For years, security professionals have shared a secret: one of the weakest points in the security of the web is your password. In today's era it is almost impossible to be in business and not collect confidential customer information - names and addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or other account numbers.

At the same time, however, identity theft has become an increasing concern. There are approximately 9.3 million identity theft victims each year resulting in about $53 billion in losses. In fact, major corporations are experiencing data security breaches of epidemic proportions. Hardly a day goes by without another news story of a data security breach exposing thousands or even millions of customers' personal information to unauthorized third parties.
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Hershey bars! iPod! Tide! These are classic brands that create immediate, clear, and generally quite favorable images in our mind. We instinctively gravitate to these brands and frequently select them over competitive offerings, even though they may cost more or come with shortcomings when actually compared to competitors. That's what branding is all about.

There are innumerable books and articles on how to create a successful brand. Most focus on the various advertising techniques used to define the brand. These techniques are critical, and new, ever more effective ones appear all the time.
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Want to learn more? Be sure to attend the September 21st TCOSC IMPACT event "New Techniques to Build Your Brand". Each member of the panel will describe their personal experiences and then answer your questions about how you can best take advantage of these technologies in your firm. So, join us on September 21 and bring your branding questions with you. This is your chance to keep abreast of the newest trends in branding and use this knowledge to maintain a competitive advantage in this critical marketing arena.

Many California employers require their employees to sign mandatory pre-dispute arbitration agreements as a condition of employment. Recently, the National Labor Relations Board ("the Board") invalidated a mandatory pre-dispute arbitration policy set forth in the Company's employee handbook and ordered reinstatement of two employees because it contained broad language mandating arbitration of "all disputes arising out of an employee's employment or the termination of that employment" and covered claims for "wrongful termination of employment, breach of contract, fraud, employment discrimination and any other legal or equitable claims and causes of action recognized by local, state or federal law or regulations." MORE >>

For many small and mid-sized technology companies, trade shows offer an exciting opportunity to meet with new sales prospects and potential business partners that can make a significant impact on their business.

While these activities are essential, trade shows can also provide an additional opportunity often overlooked by companies of this size, yet no less important for driving business forward.
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Los Angeles
The class A office leasing market in Los Angeles continued to tighten in the second quarter of 2006 as the vacancy rate dropped into single digits (9.6%) for the first time since the previous cycle peaked in 2001. The class A office leasing market in Los Angeles continued to tighten in the second quarter of 2006 as the vacancy rate dropped into single digits (9.6%) for the first time since the previous cycle peaked in 2001.

Market Trends
* The combination of strong demand, short supply, and increased rental rates will likely create a cycle of office building development.
* Corporate hiring rates may have peaked, which could dampen future demand for office space.
* Reduced demand and additional supply should create more opportunities for larger tenants.
* Smaller tenants (less than 20,000 sf) have plenty of choices, albeit at a higher cost.
*Until new supply hits the market, landlords will continue to increase rents and limit concessions.
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As tax and accounting rules evolve, service companies must continue to create the right program to attract, motivate and retain their key assets.

Compensating top talent is a delicate balance. Not only must a service business attract and retain key employees, it must also motivate management to achieve specific business objectives. At the same time, the business must manage concerns about minority ownership, cash flow, accounting, administration and regulatory issues. In an increasingly competitive market, mastering this balance is an ongoing, worthy effort.
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