TECH REPORT  

John Brandon is a contributing editor at Inc. magazine and writes the Tech Trends column in every issue. He also writes the Tech Report column for Inc.com. Before starting his writing career, he led a design and writing team at a large consumer electronics retailer. He lives outside of Minneapolis. @jmbrandonbb


5 Apps I Wish Existed

Contributing editor John Brandon could use a few good mobile apps to make his life easier. Any takers on these ideas?  Read story

5 Things That Could Slow Apple's Success

Let Apple's example be a lesson to you: Staying on top of your game--no matter how successful you are--is a never-ending struggle.  Read story

Making of a Start-up Video

You have cash and you have employees. What comes next? For many start-ups, it's the promo video. Here's a look at how one start-up did it.  View slideshow

Technology That May Lose Its Luster in 2013

These business devices could do no wrong in 2012. But this year they might make way for better alternatives.  View slideshow

Why the New BlackBerry Is Worth a Look

Just as businesses are switching to Android and iOS devices, the BlackBerry gets a new operating system. Here's why you should check it out.  Read story

Inside a Successful Celebrity Ad Campaign

A big name and a pretty face help--but there's much more that goes into making a celebrity endorsement work.  Read story

5 Social Media Habits to Make This Year

Start out 2013 with a new lease on your social networking life. Get more out of Facebook, Twitter, and more with these tips.  Read story

Windows 8: Epic Fail of the Decade?

Before you institute a company-wide upgrade, read this. Microsoft's newest operating system may not be worth the trouble.  Read story

4 Innovations Apple Should Tackle in 2013

Apple hasn't created an innovative product in years. Here are some ideas.  Read story

Tech Trends: New Tools for Networking on the Road

Check out services that help make road trips more social--and budget-friendly.  Read story

6 Ways Business Could Change in 2013

At long last, the fax machine may finally die. Read on for more shifts next year that may change how you do business.  Read story

5 Tips to Become a Click Magnet

Living on the edge of the Web is no place for an ambitious start-up. Get noticed and boost your pageviews with these tips.  Read story

5 Epic Tech Fails in 2012

These products and innovations once seemed so full of promise. Not so much anymore.  Read story

Biggest Tech Trends of 2012

After a year's worth of hardware and software news, these six developments are the ones to remember.  Read story

Windows Surface RT: Pros & Cons

Microsoft's new tablet may be off to a slow start, but it's too early to dismiss the device. Here's what Surface has going for it.  Read story

4 New Pinterest Tools to Try

If you're not yet tracking your performance on Pinterest, you should. These useful tools can help.  Read story

Best Business Gadgets of 2012

This past year was one of the best in recent memory for innovative new devices to help you run your operation smoothly, keep employees happy, and stay connec...  View slideshow

Office Furniture of the Future

Technology has never been more thoughtfully designed. But your office? Not so much. Here's some inspiration to give your work space an upgrade.  View slideshow

I Knew I Had a Great Idea When...

How do you know when you're finally on your way to building a successful business? Seven entrepreneurs share their stories.  Read story

Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get Your Staff

Scrounging around for holiday gift ideas? Look no further. Here are seven things your employees will actually want to keep.  View slideshow

4 Problem-Solving Analytics Tools

Buried deep in your data are all kinds of clues you need to strengthen your business. Here's how to uncover them.  Read story

8 Tips to Improve Your SEO Now

Stop languishing in a dark corner of the World Wide Web. Grab your developer and go through this checklist to start getting more traffic.  Read story

Ex-Boss's Confession: 'Analytics Saved My Career'

The company had a vision of where it needed to go--but no map to get there. Here's how a little data saved the day.  Read story

Review: 3 Website Monitoring Services

A look at services that alert you to website slowdowns and crashes.  Read story

Review: Portable Routers That Let You Create Your Own Wi-Fi Hotspot

Check out travel routers that let you create your own wireless network by plugging into a hotel room's free wired broadband connection.  Read story

Online Inventory Management Tools

Not interested in spending thousands of dollars on an inventory management system? Here's a look at two Web-based offerings that make the job easy for a low ...  Read story

4 Touch-Friendly Windows 8 Ultrabooks

The next generation of touchscreen laptops puts gestures front and center.  Read story

Tech Trends: Tools for Managing Contacts

We tried out two basic CRM tools that help organize contacts--and stay in touch with them.  Read story

6 Ways Windows Surface Beats the iPad

It's not (yet) an iPad killer, but the new Windows tablet does have a few impressive features for business.  Read story

Windows Phone 8: Beginning of the End for Apps?

Microsoft fans, rejoice: Your new phone is here. And though it might be late to the party, this device could usher in big changes for apps.  Read story

8 Essentials for a Tricked-Out Desk

Can you live without these gadgets? Sure--but given how much time you spend in your office, maybe you shouldn't.  View slideshow

4 Reasons to Skip the Cloud

You can run much of your business in the cloud. But there are four things you might want to keep within the four walls of your office.  Read story

Apple Unveils the iPad Mini

The highly anticipated pint-sized version of the iPad has arrived: It's smaller, lighter, faster--and cheaper.  Read story

The New Rules of Viral Videos

They're getting longer and funnier--and they're barely recognizable as advertisements.  Read story

7 Web Tools Every Start-Up Needs

Whether you're just starting up or need a way to manage existing operations, these tools have you covered.  Read story

4 Long-Lasting Smartphones

Don't get stuck with a fancy--but battery draining--device. Check out these handsets that are built to last.  Read story

The Future of Your Commute

You can't work while you drive--yet. But new technology is evolving quickly and could make it happen soon.  Read story

4 Easy-to-Use Tools for Building Websites

Get your business online in a flash using these simple services.  Read story

Tech Trends: Next on the Agenda

Check out cool apps that keep you on schedule all day.  Read story

6 Reasons Businesses Still Love BlackBerrys

What iPhone 5? Despite the hype around iPhones and Android devices, many business users still swear by their BlackBerrys.  Read story