Archive: January 2003

January 31, 2003

Washington Post: AOL's users are retreating My spin: Of course AOL users are retreating. Once one gets comfortable with email...

January 30, 2003

Fortune Small Business: The Right Database for Your Business

My spin: What a great piece by FSB... Q. What is the best database application for a small service...

January 30, 2003

News Factor: CRM 2003: Who Will Shine, Who's Going Down?

My spin: I do think that the CRM market is going to be tight but DO NOT think that...

January 30, 2003

LOCKSTEP RELEASES NEW BACKUP FOR WORKGROUPS(tm) 1.0 BACKUP AND DISASTER RECOVERY SOFTWARE DESIGNED FOR SMALL AND MIDSIZE BUSINESSES My spin:...

January 30, 2003

Linux...quiet tremors

My spin: ACCPAC ported its application to Linux. I wondered why? Were users driving this demand or consultants or...

January 30, 2003

Should Enterprises Dump Outlook?

My spin: By all means!! I've used Eudora for years and love it. Guess what? Viruses don't directly attack...

January 30, 2003

News Factor: Why Voice over IP Is on Hold

My spin: FYI... Slow adoption of devices that allow users to place calls over the open Internet is due partly...

January 30, 2003

Microsoft Responds: Is MS CRM customizable

Some VARs reported, according to Cnet that Microsoft CRM is not (or at least sufficiently) customizable. I posed this question...

January 30, 2003

Gateway posts 8th loss in nine quarters

My spin: I'd really like to know what CAN Gateway to do start making money or at least break even...

January 30, 2003

Forbes: Dell to sell PCs inside Sears- WSJ

My spin: Hmmm...so Gateway has its retail stores (and is shutting many down) and now Dell is partnering with Sears...what...

January 30, 2003

Intuit's Quickbooks Point of Sale and Dell's new retail push

Dell recently announced their push into the retail market, I wondered how Intuit's Quickbooks Point of Sale was doing...

January 29, 2003

EarthLink to cut 25 percent of jobs

My spin: So that means when you call them you'll have to wait on the phone much longer....? Yikes! This...

January 29, 2003

Cnet: J.D. Edwards shakes up CRM mix

My spin: I have not covered J.D. Edwards before...my mistake but will look into them (one reason could be is...

January 29, 2003

Washington Post: Lexmark, N.C. Firm Clash Over Cartridges

My spin: I know tech vendors want to make money, we all do. And I know that printer manufacturers make...

January 29, 2003

What's to like about low-cost laptops? Lots!

My spin: If you want a low cost notebook computer - read David Coursey's ZD Net article from some insight...

January 28, 2003

Can Gateway's new leadership team save it.?

Gateway Announces Additions to Leadership Team POWAY, Calif., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gateway, Inc. (NYSE: GTW) today announced the addition...

January 28, 2003

AT&T Wireless to offer wireless data services

My spin: Now this is nice...I guess they realize that because they're AT&T doesn't mean they're going to get brownie...

January 28, 2003

Small Business Computing: Should Your Business Swap Handhelds For Laptops?

My spin: Excellent piece...I mean really, really good! Anybody who thinks laptop computers are small, light devices has never run...

January 28, 2003

AltiGen Communications Introduces New All-IP Phone Systems For Customer-Centric Small and Midsize Businesses

My spin: IP-PBX phones systems may not be getting tons of press, as Web services and mobile phones are, however,...

January 27, 2003

Gateway Receives Top Marks for Online Customer Support in Allen Bonde Group Study

My spin: While companies are pushing more and more of their companies to use online support - it's important that...

January 27, 2003

THREE BRIGHT NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE NEW IBM THINKPAD R40

And Those Little Red Caps? New Ways to Choose the Way You Think. My spin: I've always loved IBM notebooks...

January 27, 2003

Wired: Sprint DSL's Gaping Security Hole

My spin: So users, who know nothing about computers are supposed to solve their own problems. Why in the world...

January 27, 2003

Forbes: Big Computing Power In Small Devices

My spin: Great overview of the financial aspect of the PDA marketplace NEW YORK - Today's personal digital assistants are...

January 27, 2003

NY Times: Editors and Lobbyists Wage High-Tech War Over Letters

My spin: If Lobbyists can use technology to further their respective messages, you can use technology to further your message...

January 27, 2003

NY Times: Crime Is Soaring in Cyberspace

My spin: FYI...read it and cry, then gird up yourself so you won't be a victim! YBERCRIME, long a painful...

