FlowConsent
How it worksPricingComparisonsBlogDocumentationLog inTry FlowConsent
Try FlowConsent
Marketing

SugarCRM

PreferencesOfficial website

SugarCRM is a customer relationship management platform that helps businesses manage sales, marketing, and customer service. On a website it is most visible through its marketing module, Sugar Market, which can place tracking cookies and capture form and visit data to score leads. Core CRM records are processed as part of a business relationship, while website tracking and marketing cookies require consent under the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive.

Block SugarCRM until consentScan my site
Overview

What does SugarCRM do?

What SugarCRM is

SugarCRM is a customer relationship management platform used by businesses to manage contacts, sales pipelines, marketing campaigns, and customer support. It is available as a cloud service and in self-managed deployments. Its marketing module, Sugar Market, adds website tracking and lead scoring that connect anonymous visits to known marketing contacts over time.

What data and cookies it collects

The application sets functional cookies to keep users signed in and remember preferences. When Sugar Market tracking is enabled on a public website, it sets a tracking cookie and records page views, form submissions, email engagement, and an identifier that links behaviour to a marketing contact. The CRM itself stores names, contact details, communication history, and notes.

GDPR and ePrivacy implications

Core CRM data is usually processed on the basis of contract or legitimate interest, with SugarCRM acting as a processor under a data processing agreement. Website tracking cookies set by Sugar Market are not strictly necessary, so they fall under Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive and require consent. Linking visits to identified individuals is profiling and must be transparent.

Consent requirements

Sugar Market tracking scripts should load only after the visitor has accepted marketing or analytics cookies. The functional cookies that keep an authenticated user signed in to the CRM do not need consent. For public websites, route the tracking tag through your consent management platform and keep it blocked until consent is given.

Data transfers and practical compliance steps

SugarCRM is a United States company, and unless you select an EU hosting region your data may be processed in the United States under Standard Contractual Clauses. To stay compliant, sign a data processing agreement, prefer EU hosting where possible, document retention periods, gate Sugar Market tracking behind consent, and ensure access and erasure requests can be fulfilled across both CRM and marketing records.

Compliance

SugarCRM and the GDPR

SugarCRM is classified as “Preferences”. On a site that targets European visitors, it must only load after the visitor consents, and it must be listed in your cookie policy.

Legal basis
Contract or legitimate interest for core CRM processing (GDPR Art. 6(1)(b) and 6(1)(f)); consent (Art. 6(1)(a) and ePrivacy Art. 5(3)) for marketing cookies and web tracking
Risk level
medium
Applicable regulations
GDPR, ePrivacy Directive

Impact assessment (DPIA)

SugarCRM processes customer contact details, communication history, and, through Sugar Market, website behaviour and lead scoring data. Key DPIA points: (1) the platform can hold large volumes of customer personal data, so access controls and retention rules are important; (2) Sugar Market tracking links website behaviour to identified individuals, which is a form of profiling; (3) hosting may be in the United States unless an EU region is chosen, requiring Standard Contractual Clauses and a transfer impact assessment; (4) integrations with email and advertising tools can extend the data flow to further processors; (5) data subject rights such as access and erasure must be operable across CRM and marketing records. A DPIA is advisable where Sugar Market behavioural tracking or large scale customer profiling is used.

Sample text for your banner

We use SugarCRM, including its Sugar Market marketing tools, to manage our relationship with you and to understand how visitors interact with our site. With your consent, cookies recognise your device, capture form submissions, and score your interest so we can send relevant communications. Some data may be processed on servers outside the European Union. You can withdraw your consent at any time through our cookie settings.
Cookies and trackers

What SugarCRM sets and contacts

Tracking method
First-party application cookies, session management, and optional marketing web tracking via Sugar Market
Server location
United States, with optional European Union hosting (Frankfurt, Dublin)
Data transferred outside the EU
Customer and usage data may be stored on SugarCRM servers in the United States unless an EU hosting region is selected; transfers rely on Standard Contractual Clauses.

Cookies set (4)

NameTypeDurationPurpose
PHPSESSIDFunctionalSessionMaintains the authenticated session within the SugarCRM application.
sugar_user_themeFunctional1 yearStores the interface theme preference for the signed-in user.
ck_login_id_20Functional2 weeksRemembers the login identifier for returning users.
sugarmarket_trkMarketing1 yearTracks website visits and links them to a marketing contact for lead scoring (Sugar Market).

