It has not been easy for small businesses. Keeping up with the times and staying “in the know” when it comes to technological advances has never been cheap without that corporate discount that seems to make life so much easier.  But, alas, times they are a-changin’. It seems we have finally reached that Tech Age where small businesses are revered instead of shunned. Yes big corporations like Wal-Mart or Google are still driving this bus, but small businesses are at least still on the ride.

It was recently released that MasterCard and Microsoft have merged into a “dream team for small businesses.” If you have no idea what that means, you are not alone. Let’s explain. In July ’11, Office 365 was introduced as a cloud-based initiative. For a low monthly price (only 6 dollars) a business of one individual up to 100,000 individuals can access THE CLOUD. To break this down into layman terms; anyone can access from any device emails, documents, files, contacts and calendars. From a virtual assistant to the owner of that mom-and-pop toy store down the street or the boutique just outside of the mall, who would consider this service too expensive or not worth it? Yes, incredible things can be done from mobile phones, but many rely on computers and real files and documents to maintain a business. Sharing just got easier and cheaper!

Now for the merge we were talking about before. Where does MasterCard come in, you ask? A few days ago it was announced that a strategic move to increasing trust from small business owners was taking place. Microsoft has joined Office 365 to deliver not only technology but an easy payment system that only small businesses can take advantage of. MasterCard will give a 10% savings to small business cardholders when Office 365 is purchased through the MasterCard Easy Savings Program. (Terms and Conditions are provided here: easysavings.com)

Although this may sound like MasterCard propaganda, it is really just a way for me to communicate savings to you. Office 365 really can help your business and it’s cheap enough where I don’t feel like I am selling out my soul to big businesses looking for a cut of your profits. Ten percent off of six dollars a month? Not too shabby, in my opinion anyway. It’s not just about the savings, but it’s a legitimate, tangible way to get your small business on its’ path for the future. Check it out. Take advantage. You can thank me later.