Upgrade your software and unlock productivity – a smarter approach for UK businesses
Overview
In our digital-first world, a solid software plan can create big wins for your business – but without proper management, software subscriptions can become costly, fragmented and difficult to track.
An effective software management plan consists of four key principles: track, secure, optimise and innovate.
When your software is organised, secure and optimised, your team can focus on what they do best.
Why you need a software management plan
Incompatible software and outdated laptops are the key culprits holding back productivity in the workplace. That’s according to a new study1, which reveals UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collectively spend a staggering 286 million hours a year contacting IT to resolve hardware and software issues.
And despite the potential, software subscription management and professional IT services are often overlooked. In today’s digital-first world, having a solid software plan can create big wins for your business.
That’s because, from cyber security to productivity tools, businesses rely on their software solutions to keep operations smooth, data secure, and employees fulfilled and performing to their full capabilities.
Without proper management, software subscriptions can become costly, fragmented and difficult to track. However, a little bit of organisation goes a long way. And with AI-driven tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot now transforming the way teams work and achieving up to 353% return on investment2, it’s more important than ever to ensure your software is well-managed and fully optimised.
Read on to discover how a structured plan can keep your business running at its best.
Your four key areas of software subscription management
Effective software management isn’t just about keeping track of renewals. It’s about making strategic decisions that support your business growth, security and efficiency. A successful approach focuses on the four key areas of track, secure, optimise and innovate.
Let’s explore these areas, step by step.
1. Asset tracking and subscription alignment
Without the proper controls, software subscriptions can get messy. Even in a relatively small business, multiple departments may be using different tools for the same task. Elsewhere, licences may be sitting idle, and automatic renewals can silently suck away at your IT budget.
Regular audits help you identify the redundancies, consolidate services and align software with business goals, all ensuring that you only pay for what you actually need and use.
Once audited, keeping an inventory of software subscriptions helps you monitor usage, renewals and overall costs. And your local Vodafone Business IT Hub can help you build a structured approach to software, aligning your licence renewals and bringing clarity to what you have and what you actually need.
2. Security software and virus protection
There’s no getting around it. Outdated or unmanaged software can leave your business exposed. But keeping your antivirus, endpoint protection and security patches up to date helps you to strengthen and protect data and systems from attacks.
Your cyber security is non-negotiable. Ensure you have comprehensive antivirus solutions in place to protect your devices and networks from malware. Only 42% of businesses are using automated systems to monitor and respond to human-error incidents3, such as phishing, improper data handling or security misconfigurations. And, beyond the basics, 94% of UK businesses don’t feel adequately prepared to manage the rising challenge of AI-driven phishing attacks4.
3. Enhancing software efficiency with AI and Microsoft Copilot
Have you thought about integrating AI-driven software into your subscription plan? Tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot can transform the way your team works, helping you to stay ahead with automation and efficiency gains.
From ridding your team of repetitive tasks, to summarising emails, analysing data and assisting with content creation, AI enhances productivity, helping your team focus on innovative work that will drive your business forward. As AI continues to evolve, tools like Microsoft Copilot will become integral to small business success.
4. Optimise your subscriptions
Effective software management isn’t just about tracking the software you have now. It’s about making sure it’s working for you in the long term. That means refining your software choices over time. Instead of simply renewing the same licences each year, take a strategic approach by assessing whether your current tools align with your changing business needs.
Plus, with AI-powered solutions like Microsoft Copilot moving to the forefront, you need to consider whether your software subscriptions are keeping pace with innovation. Are there opportunities to consolidate tools and automate processes? And if all this feels a bit overwhelming, don’t worry, your local Vodafone Business IT Hub is on hand to help you build a clear, structured plan.
Put your software subscription planning into action
Managing your software subscriptions effectively helps your business to do more with less. When your software is organised, secure and optimised, your team can focus on what they do best.
If you need expert guidance, Vodafone Business IT Hubs are here to assist. We provide full software audits, security and AI-powered solutions, so your business is always running at full efficiency. We’ll also back it up with a range of services that deliver the digital-first experiences that your clients expect. Think of us as IT experts that feel like part of your team.
Get in touch with your local Vodafone Business IT Hub today. We’re your one-stop shop for IT and comms support in your local area. We combine the scale and trust of Vodafone Business, The Nation’s Network5, with an easy-to-access local service that keeps you connected. We can help you to take the first steps towards smarter software management.