Web Based CRM Software - Simple and Fast CRM

If you are planning to deploy a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software solution in your organisation to manage all your customer-related interactions and processes, then you need to make a decision regarding the type of CRM implementation. You can consider a conventional CRM software solution within your office premises using client-server architecture and all related hardware and data also in the office. Else, you can opt for an on-demand web based CRM solution or an on premise web based CRM solution. In this age of the global market, with worldwide customers and remote offices, a web based software solution can help you manage your customers without any constraints of location or time.

A conventional CRM software implementation within an organisation involves setting up the hardware such as servers and data storage devices on the premises. The CRM software solutions include databases and applications, which are set up and installed in the server according to the needs of the organisation. Unlike a web based CRM solution, in a conventional CRM set up using client server architecture, CRM client software for the individual user is installed at workstations. The CRM client software is used to communicate with the server and database for various customer related functions - tracking prospective customers, customer meetings, requests, orders etc.

As is seen, a considerable investment is required when installing traditional CRM software solutions. The costs would be in terms of hardware and software installation and hiring of relevant administrative and troubleshooting staff. There is also the question of speed and complexity of deployment. Since every user requires client software, installing, configuring and administration of client software for every user is a complex procedure. Since in an organisational database, the security of the data is of utmost importance, there has to be foolproof measures for safeguarding the data. Competent security experts have to be hired. All this requires considerable effort and money. The CRM software will also have to adequately handle requests from users in remote locations. Opting for a web based CRM software solution is less expensive, quicker to install and easier to use. However, the decision on which type of CRM implementation to use depends on your business requirements.

What is Web based CRM Software Solution?

A web based on demand CRM solution mainly follows the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Just like you use the Internet service, you can use CRM software on a subscription basis, on a monthly or yearly charge. The software is installed on the service provider's server or on partner servers. The data is also stored in the data storage servers of the CRM solution provider or in the servers of partners. The CRM solution provider staff does all administration and technical support. You can select the features that you want, and any additional databases and applications if required. All you need is a web browser and an Internet connection to be able to login and access the CRM web based software for your organisation. This model where software and resources are shared over the Internet is also called cloud computing. SalesForce provides cloud computing based CRM solutions.

Let's take a look at the advantages of a web based CRM software solution.

• Less Expensive - If you are running a small business, you may not want to spend huge amount of money on installing hardware and software for the CRM implementation. You may also not want to recruit additional technical resources to manage such a CRM deployment. An on demand CRM web based software charges on a subscription basis and is less expensive in the short term.


• Fast and Easy Implementation - As the hardware and software is already maintained by the service provider, you can start using the CRM solution very quickly as compared to a conventional office CRM installation. A web browser is enough to start interacting with the CRM software. There is typically no client software to manage.


• Ease of Use - The CRM system can accessed by the user with a web browser. Usually, premium web based CRM service providers give users friendly web interfaces and self -service administration tools such as wizards for routine administrative procedures. Remote users can also access the CRM software easily without the need for special client software. If needed, client software can be provided for mobile devices.


• Administrative and Technical Support - The web based CRM software demand service or on-demand CRM service provider includes the services of technical staff for software administration and troubleshooting. This also includes database storage and ensuring the security of data.


• Scalability - On demand web based CRM is also easily scalable to accommodate growing business needs.

On Premise Web Based CRM Software Solution

The on premise web based CRM software implementation is a solution which brings the best qualities of both on demand web based CRM software implementation and a conventional CRM implementation.

While an on demand CRM web based software is fast and easy, if you need large customisation to be done to suit your business needs, then a traditional on site client-server CRM implementation is a better choice. Also, if you don't want your databases to be stored in an external server, then too a web based CRM software demand service or on-demand solution may not be an ideal choice.

Here's where an on premise web based CRM software deployment can help you by implementing the CRM web based software solution within your office premises. The software, applications and data storage is handled in your company's internal servers. However, the internal central server hosting the CRM is still accessed using a web browser. Easy to use interfaces are still provided, along with greater customisation capabilities through the use of support staff.

Major web based CRM software providers such as Sage CRM and Microsoft Dynamics CRM allow you to change from a web based CRM software demand service to on premise web based CRM software solution.

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