By now you’ve discovered that Customer Relationship Management software is an important tool being used by all medium and large businesses, companies and corporations and so conducting an open source CRM comparison is very important. Software in this range is available in both free and paid categories. Paid CRM software can be very expensive and not suitable for small businesses. Open source CRM have improved considerably and are now comparable to proprietary programs. Open source CRM suits now come with similar features and functions as available in paid CRM programs.
A Complete Open Source CRM Comparison
When it comes to open source CRM solutions, this software is considered the standard in the industry. It has a good developer community, it’s written in PHP, SugarCRM works with both Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL databases. It can be used for sales automation, support cases, marketing campaigns, calendaring, email and many other functions. The application can be extended with new functionality specific to the requirements of a business and it takes advantage of social media sites that are now a big part of customer management solutions.
Companies facing problem with proprietary software can use this vTiger CRM to automate various tasks. The advantage of open source means that it can be customized according to specific business needs. It has a cloud version that offers more flexibility. This option removes the custom migration limitations imposed in other CRM software programs and tt can be moved to the onsite server when needed.
CiviCRM is a program for non-profit organizations and public sector companies. It is suitable for companies working on limited budget. It can be integrated with content management systems like Joomla and Drupal. This free web based application allows you to create new contacts manually or through web forms. Other features include editing of contacts, management of employer/employee relationships, and creating groups of contacts for mailing list and access purposes. This open source CRM is highly beneficial for voluntary and advocacy groups.
Compiere is a CRM/ERP combined suite. It is a good choice for a company that needs an open source enterprise business system. Its acquisition does not involve any upfront investment. This solution can be implemented on a wide range of operating systems, hardware platforms, browsers and databases. It comes with its unique model based application platform that is customizable and easy to adapt, and it offers good customization, speed and performance.
This fully integrated ERP/CRM application suite helps manage a business in a better way. It allows development of features for ecommerce, warehouse, inventory, customer management, order, MRP, general ledger, among many others. It has SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) that works independent of any database. It can be integrated with Microsoft Outlook, web email and mobile phones, and can be deployed easily in the cloud.
Even though it is an open source program, it is not based on Linux. SplendidCRM is built entirely on the Microsoft platform. This CRM solution is suitable for system integrators, value-added resellers and indirect channel consultants. Companies looking for an open source CRM solution that is similar to Microsoft Dynamics CRM can select it. Operators comfortable with Microsoft platform find it easy to manage. This software can be customized according to unique business needs. With access to the source code, users can rebuild parts of the code quickly and easily.
This open source CRM offers real-world problem-solving solutions. While the company is projected as an ERP software provider, CRM is a big part of this software suite. It is suitable for new companies that are just starting projects on their front and back office software programs. Companies wanting to move to more integrated business applications find it useful. All its versions have been built with Qt GUI client framework and PostgreSQL database. It is a complete business management software that has solutions for CRM, purchasing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, inventory, accounting, expenses and time management.
Concursive is an integrated software available as either onsite or SaaS (Software as a Service) version. It can be used for effective management of parties, events, fundraisers, formals and other social events. It has a customizable interface and it can be used as a marketing application by local businesses. Concursive is an effective tool for organizing, fundraising and socializing.
Zurmo comes with all CRM features like contact management, reporting, bill tracking and mobile capabilities. It has a unique game feature that rewards people to use this system. It projects itself as a social, mobile and gamified open source CRM. The application has been built through test-driven methodology which means users can create and maintain a CRM system that is custom built with the required features.
It is an advanced open source web based application. It is suitable for businesses that want to manage employees, customers, business partners, activities and contacts. This program has salesforce automation with some Business Intelligence features. It lets the user manage information on clients, keep contact details, manage marketing campaigns, and track the relationship between contacts and companies. Business processes and workflows can be used to support customers. Files can be uploaded and attached for cases, campaigns, activities, contacts and companies. Activities and opportunities related to contacts can be initiated and managed easily.
Many of these programs are also available in paid enterprise and professional versions. The paid options have more features and come with technical support service. There are various benefits of using open source CRM programs; low cost is the biggest benefit. This type of software can be implemented quickly and there is high level of functionality. The user has ownership over the software. With access to source code, users have complete flexibility to customize the software according to their specific needs. The disadvantages include lack of tech support.
For new business owners, an open source CRM comparison is necessary in order to become familiar with CRM environment before moving to more complex CRM solutions that cost money to buy and run.
Michael Taylor
Michael is the Lead Author & Editor of CRMSimplified Blog. Michael established the CRM blog to create a source for news and discussion about some of the issues, challenges, news, and ideas relating to CRM.