Free Customer Relationship Management software has been targeted at small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) that don't want to pay upfront licensing fees. While large players in the CRM market are offering discounts to this market, such as the online version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM,http://www.gartner.com/resources/172400/172429/microsoft_reduces_prices_to__172429.pdf http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/crmmedia/crm0708/#/22 many SMEs still opt for free CRM software. Unfortunately, free CRM software doesn't mean your CRM is free. The latest articles and reviews on the use of free CRM for businesses and non-profit organizations are found on this page.

Almost all Free CRM software is open-source CRM software. These in turn are built upon open-source platforms utilizing Linux (operating system), Apache (web server), and MySQL (database). While the open-source platform is proven, CRMs built upon this platform have only recently begun to mature. In the early days of open-source CRM, basic integration to other applications like MS Outlook were missing.http://www.crmlandmark.com/survey_opensourcecrm.htm

The other pitfall for SMEs is that the cost of licenses is often a fraction (typically 15% according to Gartner) of the five year cost of ownership.http://www.crmlandmark.com/survey_opensourcecrm.htm An SME typically has limited IT staff so configuring, maintaining, and updating a CRM may be beyond the capabilities of a typical SME.http://www.crmlandmark.com/survey_opensourcecrm.htm So the support services offered by open-source providers becomes essential.http://www.crmforecast.com/opensourcefaq.htm

There is an on-going debate over who provides better support or more frequent updates - open-source or commercial products.http://www.crmforecast.com/opensourcefaq.htm Open source CRM has made a strong push but experts point out there is a fine line between community and commercial usage.http://www.networkworld.com/reviews/2009/062509-bending-the-back-office-open.html

Companies interested in CRM should not get caught up in the debate but perform due diligence and find the most suitable product based on cost ownership for their particular business. Doing nothing should not be an option. Business software that allows the management of your online marketing and internet marketing campaigns is essential to even a small business. Free CRM software has advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered. Additional information follows on free CRM software including reviews of various open source products.

Free CRM software has the same set of functions as paid CRM software. These functions are Sales Force Automation that includes lead tracking, Marketing Automation, Customer Service (Help Desk or Contact Center/Call Center Automation, Business intelligence, and Collaboration.http://www.business-software.com/crm/buying-crm/crm-systems-features.php Look for these functions if you are in the market for a customer relationship management solution. There are a number of business models for free CRM software so adopters should consider them carefully. For example, open-source SugarCRM charges for some advanced features.http://www.siteground.com/sugarcrm_vtiger.htm Zoho and FreeCRM have limited use licenses where very small businesses can quickly get started with CRM (albeit limited features) for free.http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/customer-service-software/articles/82655-online-crm-be-cheap-free-even-with-salesforce.htm

Top 10 Open-Source CRM Solutions http://www.insidecrm.com/features/top-open-source-solutions-121307/: SugarCRM Inc, SplendidCRM Software Inc, CentricCRM, Hipergate Compiere Inc, Vtiger CRM (open source), CentraView Inc, XRMS CRM, Cream CRM, Tustena CRM

vTiger CRM (open source) http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/vtiger-open-source-crm-software-review/

Sugar CRM (open source)http://www.online-crm.com/sugarcrm.htm

SplendidCRM (open source)

Centric (open source)http://www.smallbizcrm.com/centriccrm-v3.html

Zoho CRMhttp://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/zoho-crm-software-review/ http://webworkerdaily.com/2009/03/30/zoho-crm/

Sugar CRM vs vTigerhttp://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/sugarcrm-and-vtiger-comparative-review/

CiviCRM a non-profit CRM (open source)http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/civicrm-review-open-source-nonprofit-crm/

Build Your Own Automatic Selling Machine (SalesNexus)http://www.salesnexus.com/lp/lp-build-your-own-automatic-selling-machine.php?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_content=LP&utm_campaign=BYOASM

Microsoft CRM now offers $9.99 per seat (per month) to NGO's and non-profits with free customization. http://msdynamicsworld.com/story/customer-relationship-mgmt/microsoft-launches-cloud-based-dynamics-crm-nonprofits-and-ngos

Navatar Group is offering free support to financial services firms that buy Salesforce.com seats.http://www.marketwatch.com/story/salesforcecom-partner-navatar-group-announces-free-salesforce-implementation-and-support-for-financial-services-firms-2010-05-05?reflink=MW_news_stmp Navatar Group is a global salesforce.com partner and reseller.

For the month of June, Dynamics Exchange is offering free installation for new Microsoft Dynamics customers.http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/microsoft-crm-big-easy-41,1328665.shtml