#acs 3.2

[integgris]

This is an instructional video on how to utilize Microsoft Dynamics CRM to your e-commerce software.

[integgris]

Tips in Deciding Between On-Premise and Hosted CRM

So you already know what CRM can do for your business. But now, you are greeted with another problem, the deployment method. You already have the solution, all you need to do is pick between hosted Software-as-a-Service or on-premise to host yourself. It's a good idea to know what type of deployment method will fit you best before finding the best CRM solution for your e-commerce site. 

Here are some tips to help you decide between hosted or on-premise CRM: 

SaaS is perfect for: 

E-commerce companies that do not have internal IT staff to support an on-premise software. 

Companies who prefer a monthly software fee rather than spending a lot of investments on a CRM software. 

Companies looking for a solution that is readily available whenever the business is ready for it. 

What makes hosted CRM Better

With a hosted CRM, you have the option of upgrading your CRM deployment models when your needs shift. Hosted CRM is better for businesses that are just beginning to grow because the cost of upgrading the software will be lower compared to on-premise CRM systems. 

Microsoft CRM online lets you access CRM using only a web browser or through Microsoft Outllok. This feature is very helpful to users who want to access their CRM software even when on the move. 

Hosted Microsoft CRM integrates with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, and other Microsoft Office programs. It has the similar look and feel that we are used to so getting to know the program itself is very easy. 

On-Premise is perfect for: 

Companies with enough IT staff and hardware to support the system.

Companies who need a large number of customization to support their business. Excellent for large e-commerce businesses.

E-commerce who can afford for an upfront software and implementation cost.

Companies with data access needs that need two-way integrations with other applications. 

What makes on-premise CRM better

Larger companies might not like hosted CRM because they don't have full control over their software. It is also more secured compared to SaaS because the company's information remains private or is being regulated as per Service Level Agreements. If you need to have direct control over updates, this is where on-premise CRM is better. 

Additionally, for a more dynamic control over your database, on-premise CRM will give you the highest control over your client information. This is because the database remains private into your own server compared to SaaS where the database is on the public server. 

Hosted or On-Premise for Small Businesses

Hosted CRM is a good choice for small businesses because you can run the software as quickly as your purchased it. You don't need an in-house IT staff with high levels of technical skills which will be very expensive if you hire one. No need for any extra payments because all you have to pay is a monthly service fee based on the number of users you have. 

Hosted CRM is a great solution for e-commerce start-ups and to those who think that on-premise is just too overwhelming for their company at the moment. 

There are a few drawbacks, however. Security and total control of the system is one of the problems with hosted CRM, so if you are concerned about this issue, better switch to on-premise CRM. 

Choosing the right CRM is important to the success of your business. Pick a software that suits your needs and does not sacrifice quality and price. 

Whether on-premise or SaaS, ACS is your only e-commerce software solution. ACS is a multi-store, multi-culture, and multi-channel e-commerce platform with more than 5,000 documented features and built-in integration to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft SharePoint, and SAP. It is the only ecommerce software with the most flexible, and extensible enterprise business capabilities to date. Visit ACS to learn more.

[integgris]

ACS 3.2 Released

Integgris has just released ACS 3.2. The new version has the following feature improvements, enhancements and bug fixes.

Features

The dropdown for Google type search is now sortable.

The search suggestions are in search results of other departments or manufacturer has the same keywords.

Search relevance are now added in the search and admin portal. 

You can now turn off social networking on header, footer, or in any user control. 

Loyalty program are now redeemed using gift card which is based on commissions.

You can now have customer group-driven payment methods and associated payment to customer group. 

Enhancements

Added colors, look and feel to the admin portal header.

Navigation on storefront now uses tree-view to show them sub category and category in one control and the ability to jump into a single category in one click. 

Change the multi-line instead of two different addresses to store to two different fields.

New dynamic version information on admin portal.

Fixes

Fixed the WCF error on Tax for Admin UI. 

Fixed discounts calculation error during a quantity break.

For more information, please visit the extendrum forum. To learn more about ACS, please visit www.acommerceserver.com.

[integgris]

Top 5 CRM Tools for Small Businesses

As a small business, you should start using CRM right away if you want to stay connected to customers. New features of CRM software enable your business to stay connected using social media channels; thus an increased satisfaction and more sales. 

  1. Nimble

Nimble is a CRM that combines social media, and collaborative tools in to a single Software as a Service (SaaS) Solution. Nimble is built from the ground up with social media in mind. Nimble quotes their product as a "social relationship management" than a CRM. 

  Nimble has the following features: 

Social search. Search social networks for relevant keywords and find the people who are interested in your products. 

Automated social media integration. Identify contact's social profile in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, connect, listen, and engage with them in just a few clicks. 

Status updates. Post updates to any social network or send messages to anyone in the social networks. 

Hootsuite Integration. 

Unified inbox. Listen to all the relevant conversations happening in social networks and connect it from the unified inbox. You can also send messages to individual contacts within Nimble and/or across social media networks.

Nimble offers a free plan with limited features and will only last for 14 days. The premium plan is $15 per user per month. 

2. GreenRope

GreenRope is a social CRM offering four core features: marketing, calendaring, contact management, and project management. Your social media campaigns can be managed from just a single interface. 

Price starts at $399 per month, but if you are unsure if this is the right CRM for you, GreenRope offers a free 30-day trial. 

3. Insightly

Insightly is a social CRM with built-in integration with LinkedIn and Twitter. Merchants can easily view their social data inside the dashboard. You can import contacts from your LinkedIn connections, and add LinkedIn profiles to existing contacts. Insightly also integrates with Google Apps, Google Drive, and Gmail. 

Price starts at $20 per month but there is also a free plan that is only limited for up to 3 users and 2,500 contacts. 

4. Batchbook

Batchbook is your CRM system that lets you manage contacts, address books, leads, trades, deals, etc. It is a bit different from other CRM because of their social media integration. Users can access LinkedIn Profiles, Twitter feeds, and can connect with Facebook to get information on contacts. 

Batchbook can be integrated with HootSuite to enable these capabilities: 

See histories by looking at Batchbook contact details in HootSuite

Take social post and contact details from Hootsuite.

Access contact details, communications, to-dos, and notes from Batchbook inside Hootsuite.

Price starts at $20 er month but Batchbook offers a 30-day free trial.

5. SocialText

SocialText helps in internal collaboration across organizations making it easy for them to share data and information with their colleagues in a secure intranet environment. SocialText makes it easy to bring the issue inside the company, get filtered to the right team, and be answered accurately then presented it back to the customer. 

Price starts at $39 per user, per month. SocialText also offers a free 30-day trial. 

ACS 3.2 is more than just social CRM. ACS is a .NET Ecommerce software solution with more than 5,000 features and built in integration to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, SharePoint, and SAP. For more information, please visit the www.acommerceserver.com