protection. With industry-leading deduplication storage systems and software, EMC enables organizations of all sizes to transform the way they protect and manage their information..

Aastra globally develops and markets open standard IP-based and traditional communication networking products, systems and solutions. Aastra’s products comprise a full range of VoIP solutions including communications servers, gateways, telephone terminals and advanced software applications for small and medium businesses, as well as enterprise markets. Whether connecting to colleagues around the country or around the world, Aastra offers a variety of best-in-class technologies to improve your communications.

HP ProCurve Networking helps customers adapt to the changing needs of their environment by delivering a choice of the best available products, solutions and services that are scalable, flexible, and adaptive. ProCurve's complete and robust line of products are engineered to legendary HP quality standards—backed by ProCurve's service, support, training and industry-leading warranty.

NEC Display Solutions designs, produces and delivers leading-edge visual display technology for a wide variety of markets. NEC specializes in professional desktop and commercial-grade large-screen LCD displays, plus a diverse line of projectors for customers who demand the most high-quality, reliable display solutions. Our business is driven by the industries most advanced technologies, industry-leading service and value-add programs that help increase your productivity and let you see your digital world in a more dynamic way.

Graybar Canada, an employee-owned company, is a wholesale distributor of electrical and communications & data products and related services. Graybar Canada operates over 30 locations across the country and is committed to quality through its customer service, products, supply and distribution, and performance.

With first-class vendor partners, Graybar Canada carries a broad selection of top quality products. Our Technology Specialists have the skill & product knowl­edge, extensive distribution, and logistic systems necessary to provide customers with complete first-rate communications and data solutions. 

ESET develops software solutions that deliver instant, comprehensive protection against evolving computer security threats. We pioneered and continue to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. ESET NOD32® Antivirus, our flagship product, consistently achieves the highest accolades in all types of comparative testing and is the foundational product that builds out the ESET product line to include ESET Smart Security.

ESET Smart Security is an integrated antivirus, antispyware, antispam and personal firewall solution that combines accuracy, speed and an extremely small system footprint to create the most effective security solution in the industry.



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Windows 7 on Lenovo Systems is FAST!

Windows® 7 on Lenovo systems is FAST
Faster boot up and shutdown than Think PC’s with Vista or XP


Tired of waiting for your computer to load? It’s true that Windows® 7 boots up faster than many other operating systems. A Windows® 7 Enhanced Experience Think PC boots up and shuts down even faster.

UP TO 56% FASTER

Think  Win7/Vista/XP  Boot times
To boot complete (control of start menu)

SHUTDOWN IS AS QUICK AS 5 SECONDS!

Think  Win7/Vista/XP  shutdown times
 To shutdown complete (system off)

Data based on  boot  and shutdown  times of  XP SP3, Vista  SP1 ,  Windows 7 on indicated systems.  Performance will vary over time depending on other software installed which may adversely affect the startup process.


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Fortinet

Avoiding the common mistakes
by GRAHAM BUSHKES

With news of high-profile security threats making mainstream headlines across the country, it's not surprising that many businesses are making investments into IT security solutions. SMBs are by no means exempt from these rising security needs, and vendors across the board have recently introduced solutions that specifically address the mid-market.

Still, many SMBs have yet to adopt the sophisticated security solutions necessary to protect precious intellectual property in the modern threatscape. Based on sales experiences with SMBs across the country, here's a look at the top 5 IT mistakes Canadian SMBs make when it comes to IT security:

• Assuming cybercriminals aren't targeting small businesses. Let's face it - the Internet is ubiquitous, and more integrated into basic, day to day business functions than ever before. While many SMBs think that they won't be targeted by cybercriminals because of their smaller size, the reality is that their organizations are just as susceptible to threats as any others, and need to adopt effective strategies to protect their intellectual property and finances, no matter what their size. According to a 2009 Rotman-TELUS Joint Study on Canadian IT Security Practices study, IT security breaches cost the average Canadian organization about $834,000 in 2009 - a 97 per cent increase from rates reported the year before. A proactive approach to IT security can help businesses protect their investments.

• Believing that a firewall is enough to protect their data. Most SMBs have some sort of firewall in place, but the reality is that legacy solutions do not provide the comprehensive security required to protect against today's blended threats. As malware and other cyber threats become more complicated to avoid detection, organizations of every size need to adopt more sophisticated security measures. Look for an appliance that provides an integrated, layered approach to security, one that includes key features like firewall, VPN, web filtering, Anti-spam and intrusion prevention.

• Installing security updates on an ad hoc basis, or leaving updates to employees. Security threats are constantly changing, and installing updates on a monthly or even weekly basis opens the door to potential attacks. To be truly effective, these updates need to be applied in real-time, by professional IT staff, without disrupting employee workflow. Even without in-house, dedicated IT staff, many vendors have made it possible to access this functionality through an appliance and subscriptions service that incorporates real-time updates from a centralized research team.

