SuiteCRM
SuiteCRM is a mature, open-source CRM platform built on PHP that runs on standard LAMP stacks. It provides core CRM functionality (leads, accounts, contacts, opportunities, cases) with multi-language support and customization options, suitable for organizations wanting self-hosted control over their CRM data.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | SuiteCRM/SuiteCRM |
| Owner | SuiteCRM |
| Primary language | PHP |
| License | AGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 5.6k |
| Forks | 2.4k |
| Open issues | 1.4k |
| Latest release | v7.15.1 (2026-03-19) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-06 |
| Source | https://github.com/SuiteCRM/SuiteCRM |
What SuiteCRM is
PHP-based CRM application compatible with Apache/IIS, PHP 8.1–8.4, and MySQL/MariaDB/MSSQL backends. Version 7.15.1 represents a stable branch with regular security patches and bug fixes; a newer SuiteCRM 8 rebuild exists but is noted as less feature-complete. AGPL-3.0 licensed, requiring consideration for commercial deployment.
Get the SuiteCRM source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/SuiteCRM/SuiteCRM.gitcd SuiteCRM# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Verify hosting infrastructure meets recommended LAMP stack spec (PHP 8.1–8.4, MySQL/MariaDB) and plan for database migration if needed.
- Review AGPL-3.0 license obligations: derivative works and server-side modifications must comply with source code disclosure requirements.
- Allocate time for initial data migration, field mapping, workflow configuration, and user training; engage SuiteCRM partners for accelerated delivery if in-house expertise is limited.
- Plan a phased rollout and establish change management process; leverage community forum and official support plans for troubleshooting during deployment.
- Conduct security hardening review post-installation: assess access controls, API authentication, database encryption, and patch management processes.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Closed-source or proprietary deployment required — AGPL-3.0 mandates source disclosure if modifications are deployed; organizations requiring proprietary customizations must review license obligations or consider alternatives.
- Minimal internal IT/DevOps capacity — Self-hosting demands infrastructure setup, database tuning, security hardening, and ongoing patch management. Lack of IT support favors managed hosting services (offered by SuiteCRM Ltd) or SaaS CRMs.
- Modern, low-code/UI-first preferences — SuiteCRM 7 is noted as mature but older; SuiteCRM 8 (newer rebuild) is incomplete. If modern UX or low-code customization is priority, evaluate SuiteCRM 8 readiness or competing platforms.
- Heavy native mobile app requirements — Not explicitly documented; verify mobile access capabilities and native app availability before committing if mobile-first operations are critical.
License & commercial use
SuiteCRM is published under AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0). AGPL is a copyleft license requiring that source code be made available to users if the software is deployed (including via network access). Any modifications must also be disclosed and distributed under AGPL-3.0. This is more restrictive than permissive licenses (MIT, Apache) and requires careful review for commercial or proprietary use cases.
Commercial use of SuiteCRM itself is permitted; however, AGPL-3.0 requires that if you modify and deploy the software (including internally), the modified source code must be disclosed to users. Organizations planning proprietary customizations should engage legal review and consider either: (1) keeping all modifications within AGPL-3.0 compliance, (2) contributing modifications upstream, or (3) negotiating a separate license with SuiteCRM Ltd. SuiteCRM Ltd offers commercial support, hosting, and service plans to support the project.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Moderate |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
AGPL-3.0 projects rely on community and vendor transparency for security patches. SuiteCRM Ltd actively publishes security fixes in releases. Self-hosting introduces responsibility for infrastructure security (firewall, SSL/TLS, authentication, database encryption, access controls). No CVE history, penetration test results, or security audit claims are stated in the provided data; conduct own security assessment before production deployment. PHP version requirements (8.1–8.4) suggest regular updates needed; verify patch management cadence.
Alternatives to consider
Odoo Community Edition
Open-source, broader module ecosystem (CRM, ERP, accounting); LGPL-3.0 license is less restrictive than AGPL; larger community. Trade-off: more complex setup, steeper learning curve.
Salesforce/HubSpot (SaaS)
Fully managed, modern UI, extensive integrations, mobile apps. Trade-off: no data self-hosting, recurring subscription cost, vendor lock-in.
Mattermost/Zulip + custom CRM
Pure open-source, fully self-hosted, permissive licenses (MIT/Apache). Trade-off: requires custom development, no pre-built CRM workflows, steeper implementation effort.
Build on SuiteCRM with DEV.co software developers
Self-hosted CRM requires upfront security and infrastructure review. Our enterprise software team can assess AGPL compliance, deployment architecture, and integration roadmap. Let's discuss your CRM requirements.
Talk to DEV.coRelated on DEV.co
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SuiteCRM FAQ
Can we modify SuiteCRM for internal use without releasing the source code?
Is SuiteCRM 8 production-ready?
What support options are available?
What are the minimum server requirements?
Work with a software development agency
DEV.co is a software development agency delivering custom software development services to companies building on open source. Our software developers and web developers design, integrate, and ship production systems — spanning web development, APIs, AI, data, and cloud. If SuiteCRM is part of your open-source crm roadmap, our team can implement, customize, migrate, and maintain it.
Evaluate SuiteCRM for Your Organization
Self-hosted CRM requires upfront security and infrastructure review. Our enterprise software team can assess AGPL compliance, deployment architecture, and integration roadmap. Let's discuss your CRM requirements.