Phenomenon
There is an article in the New York Times that is well worth a read on technology and SME's. It's based on a phenomenon that is being discussed in various media sources, but Steve Lohr in his article has done a good job in removing the jargon 
and providing real life examples.
The phenomenon is based on the emerging second-generation Internet technologies and Steve Lohr explains it as follows:
The phenomenon is a big step in the democratization of information technology. Its imprint is evident well beyond business, in the social and cultural impact of everything from blogs to online role-playing games. Still, it seems that small businesses, and the marketplace they represent, will be affected the most in the overall economy. Long-held assumptions are suddenly under assault.
The potential is that the future will see technology working for the SME's making it easier for them to compete. This is particularly evident in two areas:
- Using the web as a marketing tool to get to far-flung customers that are interested in a company's products. This works particularly well for specialist or niche suppliers and allows a worldwide marketing campaign to be created for relatively little cost. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Renting web based software monthly instead of paying upfront capital costs. The SME takes little risk and if the software does not deliver stops using and renting the software. The software supplier takes away the risk of upfront capital costs and support contracts from the SME. Obviously, the software supplier can also benefit greatly. If it delivers an attractive service then, using a web based approach, it can achieve dynamic growth.
If you are involved with a SME and reading this article then I expect you are already ahead of the game when it comes to technology. I'll tell you what why don't we just keep this as our secret.
Technorati Tags: small business medium sized business sme smb blogging accountants
Comments