http://www.networkworld.com/net.worker/newsletters/branch/index.html Network World newsletters by Robin Gareiss. Network World, Inc. Copyright(C) 1994 - 2009 Network World, Inc. http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2008/121508branch1.html I am sorry to say this is the last column of the Branch Office Best Practices newsletter. I want to first thank all of the readers for the past three years who have communicated with me, challenged me, and most importantly, who have used this forum as a way to improve their branch strategies. Second, I would like to leave you with some key "closing thoughts" on the trends and challenges I foresee for the branch, and my recommendations for addressing them. Robin Gareiss 2008-12-16T12:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2008/120808branch1.html Those of us who have been in the workforce for a few decades now have been through our share of economic downturns. Robin Gareiss 2008-12-09T12:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2008/120108branch1.html Managed Service Providers are one of the types of businesses that are seeing benefits from the economic situation. Now, about 63% of businesses use some third-party service to help serve branch locations. Robin Gareiss 2008-12-02T12:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2008/112408branch1.html An emerging technology destined to resolve many IT headaches without prescription medication is desktop virtualization. The technology helps IT staffs deliver functionality to remote workers faster and with more control than using traditional means. Robin Gareiss 2008-11-25T12:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2008/111708branch1.html Delivering applications out to branch offices and virtual workers isn't as easy as it sounds. There are many moving parts that require focus and attention from the IT staff. Robin Gareiss 2008-11-18T12:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2008/111008branch1.html With the economic downturn in full nosedive-mode, companies are concerned about earnings reports, managers are worried about their budgets, and IT staffs are trying to figure out how to keep the infrastructure secure and performing well with flat or decreasing headcounts. Robin Gareiss 2008-11-11T12:00:00-04:00