Big Issues Facing Little Enterprises

SMBs are the backbone of today's economy. Through technology innovation and advancements, these businesses have been able to break down some of the invisible lines between themselves and Fortune-level corporations. They appear bigger to their customers, reach a wider geographic audience and, in some cases, even run an enterprise-class IT infrastructure. Even divisions inside larger organizations are able to function more autonomously and efficiently while not risking size and scale as a result of leading-edge technology.

However, SMBs need help sorting out how incorporating the right business strategy around technology can enhance their operations—from server hosting and IT outsourcing, to document management and printing, to network and Internet security.

To address these issues, the Ziff Davis Media eSeminars division is hosting its SMB Solutions Virtual Tradeshow titled "Big Issues Facing Little Enterprises" on June 22 and 23. This event will bring together government officials, industry executives and leading analysts for a live, two-day online event focused exclusively on the most pressing technology issues facing SMBs.

Each day will start off with a high-profile keynote presentation, which will be followed by three panel presentations. Complete program and registration information is available at www.smb.eseminarslive.com.

Michael L. Barrera, national ombudsman for the Office of the National Ombudsman, U.S. Small Business Administration, will kick of the event on June 22 with a keynote presentation focusing on programs and benefits available to SMBs. His presentation will also touch upon technology acquisition services that the SBA offers qualified organizations.

Following Barrera's address will be three editorial panel discussions: "Improve Productivity with the Right Enterprise Application Strategy," "Security Priorities: Get the Most Protection for Your Dollar" and "Save Time, Money and Headaches Through Better Document Management."

During these discussions, top executives representing leading consultancies, solution providers and industry research firms including Core Strategies, Advanced Systems Group and Forrester Research, along with editors from eWEEK, will tackle how SMBs handle such tough technology issues.

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The second day of the event, June 23, will begin with a keynote presentation by John T. Lynch Jr., senior counsel for the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice. Lynch will talk about the government's effort to crack down on identity theft and Internet crimes and will give helpful IT security tips for SMB organizations.

Much like the first day of the event, following Lynch's address will be a series of panel presentations, including "Keep Employees Connected at All Times with a Simple and Secure Wireless Strategy," "Looking to Save Money and Get Better IT Service? Outsourcing May Be Right for You" and "Improve Customer Satisfaction and Sales Productivity with CRM."

The second day of the SMB Solutions Virtual Tradeshow will include executives and analysts from Broadcom, Dimension Data, Nacio, Ingram Micro, CompTIA, Covington Associations and ISM, as well as others.

Elliot Markowitz is editorial director of Ziff Davis eSeminars. He is also editor-at-large for ChannelInsider.com. He can be reached at elliot_markowitz@ziffdavis.com.