When it comes to choosing a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, one factor that often gets overlooked is database size. If you’re planning to host your CRM database on the web, you might be wondering: How much space do I actually need? Today, we’re comparing the storage needs of ACT! CRM (which uses SQL) and Zoho CRM to help you understand what you’re getting into.
ACT! CRM: The SQL Behemoth
ACT! CRM is a veteran in the CRM world, originally designed as an on-premise solution using SQL databases. This means that hosting it on the web requires setting up a SQL Server, which can quickly become a space-hungry beast. Here’s why:
- Database Size Growth – ACT! CRM databases can balloon over time, especially if you’re storing large volumes of emails, notes, attachments, and activity logs.
- SQL Overhead – SQL databases come with indexing, transaction logs, and backups, all of which add to storage needs.
- Hosting Considerations – Since ACT! CRM isn’t natively cloud-based, hosting it on the web often requires dedicated or virtual private servers (VPS), leading to increased storage and maintenance costs.
- Storage Overage Fees – Many ACT! CRM hosting providers charge for storage overages, which can add up quickly as databases grow.
In short, ACT! CRM can be quite demanding in terms of space, and if you’re planning to take it online, be ready for a hefty hosting package and potential extra charges for exceeding storage limits.
Zoho CRM: The Lean Cloud Solution
Zoho CRM, on the other hand, is a cloud-native solution, which means it was built to run efficiently in the cloud with optimized storage management. Here’s how it compares:
- Optimized Storage – Zoho CRM is designed to handle data efficiently, reducing redundant storage requirements.
- Cloud-Based Advantage – Unlike ACT! CRM, you don’t need to set up your own server or SQL database; Zoho’s infrastructure takes care of everything.
- Data Limits & Pricing – While Zoho CRM does impose storage limits based on your subscription plan, most users rarely, if ever, come close to reaching their storage allotment.
- Real-World Example – One database I recently converted from ACT! to Zoho had a 6 GB ACT! backup file, but after migration, the final database in Zoho took up less than 1 GB of space—a huge difference in storage efficiency.
With Zoho CRM, your database size is typically smaller and more manageable, making hosting concerns much less of a headache.
Final Verdict: Which One Wins the Storage Battle: Zoho or Act!?
If you’re looking for a CRM that’s lightweight and hassle-free to host online, Zoho CRM is the clear winner. It’s built for the cloud, meaning you don’t have to worry about SQL database management, excessive storage needs, or unexpected overage charges.
However, if you’re deeply tied to ACT! CRM and its features, just be prepared for higher hosting costs, larger storage demands, and potential fees for exceeding storage limits.
In the end, the choice comes down to your business needs. If you’re looking for flexibility and easy hosting, Zoho CRM is a great fit. If you are a longtime user and are resistant to change, ACT! CRM is still a viable choice—just be ready to feed the SQL beast!
