SUPPORT: Fortnightly digest - what's happening at Hilltops IT and in the world of computer software

Microsoft release guidance on Windows Deployments for Business Customers

http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/business/archive/2009/02/11/guidance-on-windows-deployments-for-business-customers.aspx

Microsoft has issued detailed guidance for enterprises considering migration to Windows Vista and Windows 7. Essentially, the company is seeking to dispel confusion customers might have about when to migrate to Windows 7. Should users stick with Windows XP, move to Vista or go directly to Windows 7? Gavriella Schuster, Microsoft's senior director of product management for Windows Client, provides guidance.

Microsoft has issued detailed guidance for enterprises considering migration to Windows Vista and Windows 7.

In a new blog post on the company's "Windows for Your Business" blog, Gavriella Schuster, Microsoft's senior director of product management for Windows Client, issued guidance stating Microsoft’s views on what enterprises should do in terms of moving to Vista and Windows 7 depending on what platform they currently run and their overall migration goals. Essentially, the company is seeking to dispel confusion customers might have about when to migrate to Windows 7.

Microsoft release "Live" package to help small startup businesses

http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/

Microsoft's package includes a free website, hosting, email, plus the ability to manage sales opportunities, projects, documents, and more with free online business applications.

The Terms and Conditions do limit the amount of time and the number of users the features are available for, plus functionality of the website and application is not as complete as a full package, HOWEVER for a start-up business, it's a great way to get up and running!

If your'e looking for a more sustainable software package or website service, then for further information on our off the self software product solutions, plus website development, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on +44(0) 844 357 7360 or +44(0) 1782 564252 or email support@hilltopsit.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!

BUSINESS TIPS: Financing software purchases with a loan

Embarking on a software project, whether with "out the box" solutions, bespoke software development or a website development can be an expensive outlay if you want to get it right. Not only in terms of your time investigating the possible solutions, implementing the solution and training staff, but also financially with software licensing and bringing in outside consultants.

Hilltops IT can help, not only with fast-tracking the decision making process on what software solution is right for your business, getting it set up and training your staff, but also now with financing the solution.

Securing a bank loan for a software solution so that the project can be paid off in stages can be difficult. With software licenses and training / consultancy being intangible items, banks are typically less keen to authorise a loan.

Give us a ring now 0844 357 7360 or 01782 564252 or email sales@hilltopsit.co.uk to request a call for an informal chat about how we can help.

BUSINESS TIPS: Financing purchases with a government grant

Are you aware of all the government schemes available to help small businesses fund projects?

And the project funding can include software purchases and training!!!?

The IoD (Institute of Directors) has published a very comprehensive guide to approaching the appropriate organisations which is available for download here.

Alternatively, give Hilltops IT a call on 0844 3577360 or 01782 564252. We have worked with several clients that have received part-funding for their Sage ACT! and QuoteWerks-based software solutions that we have delivered to them. We can offer some practical advice based on our experiences as to how to best present the software project.