Customer records and business management.
THE OPTIONS
Self-hosted CRM applications, which you install and maintain Hosted services, which you subscribe to A spreadsheet, which is adequate for longer than people assume
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Self-hosted means your data stays with you, and you maintain the software, the backups and the security.
For a small business, the maintenance frequently exceeds the value.
IF YOU SELF-HOST
Check requirements: these applications are often demanding
Configure backups immediately, since this is business-critical data Restrict access properly Keep it updated, because it holds customer personal data
THE DATA PROTECTION POINT
A CRM holds personal data about customers. Under the NDPR and comparable frameworks you have obligations: protect access, keep only what you need, and be able to say what you hold.
An unmaintained CRM holding customer data is a liability.
THE PRACTICAL ADVICE
Start with what you have. Move to a system when the current approach is genuinely failing, and choose hosted unless you have a reason not to.