Third-party domains contacted (3)

  • sugarcrm.com
  • sugarondemand.com
  • sugarmarket.com
Questions

Frequently asked questions about SugarCRM

Can't find your question? Write to us, we answer fast.

What cookies does SugarCRM set?

Within the application, SugarCRM sets functional cookies for the user session and interface preferences. When Sugar Market is used on a public website, an additional tracking cookie records visits and links them to a marketing contact for lead scoring. The functional cookies are essential, while the Sugar Market tracking cookie is not.

Is consent required to use SugarCRM?

Consent is not needed for the functional cookies that keep an authenticated user signed in. It is required for the Sugar Market website tracking cookie and any marketing or analytics tags, under Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive and the GDPR.

What is the legal basis for processing?

Core CRM processing usually relies on contract or legitimate interest, governed by a data processing agreement. Website tracking and marketing communications rely on consent. Choose the basis that matches the actual purpose and document it.

Does SugarCRM transfer data to the United States?

SugarCRM is a United States company, so unless you select an EU hosting region your data may be processed in the United States. These transfers should be covered by Standard Contractual Clauses and a transfer impact assessment.

Do I need a DPIA for SugarCRM?

A DPIA is advisable when you use Sugar Market behavioural tracking or hold large volumes of customer data. It should map the data flows, retention, profiling, and the safeguards for international transfers.

How do I implement SugarCRM compliantly?

Sign a data processing agreement, prefer EU hosting, set retention limits, and load Sugar Market tracking only after consent through your consent banner. Keep your records of processing and cookie inventory up to date.

Are there alternatives to SugarCRM?

Alternatives include other CRM and marketing platforms such as HubSpot or Salesforce, as well as EU-based CRMs. If avoiding international transfers is a priority, consider a provider that hosts entirely within the EEA.

How do I update my cookie policy for SugarCRM?

List the SugarCRM functional cookies as strictly necessary and the Sugar Market tracking cookie under marketing or analytics, with names, purposes, and durations. Note the possible processing in the United States and link to SugarCRM privacy information.

Same category

More services: Marketing

See the whole category

Solitics

Solitics is a digital marketing technology that helps businesses reach, engage, and convert their target audience online. It provides advanced targeting, campaign management, and performance analytics capabilities. Solitics enables marketers to deliver personalized experiences across channels, optimize campaign ROI, and gain actionable insights into customer behavior. With automation features and data-driven optimization, Solitics empowers marketing teams to achieve measurable growth.

Marketing

Cool Popup

Cool Popup is a conversion optimization tool that helps websites create engaging popups, overlays, and on-site messages to capture leads and boost conversions. It features an intuitive visual builder, advanced targeting rules, and A/B testing. Cool Popup supports exit-intent detection, scroll triggers, and time-based displays, ensuring messages appear at the optimal moment. With CRM and email marketing integrations, Cool Popup helps businesses grow subscriber lists and increase engagement.

Marketing

Aprimo

Aprimo is a web technology service that provides essential functionality for websites and digital platforms. It delivers core capabilities that support site operations, content delivery, and user experience optimization. Aprimo integrates seamlessly with modern web architectures, ensuring reliable performance and compatibility across browsers and devices. Trusted by businesses worldwide, Aprimo helps organizations maintain robust websites that meet user expectations and technical requirements.

Preferences

Veloce

Veloce is a digital marketing technology that helps businesses reach, engage, and convert their target audience online. It provides advanced targeting, campaign management, and performance analytics capabilities. Veloce enables marketers to deliver personalized experiences across channels, optimize campaign ROI, and gain actionable insights into customer behavior. With automation features and data-driven optimization, Veloce empowers marketing teams to achieve measurable growth.

Marketing

Mailman

Mailman is a digital marketing technology that helps businesses reach, engage, and convert their target audience online. It provides advanced targeting, campaign management, and performance analytics capabilities. Mailman enables marketers to deliver personalized experiences across channels, optimize campaign ROI, and gain actionable insights into customer behavior. With automation features and data-driven optimization, Mailman empowers marketing teams to achieve measurable growth.

Marketing

VWO Engage

VWO Engage is a marketing platform that equips businesses with tools to amplify their digital presence and drive customer acquisition. It supports audience segmentation, campaign automation, and cross-channel engagement. VWO Engage provides real-time analytics and reporting dashboards for performance measurement and strategy optimization. By combining data intelligence with marketing execution, VWO Engage helps deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time.

Marketing

Make your site compliant today.

Free up to 25,000 sessions a month. No credit card, no commitment.

Create my bannerScan my site