IBM launches cheap err inexpensive cloud based enterprise email, web meetings and social networking

Cheap, err inexpensive business email and social networking is here. I like this one, in fact I love this one. It allows small businesses and entrepreneurs to take advantage of a enterprise level email and social networking tools available to the big boys. No more reliance on free web providers and relying on 2nd grade email service to run your businesses.

Announcing today and starting at just $5 per user per month, LotusLive Notes joins the www.lotuslive.com online (cloud) collaboration suite, providing a single point of access to e-mail, calendaring and contacts.

In addition, IBM today also announced the availability of a new suite of email and social networking in the cloud. Starting at $10 per user per month, the new bundle provides enterprise-class email with LotusLive Notes bundled with LotusLive Engage Web conferencing, social networking and file store and share services that simplify and improve daily business interactions with colleagues, customers and ofcourse partners.

Check out the pricing and other details here. Here’s Ed Brill’s detailed review of Lotuslive Notes.

The first to market myth

Fear: “I’m going to lose because someone else is going to beat me to market (or is already there).”

Truth: In business, there can be lots of winners in any niche. Look at how many shoe makers, Italian restaurants, and furniture manufacturers succeed. You can do well in a crowded field as long as you’re doing something that sets you apart from the pack. It can be price, style, substance, personality, positioning, or storytelling. There are tons of ways to establish your company as unique.

Don’t obsess over being first-to-market either. Successful businesses show up to the party late all the time. Google wasn’t the first search engine. VHS toppled Betamax even though it was later to market. There are plenty of things that are more important than being first.

Great advice from Matt for my small business owners who are able to change their game easily.  When you realize that you are following the pack and everything is just little too simple, think again, it’s time to stand out.

Credit: Matt Linderman of 37signals.