Technology

Should My Business Buy That Accounting Software?

2013-05-06T00:51:04Z

Written by Angie Mansfield

It can be very confusing as a small business owner trying to sort out all the different choices for accounting software these days.

Between popular commercial programs, subscription-based online offerings, and industry-specific specialized software, the choice can quickly become overwhelming.

READ THE APRIL EDITION OF BUSINESS REVIEW AUSTRALIA HERE

Here's how you can cut through the clutter and find the right accounting software for your small business >>>

Know the Lingo

Accounting software retailers, like many industries, have their own special language.

A couple of terms you should know before you start shopping are >>>

Off the Shelf: A physical package you purchase at an office supply store or other retailer. This software requires a single, upfront payment, and then you own it outright. Some of these programs are customizable to suit your needs, and generally offer better security than other options.
Online Accounting: This software is hosted on the internet, or in the cloud. You'll have to pay a monthly subscription for this type of accounting software, but the benefits generally include free support and upgrades, and being able to login from anywhere with an internet connection.

Know What You Need

The accounting software you purchase may change as your company grows and expands.

While a simple, off the shelf program might work for you in the beginning when you have just a few employees, you might need to upgrade once you start hiring more people.

Before shopping for your accounting software, make a list of things you need it to do for you (such as inventory control and payroll), and things you don't need (such as customer communication management for example).

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Shop Around

Now that you've got your list of required features, and have an idea of whether you'd rather buy a physical software program or subscribe to an online one, it's time to start comparing prices. You can search online, check with local retailers, even contact two or three local accountants to see if they have a recommendation.

Make sure that the software you're looking at provides the services you need -- and if you'll need support after the sale, take that into consideration too.

Check for Reviews

Once you've got a few software possibilities, look for online reviews to make sure it's going to do what you need it to. If you find a lot of complaints about the program, you'll know to steer clear of it, even if it is the most inexpensive one on your list.

Another great source for reviews is your personal network. Do you know other small business owners with companies similar to yours in size, or in a similar industry? Find out what software they're using, and how happy they are with it.

One of the most important decisions you'll make for your small business is which accounting software you'll use.

Take your time, weigh all of your options carefully, and get advice from trusted sources to help guide you to the right program for your company.

About the Author

Angie Mansfield is a freelance writer helping small businesses solve company issues such as finding the best accounting software.

Business Apps Could Save Your Company Time & Money

2013-04-30T22:43:53Z

Written by Andrew McWhirter, Managing Director, InfiniSYS Mobile APPS

Many people in business believe that their first foray into the world of apps, whether it be for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, Android Tablet or others, has to be something that is designed and developed for their customer - something gimmicky, something that solely promotes the business.

Unfortunately, uptake by customers can be ‘underwhelming’ and seen by many as ‘spam’ offering nothing more than a direct line to annoy the customer. Plus, unless your marketing budget is considerable and you desire better ‘bang for your buck’, then it might be best to consider your app from another angle.

Enter stage right, the business or enterprise app.

The mobile enterprise app is designed to help you manage information and workflow ‘internal’ of your business. Does your business have team-members filling out paperwork, then passing to another team member who enters the information into a database or system, downloads images or other repetitive tasks, all designed to produce reports, then finally passing to someone in Finance who produces an invoice to send to your customer? With an enterprise app, three of those four steps are now redundant.

READ THE APRIL EDITION OF BUSINESS REVIEW AUSTRALIA HERE

What if, through the design and development process of an app, your team member enters the information once at their presentation, their meeting, their appointment, their sales call, their inspection, then presses ‘SUBMIT’, and the job is done. It’s finished; it’s complete. It automatically pushes the data direct to your database, your system, with the full template report to your customer with invoice attached. That’s right, invoice and report automatically distributed to your customer, all while your team member is getting back into their car, heading off to their next appointment.

There’s no need to return to the office to complete the paperwork. There’s nothing missed, no mistakes. The order is in the system, done the same way, every time. Imagine the time that this could save for your business.

Let’s consider several real business examples here >>>

Arborist (AppStore): Arborists in NSW were taking up to 2 hours to perform the full function of their role. Now, through the use of the Arborist app, they save on average 75 percent of their time performing their primary function. At 10 jobs per week (48 weeks per year), $85 per hour, saving 1.5 hours per job, the average user is saving $ 61,200 PER ANNUM – With 4-10 arborists within a medium sized business, those savings can add up.
QLD State Emergency Service: SES Volunteers performed approximately 33,000 jobs annually. Through the use of the QLD SES app for iPhone, volunteers can save 37 minutes per job. That’s a saving of 19,700 hours annually. At a calculated rate of $44 per volunteer man-hour, that’s a saving to the QLD Government of $866,800, not to mention other direct and in-direct cost savings.

What type of device will best suit your needs?

Whatever platform you design on (Apple, Android or other) it should be able to integrate into your current system, so long as your existing software is not too old. The beauty of a business app is that the code can generally be developed to replace old systems; they can operate standalone to other systems, or integrate where needed.

If your needs require a device 5-6 hours a day (active use), then the Windows Tablet won’t work for you. It has a battery life of only 4 hours in use. The iPad and Samsung Tablet have 7.5 and 9 hours respectively. If you require great photos to be taken, then the Windows Tablet has only 1MP cameras mounted, whereas the Apple and Android devices range from 5MP up to 13MP (Samsung Galaxy S4 – 2013). You will need to keep an open mind to make sure the right device is chosen to suit your specific needs.

