SDP Blog

iPhone 4S Voice and Data Plans: AT&T vs. Sprint vs. Verizon

sdp2 — 2011-10-07T07:07:01-07:00

The iPhone 4S will be available on three different carriers. Which one has the best deal for you?

By Alex Colon
October 6, 2011 11:21am EST

The iPhone 4S will be available for pre-order tomorrow, so stay up late or set your alarm to go off at 12:01 AM PST. But when you log online to order, to which carrier�s Web site will you be navigating?

Along with the new hardware and nifty, Siri-powered voice dictation features, the iPhone 4S marks the first time an iPhone will be available from Sprint. Don�t forget, Verizon didn�t carry the iPhone 4 (or any iPhone, for that matter) until February, and now there are three carriers from which to choose.

If you�re looking for the cheapest possible monthly deal, Sprint wins, with a total monthly cost of $99.99 for 900 minutes, unlimited texting, and unlimited data.

And don't forget: Not all data plans are created equal. For $99.99 per month, you are getting unlimited data from Sprint as opposed to the 2GB you'd be getting for AT&T or Verizon for more. That means you can download music and watch streaming video to your heart�s content without worrying about facing an additional charge. Try doing that with your 2GB on AT&T or Verizon, however, and you�ll be looking at some hefty data overage fees. On the other hand, most users don�t exceed their 2GB monthly limit, so it really depends on your needs.

Each carrier offers a mobile hotspot plan as well, which allows you to use your iPhone 4S to provide a Wi-Fi connection to up to five different devices. Sprint wins out again, since $29.99 per month will get you unlimited hotspot data. All AT&T data plans at 4GB and above include hotspot usage, while Verizon only offers it with special 4GB, 7GB, and 12GB plans.

So which one�s right for you? We broke down pricing for the iPhone 4S for each carrier in the chart above. Aside from price, another important factor to take into consideration is coverage and speed. Take a look at PCMag�s Fastest Mobile Networks 2011 feature to find out which wireless carrier has the fastest data network where you live. Also check out PCMag's Hands On With the Apple iPhone 4S.

All three carriers, meanwhile, will also offer the existing iPhone 4 for $99; Sprint is taking pre-orders now.

Source: PCMag

Comcast launches $10 Internet access for poor families

sdp2 — 2011-09-21T08:08:35-07:00

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and District of Columbia Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson and Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen this morning announced the official nationwide launch of "Internet Essentials," the program that will provide low-cost Internet services, affordable computers, and digital literacy training to families with children who are eligible for the National School Lunch Program.

"Broadband is our central platform in this 21st century for economic growth, innovation, and information. Broadband can be the great equalizer � giving every American with an Internet connection access to a world of new opportunities that might previously have been beyond their reach," FCC Chairman Genachowski said on Tuesday. "But roughly 100 million Americans are being bypassed by the broadband revolution. That's 68% of Americans who aren't connected at home. Compare that to South Korea and Singapore where adoption rates top 90%. Low-income Americans and minorities disproportionately find themselves on the wrong-side of this digital divide."

Closing this digital divide is an important mission for government bodies like the FCC and NTIA, because opportunities in health care, education and employment are increasingly tied to an individual's access to the Internet.

More than 1,000 school districts are participating in the program, and nearly 4.5 million students could already be eligible for the Internet Essentials program. The program requires participants to live in Comcast's service area but not be a current Comcast Internet subscriber, and to have at least one child who is eligible to receive free school lunch under the National School Lunch Program.

Participants in the program receive residential Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax, a $149 voucher to purchase a low-cost computer, the full Norton Security Suite, and access to free digital literacy training in print, online and in person. Comcast will sign up eligible families in the program for at least three years.

