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6 signs that you need a new IT strategy
1. Key IT constituencies are expressing dissatisfaction
2. Shadow IT is growing
3. Your IT strategy has diverged from the company strategy
HIPAA security checklist: 10 services your customers need
Recent changes to HIPAA and HITECH opened up significant new opportunities for security solution providers who can shoulder the risks and get themselves educated on these regulations. As this HIPAA security checklist of services, below, shows, there are 10 specific [...]
HIPAA-compliant cloud storage services: Due diligence is key to survival
Many VARs are looking to profit from health care-related cloud storage services. But with profit comes responsibility. Whether you build your own or offer another’s service, the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Health Information Technology for [...]
Today on Linked I celebrate 32 Years in…
Today I am getting many congratulations on LinkedIn from friends. It is 32 years ago I got started in what we today call IT. Here is what I wrote back to them: Thanks everyone. It has been and continues to [...]
Are You Targeted for a Microsoft Audit/Microsoft Software Asset Management Review?
The current areas being targeted are in Orange County, Los Angeles County and Riverside County. I am sure other areas in the country are targeted as well.One of our clients just received a request from Microsoft for what is called [...]
It’s time for a real accreditation process for cloud storage services
Many cloud storage providers are hiding behind smoke and mirrors to intentionally misrepresent their offerings, which only confuses customers. Why are they doing this? To increase profits, of course. Alvaka Networks is available to for IT consulting and support services [...]
Selling to the LOB manager: Reseller, beware
At many businesses, line-of-business managers and staff are making decisions to move mission-critical and often sensitive data to the cloud, and they're performing local installs without the knowledge of the IT department. Read more: http://searchitchannel.techtarget.com/opinion/Selling-to-the-LOB-manager-Reseller-beware Alvaka Networks is available to [...]
Exploring the risky business of cyber insurance and IT services contracts
In my time as a security consultant and managed services provider, I've seen some questionable behavior and attitudes. Prime among them is the common belief in the business community that indemnity offered by cyber insurance and contracts replaces prudent actions [...]
Who has a Legal Obligation to Upgrade Windows XP, Office 2003 and Exchange 2003?
The best source of information covering this requirement comes from NIST, the National Institute for Standards and Technology. They have a set of documents that are the standards for many requirements. There is nothing specific in the NIST guidelines about the end of life for Windows XP, however, the need to provide Flaw Remediation is clear and that is what the X, Office 2003 and Exchange 2003 support requirements fall under.
For example, NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-531 requires the SI-2, Flaw Remediation security control, which includes installing...
April 8, 2014 Marks Exchange Server 2003 End-of-life
...Please not that online content may remain available as long as Exchange 2003 remains in the self-help online support phase, but I am not sure how long that will last. Microsoft writes, “Companies running Exchange 2003 after April 8, 2014 will be responsible for their own for support. More importantly, because Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, companies that choose to continue running Exchange 2003 accept the risk associated with....