Being a man I had always imagined that if and when I got engaged to be married I would have little to worry about in the way of wedding plans and things of that nature. Perhaps I was being a bit chauvinistic in my assumption that brides took care of and addressed all plans and problems surrounding the wedding. In truth all I ever wanted at my wedding was an open bar and some good rock n roll. I cared very little about anything beyond those two must haves.
Well my fantasies of the perfect “man gathering” as my wife calls it where shattered post haste as plans for the wedding took off at a hurried pace and I was swept up in the pandemonium that is planning for such an event. My then fiancée expressed great interest in having me participate along with her in the planning of our day of joy. She didn’t expect me to pick a DJ, band, and brand of liquor to serve and then quietly sit back and watch her finalize the rest the plans. She conveyed with great emotion that she had hoped that I would be with her to meet with florists, DJ’s, photographers, etc. As a man I had no opposition to this however I wanted to avoid this type of thing for fear of being stricken with boredom.
As the fates would have it, I agreed and gave our wedding my full attention and partook in all aspects of planning our wedding. Ironically meeting with all the different vendors and even wedding officiants was anything but boring. These people treat weddings as though they are creating fine, priceless pieces of art and I was amused at just how serious they took each and every wedding they provided services to. This helped to make the experience much more enjoyable than I had envisioned it to be.
There was one activity that was less than thrilling for both my wife and me and that was looking at Mens Wedding bands and trying to find one that I would actually consider wearing. Prior to getting engaged I had never given much thought to men’s jewelry and though I had accepted the fact that I would be wearing some sort of wedding band, I had strong reservations about wearing any rings I considered to be effeminate. The search for a suitable wedding band was long and arduous and the tension that mounted with each visit to a jeweler was palpable.
Eventually after what we agreed to be an exhaustive and tumultuous search we began looking online for Mens Wedding bands and we were both surprised at what we found. Men’s rings made from platinum, titanium and tungsten where littered all over each website. It appeared to us that these sites were really pushing these types of rings and after reading multiple reviews on such topics we found out why. Luckily for me I turned out to be but one of many men who despised the traditional gold, silver, and diamond men’s rings. Not only do many men feel those rings are a misrepresentation of their masculinity, but they also feel these rings lack any style. When our online expedition for the perfect ring concluded I ended up with a multicolored Tungsten ring with fancy inlets. It is both reflective of my inner man and oozes class and style.
Once our quest for a ring was finished we wrapped up a few small loose ends and then waited out the remaining six month between that and our wedding on the couch watching our favorite movies and television shows. Any men who are close to proposing or accepting a proposal should prepare themselves for a long but enjoyable planning process. Don’t be afraid to take part in the planning of your wedding. It can only serve to make the event great.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Surviving In a Technologically Demanding Business World
The majority of business owners these days are always looking for ways to improve productivity and performance at a low cost. With budgets becoming more restrictive and most companies penny pinching many executives are finding it difficult to get both old and new services at a friendly price. This is no truer perhaps than when dealing with IT staffs and department budgets. With almost every aspect of the IT world becoming pricier those in charge of IT departments as well as their CEO’s have recently been forced to get extremely creative and do more with less. The most talented of these people will never cut corner but instead find a way to meet the needs of both their networks and their staff.
Most recently two affordable solutions have presented themselves to willing industry leaders. Both network automation as well as data center consolidation are providing institutions with not only affordable new technologies but these technologies also save money and time buy freeing up resources and allowing networks to manage themselves to a large degree. Of course those who do automate quickly learn that this does not necessitate the end of employing an IT staff. What it does mean however is that those individuals who once spent their days watching for and patching bugs can now be assigned more significant tasks which ultimately makes an IT department more productive. This also allows an IT budget to be neatly trimmed as the need for hours of overtime will be lessen considerably.