"Workers aren�t just talking on the phone any more. They are processing transactions; accessing records and information; emailing, live text chatting, and managing accounts. These activities don't require advanced degrees, but they do require broadband and digital literacy," Chairman Genachowski said today. "I should note that many of those service center jobs will be at-home positions � jobs for people with disabilities who can�t make it into an office, jobs for stay-at-home parents who need flexible schedules, jobs for veterans returning from war and transitioning back into the economy. Adopting broadband can make your home a virtual office. The Internet Essentials program will help ensure that more Americans enjoy the education, health and economic benefits of broadband."

Source: www.betanews.com

Facebook Users Targeted By Phishing Attack

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T20:14:25-07:00

Last May 14th, reports indicated that hackers had launched a phising attack on Facebook�s 200 million users, successfully stealing passwords from some. The hackers set up websites designed to look like the Facebook home page. Victims were directed to log back in to the site, but were routed to the fake site instead, unwittingly giving away their passwords. Facebook has deleted all references to the fake domains, which included www.151.im, www.121.im and www.123.im. This is the latest in a string of campaigns launched by hackers to steal personal information from users and to spread spam. Facebook�s large user base makes them an attractive target for many cybercriminials. Users are urged to seek help from authorities or trusted IT consultants if they believe their accounts were compromised, or to avoid similar scams.Related articles:

Facebook users targeted by hackers in successful phishing attack
Gadgetwise: More Facebook Phishing Trouble Today
Hackers launch phishing attack on Facebook users

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org.

Stop Wasting Money with Inefficient Communications

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T20:11:32-07:00

Research conducted by SIS International Research and sponsored by Siemens found that small and midsized businesses (SMBs) with 100 employees could be leaking a staggering $524,569 annually as a result of communications barriers and latency. The study identifies these top five pain points, in order of estimated cost:

inefficient coordination
waiting for information
unwanted communications;
customer complaints
barriers to communication

In addition, researchers determined that the time spent per week dealing with communications issues was more than 50 percent higher in companies with more than 20 workers. In hard costs, your company could be losing up to half a million dollars each year by not addressing employees� most painful communications issues!

The good news: we can help you implement applications and services to greatly improve your inter-company communications, including collaboration tools such as email and shared calendards and address books, social media technologies such as blogs and wikis, and IP-based communication tools such as instant messaging (IM) and Voice-over-IP (VoIP). Call us today and let us help you stop this expensive leak.Related articles:

�Report: SMBs Expected to Spend More Online (searchenginewatch.com)

�How Collaboration Tools Bring Cost Savings, Business Alignment (searchcio-midmarket.com)

�Inefficient Communications Costs SMBs $5000 per Employee (SMBnow.com)

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org.

Look for New Microsoft Office and Windows Vista Service Pack

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T20:09:59-07:00

Microsoft recently announced the release of the newest service pack to Microsoft Office 2007, and has finished work on the second service pack update to Windows Vista. The MS Office update includes a collection of stability and performance updates as well as support for more file formats including Open Document Format (ODF) and Portable Document Format (PDF) files. The Windows Vista update includes support for Bluetooth 2.1, an updated Windows search technology, and the ability to natively record data to Blu-ray discs. Download the Microsoft Office 2007 service pack to install and watch out for the Windows Vista update soon. Ask us how your workflow can benefit from these helpful new releases.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org.

Security Resources, Articles, and Tips from the Government

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T20:06:45-07:00

Looking for a website or on-line resource for Security Tips and Best Practices? Check out the Federal Trade Commission�s (FTC) OnGuardOnline program, which the FTC began in partnership with cybersecurity experts, online marketers, consumer advocates, and federal officials in 2005. While there, check out the articles and free resources such as videos, games, and downloadable files to help you guard against Internet fraud, hacking, and other security threats.The site also offers the following seven vital security practices:

1.Protect your personal information. It�s valuable.

2.Know who you�re dealing with.

3.Use security software that updates automatically.

4.Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date and learn about their security features.

5.Keep your passwords safe, secure, and strong.

6.Back up important files.

7.Learn what to do in an �e�mergency.�

If you suspect Internet fraud, you can register a complaint using this form. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database used by law enforcement officials in the U.S. and overseas. Check out the site or contact your IT Consultant to help you implement the recommendations from the site.

