A sector focused best-of-breed CRM platform from day one.
Made for higher education with unrivalled support.
March, 2026 The University of Warwick has been a client of Azorus for almost 18 years. The platform is used across multiple audiences, including foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and current students and a myriad of other audiences including, parents, teachers, internal and external colleagues and the public.
"We’ve been with Azorus for years because it just works. It was easy to implement, is endlessly flexible, and most importantly, is supported by an incredible team that truly understands higher education."
Richard Harrison - Digital Platform & Channel Manager
Why was Azorus CRM originally chosen?
Way back in 2008 the University was looking for a system that could better manage its large and complex Open Days which were so vital to the student recruitment team. At the same time CRM became an increasingly important consideration, as it would enhance the student experience and help to streamline recruiting activities. At the time there was no CRM expertise or support available on campus, so starting with UG/PG applicants was the initial aim. The speed of setup, the sector experience and the cost were all factors, but the customer service and nature of the client/supplier relationship from day one was and remains a huge factor.
How quickly can Azorus be implemented?
Azorus understood our needs, our systems and our ethos very quickly when we implemented 18 years ago, when things were still new for us! Even today when Warwick commissions or requests additional functionality, integrations or updates, the response time from the team at Azorus is exemplary.
Why not choose a large enterprise system such as D365?
Implementing a large enterprise CRM system at a university of Warwick’s size demands a significant investment of resources; both human and financial. Azorus delivers the same capabilities for marketing, student recruitment, conversion, and ongoing communication but with only a fraction of the effort and cost.
Unlike enterprise systems that rely on central IT support, Azorus is flexible, responsive, and incredibly easy to use. At Warwick, just two non-IT based staff members manage the platform effectively, proving that powerful results don’t have to come with a heavy resource burden or huge costs.
Why has the University of Warwick continued with Azorus for so long?
It's simple. Azorus has been the best option and the best value for the University every time we have evaluated our ongoing requirements.
What advice should other institutions consider when selecting a CRM system?
-
Find other HEIs that use the platform and approach them directly for a reference. A direct reference from a colleague may carry more weight than someone who works for the supplier.
-
Know from the very start what you want the system to do. Asking for functionality down the line that was never in the spec, won’t be easy, possible and/or cheap.
-
Consider the service model and the client/supplier relationship and SLAs. You’re going to need support, advice, training and a level of responsiveness. You need to receive consistent, professional and good-natured support. Azorus does this in spades.
What are some practical tips for successful implementation?
-
Set a clear scope for the system’s use, what audiences will you/not be able to support in the first year at least.
-
Start small, taking on UG and PG from day one wasn’t easy. Focus on one audience and nail that before moving to the next.
-
Tell people what you’re doing and why, but manage expectations. You can’t solve all their issues on day one.
-
Any system can only produce accurate segmentation with good data going into it. Understand your data from day one and build with strict naming conventions and enforce them.
What were the biggest challenges in implementing a CRM system?
Once you have a system in place you can either get inundated with requests for support, or you can get overlooked as colleagues carry on with their entrenched methods and don’t want an ‘outsider’ taking over with their new system. Both are difficult to handle, so set a remit for the scope of what you can/should support and be prepared to say no. But have a ‘no, but’ response, so they don’t go and buy another CRM system. Explain that the system is just that, and you are not going to take anyone’s jobs, they are the experts in their audiences, you just want to support them and save them time, increase their professionalism and bring together data into one secure, compliant place. CRM works; it just does.
What are the strongest aspects of Azorus as your CRM provider?
After almost 18 years, we’ve come to know the many strengths of Azorus, and there are plenty. The system itself is remarkably flexible, built specifically for higher education, and supported by a team that truly understands our sector, our audiences, and our day-to-day realities. But above all, it’s the customer service that really stands out. The responsiveness, the guidance when needed, and the genuine commitment to helping make all the difference. It’s easily the most valuable part of our partnership.
