Author: Shy Mukerjee

Mobile Apps Key to Small Business Operations, says AT&T

by Shy Mukerjee

Hot off the presses, a new survey from AT&T shows that small businesses (defined here as organizations with between 2-50 employees) are increasingly dependent on mobile technology in their day-to-day operations. According to the survey, 75% of small businesses now use mobile apps for their business “to save time, increase productivity and reduce costs.” Nearly half (49%) of all small businesses are now utilizing GPS/Navigation and mapping apps, making it the largest category of mobile applications currently being used.

What Other Kinds of Apps?

A variety of other apps are making inroads into small businesses as well.  The top app categories include social media marketing, document management, location-based services, time management, expense tracking software, and programs that accept credit or debit card payments in the field.

State of Social Media & Facebook

While social media apps are being utilized by a smaller proportion of companies (26%), a significant number (41%) are now using a Facebook page to promote themselves.

Small businesses feel that Facebook provides an easy and affordable way to promote their businesses., and many feel that it is the best way to communicate with their customers. Certainly, Facebook offers several unique options for businesses, from the low cost of set-up (free), to the ability to directly interact with individual customers, something that websites simply cannot offer. As well, a full 37% have noticed an increase in traffic to their websites, and 29% an increase in phone calls thanks to their Facebook pages.

Post continues after the jump.

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iPad 2 Finally Launches

by Shy Mukerjee

After what some would call a grueling wait between last week’s announcement and 5 P.M. today, Apple’s iPad 2 has finally arrived in consumer’s hands.  With some analysts already predicting sales of 1-2 million iPad’s this weekend alone, it is sure to be remembered as one of the major mobile tech stories of 2011. Now that you’re finally getting your hands on the hardware for the first time, bringing it home, unboxing your new device… what next?

Thankfully, the Internet is there for you. Hundreds of sites are chiming in with their takes on the ‘must have’ apps for the iPad 2, from major players like CNET to the SF Gate and even the Salt Lake Tribune. But the real question is, what are your favorite apps? What is going to make or break the iPad 2 experience for you?

Small Biz Tips from Smallbiztechnology.com

by Shy Mukerjee

We are pleased to work with Ramon Ray, CEO and editor of Smallbiztechnology.com, journalist, and technology evangelist, to bring you our new Small Biz tips on Wednesdays. Each week we’ll be sharing videos and articles featuring hot topics, products and trends in small business.

Boost the Wi-Fi Signal in your Large Office or Home – Hawking Technology @ CES 2011

You can now eliminate wireless dead spots inside your home or office with Hawking Technology’s Outdoor Smart Repeater (HOW2R1). Receive any Wi-Fi signal and boost the signal five times the distance of a standard Wireless-G network. The Outdoor Smart Repeater features a heavy-duty, waterproof design so it can even be set up outside. It’s an ideal solution for an office complex, large home, marine dock and RV park. For more information on the Hawking Outdoor Smart Repeater, visit their website.

At CES 2011, Smallbiztechnology.com checked out Hawking Technology’s Outdoor Smart Repeater: Watch the video.

It’s Time To Consider Quick Response (QR) Bar Codes In Your Marketing (New Service From Snappd)

You’ve seen them in fancy magazines, on bill boards in Times Square, Las Vegas and Austin, your geek friends have shown them off – but you’ve never thought they were for you.

I’m talking about QR Codes – the bar codes smartphones can read with software and when scanned a program is activated, web site pops up, SMS message is sent or some other action takes place.

I bet all of your customers are not using QR codes, nor even most of them. However, QR codes are easy to set up, make you look hip and can increase your marketing to the often younger “smartphone app” crowd. Read the rest of this article on Smallbiztechnology.com.