January 27, 2003

Cnet: IBM enhances wireless notebooks

My spin: Innovation -it's not only for cars, but also for notebooks and IBM RULES THIS ARENA - hands down....

January 27, 2003

Cnet: Worm exposes laziness and Microsoft flaws

My spin: By now I'm sure you know a worm as affected many computer systems - world wide. HOWEVER, the...

January 27, 2003

Microsoft preps Firewall upgrade

My spin: For those of you considering application level security, take heart - Microsoft is upgrading the firewall in Internet...

January 24, 2003

Office surfers may face wipeout

My spin: What about your business. Are your employees working or wasting time? Don't crack down too hard though....but work...

January 24, 2003

IBM's Innovaction - absolutely innovative.

Next Tuesday's IBM's going to be announcing a new (but very small) innovation in its Thinkpad line of notebook computers....

January 24, 2003

Next Stop: Free Wireless Broadband?

My spin: I don't know how far FREE wireless broadband will be - but I know FEE based wirelss broadband...

January 23, 2003

Register.com Offers Constant ContactÆ to Customers

My spin: Now you know why Roving doesn't have to spend money on marketing. With all these deals it's been...

January 23, 2003

CRM in Your Pocket

My spin: CRM in your pocket. When it works it will change the way you interact with customers - make...

January 23, 2003

Cnet: Lexmark gears up for 2003

My spin: FYI... Lexmark on Thursday launched several new products, including two printers and a document-management software suite, in an...

January 23, 2003

News Factor: Can Mini-PCs Mean Maxi Profits?

My spin: Hamm a mini-pc that you can't upgrade...I'm not so sure that would be for me. I just bought...

January 23, 2003

News Factor: The Art of Budgeting for IT Security Breaches

My spin: Your budget for security is not going to be as complex as a larger enterprise. However you should...

January 23, 2003

News Factor: Is Microsoft Spread Too Thin?

My spin: And this is one STRENGTH of Microsoft's competitor's. They (Intuit, BEST Software, ACCPAC, and many others) usually concentrate...

January 23, 2003

Linksys Wired and Wireless Networking Hardware Deployed in Home Networking Service From Cox Communications

My spin: Just thought it'd be good for you to know...as home offices grow in use and as Americans have...

January 23, 2003

The new Lexmark T420d: High-performance in a low profile printer

My spin: I have a color Lexmark ink jet in my office. From the experience of clients, I know Lexmark...

January 22, 2003

Microsoft CRM - is it customizable or not?

In CNet's reporting of the release of Microsoft CRM and in Microsoft's press release there were conflicting reseller quotes. One...

January 22, 2003

Linux - snowball effect.

I asked a software vendor, why they decided to port their application to Linux and thought maybe their end users...

January 22, 2003

Forbes: A Brief Test Drive With Garmin's PDA

My spin: FYI... NEW YORK - It's been more than a week since we noted the impending announcement of a...

January 22, 2003

Microsoft Business Solutions Customer Relationship Management Launches In North America

My spin: See "my spin" about this on 21 January 2002 with Cnet's news on this REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 21...

January 22, 2003

VERITAS Software to Unveil Latest Data Protection Innovations for Growing Small to Medium Business Market at Global Launch

My spin: FYI... On January 22, VERITAS Software's Chairman, President and CEO, Gary Bloom will unveil the company's latest innovations...

January 22, 2003

ACCPAC Announces Support for Sun's Linux Product Line

My spin: I don't think there's a swarm of businesses crying for ACCPAC on Linux. HOWEVER, it's sure a good...

January 22, 2003

Forbes: The Back Door To Computer Profits

My spin: Excellent article about computer retailer CDW NEW YORK - On Jan. 17, CDW Computer Centers Chief Executive John...

January 21, 2003

Gateway's Tablet PC - Smallbiztecnology.com's initial thoughts

I've been reviewing Gateway's Tablet PC for the past 2 days and - it's a beauty. I'll have a full...

January 21, 2003

Cnet: Microsoft to buy Net collaboration firm

My spin: How great this is for Microsoft I'm not sure. Another tool in Microsoft's arsenal that they can use...

January 21, 2003

CNet: Microsoft takes wraps off CRM software

My spin: So Microsoft has finally released Microsoft CRM - will it turn into a failed product with minimal market...

January 21, 2003

NY Times: Palm Changes System for Handwriting Input

My spin: I didn't find Graffiti that hard to use and look forward to easily learning Jot as I purchase...

