In the preceding section we have observed how real- time interaction is a common characteristic of the erp applications of many of the most popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace. Not incidentally, it is also the central feature of erp software systems, which in a manner similar to the social media sites, are run on a shared on line database to provide real- time and simultaneous communication and interchange of ideas and data across all company departments to consolidate internal and external company operations.  

Lower ERP cost for Small Businesses (Part II)

How Companies Can Sell Their Products Directly Through the Social Media Websites and Affiliated Store Outlets

In this analysis we will see various ways through which the use of social media outlets that are specifically employed for global ERP deployment purposes, can be used for successful advertising and marketing campaigns, and also to significantly reduce erp cost for small companies.

The first and most obvious advantage of the popular social media networking sites like Facebook, Youtube and Twitter is that they require no subscription fees to open an account. What is most revealing about them is the fact that they share many similar applications which are common to global ERP software systems and which can be similarly used by any company from the most diverse industries, not only for the purpose of promotion, but also to sell their products through the appropriate channels and tools provided by their user options. The major benefit gained by using these services, in the long run, is that they maximize the visibility of the company's products or services and magnify their market presence on the global stage through the world wide web at very low, or no erp cost.

ERP cost / pricing may also be reduced by allowing a company and their customers the choice of buying their products and services through many different portals or affiliated websites. In fact, many of the popular social media networking sites, including many popular blog spots and community forums hosted by independent companies or enterprises - and to take as a primary example those dealing with music or entertainment in general like Myspace and reverbnation.com, or Amazon.com and e-Bay, among others, which sell products of any kind) offer the subscriber the opportunity to sell their products either through their own websites or if the user has connected to other accounts like Amazon.com, E-Bay, I-Tunes and so on, the person/company may opt to sell through multiple outlets of their choice.

Another wonderful and practical aspect of this marketing strategy based on placing a software/product for sale on multiple online outlets and stores that are affiliated or have partnered with one or more social media outlets (and if possible with the other networking forums and on-line blogs by other less popular networks but which still possess a worldwide user base) is the fact that the users can decide which prices to set for a specific product- depending on the situation and the variety of pricing options provided by the affiliate online store. This is an excellent and ingenious method for maximizing revenue while simultaneously lowering erp cost, especially if the business chooses to sell its products from multiple store outlets - including directly through the social media sites they are subscribed to.

Written by :

Amy Cruz