Small Business (SMB) Stories - Page 34

Global Stories

Small Business (SMB) stories

First Focus acquires Optimus Systems in New Zealand

Existing customers will keep their local teams as First Focus expands in New Zealand with a managed IT buyout adding cyber security and cloud services.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Wed, 13th May 2026

Data Protection

Xero launches live Claude integration for customers

Small businesses can now ask Claude for live cash and invoice data from Xero without leaving their accounting records.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 13th May 2026

Digital Entertainment

Hands-on review: Apple Creator Studio earns its keep

Apple Creator Studio bundles Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro in a smartly priced subscription that genuinely helps Mac and iPad creators.

By Sean Mitchell • 7 min read • Wed, 13th May 2026

Software-as-a-Service

Top Down Ventures closes USD $28 million founders fund

Top Down Ventures closes oversubscribed USD $28 million fund backing AI-native software start-ups for managed service providers.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Tue, 12th May 2026

Malware

AI drives ransomware surge, experts urge faster defence

Experts say AI is accelerating ransomware attacks, shrinking the patching window and forcing organisations to overhaul defences and recovery plans.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 6 min read • Tue, 12th May 2026

Data Protection

IPNetwork Monitor adds AI control to on-premise tools

Small businesses can now automate on-premise network checks with AI agents, without exposing monitoring data to outside cloud services.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Tue, 12th May 2026

Fintech

Currenxie launches European multi-currency account in Dublin

Currenxie's Dublin launch of an EEA business account targets SMEs trading with Asia-Pacific, amid pressure to fix costly cross-border payments.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026

Fintech

Currenxie launches EEA business accounts from Ireland

Currenxie enters the EEA from Dublin with multi-currency business accounts, targeting SMEs seeking faster cross-border payments.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026

Document Management

DocuWare named a challenger in Gartner document review

DocuWare lands challenger spot in Gartner's 2026 document management review as the software maker touts AI-ready tools and partner-led growth.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Small Business (SMB) stories

Digital Transformation

Australian small businesses see AI boost jobs & revenue

Australian small firms are reporting higher revenue and hiring from AI, with regular use almost doubling in 18 months to 69%.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Wed, 13th May 2026

Data Protection

Ant International ties sustainability to management pay

Sustainability targets will now affect pay reviews at Ant International, as the payments firm widens internal accountability beyond financial results.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 13th May 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Australia business confidence stays weak as costs rise

Rising fuel and energy bills are squeezing margins and leaving Australian firms facing weaker trading conditions ahead.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Tue, 12th May 2026

Digital Transformation

ECI launches Deacom ERP for Australian manufacturers

Australian batch manufacturers gain single-system control of finance, quality and traceability as ECI rolls out Deacom ERP amid labour and supply pressure.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Tue, 12th May 2026

Artificial Intelligence

UK consumers turn to real-world leisure over screens

Britons are favouring live events and other real-world outings, with Mastercard research showing many will cut back on gadgets and streaming.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026

Data Protection

Compliance is not the same as resilience: What Australian organisations are missing beyond the Essential Eight

Australian firms face growing cyber gaps as insurers and clients demand evidence of controls beyond the Essential Eight, amid new AI threats.

By Tony Rabottini • 5 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026

Data Protection

Exclusive: Arctic Wolf builds out agentic security

Arctic Wolf expands its Agentic SOC as AI speeds attacks and shadow AI risks, with President, Technology and Services Dan Schiappa backing human oversight.

By Sean Mitchell • 7 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026