�7 Smart Security Practices For Small Businesses

�9 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself against Internet fraud

�ID theft up, and 20somethings suffer most

�Online fraud up after years of decline: report

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org

Using Social Media for your Business

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T20:04:40-07:00

Social Media such as Blogs, Micro-blogs, Wikis, and Social Networks are not only helping many people communicate and connect, but are also powerful tools for business as well. They can be used to promote your products and services, engage customers in meaningful conversations, network and develop new relationships, or simply to distribute information about your business online. Recently, the media has been awash with reports about Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, but many of you may be unclear about the concept, or unsure of its relevance to your business activities. Learn more about this new media online. Get to know how these tools can benefit your business or contact your IT Consultant for advice.

What�s Next for Conflicker?

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T20:02:31-07:00

April fool�s day came and went, but so far the much feared attack from Conflicker never materialized, leaving security researchers to ponder what�s next for the notorious Internet worm. Although it didn�t release any detectable malicious payload, the arrival of April 1 did trigger a change in its behavior, with experts finding a finding a changed domain generation algorithm that opens up unfettered communication to 500 of the 50,000 potential newly generated domains. The latest variant, Conficker C, now has the ability to contact its command and control centers for further instructions while circumventing interference from the security community, which up until now had been able to block communication with its parent domains. At this point users are still advised to patch their operating systems or to seek the assistance of their IT service providers to make sure all variants of the worm has been removed. Read more at Channel Web.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org.

Use Technology to Market your Business

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:57:51-07:00

Never before have startup entrepreneurs and small business owners had access to so much marketing advice and tools as we have today on the Web. There are hundreds of free or near free tools out there that you can use: from sites that help you create your own logos, print your own business cards, set up your own website, even make your own marketing swag. There are literally hundreds of even more sites that in turn give advice on how to use these tools to market your business more effectively such as Inc Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fast Company. Its easy to use your PC and Internet to help you grow your business�so get started today!

http://technology.inc.com/2009/02/01/use-technology-to-market-your-startup/

Protecting Against the Rampant Conficker Worm

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:55:41-07:00

PC World posts a nice overview of the highly infectious Conflicker Worm. The Worm is dangerous as it uses several methods of attack. Once one computer in a network is infected, it often has ready access to other vulnerable computers in that network and can spread rapidly. The worm can download and install additional malware from attacker-controlled Web sites as well. Since that could mean anything from a password stealer to remote control software, a Conflicker-infected PC is essentially under the complete control of the attackers. Conficker and other worms are typically of most concern to small businesses that don�t regularly update the desktops and servers in their networks. If you�re not sure your network security is up to day get some help to find out.

18 Tips For Small Businesses That Outsource

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:54:24-07:00

Janet Attard of The Business Know-How Blog posts 18 tips for small businesses considering outsourcing. She offers insight on how to get the best possible results from outsourced work. Among them:

1.Know the results you want to achieve.

2.Understand how long it should take to complete the work. (Ask others in your industry if you�re not sure.)

3.Set a realistic time table for achieving results.

4.Insist on all service providers and vendors document their work

5.Offer feedback and praise

When it comes to your outsourced computer support and network management these are great tips to keep in mind.

�Read more at Small Biz Resources�

Microsoft quietly extends Windows XP lifecycle, again

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:53:20-07:00

Microsoft announced that is has granted system builders a �flexible� delivery date of Windows XP licenses to customers beyond the official phase-out deadline of January 31, 2009. PC vendors still have to purchase licenses before that date, but can now choose to take delivery of those licenses through May 30, 2009. For all small businesses it�s important to have a plan to manage computer support for end-of-life products. If you�re not sure where you stand now might be a good time to get a thorough review of your licensing.

Read more at TG Daily

How Much is Conficker Really Affecting the Enterprise?

