Choosing a Hosted Dynamics CRM Solution: What Separates the Players in the Game?

Identifying a hosted Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution that encompasses all the needs and idiosyncrasies of a particular business can be a daunting endeavor.

Will that solution be able to keep stride with the business's growth and development? Is a hosted solution more appropriate than an on-premise one? Which hosted solution offers the most value? The questions are as diverse as the solutions themselves, which makes selecting the right partner a process of elimination.

A survey conducted by the Altimeter Group at Convergence 2010 Atlanta showed that 37 out of 47 native ERP customers would choose an on-premise CRM version, as opposed to a hosted one. The consulting firm's survey of their own client base revealed that 69 out of 73 clients with a hosted CRM solution had a preference for on-demand CRM.

"Whether it's a Microsoft or partner-hosted option, people who want on-demand, get that," said R "Ray" Wang, a partner with the Altimeter Group. "But ERP customers are the other way around and they want the on-premise version."

When considering a hosted solution, Wang says that keeping in mind the business's needs -- and market -- is paramount.

"You always want to think about verticals, whether you're in professional services, government or health care," he said. "Also, you have to consider the xRM factor. Maybe you're trying to do something in health care and want to extend. Verticals play a big role when it comes to choosing a partner. Change-management, the ability to do business across processes, mobility and business intelligence play a big role."

And while the particular demands and goals of a business warrant consideration when selecting a hosted CRM solution, the features and services bundled with the solution should also be ...