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Does your mobile app require connectivity, or can it be synced at the end of the day?

In all web-based solutions there is a need for connectivity. You need connection to move between online pages of your system. The benefit of an app is that it can be operated standalone of a connection. The entire process of your app can be performed offline only requiring connectivity to push or receive data/reports. Another benefit of an app is that your full day’s activity can be performed in an app, syncing at home at the end of day when connectivity is restored. If you require connectivity (an online web-based system), you will get stuck on page 1, and go no further. Result: Fail!

An app is really the only true mobile system for keeping your business on the go.

When it’s time to go to market?

An app is not a ‘set and forget’ process. There are updates and improvements needed. For example, if you built your app for the iPhone 4S, it might need to have it re-coded for the iPhone 5. This is just one example, but a simple one to demonstrate that you will need to keep up as the market changes.

An app will require a detailed implementation plan in order to successfully support your enterprise. It needs links through your website, information to share to customers, help and support. In the retail market, developers often put their app in the Apple Store or Google Market and think that the job is now done. In fact, it’s now only just begun. It’s now time to promote it, which means a marketing and communications plan, optimizing of your website, SEO, AdWords and more. This will require time and money.

These are just some of the points to consider when throwing around the idea of a mobile app for your business. Remember, it’s best to start with one step at a time and progress forward from there. For more information on whether a business app could work with your business, feel free to visit us at www.infinisys.com.au or email us at info@infinisys.com.au.

Future of Cloud Computing in 2013 & Beyond

2013-04-28T21:59:05Z

Written by Philip Richards

Initial use of the cloud computing services was led by businesses when they started to use it as a data backup tool and for archiving files. Then they started using it for operations that were less critical like web hosting, testing and development. But those were the early days of cloud computing and technology has transformed drastically from that point. Now the demand of cloud computing services by individual users is increasing. This is giving birth to several new uses for cloud computing, which are garnering a great reception from users.

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What can we expect from Cloud Computing in 2013 and beyond?

#1. Mobile Cloud Computing

The number of mobile phones users with smartphones is increasing at a phenomenal pace. With the increase in the number of smartphones users we will also witness an increase in the number of mobile website visitors. There is a limitation to the volume of data that can be stored on smartphones, so to overcome this hurdle operators, developers and end users will turn to cloud computing solutions that will be specifically designed to service the needs of smartphone users. There will be applications that will give simple and fast access to applications and data as and when it will be required by smartphone users. Indeed some businesses are already acknowledging the need for mobile cloud storage.

#2. Better Speed & Bandwidth

The very purpose of the cloud computing is to de-centralize the work environment thus giving you the freedom of working from anywhere. It also to gives you access to relevant data in the least amount of time. This is why in the coming years any cloud computing firm that wants to survive in this industry must be able to provide the services, which are not only reliable, but are available at ever increasingly high speeds. Already Google has given a glimpse of the change which will dominate the market, which is high-speed data connection. Google Fiber has started providing gigabit connections at affordable prices. This will stretch the other companies to live up to the expectations of the people.

#3. Software Application as a Service (SaaS)

As the speed of internet connections increase in the coming years more and more software will start providing other services through cloud computing. Adobe's Creative Cloud for example, is giving all its users access to all the adobe applications and many more features, allowing uses to work from any part of the world without compromising on the quality of the final product.

#4. Private Cloud Computing

There will be more and more companies that will be opting for private cloud computing services. This will be because the consumer will get a customized and secured service at competitive prices. This is why the business of providing private cloud services will get a big boost in the future due to the high demand and most likely at a higher cost or even just as their USP.

Conclusion

The I.T. industry has always been a rapidly changing market and with the creation of internet this speed has only increased due to the inter connectivity. The cloud will add on another level to this by making inter connectivity a personal possibility rather than simply a social tool. By allowing you to connect to your own online data as and when you please this will have a profound impact on not only how you use this data, but how you can allow others to share this data also.

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Could the Personal Cloud Replace the Personal Computer?

2013-04-18T16:41:54Z

According to Gartner, ‘the reign of the personal computer as the sole corporate access device is coming to a close, and by 2014, the personal cloud will replace the personal computer at the center of users' digital lives.’

Gartner analysts have states that the personal cloud will begin a new era that will provide users with a new level of flexibility with the devices they use for daily activities, while leveraging the strengths of each device, ultimately enabling new levels of user satisfaction and productivity. The report did however indicate that this shift would require enterprises to fundamentally rethink how they deliver applications and services to users.

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“Major trends in client computing have shifted the market away from a focus on personal computers to a broader device perspective that includes smartphones, tablets and other consumer devices,” said Steve Kleynhans, Research Vice President at Gartner. “Emerging cloud services will become the glue that connects the web of devices that users choose to access during the different aspects of their daily life.”

The past two years have been a whirlwind in the client computing space, leaving many enterprises asking what comes next and what the environment will look like in five years.

“Many call this era the post-PC era, but it isn't really about being 'after' the PC, but rather about a new style of personal computing that frees individuals to use computing in fundamentally new ways to improve multiple aspects of their work and personal lives,” Kleynhans said.

Several driving forces are combining to create this new era. These megatrends have roots that extend back through the past decade but are aligning in a new way.

