Cloud computing has changed the way companies conduct business – especially small-to-medium-size businesses (SMBs), which now have a level playing field for easily and economically accessing all the technology that was once only available to large companies. Integral to achieving success in this environment is choosing the right customer relationship management (CRM) solution to streamline your processes and manage your customers.
When you move your business operations to the cloud, you can access your business data from anywhere, at any time from the device of your choice – at a very reasonable price. A cloud CRM can help SMBs build custom relationships and better position you to be proactive to prevent issues that could have a negative impact.
Is cloud CRM worth the investment?
Spoiler alert: Yes! Cloud CRM software for small business solutions can be an extremely potent tool for SMBs. If you select the right cloud CRM for your small business, it can solve most of your customer problems. Some of its advantages include the following.
No upfront investment in IT infrastructure, and no need to have a dedicated IT team – When you opt for cloud CRM, you don’t have to invest big money in developing your IT infrastructure. You don’t have to buy, install, or update software because it is the responsibility of the cloud provider. You can start your cloud CRM subscription immediately experience benefits. From installation to maintenance, your cloud provider is responsible for everything.
No need to buy software – Cloud CRM works out to be much less expensive than traditional on-premise CRMs, which involves buying and installing software of your own.
You can combine your different application needs into one multi-application cloud computing service – For example, eZnetCRM, a small business CRM, is an intuitive and user-friendly CRM that allows you to roll calendar scheduling, email integration, conference calling, file sharing, analytical reporting, real-time ticket monitoring, and many more functions into one multi-application cloud computing solution.
You can reduce your system hardware needs and save money – When you opt for cloud CRM, you don’t have to worry about file storage, data backups, and software programs. Everything can be done on the cloud provider’s server, which means you don’t need to upgrade your system hardware or buy new systems to store data.
Cloud computing makes integration much easier – Since many cloud computing applications have an application programming interface (API), it is much easier to integrate various applications. You don’t need to invest separately to get the applications customized for your usage.
It is not your responsibility to upgrade your CRM application – It is the responsibility of the cloud provider to keep the system updated. You don’t have to spend time and money on system upgrades, which means you get to use the latest software without paying extra.
What benefits can cloud CRM provide?
If you own a small or medium business enterprise, a cloud CRM can provide many benefits.
No installation headaches – When you opt for a cloud CRM, you don’t need to worry about installation, backups or upgrades. All you need is an internet connection, and it will immediately be up-and-running. From hardware and server to software maintenance, it is the responsibility of the cloud provider to put everything in place and make sure that all functions smoothly. You only have to subscribe to the service, log in and start using the CRM system.
‘Round the clock access – One of the greatest benefits of cloud CRM is its seamless access. It is a boon for those who need access to their company data on-the-go – especially the sales team members. You only need an internet connection to access your data. You and your employees can access the system from anywhere and at any time. It, of course, helps you to serve your customers better. You can always stay connected to your central database, which helps improve customer satisfaction.
Affordability – You don’t have to invest big money upfront. Cloud CRM works on a pay-as-you-use subscription model – with no additional fees for software, hardware, maintenance or a license. You only have to pay monthly subscription charges for the number of users.
Enhanced security – Cloud CRM vendors take security very seriously. Information security levels at cloud servicing companies are reportedly higher than those in an average IT room. CRM cloud vendors offer advanced automatized backup policies and have clear data recovery plans.
Reliability – It can be disastrous for businesses to lose all their company information to a system crash. However, when you move your operations to the cloud, you don’t have to worry about disaster recovery because all of your data is regularly backed up in the cloud. In cloud computing, everything is backed up – if one server fails, another one takes over.
Flexibility – Cloud-based CRM systems can be tailored to suit your needs. When you start your business, your needs are limited and few. But as your organization grows, you need additional features. When you opt for a cloud-based CRM system, you don’t have to worry about the expense and installation of new features and advanced modules. The moment you feel that you require expanded capabilities, your provider can add them.
Improved integration capabilities– In today’s technologically savvy world, it is difficult to work on stand-alone IT products. Therefore, integration should be one of your major requirements when you look for a CRM system. When you opt for a cloud-based CRM, you don’t have to worry, as it integrates well with most of your existing applications.
Can a cloud CRM help you compete against big businesses?
As mentioned earlier, cloud-based CRM creates a level playing field for small businesses when they utilize the solution to the same extent as large companies. According to Peter Krass, editor of Tech Provider Zone, SMBs use the cloud in ways that are “… surprisingly similar to those of large enterprises.”
Krass points to key findings of the RightScale 2019 State of the Cloud survey report released earlier this year by cloud management company RightScale, which indicates that SMBs stand to benefit when they use a cloud-based CRM system.
RightScale’s survey garnered responses from 786 technology professionals around the world, working in a wide range of industries. About 60% of the respondents were employed by enterprises (defined here as organizations with over 1,000 employees), and 40% by SMBs. Here are some of the key findings of the survey.
78% of the SMBs run their workloads in the cloud. Of these, 43% of the workloads are run in the public cloud and 35% workloads in the private clouds. Large enterprises also have similar statistics for this mix.
30% of SMBs consider themselves as advanced users of the cloud, and 27% describe themselves as intermediate. For large enterprises, 34% consider themselves as advanced users of the cloud, and 34% describe themselves as intermediate. In comparison to 31% of the SMBs, 66% of the big enterprises have a central cloud team.
Experience the eZnet CRM Difference
If you’re considering a CRM solution for your business, we invite you to learn what eZnet CRM has to offer. Our industry-leading system allows easy, seamless management of every aspect of the customer experience. Make sure you don’t fall behind in this increasingly competitive business environment. Contact us to learn more and get started with a free 30-day trial to be confident that eZnet CRM is the right choice.
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