Cloud-Based CRM System: Is it Safe and What Are the Benefits?
Tags: security
Published: 2019-08-28 08:49:50

	 	 	 	



Thanks to the massive expansion of internet infrastructure in recent decades, cloud computing solutions became the de facto standard for business software deployment. Gone are the days when companies had to rely on complicated in-house network setups to perform even the most basic business activities.
Thanks to the power of the cloud, businesses of all size gained access to advanced software for marketing automation, data mining, and most importantly customer relationship management. However, not everyone is convinced that moving to a cloud-based CRM solution is the right move. The most frequently voiced concerns surrounding cloud-based CRM are those related to data safety, application speed, and long-term costs.1
If you considered switching over to cloud-based CRM yourself, these questions are probably high on your priority list. And in order to help you out, here is an overview of the key benefits of cloud-based CRM. Keep reading, and find out how cloud-based CRM can help your business grow.

##1. User-friendly Installation
Companies are often reluctant to try out new software for the fear that the installation process might be too complicated. After all, what is the point of spending money on a tool that makes things harder for you? Fortunately, most cloud-based CRM solutions take little to no effort to set up. For the most part, all you have to do is install a lightweight client frontend, and you are ready to go. And if you’re using a browser-based cloud CRM solution, you can just log into your account on the spot, no installation required.
##2. Ease of Access
Nowadays, businesses are rarely confined to a single office building. Remote work is more prevalent than ever, and people working on the same team might live on entirely different continents. As a result, modern CRM systems tend to be accessible from every platform and region. All you need to use one are your login credentials, and an internet-capable device and you are ready to go. And since your data is hosted in the cloud, all your team members can access it at their convenience.
##3. Low Price
On-premise CRM solutions usually require a large upfront investment, making them unsuitable for businesses with limited resources. They also require to keep IT experts on hand for maintenance and troubleshooting, further increasing the cost of using it. Cloud-based CRM solutions, on the other hand, are mostly [subscription-based](https://technologyadvice.com/blog/information-technology/four-advantages-of-software-as-a-service-saas-2/) with a variety of payment plans, from completely-free to enterprise-grade. Your CRM provider will also handle all the maintenance, so you can keep your staff lean. It is also much cheaper to change your CRM provider since you can cancel your subscription at any time.
##4. Enhance Team Collaboration
Cloud-based CRM gives all your departments access to the same customer data. This makes it easier to formulate business strategies and keep everyone involved in day-to-day business operations. Most cloud-based [CRM platforms provide built-in features](https://www.reallysimplesystems.com/blog/features-you-dont-know-about/), such as a chat interface, or a shared dashboard. Not only does this enhance collaboration between sales, customer service, and marketing reps, but it also enables you to leverage smarketing to provide a seamless customer experience.
##5. Scalability
On-premise CRM software has built-in limitations in terms of how much data it can handle. This makes it unsuitable for businesses experiencing rapid growth. In contrast, cloud-based CRM is inherently scalable. As your business grows, you can adjust your subscription plan to suit your needs on a regular basis. And if your company ever experiences a downturn, you can easily scale back your plan to save on costs, while retaining the same level of functionality as an on-premise solution.
##6. Seamless Integration
Most companies today use a variety of software tools in their day to day operations. This can lead to issues due to format incompatibility, mismatched inputs and outputs, and different system requirements. Cloud-based CRM applications can help you avoid these difficulties because they are integration-friendly by design. Top CRM apps are built with integration in mind. You can connect them easily with the other tools you use, such as productivity software, email automation systems, AI chatbots, and cloud-based office tools.
##7. Data Safety
In the wake of recent [data theft scandals](https://www.csoonline.com/article/2130877/the-biggest-data-breaches-of-the-21st-century.html), companies are required to put in more effort to protect customer data. Fortunately, cloud-based CRM tools come with built-in security features, making it easier to keep your data safe. For one, all your CRM data is stored externally on the cloud, which is inherently safer than storing it on a local server with light-weight security measures. Cloud-based CRM providers also keep multiple backups of your data, saving you the trouble of hiring a DevOps expert to perform manual backups.
##Conclusion
Cloud-based CRM represents a major step forward in the development of business software. It consistently comes out ahead in terms of performance, safety, ease-of-use, and cost when compared to on-premise CRM solutions, which are increasingly seen as a thing of the past. Give cloud-based CRM a try, and make your tech stack future-proof for years to come.