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A Fax Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) is a device that allows you to use a traditional fax machine to send faxes using an internet connection. Sometimes called a fax machine adapter, a fax jack, or a fax bridge, a fax ATA makes it easy to modernize your office communications while still using the equipment you’re familiar with — and in some cases, required to use. In the U.S. and many other countries, governments have given telecom providers the green light to stop maintaining traditional phone lines. In other words, landlines are being phased out in favor of more modern technology, such as fiber optic cable. Once that happens in your area, analog fax machines won’t work without an ATA. I’ll explain what traditional fax doesn’t work over the internet, how a fax ATA works, the different types available, and how to pick one that works for your needs. How a fax ATA works A fax ATA acts as a translator between two different technologies: the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the internet. Fax was designed for phone lines, which transmit analog signals. The internet transmits digital data known as packets. The two methods of transmission are not compatible. Let’s go just a little deeper into both technologies so you can see how a fax ATA provides the missing link and allows any old fax machine to send digital faxes. A fax machine works the same way as a telephone does — sending analog signals over phone lines — but instead of converting voice to signal, fax converts an image into signals that can be transmitted. The fax machine scans whatever document you feed into it, translates the document into an image, and then converts it into audio tones that are sent over phone lines. People born before 2000 will remember the beeps and boops that a dial-up modem made — those are the audio tones I am talking about. Once the audio signal gets to the other side, the receiving fax machine converts those signals back into a visual format and then prints out the original image. While this works just fine when you’re using a phone line — which is designed to carry analog signals — things are a bit different when you use the internet, which transmits digital data rather than analog signal. That’s why you can’t send a fax from an analog machine via the internet without a “translator” of some kind; it simply doesn’t know how to create data packets, and so there’s nothing for the internet to send to the other fax machines. That’s where a fax ATA comes in. It takes the analog signals your fax machine creates from the original visual image and translates them into data packets that can be sent via the internet. Once the data packets reach the other end, they’re then translated back into a visual format capable of being printed. Installing a fax ATA While fax ATAs can vary a little bit from model to model, they normally look like small boxes with three sockets in the back. One is for the power cord, and it’s usually labeled as “Power” or sometimes “DC 5V” to denote the kind of power it uses. Another socket is for the cable that connects the ATA to the fax machine, and it looks like a normal phone jack that you’d use with a landline. This one may be labeled “Fax” or “Phone.” In some cases, there may be more than one of these, which means you can plug the device into several fax machines at once. There’s another jack that also looks like a traditional landline jack (only bigger), and this one is used to connect to the internet. It might be labeled “Internet,” “Ethernet,” or “WAN/LAN.” If it’s labeled “Internet,” you can plug it directly into your router. If not, you may have to plug it into your computer, assuming your computer has some kind of ethernet port. This should work the same way, no matter which type of port you have. The only difference is whether the ATA connects to the internet directly or if it connects to the internet via your computer as a middleman. Since each of these sockets has a different type of cable that should only fit into its respective port, it would take a lot of effort to get things wrong — all you have to do is make sure the right cable is plugged into the right socket, and you’re usually good to go. How to select the right fax ATA Some fax ATAs will work better for certain use cases and different business sizes. Some of the best analog telephone adapters will work for landline fax machines, phones, and other legacy communication technology. If you only need a fax ATA for a home office, you’re likely going to be fine with a simple, one-port ATA that lets you connect to one fax machine. Look for one that’s device-agnostic and uses an open communications protocol, which means that it can work with any type of fax machine and any type of computer. Most small businesses can get away with using a single port ATA as well — unless they send and receive a lot of faxes and need to be able to operate several fax machines at once. If this is the case for you, choosing a multi-port fax adapter that lets you connect to several fax machines can be a good idea, and you may want to consider one that connects to phones and fax machines at the same time. If you’re wanting to move your communications to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) but still want to use your analog landline and fax machine, this could be a good choice. DOWNLOAD this VoIP Solutions Feature Comparison from TechRepublic Premium For large organizations and those who are running a unified communications environment with Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking, an advanced solution may be the smartest choice here. In this case, you’ll want to look

