Just how sweet is SugarCRM? - some basic questions

[evolutionnz]

Hello,
I would really like to understand a few keys points regarding SugarCRM (SC) implementation, what it is capable of, and how to achieve certain results (if possible).
I've spent a couple of days now researching and there are many things I've not come up with a clear answer on. I really need this info before I can go down the path of implementing SC for a client of mine.

I would greatly appreciate some pointers and info from you on the following things:

1) Web site integration
If SC is hosted on a LAN based server, what is involved in creating some basic level integration with a web site hosted elsewhere (namely, with an ISP)?

I understand there is a Mambo integration module available and possibly a Joomla one (not sure, couldn't determine if it's being developed or is already released). Yet I am assuming this would require a set-up where SC and Joomla are on the same WAN accessible server. Is that correct?

I'd like to know what is and isn't possible in this regard. I have no PHP experience so I won't be hacking up my own solution. Can I stick SC on a lan based server and then interface it with a web site that is sitting on a WAN (on the internet hosted with an ISP)?

FUNCTIONALITY I AM LOOKING FOR:
- I would like new and existing customers to be able to initiate an enquiry via a website at the very least.
- I would like to be able to capture the personal details of a new customer from a web form

2) Accounting integration
My search for info on this left me none the wiser. Some comments lead me to conclude that SC and Quickbooks integration is available. Some comments lead me to conclude that it's a much wanted feature that is still in development.
- Is there an existing and easy way to get some level of integration between Quickbooks (or any other accounting package) and SC?

3) Asterisk integration
I understand this is available and fairly mature. Correct?
Any tips on the best way to go about it (or links to pages with such info) would be great.
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Those are the two main areas I don't have a clear understanding of.
I am aware I could quite likely install SC on a hosted website. But the issue here is that if the internet connection is down for some reason then business comes to a holt. Therefore I'd like it hosted locally. Yet if I go with that option I have no idea what is involved to enable a basic level of www integration.

Any assistance you can give me on the above points would be greatly appreciated.

With thanks,

Jonathan

[longreach]

Hi Jonathan -

Mambo/Joomla communicate to SC via web services - so those two servers may be some distance from each other.

For Asterisk integraton you might try Creative Web Tech - www.creativewebtech.com - they are good at it.

For QuickBooks integration, I don't know that anyone is shipping it right now. Lots of demand, as you say. We are shipping one in the next few weeks that works with conventional QB or the online version.

[evolutionnz]

For QuickBooks integration, I don't know that anyone is shipping it right now. Lots of demand, as you say. We are shipping one in the next few weeks that works with conventional QB or the online version.

Hi Michael,
Thanks for that info.
In regards to QB... when you say "we" are you referring to SugarCMS or the product offerings from Longreach?

Regards,

Jonathan

[longreach]

Sorry - yes I mean we at The Long Reach Corp are just finishing one off for the market.

[evolutionnz]

Further thoughts...
In addition to my original post...
I spent some time looking at v-t.i.g.e.r today, as it kept popping up when I was searching for info on how to do certain things with Sugar. This brought up the following questions and thoughts:
- I see that v-t.i.g.e.r offer Outlook and Word integration at no cost. Does anyone know if Sugar will be doing that any time soon or whether any other developer has a free Outlook module?
- v-t.i.g.e.r also offers a Customer Portal module. Is there something equivilent in Sugar (or likely to be)?

Cheers,

Jonathan

PS. What's up with censoring the word v-t.i.g.e.r ? (without all the dots and -) What are those of us here at SugarCRM affraid of?

[longreach]

No - I don't think Sugar will be making their plugins free any time soon - they are part of their strategy for open source support - $119 per user - i.e. half the price of Pro.

As for the customer portal - it is free but not well maintained lately - some new people are trying to remedy that, as I think you have seen. It uses Mambo in its original version, but now seems to be targetting Joomla as well. In its original release, it is also fairly limited in scope.

And as for the censoring - once upon a time I rather agreed with it - based on the history with these people in India on that project - but nowadays I do think it makes no sense - and gives them almost a cachet as if Sugar is worried abut them. And with $25M of VC funds, and over 800 commercial clients and climbing fast, I don't think Sugar has much to worry about from them, or from the splendid guys doing a .Net homage to Sugar either.

[stevec]

I believe there is a jrabbit open source plugin available - check sugarforge

[longreach]

Not sure - but I think jRabbit is a 30 day free trial only. But it is I think only $30 to buy - way different from the $119 to get one from Sugar.Actually, we re-sell the jRabbit plug-in, and it has been good for us.

[longreach]

You should also check out the plugin (free) from the splendid CRM folks.