I am often asked about the differences between Salesforce.com and . Below is a summary of some of the most important differences for our clients.
Features
While a side-by-side comparison will reveal a number of differences, one of the major differences is the integration with Outlook. Because Outlook is also a Microsoft product, the Outlook/Dynamics CRM integration is one of the best integrations you will find anywhere. You have access to the entire database from inside Outlook – either online or offline. Another striking advantage of Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the look and feel in contrast to the older user interface of Salesforce.com. Furthermore, Microsoft Dynamics CRM automatically saves as you enter and use data. That is not the case with Salesforce, which requires constant clicks to accomplish the same objective.
Connectivity
Okay, so perhaps you can live with a few differences. What really matters when you choose a CRM system is the ease of connectivity to your other business systems. Here is very robust. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the hub for your business. From CRM, you can have a view into customer service, marketing, ERP, what’s new and Yammer, an internal social network. In addition, you should be able to access your CRM from a suite of mobile tablets and phones. Microsoft Dynamics CRM elegantly connects to your other systems and your mobile devices — connectors are often readily available or can be built for your custom applications.
Value
If features, connectivity, and mobility advantages aren’t enough to convince you about the advantages of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, then taking a look at the costs associated with Salesforce.com versus Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be an eye-opener! If we assume that the two CRM products are equal, Microsoft Dynamics CRM is by far the greatest value when you compare monthly fees. For an equivalent feature set, a single-user subscription to Salesforce.com enterprise is publicized at $125/month versus Microsoft Dynamics CRM at .
Implementation
CRM implementations are not easy or cheap. Typically you pay an upfront fee to get started, raising your overall cost per user significantly in the first year. So which software is easier and less expensive to implement? For most implementations, it is probably quite similar and will be more tied to the implementation partner you choose. We work with our clients to minimize costs and maximize value for their CRM implementations. Our comprehensive help alleviate the up-front implementation costs while providing a basis for predicting CRM budgets in future years.
CRM is a Journey not a Destination
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is not a destination, but rather a journey which will change over time with your business focus and strategy. It may take many iterative changes to optimize CRM for your business. What about in the future? Fine-tuning CRM is an ongoing process. Maintaining a relationship with an experienced CRM partner enables you to refine your CRM system so that it operates as you need it to – driving your processes and helping you advance your goals. After all, CRM is an investment to help you grow your business and achieve your dreams. Make sure you pick the CRM system that adapts to your needs rather than forcing you to conform to its limitations. CRM should make you and your team more productive, so that you can all achieve an optimal work/life balance.
Summary
My team has employed several CRM systems and contact management software tools to run our business over the last 16 years. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is unequivocally the best CRM tool we have used. For a comparison of the options specific to your organization, for a quote today, 800-880-1960.
by TopLine Results
