InfrastructureAs you review your business plan for 2010, you might want to consider these low-cost, some open source, some cloud sourced, software alternatives.
Customer Relationship Management
As an alternative to Salesforce.com, consider SugarCRM. View short video demos of the software’s capabilities. There are multiple versions from the free open source to the $3000 enterprise level, depending upon the level of support needed. If you like to be more ambitious Fat Free CRM, recently written about in Inc. magazine, is a free option as well.
Telephone (PBX, VOIP, etc)
A combination of an open source telephony platform, Asterisk, and Skype Business for international calling. Asterisk is an open source voice communications server that can be installed on any computer. Asterisk has many modules that can handle everything from a small business setup to an advanced call center. Features include integrating with existing PBX hardware, voice mail, public switchboard, automated voice response, and conference calling ability. If you are a company that routinely makes international calls, then the integration with VOIP (voice over internet) services like Skype can save loads of money over traditional services.
Payment Processing
Most small businesses look to their local banks to setup a merchant account for credit card processing who ,in turn, typically charge hefty rates. Escape the higher fees by looking at alternative payment systems from Paypal, Intuit, or a new mobile entry called Square.
- Paypal, who has been dominant in online payments, also offers a virtual terminal service for small businesses. Hook up the $80 dollar card swipe to automate it further. Works best for online businesses who need to capture some walk-in payments.
- Intuit, makers of all things financial for small business, offer a more sophisticated POS that can also do some inventory tracking. The partnership with HP gives the small business an easy bundled solution. Works best for businesses already using Quickbooks that like a ready made solution. As a bonus, businesses needing mobile payment systems can get paid on the go.
- Square, a new entry into mobile processing, holds some promise for taking payments directly through your iPhone. As of yet, owning to the startup nature of the company, their site does not explain processing rates or any reporting ability. The verdict is still out.
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