Zendesk Sell

Basic Information

• Model/Version: Zendesk Sell is offered in several subscription plans: Team, Growth, Professional, and Enterprise. There were also legacy plans.
• Release Date: Zendesk Sell launched in November 2018, evolving from the acquisition of Base (FutureSimple Inc.). It underwent a revamp in 2020 to enhance integration with Zendesk's customer support software.
• Minimum Requirements: Access requires a stable release version of a supported web browser.
• Supported Operating Systems: For web access, any operating system capable of running a supported web browser (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux). Mobile applications support iOS 11.0+ and Android 5.0+ (for Zendesk Sell apps).
• Latest Stable Version: As a Software as a Service (SaaS) product, Zendesk Sell receives continuous updates and feature enhancements.
• End of Support Date: Zendesk Sell will be fully supported until August 31, 2027.
• End of Life Date: August 31, 2027, after which the product will be permanently retired.
• License Type: Subscription-based, typically billed per user per month, with pricing varying across the Team, Growth, Professional, and Enterprise tiers.
• Deployment Model: Software as a Service (SaaS), delivered as a cloud-based application.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Not specified for the application itself; dependent on the client operating system and browser requirements.
• Processor: Not specified for the application itself; dependent on the client operating system and browser requirements.
• Storage: Not specified for the application itself; dependent on the client operating system and browser requirements.
• Display: Standard display resolution supported by modern web browsers.
• Ports: Standard network ports for internet access (e.g., HTTP/HTTPS).
• Operating System: Desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) that support modern web browsers. Mobile operating systems iOS 11.0+ and Android 5.0+ are required for dedicated mobile applications.
• Browser: Latest two stable versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. Google Chrome is recommended for optimal performance.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Zendesk Sell, being a web-based SaaS solution, places minimal direct technical demands on client hardware. The primary requirements revolve around a modern web browser and a stable internet connection, ensuring broad accessibility across various desktop and mobile platforms. Users access the service through a web interface or dedicated mobile applications, negating the need for specific local hardware installations beyond standard computing devices. The recommendation for Google Chrome suggests optimization for that browser, but general compatibility is maintained across leading browsers.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Zendesk Sell operates on a continuous update model, regularly introducing new features and improvements.
• OS Support: Compatible with major desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) via supported web browsers, and mobile operating systems (iOS 11.0+, Android 5.0+) through dedicated mobile applications.
• End of Support Date: The product will be fully supported until August 31, 2027.
• Localization: Information on specific supported languages requires further inquiry, but Zendesk generally supports multiple languages across its product suite.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable as Zendesk Sell is a SaaS platform. Compatibility is managed through open APIs and an extensive app marketplace for integrations with third-party tools. It offers deep integration with Zendesk Support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Zendesk Sell demonstrates strong compatibility through its web-based architecture and dedicated mobile apps, allowing access from a wide array of devices and operating systems. Its open APIs and marketplace facilitate extensive integration with other business tools, enhancing its ecosystem. However, a critical factor is the announced end-of-life date of August 31, 2027, after which the product will be retired. This necessitates current users to plan for migration to alternative solutions.

