Overcoming Challenges to CRM Cloud Computing Migration

The buzz throughout the technology space is the trend toward cloud computing. While cloud computing vendors are helping to create and drive that buzz, a number of companies are reporting challenges to adoption. Without a clear strategy to overcome these challenges, the adoption of CRM cloud computing is likely to suffer.

According to this Wireless Week (News – Alert) report, the Yankee Group’s survey on the adoption of cloud computing found that 55 percent of IT decision makers are reporting cost and migration difficulties as key barriers to the adoption of CRM cloud computing. Another obstacle that is making an impact is the lack of confidence in security processes to protect data…



Aside from these challenges to adopting CRM cloud computing, a number of companies are reporting positive experiences. These adopters are finding they enjoy greater flexibility, a focus on functionality, faster time to market, greater customer visibility, greater scalability and an increased potential to drive agile development across the organization. 

In light of the challenges to the adoption of CRM cloud computing that have already been shared, key leaders from companies using the salesforce.com CRM cloud computing platform shared their insight into the implementation process and how other companies may be able to develop strategies to overcome specific challenges to adoption. 

The first recommendation to the effective implementation of any CRM cloud computing platform is to develop a strategy that allows you to embed the solution culturally. It rarely matters what type of platform you are considering if the information it holds is junk. If you want your sales professionals to adopt your CRM cloud computing platform, they have to believe that it will make their job easier and enable them to produce desirable results. 

You also need to plan for change. This not only takes into account the transformational impact that the implementation of the CRM cloud computing solution will have on your company and its users, but also the changes that will have to be make to the Business Operating Model. Determine what policies you will put in place, but also measure how they will impact your users. Setting boundaries is always a good idea. Migrating to CRM cloud computing is a solid move when it can clearly satisfy needs. If you don’t have clear boundaries in place, however, you can quickly invite problems with access, applications and security. The same is true when it comes to regulations, so be sure you know the details within your industry. Keep in mind that easy doesn’t really mean quick. And, just because the CRM cloud computing platform will deliver value for all of your users doesn’t mean it will be easy to roll-out, train and use all at once. Evaluate your environment and determine if you need to make a staggered migration or if the “all at once” approach is the most appropriate.