Small Business Blog from Microsoft

Free Cloud Computing briefing, London, 2 Dec 9.30 – 1.00pm

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:49:00 GMT

Open the gates to the cloud – that’s what Microsoft Gold partner contentandcode aim to do at a free briefing in London on 2 December. The event will provide an opportunity to learn how the cloud computing evolution, coupled with your current desktop experience, will help you be more productive and save costs to help you stay ahead of the competition. There’ll be live demonstrations and you’ll be able to chat with experts who can show you the business benefits:

· Email, Shared Calender and Contacts - Up to 25GB storage, 99.9% uptime, improved email security and enhanced operational efficiency for your IT staff.

· Instant Messenger (IM) - Connect via Text, Voice or Video from anywhere and anytime with a single click in a highly reliable and security enhanced IM solution.

· Video Chat - Kick of a project, deliver a presentation, share your desktop and collaborate on a whiteboard.

· Team and Project sites - Share documents, information and collaborate with colleagues, partners and customers in a highly secure environment.

Take a look at contentandcode’s web page on Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) for more information on cloud computing solutions.

This roundtable event is complimentary and is aimed at PMO and IT Managers and Programme Directors. Content and Code also encourages senior business professionals, such as CFO, CIO and Directors wishing to learn more about BPOS to attend the event. Register here.

Get Safe Online with free, expert advice

Microsoft Small Business — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:08:00 GMT

Today marks the start of Get Safe Online week, an annual event to raise awareness of Internet safety issues. Through a variety of events, competitions and press activities, the GSO team reach out to consumers and small businesses to highlight the potential threats and dangers of online fraud and theft, and to recommend best practice on improving security. Visit the Get Safe Online website for more on what you can do personally and professionally to make the Internet a safer place.

Top 7 technology tips to be more effective

Microsoft Small Business — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:36:00 GMT

Small businesses can kick-start recovery by selecting smart technology. So says Robert Epstein, Microsoft’s Head of Small Business Sales & Marketing in the UK. We all of us know that technology can make a difference – something simple, such as learning how to use categories in Outlook 2007 for example, can drastically reduce the time you spend searching for emails – but on a larger scale, the right technology really can boost your competitiveness.

I’ll give you one of Robert's tips here – Live online. “Work is no longer a place we go to, but a thing we do. The computer has become our office - select your hardware and software carefully, considering products such as laptops running Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system, which helps your remote workers easily connect, access, and share all their work computer programs, files, and network resources, securely, regardless of where they’re actually working from.”

You'll have to read the article to find out what Robert’s other 6 tips are tops are....

Women better at dealing with technology problems

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:58:00 GMT

This is according to one of the latest newsfeeds on the small business website, which states,

“Research conducted by gadgethelpline.com has indicated that their superior patience and listening skills prove vital when problems are experienced with computers and other appliances.

The study found that women spend on average 32 per cent longer on the phone than men attempting to find a solution, but males are almost twice as likely to call back having not resolved the issue first time around.

Meanwhile, 64 per cent of men surveyed admitted they had not initially read the instruction manual, compared with just 24 per cent of women.

You can read the whole story here and browse latest small business stories in the archive.

Prices down 40% for hosted online services

Microsoft Small Business — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:27:00 GMT

As Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) is expanding, so the powers that be have dropped pricing by a massive 40%.

Prices (minimum of 5 PCs) start from just £6.69 per user per month, and for that, you get a messaging and collaboration solution that will:

· Decrease your business's collaboration costs

· Reduce travel

· Provide instant communication

The BPOS Standard Suite includes Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Live Meeting and Office Communications Online. These online services are designed to give your business streamlined communication with high availability, comprehensive security and simplified IT management. Your business benefits from always up-to-date technologies that are deployed rapidly, maximising your valuable IT resources and reducing your need for infrastructure investments.

Or to put it more simply, you get the latest technology to help you work more productively without having to worry about your IT.

There’s also a Deskless Worker option, which is ideal for segments of an organisation that do not have messaging and collaboration capabilities today. The suite includes Exchange Online Deskless Worker (which includes a 500MB mailbox for e-mail, calendar, contacts and Outlook Web Access Light along with anti-virus and anti-spam capabilities) and SharePoint Online Deskless Worker. Each standalone offer is priced at £1.34 per user per month; the Deskless suite is priced at £2.01 per user per month—a 25% discount.

Find out more – and get a free 30-day trial - on the Microsoft Online Services website.

