In this episode we look at if it’s possible to run a small business using pretty much entirely free, or low-cost software, as opposed to the ‘big players’ like Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud for instance.

With the notion of ‘buying software outright’ being far less commonplace in this digital age, with subscription models being favoured far more - are the free and low cost options as good for most people? 

What are the downsides?

Do you need software to be up-to-the-minute updated?

Will free/low cost options do much of the same thing?

Will it involve a learning curve? 

Is there a problem with cross-platform compatibility?

We take a look at a few examples, from Adobe Creative Cloud vs Affinity, Microsoft 365 vs OpenOffice/Libre Office/WPS Office, as well as some other software you might not even be aware of.

So ultimately the question is - is using free or low cost software right for your business? Or is it best to stick to the software you know, and just pay the higher costs?

Resources referred to in this episode:

https://www.techradar.com/uk/best/best-free-software-small-business

https://uk.pcmag.com/enterprise/77162/21-free-tools-your-small-business-should-be-using-today

https://www.profitbooks.net/top-free-software-for-small-businesses/

Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.

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Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com

Twitter: @happycontentco

Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com

Twitter: @birocratic

BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because 2/3 of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth.

BrumPod Hosts:

Richard Heathcote (Voice Over Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk

Iwan Thomas (Business Coach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk

Jason Jones (Self Storage) - https://www.accessstorage.com