Japanese Cellphone Can Unlock Car, Start Engine
from USA Today
A new Japanese mobile phone will automatically unlock the doors of its owners' cars and let drivers start their engines without using an ignition key. The phone, built by Sharp, uses a technology previously developed by Nissan Motor called "Intelligent Key" that allows drivers enter and start their cars without removing their keys from their pockets or bags. More

Welcome to the World’s Largest Gold Vault
from ABC News
Just a few blocks away from all the turmoil and panic of the stock market sits the world's largest stockpile of gold. Deep under the streets of Manhattan sits more gold than "James Bond" villain Goldfinger could ever imagine. The gold vault -- about half the size of a football field -- was built and lowered into New York's bedrock in 1921 before the building was completed in 1924. Solid rock surrounds it on all sides. There is only one way in or out -- through a narrow, 10-foot passageway cut into a 90-ton steel cylinder that sits within a giant steel-and-concrete frame. The cylinder can actually be lowered three-eighths of an inch to create an airtight and watertight seal. Large bolts then get inserted into the cylinder, locking it into place. Timers prevent it from being opened again until the next business day. More

Security and Innovation: Why Can’t We All Get Along
from The Wall Street Journal
In many businesses, the security team is seen as a wet blanket, often swooping in at the last minute to put the kibosh on a project deemed too risky. But some veteran security pros believe there is an approach to security that can actually make businesses more innovative. More

Security Software Versus Security Hardware - the Pros and Cons
from CRN
As the security market continues to rise, we compare security software and hardware options. “Traditionally, new technology adoption starts in the workplace, spreading across corporations before filtering out to consumers who then adopt the technology for personal use. Today consumer technology is fast outpacing enterprise computing, with popular consumer software and gadgetry creeping into the corporate world,” said Patrik Bihammar, senior analyst, security solutions and system management software at IDC Australia. More

Jittery Californians Buying Safes and Protection
from CBS31
With the economy suffering blow and blow, some people are even afraid to keep their money in the bank. Some are buying personal safes. Safe shop owners are seeing a spike in business that is even bigger than the Y2K scare. More

Branding for the Small Business
from The News Sun
All the experiences that people have regarding your business add up to the images and associations that are your brand. This includes direct experience, what they hear people say about and what their five senses tell them. Not exactly the same thing as "reputation," but very close. So you already have a brand. The question is, how much do you purposefully create and control it so that it works in your favor? More

How to Cope with the Credit Crunch
from The Wall Street Journal
The financial crisis on Wall Street is quickly spiraling down to small businesses, making it extremely difficult for them to secure from large banks the credit they need to start and maintain their operations. Some businesses that currently have good relationships with banks are getting more scrutiny and higher interest rates -- such as 15 percent or more. Riskier borrowers are being denied credit altogether. Aside from falling back on friends or family -- or charging up yet another credit card -- here's a look at five alternatives for getting extra cash to run a business in this economy. More