10 Best Screen Recording Software Tools for Your Small Business

10 Best Screen Recording Software Tools for Your Small Business

by | Dec 6, 2023 | Blog

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Screen recording software enables you to take a digital recording of the contents of a computer screen. Whether it’s making compelling video tutorials, marketing your business to customers online, or capturing the desktop activity of employees so you can see how efficiently your staff are interacting with customers and using technology, screen recording software is a vital tool for small businesses.

Our Methodology: Criteria for Selecting the Best Screen Recording Software

When it comes to choosing the best screen recording software for small businesses, certain key factors need to be considered for optimal performance and utility. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most significant) and listed in descending order of importance.

Recording Quality and Resolution (10/10)

High-quality recording capabilities, including resolution and clarity, are paramount for professional-grade videos.

User Interface and Ease of Use (9/10)

The software should be user-friendly, allowing users to navigate and operate the recording features easily, even without extensive technical knowledge.

Editing and Post-Production Features (8/10)

Robust editing tools for refining recordings, adding annotations, effects, and transitions are crucial for producing polished final videos.

screen recording software

Performance and Reliability (8/10)

Stable performance without lagging or crashing during recording is essential, especially for capturing live streams or important meetings.

Compatibility with Operating Systems and Devices (7/10)

The software should be compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems to ensure flexibility and usability across different platforms.

File Export and Sharing Options (7/10)

Versatile export options and efficient sharing capabilities are important for distributing the recorded content in various formats and through multiple channels.

Customization Options (6/10)

The ability to customize recording settings, such as screen area, audio inputs, and frame rate, allows users to tailor the software to specific needs.

Security and Privacy Measures (6/10)

Effective security features to protect sensitive information captured in screen recordings are vital, especially for business use.

Cost-Effectiveness (5/10)

The software should provide a good balance between features and cost, ensuring affordability for small businesses without compromising on essential functionalities.

Customer Support and Learning Resources (5/10)

Accessible customer support and helpful resources for troubleshooting and mastering the software can significantly enhance the user experience.

By evaluating these criteria, we aim to assist small business owners in selecting screen recording software that effectively meets their specific business requirements, ensuring high-quality outputs and ease of use.

screen recording software

Best Screen Recording Software

Take a look at the following 10 best screen recording software tools for your small business.

iSpring Free Cam

What’s great about the iSpring Free Cam is that it’s, well, free! This easy-to-use screen recorder has a built-in video and audio editor. You can create screencasts and make the videos look professional with ease. Furthermore, despite being free, iSpring doesn’t have ads and doesn’t come with watermarks.

Snagit

Snagit is a software app used for screen recording and screen capture. With this innovative software, you can record parts of your screen that need emphasizing and share with colleagues or clients.

With Snagit you can set a professional tone for your communications with ease. Snagit charges a one-time purchase fee of $49.95 for screen recording software that can be installed on two devices.

DVDVideoSoft Free Screen Video Recorder

This is another free screen video recorder allowing you to record the activity on your screen. You can either save the recordings to MP4 files or print them directly from the program window. With the Free Screen Video Recorder, you can capture multiple objects and windows including multi-level menus.

CamStudio

CamStudio allows you to produce a screen-in-screen video. With a built-in SWF Producer, this video recording software also allows you to convert AVI format into Flash. You can download the CamStudio desktop screen recording software for free.

screen recording software

Ezvid

Ezvid is a comprehensive and fun screen recording and editing software tool for Windows. Videos created with Ezvid are shared in high resolution. You can make changes to the videos with the editing tool, including changing the speed, rearranging the footage, adding image slides and much more.

What’s more, Ezvid is free to download.

Camtasia

Camtasia is an all-in-one, easy-to-use screen recording and editing software allowing you to create professional and compelling videos without being an expert. With Camtasia, you can record anything on your screen and then add images, audio and even PowerPoint presentations. You can also give your videos a polish by adding highlights, animation, titles, transitions and more.

Camtasia doesn’t come cheap however, costing $199.00 for a single user license.

Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

Apowersoft is a in-browser screen recorder that, despite being free, has no time limits for use or watermarks. You can record your whole screen or select specific areas with this screen recording software, which is ideal if you are recording a clip for YouTube and don’t want to have to rely on a video editor in order to resize it.

FlashBack Pro

FlashBack Pro is a lightweight screen recorder. You can record anything on your screen, including Skype calls and webcam. FlashBack Pro enables you to create demos and tutorials, striking presentations and professional blog videos. You can share your videos online or in any format.

