When you think software, it's tough to pinpoint a definition. Software has quickly evolved along with technology. From new trends like application service providers and wireless software to good old-fashioned shrink-wrapped programs, the term has taken on countless flavors. But ask small business owners what their favorite software is, and most likely they'll immediately be able to throw out a title. Here's a sample of some business owners' No. 1 software picks.

Project perfect

When you're busy translating software into foreign languages for clients, who has the time to deal with project management? Bob Michaelson, co-founder of Sinometrics International Inc. in Lynnwood, Wash., found himself in this very situation. But it turns out the solution was already sitting on his hard drive.

Sinometrics had Microsoft Office Suite installed on each computer, which includes the database software Access. Michaelson first took a stab at it eight years ago, and he now has a handful of detail-ridden databases that keep track of the company's ever-expanding projects.

"It's definitely user-friendly," said Michaelson, who intends to stick with Access as his business grows. "I used the trial-and-error approach and caught on quickly."

HR made easy

Four years ago, Cynthia Adkins was at home in San Diego with a new baby and a strong desire to continue working. So she put her hotel concierge experience to the test and started Concierge at Large, which initially targeted affluent private clients and has expanded to include everything from personal assistants to event planning for large corporations.

The reality of managing her employees set in as business started booming. Adkins didn't want to bring in an HR manager just yet, but needed something to take care of everyday HR tasks. The new trend of ASPs sparked her interest.

Adkins found just what she was looking for with Rivio.com, an ASP dedicated to providing a full menu of services for small businesses, including HR administration. Best of all, her employees, who are all across the nation, could access the service from anywhere.

Need for speed

Jim McCormack, co-founder of Boston-based cooking magazine Cook's Illustrated, realized his business was about to see a boost in audience size due to the premiere of its TV show this past winter. His top priority was making sure his customers, especially those who used the magazine's Web site, continued to receive top-rate service.

McCormack turned to Clearway Technology for help. The company's Content Delivery Network software (CDN), FireSite, was just what McCormack needed to ease his fears about a site slowdown. Once installed on your Web server, FireSite is able to keep your site speedy-even during peaks in traffic.

Client billing

In 1995, Patty LaPeters and Lori Siragusa decided to tap into their corporate marketing expertise and start their own business: Inline Innovations, a strategic marketing firm in Longwood, Fla.

"When we started growing, we needed software that would keep track of activities for each client and each project," says LaPeters. "We wanted our clients to know exactly what they were paying for when they received their bill."

The complex billing software, Timeslips, was the answer. On top of tracking client billing, Timeslips also traces the company's budgets and various projects. It's individually password-protected, so there's no threat of employees' eyes wandering into the wrong spot.

Finding a 401(k)

In 1997, Jim Higgins Jr. co-founded By Appointment Only, which provides a virtual sales force for high-tech companies. Let's say the volume of necessary cold calls outweighs your staff - By Appointment Only will come in and make the calls for you.

Higgins knew a full benefits package with a 401(k) plan was key to attracting the best talent for his office in Lowell, Mass. And his growing business needed good staff members, quick.

Word-of-mouth pointed him in the direction of a small online 401(k) service, Emplanet. Since he started using the ASP, he couldn't be happier, calling it a "no-worries solution." Higgins pays a monthly per-employee fee for Emplanet's services, which include a wide range of well-known funds to choose from. Employees have 24/7 access to their Web-based accounts, making it a hit with them.