Experts expect smartphones to overtake personal computers

Smartphones are steadily becoming commonplace devices for everyone from professionals to busy moms. Users of these devices now instinctively turn to their phones for tasks that previously they would only have accomplished on a computer, over the phone or in person.

These tasks include surfing the Web, obtaining driving directions, connecting via social media, and even shopping.

In the United States, 87.4 million people own smartphones. And, smartphone sales are expected to top sales of personal computers. As smartphones allow people to connect with businesses in new and exciting ways, businesses in turn need to become savvier about going mobile.

For example, a small home health care provider recently utilized smartphones to expand to 400 patients across four major counties in Utah. Its employees previously struggled to keep up with all the paperwork and regulatory requirements, so the company decided to go completely mobile, equipping its entire staff with Microsoft Windows Phones. This allowed the staff to visit patients and instantly update their condition and treatments.

For small businesses, embracing the smartphone age is becoming crucial for success. Here are some easy ways small businesses can go mobile this year:

* Invest in smartphones - Transitioning from a flip phone to a smartphone makes it much easier to run a business on the go. Providing easy access to email, calendar information and the Internet, smartphones increase productivity and can provide peace of mind while out of the office. Today, smartphones are more affordable than in the past, so now is a perfect time to take advantage of their capabilities.

* Consider industry-specific devices - Numerous mobile technologies, from smartphone applications to tablets, have been created with specific industries in mind. For example, rugged tablets that can withstand the elements are available for those in the construction industry and tablets created for the health care industry can be sterilized between patient visits to avoid contamination.

* Make websites mobile-compatible - In an era in which most consumers first go to the Internet to find local service providers, it's crucial that small businesses have a polished and informative online presence that's friendly for mobile consumption. Even for business owners who aren't tech-savvy, starting a website is feasible. A quick Internet search will reveal numerous free or low-cost website templates. You might also choose to work with a Web developer to ensure your business's website is smartphone-friendly.

* Get social - Popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter make it simple to connect with customers in a casual, but also personal, manner and also embrace the mobile population that frequents these sites on smartphones. Consider leveraging one or more of these platforms to further establish your business's online presence and create positive buzz around new offerings and special deals and promotions.

For more ideas on how to easily boost your business with mobile technology, visit www.microsoftbusinesshub.com.

Courtesy of BPT

Top remodel trends for the modern home

(BPT) - Thanks to foreclosures and short sales, home buyers are snatching up great houses at reduced prices and remodeling to create stylish modern homes. Lucky for those buyers, many of today's top trends are relatively easy to recreate, and will add re-sale value to their homes.

"TV interior design shows are mostly about buying and remodeling a home, versus building from scratch or finding a new property that precisely fits a wish list with plenty of personal requirements," says Dani Kohl, program coordinator for the bachelor of science in interior design program at The Art Institute of Indianapolis and a practicing architect and interior designer.

The top remodeling trends include:

* Uniting the kitchen and living space for an open-floor concept

* Culture dictating an increase square footage for entertainment, haven from a busy work schedule or modern luxuries

* Finding multi-functional uses for both spaces and furniture

On average, Kohl's residential clients are spending about $40,000 to $60,000 to renovate and remodel their homes. Most of the money is spent in the kitchens, master bedrooms and bathrooms.

"Gone are the days of the formal dining room and living room," says Kohl. "Walls are being knocked down to join the two rooms."

Parents want to be able to cook while watching kids do homework or entertaining guests. Kitchen islands most often serve as the main division between kitchen and living space, and are the entertainment centers of a kitchen.

"Kitchen islands are looking more like free-standing furniture pieces with elaborate marble tops and wood work, and interior designers are often finding functional yet hidden places to store the trash can and keep the dish washer from view," Kohl says.

