Abstract: Most businesses recognize the strategic importance of customer relationship management (CRM), but some small to medium businesses (SMBs) continue to use basic contact managers or simple spreadsheets to track customers, manage leads, and collaborate on sales. Achieving great results requires more than just installing CRM software. Learn how assessing your business’s CRM maturity level can help build your road map to success.

Abstract: For small businesses with limited budgets and IT support, customer relationship management (CRM) has been out of reach. Until now, these small companies have missed out on the benefits provided by CRM because most applications were built for larger companies. New technology, however, has now emerged that levels the playing field for these smaller businesses by providing a fully customizable and affordable CRM system.

Abstract: Small to medium businesses (SMBs) often face the same challenges as large businesses—just on a smaller scale. One such challenge is finding a business solution that manages expansion and addresses complex reporting and compliance issues. Many SMBs are now adopting enterprise performance management (EPM) solutions—complete with tools to help them meet the current and future needs of their growing business.

Abstract: Today, entrepreneurs running small-to-medium sized businesses face daunting tasks that just a few years ago were not existent. The complexities of the business world have created new risks, a myriad of regulations, and complex reporting requirements that can overwhelm any organization. Owners and managers of all enterprises, even smaller private businesses, need to be cognizant of both the spirit and the letter of the law. How does a smaller organization, with limited resources, cope with all of this? How do they stay abreast of the additional changes that are on the way? In this guide, Pete Russo of the Entrepreneurial Management Institute at the Boston University School of Management outlines the pitfalls and steps, but also looks at effective solutions for private companies.

Abstract: Virtualization is a key element of the IT strategy for businesses of all sizes, with a variety of benefits for small and midsized businesses. It helps them to build an IT infrastructure with enterprise-class capabilities and it does so with a form factor—and a return on investment (ROI)—that fits any business. Discover how your business can use virtualization to reduce costs, improve services, and simplify management.

Abstract: In these challenging times, midsized businesses need to simplify IT infrastructure and reduce costs. Yet, with diverse storage, server, and network requirements—as well as limited physical space to store and manage systems—they have few options. Discover how virtualization can offer small and midsized businesses significant benefits—not simply in server consolidation, but also with affordable business continuity.

Abstract: When small to medium businesses shop around for a human resources (HR) solution, their main considerations are whether to go for a hosted or non-hosted solution, or to simply outsource HR functions altogether. It’s important to know the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a selection.

Abstract: The third and final part of the path to ERP for small businesses series describes the software selection stage, including the dos and don’ts during vendor product demos, how to create a shortlist, and finally selecting the vendor that provides the best product and services for your needs.

Abstract: Research shows that the number one software solution that small to medium businesses plan to purchase in the coming year is business intelligence (BI). Download TEC’s latest podcast to find out why BI is so hot right now.

Abstract: The word “green” these days is everywhere—especially in business. However, it’s difficult to know whether the environmental concerns of these businesses are sincere. Are their so-called “green practices” truly focused on the protection of the environment, or are they a profit-driven marketing initiative?

Abstract: To find out what you need to know about erp systems for growing small or midsized businesses, download your copy of from accounting to erp: a road ...

Abstract: Most consultants agree that there are three stages that precede a software implementation project: research, evaluation, and selection. This three-part article will describe each of them, providing tips and real life examples that will help small businesses better understand what they need and how they can find the best product and vendor for them.

Abstract: In today’s economy, small businesses’ primary differentiator is service. If systems are down, then customer service levels are down too, ultimately hurting the business and the bottom line. This can make giving up control over critical IT systems daunting. However, surveys show that 55 percent of large companies plan to increase their IT spending with external service providers. Find out what they know that you don’t.

Abstract: Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a framework of best practices to manage IT operations and services, with the main objective of aligning business and IT. Because there is no mandate that companies implement all framework specifications, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) need to have a cost-savings approach to ITIL implementation, so they can adopt the right features of ITIL. Learn how.

Abstract: A hosted Internet protocol private branch exchange (IP PBX) system can provide an easy way for small to medium businesses (SMBs) to move to voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and get a new range of features and capabilities. While there are several IP PBX options, hosted applications are usually quicker and cheaper to install. Discover the critical features and services your SMB needs in a new hosted phone system.

Abstract: The threats faced by small to medium businesses (SMBs) are multidimensional and must be handled differently from big enterprises, given the smaller number of personnel dedicated to look after them. The ideal security software for SMBs looking to protect their information systems would be the combination of antivirus, antispam, and content security solutions, combined with a powerful network firewall. Find out why it works.

Abstract: If you’re operating a small to medium business (SMB), you have special needs when it comes to IT security. While large businesses usually have large budgets to invest in the latest technologies, you have to wait until new technologies have proved themselves. One such technology is e-mail content security (ECS). But do you know what makes a good ECS solution and what makes a bad one? If you don’t, you should. Find out now.

Abstract: Malware has become part of the business environment that every organization must account for. Defending against malware attacks is particularly difficult for small to medium businesses (SMBs), which may have needs as sophisticated as those of large enterprises, but rarely with the same IT resources. For malware defense software, SMBs thus place a premium on ease of integration and management.