Enterprise software: adding efficiency to business
Business software generally means software programs that can be used by businesses and enterprises to carry out business activities, or to increase or measure their business productivity. Business software solution is tailor-made software for specific business purposes, such as railway and airline ticketing system, billing and inventory control system for department stores, etc. Business software can eliminate any type of business activity such as cash transactions, receipts, issues, returns, rejects, interest and depreciation, involving final accounts, profit and loss accounts, balance sheet, etc.
A computing machine and business software are interdependent, and computer technology becomes more advanced with each new addition of software. Today, even a small business entity tends to use small business software for its easy-to-use and out-of-the-box features. Much of the commercial software is of the plug and play type for which no special computer knowledge is essential. However, for complex calculations, tedious programming, and special technical training, commercial software with learning tools is exceptionally useful. IT companies, on the other hand, sometimes use commercial software for training purposes, enabling modern technologies like medical transcription.
The business software market is a multi-billion dollar industry today and anyone with a solid understanding of the system can make their own profit very easily. Business software has acquired an important position in the economy of developed and developing countries. Software developing countries like India are doing good business by exporting enterprise software to developed countries. The expanding BPO sector is providing business software solutions to many multinational companies and national companies.
Small business software markets worldwide and has captured a substantial share of the software market of late. Small business software can include toy and game software, audiovisual software, accounting software, etc. Electronic spreadsheet software, a business software solution, has been successfully involved in the widespread use of microcomputers.
There are standard software available for businesses such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Access and Outlook etc. which suit the daily needs of most businesses. However, custom trading software has many advantages over standard trading software. Custom business software can customize functions and features as required by the customer, be it automatic letter generation, automatic email sending, deadline reminders, receipt and invoice printing, customer and order tracking. Many commercial software uses operational research methods and algorithms for optimal utilization of resources, maximizing profits and minimizing costs. Business software has the potential to maximize the efficiency of businesses, streamline the way business is done, and keep business under control.