Analysts say the newest solution from SugarCRM allows the open-source CRM pioneer to compete directly with Salesforce.com.

Looking to marry open-source technology and the growing demand for cloud computing, Cupertino, Calif.–based open-source CRM pioneer SugarCRM has unveiled a new solution geared — and priced to sell — to small-business users. The new product, called Sugar Express, is available on Sugar Open Cloud, the company’s on-demand computing platform.

Martin Schneider, director of product marketing for SugarCRM, says that Sugar Express is intended to fill a gap between the free community edition of the company’s product and its professional and enterprise versions. And the timing is no accident: Since the start of the recession, Schneider notes, the number of downloads of SugarCRM’s free community edition has risen dramatically — from approximately 40,000 to 70,000. Sugar Express, he says, was borne out of that rising interest. “We figured, ‘How can we make it even easier for people to get up and running on the core CRM tools we offer and make this an affordable solution for individuals and small offices?’ ” he says.

The solution will include SugarCRM’s core sales, marketing, and support features along with plug-ins for Microsoft Office and cloud connectors to integrate third-party data services from companies including Hoover’s and Jigsaw.

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