IT news in brief
Accountancy software firm IRIS has further expanded its presence in the SME sector. The new bookkeeping system, IRIS Financials, extends its reach into the three million strong SME community.
Martin Leuw, group chief executive of IRIS, said the product is intended to meet a gap in the market between low-end and over-complex systems. ‘Many of the existing entry-level packages are too basic for many small businesses and the next step up is too complicated and costly,’ he said.
- More than three-quarters of companies say using broadband technology will reduce their costs, according to an Institute of Directors survey. But of the 63% of respondents who had the technology, only one in ten felt their broadband needs were being properly met. ‘There is still a long way to go, but we are on the way to creating a highly competitive broadband market – providing UK businesses with choice and value for money,’ said e-commerce minister, Stephen Timms.
- The government has signed a discounted three-year deal with business software giant Oracle. The Office of Government Commerce has secured a discounted price which it estimates will provide savings of 11%. ‘This shows the deals we can get when we buy as one purchaser,’ said an OGC spokesman.