Verizon Communications Inc., a provider of broadband and other wireline and wireless communication solutions, recently announced the redesign of the Verizon (News - Alert) Small Business Center, Web site. The Web site has been designed to provide affordable online business technology tools comprising of web collaboration, professional networking and online software.

"Small businesses need a lot more than e-mail and Internet access to be competitive, especially in today's challenging economy. We built the Verizon Small Business Center to offer small businesses leading-edge technology tools and business resources to assist them in becoming more agile, productive and efficient - all appropriately scaled for the needs and budget requirements of a small business, and all conveniently integrated on a single Web portal. What we've created with the new Verizon Small Business Center is similar to what an information technology department would build for a large corporation, but at a fraction of the price," said Monte Beck, vice president for small-business products and services, Verizon.

The main feature of the business portal is the Verizon Collaboration Center, powered by Cisco (News - Alert) WebEx technology, offering voice and Web conferencing to work in cooperation with peers, clients and vendors in a virtual environment resembling Intranet.

"With the Verizon Collaboration Center, small businesses can embrace today's most innovative collaboration technologies to solve problems collectively, accelerate decisions, increase productivity and create customer value. Since this is all done online, travel costs are reduced and operating efficiency is increased," said Subrah S. Iyar, chief strategy officer, collaboration software group, Cisco.

The Verizon Collaboration Center is a solution that will be available to users at all hours should they Internet access. This application does not need any additional hardware or software to be installed. Users can integrate this service without implementing in-house IT support, thus helping small businesses save in expenditure.

The Verizon Collaboration Center solution is Web-based, and users need to have a computer (PC or Mac), Internet access and a Web browser to use the service. A single Verizon Collaboration Center user pack for one to five employees is priced at $24.99 per month. There are also discounted rates available when more users are added.

"If you look to the future of small business, you see communications technologies playing an increasingly important role in the day-to-day operations of an efficient, well-run enterprise. Verizon is making a strong move to arm small businesses with more of the technology tools they need to thrive by providing a convenient, centralized online portal," said Steve Hilton, vice president, Yankee Group (News - Alert).

With "Professional Networking", registered users will be able to create a profile to exchange ideas with others in their industry, build relationships and enhance their online networking presence. Verizon's small- and medium-sized business customers can save on FedEx shipping rates and credit card processing services with the help of their Alliance Discount Program.

Users can also order Verizon Internet Security Suite, wireless phones and calling plans, wireline phone plans and high-speed Internet service. The "My News and Resources" section highlights business news from The New York Times, relevant to small businesses, and offers expert advice from AllBusiness.com.