Business software in 2025: Top 11 business software

Introduction

Whether you're a sole proprietor, limited liability company or wholesaler, running a business involves a lot. From sales to accounting and from personnel planning to logistics, all processes need to be managed efficiently. Fortunately, there are numerous types of business software available that support and optimize the various internal business processes. That gives your business plenty of room to grow.

In this article, we will give you an overview of the 11 best business software, briefly explain what it is for and map out where you can purchase the software for your business.

What is enterprise software?

Business software refers to applications and systems that help companies streamline, automate and manage their daily operations and business processes. This software can help companies work more efficiently, cut costs, increase productivity and make more informed decisions. There is software available for every process, such as HR software, checkout software, scheduling software and CRM software.

Top 11 best business software in 2025

There are different types of business software. Which one you need depends on an organization's needs and goals. We list for you the 11 most important software programs by process so that you can make the right choices for your business. We also provide an overview of the software providers.

1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

CRM software is a tool that helps businesses manage, organize and improve their relationships with customers and potential customers. CRM software allows you to: track customer data, manage sales opportunities, capture customer interactions, manage marketing campaigns, improve customer service, schedule tasks and activities, and a dashboard where you get insight on reports and analytics.

Providers of CRM software:

1. Salesforce: Salesforce is one of the market leaders in CRM and is known for its extensive functionality, customizability and integrations with other business software.
2. HubSpot: HubSpot offers an easy-to-use and free CRM solution with expandability, along with powerful tools for marketing, sales and customer service.
3. Zoho CRM: Zoho CRM is an affordable, flexible and customizable CRM solution with a wide range of features and integrations, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
4. Microsoft Dynamics 365: Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive CRM and ERP solution from Microsoft that offers seamless integration with other Microsoft products such as Office 365 and Power BI.
5. Pipedrive: Pipedrive is a simple and visual CRM tool that focuses on managing sales pipelines and improving sales processes, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
6. Freshsales: Freshsales, part of the Freshworks suite, is a user-friendly CRM with features such as lead scoring, email tracking and automation aimed at improving sales processes.
7. Insightly: Insightly is a CRM solution that integrates project management functions, making it an excellent choice for companies looking to combine sales and project management processes.

2. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

ERP software is an integrated system that helps companies manage, streamline and automate their core operations and business processes. With ERP software you can: manage finances, purchasing and inventory management, product planning and management, order processing and logistics, project management, Human Resources management, customer relationship management and extensive reporting and analysis capabilities.

ERP software providers:

1. SAP: SAP is one of the world's largest and most well-known ERP software providers, with a wide range of solutions for companies of all sizes and industries, including SAP Business One, SAP S/4HANA and SAP Business ByDesign.
2. Oracle: Oracle is a major player in ERP software and offers several solutions, such as Oracle NetSuite, Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP and Oracle E-Business Suite, which are suitable for both small and large companies.
3. Microsoft Dynamics: Microsoft Dynamics is a suite of ERP and CRM solutions that provides seamless integration with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Power BI. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is their main cloud-based ERP solution.
4. Odoo: Odoo is an open-source, modular and scalable ERP solution that allows companies to select only the modules they need, such as accounting, sales, inventory management and CRM.
5. Infor: Infor offers several industry-specific ERP solutions, such as Infor LN, Infor M3 and Infor CloudSuite, which are designed to meet the unique needs of different industries.
6. Epicor: Epicor is an ERP software provider focused on mid-sized companies, offering solutions tailored to specific industries, such as manufacturing, distribution, retail and services.
7. IFS Applications: IFS provides ERP solutions for medium and large companies with a focus on asset-intensive industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and defense, energy and utilities.
8. Syspro: Syspro is an ERP solution focused on the manufacturing and distribution sector that offers a wide range of functions, such as financial management, inventory management, production planning and quality control.

3. Human Resources Management (HRM).

HRM software is a digital system that helps companies manage and streamline their human resources and HR processes. It can also be used as timekeeping software. With HRM software, you can: recruitment and selection, onboarding new staff, personnel administration, payroll, time and leave management, appraisals and performance management, training and development, and reporting and analysis capabilities.

