openDCIM

Overview

openDCIM is a self-hosted application for tracking data-center assets and managing the infrastructure around them. It is best suited to operators who can maintain a Linux web stack and need inventory, capacity planning, and infrastructure mapping in one place. Its GPL v3 license removes software fees, but deployment depends on specific server requirements.

Key features

Asset tracking extends across multiple rooms, alongside management of space, power, and cooling. That broader view makes openDCIM a stronger fit than a simple inventory register when teams need to relate equipment to the capacity it consumes.

Custom image maps make cabinet zones clickable and support overlays for power, space, temperature, and weight capacity. Operators can map power paths from devices through strips and panels to source feeds, as well as network connections for devices classified as switches. The power-path view also supports fault-tolerance reporting and simulations of a panel or source-feed outage, which helps teams examine dependencies; network mapping is specifically described for switches.

For intelligent power strips and UPS devices, integrations cover APC, Geist Manufacturing, Liebert, and Server Technologies. OIDs can be updated for other manufacturers, offering a way to adapt beyond those named vendors. The application is built on MySQL, which supports report building and exporting data to other applications.

Access is controlled through multiple levels of user rights, and authentication is required through Apache or LDAP. The API status calls for attention before adoption: the features page describes a RESTful API as in development, while the FAQ says an API was implemented with version 4.x or later. Teams that depend on API integrations should clarify the status for their intended deployment.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes the free web-based application under GPL v3. There are no paid tiers or seat limits described in the plan, making it a practical option for organizations able to handle hosting and operations themselves. The trade-off is that paid support is separate: support contracts are typically hourly, with rates varying according to the requested work.

Platforms

openDCIM runs on Linux as a self-hosted web application, with a web-based client. The current requirements call for Apache 2.x or higher with SSL enabled, MySQL 5.x or higher, and PHP 8.0 or higher. This is a clear fit for teams with compatible infrastructure and administration capacity, but a poor match for organizations seeking a managed cloud service or a different server platform. The downloads page lists version 23.04, dated October 15, 2023, as the newest released version.

Who it's for

Choose openDCIM if you need to track equipment across rooms, plan rack and facility capacity, and understand power dependencies without paying a software license fee. Its rack, power, cooling, and space-planning capabilities address core on-premises DCIM needs. Look elsewhere if you cannot operate the required Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP stack, or if a confirmed REST API is a deployment prerequisite.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free GPL v3 license and self-hosted deployment avoid subscription licensing.
• Pros: Asset, capacity, and cabinet-map functions bring physical inventory and infrastructure context together.
• Pros: Named power-device integrations, adjustable OIDs, and outage simulations support power-path planning.
• Cons: Hosting requires a Linux and Apache stack with MySQL 5.x or higher and PHP 8.0 or higher, placing operational responsibility on the user.
• Cons: API descriptions differ between the features page and FAQ, so API-dependent deployments need clarification.
• Cons: Support contracts are typically hourly, with costs varying by requested work.

Alternatives

Compare data center infrastructure management software if you want to review the category before settling on a specific product.

For a free, self-hosted option, Danbyte includes all features, has no seat license, enterprise tier, or license expiry; it is worth considering if those licensing terms matter more than openDCIM's documented mapping and power-integration scope. RackTables is another free web-based option with no limits stated, for readers comparing a simpler licensing proposition.

Global Site Management has a free entry-level plan intended for smaller data centers and pilot programs, and may suit teams wanting to start at that scale. ColdAisle is a free, self-hosted option under the MIT license for readers considering a different licensing approach.

Brightlayer DCIM is a paid option purchased through an Eaton reseller; choose it if you prefer to request a demonstration or consultation through that channel. CenterOS Capacity Management offers private-cloud and SaaS plans with custom pricing, for readers considering those deployment models. CONTEG Aegis DCIM is a paid web option from a manufacturer of data-center and related systems. EkkoSense uses an annual SaaS license priced by monitored elements, for teams considering that licensing model.

Verdict

Choose openDCIM if you need free, self-hosted DCIM for physical inventory, capacity planning, and power-path visibility, and have the Linux-based stack to run it. Its most compelling advantage is the breadth of operational functions under GPL v3; its main reason to look elsewhere is the infrastructure commitment, compounded for API-dependent teams by the differing API descriptions.