For Business Process & Applications Professionals (Length: 23 pages)

May 7, 2008

Best Practices: The Smart Way To Implement CRM SaaS Solutions

by William Band, Pete Marston

with Liz Herbert, Sharyn Leaver, Mary Ann Rogan

Executive Summary (This is a document excerpt)

CRM software-as-a service (SaaS) solutions have moved beyond their previous status as a specialized deployment option and into the mainstream. According to Forrester's Enterprise and SMB Software Survey, North America and Europe, Q3 2007, more than a third of IT software decision-makers in North America and Europe tell us that they are already using, or are interested in using or piloting, SaaS applications to support their customer-facing business processes. But CRM professionals worry about the true total cost of ownership (TCO) for SaaS, feel challenged by integration and customization issues, have qualms about data security, and find SaaS pricing models and contracts confusing. To understand the best practices for overcoming these challenges, Forrester interviewed CRM SaaS early-adopter companies and talked with leading CRM SaaS vendors and professional services organizations. Smart companies use five best practice strategies to succeed with CRM SaaS solutions: build a solid business case; negotiate a sound contract; use a proven implementation approach; establish strong data security procedures; and create robust governance and support structures.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTES & RESOURCES

itemSaaS Adoption Rises, But CRM Professionals Face New Dangers

itemSuccessful Adopters Use Five Strategies To Reduce Their Risks

itemBest Practice No. 1: Build The Right Business Case

itemBest Practice No. 2: Negotiate The Right Contract

itemBest Practice No. 3: Follow The Right Implementation Approach

itemBest Practice No. 4: Adopt The Right Data Security Procedures

itemBest Practice No. 5: Establish The Right Support Structure

itemForrester's CRM SaaS Adoption Next Practices

itemIdentifying Your Challenges

itemCase Studies

itemSupplemental Material

Forrester interviewed 16 individuals from user, vendor, and professional services organizations. User companies interviewed included: Citizens Financial Group, Equifax, High 5 Sportswear, IAC Search & Media, Polycom, Seagate Technology, Shaklee Corporation, and Symantec.

Related Research Documents

itemTopic Overview: Customer Relationship Management 2008

March 25, 2008

itemThe Components Of SaaS Pricing And Negotiation

October 4, 2007

itemTrends 2007: Customer Relationship Management

March 1, 2007

Find Documents In Related Categories

This document falls under the following categories. Click on a link below to find similar documents.
Analyst: Pete Marston, William Band
Technology: Customer Relationship Management, IT Services, Outsourcing, Packaged Applications
Industry: Apparel, Consumer Packaged Goods, Financial Services, Financial Services Customer Relationship Management, Manufacturing, Retail, Retail Credit
Geography: North America

Archived Teleconference:
The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise CRM Suites, Q3 2008
Original air date: Wednesday, November 05, 2008
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