IT Briefings: What you need to know

Network World last week launched a new series of Webcasts for IT managers called IT Briefings. These 10-to-15-minute broadcasts are designed to help you get all the information you need to know about a topic from experts in the field.

For most of these new programs, you’ll hear me interview Network World’s beat reporters on their areas of expertise. What comes out of these one-on-ones is some of the best advice you’ll receive for making decisions about what to do in your own networks.

For instance, our Webcast on information lifecycle management goes in-depth on strategies for your networks. Senior Editor Deni Connor, who has covered this market closely, explains why this technology is important and how to roll it out enterprisewide. She even shares tips on how to get boardroom approval for your project.

Look for her examples of how to prioritize data types and how to match those types with storage products and services – following her advice could save you time and money.

You can find the ILM Webcast at: https://www.nwfusion.com/it-briefing/2004/ilm.html

Trying to make heads or tails of regulatory compliance? Senior Editor Ann Bednarz and I discuss the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on IT organizations. She explains how public and private companies are affected, what software makers have on tap, and what considerations are needed in implementing compliance tools.

Bednarz also talks about the important role IT organizations play in helping top executives meet the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley, including fine-tuning and automating reporting throughout the enterprise.

You can find the Sarbanes-Oxley Webcast at https://www.nwfusion.com/it-briefing/2004/sarbanes.html

Finally, Secure Sockets Layer VPNs are fast emerging as an inexpensive approach to remote access over IP connections. But there are things that IT organizations need to know before choosing this path. Senior Editor Tim Greene and I discuss the pros and cons of SSL VPNs.

Greene, who also writes the VPNs newsletter, looks at how SSL VPNs stack up against other IP solutions as well as private line offerings. He explains how IT managers can use this technology to solve the issue of anytime, anywhere, from any device access that users are demanding.

You can access the SSL VPN Webcast at https://www.nwfusion.com/it-briefing/2004/sarbanes.html

We also have other Webcasts available from industry analysts – check out the full list at https://www.nwfusion.com/it-briefing/

If you want more information on a topic that is not covered in the line-up, drop me an e-mail at mailto:sgittlen@nww.com  Our goal is to build a library of subjects that will keep you in the know at all times. As always, feel free to send me feedback after you’ve listened to the Webcasts to let me know what you think.