Atio partners with Microsoft to bring CRM to local SME market

ICT solutions and services specialist, Atio Corporation, has joined forces with Microsoft South Africa to become a Microsoft certified implementation partner. Through this certification, Atio, which previously focused on collaborative customer relationship management (CRM) applications through its contact centre and messaging expertise, is one of a select few local IT players to market both collaborative and operational CRM solutions.

This move is in line with Microsoft`s strategy to entrench its CRM application in the local market. "Microsoft views Atio as a strategic CRM partner with an impressive track record in speciality areas such as contact centres," comments Quimby Bunce, partner engagement manager, Microsoft South Africa.

Despite the negative perceptions, CRM still holds great promise for local companies seeking a competitive-edge. "In today`s technology savvy world, one of the only ways to truly and uniquely differentiate is to provide outstanding customer service and support. Without an effective CRM programme, this may be more difficult than you realise," says Atio`s technology solutions director, Deon Scheepers.

Atio admits that CRM is not new - acknowledging that it has existed for years in a variety of forms. In Scheepers` view, the downfall of CRM in the past has been poor implementation. It is imperative that the programme is understood and supported throughout an entire organisation. To ensure its longevity, extensive and regular training as well as a good change management process is also vital.

"We chose to partner with Microsoft because of the great synergy between our products and strategies. We also recognise the impressive footprint Microsoft has and the resultant ease of which users can migrate to its CRM product," says Scheepers.