Business Software-Those Products Every Business Needs

By: Jason Petrina



If you’ve browsed the software aisles of the local computer store lately you know that there is a myriad of business software available for you to take advantage of. The trick; however, be in discovering which types of software programs you actually need and which ones will only be a waste of money and/or actually make your work load more complicated. Short of trying the told trial and error method, consider the following types of business software that can help to ease the day to day frustrations of running your own business.

Office suite software is one of the most popular and most used types of business software on the market. One of the best features of this type of software is the program integration, which allows you to quickly move from one task to another. You can also embed one application within another; saving you even more time. Microsoft Office is one of the more popular programs; prices start at about $250 and up.

These days one element of your business that you must pay attention to is the threat of virus. One virus can completely wipe out your business records and all it takes is one visit to an infected website or one click on an infected email to spell trouble for you, your computer and your business. To help protect consumers from the threat of viruses, there are a number of anti-virus software packages on the market. Each one has its own unique features and options, but some of the top of the line products offer filtering and protection options as well as the ability to easily update program files. The latter is an important move because it allows you stay on top of even the latest viruses; which seem to pop up at an alarming rate on a daily basis. McAfee and Norton are two of the most well known leaders in this genre of business software. Expect to pay about $40 and up.

Accounting software gives businesses the ability to manage financial resources as well as plan future expenditures. While accounting can be a difficult and trying task for most business owners, a good accounting software program can make this task much easier. Some of the more popular programs feature several reporting options and the ability to manage payroll and tax collection. Simply Accounting, QuickBooks and PeachTree are some of the favored products on the Market. Expect to pay $45 and up.

While voice recognition software might have been a fond dream just a few years ago, today it is reality and it can actually save a lot of time as well as improve productivity. Basic voice recognition software programs provide the ability to create text by speaking while some of the top of the line models also provide the ability to manage e-mail by voice. Several different popular products on the market; expect to pay $150 and up for a quality product that works well.

Finally, be sure to consider a contact management software program. This gives businesses the ability to stay on top of contacts; crucial to certain industries, especially those heavily involved in sales. Data can be easily organized while customer information can be shared when needed. Some of the better products are capable of integration with email programs and can even import contacts from other programs. One of the most popular programs is ACT!; which retails at $145 and up.

If the price of certain brands of business software has you wary, be sure to research online and find out whether any manufacturers are providing a try before you buy offer. A limited function version of the product may be just what you need to discover whether a product will suit the needs of your business before you shell out a lot of cash. Many manufacturers offer a 30-day free trial.



Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com