🩺 Vitals
- Version: v16.6.2 (Released 2025-12-02)
- Velocity: Active (Last commit 2025-12-08)
- Community: 13.3k Stars · 2.9k Forks
- Backlog: 145 Open Issues
🏗️ Profile
- Official: openproject.org
- Source: github.com/opf/openproject
- License: GPL-3.0
- Deployment: Docker / DEB / RPM
- Data Model: SQL (Postgres)
- Complexity: Moderate (3/5) - Enterprise Stack
- Maintenance: Moderate (3/5) - Regular Updates
- Enterprise Ready: Very High (5/5) - SSO, LDAP, 2FA, Gantt
1. The Executive Summary
What is it? OpenProject is a powerful open-source project management software that supports classic (Waterfall), Agile (Scrum), and Hybrid methodologies. It is designed for complex, large-scale projects and offers features like Gantt charts, budgeting, and time tracking out of the box.
The Strategic Verdict:
- 🔴 For Simple Tasks: Caution. Too heavy for personal to-do lists.
- 🟢 For Enterprises: Strong Buy. Excellent for organizations that need strict data privacy (GDPR) and complex project portfolio management.
2. The "Hidden" Costs (TCO Analysis)
| Cost Component | Proprietary (MS Project) | OpenProject (Self-Hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | ~$30/user/mo | $0 (GPLv3) |
| Infrastructure | $0 | ~$40/mo (VPS) |
| Compliance | Vendor Cloud | 100% Owned |
3. The "Day 2" Reality Check
🚀 Deployment & Operations
- Installation: Mature packaging. Official Docker containers and Linux packages (DEB/RPM) make it standard to deploy on typical infrastructure.
- Architecture: Ruby on Rails backend with Angular frontend. Requires PostgreSQL.
🛡️ Security & Governance
- Compliance: Built in Europe with GDPR as a core focus.
- Identity: First-class support for LDAP, OpenID Connect, and SAML (Enterprise Edition for some).
4. Alternatives & Ecosystem
- Alternative: Microsoft Project is the legacy standard for Waterfall. OpenProject replaces it with a web-based, collaborative approach.
- Alternative: Jira is focused on Agile. OpenProject bridges the gap for hybrid teams.