Backup your data - be part of our trial of this new service!

We are looking for some clients to assist to trial a new service we are looking at introducing. How many times have you heard someone say "If only I had backed up my data!" We are seeing this as a major issue for small business.

Why should I backup?

Imagine you woke up one morning to find that your computer won't start, or it's been stolen or lost in a fire. All of your business information is on that computer. How will you run your business?

Let's assume that you can keep going. For how long? Research shows that 50% of companies that lose their data in a disaster never reopen for business and 90% are out of business within 2 years. Of those that do survive, the cost of recovering or coping without that critical data is a devastating blow and a significant cost.

Regular backup provides a safety net in the event that the unthinkable does happen. But backup requires discipline. To be effective, backup schedules must be followed and the backup itself must be thoroughly tested for integrity. A faulty backup is no backup at all.

This process is time consuming and requires a high degree of commitment. You can pay your IT support to do it or you can take time out from your core business each day to do it yourself.

A critical component to backup is to ensure that at least one copy is kept offsite. This practice ensures that data is protected against localised disaster such as fire, flood or theft. Maintaining offsite backup can be an expensive exercise if a third party specialist Storage Company is used.

Most small to medium size businesses have an employee take a tape of CD home each evening and bring it back the next day. This is an unreliable system at best and results in all critical tapes being onsite during the day, thereby breaking the cardinal rule of maintaining offsite backup.

What do I need?

The service we are trialing is Internet based. This means that if you already have a broadband Internet connection, you already have access to an effective means of inexpensively safeguarding your critical business data.

We recommend the following:

• A broadband Internet connection with at least 128Kbs upload speed. A 256Kbs upload speed will enhance the effectiveness of your backup and reduce the time taken.
• Windows 2000 or Windows XP

To become part of this trial project Simply email reception@easternsuburbsbec.com.au and we will be in contact. The trial will be at no cost to you.

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A warning from the ATO - fraudulent email being circulated

ATO Media Release - Nat 05/001

The Tax Office has warned people about a fraudulent email being circulated that claims to be from the Tax Office. This email, which fraudulently uses the Tax Office logo and has the words 'BAS payment update' in the subject line, has the potential to install malicious software code on people's computers.

The Tax Office is advising people who receive this email to delete it immediately. The email asks people to click on a link to view activity statement payment and deadline details. This link takes people to a website not affiliated with the Tax Office in any way. This website may try to gain information about people's activity statements.

Tax Office Second Commissioner Greg Farr said the Tax Office is fully investigating this matter and is seeking the advice of the Australian Federal Police. "People should be wary of unsolicited email claiming to be from the Tax Office requesting confidential information or providing links to web sites," Mr Farr said.

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Serviced offices and meeting rooms available - visit our new City facilities

Clearly Business Serviced Offices and Training Centre is a dynamic and versatile commercial business environment, designed to foster new and emerging businesses as well as assisting existing businesses to achieve their strategic goals.

Financial resources and time are two valuable commodities than can be better managed by using a serviced office environment. Businesses are able to establish short or long-term office support utilising the "virtual office" concept or physical tenancy model.

Our facilities include a training room, meeting/board room and interview rooms where you can launch a product or train your sales team. The opportunities are endless.

You may be in the city for a meeting or have time to fill in. We offer interview rooms and hot desks, which are available by the hour or as required.

Our facility is ideally located in Sydney is and in walking distance to all business services including Australia Post, major banks, central railway and bus stops. Sidewalk cafes, snack bars, hotels and restaurants provide a diversity of cuisines to suit any dining requirement. Public parking options include both metered "on street" and surrounding parking stations.

Our facility provides a personalised service to support your business. A unique aspect of our facility is the availability of a Small Business Advisor to provide practical assistance to help your business grow and improve.

We also offer a number of workshops and training programs specifically for small businesses. We look forward to showing you our facilities.

Further details can be obtained by contacting Nichole on 9212 0555 or nichole@easternsuburbsbec.com.au

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ESBEC member Lisa Messenger launches her book…"Happiness Is"

One of our members, Lisa Messenger has written a new book called "Happiness Is…" Lisa has a special offer of $30 per book instead of $35 and will include postage and handling. You can order by visiting www.happinessis.com.au ,downloading the form and either faxing or mailing it.

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Tsunami Fundraising Concert Friday Feb 4th

Eastern Suburbs small business is getting together with local artists and musicians to host a fundraising concert on Friday February 4th from 7.30pm.

Waverley Bowling Club is generously donating the venue and there will be a variety of live music and dance performances. The event will also be a send off for local sculptor Sharon Stevens who is heading to the Maldives to take up a relief teaching post in the wake of the tsunami.

Cost: $15 of which all proceeds go to the Tsunami Crisis. For more details or advance bookings email louise@charmedia.com or simply turn up on the night and bring your friends! Waverley Bowling Club is located at 163 Birrell Street, Waverley.

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Women in Business Mentor Program 2005

We are taking applications now for our next program, which will be based in the City and will commence at the End of February 2005. Information Sessions are being held on 15th & 22nd February 2005.

To book into the information session email reception@easternsuburbsbec.com.au with your name, business details and contact information. Further details of the program, including a timetable and application forms, can be found on our Women in Business web page or contact Ketrina on 9369 2844. This program is delivered on behalf of The NSW Department of State & Regional Development.

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So you want to start a small business? Our workshop shows you how

We have a number of vacancies available for our next workshop. This three hour workshop will provide you with information required to decide if you want to start a business.

The cost of the workshop is $44.00 (inc GST) and is held at our Castlereagh Street Office Sydney.
More details are available on our Training Calendar.


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