One of the missing ingredients in Google’s growing Web Office suite is a CRM
component. While there is little sign yet of Google providing CRM, a small startup called
Etelos has done just that. Etelos has launched a new product called CRMforGoogle, which is a web-based CRM tool that
integrates very nicely with Google’s personalized home page and Google Apps.
Essentially CRMforGoogle is a package of Etelos produced ‘Google Personalized
Homepage’ gadgets, which all have CRM functionality. Etelos has cleverly packaged all
their gadgets up into an actual product. In fact, if you look at this screenshot, you’d
think it was a Google product!
Etelos has launched CRMforGoogle today as a limited Beta release. Features include
customizable modules, contact management, task management, the ability to automate client
follow up, share schedules and manage projects, and more – all within Google’s
Personalized Homepage.
The initial Beta period is by invitation only – you can request an account at their
website. Post-beta, CRMforGoogle will made available in three versions: Personal,
Professional and Enterprise. The Personal edition will be free and the Professional and
Enterprise editions will have a monthly subscription. The Enterprise edition will be more
customizable and will allow businesses to use their own hosting environment – and
integrate other software.
CRMforGoogle also says it offers “limited integration” with Google Calendar and Google
Spreadsheets. Further integration with those, as well as GMail and Google Docs, is on
their agenda.
Conclusion
I have to say, it’s a very smart move by Etelos to integrate closely with Google’s start page –
and associate themselves with Google’s Office apps. If they can get away with it!
I see a
couple of potential issues for Etelos – one is the name of their product, which features
the word “Google” in it. It’ll be interesting to see if Google lawyers have anything to
say about that. The second potential issue is whether Google lets Etelos market their
product so closely associated with Google’s own start page and office products. Etelos is walking a
fine line here, but I applaud them for what looks like a very smart marketing move – at
the very least – and a nicely presented set of CRM gadgets.
Note that Etelos does have some fine print on their homepage, addressing the trademark issues:
“CRMforGoogle was designed by Etelos as a CRM for Google; hence the name. Etelos is a trademark of Etelos, Inc. Google is a trademark of Google. Any such reference to Google is solely intended to benefit the trademark owner with no intention of infringement. This product is available as an application designed to work with Google personalized homepage (iGoogle) and Google Apps for Your Domain. This product is in no way an endorsement by Google and Google is not responsible for the features and functionality of this application.”
However that may not be enough to keep Google’s lawyers from knocking on their door…
