What is the difference between Odoo Community and Odoo Enterprise?

If you are considering Odoo as an ERP for your company, you need to know what the differences are between Odoo Community and Odoo Enterprise so that you can choose the right one. This assessment is crucial, as many who start researching Odoo encounter these two versions and have questions, so below we provide some key points to consider that may help you.

How to know which version is right for your business?

While Odoo Community is an excellent option for many startups, Odoo Enterprise may be the right choice for others that are already growing. In this blog, we will evaluate both options to identify which one best fits your company.

Odoo is one of the most well-known business management programs that helps users manage ERP, e-commerce, and a variety of other applications. Currently, there are over 7 million Odoo users worldwide..

What isOdoo Community andwhat is the origin ofOdoo Enterprise?

Odoo Community is the freeand open-source version of Odoo, which is developed collaboratively by a global community of developers and users. In this version, anyone can contribute to the code, report bugs, or add new functionalities to the software.

On the other hand, Odoo Enterprise was created in response to the demand from companies that need a more advanced, integrated business management solution with professional support. It offers all the functionalities of the Community version, but with additional services such as guaranteed updates, maintenance, technical support, and access to a series of exclusive applications that we will discuss in detail later.

Now that you know a little about each one, we will tell you more about the factors that differentiate them.

Let's talk about Hosting

Odoo does not provide management for the Community version, so the most common option is management by a third party on a local server or on a dedicated cloud server; however, for Odoo Enterprise, you can choose between these options:

• Odoo Enterprise Cloud(Odoo .SH)

It is a cloud hosting service from Odoo that provides us with high availability, security, and scalability, as well as automatic software updates and regular backups. It also allows the installation of third-party applications, access to the backend, customizations with Studio, and the possibility of integration with other platforms. The cost of this service varies depending on the number of users and the information hosted in the ERP system.

• Odoo Enterprise On-Premise

It is a hosting option that involves installing Odoo on a local server or on a dedicated cloud server managed by a third party, which requires a greater investment in hardware, setup time, and maintenance of the instance.

• Odoo Enterprise Online

It is a cloud hosting service from Odoo for companies that are starting out and need support in server management. It offers high availability, backups, security, and scalability, as well as automatic software updates. It does not include installation of third-party applications, access to the backend, customizations with Studio, and the possibility of integration with other platforms. The cost of this service varies according to the number of users and the information hosted in the ERP system.

Now that we are clarifying the picture, let's name other differences between the two, follow us.

Modules and Applications

First of all,the Enterprise version is available for mobile devices. Customers who purchase Enterprise have the option to download the Odoo app on their mobile devices and work on their database from anywhere, without having to worry about screen size since the Odoo app automatically adapts to the size of their device; this functionality is not available for Community users.

While both editions offer a complete set of basic applications for managing businesses, the Enterprise version brings us some exclusive applications and offers advanced functionalities for specific market types and needs, in:

Support and warranty

For customers who purchased an Enterprise subscription, Odoo offers a technical support service, which includes email assistance, as well as updates, versions, and security patches for the software. The warranty is permanent during the subscription period.

Updates: Odoo annually announces its new version where it showcases new features and improvements added. These regular updates include enhancements in functionality, bug fixes, and security patches.

Users and experiences

In Odoo Enterprise, the user interface is designed to be attractive and easy to navigate. It can be customized to meet the specific needs of the business and used on both mobile applications and desktop computers.

On the other hand, in Odoo Community, the user experience is not as advanced as in Enterprise and may require more effort in terms of customization and configuration. This version only allows access to the software from a desktop computer.

Price

Although the Community version is free, if your company does not have a team of Odoo programming experts, you will need to hire services from an external provider. That’s why we recommend not to rely solely on costs but to analyze the needs of the company and evaluate which version of Odoo can provide you with the right solutions.

It is Odoo Communityfor you if:

• Your business is starting out and you do not need advanced functionalities, just a free open-source software platform.
• You are willing to manage your business with multiple platforms.
• You do not need integrations with other business applications.
• You do not need regular updates or improvements to the software.
• You do not need technical support or professional assistance.
• You do not need to comply with security and privacy standards.

It isOdoo Enterprisefor you if:

• You have a company that needs a scalable, customizable software platform with advanced functionalities.
• You need to manage your business from a single platform.
• You need integrations or custom third-party applications to meet your specific business needs.
• You need access to regular updates and improvements to the software.
  
• You need technical support and professional assistance.
  
• You are looking for a software solution that meets security and privacy standards.

Do you already know which version fits your company?

If you need help deciding whichERPis best for your company's needs, feel free to contact us.