Wednesday, July 13, 2011

63 Open Source Replacements for Popular Financial Software

Whether you're looking for financial software to manage your personal finances, your small business or for a large enterprise, the open source community offers a lot of options.

The business-focused products are particularly robust, with a huge list of solutions, many of which offer commercial support and/or hosting.

We last updated our list of open source replacements for popular financial software about a year ago. This year, we've revisited the list, updating links and details and adding quite a few projects that we haven't featured before.

Please note that the applications are not listed in order of their quality or usefulness. Instead, they're organized by category and listed alphabetically within those categories

As always, please feel free to suggest any open source financial software that we might have missed in the comments section below.

Accounting

1. Edoceo Imperium Replaces QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree For small to medium-sized businesses, this Web-based accounting system includes basic CRM, job tracking and invoicing capabilities, as well as double-entry accounting. It also integrates with Google Calendar, Gmail and Google Maps.
Operating System: OS Independent

2. FrontAccounting Replaces QuickBooks Online
This Web-based accounting system also offers some ERP features like inventory and manufacturing modules. You can deploy it on your own Web server for free or use the fee-based on-demand version.
Operating System: OS Independent

3. GnuCash Replaces Quicken Home and Business
A good option for small business owners, GnuCash combines the features of a business accounting package with the features of a personal financial manager. Key capabilities include double-entry accounting, investment management, invoicing, accounts payable, accounts receiveable, Quicken data import and more.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

4. Lazy8 Ledger Replaces QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree, Microsoft Excel
Best for very small businesses, Lazy8 Ledger offers an alternative to doing your books by hand or with a simple spreadsheet program. However, it lacks the advanced features that larger companies are likely to need.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

5. LedgerSMB Replaces QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
Also designed for small to medium-sized businesses, LedgerSMB includes general ledger, accounts payable and accounts receivable capabilities. It was originally based on the SQL-Ledger code and also offers some basic ERP functionality.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

6. osFinancials Replaces QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
With an emphasis on simplicity, osFinancials aims to take the complications out of business accounting software. It can track up to 9999 accounts, 1 million creditors and debtors and 1 million stock items. Note: because it is developed by a team in the Netherlands, a lot of the osFinancials Web site and documentation is in Dutch, but English is also available.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

7. TurboCASH Replaces QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
Designed to for small business owners, this alternative to QuickBooks and Sage offers a helpful feature comparison chart. It boasts more than 80,000 users, and although it was developed in the U.K., it has a chart of accounts and other features adapted for U.S. users as well.
Operating System: Windows

8. XIWA Replaces QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
Short for "XIWA is Web accounting," XIWA is a mature, 12-year-old project with interfaces both for those who understand double-entry accounting and those who don't. It can handle multiple sets of books and multiple users, and it includes both payroll and investment tracking capabilities.
Operating System: Linux

Billing and Invoicing

9. Argentum Replaces FreshBooks, Bill.com
This Web-based app offers basic client management, invoicing and time tracking functionality. It's free to download and host on your own Web server, or you can use the service in the cloud for $10 per month.
Operating System: OS Independent

10. jBilling Replaces QuickTel
Designed for telecoms and companies that offer subscription-based services, jBilling boasts thousands of downloads per month. The software is available for free, but consulting, support and training require a fee.
Operating System: OS Independent

11. Simple Invoices Replaces FreshBooks, Bill.com
With this Web-based invoicing system, you can easily send your clients PDF invoices or create basic reports that let you track your sales. You can download the free version to a PC or a server, or you can purchase access on an SaaS basis from one of the third-party hosting providers listed on the site.
Operating System: OS Independent

12. Siwapp Replaces FreshBooks, Bill.com
This Web app was designed to be as simple as possible and offers a very easy-to-use interface. It creates attractive, professional-looking invoices that you can send to your clients and easy-to-understand reports that you can use to manage your small business.
Operating System: OS Independent

Business Intelligence (BI)

13. Jaspersoft Replaces SAP Netweaver, SAS, Oracle Business Intelligence, Cognos
The self-proclaimed "world's most widely used business intelligence software," Jaspersoft offers reporting, data analysis, data integration and dashboard functionality. In addition to two free community versions (Jaspersoft BI Community Edition and JasperReports Community Edition), it comes in four commercial editions: Jaspersoft BI Enterprise Edition, Jaspersoft BI Professional Edition, Jaspersoft BI Express Edition and JasperReports Professional.
Operating System: OS Independent

14. JMagallanes Replaces LogiXML, DBxtra
This Java-based app is based in part on JasperReports and JFreeChart. It reads from a number of data sources (SQL, Excel, XML and others) to create a variety of charts and tables.
Operating System: OS Independent

