Saturday, June 13, 2009

Top Ten Reasons to Consider Open Source ERP Software

In current economic climate more and more companies looking in the direction of Open Source ERP. To that end, I wanted to provide you a list of Top Ten benefits of Open Source ERP. There are many more, but I hope you find this list to be informative.

1. Scalability and Flexibility: With proprietary software such as SAP or NetSuite, you are either confined to what the software offers or you will have to pay for added modules and functionality to tailor the software to your business. In contrast, Open Source gives you a platform that can grow with your business. It’s only logical. Your business is scalable and flexible, why shouldn’t your software be as well?

2. Feature Rich: Leverage standards-based tools and components that are attractive to your technology staff.

3. Open Source freedom with commercial support: Many corporations are hesitant to fully commit to open source software because they have a misconception that they can’t get the type of professional service or support that they may currently rely on with proprietary software. Those worries can be put to rest with Open Source.

4. No maintenance fees: Enough said.

5. No seat licenses: Unlike proprietary software that charges for new users, or may even have a limit on how many users can use the software, open source does not charge for additional or new users.

6. No module fees: There is no extra charge for implementing as much or as little as you want. Each company is different, each implementation is different. It has to work for you.

7. Not database dependent: The software can run on PostgreSQL or MySQL.

8. Not platform dependent: The software can run on Linux, Mac, or Windows.

9. No charge for “bug” support: Some proprietary software companies charge $20 or more for a single brief support call covering one incident. When you think about the fact that they are in essence, “profiting” on technical support, it stands to reason that there wouldn’t be many objections to producing software with more “bugs.” It would also stand to reason that there would not be as much enthusiasm to correct and fix the bugs. More bugs = more calls = more money. So basically, not only have you bought “buggy” software, but now you’re paying on top of that for support to fix your “buggy” software. With open source, since the source code is publicly released, there are thousands of people who are working with the software, noticing bugs and potential problems, and correcting them before they become issues. See last point below.

10. Open Community: Open Source means an Open Community of people around the globe who are dedicated to seeing that the software thrives and succeeds. It also means that as the owner of the software, you become an integral part of this community. You can participate, submit feature requests, submit questions and get free guidance.

I am strong believer in the power of Open Source, and I am proud to be part of a community that believes so strongly in making this Open Source ERP software work for businesses both large and small.

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