Software not only makes your computer hardware perform important tasks, but can also help your business work more efficiently. The right software can even lead to new ways of working. It is therefore a crucial business asset and you should choose your software carefully so that it matches your business needs.

Business benefits of new software

Before investing in new software, you should think about what you want it to do for you. For example, you might want to:

  • cut costs by automating routine tasks
  • improve customer service
  • enable your employees to work more efficiently
  • communicate and collaborate electronically with suppliers or partners

Take time to talk to your employees, suppliers and customers who may have ideas for improving your business processes using IT.

Write down the objectives and potential benefits of new software, prioritising the list to work out the best returns on investment.

Choose software that will run on your current hardware, as long as this doesn’t reduce potential benefits. You should include any hardware upgrade costs in your budgets.

Alternatively, look at outsourcing your software requirements – eg cloud computing – which could help reduce both your software and hardware costs.

Planning for the future

Ideally you should develop a long-term strategy, covering your future IT needs. This should take into account potential changes in customers, staffing levels and/or your products and services.

Types of software

There are various types of software and you need to know the differences between them.

Bespoke

It is possible to write software specifically for your business. You can either:

  • Write the software yourself. If you run a small business, writing the software yourself is unlikely to be cost-effective as you need to have significant expertise and lots of time.
  • Have the software written by an external supplier. With specialist help, you should get the exact functionality you need. However, the price is likely to be high, and you will be tied to that supplier for future support.

Producing any bespoke software can take a long time and your staff will need to have an input in the development process. For most small businesses, bespoke software may not be the best choice.

System or application software

System software is not directly useful for business purposes but makes the computer hardware useful. An example is the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Application software is designed for a specific use – like word processing or accounts. You will need both types of software.

Packaged software

Standard software packages are usually the best choice for small businesses. In some cases, the software can be tailored to meet your requirements if it doesn’t include all the functions you need.

Packaged software is standardised and generally low-priced. It could also make sense to change your business practices to suit the software rather than having software specially written.

The high volume of sales of packaged software usually means that you will be able to get support and training from a number of different sources.

Culled from https://www.bgateway.com/