Putting technology expertise to work for your business. More by Tony Bradley
Encryption can be a bit of a double-edged sword for organizations. It is an effective and essential tool for protecting sensitive data, but it often comes with a healthy side of user confusion and help desk calls. Microsoft hopes to simplify the process of implementing and managing BitLocker data encryption with the launch of Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Management (MBAM) 2.0 Beta 2.
A Windows for Your Business blog post announcing MBAM 2.0 Beta 2 points out that many states have data breach legislation in place, and that the penalties associated with failing to protect data can get quite costly. “I think this proves that the rules and stakes for data security are rapidly changing and there couldn’t be a more important time to ensure your understanding of data breach laws, and protect your corporate and customer data from the ramifications of a potential breach.”
BitLocker encryption has been around in some form or another since the launch of Windows Vista. It is an effective means of protecting data, but can be a major headache to manage—especially for small and medium businesses that generally have fewer dedicated IT resources.
Putting technology expertise to work for your business. More by Tony Bradley
I’ve been using the Surface RT tablet for a week now, and so far I have found a lot to like about it. In many ways, it is a more functional mobile productivity device out of the box than the iPad or other tablets. However, it has a distinct Achilles heel that will render it useless for many: VPN.
The Surface RT has a solid, comfortable feel. The kickstand combined with a touch or type case essentially turn the tablet into an ultrabook of sorts. There’s definitely something to be said for a mobile device that provides an experience consistent with that of Windows 8 on a desktop, and that comes with the familiar Office apps built in.
Microsoft has woven access to cloud-based file storage into Windows 8 and Windows RT using its own SkyDrive service, and Box has taken the initiative to develop its own Windows RT app. Access to cloud data makes it easy to transition from desktop to mobile device without losing productivity. I can start a document at my desk, and pick up where I left off to finish the job while I’m on the go.
Putting technology expertise to work for your business. More by Tony Bradley
The dust is settling on Microsoft’s big Windows 8 launch event, but Microsoft isn’t the only company with news today. Box also had some details to share about its new Windows 8 app.
While Windows 8 is a bold shift for the venerable desktop operating system, the big unveiling was less than impressive. The Microsoft presenters often seemed more nervous and flustered than excited and confident, and the whole thing came off like Microsoft was hosting a QVC infomercial for a plethora of third-party OEM hardware options.
Overall, there wasn’t really anything new unveiled by Microsoft today, especially not in the area that most people seem to be most concerned about—apps. The significance and success of the Windows 8 Start screen—the Modern UI—seems to hinge largely on the apps that are available to provide value.
Putting technology expertise to work for your business. More by Tony Bradley
Microsoft is ready to make a bold shift with the launch of Windows 8. Windows 8 is a dramatic departure from its predecessors, and Microsoft seems to be putting a lot on the line. Windows 7 is phenomenal, and people inherently resist change, so Windows 8 is a risky proposition. Frankly, though, it’s a risk Microsoft has to take.
Risk is a part of life. Not only is risk a part of life, but it’s an essential part of evolving and maturing as opposed to just stagnating. Don’t take my word for it—here are some quotes:
“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn
Putting technology expertise to work for your business. More by Tony Bradley
Is the Apple iPad Mini the right tablet for business? Perhaps. It depends on whether you’re in the market for a tablet in general, or if you’re really only in the market for an iPad.
Many expected Apple to offer the iPad Mini at about half the cost of the $499 iPad. Instead, the iPad Mini is $329—or about 65 percent of the price of the larger iPad. It’s not $250, but at $329 the iPad Mini could still be a cost effective option for businesses.
If you’re already deploying, or considering deploying iPads to your users, then you’re probably already beyond the point of evaluating different mobile platforms, and determining whether alternative tablets will work for you. In that case, you should certainly stop and take a closer look at the iPad Mini.
Putting technology expertise to work for your business. More by Tony Bradley
Microsoft is hosting a media event tomorrow to mark the official launch of Windows 8, and the Surface RT tablet. The initial reviews of the Surface RT have had high praise for the quality and construction of the tablet hardware, but almost universally reviewers are concerned with the lack of apps for Windows RT. Two apps in particular, though, stand out as giant voids in the ecosystem: Facebook and Twitter.
I haven’t had an opportunity to get any hands-on experience with a Surface tablet, yet, but I have worked with Windows 8 on a tablet—I’m typing this on the touchscreen display of a Samsung Series 7 Slate running Windows 8 Pro. I have Box, Kindle, Netflix, and Evernote apps installed, but I can’t help notice the glaring absence of Facebook and Twitter, and the impact that has.
Will Facebook have an app available for the launch of the Surface RT tablet?Read more »
Putting technology expertise to work for your business. More by Tony Bradley
With the official launch of Windows 8 on the imminent horizon, PC manufacturers have announced a diverse array of new hardware. The problem with all of the desktop options is that they lack the one peripheral device they need to work effectively with Windows 8: a touchpad.
Just to catch everyone up, Windows 8 is engineered for touch. The Modern UI (formerly known and still referred to by the masses as “Metro”) is a colorful interface of mobile-esque tiles and apps. It’s possible to work with Windows 8 using a traditional mouse and keyboard, but it’s not as fluid or intuitive as simply tapping and swiping.
I have a Samsung Series 7 Slate with Windows 8 Pro. Most of the time it sits on my desk in a docking station emulating a desktop. It has a wired connection to my broadband Internet, and it’s connected to my 23” monitor via HDMI, and wirelessly to a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
