Running a startup is difficult. You will find it encouraging, rewarding and satisfying to be your own boss, but you may also be frustrated when things don’t run smoothly. These business software suites can help make running your new business a little easier, which can make running your startup a little more enjoyable.
1. Salesforce: Stay Connected with Your Clients
Salesforce is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software program. It allows you to store customer information such as their contact information, sales, and marketing profile. When an employee updates this information in your system, it is available to everyone in your company. Each department has access to the information they need. You can even integration Twitter and Facebook information. The program is accessible on mobile devices. This CRM also syncs with most email programs including Outlook and Gmail. You can quickly respond to queries, gather leads and check updates, whether you’re in the office or on the road.
2. QuickBooks: Organize Your Business Finances
QuickBooks can help you manage your business’ finances. This accounting software can track your business’ income and expenses and import your financial information from a spreadsheet program such as Excel. You can also import information from your bank or business credit accounts. The program can be used to create purchase orders, prepare invoices, track inventory, pay bills and track employee time and with the addition of other software even create QuickBooks checks. QuickBooks can help you organize your business tax information and prepare 1099 forms.
3. LogMeIn: Work Your Office Computer from Anywhere
LogMeIn software can allow you to work on your office computer from any location with internet access. If you’re not able to make it into your office, or if you’re traveling for business, you can see your work computer’s desktop and access it, as though you were in the office. You can also log into an employee’s computer if you need to assist them or monitor their work or see what they’re doing while you, the boss, is away.
4. Microsoft Office: Essential Software to Complete Your Work
Microsoft Office is a complete office software package. You can use Word to prepare business papers. PowerPoint is used for presentations. Excel can be used to track sales and create spreadsheets for calculations. You can take notes in OneNote or send emails in Outlook. With Access, you can create and manage a database. And, Publisher can be used to create brochures, handouts, signs, and other marketing materials. All of these applications make up the Microsoft Office suite, which makes it an essential piece of software for most businesses.
5. Microsoft Enterprise: Data Security, Business Cloud Services and Access Control
Microsoft Enterprise can make your IT infrastructure more secure and productive. Enterprise allows streaming of Office applications to various devices and also allows access to SharePoint, Lync, and Exchange data. You can manage servers and customize the administrative portal from any web browser. You can create loss prevention templates and policies that can help to protect sensitive data and information. You can put in a built-in policy education reminder that warns users about ways to avoid compromising data in their Outlook emails. Rights management allows you to also restrict access when needed.
Enterprise has several communication tools available including HD video web conferencing, Skype connectivity, voicemail integration and instant messaging. You need to ensure you have a fast internet connection in order to use these systems. The connectivity and bandwidth usage can become an issue for slower connections. Enterprise also offers tools for collaboration, such as Team Sites, advanced tools for data analysis like PowerView and PowerPivot and cloud storage with SkyDrive Pro.