Opening a business checking account is recommended for business owners when establishing their first enterprise to build credibility, simplify bookkeeping, and protect personal assets. However, in a sea of choices, it can be challenging to find the most suitable account. The best small business checking accounts will offer interest earnings, no monthly fees, and no ATM charges. It will also provide more business support products and services to keep your company operation running smoothly. We compiled a list of financial providers to help you narrow down your choice. Here is a list of our 10 best small business checking accounts. Best overall small business checking account: Chase Member FDIC Best for high APY and line of credit: Bluevine Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Coastal Community Bank. Best for unlimited daily transactions: Capital One Member FDIC Best for free checking account and high welcome bonus: U.S. Bank Member FDIC Best for teams seeking more accounts and debit cards: Relay Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Thread Bank. Best high-yield bundled business accounts and free payment software: Grasshopper Bank Member FDIC Best for robust startup services and high FDIC coverage Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Deposits in checking and savings accounts are held by our banking services partners, Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®; Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through insurance to apply. : Mercury Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust. Best for speedy fund access and express payments: Novo Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Middlesex Federal Savings. Best for budgeting and multiple software integrations: North One Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Best for freelancers and self-employed professionals: Found Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Piermont Bank. SPONSORED Software Spotlight: Bluevine Earn up to 4.25% APY with Bluevine Business Checking. Unlimited transactions, no overdraft fees, and no fees on ACH & incoming wires Add up to 5 sub-accounts, each with unique account numbers FDIC coverage up to $3 million Save with no monthly fees Best small business checking quick comparison The table below shows the top factors we evaluated for the 10 best small business checking accounts. Chase: Best overall small business checking account Our rating: 4.35 out of 5 Image: Chase A household name in the banking industry, Chase provides small businesses with three checking options that scale as your business grows. As a full-service bank, Chase offers small businesses savings accounts, credit cards, and other lending products, including payment solutions and collection services. What we like about Chase is that small businesses can bank online and in person. Its ubiquitous presence in 48 states makes it convenient to visit one of its branches. Under its basic tier checking product, you can deposit cash fee-free up to $5,000 each month, which is often unavailable or limited for many fintech providers. Why we chose it Chase Complete Business Banking® is our overall best checking account for small businesses because it has a waivable monthly fee and easy waiver conditions. You will get 20 free teller and paper transactions and unlimited debit card and ATM transactions, including solid accounting software integrations. We named Chase our top bank for QuickBooks integration. In addition, Chase’s basic tier account uses a built-in payment processor (QuickAccept) that lets you accept your customer’s credit card payments for free via the Chase mobile app. With a Chase account, you can send digital invoices and secure payment links. Opening a Chase Complete Business Banking®  account also entitles eligible customers to a $300 welcome bonus by meeting qualifying conditions. Monthly fees Chase Business Complete Banking®: $15; waivable by having any of these: $2,000 average daily balance (ADB). $2,000 Chase Ink Business Cards spend. $2,000 in deposits from Chase QuickAccept or other eligible Chase Payment Solutions transactions. Chase Private Client Checking account. Qualifying proof of military status. Chase Performance Business Checking®: $30; waivable by meeting a $35,000 or greater combined ADB in qualifying business deposit accounts. Chase Platinum Business CheckingSM: $95; waivable by meeting a $100,000 combined ADB across qualifying business deposit and investment accounts. With a linked Private Client Checking account, the required ADB is $50,000. Features Free associate and employee debit cards upon request. Digital banking and branch locations in 48 states. Chase Bank QuickBooks integration. Built-in card acceptance through its mobile app. Low to no fees for FX transactions made via online or Chase’s app. Fraud protection services. Payment and invoicing services via Chase Payment Solutions. Online and branch customer support. Pros and cons Pros Cons No required opening deposit and minimum balance for basic checking No interest earnings Unlimited debit card and ATM transactions Only 20 fee-free teller and paper transactions $300 cashback bonus for new accounts (conditions apply) High balances to waive the monthly fees for premium checking accounts Bluevine: Best for high APY and line of credit Our rating: 4.25 out of 5 Image: Bluevine Ranking high on this list is a popular fintech company, Bluevine. It has excellent checking products that promote high-yield earnings, including an outstanding line of credit. Aside from its competitive rates, Bluevine edges many providers with its robust business integrations, fast international payment option, and reduced fees for ACH and outbound wire transfers. You also get five fee-free subaccounts and a high FDIC insurance coverage of up to $3 million. What we like about Bluevine is its interest-earning business checking accounts, which is uncommon. Typically, financial providers

TL;DR: Get five courses on app marketing and monetization for just $39.99 and take your app’s visibility and profitability to the next level. Today’s app market is super competitive. So, it’s really not enough to build a great app; you also need to know how to market it effectively. The 2024 Mobile App Marketing Course Bundle offers five comprehensive courses designed to help you do just that. For just $39.99 (reg. $1,000), this bundle provides app developers, marketers, and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in the app world. Whether you’re looking to boost downloads, optimize ads, or monetize your app, this bundle covers all aspects of mobile app marketing from the ground up. Mobile apps are now a cornerstone of digital businesses, with millions of apps available across Google Play and the Apple App Store. However, the success of an app depends on its ability to stand out and attract users. What you’ll learn This bundle provides you with everything you need to maximize your app’s visibility and profitability. The courses cover app store optimization (ASO), effective ad campaigns on platforms like Google and Facebook, and key strategies to monetize your app. If you’re an app developer, this bundle helps you refine your marketing strategy to increase installs and generate more revenue. For marketing professionals, the courses offer the latest techniques to create targeted ad campaigns and optimize results. Entrepreneurs building app-based businesses can also learn how to scale effectively by leveraging these key marketing tools. Learn practical, real-world applications in every course from the comfort of your own home. You’ll not only learn the theory behind app marketing, but you’ll also get hands-on experience with proven strategies that yield results. With seven hours of expert-led instruction from seasoned professionals at Oak Academy, this bundle is packed with value—but only for a limited time. Get The 2024 Mobile App Marketing Course Bundle while it’s on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $1,000). Prices and availability subject to change. source

