Tips to Minimize IT Downtime

Businesses have become so dependent upon computers, e-mail, Internet access and data networks that even a single day of downtime can spell disaster. Fortunately, many outages and failures can be avoided. Computer Troubleshooters has identified five best practices businesses can adopt to minimize downtime. These five factors are based on the collective knowledge and field experiences of the company’s 460 franchisees worldwide.

• Replace desktop computers every 36 months. Using computers beyond 36 months increases the likelihood of failure without warning, as hard disks, power supplies, motherboards and other critical components are more likely to malfunction and fail the longer they’ve been in use.

• Install and regularly update proven antivirus and antispyware software on all computers. Viruses and spyware frequently render systems inoperable or slow and are a primary cause of error messages and system problems. An effective defense strategy using recommended antivirus and antispyware programs will keep systems running optimally.

• Use quality surge protectors on all systems and uninterruptible power supplies for servers or other critical components. Electrical fluctuations, surges, spikes and lightning strikes all can damage sensitive computer components and cause system problems or lost data. Using good quality electrical protection components, replaced every 24-36 months, will minimize these problems.

• Ensure cooling fans are clean and functioning properly. Today’s computers build up tremendous amounts of heat, so having functioning internal and external cooling fans is essential. Fans should be checked and cleaned regularly to be sure they’re working.

• Organize software carefully. A leading source of recovery delays is an inability to locate software CDs and licenses. Store original installation media (downloaded programs, CDs and DVDs) in a safe, readily accessible location. In addition, ensure required subscription, service plan, contract and licensing information is stored with the corresponding media.

Dubai’s 1st Global Internet Summit

The first Global Internet Summit in Dubai (http://www.globalinternetsummit.com) will be held Dec. 14-16, 2006. The summit will showcase the world’s top Internet marketers. Speakers will share case studies and examples of how strategic Internet marketing initiatives and online business can yield tangible benefits and measurable results. Every speaker at the summit will demonstrate their proven techniques and show how others with the right mindset, learned skills and determination might be able to have similar success online.

Deployment of Largest HSPA Network in ME

The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) has selected Huawei as its major supplier for the construction of a nationwide UMTS/HSPA network in the UAE. Under the contract, Huawei will provide the new generation UMTS equipment including more than 1,000 Node-B base stations for the construction of a nationwide (UMTS/HSPA) network, which will be the first HSPA network based on Iub/IP (Interface UMTS B/ Internet Protocol) transmission in Middle East and North Africa. A multinational operator, Etisalat has networks covering more than 14 countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.

Huawei has been working with Etisalat since December 2003 for the launch of its commercial 3G services in the UAE. The three-year partnership laid a strong foundation for further collaboration between Etisalat and Huawei for the construction of its UMTS/HSPA network in the UAE.

“The UAE HSPA network has a significant strategic implication to Etisalat. It sets the ground for global expansion of our 3G development,” said Nasser Salim, general manager, Etisalat Network Planning.

The new generation of Huawei UMTS equipment adopts a high-efficiency power amplifier and multi-carrier technologies and supports all features of HSPA and Internet protocol (IP) transmission which will effectively improve overall network performance. The distinctive technology advantages of IP RAN (Radio Access Network) and HSPA allowed Huawei to stand out from the other six companies in the tender process.

Dell Establishes Online Communication Policy

Dell has created a standard for ethical, accurate and transparent communication through weblogs, chatrooms, discussion forums and other online channels used to communicate with customers and other stakeholders. It is one of the first IT vendors to have put forward such a policy.

“These guidelines explicitly extend Dell’s Code of Conduct to online communication channels and prescribe a higher standard for Dell employees, suppliers and other company representatives,” said John Hamlin, Dell’s senior vice president for global online business and global brand marketing.

Dell’s online communications policy prescribes:

• Transparency of Origin — Dell requires that employees and other company representatives disclose their employment or association with Dell in all communications and provide contact information on request.

• Accuracy — Dell employees and other company representatives may not knowingly communicate information that is untrue or deceptive. Anecdotes and opinions must be identified as such.

• Ethical Conduct — Dell employees and other company representatives may not conduct activities that are illegal or contrary to Dell’s Corporate Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy or related policies.

• Protection of Information — Communications must maintain the confidentiality of Dell company confidential information. This includes company data, customer data, partner and supplier data, personal employee data, and other information not generally available to the public.

• Enforcement and Discipline — Dell is committed to taking corrective action if Dell employees fail to comply with the policy.