Aside from automating a network a business may also opt for data center consolidation in lieu of automation or in addition to it. Either way consolidating networks helps all businesses make their IT budgets much more responsible and manageable by drastically cutting the cost of power consumption and allowing multiple servers to be combined into one. Additionally important business applications can be merged onto a single server which usually means an improvement in application performance and reliability. Those thinking of data center consolidation should be aware however that the process is not a short one by any stretch of the imagination. Though smaller networks will complete the process more rapidly large corporations and networks should expect at least a 5 year process.
Most business have already adopted data center automation and while consolidation is the new kid on the block, expect to see businesses of all sizes warming up to the procedure as the economy forces businesses to work with less. We should also expect companies that streamline their networks and IT teams with one or both of these methods to survive while those that do not will likely have a difficult time maintaining a healthy bottom line and may end up going out of business. This highly technology dependant business world requires a willingness to accept changes even when they initially seem as though they aren’t for you.
Most recently two affordable solutions have presented themselves to willing industry leaders. Both network automation as well as data center consolidation are providing institutions with not only affordable new technologies but these technologies also save money and time buy freeing up resources and allowing networks to manage themselves to a large degree. Of course those who do automate quickly learn that this does not necessitate the end of employing an IT staff. What it does mean however is that those individuals who once spent their days watching for and patching bugs can now be assigned more significant tasks which ultimately makes an IT department more productive. This also allows an IT budget to be neatly trimmed as the need for hours of overtime will be lessen considerably.
Aside from automating a network a business may also opt for data center consolidation in lieu of automation or in addition to it. Either way consolidating networks helps all businesses make their IT budgets much more responsible and manageable by drastically cutting the cost of power consumption and allowing multiple servers to be combined into one. Additionally important business applications can be merged onto a single server which usually means an improvement in application performance and reliability. Those thinking of data center consolidation should be aware however that the process is not a short one by any stretch of the imagination. Though smaller networks will complete the process more rapidly large corporations and networks should expect at least a 5 year process.
Most business have already adopted data center automation and while consolidation is the new kid on the block, expect to see businesses of all sizes warming up to the procedure as the economy forces businesses to work with less. We should also expect companies that streamline their networks and IT teams with one or both of these methods to survive while those that do not will likely have a difficult time maintaining a healthy bottom line and may end up going out of business. This highly technology dependant business world requires a willingness to accept changes even when they initially seem as though they aren’t for you.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Why Data Center Automation?
It is easy to mismanage a network and even an IT team. Not only must IT managers be educated well before entering the field or obtaining such a position, but must continually keep up with the latest changes, both bad and good. As the world of network technology is constantly changing and evolving keeping up can be difficult, especially when you spend ten to twelve hours in the office managing your team.
IT managers or those hoping to secure such a prestigious position should be realize early on that automating their networks in part or in whole will not only free up resources and allow their teams to be more productive but will also create some free time for themselves as well. Things like Runbook automation and good ITIL management and mechanization will also free an IT manager from performing some of the more daunting and tedious tasks that a network demands before it becomes automated.
Once a network has automation in place, even in limited capacity, an IT manager will find that they now have time to perform duties which where previously placed at the bottom of a priority list. Things like simple team meetings, and even time for technological research will be moved up this list which in turn will help make the manager more productive. As always in business when a motivated and organized leader is productive the team always follows suit. So in essence automation allows an environment to be created that is both productive and more streamlined.
Those companies who have yet to automate any part of their network face rising staffing costs as well as steadily increasing networking costs both in operating procedures and in hardware and software maintenance. It’s likely that most companies will automate out of necessity at some point but it is almost a certainly that some will remain resistant to the idea and will go out of business as a result of being unable to meet costs and keep up with competition.
The automation process though initially costly pays for itself over time, many times over in fact. Those businesses that have resisted in the past but are now considering a transition to an automated database should take heed and handle the process in proper fashion. Take the time to find actually assesses your networks and find out exactly what it needs and what will work best for your company, its clients, and its employees. Taking the time to automate properly and find the best services provider will make the transition smooth, fast, free up resources sooner rather than later.
