Is Your Password Strong Enough?

In an environment where security becomes more important all the time your passwords are your first line of defense. If you are carrying a notebook your password becomes even more important in case it is lost or stolen. Passwords protect your files, your email and many online accounts such as online banking. If your password is not strong enough it makes it easier for your information to be stolen. You can test your password strength here, if you are not strong enough I recommend testing a few options to ensure that your password is as strong as possible. A strong password and regularly updated antivirus software will go a long way to ensure that your information is protected and safe.

Exchange Server 2010 Coming Soon

Microsoft released a beta version of Exchange Server 2010 on 4-15-09. This is an indication that Exchange Server 2010 will be coming soon. Make sure your Exchange Server 2003 or 2008 has current Software Assurance to get 2010 as soon as it is released. Exchange Server 2010 promises many improvements that should make the server more stable and easier to use. The biggest improvement seems to be in the Outlook Web Access Client. With Exchange 2010, OWA will be improved to include most features on non IE browsers. If you are using Safari or Firefox you will have a similar experience to someone using IE. This will make it much easier for mobile employees and employees who need to use a variety or operating systems to quickly and easily access their mailbox. If you are interested in downloading the beta it is available on the Microsoft Download Center.

How to get Windows 7

Like many of our customers I am getting caught up in the excitement of the upcoming release of Windows 7. While I have yet to see an official release date for Windows 7, I will be surprised if it is not available before the end of the year. There are ways that you can make a purchase now and have rights to Windows 7 immediately upon release. Software Assurance grants you never version rights for any releases during your Software Assurance period. If you are within 180 days of an OEM Windows Vista Business you can add Software Assurance to your OEM license and have rights to 7 as soon as it is released. The Software Assurance on OEM also currently has a promotional price of up to 15% off. If you are outside the 180 days there are other ways that Software Assurance can be applied. Contact us for pricing or additional information.

Did you know?

Small Business Server 2008 Premium makes it possible to run Terminal Services in application mode. One of the biggest issues in a Small Business Server 2003 environment is there is not availability of Terminal Services in application mode. It is possible to run Terminal Services with Small Business Server 2003, but it requires purchasing a second Windows Server license for the Terminal Server. The reason for this requirement is a security concern. It is never recommended to run Terminal Services on your domain controller, and Small Business Server is always a domain controller.

In Small Business Server 2008 Premium a second Windows Server license is included. This allows you to set up the second server and deploy Terminal Services without having to purchase an additional server license. If you are interested in Terminal Services with your Small Business Server Premium you can deploy trial licenses before purchasing anything additional to ensure that it is going to suite your needs. For more information or pricing on SBS or Terminal Services CALs contact us.

New Microsoft License Program for Government

Microsoft Open Value and Open Value Subscription are now available with government pricing in the US. The Open Value program includes Software Assurance with all orders to ensure that you are always able to run the current version of software and downgrade rights to run previous versions. With Open Value it is easy to standardize your IT infrastructure which is important to government agencies to ensure that all users have access to needed information. Through Open Value and Open Value subscription many payment options that allow you to reduce your initial cost of ownership. Contact us for more information.

Dell Vostro Products available to ship today

Dell built their company based on a strategy of building each system when it is ordered. They have made a change to this and now offer partners an opportunity to immediately ship out select Vostro systems. At this time the pool of available products is small, but there are desktops, laptops and monitors ready to ship out for you today. Contact us with specs and we can get pricing for you right away. Also if we can not find a Vostro that fits the specs you are looking for we would be happy to look into some of our other options including HP, Acer, and Lenovo products.

Worried About Data Loss?

One of the biggest concerns to IT staff is data loss. A common way that data is lost is due to power failure. Power failure can cause a loss of email, database and other important data that keeps your business up and running. One way to help in the event of a power failure is by utilizing an APC UPS. An APC UPS will provide backup power to keep your server up and running. This can give you time to make sure that all your information is protected and shut down properly in the event of a long power outage. If the outage is short the backup power of the UPS will be able to keep your sever up and running. Contact us for more information on pricing and availability.