Open Source productivity tools

Here we try to list the open-source/self-hosted alternatives for productivity tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Office for businesses. These tools offer similar features to their proprietary counterparts but provide greater control over data and customization options.

Business Productivity Tools

1. Communication/Collaboration Platforms (Slack/Discord/Teams/Chat alternatives)

• Mattermost
  • Features: Channels, direct messaging, integrations, and plugins.
  • Tech Stack: JavaScript, React (frontend), Golang (backend).
  • Notes: Strong security options and works well in regulated environments.
• Rocket.Chat
  • Features: Group chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and integrations.
  • Tech Stack: JavaScript, Node.js.
  • Notes: Supports federation, which is ideal for distributed teams.
• Zulip
  • Features: Threaded conversations, channels, integrations.
  • Tech Stack: Python (Django), JavaScript.
  • Notes: Known for organizing conversations better than most other chat systems.

2. Document Management and Collaboration (Google Workspace alternatives)

• Nextcloud
  • Features: File storage, document editing, calendar, email, video calls.
  • Tech Stack: PHP (backend), JavaScript (frontend).
  • Notes: Offers extensive customization and a range of integrations.
• ONLYOFFICE
  • Features: Document, spreadsheet, presentation editing; compatible with MS Office formats.
  • Tech Stack: JavaScript, Node.js.
  • Notes: Can integrate with Nextcloud for a complete collaborative suite.
• Seafile
  • Features: File storage, sharing, and syncing.
  • Tech Stack: Python (backend), JavaScript (frontend).
  • Notes: Lightweight and optimized for secure file sharing.

3. Email and Calendar (Gmail/Google Calendar alternatives)

• Zimbra
  • Features: Email, calendar, contacts, task management.
  • Tech Stack: Java, MySQL.
  • Notes: Solid email and calendar solution; includes spam protection and collaboration features.
• SOGo
  • Features: Email, calendar, task management.
  • Tech Stack: Java, Objective-C.
  • Notes: Known for seamless ActiveSync support, which allows smooth syncing with mobile devices.

4. Project Management (Jira/Trello/Asana alternatives)

• OpenProject
  • Features: Project planning, task tracking, Gantt charts, Agile boards.
  • Tech Stack: Ruby on Rails.
  • Notes: Great for comprehensive project management and task tracking.
• Taiga
  • Features: Kanban, Scrum, task management, and project tracking.
  • Tech Stack: Python (backend), Angular (frontend).
  • Notes: Well-suited for Agile project management.

5. Video Conferencing (Zoom/Google Meet alternatives)

• Jitsi Meet
  • Features: Video and voice calls, screen sharing, and recording.
  • Tech Stack: JavaScript, React.
  • Notes: Simple to set up; allows calls directly from the browser without plugins.
• BigBlueButton
  • Features: Video calls, screen sharing, chat, whiteboards, breakout rooms.
  • Tech Stack: Java, Node.js.
  • Notes: Geared towards online learning but works well for remote meetings.

6. Knowledge Base Management / Note-taking / Wiki (OneNote/Confluence alternatives)

• BookStack
  • Features: Documentation, wikis, page hierarchies, markdown support.
  • Tech Stack: PHP, Laravel.
  • Notes: Best for internal documentation and wiki needs.
• Wiki.js
  • Features: Markdown-based content, search, access control.
  • Tech Stack: Node.js, Vue.js.
  • Notes: Very customizable, with good integration options and a sleek interface.
• Logseq/Obsidian/Notion
  • Features: Note-taking, knowledge management, task tracking.
  • Tech Stack: ClojureScript, Electron (Logseq); JavaScript (Obsidian); React (Notion).
  • Notes: Ideal for personal knowledge management and team collaboration.
• Roam Research / RemNote
  • Features: Note-taking, knowledge graph, spaced repetition.
  • Tech Stack: ClojureScript (Roam); JavaScript (RemNote).

  • Notes: Focus on building a personal knowledge graph and spaced repetition for learning.

7. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) (HubSpot/Salesforce alternatives)

• SuiteCRM
  • Features: Contact management, sales automation, workflow automation.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Open-source CRM focused on customization and scalability.
• EspoCRM
  • Features: Contact management, sales, marketing automation.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Lightweight and customizable, with a modern interface.

8. File Storage and Backup (Dropbox/Google Drive alternatives)

• Syncthing
  • Features: Real-time file syncing across devices, no central server.
  • Tech Stack: Go.
  • Notes: Great for P2P file syncing and backup.
• Minio
  • Features: Object storage compatible with S3 APIs.
  • Tech Stack: Go.
  • Notes: Designed for high-performance file storage; works well as an S3 alternative.

9. Password Management (LastPass/1Password alternatives)

• Bitwarden
  • Features: Secure password storage, team sharing, cross-platform.
  • Tech Stack: C#, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Supports two-factor authentication and easy sharing for teams.
• Passbolt
  • Features: Password sharing for teams, encryption, role-based access.
  • Tech Stack: PHP, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Specifically designed for secure password sharing in organizations.

