What can you use the application for?
Salesforce is a pioneer in web based online on demand CRM solutions. Over the past few years it has built a reputation for providing end to end solutions for various industries spread over multiple domains. The CRM suite is designed to cater for a newbie to customer relationship management as well as to meet industry strength requirements. It is imperative that businesses manage their work force to meet challenges proactively. Salesforce assists businesses to achieve this objective effectively. On demand application means savings since there is no need pay upfront and deploy an entire CRM suite. Additionally Salesforce can be scaled up with time as and when the needs of an enterprise increase. Salesforce provides customizable solutions which are easy to deploy and use.
Salesforce include inter alia a sales force automation tool, marketing automation which integrates sales and marketing to achieve better ROI, customer service and support application which can be used for call centers or help desk and a partner relationship management suite. The Salesforce package provides end to end solution to the entire gamut of CRM operations.
Salesforce has a powerful help and support backbone which is available to all its users. It is also supported by a slew of development resources which help IT professionals to create viable solutions around existing infrastructure. The developer support enhances the applicability and usage of Salesforce application.
The above features make Salesforce a compelling CRM solution provider whose client base is increasing by the day.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
Salesforce.com is the brainchild of Marc Benioff which he created in 1999. He conceived Salesforce as a web based enterprise solution. During those days Software as a service was still a stuff of imagination and probably the software tools for developing a robust online solution were still in their infancy. Ever since then, Salesforce has found a niche in the CRM space. It boasted of more than fifty thousand clients by the end of 2008. It has more than eight hundred applications in fifteen languages. Salesforce has built a reputation for providing state of the art solutions for online CRM.
What are the differences to other applications?
Salesforce is definitely a grade above other online CRM solution providers. It distinguishes itself in integrating different areas of CRM and providing a common platform for executing a comprehensive customer relationship program. A single CRM solution from Salesforce can be used by individuals and large enterprises. It is robust and provides efficient online help and assistance. These features make it a preferred CRM solution provider.
How does the application look and feel to use?
It has a modern user interface with point and click customization. The state of the art frontend provides seamless CRM integration. It is easy to navigate and a brief on all features of Salesforce can be accessed easily. Since Salesforce is a complete CRM suite it may not be as easy to use in the first instance as entry level CRM applications. The look and feel is professional, has an uncluttered interface with intuitive navigation.
How does the registration process work?
Registration is fairly easy and does not require credit card information during the trial period. The registration process requires detailed information about the individual registrant which may be an irritant for lay persons but serious users would understand requirement of the detailed information.
What does it cost to use the application?
One must admit that Salesforce pricing is a bit confusing what with so many schemes and packages. Salesforce CRM Unlimited Edition, Enterprise Edition, Professional Edition, Group Edition Personal Edition and Force.com Developer Edition are some of the packages available. The pricing begins with $9/User/Month for Group Edition and scales up to $65/User/Month for a full featured CRM. One has to remember that Salesforce is a genuine, and complete CRM suite as compared to many online solutions which are more of a contact management exercise.
Who would you recommend the application to?
Salesforce CRM is certainly recommended for all those who are genuinely interested in improving margins and efficiency with a professional CRM application. The on demand/ web based model is suited for all organizations who don’t wish to commit themselves to huge initial expenditure.
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