Cloud CRM Software

The benefits that can be achieved through CRM software are obvious – enhanced productivity, reduced costs, increased revenues, and improved customer acquisition, service, satisfaction, and retention. Yet, for many small and midsize businesses, the large initial investment needed, combined with the long, expensive implementations, make most onsite licensed CRM packages too costly. Additionally, not many organizations have the funds or staff to devote to installing and configuring hardware and software, testing the application, and supporting ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Cloud CRM, also known as on-demand CRM or hosted CRM, provides a simpler, faster, and more affordable way for businesses to take advantage of customer relationship management software that streamlines and automates the way customer interactions are managed. Cloud CRM ensures that all hardware and software components are purchased, managed, tested, and maintained by a third-party provider at a remote location. All of the data that you input into your system is also stored offsite, making cloud CRM a more cost-effective solution that you can access at any time, anywhere through a web browser.

Cloud CRM makes customer relationship management easier and more cost-effective for businesses with IT and budget constraints. It provides all the standard functionality of licensed CRM solutions, as well as the security, reliability, and performance that companies need to create a high-quality customer experience, without the costs associated with on-premise CRM software.

Typically, cloud CRM is structured on a pay-as-you-go pricing model that eliminates upfront costs or initial fees that are standard with on-premise enterprise CRM solutions. With cloud CRM software, you only pay for what you use, which makes this ideal if your organization doesn’t have the funds to waste on unused licenses or advanced capabilities you don’t need. With hosted CRM solutions, financial impact is minimized and ROI is dramatically accelerated.

Additionally, there is no software or hardware required with hosted customer relationship management software. In other words, there are no complex, labor-intensive implementations and no ongoing maintenance and support. Time-to-deployment is shortened, and your application will be up and running in a matter of days. Moreover, because little burden will placed on your IT department, your technical staff will be free to devote more time to other important projects.

Most cloud CRM solutions provide all the standard features of in-house licensed customer relationship management packages, including components and modules for sales force automation, marketing automation, customer service, and support. Many applications available through hosting service providers also include comprehensive business intelligence capabilities for forecasting, reporting, and trend analysis.

Additionally, cloud CRM solutions offer features such as:

• 24×7 web-based access to customer-related data.
• Role-based security to ensure only authorized access to sensitive customer information.
• Some minor customization capabilities.
• Integration with websites, eCommerce applications, ERP packages, and other systems.
• Full training and support services.
• Contact management capabilities that include accounts and contacts, history, notes, documents, and user profiles.
• Sales force automation that includes pipeline management, forecasting, quotes, product tracking, and customizable sales processes.
• Marketing campaign and lead management, as well as collaborative features that enable users from the same or different teams to work together on sales, marketing, and support to deliver the very best customer experience.