Open-source tools can reduce licensing costs, but they are not free to operate.
Setup cost
Initial deployment usually requires technical planning, infrastructure choices, and configuration effort.
Hosting and security
Someone must manage hosting, backups, updates, and access control.
Ongoing maintenance
Plugins, integrations, and version upgrades need regular attention.
Operational support
Your team still needs practical support when systems break or processes change.
The right question is not “Is it free?” It is “Can we run this reliably over time?”
If you are unsure which direction fits your business, email [email protected] with a short description of your situation.