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Tech Gadgets Often Vital To Entrepreneurs By Laura Petrecca October 20, 2009 7:49AM     Entrepreneurs often lack time and money but need the latest technology to keep their businesses running as smoothly as possible. In addition, small-business owners don't have the luxury of a personal life and a business life, so they need devices that work in both worlds. But it's vital to do homework before buying technology.   Related Topics Enterprise Hardware iPhone Google Voice Mobile Gadgets SMBs Latest News Plasma-TV Ban Could Be Costly Barnes & Noble Nook Is Delayed Flat PC Shipments Hurt Dell's Stock Ballmer Says Windows 7 Sales Good New Pogoplug 'Cloud' Gets Social Small-business owner Julie Ruvolo is certainly tech savvy. She worked in ad sales and strategy for digital media companies AdBrite and DivX, and as a freelance writer for interactive media publisher iMedia Communications. In 2008, she co-founded Solvate, which helps folks find "virtual assistants" online that help with administrative tasks such as bookkeeping and travel planning. Ruvolo uses many gadgets to keep on top of work and personal demands, such as the ultra-small Samsung NC10 netbook that transports easily in her purse. She also uses a high-definition Eyeball Webcam so she can videoconference with her staff. But one tool makes her gush: her iPhone. "It's absolutely beautiful," she says of the device that accesses work and personal e-mail accounts, snaps photos, pulls up maps -- and wakes her every morning with its alarm. Vista Software Group owner David Mendoza feels that way about his BlackBerry World Edition. He uses it to tap into customers' systems and e-mail servers, as well as to access his company bank account and maintain invoices while on the road. He also uses the alarm to wake up. "I take it everywhere, he says. "It's become invaluable." IPhone vs. BlackBerry vs. Google's Android smartphone. Mac vs. PC. Cloud-based computing vs. an external hard drive. Small-business owners have a vast array of technology choices. "There is so much out there that it can be overwhelming," says Thom Ruhe, director of entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Entrepreneurs often lack time and money but need the latest technology to keep their businesses running as smoothly as possible. In addition, small-business owners "really don't have the luxury of a personal life and a business life," says Ruhe, so they need devices that work in both worlds. It's vital to do homework before buying technology. Ruhe suggests entrepreneurs check out reviews on Web sites such as CNet.com, ask peers for tech feedback at networking events, and even head to bookstores to browse magazine and book racks. Small-business owner Jim Balis acknowledges that he lacks in tech know-how. So he relied on the advice of others in two networking groups -- the Entrepreneurs' Organization and the trade group Turnaround Management Association -- on what technology could help his restaurant-restructuring firm. Real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, who now runs a business-consulting company, says she has her own tactic for keeping up on technology: When she sees a "young person" on a novel device, she walks up to them and asks, 'Hey, what are you up to? What are you doing?'" (continued...) 1  |  2  |  Next Page >   © 2009 USA TODAY under contract with MarketWatch. All rights reserved.   Advertisement  Enterprise I.T. 1.   Flat PC Shipments Hurt Dell's Stock 2.   Smartphones: New Security Risks 3.   FBI Says Hackers Targeting Law Firms 4.   Lock-and-Load Security for Your PC 5.   MS Study Sees Growing Worm Threat AMD Unveils Processor Road Map Emphasis will be on graphics, video. Average Rating: Intel Settles with AMD for $1.25B CEO Otellini wants to 'show our side.' Average Rating: Social-Networking Security a Concern Facebook hijacking shows dangers. Average Rating:

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Network Security Spotlight

House Lawmakers Push Ban on Peer-to-Peer Software Stung by an embarrassing electronic leak revealing ethics investigations into dozens of lawmakers, Congress moved to prohibit federal employees from using the file-sharing software blamed for the disclosure.   GAO: Los Alamos Computer Security Has Weaknesses Security weaknesses uncovered in Los Alamos National Laboratory's computer network increase the risk of a classified-information breach, says the Government Accountability Office.   Computer Security Firm Fortinet Plans IPO This Week Fortinet plans to go public in an initial public offering, giving investors a chance to tap a network security provider with sales that are expected to grow. The IPO could be valued at $137.5 million or more.

Enterprise Hardware Spotlight

Flat Shipments Hurt Dell Despite Increased Earnings Dell's earnings are up and expectations are solid, but the company's stock still took a hit after analysts signaled the company isn't playing a key role in the PC market recovery.   New Pogoplug 'Personal Cloud' Does Social Networking Cloud Engines has released its newest version of the Pogoplug, a small "multimedia sharing device" that connects hard drives to the Internet and allows a user to access the files remotely.   Apple Tablet Rumored Delayed as Publisher Gears Up There have been so many rumors of an Apple tablet that it has taken on legendary status. But now the legend is being revised with reports of a delay and that a major publisher is getting ready.

Enterprise Technology Spotlight

Flat Shipments Hurt Dell Despite Increased Earnings Dell's earnings are up and expectations are solid, but the company's stock still took a hit after analysts signaled the company isn't playing a key role in the PC market recovery.   Smartphones: A Bigger Target for Security Threats Smartphones are increasingly prevalent and adept at handling more tasks, including trading stocks, paying bills, and buying stuff online. That makes them attractive to thieves and hackers.   FBI Says Hackers Targeting Law Firms, PR Companies Hackers are targeting law firms and public relations companies with a sophisticated e-mail scheme that breaks into their computer networks to steal sensitive data, often linked to large corporate clients.

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