BANGALORE, INDIA: The world economic crisis has gripped every industry sector and the effect has been felt by enterprises of all sizes. Cost cutting seems to be buzz word in terms of deferring new projects, investment in technology and stopping new recruitments.

While this being the scene, small and medium businesses (SMBs) have been reacting differently to the situation. While  some start-ups and small busiensses are feeling the impact in a big way and are on the way to shut down their businesses, established SMBs are going a step ahead to beat the challenges, explore and adopt new technologies so that they stay away from reeling under difficulties in the time of the rcecssion.

CIOL brings to you what challenges lay ahead for SMBs and how technologies can help them face the same in the year ahead. Click on the links below to know more.
 
SMB Challenges

Top SMB challenges for 2009: Dax Networks
Dax Networks' views on SMBs and how it is gearing up to help SMBs face the challenges ahead in 2009.

Top SMB challenges for 2009: Cisco
R. Dhamodaran, Senior Vice President, Channel Operations and Commercial Strategy, Cisco India & SAARC on the top SMB challenges for 2009.

Top SMB challenges for 2009: Elina Networks
Shekar Nair, MD CEO, Elina Networks, tells us how Elina is geared up to help SMBs face the challenges ahead in 2009.

Outlook: Top SMB challenges in 2009
In this downturn, as the axiom of the survival of the fittest comes into play, SMBs are the ones most well adapted to emerge as survivors.

Data explosion trends and challenges in India
Download this NetApp study on data explosion trends and challenges in India.

Outlook 2009: Storage challenges of Indian SMEs
Download this NetApp presentation on data explosion trends, which examines storage challenges of SMEs

Outlook '09: Top Threats/Challenges
With the expected increase in cyber crime, threats will continue to grow in number and sophistication

According to V. Ravichandar, CMD, Feedback Consulting, top SMB challenges where technology can play a role in the coming year are:

* SMBs appetite for licensed software will reduce. Consequently, software as a service model (SaaS) is likely to take stronger roots in the coming year.

* Web-based marketing and support will increase – shift from traditional people intensive sales and support to online.

*SMBs should take stock of existing tech investments and right size it vis–a-vis goals for the year.

* Firms that can provide ‘CIO like services on a flexible basis’ should appeal to SMBs who cannot afford to have their own tech teams.

Road Ahead

SMBs: What lies ahead in 2009?
Rajeev Mittal, Group Director, Small and Medium Enterprise, Microsoft India.

SMB: Road ahead in 2009
SMB market is rapidly adopting IT deployments for business efficiency and enhanced business operations.