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Business Review Australia highlights the megatrends emerging as the personal cloud overtakes the personal computer >>>

Megatrend 1: Consumerization - You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

Gartner has discussed the consumerization of IT for the better part of a decade, and has seen the impact of it across various aspects of the corporate IT world.

However, much of this has simply been a precursor to the major wave that is starting to take hold across all aspects of information technology as several key factors come together >>>

Users are more technologically savvy and have very different expectations of technology.
The Internet and social media have empowered and emboldened users.
The rise of powerful, affordable mobile devices changes the equation for users.
Users have become innovators.
Through the democratization of technology, users of all types and status within organizations can now have similar technology available to them.

Megatrend 2: Virtualization - Changing How the Game Is Played

Virtualization has improved flexibility and increased the options for how IT organizations can implement client environments. Virtualization has, to some extent, freed applications from the peculiarities of individual devices, operating systems or even processor architectures. Virtualization provides a way to move the legacy of applications and processes developed in the PC era forward into the new emerging world. This provides low-power devices access to much-greater processing power, thus expanding their utility and increasing the reach of processor-intensive applications.

Megatrend 3: "App-ification" - From Applications to Apps

When the way that applications are designed, delivered and consumed by users changes, it has a dramatic impact on all other aspects of the market. These changes will have a profound impact on how applications are written and managed in corporate environments. They also raise the prospect of greater cross-platform portability as small user experience (UX) apps are used to adjust a server or cloud-resident application to the unique characteristics of a specific device or scenario. One application can now be exposed in multiple ways and used in varying situations by the user.

Megatrend 4: The Ever-Available Self-Service Cloud

The advent of the cloud for servicing individual users opens a whole new level of opportunity. Every user can now have a scalable and nearly infinite set of resources available for whatever they need to do. The impacts for IT infrastructures are stunning, but when this is applied to the individual, there are some specific benefits that emerge. Users' digital activities are far more self-directed than ever before. Users demand to make their own choices about applications, services and content, selecting from a nearly limitless collection on the Internet. This encourages a culture of self-service that users expect in all aspects of their digital experience. Users can now store their virtual workspace or digital personality online.

Megatrend 5: The Mobility Shift - Wherever and Whenever You Want

Today, mobile devices combined with the cloud can fulfil most computing tasks, and any trade-offs are outweighed in the minds of the user by the convenience and flexibility provided by the mobile devices. The emergence of more-natural user interface experiences is making mobility practical. Touch- and gesture-based user experiences, coupled with speech and contextual awareness, are enabling rich interaction with devices and a much greater level of freedom. At any point in time, and depending on the scenario, any given device will take on the role of the user's primary device - the one at the center of the user's constellation of devices.

“The combination of these megatrends, coupled with advances in new enabling technologies, is ushering in the era of the personal cloud,” said Kleynhans. “In this new world, the specifics of devices will become less important for the organization to worry about. Users will use a collection of devices, with the PC remaining one of many options, but no one device will be the primary hub. Rather, the personal cloud will take on that role. Access to the cloud and the content stored or shared in the cloud will be managed and secured, rather than solely focusing on the device itself.”

Twitter & Apple Launch Music Streaming Service

2013-04-12T16:34:29Z

It has been reported that Apple and Twitter are both set to launch music streaming services, to rival the likes of Spotify and Pandora.

iRadio

Apple is creating a streaming service, initially for US customers, and is already close to securing license deals with Universal Music and Warner Music. The tech giant is also supposedly in negotiation with a third music label, Sony Music, however discussions have been described as ‘less advanced’.

Speculation suggests that the service, possibly named iRadio, will be launched later this year. That would secure Apple’s position in the digital music space, where its iTunes Music Store – which is ten years old this month – already makes it the biggest music retailer in the world.

Music streaming is a fast-growing space, where the number of subscribers grew by 44 percent in 2012 to 20 million.

Twitter Music

Meanwhile, word on the grapevine is that Twitter will be launching its own website optimised for music. The launch is expected to happen at this weekends Coachella music festival.

Twitter Music, which is being teased with a holding page, is thought to offer users a version of Twitter optimised for music streaming, including enhanced player tools supporting Soundcloud and iTunes, rich follower tools for favourite bands, suggestions and trends, and a recommendation service between friends.

Will Twitter and Apple rival the likes of Spotify and Pandora in the online music streaming arena?

Australian Developers

The service has been built by the We Are Hunted team, an Australian music discovery and sharing tool discreetly acquired by Twitter this year. The deal was only announced yesterday with a statement on the We Are Hunted site, which said, “While we are shutting down wearehunted.com, we will continue to create services that will delight you, as part of the Twitter team.

“There's no question that Twitter and music go well together. Artists turn to Twitter first to connect with fans, and people share and discover new songs and albums every day. We can't wait to share what we've been working on at Twitter... you will hear more from us.”

Apple and Twitter have not yet commented on the developments, however what remains to be seen is the impact these two services will have on the existing industry when they launch.

Travel Versus Teleconference: The Great Debate

2013-04-09T22:06:31Z

Written by Peter Walters

Read This Article In Our Digital Magazine

Like working in your pyjamas? Prefer a conference call over a six-hour flight?

These days travelling for business can be tedious and expensive. Luckily, new companies and technologies are enabling teleconferencing to make meetings with distributed workforces simple, and often times, free.

