Hello. What are the pros and cons of a bespoke CRM solution versus an off the shelf solution? Would like to know for future reference.
Comments
whose strategy, processes, and vision do you want?
Hi;
I tried as light-heartedly to highlight what youi get given the choice you pose, ;-).
As a "Yank" I laughed to myself at the Britishism, since my own background is in comparative literature and criticism, it is refreshing to see language used so precisely.
There are a slew of issues to explore around the build/buy dyad. Cloud solutions, such as SugarCRM, Salesforce.com, and others choices add what I see as a very intriguing alternative. My advice is to know firmly what the CEO, Prez, and other senior executives think they are deciding upon. Are they choosing a business strategy, say, versus, having a repository of information, data, and knowledge? Do you decisively understand the processes, data, and people-driven data needs that must be present in your tool, i.e., the functional requirements? Can you buy 'em on the open market? can you "cobble them together", a bricoleur of sorts by using a cloud solution? And, then, do you actually have the systems talent to build and what would that cost be as well as to maintain.
I hope that starts the thought.
-- Managing Director, Chrysalis Marketing 414.324.2559 npoulos@mac.com
crmcompass.com