Eden Technologies, Inc - Newsletter : Volume 4 : April 2009

Computers and other tech equipment all become obsolete – and usually at a rate faster than we´d all like. Since this is a fast-depreciating asset, leasing the equipment puts the financial loss of value onto the leasing company. Let's suppose you have a two-year lease on a laptop computer. After that lease expires, you're free to lease whatever equipment is newer, faster and cheaper. And since technology is forever advancing and requiring the ‘latest and fastest´ machines, this is not a benefit to be overlooked.

In fact, having the latest, most up-to-date computer equipment is the #1 reason why companies lease over buying. Here are some other benefits:

You´ll avoid a big outlay of cash for new equipment. With a lease, you pay a fixed, monthly fee which helps predict cash flow. If you want to keep the bank account as full as possible, then leasing is a great option for you for upgrading your network without tapping into much-needed funds.

You're able to implement more sophisticated (and expensive) technology, such as a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone system, which might be otherwise unaffordable. The result: You're better able to keep up with your larger competitors and get advanced services and technology without draining your financial resources.

You´ll save money on taxes. When you are in a lease, it is viewed by the IRS as a service and not an asset. Therefore, you can deduct 100% of the money you are spending on the lease.

Okay, so the upside is fairly clear. Now, what about the downsides?

You'll pay more in the long run. Unless you get a crazy, unheard of deal, leasing is always more expensive than purchasing the same equipment outright. For example, a $4,000 computer would cost a total of $5,760 if leased for three years at $160 per month but only $4,000 (plus sales tax) if purchased outright.

You're obligated to keep paying even if you stop using the equipment. Depending on the lease terms, you may have to make payments for the entire lease period, even if you no longer need the equipment, which can happen if you don´t need the equipment anymore.

YouTube is a phenomenon like no other with more than 3 billion videos viewed on the site in January 2008, covering virtually every topic under the sun. Imagine the impact to your business if you could capture even a tiny fraction of those eyeballs.

YouTube's popularity has been fueled by its low barrier to entry including free video uploads and no need for high-end production. You can produce low resolution videos using simple camcorders and PC-based editing equipment with standout videos costing less than $1000.

Even though it's easy to produce videos for use on YouTube, finding a good concept and reaching the appropriate subset of customers is tougher.

The videos that rate the highest provide education, entertainment, or valuable information. You can get those eyeballs for your business if you can provide one or more of those qualities. Businesses are using YouTube for product advertising (using demos and highlighting benefits), product promotions (including price reductions or bonus goods), as well as product support (addressing common issues at the customer's convenience).

There is also a growing trend to use YouTube in providing business support services such as recruiting, employee training, and general company communications. As a business owner, YouTube offers you both value and opportunity. It's like no other media because it costs so little but can allow you to reach millions -- 24 hours a day. With the right investment in messaging and creativity, your ROI could be infinite.

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As a smart business owner you have locks on all of the entryways into your office, you have surveillance cameras or security alarms in place, and your network security is bulletproof (especially if you´re one of OUR clients). But another often overlooked security breach happens right on your own staff's desks. If you get a lot of in-office traffic, this could be one of the largest risks in your security plan. Here are four things you should avoid to keep your confidential information out of prying eyes:

1. Writing passwords on sticky notes -This is probably one of the biggest offenses -- passwords and key system information written on notes and stuck on computer monitors. Anyone in the office after hours can access confidential files, steal information, and use it to compromise an account.  But if you just hate remembering all those passwords, then install the password management tool from roboform.com.


2. Storing credit card orders or contracts in paper folders – Not only does this expose you to having this information stolen, you could end up getting a lot of bad press if your customers´ credit cards get stolen thanks to a security breach in your office. The safest bet is to scan, encrypt and store such documents electronically, and then shred the originals. Companies like Iron Mountain will store them for you off-site, but scanning and storing them electronically is a much more cost-effective means for not only keeping them, but accessing them later on.


3. Leaving sensitive documents on the desk - Many times detailed client contracts with billing terms or other critical data are left out overnight.  The information might be used for ill-gotten gains by cleaning staff or staff in the office. What an embarrassing situation this could cause!  Make sure you lock your office at night or when you´re going to be away for any length of time.


4. Forgetting the printer - Most offices have printed documents sitting around all day and sometimes overnight before the owner picks them up.  There are also sensitive documents that are forgotten and left to pile up.  After your employees finish with printing jobs, they need to be mindful of any documents that were printed, even the ones that aren't needed, and dispose of them appropriately.