Open-Source Software (OSS) solutions aren’t a novelty. The idea of sharing software between developers and programmers to learn from each other and evolve in the computing field exists from the early days of computing.
OSS tools are different from other products because the authors make the source code available so that users can copy, learn from it, alter it, or share it. Licenses for these solutions usually grant people permission to use the software both for personal and commercial purposes. Programmers can improve functionality, fix any existing bug, and change the code based on their particular needs.
For small and medium enterprises, OSS systems can be just the right fit to kick-start their businesses and gain a competitive advantage. There are plenty of benefits that these solutions offer, such as:
- Increased control over features and capabilities, but also over use-cases
- Improved security when it comes to assessing the code’s vulnerabilities concerning business-specific processes
- Stability and customization supported by the free-sharing approach of the code, which ensures that the tools won’t become unavailable or outmoded
In the hard business environment, every dollar matters—and each priority is well-thought-out. But why spend time thinking whether you should put your money into new tools or better talent when you can have them both?
Here’s a list of OSS tools that you should consider.
Apache Open Office
Apache Open Office is an alternative to the classic Microsoft Office Suite, which enables users to create word documents, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases, and more. The software provides a friendly user interface, making it easy—for anyone who has used a similar tool before—to find their way around in no time. It is available in multiple languages and it can read files from other office packages as well. The best news about it? This solution is completely free to use for any purpose—be it domestic, commercial, educational, or in public administration.
OpenSourceBilling
If you’re looking for hassle-free billing, OpenSourceBilling might be just the right tool for you. You can use it to create and send invoices to your clients, but also to track and report financial data. The web app supports multiple languages and currencies while providing a simple and easy-to-navigate interface and a modern-looking dashboard with graphs and key metrics. You can decide if this is the accounting solution for you by trying out the Demo on their website.
EspoCRM
When it comes to analyzing your interactions with all past, present, and potential customers, a CRM solution is the easiest way to do that.
EspoCRM is one of the most popular open-source tools available, free for personal and commercial use. Customers describe it as being simple, modular, and intuitive, having incredible flexibility and customization. EspoCRM offers various features to support sales automation, organize calendar events, integrate email and social media communications, generate analytics, automate marketing processes, and many more to improve your sales productivity.
ProjectLibre
Not ready to invest in a project management solution like Microsoft Project? No problem! ProjectLibre is the best open-source alternative to track your projects and milestones. The platform allows you to set task duration, create an overview of your main goals, and assign resources on specific assignments. You can develop customized plans, including an indented task list or work-breakdown structure. Compatible with all Microsoft Project files, this solution can be accessed on Linux, Mac OS, or Windows platforms. And if that is not enough to convince you of its utility, you will love to hear that they are currently in the Beta testing stage of their Cloud-based solution—and it promises to have the same revolutionary impact that Google Docs had on Microsoft Word.
Odoo
Odoo provides the world’s largest ecosystem of fully integrated business apps to cover all your customer relationship management, project management, financial management, manufacturing, and purchasing needs. Their suite of integrated modules communicates smoothly with each other and exchanges information so you can automate and track everything you do. It provides regular annual releases to keep up with the fast-paced digital environment. Over 30 modules are available for both on-premises and cloud usage, and can be used by businesses of all sizes. The Odoo Community plan offers free access to one application, but the best part is that you can get a free trial for 15 days and decide exactly what modules your company needs, and then seamlessly integrate them together.
The open-source landscape is wide and varied. This list was meant to give you a glimpse into the opportunities you might be missing out on, by handpicking some of the best solutions that small to medium-sized businesses can adopt to reduce costs and streamline operations.
Napoleon Hill once said:
“Work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along.”
The open-source software solutions that exist on the market could be exactly the tools you need to get your business thriving.
