By Sharla SikesIt may seem like we’ve talked about Web 2.0 ad nauseum, but that’s because it’s a hot topic in the world of customer relationship management. And there are a lot of ways it can benefit businesses of all sizes, too. Today’s question: Should you add a customer module to your CRM system?

By Sharla Sikes We’ve just taken a look at how simply being aware of possible threats to CRM system security can help foil phishing attacks, but there’s a lot more involved with the security equation. Technological security measures will boost user awareness into a complete security strategy.

By Sharla Sikes Web 2.0 is so, like right now. Rick Cook at InsideCRM.com calls it a “catchphrase that many new technologies use to make the Web appear a friendlier, more powerful place and help users be more productive.” Productive, yes; but how about vulnerable?

By Sharla Sikes Within the complex world of customer relationship management, categories have emerged to further define the concept.

By Sharla Sikes We’ve established that customer relationship management has become if not a necessity, then at least a powerful tool in today’s sales world. So let’s say you’ve got your CRM system set up, and you want to make sure you’re getting the most function out of your investment.

Customer relationship management (CRM) software solutions are in danger of becoming commodity offerings. Why? Perhaps because the term is used too loosely to describe applications that do little more than record data or perhaps it is because so many applications out there promise to do the same things. And, does plug-in-play really mean that it [...]

Just like any industry where demand exceeds supply, there is a shortage of resources. Basic economics. So what happens when enough people want to implement a CRM system but there just isn’t enough system integrators or engineers available? You are left with two options as a result — crappy rollouts by average consultants or wait [...]

Vendors can offer all kinds of suggestions on how to plan your deployment. Consultants can help with time lines and schedules. But if you’re looking for some serious advice on how to kick-start your project–and see it through–who better to ask than those who’ve done it before? Baseline turned to five managers who have deployed [...]

Those of you who don’t know sugar CRM, it is an open-source CRM system. Sugar open source enables sales marketing and support organizations to manage their customer interactions more efficiently and profitably and is intended for both large and small companies worldwide.From what I hear sugar CRM is the best sales tool I’ve seen for [...]

Implementing a CRM system and putting some business intelligence into the processes may help in boosting sales or in creating an end-to-end strategy for those who have been around during the implementation, but what happens when a new hire sits in front of the complex, customized application? Getting new service reps used to a CRM [...]