Troubleshooting IT

• Tech Talk: Web Firm Outsources Rails Monitoring

  A Massachusetts-based online property management service outsourced its monitoring of a free Web tool built with Ruby on Rails after Web traffic increased dramatically.
  Elizabeth Wasserman

• Tech Talk: Cloud Computing Lifts Acting School

  A Hollywood acting school outsourced the hosting and management of its software and computer systems, ending a string of computer woes for employees.
  Elizabeth Wasserman

• Watchful Eyes: Outsourcing Video Surveillance

  Video surveillance does more than monitor cash registers. With specialized software, in-store cameras can stream video to a private site, where images can be searched and categorized. Can this boost productivity at your business?
  Jean Thilmany

• Log Management: What's in Your Log Files?

  Log files are like internal surveillance cameras, recording everything that happens inside servers, network devices, and some applications. Here's how to make the best use of this data.
  Minda Zetlin

• Setting Boundaries for Employee Internet Use

  A total ban on Internet surfing for workers isn't practical, but employers do need to create a balance to use the technology to increase productivity while minimizing threats.
  Lisa Metcalfe

• Tech Talk: Green IT Proves Profitable

  A California-based Web hosting firm discovered that energy-saving technologies, such as solar power and virtualization, helped it meet environmental and business goals.
  Elizabeth Wasserman

• Managing Tech for Non-Techies

  Overseeing technology projects can be daunting for non-geeks. Here's how to do it effectively.
  Minda Zetlin

• Cutting IT Costs, Not Quality

  Inexpensive technology solutions can play an integral role in determining the success and sometimes failure of new small and mid-sized businesses -- especially in this economy.
  Lisa Metcalfe

• The Ins of Outsourcing

  Making the move to outsource functions, such as IT, may be intimidating for businesses the first time around. But it may be cost effective in an economic downturn.
  Lisa Metcalfe

• IT for the Pajama Generation

  Building an IT environment to support a business environment that allows telecommuting involves standardizing on technology, setting perimeters, and taking steps to bolster security.
  Linda Wilson

• The Promises and Pitfalls of Free Technology

  While growing businesses take advantage of open-source products, IM, and VoIP, they many not be paying enough attention to the 'costs' of free tech.
  Caroline Waxler

• When On-Demand Services Go Awry

  You have the service-level agreement in place when your business contracts for Software as a Service (SaaS). But what happens when things go wrong? What recourse do you have if a company handling your vital functions drops the ball?
  Minda Zetlin