15. Palo BI Suite Replaces SAP Netweaver, SAS, Oracle Business Intelligence, Cognos
Used by more than 45,000 companies, Palo extends the capabilities of Microsoft Excel with OLAP technology. It's available in both community and premium editions, and you can also purchase a Palo mobile app for your smartphone or tablet.
Operating System: OS Independent

16. Pentaho Replaces SAP Netweaver, SAS, Oracle Business Intelligence, Cognos
Pentaho calls itself "the open source business intelligence leader," and claims to cut BI licensing costs by 90 percent. It comes in community or enterprise editions, and it's also available on an SaaS basis.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

E-Commerce
17. Broadleaf Commerce Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant
Broadleaf bills itself as "the most cost-effective enterprise e-commerce solution available." It's Java-based, easy-to-use, and integrates with Facebook and Twitter, as well as most databases and back-end systems.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

18. Magento Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant
Now owned by eBay, Magento is used by more than 100,000 merchants, including OfficeMax, Nokia, Harbor Freight Tools, The North Face and others. In addition to the free community version, it comes in professional or enterprise editions, and Magento Go offers hosting services.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

19. nopCommerce Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant
This .NET-based e-commerce package offers fast installation, search engine optimization, and maximum flexibility. It's PCI DSS compliant and supports features like anonymous checkout, gift cards, multiple currencies, live chat, inventory tracking, cross-selling, coupons, discounts and multiple payment and shipping options.
Operating System: Windows

20. osCommerce Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant
With more than 248,700 users and 10 years of development, osCommerce is a very popular, mature e-commerce solution. The site offers a showcase of more than 12,700 sites that have been developed using osCommerce, as well as an online demo.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

21. PrestaShop Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant
Award-winning PrestaShop is used by more than 75,000 different companies, and it's the number one open source e-commerce solution in Europe. It offers more than 265 features which you can see for yourself with the online demo.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

22. Order Portal Replaces Mainstreet Commerce, Yahoo Merchant
Order Portal is part of Randr Inc's Web Business Suite (WBS) for manufacturers, distributors and rental companies. It integrates with Google and PayPal and offers a long list of features, but it isn't quite as polished as some of the other open source e-commerce solutions on our list.
Operating System: Linux

23. Zen Cart Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant
Designed in part by online merchants, Zen Cart offers an intuitive interface for users without a background in programming or a degree in IT. Notable features include a newsletter manager, discount coupons, gift certificates, featured products, quantity discounts and more.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
24. ADempiere ERP Business Suite Replaces SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
This fork of Compiere (see below) includes ERP, CRM and SCM capabilities. The link above offers the software download, but adempiere.com offers a wiki with a lot of other documentation for the project.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

25. Apache OFBiz Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
Sponsored by the Apache Software Foundation, the Open For Business Suite (OFBiz for short) incorporates ERP, CRM, e-commerce, SCM, MRP (manufacturing resources planning), CMMS/EAM (maintenance management system/enterprise asset management), POS and other capabilities. It's easy to customize the various components to your own needs, and the site offers a great deal of documentation and support.
Operating System: OS Independent

26. Compiere ERP + CRM Business Solution Replaces SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
Now owned by Consona Corporation, Compiere is a full-featured ERP solution that boasts TCO savings up to 80 percent versus commercial software. In addition to the free community version, it also comes in paid standard, professional and enterprise editions.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

27. Dolibarr ERP/CRM Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
Like NetSuite and Sage, Dolibarr ERP/CRM meets the needs of SMBs, foundations and freelancers. The website offers screenshots and an online demo so that you can see how it works. The basic software is free, but additional modules and add-ons are available through the Dolistore.
Operating System: OS Independent

28. EdgeERP Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
This fork of WebERP (see below) offers flexibility and the ability to integrate with many other types of software. Small businesses can use it to manage sales quotes, orders, invoicing, receivables, inventory, purchases, payables, banking, and general ledger accounting.
Operating System: OS Independent

29. ERP5 Replaces SAP http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/en/us/default.aspx">Microsoft Dynamics
ERP 5 includes ERP, CRM, MRP, SCM, accounting, HR and PDM capabilities. It comes in a free community version, a supported enterprise version and an SaaS version called TioLive.
Operating System: Linux

30. JFire Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
This Java-based ERP system comes ready-to-use with a full set of features, but can also be customized to meet your company's unique needs. It includes both ERP and CRM functionality and also comes in a version for service-based businesses. Aditional information about the software can be found on the jFire community site or on the NightLabs site, which also offers support and services for JFire.
Operating System: OS Independent

