data.php

<?php

class v1_Brands_Helper_Data extends Mage_Core_Helper_Abstract
{
    public function getCfg($optionString)
    {
        return Mage::getStoreConfig('brands/' . $optionString);
    }

    public function getCfgGeneral($optionString)
    {
        return Mage::getStoreConfig('brands/general/' . $optionString);
    }
}