Special: Hot technologies for SMBs

BANGALORE, INDIA: The SMBs are evidently growing in importance and their use of technologies is likely to go up as well. If one were to do a spot check of the technologies that could be of use to the SMB, several would come to the mind.

Some of these technologies, in no particular order, are: unified communications, VoIP, IP telephony, storage technologies, ERM, software-as-a-service (SaaS), software-oriented architecture (SOA), Web 2.0, virtualization, and green IT!

You may even be misled into thinking these that technologies are more inclined toward enterprise usage. Do ear in mind that the needs of the SMB are quite similar to the need of an enterprise, the major differentiator being their respective sizes. The other differentiator could be the dollar value of their respective IT spends, which would naturally be quite diverse!

SMBs are very price conscious, and this is a factor vendors would need to keep in mind, while targeting this community. The solutions should be affordable, cost effective and of course, deliver!

Team CIOL has put together this special focused on certain specific hot (and top) technologies that would be of great use for the SMB community in India.

1. Top Technologies for SMBs
Indian SMBs are set to spend hugely on unified communication, IP telephony, SOA, SaaS, etc.

2. Virtualization and Green IT hot for SMBs
SMBs are increasingly appreciating the value of going green given the wide range of benefits it offers

3. SMBs to invest in storage technologies
Networked storage is today available to SMBs at price points that meet their business goals.

4. SMBs getting drawn to ERM, SaaS solutions
Deployment and implementation of ERM packages is relatively easier with lesser cost, time overrun compared to other verticals.

5. New generation of SMBs now open for SOA
Companies adopting SOA is expected to grow rapidly in two to three years.

6. IP Telephony: A hot cake for SMBs
Intensifying market conditions, challenges and communication are major drive factors. 

7. UC solns: Helping SMBs communicate, collaborate
It is considered critical to the success of companies just like e-business in 1990s.

8. Web 2.0 helps SMBs reach out
Web 2.0, using the Internet as a platform, is fast changing the way modern businesses are conducted.

If we have missed out on certain technologies, or if there are technologies that SMBs should be looking at in 2009, do drop us a line.

As always, your feedback, comments and suggestions are welcome, dear readers!