SugarCRM Web Services – A Business Perspective

Introduction

In this review, you will learn how and why the SugarCRM Web Services Platform is a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective method of integrating to your SugarCRM application, regardless of the selection of an On-Demand or On-Premise infrastructure.

The flexibility of SugarCRM’s Web Services allows you to choose the integration programming models, languages, and operating systems that you are already using or that are best suited for your project. With SugarWS, you can bring your existing skills and knowledge to the platform; you don’t have to learn lots of new skills.

SugarCRM dramatically reduces the effort to integrate with either on-premises applications including Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, or other third-party solutions and external cloud services such as Amazon Web Services, Facebook, Google AppEngine, and Twitter. A large percentage of the traffic in SugarCRM’s On-Demand infrastructure is system-to-system integration, showing that it is a trusted and successful enterprise API that is used globally by SugarCRM clients worldwide.

SugarCRM Web Services

SugarWS provides a number of paths to integration success—all based on our industry-leading Web services API. Integration with SugarWS means faster, simpler, and less-risky integration that doesn’t break during upgrades and delivers a new level of access and agility to your existing IT investments. SugarWS is designed to work with all major integration middleware solutions, and for building custom integrations plus maximum flexibility and choice, the SugarWS platform supports all major development environments and tools, including .NET, Java, PHP, Ruby on Rails, and many more.

Besides a robust SOAP interface with a revamped list of available calls, SugarWS introduced major updates to the framework in 2009 such as Versioning and Extensibility, and the addition of a new REST interface.

Prior to 2009, the SugarCRM web services API had a wide variety of calls allowing you to get at almost any piece of data in the system. One downside of the diversity of calls, was that accomplishing certain tasks via the API could be burdensome in that while flexible, an integration might require multiple calls to complete a task (traversing and retrieving the details of related items is one such example). In 2009 SugarCRM rewrote all of the API calls. Based on the improvements to the framework, SugarCRM was able to reduce the number of calls down to 20 by allowing for the passing of extra parameters in to certain calls and eliminate the number of round trips to the server.

Call Description
login() Logs the user into the Sugar application and create a session
logout() Logs out the user and ends the current session
seamless_login() Used for Sugar Offline Client or to accomplish single sign on
get_user_id() Returns the user_id of the user who is logged into the current session
get_entry() Retrieves a single record with details based on the ID
get_entries() Retrieves multiple records based on IDs. This API is not applicable to the Reports module.

get_entry_list() Retrieves a list of records for a given module
get_relationship() Retrieves a collection of module records that are related to a target record and optionally return relationship data for the related beans.
get_note_attachment() Retrieves an attachment from a note
get_document_revision() Allows an authenticated user with the appropriate permission to download a document.
set_entry() Creates or updates a single module record
set_entries() Creates or updates a list of module records
set_relationship() Sets a single relationship between two records where they are related by module name and ID.
set_relationships() Sets multiple relationships between two records where they are related by module name and ID
set_note_attachment() Adds or replaces an attachment to a note
set_document_revision() Sets a new revision to the document
search_by_module() Returns the ID, module_name, and fields for the specified modules as specified in the search string.
get_server_info() Obtains server information such as version and GMT time
get_module_fields() Retrieves the vardef information on fields of the specified module

SOAP is probably the most used web services protocol. It provides a way of exchanging structured information of application functionality. A SOAP interface can be defined by its WSDL (Web Service Description Language) file. To access the WSDL for Sugar Web Services API you can read it by going to this URL in your browser: http://sugar_root_url/service/v2/soap.php?wsdl. The WSDL file will give complete explanation of all the methods with input/output data type.

Sugar Web Services also supports a robust REST interface. This adds a lightweight integration to gain access to data in a system. REST is preferable for higher transactional web integrations, as well as browser client side implementations where all rendering happens in the browser. To connect to the REST interface in the new web services framework you will connect to the following URL: http://your_sugar_url/service/v2/rest.php.