HRM software providers:

1. BambooHR: BambooHR is an easy-to-use, cloud-based HRM solution aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. It offers features such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll and performance management.
2. Workday: Workday is a comprehensive, cloud-based HRM and financial management solution suitable for mid-sized and large companies. It offers features such as employee administration, talent management, payroll and analytics.
3. Gusto: Gusto is an HRM software that focuses primarily on payroll, but also offers features such as sick and leave registration, onboarding and insurance. It is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
4. SAP SuccessFactors: SAP SuccessFactors is a cloud-based HRM solution suitable for companies of all sizes and industries. It offers features such as recruitment, performance and goal management, learning and development, and payroll.
5. ADP Workforce Now: ADP Workforce Now is a cloud-based HRM solution aimed at medium and large businesses. It offers features such as workforce administration, payroll, talent management, time and leave tracking.
6. UltiPro (UKG Pro): UltiPro, now part of UKG, is a comprehensive HRM solution aimed at medium and large companies. It offers features such as payroll, recruitment, performance management and learning and development.
7. Zoho People: Zoho People is a cloud-based HRM software suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers features such as personnel administration, time and leave tracking, performance management and reporting.
8. Paycor: Paycor is an integrated HRM and payroll solution aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. It offers features such as recruitment, onboarding, time and leave registration, and compliance management.

4. Project Management

Project management software (planning software) is a digital tool that helps teams and individuals plan, organize, track and manage projects. With project management software, you can: plan and organize, collaborate, task management, timelines and scheduling, progress monitoring, budget management, and reporting and analysis capabilities.

Providers of project management software (planning software):

1. Trello: Trello is a visual, map-based project management tool that is easy to use and suitable for teams of any size. It is especially popular for managing simple projects and tasks.
2. Asana: Asana is a flexible project management tool that helps plan and organize projects and track progress. It is suitable for both small and large teams and offers various display options, such as lists, boards and timelines.
3. Basecamp: Basecamp is an all-in-one project management and collaboration platform ideal for teams working remotely. It helps organize tasks, documents, discussions and deadlines in one central location.
4. Monday.com: Monday.com is a work operating system that helps teams manage projects, tasks and workflows. It offers customizable templates and an intuitive interface suitable for teams of all sizes.
5. Wrike: Wrike is a cloud-based project management software suitable for medium and large teams. It offers features such as task management, timelines, reporting and collaboration tools.
6. Smartsheet: Smartsheet is a work execution and automation platform that combines project management and collaboration with spreadsheet-like functionality. It is suitable for teams that need flexible, scalable solutions.
7. ClickUp: ClickUp is an all-in-one project management tool that combines task management, time tracking, goals, documents and more. Suitable for teams of any size, it offers customizable workspaces and integrations with other popular tools.
8. Notion: Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines project management, notes, documents and databases. It is ideal for teams looking for a flexible solution to collaborate and organize projects.

5. Business Intelligence (BI) and Analytics

BI and Analytics software are digital tools that help businesses collect, analyze and visualize data to make more informed decisions. With BI and Analytics software you can: collect data, analyze data, reports and dashboards, data visualization, predictive analysis and decision making.

Providers of BI and Analytics software:

1. Tableau: Tableau is a leading BI and Analytics tool that focuses on data visualization, reporting and dashboarding. It is known for its usability and powerful data analysis features.
2. Microsoft Power BI: Power BI is a suite of analytics tools developed by Microsoft. It provides data visualization, reporting, and dashboarding, and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products such as Excel and Azure.
3. QlikView and Qlik Sense: Qlik offers two BI and Analytics solutions, QlikView and Qlik Sense. Both solutions focus on data visualization and offer a wide range of data analysis and reporting features.
4. Looker: Looker is a modern BI and Analytics platform that helps explore, analyze and share data. It offers an intuitive interface and powerful data modeling and visualization capabilities.
5. Domo: Domo is a cloud-based BI and Analytics platform that enables data integration, visualization, and collaboration. It is designed to enable users to quickly gain insights and make decisions based on data.
6. Sisense: Sisense is a BI and Analytics platform that can combine and analyze data from various sources. It offers advanced visualization, reporting and dashboard features, as well as built-in machine learning and AI tools for predictive analytics.
7. SAS Visual Analytics: SAS Visual Analytics is part of the SAS suite of analytics tools and provides advanced data visualization, reporting and analysis features. It is suitable for large organizations that need powerful analytics capabilities.
8. IBM Cognos Analytics: IBM Cognos Analytics is a BI and Analytics platform that provides data visualization, reporting and dashboarding. It is suitable for medium to large organizations and integrates with other IBM products.

6. Marketing automation

Marketing automation software is a digital tool that helps companies automate marketing tasks and processes, work more efficiently and connect better with customers and leads. With marketing automation software you can: automate campaigns, lead nurturing (automatically send personalized emails and messages to potential customers based on behavior and interest), segmentation, lead scoring, analytics and reporting, integration with CRM, A/B testing and workflow management.

