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General discussion

Client Integration, Event/Appointment/Space Hire Software

Dec 28, 2010 11:31AM PST

I've just started a new job with a small business of 5-10 employees at any given time servicing 500 clients and my new bosses have asked me to investigate whether there exists a complete software package that does the following:
- When a workstation answers the phone the computer brings up that clients information, last interactions,etc
- Ability to monitor workshops (run by the business) in business owned venue and other venues, including attendees, budgets, etc
- Ability to track outside hire of business owned venue
- General calendar for all staff
- Email, fax and quickbooks integration
- (this not 100% necessary) potential for online chat/phone support similar to 'LivePerson'

At this stage we are using Windows 7, Windows server 2008 and just starting to have a couple of staff using Apple OS 10.2 and up (I think)

If anyone has any suggestions, I would be really grateful, as my searches are yielding so many options that do some things but not others, that I thought I would seek more experienced advice.

Thank you!
Shandance

Discussion is locked

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Almost every suite I've seen that does that
Dec 28, 2010 11:49AM PST

Was a custom 6 figure job. Today, if I was to look into this I'd call up the Microsoft Azure cloud team and see if they have such they know of. This way you would avoid the 6 figure startup costs.
Bob

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Thanks
Dec 28, 2010 11:51AM PST

Thanks Bob
I'll give that a go!
Am still open to all suggestions, as I have to put together all options for my bosses.
Thanks
s

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Cloud
Dec 28, 2010 12:08PM PST

Just checked this out, but I think my bosses would have a problem with the 'Cloud' notion. They would rather have everything under their control on their network. Thanks for the suggestion though Happy
s

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They can have that too.
Dec 29, 2010 3:00AM PST

But what am I doing trying to save them the usual 6 figures?

Hint hint hint! Looking at the cloud solution leads you to the developer or company and then you meet with them to ask how much for the solution on your servers.
Bob

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Legend!
Dec 29, 2010 6:16PM PST

Sorry, Bob, I'm a little slow!

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We'll get there.
Dec 30, 2010 2:35AM PST

Remember that I only ran into the custom solutions and that was 10 years ago. The developers I know are not in the game anymore and the move to the cloud is very good news except for those that are not keeping up with what this means.

Let me apologize if anything sounds brusque or such but let's move fast here.

Most companies that do this had staff running around installing the apps, configuring com ports, fax boards and it was a never ending treadmill of support of the client machines. Part of a great cloud app (yes it can by your own cloud on your own machines) is that you can get a zero install in the best implementations.

This is one step up from web apps.
Bob