There is a
growing range of
CRM products
that do more
than merely
integrate to MS
Outlook - they
are actually
embedded in
Outlook. They
are an extension
of Outlook and
appear to be an
integral part of
the system. So
when you open up
your MS Outlook
you are
automatically
opening your CRM
system, too.
Outlook already
provides you
with a database,
but one that is
rather limited.
These Outlook
CRM products
change that for
you.
There are many
advantages to
Outlook based
CRM software
compared to
alternative CRM
solutions.
Here are a few:
*
Cost effective.
Outlook based
CRM applications
are often
considerably
cheaper per seat
than their
counterparts.
*
The standard
features of
Outlook are
greatly enhanced.
You will enjoy
better sales
automation,
marketing and
customer service
functionality,
as well as
improved email,
document, task
and reporting
management.
*
Strengthened
database.
Most vendors use
more robust
database engines
than the
standard Outlook
PST database.
One can manage
bigger lists
quicker, more
reliably and
efficiently.
Some also offer
an upgrade path
to an industrial
strength SQL
database engine
if needed.
*Database
sharing.
You can now
share your
Outlook
database/s (or,
in Outlook
terminology,
Addressbooks)
across your
network.
*No
need for MS
Exchange.
You can share
your database
with other users
across your
network without
having to
purchase and
support this
expensive,
complex and
clunky beast.
*Calendar
sharing
across your
network is also
typically
supported.
*Much
readier
acceptance of
your CRM
initiative
by your staff
due to their
existing
familiarity with
MS Outlook.
*Reduced
training costs.
As your staff
already know (or
should know) how
to use Outlook,
the induction
period is
dramatically
reduced and less
expensive
compared to
other CRM
software.
*Reduced support
costs.
*Happier
user experience.
You
won’t have to
constantly
toggle between
Outlook and some
CRM application
as they are now
effectively one
product.
*Integration
and
synchronization
between Outlook
and external CRM
software in no
longer
necessary.
*Minimal
installation
costs.
Without
over-simplifying
the process, you
typically just
download,
install and
customize to
suit your needs.
Certain software
products in this
genre also
support
synchronizing
with your
hand-held or
PDA.
Many of these
applications are
developed from
the ground up in
.NET,
Microsoft’s new
development
platform, making
for stronger
internet, email
and 3rd party
software
integration.
If you are
running a small
business using
MS Outlook,
these CRM
solutions
deserve your
serious
consideration.
