Broadly speaking, office software refers to any computer application designed to increase workplace efficiency and productivity. As a blanket heading, it can refer to anything from specialized medical office software that helps administrative personnel keep track of patient records to the spreadsheets, word processors and email clients that are part of the fabric of just about every office on the continent.
Features and Advantages of Office Software
Office management software has a sweeping range of capabilities. It includes everything from desktop publishing software that allows you to produce professional-quality promotional materials to web conferencing software that lets you link in real time with clients and partners around the globe.
By and large, though, office desktop software consists of a suite of programs designed to enhance productivity and help workers organize, exchange and analyze data and information. These programs typically include spreadsheets, presentation organizers, database managers, graphics clients, contact information managers, email software and word processors.
Because office software is now ingrained in just about every modern place of business, you can't risk having your company be left behind simply because it doesn't use modern software tools. Even very small businesses and startups can benefit from the computerization of business records and day-to-day communications.
Popular Office Software Products
The Microsoft Office suite is so popular that it's become an unofficial standard in the business world. Even businesses that use Apple computers instead of PCs tend to use Microsoft's office software for Macs.
However, Microsoft is definitely not the only game in town. Sun Microsystems has the StarOffice suite, a cheap office software alternative that uses many of the same source codes as OpenOffice, which is a free office software suite. WordPerfect gave Microsoft Word a pretty good run for its money back in the early days of personal computing, and the WordPerfect Office family of programs is a very user-friendly alternative. Finally, EasyOffice has gained a foothold in some North American businesses.
It's important to remember that every suite of programs has advantages and disadvantages, which you should research prior to making a final decision. Since your company's productivity depends in large part on the tools your employees have at their disposal, this is not a decision you should take lightly.