Marketing automation software providers:

1. HubSpot: HubSpot is a leading marketing automation platform that offers email marketing, lead nurturing, CRM integration and reporting. It is known for its usability and comprehensive set of features.
2. Mailchimp: Mailchimp is primarily known as an email marketing tool, but it also offers automation features that allow you to create and automate targeted campaigns for different audiences.
3. Marketo: Marketo, now owned by Adobe, is a powerful marketing automation platform that includes lead management, e-mail marketing, reporting and analytics. It is suitable for medium to large organizations.
4. ActiveCampaign: ActiveCampaign offers marketing automation, email marketing, CRM and sales automation in one platform. It is known for its flexibility and customization capabilities.
5. Pardot: Pardot, part of Salesforce, is a marketing automation solution designed for B2B companies. It includes features such as lead nurturing, lead scoring and CRM integration.
6. GetResponse: GetResponse is an email marketing and marketing automation platform that includes email campaigns, landing pages, webinars and CRM features.
7. Drip: Drip is an e-commerce marketing automation platform that focuses on helping online stores with email marketing, customer segmentation and personalization.
8. Keap (formerly Infusionsoft): Keap is a marketing automation and CRM solution for small businesses. It helps businesses automate sales and marketing processes and manage customer relationships.

7. Financial software

Financial software (including accounting software and billing software) is a digital tool that helps businesses and individuals manage and organize their finances. With financial software you can: bookkeeping, billing and payments, budgeting and forecasting, tax returns, payroll, bank and cash management, financial reporting and analysis, and compliance and control.

Financial software providers:

1. e-Bookkeeping: e-Bookkeeping is an accounting software for small and large businesses. It includes accounting, invoicing, quotations, customer relationship management, member records, timekeeping and links.
2. QuickBooks: QuickBooks, developed by Intuit, is a leading accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers features such as invoicing, payments, payroll, tax filing and reporting.
3. Xero: Xero is a cloud-based accounting solution popular among small businesses and freelancers. It includes invoicing, payments, bank reconciliation and comprehensive reporting.
4. FreshBooks: FreshBooks is an easy-to-use online billing and accounting software suitable for small businesses, freelancers and independent contractors.
5. Sage: Sage offers a range of financial software products for different business sizes and industries, including accounting, payroll, payments and reporting.
6. Zoho Books: Part of the Zoho Suite, Zoho Books provides online accounting software with features such as invoicing, expense management, bank reconciliation and reporting.
7. Wave: Wave is a free, cloud-based accounting software aimed primarily at freelancers, independent contractors, and small businesses. It includes billing, payments, and basic accounting.
8. NetSuite: NetSuite, owned by Oracle, is a cloud-based ERP solution that provides financial management functions, including accounting, billing, budgeting and financial reporting.
9. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is a comprehensive financial software suitable for medium and large organizations. It offers features such as accounting, payments, tax filing and reporting.

8. Communication and collaboration software

Communication and collaboration software helps teams and individuals effectively communicate, collaborate and share information within an organization. With communication and collaboration software you can: communicate in real time, share files, task and project management, document collaboration, calendar and scheduling features, idea sharing and integration with other tools such as CRM, project management or accounting software.

Providers of communication and collaboration software:

1. Slack: Slack is a popular team communication tool that offers chat, file sharing and integrations with other business applications to streamline communication between team members.
2. Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and offers chat, audio and video calls, file sharing and document collaboration, as well as integration with other Microsoft applications.
3. Zoom: Zoom is a popular video communication platform that offers audio and video calls, webinars and screen sharing for both small teams and large organizations.
4. Google Workspace: Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) provides a range of collaboration and communication tools, including Gmail, Google Chat, Google Meet, Google Drive and Google Docs, that enable teams to communicate and collaborate effectively.
5. Asana: Asana is a project management and collaboration platform that helps teams organize tasks, manage workflows and track project progress.
6. Trello: Trello is a visual collaboration and project management tool that uses boards, lists and maps to help teams organize their work and track progress.
7. Basecamp: Basecamp is an easy-to-use project management and communication system that helps teams manage tasks, share files and have discussions in one centralized location.
8. Monday.com: Monday.com is a flexible work operating system that can be customized to support various collaboration and communication needs, such as project management, CRM and software development.

9. Document Management System (DMS).

A Document Management System (DMS) is software that helps store, organize, manage and track electronic documents within an organization. With DMS software you can: document storage, version control, search and indexing functions, access control and permissions, collaboration, knowledge management, workflow management, compliance and archiving, and integration with other systems such as CRM, ERP or HRM.