Pedro Lima, an interior design instructor at The Art Institute of New York City and owner of Pedro Lima Interiors, says that temporary partitions between the living space and kitchen are also on the rise. These partitions can be of varying heights, whether it's a two-way fireplace or modern book shelving. Partitions are a great option for homeowners who want that open-floor plan for the kitchen and living room, while still maintaining a defined space for each.

Lima says that our current culture and habits are driving the changes in modern, interior spaces.

"When it comes to the master bedroom, we are looking at a more pampering atmosphere," he says. Both Kohl and Lima agree that clients want more of a spa-like feeling than ever before to create a bedroom that is a safe haven for over-worked homeowners.

"Master bedrooms now have their own seating areas and entertainment nooks, and have become personal spaces away from everything," Lima says.

An increase in square footage for closet space is another popular request, according to Lima. "We, as designers, are now looking into proper modular systems of rods and shelving, in addition to our architectural and design duties."

Closets are not just for storage anymore, either. "Now, we're looking at closets to serve as a dressing space in addition to serving as a place to store an increased amount clothes and shoes."-

How are clients gaining square footage for the needs of today's residential space without making a complete renovation and creating add-ons to their homes?

Lima says that downsizing to accommodate upsizing is part of the remodel plans too.

"Designers are spending more time at looking for innovative ways to add versatile furniture that serve multifunctional purposes," he says. "For instance, coffee tables also serve as storage spaces and additional seating, wall units have built-in desks, and couches open up to beds in home offices."

Whichever remodeling trend homeowners choose to apply, all trends point toward integration, simplification and organization, as homeowners seek to enjoy their homes and share it with family and friends.

Courtesy of BPT

Essential insurance you can't live without

Cutting back on vacations and entertainment is a wise move when money is tight, but don't be tempted to forego car and homeowners insurance to make ends meet.

Some people appear to be doing just that. Statistics from the Insurance Research Council, for example, indicate 16 percent of American drivers are uninsured. Nearly half of those say the reason is they can't afford insurance. And three out of every five U.S. homes are underinsured, with homeowners skimping by paying less for insurance, but running the risk they won't be able to rebuild their homes if disaster strikes.

You should resist the urge to eliminate car and homeowners insurance in tough times, advises Charles Valinotti, senior vice president with insurer QBE. "Not having insurance may save on premium payments, but it can cost you much more when the unexpected happens," he says. "Insurance premiums are a bargain compared to the financial issues that could pile up if you have an accident, your house burns down or someone is injured on your property."

Valinotti notes the insurance protections you can't do without:

* For your auto - Laws in all states require drivers to either have auto insurance or be able prove they are financially able to pay for an accident. In addition, if you have a loan on your vehicle, your lender typically requires that you carry comprehensive insurance - which covers loss from theft or damage from something other than an accident - as well as collision insurance as part of the loan agreement.

Valinotti says if you don't carry minimum amounts of insurance or can't provide proof of financial responsibility, you might face fines, license suspension or even jail time. "Make sure you know what you need to meet the minimums for auto insurance liability, bodily injury and property damage required in your state."

If your budget allows, consider uninsured and underinsured driver coverage. "In these challenging economic times, chances are you could get hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance," Valinotti says. "If that happens, you need to protect yourself."

* For your home - You can legally own a home without insuring it. But Valinotti says going without insurance is a huge risk you don't want to take, especially in a bad economy. And, if you have a mortgage, your lender will most likely require you to carry insurance - and in some regions, additional flood and earthquake coverage - to protect its investment.

A standard homeowners policy comes with the coverage you need built in: for your home's structure if you need to repair or rebuild it, for your personal belongings if they're stolen or destroyed, for liability protection against lawsuits, and to pay for additional living expenses if you can't live there due to damage from an insured disaster.

Valinotti says instead of thinking of dropping your homeowners insurance, look at ways to lower the cost. "Raise your deductible, or see about getting discounts, such as buying your homeowners and auto insurance from the same company," he says. "You can also keep your premiums in line by reviewing your policies and the value of your possessions at least once a year."

Courtesy of BPT