If it looks too good to be true..... it’s probably fake

Microsoft Small Business — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:03:00 GMT

We’re talking software here of course. Piracy is a constant problem – not just for Microsoft but for all our legitimate partners who not only have to compete honestly in a tough market but also fight the rip-off merchants. A recent thread on avforums highlights this with yet another example of someone who thought they’d got the real thing – Office 2007 - for a great price, but then discovered they’d bought fake. Thankfully they reported it to us and have received a genuine copy, and expect a refund from their credit card company.

With genuine software:

· You can get help when you need it. With genuine Windows, you can count on Microsoft and its partners for support. Genuine Windows also includes all the available documentation like quick-start guides and owner's manuals to help you get the most from your computer. Who stands behind counterfeit Windows? No one that you can trust.

· You get the most from your PC. Only genuine Windows users receive exclusive access to all optional updates and downloads from Microsoft. There are also other benefits, such as offers and promotions available only to genuine Windows users.

Validation is particularly important right now, if you’re considering an upgrade to Windows 7. You’ll need a genuine copy of a qualifying operating system in order to upgrade. To check that your software is genuine, or to report any instances of suspected piracy, please visit the Get Genuine website.

And if you’re looking for genuine offers on Windows 7 and maybe a PC too - take a look here.

Free tickets for Business StartUp

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:43:00 GMT

Business StartUp takes place at Olympia, London 26-27 November. If you’re thinking about starting up a business or growing your existing business it could be worth a visit. Tickets are free, and you can order them here .

Activities include the Midas Touch – your chance to come face-to-face with a panel of potential investors to pitch your business plan; Speed networking – matching you with other astute business minds; and One-to-Ones with expert advisors.

New tips & tricks articles on the Microsoft Small Business website

Microsoft Small Business — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:47:00 GMT

We’ve got a great crop of new business articles on the Small Business website:

Worth a look!

Chartered accountants practice save time and money with Windows 7

Microsoft Small Business — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:35:00 GMT

Hexus TV was at the Windows 7 launch last week and filmed two short videos on how Microsoft’s new operating system can help small businesses. Robert Epstein, Head of SMB Sales & Marketing for Microsoft UK talks about some of the new features and explains how they can make a positive difference to working practices, and in the second video, Harry Bouchier, from a small business chartered accountants practice in Ashwell, Derbyshire, talks about his experiences of Windows 7 since he began beta testing in April. He has some concrete examples of how and where Windows 7 has saved them time and money and provided real productivity gains. Both videos are under 4 minutes duration – and since Harry reckons he’s saved two months’ work through Windows 7 it could be 8 minutes well spent...

Get more out of Microsoft Office with Office Live Workspace

Microsoft Small Business — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:24:00 GMT

Guest blog from Tim Kimber, UK Office Live Lead & OfficeLiveGuy

Without a doubt, Office Live Workspace on it’s own can be a very powerful tool, the 5GB of free storage space is ideal for backing-up important files. The ability to preview Office documents in a browser allows full fidelity viewing of those files from any internet connected computer, even if Microsoft Office is not installed. This can be very useful for viewing content whilst travelling for business or pleasure, reducing the need to carry a laptop everywhere.

However, Office Live Workspace really comes to life when the add-in for Office is installed. This small download facilitates the opening, editing and saving of documents directly from Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The add-in works with Office 2007, 2003 and XP, effectively utilising Office Live Workspace as an extra 5GB of disk space that is accessible from anywhere, with the ability to invite others in to view and comment on files.

Office Live Workspace is being used by all sorts of businesses; here are a few real-life examples :

· Wedding planners – all the project files are produced on a PC and saved to a Workspace, which is then used collaborate with others involved in the wedding organisation.

· Travel company – a custom holiday is designed with all the documents stored centrally in a Workspace and kept updated for relevant parties to see.

· Rugby club avoids the need to email around lots of attachments by uploading them into a Workspace and sending out a pointer after each meeting.

· External supplier to a small business sets up a WorkSpace to store contracts, invoices, parts lists, minutes of meetings, and so on, reducing email traffic and maintaining an audit trail.

· Charitable organisations use Workspaces to store minutes of meetings, lists of donors, plan future events, store materials used to promote the charity.

Windows Home Server for small businesses

Microsoft Small Business — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:07:00 GMT

Spotted this great blog post from Cullen IT Consultancy on Windows Home Server for small businesses and had to point it out.

“Windows Home Server has been around for a couple of years now, and while it is seen by many as something of a niche product, it is often overlooked as a solution that is of use to home consumers only. Naturally this is hardly surprising given that WHS has the stigma of the word 'Home' in its name, but when looking at its features it is perfectly suited for a small business that isn’t looking to upgrade to full server product such as Small Business Server.”

