I am an entrepreneur who has just started an information management company. I am interested in using Maximizer; however, I have come across Salesforce. Which of the two would you suggest and what advice would you give regarding software as a service?
Yomi, Maximizer and Salesforce.com are two different products. One is a software product with roots in contact management but now has a version for CRM. Salesforce.com is a sales force management tool--with what I’m sure is contact management information and CRM abilities.
SaaS vs. software is not really the question. The question is how you see your company growing and what software will meet that need. If you are looking for a great tool to manage your contacts that also has the ability to assist with CRM, go with Maximizer. If you are looking for a sales force management tool, go with Salesforce.com. However, keep in mind there are also other tools like NetSuite, Infusion CRM, ACT, SalesLogix, Gold Mine Software, Outlook’s Business Contact Manager and many others. Ideally, you should work with an objective software consultant who knows CRM and contact management, and really review your company and the options. Overall, where are you now and where do you want to go? Pick the software that meets this need. You could also start small and if you grow large, migrate up accordingly.
Some questions to ask:
- Will you have more than one location?
- Will you work with remote employees?
- Do you need CRM? Sales force management? Contact management only?
- How many customers and employees will you have in three months? In 12 months?
- What products are you selling? How complex is the sale and product mix?
About Ramon Ray
Ramon Ray is an author, speaker and editor of Smallbiztechnology.com, a site that helps small to medium-sized businesses use technology to grow through news, articles, discussion boards, resources, analysis and events.
Ramon has been using computers since 1986. He's the author of Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses, and has written thousands of technology articles and news items for Smallbiztechnology.com and other media. Through his writing he's helped thousands of small businesses use technology as a tool to grow.
Despite his vast experience, Ramon isn't "just" a technology writer. As a former small-business technology consultant, he has years of hands-on experience in building networks, installing software, upgrading computers and supporting the technology small businesses use on a daily basis.
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