The SME Open Source Package offers a modular, license-free collection of open-source applications like ERP, CRM, and AI for self-hosted SME use with optional paid support.
Package with Digital Engineering, IT- and SME-Practice License-free open source software or paid software? Companies such as Google, Facebook and Microsoft make massive use of open source software and benefit enormously from it. There are therefore good reasons for SMEs to use open source software too. The license-free SME open source package offers a wide range of powerful applications such as office software, ERP, CRM, artificial intelligence, document management, and much more. Who this SME open source package is intended for – and who it is not intended for The SME OpenSource Package was curated by Tolksdorf.digital and describes an open innovation approach: Existing systems are being further developed, proven technologies are being retained - supplemented by open source, AI, and structured integration. This package is not a software bundle and is not a substitute for a traditional IT system house. It is aimed at companies that want to develop their existing IT in a meaningful way—independently, with a focus on solutions and a clear view of feasibility and acceptance. It is intended for SMEs, who are tired of license-driven dependencies, want to use open source strategically instead of just exchanging tools, and see digitalization as a shared journey with their teams. It is not intended for organizations, who expect a ready-made standard solution “out of the box,” or view digitization exclusively as a technology project. Schedule an appointment and discuss the SME OpenSource package Open-Source Software (OSS) or proprietary software (PSW) Beispiele: CRM, ERP, Internet of Things, Office, Collaboration, Video, … Funktionalität: Bei OSS und PSW oft ähnlich Typische Ausgangssituation Selbst gehostet Exklusiver Mietserver Öffentlich verfügbare Lösung Starkes Kosten- UND Sicherheitsbewusstsein OSS Keine Lizenzkosten Source Code verfügbar Eigene Wartung (evtl. extra je Anbieter) Community entwickelt freiwillig, öffentlich Unternehmerische oder Compliance-Gründe Zeit oder Know-how begrenzt PSW License fees Source Code NICHT verfügbar Wartungskosten je Anbieter Hersteller entwickeln nach eigenem Plan Examples: CRM, ERP, Internet of Things, Office, Collaboration, Video, … Functionality: OSS and PSW are often similar in functionality Typical starting situation Self-hosted Exclusive rented server Publicly available solution Strong cost and security awareness OSS No licence costs Source code available Own maintenance (possibly extra depending on provider) Community develops voluntarily and publicly Business or compliance reasons Limited time or know-how PSW Licence costs Source code NOT available Maintenance costs depend on provider Vendors develop according to their own roadmap Software Costs per Employee / Month Lizenzsoftware (SaaS-Stack) Großer SaaS-Stack ca. 400 € – 465 € Typischer SaaS-Stack ca. 125 € – 150 € Microsoft 365 & CRM-Tools ca. 30 € – 100 € Quellen: BetterCloud / SaaS-Management-Benchmarks Threadgold Consulting / SaaS Spend Benchmark Prof. Dr. Urs Gattiker VS. Open-Source-Stack Wartung & Support ca. 20 € – 80 € Hosting & Betrieb ca. 10 € – 40 € Lizenzkosten Software 0 € Quellen: Open Source Initiative Praxis-Benchmarks aus Self-Hosting und IT-Betrieb Licensed Software (SaaS Stack) Large SaaS stack approx. €400 – €465 Typical SaaS stack approx. €125 – €150 Microsoft 365 & CRM tools approx. €30 – €100 Sources: BetterCloud / SaaS management benchmarks Threadgold Consulting / SaaS spend benchmark Prof. Dr. Urs Gattiker VS. Open-Source Stack Maintenance & support approx. €20 – €80 Hosting & operations approx. €10 – €40 Software licence costs €0 Sources: Open Source Initiative Practical benchmarks from self-hosting and IT operations Flexibility and Independence for your Business: The SME Opensource Package Every company has its own starting position and individual working methods and goals, which can also change over time. This should not result in any dependencies. The KMU-Opensource package is the basis that enables precisely this and accompanies and supports companies in their development. This includes business planning (ERP), customer management (CRM) and much more. The Services "Strategy + Planning" and "Timeboxed Innovation" can be used to set this up to suit the company appropriately. Use Case How the company SRW-Ulm introduced the KMU-Opensource package and which modules are currently being used. More Info System Brief Operating-Platform Individually and modular expandable Opensource Application Package Examples: Marketing, CRM, ERP, Service, etc... Available on devices of you choice, whereever you work Workflows and Integration Digital Engineering Develop and communicate adaptations, extensions, know-how Orchestration of the open source software package for server platform and operating platform Integration of the server platform in the respective IT environment Programming with Low Code Appsmith and configuration) of apps, Baserow, Budibase, n8n Integration of chargeable additional options Knowhow transfer Server-Platform Secure and stable IT basis for the operating platform, system services and data Operation in own IT environment or data centers Data Management, Data-Integration Zurück Nächstes Guiding principle: Freedom and Reliability in the digital Transformation Free choice of computer Our solutions run on computers that users like and chose freely PC, Notebooks Apple Mac Chromebook Smartphones and Tablets Free choice of operating system Our solutions run on operating systems that IT and users like to use Windows Apple MacOS, IOS Linux Free choice of operating location The servers run where management and IT consider it right and secure Own IT environment in the company In the data center (own private cloud) In a public cloud Architecture, processes, applications Server-Platform Completely license-free solution proxmox virtualization, Docker, Portainer, backup Reverse Proxy (Cloudflare, Caddy, Apache) Linux