In the workplace, the bring-your-own-device scenario is likewise becoming more and more popular, with IT departments ensuring workers’ devices are compatible with their services. However, in terms of tablets, the iPad is still king of the hill, with about 97% of the enterprise tablet market. As such, companies considering getting tablets for their employees usually have a choice of either the iPad or comparable Android tablets.

But, before you decide a company-wide rollout of the Apple iPad, you will need to make a few considerations, particularly involving cost and need.

Do you really need to issue tablet computers? The first thing you need to ask yourself is whether your companies does, indeed, need tablet computers. Sure, mobile devices can help employees work while mobile – even from home. But, some apps and tasks are best suited for other devices. For instance, tablets are great at reading and watching content, and doing the occasional email. But for bigger text input, or for working on spreadsheets, notebooks might be more suitable. More mobile employees might prefer smaller devices instead, like smartphones or hybrids (like the 5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note), which are easier on the pocket.

Consider data costs. Being portable devices, tablets rely on the Internet for many of their functionalities. You will need to consider the cost of data when issuing tablets to your employees. Some tablet computers rely on a WiFi connection, while some have built-in 3G or even 4G modems. These come at an extra cost, though, and will need a compatible data plan. Since carriers are putting a stop to unlimited data plans, a company will need to ensure fair use, so that an employee does not rack up unnecessary bills for excess use. Or, an IT department may need to issue limits, such that an employee would have to shoulder expenses from data use outside of the company’s limit.

Consider other devices. In the so-called “post-PC” world, tablets and smartphones are said to overtake PCs and notebooks in terms of content consumption. But, companies will need to consider whether tablets will be a direct replacement to PCs, or whether these are simply complementary devices. Tablets are great as second devices, for use when working outside of the office or desk. But, when bigger tasks are at hand, an employee is better off with a full-fledged computer.

Tablets are best used for single-task applications, particularly those that don’t require switching across apps. The iPad is an excellent example. This tablet works best in full-screen single-app scenarios, but users have difficulty when there is a need to switch across apps and windows. As such, tablets are best used as alternative and complementary devices, which any enterprise should factor into when doing cost studies for tablet procurements. Don’t just jump into the tablet bandwagon. Consider your costs and requirements first.

Windows is often considered a culprit here, although other operating systems like Mac OS X and Linux can also be slow in starting up, given the presence of bloatware, software problems or even hardware limitations. Modern tablet computers are starting to address the slow desktop interfaces, although it’s not always feasible to use an iPad or Android tablet in the workplace, especially when the task involves heavy text input or data processing.

Considering that more than 90% of business environments use Windows, we can address slow start-ups that focus on this operating system.

Clean up startup items. One of the biggest culprits of slow startup times is a bloated startup list. When you boot up your computer, Windows loads a lot of software in memory, which are mostly update services, launchers, antivirus software, and the like. Even new computers are not free from so-called bloatware or “crapware” as some technicians would call it. Manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo and the like are fond of installing applications and services on their new laptops and desktops, which contribute to slow startup times.

As such, you might want to make a clean install of Windows, if the bloatware becomes worrisome. However, you might have to worry about installing drivers and software, which can require extra effort. Applications like PC Decrapifier or Autoruns for Windows are good tools in removing bloated applications that run at bootup.

Sleep or hibernate instead of shutting down. Since notebook computers became popular, power management has also been important, especially for road warriors who need to squeeze out as much battery power from their devices possible. This has given rise to features like Sleep and Hybernate, which not only extend battery life, but can also make startup times faster.

Both Sleep and Hybernate store an image of the computer’s current state in memory, so that waking up will let you return to whatever you have been working on, instead of starting from a cold boot. Sleep stores this in the computer’s RAM and requires a small amount of power (works best with laptops). Hybernate, however, stores an image onto hard disk, and totally powers down the computer. Waking up from Sleep state is faster, though, and is recommended when you’re leaving your workstation for only a few minutes.

Switch to faster storage. Startup is only one part of optimization, though. More importantly, you will need to improve your computer’s speed all throughout operation. Processor speed and memory size are only two components, but you might experience a speed bottleneck from a slow storage media. As such, upgrades like buying a faster hard drive (7,200 RPM versus a slow 5,400 RPM or 4,200 RPM) for your laptop. An even faster option is a solid-state drive or SSD. This can be expensive, though, but a reasonably-priced option when buying a new computer. SSDs greatly speed up bootup and access times, and will help improve productivity by reducing read and write times.

