Applications and the Cloud: An Ideal Union

Network World published an article about the rise of SaaS implementation, based on a study by Gartner. The article states that “More than 95 percent of organizations expect to maintain or grow their use of software as a service (SaaS).” Clearly there are a lot of organizations discovering how to maximize the Cloud for their needs.

However, there are some skeptics who are very leery of implementing a SaaS solution.

The good news is that there are numerous benefits to using a hosted application or SaaS that just aren’t available with traditional software.

Automatic Updates

When using a hosted application, you don’t have to worry about updates that are standard with standalone software. I can’t tell you how many times I have logged onto my PC to see that another one of my programs has another update available. Even worse is when my operating system updates my computer, then tells me I have 15 minutes to restart or it will do it for me (I usually postpone it for an hour but I digress). A SaaS solution will automatically update itself at the host’s end, meaning you don’t have to waste time waiting for the program to upgrade itself.

Data Backup

One of the strongest attributes SaaS has in comparison to desktop based software is the fact that your data is continually backed up. If your computer crashes, or your laptop has to get sent off for repairs, you can still access all of your data because the SaaS operates over the internet. The mobility of SaaS is perfect for those who travel frequently. Updates made across the country will show up when you log on back at home.

The Bottom Line

Hosted applications have some incredible benefits. I’m not saying ditch all of your current programs for SaaS solutions, but at least consider SaaS the next time you find yourself window shopping in the software department.

Implementing CRM Solutions Without A Staff Overhaul

I came across David Taber’s article in CIO titled “The CRM Talent Shortage: Here, Now” and agreed with some of his points, but there were some things he said that struck a chord with me. The article talks about how there is currently a shortage of CRM talent, and due to the fluctuating economy CRM professionals are hard to come by.

According to Taber, “there’s [an] increasing demand for external staff and consultants.” He also says that the vacant openings include “system administrators, operations types, data analysts, and power users.”

I have to say, I disagree.

Before you even look into outside support for you CRM solution, before you even consider implementing a CRM solution, you need to find a CRM that is easy to use. You can’t waste valuable time and money dealing with a complex application.

Ease of use allows for a smooth user adoption experience. CRM is all about having information available, easily, and right at your fingertips.

A point Taber mentioned that I do agree with is about growing your own talent.

“Grow your own talent, investing a junior technical person to give them CRM and business domain knowledge.”

I’m going to take this point one step further and say that not only should your CRM solution be easy to use, it needs to be easy to learn. Complex tasks should be limited. Yes, your organization should have a trained professional on staff or readily available for support needs. However, education should not stop with the initial introduction of the CRM solution. Your organization should provide ongoing CRM education to make sure the CRM application is being used to its fullest potential.

Make sure you review all of your options before selecting a CRM solution. Don’t just assume you need an entire team to maintain your organization’s CRM. Implementing an easy to use, easy to learn CRM will help you quickly and efficiently train your current team to help streamline your business processes, without wasting valuable time and resources.

Why the Popularity of SaaS is Increasing

Chances are you have frequently heard about SaaS (Software as a Service) in the media, and how more businesses are adopting it for their CRM models. You may feel unsure about adopting SaaS, or confused about SaaS getting so much attention. Here are the key reasons for the hype:

• Total cost of ownership (TCO) is lower than if you were to use on-premise CRM
• In-house IT is no longer relied on/called into action to fix your CRM (can allocate your IT team’s efforts elsewhere)
• Easy maintenance
• Faster and easier implementation of the CRM - the system is quickly up and running by someone else
• An outsourced IT team with expertise specific to your software will fix your problems, as well as take that weight off your shoulders/save you time.
• Pay as you use the software
• Increased data security
• Customization available to reflect your unique business operations

Written by Melissa Cocks

Businesses and Their CRM Changes

There are many reasons why you may be dissatisfied with your business' on-premise CRM software. One of the common complaints is that the software requires companies’ in-house IT teams’ frequent and costly attention. The time and effort that your in-house IT team puts towards maintaining on-premise CRM solutions could be directed elsewhere to increase the productivity within your business.

Additionally, like many business owners, you may become frustrated by software that limits your ability to integrate key company contact information with other applications and devices. A trend in today’s CRM software market is Blackberry compatibility. When you’re on the go and need to update or access your contact information, it’s frustrating if you’re unable to do so.

It’s also important to make sure your
CRM solution fits your needs. Many companies take a while to actually change their CRM software. People tend to fear unfamiliarity, especially when they do not feel they have time to learn the ins and outs of a new system. The solution to this is to have your software tailored to your business operations and needs. This way, you can still have features that you are accustomed to, and you can also add new features that would make doing business much easier for you.