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:51:41-07:00

Lately, we have been hearing about how quickly the Conficker Worm is spreading. News sources have pegged the number of infections in the neighborhood of 3.5 million computers. Given that Microsoft issued a patch for the flaw targeted by the Conficker worm and the use of strong passwords can prevent much of the spread, it seems odd that enterprises (large corporations) with network management would be hurt by the worm. But sometimes enterprise security isn�t all it�s cracked up to be. Regardless of your size � small or large you need to make sure you�re taking all available steps to protect your network security. If you�re not sure, get help.

Read More at eWeek

2009 Tech Security Forecast

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:29:17-07:00

In 2009, IT experts predict more malware and other attacks on company networks coming from mobile devices, social networks, and faster Internet connections, among other trends.

IT experts predict a substantial uptick this year in the number of small businesses using smart phones � as well as flash drives, social networks, and faster Internet connections. While that might make employees more productive, it also increases the security risks a small business faces.

Read more at Inc Technology�

7 BIG Business Secrets to Increase Your SMALL Business

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:28:12-07:00

Whether the economy is up or down, no matter what is happening in the world, most small business owner�s work hard anyway. It�s never been easy to start a business, nurture its growth and succeed in any line of business. It�s competitive, more so in some industries than others, but every butcher, baker, candlestick maker or software developer started the same way � small.

There are an astronomical number of variables that are involved in any business success, certainly, but there are also some truisms that seem to apply always and everywhere. The primary ingredient in success, of course, is not genius, creativity, a college education or a lot of working capital. The key is persistence, pure and simple.

Read more at SB Informer�

IT Emergencies: Who Ya Gonna Call?

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:26:24-07:00

We all want to minimize costs � both planned and unexpected � but not at the expense of keeping systems and essential equipment running smoothly. Small businesses without an IT department often wait until something breaks to call in an expert for help, or simply rely on the most techy person in the office to take care of the computers in addition to his regular duties.

Read more at SB Informer�

Online Fax Service � Why Your Company Should Have One?

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:25:00-07:00

Online fax services are becoming extremely popular with business owners. There are several reasons why Internet or online faxing has found favor with the business sector. Mainly because it�s easy, fast, available 24/7, truly mobile and perhaps most of all, online faxing is very convenient to use.

No wonder, Internet fax providers like MyFax have reported they�re getting over 15,000 new costumers signing up each month. Many companies, large and small, are switching over to this new way of faxing; while others are adding an online fax service to compliment their traditional office fax machine.

Read more at SB Informer�

Brand Building is a Journey

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:23:38-07:00

Brand building is indeed a journey. Branding is all about how your product or service is perceived by customers and potential customers. A brand marketer attempts to manipulate brand awareness by associating traits they would like consumers to associate with the brand.

Building a brand has everything to do with capturing the hearts and minds of consumers. Building a brand is much more than just promoting an image. A brand incorporates and conveys the values and traits that a company wants associated with their product or service. It sounds like building a brand is a simple task, but the marketers must do more than just create a brand image. The magnitude of branding encompasses all aspects of a product. With this in mind, we�ve put together a guide for marketers on the journey of brand building�

Read more at SB Informer�

Microsoft Rolls Out New Small Business Server Options

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:22:06-07:00

�Microsoft has announced new server software that it said provides small and medium businesses with enterprise-quality capabilities while helping them to save money, increase productivity and grow their businesses.

While designed specifically for small and midsized companies, Windows Small Business Server 2008 (SBS 2008) and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (EBS 2008) include Microsoft�s high-end server technologies delivered in a way that smaller companies can make the most of them.�

Read the story on Small Business Computing

Microsoft Rolls Out New Small Business Server Options

sdp2 — 2011-09-11T19:20:05-07:00

While designed specifically for small and midsized companies, Windows Small Business Server 2008
(SBS 2008) and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (EBS 2008) include Microsoft�s high-end server technologies delivered in a way that smaller companies can make the most of them.�

Read the story on Small Business Computing