by What are Open Source CRM Software?
Open source CRM software refers to customer relationship management platforms that are available for free or at low costs. The source code behind these platforms is openly shared and can be customized, modified, and shared by developers. Some key advantages of open source CRM include lower costs, customizability, and the ability to self-host the software on your own servers.
SugarCRM: One of the earliest and most popular Open source CRM software is SugarCRM. Originally launched in 2004, SugarCRM is written in PHP and uses a MySQL database. It offers core CRM features like contact management, accounts, opportunities, cases, and activities. SugarCRM also has a mobile app and integrations with common tools like Microsoft Office, G Suite, and Slack. It’s highly customizable via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and additional apps can be downloaded from the SugarCRM exchange
Some top SugarCRM features include
– Scalability: Can handle 10,000+ users on a single server
– Customizability: Fields, workflows, and screen layouts can be modified easily
– Mobile CRM: Native iOS and Android apps available
– Collaboration: Real-time activity streams, inbox messaging, and file sharing
– Analytics: Dashboards, reports, and filters deliver actionable customer insights
While older than some competitors, SugarCRM remains a solid open source choice thanks to its robust feature set and large, active developer community. Regular updates ensure it stays relevant in the modern CRM landscape.
vtiger CRM: Another mature open source option is vtiger Open source CRM software, formerly known as Vtiger CRM. Written in PHP, vtiger has core CRM capabilities like contacts, accounts, opportunities, support tickets along with project management, inventory control, quote management and more modules. It integrates well with common apps and has customizable workflows, reports, and dashboards. Pricing starts from free for basic use to $99/user annually for the subscription plan with premium support. Some key vtiger features include:
– Customization: Fields, layouts, workflows, scripts, and more can be modified easily
– Mobile access: Web-based apps allow CRM access from any device
– Scalability: Handles large data volumes for companies with thousands of users
– Security: Role-based access controls and activity logs provide security
– Integrations: Tight integration with tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, Slack, and ZenDesk
Vtiger CRM is a dependable open source option worth considering, especially for small businesses on tight budgets. The developer community provides regular updates and support.
Zoho CRM: While not fully open source, Zoho CRM offers a freely available packaged version as well as a commercial edition. Written in PHP, it provides core CRM features like contacts, accounts, opportunities, support tickets, dashboards, and reports. The platform is mobile-ready, integrates well with common apps, and has customizable workflows.
Some top Zoho CRM capabilities
– Scalability: Handles large user volumes for enterprises with 100,000+ users
– Blended CRM: Supports sales, marketing and support use cases in one platform
– Automations: Advanced automation rules trigger actions based on events
– Dashboards: Role-tailored homescreens deliver real-time performance metrics
– Integration: 200+ out-of-the-box integrations including Gmail, Slack, and Dropbox
Though not completely open source, Zoho’s generous free package and affordable paid plans make it a popular choice. Regular updates keep it competitive and a large app ecosystem adds functionality. Both small businesses and large enterprises use Zoho CRM successfully.
OroCRM : OroCRM describes itself as an open source alternative to high-end commercial CRM solutions. Written in PHP with a MySQL database, it provides core modules for managing contacts, accounts, opportunities, activities, cases and more, served via an intuitive interface. Additional modules extend capabilities like quotation and invoice management, marketing automation, business intelligence and more.
Some key Open source CRM software include:
– Scalability: Handles thousands of concurrent users on high-end servers
– Cusomtizability: Fields, layouts, forms, processes and more can be modified
– Segmentation: Advanced contact profiling powers AI-driven recommendations
– Automations: Visual workflow editor designs advanced automated processes
– API Access: RESTful API enables integration with external systems
While more complex than some others, OroCRM’s flexibility, customizability and high-end feature set targets the larger enterprise space. Monthly subscription plans or on-premise installation are required.
Insightly: Insightly is an open source and cloud-based option that provides core CRM capabilities and the ability to self-host on premises. Modules for contacts, accounts, opportunities, tickets, projects, tasks and calendar integration come standard. The platform is customizable, mobile-optimized and scales up to handle large volumes of client data and users.
Some top Insightly features include:
– Custom Fields: Track custom data types specific to your business
– Automated Workflows: Triggered actions based on contact actions and behavior
– Collaboration Tools: Group chat, internal wiki, and sharing files via the CRM
– Flexible Reporting: Reports summarize data from wherever you need insights
– Integrations: Sync app data like.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