The cost and effort involved in cleaning up one’s system will be well worth it, especially if they translate to efficiency and productivity in the long run. Time-savings from a faster startup time and faster operating time will mean you get to do more work, and get to do things faster, too.

But even with tablets and smartphones making an increasingly important role in the workplace, there is still disagreement whether these or other portable devices lead to better productivity. After all, notebooks, and even their smaller netbook counterparts, offer more features and power over tablets and smartphones.

Here are a few reasons why bigger devices like notebook computers – and even netbooks – offer better productivity in a business setting than iPads, Android tablets and smartphones.

Full-sized keyboard means you can do more things. One inherent advantage of notebook computers over tablets is their full-sized keyboards. While accessory-makers have released wireless keyboards and keyboard cases that turn your tablet into something like a netbook, there is no substitute to the functionality of a built-in keyboard. With a laptop computer, you can just flip the lid open, turn on the computer, and go straight to your work.

Smartphones can come with QWERTY keypads, such as BlackBerry models and some Android smartphones. Even the iPhone has an excellent screen-based keyboard. But you cannot do lengthy text input on these devices. It would require too much effort.

Computers can multitask. Another advantage of notebook computers is that they can multitask. Whether you’re running Mac OS X or Windows, you can have several applications open running at the same time. Tablet computers and smartphones can also do some multitasking, especially those that are powerful enough to handle different processes. But the inherent limitation of the user interface – small screen and small sized user input – can be limiting. As such, you cannot view two windows side-by-side at the same time.

Some tablets even espouse a single-task environment, such as the Apple iPad. While the iPad is powerful enough to handle multiple tasks, the operating system forces a user to focus on only one task.

Computers have bigger screens. Unless you’re considering 9-inch netbooks, computers have an advantage in terms of screen size. A notebook computer for a business setting will usually come in 13-inch, 14-inch or 15-inch form factors. Some ultraportables come with 11-inch screens, but most mainstream notebooks have bigger displays. Users are more productive because a smaller screen will force you to move around in a smaller environment, and will force your eyes to read smaller text. This adds to strain and reduced productivity.

For better productivity, you can even plug in an external display to your notebook computer, for bigger screen real-estate.

Notebooks can run more software. Business software usually comes standard in notebook computers, and enterprise software providers usually release apps on desktop environments. There is an increasing trend toward smartphone and tablet apps for the enterprise market, though, so it’s best for any organization to assess their needs before committing to either tablet or notebook platform.

Notebooks have more accessory options. Notebook computers come with standard USB ports, and some will even have higher-speed USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt ports, as well as ExpressCard slots. This provides support to a wider array of accessories and peripherals, like external keyboards, displays, printers, scanners, and the like. With a tablet or smartphone, you’re only limited to the capabilities of your device, or to OEM-specification accessories.

Even with a post-PC scenario, organizations will still need to assess their needs and requirements to determine the best device for productivity. It will depend on need, of course. For a road warrior who does a big amount of work on the road – such as writing reports, working on spreadsheets, and making side-by-side comparisons, a notebook computer would be best. For someone who needs the occasional email communication, watching multimedia presentations, or chatting with colleagues, a tablet may be preferable.

Overall, notebook computers are still the most productive business device. The good news is that they come in many sizes, so a business user can easily choose between an ultraportable device or netbook, which is great for traveling, or a bigger notebook computer with a 15- or 17-inch screen, which can be considered a desktop-replacement, for increased screen real-estate.

Employees are now free to bring their own devices at work, and work devices are likewise being brought home. Some staff would be allowed to work on a telecommute basis, thereby resulting in cost savings from transportation and office facilities.

The inherent danger here is security, which can include theft of devices or the data within. This can also include viruses and other malware being brought into the corporate network using the employee devices as carriers.

Here are five tips businesses for protecting staff computers and corporate networks from potential attackers.

