Whether you just want to balance your checkbook or you need to track the finances of a large global corporation, you can find open source software to do the job. For our list of open source financial tools, we cast a wide net and included applications related to enterprise resource management, point-of-sale and even employee time tracking. Not to mention traditional accounting and financial management tools.
One trend worth noting -- a huge number of the open source tools on this list, particularly the business applications, are now available on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. For businesses, this model seems to make sense, as it gives them access to support and reduces the need for in-house staff to deploy and monitor applications. It also enables a more mobile workforce and keeps costs low. And of course, this model is also great for open source vendors as it gives them another way to monetize their open source projects. Without further ado, here are fifty open source applications that might be able to replace the financial software you currently use for your home or business.
Open Source: Accounting
1. TurboCASH Replaces: QuickBooks, Sage PeachtreeSpecifically designed to replace QuickBooks and Sage, TurboCASH offers a handy chart on its Web site that let's you compare features. It's easy to setup, offers comprehensive reporting, and is one of the most robust accounting programs available for small business owners. Operating System: Windows
2. FrontAccounting Replaces: QuickBooks Online
Offering some basic ERP functions as well as fairly advance accounting functions, FrontAccounting lets you access your books from any browser. Unlike most commercial Web-based accounting systems which store your data in the cloud, you'll need your own Web server in order to use FrontAccounting. Operating System: OS Independent
3. Phreebooks Replaces: QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
This Web-based accounting and ERP solution offers many advanced features, like sales forecasting, data backup, and bill pay, that cost extra with commercial products. It's also available as a hosted service in addition to the free version. Operating System: OS Independent
4. GnuCash Replaces: Quicken Home and Business
GnuCash offers a complete personal finance manager, as well as basic business accounting features best suited for very small businesses. It includes investment management and tracking capabilities, plus accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, etc. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
5. FriFinans Replaces: QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
Aimed at small to medium-sized organizations, FriFinaans offers a cross-platform, multi-user client-server based accounting system. It tracks accounts, debtors, creditors, products, and more. Operating System: OS Independent
6. osFinancials Replaces: QuickBooks, Sage Peachtree
Designed to be simple, osFinancials can be used by anyone. The basic software is free, but plug-ins and support are available for a fee. 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
Open Source: Billing
7. jBilling Replaces: QuickTelAlthough it offers special features for telecom providers, jBilling can be used by any subscription-based service to track and bill customers. Because it uses a rules engine, it adapts as your business changes, and it's much easier than creating your own in-house solution. Operating System: OS Independent
Open Source: Budgeting and Forecasting
8. Adaptive Planning Replaces Prophix, Budget Maestro/Planning MaestroThe "leader in on-demand budgeting, forecasting, and reporting solutions," Adaptive Planning software hopes to move enterprises off spreadsheets to its more adaptive and responsive budget planning and forecasting. In addition to the free open-source version, it's available in Corporate and Enterprise Editions, with all the flavors also available on a software-as-a-service model. Operating System: Windows, Linux
Open Source: Business Intelligence (BI)
9. Jaspersoft Replaces SAP Netweaver, SAS, Oracle Business Intelligence, CognosCalling itself the "most widely used open source business intelligence," the Jaspersoft Business Intelligence Suite contains modules for reporting, data analysis, data integration and dashboards. It's available in three versions: the free community edition and the paid professional and enterprise editions. Operating System: OS Independent
10. Pentaho Replaces SAP Netweaver, SAS, Oracle Business Intelligence, Cognos
Like Jaspersoft, Pentaho also claims to be the leader in open source business intelligence. It includes five modules for reporting, analysis, dashboards, data integration and data mining, and it's available in on-demand and commercially supported versions, as well as the free community version. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
11. Palo BI Suite Replaces SAP Netweaver, SAS, Oracle Business Intelligence, Cognos
While not quite as robust as either the open-source or commercial apps above, Palo provides excellent tools for financial reporting, analysis and planning. It's available either as an Excel add-on or as a complete Web-based suite. Operating System: OS Independent
12. JMagallanes Replaces LogiXML, DBxtra
Java-based JMagallanes lets users create charts and tables from a wide variety of data sources, including SQL, Excel, XML, and other file types. It's not as advanced as the other business intelligence tools in this list, but is fairly easy to use. Operating System: OS Independent
13. OpenReports Replaces LogiXML, DBxtra
This Web-based solution makes it easy for end users to create reports using one of a variety of open-source reporting engines. It's also available in a commercial version, which adds capabilities like dashboards and conditional scheduling. Operating System: OS Independent
Open Source: E-Commerce
14. Magento Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo MerchantThis self-proclaimed "world's fastest-growing eCommerce platform" has been downloaded more than 2 million times and has processed more than $25 billion in transactions. In addition to the free community edition, it's available in paid Professional and Enterprise versions with support and additional features. Operating System: Windows, Linux.
15. PrestaShop Replaces Big Commerce, Volusion, Yahoo Merchant
More than 40,000 merchants around the world use PrestaShop. It's lightweight, fast, scalable, modular, and enables Web 2.0 features. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.
