compare microsoft crm, legrand, act

I want to purchase and use a CRM as the centre of my small business, and am
looking for the right product. Currently comparing Microsoft CRM, legrand
and ACT! 6.0 (been told to avoid 7 at this stage)
Criteria:
About to install Microsoft small business server incl outlook 2003, up to
three users
Could have up to 1000 clients and potential clients, accumulating several
thousand 'jobs'. Focus is not on aggressive marketing as I have enough work
coming in; rather I want efficient management of jobs through a flexible work
tracking process.
Work tracking is crucial, with linkages from jobs to client records,
referrals, time recording. Calendar, documents, emails, accounting package if
possible.
Synchronisation with imate JAM running windows mobile 2003 and activesync etc
Any recommendations, or where can I go for guidance?

MattNC
Mon May 02 14:45:39 CDT 2005

I'm not familiar with Legrand, but I would definitely say that ACT 6.0 is not
going to deliver the kind of tools you are looking for. Microsoft CRM's
Customer Service module will give you a way to handle jobs or projects and
track the time using a CRM "case." Cases are linked to associated customers
(contacts or accounts). However, if you are only going to have 3 users, you
will want to have a partner show you a demo of CRM so you can understand the
shortfalls in the current version and decide if you can live with them.
(Version 2 is supposed to come out in the 4th quarter and will include
service-call scheduling and more marketing functions.) CRM will also require
customization to fit your workflow, services which a partner could do for
you, but which may be a little pricey for a three-user installation.
--
Matt Wittemann
http://icu-mscrm.blogspot.com


"Jeff Owens" wrote:

> I want to purchase and use a CRM as the centre of my small business, and am
> looking for the right product. Currently comparing Microsoft CRM, legrand
> and ACT! 6.0 (been told to avoid 7 at this stage)
> Criteria:
> About to install Microsoft small business server incl outlook 2003, up to
> three users
> Could have up to 1000 clients and potential clients, accumulating several
> thousand 'jobs'. Focus is not on aggressive marketing as I have enough work
> coming in; rather I want efficient management of jobs through a flexible work
> tracking process.
> Work tracking is crucial, with linkages from jobs to client records,
> referrals, time recording. Calendar, documents, emails, accounting package if
> possible.
> Synchronisation with imate JAM running windows mobile 2003 and activesync etc
> Any recommendations, or where can I go for guidance?
>

Jeff
Tue May 03 18:55:07 CDT 2005

Thank you for your prompt response Matt
I can see an advantage in using a microsoft product for integration with the
rest of the suite. I will find a partner in wellington NZ to get more
detailed advice

"MattNC" wrote:

> I'm not familiar with Legrand, but I would definitely say that ACT 6.0 is not
> going to deliver the kind of tools you are looking for. Microsoft CRM's
> Customer Service module will give you a way to handle jobs or projects and
> track the time using a CRM "case." Cases are linked to associated customers
> (contacts or accounts). However, if you are only going to have 3 users, you
> will want to have a partner show you a demo of CRM so you can understand the
> shortfalls in the current version and decide if you can live with them.
> (Version 2 is supposed to come out in the 4th quarter and will include
> service-call scheduling and more marketing functions.) CRM will also require
> customization to fit your workflow, services which a partner could do for
> you, but which may be a little pricey for a three-user installation.
> --
> Matt Wittemann
> http://icu-mscrm.blogspot.com
>
>
> "Jeff Owens" wrote:
>
> > I want to purchase and use a CRM as the centre of my small business, and am
> > looking for the right product. Currently comparing Microsoft CRM, legrand
> > and ACT! 6.0 (been told to avoid 7 at this stage)
> > Criteria:
> > About to install Microsoft small business server incl outlook 2003, up to
> > three users
> > Could have up to 1000 clients and potential clients, accumulating several
> > thousand 'jobs'. Focus is not on aggressive marketing as I have enough work
> > coming in; rather I want efficient management of jobs through a flexible work
> > tracking process.
> > Work tracking is crucial, with linkages from jobs to client records,
> > referrals, time recording. Calendar, documents, emails, accounting package if
> > possible.
> > Synchronisation with imate JAM running windows mobile 2003 and activesync etc
> > Any recommendations, or where can I go for guidance?
> >