Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is vtiger CRM?

The vtiger CRM software is an Open Source CRM package specifically for small and medium businesses, built over open source projects, such as SugarCRM (SPL 1.1.2), ADOdb, PHPMailer.

The vtiger CRM software can be installed in Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 and different types Unix/Linux-based distributions, such as RedHat 7.2/8.0/9.0, Debian 3.0, SuSe 9.0, Fedora Core 3.0, Mandrake 10.0, Mac OS, and FreeBSD.

Please visit Online Demo for more details.

2. How is vtiger CRM different from other CRM software?

The vtiger CRM software installation is hassle free, as we have bundled well-tested third-party software, such as Apache, MySQL, and PHP along with CRM-specific source code. Most of the other open source CRM software providers offer only the application and ask users either to install all other LAMP/WAMP third-party software or approach them for installation.

The vtiger CRM software provides enterprise quality business enhancement utilities, such as vtiger Outlook Plug-in for Microsoft® Outlook® users, vtiger Thunderbird Extension for Thunderbird/Mozilla users, and vtiger Office Plug-in for Microsoft® Office® users. These utilities are part of the vtiger CRM Open Source project in SourceForge.net. Currently most of the other Open Source CRM projects are not providing add-ons for Thunderbird Extension and Microsoft® Office® and you have to buy the Microsoft® Outlook® plug-in separately.

3. What is vtiger CRM licensing policy?

vtiger CRM
The vtiger CRM software is built on top of the following Open Source software:

• Apache web server software, under the Apache License
• MySQL database software, used under the GPL
• PHP software, under the PHP License, version 3.0
• SugarCRM software used under the SugarCRM Public License (SPL 1.1.2) (SPL - a copy of Version 1.1.2 is found here)
• gdwin32 (graphic library) from http://www.boutell.com/gd/
• phpBB software, used under the MPL
• TUTOS software used under the GNU GPL
• PHPMailer software used under the LGPL
• ADOdb software used under the BSD
• phpSysinfo software used the GPL
• vtiger's modifications to the SugarCRM code are under Mozilla Public License (MPL). Additional components written by vtiger, not coming under the purview of the SPL, are provided under MPL

vtiger Outlook Plug-in
The vtiger Outlook Plug-in is an add-on to the vtiger CRM, covered under the vtiger Public License 1.0 (VPL 1.0) based on Mozilla Public License (MPL1.1). The vtiger Outlook plug-in code is completely written by vtiger CRM team and released as an Open Source in SourceForge.net as a part of the vtiger CRM project.

vtiger Thunderbird Extension
The vtiger Thunderbird Extension is an add-on to the vtiger CRM, covered under the vtiger Public License 1.0 (VPL 1.0) based on Mozilla Public License (MPL1.1). The vtiger Thunderbird Extension code is completely written by vtiger CRM team and released as an Open Source in SourceForge.net as a part of the vtiger CRM project.

vtiger Office Plug-in
The vtiger Office Plug-in is an add-on to the vtiger CRM, covered under the vtiger Public License 1.0 (VPL 1.0) based on Mozilla Public License (MPL1.1). The vtiger Office Plug-in code is completely written by vtiger CRM team and released as an Open Source in SourceForge.net as a part of the vtiger CRM project.

vtiger Customer Portal
The vtiger Customer Portal is an add-on to the vtiger CRM, covered under the vtiger Public License 1.0 (VPL 1.0) based on Mozilla Public License (MPL1.1). The vtiger Customer Portal code is completely written by vtiger CRM team and released as an Open Source in SourceForge.net as a part of the vtiger CRM project.

4. Can I use vtiger CRM and other vtiger add-ons free of cost?

Yes, you can use vtiger CRM and other add-ons, such as vtiger Outlook Plug-in, vtiger Thunderbird Extension, vtiger Office Plug-in, and vtiger Customer Portal free of cost, provided you don't violate the license agreements. Please refer to vtiger Public License 1.0 (VPL 1.0) and SugarCRM Public License ( SPL 1.1.2) for more details.

5. Can I contribute to the vtiger CRM development?

Yes, you can contribute to the vtiger CRM as well as other add-ons development. Please send a request to the info@vtiger.com. After scrutinizing the request vtiger CRM project management would permit you to participate in the development. You can post the new modules, add-ons, language packs, enhancements, and bug fixes that you have developed under Developer Forum in vtiger CRM Discussions.

You can also contribute product documentation (Developer Guidelines, Implementation Guidelines, Troubleshooting Tips) and CRM best practices, articles, and others in Wiki Documentation for vtiger CRM. Your contributions would definitely help us to bring a better product in future.

6. Whom do I contact for support?

Please post all your support-related queries in vtiger Discussions. If you technical support during deployment, subscribe to vtiger annual subscription support so that we can provide a world class support at affordable rates. Refer to vtiger Online Store or send a request to sales@vtiger.com.