Written by Melissa Cocks

EquityTouch™ to be premiered at 4th Annual VCPE Conference & Retreat

March 18, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
Announcement: EquityTouch™ to be premiered at 4th Annual VCPE Conference & Retreat

Touch Ahead Software, LLC announced that EquityTouch™ was chosen as the Premier CRM Sponsor of the 4th Annual VCPE Conference & Retreat. This year’s VCPE Conference will be held in Miami, Florida, from March 24th - 27th, 2009. Representatives from Touch Ahead will be on-site to speak about the SaaS (Software as a Service) model and the positive ROI. Touch Ahead will also demonstrate its hosted CRM solution, EquityTouch™, which has been in development since 2008.

EquityTouch™ is the first SaaS based cutting edge CRM solution for the alternative asset community. EquityTouch™ makes it possible for you to manage business relationships intelligently. EquityTouch™ prides itself on being the fastest, easiest to use web application delivering the most relevant features in a completely customizable interface.

EquityTouch implemented at TA Associates

March 18, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
Announcement: EquityTouch™ implemented at TA Associates

Touch Ahead Software LLC, a Boston-based provider of advanced SaaS solutions, has announced that EquityTouch has been released into production at TA Associates this week.

Sources at Touch Ahead™ say that they are very excited about this announcement. They went on to point out that the deployment to TA gave them the opportunity to demonstrate the advantage of their advanced data conversions tools. Through the use of these tools TA was able to migrate from their old system into a fully populated EquityTouch™ Application in just one weekend.

When asked about the installation, Matt Nerney, IT Director at TA Associates said the following:

What was the Main reason for you choosing EquityTouch™?
“That is hard to say because if I was someone that just showed up off the street, not knowing about Touch Ahead and their abilities it probably would not be the same. But because we have worked with Touch Ahead in the past and I was able to see the potential of what they could do, I guess I would have to say the fundamental nature of the platform: the AJAX Technology -- for the first time you can accomplish windows like application abilities. I would also say because of the distribution of the client.” The application is a web based application, with no client install. There are no revisions installed on the clients -- it is all done over the server. “It offers flexibility of hot fixes. I would also have to say because of the performance working across global environments. Touch Ahead has accomplished quite a lot in the new platform and interface, because really going back 2 or three years ago, none of this was possible.”

On the day it was installed what was the general reaction of everyone?
“Long anticipated, people were generally excited, a little apprehensive because they knew we were making a generational leap.”

What about today?
“Everyone is getting engaged and giving lots of feedback, people have a high level of interest in the application and have an interest in pushing in the right direction. I have hundreds of emails on ideas and questions on what we can do further with the application, and I am overwhelmed by which ones I should go with first.” As sources from Touch Ahead said “It is like Christmas morning with too many Christmas presents and not knowing which one to open first.”

What business challenges are you and TA hoping to solve using EquityTouch™?
“Well it certainly helps us to facilitate a collaborative approach of deal sourcing with potential deal companies and intermediaries. One specific thing is that it is helping us to understand our relationships with all the people we interact with. We have such a web of interactions with different people and it is hard to keep track of them all through all the different offices. I am seeing relationships today that I didn’t know existed. It is really helping us track all those relationships.”

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
“We are very happy with the performance and the stability. It has been an extremely successful roll out.” Hundreds of thousands of records were migrated into the new system from the old system at TA, and everything was processed perfectly. “There were processes in place that ensured that it was an easy installation, and it really was an effortless installation. There was so much satisfaction on the customer end.”

TA Associates is one of the oldest and largest private equity firms in the world, with offices in Boston, MA, Palo Alto, Ca, London England and Mumbai India. They are one of the most experienced private equity investment firms in their industry.

Announcement: Touch Ahead Software LLC Is Formed

March 6, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
Announcement: Touch Ahead Software LLC Is Formed

Two Boston based, entrepreneurs (Nancy S. Keddy and Timothy J. Lasonde) announced the formation of a new software company.

Touch Ahead Software LLC (also located in Boston) develops cutting edge SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions. Touch Ahead’s premier product is EquityTouch, a remarkable CRM solution enabling organizations to intelligently manage new business opportunities. EquityTouch™, prides itself on being the fastest, most affordable CRM solution, while delivering the most vital features of a CRM and a completely customizable interface.

While still in development, EquityTouch™, promises to take a unique perspective tracking needs for new business opportunities. Company executives alluded to being live at a large PE firm very soon.

The announcement was followed by a promise of further announcements in Q1 2009.