Maidenhead firm The Business Software Centre (TBSC) will supply its tools as a rented service to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Business planning and financial forecasting, staff scheduling, HR, legal support and publishing tools will be available at £16 per month for the whole shebang. TBSC has rights to distribute Atlas Business Solutions and Vipamedia products in Europe.

TBSC's Phil Hames said: "In the past, small businesses had to use their capital to deploy multiple software applications plus pay upgrade and service fees. Our delivery model brings tried-and-tested business tools to companies for a low-cost monthly rental fee."

The company says the package normally costs over £500. By renting the software customers reduce their upfront costs, and can offset the monthly rental fee against their tax charges.

The SMB market is seen as receptive to software as a service. Lower up-front costs make the idea attractive to young companies. ®