Generative AI bias, driven by model training data, remains a large problem for organisations, according to leading experts in data and AI. These experts recommend APAC organisations take proactive measures to engineer around or eliminate bias as they bring generative AI use cases into production. Teresa Tung, senior managing director at Accenture, told TechRepublic generative AI models have been trained primarily on internet data in English, with a strong North American perspective, and were likely to perpetuate viewpoints prevalent on the internet. This creates problems for tech leaders in APAC. “Just from a language perspective, as soon as you’re not English based — if you’re in China or Thailand and other places — you are not seeing your language and perspectives represented in the model,” she said. Technology and business talent located in non-English speaking countries are also being put at a disadvantage, Tung said. The disadvantage emerges because the experimentation in generative AI is largely being done by “English speakers and people who are native or can work with English.” While many home grown models are developing, particularly in China, some languages in the region are not covered. “That accessibility gap is going to get big, in a way that is also biased, in addition to propagating some of the perspectives that are predominant in that corpus of [internet] data,” she said. AI bias could produce organisational risks Kim Oosthuizen, head of AI at SAP Australia and New Zealand, noted that bias extends to gender. In one Bloomberg study of Stable Diffusion-generated images, women were vastly underrepresented in images for higher paid professions like doctors, despite higher actual participation rates in these professions. “These exaggerated biases that AI systems create are known as representational harms, “ she told an audience at the recent SXSW Festival in Sydney, Australia. “These are harms which degrade certain social groups by reinforcing the status quo or by amplifying stereotypes,” she said. “AI is only as good as the data it is trained on; if we’re giving these systems the wrong data, it’s just going to amplify those results, and it’s going to just keep on doing it continuously. That’s what happens when the data and the people developing the technology don’t have a representative view of the world.” SEE: Why Generative AI projects risk failure without business exec understanding If nothing is done to improve the data, the problem could get worse. Oosthuizen cited expert predictions that large proportions of the internet’s images could be artificially generated within just a few years. She explained that “when we exclude groups of people into the future, it’s going to continue doing that.” In another example of gender bias, Oosthuizen cited one AI prediction engine that analyzed blood samples for liver cancer. The AI ended up being twice as likely to pick up the affliction in men than women because the model did not have enough women in the data set it was using to produce its results. Tung said health settings represent a particular risk for organisations, as it could be dangerous when treatments are being recommended based on biased results. Conversely, AI use in job applications and hiring could be problematic if not complemented by a human in the loop and a responsible AI lens. More Australia coverage AI model developers and users must engineer around AI bias Enterprises should adapt the way they either design generative AI models or integrate third-party models into their businesses to overcome biased data or protect their organisations from it. For example, model producers are working on fine-tuning the data used to train their models by injecting new, relevant data sources or by creating synthetic data to introduce balance, Tung said. One example for gender would be using synthetic data so a model is representative and produces “she” as much as “he.” Organisational users of AI models will need to test for AI bias in the same way they conduct quality assurance for software code or when using APIs from third-party vendors, Tung said. “Just like you run the software test, this is getting your data right,” she explained. “As a model user, I’m going to have all these validation tests that are looking for gender bias, diversity bias; it could just be purely around accuracy, making sure we have a lot of that to test for the things we care about.” SEE: AI training and guidance a problem for employees In addition to testing, organisations should implement guardrails outside of their AI models that can correct for bias or accuracy before passing outputs to an end user. Tung gave the example of a company using generative AI to generate code that identified a new Python vulnerability. “I will need to take that vulnerability, and I’m going to have an expert who knows Python generate some tests — these question-answer pairs that show what good looks like, and possibly wrong answers — and then I’m going to test the model to see if it does it or not,” Tung said. “If it doesn’t perform with the right output, then I need to engineer around that,” she added. Diversity in the AI technology industry will help reduce bias Oosthuizen said to improve gender bias in AI, it is important for women to “have a seat at the table.” This means including their perspectives in every aspect of the AI journey — from data collection, to decision making, to leadership. This would require improving the perception of AI careers among women, she said. SEE: Salesforce offers 5 guidelines to reduce AI bias Tung agreed improving representation is very important, whether that is gender, racial, age, or other demographics. She said having multi-disciplinary teams “is really key,” and noted that an advantage of AI is that “not everybody has to be a data scientist nowadays or to be able to apply these models.” “A lot of it is in the application,” Tung explained. “So it’s actually somebody who knows marketing or finance or customer service very well, and is not

