automatically calling leads

[mitchberry]

is there a module out there that allows someone to click a link and have it automatically call a lead or contact?

if so, what do i need on the phone side to make it work?

[andopes]

You need to integrate sugar with Asterisk to accomplish this needs.
There are some packages on Sugar Forge.

Best regards

[dc50093]

SugarCRM has the ability to do this already w/ Skype. Further, since Skype is so inexpensive, we use it to supplement our main phone system. It costs us under US$30 per year for an unlimited US account; however, unlimited is not really unlimited: Skype cuts us off after 60 or 70 calls in a day. No trouble since they reactivate it automatically the next day and we start all over again. Actually, if you do use Skype I would suggest that you not use SugarCRM's built in Skype link feature since Skype offers plug-ins for both IE and Firefox that work better. Sugar's built in feature is redundant and requires awkward formatting of the phone numbers (otherwise the link won't work). The Skype plug-in will work w a greater variety of phone formats, and, works well w/ the MS Excel default phone format. This is not much of an issue when importing data, however, when users start editing phone numbers they often get the formatting wrong and screw up the link. For example, in the US, SugarCRM requires something similar to the following format: +1 (212)555-1212. The Skype plug-in for IE or Firefox will read that format as well as a variety of others, e.g., (212)555-1212 or 212-555-1212 or (212) 555-1212 (Excel standard). Clearly it's more forgiving as it relates to user error. Finally, asking users to use a non-standard format when editing phone numbers is asking for trouble. No matter how much you train them and nag them they will enter the number as a standard format out of habit.

If for whatever reason you don't want to use Skype you might want to have a look at the following website: http://www.evs7.com/direct-selling-power.php This company makes a variety of products that integrate VoIP or Skype w/ SugarCRM. We currently use their Skype Power Dialer product and it has more than doubled our call output. A power dialer might be a bit more than you are looking for since it does more than just click-to-dial. Typically, you load up a few hundred leads and let it rip. The dialing is automated and it takes you from call to call with a minimum amount of effort (clicks). Again, we were able to more than double the output of our sales staff relative to the old click-to-dial setup we used in the past. Regardless, if all you want is click-to-dial their product supports it and plugs in directly to standard VoIP vendors w/ out the need for Asterisk. That said, the asterisk setup is far more capable if you are inclined to take the time to set it up.

[sugarcare]

What if a lead calls back and I would like to get a alert such as "XYZ called from 123-456-7890 at 12:34PM 02/03/2004 ?" and documented in the CRM itself. When I return the call, I would like the CRM to update my records such as called.

[dc50093]

The product that we use (described above) does not have Caller-ID functionality. It simply enables salespeople to make outbound calls at a far faster rate. Ideal for telemarketers. I have used the type of product that you are describing with Act! and Goldmine in the past; however, I have yet to come across something similar for SugarCRM. On the other hand I have never looked for it.

[Angel]

We have something in the works that does some of these things and others in conjunction with Skype. It is in Beta right now. Drop me a Private Message if you are interested in participating in the beta.

Note: Windows users only.

[zmatok]

Hi there,

How can I find and use SugarCRM built-in plug-in for skype in version 5.2? I am using it from a MAC Computer.

any help?

[Angel]

Login as an admin level user and click Admin > System Settings. Enable the "Skype Out" option and save the settings.

Next time a phone number appears within Sugar (for example, when viewing a contact), you will be able to click on it and dial the number via Skype. Note that it relies on you having entered the numbers correctly as it will not format the numbers for you.