While Open Source has been widely embraced in the server and CMS markets, it has yet to take off in the CRM field, so I'm glad to see that the Code for Change Team has a new release of CiviCRM Standalone out there. I hope they keep the momentum going.

Things I really like about it (after noodling for about 15 minutes):

• It works with MyOpenID. Shouldn't everything work with an OpenID?
• The admin panel is so easy to understand!
• It's blazin' fast on their test server.

Many features need more work, but this release is REALLY early. I can say that I think it's starting to look like the real deal. I hope that they'll spend some time prettifying it, too. I'm a sucker for a pretty application.

I also have to mention that I hope that, as the product improves, their messaging will, too. I feel like these guys market their product the same way I see lots of other Open Source groups do it: they assume that people will care that a tool is Open Source, and that's all they need to establish to create demand.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: It doesn't matter if the dress was made with no child labor by unionized staffers and 100% of the proceeds go to charity. If the dress ain't pretty, I won't wear it. (One Campaign, anyone?) Most organizations don't care if your tool is Open Source or not; they care that it works, giving them the features they need in the way they need them.

I believe in the power of Open Source, but I need to know why THIS database is the right one for me. The claim that "CiviCRM helps you get more done with less time, effort and resources" just isn't that compelling. What are the features that make it stand out in the crowd?