Despite that notion, there are still many businesses that need to sit down and analyse the pros and cons of travel and teleconferencing.

Among them >>>

Pros of Travel

Meeting face to face There’s something vitally important about having physical meeting with other people. We understand subtle cues from body language, eye contact and even something as seemingly simple as a handshake.
It shows that you’re serious Even if you just visit a client company for an hour from across the country, it shows them that your relationship is important-- that you care. The client recognises that you went above and beyond the call – the more affordable and “easy” option, and actually got on a plane. That says something.
See new parts of the world (or country) There’s something exciting about exploring the world, even if it’s for work. New cities are fun to explore, and sometimes your company will even pay for your food. Go visit an old friend when you’re done with your meetings.
Travel rewards and points Everybody loves free miles. When your company reimburses you for travel, you get the benefit of the points, without the costs. (Not to mention you are now free to drink vodka at 9 a.m!)
Evaluate your partners’ work A company’s office and culture speak volumes about their values, work ethic and overall professionalism. Travelling to meet your current or prospective partners could be enormously valuable in the long term. Maybe you’ll find yourself in a dirty garage thinking it was a fancy office. A quick trip will get to the bottom of your assumptions about a client or partner instantly.

Cons of Travel

Costs Travelling is expensive these days. Trains often cost more than planes sometimes. Not only do you need to purchase a plane ticket, but you’ll also need to book a hotel room, pay for food, and likely a whole host of other small expenses like cabs, presentation supplies and the like.
Sleep deprivation Companies are always trying to save money. In doing so, they’ll try to find the cheapest flights that they can. As such, you’ll often find yourself on the redeye flight, arriving at your destination at 4 a.m. Not fun, and you’ll probably be exhausted for your meeting all day.
You may get behind on work Many airlines still don’t have Wi-Fi for passengers to use, and when they do, you’re typically seated next to the most irritating person on the plane, right? Travelling for work can make you need to play catch up over the weekend. Between meetings, travel and food, you’re left little time to actually get your daily work done.
Family Families run like well-oiled machines. If something breaks for even a second (you travelling for a few days), the whole machine needs to be repaired (enter nanny, housekeepers, takeout food, etc). Your spouse will need to pick up the slack somehow when you’re gone. Keep this in mind before you raise your hand for a weeklong trip at work.

Teleconferencing also has its advantages and disadvantages >>>

Pros of Teleconferencing

Keep your “rhythm” Everyone has daily and weekly routines. Teleconferencing enables you to be “be there” without actually being there. When you go to the gym every day, have dinner with your family, and have other obligations at home, teleconferencing makes distant meetings easy, and your habits intact.
More people, more focus If you have a team or clients around the world, it’s not likely that everyone can make the meeting. Teleconferencing bridges the physical gap with a computer or phone line. Share documents or slides effortlessly to everyone across screens for webinars, trainings, or briefings.
Saving money While a con of travelling, this is a pro for teleconferencing. No hotels, flight or extra meal expenses. You can teleconference from the office or even at home. Sometimes it’s worth it.

Cons of teleconferencing

Body language Eighty per cent of communication habits occur non-verbally. By not travelling, you’re missing often important cues from customers or clients.
Focus Hello, are you listening? It’s easy to zone out and start doing other things when you’re on a conference call. A colleague comes by, you mute your line and attend to them for five minutes, all the while missing potentially important information on the call. It’s often tough to remain focused throughout an entire hour long call.
Difficult sharing Sharing documents, new collateral designs and slideshows is more difficult remotely. It’s possible using sites like SlideShare, but definitely not the same as holding a new prototype.

While these lists are not exhaustive, they should give you a good basis for deciding whether to take that next trip for work, or staying in the office (or at home) and picking up the phone.

If you have the money, and a visit will be valuable to strengthen a business relationship, take the trip. Make sure your family will be okay, that you don’t have any huge deadlines that need to be met while you’re gone, and generally that things will run smoothly in your absence.

If the meeting isn’t all that important, the client just “might” become a partner, it might be worth some conference calls first. It will likely save hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

About The Author

Peter Walters is a freelance writer for sites like Reputation.com, The Huffington Postand others. He is the Director of Business Dev. & Partnership for Two Degrees Foodand lives in San Francisco.

Vodafone Australia Launches 4G Network

2013-04-09T02:06:04Z

Vodafone Australia has announced it will switch on its 4G service in June 2013, several months after its close competitors Telstra and Optus. Vodafone will be the last major mobile network provider to switch on its 4G service, however many experts believe the firm is still well placed to dominate a large proportion of the market.

Independent telecommunications analyst Chris Coughlan told Smart Company, “Vodafone has more 1800 MHz spectrum than the other two operators.”

4G networks work using different frequencies and Vodafone has a much bigger portion of the 1800 MHz spectrum, considered by industry experts to be superior, compared to its competitors. This gives Vodafone a distinct advantage even considering its late arrival to the market.

Vodafone’s 4G speeds will be comparable to Internet speed from a wired ADSL line.

Yesterday, Vodafone Australia Chief Bill Morrow said the telecom firm will launch its 4G services in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Wollongong, Newcastle and the Gold Coast.

“Our customers have said they want faster speeds, more coverage, and a dependable network,” Morrow said in a statement.

“Our 3G+ and 4G technology provides them with the speed, and we will be adding nearly 2,000 additional sites this year to improve coverage for our customers where they need it most.”

