solution Archives · AE Technology Group

custom CRM solutions

Seriously, customer relationship management (CRM) software can make all the difference. Custom CRM solutions are bigger than they have ever been, and we’re not using hyperbole on this one. So the question then becomes: “Do you have it?” Or perhaps more importantly “How do I get it?”

Ask these NINE questions

What size business is the CRM software built for?

Custom customer relationship management (CRM) software built for small businesses has basic features at an affordable price. The advanced, pricier models are feature-rich and highly customizable. It’s best to go with custom CRM solutions that can grow with your business.

Is it really user-friendly?

The idea of custom CRM software sounds complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. If you can navigate a web browser, you can use this software. Also, look for a vendor that provides training for employees.

What features are available to help me with sales, marketing and other aspects of my business?

You need to know exactly what comes with your CRM system. Some features may cost extra. The features you want to look for are sales force automation, marketing automation, inventory management, multiple database, support, security management, and calendaring.

How customizable is the software?

Some custom CRM solutions only offer a few customizable features, while others are more sophisticated. Before you buy, it’s good to note how your business plans on using the CRM software. That way you’ll be able to customize the specific features you need.

How easy is it to integrate with other systems I already use?

The best option for compatibility and accessibility is an online CRM solution. This requires no software to download and can be accessed through a web browser. Not only do you want compatibility, but you want the perks that make life easier.

What limitations are there to using the software?

You need to know if you can work offline, if mobile apps are available, and other limitations of the software. These are not naysaying facets. It’s just good to know, what to expect.

What is the actual cost of the software?

Sure, there is the initial cost. But are there any additional fees? What if you need to add more users or want more features?

What type of security features does the CRM system have to protect my data?

Your custom CRM system should have a security management plan. Should disaster strike, you want to know you’re protected. An online CRM solution is safely stored, reliably hosted and securely backed up automatically.

If I need help, what type of customer service is offered?

Don’t just pay for the software and walk away. It’s good to have support included in the service. But if support isn’t offered at the start, what does that say about the company?

If you are on the fence about trying an online custom CRM solution, sign up for a free trial. Also, there’s a free PDF about CRM for you to look over.

CONTACT US

And if you have any other questions or concerns, contact us. We’re always happy to help you get started. Thanks.

3 considerations to make before a cloud network migration

Cloud network migration for most organizations is part of the future IT roadmap.

Though cloud migrations sometimes remain stalled due to concerns over security as well as maintaining total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI), the next few years will see an inordinate growth in the amount of data center traffic coming exclusively from cloud services. When cloud network migrations are part of a company’s march into the future, there are some key considerations to make.

Providers Are Not All Are the Same

The number of cloud service providers has grown rapidly, with Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Rackspace being just a few of the organizations that offer enterprise cloud services. They also all happen to have existing track records of delivering such services, giving a discerning organization plenty of history and information with which to judge the best partner to meet its network needs. Pricing is typically one the main points of consideration when choosing a vendor.

Though most cost models are usage-based, rates, policies, service tiers, and SLAs vary greatly among providers. Cost, however, should not be totally overshadow less tangible factors such as how well a cloud provider’s technological direction aligns with strategic vision.

Transitioning Systems in a Simple, Slow, Staged Approach

An organization will often have to start somewhere when moving systems to the cloud. This approach should be phased – cloud migrations that fail tend to do so due to the lack of planning. The guideline for beginning such a migration is to select a system component that has low complexity, lax security requirements, and limited risk of failure to the organization.

Straight Replication of the Existing Infrastructure Never Works

It behooves an organization to not plan on a one-to-one mapping of existing resources into the cloud. Doing so would mitigate the advantages in terms of scalability and better resource allocation that justify the move to the cloud in the first place.

Cloud solutions offer many ways to improve tech mainstays such as application servers, DMZs, and database service. Such improvements should be an essential part of any cloud migration plan rather than an afterthought.