Backstop | Hedge Fund CRM

Which version of Backstop is right for my firm, Backstop or Backstop PM?

Backstop is a hedge fund CRM system, and is geared toward single-manager hedge funds.

Backstop PM is a full fund of funds management platform for tracking multi-manager portfolios and research, integrated with the full Backstop CRM system. It is intended for fund of funds managers and other investment organizations that manage multi-manager portfolios, including family offices and endowments.

What type of firms use Backstop?

Backstop is currently used by more than 40 single-manager hedge funds, ranging from small start-ups to firms with more than $17bn in assets, who employ a wide range of investment strategies.

The software has been successfully deployed during high-profile new fund launches, smaller fund launches, and at established firms of all sizes. Additionally, more than 40 fund of funds managers and other organizations utilize Backstop PM.

I'm currently tracking everything in Outlook and Excel, what else do I need?

Outlook and Excel are a common solution for managing investor information, and while they offer the basic features to get the job done, they are missing the benefits of professional level software. Backstop provides the following advantages over merely using Outlook and Excel:

• Integrated view of investor communication and account information saves you the time and frustration of tracking down information from multiple sources.
• Blast email tools that save you time, keep your messages from being mistaken for spam, and report on the results of the mailing.
• Professional-looking account statements, generated with the push of a button.
• Automatic calculation of firm and fund level information, including cash flow, liquidity, and compliance statistics.
• And much more...

What kind of hardware do I need to buy?

Backstop is web-based, on-demand, software. This means that we host the software, and store your data, on our enterprise-class servers at our secure hosting facility. There is no additional hardware of software for you to purchase, configure, or maintain.

Is Backstop secure enough to store my firm's sensitive data?

Backstop Solutions Group provides a security infrastructure that would be out-of-reach for most hedge funds to deploy on their own.

Backstop's servers are housed in a world-class hosting facility that provides physical and network security. Security personnel monitor the system 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access to servers requires multiple levels of authentication, including biometrics (hand print scan) procedures.

When clients connect to Backstop from their office, or anywhere else, all information is transmitted in encrypted format, utilizing the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol and 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. This is a strengthened version of the 128-bit cryptographic protocol typically utilized by major banks and prime brokers for transactions over the web.

For further information on Backstop security, see our Security Infrastructure Overview.

Can I download a copy of my Backstop data?

Backstop offers a variety of ways for you to access and utilize your information locally. In addition to the "Export to Excel" buttons on data tables throughout the application, Backstop offers XMLport and a SOAP API.

XMLport is a lightweight application that can be installed on a local server or workstation. It allows clients to easily download Backstop CRM data in an open-standard data format that is widely supported by applications of many types.

Backstop also offers a full SOAP API, which is the industry-standard for integrating web services applications. It provides an interface to key objects in Backstop, and can be used to integrate Backstop with proprietary or custom external applications.

Why is Backstop offered as web-based software?

Backstop was designed specifically for hedge fund managers. We know that our clients' goal is to deliver maximum value to their investors, so they don't need to be distracted with the hassles of maintaining additional hardware or software.

Additionally, on-demand software delivery allows us to seamlessly upgrade clients with a new software release every 6-8 weeks, while maintaining a scalable enterprise-class technology infrastructure that would be out of reach for most individual hedge funds.

Can I migrate easily from my current CRM system?

Yes, Backstop Solutions Group has experience migrating customers from a wide variety of CRM applications. We have developed automated conversion tools for many applications, and we have the in-house expertise to handle migration from nearly any proprietary legacy system.

How long does it take to implement Backstop?

Most firms are able to start using Backstop for day-to-day client relationship management within 4-6 weeks. Implementing investor account information can take longer, and varies due to a variety of factors, including the number and age of the firm's products, and the availability/accessibility of historical data. Your Backstop sales representative can provide you with an estimate for your firm.

What are Backstop's Support Hours?

Backstop Solutions Group support representatives are available to answer your usage and implementation questions from 8:30am - 5:30pm Central Time. IT support personnel are on-call 24x7 to respond to any issues that may be reported by our automated server and network monitoring systems.

How can I see a demonstration of Backstop?

Your Backstop Sales representative can arrange a demo of Backstop software, either in person of via web demo. Additionally, you can take the online tour.