A FlasBack Pro Business License costs $99 and covers a lifetime of use.

TinyTake

TinyTake is a fast way to screen capture, record videos and share them, all for free. This screen recording software is available with Microsoft Windows and Mac. You can add comments to your videos and share them with others within minutes with TinyTake.

Skype for Business

Skype for Business provides a series of powerful collaboration tools, one of which is screen recording. With Skype for Business, you can record your Skype business meetings and presentations. You can then access and share the recordings with colleagues and clients with ease.

Comparing the Top Screen Recording Software for Small Businesses

To assist in selecting the best screen recording tool for your business, here’s a detailed comparison of the top 10 software options.

Software Key Features Price Ideal For Special Remarks
iSpring Free Cam Video and audio editing Free Basic screencasting Ad-free, watermark-free
Snagit Screen capture and recording $49.95 (one-time) Professional communication Can be installed on two devices
DVDVideoSoft Free Screen Recorder Activity recording Free Simple screen recording Saves recordings as MP4 or prints directly
CamStudio Screen-in-screen video Free AVI to Flash conversion Built-in SWF Producer
Ezvid High-resolution editing Free Fun, comprehensive editing Includes speed change and image slides
Camtasia All-in-one recording and editing $199 (single license) Professional video creation Adds animations, titles, transitions
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder In-browser recording Free Online, resizable recording No time limits or watermarks
FlashBack Pro Lightweight recording $99 (lifetime) Demos, tutorials, presentations Business license available
Skype for Business Collaboration and recording Part of Skype subscription Business meetings and presentations Integrated with Skype tools
TinyTake Quick capture and sharing Free Fast, simple screen capturing Available for Windows and Mac

screen recording software

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Screen Recording Software

Ensure you choose the right screen recording software for your business needs by considering these essential factors. The correct software can significantly enhance your productivity and the quality of your presentations, tutorials, or any other project that requires screen recording.

  • Cost vs. Features
  • Ease of Use
  • Editing Capabilities
  • Output Quality
  • Compatibility
  • Specific Needs of Your Business

Cost vs. Features

Balance the pricing with the range of features offered. While budget constraints are a reality, it is important to consider the long-term benefits of more feature-rich software.

More expensive options often provide a wider range of functionalities, such as higher quality recordings, more file format options, or advanced editing features, which could be crucial for your business needs.

Ease of Use

Look for user-friendly interfaces, especially for less tech-savvy users. A straightforward and intuitive interface will allow users of all skill levels to effectively use the software without extensive training. This can save time and reduce frustration, especially in environments where screen recording is a frequent task.

Editing Capabilities

Consider if advanced editing tools are needed for your projects. Depending on the nature of your work, you might require software with built-in editing tools for adding text, effects, or annotations. This can be particularly important for creating professional-quality instructional videos or presentations.

Output Quality

Ensure the software provides the quality (e.g., resolution) you need. High-resolution and clear audio are key for creating engaging and professional content. Ensure the software can record at the necessary resolution and frame rate to meet the standards of your projects.

Compatibility

Check if the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows/Mac). Software compatibility is crucial to avoid technical issues and ensure smooth operation.

Some software may offer different features or performance depending on the operating system, so choose one that is optimized for your specific environment.

Specific Needs

Identify if you need special features like in-browser recording or screen-in-screen video. Depending on the specifics of your projects, you may require unique features like the ability to record within a web browser, capture webcam footage alongside screen recording, or integrate with other software.

Ensure the screen recording tool you select can meet these specific requirements to enhance the effectiveness of your work.

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20 Free Data Recovery Solutions for Small Businesses

20 Free Data Recovery Solutions for Small Businesses

by | Dec 6, 2023 | Blog

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The best way to protect your small business from data loss is to always back-up your data. However, sometimes, data loss just sneaks right on you. It could be as a result of incompatible software, data corruption, hacking, accidental deletion or even a simple power surge or outage. Whatever the case, there are some free data recovery tools that could help you get back your lost data.

