Why Pay When Its Free: Low Cost Business Software, Advantage SMEs

There is a new birdie in town which is working 24/7 for SMEs and recently gave us a sneak peek into some real amazing software which is a boon for Small and Medium Enterprises globally. There are no free lunches as they say, though what we are going to share today, are some of the most trusted software which is available for SMEs free as well as in paid versions, which are low cost.

But free is no good to my business!
Generally free is always related to less performance and no great good. Though Open Source technology has helped create a better perception, still what comes fro free is always welcome but with a doubt. Many businesses hence are already willing to pay. SMEs understand the criticality of IT as a support which will grow their business and hence budget expenses.

Get these killer apps and you won't regret them for your business!
We have shortlisted some amazing business apps which are till a certain usage level free, post which depending upon your business requirement you can buy the paid versions.

• Make VoIP calls - Skype

Source: http://images.gizmag.com/hero/skype.jpg

You can download the The latest version of Skype offers better audio quality while using far lesser bandwidth. The video calls are also improved compared to what they were before. A new screen-sharing feature allows you to share a document, presentation, or website with another Skype user. Skype charges for some features, but calls to other Skype users are always free. Also using Skype credit you can make calls to mobiles globally at rates which are far lesser as compared to the mobile.

• Basic Business Accounting - Quickbooks

Source: http://www.qbstore.com/images/quickbooks%20pos%20v8.jpg

Quickbooks lets you create create invoices, print checks, handle payroll, and manage up to 20 customer accounts while being 'free' for use. Though there are many book-keeping softwares available in the market and many online solutions as well, but QuickBooks is the best option for growing companies, because of its ease of setting up and use.

• Syncing calendar with Outlook

Source: http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/epicenter/2010/09/google_apps.jpg

Google Apps without any doubts is one of the most powerful online app engine available. For smaller and emerging businesses Google Apps is a boon as its cheaper and in many ways free for use, while being powerful for businesses. Many business users still don't want to move away from the basic Microsoft outlook. The Google Sync allows the user to sync from Google Calendar to Outlook or vice versa. Or perform a two-way sync based on a schedule you set. Hence you can be on the move and still access your schedule online.

• Web Conferencing: DimDim

Source: http://telehealth.ukzn.ac.za/ImageGallery/214/dimdim_logo-blacktext.png

For small and medium businesses web conferencing is a boon which has allowed reducing down cost of travel and also saved on time, while allowing people to connect online, complete meetings and be more productive. DimDim allows you to host an unlimited number of Web conferences with up to 20 guests for free. Meeting hosts can show PowerPoint presentations or share documents. You can also do software demos as DimDim allows you to share your desktop with other users in your web conference.

• Zoho Writer: Online Word Processing

Source: http://www.techshout.com/images/zoho-writer.jpg

An Indian product, Zoho is one of the most successful suite of products online. Zoho writer proves to be a fantastic alternative to Microsoft Word or Google Docs, Zoho Writer lets users collaborate on a document online, in real time. Other online products also provide the same set of services, but Zoho makes it easy and quick to use. It also has an offline mode, so you can work on documents even without Internet access. Zoho's 18 other free apps include a customer relationship management tool, database software.

These free business software will surely add onto your business success, taking it to the next level. For more drop in a comment to this post and out team of experts at IndiaMART Knowledge Services will be happy to help!