Forum helps SMEs tackle security

The Information Security Forum (ISF) is extending its membership programme to help SMEs address an increasing number of IT security threats, according to Dark Reading.

This ISF membership, for companies with turnover of less than $150 million, recognises that SMEs face many of the same challenges and compliance requirements as large enterprises, but without the same in-house resources, skills or budgets.

By joining the ISF, SMEs can reduce information risk by gaining access to global research, tools and methodologies.

Computer staff, software and purchases that directly benefit their bottom line will top the IT spending agenda of SMEs, both in the UK and further afield, writes Contractor UK.

Announcing the results of its second annual study on global SMEs, Microsoft said a 'rebound' in IT spending by the sector would be led by a desire to cut operating costs, boost productivity and strengthen the customer base.

These IT investments, designed to protect or improve the bottom line, support the software giant's headline finding that while SMEs remain concerned about the business climate, most are set to increase their IT spending in 2010.

Rackspace, a player in the hosting and cloud computing market, has partnered with Spiceworks to allow SMEs to manage their Rackspace e-mail hosting services through the free Spiceworks social IT management application, states Market Watch.

The integrated systems simplify the jobs of SME IT professionals by allowing them to monitor and administrate Rackspace cloud e-mail services within the Spiceworks IT management interface, rather than launching a separate portal.

The relationship with Spiceworks allows Rackspace to extend the functionality and reach of its hosted e-mail services.