It used to be that an integrated information technology platform was restricted to big enterprises with budgets available to support multi-million dollar implementations of mainframe-based enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, etc.
Nowadays, world-class software applications are available through affordable subscription models that can fully support any business.
An integrated information technology platform enables business transformation through increased efficiency and facilitates the deployment of an effective strategy for social media in small businesses.
However, to extract the most value from the half-dozen or so applications required to operate efficiently, it's an absolute must integrate the systems so they all "talk" to each other.
Six examples of software applications to equip a business for the 21st century.
Integrated information systems result in a value greater than the sum of the individual parts.
Most companies already have an accounting system, probably use PayPal for any e-commerce business, and have a website. Fewer small companies use a CRM platform like MS Dynamics and a digital marketing platform like HubSpot. Even fewer have integrated, so all the components "talk" to each other. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Authors Note: This post was originally published in February 2015 and has been updated for accuracy.