SME Opensource Solutions: flexibly customizable and license-free

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 Unternehmerische oder Compliance-Gründe Zeit oder Know-how begrenzt PSW 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 Business or compliance reasons Limited time or know-how PSW .td-opsw-matrix { margin: 2rem 0; font-family: 'Carlito', 'Carlito', sans-serif; color: #111; } .td-opsw-title { font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; } .td-opsw-subtitle { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.45; color: #333; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; } .td-opsw-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.2fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; grid-template-rows: auto 1fr 1fr 1fr; border: 1px solid #d2d7df; background: #dfe6f0; overflow: hidden; } .td-opsw-cell { box-sizing: border-box; border: 1px solid #d2d7df; padding: 14px 12px; background: #eef2f7; min-height: 88px; } .td-opsw-head { background: #0a4a96; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: 1.2; } .td-opsw-lefthead { text-align: left; } .td-opsw-rowhead { background: #dbe3ef; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.25; } .td-opsw-empty { background: #f3f6fa; } .td-opsw-zone { position: relative; color: #fff; padding: 22px 20px 20px 20px; min-height: 170px; } .td-opsw-oss { background: linear-gradient(180deg, #5e85b7 0%, #658bbc 100%); } .td-opsw-psw { background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f85d64 0%, #ef5a60 100%); clip-path: polygon(0 0, 78% 0, 100% 100%, 0 100%); min-height: 170px; } .td-opsw-badge { display: inline-block; padding: 10px 22px; border-radius: 999px; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 14px; line-height: 1; color: #fff; } .td-opsw-badge-blue { background: #003f8f; } .td-opsw-badge-red { background: #e21f1f; } .td-opsw-zone ul { margin: 0; padding-left: 1.2rem; } .td-opsw-zone li { margin: 0.38rem 0; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.35; font-weight: 600; } .td-opsw-muted { opacity: 0.92; font-weight: 500; } @media (max-width: 980px) { .td-opsw-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; grid-template-rows: none; border: none; background: transparent; gap: 10px; } .td-opsw-cell { min-height: auto; border: 1px solid #d2d7df; } .td-opsw-zone, .td-opsw-psw, .td-opsw-oss-main { grid-column: auto !important; grid-row: auto !important; clip-path: none; min-height: auto; } .td-opsw-head { text-align: left; } .td-opsw-title { font-size: 1.6rem; } } @media (max-width: 800px) { .td-opsw-grid { display: block; } .td-opsw-head { display: none; } .td-opsw-rowhead { font-size: 1rem; margin-top: 10px; } .td-opsw-oss, .td-opsw-psw { clip-path: none !important; margin: 12px 0; border-radius: 12px; } .td-opsw-zone { padding: 18px; } } (function () { var path = window.location.pathname || ""; var isEnglish = path.indexOf("/en/") === 0 || path === "/en" || path.indexOf("/en?") === 0; var root = document.getElementById("oss-psw-matrix"); if (!root) return; var deBlock = root.querySelector(".td-opsw-de"); var enBlock = root.querySelector(".td-opsw-en"); if (isEnglish) { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "none"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "block"; } else { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "block"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "none"; } })(); 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

.td-opsw-matrix { margin: 2rem 0; font-family: 'Carlito', 'Carlito', sans-serif; color: #111; } .td-opsw-title { font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; } .td-opsw-subtitle { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.45; color: #333; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; } .td-opsw-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.2fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; grid-template-rows: auto 1fr 1fr 1fr; border: 1px solid #d2d7df; background: #dfe6f0; overflow: hidden; } .td-opsw-cell { box-sizing: border-box; border: 1px solid #d2d7df; padding: 14px 12px; background: #eef2f7; min-height: 88px; } .td-opsw-head { background: #0a4a96; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: 1.2; } .td-opsw-lefthead { text-align: left; } .td-opsw-rowhead { background: #dbe3ef; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.25; } .td-opsw-empty { background: #f3f6fa; } .td-opsw-zone { position: relative; color: #fff; padding: 22px 20px 20px 20px; min-height: 170px; } .td-opsw-oss { background: linear-gradient(180deg, #5e85b7 0%, #658bbc 100%); } .td-opsw-psw { background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f85d64 0%, #ef5a60 100%); clip-path: polygon(0 0, 78% 0, 100% 100%, 0 100%); min-height: 170px; } .td-opsw-badge { display: inline-block; padding: 10px 22px; border-radius: 999px; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 14px; line-height: 1; color: #fff; } .td-opsw-badge-blue { background: #003f8f; } .td-opsw-badge-red { background: #e21f1f; } .td-opsw-zone ul { margin: 0; padding-left: 1.2rem; } .td-opsw-zone li { margin: 0.38rem 0; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.35; font-weight: 600; } .td-opsw-muted { opacity: 0.92; font-weight: 500; } @media (max-width: 980px) { .td-opsw-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; grid-template-rows: none; border: none; background: transparent; gap: 10px; } .td-opsw-cell { min-height: auto; border: 1px solid #d2d7df; } .td-opsw-zone, .td-opsw-psw, .td-opsw-oss-main { grid-column: auto !important; grid-row: auto !important; clip-path: none; min-height: auto; } .td-opsw-head { text-align: left; } .td-opsw-title { font-size: 1.6rem; } } @media (max-width: 800px) { .td-opsw-grid { display: block; } .td-opsw-head { display: none; } .td-opsw-rowhead { font-size: 1rem; margin-top: 10px; } .td-opsw-oss, .td-opsw-psw { clip-path: none !important; margin: 12px 0; border-radius: 12px; } .td-opsw-zone { padding: 18px; } } (function () { var path = window.location.pathname || ""; var isEnglish = path.indexOf("/en/") === 0 || path === "/en" || path.indexOf("/en?") === 0; var root = document.getElementById("oss-psw-matrix"); if (!root) return; var deBlock = root.querySelector(".td-opsw-de"); var enBlock = root.querySelector(".td-opsw-en"); if (isEnglish) { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "none"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "block"; } else { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "block"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "none"; } })();

