SOFTWARE

Business software (or a business application) is any software or set of computer programs used by business users to perform various business functions. These business applications are used to increase productivity, to measure productivity and to perform other business functions accurately.

Check out the below list for software options small businesses can implement in order to improve business practices and procedures.

Google Drive Office Suite

Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service that allows users to store files on the google servers, synchronize the files across devices and share them with other Google users. The service is compatible with Windows and macOS computers as well as Android and IOS smartphones and tablets.

Google Drive offers the following applications:

  • Google Docs – a web-based document software that allows users to create and edit document files online collaboratively with other users. Compatible with Microsoft Word.
  • Google Slides – – a web-based presentation software that allows users to create and edit presentation files online collaboratively with other users. Compatible with Microsoft Word.
  • Google Sheets – a web-based spreadsheet software that allows users to create and edit spreadsheet files online collaboratively with other users. Compatible with Microsoft Word.
  • Google Drawings – a diagramming software that allows users to create flowcharts, organisational charts, website wireframes, mind maps, concept maps and other types of maps and charts.

Google Drive applications allow users to work collaboratively on files in real-time and uses a permission system, meaning users can invite others to access and edit a file and a file is only accessible by those given permission by the original author. Edits are tracked character-by-character and can be viewed by anyone in the document. Changes are automatically saved to Google’s servers, as is a revision history of the document. Files can also be downloaded and edited offline.

Office 365

Office 365 Business is an integrated solution, bringing together the best-in-class productivity of Office 365 with advanced security and device management capabilities to help safeguard your business. Office 365 brings together teams and resources, all in one place.

The software gives you the ability to connect with customers, coworkers and suppliers as well as giving you the ability to host online meetings to increase collaboration and productivity. Essentially you can work anywhere from any device.

  • Get work done with enterprise grade email and calendaring.
  • Access your files from anywhere with online file storage.
  • Easily integrate with other commonly used apps and solutions.

In addition to this, Office 365 helps protect against security threats, protects your business from accidental leaks and controls who has access to what information.

What’s included

Comes with Office
Stay up-to-date with the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

Email and calendaring
Connect with customers and coworkers using Outlook and Exchange.

File storage
Manage your files from anywhere with 1TB of storage.

Data protection controls
Help secure business data on personal and company-owned devices.

Safest Windows ever
Get upgraded to Windows 10 Pro from Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 Pro.

Cyberthreat protection
Guard against unsafe attachments, suspicious links, and other malware.

Administration and deployment
Manage new PCs and devices faster and more easily than ever.

Dependability and support
Get 99.9% financially-backed up time guarantee and 24×7 online and phone support.

Cloud Accounting

The real value in cloud accounting is not just in the visibility and accessibility of your financial data, but its ability to deliver real insights into how you can use this data to grow and remain competitive.

Cloud accounting, has been the way forward for accounting software in recent years and is simply using the internet to access your accounting software.

Cloud accounting software providers, such as MYOB online, Reckon,  Xero and QuickBooks Online (QBO), provide accounting software functionality to you via a web browser. This model, otherwise known as software as a service (SaaS), means that software providers take care of everything from server management and software upgrades to data security and more. All you need is a good internet connection and arrange a monthly subscription fee.

Why is cloud accounting important for business?

The real value in cloud accounting is not just in the visibility and accessibility of your data, but its ability to deliver real insights into how you can use this data to grow and remain competitive.

Simple things like using bank feeds, bank rules and tracking categories can take away some of the pain and time-consuming nature of bookkeeping as well as provide better reporting. Further, you can add automatic integration of an inventory management system, point of sales system or a payment gateway add-on to streamline core operations.

More and more businesses are recognising the value of cloud accounting software over desktop software, because of the following benefits.

1.    Easy access

You can access cloud accounting software anytime and from anywhere with an internet connection – whether on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop. This can give you the option to review business performance or for staff to check in or manage jobs on the go. Xero and QBO are browser-based and don’t require you to download anything to start.

2.    Up-to-date software

You always have the most up-to-date version. The software is automatically updated to reflect changes in tax rates and provide you with new features.

3.    High security

Cloud accounting software providers use internet banking level security to store your data online. Online backup ensures you won’t lose your data.

4.    Collaborative tool

You and your accountant can look at the same information at the same time – helping you to work together to make informed business decisions. Your bookkeeping can be done off-site and version control at year-end. Real-time analytics with dashboard reporting can provide your team with better insights into financial and non-financial data.

5. Saves time

Automated links to your bank account, credit cards and PayPal and automated handling of receipts and invoices enable you to spend time growing your business.

6. Add-ons

Business applications that can help you to manage inventory, track timesheets, manage rostering, integrate e-commerce platforms, manage payroll and HR matters. These integrations can provide efficiencies to streamline your day-to-day operations and give you the opportunity to grow your business with better data at hand.

7. Helpful

There are extensive online help, forums and email-based support. This includes live and online courses, videos, webinars and events.

8. Compliance

Cloud-based systems such as Xero and QBO are Single Touch Payroll enabled, which will be compulsory reporting for all businesses by 1 July 2019. Tax rates are updated automatically and some integrated payroll systems will also update changes to awards for you.

Check out the Small Business Digital Resources page for more information.

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