70 Open Source Replacements for Small Business Software

Published on: April 19, 2011
Last Updated: April 19, 2011

70 Open Source Replacements for Small Business Software

Published on: April 19, 2011
Last Updated: April 19, 2011

While surveys suggest that 90 percent or more of large enterprises use at least one open source application, estimates place the percentage of small businesses that use open source software much lower.

Yet open source software offers small businesses the same low costs and flexibility that enterprises enjoy.

So why don’t more small businesses opt for open source?

First, many small business owners simply aren’t aware of the number and variety of high quality open source software available for them.

Because open source projects generally don’t have the same kind of marketing dollars behind them as commercial options, they can be a lot tougher to find.

To make it easier, Datamation is updating our list of open source replacements for small business applications that we first published last year.

This year’s list contains a number of new products in categories likely to be of interest to small businesses.

Second, even if they’re aware of open source software, some small business owners are hesitant to deploy open source options because of support concerns.

After all, if your IT department is small or non-existent, being able to get help when something goes wrong is a big worry.

Fortunately, many of the applications on this list now offer paid support and a large and growing percentage are now available on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis.

Although these offerings aren’t cost-free, they’re generally still much less expensive than their commercial counterparts because users don’t have to pay licensing fees.

We hope you find this list of open source replacements for popular small business applications helpful.

If you know of open source projects we’ve missed, please feel free to suggest them in the comments section below.

Resource Contents show

Open Source Accounting

1.) TurboCASH

Replaces: QuickBooks

Sage Peachtree

With more than 80,000 users, this popular bookkeeping app offers a full lineup of features and is very flexible. The Web site offers a comparison chart that shows how TurboCASH’s features line up with QuickBooks and Sage. Operating System: Windows.

2.) GnuCash

Replaces: Quicken

For owners of very small businesses, GnuCash offers a step up from Quicken (and it will import your existing Quicken data), but it’s not quite as full-featured as QuickBooks and similar products.

In addition to the features you’d find in a personal financial manager, it includes modules for tracking customers, vendors, jobs, invoices, accounts payable, accounts receivable and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X. 3. Front Accounting

Replaces: NetSuite

This Web-based accounting package allows for multiple users and can track multiple companies or divisions of companies.

It also incorporates some basic ERP and POS functions, including tracking inventory and manufacturing work orders. Operating System: OS Independent.

4.) Lazy8 Ledger

Replaces: QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree, Microsoft Excel

Designed for SOHO business owners who do their accounting by hand or with a simple spreadsheet, Lazy8 automates some accounting tasks while still providing a lot of flexibility.

It’s best for people who have a good basic understanding of accounting and aren’t looking for a lot of bells and whistles in their financial software. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

5.) Edoceo Imperium

Replaces: QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree

Another Web-based accounting system, Imperium incorporates some basic CRM and ERP functions, and it also integrates with Google Apps.

The Web site has a helpful demo so that you can try the software before you download. Operating System: OS Independent.

6.) LedgerSMB

Replaces: QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree

This accounting software was specifically designed for small businesses and offers basic general ledger, accounts payable and accounts receivable capabilities.

Note that while it “works” on Windows, it offers better stability and performance on Linux or OS X. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Backup

7.) Areca Backup

Replaces: NovaBackup

For very small businesses with just one or a few systems to backup, Areca makes the task easy.

Key features include compression, encryption, filtering, as of data recovery and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

8.) Bacula

Replaces: Simpana Backup and Recovery , NetVault, HP StorageWorks EBS

For larger businesses, Bacula offers network backup and recovery capabilities.

Although it’s an enterprise-grade program, it’s easy enough to set up and use that it’s appropriate for small businesses as well. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

9.) Amanda

Replaces: Simpana Backup and Recovery, NetVault, HP StorageWorks EBS

Protecting more than a half a million systems, Amanda claims to be the “most popular open source backup and recovery software in the world.”

It’s available in a variety of free and commercially supported versions, including a cloud-based solution from Zmanda. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Browser

10.) Firefox

Replaces: Internet Explorer

Now in version 4, Mozilla’s Firefox continues to be the most popular alternative to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

The latest update features an improved interface, more HTML 5 support, fast performance and advanced security. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Compression

11.) 7-zip

Replaces: WinZip

If you need to compress a file for e-mailing or any other purpose, 7-zip can make your files 30-70 percent smaller than WinZip.

