What software does my SME need?

by Startacus Admin
What software does my SME need?

For the SME anything is possible; there are literally tens of thousands of applications and programmes available that can be downloaded instantly and put to work soon after. But does a florist need the same applications as an accountancy firm? Does a marketing agency require the same assistance as a restaurant?
Surprisingly, the answer may well be yes in many cases. Office productivity, accounting software, HR packages, email and perhaps social media are all parts of the SME package in the 21st Century, and while they might cost they will make life much easier down the line.
Here are four examples of the software that your company could use.
It’s almost impossible to believe that any company can survive without some form of email presence. And not just for dealing with customers directly; sending out mail with news of new products or invitations to open events/business events are two other uses that are good for new business (consider MailChimp if you wish to send out regular timed messages).
As for which account is best, Google Drive solves several problems at once, in that it is also a storage facility for documents, sheets and slides; a calendar that integrates with mobile technology, and easy-to-use but incredibly useful products such as Google Hangouts. However, there are many other account providers that could be equally useful – such as Outlook (see below).
Social media
Not all companies use social media, but it can give you a real advantage. At the very least, LinkedIn can help you find and gain endorsements from useful connections and industry news that may be of value, even if you contribute little as a writer, while showcasing work of which you are proud. That said, Facebook and Twitter accounts are a swift way to engage with customers and deal with any complaints, while promoting products, new/replenished stock and opinions.
Office
The Office suite of applications and services, available in Business Essential, Business and Business Premium monthly packages, comprises Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint, for both desktop and web. Licences can cover several devices at once and, while only the premium service gives you a HD conferencing facility, all three services give you 24/7 phone and web support.
You might not need all of these, but Word will allow you to quickly create anything from letters to invoices, and Excel will help you run your projections correctly. Using these cloud-based apps will help you work on the road, and create insights from data that could boost productivity.
HR
HR Payroll software will help you implement your payroll procedures and manage the employee life cycle, and generally organise your entire business. Should a restructure be needed as you scale upwards, a dedicated HR system can relieve the burden. It will also help you in the process of attracting and recruiting new staff if and when the need arises – and these various programmes make your venture a success!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Paid is a startup that is on a mission to help freelancers and micro businesses get paid for work without the wait

Osaka Gas makes strategic investment into energy supplier Igloo Energy in exchange for a minority stake in the company

HypeLabs, the leading software-only mesh networking provider raises $3m to strengthen its team and to support its international growth plans

Berlin-based music startup, Jambl secures $500,000 investment from Gismart, a leading developer and publisher of entertainment-focused apps and games

We asked the Hollabox App team to share their top predictions on how technology will challenge fake news and reviews in 2020.

Further development by Wishu, the social marketplace aimed at generation Z creative freelancers, waith the launch of its iOS app

Tracworx is a real-time patient tracking system that results in excellent patient care throughout the entire patient journey

The environmental initiative, Returnr that aims to replace single use takeaway packaging with equivalent reusable solutions

Thriftify is an online platform that connects the most sustainable & ethical source of goods with consumers who care...

Women in Tech themed half-day event and startup pitching competition to take place during next year’s Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Enterprise Week
Published on: 10th November 2016
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Igloo Energy secures strategic investment of up to £20 miliion 10th Dec 2019 Osaka Gas makes strategic investment into energy supplier Igloo Energy in exchange for a minority stake in the company
- Mesh-networking startup HypeLabs secures $3M to provide Internet-free connectivity 10th Dec 2019 HypeLabs, the leading software-only mesh networking provider raises $3m to strengthen its team and to support its international growth plans
- Gismart invests $500k in innovative music startup Jambl 9th Dec 2019 Berlin-based music startup, Jambl secures $500,000 investment from Gismart, a leading developer and publisher of entertainment-focused apps and games
- Derry & Strabane Tech event championing women in tech and tech inclusion announced 5th Dec 2019 Women in Tech themed half-day event and startup pitching competition to take place during next year’s Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Enterprise Week