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Need for Online Computer Tech Support Grows During Recession as New Business Startups Hit 14-Year High

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^{Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, July 13th 2010 at 5:13 GMT by Market Wire}  

REDWOOD CITY, CA--(Marketwire - July 13, 2010) - Fact: Tough economic conditions brought on by a recession traditionally spur new business opportunities as the once employed suddenly become "accidental entrepreneurs." The current recession is no different, according to the recently released [ Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity ]¹, which reported that 58,000 new businesses were started per month in 2009, the highest level in 14 years and 27,000 more per month than in 2008.

For companies like online technology support provider Support.com (NASDAQ: [ SPRT ]), this rise of new startups creates even greater demand for its 24/7 services. This round-the-clock availability to tech experts can mean the difference between success and failure for the small business owner who encounters a computer problem at 3:00 a.m. while trying to finish up a new business development presentation.

As startups, these small companies aren't likely to employ a full or even part-time IT staffer, which means they're essentially on their own. But IT help is only a phone call away.

An affordable alternative for small businesses, Support.com offers the following tips for developing a strong IT foundation to get entrepreneurs from start-up to the next phase in their growth:

• Secure Your System: Ensure your system is secure by installing antivirus software. Make sure to periodically review and update your firewall and antivirus settings, especially if you will be working with other people's personal information.
• Back It Up, Automatically: Set your system up to make automatic back-ups so you don't have to think about it.
• Store It Offsite: Make sure you have a data storage plan. For client data, a safe bet is to back up to "the cloud," with one of several trusted and affordable services available online.
• Time Is Money: Rather than waste valuable time playing (or attempting to play "IT Guy,") consider buying a subscription to a remote tech support service, such as Support.com ([ www.support.com ]), whose Personal Technology Experts can handle most any software related problem, which makes up the majority of all computer tech calls. You can either focus on other work while your computer is fixed, or watch and learn what to do the next time you encounter a similar problem.
• Protect Your Brand Name: Don't forget to buy that domain name first before telling anyone your company name. Consider GoogleApps which allow you to quickly set up key networked business apps for free or for a nominal fee and they also have a nice way for you to purchase and map an Internet domain name.

"One of the most important, but often overlooked requirements when starting a business is setting up even the most basic tech infrastructure. New business owners need to look beyond the purchase of new hardware and software to ensure a smooth startup. By having Support.com's online tech support team on call whenever they need it, owners can trust that their new business is being well looked after," commented Anthony Rodio, Chief Operating Officer of Support.com.

¹Source: The Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity ([ www.kauffman.org ]), a leading indicator of new business creation in the United States (May 20, 2010).

About Support.com
Support.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ SPRT ]) provides [ services ] and software that help consumers and small businesses with their technology needs. Support.com's North American Personal Technology Experts™ provide a [ quick, cost-effective and stress-free technology support experience ] over the Internet and the phone using Support.com's advanced technology platform. Support.com also provides consumer software for the do-it-yourself customer. Support.com, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Support.com is a trademark or registered trademark of Support.com, Inc. or its affiliates in the US and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information visit [ www.support.com ].

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this document that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" and accordingly involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein. These and other risks are detailed in Support.com's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation its latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and its latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained from [ www.sec.gov ]. Support.com does not intend to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances, and disclaims any obligation to do so except as may be required by law.