Answers Accounting - CRM http://zift.ziftsolutions.com/ Answers Accounting - CRM(Feed: http://sage.ziftsolutions.com/channel/8a7caa1117ae61eb0117cb14649b0371) ZiftSolutions <![CDATA[Sage Expands Its Social and Cloud Computing Plans]]> http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/CRM-News/Daily-News/Sage-Expands-Its-Social-and-Cloud-Computing-Plans--53909.aspx
Sage Expands Its Social and Cloud Computing Plans
Sage Insights '09: Executives revisit the Sage CRM 2010 roadmap with insight into what CRM users want -- and are ready for.
Posted May 20, 2009
Page 1

NASHVILLE - As software vendors are wont to do, Sage took the occasion of its annual gathering to put its corporate strategy and development roadmaps on prime display. So the fact that a number of presentations at Sage's Insights Partner Conference here last week was devoted to Sage CRM strategies and objectives came as no surprise. Joe Bergera, Sage CRM's executive vice president, and Larry Ritter, the division's senior vice president, fleshed out what those strategies could mean for the Sage CRM customer base. Instead of paying tribute to the bells and whistles the software will eventually provide, the two executives stuck to the end-user benefits and how the features will transform business.

"The real value in CRM is about the aggregation and [the] taking action," Ritter told industry analysts and members of the press during an intimate briefing on CRM strategy. Ritter was referring especially to social capabilities that Sage CRM products -- in particular Act! by Sage -- are embracing. "Sticking [in] a Twitter plug-in is interesting," he said. "But the ability to go out into the social media space and track what people are saying about your products -- and then schedule your team to call them and record that and put it back into CRM -- is where the opportunities are."

In earlier keynote presentations during the week, Sage had announced Act! by Sage plug-ins that would connect to Twitter and Facebook. Users will now not only be able to send tweets directly from the Act! interface, they will be able to aggregate data from social networks to fill out a customer's contact information.

Ritter noted that social CRM is still young, and that it lacks maturity, but Bergera pointed to signs of growing interest, especially among Act! users. Social networking is certainly a familiar feature to the Act! user base: The Act! by Sage Community site, for example, had more than 8.9 million page views and 266,000 searches in its first year, according to the company.

Interest doesn't necessarily equate to adoption, though. Two SalesLogix customers presented during the Insights briefing. Neither mentioned social capabilities in their presentations, and when asked further about their social initiatives, the executives said they weren't ready or didn't think it was right for their businesses. In recommending a good place to start with social strategy, Denis Pombriant, founder and principal of CRM consultancy Beagle Research Group, pointed out that for those two customers in particular -- and perhaps the typical Sage user -- today might still be too soon to take an offensive approach to social. There are positive ways to begin using social methods as a defense, he said -- listening to and learning from the social Web in oprder to glean what people are saying about your company.

The second hot topic of the week was cloud computing. Sage occupies an uncommon position in terms of cloud computing, essentially challenging the idea -- put forth most often by software-as-a-service vendors such as Salesforce.com -- that everything is moving toward the cloud. Sage instead offers Saleslogix Today, which employs what the company calls a "software-plus-services" approach -- a hybrid model that still requires software installed on the premises, but nevertheless offers users access to Web-based applications. Additionally, SalesLogix Today is a tangible appliance that hosts a company's data, but requires little set-up or support.

Laurie McCabe, a partner with analyst firm Hurwitz & Associates, says the appliance market could represent a huge opportunity for Sage. "It gets at the religious dogma, 'It's got to be in the cloud,' " she says. "The reason cloud computing has such a compelling value proposition is that it solves a lot of problems -- but it's not the only way [to do so]."

Still, McCabe says an appliance-based approach just might be ideal for a small business hesitantly looking to move forward. "A big part of the [small-business] market segment [is] looking and hearing of cloud computing," she points out. "To them, it sounds good -- but they're not quite ready."

Sue Swenson, president and chief executive officer of Sage North America, noted in her welcoming keynote on Monday that SalesLogix Today has been a bright spot for the company, garnering a healthy amount of interest.

For partners or tech-savvy customers wanting to bring Sage CRM into the cloud, the vendor has attempted to simplify the process: Sage announced an arrangement with Amazon.com's Amazon Web Services for cloud capabilities, and has also integrated the Amazon sign-up experience into Sage applications.

News relevant to the customer relationship management industry is posted several times a day on destinationCRM.com, in addition to the news section Insight that appears every month in the pages of CRM magazine. You may leave a public comment regarding this article by clicking on "Comments" at the top; to contact the editors, please email editor@destinationCRM.com.

