While it’s easy to grasp the logistical differences between an on-site and cloud deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013, understanding the long-term ramifications of that is a different story altogether. Explaining where the 1s and 0s are stored is simple; pointing usually does the trick. Talking about how that interacts with work culture… that’s a little more out there. Luckily there’s a question that unifies both of these qualities. What do you value more in your business -- the people or the equipment?
That question marks the core difference between an on-site and cloud deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Even on a monetary level -- that’s how licenses are defined for the two products. Dynamics CRM 2013 is sold through server licenses for each instance of the core software and a client access licenses (CALs) for each device connecting to it. Whether it’s a computer, tablet, or kiosk, you’re paying by the machine.
Dynamics CRM Online is different, and oddly, easier to understand. Rather than pay per instance of server software plus devices accessing it, you’d pay a flat amount per person using the software. Logistically, it’s a fairly easy comparison -- equipment vs people. Then again, you don’t go comparing people to computers and tablets without a little culture entering the mix. From that perspective, would you rather have your employees be able to work whenever, wherever they are, or only when they have a licensed device in front of them?
While we can’t make that decision for you, we can at least offer a little information to help you out. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Quick Cost Estimate tool is a great first step. With just a few pieces of information about your business -- the deployment method you’d like and your desired level of support -- we can provide an estimate to get you on the path to the right Dynamics CRM for your business. It won’t make deep philosophical decisions for you (web tech has only come so far), but it will at least give you something to start with.
By CRM Software Blog Editors, www.crmsoftwareblog.com
