BellSouth is taking aim at its competitors for small business services with a new suite of offerings intended to make e-commerce easier and safer for its small business customers.

The new suite of services includes BellSouth Internet Security, which offers anti-virus and anti-spyware software along with a network-based firewall, as well as free domain name e-mail, shared Web hosting and a new business level of 24x7 support.

“There is a lot of competition focused on the small business,” admitted Assad Lazarus, director of marketing for BellSouth Small Business Services. “That’s because there is a growing reliance by small businesses on the Internet to conduct their business with their customers, suppliers, partners, etc. The intent of our new services is to broaden our portfolio of products and services that allow them to maximize their use of Internet and grow their business.”

Small businesses are more keenly aware of some challenges, such as security and support, because they don’t have the internal resources to provide that expertise, Lazarus said. “They are looking for one source as an adviser,” he commented.

Security is a No. 1 concern and viruses top the list of security issues, Lazarus said. BellSouth Internet Security allows DSL customers to purchase individual products that protect against viruses, spyware and intrusion. The free domain name e-mail allows a business to build its brand recognition, Lazarus said, while a new level of business support provides more expert help around the clock to small business owners.

One thing BellSouth is not providing for small businesses yet is voice over IP, despite the fact that CLECs are making that service available and targeting small businesses.

“Before BellSouth goes to market with VoIP, there are several key things that would be of concern to small business customers that we are trying to make sure we address prior to introducing it,” Lazarus said. “There is no killer app today for voice – most customers are just looking for cost savings. We want to make sure we have the applications ready and that we address a few other issues, like E911, before we go to market.”