Is a Cloud-Based CRM Solution Right Fit for Your Business?
As the customer landscape becomes more complex, you need technology built to weather the economic changes and keep your company ahead of evolving trends. Because of its ability to do so, there’s no wonder that cloud-based CRM software has turned out to be more appealing over the last couple of years since it’s accessible to businesses of all sizes and adaptable to any business’ changing needs.
A cloud-based CRM platform offers the scalability, flexibility, and value for investment needed for growing companies. This allows them to boost productivity and drive revenue without the hassle of expensive hardware, operating system, or database purchase.
Before we go any further, let’s define cloud-based CRM software, which is as simple as it sounds: CRM software hosted in the cloud and used on a subscription basis (otherwise known as Software as a Service or SaaS). For you, this means your customer data is collected, stored, and can be accessed via the internet. Cloud-based CRM solutions are a real alternative for companies wary of the burden of the up-front investments required with an on-premises solution.
Benefits of Cloud-Based CRM Software
We have compiled a list of six benefits to show you why cloud-based software is the affordable path forward for your business to stay competitive and keep your customers close.
No Hassle Installation and Easy to Use
The new software must be easy to install to get everyone on board fast and accelerate user adoption. With a cloud-based solution, there is no installation trouble. You don’t have to set up your own server so there’s no maintenance required. Make user experience a priority if you want to operate the new system to its fullest potential. Cloud-based providers make their solutions easy to use by offering an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop UI configuration, simple reporting for analyzing customer data, and interactive dashboard creation.
Low Cost
For cloud-based software, the operating costs of servers and infrastructure are shared in a cloud environment across multiple customers, while for on-premises solutions, the company purchases the equipment, making it more costly.
Also, unlike on-premises CRMs, there is no need to hire an IT team to install and maintain any hardware, operating system, and anti-virus, so your costs are significantly diminished by choosing a cloud-based CRM solution.
Most solutions are highly customizable to your business needs, so you don’t have to pay extra for features and capabilities you would never use. Plus, cloud-based providers are responsible for upgrades with each new version release, regular customer data backups, and required restores, as well as meeting the latest security and compliance requirements.
Mobility
When part of your team activity is outside the office, your CRM provider must offer you the ability to gain full data access from anywhere via all devices—smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. Cloud-based software enables users to interact with customer data on the spot when needed, like in an important negotiation. If the client asks to see some reports regarding an unscheduled topic, you can easily pull out data quickly, leading you to a successful sale.
Promotes Collaboration
An integrated CRM platform ensures that the left hand always knows what the right hand is doing. To make that possible, a cloud-based CRM empowers users from all departments with a complete customer view, giving them access to the same information and encouraging open communication between different teams.
You can create and document an internal handoff process to ensure a seamless transition from marketing to sales, service, finance, and other key customer-facing groups. With each user having their own login credentials, they can access the same file simultaneously.
Easy Integration with Third-Party Applications
You need a CRM that is fully compatible with tools and services that your teams are already using. You don’t want to change existing workflows completely but rather simplify your routine tasks. Cloud solutions can more easily be integrated using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs) instead of hiring an IT team to build a new piece of software from scratch.
By connecting separate pieces of software like social media platforms, email solutions, chats, or more complex ones, such as marketing automation tools, you make your cloud-based CRM software more powerful and effective for your business.
Enhanced Security
Yes, on-premise solutions give you full control over your software and hardware, but the ongoing costs can be difficult to manage for smaller businesses. Therefore, it can become less secure without proper maintenance and lead to fractured reliability and trust.
Cloud-based software providers are responsible for data back-ups (which typically require tons of resources and storage space) in case of a system crash or power shortage. This is directly related to your data security. Ensure you address any concerns upfront in your Service Level Agreement (SLA). Cloud vendors guarantee your privacy by following encryption-based internet protocols and meeting the latest security and compliance requirements.
Sugar Supports Continuous Cloud Innovation
When evaluating applications and vetting vendors, always look for solutions designed to be durable and flexible. There are several indicators that the software you’re considering will last you a lifetime:
- Updates are released regularly according to a set schedule
- Upgrade costs are minimal
- The system is “always on,” with extremely high uptimes
- Infrastructure can be easily adapted to incorporate new technologies
- The company spends more on enhancements than infrastructure
The Sugar platform is deeply integrated with the world’s most powerful cloud infrastructure, Amazon Web Services, ensuring a modern and future-proof tool capable of providing a high-definition customer experience (HD-CX). As the industry’s only AWS embedded solution, Sugar is free to innovate new features and functions as trends change without having to pass hefty costs on to you.
If you want to learn more about how a cloud-based solution can be the perfect fit for your business, get in touch with us today.
