With 2 editions of Sage CRM available – Sage CRM Cloud and Sage CRM On-Premises – it can be a challenge determining which option is the best fit for your business. In this post, we’ll compare the two versions to help you understand the most important differences.
Up-Front Software Cost and IT Support
Sage CRM Cloud is ideal for companies that want to get up and running quickly or have limited IT resources. Since the software runs “in the cloud,” you don’t have to worry about software installation, server management, product updates, or database backups.
By comparison, Sage CRM On-Premise is a traditional implementation that requires Sage CRM software purchase (ownership) and installation on properly-configured servers that you maintain and update.
Regardless of whether you’re evaluating a car, house, or software application, there’s a similar “rent vs. own” consideration. So while Sage CRM On-Premise comes with higher up-front costs for the software purchase (and new server if required), the cost of ownership over time can often be lower than Sage CRM Cloud where the monthly payments (rent) will continue for as long as you use the software.
Customization and Integration Options
Sage CRM On-Premise provides advanced customization that allows you to modify the software screens, workflow, and behavior so that it conforms to your specific business processes and works exactly the way you need it to.
With Sage CRM Cloud, you can configure settings and other software options. But your ability to customize the software to your specific industry or workflow is more limited.
With Sage CRM On-Premise, you also have the flexibility to integrate with other software applications you might be using to run your business like Microsoft Exchange Server, a computer telephony system for customer support, an online store, or any other 3rd party applications. Sage CRM Cloud doesn’t offer that level of custom integration.
Sage 100 ERP Integration
Because the benefits of a tightly integrated ERP and CRM system are numerous and well-documented, the level of integration with Sage 100 ERP (formerly MAS 90 & MAS 200) is perhaps a “make or break” difference for many customers.
One of the most important aspects of Sage CRM On-Premise is the real-time, bi-directional synchronization of data to and from Sage 100 ERP. That means data entered or edited in either system automatically updates the other. That also means your staff sees the same accurate and consistent information about customers, contacts, quotes, orders, and accounting details regardless of whether they’re using Sage 100 ERP or Sage CRM On-Premise.
By contrast, Sage CRM Cloud offers one-way synchronization of orders, contacts, and 2 years of invoice information in one direction from Sage 100 ERP. Accounting information pushed over from Sage 100 is not editable in Sage CRM.
Software Features
For many companies, product features are an important consideration. In the case of Sage CRM Cloud versus On-Premise, it’s not a factor. Both editions offer nearly identical functionality for sales, marketing, customer service, and mobile access.
So What’s the Difference?
For most, choosing Sage CRM On-Premise offers control, technology ownership, customization, and integration flexibility. On the other hand, choosing Sage CRM Cloud delivers powerful CRM software that’s up and running quickly and without the need for ongoing IT support.
Rest assured no matter what edition you choose, you won’t be locked in because you can migrate between cloud-based Sage CRM and on-premise Sage CRM at any time!
