Issue 3 Volume 3 March 2007

Computers Can Boost Worker Productivity

A new study found that investments in computer technology boost worker productivity three to five times more than other investments in other sectors. The report concluded that the economic impact of information technology is less in the technology itself than in the ability of computer software, hardware and services to improve other sectors of the economy. Source: The New York Times.

The study, by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), can be found at www.itif.org. In the new report, ITIF catalogues what is known about the economic impact of information and communications technology (IT), examining the impact of IT in five key areas: 1) productivity; 2) employment; 3) more efficient markets; 4) higher quality goods and services; and 5) innovation and new products and services. Source: ITIF

If you need assistance improving your office productivity, let Concerto Networks help you find the answers. Ask us for a Complimentary Small Business Technology Assessment, Contact us today!

Can Data Recovery Fees be Considered a Business Tax Expense?

According to a survey by Pepperdine University, data loss costs U.S. businesses more than $18 billion a year. About 70% of businesses have experienced data loss due to accidental deletion, disk or system failure, viruses, fire or other disasters. Taxpayers who itemize are allowed by the Internal Revenue Service to deduct casualty losses - "the damage, destruction or loss of property from an identifiable event that is sudden, unexpected or unusual." Customers should check with their accountant. In a majority of cases, fees for data recovery can be written off as a business expense at tax time. Source: DriveSavers, Pepperdine University.

Need help? Call Concerto Networks for a Free Consultation at 866.482.6623 or contact us online here.

Copiers: The New Identity and Data Security Risk

Experts are warning of possible photocopier data security risks. Industry experts say most newer digital copiers have disk drives that are used to reproduce documents, and those drives have the same data-storage capabilities as computers. If a copier isn't encrypted, it can pose a security risk for personal information. Or even worse, what happens if you decided to sell that old copier on Ebay or elsewhere, what happens to the data stored in the machine?

Recent articles in Computerworld and the Washington Post highlight this latest security and identity threat and discuss the topic further.

Need our help? We can help in your time of need, ask us how by calling Concerto Networks for a Free Consultation at 866.482.6623 or contact us online here.

Technology Watch: Get Creative with that Password

Passwords hold the key to your personal information, everything from your computer's documents to your online bank accounts. If your password is obtained by criminals or other malicious users, they can use your information to open new credit card accounts, apply for a loan, or pose as you in online purchases. Unfortunately, in most cases you would not notice these attacks until it was too late.

Fortunately, it is not hard to create strong passwords and keep them well protected. Microsoft has published some great tips for creating strong passwords, to read the suggestions please visit them online here: What Makes A Strong Password.

Concerto Networks #18 in the 2007 Franchise Times FAST 55

Concerto Networks, Inc., a San Diego headquartered company with franchise locations throughout the U.S., New Zealand, Spain, Ireland and the UK, is pleased to announce its ranking of #18 in the FAST 55 for 2007, by Franchise Times Magazine.

The 2007 Fast 55 is the fourth year the results have been published. To be considered, the franchise brand must have been franchising less than five years and experienced positive franchise unit growth each year. The average franchise company listed on the Fast 55 grew over 100 percent per year.

The Rankings were published this month and can be viewed online at Franchise Times' website along with complete details regarding the rankings. The print edition of the top 55 fastest growing, young franchises as compiled by FRANdata, The Fast 55, is featured in the March 2007 edition of the magazine.

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About Concerto Networks® 

Concerto Networks, Inc. is an international franchise business providing professional, consistent-quality computer and business technology solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Concerto Networks goes beyond simple troubleshooting and repair, providing the same holistic approach to IT support and director level management enjoyed by large companies, while offering significant savings and value to SMBs. The company's model is to build an international business technology solutions network with the expertise, processes, systems and support necessary to provide superlative service to SMBs. Franchises are independently owned and operated by experienced business and technology professionals.

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