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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.
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Sometimes I think I take this Boot Camp theme far too seriously.
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- 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.
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- 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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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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This guy stuck to his talking points while trying to convince me he had a great product.
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- 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.
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- 12.20.06 Building a business continuity plan in case of disaster is vital to the survival of your company.
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- 11.29.06 Your company can do more to cut down on harmful toxins.
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- 11.15.06 The right handheld device can boost productivity for you and your mobile workforce.
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- 11.01.06 A secure VPN is the best way to access your network files when you're out of the office.
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- 10.11.06 Offering the best 401(k) plan means doing your homework first.
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- 09.27.06 A hosted online storefront solution can launch your e-commerce showroom
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 08.02.06 You're outnumbered and surrounded, but the fight's not over yet. Here's how to battle the spam armada.
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- 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.
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- 06.21.06 A successful antivirus strategy is one that stacks security.
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- 05.31.06 If your company is not yet wireless, you're missing out on a major productivity boost.
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- 05.17.06 Share your office's resources to maximze productivity.
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- 05.03.06 Establish an effective data backup plan so you don't have to make a last staqnd.
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- 04.19.06 Understanding your web traffic provides insight into customers' research and purchasing habits.
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- 04.05.06
A very basic course on building your Web presence.
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- 03.15.06
When it comes to working collaboratively, Microsoft Exchange isn't the only game in town.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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