Free open-source competitor to Oracle Netsuite ODOO
Odoo, formerly known as OpenERP, is a suite of open-source business apps written in Python and released under the LGPL license. This suite of applications covers all business needs, from Website/Ecommerce down to manufacturing, inventory and accounting, all seamlessly integrated. It is the first time ever a software editor managed to reach such a functional coverage. Odoo is the most installed business software in the world. Odoo is used by 2.000.000 users worldwide ranging from very small companies (1 user) to very large ones (300 000 users).
Odoo is a suite of open source business apps that cover all your company needs. Some examples of Odoo apps include:
- Sales App: Used to manage sales orders, including tracking their progress and deliveries. It also has a feature that allows you to create invoices directly from your sales order.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Used to manage customer interactions and track leads.
- Inventory Management: Used to manage inventory levels and track stock movements.
- Accounting: Used to manage financial transactions and generate reports.
- Project Management: Used to manage projects and track progress.
There are also many examples of online stores that use Odoo, such as dentalplanet.com, legionsafety.com, and irontite.com.
There is an open-source version of Odoo, known as the Odoo Community Edition. Here’s a breakdown:
Odoo Community Edition (Open-Source Version)
- License: LGPLv3 (Lesser General Public License)
- Availability: Free to download, use, and modify
- Source Code: https://github.com/odoo/odoo
- Tech Stack: Python, PostgreSQL, JavaScript (frontend)
Key Features in Community Edition
Includes modules for:
- Sales & CRM
- Accounting (basic)
- Inventory & Purchase Management
- Project Management
- Website builder (basic)
- Invoicing
- Timesheets
Not Included in Community Edition
These are only available in the Enterprise Edition (commercial, proprietary add-ons):
- Studio (customization UI)
- Advanced Accounting (e.g., asset management, consolidated reports)
- Manufacturing (advanced MRP features)
- Helpdesk
- Marketing Automation
- Mobile app
- External API integrations (like shipping/carriers, advanced BI)
How to Self-Host Odoo Community Edition
You can self-host it using:
- Docker: https://hub.docker.com/_/odoo
- Manual setup on Linux (typically Debian or Ubuntu)
- Using
pipand Python virtual environments
Popular Forks / Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives or extended open-source Odoo forks:
- Tryton – A fork with different philosophy (modular but more technical)
- ERPNext – Not Odoo-based, but a good FOSS ERP system
Odoo Community Edition vs. Oracle NetSuite
| Feature | Odoo Community Edition (Open Source) | Oracle NetSuite (Proprietary) |
|---|---|---|
| License | LGPLv3 (Free & Open Source) | Commercial License |
| Cost | Free to use and modify | Subscription-based pricing |
| Customization | High (access to source code) | Limited to provided tools |
| Modules Included | Sales, CRM, Basic Accounting, Inventory, Project Management, Website Builder | Comprehensive Suite including Advanced Financials, CRM, ERP, and more |
| Advanced Features | Available via Enterprise Edition or third-party modules | Included in standard offerings |
| Deployment Options | Self-hosted (Docker, Linux, pip) | Cloud-based |
| Community Support | Active open-source community | Official support channels |
Key Highlights of Odoo Community Edition
- Modular Design: Allows businesses to install only the modules they need, reducing bloat and complexity.
- Customization: With access to the source code, businesses can tailor the software to their specific needs.
- Deployment Flexibility: Options to deploy via Docker, on-premises servers, or cloud platforms.
- Community Support: A vibrant community contributes to continuous improvements and offers support through forums and documentation.
Considerations
While Odoo Community Edition offers a robust set of features for businesses seeking an open-source ERP solution, it’s essential to note:
- Advanced Features: Some advanced functionalities like advanced accounting, manufacturing resource planning (MRP), and mobile access are available only in the Enterprise Edition or through third-party modules.
- Support: Official support is limited to the Enterprise Edition; however, community forums and documentation are available.Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
