Cloud CRM system - security, data protection and benefits
Cloud CRM system - dangerous or useful? Many companies are asking themselves this question. The fact is that the use of cloud CRM systems is increasing in Germany.
A cloud CRM system offers users considerable added value, particularly for customer loyalty management, as customer data can be accessed from any end device, even by sales or service staff on the move, before or during a meeting with customers. No additional IT is required for this and the cloud CRM system can be introduced quickly. The following article presents the risks of the cloud, how to avoid them and the cloud CRM solution from Gedys Intraware.
Table of contents
Criticism of the cloud CRM system
Despite all the advantages of the technology, the cloud is criticized by some. The point is often made that access is only possible with a stable and fast internet connection, meaning that locally stored programs are always preferable if the connection is not good enough.
In addition, dependency, data protection, security, expense and the flexibility of the cloud are considered to be the biggest points of criticism that speak against the cloud-based use of software.
What is the truth of this criticism?
Missing internet connection
Modern solutions also offer optional offline access if there is no Internet connection, so that you are not permanently dependent on a stable and fast Internet connection.
Security
Many cloud providers specialize in hosting and are therefore often more experienced than your own company. When assessing quality, it helps to look at the corresponding ISO certification and redundant infrastructure (servers, databases, network, etc.). According to BitKOM, 85% of IT attacks registered by companies are not related to cloud solutions.
Data protection
Data protection remains a sensitive issue. The question here is in which country the cloud server is located and which agreements are concluded for commissioned data processing. In principle, hosting in Germany is preferable to other locations.
Dependence on the cloud provider
Dependence on the cloud provider is not a problem if the terms for cloud contracts are short and if care is taken to ensure that the cloud provider makes the data from the CRM-System available when the contract ends.
Expenditure
In terms of administration, the cost of cloud CRM software is lower for your own company if the cloud provider takes care of the maintenance and upkeep of the IT infrastructure and software updates. Services for setup, customization and training from the solution provider reduce the workload for your own company. >> Cloud-CRM check offer
Flexibility
There are cloud CRM systems that do not allow any customization of the standard version. In this case, you are strongly bound to the existing processes and configuration options. However, some systems allow programmatic changes to be made, making cloud solutions very flexible.
Advantages of the cloud CRM system
With a cloud CRM system, no installation is required on the end devices. Regardless of the operating system, CRM data can be accessed on any device and at any location.
The time required to introduce the cloud CRM system is generally shorter than for on-premise projects, as no IT hardware and server licenses need to be procured. There is also no need to provide and train additional staff to manage them.
A fast ROI (>>free ROI checklist) without high initial investment makes the monthly rental model attractive. The costs can be reliably calculated.
Replacing legacy systems, isolated solutions and reducing resistance
The replacement of outdated systems and isolated solutions presents particular challenges. This is often associated with resistance from users who reject change. Proper project planning and organization, comprehensive change management that takes into account established structures and involves all those affected, reduces potential resistance.
Cloud CRM system as hosting offer
If you need a CRM system but do not want to purchase additional IT, GEDYS IntraWare CRM provides you with a reliable cloud CRM system with the core functions for sales, marketing and service, which you can also obtain as an on-premise system. The application can also be customized according to your personal ideas and requirements.
The CRM complies with the latest hosting standards. This protection is guaranteed by the technologies RAID1, clustering, IBM replication data security and SSL data encryption. In addition, the cloud CRM system is operated in Germany. This has the advantage that you benefit under data protection law from the fundamental ban on transferring data to insecure third countries.
Security against outages is also guaranteed with redundant resources and connections. The servers and data transfer are subject to continuous monitoring and the data in the cloud CRM solution is backed up every night so that it can be restored quickly in the event of an emergency.
Get started quickly without having to purchase additional technology or services! Find out more about our SaaS model in the Cloud CRM brochure.