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Below are five things about SME Technology News that happened this week and how they affect your business. Have you missed them?
This week we're at Small Business Technology News
Small Business Technology News #1 – Google says Gmail Security is “strong and effective” because it denies a major violation.
Despite reports of a virus claiming a catastrophic Gmail hack that affects all 2.5 billion users, Google firmly denied such violations and called the claim “completely false.” The June violation occurred, but it is limited to Google's corporate sales force servers, and only public business contact information, not personal Gmail data. In a blog post, Google highlighted that Gmail's security is “strong and effective” and that its system blocks 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts. The company has revealed there are no widespread hacks, and the rumors are likely due to a combination of unrelated security alerts and social media exaggeration. Google has reinforced the importance of applying safeguards such as PassKeys, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing attempts. (Source: ARS Technica)
Why this is important for your small business:
It's probably okay. probably. A lazy response is to trust Google and move forward without changing your password. The correct response is suspicious, changing your password just for secure measurements, and you should do the same for all employees.
Small Business Technology News #2 – Salesforce launches AI tools to streamline manufacturing OPS.
Salesforce has announced Manufacturing Agent Force, an AI-powered platform designed to help manufacturers overcome labor shortages, streamline operations and modernize field service management. The main features and benefits include:
– Actual temporal decision support: instantly adjust operations using live production data – no manual tracking required.
– Ventry Intelligence: AI agents help sales teams with real-time inventory checks and assist in triggers that automatically refill.
– Predictive Maintenance: Predict process sensor data failures, generate estimates, and schedule repairs before failure occurs. (Source: Manufacturing digital)
Why this is important for your small business:
Wait, did you think Salesforce is a CRM platform? It's a myth. The company provides a business platform for automating data across the organization. These latest features are designed for businesses that want to integrate AI technology with existing Salesforce data or even their own data. This is where manufacturing is headed. Fast and reliable search for jobs, better tracking inventory, and what I think is most important – AI and IoT (Internet of Things) integration will make you talk to our systems.
Small Business Technology News #3 – The Best Laptop for Graphic Designers: Expert Test.
ZDNET's latest roundup highlights the best laptop for graphic design, focusing on performance, display quality, portability and creative features. Overall, the 2024 MacBook Pro M4 is optimized to demand creative workflows with a stunning liquid Retina XDR display with a fiery fast M4 chip, nano-textured coating (perfect for outdoor use). A budget-friendly device is the MacBook Air M3 with the solid performance of a lightweight laptop. For drawing and illustration, the ASUS ProART PZ13 creates a list of 21-hour battery life and a creator hub feature for high quality, colorful displays. For those in the market, ZDNET recommends considering performance, display, and portability when reviewing these devices. For a complete list of laptops, please visit the link. (Source: ZDNET)
Why this is important for your small business:
If your business is heavy in graphic design, this is a great list of modern hardware that will help you run these resource-intensive applications as quickly as possible.
Small Business Technology News #4 – Google Ads integrates maps to enhance local targeting.
By integrating Google Maps, Google has deployed major updates to its advertising platform, allowing advertisers to search directly and add up to 10 validated business locations to their campaigns. This is why it makes this a game changer:
-StreamLined Workflow: No more manual entry or sync with Google Business Profiles. Please select a location directly from the map.
-real-time accuracy: ADS pulls live data such as addresses and operation times to increase relevance and reduce errors.
– Multi-location accuracy: Perfect for marketers managing chains and franchises, especially with AI-driven enhancements within the map.
– Improved Ad Context: Ads can now display directionality, proximity-based promotions and more.
-better compliance: Helps avoid policy violations by ensuring that only validated open locations are used.
This update reflects a broader push for Google to integrate search, maps and ads, making it easier for businesses to connect with nearby customers in a smarter and more intuitive way. (Source: webpronews)
Why this is important for your small business:
My business is B2B and I sell it to businesses all over the country. But when you're doing more locally focused B2C operations (retail, restaurants, boutiques, local services, etc.), I'm leaning heavily towards these tools. why? They simply have more resources as I can't compete online with big companies advertising products that compete against me nationwide. Google recognizes this and gives small business viewers an attempt to lift their feet by highlighting local ads to find local ads. It works for those who spent time on it.
Small Business Technology News #5 – Half of the PC runs Windows 10 despite the looming end of support, says the PC maker.
According to ComputerWorldMicrosoft plans to end official support in October 2025, but almost 50% of PCs are running Windows 10. Dell and HP report that many companies, especially medium and medium sized companies, are delaying their upgrade to Windows 11 due to budget constraints and lack of attractive profits. The Enterprise is being upgraded faster, but the full migration is expected to grow in 2026. Microsoft will offer extended security updates (ESUs) ranging from Windows 10 to $61 per device for a year. The second year was $122. $244 in Year 3 – allows businesses to spend more time planning upgrades without compromising security. (Source: ComputerWorld)
Why this is important for your small business:
This is not just a support issue. It's a security issue. Older operating systems are prone to security breaches. Even if your business is running Windows 11, it should still be on the latest build. Bind the bullet. Upgrade.
Each week we bring together five small business technology news stories to explain why they are important to your business. If you have any interesting stories, please post them on your X account @genemarks
