OPSI

Overview

OPSI is an open-source client-management system for IT teams that need to deploy software and operating systems, track inventory, and manage patches and configuration. Its broad remit and multi-site administration suit organizations managing varied fleets; the main caveat is that paid licensing starts at a 100-device minimum.

It combines routine software distribution with unattended operating-system installation and inventory collection, including hardware details from machines without an installed operating system. The browser-based OPSI-WebGUI needs no client-side installation, while the licensing tiers trade device limits and worker capacity for licensed extensions or managed hosting.

Key features

• Software deployment: OPSI automates non-interactive installations and distributes Windows updates, MSI packages, setup programs, and system packages. That makes it relevant for teams standardizing software rollout as well as OS provisioning.
• Operating-system installation: It can install Windows client and server systems and common Linux distributions, including unattended and image-based deployments. This is useful for repeatable setup, though macOS is represented in the Enterprise plan through an agent rather than in the stated OS-installation scope.
• Inventory: Regular hardware and software inventory, including hardware data from systems with no operating system installed, gives administrators visibility before a machine is fully provisioned.
• Multi-site control: Administration is centralized across sites, while each site can have its own depot server, configurations, and software packages. This balances central oversight with local deployment needs.
• Directory and identity integration: The Directory Connector supports Active Directory, Samba 4, and OpenLDAP. The Single Sign-On extension supports Microsoft Entra ID and Keycloak using SAML 2.0.
• Security and operations: OPSI documentation recommends SSL/TLS server identity verification and describes multifactor authentication and SAML single sign-on options. Enterprise includes Audit Log, Custom CA, Let’s Encrypt, Single Sign-On, and Two-Factor Authentication extensions. uib also offers phone and email support through support contracts, plus training, workshops, and webinars.

Pricing

OPSI uses a freemium model, with free Community and Basic licenses and annual paid licenses. The plan names and prices make the trade-offs fairly clear, but Professional and Enterprise require at least 100 devices, a threshold that may rule them out for smaller fleets.

• Community — free: Unlimited devices, core features, and one worker process. It is the strongest fit for users who want core OPSI functionality without a device cap, but it does not include paid extensions.
• Basic — free: Up to 30 devices, core features and listed extensions, one worker process, and one setup per user. It suits a small deployment; the setup cap and 30-client limit constrain broader use. The Basic license must be renewed each year and excludes support for non-free modules.
• Professional — €499 a year: Annual license, minimum purchase 100 devices, with 100 devices shown, listed extensions, and up to two worker processes. This tier fits organizations that meet the minimum and need more worker capacity than Basic or Community.
• Enterprise — €899 a year: Annual license, minimum purchase 100 devices, with 100 devices shown, macOS Agent, SSO, audit log and other extensions, plus unlimited worker processes. It is the more capable choice for larger or macOS-inclusive deployments that need those additions.
• Enterprise Cloud — €1,199 a year: Annual license starting at 100 devices, with a managed OPSI server, listed cloud features and extensions. It is for teams that want hosting managed, but caching is limited to products rather than configurations.

Professional and Enterprise licensing counts all devices managed with OPSI toward extension licensing. The pricing note also advertises a 42-day trial and paid access from €4.99/yr; the named annual plan prices above are shown separately in EUR.

Platforms

OPSI is described for Windows, Linux, and macOS environments, and its platform coverage includes API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows. The hybrid deployment model and browser-accessible WebGUI give it both self-hosted and web-facing aspects, while Enterprise Cloud adds a managed-server option.

Who it's for

OPSI is best suited to IT teams that want one system for software rollout, OS installation, inventory, patching, and configuration, especially across multiple sites. Community is a practical starting point when core features and a single worker process suffice; Basic fits a setup capped at 30 clients. Organizations needing more licensed extensions or capacity should consider paid tiers, provided the 100-device minimum is appropriate. Smaller teams that need paid support for non-free modules, or cannot meet that threshold, should weigh the limits carefully.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Software deployment, OS installation, inventory, patch management, and configuration are brought into one client-management system, reducing the need to split these tasks across tools.
• Pro: Community supports unlimited devices, while multi-site administration and hardware inventory without an installed OS address both fleet-scale and pre-provisioning needs.
• Pro: Directory integrations, SAML-based SSO, and Enterprise security extensions provide options for organizations with established identity and security requirements.
• Con: Basic is capped at 30 clients and one setup per user, and requires annual renewal; it also excludes support for non-free modules.
• Con: Professional and Enterprise require a minimum 100-device purchase, making their listed annual prices less suitable for smaller deployments.
• Con: Enterprise Cloud caches products but not configurations, which may matter to teams expecting both kinds of caching from a managed service.

Alternatives

For a wider shortlist, compare OS Deployment Software, Patch Management Software, IT Automation Software, and Application Deployment Software.

• Canonical MAAS is worth considering when free management for all machines is the priority; its Self-support plan does not include HA support, RBAC, a Knowledge Base, a Sev 1 response SLA, or phone or ticket support.
• Clonezilla is a free, open-source option under GPL version 2 for readers seeking that licensing model.
• Foreman is another free, self-managed installation for teams that prefer a free tool in that deployment form.
• AOMEI Backupper may suit Windows users looking for a free PC-backup plan rather than OPSI's client-management scope.
• ManageEngine OS Deployer is an alternative to consider for a web-and-Windows deployment product, with a free plan capped at four workstations and one server.
• UBports Installer is another free option with Linux, macOS, and Windows platform support.
• FOG Project is a free option with web, Windows, macOS, and Linux platform support.
• iVentoy is a freemium option with Windows and Linux support.

Verdict

OPSI is a strong fit for organizations that want coordinated software and OS deployment, inventory, patching, and configuration across sites, with a free Community tier for core use. Choose it when that breadth and its deployment flexibility matter; look elsewhere if you need paid extensions for fewer than 100 devices or want managed hosting that also caches configurations.