Amazon.com launches service for small business owners

Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) took the curtains off a new business assistance offering this week, as the e-tailer's new "All Business Center" will be targeted at helping entrepreneurs find the products they need to service their small- and medium-sized businesses. Basically, this is a sub-brand of Amazon that I see competing with the likes of Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) and Best Buy (NYSE: BBY)'s "Best Buy for Business" division.

Amazon's new offering will include quick and easy access to small- and medium-business products. Try these categories on for size: software, computers, printers, books and office products. While this is not exactly innovative, it's a great targeting technique for the largest internet retailer as it diversifies its customer base in many areas outside the standard consumer. In addition to products, Amazon's business services will also be pitched -- offerings like Amazon Web Services, Fulfillment by Amazon and Amazon Corporate Accounts will also be inserted into its "All Business Center."

Amazon knows that launching a small business and taking that first step as an entrepreneur can be exhilarating yet dangerous, and wants to give these customers the tools to manage inventory, unexpected growth and initial low sales, according to Amazon VP Greg Hart. Well, that's great -- but offering products like office superstores have done for years won't catch customers and hold their attention. What will are Amazon's small business customer forums, idea exchanges and real-time communication channels that have already proved workable with standard consumers. Communication is still key.