Managed IT services is rapidly becoming one of the hottest solutions in business today because it dramatically improves an organization’s profitability, frees up internal resources and offers a unique competitive advantage.

Using today’s multitude of social media and Internet service outlets to gain, retain and track the progress of a business can be a nightmare for the beginning entrepreneur. With an all-star cast of experienced business owners and social media experts, the San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Centers’ GrowBiz and Small Business Awards Luncheon is bringing this valuable information to local businesses.

Support has come to fledgling technology companies by Connect’s vast resources, including the Springboard program that provides free assistance for life sciences, clean tech, high-tech and consumer products companies in all stages of development. Now through a new partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), these resources have expanded.

A long-time supporter of the San Diego and Imperial SBDC Regional Network, SDG&E, a Sempra Energy utility, once again steps up to help local small businesses.

Thursday's ruling by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals that a company can patent two isolated human genes was a partial victory for the biotech industry, according to San Diego patent attorney Lisa Haile.

There's a well established manufacturing base in San Diego, with contract manufacturers that supply not just local companies but also national customers across a broad spectrum of industries, including electronics, medical, consumer and industrial products.

Sally Ride Science, a science education company, named Sheryle Bolton as chief executive officer.

Third-party video game accessory provider Mad Catz Interactive Inc. (NYSE: MCZ) announced the release of its Tritton Pro+ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset, the upgrade to its Tritton AX Pro.

Nicholas J. Valeriani has been named chief executive of the collective West Health effort and CEO of the West Health Institute (formerly West Wireless Health Institute), it was announced Wednesday.

Technology has given boutique law firms the ability to compete on a more level playing field with the region's large, national firms, according to a recent report from Robert Half Legal.

DataQuick announced Wednesday that Gordon Crawford has joined the company as vice president of analytics. In this position, Crawford will develop all models and analytics, including home price indices, automated property valuation models and loan performance models for the San Diego-based real estate data provider.

The goal of designing a pocket-size camera that can match the photographic quality of a DSLR is much closer to being fulfilled with Sony’s new RX100 camera. While other attempts, including the Canon S100 and S95; the Panasonic Lumix LX; and its near twin, the Leica D-Lux series, have come the closest, the new Sony RX100 is a significant step above each of these.

San Diego-based Astute Networks announced that it hired Steve Kucker as vice president of sales to lead Astute's sales initiatives.

Alex Sun, president and CEO of Mitchell International Inc., isn't against change. In fact, he’s steered the 66-year-old technology services provider into the modern world.

Leap Wireless International Inc. (Nasdaq: LEAP) rallied 15 percent Thursday, the biggest intraday gain since May, as the stock recovered from a post-earnings selloff that dragged down the stock 20 percent over two days.

San Diego-based Websense Inc. (Nasdaq: WBSN) has announced general availability of its Triton Mobile Security solution, a cloud-based security service for Apple iOS devices on wireless mobile networks.

General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co.

Leap Wireless International Inc.’s (Nasdaq: LEAP) shares fell 19 percent after its net customer losses almost tripled to 289,270 last quarter, a sign the company is struggling to keep up with larger carriers.

Leap Wireless International Inc.’s shares fell 19 percent after its net customer losses almost tripled to 289,270 last quarter, a sign the company is struggling to keep up with larger carriers.

The University of San Diego School of Law next month will launch an IP Law Clinic, aimed at providing free legal services to local entrepreneurs in the field of intellectual property. Students will handle pro bono work for local companies and entrepreneurs under the supervision of local law firms.