Open Source

The term open source refers to those software where the source code is available to the public for inspection, modification, enhancement and distribution to the software. This is contrast to the proprietary systems where the code is highly restricted.

ERPNext is a free and open source software published under GNU General Public License (GPLv3) license.

It grants you the freedom to..

• Use the software for any purpose

• Change the software to suit your needs

• Share the software with anyone

• Share the changes you make

The source code of ERPNext is available on GitHub.

System Security

ERPNext uses encryption to protect all data at rest and in transit. This means that even if a hacker gains access to your data, they will not be able to read it without the correct key.

There are two main types of encryption used by ERPNext:

• Symmetric encryption: This uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. This is a simpler and more efficient type of encryption, but it requires that both the sender and receiver of the data have the same key.

• Asymmetric encryption: This uses two different keys, one for encryption and one for decryption. This is a more secure type of encryption, but it is also more complex and less efficient.

ERPNext uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption to protect data. For example, symmetric encryption is used to encrypt data at rest, while asymmetric encryption is used to encrypt data in transit.

In addition to encryption, ERPNext also uses other security features to protect data, such as:

• Access control: This allows you to control who has access to your data. You can create different user roles and permissions, so that only authorized users can access the data they need.

• Intrusion detection: This monitors your system for suspicious activity. If a hacker attempts to breach your security, ERPNext will alert you so that you can take action.

• Regular security audits: ERPNext is regularly audited by independent security firms to ensure that its security is up to date.

These security features make ERPNext one of the most secure ERP solutions on the market. If you are looking for a secure way to manage your business data, ERPNext is a good choice.

Here are some additional benefits of using encryption in ERPNext:

• It can help to protect sensitive data, such as customer information, financial data, and intellectual property.

• It can help to prevent data breaches, which can damage a company's reputation and financial bottom line.

• It can help to comply with data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Advantages of an open source software are:

1. There is no lock-in with one specific vendor.

2. You can host the application anywhere, including your own server to gain complete ownership and privacy of the data.

3. You can access a community for help.

4. You can benefit from using a product that is critiqued and used by a wide range of people, who have reported hundreds of issues and suggestions to improve the product.

   While ERPNext is free and open source, running a server for ERPNext, implementing it and, supporting it is not an easy task. You can opt for professional help at erpnext.com or find a suitable service provider. This will allow you to reduce your risk and focus on delivering business value.