(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in small business technology news that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
This Week in Small Business Technology News
Small Business Technology News #1 — Google says Gmail security is ‘strong and effective’ as it denies major breach.
Despite viral reports claiming a catastrophic Gmail hack affecting all 2.5 billion users, Google has firmly denied any such breach, calling the claims “entirely false.” A June breach did occur, but it was limited to Google’s corporate Salesforce server, exposing only public business contact info — not personal Gmail data. In a blog post, Google emphasized that Gmail’s security remains “strong and effective” and that its systems block 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts. The company clarified that there was no widespread hack, and the rumors likely stemmed from a mix of unrelated security alerts and social media exaggeration. Google reinforced the importance of applying safeguards such as passkeys, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing attempts. (Source: Ars Technica)
Why this is important for your small business:
It’s probably fine. Probably. The lazy response is to just trust Google and move forward without changing your password. The correct response would be to be dubious and — just for safe measure — change you passwords and all of require employees to do the same.
Small Business Technology News #2 — Salesforce launches AI tool to streamline manufacturing ops.
Salesforce has unveiled Agentforce for Manufacturing, an AI-powered platform designed to help manufacturers overcome labor shortages, streamline operations, and modernize field service management. Key features and benefits include:
-Real-Time Decision Support: Uses live production data to adjust operations instantly — no manual tracking needed.
-Inventory Intelligence: AI agents assist sales teams with real-time inventory checks and trigger restocking automatically.
-Predictive Maintenance: Processes sensor data to anticipate equipment failures, generate quotes, and schedule repairs before breakdowns occur. (Source: Manufacturing Digital)
Why this is important for your small business:
Wait, I thought Salesforce was a CRM platform? That’s a myth — the company is providing a business platform to automate data throughout an organization. These latests features are designed for enterprises who want to integrate their AI technology with either existing Salesforce data or even their own data. It’s where manufacturing is heading: quick and reliable searches on jobs, better tracking of inventory and — what I think is most important — integration of AI and IoT (Internet of Things) to get our equipment talking to our systems.
Small Business Technology News #3 — The best laptops for graphic designers: Expert tested.
ZDNet’s latest roundup highlights the best laptops for graphic design, focusing on performance, display quality, portability, and creative features. The best overall is the 2024 MacBook Pro M4 for its blazing-fast M4 chip, stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with nano-texture coating (ideal for outdoor use) and optimized for demanding creative workflows. The best budget-friendly device is MacBook Air M3 for its solid performance for a lightweight laptop. For drawing and illustration, the Asus ProArt PZ13 makes the list for its 21-hour battery life and the Creator Hub feature for high-quality, colorful displays. For those in the market, ZDNet recommends considering performance, display and portability when reviewing these devices. For the full list of laptops, visit the link. (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important for your small business:
If your business is heavy on graphic design, this is a great list of the latest hardware you can consider that help you run those resource-intensive applications as fast as possible.
Small Business Technology News #4 — Google Ads integrates Maps for enhanced local targeting.
Google has rolled out a major update to its Ads platform by integrating Google Maps, allowing advertisers to directly search and add up to 10 verified business locations into their campaigns. Here’s what makes this a game-changer:
-Streamlined Workflow: No more manual entry or syncing with Google Business Profiles, just select locations straight from Maps.
-Real-Time Accuracy: Ads now pull live data like addresses and operating hours, boosting relevance and reducing errors.
-Multi-Location Precision: Perfect for marketers managing chains or franchises, especially with AI-driven enhancements in Maps.
-Improved Ad Context: Ads can now show directions, proximity-based promotions, and more.
-Better Compliance: Helps avoid policy violations by ensuring only verified, open locations are used.
This update reflects Google’s broader push to unify search, maps, and ads — making it easier for businesses to connect with nearby customers in smarter, more intuitive ways. (Source: WebProNews)
Why this is important for your small business:
My business is B2B and sells to companies across the country. But if I were running a more B2C operation that is locally focused (retail, restaurants, boutiques, local service, etc.) I would be leaning heavily into these tools. Why? Because I can’t compete online with the big companies who are advertising their competing products against me nationally — they simply have more resources. Google recognizes this and gives tries to give its small business audience a leg up by emphasizing local advertising to get found. It works for those who put the time into it.
Small Business Technology News #5 — Half of PCs still run Windows 10 despite looming end of support, PC makers say.
According to Computerworld, nearly 50% of PCs are still running Windows 10, even though Microsoft will end official support in October 2025. Dell and HP report that many businesses — especially small and medium-sized ones — are delaying upgrades to Windows 11 due to budget constraints or lack of compelling benefits. Enterprises are upgrading faster, but the full transition is expected to stretch into 2026. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 — $61 per device for one year; $122 for year two; $244 for year three — allowing businesses more time to plan their upgrades without compromising security. (Source: Computerworld)
Why this is important for your small business:
This is not just a support issue. It’s a security issue. Older operating systems are very prone to security breaches. Even if your business is running Windows 11 it still needs to be on the most recent builds. Bite the bullet. Upgrade.
Each week I round up five small business technology news stories and explain why they’re important for your business. If you have any interesting stories, please post to my X account @genemarks
