A Dublin-based company has launched a suite of web-based software applications for small businesses that want to manage all of their operations in a single system.
The software includes modules such as e-commerce, as well as front- and back-office functions such as online stores, sales force automation, accounting and reporting. Called Panthius.com, it is delivered over the internet in a software-as-a-service model, with customers subscribing monthly instead of paying upfront licence fees and hardware costs.
Digital Enterprise Solutions, which developed the suite, claimed that the service differs from other offerings for the SME market where small businesses tend to have separate applications for each business need.
In addition to the business applications, the Panthius service includes high-bandwidth internet connectivity for the company website, as well as a document management service to archive quotes, orders, invoices and receipts. The bundle also covers a range of data storage and backup services.
According to Ultan O’Brien, managing director of Digital Enterprise Solutions, the service brings down the cost of ownership for customers, as software and hardware maintenance and upgrades are provided in the monthly price. As the software is supplied as a service, it saves users having to worry about how their systems are performing. “Our customers want to focus more on running their business, rather than running their IT systems,” said O’Brien.
The software is currently in demo format, with a free 30-day trial period on the website from next month. Subscription-based services with monthly licence fees are available starting from €49 per month. Related professional, support and value-added services will be available from then, the company said.
After its Irish launch, Panthius will be rolled out in the UK next April, followed by Italy in June and across EMEA during 2007. Digital Enterprise Solutions has already earmarked February 2008 for a launch into the US and Canada.
By Gordon Smith
