Odoo is one of the most flexible open-source ERP platforms available today, used by thousands of companies for accounting, CRM, inventory, e-commerce and more. This guide explains what Odoo is, how Odoo works, hosting options (including how to host Odoo on Hostinger and how to self host Odoo), comparisons (how to host Odoo vs Salesforce), costs, subscriptions, integrations (QuickBooks, Shopify, Xero, Power BI), and essential how-tos (install, backup, upgrade, customize). I’ll answer common People-Also-Ask queries directly and give step-by-step practical tips so you can decide whether Odoo fits your business and how to deploy it with confidence — and business solutions and services offering all odoo services.
What is Odoo?
Odoo is a modular, open-source ERP and business app suite that combines CRM, accounting, inventory, e-commerce, POS, HR and project management into one platform. It’s sometimes called Odoo ERP or Odoo software. Odoo provides a cloud (Odoo Online) and on-premise (self-hosted) deployment options.
Odoo is used to centralize business processes: sales, purchase, inventory, accounting, manufacturing, e-commerce, and HR workflows — reducing data silos and automating tasks.
Odoo is an ERP with a full CRM module; it functions as both depending on the apps you enable.
Hosting Odoo — Cloud vs Self-hosted
To host Odoo on Hostinger: choose a VPS (with Ubuntu), install PostgreSQL, Python dependencies, and Odoo. Steps in brief: provision VPS → install PostgreSQL → add system user → install required Python libs → clone Odoo repo → configure odoo.conf → set up systemd service → open ports/reverse proxy (NGINX) and SSL. For reliability use VPS or cloud instance (1–2 vCPU minimum for small deployments). For production, prefer managed VPS with backups.
Self-hosting follows the same steps but may be on local hardware, private cloud, or other VPS providers. Always secure the server, enable SSL, and schedule database/file backups.
Odoo vs Salesforce & Pricing
Salesforce is a proprietary, SaaS CRM-focused platform with many enterprise services; Odoo is modular ERP (open-source) you can self-host or use cloud. Hosting Odoo gives cost control and full customization; Salesforce provides strong managed services, scale, and ecosystem but at higher recurring cost and less code-level access.
Odoo Community is free (open source). Odoo Enterprise (cloud or subscription) has per-user and per-app pricing — costs vary by modules and deployment. There’s also Odoo Online with subscription tiers. For exact pricing check odoo.com or contact an Odoo partner for a quote.
Community edition is free. Odoo S.A. is headquartered in Belgium (Grand-Rosière), not India. Odoo has global offices and partners.
Installation, Upgrades & Backups
Install Odoo 18 by following the official install guide: install dependencies, PostgreSQL, clone Odoo 18 repo, configure, then migrate data. Upgrading from 17→18: use Odoo migration scripts (or partner tools) — always test migration on a staging copy first. Odoo 18 improves UI/performance and adds new module enhancements.
Back up by exporting database via Odoo UI (Database Manager) or using pg_dump for PostgreSQL. Schedule automated backups to remote storage and keep file attachments safe. Access DB via psql or admin tools.
Activate or cancel subscriptions in your Odoo account dashboard or contact Odoo support. Removing Odoo branding typically requires Enterprise/customization or paying for a license that allows white-labeling, or customizing the website templates in your self-hosted instance.
Customization, Integrations & Development
Customize via XML/QWeb templates and Python modules. Community edition supports custom modules; Enterprise has advanced features and studio. To edit invoice templates, modify QWeb reports or use studio.
Yes — Odoo integrates with Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero (direct or via connectors). For Power BI, export data or use APIs/ODBC connectors or write a custom connector to feed data to Power BI.
Odoo maintains official docs and a GitHub repo. The Odoo app store lists modules and connectors.
Developers build Odoo modules (Python + XML). Odoo IoT connects devices (printers, scanners) through the Odoo IoT Box to automate hardware actions.
Accounting, Inventory & Payroll
Odoo includes accounting, inventory, and payroll modules (payroll may be region-specific/Enterprise). Bank statement imports (extracto bancario) are supported via statement import/feeds.
Use the Accounting > Bank Statements to reconcile; add payment acquirers or manual payment methods in settings or via invoicing/payment module.
