I'm a Contributing Editor for PC Magazine and regularly write the SMB Boot Camp Solutions column (in fact, I'm the only SMB Boot Camp solutions columnist in the history of PC Magazine). SMB Boot Camp explains a technology topic, provides a case study to demonstrate the business value of that topic, and then provides a series of tips for how you can do it, too.

I draw upon my many years of experience as a small business technology consultant to provide real world advice to readers. I like to consider myself more than just a technology writer. Nothing irks me more than writers who provide advice about things they've never done. All of the advice I provide is very real and based on actual technology implementations. I'm not a technology armchair quarterback. I spend quite a bit of time with my sleeves rolled up and in the trenches.

Sometimes I think I take this Boot Camp theme far too seriously.

Virtual Offices: 08.29.07 Renting temporary office space can make a good impression and be cost effective.
: 08.15.07 Hosted PBX systems inexpensively provide small business with big business phone system capabilities. Smallcellars.com case study.
Web Content Filtering: 08.01.07 Monitor employees web usage habits and prevent them from downloading malware. ConEdison Solutions virtually eliminated spyware infections with SurfControl Web Filter for Microsoft ISA Server.

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Security Success Story: 07.11.07 Use centrally managed anti-malware to protect servers and workstations. Fletchar Far Ayotte upgraded from the patchwork protection of Symantec, McAfee, and Spyware Doctor to Trend Micro Small Business.
A Solution To Boost Productivity: 06.26.07. Going wireless helped one small town salvage a stinker of a project. The Forest Hills Municipal Department install secure 802.11g wireless network solution from Linksys.
Boost Connectivity with Broadband VoIP: 06.20.07 Connect remote workers and save money using an IP PBX. Tower Travel Management runs an Avaya IP Office 412 and saves almost $12,000 a month.
Brewing Up Remote Access: 05.16.07 Remote access and e-mail services increase mobile employee productivity. Brooklyn Brewery dropped Novell NetWare, GroupWise, and pc Anywhere in favor of Microsoft Small Business Server and Citrix Presentation Server.
Network to Boost Your Business: 05.02.07 The right server hardware can help you make the move to centralized applications and data. Sew What? Inc runs a Dell PowerEdge 500 loaded with critical business applications.
Low-Rent Apps: 04.18.07 The software as a service (SaaS) or the artist formerly known as application service provider (ASP) market offers attractive features for small businesses such as aggressive pricing and automatic offsite backups. The Hartford Courant relies on Intuit QuickBase for handling classified content.
Spam-Free Marketing: 04.04.08 E-mail marketing can be a valuable tool if used properly (as in not spam). TechSmith increased customer retention with a carefully planned and orchestrated e-mail marketing campaign.
Frugal CRM: 03.06.07 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can help increase sales and customer retention. Superior Industries migrated from Salesforce.com to an on-site implementation of SugarCRM and saved $20,000 plus in the first year alone.
Success With Search Engines: 02.14.07 The web is a big place and no one will buy your products or services if they can't find you. Learn how Las Vegas's Hands On Massage was able to skyrocket revenue with carefully placed ads on CitySearch.
Wicked Productive Wikis: 01.31.07 Any small business can organize a remote workforce and keep them on the same page with a collaborative wiki. Evolved Media Networks does just that.

This guy stuck to his talking points while trying to convince me he had a great product.






Painless Podcasting: 01.10.07 Is podcasting something like fishing for aliens? Nope, it's a way to launch your own content on demand service over the web. Professional Rockstars uses FeedBurner.com to create and distribute podcasts on a large scale.


Your Disaster Recovery Plan: 12.20.06 Building a business continuity plan in case of disaster is vital to the survival of your company.
Recycling E-waste: 11.29.06 Your company can do more to cut down on harmful toxins.
Mobilize Your Business: 11.15.06 The right handheld device can boost productivity for you and your mobile workforce.
Take Your Network Anywhere: 11.01.06 A secure VPN is the best way to access your network files when you're out of the office.
Grow Your Employees' Nest Eggs: 10.11.06 Offering the best 401(k) plan means doing your homework first.
Your Web Store's Grand Opening: 09.27.06 A hosted online storefront solution can launch your e-commerce showroom
VoIP Sends the Message: 09.13.06 If you're opening a new office or looking to switch out your phone system, and IP PBX could save you money.
Fine-Tune Your Finances: 08.30.06 It's time to get your company's financial house in order. Here are the basics you need to know when buying accounting software.
Playing by the Rules: 08.16.06 The recent slew of federal regulations can be daunting, but staying in compliance can save you time and money in the long run.
Win the War on Spam: 08.02.06 You're outnumbered and surrounded, but the fight's not over yet. Here's how to battle the spam armada.

E-mail: DIY or Outsource?: 07.12.06 Running your e-mail in-house or using a hosted solution depends on your needs and budget. Either way, make sure it's secure.
Safety in Layers: 06.21.06 A successful antivirus strategy is one that stacks security.
Your Company, Sans Wires: 05.31.06 If your company is not yet wireless, you're missing out on a major productivity boost.

Get Networked Now: 05.17.06 Share your office's resources to maximze productivity.
Your Backup Battle Plan: 05.03.06 Establish an effective data backup plan so you don't have to make a last staqnd.
Your Site's Stats: 04.19.06 Understanding your web traffic provides insight into customers' research and purchasing habits.
Build a Beachhead on the Web: 04.05.06 A very basic course on building your Web presence.
Life Without Exchange: 03.15.06 When it comes to working collaboratively, Microsoft Exchange isn't the only game in town.
Hack Thyself: 03.01.06 Theft of proprietary information. Denial-of-service attacks. Spyware. Viruses. These are the foes you battle daily in the war to keep your business's network secure. To win you have to know your weak points.
Business Body Armor: 02.15.06 All sorts of enemy combatants want to penetrate your network, but you can turn attacks aside with the right combo of hardware and tactics.
Business Broadband: 02.01.06 Confused by all the high-speed Internet services vying for your business? Here's what you need to know.

I think of myself as a technology master chief, keeping the world safe one Covenant soldier at a time.

PC Magazine SMB Boot Camp Columns