CRM or Customer Relationship Management is a software that helps business houses maintain and enhance a better relationship with most precious asset of their enterprise, the customers. With the emergence of CRM software, many CRM companies are now developing open source CRMs for small and mid-size businesses (SMB). Open source CRM software is free and you don’t have to pay the least license fee for acquiring the software. The software can be downloaded and used without any licensing cost. This is an ideal solution for those business houses, which have talent as the key but lack in budget. Since it is free, many people might come to a conclusion that it does not provide enough security however, it is only a myth. The free CRM software not only provides your business systems with a tight security, but it also comes with a number of advantageous features.

 

Common Features Of Open Source CRMs:

 

Open Source CRM is free: There is no direct licensing fee involved in this software. This feature can contribute to the budget of both small and mid-level companies to a great extent. They can get higher Return on Investment (ROI) through this open source marketing solution.

 

Different CRMs have different development process: CRM solution is not technology, rather it is a business strategy to get closer to existing and potential customers. CRM software can evolve and developed in different ways so that it can match various wants and needs of different business houses.

 

Stagnant use of CRM: The tools involved are:

·         Process management- OpenFlow

·         Desktop tools- OpenOffice

·         Business software systems

 

Increasing use of CRM: The tools involved are:

·         Directory services- OpenLDAP

·         CMS- OpenCMS and Alfresco

 

Mature use of CRM: The tools involved are:

·         Web servers- JBoss and Geronimo

·         Security solutions- Snort or Nessus

·         Collaboration- Zope and Drupal

 

Optimum use of CRM: The tools involved are:

·         Server operating systems- Linux and FreeBSD

·         Development tools- Eclipse, Hibernate, and Struts

·         Database- MySQL

 

Buy Off Model of Open Source CRM: Open Source CRM is supported by MySQL database. The business houses that are using the software can modify the codes without making them appear in public.

 

Security features of Open Source CRM: If a software fails to supply desired security to a business, utility of the software is half lost, however, open source CRM software does not leave any leeway for complaints. This software comes with such security features that no unauthorized access can intervene with the business system.  It is equipped with high-end authentication and encryption process to prevent hacking or any other damage. This level of security is provided for every file and module of the software.

 

Best Open Source CRM tools: Best Open Source CRM software for small and mid-size companies are mentioned below:

 

·         SugarCRM

·         SplendidCRM

·         CentricCRM

·         Compiere

·         Vtiger CRM

 

To get your own open source CRM built for your business, contact Evon Technologies, a CRM development company in Dehradun.