Cloud CRM refers to any customer relationship management (CRM) technology where the CRM software and the organization’s customer data resides in the cloud and is delivered to end-users via the Internet (see “cloud computing“).
Cloud CRM typically offers access to the application via Web-based tools (or Web browser) logins where the CRM system administrator has previously defined access levels across the organization. Employees can log in to the CRM system, simultaneously, from any Internet-enabled computer or device. Often, cloud CRM provide users with mobile apps to make it easier to use the CRM on smartphones and tablets.
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Benefits of Cloud CRM
One main benefit of CRM software delivered in the cloud is scalability. A cloud-based system is designed to be flexible with expanding capacity so a business can scale up (or down) their CRM depending on current business needs. Typically costs of the CRM, which is often based on the number of users and storage requirements also scales up and down as you requirements change. In most cases scaling up is as simple as contacting your cloud CRM vendor and requesting changes to your implementation.
Cloud CRM is often a good choice for small businesses who lack the in-house IT expertise to deploy, manage and upgrade an on-premises CRM application. With Cloud CRM the vendor is responsible for managing the software, providing updates across the system and taking care of technical glitches, bugs and other issues as they arise.
Other benefits of CRM in the cloud include integration with commonly used office applications and email systems, integration with social data (social CRM) and automatic data backups.
Read next: 4 Cloud-Based CRMs for Any Business Type