Maintaining Network Advantage

Experts however have been keen to emphasise that Vodafone won't have the advantage forever. Telstra plans to add more frequency in the 900 MHz spectrum and in 2015 networks will have access to the 700 MHz spectrum, currently used for analogue television signals.

Vodafone isn't taking part in the auction for that spectrum – only Optus and Telstra will be bidding. Vodafone is using the money to upgrade its current network instead. “We have a long way to go but with our local call centre investment, our determination to eliminate bill shock for customers, and now our 4G network launch, we are well on track,” Morrow said yesterday.

Facebook Phone Revealed

2013-04-08T18:00:10Z

Last Thursday, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of the highly anticipated Facebook phone. However, the ‘phone’ is in actual fact a series of apps that work in sync to create a custom home screen for Android smartphones.

Facebook’s latest venture has been named Facebook Home and integrates all the social network’s current services into an operating system for Android phones. Users will be able to use all their app services such as Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Facebook Camera using Facebook Home.

Facebook Home Brings All App Services To One Home Screen

Facebook Home will also sync users Facebook messages directly with their phone, meaning they can easily and seamlessly connect with contacts via Facebook without having to login to a separate application. Furthermore, the operating system will bring together all contact details and merge them, so whether you receive a text message, a Facebook message or an email, they will all sync with the contact in one place.

A Social Focus

Unsurprisingly, Facebook Home also focuses on social elements. The home page of Facebook Home is called Cover Feed, and allows users to move through links, photos and status updates. Users will be able to interact with their Facebook easily from their phone, and Notifications will also be directed to the Cover Feed.

In the past, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly denied working on any sort of a Facebook phone. During the press conference last Thursday, Zuckerberg reiterated that strategy, saying even a “great phone"” could likely only sell up to 20 million units, reaching just 2 percent of the company's one billion active users.

Flexibility Is Key

Facebook Home won't be tied to one device or a single manufacturer. Starting April 12, Facebook will offer Home as a download in Google's Play store to select devices including Samsung's Galaxy S III and Galaxy S4, and the HTC One X. The plan is to update the app every single month, not only adding more features, but also support for more devices.

Facebook Works Closely With HTC

Facebook may not have launched an actual Facebook phone, however Zuckerberg still unveiled a new phone on Thursday, albeit one not built by the company. To show handset makers and software developers what a good Facebook Home experience entails,

Facebook worked closely with HTC to deliver the HTC First, a mid-range smartphone with a 4.3-inch screen and 5-megapixel camera. While not the most exciting device, it embodies the idea that Facebook Home isn't intended to be cutting-edge technology for early adopters, but something far more universal.

5 Ways to Nail the Right Invoicing Software

2013-03-26T03:11:53Z

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Written by Danny Gallagher

Nothing can be more daunting for a business of any size than trying to find the right software for its needs.

There are a seemingly endless number of brands and varieties that offer unique features and specialised implementation for all types of businesses.

Trying to find the one that fits your business can feel like a game of "Whack-a-Mole": As soon as you think you've found the right one, five more suddenly pop up into view. There are ways to find the right software that fits your invoicing needs.

1. Know Your Business

The first step to buying any critical piece of software for your business is to know what your business needs and how much or what exactly you need the software to handle.

Businesses of all sizes should find out or research exactly how big their business is and the volume of customers and average income they should expect the software to handle. They should also know the options available for their customers to pay their invoices (check, credit card, PayPal account, etc.) and the basics of their computer system, local network and internet connection. This will help the software vendor pinpoint the type of software that can meet their needs.

2. Bigger Isn't Necessarily Better

When it comes to technology, some people seem to think that buying the most advanced system, gadget or software means it can meet every need they have. This isn't necessarily the case.

Finding the right software – in any capacity or variety – means finding the one that meets your specific needs. Buying the biggest or most advanced software is overkill and can give you more than what you'll actually use to invoice your customers and vendors and that comes with a bigger price tag. If you have a relatively simple invoicing procedure or a modest customer base, a more basic package will not only save you money, it will also make it easier to learn and use on a regular basis.

3. Consult Your Accountant

Some software vendors or salesmen may have your best interests at heart, but they also run a business and need to make a buck just like anyone else. Sometimes it helps to seek an objective opinion that can step back and give you exactly what you need.

The best person to ask in these matters is a trusted accountant or someone from your business' accounting department. They constantly review and use invoicing software for their business on a daily basis and can easily point you in the right direction or to someone they trust who can set you up with the right software.

4. Know If You Should Go Online

The internet can present many obstacles when it comes to an invoicing procedure. Networks can lose their connection and if you have a software package that cannot work without the internet, you could find yourself dealing with sudden delays between your business and your clients. The internet also opens your network to destructive viruses or even curious hackers that can expose vulnerabilities and expose your business and even your customers' personal information.

These risks don't negate the positives of having an online invoicing software system but it does present other questions that should be asked before you plunk down the money for the software such as backup systems that can be used when your connection stalls or anti-virus software and internet security procedures to prevent leaks and hacks.

5. Know Your Learning Curve

Every software system takes some time to learn, no matter how computer literate you think you are. More complex systems make take some extra time to learn how to use to its fullest potential or require additional materials and training for you and your employees.

Any business owner will tell you that a little bit of preparation can go a long way and that includes choosing the right software to meet your particular needs. The key is to know what you need and what you're getting and equipping yourself with this information will lead you to the invoicing software that's right for you.

