CRM packages for UK telemarketing

What is the best (i.e. user friendly and inexpensive) CRM package for a UK telemarketing & sales operation still using Excel? (I consider Siebel reasonably user friendly once the initial learning curve is passed).
This

    Requires Free Membership to View

    When you register, you'll begin receiving targeted emails from my team of award-winning editorial writers on the latest customer relationship management (CRM)and call center technology issues today. Our goal is to keep you informed on the hottest issues facing this fast-changing industry.

    Hannah Smalltree, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchCRM.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchCRM.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

is a question that is frequently asked, and rarely answered immediately!

The answer is 'it all depends'. You need to think about some key issues here:

1. How many users - too few and you could pay too much for set-up relative to the user base. Too many and the 'low cost' systems are unlikely to support the user base

2. Is there a need to integrate to other systems, such as back office systems? If there is, then you need a more 'open solution'

3. Is CTI (computer telephony integration) a requirement - and if so what exchange is in use

4. Is the call centre to be integrated to a web site - if it is, a lot of the smaller vendors claim integration, but don't have it, so watch out.

5. What industry sector? - Some vendors have sector specific configurations that save a lot of set up cost

I'm sorry to be answering one question with 5 more! But with a bit more detail I can probably help more.

This was first published in February 2002

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.