Not only is there more functionality, it is also immediately more scalable. How much traffic do you want, once we approach the number of users to have more than 3,000 simultaneous sessions, well immediately double our server network. They great thing about it is that we still have 50% capability left over for the just in case scenarios.
Do not take this as a plug, only defense. Seriously, it is a good question. Dealers, make sure your CRM or other web services partner has this capability IN HOUSE.
You need to understand that the number of users and the amount of data flowing.. through the system is not the same. Also with the ASP capabilities, the dozens of reports that can be customized and built, do not require the space you think it does. You would benefit from spending some time reading about Active Server Pages (ASP).
As for your second paragraph, I cannot respond. I have no idea what you are trying to say.
As for ..none of these lead management system will take Auto-by-tel's leads.., this has nothing to do with technology, but a business decision by A.B.T not to allow this to happen. AutoByTel is not a successful model. They are desperately trying to force dealerships to conform to the use of their CRM so a prospect base will be built for A.B.T. to sale financing, etc. The information is also sold off to other parties. It is their only chance for long-term profitability.
If you do not have an agreement that any information placed in your web-based CRM is your intellectual property, you do not maintain control over it. Someone will be using it to attack all profit centers within the dealership.
As for ..45% of the online buying public.. Ha, Ha. The worst performing IPO in history would not have the aforementioned dishonorable title if that were true. Walk into a certain persons office at A.B.T. and look at the banner announcing their direct financing site. Look at other activities they are engaging in. If they truly had 45% of the market, they would have already spun off their new activities into a new corporation. They would be too busy.
Solution? As I have mentioned several times, make sure you chose a technology partner that has these insights and understanding. Ask the good questions; do your best to research the prospective (current) partner, and good luck. J
Suggestion. Register yourself so we can determine the source of your perspective.
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Bruce Bingham
bbingham@thirdcoastmedia.comwww.thirdcoastmedia.com