One of the most frequent questions we receive is, "Does 1 Cloud Consultants actually use Zoho products?"
The answer is a resounding Yes.
At 1 Cloud Consultants, we operate under a strong belief: the absolute best way to master a product - to understand its nuances, anticipate potential challenges, and truly grasp the benefits it can bring to a business - is by using it every single day. Our entire infrastructure is built on Zoho. This daily utilisation isn't just a marketing claim; it's our core method for internal training and ensuring we practice the best standards we preach.
Below is a mini-case study highlighting the powerful Zoho products we utilise to run our business, starting with this very website.
The Foundation: Zoho One and Core Products
Our commitment begins with Zoho's flagship offering.
- Zoho One: This comprehensive "bundle" is the backbone of our operations. By utilising the sheer volume of Zoho applications daily, the single, low-cost-per-employee structure of Zoho One becomes incredibly cost-effective. It allows us to deploy products we might otherwise overlook due to separate subscription costs, ensuring maximum efficiency and integration.
- Zoho Sites: We chose Zoho's Content Management System over traditional platforms like WordPress or Drupal specifically because of its simple, point-and-click design and its seamless native integration with the rest of the Zoho ecosystem.
- Zoho CRM: This is the core of our customer data management. We deploy Zoho CRM web forms across our site. This eliminates double-entry, ensures data capture flows directly into the CRM, notifies the correct Lead Owner instantly, and correctly segments leads for all our reporting and marketing activities.
Essential Tools for Daily Operations
Beyond the front-end, Zoho manages our critical business functions, from finance to support.
- Zoho Desk: This is our dedicated Support Desk function. We use it for our external Support Portal, web forms to generate support tickets, and to provide access to our comprehensive knowledge base.
- Zoho Assist: This is our primary tool for remote access sessions. We've deployed a small widget on our site that allows customers to enter a specific code to quickly initiate a secure support session.
- Zoho Books & Checkout: Zoho Books is our accountancy package. We utilise Zoho Checkout for one-off payments from customers needing a small bit of support but who don't have a full contract. Crucially, any transaction completed via Checkout is automatically entered into Books, simplifying our financial reconciliation.
- Zoho Vault: As a consultancy, we collate a high volume of passwords for customers. Zoho Vault serves as our secure password safe, ensuring all sensitive data (internal and external) is stored safely and accessible only to authorized personnel.
- Zoho Bookings: We use this to effortlessly share our calendar with clients, allowing them to book time for calls, meetings, or dedicated consultancy days directly through our website.
We are truly living and breathing the Zoho infrastructure every day. It’s how we learn, how we train, and how we deliver services to you.
Interested in running your business with the same integrated power?
If you would like to know more about how we use these or the many other Zoho products that support our business goals, please get in touch.