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<table id="ArticleHead" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100&#037;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><div class="timesHeader"><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_ArticleTitle">Sage Expands Its Social and Cloud Computing Plans </span></div> <div class="ArticleSubTitle"><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_ArticleSummary"><strong>Sage Insights &#039;09: </strong>Executives revisit the Sage CRM 2010 roadmap with insight into what CRM users want -- and are ready for. </span></div> <div class="ArticleAuthor"> <span class="readarticlestories_articleauthors">By <a id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_rptAuthors_ctl01_Author" href="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Authors/2663-Lauren-McKay.htm">Lauren McKay</a></span> </div> <div class="ArticlePostDate">Posted May 20, 2009</div> </td><td> <div class="ArticleSidebarBoxes"> <div class="ArticleSidebarContentContainer"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"> <span id="sharethis_0"><a st_page="home" href="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/CRM-News/Daily-News/javascript:void&#037;280&#037;29" title="ShareThis via email, AIM, social bookmarking and networking sites, etc." class="stbutton stico_default"><span st_page="home" class="stbuttontext">ShareThis</span></a></span></td></tr><tr><td><img src="/images/TemplateImages/sidebarPrinter.gif" align="absmiddle" height="25" width="25"/></td><td class="ArticleSidebarItems" align="left" valign="middle"><a id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_PrintArticleTextLink" href="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/PrintArticle.aspx?ArticleID=53909" target="_printversion"></a></td></tr><tr><td><img src="/images/TemplateImages/sidebarComment.gif" align="absmiddle" height="21" width="25"/></td><td class="ArticleSidebarItems" align="left" valign="middle"><a id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_AddComment" href="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Comments/Default.aspx?ArticleID=53909"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> </div> </div> <div class="readarticle_currentpage"> Page 1 </div> </td></tr></tbody></table> <table style="margin: 10px 0px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><br/><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(187, 187, 187); margin: 0px 5px;" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="center"><img src="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Images/ArticleImages/ArticleImage.4486.jpg"/></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong>NASHVILLE -</strong> As software vendors are wont to do, Sage took the occasion of its annual gathering to put its corporate strategy and development roadmaps on prime display. So the fact that a number of presentations at Sage&#039;s Insights Partner Conference here last week was devoted to Sage CRM strategies and objectives came as no surprise. Joe Bergera, Sage CRM&#039;s executive vice president, and Larry Ritter, the division&#039;s senior vice president, fleshed out what those strategies could mean for the Sage CRM customer base. Instead of paying tribute to the bells and whistles the software will eventually provide, the two executives stuck to the end-user benefits and how the features will transform business.</p><p>&quot;The real value in CRM is about the aggregation and [the] taking action,&quot; Ritter told industry analysts and members of the press during an intimate briefing on CRM strategy. Ritter was referring especially to social capabilities that Sage CRM products -- in particular Act! by Sage -- are embracing. &quot;Sticking [in] a Twitter plug-in is interesting,&quot; he said. &quot;But the ability to go out into the social media space and track what people are saying about your products -- and then schedule your team to call them and record that and put it back into CRM -- is where the opportunities are.&quot;</p> <div id="google_ads_div_dCRM-TextAds"> <hr color="&#035;808080"></hr><br/><hr color="&#035;808080"></hr> </div> <p>In earlier keynote presentations during the week, Sage had announced Act! by Sage plug-ins that would connect to Twitter and Facebook. Users will now not only be able to send tweets directly from the Act! interface, they will be able to aggregate data from social networks to fill out a customer&#039;s contact information.</p><p>Ritter noted that social CRM is still young, and that it lacks maturity, but Bergera pointed to signs of growing interest, especially among Act! users. Social networking is certainly a familiar feature to the Act! user base: The Act! by Sage Community site, for example, <a href="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/Columns-Departments/Insight/Social-Support-for-Software-53316.aspx">had more than 8.9 million page views and 266,000 searches in its first year</a>, according to the company.</p><p>Interest doesn&#039;t necessarily equate to adoption, though. Two SalesLogix customers presented during the Insights briefing. Neither mentioned social capabilities in their presentations, and when asked further about their social initiatives, the executives said they weren&#039;t ready or didn&#039;t think it was right for their businesses. In recommending a good place to start with social strategy, Denis Pombriant, founder and principal of CRM consultancy Beagle Research Group, pointed out that for those two customers in particular -- and perhaps the typical Sage user -- today might still be too soon to take an offensive approach to social. There are positive ways to begin using social methods as a defense, he said -- listening to and learning from the social Web in oprder to glean what people are saying about your company.<br/> <br/>The second hot topic of the week was cloud computing. Sage occupies an uncommon position in terms of cloud computing, essentially challenging the idea -- put forth most often by software-as-a-service vendors such as Salesforce.com -- that everything is moving toward the cloud. Sage instead offers Saleslogix Today, which employs what the company calls a &quot;software-plus-services&quot; approach -- a hybrid model that still requires software installed on the premises, but nevertheless offers users access to Web-based applications. Additionally, SalesLogix Today is a tangible appliance that hosts a company&#039;s data, but requires little set-up or support.</p><p>Laurie McCabe, a partner with analyst firm Hurwitz &amp; Associates, says the appliance market could represent a huge opportunity for Sage. &quot;It gets at the religious dogma, &#039;It&#039;s got to be in the cloud,&#039; &quot; she says. &quot;The reason cloud computing has such a compelling value proposition is that it solves a lot of problems -- but it&#039;s not the only way [to do so].&quot;</p><p>Still, McCabe says an appliance-based approach just might be ideal for a small business hesitantly looking to move forward. &quot;A big part of the [small-business] market segment [is] looking and hearing of cloud computing,&quot; she points out. &quot;To them, it sounds good -- but they&#039;re not quite ready.&quot;</p><p>Sue Swenson, president and chief executive officer of Sage North America, noted in her welcoming keynote on Monday that SalesLogix Today has been a bright spot for the company, garnering a healthy amount of interest.</p><p>For partners or tech-savvy customers wanting to bring Sage CRM into the cloud, the vendor has attempted to simplify the process: Sage announced an arrangement with Amazon.com&#039;s Amazon Web Services for cloud capabilities, and has also integrated the Amazon sign-up experience into Sage applications.</p><p><em>News relevant to the customer relationship management industry is posted several times a day on destinationCRM.com, in addition to the news section Insight that appears every month in the pages of CRM magazine. You may leave a public comment regarding this article by clicking on <a href="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Comments/Default.aspx?ArticleID=53909">&quot;Comments&quot;</a> at the top; to contact the editors, please email </em><a href="http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/CRM-News/Daily-News/mailto:editor&#064;destinationCRM.com">editor&#064;destinationCRM.com</a><em>.</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 20 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/CRM-News/Daily-News/Sage-Expands-Its-Social-and-Cloud-Computing-Plans--53909.aspx?z=0 Lauren McKay 2009-05-20T04:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Sage SalesLogix Today Rapid-Deployment CRM Includes All IT Provisions Small Businesses Need To Have On-Premises Or Hosted System Running In 24 Hours]]> http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/company/newsroom/press_releases/details?CID=1D6445D4-9BD0-0001-E395-1A901ABB135D&CardId=114336&RowIndex=1&Product=*&Year=* Scottsdale , AZ - Mar 23, 2009 - Sage North America today announced "Sage SalesLogix Today,' a new rapidly-deployable CRM offering for small businesses. Sage SalesLogix Today is a specially configured Sage SalesLogix system on an intelligent server from Applianz Technologies, Inc. that can be shipped and set up within 24 hours, at the customer's convenience. Online user training, continuous backup and disaster recovery, one year of hardware assurance, and up to 30 hours of access to a dedicated Sage SalesLogix administrator during the first 90 days for remote implementation is included. Customers can run Sage SalesLogix Today on premises, or host it through Sage, and can buy their system up front or use 0% financing for one to three years. All-inclusive pricing is as low as $51 per user per month for 25 users with three-year financing.

"Sage SalesLogix Today provides all the IT elements and personal assistance needed to get small businesses quickly running with software-as-a-service style benefits at a fraction of SaaS costs, plus each customer owns their system and their data,' said David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America. "Businesses should not have to give up finite costs for simplicity. Sage SalesLogix Today allows business owners and sales VP's to do what they do best, while also pleasing the CFO.'

Converged Communication Systems, LLC (www.convergedsystems.com), a national provider of Avaya telecommunications solutions and support services for businesses ranging from 10 to 10,000+ employees, chose Sage SalesLogix Today over other hosted offerings. "In the telephony industry we compete directly against hosted phone systems," noted Kevin Rubin, CTO. "We see many businesses that initially chose hosted return to premise-based systems for huge cost savings, more features, greater reliability, and to keep their data safely onsite while owning their system. We applied this rationale to our CRM evaluation and we're implementing 15 on-premises Sage SalesLogix Today users. The hardware and software bundle price, plus the Sage SalesLogix Web customer portal and integration capabilities were additional factors that made this an easy decision."

Additional Sage SalesLogix Today details:

  • Full-featured CRM with sales, marketing, support, and service automation via Sage SalesLogix Web client for flexible access to business and customer data.
  • Guided implementation includes Sage SalesLogix configuration, data import, and security settings to significantly reduce customer IT requirements.
  • Hardware assurance includes 24/7 system monitoring and nightly data backup to protect data and ensure complete disaster recovery.
  • Flexible payment options allow customers to pay the same price either up front or monthly over a one to three year period so they can own their CRM system and data.
  • Customers are assigned a Sage account manager and local Sage SalesLogix Today authorized business partner for ongoing support and customization options.

For more details, visit www.sagecrmsolutions.com/slxtoday or phone 877-851-7567.