1. Use an antivirus software or platform. This might sound like a cliché, but antivirus software is an essential part of any IT department’s security platform. Antivirus software should be your first line of defense against malware that may run on computers. These could be transmitted through email, USB flash drives, or smartphones connected to the network. The trick here is to find a balance between security and performance, so that the antivirus software does not degrade a computer’s speed, or take up too much of the computer’s – and network’s – resources.
2. Implement regular updates. There’s a reason that major operating systems implement weekly updates. This is meant to patch security vulnerabilities and improve system performance. IT departments should be able to manage their staff computers’ patches, such that every computer system is up-to-date. This is usually handled automatically by the desktop operating system, although IT departments can download the patch and propagate these through the individual computers either via remote control or manually. Patching should include both operating system patches and vulnerabilities, and those of individual applications and services that require updates.
3. Enforce secure privileges. IT departments should make it a point to limit administrator access from a user’s end, in order to prevent installation of unwanted software, whether with the knowledge of a user or inadvertently. This can help minimize infections from malware inserted through USB flash media, discs or the network. IT administrators should likewise make it a point not to rely too much on group policy settings like Microsoft Group Policy Objects, which can easily be overridden by local administrators.
4. Enforce encryption and transfer locks. The business world is increasingly moving toward bring-your-own-device setups, which lets employees bring notebooks, tablets, smartphones and storage media that they own. But with this, there is a risk that users will bring in malware. There is even no use in locking down USB ports or WiFi networks anymore, since it will be inevitable that a user will connect his devices. Enforcing a strict encryption level for an organization’s data would therefore be key in keeping data safe and secure.
5. Use application whitelists. Apps are quickly becoming the preferred means of accessing data and information for both desktop and mobile users. As such, whitelisting of applications using intelligent tools can encourage the use of these apps, while at the same time minimizing the need to put in effort and resources toward weeding out malicious applications.

Whether you’re running a big organization or a small to medium enterprise, security is key in ensuring your corporate data and systems are safe. User devices are usually the starting point of attacks, and it would be worthwhile for enterprise IT departments or administrators to keep systems secure in order for operations to remain efficient

1. Antivirus deployment. Does the network have antivirus software deployed at server and workstation level? Are these a uniform and updated installation, or does each user have his own brand and version of antivirus software. Worse, do the users have evaluation copies, or does the organization have a legitimate copy that offers regular updates?
2. Wireless encryption. The WiFi network has become ubiquitous in today’s workplace. Devices of all kinds can connect: notebook computers, tablets, smartphones and even feature phones. As such, there is a need to implement encryption in the organization’s network to prevent data breaches and unauthorized use of network resources. This should mean the use of secure protocols like WPA2 encryption, and not obsolete and easy-to-crack standards like WEP.
3. Web browser use. Some businesses will still be using outdated operating systems with archaic browsers. Check to see if user workstations still run Internet Explorer 6.0, which is riddled with security holes. Some organizations will stick to IE6 due to compatibility with enterprise applications and software, but this should not be an excuse to upgrade. Businesses should invest in using newer web technologies in building websites and intranet systems.
4. Patching. Different software and service providers each have their own patching schedules. Microsoft patches devices remotely every Tuesday. Adobe offers updates on a quarterly basis. Organizations should make sure their devices are set to automatically download and install patches for maximum protection against security vulnerabilities. This is especially important for critical patches that can prevent malware and other attacks that propagate online.
5. Training schedule. Staff and employees should be aware of security policies and procedures. An organization’s security policy is only as good as its weakest link, which are people. Individual users are prone to social engineering attacks and other mistakes that can lead the network to be compromised.
6. Mobile data encryption and protection. The prevalence of mobile devices has necessitated means to encrypt and protect data stored on these devices like smartphones and tablets. It’s easy to lose a device like a smartphone or tablet, and so organizations should ensure the mobile devices that employees use are protected.
7. Backup and recovery. Organizations should have a well-documented procedure for backing up and recovering data. This should include the use of viable backup media that include fail-safe mechanisms against loss or destruction.

This simple list should be taken by IT department managers, CIOs, and IT personnel as a starting point for better managing the corporate network. Having a definite security and compliance checklist can help minimize loss of data and productivity in the workplace.

However, even with cost savings and increased productivity arising from employee-owned devices, there is also a cost. A recent survey conducted by Brocade has determined that the growing number of employee devices connecting to the office network environment puts a strain on companies’ systems and local area networks.

Official policy?

While BYOD is increasingly gaining acceptance in the workplace, not all companies and organizations have BYOD policies. Even so, 40% of employees were found to bring their mobile devices to access company resources like the WiFi or local area network.

Additionally, the recent launch of the third-generation “new” iPad is found to make a big impact on office networks. 30% of IT executives and decision makers say they expect the release of new tablets like the new iPad to significantly add to their existing network load.

