[COLUG] Alternatives to MS CRM

[Robert Grimm]

I have a client who wants me to install Microsoft CRM 3.0 on his
network. This is a customer relations management server, similar to
Act, that must be installed on a domain controller. I have a few
problems with doing this, though. The most important reason is that
the master domain controller is the wrong version of Windows Server
2003. The server is now running Standard Edition. CRM requires Small
Business Edition. I have to build another domain controller, possibly
introducing domain conflicts as the old machine would still be needed
for other tasks.

My other problem is that there is no other functional reason for
having a Windows domain on this network. If I can keep it so that they
aren't using anything that requires a domain, I can eventually phase
out the Windows servers entirely. The only task they currently have
that requires Windows is running Exchange. They have expressed
interest in moving the email over to POP3 and I could use WebDAV for
calendars. Exchange could soon be unnecessary.

Now, on the the question. Has anyone here had any experience with any
open source alternatives to MS CRM? I have Red Hat ES 4 and FreeBSD
machines that I could run it on without having to get any new hardware
or do anything potentially destructive to the existing network. From a
cost and time standpoint, this looks like the best option if it is
possible. I'm also looking into the possibility of moving the domain
controller over to Small Business edition, but I hope to not have to
go that route.

-- 
Robert Grimm
Photographer and Filmmaker
http://www.grimmphotography.com
http://www.shadowfaceproductions.com