Open source tips. CRM, ERP, CMS and open source tutorials.

Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation formed to educate about and advocate for the benefits of open source and to build bridges among different constituencies in the open-source community.

One of the most important activities is as a standards body, maintaining the Open Source Definition for the good of the community. The Open Source Initiative Approved License trademark and program creates a nexus of trust around which developers, users, corporations and governments can organize open-source cooperation.

OSI logo

To summarize, the Definition model of distribution terms require that:

* Free Redistribution
No restrictions are placed on parties from selling of giving away the software.
* Source Code Availability
The software must include source code and must also allow for binary distributions when there is a well-publicized means of obtaining the source code.
* Derived Works
Modifications and derived works must be allowed, and must be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software.
* Integrity of the Authors Source Code
The distribution of modified source code must be allowed although restrictions to ensure the possibility to distinguish the original source code from the derived works are tolerated. For example, the possibility of using different software names.
* No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups
The license must not discriminate against any person or group of persons.
* No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor
The license must not restrict anyone from making use of the program in a specific field of endeavor. For example, it may not restrict the program from being used in a business, or from being used for genetic research.
* Distribution of License
The rights attached to the program must apply to all to whom the program is redistributed without the need for execution of an additional license by those parties.
* License Must Not Be Specific to a Product
The rights given by the license must not be different for the original distribution and any other one even when it takes place in a totally different context.
* License Must Not Contaminate Other Software
The license must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with the licensed software. For example, the license must not insist that all other programs distributed on the same medium must be open-source software.

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Tags: open source, definition, OSI, software, programs, license, open source utils, terms definition

What is a CRM?

A CRM is a program that helps you manage your relations with your client. CRM stands for Client Relationship Management. So a CRM is helping you know your clients better. Knowing your clients helps you answer better to their needs in a more professional and persuasive mode.

A CRM usually stores data like: Clients Name, Surname, Birthday, Company, Home Address, Telephone and Fax Numbers, E-mail addresses, Orders, Client Value and other (RELEVANT) data.

This data can be defined in the majority of CRMs. You can add new ones or exclude some of them. Basically, this is what a CRM does: a database full of important data about your client.

For example, knowing a client’s birthday, you could send him/her some good wishes (a birthday card). A client that knows you care about him will become a loyal and a repetitive client (and this is your purpose).

Also, knowing how much the client ordered may help you on the next order (some discounts, some favorite merchandise).

The CRM software also keeps track of the date of orders, quantity, value and also, they can be integrated with ERP (enterprise resources planning) software.

In this days, CRM software can do pretty much stuff (has a lot of functions), but always it’s place for more. For example some CRMs are capable of recording the calls you have with your client automatically, using Skype – isn’t it great? All your calls, all your notes will be stored in one database. So next time you would like to call a client to set a meeting you will have all your necessary data to prepare. But, are you able to prepare? Could CRM give you more than historical data? It will remain to see that. I will make some tests and tutorials the next days in order to see how good can we get.

There are a lot of CRM software on the market, which is the best for you, a commercial one or an open source CRM? It depends. Both will cost you money: implementation, training, administration, evolution (development) and so on. In my opinion the best option is always an open source solution. Why? Not because is free, because open source is not about the cost, is about the access to the source code. Having access to the source code of CRM software, it will help you make the necessary changes in the future.

Short Resume: CRM means client relationship management. This is a piece of software that will store for you information about your clients and your activities with them. This information will help you develop better relations with your clients making them loyal to your firm and business.

Tags: crm, client, management, definition