IT managers or those hoping to secure such a prestigious position should be realize early on that automating their networks in part or in whole will not only free up resources and allow their teams to be more productive but will also create some free time for themselves as well. Things like Runbook automation and good ITIL management and mechanization will also free an IT manager from performing some of the more daunting and tedious tasks that a network demands before it becomes automated.
Once a network has automation in place, even in limited capacity, an IT manager will find that they now have time to perform duties which where previously placed at the bottom of a priority list. Things like simple team meetings, and even time for technological research will be moved up this list which in turn will help make the manager more productive. As always in business when a motivated and organized leader is productive the team always follows suit. So in essence automation allows an environment to be created that is both productive and more streamlined.
Those companies who have yet to automate any part of their network face rising staffing costs as well as steadily increasing networking costs both in operating procedures and in hardware and software maintenance. It’s likely that most companies will automate out of necessity at some point but it is almost a certainly that some will remain resistant to the idea and will go out of business as a result of being unable to meet costs and keep up with competition.
The automation process though initially costly pays for itself over time, many times over in fact. Those businesses that have resisted in the past but are now considering a transition to an automated database should take heed and handle the process in proper fashion. Take the time to find actually assesses your networks and find out exactly what it needs and what will work best for your company, its clients, and its employees. Taking the time to automate properly and find the best services provider will make the transition smooth, fast, free up resources sooner rather than later.
Automation: The Proper Approach
It has become common knowledge that data center automation saves not only IT department’s headaches and money but the companies which employ these departments as well. What isn’t common knowledge is that many while automation solves many problems and frees up a great deal of resources, it does not replace the need for a talented and skilled IT staff. All too often do companies large and small make the mistake of either letting some of their IT professionals go or they transfer them to another department or give them tasks that don’t help the department remain productive.
As it is common for overly eager companies to rush head first into network automation without much preparation it is equally common to see these same companies either restart the process or pull back out and forego the process. This happens when IT staff and management have to little experience or aren’t keen on change. These people and companies find it easy to lay blame on the automation process and almost always back out at the first sign of perceived trouble.
So what are some of the common mistakes companies make when rushing into and through this process? Most commonly these people believe that a revised run book isn’t essential and that automating the run book so that it can manage and update itself is something that’s just not needed. Many untried IT professionals will also pass up the opportunity to have ITIL automated which then leads to problems down the line as the run book and ITIL are the foundations on which a their networks stand.
Sadly these missteps and shortcuts turn into costly blunders and often require a company to start the process again from scratch. These mistakes are easily avoided as well by taking things slow, performing research on not only organizations that offer automation services but taking the time to determine which services your company and network need as well. It is not unusual too, to find companies that have gone overboard with the process especially when expectations are high. Going this route carries with it a whole host of problems as well however it’s always easier to trim the edges of something when you have too much than it is to work with to little.
If you find yourself or a company with whom you are employed in a situation where the decision to automate has just been handed down, remind those involved to not only be patient but to keep their expectations realistic. Sure you’ll have the opportunity to delegate new tasks to those who once micromanaged your network but you’ll still need a full and talented staff on call to keep things running smoothly. Take things slow and spend some time in preparation for the transition. Following simple steps like those can help ensure that your networks perform better than ever after automation is complete.
As it is common for overly eager companies to rush head first into network automation without much preparation it is equally common to see these same companies either restart the process or pull back out and forego the process. This happens when IT staff and management have to little experience or aren’t keen on change. These people and companies find it easy to lay blame on the automation process and almost always back out at the first sign of perceived trouble.
So what are some of the common mistakes companies make when rushing into and through this process? Most commonly these people believe that a revised run book isn’t essential and that automating the run book so that it can manage and update itself is something that’s just not needed. Many untried IT professionals will also pass up the opportunity to have ITIL automated which then leads to problems down the line as the run book and ITIL are the foundations on which a their networks stand.
