Business Management

Compliance with the GCSx Code of Connection (GCSx CoCo) – What an IT Professional needs to know

Business Management blogger

The UK Government’s initiative to prescribe a security standard to any organization accessing the Government Connect Secure Extranet is a move designed to keep government organisations one step ahead of the inexorable increase in security threats. There have been too many high profile data thefts and losses by Government organizations, highlighting both the risk to, and the importance of, ICT Security and the governance of citizens’ data.

The result is the Government Connect Secure Extranet (GCSx). HM Government has mandated the way in which public authorities and government departments can securely transfer data between each other.

So, for example, how does a local authority needing Housing Benefits data access the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) database? Via the GCSx of course! Similarly, Job Centre Plus communications with local authorities will only accept communications via the GCSx, and likewise, communications with the Police and the NHS will only be provided through this connection.

The concept is a “community of trust” and the GCSx is one of a number of secure Government extranets, including GSx, GSi and GCJx. See our Glossary of Terms at the end for details of these other networks.

So how does a district council access the GCSx? Via a secure connection, the security of which is governed by the Code of Connection, or ‘CoCo’.

The GCSx CoCo

In England and Wales it is referred to as the GCSX Code of Connection (CoCo). In Scotland it is referred to as the GSX Code of Connection (CoCo). Through GCSx, local authorities can connect to the Government Secure Extranet (GSX) and Intranet(GSI), the National Health Service (NHS), Criminal Justice Extranet (CJX), and the Police National Network (PNN). The Code of Connection takes into consideration how best to protect the “community of trust” taking into account all potential threats, including Attack from the GCSx itself Attack from the Internet Mobile data theft and loss Attack from the internal user

Code of Connection (CoCo) for the Government Secure Intranet (GSI) and GCSx, Memorandum Number 22. According to CESG Infosec Memorandum Number 22, protective monitoring has traditionally been the most underrated and least effectively used security measure. The scope of the GCSx Code of Connection can be summarised as follows Physical Security and Access Control, restrict and control access to the GCSx, including use of Firewalls, Intrusion Protection technology and with particular focus on Mobile/Remote Worker security Policies and Procedures, in particular Change Management Processes, approvals and documentation. Configuration ‘hardening’, to ensure that known threats and vulnerabilities are eliminated from all systems, with a zealous patch management process combined with anti-virus technology, regularly tested and verified as secure. Strong Monitoring for security incidents and events, with all event logs being retained for 6 months

Business Management courses in Brisbane.

Business Management blogger

A business management course is one of the more popular courses you will find in any college today. Essentially, it introduces the student to principles and practices carried out for successful business management. Courses such as these provide deeper insight and knowledge and are one way a business person can enjoy an edge over the competition.

The name of the course is deceptively simple. A course in business management is aimed at ensuring the student knows what is needed to run a successful business, or, at the very least, keep one afloat. As such, course material tends to encompass the following areas: small business planning, requirements for legal and business matters, planning and management of finances, promotion and marketing, customer service and management of employees. Some courses may also place emphasis on safety in the workplace, and the establishment and maintenance of a business site.

Given the nature of prospective students, who are, more often than not, likely to be mature individuals, a business management course can be structured to combine both on and off-site attendance. Students can attend classes on campus, and/or have the option of going online to learn from pod or web-casts.

The online alternative is viable for those whose current employment doesn’t permit them to attend courses in person, although it comes at the cost of reduced opportunities for debates, discussions and further clarity. Remote learning doesn’t preclude a student from completing assignments either, so a degree of commitment is warranted.

So, who should attend a business management course? Any person who wants to become a business owner, of course. Even so, someone who already owns a business but wishes to further their education has much to gain from attending one as well. For those who have had some experience in the world of business, a course like this serves as a refresher and allows one to get an update on current principles and practices. For those who have yet to dip their toes in the water, so to speak, it can prove to be a valuable fount of entrepreneurial skills.

MSIT’s Small Business Certificate’s will offer you a variety of skills necessary to meet the challenges of the tough environment that is small business.

The Importance of Taking Immediate Action

Business Management blogger

What makes some people a success in attraction marketing, network marketing and/or internet marketing vs. others who struggle? People who are willing to take risks and very bold action are the ones who get the rewards. As long as you keep shooting, eventually you’ll score.

Og Mandino’s essay on taking action highlights the importance of taking immediate action. How much kindling have you put in the fireplace at this point in the year, as the fourth quarter looms into sight? What about the Christmas presents and next year’s vacations? Do they depend on achieving your goals? It is important to realize that lack of action has real consequences.

A lot of people who say they want to earn $10K per month, having never reached this level in their life vastly underestimate what is needed. That is because most saying this have never reached it, based on their own actions. Earning $3-5K monthly takes significant action, but what most don’t realize is that their $10K goal will take massive action.

