Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be familiar to anyone who has used a Microsoft product in the past. Built to be flexible and intuitive, it integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Microsoft ecosystem -- both reducing the time necessary for training and improving upon employee productivity. Users of Microsoft Dynamics CRM are able to tap into Microsoft's solid customer care services while also saving money. Compared to Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM is extremely affordable and has additional tiered options for businesses that want to remain frugal. This also makes it easier for businesses to grow with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, as they can simply increase their licensing and monthly subscription fees as they grow. And, of course, Microsoft Dynamics CRM has the full weight of one of the largest companies in the world behind it, giving it superior support and potentially superior features.
Microsoft Dynamics CRM has proven to be extremely committed about growing and developing its product feature set. Every new iteration of this software suite comes with new, cutting-edge technologies, which ensures that a business will always have competitive technology to its rivals. Recently, Microsoft acquired LinkedIn, the premiere social networking site for employees and businesses. This sets the stage for direct integration between Microsoft Dynamics CRM and LinkedIn, which can use this information for everything from lead scoring to customer retention. LinkedIn holds large volumes of information regarding employees, their employers, their salaries, and much more. Through Microsoft Dynamics CRM, individuals may soon be able to identify the most important decision makers and those who are most likely to commit to buy.
Salesforce is a cloud-deployed customer relationship management suite that has fairly in-depth sales features. It is popular and has been integrated into many third-party services. Since Salesforce is a commonly used CRM, companies may find employees who are already experienced with using this platform. In terms of usability, Salesforce is a traditional browser-based cloud-based interface. This can lead to some potential complications, as the suite is clearly made for a browser rather than a desktop machine. Web browsers tend to require slightly more convoluted designs. Salesforce is also not as easily customized as Microsoft Dynamics CRM due to its API, kit, and requirements.
Salesforce is targeted to the same audience as Microsoft Dynamics CRM, but there's a notable difference in features and cost. In general, Salesforce tends to be far more expensive than Microsoft Dynamics CRM, with fewer options for companies with lean budgets. Salesforce also doesn't offer some critical features such as sales performance management. Salesforce is a cloud-based only system, so it cannot be deployed on-premise. In general, it's often considered to be a little simpler and less feature complete than other CRM solutions.
With all of the above in mind, it can be difficult to make a final choice between these two platforms. Both of them are very similar in their goals -- it's the implementation that may make a difference. Further, both of these platforms are currently growing and adapting to modern needs, which can make it more difficult to compare their features reliably. Here are a few principle things that a business may need to be concerned about.
In addition to differences, there are also some similarities between the two solutions. Both CRM platforms include native mobile apps, social networking features, app marketplaces, lead management, and sales forecasting -- all of the very critical features that most businesses are going to need or want. This makes them suitable to most applications. Both Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Salesforce will be able to automate marketing, manage cases, and provide basic auditing and data governance.
Most businesses will find that Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the more flexible and affordable solution. Not only is it easy to use and well-integrated with other Microsoft suite applications, but it can be deployed either on the cloud or on-premise for better security and support. Many businesses will find it easier to transition to Microsoft Dynamics CRM and to grow with the product suite. Salesforce is still an extremely viable contender and it can do most of what Microsoft Dynamics CRM can do. It only suffers in that it has a somewhat dated interface, lacks Microsoft integration, and is more expensive.
For most businesses, either Microsoft Dynamics CRM or Salesforce will work suitably well as a customer relationship management suite. Microsoft Dynamics CRM, however, will have superior ease-of-use and a better cost value. For more information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Salesforce, and choosing between the two, contact the experts at IES today.