Countless files are exchanged daily inside and outside of business networks. The most common method of file sharing is the use of email attachments but this method has considerable limitations due to file size limits, lack of infrastructure and security threat protection. Small businesses must find alternative methods of file sharing that work as quickly and effectively (and as inexpensive) as email. These issues around file sharing are not new but Microsoft has some solutions that are.

In the past, using FTP or compression was the obvious way to send large files. Yet, these methods are neither practical nor secure. The emergence of teamware, document management, and conferencing software has provided a much more collaborative approach to file sharing. Practical and secure, they allow users to share files as part of a bigger task, project, or event, and Hyperion can help you implement solutions without affecting your bottom line.

Small businesses, being more people driven than large enterprises, tend to have less definition in their IT equipment policies. Employees and executives are less tied to a single managed device, and might conduct business from multiple locations and devices; their work laptop, their home computer (maybe even a Mac). Microsoft Live Mesh synchronizes files with all of your devices, so you always have the latest versions handy. Access your files from any device or from the web, easily share them with others, and get notified whenever someone changes a file. Even if you need to access software on one device while working from another, Live Mesh will connect you to any device's desktop as if you were sitting in front of it. And the best part? Microsoft Live Mesh is free.

As project collaboration becomes increasingly electronic, the difficulties of sending emails back and forth, revision management and version histories, make working on documents with parties both within and outside your organization arduous. FTP servers are cumbersome and intranet document libraries are limited to internal use; virtual data rooms are very industry specific and priced far beyond the means of most small and mid-size businesses. There are various web-based document management services such as Google Docs, part of Google Apps, but none offer the level of integration and ease of use that is available with Microsoft Office Live Workspace. Fully integrated with Microsoft Office and available in a familiar web-based interface, Office Live Workspace extends the functionality of the software suite already used by 96% of businessesby providing a secure document library accessible from anywhere. And the best part? Microsoft Office Live Workspace is free.

Web conferencing has swept the business world, reducing travel time and cost as well as increasing productivity through the high availability of collaborator resources. The ability to showcase products, train clients and employees, and achieve virtual presence of employee working groups regardless of physical location has created a booming market of fee-based web conferencing services such as WebEx, Microsoft Office Live Meeting, and GoToMeeting. While this market will never be replaced by free solutions due to the need for extended features like audio conferencing integration, large attendance and meeting recording and archiving, there are options for small businesses withless demanding needs for ad-hoc web conferencing. Microsoft SharedView is a fast, easy way to share documents and screen views with small groups of coworkers or collegues; anytime, anywhere, across all physical boundaries. And yes, Microsoft SharedView is free.

Hyperion, as your technology partner, will always suggest and implement the most appropriate solutions for your business, even if those solutions are free. Contact us to learn how you can take advantage of these new solutions from Microsoft to create, convey, and communicate, share, review, and update documents with anyone without impacting your bottom line.