Microsoft Dynamics CRM

A web-based or hosted CRM solution is where the software sits on a server, very often hosted by a dedicated hosting company and your company staff access the CRM solution via the internet.

Such a CRM solution should be looked at for a workforce that is disparate or on the move, as long as they have access to DSL/broadband or better (if you are on dial-up stop reading this and consider upgrading your internet connection first).

The general move in software solutions generally is to web-based applications rather than hosted on a server at the business’ HQ or on individual PC’s. This reflects the increased security that is now available and a reduced total cost of ownership.

Depending on the CRM solution you select, and the CRM solution software partner you choose, you can find a CRM solution is more rapidly implemented. With such a CRM solution there tends to be no expensive hardware to purchase, install and maintain; the hosting or ASP (Application Service Provider) take care of that for you. Information tends to be transmitted to all users of client information faster in a scenario where users are mobile and geographically widespread, however the key benefit for web-based CRM solutions is accessibility.

Accessibility is greatly enhanced through a web-based CRM solution because as long as you have access to the internet you can access the CRM no matter where you are in the world - as long as you have the access rights of course!

Microsoft CRM Software Provider

CRM software developers have taken to heart that Microsoft software is used by virtually 90% of the business community and CRM solutions tend to be designed with MS Outlook in mind, and that includes non-Microsoft CRM developers.

The advantages for MS Outlook users of having an integrated CRM solution is that there is no endless switching between applications, this saves time and user frustration. There also tends to be a lower cost in training users as the CRM solution almost invariably acts as an extension of the Outlook client and users are already familiar with it. You should not underestimate the costs of providing training and especially user support which can become the largest cost item of implementing any software solution.

Using a MS Outlook integrated CRM solution also means that email communications are automatically logged and taken into the CRM database and ready for access by any of your front-office or customer service staff who need access to it whenever they need it.

Another advantage is that CRM solutions that have been designed with MS Outlook in mind, tend to have been developed on the Microsoft .NET platform and this allows for greater integration with the Outlook client and lends itself to web-based hosting far better.

Microsoft CRM Software Provider

CRM solution developers have been increasingly focusing their applications on specific markets so it’s not uncommon to see CRM solutions designed specifically for an industry such as Real Estate, Insurance, Medical and so forth.

Dedicated CRM solutions appear to be a reaction of the developers to increased competition in the market place, and remember we are not simply talking big, global enterprise class organizations here.

CRM solutions for small and mid-range businesses are also available, often with features commonly found in organizations of that size. No longer are CRM solutions just for the big boys, small companies can and are implementing CRM solutions in increasing numbers as the cost of ownership drops and the need for a competitive advantage drives demand for better customer management.

The usual approach with the larger developers is to have a series of modules that can be added on to the main application to cater for industry or business class specifics. Equally, it is not unusual for bespoke coding services to be brought in to tailor the out-of-the-box CRM solution to an individual business’ requirements, though this can become expensive and support issues need to be very carefully considered.

Microsoft CRM Software Provider

The Yankee Group predicts that this will be a fast growing segment of the CRM market as costs come down and mobile CRM becomes easier to use.

It predicts that this growth will also be fuelled by failed sales force automation solutions being replaced by new mobile CRM solutions.

If you’d like to read more about various industry experts on CRM developments for 2007 then click here.

Microsoft CRM Software Provider