The Times Australia
Small Business News

.

Australian SMBs invited to win AU$40K digital transformation from Cisco

  • Written by Cisco


Network connectivity and security at the heart of IT priorities for Australian SMBs

According to a recent IDC survey commissioned by Cisco, that surveyed more than 900 SMBs across Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and India, there is strong alignment between SMBs’ technology and business priorities. When asked to name their IT priorities, respondents’ top focus areas – IT security, improving IT skill sets and productivity, better decision making, and cost savings – came out on top.

 

In particular, the research shows that SMBs view network connectivity as an important foundation of their business success. Almost all SMBs, regardless of employee size, are exploring how they can digitise their business and invest in switches, routers and wireless access points.


Security also proved to be vital to every small business - and a comparably higher priority for Australian SMBs, even more so with the introduction of the Notifiable Data Breach scheme that came into effect on 22 February 2018. Potential security risks posed by mobility and connectivity, recent episodes of cyber attacks and the negative effects of massive data loss have increased SMBs’ concerns of securing their ICT network and data.


Cisco Start Challenge will enable Australian SMBs to remain competitive

In response to these IT needs, Cisco has launched a Cisco Start Challenge competition that will allow Australian SMBs to stay ahead of the technology curve. The competition invites Australian SMBs to submit applications to explain in 50 words how Cisco can solve their business needs through a security and networking transformation to enable their business ambitions. To find out more about the competition, visit https://cisco-challenge.com.au/


After the competition concludes on 15 June 2018, the winner, who will be selected from five shortlisted entrants, will receive AU$40,000 worth of Cisco Security First and Connect solutions in the Cisco Start portfolio. Cisco Start Security First will provide network security, cloud security and endpoint security solutions for quick threat detection, and Cisco Start Connect will provide switches, routers and wireless solutions for fast and reliable network connectivity.


About the Cisco Start portfolio: Cisco Start provides SMBs across the Australia with access to enterprise-grade technology to secure their business and their network as a foundation, be more productive, and sharpen their competitive edge.

Property Times

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven t...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-buying process is crucial for success. Whether you're a first-time buye...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value for your property. Let’s go through the most important steps to take b...

Food & Dining

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Business Times

Agentforce for Financial Services: Merging AI and Human Expertise…

In this rapidly evolving world of financial services, deploying customer experiences that are personalized and intelligen...

Samsara Eco and lululemon announce 10 year partnership

lululemon and Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan to Advance Recycled Material Portfolio Plan will see lululemon source a...

Barelli Bathrooms announces celebrity interior designer Kellie Ri…

Barelli Bathrooms, a leading name in contemporary bathroom accessories and design, is proud to announce its new national ...

The Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...