Open-source business apps
Proven open-source tools for files, passwords, chat and operations, with no per-user fees.
The problem
Every new starter adds another licence fee. Files in one service, passwords in another, chat in a third, each charging per person per month. The bills grow with your team, and your data sits in someone else's system.
There are mature open-source tools that do the same jobs. The software itself has no licence fees. What it needs is someone to set it up properly, host it securely and keep it updated. That is what I do.
What's included
- Choosing the right tools with you, based on how your team actually works.
- Setting them up on a dedicated server in a UK data centre.
- Moving your files, passwords and records across from the old services.
- Showing your team round, so nobody is left guessing.
- Ongoing hosting and care: updates, security patches, backups and monitoring.
Office in a box
The everyday tools a small team needs, in one place.
| Tool | What it does | Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Nextcloud with Collabora | Files, sharing, and documents and spreadsheets edited in the browser | Dropbox, Google Drive |
| Vaultwarden | A shared password manager for the team | 1Password, LastPass |
| Zulip | Team chat, organised by topic | Slack |
Business systems
For running operations and people, not just files and chat.
| Tool | What it does | Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| ERPNext | Stock, orders, purchasing and operations | NetSuite, Sage, Unleashed |
| Frappe HR | Staff records, holidays and absence | BambooHR, BreatheHR |
What you get at the end
Your team using tools that do the job, on a server in the UK, with no per-user fees. Adding a new starter costs nothing extra.
Your data in standard formats that you own, with tested backups. If you ever want to move, to another host or away from me, you can.
How it's priced
A one-off setup fee, then a fixed monthly fee for hosting and care that covers every app on your server. There are no per-user fees, so adding people doesn't add cost. I'll quote once I know what you need.
Who it's for
- Small teams paying per user for files, passwords and chat.
- Businesses that want their data hosted in the UK, under their control.
- Growing businesses whose software bills are rising faster than their headcount.
Questions
Is it really free?
The software has no licence fees. You pay me for the setup and a monthly fee for hosting and care. Because there are no per-user fees, adding people doesn't add cost.
Where is it hosted?
On a dedicated server in a UK data centre, so your data stays in the UK.
How long does setup take?
Usually one to two weeks from go-ahead to your team using it, including moving your files across.
What if we want to leave?
You can. The tools are open source and your data is in standard formats. I will help you move it, wherever you are going.
How do I pay for the setup?
Half when you give the go-ahead, half when your team is up and running. Hosting and care is billed monthly.
Anything else I should know about prices?
- Retainer clients get 10% off project work and the breach rate.
- Out-of-hours emergency work is by arrangement, not a 24/7 promise.
- I'm not VAT registered, so there is no VAT to add.
Talk through your setup
Tell me what your team uses now and what it costs. I will tell you honestly whether moving makes sense.