Security Status

• Security Features: Zendesk Sell includes features such as access controls, data encryption, and robust authentication methods. It offers sandbox/test environments for administrators to develop and test changes securely.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Zendesk disclosed a hack in 2019 related to a 2016 incident, which potentially affected customer service agent information.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for a SaaS product.
• Certifications: Zendesk maintains various compliance certifications, including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27018, and GDPR compliance, ensuring adherence to industry security and privacy standards.
• Encryption Support: Data is encrypted both in transit (using TLS 1.2 or higher) and at rest (using AES-256 encryption).
• Authentication Methods: Supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) for enhanced user security.
• General Recommendations: Users are advised to utilize strong, unique passwords, enable MFA, and adhere to organizational security policies.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Zendesk Sell implements standard enterprise-grade security measures, including data encryption, access controls, and support for advanced authentication methods like MFA and SSO. Compliance with certifications such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001 indicates a commitment to security best practices. While a past security incident was disclosed, continuous updates and robust features aim to maintain a secure environment. Users should leverage available security features and follow recommended practices for optimal protection.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: As a SaaS CRM, traditional benchmark scores are not directly applicable. Performance is measured by system responsiveness, uptime, and scalability.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Zendesk Sell is designed for high productivity, with 70% of customers deploying the CRM in less than eight weeks. It offers live pipeline management with real-time updates.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to the software itself, but rather to the client devices accessing the service.
• Carbon Footprint: Zendesk is committed to sustainability, with efforts to reduce its operational carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility across its infrastructure.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Zendesk Sell competes with other CRM solutions like Salesforce Sales Cloud, HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, and Pipedrive. Reviews indicate it is user-friendly and integrates well with Zendesk's help desk, but can be more expensive than some alternatives for comparable features.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Zendesk Sell focuses on delivering a responsive and efficient user experience, critical for sales teams. Its SaaS model ensures scalability and high availability, though specific uptime metrics are not publicly detailed. The platform emphasizes quick deployment and real-time data updates, contributing to operational efficiency. While direct performance benchmarks against competitors are scarce, its design prioritizes productivity and seamless integration within the Zendesk ecosystem.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Strengths: Users frequently praise Zendesk Sell for its intuitive user interface, seamless integration with other Zendesk products (especially Support), and its ability to provide a unified view of customer data. It is often cited for easy onboarding, robust mobile app functionality, clear pipeline visibility, and effective productivity tools.
• Weaknesses: Common criticisms include the potential for costs to escalate quickly, particularly when additional features or integrations are required. Some users find that lower-tier plans offer limited features, and reporting capabilities could be more powerful. There are also mentions of limited pipelines even at higher tiers and a basic email/template editor.
• Recommended Use Cases: Zendesk Sell is highly recommended for small to midsize businesses (SMBs) seeking an easy-to-use CRM, especially those already utilizing Zendesk's help desk solutions. It is well-suited for sales teams focused on efficient pipeline management, forecasting, and comprehensive reporting.

Summary

Zendesk Sell is a cloud-based Sales CRM designed to enhance sales productivity, pipeline visibility, and customer relationship management. Launched in 2018 and revamped in 2020, it offers a suite of features across Team, Growth, Professional, and Enterprise plans, accessible via modern web browsers and dedicated mobile applications for iOS and Android. Its technical requirements are minimal, primarily relying on client-side browser compatibility and internet connectivity, ensuring broad accessibility. The platform boasts strong compatibility through open APIs and an extensive app marketplace, facilitating integration with various business tools, including deep integration with Zendesk Support.

From a security standpoint, Zendesk Sell incorporates enterprise-grade measures such as data encryption (in transit and at rest), multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and adheres to key compliance certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. While a past security incident was disclosed, the platform maintains a focus on robust security practices. Performance is characterized by its SaaS model, offering scalability, high availability, and real-time data updates to support efficient sales operations. User feedback highlights its intuitive interface, ease of use, and seamless integration with other Zendesk products as key strengths. However, potential drawbacks include escalating costs for advanced features and some limitations in reporting and email editing capabilities compared to competitors.

A critical consideration for current and prospective users is the announced end-of-life date for Zendesk Sell on August 31, 2027. Zendesk will retire the product to focus on its core customer service offerings, necessitating existing users to plan for migration to alternative CRM solutions. Despite this, Zendesk provides support for transition planning and recommends alternatives like Pipedrive.

In conclusion, Zendesk Sell is a capable and user-friendly CRM, particularly beneficial for SMBs integrated into the broader Zendesk ecosystem. Its strengths lie in its ease of use, mobile accessibility, and integration capabilities. However, its impending retirement is a significant factor that overshadows its current feature set and requires immediate strategic planning for all users. The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations; for up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.