Getting your Christmas Gifts at Circuit City?
Circuit City, which WAS the number two big box electronic store, filed for bankruptcy last week. They plan on closing 150 stores nationwide. From what I have been told, the local Beaumont, Texas store is not slated for closure. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
This is Chapter 11 Reorganization Bankruptcy. Circuit City is aksing customers not to shy away from their stores just because they are in bankruptcy.
I'm not advocating whether you should shop there or not. I just think this has come in under the media radar for some reason, and isn't generating much press.
Hey, maybe the "Fire Dogs" will merge with the "Geek Squad". So is it Fire Squad or Geek Dogs?
To Your Success,
Tim B
78 Ways to Control Your Business Costs
Some busines owners see these uncertain economic times as tough roads ahead, while others see this as a perfect opportunity to get out in front of their competition, and truly help their customers weather this storm.
While there are good arguments on both sides of the economy issue, one thing is common to all businesses: controlling your business costs is paramount to surviving in good, or bad times. I found this article on the website of Inside CRM, a site related to CRM, or Customer Relationship Management Software. It applies to all companies, I think.
Read the entire article here: 78 Ways to Control Your Business Costs
Be sure to come back here to post your thoughts!
To Your Success,
Tim
Is My Network Ready for Small Business Server 2008?
With the announcement that Microsoft is launching SBS 2008 on November 12, 2008 it might be a good time to address a few house cleaning items you will need to get in order if you are planning this upgrade.
If you are currently using SBS 2003 Premium, and using Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004 (ISA 2004) as your firewall (ISA 2004 is included in the premium version), there is one very important difference in SBS 2008. ISA is not included any longer. What does this mean to companies upgrading? Simply put, you no longer have a firewall. You will have to purchase either a hardware or software based firewall to protect your data.
There are pros and cons of both types of firewalls, and I will discuss some differences in a later post. For now, companies planning their upgrade should either start researching firewall solutions that fit their needs, or begin discussions with their IT services provider on the subject. If you contact your provider, and they have no idea what you are talking about, I would run, not walk, out of that relationship. I recommend you choose a Microsoft Small Business Specialist, commonly referred to in the industry with the designation SBSC. These Microsoft partners have gone through testing that proves their knowlege of Microsoft server products in geneal, and Microsoft Small Business Server in particular. They will have specific recommendations on this subject.
To Your Success,
Tim
WiFi On the Plane?
It looks like WiFi is finally available while you are on your flight. American Airlines has been testing a new WiFi service from GoGoInflight which allows you to get high speed Internet access (for a fee, of course) while you are cruising at 30,000 feet. From most reports I have read, the service works well, and is fairly reliable. So, now you can send and receive those emails, download that important presentation you forgot to bring with you, or just surf the web.
The service is priced at $12.95 for now. No reports on whether the connection will slow down if more users login on the same flight. It will be interesting to see if only higher level executives utilize the service to work while enroute, or if companies will now expect employees to get more work done while they are getting paid to travel. I expect other airlines to quickly follow suit.
Let me know what your thoughts are on this. Should employees be reasonably expected to work while flying on company business now? Do you see it as an intrusion on the other passengers?
To your success,
Tim
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