Open Source ERP Software

 

ptyler's picture

Keeping track of version numbers

Posted Fri, 12/04/2009 - 09:50 by ptyler

With the advent of xTuple's new extension architecture, it's easier than ever for software developers to write custom add-ons to the core PostBooks product. This also means system administrators may now find themselves managing multiple applications in addition to their xTuple ERP--each having a slightly different version number than the next. To help everyone keep track of which version goes with which, we've created the xTuple compatibility matrix. We hope you'll visit this page (particularly during the upgrade process). And if you're a third-party developer, we hope you'll add your own application to the growing list.

Publishing the version matrix at this stage was a timely move, as anyone upgrading to the 3.4.0 Release Candidate will need to consult the chart for important update information. Read more »

BC Wilson's picture

Why we tweet

Posted Mon, 11/09/2009 - 16:07 by BC Wilson

How many of you out there have a Twitter account? Do you find it useful? Annoying? Trivial? Informative?

I've been on the fence, like many others. I've had a Twitter account for over a year. But as soon as I started following various users, I was appalled by the avalanche of blather that poured into my Twitter feed. I walked away from the whole phenomenon for a while, convinced that this much-ballyhooed new technology was just a collosal time waster, worse than FaceBook or MySpace, and totally useless to me in the business world.

But then I started to read more, and I looked again at Twitter, and how I was using it. Read more »

ned's picture

Debunking myths about consultants who debunk myths

Posted Tue, 11/03/2009 - 12:23 by ned

It's important to understand the advantages and drawbacks of using consulting firms to advise and assist your business.

First, the drawbacks:  Some would say that consulting companies tend to run up their hours, and milk their customers for every last penny - that they cloak their deliverables in buzz-speak and gobbledygook, and live in terror of their clients discovering that they're not really that smart.

As for advantages, well, some others might say that consultants can be of some help, sometime.

<Thud.>

Not a very fair or rigorous analysis, was it?  You can imagine how I felt after reading Eric Kimberling's "Debunking myths about open source ERP software."

  Read more »

danielle's picture

Looking at ERP? Think TCO!

Posted Fri, 10/23/2009 - 13:47 by danielle

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a significant factor in choosing an Enterprise Resource Planning solution.  But it's another one of those TLA's (Three Letter Acronyms) that not everyone seems to completely understand.

So what do I mean by TCO? It's the sum of all the costs associated with implementing a major software application.  You should factor in not only the cost of the software (if you're purchasing a commercial license), but also any additional costs which may follow as a result of your decision (whether you know it or not).  Carefully reviewing the details of an ERP purchase may uncover  “hidden costs” in acquiring and operating software that might otherwise not be apparent.

Here are some things to consider... Read more »

ptyler's picture

Translation files updated to 3.3.0

Posted Tue, 10/06/2009 - 09:10 by ptyler

Just wanted to announce we recently updated the language files in the Translation Portal. This means all translators are now working on the most current code for xTuple ERP 3.3.0. Of course, 3.3.0 adds much for international users to be interested in. I'm talking especially about our expanded support for VAT and international taxes. So far the response to the tax improvements has been very positive. And if you'd like to help translate the new features, please get in touch with us. You can watch the translation training video to learn more - or check out the translation documentation available on our site.

The xTuple translators have been doing a terrific job. Here are some of the statistics I'm tracking.... Read more »

ptyler's picture

Printed documentation (with investment protection)

Posted Thu, 09/10/2009 - 09:08 by ptyler

In case you hadn't heard, the Reference Guide for xTuple ERP 3.3 is now available for sale on the xChange. This is the .PDF version of the document, and it retails for $195. We started publishing the .PDF version during the previous release cycle, in response to repeated requests from community members who said they wanted it--and would be willing to pay for it, too. As you might imagine, selling printable docs is one way open source erp software projects can generate revenue. It's also a relatively low cost way for community members to contribute financially to our project. What's more, having printed documentation is valuable, we've found, for people who are in the process of selecting an ERP system for their business. So, what's the deal I'm talking about? Read more to find out.... Read more »

ned's picture

Version 3.3 installers now available - for download and hosted demo

Posted Wed, 09/09/2009 - 16:22 by ned

Greetings all,

Just a quick note that the much-discussed xTuple ERP version 3.3.0 is now available for download at SourceForge.

Once again, we've built all-in-one installers for Windows, Linux, and Mac - which can install the xTuple ERP client, as well as a local copy of PostgreSQL, up to three sample PostBooks Edition databases, the xTuple Updater tool (also used for loading and unloading Packages), and the OpenRPT report writer.

And of course, the client can connect to either your own local database (usually PostBooks), or your own private hosted demo database featuring the full Manufacturing Edition functionality (including the new DRP engine in 3.3).

We look forward to your feedback! Read more »

Source Installing Postgresql on RedHat, Ubuntu and OSX

While xTuple does publish a full Installer which provides PostgreSQL, the preferred method for implementing a production PostgreSQL server is to build PostgreSQL from source. Using the Linux distribution provided packages (apt, yum, rpm, etc) has the potential to introduce incompatibilities and curtail the migration options. The easiest way to support the customer is to keep things simple - and building PostgreSQL from source is simple.

Read more »

xTuple ERP Programmer Reference

One of the advantages of working with xTuple ERP, and open source software in general, is that you can change it. Add to this the ability to write scripts and packages for xTuple ERP and you have a lot of flexibility on how to modify or extend the core application. However, wIth an application as large and complex as this, documentation of the internals is important. Even for C++ experts, there is just too much code to understand everything about the application without some help. Read more »

gmoskowitz's picture

xTuple ERP and software usability - one developer's perspective

Posted Mon, 08/24/2009 - 08:56 by gmoskowitz

One of the core principles of software usability is that an application must behave consistently. Otherwise the application can lead users into making errors. Something as simple as arranging buttons in a different order on different windows can cause confusion and frustration. So, if we xTuple developers know about the dangers of inconsistencies, why do they exist and why don't we fix them all? Read more »

 

Syndicate content