You likely accept credit and debit card payments every day. But with so much sensitive data, you need robust protection against hackers. Luckily, there is a standardized checklist of measures to defend against fraud. These security protocols are called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Since that’s a mouthful, people simply say a business is “PCI compliant” to mean it follows these strict protective measures. The top credit card companies enforce these rules. Let’s dive into why your small business needs to stay PCI-compliant. What is PCI compliance? PCI compliance is a prescription of security guidelines intended to protect cardholder data during transactions. The standards were incarnated in 2004 by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). This body is composed of major credit card companies such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. Any business that handles credit card information should adhere to these regulations. That’s because PCI compliance also protects businesses. The protocols slash the risk of data breaches and credit card fraud. Consumers trust entities that take security seriously, too. This medley of benefits makes your organization more secure — and more successful. Why PCI compliance is crucial for small businesses There are real-world perks to following these strict security fundamentals. Here are the three main motives behind compliance: Protects Customer Data: PCI compliance ensures customer data is handled securely, lowering the risk of destructive data breaches so you and your customers sleep better at night. Avoids Financial Penalties: Non-compliance can result in steep fines from credit card companies or banks. These fines can enter into the six-figures, which can cripple a small business rapidly. Strengthens Customer Trust: It takes hard work and lots of time to earn a person’s trust. PCI compliance accelerates this process as it develops peace of mind among your customer base. Understanding essential PCI compliance requirements PCI DSS involves twelve primary requirements. Some mandates involve more technical knowledge to implement. But they’re all crucial to a secure payment environment. Let’s explore each of the fundamental requirements. Install and Maintain a Secure Network: This step includes using firewalls to protect data and block unauthorized access to your network. Use Robust Passwords and Security Settings: Avoid using default or weak passwords for systems and devices. Employ strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess. Related: How to Create a Secure Password Protect Stored Cardholder Data: Encrypt sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, when storing them. Only store data necessary for business operations and ensure it is protected. Encrypt Transmission of Cardholder Data: Use encryption protocols like SSL or TLS to protect data when it is transmitted over public networks. Use and Maintain Anti-Virus Software: Anti-virus software helps prevent malware and other threats from compromising your systems. Keep this software updated to ensure it can defend against new threats. Develop and Maintain Secure Systems and Applications: Regularly update software, including security patches, to protect against known vulnerabilities. Restrict Access to Cardholder Data: Limit access to only employees who need it for their job duties. This step reduces the risk of data being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Identify and Authenticate Access to System Components: Implement user IDs and passwords to monitor who accesses cardholder data and system components. Restrict Physical Access to Cardholder Data: Ensure that any physical copies of cardholder data, such as receipts and photocopies, are stored securely and accessible only to authorized personnel. Track and Monitor Access to Network Resources: Use logging mechanisms to monitor access to network resources and cardholder data. Regularly review these logs for any suspicious activity. Regularly Test Security Systems and Processes: Conduct vulnerability scans and penetration testing to identify and resolve weaknesses in your security systems. Maintain an Information Security Policy: Develop a written security policy that clearly spells out your organization’s approach to PCI compliance and data protection. The four levels of PCI compliance PCI compliance is categorized into four levels based on the number of credit card transactions your business processes annually. Understanding these tiers can help you determine which requirements apply to your situation. Tier Criteria Requirements Level 1 Over 6 million card transactions per year from all sales channels. Must undergo an annual on-site assessment conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). Level 2 1 to 6 million card transactions annually from all sales channels. Must complete an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and conduct a quarterly network scan by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV). Level 3 20,000 to 1 million e-commerce transactions annually. Must complete an annual SAQ and undergo quarterly network scans. Level 4 Fewer than 20,000 e-commerce transactions annually, OR1 million or fewer transactions from all sales channels. Must complete an annual SAQ and conduct quarterly scans. Most small businesses fall under Level 3 or Level 4. As a result, they can often manage compliance themselves with the right tools and guidance. Achieving PCI compliance for your small business Achieving PCI compliance can feel daunting. However, each step is manageable even among smaller organizations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started: Step 1: Determine your PCI compliance level Identify your level based on the volume of credit card transactions your business processes annually. This figure dictates the type of assessment and documentation you need to complete. Step 2: Complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) The SAQ is a series of questions that assess your organization’s security practices. Choose the form that matches your business model and payment methods. For example, SAQ A is suitable for merchants that outsource all cardholder data functions to a third party. Tip: SAQs and related resources can be found on the PCI Security Standards Council website. Step 3: Conduct a vulnerability scan Work with an approved scanning vendor (ASV) to perform a vulnerability audit of your systems. This procedure surfaces security weaknesses in your network. Step 4: Address any security gaps Analyze the SAQ and vulnerability scan results to address any identified weaknesses. This response could involve updating your firewall, improving password practices, or deploying more robust encryption.