About the Author

Danny Gallagher is a freelance writer and reporter who covers a variety of topics, including invoicing software.

Despite High Tablet Sales, BYOD Discouraged Across Australia

2013-03-20T22:26:56Z

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Despite the rising popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) among workplaces (even Parliament) and a whopping 2.4 million tablets sold in Australia last year, a recent Telsyte survey revealed that most Australian businesses do not support employees bringing their own technology to work.

“Most organisations do not actively encourage or provide technical support for people to bring in their media tablets for work purposes,” Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi told Computerworld Australia.

Notwithstanding this lack of in-office support and the fact that personal residences are emerging as the primary tablet use location, Mr Fadaghi pointed out that a significant number of survey respondents reported using their tablets “for work-related email, similar to the rate of use of work email on personal smartphones.”

According to Telsyte’s estimates, more than five million Australians were using tablet computers by the end of 2012, with half of these users having purchased their device last year.

Device sales are expected to double in 2013 and by 2017, tablet use is forecast to reach the smartphone’s user base.

“Low cost and smaller form factor media tablets, typically without cellular connectivity, are shaping the market,” Mr Fadaghi said.

The ecommerce capabilities of the tablet appear endless: half of all media tablet users surveyed reported using their device to purchase a physical product or service, and categories such as event tickets and travel are rapidly climbing the ecommerce ladder.

Telsyte went on to forecast that more retailers will harness these trends and launch tablet-compatible shopping and catalogue apps this year.

“The explosion in commercial transactions on media tablets highlights the importance of a multi-screen strategy for digital advertisers and retailers,” Fadaghi said.

Optimise Your Marketing Strategy with Mobile

2013-03-17T19:37:42Z

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Contributed by Shaun Dobbin, Chief Executive, Gomeeki

It’s no secret that Australia has lagged behind the rest of the world when it comes to mobile marketing.

Industries such as the retail sector have been slow to take up digital marketing and ecommerce strategies. However, with so many global businesses using digital and mobile marketing successfully, many Australian companies have now begun to adopt this new channel to reach their customers.

The question now is how organisations can optimise a mobile marketing strategy to ensure they reach all of their customers in the most effective manner.

The Use of SMS Marketing

While significant amounts of traditional direct marketing such as email and leaflets go unread or unnoticed, 97 per cent of SMSs are opened typically within minutes of receiving the message.

With these results, it's no wonder this form of marketing is a trend that businesses including gyms, beauty salons, retail stores, cafes and dance schools are tapping into to try to drive better results for their marketing efforts.

But is it right for your business?

It’s all about the customer journey – organisations must understand where and how their customers will be consuming their message. For example, organisations need to take into consideration their customer’s time and their activities throughout the day – an SMS campaign targeted at a market most likely to be at home will engage differently with the campaign, compared to a consumer who is at work with little down-time throughout the day.

Additionally, it comes down to cost – is this the most cost effective way to be reaching an audience? Organisations will dedicate a significant amount of their marketing budget to an SMS campaign that isn’t as effective as it really could be.

Push Notifications and Location-Based Marketing

An organisation using SMS marketing can potentially halve the cost of this campaign through the use of push notifications and taking advantage of the data usage plans that consumers have already paid for. Some Smartphone apps allow users to evade SMS charges through using their mobile data and instead communicating via apps.

These changes have forced organisations to think about other ways they can target their consumers and customise their mobile experiences through this data package use.

While mobile data usage is still small compared to other data consumed, the rate at which it is increasing is proof that Australia is becoming more and more mobile based. Organisations must now recognise that mobile is one of the top devices used by consumers to search for products and services.

Organisations can target their consumers through tapping into their location and taking advantage of location-based technologies such as Google Places. It’s about being accessible via mobile – if one organisation is not found during a mobile search, their competitors certainly will be.

To take advantage of this rise in mobile search, organisations now literally have to get themselves on the (virtual) map. If they aren’t, they are more or less invisible.

Android vs. Apple iOS – How does this affect my business?

The mobile market is an innovative, fast and dynamic environment. Current figures show that Android controls almost two-thirds of the market share in Australia, with Apple’s iOS having roughly 25 per cent. However while the iOS market share is declining, Android numbers are steadily increasing driven by multi-vendor product support.

But which platform should organisations focus their mobile strategy on - Android or iOS? Apple users are slightly more inclined to spend time and money on their devices but Android dominates almost two thirds of the market - a percentage many organisations would not want to miss out on.

In order to get the most out of the mobile market, organisations will want to cover the entire market by strategically aligning their mobile communication channels. A mix of Android, iOS and tailored mobile web sites is paramount for effective and sustainable customer communication.

Consider the high penetration of Smartphone devices in Australia, the increasing penetration of these devices into daily lives and businesses, and the statistically shown rise in Smartphone usage - communication and interaction with customers is becoming increasingly more mobile and if organisations aren’t then they may just be lagging behind the competition.

About Gomeeki
Gomeeki is Australia's leading Mobile service provider for business mobile marketing solutions. They are experts in cloud based multi-screen solutions providing a range of unique services and strategies for all stages of the customer journey, underpinned by industry leading technology.

With a blue chip client base including the region's leading operators, service providers and consumer brands, Gomeeki has been a pioneer in the Australian mobile sector, helping deliver innovative and compelling services.

