CRM Software & Mail Server

Stky10

We're looking at introducing CRM software to deal with an increasing number of customers.

Only problem is that any solutions I've seen so far require an MS Exchange mail server. I want one of them like I want a whole in the head. So I've been told by my boss to come up with a Linux/Unix CRM alternative that doesnt require Exchange, or else I'll have to put up and shut up.

After reading this today on the register I'm slightly hopeful

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/05/sun_usivplus_siebel/

but I'd imagine it will be months at least before the port is complete.

So, I'm wondering if anyone knows of any Linux/CRM software, thats compatible with Windows clients???.

Or, could I use something like this

http://www.suse.de/en/business/products/openexchange/index.html

as a fake Exchange server without the Windows Client software catching on??

mneylon

There are a number of *nix based CRM solutions, but most of them are immature and would cost you more in time and money to make them usable.
The only one I've come across to date that may be usable is Sugar CRM:
http://www.sugarcrm.com/home/
eweek's review of it:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1629923,00.asp

secret_squirrel

I came across a thread related to this a long while ago - try a search. Anyhow there was a big load of them on sourceforge I seem to remember, although I presume that a lot wont be mature.

g_land

company i work for build crm solutions and we have the capibilities to run on a linux server with a windows client but its not free, not even cheap but if you want more info let me know.

George

Stky10

g_land wrote:

company i work for build crm solutions and we have the capibilities to run on a linux server with a windows client but its not free, not even cheap but if you want more info let me know.

George

Yeah sure, PM'ed you yesterday about this but got no response yet.

The Windows versions aint free or cheap either, so the more
information I have the better...

BenH

I run a few SLOX servers, and although they are not dropin replacements for exchange yet due to the lack of migration tools, if your not migrating from exchange then life is alot easier.

Depending on what the windows client (presumably lookout) has to show, its either a straightforward internet mail account, or requires the installation of Outlook Replicator, which allows the synchronisation of calendars and so on. The web frontend however is so well done that most of my users have stopped using outlook.

Now with Netline open sourcing the groupware aspect, the number of third party FLOSS apps is likely to increase, and the internals tidied up. Novell have also stated that they will continue to support and develop SLOX.

Have a play with the online demo and take a look at sloxhelp.org, the community site. It aint perfect, but after spending a couple of days trying to cure exchange 2003 SMTP issues its a hell of alot nicer.

Regards,

Ben

g_land

Stky10 wrote:

Yeah sure, PM'ed you yesterday about this but got no response yet.

The Windows versions aint free or cheap either, so the more
information I have the better...

I've replied to your PM

secret_squirrel

Is this story on The Reg any use to ya?