What is Hosted CRM?

Hosted CRM or On-Demand CRM is a type of CRM software installation where the software is hosted by a CRM provider and accessed by the client business online (through the web) via the provider’s secure servers. It could also be installed as a “Cloud”-based offering. The users at the client’s end access this service generally through their browsers.

Hosted CRM is an example of the SaaS (Software as a Service) concept. Traditional software deployment requires servers, server software and/or client software, and the staff resources to install and maintain both the hardware and the software. Hosted CRM requires only a browser-equipped PC with a broadband Internet connection. All the functionality and the benefits of a traditional CRM application are served over the Internet.

Benefits of Hosted CRM

* Hosted CRMs are quicker to implement.

* Hosted CRM helps save on hardware costs, especially in terms of servers and associated systems. Although Hosted CRM requires a reliable bandwidth supply, the cost in terms of getting one is minimal as an organization already would have a dedicated supply from reliable ISP(s).

* Hosted CRM also helps save on software costs especially in terms of software upgrades and adding on more modules to expand functionality when compared with traditional CRM systems.

* Traditional CRM systems requires trained manpower for installation, administration and trouble-shooting. Such manpower costs can be saved when using Hosted CRM.

* The low-cost offering of a Hosted CRM is a great, risk-free way for an organization getting to grips with a CRM software for the first time.

Hosted CRM implementations

Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce’s Sales Cloud, Oracle On Demand CRM, Zoho CRM, Sage CRM and SugarCRM are some popular examples of Hosted CRM software implementations.

Cloud-based Hosted CRM 

Web- or Cloud-based Hosted CRM solutions are a great option for any organization regardless of size but just like any other technology investment it is important to do the necessary homework and opt for the CRM solution that best fits an organization’s needs in terms of budget, performance, security, training/support and scalability.