Running a business can be difficult, especially without the right business software. Here are the types of applications you need to help your business run efficiently, along with recommendations for each category.
1. Spreadsheets
Perhaps the most flexible type of business software, spreadsheets allow you to organize, analyze, compare, create charts, and report on a large volume of data. Consider the following popular spreadsheet applications:2. E-mail Clients
Having an in-house e-mail client gives you greater freedom and control than a free web based solution that is hosted externally. A well equipped e-mail application can also double as a basic customer, vendor, and colleague contact manager. Have a look at these e-mail clients:3. Word Processors
Besides providing the tools to write basic documents, a good word processor can also be used to do such things as creating custom company letterhead, doing mass mailings by importing addresses from a database or spreadsheet, and building high quality product or training manuals. Here are 3 widely used word processors:4. Accounting Software
An all purpose, simple to use accounting package removes the headaches from this necessary business function. A good system will easily keep track of income, expenses, payments, and invoices (to name only a few), while performing the accounting calculations and balancing equations behind the scenes. Popular business accounting software titles include:5. Presentation Software
Whether for giving sales pitches to customers or for internal use, presentation software offers a powerful way to blend text, pictures, and rich graphical content together, which is an effective way to make a point. Get creative with your presentations by using:6. Project Management Software
For creating and running individual initiatives, project management applications simplify the process of creating a plan and modifying it as work happens. Many project management applications can also track project costs, worker hours & availability, and project task dependencies. Create a stellar project plan with these applications:7. Databases
Useful for storing and retrieving vast amounts of information, databases have become the lifeblood of many businesses. The most popular database applications also allow you to create custom reports and data entry screens. The following databases are used widely in businesses:8. Business Planning Software
For new businesses, planning software helps you answer the startup questions often required to obtain capital funding. A quarterly review and adjustment of the business plan will help keep your existing business running smoothly and focused on your vision. Popular applications in this category are:Having the right business software can greatly streamline your operation. Whenever possible, take advantage of software demos & free trials before making a purchase and consider open source software as a cost-saving alternative to commercial products.