Small Business Technology

July 24, 2008

Beware the Hype for Software as a Service

What's called SaaS, or on-demand software, needs some debunking. For starters, it isn't cheap, and your data aren't secure.

June 03, 2008

Auctions on eBay: A Dying Breed

As consumers opt for fixed-price purchases, what happens to the company that perfected the art of online bidding—and the scores of e-auctioneers?.

April 17, 2008

The Business of Startups Is Business

As the economy slumps, many entrepreneurs are looking past consumer Web sites to focus on products and services for companies.

April 01, 2008

The Apps Small Biz Needs Now

Want to get rich? The company that gives small business owners the tools they need to work smarter and faster will be the next Google.

March 05, 2008

Tech Trends to Ignore

Some are just not necessary, others aren't fully developed. From social networking sites to virtualization, take a pass for now.

February 21, 2008

When Good Isn't Good Enough

A company with fewer than 50 employees needs great programmers, not just good ones. And once you find them, you have to hold on to them.

February 05, 2008

Worthwhile Small Business Technologies

These 10 able technologies can make life easier for the small business owner. Among them: wireless connectivity and free conference calling.

January 04, 2008

Tech 'Solutions' Your Small Biz Can't Use

A lot of highfalutin software and gadgets aim to help you run your company, but too little of it is suited for a small business environment.

December 18, 2007

Validus: A New Power Player

The startup has raised $10 million in venture funding to develop direct current as an alternative to AC for computer data centers.

November 21, 2007

Ten Penny-Pinching Ideas for 2008

The gadgets to spring for, the systems to install, and the best ways to soak your overpriced tech consultants for free advice.

November 05, 2007

Beckoning Boomers to the Web

Eons and TeeBeeDee both court the over-50 crowd, but their diverging paths illustrate the differences between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0.

October 24, 2007

EBay: The Place for Microfinance

On the online auction giant's new MicroPlace site, investors can lend as little as $50 to would-be small business owners around the globe.

September 25, 2007

Goosing Google Search Rankings

There are ways to increase your company's standing in search results; getting duped by scam artists isn't one of them.

September 19, 2007

SAP's Down-Market Gamble

The German giant's new, Web-based software targets smaller outfits than its usual corporate clients. But is it too tricky for small business?.

August 24, 2007

HP's Officejet L7780 All-in-One Printer

Hewlett-Packard's alternative to the laser printer is easy-to-use and plenty fast—a good choice for small offices.

July 11, 2007

Operation: Leaf Blower

Small companies are coming up with creative ways to help U.S. troops survive.

June 22, 2007

EBay: Take That, Google!

After pulling its ads from Google in a counterprotest, the online auction giant has started buying again, but not as much as before. Yahoo! and Microsoft could gain.

May 22, 2007

Sharing the Widget Wealth

Widgets jazz up profiles and boost traffic, but eat into social networks' ad revenue. Facebook and others ponder a remedy.

April 16, 2007

Big Spenders of Second Life

Virtual world residents shell out real dollars for nonexistent clothes, cars, and real estate. Will real-world luxury brands capitalize?.

March 16, 2007

Cisco Ups Ante in War with Microsoft

In an escalating arms race for control over the unified communications market, Cisco's acquisition of WebEx is its largest yet.

March 08, 2007

Allegations Fly at Registerfly

Claims of embezzlement and complaints from irate customers threaten to derail the small domain-name registrar.

August 29, 2006

Google and eBay's New Connection

The sometime rivals' latest joint venture will allow them to expand international reach and integrate free phone service with ads.

July 10, 2006

Open Source Takes on Telecom

Digium CEO Mark Spencer explains how he's woven freely available software into a low-priced phone system for businesses.

June 27, 2006

Microsoft's Stepped-up Call to Business

Armed with fresh products and partners, the software giant is opening a new front in its effort to dominate how professionals communicate.

May 22, 2006

Free Broadband for the Masses

Backed by VC cash, a former FCC official's startup is out to provide no-fee, ad-supported wireless service.