Ryan B. Patrick

"Have you ever had a bad dream that just didn

Steven Fox-Radulovich describes himself as an IT shop of one. But he is quick to add that his IT spending and integration challenges are no different from those facing his larger enterprise brethren.

IBM Corp. announced that it will release the latest version of its DB2 software later this week. The DB2 Universal Database version 8.2 software, code-named Stinger, offers a host of automation tools IBM hopes will provide an edge in the ongoing database management marketplace.

DJ Galvanizing Corp. announced Wednesday that it will start using Mimer SQL databases for its Windsor, Ont.-based galvanized steel facility.

When it comes to software vendors and the push into the mid-market, the strategy, particularly around the hosted or application service provider model, may have evolved, but the goal remains the same.

For Zellers, using business intelligence reporting has not only made managing inventory easier, it saves the national retail chain $5 million each year.

Small and medium business speak out: Over the next five years, the SMB market is expected to grow at a 3.4-per cent compound annual growth rate, compared with 2.5 per cent CAGR for the broader market. But within that scope, the diversity and makeup of these businesses are as deep as they are varied. ComputerWorld Canada spoke with three SMB companies (Sodisco-Howden Group Inc., Clodhoppers and Total Care Pharmacy Ltd.), and found that while the nature of their businesses may vary, the concerns and challenges are often the same.

It took last year