Hardware & Software

SMBs Reject False Dichotomy Between Enterprise And Consumer Tech

December 15, 2009 | Too many tech insiders see the world as consumer versus enterprise technology. They're missing a key component of the market: small and midsize businesses. And their blinders are leading to some seriously misguided conclusions.
By Fredric Paul

IBM Offers Tivoli Service To SMBs

December 14, 2009 | Tivoli Live Monitoring can monitor virtual machines running under VMware ESX Server, Microsoft's Hyper-V, and Citrix Systems XenServer.
By Charles Babcock, Courtesy of InformationWeek

10 Questions To Ask About Netbooks

December 12, 2009 | Like it or not, netbooks will move into your company. Here's what you need to know before they do.
By Michael Healey, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Rolling Review: Zinstall Runs Windows 7 and XP

December 12, 2009 | If your company's users aren't ready to let go of XP as you upgrade to Windows 7, Zinstall can help.
By Randy George, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Dell Updates OptiPlex Business Line

December 11, 2009 | The giant computer maker has added four smaller business desktops for space-constrained organizations of all sizes.
By Antone Gonsalves, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Google Groups Joins Apps Suite

December 9, 2009 | Users gain more flexible communication and collaboration options, while IT administrators gain more control over information management.
By Thomas Claburn, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Fujitsu To Offer Cloud Services

December 8, 2009 | The company enters the ranks of cloud competitors, supplying computing infrastructure as a service through its expanded data centers. The new service is targeting the retail, financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare markets.
By Charles Babcock, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Review: HP ProBook 5310m Offers SMBs (Almost) Full Power In A Thin-And-Light Notebook

December 9, 2009 | Unlike most thin-and-light notebooks, the stylish black ProBook 5310 is available with a standard-voltage Intel processor to deliver higher performance computing. The hit on battery life isn't as big as you might expect.
By Fredric Paul

Windows 7 Family Pack Discontinued

December 8, 2009 | Microsoft pulls multi-license discount offer -- could add to upgrade expenses for very small businesses.
By Paul McDougall, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Dell's Sleek New Vostro V13 SMB Laptop Thinks Thin And Light

December 8, 2009 | When it comes to laptops, you can never be too thin or too rich. And the newest entry in Dell's small business lineup, the Vostro V13, weighs in at under 3.5 pounds and less than an inch thick.
By Fredric Paul

Microsoft To Finally Kill Windows XP SP2 Support

December 7, 2009 | Software maker eyes cutoff date for support for XP, as well as for Windows 2000. SMBs need to have their operating system plans in place.
By Paul McDougall, Courtesy of InformationWeek

How To Make Your Business Mobile -- By The Numbers

December 4, 2009 | The best smartphones for small businesses in 8 different categories, the top 13 apps for SMBs, and 5 ways to differentiate among wireless carriers.
By Dan O' Shea

Microsoft Warns Piracy Surge Brings Malware

December 3, 2009 | It's a problem because companies using unlicensed or counterfeit software are 73% more likely to suffer data loss or damage than users of legitimate software.
By Thomas Claburn, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Lenovo Offers AT&T Tech Support With PCs

December 3, 2009 | The companies have joined together to court SMBs with the discounted PC and IT support bundle.
By Antone Gonsalves, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Review: HP Mini 5101 Is A "Business Netbook"

December 3, 2009 | The HP Mini 5101 is the kind of business netbook that businesses might buy if businesses were buying business netbooks. But are most businesses buying netbooks?
By Fredric Paul

Netbooks In SMBs: Still Waiting For A Killer App

December 3, 2009 | Netbook sales keep growing, but businesses of all sizes are still struggling to figure out what the heck to DO with them.
By Fredric Paul

Bill Collector Makes Hay With Oracle Middleware

December 1, 2009 | Collect America finds opportunity in recession, but the 139-employeee company needed to integrate collection applications on top of Oracle Fusion middleware to make it work.
By Charles Babcock, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Office 2010 Ship Date Revealed

December 1, 2009 | Microsoft confirms Internet rumors surrounding the release of its next software suite: Office 2010 will ship in June.
By Paul McDougall, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Cisco Keeps Working To Make Its Case To Small Businesses

December 1, 2009 | One year after forming its Small Business Technology group, Cisco is still trying to erase perceptions that the networking giant cares only for large enterprises. New products and services debuting today are intended to help make the case -- to channel partners as well as small businesses themselves.
By Fredric Paul

Disaster Recovery Options

November 30, 2009 | When it comes to riding out a disaster, preparing for the worst is a much better strategy than hoping for the best. Check out this unique slide show to find out why a disaster-recovery solution is important, learn how to assess your company's needs, and check out your company's best disaster-recovery options. (Registration required to view full slide show.)

How Cloud Computing Changes Everything

November 28, 2009 | Cloud computing is still an emerging technology, but it's already clear that increased adoption will bring changes in the way IT departments work -- in organizations both large and small.
By Charles Babcock, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Security Is Chief Obstacle To Cloud Computing Adoption, Says Study Of Growing Companies

November 25, 2009 | Half of organizations surveyed say they have no plans to use cloud technology; and half of those cite security concerns.
By Tim Wilson, Courtesy of DarkReading

Video Conferencing Shakeup Poses Challenges And Offers Opportunities For SMBs

November 23, 2009 | Long term, consolidation in the video conferencing market promises more powerful, less-expensive solutions for smaller companies. But in the meantime, SMBs need to be aware that their preferred video conferencing suppliers could be just about to change course.
By Paul Korzeniowski

Ballmer Says Windows 7 Is Microsoft's Best OS Ever

November 20, 2009 | The recently launched operating system is building market momentum as PC users upgrade from Vista, Microsoft's CEO says. No word on whether enterprises, consumers, or SMBs are leading the charge.
By Paul McDougall, Courtesy of InformationWeek

Cisco Teaming With EMC: Another Sign Of The Times

November 19, 2009 | It's not just the HP-3Com deal. The recent Cisco-EMC joint venture also signals continuing market consolidation in the computer equipment market. SMBs need to have a backup plan in case their preferred vendors abruptly decide to change course.
By Paul Korzeniowski