Benefits of Free Data Recovery Tools for Small Businesses

Free data recovery solutions offer a range of benefits for small businesses, which often operate with limited resources and tight budgets. These benefits include:

  1. Cost Efficiency: The most apparent benefit is the cost savings. Free data recovery tools eliminate the need for expensive software purchases or professional recovery services, which can be a significant financial burden for small businesses.
  2. Ease of Use: Many free data recovery tools are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible even to individuals with limited technical expertise. This means small businesses can perform data recovery in-house without the need for specialized IT staff.
  3. Immediate Availability: In the event of data loss, free recovery tools can be quickly downloaded and used immediately. This reduces downtime and allows businesses to swiftly address data loss incidents.
  4. Versatility: These tools often support a variety of file types and storage devices, making them versatile for different data recovery needs, from hard drives to USB flash drives and memory cards.
  5. Regular Updates: Free software often comes with regular updates, providing improvements and new features over time, which can enhance the data recovery process.

However, it’s important to note that while free data recovery solutions offer these benefits, they may not always provide the same level of sophistication or customer support as paid options. Small businesses should assess their specific needs and the criticality of their data before relying solely on free solutions.

free data recovery

Choosing the Best Free Data Recovery Tools for Small Businesses: Our Methodology

At Small Business Trends, we understand the critical importance of data recovery solutions for small businesses. Data loss can be a significant setback, impacting operations, customer trust, and overall business continuity. When selecting the best free data recovery solutions, we consider several key criteria. Here’s how we evaluate these solutions using a scale of one to ten, with ten being reserved for the most important factors:

  1. Effectiveness in Data Recovery (Scale: 10/10)
    • Ability to recover a wide range of file types.
    • Success rate in recovering data from different scenarios (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, etc.).
  2. Ease of Use (Scale: 8/10)
    • User-friendly interface for seamless navigation.
    • Minimal technical knowledge required for operation.
  3. Compatibility (Scale: 9/10)
    • Support for various operating systems and file systems.
    • Compatibility with different types of storage devices.
  4. Speed of Recovery (Scale: 7/10)
    • Time efficiency in scanning and recovering data.
  5. Security and Privacy (Scale: 10/10)
    • Ensuring that the recovery process is secure and maintains data privacy.
    • No risk of further data damage or loss during recovery.
  6. Customer Support and Resources (Scale: 6/10)
    • Availability of support for troubleshooting.
    • Access to helpful resources like guides or FAQs.
  7. Software Updates and Maintenance (Scale: 7/10)
    • Frequency and quality of updates for improved functionality and bug fixes.
  8. Limitations of the Free Version (Scale: 8/10)
    • Understanding the constraints of the free version, like data recovery limits or lack of advanced features.

By carefully evaluating these criteria, we aim to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with reliable and effective data recovery solutions that cater to their unique needs.

free data recovery

Free Data Recovery Tools

Recuva

This is an incredibly powerful tool for recovering data. It is available in both free and paid editions, and it can recover files from external drives (USB drives, etc.), hard drives, BD/DVD/CD discs, memory cards. Use Recuva to recover data from Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista and XP. Including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Pandora Recovery

Pandora Recovery has a paid edition that you can put on a USB disk to recover an operating system drive and a free version that you can use to recover data from secondary drives.

Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery Software

While they also have paid options, Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery solution offers a wide range of features, including the ability to recover lost or deleted files emptied from Recycle bin, recover data from lost or deleted partition, recover deleted emails, photos, audio and videos among many other features.

PC INSPECTOR

Expect thorough inspection and file recovery from this Windows compatible tool. PC INSPECTOR recognizes all types of data and you can use it to recover deletions and even total volume loss.

free data recovery

FreeUndelete

As the name suggests, FreeUndelete is a free tool that you can use to recover deleted files. This is a simple, efficient tool. Pressed SHIFT-DEL or emptied the Recycle Bin? No problem. This tool will recover your files.

ADRC Data Recovery Software Tools

The ADRC Data Recovery Software Tools contains a collection of data recovery tools that support a wide variety of file systems and drives. The tool zooms in to complete critical recovery functions like disk image backup, undeleting files, disk cloning, editing and restoring boot parameters and restoring backup image, among other roles.

NTFS Data Recovery Toolkit

The NTFS Data Recovery Toolkit is built specifically for NTFS volumes. This toolkit comes loaded with data recovery tools, partition manager and disk editor. All tools contain instructions on how to use them.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

This is another great recovery tool that features both free and paid versions. Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to undelete files from optical drives, memory cards, hard drives, and pretty much anything else that Windows recognizes as a storage device.

free data recovery

Wise Data Recovery

The Wise Data Recovery Tool allows you to get back deleted documents, videos, photos and emails from your removable or local drives for free.