Providers of DMS software:

1. Microsoft SharePoint: SharePoint is a versatile DMS that integrates with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365. It provides document storage, collaboration and workflow management features.
2. M-Files: M-Files is an easy-to-use and scalable DMS solution that helps manage, store and track documents. It also offers advanced features such as version control and workflow automation.
3. Box: Box is a cloud-based DMS platform that provides file storage, collaboration and security for organizations of all sizes. It integrates with popular apps such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Salesforce.
4. Google Drive: Google Drive is part of Google Workspace and provides cloud storage, collaboration and easy document management for both personal and business use.
5. DocuWare: DocuWare is a leading DMS that helps streamline document management processes, automate workflows and ensure regulatory compliance.
6. Laserfiche: Laserfiche offers a comprehensive DMS that helps organizations store, manage and secure digital documents, with features such as version control, workflow automation and integrations with other business applications.
7. Zoho Docs: Part of the Zoho suite, Zoho Docs provides an easy-to-use DMS with features such as real-time collaboration, file storage and integration with other Zoho applications.
8. Alfresco: Alfresco is an open-source DMS that provides document management, collaboration and workflow automation for organizations of all sizes.

10. Content Management System (CMS).

CMS software (website software) is a software application that helps create, manage and publish digital content, usually for websites. With CMS, you can: content creation, content organization, publishing and scheduling, media management, multilingual support, user management, themes and templates, extensions and plugins and SEO optimization.

Providers of CMS software:

1. WordPress: WordPress is one of the most widely used CMS platforms in the world. It is user-friendly, flexible and offers a huge library of plug-ins and themes to customize your website.
2. Joomla: Joomla is a powerful and versatile open-source CMS popular with developers and users looking for advanced functionality and customization options.
3. Drupal: Drupal is another open-source CMS known for its scalability and security. It is suitable for large and complex websites that require a lot of customization.
4. Wix: Wix is a cloud-based CMS with a simple, drag-and-drop editor that allows users to quickly and easily build professional-looking websites without coding.
5. Squarespace: Squarespace is a popular CMS that focuses on providing beautiful, responsive website designs and easy-to-use content creation tools.
6. Weebly: Weebly is a user-friendly CMS with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, ideal for small businesses and personal websites.
7. Shopify: Shopify is a specialized e-commerce CMS designed to build and manage online stores. It offers integrated payment processing, inventory management and sales analytics.
8. Magento: Magento is a powerful, open-source e-commerce CMS suitable for medium to large online stores. It offers advanced functionality and scalability for businesses looking to grow.
9. TYPO3: TYPO3 is an open-source CMS that is especially popular in Europe. It is suitable for both small and large websites and offers extensive functionality and customization options.

11. Knowledge management software

Knowledge management software offers a wide range of features and capabilities that help businesses and organizations collect, organize, share and use knowledge. With knowledge management software you can: store and organize knowledge, foster collaborations, version control, search and find knowledge, share knowledge, access control and security, integrations with other tools such as CRM, knowledge retention, and training and onboarding.

Knowledge management software providers:

1. Confluence (Atlassian): Confluence is a popular collaboration platform for teams to create, share and organize knowledge. It offers a wide range of integrations and is often praised for its usability and flexibility.
2. Notion: Notion is an all-in-one workspace that helps users manage notes, documents, projects and collaboration. It has an intuitive interface and is appreciated for its versatility and customizability.
3. SharePoint (Microsoft): SharePoint is a Web-based platform for document management, storage and collaboration offered by Microsoft. It integrates with other Microsoft products and offers extensive security and customization options.
4. Evernote Business: Evernote Business is a note and document management platform that helps capture, organize and share knowledge within teams. Users appreciate its ease of use and powerful search features.
5. Trello: Trello is a project management and collaboration tool that uses boards, lists and maps to organize knowledge and information. It is easy to use and offers integrations with many other tools.
6. Guru: Guru is a knowledge management solution that provides contextual knowledge within the workflow of team members. Users appreciate the integrations with other tools and the ability to find and share knowledge quickly.
7. Slite: Slite is a collaboration platform focused on sharing team knowledge through documents and notes. Users praise its simple interface and ability to share knowledge quickly and effectively.
8. ProProfs Knowledge Base: ProProfs Knowledge Base is a platform for creating and managing online manuals, user guides, FAQs and knowledge bases. It is praised for its usability and customizability.
9. Tettra: Tettra is an internal wiki tool for creating, organizing and sharing team knowledge. Users appreciate its simple interface and powerful search features.
10. Bloomfire: Bloomfire is a knowledge management platform that helps centralize information and find answers to business questions. Users praise its usability and ability to find and share knowledge quickly.

How do you choose the right software package?

The range of business software on offer is vast, and the functionalities of each package can vary. Therefore, list the different options carefully and check review sites such as Capterra. Still in doubt? Many software vendors offer the option of a free demo and often you can try software packages for free for a few weeks. Either way, don't take any chances, because the right software package can help you grow your business fast.

It is also important to think about how you protect your business from cyber attacks with cybersecurity.