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An alternative to Microsoft CRM |
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| Prophet 5 provides the features you need from a CRM inside Outlook |
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Manage Customers and Accounts
Track history and communication
Build relationships and business
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| NEXT STEPS |
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| Microsoft CRM is Microsoft’s entrance into the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software arena. Like many of the other programs in the CRM world Microsoft CRM provides the basic features most companies require for customer management: contact management, sales management, customer history, communication tracking, scheduling, and more. |
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| So what sets Microsoft CRM apart? |
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| The biggest difference between Microsoft CRM and other CRM programs is that it was created by Microsoft. That means it is designed in their typical fashion, which can be a double edged sword. |
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| The positive side is that Microsoft CRM, like most of the Microsoft products, has a familiar look and feel to it. This helps with adoption by the users. Microsoft CRM also integrates with other Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, and others. This makes document sharing and linking easier. |
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| The negative side to Microsoft CRM is that it is designed to work best with the newest Windows Operating Systems and the most updated hardware. Not all businesses have made the move, and it can be a costly transition. The program can also have high demands on network resources which may also require upgrades to existing systems. Unlike some CRM Software, Microsoft CRM requires dedicated Servers for many of its components increasing the initial cost of implementation. |
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| While Microsoft CRM can be appealing in many aspects, it may be over-kill for many businesses. Prophet offers an alternative solution, with features similar to Microsoft CRM but without the complexity and expense. Prophet provides those basic CRM features discussed above, right inside your Microsoft Outlook. This direct Outlook integration means users do not have to work in two different applications. All your contact management, sales management, reporting, and communication functions are available right in Outlook. This also makes the learning curve much smaller. Since most business professionals already know and use Outlook, they have a head start in working with Prophet. Microsoft CRM does offer Outlook integration, but many of the features are completely unique, and take time to learn. |
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| Choosing which CRM program to use in your business can be a daunting task. Microsoft CRM is a fine program for large industry, but can present challenges due to its cost, complexity, and integration. CRM programs like Prophet provide much the same functionality, but in an affordable and easy to use package. If integration with Microsoft programs such as Outlook and other Office applications is important to you, do not think your only option is Microsoft CRM. Prophet may be the Outlook CRM solution you are looking for. |
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