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In this Issue
Dedication Group Dedication Group are IT experts with an emphasis on business outcomes, not just systems and programming. We work with companies to deliver software development projects with lower risk and higher software quality. Contact us today to find out how we can help you! Flying Solo Take a look at Flying Solo, Australia's online community for solo & micro business. They have some fantastic articles; regardless of the size of your business.
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Welcome to the Dedication Group Newsletter for April 2008 We are very pleased to provide you with the April 2008 Dedication Group Newsletter. We hope you enjoy the read! As business owners, we constantly strive to develop key points of difference in our offering to clients. However, it is imperative that while we are providing value to our clients; we are not letting our valuable trade secrets transfer to our competitors. This month's article Seven Tips for Protecting your Business Trade Secrets attempts to provide a guide to keeping your intellectual property your own. 'Til next time! Greg Pritchard Seven Tips for Protecting your Business Trade Secrets As the saying goes; there are only six degrees of separation between you and potentially anyone in the world. While this provides a wonderful social networking opportunity; it also raises all sorts of competitive issues when running a business. Are there really six degrees of separation between you and your competitor? 1. Limit the amount of data exposed to third partiesWhen using a third party provider who has access to your businesses files; such an IT firm or external contractors, it is wise to limit the amount of information they have access to at any one time. Your business's files and data should be on a need-to-know basis only. Permission to view files should be given by exception, not by default. This is especially important when using providers in offshore locations. 
2. Encryption and Password SecurityIf your files allow you to have passwords or encryption, why not enable it. Your passwords don't need to be elaborate 47 digit, random uncrackable passwords. A simple password is the difference between opening your files unhindered, and making it more difficult. This is especially important when transferring confidential files over the internet or via email. 3. Non-Disclosure AgreementsNon-Disclosure Agreements should be part of anyone's outsourcing toolkit. Have your solicitor draft a pro-forma NDA for you. The cost incurred may be insignificant compared to the impact of your trade secrets becoming common knowledge. 4. Smoke and MirrorsWhen using a new or an offshore provider; don't be afraid to use strategies which protect an original design or product. This is not distrustful or counterproductive; it just lets you commit to a partnership without betting the farm. This is a trick used by shoe and clothing manufacturers when using offshore factories. That is, send over an incorrect sample for quoting purposes. If fakes show up on the market; they will be based off this sample. When the contracts are signed and the production setup is in its final stages; send the real version. 
5. AuditWhere the cost justifies; follow the lead of the accounting world and use an independent auditor to ensure your trade secrets are safe. If you are using an external provider; how do they store your data? Can their servers be hacked? Do they store all their client's information in the same place, running the risk that one of your files, or samples, is accidentally sent to one of your competitors? If the cost is justified; it is an avenue worth exploring. 6. Service Level AgreementsThe use of Service Level Agreements are a wholly under-rated tool in the outsourcing arena. At its simplest, a Service Level Agreements states how a service is to be performed and to what standard, what remedies the provider will undertake if the standard drops below a pre-determined level, and what recourse you have if the provider fails to remedy the situation. 7. Trademarks & PatentsWhen creating an original work or design; it is prudent to explore whatever protection is afforded through the registration of trademarks and patents. Consult a solicitor who specialises in intellectual property, and refer to IP Australia's website http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/ for the latest on strategies for protecting your trade secrets. This is by no means an exhaustive list. What strategies do you employ to ensure your business' intellectual property and designs remain your own? Security Tips - courtesy of GISG 
Home Security Tip Do not share access to your computers with strangers, and take the time to learn about file sharing risks. Your computer operating system may allow other computers on a network, including the Internet, to access the hard-drive of your computer in order to "share files". This ability to share files can be used to infect your computer with a virus or look at the files on your computer if you do not pay close attention. Check your operating system and other program help files to learn how to disable file sharing. Do not share access to your computer with strangers! |
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