July 2009
In this issue

√ Cloud Computing
√ Value of Social Media
√ July/August Seminars
√ Passwords
√ Employee Spotlight
 

Cloud Computing
for Small and Midsize Businesses
Reprinted with permission from the HP Small Business Center

You’ve no doubt heard a lot about cloud computing (or the cloud). What you may not have learned is how this misty concept can help with the real problems of operating your business, especially in hard times.

In short, cloud computing offers attractive options for small and midsize businesses that need critical IT upgrades, but may lack the cash for a large capital investment.

Through the cloud, you can add new, vital applications or you can supplement the capacity of an existing infrastructure. Because cloud services are delivered via the Internet you only pay for the features and functionality you use and don’t pay for extra hardware, software, staff and maintenance. As a result, your business can grow its IT capabilities, often at a lower cost than doing everything itself. And you can pull the cost from your operating budget rather than your capital budget.

IT Solutions’ Cloud Computing option is called the Universal Plan. Click here to get all the details or contact us to set up a free consultation to determine if Universal is a good fit for your business.

So what is cloud computing exactly, and why is it significant to small and midsize businesses?

Business Value of Social Media
Part 2: Blogging
Reprinted with permission from the HP Small Business Center

No doubt, you’ve heard the term web log, better known as blog, but you may not know how blogging can actually benefit your business. By definition, a blog is a website that hosts entries - or posts - of commentary, descriptions of events, graphics, videos and more. No longer just a way for controversial thoughts to be heard, small and large businesses everywhere have begun to blog to build brand awareness, interact with their customers on a more personal level, and elevate their status in the industry as a thought-leader

In part one of this article, The Business value of Social Media Part I: Online networking, we explored how free networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin are crucial to helping your business thrive. Here, we’ll show you how blogging has gone from being an online diary of sorts, to an online marketing tool that helps you gain credibility and position yourself and your business as leaders in your industry. We’ll also provide a few tips for getting started, should you decide what millions of others already have - that blogging is good for business. 

To blog or not to blog?

Employee
Spotlight

Don Sharkey

Name: Don Sharkey
Title: Client Service Coordinator
Education: Temple University
Home: Elkins Park, PA
First job: Bagger - Genuardi’s Family Markets
Little known fact about you: Classically-trained cellist
Super-power I want: Time Travel
Word that best describes you: Musical
Like best about your job: Helping people
The most important lesson you’ve learned: Always have a life motto.
Life motto: N/A
Person most interested in meeting: Paul McCartney
Most influential book: Anything from the Berenstain Bears series
Favorite movie: Glengarry Glenn Ross
Favorite restaurant: Tie between Max & Erma’s and Ruth’s Chris - seriously
Favorite vacation spot: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Favorite way to spend free time: Watching the Phillies, playing piano/guitar, karaoke with girlfriend

Please forward this newsletter to anyone else in your organization
 who might be interested!