Keeping Up with Business Technology | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

The technology needed to build a profitable small to medium-sized business (SMB) is always changing. Every day there's some new web app, networking device, "must-have" security fix, laptop, PDA, printer, software, e-commerce breakthrough, or a hundred other things you or your IT person needs to know about. The pace of change is so rapid that the fear of failing to keep up with tech has become a top concern for SMBs in nearly every industry. But keep up you must, or risk falling behind. These steps can help:

Regularly check small/medium business technology Web sites for news, advice, product reviews and information on the latest tech developments and trends.
Sign up to receive business technology updates or newsletters by email.
Attend webinars or seminars on business technology yourself, or provide tech training to employees.
If you can afford it, put an IT specialist on staff or work regularly with an experienced IT consultant who is familiar with your type of business.

Business.com's "What Works for Business" blog is a perfect way to keep up with the latest technology solutions, trends and strategies for small and medium business -- including web-based solutions, hardware, software and more. Updates daily.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tap an all-in-one online resource for small biz technology

Go online to get the latest tech news and information.

I recommend: For depth of coverage, independent opinions and a "we get it" sensibility to the needs of small business that's not too "techie," Small Business Computing is an excellent resource. Sign up for the free Small Business Computing newsletter on the home page. Great coverage of News and Trends, Business Software, Hardware & Equipment, Online Marketing, Buyer's Guides and Small Business Essentials.

Get professional level SMB tech updates

Sites geared to IT professionals at small and medium businesses are an excellent way to stay ahead of the technology wave.

I recommend: SearchSMB.com is a "go-to" resource for IT pros who work with small and medium businesses (SMBs). The site is chock full of the latest tech advice and information on a wide range of topics, along with special sections for tips, webcasts and helpful software downloads. Subscribe to the free email newsletters for updates delivered to your inbox.

See what tech products other biz owners like best

Small Business Computing's annual tech awards let small business owners vote on their favorite technology in dozens of hardware, security, e-commerce and software categories.

I recommend: See which of the latest technology products and services other small businesses like best in the Excellence in Technology Awards.

Get a more personalized perspective and tech news via RSS feed

Sometimes, a more personal touch makes tech info easier to swallow.

I recommend: Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter Small Business Technology Report from self-described "technology evangelist" Ramon Ray at his Web site SmallBizTechnology.com. Ray offers great advice and updates with a keen sense of what small business wants and needs.

Keep up with news and advice from major tech suppliers

From tech makers like Microsoft and Intel, to suppliers like CDW, there's a wealth of information to keep you in step.

I recommend: The Microsoft Small Business Center offers current small business technology information and advice on Broadband & Mobility, Business Software, Communications, E-commerce, Hardware, Networking and Security. Tech vendor CDW has a helpful Resource Center with vendor-neutral reviews, case studies and an "Ask the Experts" feature. Also check Intel's helpful tech solutions guides that you can download as PDF files.Topics include marketing, finance, productivity, management and operations.

Still more small biz tech publications and resources

If your hunger for help is still not satisfied, there's more available.

I recommend: Small Business Technology Magazine is a non-profit publication that helps business owners understand information technology. The Emerging Enterprise has tech news and updates for growing a business, and the Emerging Enterprise Update newsletter. Web Marketing Today and ClickZ will keep you abreast of what's happening with e-commerce and Web marketing.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Don't get too carried away with buying the latest tech toys every time there's something new on the market. Ask yourself if it will really benefit your business.
One of the most critical areas to stay up to date is computer and Web security. Software updates to catch the latest threats are issued continuously.
Even if you aren't in the market for new technology right now, browse the newsletters for ideas that you might not have thought of.

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What Works for Technology Basics

Calculating Tech's Total Cost of Ownership

By Beth Stackpole, writer and editor, Beth Stackpole

Shopping for computers or software? Do a TCO analysis to control costs

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a commonly used calculation designed to help businesses assess the direct and indirect costs associated with information technology purchases. By doing a TCO analysis, you can make more informed purchase decisions. When evaluating the TCO of hardware, software, or networking equipment, you should consider: The initial costs of the hardware and software. Costs for the initial deployment and employee ... Read more