A fundamental choice for any CRM project: use on-demand CRM software, or have CRM software installed at your business premises?
On-demand or hosted CRM software is readily available and there are many different brands. On-demand CRM solutions can seem a good call in terms of convenience, price and initial outlay. They usually run using monthly contract costs, they’re quick to set up and don’t often need extra hardware to run.
So why do people bother installing on-premise CRM software? It’s a bit like whether you want to rent a flat or buy a house. Renting a flat – straightforward, no ties, small deposit, good monthly rate. Any problems call the landlord - along with all the other tenants.
Or choose to make an investment. Set it up the way you want, make it work for you, let it evolve with your company, have room to change or expand, and provide a good ROI. On-premise CRM software is more adaptable to your company’s needs, has better functionality and is ultimately in the hands of your IT staff. A strong initial reason for many companies for choosing on-premise CRM software is control of data (it’s stored on your system) and control over your software.
Though many businesses have taken up on-demand CRM, Concentrix has often seen companies moving from on-demand to on-premise CRM solutions. Sometimes it’s a natural progression. However we have also had companies approach Concentrix because they had taken up an on-demand CRM solution elsewhere and found it was not the right choice. Although on-demand CRM may be a good fit for a while, it can soon be outgrown and is often limited in what it can achieve. Costs can also start to creep upwards, making an on-premise CRM solution more appropriate.
Concentrix offer both on-demand CRM software as well as on-premise CRM software, although the majority of our business is through on-premise CRM solutions (we also have business partners we’ll refer companies to for certain hosted CRM solutions if we feel it’s the right solution for the customer).
So what’s the best choice? Clearly mapped business requirements produced at the early stages of your CRM project, allowing room for growth taking into account likely business trends, will go-along way to answering the question. As will a discussion with an independent CRM specialist.
More information about choosing an on-demand CRM or an on-premise CRM solution in this article: Is On-Demand CRM right for your Company?
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