We’re at the first stages of developing a CRM database for our small company. We have above average PC application and web knowledge. Our network admin is outsourced and we currently use a 3rd party exchange server for Outlook [and they don’t support the Outlook Business Contact Manager].
We’d like managers in the offices to have access to the data, but we’re concerned about lumping our eggs into one vendor’s db basket until we a better feel for what’s available. Budget and partner training are issues [it took over a year to get everyone converted to exchange server].
1. Does it makes sense to keep the data on one machine — ex: using ACT — until we get the a better feel for how we’ll use the information day-to-day? [We’re concerned about only having one person in the office handling this.]
2. Should we integrate with Outlook on the network? [makes sense to us, but since our Exchange Server provider is off premises and doesn’t offer this, is this a big problem on a network?]
3. Should we go web?
4. Are there other uses for a CRM system other than CRM?
What are other small businesses doing?
Thanks in advance for the assistance.