Teleworking: The New Way to Commute

2013-03-15T19:35:53Z

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This story originally appeared here in the March issue of Business Review Australia magazine.

Written by Tim Fawcett, General Manager Government and Policy at Cisco Australia and New Zealand

Until recently, the term telework was unfamiliar to many Australians. We have for a long time, however, understood the rewards of flexible work arrangements that empower employees with the freedom to work from home or anywhere away from the office. Last November, the Australian Government recognised and celebrated telework and Prime Minister Julia Gillard elevated the profile of telework into the mainstream when she opened the Telework Congress, which explored the concept of telework, its benefits, challenges and the barriers to its widespread adoption

Along with telehealth and telelearning, teleworking is an obvious return on the Government’s investment in the NBN. Video conferencing is a key enabler of effective teleworking, yet its thirst for bandwidth has meant that high definition video conferencing has been out of reach for many Australian businesses. The NBN is set to overcome the bandwidth barrier. It will increase the average broadband speed by 4.6-fold and supercharge the efficacy of teleworkers, providing access to seamless video conferencing, fast and formidable file transfers and access to cloud-based applications.

Telework Week (12-16 November 2012) was the first step in inspiring a national conversation on the benefits and challenges of teleworking. Those conversations will be within businesses and organisations’ leadership teams and with their employees as they begin to understand the many possibilities of telework.

Employers may focus on the productivity returns and cost benefits of teleworking. The most obvious of those returns is the time saved in commuting. Anecdotal evidence suggests staff give one hour back for every two hours they save in commute and up to 45 per cent of end users will work an extra 2-3 hours per day because they are able to work remotely. Teleworking also delivers office savings. For every three teleworkers, one desk can be discarded, saving between 2.8 and 9.3 square metres per teleworker depending on their seniority.

There are also benefits for employers and employees in improved workforce wellbeing. A Melbourne University report released during Telework Week concluded that teleworkcan create a positive attitude to work, lower stress, and give workers a greater sense of control; improve work-life balance, and contribute to a general sense of wellbeing. Employers know that a happy workforce is the key to productivity and job satisfaction and that translates to real savings through lower attrition rates.

Teleworking and mobility are innately interwoven. The Cisco Visual Networking Index also shows a revolutionary uptake of Internet connected devices by Australians (142 million by 2016) and some 23 million internet users by 2016: more than the current population. The huge increase in data flowing across mobile networks reflects Australians’ demand to be connected to networks where they want, when they want.

The community and businesses may also focus on how we leverage telework to facilitate greater gender equality. ABS statistics released in May 2011 show that women’s average full-time weekly earnings are 17.2 per cent less than men’s. The impact of caring responsibilities on women's patterns of work is a key causal factor of this imbalance. During the pre- and post-maternity period, parental leave and flexible work practices can help women to strike a balance between maternity and work. Teleworking can help foster a family-friendly workplace, complementing and facilitating measures like child-related emergency leave, school holiday adjusted leave and flexible hours.

Teleworking can also reduce barriers to employment. An estimated 340,000 unemployed Australians have a barrier to employment which would be at least partially overcome through telework. Engagement in the workforce by some of these individuals, who often include the disabled, will increase total economic output, increasing the overall welfare of citizens. People in rural and regional Australia and older Australians will also benefit with Deloitte Access Economics reporting that by 2020, some 10,000 jobs would be created outside of city centres through teleworking and some $3.2 billion would be added to GDP in 2020/21.

The environment also stands to benefit. Not only are teleworkers saving energy in the office by using half the energy than their office-bound colleagues, they’re also significantly reducing carbon emissions by avoiding the commute.

As the research continues to support the benefits of telework, the next step is about making teleworking happen. Businesses and organisations will need to develop policies; run pilot programs; and IT managers will need to procure telework enabling technologies which will facilitate more than just high quality video conferencing. Teleworkers need seamless and secure access to files and applications, as well as accountability tools that show the activity status of team members in real time. HR managers need the right policies in place, including workplace health and safety, to ensure that teleworkers are not disadvantaged but remain clearly accountable. Those managing teleworkers need to ensure that they are outcomes focused – perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome in the widespread uptake of telework in the Australian economy. This includes deliberate strategies to ensure teleworkers are not overlooked in promotions or special projects because they’re physically in the office less often.

If your organisation has not begun the telework conversation, now’s the time to start. Without the conversations, the benefits of teleworking will remain an enigma to many.

About the Author

Tim is the General Manager Government Affairs & Policy for Cisco in Australia and New Zealand. As a key member of Cisco’s public sector leadership team, Tim leads Cisco’s government engagement across all portfolios including digital productivity, health, education, emergency services and public safety, transport, infrastructure, defence, sustainability and environment.

Five Key Australian Domain Names are For Sale

2013-03-11T00:02:35Z

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Five high-profile web domain names – including the top-ranked Google search result for “Sydney” – are up for grabs, the News Limited Network reported.

If you have the means (and the use) for destination domains Sydney.com.au, Brisbane.com.au, Melbourne.com.au, Adelaide.com.au or the surprising fifth address Auction.com.au, now is the time to buy.

This collection of domains is reportedly worth upwards of $3.5 million and is being promoted primarily to large overseas investors.

"We're looking to sell to mainly an overseas company, maybe a large international corporation who is a diverse player in the media, retail, real estate and tourism industries,'' said Mike Robertson of Brisbane company Domain Guardians, who is brokering the deal.

