What is our primary use case?
We use Bitrix24 to maintain all our client contacts and project information. From a functional standpoint, I would say it has a lot of functionality. We're probably only using about 60% of it; we can do better. However, it requires extensive configuration and training.
What is most valuable?
I believe that having one system that handles all of the functions that we need in a business, such as marketing, sales, pipeline management, project management, meetings, customer contact, customer feedback, social media integrations, and connections to our cloud data storage, Google, and Microsoft, is a good idea.
It's basically a fully integrated package.
There are sufficient alerts and communication. You need to configure it if you want the enhancements.
What needs improvement?
I believe it can be complex for basic usage.
We, as IT users and managers, need to invest more in training, testing, and utilizing the various functions, as well as introducing best practices. I believe it is how we, as users, interact with it.
Training and support are provided by Bitrix24 but it's all virtual
The user interface could be improved or simplified. When you log in and see so many functions, it's a little overwhelming.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Bitrix24 for the past four years.
It's the most recent version because it's on the cloud and is constantly updated.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Bitrix24 is definitely stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The one we purchased is not scalable, but it is fully packaged. It is fully packaged and contains all of the functions we require.
We have fewer than 20 users in our company. We are a small company. It is widely used by everyone.
How are customer service and support?
We mostly communicate with them virtually, through a conference call, a virtual meeting, or an email. You have a support ticket.
They respond quickly.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We recently purchased a Cisco firewall. We are waiting for the equipment to arrive so we can configure the firewall and VPN to create our own privately controlled VPN.
We haven't put it to use yet. We're still waiting for the equipment. We only recently purchased it.
We used to have our own virtual VPN system. There was no firewall in place. We were reliant on broadband fiber-based services, but they proved prohibitively expensive. So we decided to go it alone.
Vox is one of Africa's service providers, and they have a full suite of fiber services. And they have the equipment and expertise to manage, configure, and maintain it there.
Many of our systems are hosted in the cloud. For the leading nonprofit, we use Google Suite and Microsoft Office 365, and Bitrix24 as a CRM. Our financial system is Xero accounting and Sage Accounting.
How was the initial setup?
It is very easy to set up. The basic setup is easy.
Deployment can take up to three months depending on the setup and end-user training.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I can't recall because we got it at a steep discount.
The cost is $2,500, which will be spread out over 18 to 24 months.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I usually download a lot of documents for research purposes, to keep up with what's going on in terms of trends. After reading it, I keep track of some of the most recent strengths and compile a report for the non-profit organizations that we deal with.
We do not implement any solutions.
What other advice do I have?
There are numerous new products in cloud computing, some of which are truly excellent. I bought one in the last few months.
You must conduct thorough research because once selected, you want your users and your organization to embrace and embed it.
My advice is to conduct research and comparisons. And that's what we need over the next few years; we compared a number of products before arriving at Bitrix24.
But I'm sure there are other better products out there that we should look into.
However, once you've acquired the CRM or ARP, you're almost like locked into it. If you want to change management or buy a new product, you must make a significant change.
I would rate Bitrix24 a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.