CD Recovery Toolbox

CD Recovery Toolbox is a free tool that is designed to recover files from damaged or corrupted optical drive discs — CD, Blu-Ray, HD DVD, DVD, etc. This tool should help you recover files from discs that have surface spotting, chipped or scratched.

UndeleteMyFiles Pro

UndeleteMyFiles Pro is another amazing free tool that allows you to recover accidentally deleted files from SD cards, hard disks, USB flash drives and other storage media.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

The MiniTool Power Data Recovery tool is a data recovery tool that’s available in both free and paid editions. The Free edition will help you to recover lost, deleted, formatted and corrupt files with ease.

free data recovery

TOKIWA DataRecovery

TOKIWA DataRecovery is an effective, standalone data recovery program. It is easy to use, featuring a single program window where you can sort and scan files and undelete them. This tool recovers files from memory cards, USB drives, hard drives, and other external drives.

Bplan Data Recovery

This free data recovery tool can help you to recover lost data even after you have formatted your Laptop or desktop computer hard drive. Bplan unfortunately only works with Windows 7, 8 and XP.

TestDisk

TestDisk is designed to repair drives that are no longer bootable and recover lost partitions. This tool is able to repair most file systems (FAT, NTFS, EXT). It runs under most versions of Linux, BSD, Windows and Mac operating systems.

Active UNERASER

Active UNERASER is a freeware software that you can use to recover deleted files as well as damaged folders located on Unix UFS/XFS, Apple HFS+, Linux Ext2/Ext3/Ext4/BtrFS, NTFS, FAT and exFAT fikle systems.

free data recovery

SoftPerfect File Recovery

SoftPerfect File Recovery is a free tool that you can use to rescue and restore data that was accidentally deleted from USB flash disks, floppy disks, SD cards, hard disks and other storage media.

Undelete 360

This is one of the best programs to use when recovering accidentally deleted files. Undelete 360 is built on a fast and efficient algorithm that will allow you to browse, search, and recover files.

PhotoRec

This is one of the best data recovery tools. This free to use software is widely applauded for its powerful recovery abilities. Use PhotoRec to recover data like videos, pictures and documents from a wide range of devices ranging from digital cameras to hard disks.

Restoration

This is an easy to use and straight forward tool for undeleting files that were directly deleted from Windows or removed from the recycle bin. Restoration does not require installation and works with NTFS and FAT as well as digital cameras cards.

Software Supported Systems Supported Devices Key Features
Recuva Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP (32-bit and 64-bit) External drives, Hard drives, BD/DVD/CD discs, Memory cards Recover files from various devices, supports multiple Windows versions
Pandora Recovery Windows (USB disk for OS drive recovery) Secondary drives Recover data from secondary drives, USB option for OS drive
Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery… Windows Hard drives, partitions, emails, photos, audio, videos Recover lost/deleted files, emails, media, partitions
PC INSPECTOR Windows Hard drives, memory cards, other storage devices Recover deletions and total volume loss
FreeUndelete Windows Hard drives, memory cards, other storage devices Recover deleted files (including from Recycle Bin)
ADRC Data Recovery Software Tools Windows Hard drives, memory cards, other storage devices Disk image backup, undeleting files, disk cloning, restoring boot parameters
NTFS Data Recovery Toolkit Windows (NTFS volumes) Hard drives, partitions, other storage devices Data recovery, partition manager, disk editor
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Windows Optical drives, Memory cards, Hard drives, other storage devices Recover undeleted files from various storage devices
Wise Data Recovery Windows Removable or local drives Recover deleted documents, videos, photos, emails
CD Recovery Toolbox Windows (Optical drives) CD, Blu-Ray, HD DVD, DVD Recover files from damaged or corrupted optical drive discs
UndeleteMyFiles Pro Windows SD cards, Hard disks, USB flash drives, other storage media Recover accidentally deleted files from various media
MiniTool Power Data Recovery Windows Hard drives, memory cards, other storage devices Recover lost, deleted, formatted, and corrupt files
TOKIWA DataRecovery Windows Memory cards, USB drives, Hard drives, External drives Recover files from various storage devices
Bplan Data Recovery Windows 7, 8, XP Laptop/Desktop computer hard drives Recover lost data even after formatting
TestDisk Linux, BSD, Windows, Mac OS Hard drives, partitions Repair drives, recover lost partitions
Active UNERASER Unix UFS/XFS, Apple HFS+, Linux Ext2/Ext3/Ext4/BtrFS, NTFS, FAT, exFAT Various file systems Recover deleted files and damaged folders on various file systems
SoftPerfect File Recovery Windows USB flash disks, floppy disks, SD cards, Hard disks Rescue and restore accidentally deleted data
Undelete 360 Windows Hard drives, memory cards, other storage devices Recover accidentally deleted files
PhotoRec Windows, Mac OS, Linux Digital cameras, hard disks Recover videos, pictures, documents from various devices
Restoration Windows (NTFS, FAT) Hard drives, digital camera cards Undelete files, works with NTFS and FAT

