You have heard the hype about "the Cloud" and why you should use an application like Salesforce to run your business. But why do you need it?  And what exactly does it do? And how does it compare to Cool Life CRM?  Read on and learn about many of the differences between the two products.  

Cool Life CRM and Salesforce are both web-based applications rooted in database management, allowing users to perform multiple everyday functions, one of which can be CRM.  The main differences result in function access, application, and the width and breadth of service.  

With Salesforce, user functionality is determined by the price. The higher the price one pays, the more functionality is received in return.  Yes, it can be written that Salesforce and Cool Life CRM can perform almost exactly similar functions and integrations, but expect to pay Salesforce in excess of $30,000 per year for the same system from Cool Life CRM before any customization or add-ons.  From a feature, functionality, and cost perspective, it is reasonable to compare their Professional Edition to a standard Cool Life CRM installation.  

Common tools and functions that are received with the Professional Edition include CRM, Sales Tracking, Reporting, Database Management, and Mass Email.  Sounds great, doesn't it? On the surface, yes— but what Salesforce does not address is the extremely limited functionality that these tools provide, and they do not list what functions are missing.  

For example, take a look at their offered "Mass Email" function. Their Mass Email function limits the company to send up to 250 mass emails per batch, up to 4 batches per day.  Plus, this feature is not in compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, which can cause domains to be blacklisted, something no user wants. Want to change it? Pay more. 

Where Salesforce lacks functionality, Cool Life CRM provides as is outlined here: 
 

                                                               Comparison of Salesforce to Cool Life CRM

• Customization- There are two parts to customization. First is the configuration of added data fields, such as adding a question to collect someone’s hair color. This is what Salesforce considers customization. Second is customization to the user's business process/workflow.  Unless the user hires outside consultants, the system is not configurable to the user's needs. He/she is stuck with what is provided: "Persons, Contact, Opportunity, Leads".  The user becomes forced to modify the internal process to what the vendor requires. Cool Life CRM is fully "In Your Control" in the configuration of added data fields as well as business process/workflow. With Cool Life CRM, this is simply configuration versus Salesforce's "programming."
• API (Application Protocol Interface)- Does the user need to integrate with a 3rd party mail provider?  Does the user need their database information to link with their accounting system? This cannot be done with the limited functionality of the Salesforce Professional Edition, but this is included in a standard Cool Life CRM installation. 
• Data Exports- Salesforce allows a company one data export back per year— any more, and you have to pay.  The exported file is also difficult to work with.  While it is in a comma-delimited format (*.CSV), the export file has duplication of data, contains ancillary information known only to Salesforce, and can extend beyond Excel column EE. Cool Life CRM offers unlimited quick and easy data exports to Excel at the user's one-click action (permission-based of course). 
• Campaign Manager- Campaign management for eMarketing, print, virtual meeting, and more is included in Cool Life CRM, but not Salesforce. To acquire this functionality, Salesforce users need to upgrade the edition and utilize a 3rd party provider. 
• Events Manager- A standard feature in Cool Life CRM, Salesforce does not provide this. To acquire this functionality with Salesforce, the user needs to upgrade the edition and utilize a 3rd party provider.
• Interactive Reports- Not provided by Salesforce, these are included with Cool Life CRM, and they are active for the filtered CRM view. 
• Client Inter-Facing- Cool Life CRM includes client inter-facing for customers, partner members, employees, and more. Salesforce does not provide it. 
• Email Integration- Cool Life CRM provides full integration, not synchronization, with Google Gmail, Outlook, Exchange and any other IMAP enabled email. In Salesforce, the email doesn't integrate, so you have up to 10 clicks and keystrokes (or more) just to attach an eMail message.
• Quickbooks Integration- Cool Life CRM also provides full integration, not synchronization, with Quickbooks, whereas Salesforce does not offer this.
• Live Training- A standard Cool Life CRM installation includes unlimited training utilizing live webinars, knowledge base, and FAQs. Live training is available with Salesforce, but not included.
• Telemarketing- Cool Life CRM incorporates telephony call campaigns and a reduced interface for outsourced telemarketing, while Salesforces does not feature either of these.
• Dashboard / Homepage- With Cool Life CRM, dashboards and homepages are dynamic and fully customizable, a feature that Salesforce lacks having no website integration to the CRM and database. 
• Smartphone Compatibility- Cool Life CRM is fully optimized for viewing and using on the web, making it compatible with any smartphone, but Salesforce only offers an iPhone app. 

To recap, while both Cool Life CRM and Salesforce.com are providers of tools and instruments to help run businesses better, there are significant differences between the two platforms aside from cost.  Additionally, this article only addresses features based on a standard installation.  The Salesforces deficiencies are unlimited when one begins exploring additional customization and add-ons.  

If you have questions about Cool Life CRM and you would like to learn more, please visit our site to learn how to contact us! We look forward to hearing from you.


*All information about Salesforce is publicly available through their public website. Pricing and features subject to change. 
**Based on Salesforce published pricing of $125 / user, 20 users for 12 months.