Applications That You Will Need To Keep Business Operating Perfectly

In order to keep business running without problems, entrepreneurs should invest in business software. These also help in creating a paperless environment and in cutting down expenses. Office productivity is required by every business, which includes documents, spreadsheets, drawings, presentations and design. It also needs accounting, project management, customer relationship management, communications, and several other tools that are essential to its niche. There are two alternatives for a business owner. You could buy software license for every computer or you could go for a cloud-based business software, also called as Software as a Service or SaaS. Cloud-based business software is affordable than desktop software, while desktop software can provide more versatility and convenience in some cases.

With that mentioned, let’s get on with the kind of business software that can make every business owner’s life less difficult. Let’s start with the basic and indispensable Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel PowerPoint, etc.). You can either buy the Microsoft Office Suite or you can download Open Office (www.OpenOffice.com), an identical suite for free. Open Office makes it possible for you to work on and even save documents in the Microsoft Office format. If you are okay with working on a web-based office productivity suite, then go with Google Docs (docs.google.com), which offers similar conveniences.

Accounting software is another essential. Routine tasks like vendor invoices, billing and salaries are made simpler by accounting software. It also records sales, calculates profits or losses at the gross and net level, meets legal reporting requirements, and works as an important MIS (Management Information System) tool. By far, the most well-known accounting business software available is Quickbooks. You can basically use it or seek the advice of your accountant for other possible options.

You can work with Basecamp (basecamp.com), which is another SaaS tool, which enables you to manage projects done on a national or international scale. Basecamp is a groupware and collaborative business software that allows you to manage projects, interact with groups of employees and collaborators in real-time while managing project work. It enables you to store tasks, action items, and decisions made. It keeps everyone involved in the loop and increases productivity across different locations. Every business also needs an online storage facility that can keep all its important files safe and secure. Such online storage facilities can act as backup facilities and help managers obtain critical documents in the middle of a meeting being conducted in a faraway location. Dropbox is the most widely used online storage facility around, but you can check other options as well.

Robust protection against Internet threats is also needed, which is why you need to have antivirus, anti-hacker, anti-malware and firewall. These will help safeguard your files. You can find many all-in-one solutions offered by various companies like AVG, Norton and Zone Alarm. There may also be a requirement for a recruitment software, which will help in sharing, managing and disseminating information from the HR to manager and other concerned individuals. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) business software is another must-have. Other things that your business may need to have are database management, business intelligence, resource planning, supply chain management, internet fax and other relevant software that would be beneficial to your business’ niche. Therefore, in order for your business to be really profitable, make sure that you come up with a list of great business software and invest in it.