Any good business owner knows the importance of CRM applications. However, if there’s one thing that needs to be answered even before you decide to invest in one, it’s this: should you have it hosted or in-house?
Why You’d Probably Decide to Settle for a Hosted Model
If you’re familiar with website hosting, then it’s easier for you to understand the concept of hosted CRM software. This means that someone else is going to manage the application for you. Normally, any starting business would decide to go into this one because it’s definitely a way cheaper than when you buy a CRM application, such as Windows CRM. You will also have an administrator who is going to monitor the performance of your software and provides technical support whenever needed. What’s more, you don’t need to invest in infrastructure and additional IT staff.
Why You May Change Your Mind After All
In the long run, you will realize that you’re going to spend less with Windows CRM than with hosted models in the long term. Here are the reasons why:
1. It’s going to be less costly in the process. As mentioned, when you’re going to buy a Windows CRM or make use of in-house software, you will be spending a lot. In fact, if you’re going to be really serious about it, it will cost you thousands. However, it’s just going to be the start. Windows will always provide updates to all their applications. This way, you don’t need to purchase new software whenever you’re looking for an added feature. Moreover, this is given for you for free. In the next three years, for example, you can already recover the investment that you have made into your software simply because you are earning by using it, and you can obtain better options and features without additional cost.
Hosted models normally charge maintenance fees every month, and as long as you can find use into their application, they will continue to serve you. You also will have no control over their price increases.
2. You can have better control when it comes to customization. When you have another company managing your CRM, you will have lesser control over its use. This is because they have to establish standards, which all their clients should learn to follow. When you want to personalize your CRM software according to your niche market, you can expect to pay a much higher price.
On the other hand, a Windows CRM becomes a lot easier to manage and customize. You will also have fuller control of whatever additional options or tweaks you’re going to do with the software. You don’t have to worry about support, as Windows has an excellent customer and technical support. Whenever you need help, you can always give them a call, send an e-mail, or go to their knowledgebase portal.
Windows CRM also promises you one thing: security of information. Surely, when it comes to protection of data about your customers and even about your business, you should not hesitate spending a little bit more, as you will definitely lose all of your customers when someone gets hold of them.