31. Neogia Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
Another SMB tool, Neogia includes CRM, sub-contracting, manufacturing, finance, e-commerce, distribution and inventory management capabilities. Be warned that much of the documentation and website for this project is in French.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

32. Openbravo ERP Replaces SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
Downloaded more than 2 million times, Openbravo's ERP software emphasizes agility. It's available in three different editions: community, basic or professional. (Professional comes with paid support and is only available through an Openbravo partner.)
Operating System: OS Independent

33. Open ERP Replaces SAP Microsoft Dynamics
This modular solution incorporates CRM, accounting, point of sale, project management, warehouse management, human resources, purchasing, manufacturing, marketing, invoicing and an application builder. Visit the site to see how it compares with other open-source ERP solutions, as well as SAP and Microsoft Dynamics. In addition to the free version, it's available in a several commercial editions or on an SaaS basis from Odoo.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

34. opentaps Replaces SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
Used by Toyota, Honeywell and other well-known companies, Opentaps bills itself as "the most advanced Open Source ERP + CRM solution." It's available with either an open source license or a commercial license that includes support, and it's also available in the cloud through Amazon Web Services.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

35. Phreedom Replaces NetSuite , Microsoft Dynamics
This Web-based project for small businesses includes the PhreeBooks accounting software, plus modules for contacts, inventory, payment, report generation, help, and shipping. Other additional modules are available for a fee.
Operating System: OS Independent

36. Plazma ERP + CRM Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
This multi-function suite for SMBs offers a lot of CRM capabilities, along with a few ERP functions. The interface is bare-bones but easy to use, and while it comes with quite a bit of documentation, no paid support is available.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

37. Postbooks/xTuple ERP Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
xTuple's ERP suite includes accounting, sales, CRM, purchasing, product definition, inventory and distribution, light manufacturing and reporting capabilities. The Postbooks edition is available with either an open source or a commercial license, and the Standard, Project, Manufacturing or Enterprise editions are available only with a commercial license. It's also available in the cloud, and information about other related services is also on the website.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix, OS X

38. ]project-open[ Replaces SAP http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/en/us/default.aspx">Microsoft Dynamics
Designed for businesses with 3 to 3,000 employees, this application combines project management, service management and ERP functionality. And it boasts a client base of 3000 companies in 80 countries. Note that the full software is released under a mixed license, that is, parts are open-source, parts are available under a free commercial license, and parts are only available under a fee-based commercial license.
Operating System: OS Independent

39. SQL-Ledger Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
Another Web-based application, SQL-Ledger features double-entry accounting and ERP features and, as you might guess, stores data in a SQL database server. Paid support is available at a variety of price points.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

40. webERP Replaces NetSuite , Sage ERP
This popular app is downloaded an average of 5,000 times per month. While it can be used by any type of business, webERP is particularly well suited to the needs of wholesalers, distributors and manufacturing companies. Commercial support and hosting are available through third-party organizations.
Operating System: OS Independent

Human Resource Management (HRM)
41. Orange HRM Replaces iVantage, iCIMS
With more than 1 million users, Orange claims to be the "world’s most popular Open Source Human Resource Management Software." It tracks time and attendance, leave, recruiting performance, and employee information, and it's also available in an SaaS version.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix, OS X

42. WaypointHR Replaces Epicor HCM, iCIMS
While not as mature as Orange, Waypoint also tracks employee records, pay, performance, leave and other HR information. Also, like Orange, it's available in a hosted "On Demand" version.
Operating System: OS Independent

Investment Tracking and Management
43. Chartsy Replaces StockMarketEye, Personal Stock Monitor, TradeTrakker
This stock charting and screening platform features a modular architecture that lets you install only the capabilities you need. The project owners plan to add trading capabilities in the future, but they aren't operational yet.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

44. JStock Replaces StockMarketEye, Personal Stock Monitor, TradeTrakker
For active investors, this app offers a stock watchlist, portfolio management, alerts, filters, charts, chat and more. It can track 26 stock markets around the world, and it can save your data in the cloud if you like.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

Microfinance
45. Mifos Replaces Loan Performer, Temeno Microfinance & Community Banking
This Web-based management information system (MIS) aims to help microfinance institutions streamline their operation. It offers portfolio and transaction management, on-the-fly financial product creation, in-depth client management, integrated social performance measurement, and a reporting engine.
Operating System: OS Independent

46. Octopus Replaces Loan Performer, Temeno Microfinance & Community Banking
Rated as "one of the most user-friendly solution with highly ergonomic windows display" by the World Bank/CGAP, Octopus offers a robust, secure MIS for microfinance organizations. It's available both in a free community version or a supported professional edition.
Operating System: Windows