]]>
<p><b>Scottsdale , AZ - Mar 23, 2009</b> - Sage North America today announced &quot;Sage SalesLogix Today,&#039; a new rapidly-deployable CRM offering for small businesses. Sage SalesLogix Today is a specially configured Sage SalesLogix system on an intelligent server from Applianz Technologies, Inc. that can be shipped and set up within 24 hours, at the customer&#039;s convenience. Online user training, continuous backup and disaster recovery, one year of hardware assurance, and up to 30 hours of access to a dedicated Sage SalesLogix administrator during the first 90 days for remote implementation is included. Customers can run Sage SalesLogix Today on premises, or host it through Sage, and can buy their system up front or use 0&#037; financing for one to three years. All-inclusive pricing is as low as &#036;51 per user per month for 25 users with three-year financing.</p> <p>&quot;Sage SalesLogix Today provides all the IT elements and personal assistance needed to get small businesses quickly running with software-as-a-service style benefits at a fraction of SaaS costs, plus each customer owns their system and their data,&#039; said David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America. &quot;Businesses should not have to give up finite costs for simplicity. Sage SalesLogix Today allows business owners and sales VP&#039;s to do what they do best, while also pleasing the CFO.&#039;</p> <p>Converged Communication Systems, LLC (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.convergedsystems.com/" title="www.convergedsystems.com">www.convergedsystems.com</a>), a national provider of Avaya telecommunications solutions and support services for businesses ranging from 10 to 10,000&#043; employees, chose Sage SalesLogix Today over other hosted offerings. &quot;In the telephony industry we compete directly against hosted phone systems,&quot; noted Kevin Rubin, CTO. &quot;We see many businesses that initially chose hosted return to premise-based systems for huge cost savings, more features, greater reliability, and to keep their data safely onsite while owning their system. We applied this rationale to our CRM evaluation and we&#039;re implementing 15 on-premises Sage SalesLogix Today users. The hardware and software bundle price, plus the Sage SalesLogix Web customer portal and integration capabilities were additional factors that made this an easy decision.&quot;</p> <p>Additional Sage SalesLogix Today details:</p> <ul> <li>Full-featured CRM with sales, marketing, support, and service automation via Sage SalesLogix Web client for flexible access to business and customer data.</li> <li>Guided implementation includes Sage SalesLogix configuration, data import, and security settings to significantly reduce customer IT requirements.</li> <li>Hardware assurance includes 24/7 system monitoring and nightly data backup to protect data and ensure complete disaster recovery.</li> <li>Flexible payment options allow customers to pay the same price either up front or monthly over a one to three year period so they can own their CRM system and data.</li> <li>Customers are assigned a Sage account manager and local Sage SalesLogix Today authorized business partner for ongoing support and customization options.</li> </ul> <p>For more details, visit <a href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/slxtoday">www.sagecrmsolutions.com/slxtoday</a> or phone 877-851-7567.</p> Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/company/newsroom/press_releases/details?CID=1D6445D4-9BD0-0001-E395-1A901ABB135D&CardId=114336&RowIndex=1&Product=*&Year=*&z=1 Ryan Zuk 2009-03-23T04:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Sage aims new CRM appliance at small business]]> http://www.itworld.com/crm/64853/sage-aims-new-crm-appliance-small-business
Sage North America on Monday unveiled SalesLogix Today, a new CRM (customer relationship management) software-hardware appliance aimed at small businesses.

The vendor, which is partnering on the hardware side with Applianz Technologies, is including hardware system monitoring, nightly data backup and up to 30 hours of help from an administrator during the first three months of ownership.

The appliance, which includes a "full-featured" CRM application, costs US$45,887 but can be financed at zero percent in terms of one to three years. For example, it would cost $51 per user per month for 25 users on a three-year financing arrangement, Sage said. A minimum of 10 users is required.

SalesLogix Today, which is also available hosted through Sage, can be shipped and set up within 24 hours, according to the vendor.

That capability, as well as the appliance model, corresponds to market demand for systems ...]]>
IDG News Service - <br/><br/>Sage North America on Monday unveiled SalesLogix Today, a new CRM (customer relationship management) software-hardware appliance aimed at small businesses.<br/><br/>The vendor, which is partnering on the hardware side with Applianz Technologies, is including hardware system monitoring, nightly data backup and up to 30 hours of help from an administrator during the first three months of ownership.<br/><br/>The appliance, which includes a &quot;full-featured&quot; CRM application, costs US&#036;45,887 but can be financed at zero percent in terms of one to three years. For example, it would cost &#036;51 per user per month for 25 users on a three-year financing arrangement, Sage said. A minimum of 10 users is required.<br/><br/>SalesLogix Today, which is also available hosted through Sage, can be shipped and set up within 24 hours, according to the vendor.<br/><br/>That capability, as well as the appliance model, corresponds to market demand for systems ... Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.itworld.com/crm/64853/sage-aims-new-crm-appliance-small-business?z=2 Chris Kanaracus 2009-03-23T04:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Sage, Sword Ciboodle Offer Timely Customer Loyalty Tips]]> http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/Analysis/articles/51091-sage-sword-ciboodle-offer-timely-customer-loyalty-tips.htm Sage, Sword Ciboodle Offer Timely Customer Loyalty Tips
By Brendan B. Read, Senior Contributing Editor

In today's economy, every buyer is golden. The ability to survive through today's climate and be ready for the growth tomorrow depends on building in that buyer loyalty. That is where customer relationship management (CRM) solutions come in. You can use them effectively to know and serve your customers more effectively.
Sage Software and Sword Ciboodle are two of the world's leading CRM suppliers. Here are their tips in how to gain and keep customer loyalty with CRM:
David van Toor, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sage CRM Solutions North
America

* Forget the surveys
Although surveys may have merit in specific situations, overall they represent a waste of company time and resources and often mask real problems that need solving. It's rare that surveys ever provide a representative view of your customer base. Only highly dissatisfied or extremely satisfied customers tend to complete them. Anyway, your company probably doesn't have enough resources to properly follow up on all the data a survey may provide.
Instead, assume that you do indeed have dissatisfied customers, and for each one of these you have an employee who knows about it. Empower these people to solve problems at the front line of interaction instead of wasting time on surveys. Addressing the root causes of problems as they occur is the ticket, and instilling this type of culture within your staff means there won't be big problems to blow time on surveying later.

* Create and/or embrace the right communities
To encourage and maintain loyalty you need to converse with your customers, and you need to do this where they congregate. More and more, social networks and online communities are where these conversations take place. Monitor and participate in these. You may have millions of customers which warrant creating a branded community to support them. Other scenarios may call for participating in industry-specific or customer/fan created communities. Maybe even all of the above.
The value in doing so is tremendous. Generating goodwill, opening up dialogue that surfaces real problems and earned praise, empowering customers to help solve each other's problems - relieving your own tech support while growing your knowledgebase - and engaging customers to suggest improvements for your product or service are just a handful of initial benefits. Get out there and engage!

* Leverage your data
If you follow the above tips you'll collect a lot of useful customer data. Here's where the technology side of CRM comes in. Feed this information into your CRM system. Take advantage of the Web 2.0 features that some vendors like Sage are building into their CRM offerings to further automate and share customer intelligence. And most important, act on the data by deciding which pieces are essential to respond to, helpful to respond to, and (for some, perhaps) have no mutual benefit in responding to. It all comes back to getting good data into your system. If you can achieve this, you'll have all the details you'll ever need to satisfy your customers.
Paul White, COO, Sword Ciboodle USA
* Sketch an outstanding, affordable, communicable, customer experience

Loyalty is improved when you tailor your processes to make it easy for your customers to access your services in a manner that is intuitive and effective. But that doesn't mean over-simplify! Look at how your customer interfaces with you for each goal they have.

* Given your proposition - identify the most compelling questions and
metrics

Unique to your business, your brand and your customer's expectations is a set of metrics which, if improved, will increase loyalty. Make sure your customer-facing services measure these data points and apply careful management to improve them.

