As business life speeds up, we keep you up to date on the most useful developments in IT.

To stay competitive, it’s important to know of these developments as they become available for a business of your size.

Information technology is taking the Australian Open further than ever before, shaping a richer tournament experience for millions of people worldwide. Last year 8.6 million people visited AustralianOpen.com. In 2010, mobile apps take it even further. A range of mobile, desktop and online solutions means that tennis fans never need to lose touch with the on-court action. See how the latest information technology shapes the Australian Open experience.

Cloud Computing is the next paradigm shift in business information management. Beyond the hype, there is a lot to be gained by businesses of all sizes as the cloud changes the way information is accessed. IBM’s Unified Communications specialist Matt Paddon explains what cloud computing is and how it can improve the way we deploy and use software. Watch Matt’s LotusLive Notes vodcast to see the latest developments that have been specially developed for smaller businesses to take advantage of the cloud.

Cloud Computing is also driving advances in Unified Communications. IBM assisted aged care facility Samarinda Lodge in adopting an innovative communications solution that cut staff costs by 75%. See the efficiencies now possible in this case study about the unified communications installation that won the 2009 Minister's Award for Excellence in Aged Care for Innovation in Information Technology.

Ineffective data analysis is an issue for many midsized organisations, with time, money and opportunities often wasted due to inadequate software, processes and planning. Business Intelligence is helping businesses make better decisions, faster. Our free webinar will look at how targeted business intelligence can help your organisation improve operational effectiveness and reduce costs. Register for the IBM Business Intelligence webinar.

While it is important to minimise IT’s power consumption, the real advantages come with IT’s ability to help reduce the carbon footprint of the whole organisation. Graeme Philipson, Research Director of Connection Research, which specialises in analysis of sustainable technologies and business practices explains some practical ways to be greener.

The bottom line in all of these advances is greater efficiencies, which are fundamental in driving business success.