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Fifty percent of small businesses regularly use smartphones to conduct business, according to a recent study conducted by Decision Analyst, and half of those firms say they now use their smartphone more often than their computer. Egnyte's m-Drive user interface enables firms to do even more away from the office by guaranteeing secure and ubiquitous remote access to all business data, requiring no additional software purchase or installation on a phone. Egnyte's on-demand server offers both Mac and PC users online file storage, file-sharing functionality, and automatic backup in one solution. Any data stored on the server is now accessible via BlackBerry and Android m-Drive user interfaces optimized for both keypads and touchscreens, giving businesses the tools to navigate folder hierarchies and open and share files.
(http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/febru ary/204682.html)

According to Debi Kleiman of Communispace's product marketing division, businesses can benefit from adhering to five social network tips. First, SMBs should communicate in online communities their customers frequent; accountants can seek out clients that are using social networking groups to find a CPA, help with finances for their own businesses, etc.. Kleiman says that companies should then listen to customers' concerns and questions online, engaging in conversations with them rather than simply emailing mass-marketing messages. According to Kleiman, keeping a close relationship with potential clients is critical; businesses should respond in a timely manner to online inquiries, which will demonstrate that these clients are valuable. Since the "human" value of business is often lost online, Kleiman advises SMBs to use real pictures of people versus a brand logo and to communicate in non-corporate tones. Finally, Kleiman advises that SMBs use social networking spaces to provide advice and consumer education, rather than just pitches about a product.
(http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/article.php/38607 66)

In 2010, four major trends are expected to impact small businesses. The market for smartphones and applications is expected to skyrocket, as phones like Google's Android Nexus One are unveiled. SMBs will benefit from the presence of unlimited apps for business productivity, including apps like Dropbox that provide file storage, synchronization, and sharing. The concept of the smartbook, a hybrid of the smartphone and netbook, will also emerge as a top niche player. Lenovo will release the $500 Skylight which includes a 3G network and wireless capability. Apple has also stirred the market with an expected release of its tablet, priced at about $1,000, with capabilities for Wi-Fi, video, gaming, and reading books. This year, the release of the peer-to-peer protocol Wi-Fi Alliance from Wi-Fi Direct is an improved Bluetooth-like device that will provide greater mobility for wireless synchronizations. Businesses are recommended to create mobile-friendly versions of their Web sites, since Nielsen Co. more users will browse companies through their smartphones in 2010.
(http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/testdrive/article.php/ 3859906)

Imaging computer hard drives and conducting regular data backups are integral to minimizing the downtime in the event of a disaster. Creating a drive image can be accomplished by using tools like the Macrium Reflect Free, which is user-friendly and allows users to store their data on DVDS, external drives, or network drives. Automating data backups are also essential to safeguarding critical information at all times. Through OffiSync, users can synchronize their data with a Google Docs account for free. With the Win7 Library Tool, users can readily access their Windows 7 music, pictures, and documents through network folders. The Win7 Library Tool is a top solution for businesses that need to access files from different locations, since Windows 7 Libraries does not support network locations.
(http://www.pcworld.com/article/186735/disasterproof_your_pc_ image_your_drive_make_a_backup_plan.html)

In April, Apple is expected to revolutionize the market with the debut of the iPad. The 10- to 12-inch device will boast Web capability and a video camera for an estimated cost of $800. The launch of the iPad is expected to boost the news industry as more customers subscribe to tablet-accessible news. The iPad will provide an edge for businesses that will be able to use the tablets to communicate through enhanced Web conferencing at a cheaper cost. The tablet is also expected to increase the market for telecommuting workers who will be able to remotely work from virtually anywhere with the sleek device. The iPad is slated to drive product innovation to a new level with the expectation that Apple will find novel ways of integrating the device with businesses of all levels, while retaining the appeal of the common consumer.
(http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2009/tc200 91229_795528.htm)

Any small business can benefit from implementing a remote deposit capture service. This service provides companies with the ability to scan checks and electronically submit the images to a bank account through the Web. Then, the designated financial institution issues a credit for the deposit. RDC is a significant workflow efficiency tool and provides SMBs with a much faster return on their deposits. Additionally, RDC eliminates costs and provides greater security since there is no possibility of theft. Some financial institutions provide same-day processing as well, which is an added benefit of RDC. Finally, RDC provides SMBs with improved record-keeping since errors are reduced and is environmentally friendly, which saves the environment and the company's bottom-line.
(http://bmighty.informationweek.com/ebusiness/showArticle.jht ml?articleID=222003048)

Businesses that want to leverage their Facebook presence can benefit from the application Static FBML. Through Static FBML, SMBs can create boxes that can be customized according to the needs of your business. FBML can also be used to invite more fans to your businesses' list-serve, distribute company promotions, and highlight specific products. Using FBML is simple, since HTML code can be copied and pasted in the application's boxes, so users need little knowledge to craft professional-looking sites. Taking advantage of the Social RSS feed on Facebook is a great way to post company updates that fans can subscribe to, while using the Facebook Events tab will allow companies to easily invite all their fans to a special event and track who is interested in attending.
(http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/solutions/advertising/article .php/3856851)

In 2010, businesses are expected to be faced with ten new threats to their IT security. A number of security research firms project that cyberattacks such as spam and social networking breaches will multiply this year, particularly since real-time applications are more susceptible to malicious attacks. As cloud computing becomes more widely used, a number of security vendors expect to see more cloud-based attacks. According to IBM, these "exploits-as-a-service" attacks will be directed to Software-as-a-Service platforms. Following the trend of previous security attacks, cybercriminals are expected to continue hijacking legitimate sites with malware, while Macs are expected to see an increase in cyber threats. The number of malicious search results is expected to multiply, as is the number of bots. With mobile devices virtually ubiquitous, mobile security will remain a critical concern for 2010. Additionally, experts forecast that cybercrime will become more organized while "clickjacking," the method of fooling users to click on malicious links, will become more popular.
(http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/attacks/showArt icle.jhtml?articleID=222100124)