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Open Source CRM

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software has long been widely used by large corporate organizations for the integration and automation of the diverse departments across the enterprise. These software packages were so expensive that smaller and medium companies or firms could not afford them. With the forthcoming of open source CRM, it become easier for the smaller and medium enterprises to purchase individual database management, accounting and payroll packages and customize them according to company needs.

What is Open Source CRM?

Open-source CRM is a product of the Open-source program movement, of which the coding is known. An open source CRM system, ideal for small enterprises contain several modules including accounting ledger, purchase and sales order, accounts payable and receivables, human resource, payroll and contact management. This type of successful systems can have a large community of software developers involved in the development. Most of these developers work in the form of independent contractors. They customize the software according to the customer’s requirements and specifications.

In today’s market, there are many pre-customized software packages associated with open-source CRM readily available. Moreover, for a company that it holds internal developer resources can take advantage of their skills to carry out the customizations.

Implementing Open-Source CRM

At present, almost all companies are implementing open source CRM software for a variety of reasons and needs. An open source CRM makes the life easier and better for both the end user as well as the company. A company can use either a web-based /hosted open source CRM solution or a non-hosted open source CRM solution for its management. Normally, those companies that are technically sound will have in-house developers for customizing and maintaining open source CRM prefer non-hosted CRM, others prefer the hosted open-source CRM solution.

Advantages of Open-Source CRM

The open source CRM software has many advantages such as low cost when compared to traditional CRM software, availability as on-premise software service, and the customizing property enabling to meet a business' unique needs. Another benefit of open source CRM is that powerful modifications can be done with minimal investment in programming hours. This in turn can make the CRM solutions a perfect fit for the company. The low acquisition cost together with high quality forces most of the firms to implement open source CRM.

A business using open source CRM systems will have a better contact management, problem resolution tracking and insight into customers' needs. With the arousal of the open source CRM, a company can easily make the customization according to its specifications, by just simply following steps offered by an online CRM (commonly known as on demand CRM/ hosted CRM) provider.

Open Source CRM - Conclusion

Almost all open source CRM solutions in market are not free, that is, one has to purchase an open source CRM software package and can make the appropriate modifications in the code for adding new features or to make modifications online. There are even CRM software solutions that allow you the facility to repackage and resell the modified code. The open source CRM software has the ability to outfit desktops using multimedia applications, productivity and messaging at a lower cost than commercial vendors. These applications also perform well with different platforms and have a wide range internationalization support as well.

eSalesTrack – The Hosted Open-Source CRM

Soleran presents you the next generation open-source hosted CRM solution, eSalesTrack. Small to medium enterprises can now better manage all their enterprise automation and management needs for a low monthly charge.