Is your CRM cloud-based? If its simpleview CRM, the answer is "Yup - and always has been."

You've probably been hearing more about "cloud-based" technologies lately. Apple recently announced "iCloud," and if the past is any indication, they'll make the technology widely understood and familiar.

You've probably also been hearing about cloud-based CRM and wondering where we stand on the topic. Short answer: simpleview CRM has always been cloud-based and always will be. For a longer answer, here's some simple Q&A.

What is "the cloud"?

It's actually just a colorful name for any bank of servers that you don't personally own and house. The name became a popular way of referring to files and software that aren't stored locally but instead somewhere "out there."

Got an example?

Have you ever had an email account with Yahoo! or Google? Those emails were stored in the cloud, and the software was also cloud-based. Ever used a file-sharing service like YouSendIt? Cloud. Flickr? Cloud.

Note that folks generally use the phrase only for stuff that belongs to you - your files, your music, your data - not for something like Netflix streaming movies (even though those movies do stream from "out there").

And simpleview CRM is cloud-based like Google Docs?

There are two kinds of cloud services. One is the public model like Flickr and Google Docs. They're low-cost or free and monetized through advertising, data mining, etc.

Private cloud services handle more sensitive content - like your CRM data. But the equipment you don't see and the benefits you feel in your soul are the same: always-on access to secure, scalable off-site storage backed-up with heavy redundancy for disaster recovery (a.k.a. "peace of mind").

So this new cloud thing isn't sounding that new.

Ding-ding-ding! You're right. It's not. It's basically a new way of talking about something that's been around a long time. But it is new to some companies and technologies.

Some companies are just now offering the kind of secure, web-based tools and data storage that's been the core of simpleview CRM since it was first introduced nine years ago. You could say we were "ahead of the cloud". 

If I'm not using simpleview CRM, should I pay to upgrade/migrate to the cloud?

Cloud-based data and tools are definitely the way to go! Should you pay for them now? It's hard for us to say "yes" since we believe you should have had them all along.

If you'd like to see what else you've been missing before you decide, let us know - we're happy to give you a demo of simpleview CRM and answer any questions you may have.

One more thing you should know: We've never charged for upgrades even though we're adding *true* innovation every year, and this year will be the biggest so far (translation: "a great time to switch").

Tucson, July 1, 2011 - Have you clicked "Help" in simpleview CRM lately? If so, you've probably already tapped into the first several chapters of the new CRM 3.0 User Handbook

simpleview CRM 3.0 is a beautiful, complex thing - technology that merits a comprehensive User Handbook, and by comprehensive, we mean about 700 pages.

That's what we've estimated the finalized handbook will come in at: 16 chapters in all, designed to help educate clients new to simpleview CRM or be the go-to refresher for long-time users with screenshots, detailed, step-by-step instructions and use-case examples.

When completed, the handbook will include two major sections. Part 1 covers CRM basics, searching, reports and admin functions. Part 2 will dedicate a chapter for each type of user group.

The full guide is still under development, but the first seven chapters are live now, accessible from the Help button in simpleview CRM. Check it out, watch for more updates on progress and, as always, we welcome your feedback.

New Client for both simpleview CMS and CRM

Please welcome the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce!

New to simpleview CRM

Please welcome the Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau!

New to simpleview CMS

We're proud to have the Dallas CVB, Irving CVB and Oklahoma City CVB move to simpleview CMS.  

Website Redesigns

We also have two website redesigns in the works, stay tuned for an new website for Cobb County, Georgia and Mammoth Lakes VB in California.

simpleview CRM Launches

New CRM launches this month include the Austin CVB, Las Vegas CVA, and Stevens Point Area CVB.

Client New & Updates!

We're used to working with Allie Baer as marketing director at the Charlottesville CVA but she's moved on. Join us in congratulating Allie on her role as Manager of Industry Communications for U.S. Travel Association.

Do you have an honor you'd like us to share? Or know of one that someone else is too modest to mention? Let us know!

Another top-tier DMO migrates to the most widely used CRM and CMS in destination marketing

TUCSON, June 27, 2011 - simpleview announced today that the company has begun work on the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau's new destination marketing website and the implementation of simpleview CRM as their new destination marketing database for meeting sales, membership management, leisure marketing and performance reporting.

The move migrates Chicago to the most widely used CMS and CRM tools in the destination marketing industry: 95+ DMOs using the simpleview CMS platform and 115+ DMOs using simpleview CRM. The project will also include creative design by Chicago-based digital agency The Royal Order of Experience Design.

