According to new research from Really Simple Systems, cloud CRM system adoption — encompassing online, Web and small business CRM systems — has overtaken that of traditional in-house solutions for the first time ever. The survey, which culled its information from more than 600 organizations, states that 56 percent of respondents are now using a cloud CRM system, compared to only 45 percent last year.

This may have something to do with growing confidence in cloud solutions as the report also states that 72 percent of respondents expressed more confidence than a year ago while 80 percent said that cloud solutions require less IT support. Furthermore, a mere 15 percent of respondents said they still have reservations toward the adoption of cloud systems — a much lower figure than last year's 23 percent.

“With many advantages in the reduction of IT overheads, the removal of any system maintenance burden, low capex and the fact that Cloud systems offer business-critical information readily available at all times, from any computer with internet connectivity to provide more flexible working across the business, Cloud solutions continue to grow in popularity as business requirements and attitudes continue to evolve,” said John Paterson, CEO of Really Simple Systems, in a press release.

The survey also found that just under two thirds of businesses are using in-house ERP/accounting solutions, down from almost three quarters last year. Meanwhile, 53 percent of respondents said they would be confident in switching to a cloud solution if necessary, up five percent from last year.

Really Simple Systems is a provider of online CRM, Web CRM and small business CRM. Earlier in the month, the company reported that it has delivered an astonishing 99.999 percent uptime to clients over the last 12 months. The company credits this feat to the delivery platform it implemented a year ago which uses "Master-Master" database replication.

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