Odoo Hosting: Which form of deployment is the right one?
As part of digitization, not only large corporations are now using an ERP system to digitally map all business processes. Whether inventory management, purchasing, sales or accounting: ERP systems now also exist for small and medium-sized companies, start-ups or scale-ups.
One of these lean and flexible ERPs is the open source solution Odoo. We have already presented in detail in [this article] why Odoo ERP specifically meets the needs of SMEs and start-ups. Today, we would like to explain the different hosting options for Odoo; a key factor when introducing or upgrading an ERP system.
Comparing three hosting models for Odoo ERP
Odoo Cloud: Ready to go quickly - but can be adapted to a limited extent
Some ERP manufacturers are pursuing a cloud-only strategy. Not so Odoo: The Belgian software company offers you several hosting options, including the Odoo Cloud.
If you only need standard functions and Odoo's own modules, the Odoo Cloud is an efficient start. The cloud version is already included when you purchase the licenses, and even completely free of charge when using just one module.
It is a classic SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) model: preconfigured, ready for immediate use, but limited in customization options.
Odoo Cloud at a glance:
- Free hosting (with licenses, 1 module even free)
- SaaS
- Preconfigured
- No use of external modules
- Restricted customizing
Odoo SH: Flexible & developer-friendly thanks to our own cloud platform
If you need more flexibility and your own developments, Odoo SH (software hosting) is the right choice. This is a dedicated cloud platform from Odoo, with options for private or public cloud.
In contrast to the standard cloud, Odoo SH is a PaaS model (platform-as-a-service) that includes features such as Git integration, staging systems, backups, and SSH access.
The benefits are obvious, as is the higher effort: Development resources, storage space, and configuration require investments. Whether the use is worthwhile depends largely on your individual requirements.
Odoo SH at a glance:
- Managed cloud hosting (private & public cloud possible)
- Customizing is fully possible
- External modules & third-party apps can be used
- Git repository & multi-system landscape
- Additional costs for developers, test systems & storage space
Odoo On-Premise: Maximum control through self-hosting
With the on-premise version, Odoo also offers the classic option of self-hosting on your own server infrastructure. Odoo is thus opposing the trend of many providers to only offer cloud-first or cloud-only.
This variant gives you full sovereignty: direct database access, complete control over customizing, use of external modules, but also full responsibility for maintenance, updates, hosting and data security.
On-premise is particularly suitable for companies with their own IT resources or special data protection and infrastructure requirements.
On-premise at a glance:
- Self-managed hosting on your own infrastructure
- Direct access to databases
- Extensive customizing possible
- Third-party apps fully usable
- Multi-system landscape realizable
- High administrative & maintenance costs
- Manual maintenance & update import required
Conclusion: Choose a hosting strategy wisely
Three hosting options, three different strategies. Odoo thus offers maximum freedom of choice for different requirements:
- Do you need a quick start without customizing? → Odoo Cloud
- Would you like to implement your own developments flexibly? → Odoo SH
- Do you want full control over infrastructure and data? → On-premise
It is important that you define a hosting strategy early on and weigh up the respective advantages and disadvantages. We are happy to help you make a decision with technical advice, cost assessment and a scalable implementation plan.
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