Decent business apps

Dubber_Dan

I'm in the process of setting up a business and I was wondering what recommendations folks have for different business apps. I use Windows, but after that do like to use open source/free software where ever possible, so am looking for things to do the following:

1. accounts, invoicing
2. contact management
3. email newsletters (so integration with 2 would be good)

The nature of the business will mean that there'll be a lot of recurring yearly bills to go out, all at different times. So some way to automate this would be loverly, with emails sent out automatically.

[Deleted User]

here's a bunch of open source business apps.. can't give any recommendations though : http://www.osalt.com/business

Dubber_Dan

Thanks for that, I'll give them a look

BillScarab

For word processing, spreadsheets etc. you can use Openoffice, a free equivalent of MS office. Not sure exactly what you mean by email newsletters but for an email client you can use Mozilla Thunderbird.

Pennywise

For accounting, there is www.winweb.com which is free for the basics of book-keeping etc., but then there are chargeable extras if you need something more. Well worth a look.

justgreen

You can use open office or google docs online http://docs.google.com
You can also check out companies like http://blinksale.com for invoicing/billing which works great and is all online. It can automate regular invoices also.
Use www.campaignmonitor.com for email shots. Great and cheap. Good reporting.
You can also look at foldera.com for contact/calendar/task management.

All of these are online tools that you can use from any computer anywhere and most are free or close to. All work in the UK and in GBP.