Operating System (Debian, Ubuntu) Nextcloud Hub Private Mailcow E-Mail Server (Option) Integration Cloud (Google, Microsoft) and Data Storage Internet domain management with Cloudflare or Hetzner (not opensource) Virtual workplaces Operating-Platform Completely license-free solution LibreOffice (compatible to Microsoft Office) Apps for Nextcloud Hub: Intranet, CRM, Projects, Collaboration, etc. e-Learning (Academy) odoo as one ERP solution for two locations in Kreuzlingen (CH) and Konstanz (DE) incl. Swiss SMB- and German SKR04-chart of accounts (alternativly SKR03), >> Overview >> CRM, Website, Newsletter-Marketing, Lead-Management >> Project Management, Warehouse, Timesheets >> Wages, banking, taxes and receipts in extra solutions Digital Innovation Plattform Digital innovation platform consisting of server and operating platform plus optional customizations. Server- Platform Secure - Connected - Expandable Operation always under your own control at your premises or at the data center License-free open source software Including documentation and access for independent administration Linux: Debian and Ubuntu as lean, extremely reliable operating systems for servers and clients Univention Corporate Server (UCS) for managing IT infrastructure and domains Nextcloud Hub: Secure data storage and collaboration without compliance and security risks Proxmox und TrueNAS: Provide data and applications securely, networked and scalable n8n: Automation, Workflows and Integration AirByte: Data Integration, artificial intelligence Mailcow: private Mailserver Operating- Platform Collaboration + Corporate Management Cohesively designed standard apps and applications that users love License-free open source software Including documentation and access for independent administration LibreOffice and Collabora Online license cost free MS-Office alternative Digital market cultivation Easy to use odoo - solution for CRM, Marketing, Newsletter, Sales, e-Commerce, Service, Projects, Websites and e-learning Business management usind license cost free odoo Community Ressource Planning (ERP) >> Digital market cultivation >> Finance and general ledger >> Projects and Production >> Portal and Collaboration >> Internet of Things (IoT) >> odoo-App-Store Adaptations, Digital Engineering Tailor made Orchestration of Solutions Individual Developments and Addons for special Requirements Paid-Upgrades on Opensource Software Including Development Documentation and Installation Instructions Fullstack Lowcode Addons using Appsmith, Baserow, Budibase and n8n Mobile and Portal-Solutions Paid odoo standard apps, odoo Enterprise or Online Edition Agile, cost-efficient individual projects: odoo developments, marketplaces, platforms and ecosystems from mindset.swiss for more growth Tools + Methods used Use Case: Opensource Navigator from Tolksdorf.digital An SME innovation project by Rainer Tolksdorf Purpose: Proof of the suitability of Free Open Source Software (FOSS) for everyday business and innovation uses the server and operating platform with artificial intelligence (opensource and chatGPT[1] ) Uses the Blog Feature of odoo Hosting as a private cloud solution from Tolksdorf.digital GmbH at Hetzner in Germany Was created by Rainer Tolksdorf with license-free opensource software [1] This functionality is used in the publicly inaccessible parts of odoo and nextcloud. More Info Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Why do large companies use open-source software? Many large companies rely on open-source software because it enables a high degree of technological independence, scalability, and innovation . Open source code allows software to be customized to meet specific requirements and further developed independently of individual vendors. At the same time, companies benefit from globally active developer communities that continuously drive new features and security updates. That is why open-source technologies now form the foundation of many core IT systems—from cloud infrastructures and databases to container platforms. Major cloud providers, industrial companies, and internet platforms not only use open source as users but also often actively participate in the further development of this software. How can an existing Microsoft infrastructure be supplemented with the open-source SME package? In many companies, open-source software is used not as a replacement for, but as a supplement to, the existing Microsoft environment. Typical combinations include, for example: Document management with Nextcloud in addition to Microsoft file sharing Automating Processes with n8n AI-powered knowledge systems or search functions Integration of existing systems via APIs This allows companies to add new features without having to completely replace their existing infrastructure. Is the effort required to implement and maintain open-source software greater than that for Microsoft or other licensed software? The workload is often distributed differently , but it isn't necessarily greater. With traditional licensed software, part of the work falls to the manufacturer, whereas with open-source software, the company or service provider has more control. Typical differences: Licensed software Open Source The cretator/licensor/provider handles updates Updates flexibly planable The roadmap is determined by the provider Customizations available License fees Usually no licensing fees In practice, it is primarily the system architecture and the degree of integration that matter, not the type of license. Is open-source software insecure? No. Security does not depend on whether software is open source or proprietary. Many of the world's most important IT systems are based on open source, for example: Linux Kubernetes PostgreSQL The advantage of open source is that the source code can be publicly reviewed. However, security always comes from: Clean configuration Updates Monitoring Professional operation Does open-source software have poor user interfaces? This prejudice often stems from the past. Modern open-source softwa