Tech Tools

When you upgrade the technology in your business, you usually do it one piece of equipment at a time-a desktop here, a cell phone there. For Deborah Nail's company, it's a major makeover all at once. Not only are her Web site and commerce systems undergoing a dramatic and complete change, but there are new laptops and cell phones in the mix as well. "Initially, it's very fun, but then you really have to take the time to implement it," says Nail, 40. "But it's worthwhile."

As a handbag manufacturer and seller, fashion trade shows are very important to Nail's Atlanta business, Pursesnickety!. The IBM ThinkPad R40 laptops are a big step up for Nail. She's most excited at the prospect of using them at trade shows. "If it's a credit card, we don't charge it 24 hours later, we charge it right away. The same goes for being able to check e-mail during the day," Nail explains. The technology is helping her become a business that works in real time. In the fast-moving fashion industry, that's a big plus.