Old Dogs In the CRM Software Industry

I was recently shopping for a fridge and it got me thinking about CRM software. While scoping out different fridge models I found my wife was wary of the new brands. Whether it was companies fresh on the market or more established brands (like Samsung) that had just started manufacturing refrigerators, she said 'can you really rely upon them?'. As a result I stretched my budget a bit to purchase a Westinghouse, because they've been making fridges forever… that makes them better right?

Well I still believe we made the right move with the fridge. But when it comes to CRM software older well known brands aren't always the best. In fact the opposite principle applies. Older isn't better when you're looking for CRM software. In fact when you go older in the CRM industry you find inferior software, increased costs and less reliability.

Over the past 18 months or so a new generation of CRM providers has entered the market. By working on new frameworks they have been able to create CRM software that is easy, fast but still rich in functionality and power. These new CRM programs also have an unprecedented level of customization in built. And finally by creating agile web based solutions these CRM software packages meet our modern business lifestyle by being easily accessible from multiple computers, Smartphone's and even tablet technology.

So why aren't some of the older more established (or trusted?) providers adopting this new technology? Well most of them can't. The CRM framework their software is built on can't accommodate rapid change or large updates. It's kind of like they have an old 1800's era ship. You can do small upgrades, add an engine but it will never ever be a super yacht. All the small upgrades you make will take time, cost a lot of money and in the end you will still never be able to compete with the newer vessels. This is what the old CRM software frameworks are like, any changes take a huge commitment in time and budget. Then all these expenses are passed on to the consumer.

Older technology usually carries a lower price tag. But in the CRM software industry the old providers charge the highest fees. This is because they are not as agile as CRM providers operating on cutting edge frameworks. For example the typical price for an established Web Based CRM system (from one of the old school CRM companies) is around $100 per user, per month. So if your company had 5 employees you'd be looking at a minimum spend of $500 per month (or $6,000 per annum). And that is before you factor in training and customization, which doesn't come cheap on the older CRM software. Compare this against your average new generation CRM software provider who will give you access for up to 5 concurrent users for under $90 per month, meaning your yearly spend is only $1,080. And that includes free training videos and self customization modules.

You also get added functionality in the new CRM systems. While old systems stuck to CRM and CRM functionality only. Many of the new systems incorporate document management, task management, billing, accounting and inventory all in the one system. It is pretty unbelievable, you can get a total business software solution, starting from $90 per month.

So while older is better in many industries in the CRM world it is the new providers who offer the best software and the best value for money.


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So what systems are built on the new CRM software framework? For an example visit: http://www.picrmsoftware.com.au/crm-system-facts/