04/10/2009

New Sources for Competitive Intelligence

You know about Hoovers, LinkedIn and even Facebook when it comes to scoping out competitors. Now the social media phenomenon is spawning a new generation of websites you'll also want to scan to keep tabs on business friends, enemies or frenemies. CrunchBase bills itself as a free database of technology companies, people and investors that anyone can edit. The company profiles display an interesting array of charts, including a graph on how much buzz a startup is generating. Fast Pitch! is LinkedIn with an emphasis on communication; members use their company profiles to pitch press releases or reach out via instant message. Similar sites to know: Shout'Em and Dropjack. --Jeff B. Copeland, Content Product Manager

03/11/2009

Fixing Pooped-Out PCs takes Priority for Biz Managers

With budgets busted, small businesses are keeping computers longer, making PC tune-ups more critical than ever. According to OnForce, a giant network of IT service pros, service calls to fix pooped-out PCs have skyrocketed 65% over 12 months as more companies opt to fix rather than buy. Don't wait until your PCs break or get clogged with digital goop. Run PC tune-up software to clean out clutter, fix faulty settings and speed up systems. To do that, go with the leader. System Mechanic 8.5, from Iolo, is the best selling PC tune-up software and has garnered great reviews from computer magazines and websites. It can boost your PC speed and help eliminate slowdowns, crashes and freezes. -- Daniel Kehrer, Editor of Business.com

03/11/2009

New Service Aims to Cut Payment Processing Fees

Are credit card fees crunching your cash? Noca -- a new payment processing service just launched by some former Visa execs -- gives online merchants a low-cost way to let customers pay directly from their checking accounts. This could appeal particularly to businesses selling low-margin, low-cost items that are pinched by credit card payment processing fees. Noca uses Secure Check, a way for consumers to pay for purchases using their bank accounts directly from a merchant?s website. Consumers pay you directly via the national Automated Clearing House (ACH) system, cutting out the complex web of banks and payment processors in a typical credit card transaction. -- Daniel Kehrer, Editor of Business.com

03/11/2009

Personal Finance Fixup for Entrepreneurs

When it comes to managing their personal finances, many entrepreneurs become notorious numskulls. Most are so caught up in business-building that their personal ledgers are lame. Mvelopes offers an alternative -- a way to effectively manage personal finances online. It's been around a while -- launched in 2004 as an online subscription service -- flying largely under the radar. But tough (an understatement?) economic times are spurring more biz owners to seek help budgeting, paying bills, reducing debt and generally taking better control of their personal bottom lines. -- Daniel Kehrer, Editor of Business.com

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