Computers & Business
Computers have become an essential tool for most business, however small. Everyday tasks such as writing letters and invoices, doing your accounts and VAT returns, and recording your customer details can all be done with minimal effort on a computer. And while all the hype in the media has been about the Internet, e-mail has quietly become a primary method of communication between businesses.
itwales.com 
Worth a look at itwales.com a new independent IT magazine for business in Wales.
Information Technology Briefings
A good set of basic guides are available on the Opportunity Wales site. Includes "What should I computerise?" and "Purchasing IT".
How to devise a sensible ebusiness strategy
Useful article from Microsoft bCentral - where do you start? That’s the million-dollar question for any company embarking on an IT strategy for the first time. Whether you’re starting a new business, or running an existing firm that has yet to get into IT, drawing up a game plan for effective use of technology can be a daunting process.
Business in the Information Age 2001
This DTI benchmarking study gives an overview of how businesses in the UK are using IT in comparison to our major competitors. 2002 study available in the autumn.
Broadband
These pages from the Office of the e-Envoy provide information about Broad band, including the different types, locations, cost, the market and Government procedures and plans for the future.
Broadband
The UK online for Business web site now has a new area dedicated to this increasingly vital technology.
Broadband Wales
Find more information on the Welsh Assembly Government’s 100m Broadband Wales programme and an explanation of Broadband and its benefits to businesses in Wales.
The WDA will also be offering grants to businesses to subsidise the cost of ADSL satellite connections where no terrestrial connection is available. The Satellite Subsidy Scheme is being launched shortly.
Resources from major IT & software companies:
Microsoft bCentral
The online destination for Microsoft’s smaller business customers. bCentral "is where business and technology meet".
IBM Small Business Center
Resources for small business users.
Apple
Mac solutions for small business users.
Adobe
Solutions for design and publishing.
Corel
For information on Corel and WordPerfect.
Sage
Accounting and business software for small and medium-sized businesses.
Free software:
CNET Download.com
A huge collection of free, pay as you use and trial run software. A merger of WinFiles.com and Download.com. Includes software useful for small business.
TUCOWS
Extensive collection of free downloads, shareware, drivers & technical tips.