Widely Available Web Service “Stubs” from SugarExchange – notable examples

The following integration sets are readily available from SugarExchange. These allow for communication to/from SugarCRM, and make use of the SugarWS for integration purposes. This is NOT an exhaustive list:

• QuickBooks Real-time Integration
• Adobe Echo Sign Integration
• Authorize.Net Integrations
• BonitaSoft Workflow Integration
• Contivio Integration for Telephony
• eXo Plug-in for SugarCRM
• IBM Websphere CastIron
  • Salesforce.com
  • Oracle Applications
  • SAP
  • Oracle CRM
  • Amazon
  • Chatter
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Eloqua
  • PROS
  • SignalDemand
  • Zuora
  • Google Apps
  • NetSuite
  • RightNow
  • Teleo
  • SPS Commerce
• iZeno Integration
• JigSaw Integration
• ProcessMaker API
• Sage MAS90 Integration
• Talend Integration
• Velaro Chat Integration

Example Scenarios of Web Service Use

Summary

Web services create compatibility and interoperability among various packaged and customized Web applications – in a standardized and vendor-neutral manner. Web services are most economical – and beneficial – when used in an enterprise-level business scenario that combines the functionality of multiple applications into easy-to-use enterprise services. Such a business scenario requires a service-oriented architectural approach.

For SugarCRM, Web services play an important role in the concept of enterprise service-oriented architecture (enterprise SOA). Web services ensure interoperability between platforms, and all communication within enterprise SOA is based on Web services. Enterprise services expose the functionality and data of applications so that they can be accessed by any service user. Just as Web services take the complexity out of platform connectivity, enterprise services take the complexity out of application integration

Making news earlier this year with its acquisition by eBay, Magento continues to make waves with its Magento Enterprise eCommerce solution – which is a groundbreaking platform whose functionality is only surpassed by its flexibility.

For those whose view of eCommerce is limited to placing products on Ebay or Yahoo Carts, Magento Enterprise is going to come as a revolutionary solution that can enhance their entire revenue model without breaking the bank. For those who view eCommerce as an Enterprise class sales channel for B2C or B2B solutions, Magento Enterprise is going to come as a staunchly robust, pleasantly flexible and powerful platform, that dispels the notion that enterprise eCommerce software must cost six figures.

READ THE REST OF THIS BLOG POST AT http://opensource-pragmatist.com/2011/11/03/a-review-of-magento-enterprise-edition/

Levementum, a CRM/xRM consulting firm and VAR, has opened an office in Boston as part of a strategic effort to expand and strengthen its services delivery model on the US & Canadian East Coast and to foster recruitment opportunities with universities and colleges in Eastern Massachusetts.

“We believe that having an office in Boston will help us deliver our service and software offerings to customers in New England, and on the East Coast, and will also enable us to attract engineers and consultants from the great schools in the area who can contribute to the broadening portfolio of processes and tools used by Levementum,” said Geoffrey E. Mobisson, Managing Director, Technology and Marketing.

The new office is located at 303 Wyman Street in Waltham MA, in Boston’s famed Route 128 technology corridor. The location is Levementum’s fourth domestic office, joining offices in Phoenix, Portland and Green Bay.

When many VARs and consulting firms are freezing or scaling back recruitment efforts, Levementum is actively recruiting junior and senior level consultants in all of its offices.

Levementum is a global xRM/CRM consulting and technology services company. Combining a powerful company culture, world class capabilities, a broad array of industry solutions, and a deep commitment to powerful technologies, Levementum empowers companies to acquire and satisfy customers resulting in world class financial results.

Lauren Carlson of Software Advice, makes a compelling case to this effect in her article “Salesforce Alternatives | 5 Cloud CRM Systems to Consider“.

Carlson writes a great article that presents SugarCRM, Oracle CRM On-Demand, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics and Sage Saleslogix, as viable, and in some cases, superior options to Salesforce.

I found her thoughts on SugarCRM to be very interesting: a focus not only on price, but on flexibility: “SugarCRM allows for a more personalized customer experience,” cites Carlson, “There are multiple dashboards that can be customized based on your role or what metrics you need to track.”….CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Ken Condren, Vice President Technology at C3/CustomerContactChannels, manages call center programs (sales and support) throughout the globe. The challenges that C3 faces every day have made CRM technology a critical component of its value delivery system. At the core of C3′s technology universe is SugarCRM Professional On-Demand. C3 worked with Levementum (a technology service provider that focuses on call center operations) to rapidly implement SugarCRM to manage their operations, integrate to their telephony platform, allow for VerInt call recording and monitoring, and enable SOAP based integration with their client operations applications.