10. Analytics and Tracking (Google Analytics alternatives)

• Matomo
  • Features: Visitor tracking, goals, conversions, SEO insights.
  • Tech Stack: PHP, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Fully compliant with GDPR and provides privacy-focused analytics.
• Plausible Analytics
  • Features: Real-time analytics, simple metrics dashboard.
  • Tech Stack: Elixir.
  • Notes: Lightweight and privacy-friendly, ideal for startups focused on simplicity.

11. Business Intelligence (Tableau/Power BI alternatives)

• Metabase
  • Features: Data visualization, dashboards, SQL querying.
  • Tech Stack: Clojure, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Easy to set up and use, with a focus on simplicity and user-friendliness.
• Redash
  • Features: Querying, visualization, dashboards, collaboration.
  • Tech Stack: Python, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Supports a wide range of data sources and is highly customizable.
• LookerStudio
  • Features: Data exploration, visualization, embedded analytics.
  • Tech Stack: SaaS

  • Notes: Ideal for data-driven organizations looking for advanced analytics capabilities.

12. Time Tracking and Invoicing (Toggl/FreshBooks alternatives)

• Kimai
  • Features: Time tracking, invoicing, reporting.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Ideal for freelancers and small businesses looking for a self-hosted solution.
• Invoice Ninja
  • Features: Invoicing, payments, time tracking.
  • Tech Stack: PHP, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Comprehensive invoicing and payment tracking for small businesses.

13. HR and Payroll Management (BambooHR/Paycor alternatives)

• OrangeHRM
  • Features: Employee management, leave tracking, recruitment.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Comprehensive HR solution with a focus on employee self-service.
• IceHrm
  • Features: HR management, recruitment, attendance tracking.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Offers a range of HR modules and is easy to set up and use.

14. Customer Support and Ticketing (Zendesk alternatives)

• osTicket
  • Features: Ticketing system, customer support, knowledge base.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Simple and lightweight ticketing system for customer support.
• Helpy
  • Features: Knowledge base, ticketing, community forums.
  • Tech Stack: Ruby on Rails.
  • Notes: Focuses on self-service support and community engagement.

15. E-commerce Platforms (Shopify alternatives)

• WooCommerce
  • Features: E-commerce plugin for WordPress, product management, payments.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Highly customizable and integrates well with WordPress sites.
• PrestaShop
  • Features: E-commerce platform, product catalog, order management.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Offers a range of e-commerce features and is easy to set up and use.

16. Marketing Automation (HubSpot Marketing alternatives)

• Mautic
  • Features: Email marketing, lead tracking, campaign management.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Open-source marketing automation platform with a focus on lead nurturing.
• Sendy
  • Features: Email marketing, list management, drip campaigns.
  • Tech Stack: PHP.
  • Notes: Self-hosted email marketing solution with a one-time payment model.

17. Social Media Management (Hootsuite alternatives)

• Crowdfire
  • Features: Social media scheduling, content curation, analytics.
  • Tech Stack: Ruby on Rails.
  • Notes: Helps manage multiple social media accounts and track engagement.
• SocialBee
  • Features: Social media scheduling, content categories, analytics.
  • Tech Stack: JavaScript, Node.js.
  • Notes: Focuses on content recycling and category-based posting.

18. Video Editing and Production (Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives)

• OBS Studio
  • Features: Video recording, live streaming, scene composition.
  • Tech Stack: C, C++, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Ideal for live streaming and recording video content.
• Shotcut
  • Features: Video editing, multi-format timeline, effects.
  • Tech Stack: C++, Qt.
  • Notes: Open-source video editor with a range of features for editing videos.

19. Graphic Design (Adobe Illustrator alternatives)

• Inkscape
  • Features: Vector graphics editor, SVG support, drawing tools.
  • Tech Stack: C++, Python.
  • Notes: Powerful open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
• GIMP
  • Features: Image editing, photo retouching, drawing tools.
  • Tech Stack: C, Python.
  • Notes: Popular open-source image editor with a wide range of features.

20. 3D Modeling and Animation (Autodesk Maya alternatives)

• Blender
  • Features: 3D modeling, animation, rendering, VFX.
  • Tech Stack: C, C++, Python.
  • Notes: Comprehensive open-source tool for 3D content creation.
• FreeCAD
  • Features: Parametric 3D modeling, drawing tools, simulation.
  • Tech Stack: C++, Python.
  • Notes: Ideal for mechanical engineering and product design.

21. Web Development (Adobe Dreamweaver alternatives)

• Visual Studio Code
  • Features: Code editor, debugging, version control, extensions.
  • Tech Stack: TypeScript, JavaScript.
  • Notes: Highly extensible and customizable code editor.
• Atom
  • Features: Code editor, package manager, Git integration.
  • Tech Stack: JavaScript, Node.js.
  • Notes: Modern code editor with a focus on customization and community packages.

