subject: Picking The Ideal Web Based CRM Software [print this page] Picking The Ideal Web Based CRM Software Picking The Ideal Web Based CRM Software
These recent years, CRM Software is gradually gaining recognition among business owners as a very powerful business tool. But are all CRM Software the same? What functionality do I need to look for? Is it preferable for SMBs like me? These questions can no doubt create confusion for some especially that you're getting varied and still vague answers.
Let's go back in time a bit. Not so long ago, businesses uses MYOB or Quickbooks to take care of their accounting needs and uses a separate software such as Excel to manage their contacts . Needless to say, in order to run your business, it was then necessary to switch between these two software, which obviously can be burdensome and quite a hassle. So CRM software came into the picture. Viewing customer activity, respond quickly to emails, capture vital information, monitor customer interactions, even prompt you for scheduled tasks and follow-up activities can be done with your CRM software.
One type of CRM software which is gradually gaining popularity is the Web based or online CRM. Web based CRM, hosted CRM, on-demand CRM, software-as-a-service (SaaS) CRM, or online CRM - these terms refer to the same thing. Delivered over the Internet, this type of CRM needs no software or hardware to buy, install, maintain, or upgrade. Let's take a look on these advantages unique to a web based CRM software:
1. Accessible anywhere - perfect if you are on the move or have offices abroad
2. No Setup costs, no infrastructure - you only pay to use the software instead of licensing it
3. Unlimited users
4. Full Version is FREE to try
5. Web based capability affords you the mobility to track sales, opportunities, prospects and leads anytime, anywhere - even with just your smartphone
6. Targeted email campaigns - contact management allows you to profile contacts by demographic data, purchases history etc
With these kind of functionality from your web based CRM software, what else can you ask for? Company database is stored in a remote server with a web based CRM software and can be conveniently accessed through your internet browser. It's amazing how a web based or online CRM software can make significant changes on how companies do business. Web based or Online CRM is a Saas (Software as a Service) model and is a subscription-based software and has the following additional conveniences to offer:
* Financial Benefits - you only spend on affordable monthly subscription fees instead of expensive upfront costs - accommodating new SMB customers that need software applications but do not have the IT resources or capital budgets to purchase them.
* Maintenance - software deployment and maintenance is taken cared of by the service provider - giving more time for business owners to focus on running their business rather than their IT concerns
* Upgrades/Patches - you automatically get the most updated version as well as regular security updates - because your provider handles everything remotely, you're finally freed from the tedious responsibility of updating each of your computers.
* Centralized Data - all data is centralized into one secure datacenter instead of being spread on local PCs and servers - makes queries on customers, mining data, and looking for trends easier and avoid duplication of tasks
* Uptime - server applications are hosted in a datacenter so power outages and Internet outages are isolated from incidents that affect local offices
For the first time, users are in control of customer facing business systems. Small to medium business now have access to world class infrastructure without shelling out huge capital, 24x7 uptime and WITHOUT round-the-clock staffing needed. Now isn't that awesome! It's comparable to saying that CRM system takes care of your data management so you have time to focus on running your business.