On Oct. 17, the Network and Information Security 2 Directive takes effect. This means that relevant entities in industries such as energy, transport, water, healthcare, and digital infrastructure that carry out activities within the E.U. must comply with the relevant legislation. NIS 2, which was approved by the European Parliament in November 2022, aims to establish a consistent, minimum cybersecurity baseline across all E.U. member states, involving mandatory security measures and reporting procedures. Organisations subject to the NIS 2 Directive must adopt “measures to manage the risks posed to the security of network and information systems” they use to provide their services, and must “prevent or minimise the impact of incidents on recipients of their services and on other services.” However, according to a survey by data protection software provider Veeam, 66% of businesses operating within the E.U. will miss the compliance deadline. Indeed, 90% have faced security incidents in the last year that compliance with the directive would have prevented. In light of this, TechRepublic has created the following guide breaking down what liable entities need to know about complying with NIS 2. What is the NIS 2 Directive? The NIS 2 Directive is a legislative act that applies to medium to large-sized entities that provide services or infrastructure deemed “critical for the economy and society” within the E.U. It is designed to achieve a high common level of cyber security across the bloc. NIS 2 builds on NIS 1, which was adopted in the E.U. in 2016. NIS 1 applies to “operators of essential services,” which have been identified by each member state, as well as all major “digital service providers,” such as online marketplaces, search engines, and cloud service providers. Member states also set their own non-compliance penalties. NIS 1 asks that eligible organisations: Secure their network and information systems with measures appropriate to their risk levels. Ensure service continuity by taking measures to prevent and minimise the impact of security incidents. Notify the regulator of any “significant” or “substantial” incident within 72 hours of becoming aware of it. Operators of essential services’ compliance with NIS 1 are monitored by audits conducted by authorities, while digital service providers are not audited but could be investigated following an incident that suggests non-compliance. How is NIS 2 different from NIS 1? Building on the original directive, NIS 2 expands its scope across critical sectors including energy, healthcare, transport, and digital infrastructure and introduces stricter cybersecurity requirements. It also covers organisations with at least 50 employees, meaning that many who were exempt from NIS 1 must now comply with NIS 2. Furthermore, the provisions of NIS 2 differ from NIS 1 in several ways: Supply chain risks must be covered in risk assessments, as attacks that exploit them are rising. Root-cause analysis is now necessary after incidents, rather than just reactive measures. Business continuity and disaster recovery plans that minimise disruptions are a primary focus. Security audits, including pen-testing and vulnerability assessments, must be conducted regularly to ensure systems meet the updated security standards. Regulators have stronger enforcement powers, such as random audits and on-site inspections. So-called “management bodies” in “essential” and “important” entities must approve and oversee the cybersecurity risk-management measures their companies have implemented, and they can now be held personally liable for infringements. According to Article 20, they must also receive regular cybersecurity training. NIS 2 also has updated incident reporting rules. The computer security incident response team or other industry-specific regulators must be notified of any incident that has, or could have, a “significant impact” on a business’s services — such as causing severe operational disruption, financial loss, or considerable damage to other natural or legal persons. This encompasses more incident types than NIS 1 did. Incidents must first be reported through an initial alert to regulators within 24 hours, followed by a detailed report within 72 hours, and then both intermediate and final reports within a month. Service recipients will also need to be notified of any impact to their services, and the entity should assist with mitigating it. What are the minimum requirements for risk management measures in NIS 2? The precise NIS 2 regulations that a company must comply with depend on factors such as their size, risk exposure, severity of potential incidents, and the cost of implementing security technologies. However, the following 10 risk-management measures are recommended in the legislation as a minimum: Policies on risk analysis and information system security. Incident response plans. Business continuity, such as backup management and disaster recovery. Supply chain security. Security in network and information systems acquisition, development, and maintenance, including vulnerability handling. Policies and procedures to assess the effectiveness of cybersecurity risk-management measures. Basic cyber hygiene practices and security training. Policies regarding the use of cryptography and encryption. Human resources security, access control policies, and asset management. Multi-factor authentication or continuous authentication solutions. Who must comply with NIS 2? NIS 2 applies to organisations classified as either “essential” or “important” entities that operate within the E.U. — they do not have to be headquartered in the block. Essential entities face stricter requirements than important entities. Essential entities are large organisations that fall into one of the following industries: Energy. Transport. Banking. Financial market infrastructure. Healthcare. Drinking and waste water. Digital infrastructure. Managers of IT services. Aerospace. Government services. Digital infrastructure encompasses some of the digital service providers that had lighter-touch regulations with NIS 1, like cloud service providers but also data centre service providers. Important entities are medium organisations in the industries listed above, and medium or large organisations in one of the following industries: Digital providers. Postal and courier services. Waste management. Food. Chemicals. Research. Manufacturing. Digital providers encompass online search engines, online marketplaces, and social networks, which may have been designated “digital service providers” under NIS 1 or “gatekeepers” under the Digital Markets Act. Large organisations will have either a minimum of 250 employees or an annual turnover of at least €50 million and a balance sheet total of at least €43

