By National Retail Federation, STORES.org
April 2010

Last month Staples launched a business-to-business e-commerce website for Staples Technology Solutions, with an eye toward servicing small to mid-size businesses and Fortune 1000 corporations.

Executives see significant opportunities to meet customers’ growing needs for technology products and services, and the goal is to become a one-stop shop for businesses and an extension of a small business’ in-house IT department – or, in some instances, serve as the entire IT department.

Staples Technology Solutions is the result of integrating two businesses the chain acquired, Thrive Networks and Corporate Express. Managed by Staples Advantage, the company’s B2B division, it will include desktop technologies, print management and network services, end-user remote support technology consulting and online back-up and disaster recovery planning.

Analysts appear to back Staples’ decision, and with good cause. Small and medium-size business spending on IT is expected to exceed $162 billion in 2011, an increase of 28 percent from 2008, according to IDC Research.