* Explore channel preferences, revenues and costs - and implications of changing behavior

Segment your customer base so that you can really understand their cost/value/potential value profiles. In some scenarios, having more than one product holding does not make a more valuable customer. In others, a customer who has registered for web self-service can actually become
more costly. This analysis is key to creating value for and from customers.

* Define critical data for a 'single customer view'

What information really encapsulates the customer for your business? As well as providing a single contact center desktop with historical transaction information, think about capturing the key information from the customer's perspective. What open cases do they have? What offers
may be interesting to them and why? What processes have they engaged with recently? What is their cost/value profile? How did similar service problems get solved successfully by other agents recently?

* Exploit existing data, processes and infrastructure

CRM is not a new application silo, nor must it be used as a blunt instrument to replace too many legacy applications. Your existing application infrastructure might not provide the most intuitive
interface between customer and business, but its role is still important. Creatively applying technology that extends these existing applications rather than replacing them accelerates return on investment and minimizes cost.

Brendan B. Read is TMCnet's Senior Contributing Editor. To read more of Brendan's articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Stefania Viscusi
]]>
<h2>Sage, Sword Ciboodle Offer Timely Customer Loyalty Tips</h2><div class="wrapper5"></div> <div class="titletop"><img src="http://images.tmcnet.com/headshots/2008/brendan-read.jpg" class="fl-lft wrapperrt10" height="59"/> By <a href="http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/columnists/columnist.aspx?id=100150">Brendan B. Read</a>, Senior Contributing Editor</div> <div class="magic"></div> <br/> <div class="article-wrapper"> <div><span>In today&#039;s economy, every buyer is golden. The ability to survive through today&#039;s climate and be ready for the growth tomorrow depends on building in that buyer loyalty. That is where customer relationship management (CRM) solutions come in. You can use them effectively to know and serve your customers more effectively.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span><a href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/">Sage Software</a> and <a href="http://www.swordciboodle.com/">Sword Ciboodle</a> are two of the world&#039;s leading CRM suppliers. Here are their tips in how to gain and keep customer loyalty with CRM:</span></div> <div> </div> <div><strong><span>David van Toor, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sage CRM Solutions North<br/> America<br/> </span></strong><span><br/> &#042; Forget the surveys</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span>Although surveys may have merit in specific situations, overall they represent a waste of company time and resources and often mask real problems that need solving. It&#039;s rare that surveys ever provide a representative view of your customer base. Only highly dissatisfied or extremely satisfied customers tend to complete them. Anyway, your company probably doesn&#039;t have enough resources to properly follow up on all the data a survey may provide. </span></div> <div> </div> <div><span>Instead, assume that you do indeed have dissatisfied customers, and for each one of these you have an employee who knows about it. Empower these people to solve problems at the front line of interaction instead of wasting time on surveys. Addressing the root causes of problems as they occur is the ticket, and instilling this type of culture within your staff means there won&#039;t be big problems to blow time on surveying later.<br/> <br/> &#042; Create and/or embrace the right communities</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span>To encourage and maintain loyalty you need to converse with your customers, and you need to do this where they congregate. More and more, social networks and online communities are where these conversations take place. Monitor and participate in these. You may have millions of customers which warrant creating a branded community to support them. Other scenarios may call for participating in industry-specific or customer/fan created communities. Maybe even all of the above. </span></div> <div> </div> <div><span>The value in doing so is tremendous. Generating goodwill, opening up dialogue that surfaces real problems and earned praise, empowering customers to help solve each other&#039;s problems - relieving your own tech support while growing your knowledgebase - and engaging customers to suggest improvements for your product or service are just a handful of initial benefits. Get out there and engage!<br/> <br/> &#042; Leverage your data</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span>If you follow the above tips you&#039;ll collect a lot of useful customer data. Here&#039;s where the technology side of CRM comes in. Feed this information into your CRM system. Take advantage of the Web 2.0 features that some vendors like Sage are building into their CRM offerings to further automate and share customer intelligence. And most important, act on the data by deciding which pieces are essential to respond to, helpful to respond to, and (for some, perhaps) have no mutual benefit in responding to. It all comes back to getting good data into your system. If you can achieve this, you&#039;ll have all the details you&#039;ll ever need to satisfy your customers.</span></div> <div><strong> </strong></div> <div><strong><span>Paul White, COO, Sword Ciboodle USA</span></strong></div> <div><strong> </strong></div> <div><span>&#042; Sketch an outstanding, affordable, communicable, customer experience<br/> <br/> Loyalty is improved when you tailor your processes to make it easy for your customers to access your services in a manner that is intuitive and effective. But that doesn&#039;t mean over-simplify! Look at how your customer interfaces with you for each goal they have.<br/> <br/> &#042; Given your proposition - identify the most compelling questions and<br/> metrics<br/> <br/> Unique to your business, your brand and your customer&#039;s expectations is a set of metrics which, if improved, will increase loyalty. Make sure your customer-facing services measure these data points and apply careful management to improve them.<br/> <br/> &#042; Explore channel preferences, revenues and costs - and implications of changing behavior<br/> <br/> Segment your customer base so that you can really understand their cost/value/potential value profiles. In some scenarios, having more than one product holding does not make a more valuable customer. In others, a customer who has registered for web self-service can actually become<br/> more costly. This analysis is key to creating value for and from customers.<br/> <br/> &#042; Define critical data for a &#039;single customer view&#039;<br/> <br/> What information really encapsulates the customer for your business? As well as providing a single contact center desktop with historical transaction information, think about capturing the key information from the customer&#039;s perspective. What open cases do they have? What offers<br/> may be interesting to them and why? What processes have they engaged with recently? What is their cost/value profile? How did similar service problems get solved successfully by other agents recently?<br/> <br/> &#042; Exploit existing data, processes and infrastructure<br/> <br/> CRM is not a new application silo, nor must it be used as a blunt instrument to replace too many legacy applications. Your existing application infrastructure might not provide the most intuitive<br/> interface between customer and business, but its role is still important. Creatively applying technology that extends these existing applications rather than replacing them accelerates return on investment and minimizes cost.</span></div><br/><i><a href="http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/Analysis/articles/mailto:bread&#064;tmcnet.com">Brendan B. Read</a> is TMCnet&#039;s Senior Contributing Editor. To read more of Brendan&#039;s articles, please visit his <a href="http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/columnists/columnist.aspx?id=100150">columnist page</a>.</i><br/><br/>Edited by <a href="http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/columnists/columnist.aspx?id=100056&amp;nm=Stefania&#037;20Viscusi">Stefania Viscusi</a><br/> </div> Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/Analysis/articles/51091-sage-sword-ciboodle-offer-timely-customer-loyalty-tips.htm?z=3 Brendan B. Read 2009-02-24T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Sage, Sword Ciboodle Offer Timely Customer Loyalty Tips]]> http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/Analysis/articles/51091-sage-sword-ciboodle-offer-timely-customer-loyalty-tips.htm
In today's economy, every buyer is golden. The ability to survive through today's climate and be ready for the growth tomorrow depends on building in that buyer loyalty. That is where customer relationship management (CRM) solutions come in. You can use them effectively to know and serve your customers more effectively.

