The Shortlist

Need accounting software? Get free reviews now...

Accounting software forms the essential software back-bone for your organisation. Whether you are running a large or a small organisation, accounting software is integral to a successful operation. But which software should you use to manage your accounts?

Thanks to our recent reviews, you don't have to wonder any more. Our accounting software expert has looked in detail at ten leading solutions and run them through their paces to produce a 22 page report with ratings, commentary, and even a feature map. It covers: Clarity Accounting, Clearbooks, KashFlow, MoneyWorks, MYOB, Peachtree, QuickBooks, Saasu, Simply Accounting & Xero.

For a limited time, you can get the report for FREE. Simply click the link below, register your details, and download the full 22 page PDF report. You may think our brains have been addled by too much World Cup, and perhaps your're right, but that aside, we figure that giving you a free taste of our high quality reviews may prompt you to think of Software Shortlist's independent reviews next time you're looking for software. 

Download your free accounting review pack now

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Software pricing models: some tips on what to look for

Did you know that you can tell a lot about a software product, simply by looking at how it is priced?  That's the argument made by Tyler King over at the Less Annoying Software blog, and we tend to agree that it's a useful indicator.

Tyler puts forward a handy review of common software pricing models, together with his thoughts on what this says about the software vendor and their product. Pricing models covered in his post are:

(1) The software is completely free
(2) There is a limited free version, but you have to pay for the full version
(3a) There is a free trial after which point you have to pay
(3b) There is a free trial but you have to give your credit card info to start the trial
(4a) You pay full price up front
(4b) You pay a setup fee in addition to the normal price

Read the full blog post here...

What do you think? Is pricing model a useful indicator of what software will be like?  If you've got a view, hit reply to this newsletter and share your thoughts with us. If we get enough responses, we'll publish your collective feedback on this topic in our next issue.

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Independent software reviews

Software reviews are widely available on the world wide web. On the one hand, this is great: a useful review can make all the difference when it comes to deciding which software to buy. But on the other hand: many of the so-called "reviews" out there aren't worth the LCD screen they're displayed on.

Here are some factors to consider in working out how reliable a given software review is:

• Is it an unbiased judgement or simply an “advertorial” promotion?
• How qualified is the reviewer? Do they understand both business & technology?
• Did they use a systematic process, or just rely on gut feel?

Here at Software Shortlist, we pride ourselves on delivering high quality, reliable, independent software reviews for small business. So, we’ve put the hard word on ourselves and published a clear software review policy that addresses many of the questions and concerns that people typically raise when looking at software reviews.

As you’ll see from the policy, Software Shortlist’s software reviews are:

• Unbiased, editorially independent reviews
• Conducted by qualified experts who also understand small business
• Based on a rigorous and systematic approach

We hope that by publishing this policy, we answer most of the questions you have about our software reviews. But if we’ve missed something, or you’d like to clarify anything about our review process, please contact us.

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Energise Enterprise

Yes, it's that time of year again. The annual Victorian small business festival, Energise Enterprise, is coming up soon. There are over 400 events planned, both real-world and virtual, providing inspiration, ideas and information about business. And with an increasing number of online webinars, it doesn't matter where you're located, you can still be part of the festival.

Software Shortlist will be running a couple of webinars this year: one on effective software selection, and the other about online software for services firms. Check out the event guide on the festival website for more details, or see the hard copy event guide in the Herald Sun in July.

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CRM reviews coming soon...

We've engaged expert Bill Noonan to review the ever-popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software category. He's currently in the midst of the review process, setting up trial accounts and reviewing demos from vendors, in order to bring you a fresh perspective on which products are best for your business.

He will be focusing on approximately 12 online CRM solutions, looking at factors that include:

* System Administration and Client Support
* Sales Process Management/Account and Contact Management
* Marketing and Activity Management
* Reports and Analytics
* User Support, Tools and Ergonomics
* Specialty channel and vertical applications
* Integration with popular SMB accounting systems
* Vendor company background, contact links, notable references, key markets served

For more, see his recent article about the upcoming CRM reviews.

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Reader Poll: How important is independence to you?

We're running a quick poll about how much you rely on independent information when deciding which software to buy. Please take a few seconds to share your view, and check out how much it matters (or not) to others. Click here to take the poll

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