Documentation, tutorials, video training, books?

[jkokino]

Hello

I am new to SugarCRM, I mean know about it for long time but never actually used it and tried. I am on the verge now to do that. I would like to know what is my first stop inorder to get/take off and start understand how the system behind SugarCRM works?
I see there are two books from PacktPub but the first one is almost two years old, I am not sure it will really serve me any good, the other few months old but seem to be more advanced and developer oriented?
Maybe other tutorials?
Video trainings for download?

I appreciate your time

Thanks

[susiewilliams]

Hi there,

You can find a lot of information in the developers website, including links to tutorials, videos, and relevant wiki articles. Start your exploration there!

[longreach]

As you say, there are two main goals people have for wanting to learn about SugarCRM - how to use it (and will it be right for my business) and how to modify and extend it. And the two books address those two goals - one for each.

The book Implementing SugarCRM is current with the details of SugarCRM 4.0 - and as such does not cover some of the changes in Marketing Campaigns, or the Forums or Knowledge Base modules in Sugar Pro. It details the older Sugar email module. And its treatment of automated web-to-lead capture is slightly out of date as well. But the main CRM workflow of Targets, Leads, Contacts, and Opportunities, and how they relate to Accounts, is really very current in the book. As are its core chapters about how to understand and map the CRM requirements of your business, choose the right CRM for your business, and manage the process of implementing a CRM in your business.

[xpojosh]

The PacktPub developer book is quite good, but unfortunately it is based on the old Sugar architecture. Things have changed quite a bit since 5.0 and the exercises in the book no longer work. Hopefully they will be working on a new edition soon!

[jkokino]

As you say, there are two main goals people have for wanting to learn about SugarCRM - how to use it (and will it be right for my business) and how to modify and extend it. And the two books address those two goals - one for each.

The book Implementing SugarCRM is current with the details of SugarCRM 4.0 - and as such does not cover some of the changes in Marketing Campaigns, or the Forums or Knowledge Base modules in Sugar Pro. It details the older Sugar email module. And its treatment of automated web-to-lead capture is slightly out of date as well. But the main CRM workflow of Targets, Leads, Contacts, and Opportunities, and how they relate to Accounts, is really very current in the book. As are its core chapters about how to understand and map the CRM requirements of your business, choose the right CRM for your business, and manage the process of implementing a CRM in your business.

Hi there

Thanks for writing back.
My intention is to learn and provide service based on SugarCRM, sell it to subjects requiring this kind of application. Far less interested in implementation for our own business, rather, we are looking to extend our services and provide CRM expertise. Understand?

Is "Implementing SugarCRM" really up to date for these things? When we learn the architecture and what we can, we shall go to developing and customizing SugarCRM by coding.

Thanks for your input

Happy New Year all!

[longreach]

If you want to learn the architecture, I would do so from the Developer book and the Wiki.

If you want to develop CRM (i.e. generic CRM) consulting expertise, that is primarily Business Analysis to my way of thinking, and Implementing SugarCRM is very relevant for that objective. As is CRM at the Speed of Light by Paul Greenberg.

[nancygale12]

Hey.....guy.......u have given very useful info about books & tutorials however i have also some books from online shop which is about time management training for business & it's being helpful for me really.



Thanks

[hardlend]

The developer site has TONS of useful info. I'd start there...

[angelababy]

Hi! Thank you for this very useful informations.