If ever there was a time to start a technology business, it is now.

This belief is being spurred by a host of technology advancements that make everything from development to marketing of technology easier and faster. And it also is being spurred by growing interest in supporting the entrepreneurial community.

First, for technology startups, the economic-development community in many regions is rich and vibrant. There is all manner of support available, ranging from incubator space (the Murata Business Center) to assistance with legal or accounting matters (Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA) and marketing matters to powerful cash incentive programs (Keystone Innovation Zones tax credits).

Also, access to marketing channels is getting faster and more efficient. Probably the best example is Apple Inc. iTunes' App Store, where software entrepreneurs can produce even a simple product and list it for sale. Even if the product only sells for a dollar, it can rapidly get viewed by tens of thousands of people and generate revenue for the entrepreneur.

But there are many other examples.

In our industry there is the app exchange, and Intuit has a developer's channel. Even our very own WorkXpress enables people to post for sale any products they've built and to generate recurring revenue from the sale of those products.

And cloud computing removes much of the complexity of dealing with hardware and systems while providing resources and scalability on demand.

On the sales side, with the advent of the digital age and products like LinkedIn, Twitter and Incipi, it's easier and more affordable than ever to get your message out there into the community.

Truly, anyone with just a semi-technical background can now build and market a piece of software that they think will have value.

These types of opportunities are being well received by the entrepreneurial community. People all over the world are building new and unique software functionality because they have identified a need and because modern tools make software development accessible and marketable.

We have partners who are building applications, pitching investors, building out a commercial Web presence and launching products. It is truly an exciting dynamic to see emerge.

There is no doubt that the era of the entrepreneur is upon us.

Treff LaPlante is president and CEO of Carlisle-based WorkXpress.