Sage Software and Sword Ciboodle are two of the world's leading CRM suppliers. Here are their tips in how to gain and keep customer loyalty with CRM:
David van Toor, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sage CRM Solutions North
America

* Forget the surveys
Although surveys may have merit in specific situations, overall they represent a waste of company time and resources and often mask real problems that need solving. It's rare that surveys ever provide a representative view of your customer base. Only highly dissatisfied or extremely satisfied customers tend to complete them. Anyway, your company probably doesn't have enough resources to properly follow up on all the data a survey may provide.
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<div><div><div><span>In today&#039;s economy, every buyer is golden. The ability to survive through today&#039;s climate and be ready for the growth tomorrow depends on building in that buyer loyalty. That is where customer relationship management (CRM) solutions come in. You can use them effectively to know and serve your customers more effectively.</span></div><br/><p style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; FLOAT: left"> </p><div> </div><div><span><a href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/">Sage Software</a> and <a href="http://www.swordciboodle.com/">Sword Ciboodle</a> are two of the world&#039;s leading CRM suppliers. Here are their tips in how to gain and keep customer loyalty with CRM:</span></div><div> </div><div><strong><span>David van Toor, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sage CRM Solutions North<br/>America<br/></span></strong><span><br/>&#042; Forget the surveys</span></div><div> </div><div><span>Although surveys may have merit in specific situations, overall they represent a waste of company time and resources and often mask real problems that need solving. It&#039;s rare that surveys ever provide a representative view of your customer base. Only highly dissatisfied or extremely satisfied customers tend to complete them. Anyway, your company probably doesn&#039;t have enough resources to properly follow up on all the data a survey may provide. </span></div></div></div> Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/Analysis/articles/51091-sage-sword-ciboodle-offer-timely-customer-loyalty-tips.htm?z=4 Brendan Read 2009-02-24T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Service Customers With CRM: Stand Alone or Soup To Nuts Software and other answers about CRM]]> http://smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2009/01/service-customers-with-crm-sta.html CRM is an often talked about but elusive process for many small businesses. Just about every large business has a CRM system in place. They use these systems to get to know their customer better, build loyalty and sell more to their customers.


Smaller businesses don't always have these systems in place. It's not always for lack of trying. In this connection, Sage North America recently announced SageCRM v6.2 a CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This version includes a new pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multi-lingual email campaigns, and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts, among its feature additions

David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America helps us dig a bit deeper and better understand CRM:

When choosing a CRM system there are those built into software like SAP, NetSuite and those that come separate - like SageCRM - what are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?

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<div>CRM is an often talked about but elusive process for many small businesses. Just about every large business has a CRM system in place. They use these systems to get to know their customer better, build loyalty and sell more to their customers. <p><br/>Smaller businesses don&#039;t always have these systems in place. It&#039;s not always for lack of trying. In this connection, Sage North America recently announced SageCRM v6.2 a CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This version includes a new pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multi-lingual email campaigns, and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts, among its feature additions</p><p>David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America helps us dig a bit deeper and better understand CRM: </p><p><b>When choosing a CRM system there are those built into software like SAP, NetSuite and those that come separate - like SageCRM - what are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?</b></p></div> Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2009/01/service-customers-with-crm-sta.html?z=5 Ramon Ray 2009-01-30T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[The Crucial Difference Between Contact Management and CRM]]> http://www.crmbuyer.com/story/The-Crucial-Difference-Between-Contact-Management-and-CRM-65995.html

The budget cuts and spending freezes resulting from the current economic downturn have reduced the number of legitimate opportunities for sales representatives; therefore, organizations are placing a renewed emphasis on cutting costs and customer retention to combat certain economic realities.

In an ongoing attempt to meet the expectations of prospects and improve the lifetime value of current customers, businesses are examining ways of unifying fragmented customer data and making this customer and account information available to the organization at large. Contact management (CM) solutions and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions are two primary technology enablers allowing organizations to gain better control of their information assets and processes.

CM

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<div><p itxtvisited="1" class="story-body">The budget cuts and spending freezes resulting from the current economic downturn have reduced the number of legitimate opportunities for sales representatives; therefore, organizations are placing a renewed emphasis on cutting costs and customer retention to combat certain economic realities.</p><p><span itxtvisited="1" id="intelliTxt"> <p itxtvisited="1">In an ongoing attempt to meet the expectations of prospects and improve the lifetime value of current customers, businesses are examining ways of unifying fragmented customer data and making this customer and account information available to the organization at large. Contact management (CM) solutions and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions are two primary technology enablers allowing organizations to gain better control of their information assets and processes.</p> <p itxtvisited="1">CM <a href="http://sage.ziftsolutions.com/plugin/&#035;" class="iAs" style="font-weight: normal! important; font-size: 100&#037;! important; padding-bottom: 1px! important; ...&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;"></a></p></span></p></div> Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:26:41 GMT http://www.crmbuyer.com/story/The-Crucial-Difference-Between-Contact-Management-and-CRM-65995.html?z=6 Andrew Boyd &amp; Alex Jeffries 2009-01-29T22:26:41Z
<![CDATA[ACT! Wins 2009 Execellence In Technology Award]]> http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/10730_3798906_2

Getting and retaining customers has never been easy. But with the economic downward spiral showing no signs of ending, knowing your customers has never been more important. For that reason, the Customer / Sales Management category holds particular relevance this year. Tying for the top spot with 27 percent of vote are two familiar names: perennial favorite ACT defended its crown, but this year has to share the title with Microsoft Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager.

Extending the reach of its features, ACT by Sage 2009 now offers "En masse e-mail attaching." This lets you select multiple Microsoft Outlook e-mails â€" from different senders â€" and quickly attach them to the contact of your choice. From within Outlook, you can click on an ACT button to attach an e-mail to an ACT contact. You can also use Outlook rules ...

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<div> <p>Getting and retaining customers has never been easy. But with the economic downward spiral showing no signs of ending, knowing your customers has never been more important. For that reason, the Customer / Sales Management category holds particular relevance this year. Tying for the top spot with 27 percent of vote are two familiar names: perennial favorite ACT defended its crown, but this year has to share the title with Microsoft Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager. </p><p>Extending the reach of its features, <a href="http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3769196">ACT by Sage 2009</a> now offers &quot;En masse e-mail attaching.&quot; This lets you select multiple Microsoft Outlook e-mails &acirc;&euro;&quot; from different senders &acirc;&euro;&quot; and quickly attach them to the contact of your choice. From within Outlook, you can click on an ACT button to attach an e-mail to an ACT contact. You can also use Outlook rules ...</p></div> Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/10730_3798906_2?z=7 2009-01-28T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Sage SalesLogix Named 2008 CRM Suite - SMB Product Of The Year by SearchCRM.com]]> http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/company/newsroom/press_releases/details?CID=1D642D41-C0F5-0001-6AD7-3E601E151990&CardId=87121&RowIndex=1&Product=*&Year=* Scottsdale , AZ - Jan 23, 2009 - e North America announced today that Sage SalesLogix v7.5 has been named CRM Suite - SMB Product of the Year for the second straight year in SearchCRM.com's Products of the Year program. Awards were judged by the SearchCRM.com editorial staff and a team of industry analysts and consultants. Judges cited Sage SalesLogix for its ease of use, innovation, and performance.

