The battle of internet software providers intensified this week, following the release of two rival packages offering companies and accountancy firms the chance to create their own web-presence.
Specialist accountancy software provider Apex has revealed it is set to launch a rental package designed to allow small and mid-tier firms the chance to trade on the internet.
While Essex-based Access Accounting has released an updated version of its one-stop internet software Accessweb2.
It is understood the Dublin-based company, which will launch its Apex24 product next week, has written to more than 20,000 accountancy firms in the UK in a bid to promote the product and accompanying roadshows.
The nationwide shows – which have been designed to demonstrate the software – will begin at the end of the month.
Apex will rent the software to firms from £35 a month, and said the package will allow accountants to have a tailored web presence without the need to buy and install expensive products.
Apex chairman Bernard Donnelly said: ‘Apex24 gives accountants a pre-packaged, professionally designed colour website and the ability to offer additional services to their clients.
‘Accountants now have the ability to give their clients the latest up to date information concerning their tax status, audit and accounts position and even the fee status of their clients account.’
The company has also produced a booklet called ‘The Accountants Guide to the Internet’ in conjunction with BT.
But Apex will face stiff competition from Access which has released an updated version of Accessweb, designed to allow business to business and business to consumer shopping.
The company said it has released the first-ever package to allow a company back office to be joined with a remotely hosted website.
An Access spokesman said the package allowed companies to launch their own web shop and was ‘as simple to use as a word processing package’.
Prices for the software begin at £50 for a home page and £35 for additional pages.
Access Accounting tops customer support league in institute survey