Companies are increasingly adopting “cloud”-based CRM solutions, as they continue to discover the many advantages cloud-based systems have over on-premises systems.

According to experts, the move to cloud-based CRM solutions won’t be abating anytime soon, with a recent report predicting the revenue will total more than $14 billion for the enterprise application markets.

Direct mail adapted to point clients towards promotions on digital platforms is one of the many aspects of the marketing channel that can thrive in 2010.

This is the view of Frank Washkuch of DM News, who believes direct mail volumes will increase in 2010 as businesses seek to improve performance through direct marketing.

The key to getting ahead of business rivals is not by outspending them on advertising, but rather from outmanoeuvring their competitors.

According to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), one way for companies to do this is through the use of direct mail.

With the increase in businesses using online direct marketing tools, such as email, it has become more important to stand out from the crowd.

It has been claimed that despite email marketing being a proven winner in online direct marketing, companies should aim to get the most use out of the tool through a variety of imaginative of creative ways.

Russell Parsons, a columnist for Marketing Week, has stated the slow economic recovery will mean that marketing budgets will remain under intense scrutiny in 2010.

Writing for Marketing Week, he claims that direct marketers would have to demonstrate their strategies are cost-effective and efficient in the coming year.