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Do Small Businesses Need CRM?
Let's first define what exactly Customer Relationship Management is. The easiest way is to give an example: Every time you get in touch with a customer or prospect (still to be customer), you want to register the information regarding that contact.
SugarCRM Releases 4.5 In Beta
SugarCRM released the beta version of its customer relationship management (CRM) software Sugar 4.5. The release adds functionalities like personalized views, internationalization and support for Microsoft Windows Server products.
Successful CRM Implementation Case Study
Recently, a company spent $25 million in CRM system's execution. The company has been one of the leading forest-products companies in the world...
Microsoft Talks CRM, Benioff Laughs Heartily
All that CRM momentum Microsoft has been touting for the forthcoming software-as-a-service CRM Live elicited a chuckle and a "Microsoft is being out hustled by everyone" comment from Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff.
‘Tis The Season – Of CRM Mergers
The research firm Gartner thinks the rash of mergers and acquisitions in the customer relationship management sector has only just begun, according to its latest findings. The company believes "the CRM market will continue its consolidation unabated."
Soffront Releases Updated CRM Product
Soffront Software has released the latest version of its CRM software, logically designated Soffront CRM...
Top Tips For CRM
Putting the customer right at the centre of the organization is the be-all and end-all of successful Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
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08.17.06
Choosing The Right 'On Demand' CRM Platform
 By Collin Duffy
Learning the ins and outs of any software package is never an easy task, trying to find the time to learn it all within the limits of a free trial, and then apply it to your specific business needs can prove to be a complete turn off!
For the uneducated CRM mind, choosing the right on demand Customer Relationship Management platform, "on demand" meaning a fully hosted solution that you access over the Internet; can be a logistical nightmare.
From simple acronyms such as CRM, SFA (Sales Force Automation) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) to the more complex terms such as Application Programming Interface and Workflow Automation, there is an overwhelming amount of information you need to know before you really begin to look at a product.
This article aims to address these issues and encourage you to take a more conceptual approach to learning and understanding CRM. Consider this; every site you visit will more often than not appear to be the answer to your prayers. However, knowing what to look for can quickly rule out the pretenders from the contenders.
* First off, ask yourself "can I customize the product?", "or can they customize the product for me?" Any company pushing a product that cannot be tailored to suit your needs is not worth your time. No matter what they say or preach, their solution cannot meet the needs of every individual company's business needs.
* Secondly, look for a company and product that has multiple editions/platforms, such a company has worked with different industries already and tailored their product to meet specific industry needs, and is obviously willing to work with their customers.
* Third, look for a road map, investing in a company that offers no information on the direction of their product, and future version/feature releases does not show a willingness to meet your future business needs. You want a product that will grow along with you, not one that will hamstring you as you grow.
* Finally, look for a product that is applicable across your company, if you are paying full value for a CRM solution; make sure you can use the application across your enterprise. Having a fully hosted operating system backed by and Service Level Agreement will ensure that your entire organization is on the same page.
In conclusion acquiring the right CRM package is no easy task, however, researching the market based on the above criteria will ensure you acquire a CRM solution that will meet your specific needs today, and continue to meet your needs as you grow.
About the Author:
Collin Duffy enjoys writing about CRM subjects and on demand CRM software vendors such as Salesboom (http://www.salesboom.com )
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