• Securing only the main office - because that's where all the important documents are stored. While it's an old adage, it still rings true: You're only as secure as your weakest link. SMBs who secure only their core locations are leaving the door open to cybercriminals through branches, remote or home office users or even mobile devices such as smartphones and USB keys. Like their larger counterparts, SMBs must take a holistic approach to security that ensures all possible attack vectors.

• Thinking security has to be costly or requires in- house expertise. There are many security solutions on the market today, each with different features and functionalities designed to meet the scaling needs of businesses of all sizes. Find a trusted advisor, such as a channel partner, who can guide you towards the right solution for your organization based on your unique security, financial and administrative needs. Some SMBs may also want to consider a solution administered by a managed security solution provider, or MSSP. With the right planning, partner and vendor, it's easy for SMBs to find a security solution that provides holistic protection against today's threats without breaking the bank or falling prey to these common mistakes. Look for integrated systems that are can be scaled up - or down - as business needs change, while remaining easy-to-deploy and manage on a day-to-day basis.

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DLINK

Double your pleasure―and overall IT value―with a second vendor - Why two suppliers can be better than one for your organization

So, your company, department or client has been equipped with CISCO or Dell products and, so far, you’ve been pretty happy with their performance. But now, you’ve reached a new milestone in growth and are poised to purchase your next integrated solution.

Open architecture means no more monogamy
A lot of companies make the mistake of viewing supplier relationships like marriages. They commit to a vendor—and assume it is much like taking a contractual vow to be loyal. They move forward in their purchasing choices assuming they are locked into a relationship with them for all their IT servicing needs, ‘as long as their contract (and performance satisfaction) shall live’. Or, they erroneously assume that courting another vendor simultaneously will only add complication, non-compatibility and added cost to their lives. That is no longer the case.

Shopping around for best vendor value is a smart strategy
If you or your clients are on the verge of a new purchase or upgrade, you have a great opportunity in front of you to get the most value and innovation for your money. There is no betrayal in shopping around – even if you intend on retaining your current vendor for services or platforms they provide now. In fact, it’s in your organizations or clients’ best interest to evaluate your future purchasing strategies and invite competition in to guard against single vendor cost abuses.  Thanks to today’s open architectures, you are no longer restricted due to compatibility issues. Many leading technology providers today have solutions that fit seamlessly into your current Cisco or Dell infrastructure – with better functionality, efficiency and at a lower cost. Now is the time to comparison shop for the best value-based model to keep both your purchase cost and TCO low.  

It’s no wonder more successful companies today are incorporating an open strategy and allowing in competition with innovative products and services that seamlessly interoperate with their existing network environment.  Sound like a good plan? Here are a few guidelines to get you started:

 6 smart tips on adding a second vendor into your mix:

  • Audit your current vendor
  • - Check for inconsistent pricing, extra invoicing or extra charges. You may be surprised to find hidden costs.

  • Evaluate your  value-cost ratio
  • Consider aspects such as:

    Performance & service: what is involved in your current service package: North American or offshore servicing?  
    -Efficiency:  How ‘green’ and energy efficient is your current solution?

  • Build a ‘second vendor needs list’: What are your organization’s short and long-term IT needs/budgets/goals?
  • Disaster recovery plan: Has your current vendor mapped it out in a way that provides you with peace of mind? Do they even have one?
  • Announce the opportunity:  Don’t keep the fact you are shopping around a secret. Let everyone know exactly what you are looking for in an integrated solution. Full disclosure and openness about your requirements will result in the best vendor negotiations.
  • Incorporate ‘second vendor strategy’ into your IT contingency plan: In doing so, you’ll have secure backup in place if circumstances change. Plus, you’ll also pave the way for consistent budgeting while ensuring everything moves forward flawlessly for optimal operations.

    To find out how D-Link can become one of your second vendor solution choices, please connect with your account rep.
  •  

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    VODA Tip

    INTERNET PRIVACY!

    Every time you browse a web page or read your email using a web based viewer that information is stored on your computer. These files are called Temporary Internet Files or cache. It is important to clear these from time to time! Follow these simple steps.

    1. Open Internet Explorer and click on Tools.
    2. Click on Internet Options.
    3. On the General Tab, in the middle of the screen, click on Delete Files.
    4. You may also want to check the box "Delete all offline content".
    5. Click on OK and wait for the hourglass icon to stop after it deletes the temporary internet files.
    6. You can now click on Delete Cookies and click OK to delete cookies that websites have placed on your hard drive.