In addition, 7-zip can also read and write WinZip files, as well as several other compression formats. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

12.) PeaZip

Replaces: WinZip

This versatile compression utility can extract from 129 different types of compression formats, and it can create 11 different types of files, including .7z and .zip files.

Other key features include the creation of self-extracting files, strong encryption and portability. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Content Management

13.) Alfresco

Replaces: Sharepoint, Documentum, Open Text

Alfresco adds a social element to standard Web content management and document management functionality.

It’s high-profile users include Toyota, Sony Pictures ImageWorks, the Sesame Workshop, Merck, NASA, Land’s End, Fox, Cisco and many others. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

14.) MindTouch

Replaces: Sharepoint, IBM Lotus

Cited by Forrester as the “best product alternative to IBM Lotus and Microsoft SharePoint,” MindTouch says its collaboration products can help companies reduce their documentation costs up to 50 percent.

The core software is available in a free community version or a supported, faster commercial version. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

15.) Get Simple

Replaces: Sharepoint, IBM Lotus

Downloaded more than 60,000 times, Get Simple aims to make it very easy for small businesses to manage their own Web sites.

It relies on XML instead of a MySQL database, which eliminates much of the complexity of other systems, but still provides all the functionality that most small Web sites need. Operating System: Linux.

Open Source Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

16.) SugarCRM

Replaces: SalesForce.com Used by more than 50,000 companies, Sugar offers companies a great deal of flexibility and fast performance.

In addition to the free community version, it’s also available on a SaaS basis, like SalesForce.com. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

17.) vTiger

Replaces: SalesForce.com

Tailored for the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, vTiger offers sales force automation, customer service and support, marketing management, and the other capabilities you would expect from a CRM solution.

Like SalesForce.com and Sugar, it’s also available in the cloud with a $12 per user per month subscription. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

18.) SplendidCRM

Replaces: SalesForce.com

SplendidCRM tracks accounts, sales, leads, e-mail marketing campaigns, projects, tasks and more.

For Windows users only, it can be deployed on-premise in free or commercial versions or used in the cloud on an SaaS basis. Operating System: Windows.

19.) ConcourseSuite

Replaces: SalesForce.com

Java-based ConcourseSuite combines CRM with Web content management and collaboration capabilities.

In addition to the free community download, it’s also available on a paid basis in the cloud. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Desktop Publishing

20.) Scribus

Replaces: InDesign, QuarkXPress, Microsoft Office Publisher

Most professional-quality desktop publishing programs carry a high price tag, but Scribus gives small businesses the ability to design their own brochures, newsletters and other documents for free.

Scribus creates press-ready documents, but because of legal issues, Scribus cannot open or save to Quark, InDesign, or other proprietary file formats. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source E-mail/Collaboration/Groupware

21.) Collabtive

Replaces: Basecamp

If you’ve used Basecamp before, this open source alternative should feel very familiar—and it can even import Basecamp data.

You can host the free version yourself or you can purchase hosting services starting at 10 euros per month. Operating System: OS Independent.

22.) Evolution

Replaces: Microsoft Office Outlook

Sometimes called “The Outlook of Linux,” Evolution’s group e-mail, calendar, and addressbook works a lot like the better known product from Microsoft.

Built for the Gnome desktop, it ships with most versions of Linux or you can download it from the site. Operating System: Linux.

23.) Group-Office

Replaces: Microsoft Office Outlook

This cloud-based groupware includes calendar, basic CRM features, e-mail, file sharing and project management.

The community version is free if you want to host it yourself, or you can purchase it on an SaaS basis. Operating System: OS Independent.

24.) phpGroupWare

Replaces: Microsoft Office Outlook, Sharepoint

Part of the Gnu Project, phpGroupWare includes 50 separate apps that you can mix and match to meet your needs.

It offers Web-based e-mail, contact management, shared calendar, document management, Web content management, issue tracking and much more. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

25.) Thunderbird with Lightning

Replaces: Microsoft Office Outlook

Thunderbird is an e-mail client with an interface and other features that are similar to Firefox (both are owned by Mozilla).

