SugarCRM Review for JETAA Database By Alex Svetlovsky

Functionality Overview Contact Management Contact self-registration Customisable contact fields Export to Excel campaigns Extensible and easily interconnected to other websites

Proposed Organisation JETAA Database JETAA Chapter (Joomla) JETAA Chapter (WordPress) JETAA Chapter (Other) Other Approved Entity (CLAIR, AJET, etc) Other Database (Salesforce, MailChimp, Excel, Etc)

Proposed Organisation A central SugarCRM server deployed to store all JET Alumni contacts. JETAA Chapter websites connect to server using existing or custom plugins. Other entities could access central server on a limited and as-needed basis (ex: CLAIR, AJET, Chapters without web database)

Acquiring Contacts Contacts currently stored in Joomla, WordPress, MailChimp or SalesForce databases can remain there, syncing automatically or manually. Contacts currently stored in Excel or other spreadsheets could be manually uploaded.

Acquiring Contacts AJET and outgoing JETs could manually add contacts to central database before they leave.

Using Contacts Reports outlining new additions/transfers/updated information can automatically be shared with interested parties. CLAIR could get access membership lists generated centrally, reducing workload for individual chapters.

Using Contacts National/International direct JETAA communication with membership, no matter which chapter they may have moved to.

Benefits of SugarCRM Open source license allows customisation. JETAA-hosted allows complete control. Other than (possibly existing) web hosting fees, no additional fees for world-wide usage necessary.

Benefits of SugarCRM Extensible using SOAP, which would allow plugins for any sort of syncing to be created. Can be hosted in a country with strict privacy laws, protecting contact data. Completely controlled by JETAA, with not other parties having access to data.

Drawbacks of SugarCRM Requires a continually running and paid-for webhost. Potentially high start-up investment in terms of time, development of plugins.

Conclusions Given the ability to integrate with existing websites and databases, the flexibility, control and lack of any licensing fees I strongly believe that SugarCRM would be the ideal choice for an international JETAA Database.