Software from the cloud on course for growth

Software from the cloud on a growth courseThis is why they are responsible for invoicing and dunning, inventory or customer data management and are often poorly organized: they use cumbersome Excel tables and thus lose track of the bigger customer and sales figures. The result: the loss of time and money.

Software from the cloud on course for growth

Not so long ago, procuring professional business software for a company meant a high investment that usually only larger companies could afford. Cloud solutions fundamentally changed the software market. Cloud means that the software is accessed via the Internet. Work can therefore be done at any time and from anywhere and with different devices - all that is needed is an Internet connection and a browser. In contrast to such cloud solutions, conventional software programs for companies often offer too many functions, are therefore relatively expensive and not designed for the needs of small businesses.

By managing IT in a centralized data center, cloud software can be made available to a large number of users at the same time. Because this significantly reduces the cost per user, software with functions that were previously reserved for large customers is now also available to SMEs at a fraction of the original price. Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions have long since established themselves on the market. Well-known areas of application are customer relationship management tools, online stores or newsletter distribution. However, the use of the cloud for accounting, inventory management or invoicing is still less widespread, but is now on a strong growth course. This is evident, for example, at bexio (formerly easySYS): "We were able to double our customer base to over 3500 in the last fiscal year and already employ over 30 people in the third fiscal year."

Web-based software for the SME country Switzerland

92.3 percent of all Swiss companies are small and medium-sized enterprises. But although small companies could particularly benefit from external solutions from the cloud, they are still poorly represented in this segment. This is not only due to demand: "When I worked with two partners in our IT company a few years ago, we were struggling with our office administration. We didn't have an overview of our customer data and were making mistakes in invoicing. So we needed office software. We couldn't find one up and down the country that met our needs as a small business. So we decided to develop one ourselves."

Business software has several advantages: for example, it is usually possible for users to set up the account within a few minutes. Entrepreneurs or employees can access and update data at home, in the office, on a business trip or at a customer's site. This flexibility helps simplify workflows and fill waiting times productively. Time sheets or data can be entered online immediately after the customer meeting, for example.

Ease of use instead of complexity

There are many complex solutions for larger companies. However, they are not designed for the needs of companies with few employees. For entrepreneurs who do their accounting after a hard day's work or even on the weekend, the software should not have any major hurdles. User-friendliness is therefore crucial: how well and intuitively can the software be operated? There are big differences here, so it's best to check the product before buying. Most service providers offer a free trial version.

Web-based software solutions are particularly flexible: Because customers can switch to competitors more easily than with permanently installed systems, cloud software providers strive to optimize their solutions permanently and usually free of charge.

Cloud security and independence from the provider

Various entrepreneurs do without cloud software because they are concerned about the security of their own data. However, the question arises as to which is more secure: the company's own computer in the office, which is not kept up to date by an IT specialist, or the cloud solutions, where the provider guarantees the security of the data and works with appropriate specialists.

In any case, cloud software providers should be checked for their seriousness. For example, where is the data stored? Is it encrypted and does the provider comply with all security standards? bexio, for example, deliberately stores the data in Swiss data centers and encrypts the data transfer (SSL certificate).

To be on the safe side, it is important to find out about the data export options from the providers beforehand. Check how easy it is to cancel the subscription. If this option is hidden or if cancellation is only possible by letter or fax, this is a bad sign.

For the provider, it seems tempting to erect barriers here. But that is not enough. Because customers notice when their freedom is taken away. This damages the image. Instead of making it more difficult to switch out of fear, customers should be persuaded through feedback opportunities and a personal approach.

The advantages of office software from the cloud

For SMEs in particular, there are many reasons to choose office software from the cloud. The most important are low barriers to entry, ease of use and flexible usage options. This leaves small businesses, start-ups and self-employed people more time for their core business.

bexio ag https://www.bexio.com