Broadband is just the start
In the past the size of a business was, to a large extent, an indication of its commercial success. Today, however, businesses can no longer compete on the basis of size alone. Technology can be a key differentiator, and an increasing number of small businesses have recognised this fact.
While smaller companies have traditionally shied away from adopting broadband under the mistaken impression that it is too expensive, in the past year there has been exponential growth in the adoption of broadband as a primary connectivity method among small businesses.
Broadband provides cost predictability, a much more pleasant user experience and enables smaller players to access the content that enables them to compete with bigger counterparts. Broadband is fast, always on and there are no ugly surprises at the end of the month when the phone bill arrives.
But broadband is so much more than just a fast connection. It is starting to transform the way in which small businesses are being run, by enabling access to online business applications and rich content.
Access to online business applications through software as a service (SaaS), also sometimes referred to as application service provider (ASP) is gaining popularity fast.
The term refers to a structure whereby software vendors or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) develop applications or software packages, which are hosted on their servers. Applications are varied and include functions such as accounting, customer relationship management, human resources, e-billing and payroll.
Instead of purchasing an application and loading it onto your computer or server, you now access it via the Internet on a subscription basis and rent it for as long as you need to use it. Your ISP or the software vendor ensures that the applications that you use are up-to-date, completely secure and have the requisite technical support available.
An example of a tremendously successful SaaS service is Internet banking. When you log onto the Web to do your banking, you are accessing a secure application that resides on your bank’s server.
Another online solution that enables optimised business processes is electronic billing or e-billing, which negates the costs of envelopes, paper, mailing costs as well as the man hours required to prepare and distribute statements. e-Billing enables you to send out personalised invoices, credit notes and statements in bulk, electronically, and is therefore a fast, reliable and completely secure invoicing alternative.
Web-based business solutions have a few common benefits.
* Accessibility: online applications can be accessed any time, anywhere from an adequate Internet connection;
* Cost-effective: there is no need to purchase software programmes;
* Completely secure: like Internet banking, online applications are completely secure, encrypted and password protected;
* Up-to-date: your Internet service provider ensures that you have access to the latest, virus-free versions of applications;
* User-friendly: you don’t have to be an expert to use the programmes.
SaaS applications are the next step in making your broadband Internet connection really work for your business.
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