As most of you know, eBay bought out Magento last week, picking up the 51% of the company it didn’t own.  While I have no idea what they paid for it, we do know that its initial purchase of Magento (the 49%) valued the company at 45 million.  I would bet the farm that the remaining 51% cost them at least 2-3 times as much, netting them out at a valuation of between 100-200m, and fetching at least 50-100m in this transaction.  That is, of course, pure speculation.

READ THE REST OF THIS BLOG POST AT http://opensource-pragmatist.com/2011/06/06/ebay-buys-magento-what-does-it-mean/

Levementum (http://www.levementum.com), a leading reseller and implementation partner for SugarCRM (http://www.sugarcrm.com), today announce three fixed-price offerings that enable current SugarCRM software users to move to the latest version of SugarCRM at a fixed price.

“The new version of SugarCRM has dramatically improved functionality and usability,” said Douglas Guilbeau, Managing Director of Levementum. “All customers must make it a priority to make the move to Sugar 6.”

The Migrate to Sugar 6 Program (http://www.levementum.com/sugar6) is available for all users of SugarCRM version 4.5.1 or higher. The program allows customers to leverage the new features in Sugar 6, while keeping their legacy of data, users, security roles, teams, logic hooks and upgrade-safe customizations. Even in cases where previous customizations have not been implemented in an upgrade-safe manner, Levementum has a fixed price assessment and design review for these items, to ensure that these customizations are accounted for. Customer migrations usually can be accomplished within 1 to 3 business days.

“Sugar 6 is the most intuitive, flexible and open CRM application on the market,” said Andy Dreisch, Vice President of Professional Services for SugarCRM. “Levementum has designed a powerful program to help customers benefit from Sugar 6 in an affordable and risk-free manner.”

Sugar 6 was released for general availability in July 2010. Since its release, it has received countless accolades and positive reviews, culminating with its award of the Information Week BOSSIE (Best of Open Source) in August 2010. The new version of the software not only delivers a new look and feel, it is also full of features that enhance the user’s experience. Here are some of the new features included in Sugar 6:

* Sugar 6 delivers a clean, bold look with new buttons and icons that allow users to perform tasks more easily while increasing the information density of each screen. Simplified default views, inline filtering and one-click actions conform to the multitasking environment common to busy sales people.

* Building upon its reputation as the most flexible CRM on the market, Sugar 6 empowers users with the ability to view and consume data and applications from nearly any source, thanks to the ultra-flexible Sugar 6 platform.

* As a leader in open source, SugarCRM sets the bar in the business applications industry for offering users freedom and choice in deploying and managing their CRM. Sugar 6 is designed to run on any cloud service platform or on-premise operating system.

Additionally, the upgrade enables you to easily view and integrate information from social networks and data services such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Hoover’s inside of the SugarCRM user interface. SugarCRM also supports multiple operating systems and cloud platforms and a variety of mobile devices, and synchs with a number of common business applications, such as Microsoft Office.

“Existing SugarCRM users will find that the Levementum migration program is just what they need, as we take the risk and uncertainty out of that move by providing a migration offering that makes the costs clear before the project starts,” said Geoffrey Mobisson, Managing Director of Technology and Partnerships.

The Migrate to Sugar 6 Program is available to all SugarCRM customers who are currently running version 4.5.1 or higher, Pricing and other information is available at www.levementum.com/sugar6 (http://www.levementum.com/sugar6). Or please contact us by phone at (480) 320-2500 in the US or +61 433 284 485 in Australia, or email sales@levementum.com. In addition to the fixed price packaging, Levementum is including a Free two hour training session to enable customers to immediately take advantage of the power in Sugar6.

About Levementum

Levementum is a leading professional services firm focused on delivering world-class implementations of Open Source Enterprise Software, including ERP, CRM and Business Intelligence solutions. Our primary focus is on solving complex business problems, using open Source solutions. Levementum is a preferred implementation partner and system integrator for SugarCRM, Compiere, Magento, Mindtouch and Pentaho; supporting customers with locations worldwide out of its offices in Phoenix, New York, Atlanta, Portland, Green Bay and Sydney, Australia. For additional information, visit our website at www.levementum.com, or call (1) 480 320-2500 in North America, South America and EMEA, or call: +61 433 284 485 in Australia and Asia.

