Verizon has launched a redesigned Verizon Small Business Center with online collaboration tools, web-based business software applications, and interactive professional networking for SMBs.

The company said the new portal includes the Verizon Collaboration Center that enables users to collaborate with peers, clients, and vendors in a virtual environment, and Verizon Web Meeting that lets users meet online. Professional Networking allows users to exchange ideas with others in their industry.

It said Verizon Solution Recommender helps business owners navigate all of Verizon’s business products and services, while users can also order value-added services such as the Verizon Internet Security Suite, wireless phones and calling plans, wireline phone plans, and high-speed internet service.

Monte Beck, vice president for small-business products and services at Verizon, said: Small businesses need a lot more than email and internet access to be competitive, especially in today’s challenging economy. Verizon Small Business Center offers small businesses leading-edge technology tools and business resources to assist them in becoming more agile, productive, and efficient.

Verizon Communications, headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  It claims to serve more than 80 million customers nationwide.  Verizon’s Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business services to customers , and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services.