email communications

Hands-free communication arrives on the road

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:01:38 -0400

We all knew it was just a matter of time before some savvy vendor came up with a technology application that lets drivers respond to email communications without taking their typing fingers off the steering wheel. iLane, the innovation from Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS), uses Bluetooth technology and voice-response applications that let users dictate email responses and send communications. The system also can incorporate the phone and text messaging needs drivers have today.

For more on the hands-free communications system:
- read this article at Newsfactor.com

Data retention isn't something to ignore

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:01:38 -0400

A huge part of today's compliance and regulatory body of law focuses on keeping data and records from company information to email communications. As experts relate, record retention is a thankless job that few tech leaders embrace with passion or enthusiasm, but it can be financially dangerous to ignore the task. There are some good steps to getting retention programs in place that won't sap resources. One is mapping out a definition of "record" as it applies to regulations you need to meet and investigating what the storage requirements are for your organization. Then you have to figure out how to retrieve data if it does come under scrutiny, as regulatory agencies typically aren't too patient once they subpoena files. And, as with any IT effort, you need to build a strong and comprehensive policy that doesn't get shoved into a drawer when it's completed.

For more on good data-record retention:
- read this article at CSOonline

Email delivery demands work

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 20:01:37 -0400

When email emerged as a marketing and business communications tool, it was a free-for-all situation. But today it's anything but, with IT working harder than ever to get company email delivered past spam filters. Tech leaders also have to make sure that the company's email "rep" stays in good standing and that in using the digital messaging format it's not becoming a nuisance or spam organization itself. As several experts point out, there typically isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a combination of different strategies that are needed to keep email's return on investment strong. One company developed its own proprietary tools, brought on hired hands and put a dedicated staff member on the case to ensure that emails got delivered and that the corporate reputation wasn't damaged.

For more on making efficient use of email communications:
- read this News.com article

SPOTLIGHT: Impending Net attacks require serious attention

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 19:01:33 -0500

The network administration team needs to get on their toes if a new study about potential Internet attacks is on the money. According to researchers, the new breed of attack is dangerous. They're aimed at the computers managing global Internet traffic and have the potential to take down today's most popular Web sites and interrupt email communications. There have been more than 1,000 new attempts so far and luckily none have fulfilled the disaster prophecy, but experts note that could just be a matter of time. Article