Sage SalesLogix is a full-featured, customizable, multi-client CRM solution that provides businesses with a complete view of customer interactions across sales, marketing, customer service, and support functions. With Sage SalesLogix, businesses can manage their entire sales cycle and increase team performance by automating sales processes, monitoring and forecasting sales activity, responding promptly and knowledgeably to inquiries and opportunities, and targeting campaigns to their most profitable customers and prospects. Business analytics tools further enable users to make better strategic decisions and manage resources. More than 300,000 users at over 8,500 companies worldwide rely on Sage SalesLogix Web, Windows, and mobile access options to manage their customer information and accelerate sales results. For more details, visit www.sagecrmsolutions.com or call (800) 643-6400.

Headquartered in Needham, MA, SearchCRM.com is part of the TechTarget network (www.techtarget.com). TechTarget publishes integrated media that enable information-technology (IT) marketers to reach targeted communities of IT professionals and executives in all phases of the technology decision-making and purchase process. Through its industry-leading Web sites, magazines and conferences, TechTarget delivers measurable results that help IT marketers generate qualified sales leads, shorten sales cycles and grow revenues. More information can be found at TechTarget.com.

About Sage North America
Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. At Sage, we live and breathe business every day. We are passionate about helping our customers achieve their ambitions. Our range of business software and services is continually evolving as we innovate to answer our customers' needs. Our solutions support accounting, operations, customer relationship management, human resources, time tracking, merchant services and the specialized needs of the construction, distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit and real estate industries. Sage North America employs approximately 4,800 people and supports nearly 2.9 million small and medium-size business customers. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 14,500 people and supports 5.8 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the web site at www.sagenorthamerica.com or call 866-308-2378.

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<p><b>Scottsdale , AZ - Jan 23, 2009</b> - e North America announced today that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/sagesaleslogix" title="Sage SalesLogix v7.5">Sage SalesLogix v7.5</a> has been named CRM Suite - SMB Product of the Year for the second straight year in SearchCRM.com&#039;s Products of the Year program. Awards were judged by the SearchCRM.com editorial staff and a team of industry analysts and consultants. Judges cited Sage SalesLogix for its ease of use, innovation, and performance.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/sagesaleslogix" title="Sage SalesLogix">Sage SalesLogix</a> is a full-featured, customizable, multi-client CRM solution that provides businesses with a complete view of customer interactions across sales, marketing, customer service, and support functions. With Sage SalesLogix, businesses can manage their entire sales cycle and increase team performance by automating sales processes, monitoring and forecasting sales activity, responding promptly and knowledgeably to inquiries and opportunities, and targeting campaigns to their most profitable customers and prospects. Business analytics tools further enable users to make better strategic decisions and manage resources. More than 300,000 users at over 8,500 companies worldwide rely on Sage SalesLogix Web, Windows, and mobile access options to manage their customer information and accelerate sales results. For more details, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/" title="www.sagecrmsolutions.com">www.sagecrmsolutions.com</a> or call (800) 643-6400.</p> <p>Headquartered in Needham, MA, SearchCRM.com is part of the TechTarget network (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.techtarget.com/" title="www.techtarget.com">www.techtarget.com</a>). TechTarget publishes integrated media that enable information-technology (IT) marketers to reach targeted communities of IT professionals and executives in all phases of the technology decision-making and purchase process. Through its industry-leading Web sites, magazines and conferences, TechTarget delivers measurable results that help IT marketers generate qualified sales leads, shorten sales cycles and grow revenues. More information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.techtarget.com/" title="TechTarget.com">TechTarget.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>About Sage North America</strong><br/> Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. At Sage, we live and breathe business every day. We are passionate about helping our customers achieve their ambitions. Our range of business software and services is continually evolving as we innovate to answer our customers&#039; needs. Our solutions support accounting, operations, customer relationship management, human resources, time tracking, merchant services and the specialized needs of the construction, distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit and real estate industries. Sage North America employs approximately 4,800 people and supports nearly 2.9 million small and medium-size business customers. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 14,500 people and supports 5.8 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the web site at <a href="http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/" title="www.sagenorthamerica.com">www.sagenorthamerica.com</a> or call 866-308-2378.</p> Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/company/newsroom/press_releases/details?CID=1D642D41-C0F5-0001-6AD7-3E601E151990&CardId=87121&RowIndex=1&Product=*&Year=*&z=8 Ryan Zuk 2009-01-23T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[SageCRM Software Increases Efficiency for SMBs]]> http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Midmarket/SageCRM-Software-Increases-Efficiency-for-SMBs/ SageCRM wants to improve the efficiency and total cost of ownership for midmarket companies in need of customer relationship management software.

Sage North America, part of The Sage Group, announced SageCRM v6.2, a user-friendly CRM system that helps deliver a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses. Version 6.2 includes features such as pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multilingual e-mail campaigns and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts.

"Sage CRM Solutions help businesses take full advantage of the automation and customization efficiencies technology makes possible," said Sage CRM Solutions North America Senior Vice President and General Manager David van Toor. "SageCRM v6.2 specifically lets organizations outfit their CRM systems to support the unique business environments they compete in, access critical financial and operations data through ...

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<div><strong itxtvisited="1">SageCRM wants to improve the efficiency and total cost of ownership for midmarket companies in need of customer relationship management software.</strong><br itxtvisited="1"/><br itxtvisited="1"/><p itxtvisited="1">Sage North America, part of The Sage Group, announced SageCRM v6.2, a user-friendly CRM system that helps deliver a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses. Version 6.2 includes features such as pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multilingual e-mail campaigns and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts.</p><p itxtvisited="1">&quot;Sage CRM Solutions help businesses take full advantage of the automation and customization efficiencies technology makes possible,&quot; said Sage CRM Solutions North America Senior Vice President and General Manager David van Toor. &quot;SageCRM v6.2 specifically lets organizations outfit their CRM systems to support the unique business environments they compete in, access critical <a class="iAs" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal! important; FONT-SIZE: 100&#037;! important; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px! important; COLOR: darkgreen! important; BORDER-BOTTOM: darkgreen 0.07em solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent! important; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" href="&#035;" target="_blank" itxtdid="7784750">financial</a> and operations data through ...</p></div> Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Midmarket/SageCRM-Software-Increases-Efficiency-for-SMBs/?z=9 Nathan Eddy 2009-01-21T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Social CRM Inside and Out Pt 2 - A Conversation with Sage's David van Toor]]> http://crm2.typepad.com/brents_blog/2009/01/social-crm-in-1.html

This wasn't necessarily planned to happen like this, but it's pretty cool anyway. Paul Greenberg, on his great new ZDNet blog CRM 2.0 - The Conversation, just did a post on CRM vendor thought leaders. Do yourself a favor and check it out when you have a minute.

The first two executives he points out in his post are Oracle's Anthony Lye and Sage's David van Toor. I just posted my recent conversation with Anthony Lye a couple of days ago, and below is my conversation with David van Toor from last week.

David shares his take on a number of areas relating to the current state of customer relationship management, Sage's 2010 CRM strategy, the role of social media in CRM, and lessons he learned from building the ACT! online community.

Click the player below to hear the conversation:

I really enjoyed my conversations with both David and Anthony. Besides both of them having really cool accents, I feel like they're really serious about making it easier for their customers to combine the best of both traditional and social CRM technologies. They are taking different approaches to this challenge, but they are totally engaged, which is apparent to guys like Paul and me. It will be interesting to see where both companies will be with their efforts over the next 12-24 months.

