Implementing SugarCRM: 'A step-by-step guide to using this powerful Open Source application in your business.' - Softcover

Michael J.R. Whitehead

Softcover

ISBN 10: 190481168X ISBN 13: 9781904811688

Publisher: Packt Publishing, 2006

Synopsis

Written by a veteran SugarCRM expert and experienced documentation author (not to mention official SugarCRM Rock Star!), this book is the definitive guide to implementing SugarCRM. SugarCRM is the leading open source web based customer relationship management system. It is available in both free open source and commercial versions, making it an ideal way for small-medium business to try out a CRM system without committing large sums of money. Although SugarCRM is carefully designed for ease of use, attaining measurable business gains requires careful planning and research. This book distils hard won SugarCRM experienced into an easy to follow guide to implementing the full power of SugarCRM. Using a unique checklist approach the book works from the SugarCRM basics right up to advanced features in a clear, friendly way. It is carefully designed to distil hard-won SugarCRM wisdom from a recognized expert into a clear, readable, practical guide. By helping you clarify your business goals the book enables you to build a CRM system to support your business needs, and shows SugarCRM in a realistic business setting through an Extended case study. SugarCRM is an extensive PHP/MySQL based application but with its rich administration interfaces no programming is required to get the most of it. This book is ideal for small-medium business owners/managers with reasonable IT skills, who want to implement SugarCRM for themselves as either a first CRM or as a replacement for existing solutions. It will also be a valuable resource for IT staff tasked with implementing, maintaining, or upgrading a SugarCRM installation

About this title

About the Authors

Michael J.R. Whitehead

Michael Whitehead is a leading authority on the design and implementation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Michael's experience and expertise spans a thirty year career in software architecture, design and development as well as business management and ownership of multiple technology organizations. Among many other accomplishments Michael is the contributing author of the SugarCRM Open Source User Guide.

Michael has authored this book for entrepreneurs and small/medium business leaders, like himself, to help propel the success of their businesses through the disciplined application of CRM best practices. More than just a practical guide for the implementation of SugarCRM, this book explores and explains the business implications--and benefits--of customer relationship management for the small/medium business.

Michael is currently the founder and President of The Long Reach Corporation (thelongreach.com). Long Reach blends real world CRM expertise with commercial open source technologies to develop and deliver cost effective CRM solutions for small/medium business and divisions of large enterprises. Long Reach offers a full range of SugarCRM implementation, customization and training services. Long Reach is also the developer of Info At Hand(tm), a complete, commercial-grade, customer-centric business management solution built on SugarCRM Open Source.

Michael J.R. Whitehead

Michael Whitehead is a leading authority on the design and implementation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Michael's experience and expertise spans a thirty year career in software architecture, design and development as well as business management and ownership of multiple technology organizations. Among many other accomplishments Michael is the contributing author of the SugarCRM Open Source User Guide.

Michael has authored this book for entrepreneurs and small/medium business leaders, like himself, to help propel the success of their businesses through the disciplined application of CRM best practices. More than just a practical guide for the implementation of SugarCRM, this book explores and explains the business implications--and benefits--of customer relationship management for the small/medium business.

Michael is currently the founder and President of The Long Reach Corporation (thelongreach.com). Long Reach blends real world CRM expertise with commercial open source technologies to develop and deliver cost effective CRM solutions for small/medium business and divisions of large enterprises. Long Reach offers a full range of SugarCRM implementation, customization and training services. Long Reach is also the developer of Info At Hand(tm), a complete, commercial-grade, customer-centric business management solution built on SugarCRM Open Source.

From the Back Cover

Here are just some of the knowledge and skills you will gain when you read this book:

* Learn specific ways in which SugarCRM can increase your profits through richer customer relationships

* The author will help you assess your own companies needs, and plan a SugarCRM implementation tailored specifically to you it's like having a SugarCRM consultant in the book!

* Decide how to deploy SugarCRM so that it meets your requirements best, and step by step instructions for installing the software

* A complete step-by-step tutorial in using the standard, every day features of SugarCRM

* A look at the various free and commercial add ons available for SugarCRM, as well as advice on when they are useful and how to find more

* Introducing SugarCRM across the business how to train your staff and get your users enthused about what SugarCRM can do for them

* Essential admin tasks such as data importing, back up, and maintenance

* Integrating SugarCRM with your web site and tips for other forms of integration too! Includes particular coverage of integration with Mambo

* Covers installing and using SugarCRM, as well as tips for training and getting employee support

Using a unique checklist approach the book works from the SugarCRM basics right up to advanced features in a clear, friendly way. It is carefully designed to distil hard-won SugarCRM wisdom from a recognized expert into a clear, readable, practical guide. By helping you clarify your business goals the book enables you to build a CRM system to support your business needs, and shows SugarCRM in a realistic business setting through an Extended case study.

Edition details

• Publisher: Packt Publishing
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 190481168X
• ISBN 13: 9781904811688
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 328