Increased investments

Given increasing demands, more and more enterprise IT departments have improved their networks over the years, in anticipation for increased load. 65% of survey respondents said they started investing in enterprise-grade local area networks since 2009, to address the increased data requirements from smartphones and tablets. 62% of respondents say they have made a significant upgrade, to the extent of replacing their existing networks altogether.

Multiple suppliers

This increased requirement means, though, that organizations are increasingly resorting to a wider array of suppliers and vendors for their networking needs. 60% of survey respondents said they rely on more than one service provider. These multiple suppliers help organizations achieve their goals of faster networks, bigger data capacities, and improved reliability.

Whether or not an organization has an official BYOD policy for devices like smartphones and tablets, enterprises will need to account for a sharp uptake in data and network resource use, with employees bringing their iPads, iPhones, and Android devices to the workplace. As such, there is a need to consider improvements like network upgrades and redundancies, which may contribute to the bottomline. Still, with the productivity gains from these devices, the extra cost should be well worth it for any organization, big or small.

What’s more unnerving for IT departments and company executives is that the cost of the stolen equipment is minimal compared with the potential damages from other parties accessing data from within. Stolen computers and devices can include proprietary information such as sales reports, contact lists, source code, financial records, and the like. This data can cause damage if it goes to the wrong hands, such as a competitor or anyone who might want to make a quick buck out of selling proprietary information in the black market.

Here are eight tips that can help any individual or company prevent device theft.

1. Be alert while in public places. Train stations, airports and even taxicabs are the most common places where you can lose a laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Keep your devices hidden when in public areas. When carrying these in a bag, keep the bag on hand at all times, and watch out for potential pickpockets.
2. Customize your carrying cases. Frequent travellers know the value of buying a custom suitcase, which will stand out in the crowd. Get yourself a colourful or customized carry case for your notebook computer or tablet. This way, it will be easy to spot if someone grabs the bag and makes a run for it. Generic black bags are easy to lose in the crowd.
3. Keep data in the cloud. This will decrease the likelihood of information being stolen along with a computer, tablet or smartphone. Keeping information remotely will make it easy to wipe, move or lock down the data in case a device is lost. Likewise, cloud storage makes it easy to retrieve data, so that you will only need to worry about the lost device itself, and not losing the information stored within.
4. Encrypt Information and Data. Losing your tablet, laptop or smartphone is one thing. Losing the data within is another. With the increasing popularity of cloud computing, most mobile devices can access content remotely, and it will be helpful to secure one’s device, to limit the data that a potential corporate spy can access.
5. Use strong passwords. Weak passwords can easily be cracked, and will defeat the purpose of using encryption in the first place. Use strong passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, as well as different cases. Don’t write down your password where it can easily be accessed.
6. Be discreet when you use your device in public places. Someone might be peeking over your shoulder. Use a screen guard on your laptop, to limit the angle of screen viewing, for instance.
7. Watch out for social engineering attacks. Employees might be ignorant about answering hoax emails or online promotions. Viruses, malware and phishing attacks (that try to get contact and personal information) can be used to steal company data and information. Educate your employees on how to keep safe and secure in an online environment.
8. Install remote security software. Most modern devices today come shipped with remote wipe software, such as Apple’s iPhone and iPad, and some Android phones. This will let the IT department wipe out the entire contents of the device remotely in the event that it is stolen. This way, you only have to worry about the cost of the device, and not the data that comes with it.

According to the FBI, there is only a 3% recovery rate for stolen laptops. The rest is never recovered. As such, there is a need to protect company assets from malicious individuals – both from outside, and even from within the company. With these security measures, you can avoid being one of the 97% that experience device losses. But even if you become part of this statistic, keeping your data secure is more important.

Cloud computing, at first glance, has a few benefits that can translate to energy-savings. First, because services and processes are run outside of one’s own premises, there is a reduction in energy costs.

Runing hardware on-premises will require power to run servers and workstations, lighting, cooling, and even staffing. Moving data to the cloud will mean that companies like Google, Amazon and others will be taking care of running and maintaining the hardware for you.

Further, cloud providers will usually have scalable devices and processes in place, and these equipment are built with efficiency in mind. As such, there is a reduction in carbon footprint, given that servers owned by cloud-providers operate as efficiently as possible.