Software Costs per Employee / Month

Lizenzsoftware (SaaS-Stack) Großer SaaS-Stack Typischer SaaS-Stack Microsoft 365 & CRM-Tools Quellen: VS. Open-Source-Stack Wartung & Support Hosting & Betrieb Lizenzkosten Software Quellen: Licensed Software (SaaS Stack) Large SaaS stack Typical SaaS stack Microsoft 365 & CRM tools Sources: VS. Open-Source Stack Maintenance & support Hosting & operations Software licence costs Sources: .td-cost-graphic { margin: 2rem 0; font-family: 'Carlito', 'Carlito', sans-serif; color: #222; } .tdcg-inner { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; background: #f7f7f7; border-radius: 18px; padding: 32px 24px; box-sizing: border-box; } .td-cost-graphic h2 { text-align: center; font-size: 2rem; margin: 0 0 28px 0; line-height: 1.2; } .tdcg-columns { display: flex; align-items: stretch; justify-content: center; gap: 20px; flex-wrap: wrap; } .tdcg-col { flex: 1 1 360px; min-width: 300px; border-radius: 16px; overflow: hidden; background: #fff; box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); } .tdcg-head { color: #fff; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; padding: 18px 16px; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-head { background: #1f5fbf; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-head { background: #3e8f2f; } .tdcg-row { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 18px; align-items: center; padding: 18px 20px; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.35; color: #fff; font-weight: 600; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-row:nth-child(2) { background: #245fba; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-row:nth-child(3) { background: #2f73d8; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-row:nth-child(4) { background: #78a8eb; color: #10345f; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-row:nth-child(2) { background: #3f8f31; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-row:nth-child(3) { background: #55a742; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-row:nth-child(4) { background: #8bc34a; color: #203d10; } .tdcg-row strong { white-space: nowrap; font-size: 1.15rem; } .tdcg-small { font-size: 1rem; } .tdcg-vs { align-self: center; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 700; color: #666; padding: 0 8px; } .tdcg-source { background: #fff; color: #333; padding: 18px 20px 20px; font-size: 0.97rem; } .tdcg-source-title { font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 8px; } .tdcg-source ul { margin: 0; padding-left: 18px; } .tdcg-source li { margin: 0 0 6px 0; } @media (max-width: 900px) { .tdcg-columns { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; } .tdcg-vs { text-align: center; padding: 6px 0; } } @media (max-width: 640px) { .tdcg-inner { padding: 20px 14px; } .td-cost-graphic h2 { font-size: 1.55rem; } .tdcg-head { font-size: 1.2rem; } .tdcg-row { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; font-size: 1rem; } .tdcg-row strong { white-space: normal; font-size: 1.05rem; } } (function () { var path = window.location.pathname || ""; var isEnglish = path.indexOf("/en/") === 0 || path.indexOf("/en") === 0; var root = document.getElementById("software-cost-infographic"); if (!root) return; var deBlock = root.querySelector(".tdcg-de"); var enBlock = root.querySelector(".tdcg-en"); if (isEnglish) { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "none"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "block"; } else { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "block"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "none"; } })(); 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

