Zoho CRM (application)

Last updated
Zoho CRM
Developer(s) Zoho Corporation
Initial release2005
Operating system Web, Android, iOS
Platform SaaS
Type Customer relationship management
License Proprietary
Website zoho.com/crm

Zoho CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) application developed by Zoho Corporation, an India-based technology company. It is delivered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product and includes features for managing sales processes, marketing activities, and customer support. [1] [2]

Contents

History

Zoho CRM was launched in 2005 by Zoho Corporation, an India-based software development company. In 2010, Zoho partnered with Google as a launch partner for the Google Apps Marketplace, allowing Google Apps users to access Zoho CRM within their existing accounts. [3]

In 2012, Zoho CRM was launched on the Google Play Store, providing Android users with mobile access to customer data, including accounts, leads, and contacts. [4]

In 2016, Zoho launched a multichannel version of Zoho CRM, integrating email, social media, live chat, and phone into a unified platform. The update introduced SalesSignals, providing real-time notifications of customer interactions across channels. [5]

In 2017, Zoho launched Zia, an AI powered virtual assistant for Zoho CRM. Zia provides real-time insights, detects anomalies, suggests workflows, and automates routine sales tasks. [6]

In June 2024, Zoho introduced an update to the platform under the title CRM for Everyone. The update included features intended to facilitate collaboration between departments within an organization. [7]

In June 2024, Zoho CRM introduced updates that included AI powered analytics features and support for integrating open source artificial intelligence models into the platform. [8]

In February 2025, Zoho released a preview of Zia AI agents in Zoho CRM. These agents perform predefined tasks related to support, sales, and marketing workflows. Zoho also introduced the Zia Agent Marketplace, where users can select, modify, and use these agents within the CRM system. [9]

Bigin

Bigin was launched in 2020. It is intended to support basic customer operations such as sales tracking, onboarding, service delivery, and customer support. [10]

In 2024, Zoho released an update to Bigin. The update introduced Team Pipelines, allowing different teams to manage their operations independently within the same system, and Connected Pipelines, which enable the transfer of customer data between various stages and processes. [11] [12]

Operations

In November 2013, Zoho conducted a marketing activity during the Salesforce Dreamforce conference in San Francisco. Although not an official participant in the event, Zoho utilized pedicabs and food trucks bearing its branding in the vicinity of the conference venue. [13]

In September 2015, Zoho conducted a guerrilla marketing campaign in San Francisco to coincide with Salesforce's annual Dreamforce conference. The advertisements featured comparative messages directed at Salesforce, referencing pricing differences and other business metrics. [14]

References

  1. Mishra, Ashutosh (6 June 2024). "SaaS major Zoho Corporation announces an updated 'CRM For Everyone'". Business Standard. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  2. Kiran, Manthati Sai (28 May 2024). "Meet Billionaire Sridhar Vembu, Who Built A Rs 9,000 Cr Company, And Still Rides A Bicycle". Times Now. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  3. Rao, Leena (10 March 2010). "Web-Based Productivity Suite Zoho Finds A Place In The Google Apps Marketplace". TechCrunch. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  4. Velazco, Chris (26 March 2012). "Zoho Debuts New Android, iOS Apps At Zoholics User Conference". TechCrunch. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  5. Modgil, Shweta (1 August 2016). "Cloud Services Firm Zoho Launches Slew Of Services As It Gears Up To Take On Microsoft And Salesforce". Inc42 Media. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  6. Bhatia, Richa (30 March 2017). "Zoho's Zia, the virtual sales assistant is reshaping sales". Analytics India Magazine. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  7. Simhan, TE Raja (5 June 2024). "Zoho announces early access to CRM for everyone". BusinessLine. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  8. Shah, Sneha (6 June 2024). "Zoho rolls out AI-powered customer management features amid slowing growth". mint. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  9. Mitchell, Charlie (4 February 2025). "Zoho Previews AI Agents, Teases Low Pricing, & Shares More on Its CEO Transition". CX Today. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  10. Bureau, Our (2 June 2021). "Good 'Bigin'ing: Zoho's CRM product gains over 7,500 customers in a year". BusinessLine. Retrieved 19 July 2025.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  11. "Zoho garners over 7,500 customers since Bigin CRM launch". The Times of India. 2 June 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  12. Computer, Express (1 February 2023). "Bigin, Zoho's CRM for Small Businesses, Grows 74% YoY, Introduces Team Pipelines". Express Computer. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  13. Srivas, Anuj (20 November 2013). "Zoho gatecrashes Salesforce event with new marketing campaign". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  14. Kim, Eugene (17 September 2015). "This little-known company is attacking $50 billion Salesforce on its most important day". Business Insider. Retrieved 19 July 2025.