The very terms “software leasing” and “software financing” are confusing to many businesspeople. This is due to the fact that software is typically not seen as something that is purchased over time.

This view is shared by both end-users, and the developers of software. Companies who think nothing of financing a vehicle or a new computer system will stress over how they will pay for expensive new business software. And the producers of software see no need for offering a software leasing or a software financing option.

But times are changing.

Third party equipment finance companies – companies who offer small and medium size businesses equipment financing and working capital – have responded to a need for software financing and software leasing. Thus, they are starting to include software amongst the equipment they finance or lease. There is one big overriding reason for this shift:

The High Cost of Buying Software

The simple fact is this: Software can be very, very expensive. Oftentimes more expensive than the hardware that runs it.

Now, keep in mind that when we are talking about software in this way, we are generally talking about “vertical software”. Vertical software is software that is written for a specific, narrow industry (this can include industry-specific point-of-sale software, ERP systems, specialized databases, etc). It is not software that’s available on the shelf at your local office supply store (the software you see there, even the business programs and operating systems, are “horizontal software” – they can be used across a variety of industries, and are relatively affordable.)

A good, clear example of vertical software is an auto parts store – they use software that’s specifically written for the auto parts industry. Another example is your local jewelry retailer – they likely use a point-of-sale system specifically made for the jewelry industry.

To understand how software financing and software leasing can positively affect a business, it is important to understand the advantages of vertical software first.

For most businesses, Vertical Software usually means far more efficient business processes. In the case of an auto parts store, for example, the software will already anticipate the thousands of automobile makes and models. And will almost certainly be updated every year. The jewelry store’s software will differentiate the subtle differences between two diamonds by any number of categories. And so on.

In fact, these “vertical” software programs are so effective, and become so crucial to day-to-day operations, that businesses often need this type of software to remain competitive. In many cases, it’s not an option to do without.

However, since the software is so narrowly focused, it usually comes with a hefty price tag. The developer will sell relatively few copies as opposed to a word processing program (which will sell in the millions), so they must get a premium for their work. Vertical software can sometimes reach five figures for a single license.

This brings an obvious problem: “Businesses need the software, but it’s very costly to buy outright.”

And that’s where software leasing and software financing come in – business don’t have to “buy” it upfront.

The Advantage of Software Leasing and Software Financing

The advantage of financing or leasing software is clear:

Software leasing and software financing take the huge up-front cost of new software out of the equation. Like most other business equipment, software is now beginning to be seen as a tangible asset (this was not always the case.) This means software can largely be treated as any other equipment purchase in the case of financing or leasing. A business can finance that new ERP system instead of having to budget a huge cash outlay.

This can be very beneficial to the bottom line, as software generally pays for itself over time. In fact, since “vertical” software almost always reduces the cost of doing day-to-day business, leasing or financing said software can actually create a positive cash flow right away.

But Who Offers Software Financing or Software Leasing, and how does it Work?

It’s true that software developers have been very slow to embrace the business model of software financing or software leasing. They would prefer to be paid up front for their software.

Likewise, banks, being part of an “older” industry, are also largely reluctant to finance software.

However, third party equipment finance companies who specialize in small and medium sized business equipment financing often offer attractive software lease and software financing packages. What happens is the equipment finance company pays the developer in full, and then provides the software to the end user under a finance or lease agreement, often at very attractive rates. In all actuality, it’s fundamentally the same as financing or leasing most other equipment.

Of course, like any other financing, the agreements can (and will) vary from traditional fixed rate financing to a “software lease” with a buyout at the end, etc. And the rates and terms also vary – your individual equipment finance company will have more details.

All in all, software financing and software leasing have definitely entered the business consciousness, and because it is so friendly to the bottom line, it is a business model that is here to stay.

Software leasing and Software financing are only a few of the services provided by Crest Capital. Regardless of the size of your company, Crest Capital can provide you with the equipment financing and working capital you need to successfully grow your business. Learn about financing options that can increase your bottom line and reduce your 2007 tax bill with a free online quote today.

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How Georgia Homeowners Can benefit from the New Home Loan Programs

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The Federal Making Home Affordable Program has created a number of home loan programs that will help keep Georgia families in their homes, stabilize Georgia’s communities and assist Georgia homebuyers during these troubled times. Under these new home loan plans, Georgia homeowners can:

• Refinance their mortgage to a new, lower, fixed interest rate.
• Refinance even with declining property values.
• Refinance with lower income and asset verification requirements.
• Refinance Multiple Investment Properties.

Each of the above possibilities require that Georgia Homeowners be current on their existing home loans. However, for those Georgia families that have already fallen into hard times and are behind on, going to be behind on, or have an impending ARM adjustment/balloon payment with, their existing home loans can;

• Obtain a modification on your mortgage that can potentially reduce your monthly payment, or offer other alternatives that can help you keep your home.

Finally, for those Georgia families that are looking to purchase their first new home, or even upgrade their current home, programs are available for them to;

• Purchase beautiful Georgia homes with credit scores as low as 580
• Purchase their new dream home with no out-of-pocket money down

The U.S. Treasury, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have developed these programs in an effort to help both troubled and current Georgia borrowers, to get back on track and improve their current financial situations.

So How Do They Work? Refinance

For Georgia Homeowners that are current on their mortgage payments but unable to refinance because their home value has decreased, you may be able to refinance to a lower rate, or a lower-risk, loan through the refinance solution that is part of this program. Examples of how the refinance program can help Georgia Homeowners:

• Fixed-rate mortgage to fixed-rate mortgage
• Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to fixed-rate mortgage
• Super conforming fixed-rate mortgage to super conforming fixed-rate mortgage

Loan Modification

For Georgia homeowners who are behind in their mortgage payments, in the foreclosure process, or are current on their payments but have recently experienced a significant hardship, you may be able to modify your loan to a lower rate through the Loan Modification Program. Significant hardships are set as circumstances that may make it difficult for you to pay your mortgage going forward.

Purchase

For Georgia area families and individuals that are in search of a loan for their new dream home, financing and programs are available to help them purchase;

• Bank owned foreclosures at below market value
• With 580 credit scores
• With no, or little, money down
• With down payment assistance

How Do I Know If I Qualify?

Georgia Loan Pro can help you move through the qualification process, and help you find the homeowner lending program that fits you best. Georgia Loan Pro will work with Georgia Homeowners to assist them in putting together the best purchasing package, and discover whether loan modification or a refinance, is the best option for them.

For more information, please contact Georgia Loan Pros via email.

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Everyone knows that the loan industry is a mess right now. While the government scrambles to help banks, lenders, and big business, homeowners and their immediate needs are falling through the cracks. You need an advocate; someone who understands loans, lenders, and, most importantly, your specific situation. At Home Loan Preservation we sort through all of the technicalities and legalities so that you dont have to. With our contacts and industry knowledge we can modify your loan to create …

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