Une femme utilise son ordinateur. Crédits: Andrea Piacquadio

Digital Starter Kit: Software

Picture of David (Ingenious Tech)
David (Ingenious Tech)

At first, the cost of software often seems like an unnecessary expense, especially when some offer generously their services for free… but only at first.

The risk of a decision based on short term is to pay much more later. Or worse, to be taken hostage by a service provider announcing free rates which will quickly become prohibitive!

Business Management Software

Business management software helps manage invoicing, quotes, orders, inventory management, accounting, and more.

There are both free and paid solutions. The important thing is to choose wisely according to the needs of your business. That said, some accounting firms already include this type of software in their services. Otherwise, you can also turn to free sites.

However, in these different cases, you risk to be held hostage for the future and these solutions will ultimately cost you much more than initially announced. Conversely, you can consult us for the installation of a scalable Dolibarr solution which will follow the developments of your business.

Website

Still many entrepreneurs are reluctant to budget a website when they start their business. However, it’s indeed an essential investment to make yourself known and present your products or services. It also allows you to further communicate on company news, interact with customers and sell online.

Un site internet sur un ordinateur. Crédits: Monoar Rahman

If you are scared to take an oversized solution, opt for a scalable approach: start with a showcase site of a single page that you will later develop as your business grows. By then, you may need to open an e-shop, digitally optimize your customer relationship or even provide business services for your employees working remotely.

The false good idea: create your website on your own

There’s so much to do when you get started! Your time is precious and it’s better to focus immediately on your core business. For the rest, you better leave it to professionals. Few or even none entrepreneurs will take care themselves of maintaining their professional vehicle (unless they are mechanic!)… because during this time, the most important is to progress with suppliers and prospects. It’s the same idea with your future website! Moreover, it will bring new customers without any effort… but at one condition: to be attractive, efficient and well referenced on search engines.

Une femme s'est endormie devant son ordinateur. Crédits: Kekut Subiyanto

The best advice before starting your business: it’s to plan all the communication part in your business plan (by integrating costs such as logo, visual identity, banners on social networks and of course website). Being fully coherent with the image of your company, even when lauching it, will be a sign of quality and seriousness.

Data Backup Tool

It’s essential to back up company data regularly to avoid any loss.

Backup solutions can be physical or online, and must be automated to ensure your data security.

80% of companies that encountered a major loss of their data went bankrupt within 12 months. While 29% of these data losses are accidental, only one out of two SMEs backs up their data, but 77% of them do not check its validity and 60% do not have a copy outside of their production site.

Full Security Solution

IT security is mandatory to avoid viruses, malwares and computer attacks. It’s important to install an anti-virus/firewall package to protect all of your IT equipments.

In parallel, IT security trainings for all employees is essential. We too often underestimate the human factor which is mainly the real target of Social Engineering. Social Engineering is nothing but manipulating someone to reveal confidential information by trickery.

83% of VSEs/SMEs are not able to recover from financial damages of a cyberattack (-27% of turnover on average), especially in the current context! However, in more than 9 out of 10 cases, hackers manage to break in through a simple e-mail.

Project Management Software

Monday Gestion de Projet

This kind of tools allows you to manage tasks, deadlines, resources and budgets. It also allows you to follow the progress of projects and communicate with all team members. Most softwares are now available online and may be free for a limited number of users.

Where to start ?

Did you know that Microsoft 365 meets most of the vital needs of even your fledgling business?

However, you will need a robust and reliable installation that we can guarantee at the best price.

Software is essential for entrepreneurs even before starting their business. How to make the right choices in the medium or long term without spending too much?

Rest assured, we are here to advise you and offer you the best strategy for your business.

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