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Small Business Grants with a December Deadline

Small Business Grants with a December Deadline

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Blog

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With a month left in 2023, there’s still time for small businesses to apply for grants to cover various expenses or kick off new projects for 2024. Luckily, there are plenty of programs currently accepting applications across the U.S. Read on for a list.

York County 2023 BLOOM Grant Program

York County, Pennsylvania is supporting women-owned small businesses through its 2023 BLOOM Grant Program. The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, which is a program of the York County Economic Alliance, is facilitating the program. Eligible women-owned businesses in the county can apply for grants of up to $1,500, with total amounts based on need and potential impact. December 1 is the deadline to apply.

grants with a december deadline

California Drought Grants

California is currently providing grant funds for small agricultural businesses that have been financially impacted by severe drought and/or flooding. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $100,000, with various criteria and rules for businesses in different drought and/or flood groups. December 1 is the final deadline to apply.

Crisfield Small Business Retention Assistance Grant

Crisfield, Maryland is allocating $150,000 of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to a new small business grant program. The Small Business Retention Assistance Grant plans to award $3,000 grants to 50 local shops, which they can use to cover various operational needs. Qualifications include having at least one year in business, fewer than 25 employees, and not being part of a franchise or national corporation. December 5 is the due date for applications.

The Coramino Fund

Gran Coramino®Tequila, a tequila brand founded by comedian Kevin Hart and tequila maker Juan Domingo Beckmann, is launching a new round of applications for The Coramino Fund. This program provides grants and educational programming to Black and Latinx entrepreneurs around the country. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $10,000 now through December 5.

North Sacramento Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program and Transformative Reinvestment Grant Program

The city of Sacramento is dedicating $3.5 million to a new round of grant funding, which will support small businesses and nonprofit organizations in North Sacramento through two separate programs. The first program, the North Sacramento Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program is available to small businesses and nonprofits located along either Marysville Boulevard or Del Paso Boulevard. Eligible businesses can apply for between $5,000 to $30,000 to cover various exterior enhancements. The second grant, the North Sacramento Transformative Reinvestment Grant Program, is for small businesses and nonprofits within District 2 boundaries. Funds can be used to create or retain jobs, or expand existing programs or services. Applications for both programs are due by December 5.

Waynesboro Business District Resurgence Grant

Waynesboro, Virginia recently received a $100,000 grant from the state to help local businesses with everything from ecommerce consulting to facade improvements. The Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant is meant for businesses in downtown or neighboring areas. Waynesboro plans to use these funds to expand its current façade grant program to a larger area and reach a larger number of underserved businesses. Applications are due by December 20.

Canton CARES Small Business Grant Program

Canton, New York is currently running its Canton CARES Small Business Grant Program. Local small businesses with less than 25 employees that faced hardships due to the pandemic may qualify for grant funds. Canton’s Office of Economic Development is pre-screening applicants to make sure they meet the criteria. So interested businesses should reach out to the office for more details and application materials. December 20 is the deadline to submit an application.

Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program

The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program is currently open for businesses in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to apply for grants. Eligible businesses can apply for funds to cover various physical improvements like painting and signage. This is the second round of funding for the program, and it is not open to businesses that received funds during the first round. Businesses not selected in the first round may reapply for the second round. Applications for this funding round are due by December 31.

King County Department of Local Services Storefront Repair Program

King County, Washington is launching a new grant program to support small businesses in unincorporated King County that have experienced vandalism or break-ins since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The King County Department of Local Services Storefront Repair Program is open to small businesses with ten employees or less that have experienced damage from vandalism since March 2020. The program provides a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to repair and restore storefronts. The application period closes December 31.