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    Quote of the Month

    There is only one success--to be able to spend your life in your own way.
    ---Christopher Morley

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    Product of the Month

    Kingston introduces its second-generation SSDNow V Series drive to help consumers and organizations of all sizes enhance the performance of computers with a Serial ATA (SATA) interface. By improving a computer's performance and durability, SSDNow V Series drives help increase productivity and extend the life of existing computers.

    Advantages:
    * faster access
    * more reliable (no moving parts)
    * eliminates boot up time
    * reduced power usage, less noise and less heat generation

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    Ask the VODA Expert

    Q:What are some backup best practices?

    A:You can’t recover data that you haven’t kept. But how confident are you that the data on which your business depends is backed up successfully? It’s always a challenge to keep your business data readily available when you need it. And this job gets even tougher the smaller your technical staff — assuming that you have a staff at all.
    What Causes Data Loss?

    • Hardware failure 40%
    • Human error 29%
    • Software corruption 13%
    • Theft 9%
    • Computer viruses 6%
    • Hardware or site destruction 3%

    Tips for Taking the Backache Out of Backup
    As your business increasingly relies on data, backing up that data becomes even more important but also more complex. The effort can be grueling (and costly) if you do not have a backup strategy that is based on proper planning and is faithfully executed according to a carefully crafted backup policy.
    Your backup policy dictates the strategy. You need to clearly define and understand your requirements to then design the solution.
    The two main factors in developing your policy are your Recovery Point Objective and your Recovery Time Objective.
    Recovery Point Objective – how far back do you need to save your data or what is the age of the data you will need to restore. Some files you just need the most recent version, but other files you may need multiple versions so you can go back to a file revision from a month ago.
    Recovery Time Objective – the time to resume your business activity after disruption or disaster.  After a hardware failure, you may need to be up and running immediately, whereas after a hardware or site destruction, you may be able to wait longer.
    Both of these objectives may vary based on the type of disruption or disaster, so you need to review and be clear of all common types of disruption or disaster and design your policy that reflects your needs.

     

    Here’s how to begin:

    • Decide what you need to back up. Start with your answer to “What can we afford to lose?”
    • Understand your data environment. Once you know what requires backing up, you’ll need to determine the systems and hosts where it’s located; what type of data it is; how often it needs to be backed up and how often it’s likely to be retrieved/restored; how long it must be retained and in what form; how much time you have to complete the backup; and what kind of security the data requires. By ranking the importance of your data and eliminating the unnecessary data from your backup efforts, you can save storage space.
    • Find the backup techniques and technologies that best align with your business needs and that automate as much of your backup efforts as possible. For instance, it may be worthwhile to consolidate data on fewer servers to reduce backup management efforts. You may benefit from using backup/recovery solutions that are bundled with a storage appliance. Or perhaps you should opt to outsource backups entirely. Consult with an expert if you don’t understand this process.
    • Craft the processes and procedures you’ll need to ensure backups are completed properly, including assigning responsibility for getting backups accomplished and monitoring the effort to spot problems, while also ensuring that those responsible are sufficiently trained.
    • Ensure that backup copies are valid and can be successfully restored, which requires that you rank the importance of your data and establish ways that the most important data is backed up first and restored first. Be sure that you have adequate time to back up all the data that’s important to your business, and be sure to understand the time required to restore that data in case of loss or corruption. You’ll also need to regularly check and test your equipment, media, and processes.
    • Ensure that backup copies are safe. Generally, this means storing your backups in a logically and physically secured offsite location. It also means ensuring that you haven’t backed up viruses and other malware, spam, and data that is not important or that is harmful to your business.
    • Maintain backup logs so you — and your auditors — can track backup activities.
    • Regularly revisit your backup/restore risks, procedures, and technologies to make sure they are adequate as business needs and conditions evolve.
    • Dispose of backup media carefully, making sure that they are physically destroyed so that their contents cannot be read by the unauthorized.

    Managing and Minimizing Storage Requirements
    To meet your growing data storage demands without suffering through repeated upgrade hassles, it’s worthwhile to stop and carefully review your:

      • Current and anticipated storage requirements.
      • Data protection and backup needs, since backing up multiple servers, volumes, and desktop systems can quickly get very complex.
      • Cost-effective Data Storage Solutions
      • The cost of data storage has plummeted in recent years. Meanwhile, the labor costs associated with managing data storage keep climbing. So consider buying more storage — even more than you think you’ll need. It’s worth it in the long run and the extra cost is negligible.

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    VODA Computers Systems Ltd.
    Kamloops - #102 - 1361 McGill Road - 250.374.8002
    Kelowna - 2263 Leckie Road, - 250.712.9311
    Penticton - 250.487.7499
    Toll free: 1.877.374.8002     www.vodagroup.com

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