√ Running for Charity
√ Evaluate Security
√ Employee Spotlight
√ Outlook Tip
 

IT Solutions
Running for Charity

I think every business struggles a little with the topic of charity. Most businesses are probably like ours, we give when we're asked, but never in a very coordinated way. This year we plan to change all of that – and (I'll just come out and say it) we're asking for your help.

Starting in 2006, IT Solutions will be adopting a charity to focus our efforts on. We believe that by selecting one cause to work for, we can make the biggest difference. After a lot of internal discussion, we've decided to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Komen Foundation is one of the largest cancer foundations in the country and has raised hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide in support of breast cancer research. One of the main avenues the foundation uses to raise funds is its annual "Race for the Cure".

The Philadelphia Race for the Cure will be held on Mother's Day, May 14th 2006 at the Art Museum in Philadelphia. It's a 5k race (about 3 miles) that starts at 8:15am. Last year, almost 40,000 people ran or walked in the event and raised more than $3 million.

As a company, we are forming a "race team" that will consist of ITS employees, friends and family, clients, vendors, and anyone else that wants to be a part of the effort. There is no limit to the size of a team. Participation can be through walking or running in the race, making a pledge to someone in the race, or making a direct donation to the team.

For our part, IT Solutions will match the first $10,000 of pledges and donations made on behalf of our team. Our ultimate goal is to use this matching money to become an official race sponsor in 2007 and turn this into an annual mission. We believe that we have a great chance to hit this goal – again with your help.

Our team has already been formed online (Team Code – "ITS") and you can join the team by going to http://www.phillyraceforthecure.com/  and signing up as a participant, pledger, or donor online. Just remember to use the "ITS" team code so your donation will be matched.

Feel free to pass this letter on to as many people as you like. The more people we can get involved in this effort, the better. If you have any questions about the event or about the Komen Foundation in general, please contact Lauren Kane at Lauren.Kane@itsolutions-inc.com   or 215-886-7166 x39.

Thanks for your support,
Ted Swanson, President

Evaluate Your Small Business' Security

Small businesses are emerging as a popular target among online criminals. According to the most recent Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, small businesses were the second most targeted industry between January 1 and June 30, 2005 (Education was the most targeted industry). The report surmises that because small businesses are less likely to have a well established security infrastructure, they are more vulnerable to attacks. 2005 was a banner year for cyber attacks, and 2006 promises to be no different, as attackers continue to become more innovative, and their modes of attack more complex. As another new year begins and everyone is back from the holidays, now is a great time to assess your small business information assets and current state of security and address it with a security plan that is supported by the right solutions.

Assess your current situation

Before you can work on a security plan, you need to consider what you need to secure, and who has access to the network. Here are some things you should think about:

Your network -- What kind of protection do you currently have in place? What kinds of connections are being made into the network? Are any employees connecting remotely?

Read more....