BOOKS

Thinking of...Backing Up Data In Your Business? Ask the Smart Questions

This book has been written for anyone who has data that needs to be protected. It is aimed at all those who know that the information they create and store on their computers is important, they have heard of backup but aren’t too sure what to do next. They have no doubt heard horror stories of lost data and failed backups and so have tended to use the ‘cross your fingers and hope that nothing goes wrong’ backup strategy in the past but now want something a little more reliable.

While this book will be useful to larger businesses, the chances are they will already have a backup strategy and solution in place. This is really meant for you, if you have a smaller business – the small to medium size business, SMB. If you don’t have a backup solution then this book will help you get started and if you do have a solution then this book will help when you need to review or replace the one you have.

This book is intended to be a catalyst for action aimed at a range of people inside and outside your organization. Here are just a few, and why it is relevant to them.

Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director / Owner
In an SMB, you probably wear several hats, but the one thing for sure is that the buck finally stops with you and you need to ensure that the business stays up and running come rain or shine – efficiently. Lost data could be more than an inconvenience; it could spell disaster for the company. Backup is not an option in today’s world; it is a necessity whether you are a one-man-band or a huge multi-national. Putting a backup strategy together and implementing it can remove unnecessary pressures – allowing you to do what you do best… making money and keeping the company growing.

Chief Operations Officer / Chief Information Officer / Owner of IT
Once a company gets to a particular size in terms of IT equipment, it then becomes a role in the business to look after it. These days’ people aren’t so worried about the computers themselves as they are relatively cheap, it’s the data that’s important. Understanding just where all this data is and how to best keep it safe is a vital piece of the puzzle.

People Who Have Data They Can’t Afford To Lose
You use a computer and you (hopefully) do work of value to the business on it – importantly, you don’t want to have to redo it over and over should the machine break down. You are at the sharp end of a failed computer and so have the most to lose should there not be an efficient backup environment in the company.

Software Vendors and Resellers Who Are Selling Backup or Backup Services
Perhaps you are a backup guru inside a company who is selling backup products and / or services. If so, then this book is also for you. Understanding some of the questions your customers are going to ask you will help you put together a better solution for them. As a guru, you will know the ins-and-outs of backup, the real nitty-gritty and it is often the simple questions that are overlooked. Not because you don’t know the answer – but because you assume that everyone knows it!

Take a look through and try to match questions to the customer you are going to see – then you can be prepared with appropriate answers and pre-empt some of them.

The book is available from all good retailers and online.

Data Leaks For Dummies

Data leaks expose your customers to identity theft and your business to security risks. But how do you set up a data loss prevention plan? Start with Data Leaks For Dummies!

Now more than ever, it’s critical to keep your company data locked up tighter than Fort Knox. Data Leaks For Dummies has the scoop on what’s at risk, how leaks happen, how to keep your data safe without being inflexible, and even what to do if the worst happens. It shows you how to:

• Identify risk by learning to see your data the way a criminal would
• Recognize how innocent mistakes, common carelessness, and malicious insiders also pose a threat
• Learn how to defend against phishing, e–mail threats, and wireless security breaches
• Be alert for social engineering attacks, suspicious contract workers, dumpster divers, and plain old eavesdroppers
• Plan for safe disposal of old hardware, use caution with SMS and e–mail archives, and be aware of how Webcasts and conference calls can be invaded
• Discover how crooks steal data in public places such as Internet cafes
• Develop a recovery plan, build a team, and even manage press coverage should data loss occur

Delivering Utility Computing

The economic downturn that occurred after the .com boom and bust has put the cost of IT in the spotlight. By following the principles of utility computing, also known as on-demand computing, real-time infrastructure, or adaptive enterprise, businesses can improve the IT services they offer, whilst reducing costs and improving agility. Delivering Utility Computing proposes and documents a methodology for delivering utility computing, and provides detailed advice on its principles and benefits. The authors describe a complete and step-by-step process for adapting to a utility computing system, based on proven methodology.

Delivering Utility Computing:

• Provides a comprehensive description of the utility model, offering guidance on design, deployment and maintenance issues, and a strong section on service level agreements (SLAs).
• Explains in detail how to improve efficiencies and achieve cost reduction in the IT department.
• Adopts a thorough approach, taking into account current baselines, phasing, task involved, success factors and best practice principles.
• Presents a method rooted in theory, yet broad-based and practical, illustrated throughout with examples and real-world case studies.