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Buying Software and Storage on the Web
The concept: For years we've gone to the store to buy software, installed it by hand, and downloaded updates. But now you can get the applications you need online for less money and hassle. Some applications such as spreadsheets and word processing are free. The so-called "software as a service" model can be used for everything from accounting and payroll software to applications customized for your business that track sales and customer data. The shift from storing applications on your system to an online, on-demand model will help small businesses by making programs more affordable. The pitch from providers is to combine Web applications with online backups, so that entrepreneurs can outsource most of their tech needs and concentrate on their core business instead.
How it will change the way entrepreneurs do business: "The next two years will see more and more applications available on the Web, driving the cost down. You don't have to be all that technical to still be using technology that's pretty sophisticated in your business, because the vendor takes on the responsibility for all of the back-end issues." —Anita Campbell, entrepreneur and editor of SmallBizTrends.com
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