Open source for your next CRM deployment

SugarCRM and other open-source CRM vendors have a slick value proposition for the CIO: Save money, boost innovation, and improve internal adoption. What's not to love?

According to a CIO.com article, it depends on the type of organization you're helming. For some, it's possible that open-source CRM won't be a good fit. But these will be the exception, not the rule:

Since most of the code is open, the applications tend to be very customizable, run on any platform, and have a good, if not all-encompassing, feature set. Indeed, SugarCRM, the largest player in the category..., has added more mobile features than many of its commercial rivals....

Unlike commercial software, open source code, is just that--open. Users are free to modify and distribute most of it under any of the several commonly used open source licenses. In fact, openness and the right to modify the source code is a key advantage for tech-savvy companies willing to take on development tasks.

Does this mean that the only way to benefit from open-source CRM (and other open-source enterprise applications) is if you're a technology-savvy shop? Of course not. Most don't need to tweak the code, and never will. But even those who don't benefit from those who do.

If a CIO has decided to buy wholeheartedly into a particular vendor's complete stack (e.g., Oracle), then perhaps open-source CRM isn't for them. Open source is for those who like choice, not manacles. :-)

[gsmdaze]

I particularily like the SaaS model myself, and there are some free ones out there most notably:

Free CRM: http://www.FreeCRM.com

Zoho CRM: http://www.ZohoCRM.com

Each has its benefits, I have found FreeCRM to be very feature rich, and Zoho much more simple with less features

[saassueme]

For those considering a CRM application why not give sugar a try. You get a full install to test with Sugar Community on your own server, not a demo with some sales person breathing down your neck. I believe that sugar also has a demo available on their website.
You are not limited or locked in to an expensive software behemoth like Oracle or SAP.
Want to change the code? Have at it.

[saassueme]

For those considering a CRM application why not give sugar a try. You get a full install to test with Sugar Community on your own server, not a demo with some sales person breathing down your neck. I believe that sugar also has a demo available on their website.
You are not limited or locked in to an expensive software behemoth like Oracle or SAP.
Want to change the code? Have at it.

[neophyteblogger]

The customization carrot dangled by Open Source manufacturers is not very attractive for SMBs; it calls for a fair amount of in-house skill. How's a business interested in improving innovation and how does open source boost internal adoption.

Cost effectiveness is THE biggest attraction, besides there is always the fear that what's free/cheap open source today may become commercial and mainstream tomorrow.

[mrolsen]

I notice that the lead paragraph in the story is about Concursive, the number 2 open source CRM company, and one of their recent customers, IMA Financial. According to the Concursive website, you can sign up for a free 100-user hosted system. It seems to me that would cover most businesses in the US! The site claims this is not a trial or demo system, but the full blown CRM.

[neophyteblogger]

Am sure Concursive must have added something in small print or else the CRM is at best a vendors software with the more sophisticated features being available at a price.