To get the calendar features you have in Outlook, you can use Thunderbird with Lightning – they integrate together to provide an experience that’s similar to Outlook and other groupware. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

26.) Zimbra

Replaces: Microsoft Exchange

Zimbra offers a number of collaboration and messaging products. The open source collaboration server provides an alternative to a Microsoft Exchange server, plus desktop clients for accessing mail, contacts, and calendar info. Operating System: Linux, Unix, OS X.

Open Source E-Commerce

27.) Zen Cart

Replaces: Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant

Designed in part by business owners, Zen Cart is easy to install and easy to use—even if you don’t have an IT department.

Key features include multiple shipping options, multiple payment options, newsletter manager, discount coupons, gift certificates, featured products, quantity discounts and more. Operating System: OS Independent.

28.) PrestaShop

Replaces: Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant

With more than 50,000 businesses as customers, PrestaShop is a tremendously popular alternative to commercial shopping cart software.

It’s very fast and reliable – capable of handling more than 100,000 transactions per day. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

29.) osCommerce

Replaces: Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant

Another very popular e-commerce option, osCommerce currently powers more than 12,000 sites. To see how it works, you can try the online demo. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

30.) Broadleaf Commerce

Replaces: Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant

Although it bills itself as an “enterprise open source eCommerce solution,” Broadleaf is also suitable for smaller businesses.

It’s flexible and extensible and integrates with social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

31.) nopCommerce

Replaces: Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant

This newer open source e-commerce solution offers a huge list of features. It’s optimized for search engines, PCI DSS compliant and fully customizable. Operating System: Windows.

Open Source ERP

32.) xTuple PostBooks

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

This ERP suite includes accounting, CRM, sales, purchasing, product definition, inventory and distribution, and other functionality.

Commercial support and editions with more features are available for a fee. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

33.) webERP

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

This Web-based accounting and ERP solution is downloaded an average of 5,000 times per month and offers a good alternative to NetSuite.

Although paid support and hosting aren’t available directly from the project owners, the site does offer a list of third-party companies who offer these services. Operating System: OS Independent.

34.) EdgeERP

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

Because it’s a fork of webERP, this project offers very similar functionality, with a more community-oriented development approach. It prides itself on its reliability and flexibility. Operating System: OS Independent.

35.) Phreedom

NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics

This Web-based ERP solution incorporates the PhreeBooks accounting software (which is available on the same Web site), as well as modules for contacts, inventory, payment, report generation, help, and shipping.

Additional modules are available for a fee. Operating System: OS Independent.

36.) Openbravo ERP

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

Downloaded nearly 2 million times, Openbravo boasts of its agility and superior ROI.

The commercial edition can be downloaded directly from the Web site; commercial support, other editions, and paid add-ons are available through Openbravo’s business partners. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

37.) Neogia

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

Designed for small to mid-size companies, this ERP software offers a modular design that’s easy to adapt to your needs.

Note that while the English translations for this French application have improved recently, some of the documentation is still a little difficult to understand. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

38.) OpenERP

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

OpenERP includes modules for CRM, accounting, point of sale, project management, warehouse management, human resources, purchasing, manufacturing, marketing, invoicing and an application builder.

The suite of apps is also available on an SaaS basis. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

39.) Compiere

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

Now owned by the Consana corporation, Compiere claims to save users up to 80 percent versus other ERP solutions.

In addition to the free version, it’s available in standard, professional or enterprise editions or in a cloud version. Operating System: OS Independent.

40.) Adempiere

Replaces: NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics

Because it’s developed by a community instead of a company, the Adempiere site has a little bit less of a commercial feel than most of the other open source ERP solutions.

The wiki offers lots of documentation and help, but the project doesn’t offer paid support. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Gateway Security Appliances

41.) Endian Firewall Community

Replaces: Check Point Security Gateways, SonicWall Network Security Appliances, Cyberoam Security Appliances

Instead of purchasing an expensive security appliance, you can build your own with the community version of Endian’s software and an old PC.

It includes a firewall, application-level proxies, anti-virus, anti-spam, content filtering and a VPN. Operating System: Linux.

