What is a CRM?
It’s a software application that is primarily aimed for managing customer relationships. In the process, it also helps manage the sales and marketing process By keeping a track of the customers’ needs and preferences, it becomes easier for companies to connect and communicate with customers effectively and efficiently.
The new age CRM applications are feature-rich.They can be used in many different ways by different companies. While some use them to collect real-time data about their customers; others use it to nurture and manage relationships with existing customers. Many also use this for engaging with new leads or converting them.
Types of CRM Platforms
- SaaS (Software as a Service) is the most common type of CRM platform, and it’s also the easiest to understand. This type of solution allows you to access all your data from any device at any time, without having to worry about installing software or configuring settings on your device. You can set up an account with one provider, giving them access to all your contacts and their information so that they can manage their relationship with you through this single interface. While HubSpot, Zoho, Salesforce and market leaders, there are other popular names such as Pipedrive, ConvergeHub, FreshWorks and so on. They offer specialized service and real time analytics at quite affordable price.
- On Premise means that instead of relying on remote servers belonging exclusively within one company—like what happens when using SaaS—you have access through some sort of physical location where users physically connect over WiFi instead; this method usually requires more technical know-how than ours does but may be worth considering if there isn’t currently enough demand for either option yet!
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a service (SaaS) CRM applications are available on cloud. The server of the application is maintained and stored in the cloud and you get access to the latest version the product anytime without even worrying about setting it up or installing servers at your local place.
In addition, SaaS allows users with limited technical skills or budgets to run their businesses without having any ongoing costs associated with keeping up with updates or upgrades—which means they can focus on other aspects of running their business instead!
On Premise Software
On premise or Desktop CRM is installed on the computer at your location through which you are likely to use the product. It needs specialized hardware and software support and is more expensive than the cloud or SssA version. On premise systems need a specialized team to manage and maintain it on a regular basis. Even if there’s any new software update, the on-premise version needs a specially trained team to do that, otherwise the integrations will suffer.
On premise software can be installed on a server or dedicated machine that’s separate from your main PC (although some companies will install both systems inside their office building). A virtual machine allows you to run multiple operating systems simultaneously within one physical machine, so it’s easy for companies with different departments or divisions within its organization.”
If you want something more flexible than either option above but still want access from anywhere at any time then cloud computing might be more suitable.
Hybrid Models (Cloud + On Premise)
Hybrid models are a combination of on-premise and cloud CRM solutions. They’re the most common type of CRM, but they also come with their own challenges:
- Hybrid models require an IT team that can effectively manage both systems.
- Managing multiple tools is difficult because you will be using different platforms to do your work.
CRM solutions can be classified based on the type of software that they use.
Software as a service (SaaS) is a model where you don’t have to buy or install any hardware, and it’s usually used for small businesses with fewer employees than large enterprises. SaaS applications allow users to access their data from anywhere using any device, including mobile phones and tablets. These applications are typically installed on the web server itself, so there are no additional costs associated with installation or maintenance beyond what you pay for hosting your website or site content management system (CMS). However, since nothing else needs installing—just an internet connection—this type of solution is particularly suited to those who already have these resources available but are looking for something more flexible than traditional on-premise models like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Salesforce integration partner solutions that require additional hardware like smartphones/tablets connected via Wi-Fi networks used only during working hours.”
Wrapping up
It’s important to remember that there is no single perfect CRM solution for everyone. While some companies may have one type of CRM software, others may have different needs and use different types of applications. It all depends on what features are most important to your company—and how much money you want to invest in order to get them! Because at the ens of the day, pricing point makes a key differentiator.
Read Also: What is the aim of customer lifecycle marketing?