"Any international corporation that's wanting to make a big power play into the Australian market and space, they would be a natural fit."

According to The Australian, the sites were first registered more than 20 years ago and are currently owned by companies involving three partners: former journalist Rod Ashcroft, businessman Michael Tancredi and IT-specialist Phill Bertolus.

The cities of Sydney and Melbourne have “released a joint tender” that would allow the states to operate their own gTLDs (generic top-level domains) for a nominal licensing fee to and to institute dot-vic and dot-nsw in place of dot-com.

Sydney.com.au is Google’s top search result when the name “Sydney” is entered, giving this particular domain even more commercialisation power.

“When you consider the Sydney economy in 2011 was worth $342 billion, what price then do you put on the commercial value and importance of sydney.com.au when the website comes up first in the Google search results?” asked Mr Robertson.

Other major cities including Paris, Berlin and New York City are also considering adding their own gTLDs – dot-paris, dot-berlin and dot-nyc, respectively – to their domain names.

According to Mr Robertson, the domain name Auction.com.au could become one of Australia’s biggest online sales platforms.

Rural Australia to Receive Broadband Coverage from Space

2013-03-07T07:16:29Z

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Broadband capabilities will stretch across Australia’s outback and regional areas with the help of two satellites scheduled to launch in 2015.

Federal communications minister Senator Stephen Conroy announced earlier this week that NBN Co has officially signed a $300 million contract with French company Arianespace, who will launch two “Ariane 5” rockets from a spaceport in Kourou, French Guinea.

Silicon Valley-based company Space Systems/Loral is building the satellites, which are expected to weigh about 6,000 kilograms at launch.

The project aims to connect 90 per cent of Australian homes to a quick internet connection by 2017.

"This is very exciting news. For the first time, families and businesses in the Australian outback will enjoy broadband connectivity that is as good – or even better – than in our cities,” Mike Quigley, CEO of NBN, said in a media release.

“Thanks to satellites, we will be able to reduce the digital divide and tackle the main challenges facing our huge continent, namely healthcare, education and trade."

The two NBN satellites will be the eighth and ninth Australian satellites launched by Arianespace, and the French company has two other Australian satellites on the docket for 2013.

"Arianespace is particularly proud of this opportunity to work with NBN and to participate in such an innovative project,” said Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

“For us, this is clear international recognition of the competitiveness of our launch services. It also reflects the validity of the space policy that Europe, under the impetus of France, has applied for the last 40 years."

Do You Know How to Dial-Up Quality in a VoIP Provider?

2013-03-02T23:12:14Z

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Contributed by Dave Thomas

Communications both amongst your employees and with your customers are two keys to running a successful small business.

So, what happens when you feel like both your in-house communications and those in interacting with your customers are not as good as they should be? In some cases, you can make some minor changes to try and better the issue, but other times it pays to find a better solution to the service needs of everyone involved.

One such service need is having the right communications system in place, something that any small business owner should never overlook. Without the right set up, important messages could be left waiting, meaning a potential sale or question/solution to a customer problem is not solved as expediently as it should be.

If one of your goals going into 2013 was to improve your communications approach, then you may want to dial-in to VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol.)

Also by Dave Thomas: Help! My Brand Has Fallen And Can't Get Up

In basic terminology, VoIP is a phone that offers built-in IP technology and transport options that allow you and your team to send and receive phone messages. With VoIP, your small business can expedite its daily needs, opening up the potential for additional sales and revenue.

If you decide to connect with VoIP this year, consider the following:

Finding the right provider - Start off your VoIP search by getting quotes from several different providers. Among the key areas to focus in on are products, costs, financial history and stability of the company, and customer service. Compare and contrasts the offers you get, along with seeking a free trial program so that you can try out the different options. If the provider attempts to get you into a contract from the start and applies a high degree of sales pressure, look elsewhere. You should not agree to any potential deal for product and service until you and your workers have had a chance to try out the new VoIP system.
Finding the right features - As you learn more about VoIP, you will come to know that the phone’s major offerings include a screen, keypad, microphone and speaker, handset, headset jack and Ethernet ports. With the right VoIP setup for you and your employees, you can all enjoy things such as video tele-conferencing, caller ID, call waiting, call transferring, speed-dialing, call forwarding, 3-way calling, and other key features. Some of these features can be great for your business when you have a few or many employees that travel for business. They can still stay in touch easily with the office and/or customers via VoIP.
Finding the savings - With VoIP, your small business can see over time savings, something that proves especially important today when many companies are trying to balance budgets. There are different calling plans available, including those that save you on long distance and even international business calling. Compare the different costs for each provider’s package of services, remembering that the cheapest isn’t always the best (see below);
Finding the best customer service - Just as you try your best when it comes to serving your customers, the same should hold true with the VoIP provider that you settle on. Your VoIP provider should offer excellent customer service, answering and solving any needs that you or your staff have. As previously mentioned, this is why having a free trial period is so important, allowing you and your team to work out the kinks before going ahead with full installation. Doing this also allows you to see how effective the provider’s customer service

If this is the year that your small business opts for VoIP, make sure you connect with the right provider, allowing you to connect even better with your team and customers.

About the Author

With 23 years of experience as a writer, Dave Thomas covers a wide array of small business topics, including how to find a quality VoIP provider.