About SugarCRM

SugarCRM makes CRM Simple. As the world’s leading provider of open source customer relationship management (CRM) software, SugarCRM applications have been downloaded more than seven million times and currently serve over 600,000 end users in 80 languages. Over 6,000 customers have chosen SugarCRM’s On-Site and Cloud Computing services over proprietary alternatives. SugarCRM has been recognized for its customer success and product innovation by CRM Magazine, InfoWorld, Customer Interaction Solutions and Intelligent Enterprise.

Expands its Global Open Source practice to Sydney

(PRWEB) August 15, 2010

Levementum, a global Open Source consulting, technology services firm, has expanded via a new subsidiary, Levementum Australia, in Sydney, that will provide comprehensive services for design, implementation, support, training and cloud hosting, as well as the sale of its SugarCRM, Compiere ERP, Magento Commerce, Mindtouch Collaboration and Pentaho BI solutions.

The Australian subsidiary will facilitate delivery of implementation and support services in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Customers will benefit from the experience and support provided by the local team.

“The establishment of our office in Sydney will allow us to provide services to our Australian and Asia/Pacific clients looking to leverage our world class open source and business consulting capabilities across a number of industries,” said Stephen Durant, Managing Director of Levementum Australia. Durant, who has led sales and consulting operations in the Australian and Asian markets for over a decade, will be the chief executive of the Australian subsidiary.

Levementum has selected Sydney, among various potential locations, for its large population of motivated professionals, its modern infrastructure, and Australia’s economic and political stability. The Sydney office will join other Levementum centers in North America, providing a complete array of open source technology and business process consulting services.

In making today’s announcement, Geoffrey Mobisson, Levementum’s Managing Director of Technology and Marketing said, “Our research shows that Australia is the perfect fit for our continued expansion strategy. Its strong and growing economy, coupled with significant talent and universal acceptance of cutting edge, emerging technologies, is the perfect recipe for success.” He continued, “Open source solutions like SugarCRM have tremendous rates of adoption in Australia, and it’s only natural that Levementum, as a global leader in SugarCRM and other open source solutions, expands its presence there.”

“Open Source knows no boundaries, and as such, Levementum knows no boundaries. We have the industry knowledge and technical capabilities to service our clients in the markets and geographies that make the most sense for them,” said Douglas Guilbeau, Managing Director of Levementum’s global operations. “By adding a new center, we will provide customers in Australia and Asia Pacific with the highest levels of service – be it through implementation projects, customer support, cloud hosting or training – anywhere that service is required, at any time, and in any language our customers use.”

About Levementum
Levementum is a leading professional services firm focused on delivering world-class implementations of Open Source Enterprise Software, including ERP, CRM and Business Intelligence solutions. Our primary focus is on solving complex business problems, using open Source solutions. Levementum is a preferred implementation partner and system integrator for SugarCRM, Compiere, Magento, Mindtouch and Pentaho; supporting customers with locations worldwide out of its offices in Phoenix, New York, Atlanta, Portland, Green Bay and Sydney, Australia. For additional information, visit www.levementum.com.

Levementum – HQ
88 S San Marcos Place
Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: 1 (480) 320-2500
Fax: 1 (480) 320-2517

Levementum – Australia
Level 34, 50 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 433 284 485             +61 433 284 485

Episode 4, Levementum Implements Sugar

Open source knows no limits with Levementum. That is the motto of this firm that has built a successful business performing custom implementations of several enterprise open source products, including SugarCRM. Sugar has brough Levementum into the American Bancard project to help with the implementation and customizations that American Bancard would like to have.

I had a chance to sit down with managing directors, Doug Guilbeau and Geoffrey Mobisson and talk about the overall business of Levementum, what they are seeing with SugarCRM and specifically in the American Bancard project. You can hear what they had to say here:

It is great to hear that there are businesses who are doing well that only do services around implementing open source packages. The Levementum team believes the key to their success has been that open source offers so much flexibility, allowing their customers to do just about anything they want with the software.  Open source knows no limits according to Doug and Geoffrey.

Besides Sugar, the Levementum team also perform implementations of Magento, Compiere and Pentaho. But the team is the “go to” partner for Sugar. When the requirements of the American Bancard team were fleshed out, Sugar sent out for Levementum to help.

Following their standard methodology the Levementum team is digging in to make sure both Sugar, American Bancard and Levementum understand the exact expectations of everyone.

Now they are planning the implementation. We will report back in a few weeks on how they are doing. In the meantime listen to what they have to say.