There's always a question about what is taxable and what is not, especially in providing goods and services in another state. There are misconceptions and rules regarding whether your consulting services are taxable according to how much of the services are performed on-site.

The tools and resources we have as a partner have been of tremendous value. It's critical for us to really understand the business aspects of [small companies'] operations first and then help them leverage the value of the technology.

A small-business owner looking for a partner in a particular area has specific skill sets can go to the Microsoft Web site and easily identify who is a small-business specialist.

We cannot be certain right now how the events of last week will ultimately impact the U.S. and global economies, the air transportation industry and FedEx, ... Nonetheless, we see our company well positioned to significantly increase growth, profitability, returns and cash flow as the global economies improve and trading activities increase.

I was so despondent, wondering what I am going to do, and then the minister herself called.

Despite uncertainty related to Katrina and other economic conditions, we remain optimistic about global trade and expect continued economic expansion in the U.S. and in the international markets.