Discovering The Basics Of Web Based Crm

To many people web based CRM is not a familiar term, this article provides an introductory guide to CRM systems and the unique benefits offered by Web Based CRM programs.

Lets start with the basics, what exactly is a CRM system? CRM stands for customer relationship management. So it is software designed to help you better manage relationships. However this explanation is very simplistic, modern Web Based CRM software does so much more.

Many Web based CRM systems include bonus features such as web integration, sales forecasting and document management. There are even a select few Web based CRMs that also incorporate inventory management and accounting together into the one system. These systems are arguably the number 1 choice as they allow you to run all your business affairs of your business from the one system,preventing duplicate data, lost records and enhancing communication.

So moving onto the next point. What is the difference between a web based CRM and more traditional CRM options?

In the early days of customer relationship management software people mostly used desktop solutions. Desktop CRM are systems that installed on an individual system (such as a desktop or laptop) to store and manage your client data. Those systems were adequate for single person sales teams but anything more than that and things could get messy. Due to the individual nature of desktop solutions sharing data between team members became problematic and keeping the data up to date was a continuous struggle.

As a result many companies moved to internally hosted CRM systems. This is CRM software hosted on an internal server. Meaning that multiple people can log into the system from different computers (hooked up to the office network) and access the same system and the same data. This removed a lions share of the communication problems and duplicate data although raised awhole host of other issues.

Internal servers are often very costly to set up and maintain. Internal Servers can also be more unreliable, leading to down time (when the system and data is unavailable crippling you're workforce) and potential for data loss. Additional problems can arise depending on the particular software concerned and how regularly it is updated. Unfortunately many internally hosted CRM providers do not include updates in their yearly licensing fees, leaving companies paying top dollar for outdated software.

As a result of improving internet service and the trend towards mobile (or outsourced) workforces a fresh type of CRM system began to emerge, Web based CRM. These are systems that are hosted online by your CRM provider. With a Web Based CRM you can access your data from anywhere in the world, all you need is an internet connection and your secure user name and password.

Your web based CRM provider takes care of the hosting and it forms part of your monthly fee, so there is no need for expensive server equipment and maintenance. Web based CRM systems are also more reliable as they host your data at state of the art data centers. Which include peerless security, strict back up procedures and climate control to prevent server downtime.

One of the greatest advantages is that most web based CRM providers include updates in their monthly fees. This means that you will always have the most up to date software. Giving your business the opportunity to take advantage of the advancements in CRM software without having to pay any extra. This is important as CRM systems are moving ahead at lighting pace. Simply having a CRM isn't enough to stay competitive. You need to have the best CRM.