22. Database Management (Microsoft SQL Server alternatives)

• PostgreSQL
  • Features: Relational database, ACID compliance, extensibility.
  • Tech Stack: C.
  • Notes: Powerful open-source database with strong community support.
• MySQL
  • Features: Relational database, scalability, high availability.
  • Tech Stack: C, C++.
  • Notes: Widely used open-source database for web applications.
• ClickHouse
  • Features: Columnar database, real-time analytics, high performance.
  • Tech Stack: C++, Python.
  • Notes: Ideal for real-time analytics and high-performance data processing.
• CockroachDB
  • Features: Distributed SQL database, ACID compliance, scalability.
  • Tech Stack: Go, C++.
  • Notes: Designed for cloud-native applications and distributed data.
• SqlLite
  • Features: Embedded database, self-contained, serverless.
  • Tech Stack: C.

  • Notes: Lightweight and easy to use; ideal for mobile and IoT applications.

23. Static Website Generators (WordPress alternatives)

• Jekyll
  • Features: Static site generator, blogging, templating.
  • Tech Stack: Ruby.
  • Notes: Popular choice for static websites and blogs.
• Hugo
  • Features: Fast static site generator, templating, multilingual support.
  • Tech Stack: Go.
  • Notes: Ideal for building fast and scalable static websites.

Tips for Implementation

1. Containerization: Use Docker or Kubernetes to deploy and manage these applications. Many of them offer pre-built Docker images for easy deployment.
2. Integration: Nextcloud and ONLYOFFICE/Collabora can be combined to create a cohesive document management suite.
3. Backups and Security: Ensure regular backups and set up secure access protocols, such as VPNs and multi-factor authentication.

Let me know if you’d like further details on deploying any of these tools!

Developer Productivity Tools

For source control, self-hosted options provide the benefits of code privacy, customization, and control over data. Here are some of the most popular open-source alternatives for source control:

1. GitLab CE (Community Edition)

• Features:
  • Git-based version control, issue tracking, CI/CD pipelines, project management, code reviews, and wikis.
  • Integrations with popular tools like Jira and Slack.
• Tech Stack: Ruby on Rails (backend), Vue.js (frontend).
• Notes: Comprehensive tool with extensive built-in DevOps functionality. It offers both on-premises and cloud options. The Community Edition is free, while GitLab also provides paid enterprise features.

2. Gitea

• Features:
  • Lightweight Git service with repositories, pull requests, issues, and wikis.
  • Support for third-party CI/CD integrations and custom integrations.
• Tech Stack: Go (backend).
• Notes: Ideal for small teams or organizations looking for a lightweight and fast Git service. Very easy to set up and deploy, even on resource-constrained servers.

3. SourceHut

• Features:
  • Minimalistic, Git-based source control with email-based code reviews, continuous integration, mailing lists, and wikis.
  • Optimized for privacy, simplicity, and speed.
• Tech Stack: Python, shell scripts.
• Notes: Primarily for teams interested in a minimal, email-centric workflow. SourceHut is simple and lightweight, designed with Unix principles.

4. Phabricator (Archived)

• Features:
  • Version control, task management, code reviews, and project planning.
  • Flexible customization options, scalable for large teams.
• Tech Stack: PHP.
• Notes: Though active development has ceased, it remains popular due to its extensive feature set. Best suited for teams comfortable maintaining and customizing the platform independently.

5. Kallithea

• Features:
  • Supports both Git and Mercurial (Hg) repositories.
  • Includes code review, permission control, and LDAP integration.
• Tech Stack: Python (Pylons web framework).
• Notes: Works well for teams that have mixed source control needs (both Git and Mercurial). It is designed for code hosting and review with strong access control.

6. GitBucket

• Features:
  • Git repository hosting with code review, pull requests, issues, wikis, and CI/CD support through plugins.
• Tech Stack: Scala.
• Notes: GitBucket is a solid GitHub-like alternative that’s easy to deploy and has good plugin support for additional functionalities.

7. Gerrit

• Features:
  • Specializes in code review for Git projects.
  • Fine-grained access control, customizable workflows, and integration with CI/CD tools.
• Tech Stack: Java.
• Notes: Well-suited for large, complex projects that prioritize rigorous code review processes. Requires a more advanced setup and configuration but is highly customizable.

8. Fossil

• Features:
  • Distributed version control, bug tracking, wiki, and forum in a single tool.
  • Simple, minimal design; low overhead.
• Tech Stack: Written in C.
• Notes: Developed by the SQLite team, Fossil is an all-in-one system that’s ideal for smaller projects or teams seeking a lightweight alternative to Git with built-in project management features.

Deployment Tips

• Docker Support: Many of these tools have official or community-supported Docker images, making them easier to deploy and scale.
• Integration: For CI/CD, you might combine these tools with Jenkins, GitLab CI, or other open-source CI/CD solutions to create a fully automated pipeline.
• Authentication: Set up SSO (Single Sign-On) and LDAP/Active Directory integration if you’re using these tools in a corporate environment to streamline access.

Each of these options has unique strengths, so your choice depends on your team’s specific needs, such as the extent of code review processes, CI/CD requirements, and project complexity. Let me know if you’d like help with deployment or configuration of any specific option!