CMDBuild READY2USE

CMDBuild READY2USE is an open-source configuration-management and service-management platform for organizations that need asset records tied to ITIL-oriented workflows. It suits teams prepared to run software themselves and, if needed, buy support around a maintained appliance. Its strongest case is breadth—from procurement through retirement and from service requests to change control—rather than a lightweight inventory.

Overview

CMDBuild READY2USE manages hardware and software configuration items while applying IT governance and service-management processes. The deployment model is self-hosted: the Self-Service route requires downloading the code and installing it, while the Subscription route delivers a ready-to-use OVF appliance. That distinction matters for teams balancing infrastructure control against implementation effort.

The project is maintained by PAT srl and can be used, distributed, and modified under the GNU Affero GPL, subject to logo and legal-notice requirements for modified versions. Commercial support, subscription services, pay-per-use support packages, and training are available from PAT, giving organizations a support path without changing the open-source licensing model.

For a wider category comparison, see IT Asset Management Software.

Key features

Assets, licences and lifecycle

Software-license and contract tracking sit alongside barcode scanning, making the system relevant when an inventory must cover both equipment and its associated obligations. The Asset Lifecycle module follows order registration, goods acceptance, assignment, transfers, and scrapping. That sequence is more useful for accountable asset operations than a static list, especially where custody changes and disposal need a record.

Service desk and governance

Employees can use a self-service interface to browse the service catalogue, report malfunctions, and submit new-service requests. Listed workflows cover Incident Management, Request Fulfilment, and Change Management. The Service Management module adds standard and non-standard work orders, SLAs, KPIs, controls, and notifications, so it can support formal operational governance rather than only ticket capture.

Location, integrations and administration

GIS and BIM support can georeference assets on maps, show 2D floor plans, and incorporate 3D models produced with BIM tools. Subscription connectors use the CMDBuild Service Bus waterWAY framework, with examples including OCS Inventory, Active Directory, VMware vCenter, and Amazon AWS. The Java server, Ajax interface, PostgreSQL database, and service-oriented architecture indicate a conventional server stack for organizations able to administer it.

User, group, permission, and multitenant configuration provide the controls needed for separated teams or tenants. The Subscription plan specifically includes a mobile app and Self-Service Portal; employee self-service is also a stated product capability.

Pricing

CMDBuild READY2USE is presented with a free, open-source option, while the named subscription has custom pricing.

Self-Service

The Self-Service plan is downloadable AGPL software with self-installation and standard features. It fits organizations with technical staff that want maximum control and can operate the platform without bundled maintainer assistance. The trade-off is the work of installation and ongoing administration, and the plan does not include the subscription-only appliance, mobile app, portal, or connectors.

Subscription

Subscription pricing is not published. It includes a ready-to-use appliance, maintainer support, mobile app, Self-Service Portal, and connectors. This is the more practical route for teams that want a prepared deployment and vendor-backed operation, but buyers must obtain a quote and confirm commercial terms before budgeting.

Platforms

The product supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web access, API use, and self-hosted deployment. In practice, the broad client and integration surface helps mixed-device organizations, while the self-hosted requirement keeps infrastructure responsibility with the customer unless the appliance arrangement reduces that burden.

Who it's for

Choose CMDBuild READY2USE when asset lifecycle control, service-desk workflows, governance, and spatial or BIM context belong in one system. It is particularly suited to organizations that value AGPL code, multitenant permissions, and the ability to connect inventory and directory systems. It is less suitable for buyers seeking a fully managed cloud service, transparent subscription pricing, or a minimal setup with no server administration.

Pros and cons

Pros

• End-to-end lifecycle coverage: Purchasing, acceptance, assignment, transfer, and scrapping create a traceable operational chain.
• Structured service management: Incidents, requests, changes, SLAs, KPIs, controls, and notifications support ITIL-aligned processes.
• Open-source deployment: AGPL licensing and self-hosting give organizations control over code and infrastructure.
• Rich integration and location context: waterWAY connectors plus GIS, floor-plan, and BIM support extend the CMDB beyond basic inventory.

Cons

• Self-hosting overhead: The free route requires installation and operational expertise.
• Subscription cost uncertainty: Appliance delivery, support, connectors, and mobile access require custom pricing.
• Plan separation: Several practical conveniences are reserved for Subscription, so the free plan is not equivalent to a supported appliance.

Alternatives

Lansweeper is a better fit if a freemium model, a 14-day full trial, and a free tier for up to 100 assets with unlimited users are more important than CMDBuild's AGPL self-hosting model.

Snipe-IT suits teams wanting open-source self-hosting with unlimited users and assets, or hosted Basic service at $39.99 a month.

Reftab is worth choosing for web and mobile inventory with a free plan capped at 50 assets and barcode/QR support.

LICENSEWARE is aimed at consumption-based software-license management, with a free tier of 10 rows per table and PAYG pricing from $1 a month.

xAssets ITAM offers a cloud-hosted free Express Edition for one user, with 100 endpoints per user and directory/cloud integrations.

Open-AudIT is preferable for device auditing, offering unlimited devices on its free plan and a Professional plan at $399 a year.

ScalePad Lifecycle Manager is a web alternative with a free tier for one client and a Pro plan sold on a 12-month contract.

Nexynt Asset Management provides cross-platform access, with a free plan for up to three users and 500 MB of storage.

Verdict

CMDBuild READY2USE is a strong choice for technically capable organizations that want open-source, self-hosted asset management joined to serious service workflows and lifecycle controls. Choose it for breadth, AGPL control, and extensibility; look elsewhere if you require a managed cloud product or clearly published subscription costs.