Introducing the Openbravo 3 Module Monitor

I'd like to announce a new tool to help keep you informed about the extensive module development activity happening across Openbravo's global Community--the Openbravo 3 Module Monitor Report. 

The very first edition, for April 2011, is now available for direct download here.  If you want to receive this report automatically every month, please click here to sign up for our mailing list, and be sure to check the box re: "Technical Product Updates".   

Since the Openbravo 3 Monitor Report can be a bit intimidating (there is always a LOT going on! :), read on to check out some summary highlights.  

April 2011 Module Development Highlights

This month Openbravo developers worldwide are heads down publishing their modules for Openbravo 3, and several localizations achieved GA (General Availability) or CR (Controlled Release) status for Openbravo 3, including localization modules from these countries:

• Japan (S&S Global Services)
• France (Phidias)
• Turkey (thanks Kasim!)

Dozens of of Openbravo’s own modules were updated to Release Candidate 6, adding new functionality and correcting over 100 defects as reported by Openbravo CEO Paolo Juvara in this blog post.

I have a special call out for the Initial Data Load Extension for Java  module, which is now published in Test status for Openbravo 3. As Adrian Romero discussed in this blog post, the module makes it easy to tailor your initial data load process. If you are piloting Openbravo 3 and want to import your own specific data, give it a try!

Similarly, if you are a developer authoring a module and want to add an import process to it, check out this post from Shankar Balachandran. A lot of people have data in spreadsheets (or can easily put it there), so it is often worth your time to go the extra mile to make it as easy as possible to import customer data into your new module (instead of entering it by hand).

Great Example of Web-based Integration!

Finally, I want to refer you to Asier Zabaleta’s excellent blog post describing how easy it is to integrate Openbravo 3 with Zoho reports, and expose a Zoho graph as an Openbravo 3 workspace widget. Asier sums it up very well at the end,

• “And this is just an example of why web solutions are so powerful these days. Their ease of integration with other tools makes them a must”!!

Indeed, open source is at the forefront of modular web technology, and Openbravo is leading the way in the ERP space, with Openbravo 3, the agile erp.

Until Next Month...

 I hope you have found this monthly update on Openbravo 3 module development informative and useful. Openbravo 3 modules are the key to achieving a best fit, maintainable ERP implementation at a low cost. So stay informed informed about what modules are available, and don’t be shy about trying out a new module--it’s easy, just follow these simple instructions.

Note that if you ever miss a month, I will keep a complete list of the monthly reports in the wiki, just click here.