CRM2Day: What are you seeing as the trends in the CRM space?

Thomas: The CRM marketplace is constantly evolving as companies demand always-on service no matter where they are. As such, we are seeing a major convergence of data and mobile devices that delivers ubiquitous access to CRM applications. Additionally, there is increased influence of social networking concepts, such as pulling social network information into the CRM system to leverage as part of the total customer data. We are also seeing companies consolidating, especially where a large player acquires a niche provider to expand their portfolio of capabilities.

CRM2Day: What are the challenges facing Maximizer in this current environment?

Thomas: During this current economy, we are addressing revenue challenges—faced by our entire market—by listening even closer to our customers and delivering solutions that work best for their business. We’re using it as a catalyst to offer our customers top-notch service, as they have already taken the measures necessary to adapt to the downturn and are ready to get back to doing business with the best tools at their fingertips. If they need a different recurring billing model or a specific type of service included in their maintenance program, we are flexible and able to offer the right mix of solutions for their business.

Thomas: Together with my outstanding senior management team, Maximizer Software will continue to focus on our vision and goal as the number-one CRM and mobile CRM provider to the small and medium-sized business (SMB) community. Our immediate objectives include successfully navigating the challenges of the current down economy and emphasizing priorities for corporate profitability by taking our customer-centric solutions to the next level and tailoring our offerings to meet their specific needs today.

CRM2Day: What are some core initiatives you want to implement?

Thomas: We plan to further enhance our customers’ experience as it is delivered across the entire organization through a variety of customer-centric initiatives. Maximizer also plans to expand our current channel on a global level by working with new types of partners in different markets. As an example, we are working more closely with telco carriers to deliver our solutions and conducting increased business with mobile channel partners as well.

CRM2Day: How is Maximizer positioning itself with buyers in this economy?

Thomas: We deeply understand our buyers’ position in the current economic climate, especially as they are tasked to do more with less. Companies are looking for technologies that enhance productivity, such as remote/virtual workers reducing carbon footprint. Maximizer is in a terrific position today as we excel in providing various CRM access options, including robust mobile applications and web access, to create an effective remote work environment. One of our other key differentiators is that we offer the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) over the course of three years. Customers “SAVE” with Maximizer, as our solution is simple, accessible, valuable, and we have more than 20 years of expertise in the market. Recently, we implemented a Business Stimulus Program for both customers and non-customers, including free, tailored advice on using CRM to drive cost-savings and operational efficiencies.

CRM2Day: What are the strengths of Maximizer in the marketplace?

Thomas: With a 20-plus year history in delivering CRM solutions, Maximizer has proven itself as a trusted and results-driven CRM and mobile CRM provider for SMBs. These businesses have less time and resources than large enterprises but still demand the same value and results from a CRM solution. We give them an easy-to-deploy solution and competitive license prices as well as cost-effective and reliable support, services, training, and other related software. We also offer advice to help solve problems or assess how CRM can best be applied in their business.

CRM2Day: What is the difference between Maximizer and other CRM systems?

Thomas: Maximizer provides simple and accessible CRM and mobile CRM solutions for SMBs. Developing our solutions specifically for this audience, we know their top priorities and pain points and can respond on a dime to their needs. As part of this strategy, we offer the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) over the course of three years, including licensing, support, services, training and other related software. Additionally, our customer service is of utmost importance to us, so we offer a channel network with either onsite service at an SMB’s location or high-level service via phone with our experts.

CRM2Day: What can buyers of CRM systems expect to see from Maximizer, both in the coming months and in the long term?

Thomas: CRM has become ubiquitous in the business world and—in strong support of this trend—our major R&D and overall company investments lie in our mobile CRM solution to continue providing the flexibility that companies need. We strive to continuously provide a solution that helps businesses manage their business processes rather than a feature-laden CRM application that is difficult to deploy. One upcoming offering is a customer self-service portal for customers to more quickly make modifications. Looking more toward the longer-term, we will continue to invest heavily in our product, corporate alliances, and in our people through skill assessments and training initiatives.

CRM2Day: How does Maximizer approach the North American vs. the international market?

Thomas: For the most part, both North American and international customers want the same thing-- a reliable CRM system that will measurably improve their productivity and efficiency. However, implementation and deployment logistics are different, due to the cultural and language complexities in international markets. As part of our international program, we will continue to expand our support for various languages as well as utilize different types of channel partners.