Integrating Software License Server with Zoho CRM - Contacts vs. Leads?

Hello Zoho CRM Community,

I'm working on an integration project between a software license server and the Zoho CRM solution. The goal is to capture trial user data from the license server and upsert it as records in Zoho CRM. In a subsequent step we will set up a trial nurture automation, but for now the goal is to get the trial user into Zoho CRM.

Here's the high-level integration workflow I'm planning:

When a user activates a trial version in the software license server, the system will trigger an event and send the relevant user data in a JSON format.

The integration will then use the Zoho CRM REST API "Upsert records" endpoint to create or update the records in Zoho CRM.

The user data from the license server includes fields like email, name, trial activation date, expiry date and product ID,

My question to the community is: Should I be upserting this trial user data to the Contacts module or the Leads module in Zoho CRM? I'm considering the following factors:

Contacts module: This seems like a natural fit, as the user data represents potential customers who have already shown interest in the product by activating a trial. Also, the may already own the entry version of the software and aim to trial a higher version with more features, considering whether to upgrade.

Leads module: This could also be a viable option, as the trial users are not yet fully qualified contacts, and the Leads module may provide better tracking and conversion metrics.

I'm curious to hear the community's thoughts and recommendations on the most appropriate module to use for this integration. Are there any best practices or considerations I should keep in mind?

Additionally, one of the ideas I had was to first create a Contact record and then use a workflow or automation in Zoho CRM to convert the Contact to a Lead based on certain criteria (e.g., Lead Source = "Software License Trial"). Would this be a recommended approach?

I'm looking forward to the community's input and guidance on this integration project. Please share your insights and experiences to help me make the best decision.

Thank you!

Jan

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