The Latest from MSP and IT Managed Services

When Microsoft recently unveiled two surface tablets, the launches begged the mobile device management (MDM) question. CIOs want well-managed fleets of mobile devices. And Microsoft (armed with Surface tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows Intune and Microsoft System Center) could make a lot of noise in the market going forward.

For managed services providers (MSPs), Microsoft continues to represent opportunities and challenges. Demand for managed services tied to Exchange Server, SharePoint Server and Lync Server continues to grow, MSPmentor believes.

But in the mobile world, a growing number of MSPs have been introducing MDM solutions for Apple iOS (iPad, iPhone) and Google Android smartphones and tablets. Also, MSP and VAR peer groups such as HTG have been training — or at least educating — members on Apple platforms.

Within the managed services market, I don’t believe Microsoft has been part of the MDM conversation. That could change if the Surface tablets and sister devices — Windows 8 ultrabooks — deliver a great user experience while linking into to systems management software.

Microsoft Surface Debuts

Microsoft unveiled the surface tablets recently at an event in Hollywood. The company claims Surface tablets “feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.”

Surface supports a full-sized USB port, a 16:9 aspect ratio, VaporMg (a finish akin to a luxury watch), an integrated kickstand, and a touch-based keyboard cover (called Touch Cover). One surface model features an ARM processor and Windows RT; the other has a third-generation Intel core processor and Windows 8 Pro.

Mobile Device Management?

The Surface tablet launch sounds more like a consumer event rather than a corporate IT event. I have not heard any mention (so far) of Windows Intune, a cloud-based device management platform for Windows PCs, Android and Apple iOS devices. Nor have I heard Microsoft System Center mentioned.

But you can bet in the weeks and months ahead, CIOs and small business executives will start asking whether Surface devices can be managed and secured. MSPs better come to the conversation armed with answers.

Top 25  Asia, Australia and New Zeland Managed Service Providers

MSP Blueshift was ranked 19th in the 2012 MSP Mentor annual survey.

http://www.mspmentor.net/mspmentor-25-top-msps-in-asia-australia-new-zealand-2012/

If you have internet access for your children then you have provided them with the most powerful tool for learning in the world. The internet is a window to the world that allows anyone to contribute ideas, creativity and information and anyone else to easily access that data. At the same time this is now becoming a crucial part of how business is done and it's highly important that your children learn to use the internet so that they can stay ahead of the game and apply for the best jobs.

That said though there are a lot of threats out there on the web and we hear about them constantly. From explicit pornography to stalkers and dangerous strangers, all of the threats of the real world are brought into your child's bedroom when they go online. So how can you protect them?

Fortunately there are a few different steps you can take to keep your children safe when they go online. Here we will look at what those are.

Parental Control: The first one is to use parental control on your internet. This allows you to block both specific websites and keywords that appear on those pages. You might then block swear words or other things. This is a powerful tool for restricting adult parts of the web, but remember you need to allow some keywords or your children won't be able to use the web normally either.

Computer Monitoring Software: Using computer monitoring software it is possible to keep an eye on what your children use the computer for and this way guide them in the correct direction. Some people will use computer monitoring software and then shout at their children for using sites they know they shouldn't, but a more effective method would be to keep the computer monitoring software a secret - and then to simply use your parental control to block the sites they are looking at that they shouldn't be. If they don't know it's running then they won't know to disable it.

Move the Computer: If your computer is currently in the children's room, or in the study, then this will give them the ability to go online without your supervision. This is a definite downside of wireless internet, so all you need to do is to move the computer into the living room or another communal area where you can look over their shoulder when they are browsing the web.

Beware Other Devices: So you've blocked the bad websites on the main computer, and you watch your children every time they use it. That doesn't necessarily mean you're safe however, because they can still access the data on their other devices such as their Xbox or their iPhone and then transfer the videos and images to the main computer. Think about the other devices they can use to access the internet and then make sure to monitor these as well. If necessary you might have to prevent them from using a smartphone.

Lots of people feel that their iPod is one of their best friends because they're always listening to it or pitching it into a handbag or knapsack to take with them. It's a constant companion, and whenever there's a dull moment, it's right on hand to play some music and to keep you cheerful no matter where you might be.

Stopping nicks and scratches from marring the surface of your iPod can be a struggle when you're taking it with you everyplace. Typically, it's the other objects you keep in your bag, such as keys, coins, pens and other potentially malevolent objects that can bust up your iPod in short order.

Construct your own case for your iPod, and that will likely cut down on the damage that it bears due to your keys or other metal items scraping up against it. Craft a pouch from plush fabric, or make a hard shell case from cardboard and vinyl to shield your music player from eventual damage.

Make use of your creative skills and construct your own iPod case with the help of instructions you'll easily find on the Internet. Not everyone is skilled at making things, or has the time to do so, and for them, it's a better idea to simply buy iPod cases.

If you can't find a case you like among the many styles available then you need to look a little harder, because there's sure to be something that's great for you. The right arrangement in iPod Touch cases might include a pattern and color combination that reminds you of the types of music that you like to listen to.

Not only a fashion statement, iPod cases are a sound investment because they'll protect your iPod from scrapes and bumps, and extend the life of your music player. If you should accidentally drop your iPod, it won't necessarily end up damaged, so long as it's in a good protective case that can help absorb the shock.

You'll always reap lots of use from your iPod when you make a good protective case part of your standard gear when you're listening to music at home or when you're traveling. You should always prevent dropping or bumping your iPod, but when accidents occur, you want to make sure that you have the best defense you can get.

You'll likely have a splendid time seeking out the right case for your iPod, and when you do find it, it'll go a long way toward preserving your favorite music player and making it look a bit more fashionable.