In the Cloud or On-Premise: You Have Options with Sage CRM

Sage CRM: Cloud or On Premise If you've been considering Sage CRM but still wondering which version is right for you - in the cloud or in your server room - this article can provide some helpful insight.

Sage CRM Cloud

Sage CRM Cloud is ideal for companies that want to get up and running quickly or have limited in-house IT expertise. Since it's in the cloud, you don't have to worry about managing servers and workstations and nightly database backups are performed automatically.

On the financial side, there is no hardware or software to purchase so the up-front costs are minimal. Essentially you're "renting" Sage CRM, paying monthly for the use of software-as-a-service (SaaS).

One aspect of Sage CRM Cloud to consider is that it does not integrate with your Sage 300 ERP system. Therefore, you wouldn't experience the workflow and data sharing benefits we've discussed in previous newsletters of connecting your sales and marketing activities with back-office accounting and operations in one single system and database.

Sage CRM On-Premise

Implementing Sage CRM On-Premise is all about control, ownership, and integration. Not only do you benefit from the built-in integration between Sage CRM and Sage 300 ERP, you also have the flexibility to integrate Sage CRM with other software applications you might be using to run your business like Microsoft Exchange Server, a computer telephony system for customer support, an e-commerce shopping cart, industry-specific or 3rd party applications, and more.

While Sage CRM Cloud has some customization capabilities, Sage CRM On-Premise provides advanced customization that allows you to modify the software to conform to your processes and work exactly the way you need it to.

Lastly since you purchase and own the software, you're up-front costs are higher while the total cost of ownership over time is lower. Plus, some companies prefer to maintain control of sales and customer data at their own location.

The Power of Choice

While Sage CRM offers two very different deployment options, both offer the full range of modules including sales, marketing, and customer service. In fact, the features and functions are nearly identical. And no matter which route you choose, rest assured that you won't be locked in because you can migrate between cloud-based Sage CRM and on-premise Sage CRM at any time!

The Best of Both Worlds
Your Own Personal Cloud

Equation Technologies offers the perfect "best of both worlds" solution with our new Monthly Hosting Services for Sage CRM and Sage 300 ERP (Accpac).

Our new software hosting service provides your own “Personal Cloud.”

That means you enjoy all the benefits of the cloud - including hassle-free IT maintenance, automatic backups, and built-in remote access - combined with the same ownership and control as if the software was installed on-premise.