Luigi Benetton

Outside of one other Microsoft tool, namely Outlook, few pieces of software get used more regularly on the job than Microsoft Word. People use it to write all manner of business documents, from short memos to lengthy RFPs and business reports. Microsoft has even created a cloud computing (aka software as a service, or SaaS) [...]

Few new computers spend much time out of the box before their owners install Reader, free software from Adobe that people use to read PDFs (portable document format), documents that look exactly the same no matter what computer they’re viewed on. Adobe Acrobat generates those PDFs, and its capabilities extend to the software as a [...]

From its well-regarded search engine to its plethora of products, Google has carved out significant slices of online activity and mindshare since its founders first made it available. Much of that mindshare comes from the business tools Google offers. Google Apps now serves as the productivity tool for cities like Los Angeles and Edmonton, where [...]

While I mainly write about technology, complex construction projects also fascinate me. I profile major projects, like the revamp of Toronto’s Union Station and the realization of the greenest buildings to date. I also document building trends and profile the trend-setters, as well as the software they use to innovate and erect better buildings every [...]

When businesses sue each other, they commonly need to turn over any relevant documentation to the opposing party. Given the massive increase in electronic documentation, the discovery process can get so complex and potentially expensive that companies will settle otherwise winnable lawsuits to avoid discovery expenses. But that isn’t the end of the story. A [...]

Tired of having to store install disks, boxes, manuals and other stuff you never need after you install your software? Sick of paying for software and hardware updates just to keep “your” systems running? Then cloud computing may be for you. A new(ish) breed of business hosts the software, your information and the servers it resides [...]

Netbooks and laptops seem ever more oversized next to smaller, lightweight smartphones and tablets. That pleases the people who use these devices for more than just email and surfing. Just think about their advantages: increasing numbers of  applications made specifically for tablets and smartphones instant-on performance lighter weight impressive battery life With these and other [...]

Few sounds signal the start of an office workday like the startup chimes of computers powered by Microsoft Windows. Soon after, workers get to Word to draft documents, Excel to crunch numbers, PowerPoint to plan presentations and, of course, Outlook for email, calendars, tasks and other stuff. Meanwhile, the server room hums to the work [...]

An Apple consultant once told me he’d love to come back in a next life as a fly on the wall in Apple’s research and development department. So would a lot of equities traders, given the company’s stellar stock market performance as it creates devices people want to buy. Increasingly, “people” also means “businesses” as [...]

Major car companies have other suppliers create parts for them, which they assemble to make the finished product. Companies in many industries base their help desks in India. Many of the items we buy in department stores sailed across oceans to reach local store shelves.