|
What is vTiger?
vTiger is a CRM platform produced by a network of contributing software architects through "open source" development. Open source development uses the collaborate efforts of many independent programmers to create software that everyone can use at minimal cost.
In the case of vTiger, the software itself is free. This makes it possible for value-added consultants (like Alternative Marketing Connections) to offer enterprise-quality, customized vTiger installations for a fraction of the cost of their commercial counterparts, such as SalesForce.
We host your vTiger installation on our own secure internet servers – the same ones that host our websites. We also provide setup, customization, training and support to you at a very modest cost.
What is "Cloud Hosting?"
vTiger is just one example of an increasing trend towards "cloud computing," or software applications sold as an online service, managed and maintained by an outside company. Rather than invest your operating capital in internal computer resources, like servers, and the significant support necessary to run them, cloud-hosted applications are entirely outsourced and only require end-user computers connected to the internet. The service provider provides all the updates, backups and maintenance of the software.
Cost & Feature Comparison (10 User Installation)
The following is a real-world cost and feature comparison of 2 popular customer management solutions against our vTiger solution:
-
ACT! Is a widely used package that uses the traditional software model, where the company buys software for their server, and then copies of a desktop application for each of their end-user computers.
-
SalesForce is the most popular cloud-based (online) CRM solution.
|
|
ACT! Premium
Software CRM
|
SalesForce
Online CRM
|
SalesStream™
featuring
vTiger CRM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Setup and Basic Installation
|
~$800
(cost of computer consultant @ $80/hr)
|
Included in Subscription
|
Included in Subscription
|
|
Hosting and Basic Support
|
~$3,000
(approx. Cost of a Windows Server and backup system)
|
Included
|
Included
|
|
Training & Customization
|
Additional
(Estimate: $1,000-$2,000)
|
Additional
(Estimate: $1,000-$2,000)
|
Additional
(Estimate $1,000-$2,000)
|
|
Software Cost/10 Users
|
$3,298
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Project Management Module
|
$1,990
(3rd Party, Additional Software Required)
|
Not Available
|
$0
(Included)
|
|
Cost Per User, per month
|
$0
|
$125
|
<$10
|
|
Cost Per User, per year (with 1 year contract)
|
$0
|
$1,250
|
<$100
|
|
Total Cost After 1st Year
|
$12,288
|
$14,500 (!!!)
|
$1,200
|
|
Version Upgrade, plus installation †
|
$2,500†
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Total Cost After 2nd Year ††
|
$14,788
|
$27,000 (!!!)
|
$4,600
|
Which Solution Makes Sense for YOUR BUSINESS?
† Note that since ACT! Is a desktop application, each time a new version of the software becomes available, customer must purchase a software upgrade that will cost $200 per user, plus the cost of installation. (So add another $2,500-$3,000 to the above numbers for a 10-user installation!)
|