Welcome to the Small and Medium Business Technology Alliance (SMBTA).

Small and medium businesses make choices to stay competitive.  The Small and Medium Business Technology Alliance is the place to be informed for those decisions:

• “Up-to-date technology key to competitiveness, productivity.”  Ninety-six percent of small business decision makers believe new information technologies, such as computers, are a more valuable asset than ever.  Seventy-nine percent said key technology advancements such as mobility and security solutions need to be tracked to remain competitive.
• “Mobile access is a key trend.”  Sixty-seven percent of small business decision makers either work outside the office or have key staff members who do; 77 percent said mobility is important when working outside the office.
• “Expansion or scaling of computers and peripherals are important.”  Eighty-nine percent of small business decision makers believe it is important to buy systems that can be easily and cost-effectively expanded or scaled back to meet changing needs.
• Make small technology shifts…and preferably during a refresh cycle.  It’s usually easier to make mobility changes when buying new systems every three years.  However, because knowledge workers can benefit almost immediately from new mobility products, small businesses should evaluate by improved productivity.
• Evaluate carefully various wireless technologies.  Although many mobile products such as notebooks, tablets and PDAs are ready for prime time, not all wireless technologies are at the same maturity level.  For instance, some cellular data networks and wireless wide-area networks in various parts of the world are still being deployed and are relatively costly to use.  Small businesses should evaluate specific technologies based on need and availability.
• Protect your mobile devices.  Analysts’ reports indicate about 90 percent of mobile devices lack protection to ward off hackers.  Also, identity theft is on the rise as users accidentally lose their mobile devices, which are full of confidential enterprise data.  Small businesses are advised to install mobile firewalls and purchase mobile management tools.
• Claim only 50 percent of entertainment expenses.  The days of deducting 100 percent of entertainment expenses are long gone.  The 50 percent rule applies to business entertainment such as taking clients to concerts, dinners or sporting events.  The only exception is employee social events such as parties and picnics, which are 100 percent deductible.

Visit SMBTA.com often for the latest information needed to make your small and medium business technology decisions effective.

Chuck Sharp, President, ASBTA

Sharp, with over twenty-three years experience in management, marketing, marketing communications and partner relations, he was previously Vice President of the Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance (ITSPA).  ITSPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and promotion of the use of technology to small and medium companies to solve business challenges.  His leadership has resulted in over six billion impressions and coverage in numerous major media outlets.

During his career he has worked with a variety of companies in the software, travel, telephone equipment, computer, manufacturing and communications industries.  Sharp’s experience includes eighteen years with Hewlett-Packard, with responsibilities encompassing channel development, systems, digital solutions, storage technology and software, and enterprise and mid-market development. Sharp holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Science and Computer Systems from Oklahoma State University.

Chet Gray, Executive Vice President, ASBTA

As Vice President Sales and Marketing of the American Small Business Travel Alliance, Chet Gray brings to the ASBTA more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales and senior management at companies such as IBM, Tandy and HP.

His 12-year career at HP included serving as national account manager for Fortune 500 sales as well as being chosen to lead the company’s thrust into the retail and small business markets.  Also, he served as HP’s western region hardcopy sales manager and had responsibility for all channel sales and marketing activities related to printers and digital imaging products.

Gray provided his expertise and leadership to help form three successful business start-ups.  He has served on the board of directors of a company called GrayMar, Inc. for 15 years, and is currently the vice president and general manager of Simonson Equine as well as the president of Gray Racing Stable.

Past experiences have included serving on the Financial Times web advisory panel, the HP Small Business Forum, and as a consultant on the Wal-Mart retail technology team.  Gray is a 1984 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a BBA in Information Systems.

Ron Sharp, Ph.D., Director, Integrated Communications and Technology, ASBTA

ASBTA's Director of Integrated Communications and Technology, Ron Sharp is responsible for website design, small business membership, online marketing, and travel technology. Ron’s background includes experience as an Internet Security Officer, public affairs officer, broadcast and print journalist, and talk show host. His background also includes enlisted and officer Marine Corps billets in aviation, public affairs, security and training.  He has served on the executive board of the local Chamber of Commerce, holds a degree in communication, Counseling, and Counseling Psychology with certifications in education, school counseling, communications, chemical dependency, psychiatric assessment, & computer science.