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Managed Services are the Way Forward for Accounting Firms, and They Need to Move Fast

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Blog

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Today, accountants are expected to go beyond providing traditional services like day-to-day accounting, bookkeeping, financial reporting, auditing, and tax filing. Clients also expect insights on an organizational level, like how to curb spend, identifying new revenue sources, and accelerating company growth. However, to provide these bespoke services with excellence, accounting professionals require a holistic view of their clients’ businesses while they’re efficiently running their own firm’s operations.

“Managed services,” as these offerings are known, will soon be something clients look for, first and foremost, so it’s wise for accountants to start reconfiguring their tech stack right away. The financial world is changing more rapidly than ever, and the only way to effectively remain ahead of the curve is to find software that sets the pace appropriately fast. Here are some key considerations for accounting firms, particularly small and medium sized businesses, to have in mind when upgrading to offer managed services.

Setting Up the Client

The foundation for great accountant-client collaborations begins at the bottom of the tech stack itself. There has to be at least a base level of communication between the two systems to ensure accuracy of records, ease of financial transfers, and the utmost security.

When deciding on a platform upon which to offer managed services, vendors need to look beyond their own needs and consider the ways in which clients might interface with the chosen software. Managed services have to go both ways—the client’s system must include flawless integration with the one chosen by the vendor, and vice versa.

Good news: The easiest way to accomplish this feat is also the most effective and cheapest one. Accountants can look for supporting software, built by the same vendor, that exists as part of a larger tech ecosystem. This enables the vendor running their own business with complete transparency across the organization and inserting client updates into workflows and pipelines effortlessly, as the two pieces of software were built either in conjunction with, or in support of, one another. Often, the client-facing software is one they’ve been using anyway; or, if it’s something new for the client, most modern financial tech includes options for customization and scalability, ensuring the transition from one platform to another goes smoothly.

Don’t forget that with transparency into client finances, accounting firms can begin to offer insights with pinpoint accuracy, beginning a true partnership with clients.

Seeking Baseline Functionality

The right software solution for accountants will be able to evolve alongside the company itself, but without meeting the needs of that company today, the software will fall flat and stifle growth from the get-go.

Many of the offerings available meet those needs, and then some. Accountants can look for software equipped with industry-first functionalities built from the ground up for distributed firms, including AI-driven anomaly detection for client records; built-in collaboration through chat, voice, or video calls; and a unified platform to act as a single source of truth for all client services. That last point is of particular importance: accurate consolidation of financial records is perhaps the single most critical aspect of great software. If a vendor’s software can’t match the functionality of, say, a calculator, there are problems right away.

Of course, the goal of any accounting firm offering managed services is to grow its client base, meaning the software has to be intuitive so new employees can quickly get up-to-speed and offer supreme customer service, kicking off a word-of-mouth cycle that will begin attracting new customers.

Further Customization

For even more interoperability, accountants have to look at how customization is treated within a vendor’s system. Some platforms offer tools with which accountants can implement precise solutions and specifications in calibrating software; and, when it comes to considering software upon which large financial transactions will be executed, the more specific an accounting firm can be with their tech, the better.

As the SaaS industry has grown, companies have begun introducing enterprise-grade features into software intended for small and medium sized businesses, affording accounting firms of all sizes the opportunity to compete with bigger players. This often takes one of two forms: an extension marketplace and a developer portal.

The ability to add extensions to accounting software ensures firms are always running at their fullest potential. A vendor’s marketplaces offer a wide range of options often influenced by the needs of their other customers, no matter how particular. This also ensures these additional solutions are based on real-world business cases rather than theoretical ones cooked up by developers with no accounting experience. Vendors who place a premium on customer satisfaction will often offer many of these extensions for free, or for only a nominal fee. In fact, some marketplaces allow for third party developers to upload their own solutions and collect 100% of the profits, opening an additional revenue stream.

For even further customization, accountants might consider a platform that includes a developer portal for building extensions themselves. It might sound like this option is only suited for hardcore programmers with a comprehensive technical background, but low code technology has become a staple of SaaS, and companies will find it put to good use within these portals. All employees at accounting firms, even those with a significant lack of technical know-how can complete extensions of their own to elevate the software they already run, offering the ability to tweak to a company’s exact specifications.

Software for All Seasons

The decision on small business software is not to be taken lightly. Choosing the right one is like hiring for manager-level positions within a company—employees will be working with the technology on an everyday basis for just about every task. It must support the work they are already doing and empower these same employees to easily go above-and-beyond. Clients will feel secure if their accounting firm is looking to the future; that’s where true success can be found, together.

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