Many authorities in the computer industry see the small-business office equipment now appearing in stores as technology of the 21st century. These so-called multifunction products include printing and copying capabilities and can save businesses money, time, and even space. "We are seeing the first fingers of dawn streaking over the horizon" and casting light on the next generation of tools for enhancing office productivity, says Barry Tepper, an analyst with BIS Strategic Decisions, a technology market research firm based in Norwell, Mass. Most Popular. 10 Jobs That Pay $30 An Hour. The Misery of Marketing: Realism Instead of Idealism. Intranet Policy

Research indicates that the U.S. market for multifunction peripherals will be at least $4 billion by 1996, and that estimate could be very low if the technology of miniaturizing digital products advances significantly over the next several years. However, traditional single-function devices certainly will not disappear, particularly at the high end, where absolutely first-rate quality output is of paramount importance. One other office trend that is gathering momentum is the extension of the office to remote locations. (See "Managing From A Distance," on Page 24.) These long-distance offices are possible because of the communications devices being built into today's notebook PCs and through a new breed of even smaller hand-held devices.
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New & Used Office Furniture

Good for the Environment, Good for Your Business. Recycling paper, glass, aluminum cans and other everyday products is now standard practice in homes and offices across America. But many consumers are unaware that office furniture is also a recyclable product. Think about it. The basic structure of most office furniture has a long life span. Instead of wearing out, it is often replaced because it has been depreciated completely and/or fabric colors and other elements are outdated over time. In the past, an office face-lift or a new color scheme meant old furnishings were given a life sentence in storage or doomed to the dumpster. Not any more.

Systems News members can also help you mix and match new and recycled furniture with your current furnishings to provide additional design options. Starting from scratch? No problem! You dont have to supply furniture to buy recycled furniture. Systems News members can help advise you as to what types of furnishings will work best in your workplace and show you a range of options. The best part about working with Systems News is that there are no lookie cutter?Solutions. Systems News takes into account your needs, your budget, and your taste to create just the look you after. If you are looking for a custom work environment, Systems News is for you!
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Movement wants fewer PVC office products

It's part of nearly every back-to-school shopping list: the colorful, durable three-ring vinyl binder.Polyvinyl chloride is one of the most common forms of plastic. About 15 billion pounds is produced in the United States each year, about 70 percent of which ends up in building products such as plastic pipes, electrical insulation and vinyl flooring. Some PVC products get a pliable or soft consistency through the addition of chemicals such as phthalates.

Environmentalists say PVC creates health and safety problems, including:
Manufacturing. Vinyl chloride, the basic building block of PVC, is classified as a carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Vinyl chloride has been detected in the air around PVC manufacturing and disposal sites, and studies have linked work in PVC factories with liver cancer. Additives. Exposure to phthalates may affect the reproductive system, increasing infertility and reducing sperm count. Phthalates have also been linked to asthma and respiratory disease.
Disposal. Incinerating PVC products can release toxic chemicals such as dioxin into the air, and burying them in landfills presents risk of leaching phthalates into groundwater. Some skeptics say that the dangers of PVC are being overstated due to "plasticophobia," and that PVC and vinyl present little risk to individual consumers - particularly in items such as office products.
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The lowdown on high tech - the latest office products - Buyers Guide

Keeping up with the latest office products can make the difference between success and failure for small businesses. Here's what's on the cutting edge. In 1980, Karen Mann started a homeappraisal company, Mann & Associates, in Fremont, Calif. Her home doubled as the two-person firm's headquarters. By 1989, the company had grown to 20 employees, many more than her home could accommodate. Now the firm is down to six employees, is still housed in leased space, and is thriving at the new, lean size, she says. Mann, the firm's president, credits technology for the company's ability to grow and shrink rapidly without compromising customer service.

Your needs may be sharply different from Mann's, however, and this special report is designed to help you identify equipment that can help you meet them. The report, divided into five sections, briefly describes several of the best products for small businesses: The Power Office focuses on workhorse desktop computers. The Mobile Office covers no-compromise portable computers. Office Imaging centers on devices aimed at getting office work onto paper. Office Communications describes products geared toward effective interaction with the outside world. Finishing Touches deals with miscellaneous helpful items.