16. Order Portal Replaces Mainstreet Commerce, Yahoo Merchant
Designed for mid-size manufacturers, distributors, and rental companies, order portal can be used alone to take e-commerce orders or as part of the Web Business Suite that includes a dashboard, CMS, data migration, and other features. Both Order Portal and the Web Business Suite are available as a free download, as a hosted solution, or can be integrated into existing back-end systems with help from project owner Randr, Inc. Operating System: Linux.
Zen Cart aims to meet the needs of businesspeople—not programmers. As a result, it's easy to set up and offers a wealth of features, including gift certificates, discount coupons, a newsletter manager, multiple payment options, multiple shipment options, and much more. Operating System: Windows, Linux
Open Source: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
18. Compiere ERP + CRM Business Solution Replaces: SAP, Microsoft DynamicsThis open-source edition ERP/CRM suite offers the same features you'd find in commercial software, like financial management, purchasing, materials management, order management, project accounting, sales, service, ecommerce, and performance management and reporting. Additional modules and commercial support can also be purchased, or you can run an SaaS version in the cloud. The site includes a TCO report to help you see how it compares to more well-known software. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.
19. ADempiere ERP Business Suite Replaces: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
A more community-oriented fork of Compiere, ADempiere combines ERP, CRM and POS functions into a single download. In addition to the link above, adempiere.com provides a great deal of information and documentation for the software. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
20. opentaps Replaces: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
Calling itself, "the most advanced Open Source ERP + CRM solution," opentaps provides ecommerce, customer relationship management, warehouse and inventory management, supply chain management, and financial management functionality. Big name users include Toyota, Honeywell and others. Operating System: Windows, Linux
21. allocPSA Replaces NetSuite OpenAir, Projector PSA, Q360
This web-based suite includes a dashboard, bookkeeping, project management, time tracking, to do lists, CRM, calendar, and much more, all designed specifically to meet the needs of professional service organizations. The Web site includes a video that provides a helpful overview of the key features. Operating System: OS Independent
22. Dolibarr ERP/CRM Replaces NetSuite , Sage AccPac
Designed for small to medium sized companies, freelancers or foundations, Dolibarr offers a modular approach to ERP and CRM that lets you install only the functions you need. It installs on your Web server and can be accessed from any browser. The Web site includes a number of screenshots and an online demo so that you can see how it works before you download. Operating System: OS Independent
23. JFire Replaces NetSuite , Sage AccPac
Key features of this ERP/CRM/SCM suite include product management, sales and purchases, billing and accounting, customer relationship management, issue tracking and reporting. In addition to the link above, additional information can be found on the jFire community site. Operating System: OS Independent
24. Plazma ERP + CRM Replaces NetSuite , Sage AccPac
While heavy on CRM features, Plazma does also offer some ERP functions. The interface is fairly bare-bones, but it gets the job done for small businesses. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
25. Neogia Replaces NetSuite , Sage AccPac
For small to midsize companies, Neogia combines ERP, CRM, eCommerce, business intelligence and other functions. Note that although the software is available in English, much of the Web site and other documentation is only able in French or is badly translated. Operating System: Windows, Linux
26. Openbravo ERP Replaces: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics
Calling itself the "leading Web-based open source ERP," Openbravo is designed to scale with growing companies. It's available as a free community edition download or in a professional edition through a subscription with one of the Openbravo partners. Operating System: OS Independent
27. Open ERP Replaces: SAP Microsoft Dynamics
OpenERP offers a modular design, so companies can select the functionality that they need. The Web site offers helpful comparisons 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 a SaaS basis from Odoo. Operating System: Windows, Linux
28. ]project-open[ Replaces: SAP http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/en/us/default.aspx">Microsoft Dynamics
Used by more than 3000 companies in 80 countries, project-open combines project management and ERP for businesses with 3 to 3,000 employees. 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
29. Postbooks/xTuple ERP Replaces NetSuite , Sage AccPac
The xTuple PostBooks edition tracks sales, accounting, operations, and CRM. xTuple is also available in a number of reasonably priced commercial editions or as a cloud-based service. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix, OS X
30. webERP Replaces NetSuite , Sage AccPac
Particularly suited to wholesalers and distributors, webERP offers browser-based ERP and accounting functionality. Downloaded an average of 5,000 times per month, it can run on any Web server and supports multiple themes and multiple languages. Operating System: OS Independent
31. EdgeERP Replaces NetSuite , Sage AccPac
An offshoot of WebERP, EdgeERP offers the same basic functionality with a more community-oriented approach. It's designed to be extremely reliable, accessible, and flexible. Operating System: OS Independent
Open Source: Human Resource Management (HRM)
32. Orange HRM Replaces iVantage, iCIMSTargeted at small to medium sized enterprises, Orange provides a comprehensive set of HRM capabilities, including tracking payroll, time and attendance, and benefits. A hosted version, support, training, customization and add-ons are available for a fee. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix, OS X
33. WaypointHR Replaces iVantage, iCIMS
Although not quite as mature as Orange or the commercial HR solutions on our list, Waypoint includes all the basic functions you would expect in a Human Resources Management System. It's also available in a commercial on-demand version. Operating System: OS Independent
