Looking for FREE Database/CRM Software

[dogface]

I am not an excel spreadsheet guy, so setting up tables, etc, just isn;'t my thing. But here is my dilemma...

The company I recently joined is going to be converting over to SAP, so they are not willing to invest in a CRM program yet, or have chosed not to depending on who you ask. BUt, I have always used a CRM program with other companies... but since I am not going to shell out cash for something that will be out the door in a couple of year, I thought I was see what you guys got.

Simply put, I don't want it web based, since that wouldn't help me enter call details after each sales call while in the car and not connected. Here is the requirements...

Enter Customer data as current customer or prospect. (If it has several different flags to show the progression, that would be great.) That info should be company name, contact person, industry, phone nyumber, address, the usual contact info.

Most importantly, it needs to accept "call detail" I am diligent about my conversations, and recording them on the program for follow-up, and future conversations starters. If this includes access to a calendar programs as well, or much better MS Outlook that would be great.

Those are the main components, if it were to allow queries, etc. based on that information that would be an added bonus?

Anyone got any thoughts or suggestions???

dogface

 

[The Joker]

For the most part - I am pretty good with computers and have a lot of solutions for different problems.

However - spreadsheets are my weakness. Always have been.

If no one on here has any ideas - my advice to you would be go to a college nearby and find the teacher who teaches Excel.

They can do things with spreadsheets that will amaze and astonish you. Pay them a small fee to set up one for you with the parameters you require.

 

[Woodson]

Like anything else, you get what you pay for. If this is something that will eventually be phased out, you want to make certain that you have export functionality to allow import into the new software for client tracking/history etc.

There's a huge difference in free and $100, my question to you would be, "Does the CRM software improve my work output and organizational skills (less stress) as to show an increase in my abilities to perform my job for the company at a level noticed by my supervisor? If so, I'd say it was WORTH spending $100."

In most instances, it is an obvious answer.

There are several free CRM apps available, most web based.

 

[ryson]

Star office is 35 bucks and it has db functionality similar to ms access

http://www.sun.com/software/staroffice/

 

[VaNurse]

I'm not sure exactly what you're needing but OpenOffice is a free suite of programs that are fully compatible with Microsoft Office. When I worked for the Commonwealth of VA, they were in the process of going fully OpenOffice and were no longer purchasing Office. Perhaps there is something here that will work for you.

http://www.openoffice.org/

 

[Jabberwocky]

convince your company to pay a small liscensing fee to www.salesforce.com and be done with it. Access knock off and excel spreadsheets are not going to give you what you need.

 

[dogface]

Thanks for the help, still did not want to purchase and spend company money when something is out there. I could have just used my notes, but that would have been too much info in too many places... found exactly what I needed and recommend it so far...

http://www.vtiger.com/

dogface