Book Image

The Small Business' Guide to Social CRM

Book Image

The Small Business' Guide to Social CRM

Overview of this book

Table of Contents (17 chapters)
The Small Business' Guide to Social CRM
Credits
Foreword
About the Author
Acknowledgments
About the Reviewers
Preface
2
Social Business – the Foundation of Social CRM

Choosing your new system


Listed below are the final practical points to consider now that you are ready to begin assessing specific SCRM options.

Desktop versus self-hosted versus cloud-based (software as a service, or SAAS)

There are three common ways to procure and operate your new system. They are as follows:

  1. Desktop systems are where the program is typically kept on an individual desktop computer and will be accessible by that person only. This may work for small teams; however, you will most likely not have the benefit of mobile access, team collaboration, or team reporting. These programs are generally purchased for a one-time fee.

  2. Self-hosted systems are more like a company network where the software and data will reside on a central company server. While you may own the software based on a one-time fee, it is not unusual for you to purchase, or even rent monthly, seat (user) licenses. In this sense, it is not unlike the SAAS model.

  3. SAAS is the new wave of systems where you are basically...