Inspired by the recent superhero films, I now view work at my computer slightly differently. Just read some of the headlines:

Successfully quarantined three suspect files. . . Kerpoww!
Scan disk complete. Two critical errors found. . . Whaaamm!
Warning! Memory resources are critically low. . . Thuuuddd!

With news like this, my day proceeded in my own little Metropolis: successfully restoring archived data in a single bound and applying patches to helpless software. But like all classic superheroes when asked about the activities of the day, I replied with nonchalant and mysterious coolness: "Oh the usual. . . Just keeping things running smoothly."

As you prepare your business for 2006, here are some ABC's to combat the Jokers and Green Goblins seeking to assail your important information and productivity.

Asset protection: Information stored on your computer is a valuable business possession-be it customer, operational, technical, or financial data. When you leave the house, the nagging question is no longer: "Are you wearing clean socks?" but rather: "Are your disaster-recovery procedures in place?" Unplanned calamities will occur-even if they're not listed on your Year-at-a-Glance calendar. Whaapp! In accordance with the sensitivity and timeliness of your data, be sure you can both safely store and efficiently recover the information you can't afford to lose.

Border defense: Just as you must retain and recover your information, it is also important that you protect it from unauthorized individuals. Malicious and invasive programs can easily breach unprotected computers and networks. Kaboomm! To combat this, an entire division of computer technology has been developed which sounds both medical and militaristic; they combat spyware, adware, viruses, and spam. In the coming year, keep your software and firmware updates current for a strong defense-both at home and in the office.

Centralize data: In your home, silverware is all kept in one or two drawers; you don't randomly store cutlery in closets and cupboards throughout the house. Such an arrangement would make basic mealtime tasks burdensome. Likewise, entering business information in multiple software applications can indicate operational inefficiencies. Varying sources of data also pose threats of inaccurate and inconsistent information-the Kryptonite of data corruption. Blaaammmooo! In the new year, you can efficiently make calculated business decisions by reporting from fewer data sources.

So when you sit down at your computer in 2006, remember your cape and mask. The city is in danger.

Tom Urbanowicz is the owner of DataDesignIT, helping businesses operate efficiently and communicate effectively. Tom can be reached at tom@datadesignit.com or at 530.513.1691.