CRM Software Computer Software Web Tips Guide
CRM Software Helps To Retain Customers
By Dirk C Wallace
Integrating CRM systems can be extremely expensive. Most businesses
spend between $250,000 and $1 million on their customer relationship
management needs, not to mention thousands more in annual upgrades.
The buck doesn’t stop after the CRM software is purchased.
There are a number of IT professionals clamoring to help executives
with set up, training, implementation and tech support. While
some people see this industry as the next big Dot Com "cash
cow," it is imperative that businesses understand what they
can expect from their CRM to put their money to full use. Yet
the features and functionality varies with every leading CRM provider.
Microsoft CRM With Strong Support Features
Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the CRM software used by over 750,000
enterprises, including the Government of Dubai, Polaris, Banca
Transilvania, Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe and Nikon.
Microsoft CRM not only has strong company support, but also a
strong partner channel of consultants ready to help you integrate,
upgrade and maintain your system.
Executives can easily synchronize the system with Microsoft Outlook,
for instance. There are many hosting and CRM on demand options
and it’s all economically priced for budgets big and small. Dynamics
CRM is a well-rounded front office system that includes top-notch
sales force automation (SFA) functionality, decent marketing functionality
and sufficient customer service functionality for the average
small or midsize business.
New To SaaS (Software as a Service) Industry
One drawback is that Microsoft is relatively new to the SaaS
(software as a service) industry, so it may be difficult to separate
the reality from the hype. In fact, there are several noteworthy
features lacking, such as sales process management support, win/loss
analysis and partner relationship management.
SugarCRM, a type of open-source CRM, has attracted over 100,000
downloads, although its client base remains an intimate 3,000
or so. According to Yankee Group analyst Sheryl Kingstone, open-source
CRM software accounts for just 1% of the CRM systems and is only
really used by businesses who don’t want to spend a lot on their
CRM organizational tools in the first place.
CRM On Demand Individual Control
The strengths of choosing Sugar CRM are affordability, CRM on
demand individual control, solid training programs and friendly
community participants serving as a virtual help desk. The weaknesses
are that the forecasting/pipelines/reporting functions are very
poor.
The CRM solution is not recommended for mid or large size businesses
and there are missing tools like account merging, mass modifying
and flexible security models. Currently, more than 30% of all
downloads come from Europe.
One of the early leaders in CRM software has been www.salesforce.com,
which hails itself as a poster child for SaaS in general. Thanks
to $376 million spent on aggressive marketing and promotions efforts,
Sales Force has earned revenues of $748 million in 2008, with
$12 million in net income.
Strong Online Training Materials
Pros of their CRM system are that they have very strong online
training materials and a superior help desk. Their browser-based
application is simple to use and there are a number of industry-specific
upgrades available. However, some of these same pros are also
cons. Some critics have claimed Sales Force "will nickel
and dime you to death" and that some functions, which should
be free, are regulated by Sales Force team members.
Other drawbacks include the need for many page refreshes, the
constant scrolling and the multiple screens that make the program
laborious to use.
About the Author:
Dirk C Wallace has written a number of articles on computers and
software including
Anti-Virus Protection,
Basic Computer Training,
Computer Virus,
Computer Help,
Internet And Security,
Spyware Uninstall,
Adware Spyware Removal,
Computer Security Handbook,
Antispyware Software,
Computer Instruction,
Removal Software Spyware,
Adware Spyware Removal Program,
Spyware Removal Download.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Did You Know This About CRM Software?
Having a business means more than just attracting new customers.
It means that you continuously build on the relationship you have
with existing customers. Studies have shown that attracting new
customers to a business is far more time and money consuming than
simply retaining present customers.
In this day and age if you want your business to succeed you
need to have a professional look to your business and the technology
in place to ensure customer relationship management.
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