However, small and medium business owners now have access to cutting edge ERP systems free of charge thanks to Free and open source software (FLOSS). Sourceforge.net lists a number of ERP & CRM systems. The most advanced and complete are ADempiere, Compiere and OpenBravo.
These Web-based ERP & CRM systems operate both on Windows, Mac, Solaris and Linux operating systems.
For businesses who do not need the complete functionality of ERP, other FLOSS exist to meet their needs. These include GNUcash and TurboCash.
As with all ERP systems, these still require considerable investments for consultation and implementation. But users will save in both the immediate and long term since they will never have to pay software licensing fees. Companies will also have their data saved according to international standards. Therefore, implementing new functions and fusing with other systems will be much smoother than if two non-compatible proprietary formats must be joined together.
Without going the FOSS route, small and medium businesses can now use Web based tools such as Google Apps (email, spreadsheets, word processor, presentation, and more). Adobe recently announced it will offer a web-based version of its popular Photoshop software.
Basically, there has never been a better time to truly become a fully digital firm.
