What sets open source CRMs apart from proprietary solutions is that its source code is publicly available. Developers and users can access, modify, and distribute the software freely.
The concept of open source CRMs can be traced back to the 1990s and early 2000s when open source software started gaining popularity. The rise of open source CRMs was driven by a growing demand for customizable and cost-effective solutions to manage customer relationships and the increasing awareness of the benefits of open source software.