Open source has become a trend with Linux, Apache, MySQL and other products. Now there are vendors of open source CRM software, such as BlueWhale, Sugar 5.0 Community edition and so on.

What is Open Source?

Open source signifies that you can get the underlying source code of the program. If you have the needed proficiency, you can then modify the code to suit your particular requirements.

By making the source code public, this model allows users to modify the program to their requirements. When thousands of users do this, the result would be a program that meets user requirements more precisely.

Open source typically have a community of users who interact with one another. As a result, the numerous modifications also become public property and enables designing and developing a software package that meets user requirements better than proprietary software packages.

Open source software typically comes free of cost. You can download it free from the Web.

What’s the Problem With Open Source?

Open source software is okay if you are technically proficient in the programming language used. If you are not, you will typically need a lot of support just to install the program, not to mention modify it in any way.

And typically, installation support and documentation do not come free. The developers make the software free. You cannot, however, expect them to make their time also available free to support thousands of users with very different requirements.

So open source CRM software is for those with the technical proficiency. In the case of business houses, this means that technically proficient staff must be available in-house.

What’s the Advantage of Open Source CRM Software?

As outlined earlier, open source typically creates a community of users who interact with one another. The discussions in this community, and the contributions from actual users who face the problems that need solutions, tend to create a better understanding of CRM requirements of users (who might be spread all over the world).

This better understanding of requirements enables the open source CRM developers (and probably, the proprietary developers also) to gain more specific insights into what problems need to be solved. They can then focus on developing new versions of the software that solves these problems.

In time, versions come out that provide excellent CRM solutions to all users.

As to the disadvantages on support front, the typical solution developed by open source CRM software vendors is to offer a paid version that comes with full documentation and support. Very often, the users pay a monthly fee to use a Web based version of the software.

Web based versions are kept up-to-date by the developers. This means that any new features incorporated in later versions (based on community feedback) also become available to you without the need to buy upgrades.

Web based SaaS - software as a service - versions are configured and adapted to your needs by the service providers. You don’t need to recruit and train in-house IT staff to do this. You just indicate your requirements to the service provider who will find ways to meet these.

Open source CRM software is thus a very good alternative to explore.