Odd how things work.

I was talking to a prospective customer about Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. They were also evaluating a few other products including a Software-As-A-Service (SAAS) offering called Rave by a company named Entellium.

The prospect asked me “why go with Microsoft”? Good question. A good answer was that Microsoft Dynamics CRM met their requirements really well.  But one thing that wasn’t part of their requirements was vendor longevity. I suggested that this should be a key factor for them to consider because Microsoft isn’t going anywhere and most likely won’t be adversely affected by the current economic conditions.  

Can the same be said for other CRM software companies? What about all of these small CRM startups? Or what about even traditional CRM/ERP companies with an uncertain future like Sage Software (makers of ACT!, Saleslogix, and Peachtree) who fired their North American executive management team?

If it was my business should I be investing in a long term CRM “safe bet”? Or some startup that could disappear along with my advance payment? Or how about a company whose product I’ll need to rip out and replace in a couple of years with new expensive CRM software because they went under?

The answer just came in through the news.

Entellium executives arrested by FBI for making up revenue figures