SaaS -- The key to success

Historically, businesses looking to implement IT solutions had no alternative than to invest in costly servers and software, which also required a significant amount of in-house knowledge and expertise to install and maintain. In addition to the obvious expense and attention these systems required, there was also the issue of downtime, meaning that should anything go wrong, businesses would have to deal with the impact of this on their operations.

The advent of SaaS, however, signalled an end to these restrictions. Organisations are now free to enjoy all of the benefits of products such Hosted Exchange, SharePoint and CRM 4, free trom the hassle and commitment of on-site maintenance. Users can simply access these services through a web browser, without the need for a complex on-premise IT infrastructure

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, having access to tools such as Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint has never been more important. With the well-documented economic slowdown, businesses are increasingly turning to CRM software such as MS CRM 4, to help them to create more profitable relations with their customers and to market their products more effectively.

This is where Genesis Communications comes into the equation. As Microsoft Gold Partners, they specialise in providing a range of SaaS solutions to SMEs across the U.K. With their range of hosted services, organisations avoid the need to install expensive server equipment, pay licensing costs or employ staff with the expertise to maintain these systems. Users can pay an affordable monthly fee, or if preferred, there is an annual billing option. The services can grow with your business, allowing you to simply add new user accounts as and when required.

Genesis SaaS services include:

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Hosting – With cost savings of up to 85% on the price of an on-premise solution, Exchange utilises the common Outlook platform to allow users to:

• Access business email, calendar, work tasks are contacts from a computer or mobile device.
• Access work documents such as excel spreadsheets on the move
• Synchronise desktop, laptop and mobile.

Microsoft Hosted SharePoint Server 2007 – SharePoint provides you with an easy to use intranet or extranet site for your business. Providing secure access to data via a web browser or mobile device, it can help your staff to effectively collaborate on work tasks whether in, or out of the office. This seamless solution integrates with Exchange the Microsoft Office suite and could save businesses up to 50% when compared to an on-premise server solution.

Microsoft Hosted CRM 4 – Monitor the entire customer lifecycle, from first contact to ongoing service and gain an insight into customer preferences and behaviours. CRM software enables businesses to improve and develop their customer relations.

To find out more about the range of Microsoft SaaS services offered by Genesis, visit: http://www.genesis.co.uk.