A universal truth operates in countries around the world: Small and medium-sized businesses generate between 80 and 90 percent of the private sector industrial wealth (i.e., non-government, non-military, non-agricultural). Although large companies that manufacture such things as cars or provide such services as telephone communications employ lots of people, the greatest number of people employed and the greatest amount of products produced and services provided come from companies employing one to 500 people.

Many of these companies last only a few years before going bankrupt, merging, or being bought, but during their existence, they generate jobs, develop products, and inspire others. They are the core of business enterprise. Using an example from the automotive industry, these companies manufacture many of the parts that go into the creation of the cars – and a generous set of replacement parts for the aftermarket.

Many of these companies use software to run their businesses, as well as to help design and develop their products. Unfortunately, the start-up costs, both direct costs to purchase the software and tailoring costs to customize the solution to their needs, can block or hamper the success of these companies.

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