Sadly these missteps and shortcuts turn into costly blunders and often require a company to start the process again from scratch. These mistakes are easily avoided as well by taking things slow, performing research on not only organizations that offer automation services but taking the time to determine which services your company and network need as well. It is not unusual too, to find companies that have gone overboard with the process especially when expectations are high. Going this route carries with it a whole host of problems as well however it’s always easier to trim the edges of something when you have too much than it is to work with to little.
If you find yourself or a company with whom you are employed in a situation where the decision to automate has just been handed down, remind those involved to not only be patient but to keep their expectations realistic. Sure you’ll have the opportunity to delegate new tasks to those who once micromanaged your network but you’ll still need a full and talented staff on call to keep things running smoothly. Take things slow and spend some time in preparation for the transition. Following simple steps like those can help ensure that your networks perform better than ever after automation is complete.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Preparing for Two Factor Authentication
When dealing with security types such as two factor authentication, those in charge of company finances regularly cut corners in an effort to get preeminent protection at a fraction of its cost. In almost any circumstance where this is the case, the consequences of such actions are costly and can end up being detrimental to a business. When preparing for implementation of such technologies, business owners or those who write the check should be prepared to go all the way or should consider not going at all.
Those business who are prepared to take their online and in office security to the next level will often spend a large number of hours in researching the different parties that offers two factor authentication services. Once a service and provider have been chosen the company and it’s IT department need only the patience and knowledge to implement such a thing. In many instances, those organizations who provide such things will also make available, consulting and implementation services in the event that an IT staff requires assistance. These additional services can be invaluable if you have a small but eager staff or an inexperienced one.
Going into such a project one should be aware that there are many forms of two factor authentication yet not all businesses need more than one type while others may require additional services or equipment. Things like RSA Tokens can help protect sensitive data and the servers on which it resides while biometrics can be used keep those without permissions out of private or areas in which they do not belong. There are also various types of security such as SSL VPN Authentication which makes using certain websites safer for both the business and the consumer.
It is ignorant to believe that simple usernames and passwords are enough to protect a customer. This is especially true when dealing with websites that allow financial transactions. All to often identity and data theft occur when a website or its parent company require little more than a password. SSL VPN Authentication requires a user to enter more than a simple password and offers online protection that is indispensable.
This is perhaps the reasoning behind the high adoption rate that two factor authentication has experienced as of late. As the threat of theft grows so does the weariness of not only major corporations but smaller businesses as well and this is reflected by the realization that two factor authentication will provide the best protection that money can buy. All that remains now is for smaller and independent businesses to begin adopting the technology which will further help cement this type of security and make it mainstream. Are you on board?
Those business who are prepared to take their online and in office security to the next level will often spend a large number of hours in researching the different parties that offers two factor authentication services. Once a service and provider have been chosen the company and it’s IT department need only the patience and knowledge to implement such a thing. In many instances, those organizations who provide such things will also make available, consulting and implementation services in the event that an IT staff requires assistance. These additional services can be invaluable if you have a small but eager staff or an inexperienced one.
Going into such a project one should be aware that there are many forms of two factor authentication yet not all businesses need more than one type while others may require additional services or equipment. Things like RSA Tokens can help protect sensitive data and the servers on which it resides while biometrics can be used keep those without permissions out of private or areas in which they do not belong. There are also various types of security such as SSL VPN Authentication which makes using certain websites safer for both the business and the consumer.
It is ignorant to believe that simple usernames and passwords are enough to protect a customer. This is especially true when dealing with websites that allow financial transactions. All to often identity and data theft occur when a website or its parent company require little more than a password. SSL VPN Authentication requires a user to enter more than a simple password and offers online protection that is indispensable.
This is perhaps the reasoning behind the high adoption rate that two factor authentication has experienced as of late. As the threat of theft grows so does the weariness of not only major corporations but smaller businesses as well and this is reflected by the realization that two factor authentication will provide the best protection that money can buy. All that remains now is for smaller and independent businesses to begin adopting the technology which will further help cement this type of security and make it mainstream. Are you on board?
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