42.) Untangle Lite

Replaces: Check Point Security Gateways, SonicWall Network Security Appliances, Cyberoam Security Appliances

Untangle protects 1.7 million people in more than 30,000 organizations with its unified threat management appliances.

The Lite version is free or you can upgrade to the standard or premium versions for more features and paid support. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Open Source Graphics/Drawing

43.) Dia

Replaces: Visio

Perfect for creating org charts, network diagrams, flowcharts and other diagrams, Dia is similar to Microsoft’s Visio.

While it’s not quite as full-featured as its commercial counterpart, it should meet the needs of most small businesses. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

44.) Gimp

Replaces: Photoshop

If you need to add images to your business documents on occasion but don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for Photoshop, Gimp offers professional-quality photo tools for free.

Use it for photo retouching, image enhancement, special effects, filters and more. Note that for Windows, you’ll need Gimp-win. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

45.) Inkscape

Replaces: Illustrator, CorelDraw

Very similar Illustrator or CorelDraw, Inkscape is a vector-graphics drawing program that’s suitable for professional graphic designers, but user-friendly enough for amateurs to use as well.

The site includes links to plenty of documentation and tutorials, as well as samples of artwork created with Inkscape. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Human Resource Management (HRM)

46.) Orange HRM

Replaces: Halogen software, iCIMS, Ascentis

With more than 1 million users, Orange claims to be “the world’s most popular Open Source Human Resource Management Software.”

Paid support, services and a hosted SaaS version are also available. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix, OS X.

Open Source Invoicing

47.) Simple Invoices

Replaces: FreshBooks, Bill.com

This Web-based invoicing system sends bills as PDF files and creates a wide variety of reports so that you can track your sales and payments.

You can host it yourself or use one of the third-party hosting providers listed on the site. Operating System: OS Independent.

48.) Argentum

Replaces: FreshBooks, Bill.com

Argentum offers Web-based client management, invoicing and time tracking. If you don’t have your own Web server, you can purchase the software on a hosted basis for $10 per month for unlimited users.

(Note that this project is not related to the online game with the same name). Operating System: OS Independent.

49.) Siwapp

Replaces: FreshBooks, Bill.com

Designed to be simple and straightforward, Siwapp offers a user-friendly interface and professional-looking PDF invoices.

The site includes an online demo so that you can try it for yourself. Operating System: OS Independent.

Open Source Office Productivity

50.) OpenOffice.org

Replaces: Microsoft Office

While it’s still available for download, Oracle has recently announced that it will no longer be sponsoring commercial development of the project; ongoing development has largely shifted to the LibreOffice fork (see below). Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

51.) LibreOffice

Replaces: Microsoft Office

This OpenOffice.org fork offers the same applications with a few new features. It’s a more community-oriented project owned by a not-for-profit called The Document Foundation. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

52.) AbiWord 

Replaces: Microsoft Word

This full-featured word processor offers nearly all of the same features as Microsoft Word, and it even reads and saves in Word-compatible formats.

The newer versions of the software also offer free online collaboration for groups working on the same document through AbiCollab.net. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

53.) FreeMind

Replaces: MindJet MindManager

This mind mapping software is great for brainstorming sessions, collecting research, project management, creating diagrams and more because it lets you show the relationships between words and ideas visually.

And the project’s owners claim its one-click “fold / unfold” and “follow link” operations are faster than its commercial competitors. Operating System: OS Independent.

54.) Gnumeric

Replaces: Microsoft Excel

Gnumeric offers all of the features found in Microsoft Excel, plus 154 functions Excel doesn’t have. It can also import and export files from Excel and other popular spreadsheet programs. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

55.) KOffice

Replaces: Microsoft Office

KDE’s office productivity suite includes word processing (KWord), spreadsheet (KSpread), presentation (KPresenter) database (Kexi), vector drawing (Karbon), project planning (KPlato), diagramming (Kivio) and painting (Krita) software.

The user interfaces are quite a bit different than Microsoft products, but some people say the software’s content-oriented approach is actually easier to use once you get used to it. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Open Source Operating System

56.) Ubuntu

Replaces: Windows

Known for being user-friendly, Ubuntu has become one of the most popular distributions of Linux, and it comes with thousands of free, open source apps included. It’s available in desktop, server and netbook editions.

