Apple's iPad - Will it Help Small Businesses?

With Apple’s brand new iPad scheduled to be released in the imminent future, the general public and media are fawning over this innovative new product. And why wouldn’t they? Apple has a long history of making cutting-edge products with tons of success. Who doesn’t love their iPod? The iPad seems like a really cool device with a flashy multi-touch screen and vibrant colours, making it a whole new way to experience email, the web, photos and videos.

As much as it will likely have huge consumer success, how will small businesses react to the iPad? Some small business owners are already concerned over the iPad being a huge pain when employees and clients start requesting to use it. The two biggest reasons for concern are Support Issues and Security Headaches.

Support Issues

Most companies’ IT departments are already stretched thin keeping up with the technology they already have – such as PCs, Macs, Blackberries, and iPhones – if they even have an internal IT department. Many small businesses do not, leaving non-tech savvy people to learn as they go or pay for expensive external support. Often, there just aren’t the resources to support new technology. So when an employee or client starts using their new iPad for work and have connection or printing issues, the small business owner is forced to step up and help so they remain productive. Which in turn means incurring more IT costs, either from their IT department or from an outsourced IT support network. And since this is such a new product, the turnaround time will likely be much longer (and thus more expensive) as the team learns how to support the iPad.

Security Headaches

New iPad users are bound to be so swept-away with the media ability of their new toys that they will likely forget about the new security issues that will come along with it. With a new way to access data on their networks, it opens up new channels for security breaches. When things start to go terribly wrong – disappearing databases, stolen information – there will be downtime while the problem gets sorted out. Downtime equals lost productivity which equals more incurred costs.

Now, this is not to say these problems will not be handled. They will. Apple is probably working around the clock to get support members trained and security up to snuff. The iPad will be a consumer hit, and justly so. But for a business owner, it all comes down to Return on Investment. And as it stands, it doesn’t look like the iPad will be on the profitable side of the fence.

If you want to read more about this subject, please read the complete Business Week article here.

The Many Benefits of Telepresence

As we prepare for the arrival of The Rostie Group's state-of-the-art Telepresence videoconferencing system, a common question from our clients is "What exactly is Telepresence?". Telepresence technology is one of those things that is much easier to show than explain. Once experience it first-hand, you will immediately understand why Telepresence has the almost limitless potential to change the way the world conducts business. Usually when a client asks us about Telepresence, we refer them to one of the many very engaging demonstration videos available online, however, Entrepreneur magazine has just published an article which also does a nice job of summarizing the many benefits this unique technology.

Below is a great excerpt from the Entrepreneur Magazine article...

"Have you ever tried to shake hands with a business partner sitting directly across from you, even though you know he's in his own office 2,000 miles away? Telepresence makes you want to do just that. It's no hallucinatory drug, though the sensory experience it provides via ultra-realistic, life-size videoconferencing does make it seem as if someone spiked your java. it's like interacting with a hologram from "Minority Report."

Telepresence is souped-up videoconferencing , complete with giant high-def screens, powerful codecs, multi-aspect cameras and enriched audio speakers. The gear is offered by companies such as Polycom, Cisco Systems, Tandberg, Lifesize Communications and others. Service packages are available from the likes of AT&T and other business providers that provide videoconferencing.

While basic videoconferencing has been around for decades, it never really took off due to clunky equipment, glitchy performance, poorly synchronized video and audio. It was nothing like meeting someone in person. Telepresence is as close as it gets.
The recession makes a pretty good case for telepresence: Companies need to cut travel costs but also need to keep globalizing to reach new partners and customers."

Click here to read the complete article

Also, check out this promotional video from Polycom. The Rostie Group will soon be installing a full-sized system similar to what you see at the 1:37 mark during the video.

Learn How to Better Protect Your Computer

HP is offering a great series free online courses for small businesses. These classes cover a wide range of topics, including everything from securing your computer against online threats, to learning how to use such applications as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.

If you worried about falling victim to computer viruses, spyware, malware, unauthorized network access, or online identity theft, you might want to take advantage of the free Internet Security course.

The class covers four topics:

1. Establishing a security policy

2. Identifying and mitigating reconnaissance and access attacks

3. Identifying and mitigating DoS (Denial-of-service) attacks

4. Identifying and mitigating malware threats


For more information about this comprehensive education program, visit HP's website

Low-Tech Fixes for High-Tech Problems.

The Globe and Mail just posted a great article featuring some very simple solutions for common tech problems. Before giving Rostie Tech Rescue a call, you may want to give some of these handy tips a try.

Low-Tech Fixes for High-Tech Problems

Free Rostie Tech Hour

Rostie Tech Rescue will be hosting its first ever Lunchtime Tech Support Hour on February 5th at 12:00pm. The Tech Support Hour will be held in the 11th floor kitchen of our 20 Bay Street location (WaterPark Place). This event is completely free, and open to all Rostie Group and WaterPark Place tenants. Our team of skilled techs will be available for the whole hour to help answer all of your computer or electronics-related questions.

Betting on Telepresence

Forbes just published a great article on Telepresence videoconferencing technology; a state-of-the-art advancement in global business communication. Telepresence creates an almost flawless simulation of a traditional face-to-face business meeting, allowing you to interact virtually with associates and clients, while still maintaining a very “lifelike” meeting atmosphere. The Rostie Group looks foward to offering this amazing technology in the very near future.

Betting On Telepresence (Forbes.com Article)

Funny Cisco Telepresence Commercial

Tech Gift Guide

Find the perfect tech gift for everyone on your list. For some great ideas, visit

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/giftguide/