Tech Thursday (Nov 3)

While interest in virtualization amongst small and medium businesses is on the rise, it is clear many are unsure of where tobegin. Effective virtualization brings challenges just as selecting the right elements, having the expertise to configure and deploy them, and training your staff on how to get the most from your investment. That's where Dell comes in. We're pleased to introduce vStart 50, a pre-sized, pre-racked, pre-wired, pre-tested and pre-configured Dell solution that can help you build out your virtual infrastructure. Originally launched in April, we're the only vendor equipped to bring this turnkey solution down to earth for small and medium businesses.

New Subscribers to 8×8 Cloud VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Services Say Cost Savings, Features and Scalability Played a Key Role in Selection

SUNNYVALE, Calif., — In spite of the continuing tough economic climate, a new survey conducted by VoIP telephone and cloud communications provider 8×8, Inc. indicates that small- to mid-size businesses continue to plan for future growth nevertheless are acutely more aware of the need to reduce costs than they have been in the past.

Conducted to identify the reasons behind the higher than usual demand 8×8 experienced for its services this past summer, the survey uncovered some interesting insights, with respondents identifying their top business concerns as reducing costs, attracting new clients and hiring and affording new employees. Concern over reducing business expenses grew throughout the summer months — 55% of new business clients in August 2011 indicated they were “more concerned” about business expenses this year than last, compared to 39% of new business clients in June 2011. Opposite, the survey as well revealed that ”managing and keeping up with business growth” was a top concern for near one-third of the respondents.

“Usually, summer is not a time when small businesses are focused on their operations nevertheless we noticed a different trend in the July to August timeframe and wanted to see what was behind it,” said 8×8 Chairman and CEO Bryan Martin. “Obviously, the economy remains very challenging for small businesses, and they’re realizing the need to scrutinize expensesand prepare for growth by making the right choices now,” Martin continued. “We’re evidently very pleased that so many of our clients seem confident their business will grow. That’s not only good news for us as their communications provider, yet also a refreshingly positive perspective on the future of the economy in general.”

IRVINE, Calif. -Toshiba's Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today expanded its line of All-in-One PCs with the introduction of the Toshiba DX735, featuring a 23-inch Full HD multi-touch display[i]. A complete entertainment hub for the home or dorm room the DX735 offershigh-end audio, video and computing performance as so then as premium computing capabilities to manage and create content.

High-performance ComputingThe All-in-One comes equipped high-performance computing technologies, including a 2nd Generation Intel® Core? i5 or Core i7 processor[ii], 4GB of DDR3 memory[iii], a 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive[iv], one USB 3.0 port[v] with USB Sleep & Charge[vi], one USB 3.0 port and four USB 2.0 ports. The DX735 as well includes a built-in DVD SuperMulti Drive and unequalled Toshiba technologies, including Sleep & Music[vii], which enables users to take advantage of the speakers even if the PC is off and Resolution+® video upconversion innovation[viii] that breathes new life into standard-def video and DVDs. The PC will as well be available in a configuration with a TV tuner.

LOS ANGELES, CA - eVoice®, A Radically Better Phone Number® and brand of innovation leader j2 Global Communications, Inc., today announced new features that provide small business owners with the ability to more efficiently operate their businesses without compromising the freedom to work from anywhere, anytime.

"Small business owners know that one phone call can make or break a sale," said Mike Pugh, vice president, marketing for j2 Global. "With eVoice, entrepreneurs can be out of the office, or even out of the country, just the same never be out of touch. And when you do choose to unplug - or a dead mobile phone battery chooses for you -    eVoice has your back, answering and routing calls automatically and professionally."

For more information on how an eVoice virtual phone number can help a small business operate from anywhere, anytime visit www.evoice.com.

Please follow SAI: Tools on Twitter and Facebook. Follow Ramon Ray & the Smallbiztechnology.com Team on Twitter.