January 21, 2003

SCO Introduces SCOoffice Mail Server for Advanced Business Messaging and Collaboration

My spin: This is where Linux will begin to grow in popularity - low cost, efficient and down to earth...

January 21, 2003

netledger DELIVERS advanced CRm features and enhancements across OracleÆ small business suite, NetCRMô and netsuiteô My spin: One benefit of...

January 20, 2003

News Factor: VPN Software Is Not Created Equal

My spin: Very, very insightful...I bet you never thought your VPN as a source to weaken your network? (or did...

January 20, 2003

Best Software Launches TimeSheet Professional 8.7

My spin: Nothing new here, but updates are always welcome. HERNDON, Va., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Software today...

January 20, 2003

Elance Online Revenues Grew by More Than 60% During 2002

My spin: Congrats to Elance...!!! (PS - their on my HOT RESOURCES) SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Elance,...

January 20, 2003

KnowledgeNet Leads e-Learning Industry With Second-Wave, Results-Oriented Business Practices

My spin: I like that "prove as you go". Why wate money on training that doesn't work? PHOENIX, Jan....

January 20, 2003

Yahoo Reuters: Dell Faces Tough Market for Recycling

My spin: Recyling. I guess overall, it's important. But when you've only got 3 computers to throw away you've really...

January 20, 2003

News Factor: Are Big-Screen Notebooks Too Big To Be Portable?

My spin: News Factor, excellent question. If you want a 17" monitor...you might as well stay at home and use...

January 16, 2003

NY Times: Rule Your Own Realm: The Ultimate E-Mail Address

My spin: Excellent NY Times article on domain names, costs, various services, etc - a must read. IN this mobile...

January 16, 2003

Gateway Stores Ranked #1 in Magazine's 'Mystery Shopper' Comparison

My spin: Sometimes you go into a retail store and get a sales person that is so clueless about technology...

January 16, 2003

Ready or Not, Here Come Wireless LANs

My spin: Wireless is all the rage and deservedly so. With competing standards, chipsets like Centrino are important for more...

January 15, 2003

American Power Conversion Voluntarily Recalls Two Uninterruptible Power Supply Models

My spin: Take note... WEST KINGSTON, R.I. -- January 14, 2003 -- American Power Conversion (NASDAQ: APCC) (APC), in cooperation...

January 15, 2003

NY Times: Phone Units Join in Effort for Seamless Wireless Net

My spin: Now this is useful - and no geek just dreaming. But interoperability between wireless networks is a plus...

January 15, 2003

CNet: Web spec targets small businesses

My spin: Although this is VERY interesting, it really sounds like a geek who is dreaming. The problem I see...

January 15, 2003

FastCompany Magazine: Inside Carly Fiorna's HP revival

My spin: Fast Company goes into how Carly came to HP and how she's remaking the company. I think its...

January 15, 2003

Smalbiztechnology.com's new look - how do you like it?

January 15, 2003

eWeek: FrontPage 11 Closer to Rivals

My spin: eWeek Magazine also reviewed Microsoft Front Page 11, which I use grudgingly (I use version 10) for smalbiztechnology.com...

January 15, 2003

eWeek: Content Managemnt at Your Service

My spin: eWeek Magazine reviews some content management systems. If you've got a large site and need to work with...

January 15, 2003

Warrillow Weekly: Working the Chanel

My spin: I wrote about builing a channel and was pleasantly surprised ot see an article on this topic in...

January 14, 2003

Handspring Treo Communicator Named Best Overall Product of 2002

My spin: CRN is right on...I've used the Treo and it is an excellent tool as a phone or for...

January 14, 2003

ACCPAC Acquires Point-of-Sale Software from AGS

My spin: Am I missing something...? Is the point of sale retail market heating up. Fist Intuit, then Dell, now...

January 14, 2003

How One Air Commuter Made the Sky a Classroom

My spin: Nice NY Times piece on how a frequent flyer took full advantage of mobile technology, frequent flyer miles...

January 14, 2003

Palm Erases 'Graffiti' in Wake of Xerox Suit

My spin: Future PDA's using the Palm Operating system will not use 'Grafiti' but a newer handwriting recognition program that's...

January 13, 2003

Cnet lays off 5 percent of work force

My spin: I guess when you're small, like smallbiztechnology.com - there's not many employees to lay off... SAN FRANCISCO, Jan....

January 13, 2003

AT&T and Toshiba Team to Provide Total Solutions for Business Customers

BEDMINSTER, N.J. and IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T and Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. today announced a new...

