Putting the "Enterprise" into Enterprise Open Source Software

Jun. 6, 2006 11:00 AM

CRM-Customer Relationship Management-is a business strategy, not a technology. Every organization employs some method of CRM whether it be a deck of index cards, a spreadsheet, or an expensive proprietary computer system. Until recently, sophisticated CRM systems were reserved exclusively for very large enterprises. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. One of the most exciting developments in CRM technology is the emergence of true enterprise-class open source CRM applications. By their very nature, open source applications are less expensive to acquire, deploy and support than proprietary solutions. When correctly designed and implemented, an Enterprise Open Source system like Centric CRM 4.0 will provide true enterprise-class security, scalability, and features at a price and in a form accessible to everyone.

David Richards' presentation will focus on several key points of concern to IT decision-makers looking to support critical corporate business objectives with Enterprise Open Source solutions. Among them, Mr. Richards will explore:
-   An appropriate definition of "Customer Relationship Management," and what it means for the enterprise
-   An examination of the expanding definition of "Open Source," including the emerging notion of "Enterprise Open Source"
-   The inescapable reality of today's complex IT environments-mixed operating systems, mixed licenses, multiple vendors, and budget pressures-and how Centric CRM 4.0 is designed to integrate into those environments
-   Architectural considerations for true Enterprise Open Source solutions including security, scalability, flexibility, ease of deployment and maintenance, and development discipline

Attendees should leave this presentation with a general understanding of some of the larger trends and issues within the overall Enterprise Open Source application space, and a particular understanding of how Centric CRM is designed from the ground up with those issues in mind.

About David Richards
Since 1989, David has worked with a combination of mature and growth companies. He began his career as President of AutoNet, Inc in 1989 and served in that capacity for two years; this early stage company established one of the earliest electronic marketplaces of used-vehicles in the United States. After AutoNet, David joined the Greensboro (NC) News & Record, a subsidiary of Landmark Communications. In his role of Vice-President / Sales & Marketing he was responsible for all of the company's revenue departments: Advertising, Circulation, Promotions, Marketing and Specialty Publications. After serving with the News & Record David moved into the position of Vice President / Corporate Development at Landmark. He reported to the CEO and worked with the senior executive team making investments in new media. In 1995 David was appointed President & CEO of InfiNet, Inc. InfiNet was a three-way joint venture of Landmark, Gannett and Knight-Ridder - the former being the founding company, the latter two follow-along investors. InfiNet is now wholly-owned by Gannett. David returned to Landmark in 1997 to become Vice President - Corporate. In this position he was responsible for two, wholly-owned subsidiaries: Landmark Community Interests and CareerWeb. In April 1998, David was named Chairman & CEO of Physicians' Online, a company backed by venture capitalists including AT&T Ventures, Invesco Funds, and Advent International. At that time Physicians' Online was the largest authenticated community of on-line physicians in the world (+ 200,000 MD members). POL was a turnaround that David successfully sold after 18 months for $180 million prior to his departure in December 1999. David founded Centric CRM in January 2000. David received his BA from Williams College and his MBA from the Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia. He is married to Janie Battle Richards and they live with their two sons in Norfolk, VA.