Open Source: Investment Tracking and Management
34. JStock Replaces StockMarketEye, Personal Stock Monitor, TradeTrakkerIf you prefer to track your investments separately from the rest of your finances or if you need some advanced features, JStock might be right for you. It lets you track a watch list and your current investments in 24 global stock markets. Key features include advanced starting capabilities, alerts, stock-picking filters, optional cloud storage and online chat with other JStock users. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
35. Chartsy Replaces StockMarketEye, Personal Stock Monitor, TradeTrakker
A fairly new project, Chartsy makes it easy to view the trading history for your favorite stocks. The site includes links to a YouTube tutorial, as well as plug-ins to help you analyze your stock picks. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
Open Source: Personal Financial Management
36. Buddi Replaces: Quicken, MoneydanceThis “personal budget software for the rest of us” requires very little financial knowledge on the part of the user, and with the help of the quickstart tutorial, you can be up and running in as little as five minutes. However, it does not offer as many advanced functions as the commercial programs it can replace. Operating System: OS Independent
37. Grisbi Replaces: Quicken Home and Business
Grisbi provides standard personal finance software features, like tracking multiple accounts, reports, budgeting and a scheduler. In addition, it also includes a few more advanced features suitable for organizations, such as multiple currency management, multiple user management, fiscal year tracking, and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux
38. KMyMoney Replaces: Quicken, Moneydance
This app for the KDE desktop offers a very user-friendly interface and can import Quicken files. It humbly claims to be "the BEST personal finance software for Linux users." Operating System: Linux
39. Money Manager Ex Replaces: Quicken, Mint
This browser-based app allows you to access your financial information from your desktop or the Internet, even from your mobile phone. It tracks multiple accounts, including investment accounts, and can import data from Excel or Quicken. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
40. JGnash Replaces: Quicken, Moneydance
This Java-based personal finance manager accepts either double-entry or single-entry transactions in order to make things as simple as possible for the user. It tracks investments and multiple currencies and can import data from Quicken or online banking services. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
41. Yapbam Replaces: Quicken, Moneydance
Short for "yet another bank account manager," Yapbam offers all the typical personal finance software functionality. Although the interface is pretty basic, it does offer some advanced features like the transaction entry wizard, negative balance alerts and automated recurring transactions. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
Open Source: Point-of-Sale (POS)
42. Openbravo POS Replaces Epicor Retail Store, Retail STAR, POSitouchOpenbravo POS boasts nearly 10,000 installations per month and is very popular among retailers. The Java-based app works with most touch-screen POS hardware, and it integrates with Openbravo ERP. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
43. Lemon POS Replaces QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS
Designed for very small businesses, Lemon POS offers a simple, secure way to make and track sales. It stores data in a MySQL database and works with most bar code scanners and printers. Operating System: Linux
44. POSper Replaces QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS
This POS system for restaurants and small retail outlets offers an intuitive touchscreen interface, a sophisticated discount system, split tickets, and more. It integrates with POSper BackOffice and many ERP and accounting systems. Operating System: OS Independent
45. Floreant POS Replaces QuickBooks Point of Sale, AccuPOS
For restaurants only, Floreant POS simplifies order management, kitchen automation, and cash handling. It offers an intuitive touchscreen interface, detailed reporting, and support for most hardware. Operating System: OS Independent
Open Source: Spreadsheets
46. Gnumeric Replaces: Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3Part of the Gnome desktop, Gnumeric reads and writes Excel file formats, but is not meant to be an Excel clone. It offers superior graphing capabilities, a number of unique functions, and an intuitive interface that should seem familiar to anyone who's ever used a spreadsheet program. Operating System: Windows, Linux
47. KOffice KSpread Replaces: Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
Part of KDE's KOffice program, KSpread offers many of the same features as commercial spreadsheets, though the interface may feel somewhat unfamiliar to Excel users. It includes a helpful formula list that makes it easy to add functions to your spreadsheets. Operating System: Windows, Linux
48. OpenOffice.org Calc Replaces: Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
Calc is part of one of the most popular open source applications of any type—the OpenOffice.org office productivity suite. It reads and writes files from most other spreadsheet applications, including Excel, and it's very easy to use. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
Open Source: Time Tracking
49. TimeTrex Replaces Replicon, Tenrox TimesheetThe "world's most popular open source payroll and time management software," TimeTrex standard edition includes modules for employee scheduling, time and attendance and payroll. The commercial business and pro editions (available in on-site or hosted versions) add more ways to track attendance, job costing, invoicing, support, and other features. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
50. eHour Replaces Replicon, Tenrox Timesheet
This app tracks multiple projects, multiple users, and multiple billing rates for organizations that bill hourly, like freelancers, lawyers, consultants, etc. eHour can also create detailed reports , and its available in either a standalone or a client/server version. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
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