Despite managers' emphasis on managing IT budgets, the small business market for technology is quite healthy, CompTIA says, and IT spending in the smaller businesses in the next year is expected to increase at nearly double digits, much more than in larger companies. AMI-Partners estimates that small and medium-sized businesses in America will spend $151.4 billion on technology in 2008, Information Week reports.

"SMBs want someone who will do more than just sell them hardware, software, and services," CompTIA President and CEO John Venator said according to a report in Information Week. "They're going to work with the vendors and solution providers who put them in the best position to use technology to its utmost today and in the future."

CompTIA research reports at www.comptia.org show that most small and medium-sized companies have already invested in PCs and printers and are looking for upgrades. They are also seeking solutions that will allow them to interact with customers and business partners, including customer relationship management software. With security a concern and growing databanks, small businesses are also in the market for security and storage solutions.