Choosing the right software for your company can be bewildering. There are literally thousands of titles to choose from, and programs and their functionality change frequently.

Plus, the software industry grows quickly - so quickly that you probably don't know about all the titles that are available. And with the advent of Internet-based Application Service Providers across most software categories, there can even be a way to use business applications without buying them yourself.

This Buyer's Guide can cut through the confusion by helping you identify the software that fits your needs. We'll also help you compare software packages, looking beyond sticker price to see if their functionality, ease of use, technical fit, available support, and method of access are right for you.

We've sorted the different categories of business software into common groups. Though this is not an all-inclusive list, it should give you a good idea of how the right software can make your company more efficient.