Anita Holley, Maximizer Software
Here are my top seven things to consider when choosing your CRM deployment and whether to go the cloud or on-premise route:
- First off, consider the functionality you require and what is most important to you; for example, ask yourself if you need…
- Easy to use contact management
- A simple user interface
- Easy access for all staff
- Flexibility to increase and decrease the number of users
- Data held securely
- Low monthly costs or a one off payment
- Integration with other business software
- Review your company, your business sector and size: if you’re a start-up or rapidly expanding organisation, your needs will differ from an established organisation. Plus, do you work in a specialised industry, where you may need customisation?
- What level of data security do you require? Now don’t get me wrong, cloud CRM will provide data security, but you may have a legal obligation to hold your data in-house, for example, if you work in a Medical or Financial institution that handles sensitive data. Plus, you may need regular access to your data backup.
- What is your existing IT Infrastructure? If you have a small company with limited IT resource, then cloud CRM is probably for you.However, if you have the existing computer hardware, your options are greater.
- What level of flexibility do you require?For example, is your business seasonal and therefore you need 10 licences during the Christmas period, but only 4 licences for the rest of the year? If this is the case, then a monthly subscription cloud model would probably be more cost effective.
- With technology ever developing and the business world becoming more mobile, you also need to consider if your company will need mobile or tablet access to the CRM system you deploy.
- And finally, and often the most important element – the cost. Most CRM providers can offer you the same functionality, flexibility and access, whether you choose an on-premise or cloud-based solution; so, often the deciding factor is the cost and which option best fits your budget. If you’re a start-up with limited initial capital, then a monthly subscription cloud model is likely to suit your budget, but you must also consider the cost over an extended period of time, as paying monthly could result in you paying more than a one-off investment. However, on-premise is not just one payment and then close the bank! As with most things in life, it’s not that easy, because even if you do purchase on-premise software, you will still have to pay to maintain it, update it, etc.
I hope this article has provided you with some guidance, but to truly identify the best option for you and your business, download our interactive ebook, which, through a scoring system can calculate the best option for you and the next steps.