Most small and medium businesses undertake work of a similar scope that is carried out by the larger businesses and companies. The only difference perhaps is that small and mid-sized businesses do not have the same scale of resources to deal with their business deliverables. But smart use of automation and effective IT services can help overcome this deficit as well.
In current times, Software as a Service- based applications are providing much needed freedom to the small business, as well as the entrepreneur. Sound installation, preferably carried out by professional IT services, can ensure that these apps will work well, saving the small business a large amount of time and money.
Among the several advantages that these apps carry, some are listed here:
Let’s look at 10 apps that can be useful for the small business.
1. Office 365: Office 365 from Microsoft allows users all the convenience of a well-fitted out office space, while bypassing the heavy monetary investments that are needed for setting up and maintaining effective infrastructure. Microsoft Certified Partners help you set up this app for your business. This makes it more convenient for the business owner as comprehensive support and troubleshooting is provided by the vendor.
2. Back up application: A back-up application helps you create back-ups of data on the Internet that you would like saved. A good example of this application is Mozy. The advantage here is that it does so both in real time, and you can also program it to create backups when you’re not surfing the web yourself.
3. Accounting software: Consider using an application for your accounting functions needs, like Intuit QuickBooks. This software takes over all your accounting and bookkeeping responsibilities, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy and reliability in your reports.
4. Communication tools: Skype is a great tool for making international calls without incurring heavy costs. It enables you to make calls and communicate over the Internet without needing to invest in expensive infrastructure. Skype has a free calling structure as well as paid subscriptions; browse before you choose the plan that suits your requirements the best.
5. Collaboration tools: These applications are of immense help when you are holding meetings or conferences across physical distances. Collaboration tools like Webex can help you share documents and even share desktops for added convenience and greater ease of communication. These tools help you save on time as well, because you can share information and documents during your online meets; eliminating any waiting period.
6. Project Management tool: A project management tool is a great way to ensure your projects are getting executed on time. You can also create timelines and distribute task lists, track project execution, and share documents and files. Basecamp is an example of a project management app that allows you to assign duties, conduct follow up, and maintain a documented record of all work done.
7. Remote Access system: Remote systems can help you access your office system for important files or documents without the need to physically access the system.
8. Antivirus tools: As a small business without a massive server to depend upon, your best bet is a good antivirus. You don’t need to settle for the most expensive one; look around for the lesser expensive ones and check out user reviews before settling for one.
9. Database creation and management: A tool like Quickbase can help you create an online database based on your specific requirements, or you can create your database with the help of their templates. Most providers of such services also have designated partners who can help you with building your database.
10. CRM: Applications that help customer relationship management are not just about large workforces; choosing a relevant one can help you streamline your processes better and pave the way for growth of the organization. Though these may seem daunting in terms of the wide range of features, they can prove to be a sound time and effort investment in the long run. SalesForce is an example of a cloud-based CRM service.
Customized Requirements
Customized solutions can help you go a long way in meeting client requirements as per specifications.
However, these applications cannot replace the advantages of a customized solution. Depending on your business deliverables and client requirements, you may need to look at services that combine one or more characteristics offered by a particular application, while maintaining budget considerations.
A good way to manage this is by hiring the services of a solutions specialist with significant experience. These are professionals who can help you pick and choose the right apps, and also help integrate them effectively.
The specialist can help you assess needs, as well as provide solutions that are tailormade. Interested in knowing more? Drop us an email at bizd@aixsol.com to have your IT apps requirement analyzed.
In current times, Software as a Service- based applications are providing much needed freedom to the small business, as well as the entrepreneur. Sound installation, preferably carried out by professional IT services, can ensure that these apps will work well, saving the small business a large amount of time and money.
Among the several advantages that these apps carry, some are listed here:
- They offer almost all facilities needed by the ‘office’, such as email and calendar, web conferencing, data storage, access and edit, a website for your business, and the freedom to connect and communicate with your staff and members through effective synchronization with diverse devices.
- Ease of installation: Office 365 is an easy to set-up app, which means you get started off on your work faster. The features are also familiar, allowing employees to adapt faster to the new system.
- Not limited by physical systems: You are no longer dependent on a physical system. You can store data and all information online and access it at your convenience.
- Comprehensive tech back-up: With an independent IT set-up, you need to hire and train professionals. Instead, with apps like these, you are assured of timely and professional help. Also, it is interesting to note that instead of replacing your existing IT set up, these apps help add value with their own solutions in the form of professional IT services.
Let’s look at 10 apps that can be useful for the small business.
1. Office 365: Office 365 from Microsoft allows users all the convenience of a well-fitted out office space, while bypassing the heavy monetary investments that are needed for setting up and maintaining effective infrastructure. Microsoft Certified Partners help you set up this app for your business. This makes it more convenient for the business owner as comprehensive support and troubleshooting is provided by the vendor.
2. Back up application: A back-up application helps you create back-ups of data on the Internet that you would like saved. A good example of this application is Mozy. The advantage here is that it does so both in real time, and you can also program it to create backups when you’re not surfing the web yourself.
3. Accounting software: Consider using an application for your accounting functions needs, like Intuit QuickBooks. This software takes over all your accounting and bookkeeping responsibilities, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy and reliability in your reports.
4. Communication tools: Skype is a great tool for making international calls without incurring heavy costs. It enables you to make calls and communicate over the Internet without needing to invest in expensive infrastructure. Skype has a free calling structure as well as paid subscriptions; browse before you choose the plan that suits your requirements the best.
5. Collaboration tools: These applications are of immense help when you are holding meetings or conferences across physical distances. Collaboration tools like Webex can help you share documents and even share desktops for added convenience and greater ease of communication. These tools help you save on time as well, because you can share information and documents during your online meets; eliminating any waiting period.
6. Project Management tool: A project management tool is a great way to ensure your projects are getting executed on time. You can also create timelines and distribute task lists, track project execution, and share documents and files. Basecamp is an example of a project management app that allows you to assign duties, conduct follow up, and maintain a documented record of all work done.
7. Remote Access system: Remote systems can help you access your office system for important files or documents without the need to physically access the system.
8. Antivirus tools: As a small business without a massive server to depend upon, your best bet is a good antivirus. You don’t need to settle for the most expensive one; look around for the lesser expensive ones and check out user reviews before settling for one.
9. Database creation and management: A tool like Quickbase can help you create an online database based on your specific requirements, or you can create your database with the help of their templates. Most providers of such services also have designated partners who can help you with building your database.
10. CRM: Applications that help customer relationship management are not just about large workforces; choosing a relevant one can help you streamline your processes better and pave the way for growth of the organization. Though these may seem daunting in terms of the wide range of features, they can prove to be a sound time and effort investment in the long run. SalesForce is an example of a cloud-based CRM service.
Customized Requirements
Customized solutions can help you go a long way in meeting client requirements as per specifications.
However, these applications cannot replace the advantages of a customized solution. Depending on your business deliverables and client requirements, you may need to look at services that combine one or more characteristics offered by a particular application, while maintaining budget considerations.
A good way to manage this is by hiring the services of a solutions specialist with significant experience. These are professionals who can help you pick and choose the right apps, and also help integrate them effectively.
The specialist can help you assess needs, as well as provide solutions that are tailormade. Interested in knowing more? Drop us an email at bizd@aixsol.com to have your IT apps requirement analyzed.
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