Tag Archives: CRM

Another Choice Among Microsoft Dynamics CRM Customizations

Posted on September 7, 2010 by in Software

Keeping up with all the flavors and variants of CRM is a daunting task. One iteration that I don’t have much experience with just yet is Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Tamarac Advisor is built on Microsoft Dynamics, but other than that, choices are limited for advisers interested in leveraging the software giant’s CRM application.

Lauren Carlson, a CRM Market Analyst for Software Advice, brought one more Dynamics customization to my attention. Look for it in her article titled Microsoft Dynamics CRM Industry Solutions: Our 15 Favorites at SoftwareAdvice.com.

If you know of or are using other Dynamics customizations, leave a comment and let me know.

Junxure’s AdWords Campaign Fixed

Posted on August 23, 2010 by in General

Almost a year ago we wrote that Junxure’s Google AdWords campaign referenced version 7 of the software when version 8 was on the market. Today the current version of the popular CRM software for financial advisers is up to 8.7.

I spotted the following AdWords entry while purging my inbox.

Finally somebody got the version number updated. Now I have to offer some unsolicited feedback: is the version number even necessary? I think the ad can say “Get the latest version now!”

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Fiserv Acquires AdviceAmerica, Expands Front-Office Applications

Posted on June 7, 2010 by in Software

Long-time subscribers to FPPad my remember my review of ClientVision CRM from AdviceAmerica of Fremont, Calif. back in February 2009.

Earlier today I received an alert that Fiserv, Inc., a financial services technology solution provider, announced its acquisition of AdviceAmerica and will add the company to its Investment Services unit.

Click here to read the press release from Fiserv.

Overall, I liked ClientVision for its simpler user interface and easy learning curve. After all, ClientVision integrated inside Microsoft Outlook, so if advisors know how to navigate Outlook, they can navigate ClientVision.

The press release didn’t mention ClientVision specifically, but I assume that the CRM will continue to be supported under Fiserv’s management.

Let’s hope that the folks managing ClientVision can throw in that global search feature that I talked about in my review. That combined with the low price point would make a capable entry-level CRM for many advisers.

Concenter Services Purchases Moulton Strategic Partners, XLR8 Overlay to Salesforce

Posted on April 7, 2010 by in Software

I learned today that Concenter Services, LLC, based here in Dallas/Ft. Worth, has purchased the assets of Moulton Strategic Partners, creator of the XLR8 overlay to Salesforce.

Moulton Strategic Partners was one of the first companies to customize Salesforce, the popular SaaS CRM tool, and offer it to advisors under the XLR8 label.

I haven’t yet found a website for Concenter Services, LLC, but its CEO, Mary Ferguson, maintains a profile on LinkedIn. Click here to view it.

Below is the full text of the announcement from Concenter:

Read More…

The Necessity of CRM at FPA Business Solutions 2010

Posted on February 25, 2010 by in General

Today I put the finishing touches on a CRM presentation prepared for next week’s FPA Business Solutions 2010 conference. I’m appearing along with Laurie Gripshover, a professional coach and consultant to financial services professionals, in a session titled CRM: No Longer a Luxury: A Necessity on Monday morning. Davis Janowski, the technology reporter for InvestmentNews, will be the moderator.

Click here to view the entire conference agenda.

I’ll be attending most of the sessions on Monday and Tuesday, so if you see me, stop me and say hello.

What’s the Latest Version of Junxure?

Posted on October 16, 2009 by in Software

So I’m reviewing my messages in GMail this evening and happened to glance over at the Google AdWords. In the top spot is an ad for Junxure CRM and boasts how “Version 7 Rocks!” (the mixed use of upper and lower case is interesting, too)

Isn’t Junxure on version 8 now?

ProTracker Software Announces Updates to Two Utilities

Posted on October 16, 2009 by in Software

ProTracker Software Inc., the makers of ProTracker Advantage, announced an update to its resident CRM system (i.e. not SaaS or cloud service) as well as a new version of its Compliance Manual.

Full coverage of the releases is provided by Davis Janowski at Investment News.

ProTracker Advantage is a CRM system originally developed by Warren J. Mackensen, a fee-only planner in Hampton, N.H., for use in financial planning and wealth management firms.

In my opinion, ProTracker is a suitable CRM solution for advisers who seek a system with a lower learning curve than competitors and one that is not hosted over the Internet (and subject to service interruptions and less-than-realtime performance). Although one drawback of locally-installed programs is that someone must perform the update to the latest version!

CRM Provider E-Z Data Acquired by Ebix Inc.

Posted on October 1, 2009 by in Software

E-Z Data, the provider of SmartOffice, a web-based CRM solution for financial services, was acquired by Ebix, Inc. today for $50.35 million. The acquisition will enhance the company’s existing EbixExchange platform to include E-Z Data’s robust CRM product.

Read the full press release on the Ebix Inc. website and read E-Z Data’s statement to SmartOffice customers on its website.

Tamarac 9 is Industry’s Latest Integrated Solution for Advisers

Posted on September 11, 2009 by in Portfolio Management Software, Software

Sure enough, yesterday I posted about announcements coming from technology vendors leading up to Schwab’s IMPACT 2009 Conference.

Today, Tamarac Inc., best known for their SaaS rebalancing solution, announced the release of its Tamarac Advisor® 9 platform (coverage from InvestmentNews). This platform expands on the company’s rebalancing offering to include the following technologies:

Read More…

Flood of Tech Announcements Anticipated at Schwab IMPACT Conference

Posted on September 10, 2009 by in General

Schwab’s IMPACT® 2009 Conference begins Monday next week, and buzz is already being circulated about technology announcements from wealth management vendors.

Case in point, CRM Software pre-announced its upcoming releases of Junxure 8, an updated version of its CRM software, and a new offering called Junxure Mobile, a product that allows advisors on the road to access data in Junxure 8 via laptop, Blackberry, or iPhone.

Also just announced is ExpertPlan’s launch of a new trading platform to advisors who custody assets with Schwab.

I expect the flood of announcements to last throughout the duration of the conference, and there will be too many for FPPad.com to keep up with.

Be sure to watch Schwab’s IMPACT® 2009 website for all the details.