Odoo is a highly versatile, open-source business management software that has been rapidly gaining popularity around the globe. The ERP has two editions available - Community and Enterprise. Many businesses tend to start with Odoo Community and upgrate to Odoo Enterprise as their needs grow. In this article, we will explain the differences between the two editions, as well as how easy the upgrade to Enterprise is.
What's the difference between Odoo Enterprise and Community?
Odoo Community is the free edition of the software. It is easily accessible to anyone and provides basic features, which typically cover the needs for smaller businesses or sole traders. Odoo Enterprise, on the other hand, is the paid edition of the software, that offers a lot more advanced features and customisation capabilities.
Here's a general Odoo Enterprise VS Community comparison:
| Community | Enterprise |
Price | Free | Licence subscription |
Support | Community forums | Official Odoo support and Odoo partners |
Updates | Community-driven | Regular and prioritised |
Functionality | Basic | Advanced |
Customisation | limited | Enhanced |
Security | Basic | Advanced |
Hosting | On-premise only | On-premise / cloud / Odoo.sh |
Key differences in features
In general, Odoo Enteprise provides a wider variety of modules (over 60 standard apps) and advanced enterprise software solutions.
For instance, the Odoo accounting and finance module on Enterprise has more reporting tools, additional dashboard options, multi-currency support, higher automation possibilities, and more. Odoo Enterprise ecommerce solutions similarly offer enhanced online store capabilities, better customer tracking, and integrations with other apps, such as POS software. This is also the case for many other Odoo modules.
The ability to integrate all Odoo modules as well as third-party software within a single, centralised platform is, perhaps, one of the most beneficial aspects of Enterprise. It increases the efficiency and productivity of all business areas.
Besides the enhanced features, upgrading from Odoo Community to Odoo Enterprise offers several other advantages for businesses looking to scale their operations:
- Odoo Studio: Odoo Enteprise Custom version has the Odoo Studio app - a tool that allows for easy, unlimited customisation possibilities within the Odoo platform;
- External API: Allows you to easily integrate Odoo with other third-party systems and apps;
- Official support: Enterprise customers get direct support from Odoo experts and software implementation partners, ensuring minimal downtime and quick problem resolution;
- Regular updates: The Enterprise edition is regularly updated with new features and security patches, keeping your system as secure and up-to-date as possible;
- Multi-company: You can manage multiple businesses from a single platform with the Enterprise Custom plan;
- Hosting: With the Custom plan, businesses can choose from three different hosting methods.
Odoo Enterprise pricing
Odoo Enterprise uses a monthly subscription pricing model, paid per user. There are two subscription plans available:
- Standard: Includes all standard Odoo modules, hosted on Odoo Online server.
- Custom: Includes all standard Odoo apps, Odoo Studio, external API, Multi-Company functionality, and three hosting options (Odoo Online, Odoo.sh or On-premise).
Both plans have unlimited support and maintenance. During the first year, businesses also often get a discounted price. The subscription is paid directly to Odoo.
Odoo hosting options
As mentioned above, Odoo Enterprise offers three hosting options to suit different business needs. Here’s what each of them mean:
- Odoo Online: A cloud-based ERP solution managed by Odoo. This option is great for businesses that want a hassle-free, always-up-to-date system without the need for IT management.
- On-Premise: Allows you to install and manage Odoo on your own or third-party servers. This option is typically used by businesses with high-level security requirements, which prefer to have complete control over their security protocols.
- Odoo.sh: A hybrid, platform-as-a-service option. It provides more control and customisation possibilities, while maintaining the benefits of cloud hosting. It also supports higher capacity and storage.
"Via laurea" also offers Odoo hosting services in our own servers. When acquiring one of our Odoo implementation plans, the first year of hosting is free!
Is the move from Community to Enterprise simple?
The simplicity of moving from Odoo Community to Odoo Enterprise will depend on the software version and server you choose to use.
For instance, if a company decides to stay in the same Odoo system version as well as host on the same server, the process will be highly straightforward. In this case, all you need to do is purchase your Enterprise lincene and install your chosen modules or functionality.
On the other hand, if together with an upgrade to Odoo Enterprise, a business decides to migrate to a different Odoo version or to the Odoo.sh server, then the process becomes slightly more complex. However, with the right technical support, it can certainly be done without any issues.
Thinking of upgrading to Odoo Enterprise?
Via laurea offers Odoo implementation and maintenance services, which includes helping our customers upgrade to Odoo Enterprise or migrate to its newest versions.
With 10+ years of industry experience and a team of certified Odoo experts, we are certain that we can help you with your unique requirements! Get in touch for a free consultation:
