We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Please bring a guest!

For July we toured the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) in Suffolk.

All businesses need software for their computers; the type and amount of software programs required depends largely on the type of business being run and how large it is. But regardless of these issues the problem of whether your software is authorised or unauthorised can rear its ugly head in any business, and it’s important to have adequate measures in place to ensure that any problems associated with unauthorised software are kept to a minimum.

Many employees don’t recognise the problems that can occur when unauthorised software is introduced into the system. Of course the most pressing issue is that of keeping within the law; keeping a copy of the software locked up safely in your software library is perfectly acceptable, but installing that same software on half a dozen computers in a single office is most certainly not.

Unfortunately some employees are naïve when it comes to this kind of breach. It can be worth amending the staff handbook or guidebook to ensure that guidelines and advice regarding such matters are included there for them to read. Department memos and perhaps even training sessions to help raise awareness of these issues can also help to bring people in line with what’s required by law, and what’s required by the company as a whole.

Of course some employees will assume that they are doing the company a favor by using software in inappropriate ways. Why purchase more copies than you really need when one or two copies can be used to install the program throughout an entire office? Employees that take this line of thinking assume they are doing a good thing by saving the company money – not thinking ahead to the possible fines and fees associated with being caught.

The other main problem associated with using unauthorised software is the risk of introducing viruses and other unwanted ‘hangers on’ into the business systems. If an employee brings a copy of some software they have at home, or worse, accesses it from the internet, they are putting the safety of the whole company at risk.

It’s plain to see that using authorised software is the only safe and legal route to making sure you get the best from your computer system. The challenge is in making sure all staff members recognise and accept this same fact, and don’t do anything to jeopardise it.

About The Author Jane Smith shares practical business IT solutions for medium to large sized organisations. To activate your business with the power of IT, please visit http://www.bmc.com/en_SG/ 

This is a reminder that we are approaching the 2008 Region 18 Fall Leadership Retreat. This L/R is being hosted by the Pittsburgh Chapter and is being held in the Meadowlands area, near Washington, PA , about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh and directly off of I-79. It will be held on Nov 8th and 9th.

We have made some changes in the agenda. Dr Mary Lynn Manns has replaced Lance Kull and we have shifted the times for all of the sessions on Saturday. These changes will be reflected on the website within the next few days.

The theme of this year's L/R is The Technology Trifecta - The Race of Your Life, in keeping with our venue near the Meadowlands Race Track and Slots Casino. For an online brochure, including a downloadable registration form, please visit http://www.aitp-pgh.org/R18-2008LR.htm. This site is also linked from the Pittsburgh Chapter and Region 18 websites.

We have put together what we believe to be a great program, including two leadership development sessions by the AITP national organization. Microsoft will also be presenting and we are working on getting the Microsoft Technology Truck to be available.

We will be staying at the Meadowlands Hampton Inn. This is a new hotel with many amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi (high-speed Internet), indoor heated pool and spa, fitness center, complimentary hot breakfast (not just a continental), and more. We have secured a room rate of $99.00/night through Sept 30th. Ask for the AITP Reservation Block.

Our Saturday evening banquet will be at the beautiful Southpointe Golf Club and we have an excellent plated dinner planned for you. Your L/R fee pays for your dinner. Spouses and family members are welcome at only $45.00 each.

For attendees and their families, in addition to the gambling venues, there is also a brand new Tangiers Outlet Mall being built directly across the road and opening around Labor Day. There is also a grouping of quaint shops called The Shoppes At Quail Run that includes an excellent restaurant, Alfano's At The Quail. There are also a number of other activities in the area. See our online brochure at the above web address.

Web links to the hotel and some of the activities are on the web page above.

Can we count on your attendance? Speaking for our whole committee, we hope to see you there. Please remember to mention AITP when registering at the hotel.

Sincerely,

Harvey Schoenman