Many people operate from a “comfort zone.” Whatever their current earnings level is is a reflection of their current comfort zone. Do you have the desire to break free from this level and devote the massive action necessary? Are you willing to act right now?

The difference between people that are rich vs. those facing poverty is also the willingness to take actions. Some have a fear of what those who they contact about their business or products will think? Does it really matter what people are saying about you? Stop procrastinating and making excuses and get the things done now that will move you forward. The only person who is stopping you is the person in the mirror. Recruiting and product sales are the only two ways to increase your bank account. What have you done lately that directly contributes to these two actions?

Successful entrepreneurs reportedly have the same emotions that you do. There isn’t a single phone call that they make that they really would rather not. The only difference between them and you is that they don’t listen to the “inner voices” and critics and just do it anyway, consistently, over and over until they reach the goal. Is this your year (or quarter) to break through and finally achieve success through massive action, no matter how uncomfortable you feel in the process? Take action now and bring it to pass

TXU vs. Reliant

Business Management blogger

If you live in Texas then you know about TXU and Reliant Energy. You also know TXU Energy and Reliant are constantly battling for your business. It is fair to ask who is better between the two companies but the answer will leave you wanting.

Texas electrical deregulation began in 2001. Both companies have been selling electricity every since. The Texas electricity rate plans offered by these energy companies are comparable and competitive.

What kind of electricity plans do I need?

You can sign up with a month-to-month plan if you are looking to move and not sure how long you will need electricity. The month-to-month or variable plans are cheaper than fixed rate plans and they dont have a contract.

Fixed rate plans lock you into your electricity rate plans for the length of the term. You can find terms as short as 3 months and as long as 36 months. In most cases fixed rate plans save you more money in the long run than month-to-month plans.

So who has better plans, TXU or Reliant?

Reliants prices as of today are lower than TXUs but by only 0.3 cents (this is based on each companys cheapest plan and the zip code I used). TXU does offer a wide range of products for you to buy like the flex plan. TXUs flex plan gives you the ability to save more money by using electricity during off peak times when there is less demand on the grid. You may want to look at the times you use electricity the most to see if the flex plan can save you money.

So what makes Reliant better than TXU or TXU better than Reliant?

Reliant and TXU both have different benefits so the only way to answer this question is with another question. What are you looking for in an energy company. If you are looking for a company which you can trust both companies have a great rating with the BBB. So which company is better? It depends on what you need. The best bet is to contact the providers with as many questions as possible. Keep the answers and compare the answers to see which provider can meet all your needs. I know that my needs are smaller than most households because I live at home and work all day.

Business Management Course Pune scit

Business Management blogger

Symbiosis Institutes have always propagated a concept of holistic learning amongst its students through its multiple programs. It is this tradition that makes the business schools under the renowned symbiosis banner different from their regular counterparts. The Symbiosis Center of Information Technology (SCIT) is a premier institute IT B-school formed under the prestigious Symbiosis banner. Located in Pune, SCIT is a strong example of the on-going symbiosis legacy of providing state-of-the-art infrastructure to help the students maximize the learning. The distinguishing factor for SCIT has always been its team of academic experts, a regularly updated curriculum, relevant practical exposure and a careful planning of several other intricacies that contribute towards helping the students understand the trends of the IT industry as part of the MBA in ITBM program.
In line with this rich legacy of using innovative learning practices, SCIT has been organizing several events and seminars where industry experts are invited to share their experience with the future IT managers. This helps them further enhance their learning. Recently the institute organized the 13th national seminar titled State of the IT-2012. The idea behind hosting the seminar was to emerge as a platform for convergence of multiple facets of the IT industry with special focus on the Banking and Financial services sector. Banking sector has evolved as a technology oriented industry focusing entirely on customers. This makes it highly dependent on the Information Technology sector. The seminar was an effort to explore these opportunities through mediums like panel discussions, interactions etc.
State of the IT-2012 was just one amongst the many events organized by SCIT where students got a chance to learn about the multiple facets of the IT industry. Previously too, the institute has been actively involved in hosting such programs. In fact, these programs are organized managed and conducted by the students of the MBA in ITBM program. After all, the future managers to be prepared to multitask and the events are an excellent opportunity for them to put their class room learning to test.
An MBA in Pune has always been high on the priority of students list due to its industrial exposure but an MBA in ITBM at SCIT is even more relevant due to its ability to develop curriculum relevant to the evolving dynamics of the information technology sector. The institute has seen several successful placement seasons and given its dedication towards equipping its students with the best in terms of education; SCIT is guaranteed to see many more similar success stories.
Admissions 2-13-2015 are now open. Have you registered???
If not, just click on the link that follows for further guidance
http://www.scit.edu/admissions.php