CRM Technology
Technology is a major component of CRM. That’s why it’s critical to do your homework before you evaluate CRM solutions. A key point to keep in mind: Technology should be an enabler of new business activities.
On-Premise CRM
The outdated, client/server model for on-premise CRM requires you to invest in an IT infrastructure, including networks and servers, to run the software. You also need to hire a team of IT professionals to install, deploy, and maintain the software as the vendor makes enhancements to features or functionality.
Web-Based CRM
Web-based CRM, hosted CRM, on-demand CRM, or even software-as-a-service (SaaS) CRM—all these terms refer to the same thing: a new model for delivering CRM over the Internet. With SaaS CRM, there’s no software or hardware to buy, install, maintain, or upgrade—plus, there’s more:
Rapid Time to Value
Eliminating the need for a big up-front capital investment gives you an immediate shortcut to CRM success—and money in your pocket.
Quick Deployment
SaaS CRM implementations usually take less than a month—compared to 12 months or longer with client/server software.
Easy Customization
With SaaS CRM solutions, basic customization are easy, so even business users can make changes in minutes—without programming.
Unlimited Scalability
SaaS CRM uses a multitenant approach, so there’s no single instance of the software and you can scale your implementation fast—without incurring high costs.
Painless Upgrades
Because deployments of new SaaS CRM features are virtually instantaneous, you’re always on the latest version—so upgrades are painless.
The Future of Software
Traditional client/server CRM software is a dying breed, especially for IT organizations that want to contribute to the bottom line. The on-demand approach to CRM software shifted the market from an ownership to a rental model, freeing businesses from the hassle and expense of software purchasing, deployment, and maintenance.
CRM Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is a way of delivering business software over the Internet. With Web-based CRM, you can cut costs because you only pay to use the software instead of licensing it. A multitenant platform with a single, common infrastructure and code base that is centrally maintained makes this model possible.


