Bitrix24

What it is and why

Bitrix24 is an all-in-one rig for a business: CRM + tasks + telephony + websites/landing pages + file storage + chats in one place. It's a Russian service with a free plan and an on-premise edition (run it on your own server). Reach for it when you want one subscription to cover many functions instead of paying for a zoo of separate tools — the price being an overloaded interface that's easy to drown in.

How to do it (step by step)

1. Sign up at bitrix24.ru — there's a free plan (with limits) and billing in rubles. For full control of your data, use the on-premise edition on your own server.
2. Don't switch everything on at once. That's the classic mistake. Start with 1-2 modules (CRM + Tasks) and add the rest as you need it — otherwise you'll drown.
3. CRM. Set up the deal pipeline and connect lead sources (forms, email, telephony, messengers via "Open Channels").
4. Tasks and projects. Run the team's internal tasks, kanban boards and deadlines.
5. Telephony. Connect a number or an integration — calls get logged in the CRM cards.
6. Websites/landing pages. The built-in builder lets you assemble a landing page with a form right inside, and leads land straight in the CRM.
7. Automation (robots and business processes). Automatic actions at deal stages, approvals, reminders.
8. Permissions and company structure — set up departments and access rights so things don't turn into chaos.

Ready-made recipe

A small business in one system: you build a landing page in the Bitrix24 builder → the lead drops straight into the CRM as a deal → a robot assigns the manager a task and sends an automatic greeting → calls through the built-in telephony are logged in the card → at the payment stage a robot sends the link (YuKassa) → the internal delivery tasks run in the same Bitrix24 → documents live on the shared drive. One service instead of five subscriptions, paid in rubles.

What it costs (honestly)

The logic: there's a free plan (limited, but workable to start). Paid plans go by number of users and feature set, priced in rubles; the on-premise edition is a one-time license (your data stays with you). Exact figures are on bitrix24.ru and they change.

When it fits / when it doesn't

• Fits: you want many functions in one place (CRM + tasks + telephony + websites); you want to stop paying for a zoo of tools; you need the on-premise edition to keep data in your own perimeter; you're willing to spend time learning it.
• Doesn't fit: you need simplicity and speed (it's overloaded — take something niche instead: amoCRM for sales, Linear for tasks); the job is small (overkill); you dislike complex interfaces.

Risks and responsibility

It stores customer personal data (CRM, correspondence, calls) — that's Federal Law 152-FZ: consent, a policy, protection; the on-premise edition makes localization easier (data on your own server). Call recordings — warn people that the call is being recorded. Automated communications require consent; ads require ORD labeling. All that surface area raises the risk of misconfigured permissions (leaked access). See the section disclaimer.

🤖 Prompt helper

You are a Bitrix24 implementation consultant. The business is "{what}", team size {size}. Help me NOT drown: (1) which 2-3 modules to start with and what NOT to switch on yet; (2) the minimal CRM pipeline and lead-source setup; (3) 3-5 genuinely useful robots or business processes; (4) how to set permissions so it doesn't turn into chaos. Step by step, from simple to advanced.