Categorizing IT expenses on the chart of accounts is done poorly at many organizations. This makes estimating and controlling next year’s costs very difficult.  I've created a VERY simple set of accounts that provides actionable data to whomever is in charge of IT. My set of accounts is guided by a simple question. “How can I change this number?” If the answer is the same for two different accounts, I merge them. For instance one of my accounts “Recurring Expenses – Contracted” can only be...View full post

0 Comments  Author:  Joe Gleinser submitted 260 days ago

As business leaders we perpetually struggle to communicate our story to staff. Definition of core values and a mission statement start the story telling. Well implemented processes, regular meetings, and intelligent comp plans carry it forward. Today social media is an excellent method to tell your companies story to the world. Tomorrow it will be the standard in telling your story to your team. Facebook is a great way for me to keep up with my friends and family that I don't see often. And to...View full post

0 Comments  Author:  Joe Gleinser submitted 296 days ago

Forbes has a lengthy article out discussing whether cloud is really cheaper than traditional IT configurations. When terms like "existential" value are used, its a safe bet that they are trying to avoid the obvious answer - NO. Few cloud services make economic sense for small and mid sized businesses. On premise, virtualized infrastructures deliver the lowest total cost of ownership for most businesses. Shouldn't the economies of scale that large providers like Microsoft, Google, and Verizon...View full post

0 Comments  Author:  Joe Gleinser submitted 308 days ago

A story close to home hit the news today when Reuters reported that Statfor will pay $1.75 million to settle a class action lawsuit against them. Last year the black-hat group Anonymous hacked Stratfor's Austin-based server systems. The term "hacked" may be a bit a of a stretch as Stratfor's security was essentially non-existent. This doesn't mean they are any different than thousands of other small and mid-sized businesses in the US. In my experience most businesses invest in features over...View full post

0 Comments  Author:  Joe Gleinser submitted 354 days ago

Yes, and in many ways. A prominent Obama adviser recently warranted a  US News and World Report article for a lack of basic technology skills that submarined his consulting business. Common political posturing dominates the story, but his mistake was showing a Powerpoint presentation insecurely. That, and doing things that bring public humiliation on you. Either way shame on his IT staff for allowing that behavior, if he even bothered to ask their opinion. ...View full post

0 Comments  Author:  Joe Gleinser submitted 355 days ago