Self-hosted · On-premise · Yours

THE BEST SELF-HOSTED OPENPROJECT ALTERNATIVE

Kendo dashboard

OpenProject is a capable open-source, self-hosted project management tool — but it’s built for Linux and Docker, takes real effort to set up and maintain, and puts some capabilities behind a per-user Enterprise subscription. Kendo Manager is a self-hosted OpenProject alternative that installs natively on Windows with IIS and MariaDB, includes every feature in a single one-time license with support, and keeps all your data on your own server — a simpler path to self-hosted project management for Windows-based teams.

Try Kendo Manager free See pricing

The problem

Why look for an OpenProject alternative?

OpenProject is a solid self-hosted tool — but it leans on a Linux stack, takes sysadmin effort, and gates some features behind Enterprise. For Windows teams who want it simpler, Kendo Manager is an easier fit.

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01. Built for Linux & Docker

Runs on a Ruby on Rails stack; there is no official Windows server install.

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02. Setup & upkeep effort

Self-hosting and maintaining the app takes real sysadmin time.

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03. Enterprise features per user

Some capabilities sit behind a per-user, per-year Enterprise subscription.

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04. Community self-support

The free Community edition relies on community support rather than included help.

Side by side

Kendo Manager vs OpenProject

Two self-hosted tools, fairly compared. Both keep your data on your own server — the difference is the stack, the setup, the licensing and the support.

 
Kendo Manager
OpenProject
Self-hosted
✓
✓
Operating system / stack
Windows · IIS + MariaDB
Linux / Docker · Ruby on Rails
Runs natively on Windows
✓
✗ Not official
Setup & maintenance
Quick automated installer
More involved (Linux / Docker)
Licensing
One-time license, all features
Free Community, or per-user Enterprise
All features without subscription
✓
Some Enterprise-only
Support included
✓ 1 year
Community (Enterprise paid)
Gantt & scheduling
✓
✓
Cost & budget tracking
✓
✓
Agile boards
✓
✓
Open source
✗
✓
Data ownership / on-prem GDPR
✓
✓

Both tools are self-hosted; this compares stack, setup, licensing and support. Verify OpenProject’s current editions and features before publishing.

Why Windows teams switch

What you gain with Kendo Manager

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Native on Windows

Runs on IIS and MariaDB — no Linux, Docker or Ruby stack to manage.

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Quick, automated install

Get a working project server up with far less sysadmin effort.

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Every feature in one license

No per-user Enterprise add-ons — all tools are included in every package.

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Support included

One year of free upgrades and technical support with every license.

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Full PM suite

Gantt, costs, budgets, resources, risks, issues and change management.

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Try it free, for real

A free version for up to 10 users with every feature, so you can test before you buy.

Pricing

One-time license, every feature included

Each package is a one-time purchase with all features, unlimited projects, on-premise install, and one year of free upgrades and support.

Package
Price (one-time)
Users
Free Version
$0
10 users · 1 active project
Startup
$749
10 users
Office
$1,249
20 users
Business
$2,499
50 users
Business Pro
$3,799
100 users
Professional
$6,299
Unlimited users

FAQ

OpenProject alternative — FAQ

Kendo Manager runs natively on Windows (IIS + MariaDB), installs quickly, and includes every feature plus support in one license. OpenProject is built for Linux/Docker and gates some features behind a per-user Enterprise plan.

There is no official Windows server installation — OpenProject targets Linux and Docker. Kendo Manager is built for Windows from the start.

The Community edition is free and open source, but you self-host and self-support it, and some features require a paid Enterprise subscription. Kendo Manager is a one-time license with all features and support included.

No — Kendo Manager is proprietary. If open source is essential for you, OpenProject is the open option; if you want a simpler Windows install with everything included, Kendo Manager is the better fit.

Yes. Every license comes with one year of free upgrades and technical support.

Self-hosted — without the setup.

Get OpenProject-level control on Windows, with every feature in one license and support included.

Try it for free See pricing