"Companies like these, who may use applications which have varying content like tax and payroll software, would benefit from not having to pay for extended licences and implementation," Ekanayake said.

"Companies would most likely use it seasonally, such as over Christmas or tax time where staff levels and requirements change.

"However, I think using programs for such small amounts of time may complicate the situation and be too risky; if a company needed software over a four month period, it could easily take that long for managers to familiarize themselves with it. This creates obvious risks due to inexperience. Why not outsource instead?"

The new WebCentral Application Marketplace provides 'on demand' business applications ranging from CRM to accounting and tax services.

WebCentral CEO Andrew Spicer said that as part of the launch, the company is creating an online forum where local application developers can promote their products.There is currently 25 local application providers as members.