However, some green advocacy groups are saying that cloud computing may not necessarily be eco-friendly. True enough, moving a company’s data and processes to a remote server merely off-loads the carbon consumption to another company. As such, even if you will get reduced electricity, cooling and even staffing by taking the server outside of your own premises, the company you are paying to run your cloud will have to bear the brunt, and add your processes ot their carbon footprint.

The question here is whether there is a net gain or net reduction in carbon consumption due to cloud computing. As earlier mentioned, cloud providers will usually construct their servers and facilities using eco-friendly standards. Compliance with standards like the LEED certification are usually targets by big companies that offer cloud-services like Amazon, Apple and Google.

These use eco-friendly setups, including efficient water-based cooling systems, high-efficiency air conditioners, and distributed architecture that help reduce heat and energy draw.

Another concern is how businesses will account for the carbon footprint of upstream suppliers. Companies like Samsung and Intel consider suppliers’ carbon consumption in their own reports, rather than just their own infrastructure. The important thing to consider here is to compute for the aggregate consumption vis-à-vis the aggregate energy savings gained from cloud computing.

Given these, there is no short and simple answer to whether cloud-computing is truly green. But for a business wanting to save on carbon consumption from one’s internal infrastructure, going to the cloud is certainly one way to be more eco-friendly.

Today, the same market you spent on back in the day is the same market that you can reach through more cost-effective, and sometimes costless, methods. Unfortunately, since most of those methods are being utilized by pretty much all your competitors and virtually every other business around the world, building a brand may now require a little more imagination, creativity, and an effective way to deliver your message to the masses.

It’s all about guerilla marketing folks. And, social media is one of the tools for such an aggressive and low-cost approach to brand building. That said here are a few really practical tips to help you build your brand by using guerilla marketing in the digital age.

Social Media – Master It

If you are not on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the like, you will really have a tough time connecting with your real customers. Hence, you will have a harder and more expensive time building your brand. Now, it is understandable to snub these online tools, where everyone is pretty much active in nowadays, because of the need to learn the ins and outs involved in marketing in this arena. However, whatever effort you put into learning these tools will pay off in the long run and will immediately pay off soon. Study and master what these social communities can do for you and you will have a household brand to your name soon enough.

Build an engaging Community

Most people think that online marketing, particularly the marketing done on social media, is all about plugging a brand or product consistently and religiously. While, in some cases, such a strategy may provide quick results, it will not last and will not fly with most social media users. This is because no one likes people spamming marketing stuff all around the block. The best way to maximize social media is by really engaging your potential customers. Build a community that is full of conversation and discussions. This may end up being a small community, but it will be a community, nonetheless, that will be loyal to your brand… and that in itself is a great start for any company.

Blogs Means Power

Some people tend to underestimate the power of blogs since social media seems to be the trendy and more populated platforms nowadays. The reality is that blogs are still alive and are still very powerful. Set up a blog and link up with other blogs relevant to your brand’s niche. Engage them like you would users on Facebook and Twitter. This blog community you build will carry your brand across the entire blogosphere.

Here is a tip to finding blogs on Google. Simply type in the keyword for your niche and choose Blogs on the side panel. The results will show you blogs that have posted or are exclusively posting content related to the niche you searched for.

Go for Viral Content

The shareability of the content you post on your blog or share on social media is what will give you mileage across the social media universe. This is the dream – your content going viral. In order to achieve that dream, you will need to constantly create content that will relate, touch, or humor your target market – content that will make those people want to share it with the people they know. It’s free mileage for your brand – remember that.

Give and Keep on Giving

If you really want to attract fans, friends, followers, or visitors to wherever your brand is, then giving and giving free stuff is the way to go. This will help you build a community and give you a pleasant image to those who you want buying from you later on. An eBook here, a raffle there, and a free sampling of the product everywhere can do wonders for your brand image. Don’t worry, if you spend a little now on those freebies, if you play your cards right, you will generate a million times more in revenue later. It has been done before and you can definitely do the same.

Joint Marketing

This is a really effective and cost-efficient method in guerilla marketing. Instead of shouldering the cost for a marketing campaign yourself, why not just partner up with someone and pay half. Think outside the box and find yourself a partner that will complement your brand, and vice versa. Decide on a marketing campaign that is mutually beneficial and go for broke. This way, your expenses are halved (at the very least) and you are still able to get the results you wanted when you were planning to venture on it alone.