Rukovoditel
6.1/10Free, open-source, self-hosted PHP/MySQL app builder that small teams configure into a CRM, project tracker, helpdesk or ERP without coding.
Data last updated November 2026 · Our methodology
Overview
Rukovoditel is an open-source web application that you install on your own server. It needs PHP 8.0.2 or later and MySQL. Rather than giving you a fixed CRM, it provides a visual designer. You define entities such as contacts, deals or tickets, add unlimited fields, set relationships between entities, build forms and list views, and set access rights by user group. Teams use it for CRM, project and task management, helpdesk, HRM and warehouse systems. The interface works in a browser, is optimized for mobile, and supports several languages. It also includes Excel import and per-user report building. Pricing is unusual. The core is free, and a paid Extension costs a one-time 245 USD with future updates included. The Extension unlocks the REST API, mail integration and email sending rules, email marketing, SMS notifications, telephony, online chat, email tickets, and Kanban, Gantt, funnel, pivot table, resource timeline and map reports. A 30-day personal demo of the Extension is available. It suits small businesses and technically capable teams that want a low-cost, self-hosted, customizable system and are willing to configure it themselves. The main limitation is the setup effort. Users report a lot of initial configuration, and there is no hosted SaaS plan, no formal support tier and no published compliance certifications. The project was started in 2014 by Sergey Kharchishin. Note that IceHrm is a separate HR product and is not related to Rukovoditel.
Our Rating
CRM6.1/10
Project Management6.1/10
Who Rukovoditel is best for
Good fit
The free core and one-time extension fee suit small teams that are comfortable self-hosting.
It is a low-cost, flexible no-code builder for custom workflows.
Less suited
It is free and light on resources, but it takes some configuration effort.
It can be configured as a helpdesk with email tickets through the Extension.
It is self-hosted on PHP and MySQL and needs technical setup.
- Nonprofits5/10
The free core and one-time 245 USD Extension suit tight budgets.
There is no published compliance, SLA or managed hosting.
- Mid-Market3/10
It has no formal support or compliance certifications.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The core is free and open source, with no per-user fees.
- The Extension is a one-time 245 USD purchase that includes future updates, rather than a subscription.
- The visual designer lets you build custom entities, fields and relationships without programming.
- It is lightweight; one user reported it running quickly on under 1 GB of RAM.
Cons
- It needs considerable initial configuration and does not work as a CRM out of the box.
- The API, telephony, email marketing and Kanban require the paid Extension.
- It is self-hosted only, with no published compliance certifications or formal support plans.
- Independent review coverage is thin.
Key Features
Rukovoditel Pricing
Free (open source core)
- Excel import
- Report builder
- Self-hosted on PHP and MySQL
- Unlimited entities and fields
- Mobile-optimized web interface
- Visual form and access designer
Frequently Asked Questions
The core is free and open source. An optional Extension costs a one-time 245 USD and includes future updates.
Yes. You can request a 30-day personal demo from your account page after you register.
The vendor describes it as installed on your own local or internet server running PHP 8.0.2 or later with MySQL. It can also run on platforms such as Cloudron.
Yes. A REST API is included in the paid Extension.
No. IceHrm is a separate HR management product. Rukovoditel can be configured as an HRM, but it is a different project.
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