When to Upgrade

I have found that people upgrade for one or two reasons - because there are new features or requirements that their current system does not have, or their current systems does not integrate with newer software.

So, how do you know if you should be upgrading?

I work with many CRM systems, either in passing because of troubleshooting, or actively because they are heavily used by my clients.  The two mainly supported are Sage ACT! - a desktop and optional web based solution -  and ZoHo CRM - which is strictly cloud based.

Using these two, here's why you might look to upgrade or convert:

ZoHo CRM is popular because it's cloud-based, so if you have a requirement to have access anywhere, on any device, you are probably looking at, or even testing, cloud solutions. ZoHo CRM is 100% web based, any browser, and any smart phone with a browser - basically, if you have a connection, you can get to your database.  Note, the phone-based access is slightly limited in functionality, but you can get most of the contact information, activities, etc.

Sage ACT! also has a web-based solution, where you load ACT! on a server either you own, rent, lease, whatever, and load your database(s) to that server, which is available via the web.  ACT! on the web has much of the same functionality as the desktop version, and is available on Firefox and Internet Explorer.  There are third-party addons to bridge the gap to smart phones, but you will also have to be running the desktop version that "syncs" with the smart phone - i.e. it's not direct web access to your database via a phone.  However, if you need access while away from an internet connection (bad service areas, airplane), then having web access *and* desktop access is critical.

As for integrating with newer software, and old version of ACT! will not integrate with Office 2010 (note: ACT! older that 2007/v9 will not integrate with Office 2007 or newer, either).  If you're office is planning to upgrade to Office 2010, then this will have to be taken into account.

ZoHo integrates with GMail and Google Calendar (if installed via Google Apps), which is critical for GMail users.

One final note - both ACT! and ZoHo are excellent CRM systems.  Depending on your needs, you will find out which one suites you best.  ACT! is incredibly customizable and works seamlessly with Microsoft Office.  ZoHo does have a plugin to work with Office, although not as integrated as ACT!, but also has the option to work with Google Docs and ZoHo Docs.  ZoHo is a cloud-based subscription service, it's software is updated automatically, the user does not have to do anything.  ACT! has updates and hotfixes, which do have to be installed manually.

If you are interested in the differences between ACT! and ZoHo, or different versions of ACT!, please drop me a note.  Additionally, if you upgrade, or convert to another systems, you will want your data to be migrated, which is a service we offer - please contact me for details.