When you’re starting a business, there’s a lot to think about. Do you really need to open a separate business bank account? At first glance, using your personal account might seem easier. Fewer accounts to manage, fewer fees to pay, fewer perks to keep track of. What’s the harm, right? But as you dig deeper, it becomes clear that having an actual business bank account offers benefits that go beyond just having a place to store your business cash. There are some drawbacks, but they pale in comparison to the advantages. 1 Wrike Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees) Medium, Enterprise, Large Features Agile Development, Analytics / Reports, API, and more 2 Accelo Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Micro (0-49 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Small (50-249 Employees) Micro, Medium, Large, Small Features Analytics / Reports, API, Billing / Invoicing, and more 3 Zoho Projects Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Enterprise Features Agile Development, Analytics / Reports, API, and more Who needs a business bank account? The short answer: almost anyone who’s running a business. Whether you’re a freelancer, sole proprietor, or the owner of an LLC or corporation, having a business account can make your life easier. If your business is anything more than a casual side gig, you’ll want that separation. For a more detailed guide on how to keep your finances separate, check out this article. Here’s why: LLCs and corporations: These businesses are legally separate entities, meaning their finances should be kept apart from the owner’s personal accounts. Failing to do so could blur the lines between your personal and business liabilities. Freelancers and sole proprietors: Even though you might not have to separate your finances legally, it’s still a smart idea. A business bank account simplifies taxes and bookkeeping, and it looks more professional when you’re sending out invoices or paying suppliers. Other businesses with employees or partners: If you need to manage payroll, write checks, or have more than one person with access to the account, a business bank account is crucial. Types of business bank accounts to consider When it comes to business banking, you’re not limited to just a checking account. There are several types of accounts that might suit your needs depending on the nature of your business. Here’s a quick rundown: Business checking account This is your everyday account. It’s where money comes in from clients and goes out for expenses, like bills or paying vendors. A business checking account gives you the flexibility to handle all your basic transactions while keeping your personal and business finances separate. Many accounts offer integration with QuickBooks and other tools to streamline bookkeeping. Business savings account If you’re smart about setting aside funds for emergencies, taxes, or future investments, a business savings account will help you grow that cash. It’s also an easy way to build a buffer in case of unexpected expenses. Merchant services account If your business accepts credit card payments, you’ll need a merchant services account. It’s a special type of account that allows you to process card payments, which then get transferred into your business checking account. For more on managing payroll and related services, check out this guide on what a payroll account is. How does a business checking account work? A business checking account functions a lot like your personal one. You can deposit money, write checks, make electronic transfers, and withdraw cash. The difference is that it’s tailored for business needs. For example, business accounts often have higher transaction limits and offer features like: Multiple signers: If you have employees or partners, they can have access to the account, with permissions set by you. Integration with accounting software: Many business accounts sync directly with accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero, saving you a ton of time on bookkeeping. Merchant services: Some business checking accounts come with payment processing solutions, making it easier to accept payments from customers. The biggest perk, though, is the clear separation between your personal and business finances. That’s going to save you a lot of headaches when tax season rolls around. More Banking Coverage Business checking account vs. personal checking account If you’re still wondering whether you really need a business account, let’s compare it to a personal checking account. Personal checking account Meant for personal day-to-day expenses like rent, groceries, and Netflix subscriptions. Typically has lower fees and fewer features. No real need for detailed tracking or reporting. Business checking account Designed for managing business income and expenses. Offers features like multiple signers, higher transaction limits, and integrations with business tools. Necessary for protecting your legal structure if you run an LLC or corporation. Helps you build business credit. Bottom line: A business checking account is built to handle the complexities of running a business, whereas a personal checking account is not. Benefits of a business bank account Having a business bank account isn’t just a formality; it offers real benefits that can make a huge difference in how you manage your business. Simplifies taxesAll your business income and expenses are in one place, making it easy to track everything. Come tax time, you (or your accountant) won’t need to sift through a mess of personal transactions to find business-related expenses. Establishes professionalismClients, vendors, and partners will take you more seriously when you pay them from a business account rather than your personal one. It shows that you’re running a legitimate operation, not just a hobby. Helps build business creditHaving a business bank account is one of the first steps toward building business credit. This can come in handy if you ever need to apply for a loan or line of credit. Legal protectionIf you’re running an LLC or corporation, keeping your business and personal finances separate is crucial for

