1. Mobile CRM makes its move: Once again, analysts and experts are saying that mobile CRM is ready to take off, but this time the idea may have some legs. CRM vendors are readying for the countdown by purchasing or partnering with mobile technology firms. And analysts are generally optimistic of continued strong annual growth in mobile CRM.
2. Anatomy of a CRM project: Replacing Siebel with SAP: Dow Corning, a Michigan-based silicon manufacturer, made the switch from Siebel to SAP CRM to better fit with its long-term technology roadmap. For mobile sales users, Dow Corning established a simplified system of qualifying leads.
3. Mobile CRM sees midmarket momentum: A series of software releases, partnerships and acquisitions is bringing mobile CRM technology to a wider range of organizations. Mobile CRM's momentum has extended to the midmarket. Many early mobile CRM efforts have focused on sales, but marketing is taking advantage too.
4. CRM SaaS vendors moving to mobile: On-demand CRM vendors are extending their functionality into mobile applications. That can be a good fit for some, though others who want more complex database access may require a mobile technology platform provider. According to research from the Yankee Group, more than 40% of mobile CRM users said they were interested in having a service provider manage their applications.
5. Dell takes marketing mobile: A campaign targeting college students via text messages has paid big dividends for Dell, one of the national advertisers participating in multi-school, permission-based text messaging promotions hosted by Mobile Campus. They received a nearly 30% response rate in a test promotion.
