Sage grows cloud base with Sage SalesLogix Cloud

Built on Amazon's web platform, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), the new CRM software combines the flexibility and rapid deployment of SaaS (Software as a Service) with the "richness, security and control" of on-premise solutions, according to Bob Anderson, head of Sage's enterprise business. He also says that the approach makes it easier for mid-market organisations to access their customer data and customise their software in the way that suits them, while retaining full data security. For him, apart from the obvious advantages of CRM as you want it – everything from contact management to multi-channel campaigns, e-marketing and mobile access to business analytics and reporting, and back office integration – the benefits include: peace of mind in terms of data security; flexible, standards-based integration; 100Gb of data storage for every 50 users; and flexible payments. "CRM today is an operational and financial imperative for many mid market organisations, rather than an optional extra," states Anderson. "Yet, while CRM in the cloud offers reduced capital expenditure, scalability and flexibility, concerns over data security and governance have long been a barrier to entry for many enterprises," he continues. "Empowering businesses to capitalise on the benefits of the cloud, while also giving them control of their data, makes SalesLogix Cloud a real coup for mid market businesses today, who increasingly want the reliability and security to view their customer data in a way that best suits their needs."