]]>
<div><div><p>This wasn&#039;t necessarily planned to happen like this, but it&#039;s pretty cool anyway. Paul Greenberg, on his great new ZDNet blog <a href="http://blogs.zdnet.com/crm" target="_blank">CRM 2.0 - The Conversation</a>, just did a post on <a href="http://blogs.zdnet.com/crm/?p=116" target="_blank">CRM vendor thought leaders</a>. Do yourself a favor and check it out when you have a minute.</p><p>The first two executives he points out in his post are Oracle&#039;s Anthony Lye and Sage&#039;s David van Toor. I just posted my recent conversation with Anthony Lye a couple of days ago, and below is my conversation with David van Toor from last week.</p><p>David shares his take on a number of areas relating to the current state of customer relationship management, Sage&#039;s 2010 CRM strategy, the role of social media in CRM, and lessons he learned from building the ACT! online community.</p><p>Click the player below to hear the conversation:</p><p> <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab&#035;version=6,0,40,0" height="110" width="265"> <embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="110" width="265"></embed> </object> </p><p>I really enjoyed my conversations with both David and Anthony. Besides both of them having really cool accents, I feel like they&#039;re really serious about making it easier for their customers to combine the best of both traditional and social CRM technologies. They are taking different approaches to this challenge, but they are totally engaged, which is apparent to guys like Paul and me. It will be interesting to see where both companies will be with their efforts over the next 12-24 months.</p></div></div> Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://crm2.typepad.com/brents_blog/2009/01/social-crm-in-1.html?z=10 Brent Leary 2009-01-21T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Sage SalesLogix v7.5 wins SearchCRM.com Product of the Year Award: CRM Suite - SMB category]]> http://searchcrm.techtarget.com/productsOfTheYearWinner/0,296407,sid11_gci1345128_tax312933_ayr2008,00.html# GOLD AWARD:
Sage SalesLogix v7.5
Small and medium-sized businesses have many of the same challenges as their enterprise counterparts; they just don't have the resources to spend on expensive software suites. That makes choosing the right CRM application a critical decision.

Our judges agree -- Sage's SalesLogix application takes the prize. For the second year in a row, SalesLogix has claimed the top spot in SearchCRM.com's CRM Suite -- SMB category, this year with its 7.5 version.

Judges ranked SalesLogix highly for its ease of use, innovation and performance.

SalesLogix provides a complete view of customer interactions across sales, marketing, customer service, and support functions. Sage counts more than 300,000 users at over 8,500 companies that use Sage SalesLogix Web, Windows and mobile access options to manage their customer information.

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Sage has a family of CRM products, which include ACT! by Sage and Sage CRM, as well as SalesLogix. SalesLogix v7.5 features the ability to create "mashups" with Web 2.0 applications like Google Maps, Jigsaw and Facebook via RESTful services that request data via embedded URL-style addresses. The latest version includes enhanced lead management, personalized data views allowing users to create their own welcome page, and productivity improvements to give better screen resizing and limited scrolling.

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<div><a name="gold"><span style="COLOR: &#035;cc9933"><b>GOLD AWARD:</b></span></a><br/><b>Sage SalesLogix v7.5</b><br/><img src="/digitalguide/images/prodOfYear/sage_logo.jpg" align="left"/> Small and medium-sized businesses have many of the same challenges as their enterprise counterparts; they just don&#039;t have the resources to spend on expensive software suites. That makes choosing the right CRM application a critical decision. <p>Our judges agree -- Sage&#039;s SalesLogix application takes the prize. For the second year in a row, SalesLogix has claimed the top spot in SearchCRM.com&#039;s CRM Suite -- SMB category, this year with its 7.5 version. </p><p>Judges ranked SalesLogix highly for its ease of use, innovation and performance. </p><p>SalesLogix provides a complete view of customer interactions across sales, marketing, customer service, and support functions. Sage counts more than 300,000 users at over 8,500 companies that use Sage SalesLogix Web, Windows and mobile access options to manage their customer information. </p><p>Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Sage has a family of CRM products, which include ACT! by Sage and Sage CRM, as well as SalesLogix. SalesLogix v7.5 features the ability to create &quot;mashups&quot; with Web 2.0 applications like Google Maps, Jigsaw and Facebook via RESTful services that request data via embedded URL-style addresses. The latest version includes enhanced lead management, personalized data views allowing users to create their own welcome page, and productivity improvements to give better screen resizing and limited scrolling. </p></div> Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://searchcrm.techtarget.com/productsOfTheYearWinner/0,296407,sid11_gci1345128_tax312933_ayr2008,00.html#?z=11 2009-01-19T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[Sage updates CRM for SMBs]]> http://www.echannelline.com/usa/brief.cfm?item=16154 Sage North America has announced SageCRM v6.2, a comprehensive, easy-to-use CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Version 6.2 includes new pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multi-lingual email campaigns, and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts, among its feature additions. SageCRM v6.2 is available today as a standalone CRM system and as part of the Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite. It will be available in the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Enterprise Suite later this month. "Sage CRM Solutions help businesses take full advantage of the automation and customization efficiencies technology makes possible," said David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America. "SageCRM v6.2 specifically lets organizations outfit their CRM systems to support the unique business ...]]> <div>Sage North America has announced SageCRM v6.2, a comprehensive, easy-to-use CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Version 6.2 includes new pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multi-lingual email campaigns, and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts, among its feature additions. SageCRM v6.2 is available today as a standalone CRM system and as part of the Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite. It will be available in the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Enterprise Suite later this month. &quot;Sage CRM Solutions help businesses take full advantage of the automation and customization efficiencies technology makes possible,&quot; said David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America. &quot;SageCRM v6.2 specifically lets organizations outfit their CRM systems to support the unique business ...</div> Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.echannelline.com/usa/brief.cfm?item=16154&z=12 2009-01-14T05:00:00Z <![CDATA[Sage Upgrades Customer Management Software]]> http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=30421


Sage North America has released an upgraded version of its customer relationship management software for small and midsized businesses with new branding and e-mail campaign features.

SageCRM 6.2 is available now as a stand-alone product and as part of the Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite. Later this month, the software will also be available in the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Enterprise Suite.

New features include a branding toolkit that can change the look and feel of SageCRM screens with various themes. Users can also now create and graphically view multiple relationships between primary entities such as a holding company and its subsidiaries, and many-to-many relationships such as multiple reps selling to an organization's various divisions.

Enhanced e-mail management features include a multi-lingual spell checker for mass e-mail campaigns. A new screen manages updates and links between companies, people and addresses for new and existing contacts. The software also provides additional sales data synchronization, Outlook integration and administrator management improvements.

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<div><div><p><span class="storydate">Scottsdale, Ariz. (Jan. 13, 2009) </span><br/><span class="author-byline">By WebCPA staff</span></p><div id="spacer"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sage North America has released an upgraded version of its customer relationship management software for small and midsized businesses with new branding and e-mail campaign features.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial;">SageCRM 6.2 is available now as a stand-alone product and as part of the Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite. Later this month, the software will also be available in the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Enterprise Suite.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;">New features include a branding toolkit that can change the look and feel of SageCRM screens with various themes. Users can also now create and graphically view multiple relationships between primary entities such as a holding company and its subsidiaries, and many-to-many relationships such as multiple reps selling to an organization&#039;s various divisions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;">Enhanced e-mail management features include a multi-lingual spell checker for mass e-mail campaigns. A new screen manages updates and links between companies, people and addresses for new and existing contacts. The software also provides additional sales data synchronization, Outlook integration and administrator management improvements.</span></p></div></div> Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=30421&z=13 2009-01-13T05:00:00Z
<![CDATA[SageCRM v6.2 Helps SMBs Run Their Businesses More Effectively And Expands Functionality Within Sage MAS And Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suites]]> http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/company/newsroom/press_releases/details?CID=1D642780-C0C6-0001-E97B-1EF01A40B770&CardId=82068&RowIndex=5&Product=*&Year=* Scottsdale , AZ - Jan 12, 2009 - Sage North America today announced SageCRM v6.2, a comprehensive, easy-to-use CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Version 6.2 includes new pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multi-lingual email campaigns, and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts, among its feature additions. SageCRM v6.2 is available today as a standalone CRM system and as part of the Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite. It will be available in the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Enterprise Suite later this month.