If you still associate planners with the spiral bound notebooks of your middle-school days, think again. Planners have gone through a huge digital upgrade, and now there’s no reason to use a traditional planner unless you prefer the tactile feel of pages (and having to make all the changes by hand every time a meeting gets scheduled). The field of digital planners and organizers is so crowded that it can be tough to find the best one for your needs. To help you out, I’ve done the research and testing to select the five best digital planners for a variety of needs — and most of them are free to use, forever. 1 Wrike Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees) Medium, Enterprise, Large Features Agile Development, Analytics / Reports, API, and more 2 Zoho Projects Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Enterprise Features Agile Development, Analytics / Reports, API, and more 3 Nifty Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Agile Development, Analytics / Reports, API, and more Top digital planner comparison There are many factors to consider when choosing a digital planner, though price is often at the top of the list. We’ve summarized the most important elements in the table below: Starting price Forever free plan Web app available Template library Recurring tasks Todoist $4 per month Yes Yes Yes Yes ClickUp $7 per month Yes Yes Yes Yes Notion $10 per month Yes Yes Yes Limited Structured $4.99 per month Yes No No Pro plan only Planbook $16 per year No Yes Yes Yes Todoist: Best overall Image: Todoist If you’re looking for a simple app to use as a digital planner, definitely consider Todoist. As the name suggests, it was originally designed for tracking to-do lists, but it now offers many more features, such as recurring due dates, task labels, priority levels, and planning templates. It comes in app versions that you can download for many different devices, including smartwatch apps for both Apple and Google. There are a few drawbacks, however. For instance, two-way sync is not currently supported for Apple or Outlook calendars (which may be a no-go for those dedicated to Windows or Mac project management software). Why I chose Todoist I’ve used Todoist’s free Beginner plan as my own personal digital planner for many years, and I recommend it for an excellent balance of simplicity, functionality, and cost. The free plan will likely be enough for most people, but you’ll need to pay for the Pro plan if you want access to additional features like calendar view and task reminders. For more information, read the full Todoist review. Pricing Beginner: Free for up to 5 personal projects and 5 guests per product. Pro: $4 per user per month if billed annually, or $5 per user per month if billed monthly. Business: $6 per user per month if billed annually, or $8 per user per month if billed monthly. Features Ability to set due dates and times and schedule recurring tasks. Priority levels for different tasks. Task labels to group them by type. Various planning templates. Todoist’s simple interface makes it easy to separate tasks by type. Image: Todoist Pros and cons Pros Cons Four different browser extensions to choose from. Must pay to get access to the calendar layout and task reminders. Offers smartwatch apps for Apple and Android devices. Two-way sync not available for Apple or Outlook calendar, only Google. Offline mode available. Auto backups limited on free plan. Simple, easy-to-navigate interface. ClickUp: Best for customization Image: ClickUp If other digital planners and organizers don’t offer the level of customization you crave, then ClickUp may be the solution you’ve been searching for. In Clickup, you can create custom task types, personalize your page and project views, and create automated workflows. The free forever plan supports unlimited tasks, so you can use it as your daily planner indefinitely without running into a paywall. It also supports unlimited guests, making it a great option for families or small businesses that want to share a digital planner among multiple people. Why I chose ClickUp I chose ClickUp because of its many customization options and its generous free plan, which should be plenty for most users seeking out a digital planner. I also like its friendly and colorful interface, which is very welcoming to new users. It’s worth noting that the sign-up process is smoother on desktop, so I would recommend visiting the site from your computer. For more information, read the full ClickUp review. Pricing Free: Unlimited users and tasks. Unlimited: $7 per user per month if billed annually, or $10 per user per month if billed monthly. Business: $12 per user per month if billed annually, or $19 per user per month if billed monthly. Enterprise: Contact sales for custom pricing. ClickUp AI: Add on to any paid plan for $7 per person per month. Features Additional project views such as kanban boards and calendars. Virtual whiteboard for brainstorming. Collaborate in documents for note taking and content creation. Customizable subtasks available. An example of the daily planner template in ClickUp. Image: ClickUp Pros and cons Pros Cons Colorful interface that is easy to navigate. Only 100MB of storage on the free plan. Forever free plan that supports unlimited tasks and users. Advanced project management features present a steep learning curve. Many templates to choose from. Multiple project views available. Notion: Best for pre-built templates Image: Notion If you’re searching for a digital planner that comes packed with pre-built templates, check out Notion. Whether you need a template for coding an app or planning your wedding, Notion has you covered with over 20,000 templates for work, school and life. Notion’s task and project management features aren’t as robust as ClickUp’s, but

