Customer Relationship Management software, otherwise know as CRM software can help a business not only manage marketing processes better but also can save money by cutting advertising costs and keeping sales staff hours to a minimum. There are several options when it comes to CRM programs.  Some are web based while others reside on a local computer or server.  There are programs for a single person and solutions for world-wide corporations.

We will be discussing the advantages of using web based CRM software in this article.  There are many advantages to web based CRM software as apposed to stand alone software that resides on your system.

Advantages of Web Based CRM Software

Web based CRM software systems allow your staff to access customer information anytime and anywhere they have internet access.  This means that if your sales rep is sitting in the customer’s office and needs access to the customer’s information he can simply login to the system and get what he needs.

Because web based CRM software is managed by the provider the provider takes care of updates, security, redundant disks, backups and many other I.T. tasks.  This reduces your need for I.T. staff, equipment, office space and training.

Most web based systems provide technical support services, again reducing the need for staff, office space and training.

Data backups are handled by the provider which relieves you of the obligation and ensures that it will actually get done.

Email deliverability can be a real problem for marketers.  Your web based CRM provider should have a deliverability assurance program to ensure that your emails get pass the spam filters.  This can be a full time job if you do it yourself.

A web based system also allows you to have an Affiliate program that allows affiliate partners to view their referrals and commissions and manage their affiliate account online.

Calendaring and other sales tasks can be accessed at home or on the road with any web-enabled desktop, laptop, PDA or cell phone.

Often web based CRM software will have help desk features that handle support requests and track and manage customer support issues.

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