January 13, 2003

Microsoft Business Solutions Joins Forces with Citibank Merchant Services To Offer Enhanced Retail Management System

My spin: I guess Microsoft and Dell do compete - in some ways. (if you don't know what I'm talking...

January 13, 2003

Best Software Introduces New ACT! Link for Peachtree

My spin: I think it was smart for Best Software to acquire ACT! Upselling ACT! customers to hopefully make them...

January 13, 2003

Roving Offers Free Trial of Do-It-Yourself Email Marketing(TM) to Quickbooks Users

My spin: I use Roving's Constant Contact for smallbiztechnology.com's 2 newsletters - works well - check it out yourself! WALTHAM,...

January 13, 2003

McAfee Security Receives 'Best Buy' Award from SC Magazine

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McAfee(R) Security, a division of Network Associates(R) , today announced that its McAfee...

January 13, 2003

Reuters: Linux Set to Challenge Windows on Desktop

My spin: Maybe for a few tech geeks like me, but for mainstreem businesses - nah. SEATTLE (Reuters) - Bought...

January 10, 2003

Cnet: Consumers are prompting a new trend in mobile computing: the "desknote."

My spin: Low cost, low battery life, "larger" notebook computers vs Smaller, longer batter life, notebook computers Well the "results"...

January 9, 2003

D-Link Rolls Out an Extensive Array of Consumer Products at CES 2003

My spin: D-Link's a great brand and frankely I just love these companies that roll out gadgets and gizmos for...

January 9, 2003

Konica Unveils All-New 7145 Workgroup Document System for Small to Medium- Sized Offices and Larger Shared-Device Environments

My spin: FYI... WINDSOR, Conn., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Konica Business Technologies, Inc. (Konica), the innovation leader in digital...

January 9, 2003

Cnet: Group aims to strengthen Web services

My spin: There was a report out saying web services was not being used as much as analysts thought, but...

January 9, 2003

News Factor: Trendsetting Wireless Wares

My spin: You know what...I think these fancy phones are just that - fashion statements more than productivity tools Interchangeable...

January 9, 2003

News Factor: Concerns Mount over Symantec

My spin: This is new to me, but very, very interesting... Symantec has focused heavily on its enterprise business since...

January 8, 2003

Microsoft Bails Out The PC Market - no support for Windows 98 or NT on 30 June

My spin: Listen, I would not suggest you get worried over this. If you're PC's are running just fine AND...

January 8, 2003

Cisco readies marketing push

My spin: With networking cards and other hardware being a dime a dozen - Linksys, Cisco, 3COM, Intel, Netgear, Dlink,...

January 8, 2003

CNet HomeRF Working Group disbands

My spin: Seeing this story on CNet takes me back to, two articles I did in mentioning HomeRF here and...

January 8, 2003

A Macintosh may be in your future

My spin: ZDN'et Dan Farber writes why Apple Macintosh just may be in (some of) your future. It's been years...

January 7, 2003

Internet Access Device Market Continues to Grow ≠ Internet Appliances to Experience Highest Growth Rate Through 2006 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.,...

January 7, 2003

Why does Fast Company Magazine's Company of Friend's coordinator like Cingular's Sidekick?

It's as close as we can get to a personal area network right now. I dislike it as a phone...

January 7, 2003

Reuters: 3Com Says Can Meet Competitive Threat Posed by Dell

My spin: Is 3Com bluffing...or not? NEW YORK (Reuters) - Network gear maker 3Com Corp. (NasdaqNM:COMS - news) on Tuesday...

January 7, 2003

News Factor: Why the Smartphone Is Not Catching On

My spin: Smartphone's SOUND real nice and fancy but in reality these devices are JUNK - in my opinion. I...

January 6, 2003

Cnet: Gateway plans to name new executives and introduce cost-saving measures in an attempt to hone its sales strategy.

What advice would you give to Ted Waitt CEO and Founder of Gateway? Gateway-advice@smallbiztechnology.com My spin: Gateway's a great...

January 6, 2003

Get wireless for your next notebook

My spin: Wireless internet access is not only expanding as a built in function of notebook computers but there's more...

January 6, 2003

NY Times: Phone Calling Over Internet Is Attracting More Interest

My spin: We've already touched on this topic, but I think it's worth repeating and analyzing, via this NY Times...

January 6, 2003

Verisign's web site buidling tools

My spin: I dug into Verisign's new web tools a bit more and think its pretty good. Prices are lower...

January 6, 2003

Verisign...spreading its wings

My spin: In a New Year's show of marketing and incentive freshness, Verisign has made three new announcements. 1. A...