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.
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.