Take a look at the Cullen IT website and you can read the article in full.

Cullen IT is a Microsoft Small Business Specialist, which means they have specific knowledge and training on Microsoft products, and on the business needs of small organisations. You can search for other Microsoft partners, or for Microsoft products and services with our Pinpoint tool.

Windows 7 - works the way you want

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:27:00 GMT

It's here! And now everyone can get their hands on our new OS. Building on feedback from a billion data sessions, Windows 7 is much more than a collection of new features, it delivers what consumers want, which is technology that makes their lives easier. There's been a great reception to Windows 7 amongst the press and users and according to the BBC, more than 500 people queued outside PC World in central London last night to be the first to get a copy when the store opened at midnight.

You can learn more about the features and benefits of Windows 7 - and download (no waiting for the post....) a copy today - from our new Windows 7 site.

Windows 7 – Case studies, business guides and 7-second videos!

Microsoft Small Business — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:19:00 GMT

Today sees the press launch of Windows 7 in readiness for general availability tomorrow – some stores are opening and midnight tonight so keen PC users can get their hands on this great new operating system as soon as poss. We’ve got some great case studies, plus more details on how Windows 7 can help you achieve more – take a look here!

Have your say in the 2009 Home Business Survey

Microsoft Small Business — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:55:00 GMT

Place your name in the hat to win a free HP notebook by completing the 2009 Home Business Survey. The Survey is being carried out by home business website, Enterprise Nation, with results being launched on Friday 20th November. Be sure to have your say!

Our survey says …

Enterprise Nation produces the annual Home Business Report that offers facts and figures on the number of people starting and growing a business from home. It also offers a snapshot of what home business owners are thinking and doing. This year’s report will be launched at the Enterprise Nation Conference on the UK’s first ever Home Enterprise Day on Friday 20th November.

Be quizzed on the state of your business, your technology likes and loves, and how your neighbourhood measures up as a home business hotspot.

The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete. By doing so, you’ll be in with a chance of winning a nifty HP notebook.

Complete the survey by clicking on the link below and thanks for your time!

Complete the 2009 Home Business Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=q8REEGwylLGMwh0U_2b59w_2bQ_3d_3d

E-commerce success: Part 1 - What is e-commerce?

Microsoft Small Business — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:36:00 GMT

In the first of a seven part series running in conjunction with PayPal, Emma Jones from Enterprise Nation looks at what e-commerce is all about and how your business can benefit by embracing it.

A definition

According to the good people at PayPal e-commerce is:

"The buying and selling of products or services over electronic or 'e' systems – in other words, the Internet.”

It’s when someone visits your online store and buys, as opposed to hitting the high street. And the beauty of it is your online store is open all hours of every day. Make money whilst you sleep? You can with e-commerce.

Growing market

Shoppers are increasingly going online to buy. This is partly due to the efficiency and speed of online shopping and more households being connected to the Internet but consumers are also feeling more comfortable with paying online, as opposed to a cashier.

In June 2009 PayPal released research forecasting a boom in online shopping from £8.9 billion in 2009 to £21.3 billion in annual sales by the end of 2011. This means that by 2011 consumers will spend the equivalent of approx £430 for every UK adult; more than doubling the current annual online spending.

Whatever you’re selling …

There’s no limit to the products and services you can sell online; whether your business is offering walking tours or precious gifts.

Pete Hawkins promotes and sells walking tours from his site navigationcourses.co.uk so the site can still be taking orders when he’s out on the Peaks!

Natalie Hickey began making plaques as a hobby. Friends suggested she list her work on Ebay and when she sold over 300 items in the first 5 weeks, she knew she was on to something. Her business, Precious Parcels www.preciousparcels.co.uk continues to grow with sales now coming from Natalie’s own online store.

“I could not have turned this hobby in to a business if it had not been for e-commerce” says Natalie “I didn’t have the funds to open a high street store and the reason I wanted to start a business is to be able to spend more time at home with my little boy. Having an online shop has opened up my products to a massive market and has kept me happily working from home!”

Both Pete and Natalie (and millions more business owners) are benefiting from the ease of starting an online shop and accepting payments through PayPal and the reach it offers. In part 2 we’ll look at how to plan your e-commerce venture.

Emma Jones is founder of Enterprise Nation www.enterprisenation.com and author of ‘Spare Room Start Up – how to start a business from home’.