Traditional vs. Web-Based CRM; Which To Choose

Web-based CRM software has been popular for some time, but what exactly does “web-based” mean, and what are its benefits? The deployment model differentiates web-based CRM from other more traditional options.

In-house CRM software installation is the best option for some businesses choosing CRM software. It might not be an option for others due to cost, convenience, or other considerations. In these cases, web-based CRM may be the right solution. You can have the best of both worlds with CRM solutions delivered through the Web: the simplicity, ease of use, and all the features you get from an in-house CRM installation. 

On-Premise Traditional CRM

Traditionally, CRM software systems had to be purchased and hosted on-premise, with expensive IT teams managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the software. Moreover, they were extremely difficult to update, often requiring a completely new implementation and high upfront investments. Because upgrade costs were too high, companies maintained outdated software because the benefits of upgrading didn’t outweigh the costs, time, and hassle of re-implementation and retraining the entire team.

The Advent of Web-Based CRM

However, a new deployment model was introduced in the early 2000s. Unlike the past traditional on-premise deployment models, the web-based solution relied on browsers to deploy. Companies do not need to download or install any software with a web-based solution. CRM vendors that offer web-based services host data remotely on servers. It enables companies to choose the CRM software that best fits their needs and allows CRM vendors to deploy updates and features quickly and easily. 

A web-based CRM company may also offer subscription pricing models that can save companies millions of dollars by reducing the upfront investment they would need to make.  Business owners can pay on an as-needed basis.

An online CRM system allows you to organize data at the departmental and company levels. You can retrieve, share, import, and export data confidently without worrying that an important document will be lost somewhere during the process. Using the interface between all the modules and MS Outlook, you can combine, reorder, and send information individually or in bulk.

For learning more about the powerful CRMs and use cases for a growing business, readers can visit Akibia’s blog.