When it comes to opening a bank account for your business, there’s more than just one type of bank account to consider. The main options are business checking accounts, which handle day-to-day transactions like payments and bills and business savings accounts, which help you stash away funds for future use while earning interest. Other specialized accounts include merchant accounts for processing credit card payments and money market accounts, which combine checking features with more favorable interest rates. Each type serves a different financial purpose, so choosing the right mix depends on your business needs. It’s up to you to understand the differences and think about what types of bank accounts would serve your business best. Keep reading for more information. 1 Rippling Spend Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Automated Accounting, Bill Pay, Cash Back Rewards, and more Types of Bank Accounts for Businesses When you’re running a business, managing your money wisely is crucial. Business bank accounts help keep your personal and business finances separate, making it easier to track where everything’s going. Here’s a deeper look at some of the most common business bank accounts types: Business Checking Accounts This is the main workhorse of your business banking setup. Think of it as your business’s wallet. You’ll use this account for on-the-go transactions like paying bills, accepting payments from clients, and handling everyday expenses like office supplies or employee payroll. Most banks offer free checking accounts, but some may charge a small monthly fee based on how many transactions your account makes. Why you need it: If you’re making regular transactions, a checking account keeps your business transactions flowing smoothly. Plus, separating personal and business expenses helps avoid a headache come tax-time. If your business uses QuickBooks for its accounting processes, consider checking out our guide on the best banks for QuickBooks integration. Business Savings Accounts Saving money is necessary for any business. It’s mostly important for common business purposes like future investments, emergency funds, or paying your taxes. A business savings account lets you put away extra funds while earning interest at the same time, boosting your account balance in the process. The interest rate won’t be mind-blowing, but hey, every bit helps! Why you need it: It’s a safe place to build a financial cushion. Plus, since it earns interest, your money grows passively over the life of your business. Merchant Accounts If you’re selling products or services and accept credit card payments, a merchant account is a must. It’s designed specifically to handle all types of card transactions, and it transfers funds into your checking account right after payments are processed. Keep in mind, merchant accounts usually come with higher fees for each transaction. Why you need it: If your customers prefer paying with cards, you need a way to handle those payments seamlessly. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on potential business and revenue. Money Market Accounts These accounts are like a hybrid between a savings and checking account. You can earn better interest rates than a standard savings account with a merchant account, but still have some flexibility to make withdrawals or write checks since your money doesn’t get locked up. However, these accounts often come with higher minimum balance requirements, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on if that fits your goals. Why you need it: If your business is sitting on a good chunk of cash and you want to grow it while still having access to your cash when you need it, this might be the right option for you. More Banking Coverage Business Bank Account Requirements Opening a business account isn’t quite as simple as opening a personal one. Banks need to make sure your business is legit, so they’ll ask to see some paperwork. Here’s what you can expect when opening your business bank account: Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is like a Social Security number, but for your business. It’s issued by the IRS and helps the government track your business for tax purposes. Some banks allow sole proprietors to use their Social Security number instead, but it’s good to have an EIN ready at account opening. Business Formation Documents: If your business is an LLC, corporation, or partnership, the bank will need to see proof. You’ll need to provide your Articles of Incorporation, a partnership agreement, or an LLC operating agreement. These documents show that your business is legally registered with the government. Government-Issued ID: Anyone who’s going to be signing on the account will need to show a valid ID. Operating Agreement or Bylaws: Some banks might ask for these if you’re opening an account for an LLC or corporation. These documents outline how your business is structured and who’s in charge of making the financial decisions. Business License: Depending on where you’re located and the nature of your business, you may need to show a valid business license. Different Types of Business Bank Accounts Beyond the basics of checking and savings, there are a few other types of business account options that could come in handy depending on your needs: Certificates of Deposit (CDs) If you have money that you don’t need to touch for a while, consider putting it into a CD. These accounts let you lock in a fixed interest rate for a set amount of time, typically ranging from a few months to a few years. The catch? You can’t withdraw the money until the CD matures without facing penalties. Why you need it: CDs are a great way to earn higher interest rates on money you know you won’t need for a while. Sweep Accounts If your business is cash-heavy, sweep accounts can be a lifesaver. These accounts automatically transfer (or “sweep”) excess funds from your checking account into a higher interest-earning savings account or investment option at the end of the day. It’s a smart way to ensure you’re maximizing interest without lifting