"Sage CRM Solutions help businesses take full advantage of the automation and customization efficiencies technology makes possible,' said David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America. "SageCRM v6.2 specifically lets organizations outfit their CRM systems to support the unique business environments they compete in, access critical financial and operations data through extensive ERP integration, and, overall, run their businesses more effectively.'

New SageCRM v6.2 capabilities and enhancements include:

  • New Branding Toolkit - change the look and feel of SageCRM screens using provided themes; administrators can customize or create entirely new themes.
  • Expanded Relationship Management - create and graphically view multiple relationships between primary entities such as a holding company and its subsidiaries, and many-to-many relationships such as multiple reps selling to an organization's various divisions.
  • Enhanced Email Management - produce professional mass email campaigns with advanced editing and a multi-lingual spell checker.
  • Simplified Address Management - a new single screen manages updates and links between companies, people, and addresses for new and existing contacts.
  • Enhanced Integration - includes additional sales data synchronizations, Outlook® integration, and administrator management improvements.

SageCRM equips sales, marketing, and customer service teams with the tools they need to find new customers, close sales faster, and build lasting, more profitable relationships. SageCRM is a comprehensive, easy-to-use CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for SMBs worldwide. SageCRM integrates with Sage MAS and Sage Accpac ERP systems to give users a complete view of customer activity across front and back-office functions.
Pricing for a standalone SageCRM system begins at $599 per user. For additional information, visit www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/sagecrm or call 800-643-6400.

The Sage MAS and Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suites provide a full range of ERP and CRM functions in two comprehensive integrated suites. These next-generation business suites can give SMB owners a distinct, competitive advantage with integrated functionality that ties information and people together across an entire company. The Sage MAS and Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suites improve workflow, collaboration and productivity throughout the organization, and enhance services to customers and partners throughout the supply and delivery chain. For pricing, call 800-854-3415 and for more information visit www.sagemas.com/EES and www.sageaccpac.com.

About Sage North America
Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. At Sage, we live and breathe business every day. We are passionate about helping our customers achieve their ambitions. Our range of business software and services is continually evolving as we innovate to answer our customers' needs. Our solutions support accounting, operations, customer relationship management, human resources, time tracking, merchant services and the specialized needs of the construction, distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit and real estate industries. Sage North America employs approximately 4,800 people and supports nearly 2.9 million small and medium-size business customers. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 14,500 people and supports 5.8 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the web site at www.sagenorthamerica.com or call 866-308-2378.

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<p><b>Scottsdale , AZ - Jan 12, 2009</b> - Sage North America today announced <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/sagecrm" title="SageCRM v6.2">SageCRM v6.2</a>, a comprehensive, easy-to-use CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Version 6.2 includes new pre-configured and customizable screen themes, an expanded editor for multi-lingual email campaigns, and an enhanced graphical view for managing relationships between multiple contacts, among its feature additions. SageCRM v6.2 is available today as a standalone CRM system and as part of the <a href="http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/products_services/a_z/sage_accpac_extended_enterprise_suite" title="Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite">Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite</a>. It will be available in the <a href="http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/products_services/a_z/sage_mas_90_and_200_extended_enterprise_suite" title="Sage MAS 90 and 200 Enterprise Suite">Sage MAS 90 and 200 Enterprise Suite</a> later this month.</p> <p>&quot;Sage CRM Solutions help businesses take full advantage of the automation and customization efficiencies technology makes possible,&#039; said David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager, Sage CRM Solutions North America. &quot;SageCRM v6.2 specifically lets organizations outfit their CRM systems to support the unique business environments they compete in, access critical financial and operations data through extensive ERP integration, and, overall, run their businesses more effectively.&#039;</p> <p>New SageCRM v6.2 capabilities and enhancements include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>New Branding Toolkit</strong> - change the look and feel of SageCRM screens using provided themes; administrators can customize or create entirely new themes.</li> <li><strong>Expanded Relationship Management</strong> - create and graphically view multiple relationships between primary entities such as a holding company and its subsidiaries, and many-to-many relationships such as multiple reps selling to an organization&#039;s various divisions.</li> <li><strong>Enhanced Email Management</strong> - produce professional mass email campaigns with advanced editing and a multi-lingual spell checker.</li> <li><strong>Simplified Address Management</strong> - a new single screen manages updates and links between companies, people, and addresses for new and existing contacts.</li> <li><strong>Enhanced Integration</strong> - includes additional sales data synchronizations, Outlook&reg; integration, and administrator management improvements.</li> </ul> <p>SageCRM equips sales, marketing, and customer service teams with the tools they need to find new customers, close sales faster, and build lasting, more profitable relationships. SageCRM is a comprehensive, easy-to-use CRM system that delivers a low total cost of ownership for SMBs worldwide. SageCRM integrates with Sage MAS and Sage Accpac ERP systems to give users a complete view of customer activity across front and back-office functions.<br/> Pricing for a standalone SageCRM system begins at &#036;599 per user. For additional information, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/sagecrm" title="www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/sagecrm">www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/sagecrm</a> or call 800-643-6400.</p> <p>The Sage MAS and Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suites provide a full range of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagemas.com/" title="ERP">ERP</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagecrmsolutions.com/" title="CRM">CRM</a> functions in two comprehensive integrated suites. These next-generation business suites can give SMB owners a distinct, competitive advantage with integrated functionality that ties information and people together across an entire company. The Sage MAS and Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suites improve workflow, collaboration and productivity throughout the organization, and enhance services to customers and partners throughout the supply and delivery chain. For pricing, call 800-854-3415 and for more information visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sagemas.com/EES" title="www.sagemas.com/EES">www.sagemas.com/EES</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sageaccpac.com/" title="www.sageaccpac.com">www.sageaccpac.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>About Sage North America</strong><br/> Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. At Sage, we live and breathe business every day. We are passionate about helping our customers achieve their ambitions. Our range of business software and services is continually evolving as we innovate to answer our customers&#039; needs. Our solutions support accounting, operations, customer relationship management, human resources, time tracking, merchant services and the specialized needs of the construction, distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit and real estate industries. Sage North America employs approximately 4,800 people and supports nearly 2.9 million small and medium-size business customers. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 14,500 people and supports 5.8 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the web site at <a href="http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/" title="www.sagenorthamerica.com">www.sagenorthamerica.com</a> or call 866-308-2378.</p> Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.sagenorthamerica.com/company/newsroom/press_releases/details?CID=1D642780-C0C6-0001-E97B-1EF01A40B770&CardId=82068&RowIndex=5&Product=*&Year=*&z=14 Ryan Zuk 2009-01-12T05:00:00Z