Web-based Software Automation and the Cellular Retailer

Cellular/Wireless Industry White Paper
Web-based Software Automation
and the Cellular Retailer
Helping small businesses level the
playing field with large businessesWeb-based Software Automation and the Cellular Retailer
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Upfront Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Scalability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Data Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Data Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Product and inventory management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Commission management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Real-time reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Customer resource management (CRM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Integration with carrier sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Upgrades and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
About Data Guard Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Helping small businesses level the playing field with large businesses.
IntroductionWeb-based software automation is an essential part in managing business processesin today's cellular/wireless retail environment. An effective solution must have theability to manage all of a company's operations simultaneously with virtually nointeraction by an administrator on a daily basis.
Until recently, the most advanced systems were out of reach to all but large retailorganizations. With the advent of web-based software automation, small businessesnow have the ability to level the playing field with larger corporations by affordablyaccessing cost-effective, cutting-edge features that previously were not viable due tothe required costs and infrastructure.
There are many aspects regarding web-based software automation thatmake it an attractive, if not a necessary, alternative for small to mid-sizedcellular retailers. "Until recently, themost advanced
This document addresses the following key points that cellular retailers, systems were out of
wholesalers, and master agents need to know: reach to all but largeretail organizations."
. Upfront costs. Implementation. Accessibility. Scalability. Data storage. Data security. Product and inventory management. Commission management. Real-time reporting. Customer resource management (CRM). Integration with carrier sites. Upgrades and maintenance
1Web-based Software Automation and the Cellular Retailer
Upfront costsWeb-based software automation allows businesses to implement best-of-breedapplications without the associated upfront capital outlay. In lieu of one largepayment for a certain version of software, web-based application customers paypredictable monthly fees. These fees usually include support and maintenance,ensuring that the software is always up and running. The money that would haveotherwise been used upfront can be directed to other areas of the business.
"implement best-of- Implementationbreed applications Until recently, to implement a company-wide software application userswithout the associated were required to install the application (even several applications) onupfront capital outlay..." each computer in each office and retail store across the company. Thismeant meeting hardware and software requirements an... [download for more]