- Sate customers' desire to interact through multiple channels
- Deliver insight into customers' needs through click-stream data
- Offer users more chances to send emails and interact online
- Use online Web-training materials for staff
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get up and running quickly
Most hosted solutions are functional within weeks. Conversely, the on-premise version takes at least six months to be installed. Also, hosted versions can even be downloaded from the Internet with a credit card. The upshot is rapid ROI (return on investment), since implementation time is much faster.I recommend: Some of the biggest names in software have turned to hosted solutions. Go to Oracle and SAP to research their offerings, such as ROI, speed to market and other key factors.
Lower cost than installed versions
By virtually outsourcing your CRM, IT costs are substantially cut. Start-up fees are minimal, and the monthly fees are straightforward and generally low. (Most of the fee is comprised of licensing costs.) Because software maintenance and support are outsourced, there's little need for a sizable staff.I recommend: Sites like CRMBuyer.com and SearchCRM.com post articles and guidance on the cost of eCRM versus the installed versions. It pays to compare cost, line item by item.
Easily personalized
These days, CRM solutions fit easily into existing networks because they're highly flexible. The Internet is the backbone of the system. Some big enterprise companies like SAP and Oracle offer hosted services beyond just CRM that you can expand into.I recommend: For useful information on personalization, go to CRMProject.com. And to find out which companies are expanding their hosted offerings, check out DestinationCRM.com.
Flexibility leaves room to grow
Upgrading an installed CRM solution can be costly. But the hosted solutions are highly scalable and can be easily upgraded.I recommend: Gather more information on scalability at CRMGuru.com, where you can use its moderated discussion groups and peruse its CRM Knowledge Base of 1,000 tips and articles.
Low risk tests
Not only are hosted solutions cheaper to implement, some even offer free trial periods so that you can test them.I recommend: Sign up for a free 30-day trial at SalesForce.com, a market leader in hosting.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Ease of use is key. Does the program have an intuitive interface?
- Look for Web training - the ability to track which staff members are using the system and why.
- Benchmark the reams of data you're collecting with charts and graphs.
- Knowing your goal, such as connecting with customers, helps you choose the right online CRM solution.
SageCRM Online Web-Based CRM Software
Provider of sales, training and support for SageCRM, an online hosted web-based CRM software solution. Free 30-day trial for this CRM application.
CRM Software | SalesLogix CRM | NetSuite CRM+ | Saleforce
www.accessiontechnology.com
Provider of sales, training and support for SageCRM, an online hosted web-based CRM software solution. Free 30-day trial for this CRM application.
CRM Software | SalesLogix CRM | NetSuite CRM+ | Saleforce
www.accessiontechnology.com
eCRM: Dun & Bradstreet®
Get Unlimited Access to D&B's Business Database of Sales Leads. View Company Information, Build Lists & More. Free 7-Day Trial.
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www.selectory.com
Get Unlimited Access to D&B's Business Database of Sales Leads. View Company Information, Build Lists & More. Free 7-Day Trial.
Free Trial | Learn More | Company Profile
www.selectory.com
Sage CRM Solutions- The On-Demand CRM Solution of Choice
Reduce Sales, Marketing & Administration Costs with Web-Based SageCRM Software. Improve Productivity & Efficiency. View Demo Today!
See Demo | Request Info | Free Trial | See WebCast
www.SageCRMSolutions.com
Reduce Sales, Marketing & Administration Costs with Web-Based SageCRM Software. Improve Productivity & Efficiency. View Demo Today!
See Demo | Request Info | Free Trial | See WebCast
www.SageCRMSolutions.com
Microsoft® Forefront - Free Trial
Get Enterprise-Wide Protection with Microsoft® Forefront. Download Today!
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Microsoft.com/Forefront
Get Enterprise-Wide Protection with Microsoft® Forefront. Download Today!
Try It Out | Read Case Study | Learn More | Resources
Microsoft.com/Forefront
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