New software tracks document output

By Angus Loten

(Inc.com) - Ever wonder how much the office printer is costing your bottom line? Ricoh Americas, a West Caldwell, N.J.-based office-automation firm, has launched a low-cost application that tracks document output from copiers, printers, fax machines, and scanners, the company announced Tuesday.

Smart Accounting, which is a PC-based application requiring no central server, creates detailed reports to better manage the usage of up to 50 devices, helping small-business owners reduce administrative costs, boost productivity, and gain a competitive advantage, says Hede Nonaka, the company's vice president of document solutions and services.

The suggested retail price is $999. For more information, visit www.ricoh-usa.com.

Cheap Buzz

With more than 25 million small businesses across the nation, standing out from the crowd can be a challenge. Getting your name out there, particularly in the media, is often the first step to landing new clients, customers, and investors. That's where Cherry Communications comes in.

This week, the Albany, N.Y.-based communications firm released a low-cost e-book full of tips and tricks for turning your entrepreneurial ideas into newsworthy press releases.

"Be Heard with News Releases" offers examples of three types of releases and how best to use them, along with strategies for generating buzz in print and online for smaller businesses on a tight budget.

"Most new businesses fail within three years -- and it's often due to the fact that many business owners think that simply hanging up an open sign and placing an ad in the yellow pages will attract customers," says Shannon Cherry, the firm's president and a former TV journalist.  Continued...