SugarCRM

Basic Information

SugarCRM is a customer relationship management (CRM) system that provides a web application for managing sales, marketing campaigns, customer support, and reporting. It is available as both an on-premises and cloud-based solution.

• Model: SugarCRM
• Version: Sugar 25.2.0 (latest stable version as of October 2025)
• Release Date: SugarCRM was founded in 2004. Major versions are released periodically; for example, Sugar 14.0.0 (Q2 2024) was released in June 2024, and Sugar 25.1.0 was released in July 2025.
• Minimum Requirements: Vary significantly based on deployment type (on-premise vs. cloud) and the number of concurrent users. For on-premise deployments with more than 50 named users, a single server configuration requires at least four CPU cores and 8GB of RAM.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Server: Linux/Unix/Mac OS (any platform supporting PHP from php.net), Windows Server 2022.
  • Client: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari (latest versions supported).
• Latest Stable Version: Sugar 25.2.0.
• End of Support Date: On-premise releases are supported for 18 months from their General Availability (GA) date. SugarCRM regularly retires older versions to focus on newer releases.
• End of Life Date: The SugarCRM Community Edition reached End-of-Life (EOL) on July 15, 2017, meaning no further support, maintenance, or security patches. Commercial versions follow the 18-month support policy.
• License Type: Proprietary licenses for its commercial products (Sugar Sell, Sugar Market, Sugar Serve, Sugar Enterprise). Earlier versions of Sugar Community Edition were open-source under AGPLv3, but new open-source versions ceased in 2014.
• Deployment Model: On-premises and Cloud (SugarCloud).

Technical Requirements

SugarCRM's technical requirements are scalable and depend on the deployment model and user load.

• RAM:
  • Server: Minimum 8GB for deployments with over 50 named users. A single high-power server supporting up to 400 concurrent users requires 16GB.
  • Client: Standard browser requirements.
• Processor:
  • Server: Minimum four CPU cores for deployments with over 50 named users. A single high-power server supporting up to 400 concurrent users requires eight 86x64 CPU cores.
  • Client: Standard browser requirements.
• Storage:
  • Server: Application size under 1GB. Document and file attachments are stored on the server file system and can grow significantly. Database storage is approximately 2KB per record; 10,000 records require about 20MB.
• Display: Standard display resolution for web applications.
• Ports: Standard web server ports (e.g., 80, 443) for client access. Database ports (e.g., 3306 for MySQL) for server-side communication.
• Operating System:
  • Server: Linux/Unix/Mac OS (PHP-compatible versions), Windows Server 2022. A LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is recommended for optimal performance.
  • Database: MySQL (8.0.31, 8.4), Microsoft SQL Server (2022). Sugar Enterprise also supports DB2 (11.5) and Oracle (19, 23).
  • Web Server: Apache (2.4), IIS (10, with SQL Server).
  • Applications: Elasticsearch (8.x), OpenSearch (2.7, 2.17).

Analysis of Technical Requirements

SugarCRM is designed for scalability, supporting both small-to-medium deployments and large enterprises. The system can run on a single server for up to 400 concurrent users under routine tasks, but larger deployments benefit from clustered configurations. The flexibility to choose between Linux and Windows server environments, and various database systems, offers deployment versatility. However, specific configurations are crucial for performance, especially when the web server and database share the same machine.

Support & Compatibility

SugarCRM provides comprehensive support and compatibility for its commercial offerings.

• Latest Version: Sugar 25.2.0.
• OS Support:
  • Server: Linux/Unix/Mac OS, Windows Server 2022.
  • Client: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari (latest versions).
• End of Support Date: On-premise versions receive support for 18 months from their General Availability date.
• Localization: Supports various languages, with specific font rendering for character sets like Chinese in PDF exports.
• Available Drivers: Supports various database drivers (e.g., for MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, DB2). Integrations with other systems are facilitated through REST APIs and dedicated connectors for ERP and marketing automation systems.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

SugarCRM offers robust support for its commercial products, with a clear lifecycle policy for on-premise deployments. The platform is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, web servers, and databases, providing flexibility for diverse IT environments. Its strong integration capabilities, including REST APIs and connectors, allow it to function effectively within existing enterprise ecosystems. However, the discontinued support for the Community Edition means users of older, open-source versions no longer receive official patches or assistance.

Security Status

SugarCRM prioritizes security with various measures for data protection and compliance.

