In the growing age of online business productivity suites, here is another one for you to check out
Just when you started to become overwhelmed in hearing about the future of online software suites, here I go introducing another one! However, if you are not familiar with Zoho (http://zoho.com), I think you should take some time to check it out. In it’s possible goal to be the main competitor to Google Docs and Microsoft Office Live, Zoho goes even further, offering several pre-built business applications including very important ones like a Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects which can help streamline some of your business processes.
Most of their tools and applications are free to use up to a certain number of users. For example, you and two of your business colleagues are free to use Zoho CRM at no cost, but add some additional users and Zoho will start the billing process. Surprisingly though, the fees are reasonable for a small business (and some medium size businesses) looking to implement Zoho as a long term solution. As you add users or choose to expand the applications to “Professional” or “Enterprise” versions, the fees are between $12 – $25 per user. Compare those prices to tools like Salesforce.com, and I think you will find Zoho to be a good option to consider.
While I have not used every application available on Zoho, nor do I remain committed to using Zoho every day, I have gotten the chance to play around in their suite and overall like their products. Here is a quick rundown of what I liked when I tried it out. (This does not represent all of their applications, just the ones I tried. I encourage you to check out their website to see everything: http://zoho.com).
Zoho Writer – A basic word processor app similar to Word and Google Document, although does lack some more complex features.
Zoho Sheet – Your run-of-the-mill spreadsheet program and it works well for the easy stuff. I am still more prone to use Excel!
Zoho CRM - I really liked this product and see this as being a possible long-term solution for my CRM needs. A lot of different options. If you have used programs like Salesforce.com or Microsoft Dynamics, you will like the customization of Zoho CRM.
Zoho Projects – Very cool application that works very similar to MS Project. Definitely check it out if you are looking for a low-cost version!
Zoho DB & Reports – I use to be a big MS Access guy (still kind of am, but I try not to admit it too much) so I was naturally drawn to try this application out. I love the concept and usability, but really need to dig deeper into it.
Zoho Marketplace – Very similar to Saleforce.com’s AppExchange, this portal of applications are installable within your products to add more functionality. I am just getting into this because some of the financial modules looked useful
Application I want to try out next - Since I have IT staffing experience, I am most interested in trying out Zoho People, which is an HR and applicant tracking system.
And Zoho doesn’t stop on your PC or laptop… Zoho has applications and support for Windows Mobile devices and iPhones. There are also a ton of great add-ons you can download and try, like an Outlook add-on to sync your Outlook contacts with your CRM tools. With tons of possibilities, Zoho is worth a look!
Final Grade: B+
Robert Stanke is a business and technology consultant specializing in the marketing, staffing, research and analytics industries. You can learn more about him at his website and blog, found at http://robertstanke.com.
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