How small businesses are using IT to manage through the recession

Competition from bigger businesses and the generally weak economy are two catalysts for small businesses increasingly pursuing new technology investments.

According to the Microsoft SMB Insight Report, small business specialists from the Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, France and Brazil revealed how investments in hosted software applications and a focus on business intelligence are cutting costs and increasing profits at some small and medium-sized businesses.

"Small and midsize businesses play a critical role in the world's economy and are often the first to emerge from periods of economic uncertainty because of their passion, resiliency and innovation," said Eduardo Rosini, a vice president with Microsoft.

The report showed that more small businesses are using business intelligence to improve customer relationship management. A number of experts say building brand loyalty and retaining good customers may help some businesses better weather the recession.

Over half of the small business specialists surveyed believe improved customer relationship through technology investments is key to maximizing business growth in the current economy.

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