Hardware & Software
June 2008 Archive

SaaS Eases Security Cost and Complexity

June 30, 2008 | Small and midsize companies confront two chronic conditions related to information security: lack of time and a dearth of deep expertise. For many, the answer will be software-as-a-service security
By Benjamin Tomkins

Microsoft Inches Closer to Enterprise Management Play

June 30, 2008 | The challenges of network and systems management give many IT technicians in smaller businesses ulcers. Trying to manage and troubleshoot a hodgepodge of increasing complex devices can be vexing, but help is taking shape on the far horizon
By Paul Korzeniowski

Web 2.0 Tactics for Business Success

June 27, 2008  | If small and midsize businesses knew how to harness the incredible power of Web 2.0, they could truly level the playing field. TechWeb's Jennifer Pahlka explains how smaller businesses can get started with Web 2.0 and which tools will help them succeed
Courtesy of Cisco Systems

Web site Design That Works: Helping the Designer Help You

June 27, 2008 | The perfect Web site designer might not be in the perfect location, but these tips will help you span the distance between you and the designer to produce a Web site that works for your smaller business
By Amanda Kooser

Web 2.0 Tactics for Business Success

June 27, 2008 | If small and midsize businesses knew how to harness the incredible power of Web 2.0, they could truly level the playing field. TechWeb's Jennifer Pahlka explains how smaller businesses can get started with Web 2.0 and which tools will help them succeed
By Naomi Grossman

Cloud Computing's Strengths Play To Smaller Companies' Needs

June 24, 2008 | For small and midsize companies, cloud computing offers enterprise-class or even better, consumer class -- applications for far less than enterprises pay to do it themselves
By Fredric Paul

Mid-Market Heroes: Tech Implementation, Amish-Style

June 23, 2008 | When Lavern Schlabach introduced an ERP system and BI processes to Keim Lumber, a nearly 100-year-old home improvement and lumber company, he faced an unusual challenge: A predominantly Amish staff with little or no exposure to technology. But a slow, methodical approach coupled with cultural sensitivity ensured a smooth and painless implementation.
By Naomi Grossman

Enterprise 2.0 Tools for Growing Companies

June 23, 2008 | Bringing Web 2.0 tools into the workplace was a hot topic at Enterprise 2.0. From new products and services to the emerging technology trends, the show was awash in opportunities for smaller businesses to increase their competitive advantage by adopting Web 2.0 tools that can level the playing field.
By Naomi Grossman

Online Video: Show and Tell For Smaller Businesses

June 19, 2008 | With its ability to let customers do the talking, online video testimonials are one of the most effective ways for smaller businesses to get the word out about what they do. And with the recent spate of digital video products that have hit the market, it is now even easier -- and more affordable
By Heather Clancy

Q&A With Angus Thomson of Intuit: Why QuickBooks Makes Sense

June 18, 2008 | Competitors claim that thriving companies outgrow QuickBooks, but Intuit sees the different levels of QuickBooks scaling to meet the needs of growing businesses. And, more features are in the works.
By Benjamin Tomkins

Q&A With Mike Braun Of Intacct: When Your Business Outgrows QuickBooks

June 18, 2008 | Growing businesses need financial software that will scale with their needs. Intacct strives to fill the need beyond Intuit's QuickBooks and compete with on-premise offerings from the likes of Microsoft and Sage with a software-as-a-service offering.
By Benjamin Tomkins

Online Data Storage: Keeping Your Smaller Business' Data Safe

June 12, 2008 | Storing your business data online means it's always available -- and it'll never get lost. And now there are lots of affordable options for smaller businesses
By Heather Clancy

Q&A With George Langan of eXpresso: What SaaS Means for Collaboration

June 11, 2008 | The need for collaboration isn't new, but software-as-a-service has at last made real collaboration possible within and between businesses with a level of cost and complexity that's accessible to smaller businesses
By Benjamin Tomkins

Mid-Market Heroes: Scuba Toys -- Scuba Community Dives into Web 2.0

June 10, 2008 | Founding a scuba gear company in a landlocked part of Texas might not seem like the best idea. But Scuba Toy's founder Larry Dague has used Web 2.0 to reach scuba divers around the world -- and create a community of divers that keep coming back for more
By Naomi Grossman

CEO Cheat Sheet: The Benefits of Collaboration Tools

June 6, 2008 | Smaller businesses can simplify processes and enhance relationships using collaboration tools. MIT Professor Erik Brynjolfsson explains how and looks at the technologies improving these tools
By Naomi Grossman

CEO Cheat Sheet: The Benefits of Collaboration Tools

June 6, 2008  | Smaller businesses can simplify processes and enhance relationships using collaboration tools. MIT Professor Erik Brynjolfsson explains how and looks at the technologies improving these tools.
Courtesy of Cisco Systems

Q&A With Thomas Harpointner: E-Mail Marketing vs. Snail Mail for Smaller Businesses

June 2, 2008 | Rising stamp costs may make smaller businesses think twice about going to the post office. Online advertising expert Thomas Harpointner explains when it's still necessary to make the trip and when to avoid it at all costs
By Naomi Grossman