FAQ round 2...Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What is (SaaS) Software as a Service?  Software as a service is a “distribution model in which third party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the internet” (http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/Software-as-a-Service).  These programs are great for users because there is no downloading of software to your hard drive.  You can work freely at any place in the world if you have reliable internet.  Office 365 is a great example of SaaS, Microsoft states “ SaaS allows your organization to get quickly up and running with an app at minimal upfront cost” (https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/overview/what-is-saas/).

2.   What is productivity software? “ Productivity software makes people more efficient and effective in their daily activities” (http://www.applicationperformancemanagement.org/software/productivity-software/).  Some examples of productivity software are:

·       Microsoft Word, AbiWord. Word Processors allow letters and papers to be made.

·       Microsoft Excel, iWork Numbers.  Spreadsheets allow for numerical data to be entered.

·       Prezi, Microsoft PowerPoint.  Presentation software allow for creativity and information to be put in presentation form.

·       Microsoft Access, Oracle Database.  Database allows you to store and organize data.

·       Evernote, Google Keep. Note-taking software allowing you to keep notes in one place

These software’s and many more can be accessed through any search engine by typing in the search box, I used (Google.com). 

3.   What is PIM (Personal Information Management) software?  Software allowing consumers to receive email, organize calendars, and store contacts.  PIM is important for your employees to stay organized; having dates saved in calendars creates promptness, having emails allows for quick contact with management and staff.  “Oracle is one of the most widely used PIM platforms around” (http://www.cpcstrategy.com/blog/2015/02/15-pim-software-retailers/).  Companies can benefit largely from PIM and can expect a great return on investment, and they are able to manage the quality of data while acquiring more customers (http://www.satprnews.com/2018/01/17/global-product-information-management-market-insights-opportunity-analysis-market-shares-and-forecast-2017-2023/).

4.   What types of software are helpful for large and small business?  There is software to help all sorts of small and large businesses.  Small businesses can get some help through accounting software such as: QuickBooks and FreshBooks.  “FreshBooks wins for its ease of use, excellent customer service, and for offering all of the features small business need to manage their finances on the go” (https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7543-best-accounting-software.html).  Small business can also benefit from design software to create professional looking documents such as: Microsoft Publisher, and Corel Draw.  Large business will benefit from such software’s as: Oracle Net Suite: One World and Microsoft Dynamics GP.  Large business software relies heavily on cloud base networks, software “delivers key metrics and financial reporting straight from the cloud to tablet, browser or mobile device” (https://www.financialforce.com/info/large-business-accounting-software/).

5.   What do I need to know about software licenses?  “A software license is a legal instrument governing the use and redistribution of software” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_license).  When you obtain a software whether it is downloaded or cloud-based you are agreeing to not copy or use the software in any way that will break the agreement.  A San Francisco company paid $75,000 in fines because they had illegal versions of Microsoft Office, software manufactures take this seriously (https://www.allbusiness.com/software-licensing-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-you-15636003-1.html).

6.   How do I determine which version of software will work on the computers in our business?  The software you purchase greatly depend on what type of system you are installing it to.  Check your system on each computer and compare the information to the back of your software package or the software specifications. “The right software can even lead to new ways of business” (https://www.bgateway.com/business-guides/manage-your-business/information-technology/computer-software-the-basics). RAM (Random Access Memory) should be checked to make sure it works with software, along with making sure the Operating Systems and other peripherals on the computer are agreeable with the software.  “You will need a variety of information in order to accurately assess the technology requirements for your small business” (https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/research-topics/office-hr/assessing-computer-needs-for-your-business).