The system enables the partners to share customers’ information between them more rapidly. The benefit of this rapid sharing is that they can analyze stored information which gives them a great understanding of various clients’ needs. Once they understand this, the users can customize their products and make recommendations that will always guarantee sales to customers at first contact. This is a competitive edge over their business rivals.
Implementation Cost
The one-time cost of implementing the system will include data conversion, purchase of computer hardware (desktop computer), and emailing software for communication purposes. There is also the cost for setting up internet infrastructure and a server for storage of data to facilitate the emailing. In addition, there is the need for purchase of security systems to secure the emails. As part of one-time cost, the managers will require training to understand and operate the system well. When it comes to on-going cost, the computer hardware, internet infrastructure, email, and security software will always require periodic maintenance and upgrades. This is to ensure optimum performance and securing of system from attacks (McCarthy, 2016).
Data Access and System Upgrade
The data for the system is integrated. Data from the partners will be combined and presented such that each will only have access to the contact information and the interests of customers. This will be a uniform presentation of data where the partners can quickly match their products with specific clients’ interests. Since these customer details are stored in a server, the partners can also access them remotely at any given time either via the laptop, desktop, or mobile devices. Use of consistent data structure and email formats also make it easy to find required information.
The emailing and remotely hosted systems are usually easy to upgrade. The emails can be backed up offline or online in a standard format. Given that the database is remotely hosted on a server, the email system on the client side can be upgraded independently without manipulation of stored data. The database for the entire system can also be easily expanded to meet the growing number of customers.
References
McCarthy, K. (2016, April 1). US government updates secure email guide for first time in a decade. Retrieved from http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/04/01/us_updates_secure_email_guide/
