Xerox DocuShare Express: Affordable Content Management for Small Businesses

Earlier this week Xerox, promoted the latest addition to its line of DocuShare software solutions, and it comes as welcomed news for small and mid-sized businesses struggling with information overload.

DocuShare Express is a Web-based electronic filing system specifically designed for smaller businesses that provides storage and retrieval for a wide range of paper and digital content, such as Microsoft Office files, scanned documents, e-mails, blogs, and wikis. The application comes with a quick install process and seamlessly integrates with Xerox hardware using the new Extensible Interface Platform (EIP) connector. This feature allows scanned documents to be stored, viewed, and even edited.

With the release of DocuShare Express, smaller businesses will now have access to a savvy, multi-featured content and document management solution at an affordable price. (The entry-list price for businesses in the U.S. is $1,800.) There is even an option to upgrade to the more advanced versions of DocuShare family, such as DocuShare CPX.

What is Cloud Computing? A Practical Guide for the Small Business

Over the past few years, the term “cloud computing” has been gaining in popularity and usage among mainstream tech circles. And recently it made headlines again after Dell’s unsuccessful attempt to trademark the term.

All this brouhaha is for good reason. Cloud computing represents a fundamental change in the way consumers and businesses are using their computers and mobile devices, and it is a trend that small businesses cannot afford to overlook.

The following is a simple guide to cloud computing and how it can be used to enhance your small business:

What is cloud computing?

First of all, the “cloud” is just another name for the Internet, and thus cloud computing really refers to any services and applications that are hosted and accessed via the web.

It came about as a convergence of several technology trends namely, software as a service (SaaS), Web 2.0, open source software, and grid computing.

How can cloud computing be used in the small business?

Cloud computing allows small businesses to remotely manage and store information, and access customized software or services from virtually any device with Internet access.

Popular small business SaaS applications involve customer relationship management, finance and accounting programs, human resource management, and document collaboration

Small businesses can also use cloud computing technology to boost their storage capacity via online storage services and create online backup and archiving accounts.

What are some popular applications currently being used by small businesses?

Google Apps- for “…a custom email address, tools for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, a shared calendaring system and access to a flexible intranet system.”

Salesforce.com- specializes in on-demand customer relationship management (CRM) software and services

Infusion CRM- provides a web-based, centralized customer management

Netsuite- offers “integrated web-based business software suite, including Accounting software / ERP software, CRM software, and Ecommerce software.”

QuickBooks Online- “Online accounting software for small businesses–keep track of expenses, invoice clients and manage payroll…”

Also check out…

SAP recently unveiled its own software package called Business ByDesign offering a range of on-demand enterprise applications via a dashboard.

 What are the benefits of cloud computing?

• Reduce hardware and software expenses: Cloud computing allows small businesses to save on expensive hardware, software, and maintenance costs since data and applications are being held on remote servers. (This may be particularly attractive to new small businesses since it reduces start-up costs). Most companies have affordable monthly rates so expenses can be spread out comfortably over time.

• Increase ease and flexibility: Users can access their business services and applications through almost any device with an Internet connection including laptops, mobile phones, and PDA’s. It is also easy to add new users to the system when you need them.

• Streamline your IT department: Cloud computing allows your in-house IT department to focus on projects that can enhance the business and be free from the more mundane tasks, such as dealing with glitches in the software or maintaining the company’s servers.

What are the drawbacks or concerns with cloud computing?

The two biggest concerns for small businesses are downtime and security. If your service provider’s network is down, it can bring your whole business to a grinding halt. And many are still wary about the security of data stored and accessed in the cloud.

Wi-Fi Hits the Airways

The definition of hyperconnected just got a little more hyper…

Earlier this week, Delta Air Lines announced that will be offering broadband Internet access on all its domestic flights. Starting next fall, Wi-Fi will be available to passengers in first-class and economy seats for a flat fee of $9.95 for short flights of three hours or less and 12.95 for longer flights.

Passengers will be able to connect to the Internet through Aircell’s “Gogo” portal from any device that has a built-in wireless transmitter, including smartphones, PDAs, MIDs, and laptops. Using a system of 100 sky bound cell towers scattered throughout the US, AirCell can secure the entire coast-to-coast connection.

Once an airplane equipped with Wi-Fi reaches an alttitude10,000 feet, passengers can turn on their electronic devices and log on via Gogo’s website.

Aside from Delta, both American Airlines and Virgin America, have reportedly signed contracts with Aircell and are testing the service on their flights. And Southwest Airlines is also planning on offering Wi-Fi service available sometime next year.