New cloud-hosted software will revolutionise productivity and efficiency, small business were told.

Microsoft executives explained to more than 90 small- to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) how its Office 365 software would mark a major overhaul in business IT systems.

Businesses were promised greater simplicity, productivity and efficiency with the new system.

The session was hosted by IT service provider Trident at the Seattle Hotel in Brighton Marina, where Microsoft executives Chris Parkes and Mark Deakin spoke.

Microsoft is phasing out Windows XP and replacing it with the new cloud systems – without the need for servers and masses of hardware.

Rosaling De’Ath, Trident marketing assistant, said: “For many small businesses this will mean productivity will go up in a big way.

“Colleagues can collaborate wherever they may be, if you’re travelling to meetings for instance, just by keying into the Cloud 363 software and sharing documents.

“The whole point is you have your office at the tip of your fingertips.

“It’s already made an enormous difference; it’s a very exciting prospect.”

One of the first adopters of the technology in Brighton and Hove was Rockinghorse Children's Charity which was donated new computers and managed software by Trident.

Chief executive Ryan Heal said: “It’s no secret that charities have had a rough ride in recent years.

“At Rockinghorse we’ve managed to maintain the commitment to our cause through the wonderful generosity of our business partners such as Trident.

“Unlike many other charities Rockinghorse receives no funding from local or central government, so partnerships such as this ensure that any IT costs that the charity may have incurred have been completely eradicated and every penny of that can go straight to our fundraising projects.”

Tom Gunter, Trident sales director, added: “Although we’re technically unable to perform magic, we’re extremely skilled at vanishing piles of unnecessary hardware, and the accompanying upkeep costs, from your office.

“Triden’'s wealth of experience in this area, their role as Microsoft partners, and their large team of skilled engineers make them an ideal choice for this operation.”