[Crusnik]

So I am doing side tech work on the side with my friends and we though it'd be a good idea to get some web based Helpdesk type software to track out work load, customers, etc.

Thigs we are looking for:
Free
Web based (SQL for the database)
Able to create tickets and have the ability to search for past ones
Create cusomter contacts for customer information and easy access to that data for returning customers

Thats the basics. Seems like there is alot out there, but wanted to see if anyone here might have suggestions before I get head deep into a crappy piece of software.

[olddirtret]

Will this web site be hosted on the Internet or on a local network Intranet..??

[Crusnik]

Internet, I rent webspace through dreamhost.

[olddirtret]

I'm partial to open source software. It does a good job and the price is right.

Anyway, a CMS like Joomla would be a great way to good. There are many components and extensions that will fit your ideas. Take a look at
http://extensions.joomla.org/

Google Joomla Helpdesk components and see what comes back

Also Dreamhost supports Joomla ( I just checked )..

Hope this helps

[DavidErdmann]

Take a look at www.helpdesksoftware.com where you can find a tool called BridgeTrak. It seems like it can suit your requirements.

We've been using this solution successfully for the past several years so if you have any questions - feel free to ask.

David