...as research shows more SMEs enabling remote access

BRACKNELL, UK - Customer Relationship Management specialist Maximizer Software has announced it is offering a Masterclass in CRM Mobility on 24 October, as new research has highlighted that an increasing proportion of small and medium-sized businesses are adopting systems that allow on-the-go or off-site workers to access their CRM platforms via the web.

Mike Richardson, Managing Director EMEA at Maximizer, a leading provider of user-friendly and affordable CRM solutions, will be conducting the webinar on web-accessible platforms, which enable staff to log into their systems through smartphones, tablets, netbooks and other portable devices. Richardson, who was previously Head of Technical at Maximizer, will guide participants through the most important steps they need to take to implement mobile CRM – weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of different available options, and putting some of the technical jargon into plain English.

Richardson aims to answer the following key questions:

Which app is best for you? Installed apps versus browser-based apps

How can you access your CRM whilst on the move? Connectivity considerations

What's the difference between mobile devices? Device considerations

What should I be aware of in terms of CRM deployment and billing? Deployment and billing methodologies

What can I actually do with mobile CRM? iPad demonstration

The Masterclass comes a month after Maximizer released its latest research, revealing that nearly half the SMEs in Europe and nearby markets that have CRM platforms have also implemented mobile solutions. The independent survey of 1,367 SMEs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) shows that a growing number of firms are enabling employees on the move or working remotely to tap into their CRM systems through the web, providing them with access to essential tools for managing sales, customer service, marketing and other interactions with consumers. The research reveals that, as of 2012, 46% of the SMEs with CRM platforms have upgraded their systems to include mobile access and functionality – up from an estimated 33% in 2009.

Richardson notes: “There's no questioning the benefits of mobile CRM. It revolutionises standards of productivity and empowers your staff to take more control over what matters to your business most: your prospects and customers.

“The way people work is changing and businesses have to keep up. Practices such as hot-desking and home-working are becoming more widespread, and people are simply becoming more mobile in their work – using their iPads, or Android smartphones, or whatever device works for them on the go. It is becoming vital for companies to ensure that employees are able to tap into their platforms wherever they are, using whatever device they favour.

“So why are so many firms still afraid to make the jump to mobile CRM? People remain doubtful – many are concerned that mobile CRM can be a complex, costly and time-consuming technology to implement, and don't fully understand the options available to them. My aim is to help them understand their choices and how they might overcome the major challenges.”

To join the CRM Mobility Masterclass, which runs 24 October 2012 at 10:30am BST, and take advantage of vital tips and advice on a trend that's rapidly turning the business world mobile, register here. To learn more about other technologies and key issues related to CRM and to view previous free webinars, please click here. For more information on Maximizer CRM, call  +44 (0)845 555 99 60 or email [email protected]