Candice

Microsoft Targets SMB’s in Windows 7 Push

November 8, 2009 by Candice Leave a Comment

Earlier this year Windows started a program called The Windows 7 Small Business Ignite Program, which allowed SMB’s to test out the new operating system and provide feedback to Microsoft about how well it would work for them. Now Microsoft is taking that information and using it a campaign to get many small businesses to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7.

After all the trouble Microsoft had with Vista, many SMB’s are reluctant to upgrade. And since there isn’t a direct XP-to-Windows 7 upgrade path, Microsoft is announcing that there is a more streamlined instillation process. Microsoft hopes that SMB’s who upgrade to the new operating system will notice the immediate increase in productivity, and that the simplified user interface and the increased speed which will quickly translate into cost savings.

One of the main features that Microsoft is hoping will be selling point for many SMB’s is its dramatically faster start up and shut down speeds. Which will translate into less time waiting for your computer to load or shut down when you’re in a hurry. Another feature which will be helpful for XP users, there’s an XP mode which maintains backward compatibility with legacy apps through a virtual Windows XP SP3 environment running under Windows Virtual PC.

With all the new features, and especially the increased speed, Microsoft is hoping SMB’s looking to save money in this trying economy will look at Windows 7 as a way to make that happen.

KnowEm: helping SMB stake claims in the social media world.

October 21, 2009 by Candice Leave a Comment

KnowEm is a new site designed to help small and large businesses stake their claim in the social media world. The site offers ways for your brand to have a place on various social media websites and offers a way for you to track and manage your brand on numerous sites in one central location.

You can check the availability of user names and branded key words on 330 different sites for free. KnowEm also offers a few different services for companies, fees range from $49 a month for KnowEm to keep watch for any newly launched social media sites and automatically stake your claim on that site. For $349 KnowEm will insert relevant profile information into the top 150 social media sites for you.

With new social media sites popping up all the time and more large and small businesses creating an online presence, KnowEm seems to be the way to easily manage all the sites in one spot. The site can easily be used to make sure your brand is consistent across the internet so your customers can easily find you and your business. And the fees are worth it and could made a huge difference in how your company is seen online.

Blackberry small buisness software

May 29, 2009 by Candice Leave a Comment

“Over 21 million people use BlackBerry® smartphones on over 375 wireless networks in 140 countries around the world.”, according to Blackberry. What was once considered a business professional’s phone because of its complexity and intricate software is now a simple to use device that is gaining more popularity. Including Blackberry® and its easy to use software into your small business not only instantly brings you and your employees up to speed but keeps you up to speed with the rest of the world. BlackBerry® Professional Software is designed for use with up to 30 employees. It offers features to keep everyone linked such as: email, contact sharing, internet, and calendar information.

Easy Set-up
The instillation and set up is virtually pain free with Blackberry® Professional Software. The software is compatible with Microsoft® Exchange or IBM® Lotus® Domino® email servers. A pre-install assistant is run prior to set-up to inform you of any potential issues before you install. You simply run the set-up wizard and you’re done. It also automatically defaults to the recommended configuration, which simply adds to the ease of set-up.

Features/Management
The software also features more controls over the devices of your employees so you, as the business owner, can have a better handle on how the device is used. You can block the browser, if you choose or simply just block sites you don’t want your employees to access. You can also pre-program data back-up schedules. There’s also an option to block long distance calling or calls to certain numbers. It provides easy to use IT policy templates along with technical support options.

Security Features
Security features include:
* End-to-end Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or Triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple DES) encryption
* Industry-recognized security certifications
* Local encryption of all data

Pricing
Blackberry® offers two “bundles” for purchasing options.
-BlackBerry® Professional Software – 5 users — $499
-BlackBerry® Professional Software – 10 users — $849

You can purchase any number of bundles up to 30 users. If you need to add more than 30 users in the future, updating to BlackBerry® Enterprise Server is made simple and pain free, you simply need to purchase a Trade-Up key through your wireless service provider or online.

BlackBerry® is the #1 smartphone in the country right now, and for good reason. Many small business owners are looking to streamline their businesses, and provide a cost and time efficient way to do that, BlackBerry® Professional Software is the way to go. The technology provides be best options for connecting your employees not only with one another but with the rest of the world.

BlackBerry.Com