CRM In The Cloud: 4 Signifiers Of A Business Game Changer

CRM in the cloud is one of the biggest trends in the current technology calendar. The scale and maturity of the ‘cloud’ enables companies of all sizes to go ‘asset free’. Both Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce.com announced big CRM launches this year in order to take full advantage of the cloud opportunities, and the inexorable rise of mobile and social media.

Briefly, the cloud removes the need for a fixed IT infrastructure, the budget associated with the IT requirement and the resourcing needed to keep physical IT maintained. Many enterprise businesses are making the change from physical based CRM to cloud based CRM for a variety of reasons - none more compelling that the fact that the cloud is no longer something to be afraid of.

Here are four reasons why CRM in the cloud signifies a game changer for businesses wanting to release their full potential:

1.Reinvest The Cash - Without the need for on premise IT the cloud means businesses can reinvest the budget used for physical on premise IT into other strategic operations. This could be an opportunity to enter into new markets. In addition they can become more operationally flexible by moving to a staged series of payments instead of relying on the total cost of ownership. Often upfront costs may prohibit organisations from achieving their CRM implementation goals. It’s a question of finding the right cloud CRM partner.

2.Reallocate Talent - With no need for traditional IT staff to monitor the progress of fixed infrastructure a company can redeploy IT staff to develop more contemporary skillsets. They can evolve their involvement in more dynamic projects which will allow a firm to generate greater long-term gains.

3. Simplify Updates - It's time-consuming to be constantly checking if the technology works. It drains time, energy, and decreases productivity. By putting the CRM function into the cloud highly productive staff can access their contacts, campaigns, and databases real-time wherever they may work.

4. Launch Into Mobile - With the CRM ported into the cloud suddenly a whole world opens up. If the cloud is compatible with a robust mobile device management strategy then an organisation can take full advantage of the emerging technology and marketing landscape. Organisations can successfully sync up multiple technology systems, enable staff to conduct business remotely, and streamline traditional processes. This ‘asset free’ thinking can potentially redefine the way a firm presents and markets itself in the marketplace now, and in the future.

Image credit: theaucitron, Flickr. Creative commons copyright

by Laura Sans, who works alongside Ms Dynamics Partner, Preact