Small Business (SMB) stories

HCLSoftware has introduced a BigFix Secure Resilient Operations model with Agentic AI to unify IT and security on a single cloud-native platform.

AI-native, cloud-first networking is turning enterprise connectivity from a sunk cost into a strategic, measurable driver of financial value.

Australian businesses are tipped to treat AI like human staff by 2026, tightening control of machine identities and data risks.

Sage has been named a leader in IDC’s 2025-2026 global ranking of AI-enabled professional services automation and ERP applications.

Shippo has launched MCP, an AI-powered platform that lets commerce-focused agents turn natural language shipping requests into live actions.

OpenAI launches its first Asia Pacific OpenAI for Countries plan in Australia, pairing sovereign AI infrastructure with major skills drives.

New Zealand cyber agency emails 26,000 people in first mass alert over Lumma Stealer malware infecting Windows devices nationwide.

Swann taps AWS generative AI so its security cameras only ping for user-defined events, slashing false alerts and notification overload.

Australian SMEs step up a campaign against the RBA’s proposed blanket ban on card surcharges, warning it will lift prices for all shoppers.

Proofpoint completes USD $1.8bn Hornetsecurity takeover, bolstering its European footprint and push into MSPs and smaller businesses.

Six UK cyber startups join a new state-backed scheme to defend critical infrastructure as severe attacks on key services jump 50% in a year.

Australian mid-sized firms warned they face rising cyber risk as a lack of senior security leadership leaves core threats unchecked.

Canada and Germany launch a Digital Alliance to deepen ties on AI, quantum tech and digital infrastructure, targeting higher productivity.

New Zealand’s AI productivity promise will falter unless firms simplify systems, curb shadow AI and strengthen cybersecurity foundations.

Xero launches global beta of JAX-powered bank reconciliation, promising to auto-match over 80% of statement lines in real time.

Canon has broadened its imageFORCE line in Australia, adding new A3 and compact A4 printers aimed at evolving hybrid office needs.

Synology bundles three-year Acronis True Image Essentials licences with every Bee series device, adding full-system backup and ransomware defence.

Digimune and MY CYBER GUARD have teamed up to launch an Australian identity protection service for households and small businesses.

Cyber-extortion incidents rose 44.5% to 19,000 victims, with small firms targeted most amid a fragmented, global cybercrime landscape, warns Orange Cyberdefense.

Hyvä has made its Magento front-end solution free and open source, aiming to help smaller retailers worldwide access advanced eCommerce technology.