In addition to all of the elements most often featured in simpleview implementations -special offers, itinerary builders, Google Maps integration and more - the new ChooseChicago.com website will include:

• Member Extranet with a variety of tools and resources for members, including account management, lead retrieval and online dues payment
• Meeting planner resources include RFP builder, venue & supplier search tools, and venue comparisons
• Progressive social media integration including content from members' social networks
• Member hotel "hot dates" feature to promote bookings during slow periods
• Integrated mobile websites
• Enhanced Online Destination Marketing Kit will allow planners to build attendance and promote Chicago with dynamic microsites, banners, photos and more.

"We selected simpleview after an extremely thorough evaluation process with involvement from all departments throughout our Bureau," said Patti Evans, CCTB Vice President of Information Technology who spearheaded the search for the organization's new technology partner. "Ultimately, it was the staff's decision that simpleview offered the best combination of experience, technology and service to accomplish what we're looking for."

Chicago is the latest top-tier destination to work with simpleview in a growing list that includes four of the top six most-visited U.S. cities according to Forbes Magazine (2010 data).

"Our goal has always been to create solutions for all DMOs, both large and small," said simpleview CEO Ryan George. "With clients like Chicago further establishing simpleview CRM as the industry standard, our mission now is to help show meeting planners, hotels, restaurants and attractions what powerful partners DMOs can be and how much we can do as an industry when building from a place of common tools and technologies."

About simpleview

simpleview helps destination marketing organizations (DMOs) succeed on every front, from convention sales to tourism marketing and day-to-day operations. The company offers integrated products and services including the industry's most advanced CRM and CMS platforms, powerful forecasting and reporting tools, dynamic websites, sites for mobile web, search engine optimization and interactive marketing. Founded in 1991, simpleview employs 80+ people with offices in Tucson, Dallas and San Diego serving 175+ domestic and international destination marketing organizations.

Media Contact

Cara Frank
Director of Marketing & Communications
(520) 575-1151 / cfrank@simpleviewinc.com

The meetings industry is feeling the positive effects of economic recovery. According to the recently released Convention Sales Practices Study, DMO marketing budgets have increased by 7% in the current fiscal year, more than twice the rate of the average convention center's budget growth. In 2012, the restrengthening of DMO marketing budgets is expected to continue with a projected 6% growth.

NEWS ARTICLE: MYDMAI.DESTINATIONMARKETING.ORG

The Grand Rapids Lip Dub video has surpassed 1.6 million viewers on YouTube and has garnered worldwide media coverage spanning multiple continents, including Asia, Europe and Australia. In the U.S., it's attracted plenty of attention and accolades from coast to coast.

 See the Video:  www.experiencegr.com

Tucson, June 8, 2011 - simpleview is pleased to announce the new VisitNatchez.org. Visit Natchez proves tourism is still flourishing despite the ill intentions of Mother Nature. High and dry after the recent floods, their new site sets an inviting tone with warm colors, detailed backdrops and interactive features highlighting top-shelf things to do in Natchez. 

One of the site's more prominent fatures is the homepage slideshow, rotating different scenes  from all over Natchez. Natchez also appeals to couples with a section devoted to weddings. From cakes and catering to wedding licenses and planners, Natchez builds the allure with their breathtaking venues for those looking for a great destination to say "I do."

Additional features of the new Natchez site include a newly designed calendar of events, an online visitor guide, downloadable itinerary ideas and special offers. Visit Natchez also integrated their partner extranet into their site, making it more convenient for their industry partners as well.

Natchez - it's everything you love about the south.

Before	After

Discover the southern charm of Natchez online at: www.visitnatchez.org

"The travel category attracted 10 million unique mobile visitors in April, with health not too far behind at 8 million and auto at 5 million."

"According to Nielsen, the total mobile universe is up to 105 million unique users, a 41 percent year-over-year growth."

Read More: www.mobilemarketer.com

(CNN) - Add weekend getaways to the restaurant deals, yoga classes, cooking lessons and laser treatments Groupon dangles in front of bargain-hungry consumers. The daily deal company is set to roll out travel discounts through a partnership with Expedia.

Groupon Getaways with Expedia is expected to launch in late June, offering deals lopping about 50 percent off retail prices listed on other travel sites, according to an announcement Wednesday.

NEWS ARTICLE - CNN.COM