In another sign of what portals could be, the AJAX-based personal web portal PageFlakes has introduced a module that puts customer relationship management (CRM) a click away. The module, which interfaces with Etelos’ CRM applications, includes contacts, appointments, task lists, call lists, and a host of other options, all of which can be networked with co-workers’ data. The basic elements of the CRM flake are free; there are also business and enterprise versions that offer additional functionality.

I had an email conversation with PageFlakes’ leader a few months back. I use PageFlakes as my browser’s default home page and have become convinced that something like PageFlakes and its competitors, NetVibes and the Google Desktop could replace the bulky, expensive, and complex portals most companies install on their intranets. He told me PageFlakes had no plans to release an enterprise version (nor does NetVibes), but that the company was working on other business applications. The partnership with Etelos is a smart move and further reinforces my belief that the portals most companies struggle with can be replaced by these much more nimble alternatives.

Information about the CRM module is here and here, including registration links.