Personal Financial Management
47. Buddi Replaces Quicken, Mint.com
Calling itself “personal budget software for the rest of us,” Buddi offers very simple installation and operation for users with little financial background. It's won multiple awards, but does not offer the same type of advanced features as Quicken.
Operating System: OS Independent

48. Grisbi Replaces Quicken Home and Business
While it doesn't offer double-entry accounting, Grisbi offers some business accounting features in addition to all the features you would expect in a personal finance manager. It's available in multiple languages and can handle multiple currencies.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

49. HomeBank Replaces Quicken, Mint.com
Under development since 1995, HomeBank offers an intuitive interface and easy-to-use reporting capabilities. Like many of the other apps on our list, it can import financial data from other sources, autocompletes entries whenever possible and provides budgeting capabilities.
Operating System: Linux

50. JGnash Replaces Quicken, Mint.com
Java-based JGnash supports double-entry or single-entry bookkeeping, account reconciliation, PDF report generation, multiple currencies, check printing and more. It can also import data from commercial financial software or online banking systems.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

51. KMyMoney Replaces Quicken, Mint.com
KDE's personal finance software is particularly user-friendly, with an interface that's easy for anyone who's used Quicken or similar software to understand. Previous versions of the software only worked on Linux, but the latest version also supports Windows (though it isn't completely stable).
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

52. Money Manager Ex Replaces Quicken, Mint.com
This app claims to offer "all the basic features that 90% of users would want to see in a personal finance application." Notable features include AES encryption, the ability to run from a thumb drive without an install, depreciation tracking, international support and import from CSV and Quicken file formats.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

53. Yapbam Replaces Quicken, Mint.com
Java-based Yapbam (short for "yet another bank account manager") is cross-platform, portable and extensible. It can import data from other software and online banking, automatically generates reports and includes a currency converter.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

Professional Services Automation (PSA)
54. allocPSA Replaces NetSuite OpenAir, Projector PSA, Q360 This web-based suite calls itself "the premier online professional services automation solution." Key features include bookkeeping, project management, a dashboard, time tracking, to do lists, CRM, calendar, and much more, all designed specifically to meet the needs of professional service organizations. It's also available on an SaaS basis starting at $199 per year.
Operating System: OS Independent

Point-of-Sale (POS)
55. Floreant POS Replaces QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS
Used by the Denny's chain in New York, this restaurant-specific POS application offers a full set of capabilities to support fine dining, carry out, tax, discounts, food grouping, drawer pull, kitchen ticket, ESC/POS receipt, combined payment system and sales reports. Tow levels of commercial support are available, with prices varying based on response time and availability.
Operating System: OS Independent

56. LemonPOS Replaces QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS
Made for small, medium or micro businesses, LemonPOS integrates with scanners and thermal printers to track your store's sales. It stores data in a MySQL database, supports multiple terminals and offers good security including role-based permissions.
Operating System: Linux

57. POSper Replaces QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS
This app was designed for small retail stores and restaurants. It supports multiple touchscreens, scanners, card readers and ticket printers, and it integrates with all databases supported by Hibernate.
Operating System: OS Independent

Spreadsheets
58. Gnumeric Replaces Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
This spreadsheet app for the Gnome desktop has been praised as more accurate than the leading proprietary spreadsheet. It can read existing files from Excel and similar programs, but is not meant to be a clone of any commercial program.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

59. KOffice KCells Replaces Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
Formerly called "KSpread," this tool is part of KDE's KOffice suite. The interface has a menu on the right side of the screen that takes some getting used to, but it's easy to learn and has a very powerful formula builder tool.
Operating System: Windows, Linux

60. LibreOffice Calc Replaces Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
Based on OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice offers a complete office productivity suite, including the Calc spreadsheet program. It offers a very mature set of advanced features and integrates with other database and spreadsheet software.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

61. OpenOffice.org Calc Replaces Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
Very similar to Microsoft Excel, OpenOfficel.org's Calc program is particularly easy to use. It also reads and writes to Excel and other spreadsheet file formats, making it suitable for business use.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

Time Tracking
62. eHour Replaces Replicon, Timesheet.com
Best for freelancers, lawyers, consultants, and other companies that bill by the hour, eHour tracks the time employees spend per project and per client. You can run it on a standalone system or you can install it on your Tomcat server for employees to access via a browser.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

63. TimeTrex Replaces Replicon, Timesheet.com
This self-proclaimed "world's most popular open source payroll and time management software" includes modules for scheduling, attendance, job costing and payroll. In addition to the free standard edition, it comes in multiple commercial editions that can be deployed on site or in the cloud.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

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