Check version from About menu or command line. Download from odoo.com or GitHub. Delete DB via Database Manager (careful — backups first). Delete website via the Website module or by removing the DB/website record.
Use the export feature in list views or direct SQL export to create Excel/CSV. For DB backup use pg_dump.
Community, Partners & Training
Apply via Odoo’s partner program. Certification is available through Odoo’s training portal.
Odoo has thousands of customers worldwide and a global partner network; check odoo.com for updated stats. Odoo began as TinyERP (2005) and evolved into Odoo.
Conclusion
Rapid FAQ — Odoo & Odometer Common Questions
1. How to host Odoo on Hostinger?
To host Odoo on Hostinger, choose a VPS plan and install Ubuntu, PostgreSQL, and required Python dependencies. Clone the Odoo repository, configure odoo.conf, set up NGINX with SSL for security, and schedule automated database backups for reliability and performance.
2. How to host Odoo vs Salesforce?
Odoo offers full control through self-hosting or cloud options, ideal for customization and integration flexibility. Salesforce is a managed SaaS platform with automatic scaling but limited backend control. Choose Odoo for flexibility and Salesforce for convenience and ready infrastructure.
3. What is ODO reading?
“ODO reading” means the odometer measurement on a vehicle, representing the total distance it has traveled since manufacture. It’s a key metric for maintenance schedules, resale value, and tracking overall usage in kilometers or miles.
4. What does ODO mean in a car?
In cars, “ODO” stands for odometer, the dashboard display showing the total cumulative distance the vehicle has traveled. It differs from the trip meter, which measures short-term distances between resets.
5. What does ODO mean on a bike or exercise bike?
On bikes or fitness equipment, ODO (odometer) tracks the total distance covered over all sessions. It helps monitor long-term usage, workout progress, and maintenance needs of the equipment or bicycle.
6. What is Odoo / Odoo ERP / Odoo software used for?
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform offering integrated business applications for CRM, accounting, HR, inventory, eCommerce, and more. It helps companies streamline operations through modular apps customizable to any business size or industry.
7. Is Odoo free to use?
Yes, the Odoo Community Edition is free and open-source, offering essential ERP features. The Odoo Enterprise Edition requires a paid subscription, providing advanced modules, mobile access, and official technical support.
8. How to cancel, activate, or check Odoo subscription pricing?
Manage or cancel your Odoo subscription directly from your Odoo account dashboard or contact Odoo support. Activation is automatic after payment. Pricing depends on selected apps, number of users, and hosting type (Cloud or On-Premise).
9. How to remove Odoo branding from a website?
To remove “Powered by Odoo” branding, use the Enterprise edition or customize templates on a self-hosted setup. Modify website footer templates or QWeb views responsibly to align with Odoo’s license and branding guidelines.
10. How to self-host Odoo?
To self-host Odoo, install it on a Linux server (Ubuntu preferred) with PostgreSQL, Python dependencies, and Odoo source files. Configure NGINX for web access, enable SSL, and set up periodic backups for security and stability.
11. How to install Odoo 18 or upgrade from Odoo 17 to 18?
Install Odoo 18 via the official repository or package installer. For upgrades, use Odoo’s migration scripts or services to transfer your database and modules safely. Always test migrations in a staging environment before going live.
12. How to backup Odoo or its database?
Backup Odoo by exporting your database via Odoo’s built-in Database Manager or using PostgreSQL commands like pg_dump. Schedule regular automatic backups and store them securely on external or cloud servers for disaster recovery.
13. How to customize Odoo Community Edition?
Odoo Community allows customization through Python modules, XML, and QWeb templates. Developers can add new fields, workflows, or interfaces using Odoo Studio or custom development, offering complete flexibility in design and functionality.
14. Does Odoo integrate with QuickBooks, Shopify, or Xero?
Yes, Odoo supports integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, Xero, and many other platforms via official apps or trusted third-party connectors, enabling smooth synchronization of financial data, inventory, and sales.
15. Does Odoo have payroll features?
Yes, Odoo includes payroll management tools for automating salary computation, employee payslips, and tax compliance. Availability may vary depending on localization, edition (Community or Enterprise), and regional HR module support.