Business Software Solutions Elaine J Cromwell, FCCA www.thomsoncooper.com
Business Software Solutions Where do you start?
Jargon urgh! Business Software Solutions what do we mean by that even? Software used in a business context; specifically excludes games and entertainment products Proprietary software Proprietary software is software licensed under exclusive legal right of its owner. The purchaser, or licensee, is given the right to use the software under certain conditions, but restricted from other uses, such as modification, further distribution, or reverse engineering
Jargon urgh! Software as a Service SaaS No upfront purchase Monthly licence or subscription fee Usually includes everything support, upgrades etc Can be scaled up as your business grows Increasingly more popular FOSS Free and open source software
Jargon urgh! Accounting Software Software to allow you to record your business financial transactions and help you produce reports that tell you how well you are doing Payroll Software Software that helps you calculate the amounts to pay your employees and keeps track of amounts to pay over to HMRC CRM Software Client relationship management software. Track communications with customers and contacts; manage marketing campaigns. Cloud Computing Well. that deserves it s own slide!
What is Cloud Computing? The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer. Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet). Advantages of Cloud computing: Easy access just need an internet connection, desktop computer, laptop, tablet or even a smartphone. Programs and files aren t taking up server space reducing IT and upgrade costs. Safe and secure, online backups available. Allows for flexible working for staff.
Who Offers Cloud Software? Among the many are: Sage Freeagent Kashflow Xero Online Accounting Quickbooks Zoho Brightpearl Good starting point; www.getapp.com
Accounting Software What s your budget? Add on extra for training Do your own research Try http://www.accountingweb.co.uk/topic/technology/smallbusiness-accounting-software-resources-index UK leaders: Sage Iris Quickbooks Pegasus Tas Books
Why Sage? Thomson Cooper recommend Sage Software because: Experience Sage are the market leader for small business Over 830,000 companies in the UK use Sage Excellent customer service - UK call centres
Sage Sage offer a wide range of business software, including SageOne (cloud) and Sage 50 Accounts Professional Online. Sage products include: Sage 50 Accounts Sage Instant Accounts Sage Instant Payroll SageOne Sage Forecasting Sage 50 Payroll Sage HR Sage ACT! (CRM product) www.sage.co.uk
SageOne Cloud application Monthly subscription (one year initial contract) From 5 per month Simple to use Accountant Edition allows collaborative working with your accountant 24/7 telephone helpline included in the monthly cost No premium call rates 0845 number
Quickfile.co.uk Free fully functioning accounts package Bulk upload of statements Limited reporting without fee Various managed services including year end accounts
Sage One Payroll Cloud payroll solution From 5 plus VAT per month for 5 employees Very simple to use Help videos 24/7 telephone support included in monthly cos
IRIS Payroll Payroll Basics for up to 10 employees, simple functions and calculators and is Free to download. http://small-business-software.iris.co.uk/solutions.aspx
12Pay Payroll Software Express Edition - free payroll software Accredited by HMRC and compliant For up to 10 employees Easy to download and setup Calculates PAYE, NI, SSP and SMP PDF reports Premium and Bureau Editions available for upgrade from 54.90 per year. CIS Extension also available
FOSS things to consider Is the software GPL General Public Licence? Can the software support my currency used, VAT or tax rates? Where will I get help if it all goes wrong? Will I be able to share data/reports easily with other people who don t have the same software?
FOSS business software examples Wikipedia has various lists of free and open source software Accounts SQL ledger TurboCASH FrontAccounting (web based) Open Bravo Quickfile Design & Marketing Inkscape Scribus Fatpaint GIMP
FOSS business software examples Payroll 12 Pay Iris Office Alternatives Open Office Evolution (Outlook) Zimbra (Exchange) Open Project (MS Project) CRM software Sugar CRM Zoho CRM 3 users
FREE Mobile Apps Sage Record Keeper App For iphone and ipad only Android and Blackberry coming soon Earnest from Freeagent For iphone MyBiztracker from Quickbooks For iphone Forbes Receipt Tracker Android ZipZip Books Android
FREE Mobile Apps (cont) None deal with VAT turnover less than 77K per year Can email data in.csv form but no reporting capabilities as such Great for keeping on top of expenses and income Very easy to use Check out features before choosing
Thank you! Leave your business card Free initial consultation Free Sage User Group