57.) Debian

Replaces: Windows

Ubuntu is based on Debian, so the two distributions are somewhat similar. It’s easy to use, secure and includes 29,000 free applications. 58. Fedora Replaces: Windows

The community version of the Red Hat Linux distribution, Fedora is fast, stable, powerful and used by millions of users.

The Web site boasts that Fedora is “on the leading edge of Linux and open source software,” and it has a reputation for being the first Linux distribution to add new features.

58.) openSUSE

Replaces: Windows

This is the community version of Novell’s SUSE Linux distribution. If you’re technically minded, you can follow the instructions to download and install it yourself, or you can purchase a boxed version of the operating system that comes with an installation DVD, a manual and 90 days of installation support.

Open Source Point-of-Sale (POS)

59.) Openbravo POS

Replaces: Epicor Retail Store, Retail STAR, POSitouch

Openbravo’s POS solution integrates with its ERP software and supports a wide range of touchscreen hardware and barcode scanners.

It offers master data management; sales, refund and cash management; warehouse management; charts and reports; integrated security; and an optional restaurant module. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

60.) Lemon POS

Replaces: QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS

Designed specifically for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, Lemon POS offers a simple interface and strong security.

It supports many barcode scanners and printers, and it provides inventory control and reporting capabilities as well. Operating System: Linux.

61.) Floreant POS

Replaces: QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS

For restaurants only, Floreant offers features like carry out, tax, discounts, food grouping, drawer pull, kitchen ticket, ESC/POS receipt, combined payment system and sales reports. Its users include the Denny’s chain. Operating System: OS Independent.

Open Source Project Management

62.) OpenProj

Replaces: Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera

Used in more than 142 countries and downloaded more than 1.25 million times, OpenProj actively markets itself as an alternative to Microsoft Project, and it opens both Project and Primavera files.

It’s also available on an SaaS basis through Projects On Demand. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

63.) GanttProject

Replaces: Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera

GanttProject also imports and exports from Project formats and offers a similar set of features.

It can create Gantt charts and PERT charts, assign resources and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Server Software

64.) Zentyal

Replaces: Windows Small Business Server

Formerly known as E-Box Platform, Zentyal includes gateway, infrastructure management, unified threat management, office server, unified communication server capabilities, FTP and Web server capabilities.

Support, security updates, disaster recovery and other services are available on a commercial basis. Operating System: Linux

65.) ClearOS

Replaces: Windows Small Business Server

Designed for small organizations, ClearOS combines open source networking, a security gateway, Web server, file server, groupware and more in a single package.

You can download the software for free or you can purchase support, services or pre-configured hardware from ClearCenter. Operating System: Linux.

Open Source Time Tracking

66.) TimeTrex

Replaces: Replicon, Tenrox Timesheet

An alternative to punch cards and spreadsheets, TimeTrex assists with scheduling, attendance, job costing and payroll.

It’s also available in an SaaS version starting at $1.75 per employee per month. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

67.) eHour

Replaces: Replicon, Tenrox Timesheet

Best for consultants, freelancers, lawyers and other firms that charge by the hour, eHou tracks work on a per-project basis.

It has an intuitive Web-based interface, is very flexible and offers a number of built-in reports. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Open Source Web Design

68.) NVU

Replaces: Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Web

Even if you’ve never typed a single HTML tag in your life, NVU can walk you through the process of creating your own Web site.

The software is free and hosting starts at $4.99 per month. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X. 70.

69.) Kompozer

Replaces: Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Web

Based on much of the same code as NVU, Kompozer offers an easy-to-use WYSIWYG editor and a Web file management system.

The interface is similar to that of Dreamweaver, and it offers tabs so that you can easily edit several documents at once. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

70.) Kompozer

Replaces: Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Web

Based on much of the same code as NVU, Kompozer offers an easy-to-use WYSIWYG editor and a Web file management system.

The interface is similar to that of Dreamweaver, and it offers tabs so that you can easily edit several documents at once. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

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Written by Bobby

Bobby Lawson is a seasoned technology writer with over a decade of experience in the industry. He has written extensively on topics such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. His articles have been featured in several prominent publications, and he is known for his ability to distill complex technical concepts into easily digestible content.