Zoho has brought Zoho Key Service (ZKS) to Zoho CRM, a simpler way for organisations to use third-party large language models. You can now access OpenAI and Anthropic models without managing external API keys or handling third-party billing. Zoho manages model access securely through a built-in credit system, so setting up AI in CRM is faster and simpler.
What's New
- OpenAI and Anthropic support. Enable your preferred provider with a simple toggle, with no external API keys to configure.
- Free ZKS credits. Organisations receive complimentary credits based on their CRM edition.
- A redesigned Models page. The page is now split into three sections: Internal LLMs (Zoho-hosted), Zoho Key Service (ZKS), and BYOK models, making the different AI setup options easier to understand.
Free Credits by Edition
| CRM Edition | Free ZKS Credits |
|---|
| Ultimate | 6,000 |
| Enterprise | 4,000 |
| Professional | 2,000 |
Getting Started
- Go to the Models page in Zoho CRM.
- Enable Zoho Key Service and accept the applicable Terms and Conditions. Your organisation receives its free credits at this point.
- Enable OpenAI, Anthropic, or both, depending on your requirements.
- Use the enabled provider across the supported AI features in Zoho CRM.
Rollout status: OpenAI is currently available to all eligible users. Anthropic is being rolled out in phases, so it may not show as an option in your account yet.
Availability
ZKS is available on the Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions in the US, IN, AU, JP, and CA data centres. The EU is not listed, so if your account is on the EU data centre (as many UK and Irish accounts are), confirm with Zoho whether and when it will be available before planning around it.
Need help? 1 Cloud Consultants can help you decide between Zoho Key Service and your own API keys, and set up the right model provider for your Zoho CRM AI features.
Book a discovery call with 1 Cloud Consultants.
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