Web-Based CRM Software

What is Web-Based Software?

The primary difference between traditional customer relationship management software and web-based versions is deployment. With traditional offerings, companies had to purchase and host the server on premise. They required an IT team to manage, update and maintain the server. Web-based deployment removes this burden by having the server hosted remotely by the vendor. It also reduces upfront investment, with vendors offering a pay-as-you-go plan instead.

There are two types of web-based systems available: application service providers (ASPs) and pure browser-based systems. ASPs function like a client/server system, with the organization downloading the “client” onto their computers, and the vendor hosting the data remotely on a server. Browser-based systems, on the other hand, can be accessed from any Internet browser, with no download required. The obvious benefit of a browser-based system is that it can be accessed from anywhere and is presented in a familiar format. Many ASPs are web-enabled, meaning that users can also access information via a web browser, but this method is often slower, and the user interface tends to be simplified, resulting in reduced functionality.

A web-based system offers increased flexibility across sales, customer service, and marketing. For example:

• Sales teams can create, process, and invoice orders remotely;
• Customer service reps can provide support via web-based channels such as e-mail, and live web chat;
• Sales and marketing will experience increased transparency, which will decrease overlap and ensure that potential leads turn into loyal customers;
• There is also increased security with data being stored online rather than on a server that could crash or malfunction.

What Type of Buyer Are You?

Before beginning your software evaluation, you will need to identify what type of buyer you are. Nearly all buyers fall into one of these categories:

• Small business buyers. Many small businesses are looking to upgrade from a basic email marketing or content management system. They are likely growing, and therefore require more sophisticated functions, such as customer support tickets, lead generation, and sales force automation (SFA). Many small businesses opt for web-based systems because of the low upfront cost and ease of deployment.
• Best-of-breed buyers. While customer relationship management software can be purchased as a suite, it is made up of several core applications that can be purchased as standalone items. Core applications include SFA, marketing automation, customer service, help desk, call center and knowledge management. Some companies will opt to go for a system with best-of-breed availability in one of these specific areas.
• Enterprise buyers. Larger organizations are typically looking for a web-based system with deep functionality that can integrate seamlessly with their existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite. In most cases, these buyers will be more focused on integration than specific features. Fortunately, most web-based CRM systems can easily integrate with today’s major ERP suites.

Benefits & Potential Issues

Web-based software has a number of benefits over installed on-premise systems.

• Reduced IT burden. With web-based, all of your data is kept in a remote location where it is monitored and managed by an experienced IT staff. They handle back-ups and regularly scheduled upgrades and maintenance. The level of data management provided by the vendor often far exceeds what any single operation could handle running the server in-house.
• Ease of use. Because the software is accessed via a web-browser, it is presented in a familiar format - a web page. This helps reduce the costs associated with training and usually results in increased user adoption.
• Remote access.Today’s business is rarely conducted 100 percent behind a desk. Many professionals, whether they be in sales, marketing or customer service, spend a significant portion of their work time outside of the office. They appreciate the increased accessibility provided by online systems. Many systems today also offer mobile access, making it even easier to do business while on the go.
• Subscription pricing.Traditional on-premise CRM systems require a hefty up-front installation fee. Web-based systems, on the other hand, are offered on a subscription basis. Essentially, you pay as you go. Companies can avoid the large capital expenditure of installing on-premise software by opting for the low, ongoing operational expense of a web-based system.

A potential issue associated with web-based systems is the reliance on Internet connection. If the connection goes down, access to important client information and records is lost. This could be an issue if your organization has a history of Internet connectivity hiccups. Additionally, web-based CRM systems are typically more difficult to customize to the specific needs of your company or industry, although systems are constantly improving in this area.

Recent Events You Should Know About

A whole new class of buyers emerged when online CRM software was first introduced--namely small businesses that couldn’t afford their on-premise predecessors. This prompted veteran vendors to jump on the bandwagon and release their own Web-based versions. This included big players like Sage software online and LeadMaster’s Web CRM software.

While the low entry cost continues to be fuel Web CRM software popularity, it’s not the only factor. By moving CRM online, companies for the first time can access their solution on mobile devices, or any computer with Internet access. As a result, developers are constantly working on new CRM mobile tools. Companies have rapidly latched onto the trend as a mode for increasing productivity and accessibility. Below are recent updates from the top Web-based CRM solution makers.

• Sage ACT! - Sage released several new mobile and e-marketing capabilities on April 19. Officials said in a press release that the new app-style Sage ACT! Connect turns Android, iPhone or iPad into a virtual office. Users can access Sage ACT! contacts, activities and calendars from anywhere they use their device.

  On May 16, the company announced partnering with the Business Centric Services Group (BCSG). As part of the deal, BCSG will integrate Sage One Accounts in their cloud-based suite of five business applications called MyBusinessWorks. Sage One Accounts is Sage’s online bookkeeping solution.

• LeadMaster Lead Management - LeadMaster recently partnered with real estate lead conversion technology company, HomeStar Broker Solutions Corp. As part of the deal, LeadMaster serves as the cloud computing engine for the HomeStar platform. The companies said the agreement will provide real estate professionals CRM Web capabilities for lead generation.

  Also this year, LeadMaster Austrailia Pty Ltd was named a finalist for two CeBIT.AU awards including Top Business Solution and Outstanding Project. The Business Solution award recognizes outstanding products or solutions with a proven track record of success. While, the Outstanding Product award taps the best developers in IT project management.

• Maximizer CRM - Maximizer has set its sights on small business owners with its new CRM 12 Entrepreneur Edition release earlier this year. The company said the offering provides enhanced contact management capabilities for both small businesses and individual entrepreneurs. Small business CRM users can use the system to improve time management, social media capabilities and sales pipeline analysis.

• Microsoft Dynamics CRM - Microsoft Corp. announced on February 7 a service update to its Microsoft Dynamics CRM offerings. The enhancements went live in the second quarter and came with changes to mobile services. Officials said users can now access the crm software online on the Windows Phone 7, the iPad, iPhones, Android and Blackberry devices. Also recently, the company announced the May beta release of Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013--the company’s first ERP solution for Windows Azure. The product is designed for small and mid-market businesses to optimize operations and control costs.

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