The big names in open source enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, such as Compiere, get most of the publicity, but you have another choice: Nseer ERP, from the first Chinese company to open the source code to its ERP software.

Openbravo — maker of open source ERP (enterprise resource planning) and POS (point of sale) software — is taking a bow. The company, which is approaching 100 channel partners, says its ERP and POS software together have generated more than 1 million downloads.

Whether for private users, small and midsize businesses, major corporations, or public institutions, Open Source software has in the past years become a reliable alternative to commercial solutions. And not just because it is less expensive. Businesses are becoming increasingly convinced of the quality of this free software.

ERP has been a kind of final frontier for open source software. But now more IT leaders at midsize and smaller businesses are saying yes to open source software for ERP systems that pump the very heart of the business.

"Chennai-based National Resource Centre for Free/Open Source Software (NRCFOSS) is planning to bring its programme on free/open source software to Gujarat though a possible collaboration with engineering colleges in the state."

Last week the Talent First Network announced the launch of a new monthly publication geared toward greater understanding and dialogue between businesses and open source software projects.

Dell is planning to offer small and medium businesses (SMBs) globally pre-configured bundles of hardware and open source software to run their businesses, according to an executive at the company.

New data from Fortify Software finds that widely-used open source software packages do not employ best practices for securing code.

Imagine the following scenario: You're an integrator that wants to quickly deploy ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications for your small business customers.