.td-cost-graphic { margin: 2rem 0; font-family: 'Carlito', 'Carlito', sans-serif; color: #222; } .tdcg-inner { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; background: #f7f7f7; border-radius: 18px; padding: 32px 24px; box-sizing: border-box; } .td-cost-graphic h2 { text-align: center; font-size: 2rem; margin: 0 0 28px 0; line-height: 1.2; } .tdcg-columns { display: flex; align-items: stretch; justify-content: center; gap: 20px; flex-wrap: wrap; } .tdcg-col { flex: 1 1 360px; min-width: 300px; border-radius: 16px; overflow: hidden; background: #fff; box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); } .tdcg-head { color: #fff; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; padding: 18px 16px; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-head { background: #1f5fbf; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-head { background: #3e8f2f; } .tdcg-row { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 18px; align-items: center; padding: 18px 20px; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.35; color: #fff; font-weight: 600; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-row:nth-child(2) { background: #245fba; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-row:nth-child(3) { background: #2f73d8; } .tdcg-blue .tdcg-row:nth-child(4) { background: #78a8eb; color: #10345f; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-row:nth-child(2) { background: #3f8f31; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-row:nth-child(3) { background: #55a742; } .tdcg-green .tdcg-row:nth-child(4) { background: #8bc34a; color: #203d10; } .tdcg-row strong { white-space: nowrap; font-size: 1.15rem; } .tdcg-small { font-size: 1rem; } .tdcg-vs { align-self: center; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 700; color: #666; padding: 0 8px; } .tdcg-source { background: #fff; color: #333; padding: 18px 20px 20px; font-size: 0.97rem; } .tdcg-source-title { font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 8px; } .tdcg-source ul { margin: 0; padding-left: 18px; } .tdcg-source li { margin: 0 0 6px 0; } @media (max-width: 900px) { .tdcg-columns { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; } .tdcg-vs { text-align: center; padding: 6px 0; } } @media (max-width: 640px) { .tdcg-inner { padding: 20px 14px; } .td-cost-graphic h2 { font-size: 1.55rem; } .tdcg-head { font-size: 1.2rem; } .tdcg-row { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; font-size: 1rem; } .tdcg-row strong { white-space: normal; font-size: 1.05rem; } } (function () { var path = window.location.pathname || ""; var isEnglish = path.indexOf("/en/") === 0 || path.indexOf("/en") === 0; var root = document.getElementById("software-cost-infographic"); if (!root) return; var deBlock = root.querySelector(".tdcg-de"); var enBlock = root.querySelector(".tdcg-en"); if (isEnglish) { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "none"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "block"; } else { if (deBlock) deBlock.style.display = "block"; if (enBlock) enBlock.style.display = "none"; } })();

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 softwareOpen SourceThe cretator/licensor/provider handles updatesUpdates flexibly planableThe roadmap is determined by the providerCustomizations availableLicense feesUsually 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 software often has excellent user interfaces these days.

Examples:

• Nextcloud
• OnlyOffice
• odoo
• ERPNext

Many of these applications are actively being developed and are based on modern web standards.

Is there open-source software available for the cloud as well?

Yes. Many open-source systems today are designed specifically for cloud environments.

Typical models are:

• Self-hosted cloud systems
• Managed hosting provided by a service provider
• Hybrid architectures

An open-source stack can therefore be run

• in its own data center
• on a cloud server
• or in mixed environments​

and be monitored.

Why do companies choose open-source software?

Companies often choose open-source software because it offers greater independence, control, and flexibility than traditional licensed software. The source code is openly available, allowing systems to be customized as needed or managed by various service providers. This reduces dependence on individual vendors or licensing models. Additionally, companies can build a stable IT architecture for the long term and better adapt it to their own processes. Other advantages often include lower licensing costs and the ability to leverage modern technologies that are continuously refined by international developer communities. As a result, open source is now used not only by startups but also by large enterprises, cloud providers, and public organizations worldwide.

Will I lose support if I use open source?

No. Support is also available for open-source software.

The difference lies in the support model.

With traditional licensed software, support is usually provided directly by the provider.

With open-source software, support can be provided in various ways:

• by specialized service providers
• by the managed hosting provider
• by internal IT teams
• by the developer community

In fact, many companies appreciate the greater flexibility this offers.

You can switch support partners without having to switch software.

This reduces dependence on individual manufacturers.

How does support work in practice with open source?

Typical models are:

ModelDescriptionCommunity-SupportHelp via forums, documentation, or developersManaged HostingOperation and updates provided by a service providerService providesConsulting, Integration, and MaintenanceOwn ITinternal administration

Many companies combine several of these models.

Conclusion

Open-source software does not mean “no support,” but rather the freedom to choose your support model.

Companies can decide whether they

• operate it yourself,
• hire a service provider,
• or use managed hosting.

Independence through open documentation

• Projects and solutions are described briefly and transparently so that you or your partners can use and manage the IT systems independently.

Tolksdorf.digital supports and uses open source software

• Strengthening independence
• Significant advantages such as stability and low costs

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Planning and Implementation Services

So that the solution provides benefits in everyday business

• Finding solutions that suit your company with Innovation Engineering
• Implementing solutions safely with digital engineering and project management

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Fachliche Leitung / Subject Matter Lead: Rainer Tolksdorf | | Tolksdorf.digital

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