• Security Features: Data encryption (in transit and at rest), role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), audit trails, regular security updates, data backup and recovery, web application firewalls (WAF), network firewalls, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and a bug bounty program.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Past vulnerabilities include PHP object injection (CVE-2025-25034), server-side template injection (SSTI), SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and unrestricted file upload. A critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2023-22952) related to missing input validation and arbitrary PHP code injection was disclosed in December 2022.
• Blacklist Status: Not directly applicable as a software product. However, specific CVEs are listed in public vulnerability databases.
• Certifications: SOC 2 Type II compliant, ISO 27001 certified, and aligns with GDPR, CCPA, and Data Privacy Framework.
• Encryption Support: Data is encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3, and at rest using AES-256 encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Supports multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), federated sign-on, LDAP, SAML, and OIDC.
• General Recommendations: Apply vendor instructions for mitigations, follow BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, and discontinue use of unsupported products if mitigations are unavailable. Regular updates and adherence to security best practices are crucial.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

SugarCRM maintains a comprehensive information security program, including robust encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. It employs various security tools and practices, such as WAFs, vulnerability scanning, and a bug bounty program. However, like many complex applications, it has experienced known vulnerabilities, including critical remote code execution flaws. Proactive patching and adherence to security advisories are essential for maintaining a secure environment, especially for on-premise deployments.

Performance & Benchmarks

SugarCRM is designed for scalability and performance, with metrics varying based on configuration and usage.

• Benchmark Scores: Internal tests indicate a single high-power server (eight 86x64 CPU cores, 16GB RAM, enterprise storage) can support up to 400 concurrent users performing routine tasks.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Scalability is a key feature, adapting to increased data, users, and complexity without compromising performance. Performance can be improved through caching, database index tuning, and optimizing MySQL Query Cache.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to the software itself, but influenced by underlying hardware and infrastructure choices.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to the software.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: SugarCRM offers strong customization and AI-driven insights, making it competitive with other CRM platforms. While suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, some users suggest Salesforce offers greater scalability and advanced AI for rapidly expanding enterprises. However, SugarCRM is praised for its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

SugarCRM demonstrates good performance and scalability, capable of handling a significant number of concurrent users on appropriately configured hardware. Its architecture allows for optimization through caching and database management, crucial for maintaining responsiveness with large data volumes. While it may not always match the extreme scalability of some competitors for very large enterprises, it provides a robust and efficient solution for a wide range of businesses, particularly those valuing customization and a comprehensive feature set.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for SugarCRM generally highlight its flexibility, customization, and comprehensive features.

• Strengths:
  • Customization and Flexibility: Users frequently praise the platform's ability to be tailored to specific business needs without extensive technical expertise.
  • Comprehensive Features: Offers a full suite of tools for sales, marketing, and customer service, providing a 360-degree view of the customer.
  • AI-driven Insights: AI features, including predictive analytics and sentiment analysis, are appreciated for streamlining sales processes and enhancing customer engagement.
  • Integration Capabilities: Good at integrating with other ERP and marketing automation systems.
  • Automation: Helps automate tasks across departments, improving efficiency.
• Weaknesses:
  • Learning Curve: Some users find the interface less intuitive and report a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners or those new to CRM systems.
  • Pricing: Can be perceived as steep for smaller businesses or startups, with some advanced features reserved for higher-tier plans.
  • Implementation Complexity: High degree of customization can lead to implementation complexity.
  • Mobile App Limitations: The mobile interface may lack some depth and customization found in the desktop version.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Mid-market and Enterprise Organizations: Particularly well-suited for businesses that require extensive customization and have the resources to leverage its full feature set.
  • Businesses Seeking a Unified View: Ideal for companies looking to centralize customer data and streamline collaboration across sales, marketing, and support teams.
  • Organizations Valuing AI and Automation: Recommended for those who want to use AI-driven insights and workflow automation to enhance efficiency and customer engagement.

Summary

SugarCRM is a robust and highly customizable customer relationship management platform designed to streamline sales, marketing, and customer service operations. Its core strength lies in its flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their unique needs and workflows, supported by a comprehensive suite of features. The platform offers both on-premises and cloud deployment options, catering to diverse infrastructure preferences.

Technically, SugarCRM is built for scalability, with system requirements adapting to user load. It supports a wide array of operating systems, databases, and web servers, providing a versatile environment for deployment. However, optimal performance often necessitates careful configuration, especially for larger user bases.

Security is a significant focus for SugarCRM, which implements industry-standard encryption, robust access controls, and adheres to key compliance certifications like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. While it has addressed past vulnerabilities, continuous vigilance and timely updates are crucial for maintaining a secure environment. Performance is generally strong, with internal benchmarks demonstrating its capacity to handle substantial concurrent users, and features like caching and database optimization further enhance its real-world responsiveness.

User feedback consistently praises SugarCRM's extensive customization options, AI-driven insights, and comprehensive feature set that provides a 360-degree view of customer interactions. However, some users note a steeper learning curve and potential complexity during implementation, particularly for smaller organizations. Pricing can also be a consideration for businesses with limited budgets.

Overall, SugarCRM is an excellent choice for mid-market and enterprise organizations that require a powerful, adaptable CRM solution and are prepared to invest in its customization and implementation. It excels in unifying customer data, automating processes, and providing actionable insights, thereby enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. For businesses prioritizing a highly tailored CRM experience with strong security and scalable performance, SugarCRM presents a compelling option.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.