NetSuite is the go-to ERP choice of many businesses. As per 2024 data, NetSuite currently serves over 40,000 customers. However, if you ask about their experiences running NetSuite, you will be more likely to hear 10 different customer answers. Many are increasingly frustrated with NetSuite over the inflexible module structures, unexpected and escalating subscription costs, and vendor lock‑in. 

With every passing year, NetSuite’s pricing model is becoming more obscure — driven by per‑user licensing, mandatory modules, and hard annual renewals—companies, especially those running mid-market businesses, are squeezed financially under this burden. And these are reasons businesses are being obliged to NetSuite migration. 

At the same time, ERPs are gaining significant praise among customers because of greater flexibility, transparency, and control over cost. Today, in this article, we will explore whether the rising cost of NetSuite is pushing customers toward ERP platforms and whether those platforms are worth the investment

The Cost Problem: NetSuite’s Rising Price Structure 

Usually, the NetSuite pricing varies based on the company size, number of users, specific modules chosen, and implementation complexity. However, in such cases, the cost generally ranges from under $30,000 to $250,000+. Also, the implementation can cost between $10,000 and $100,000+, while ongoing support and training can add another $2,000 to $15,000 annually.

In the list of NetSuite consumers, almost 28% are from the professional services industry, where the communications industry (13.8%) and consumer packaged goods are approximately 12.6%. However, the growing pricing has drawn huge concerns and immense criticism among users, especially mid‑market clients. 

Furthermore, a NetSuite pricing model is also responsible behind NetSuite migration. This includes different products: base user licenses, key modules or suites, service‑tier SLAs, sandbox environments, and premium support. This layered billing significantly leads to surprise total costs beyond the expected expenses. 

On the other hand, the module‑based pricing and some mandatory additions that amplify the overall expenses of purchasing and renewing NetSuite. Therefore, when businesses grow together, this affects mid‑sized businesses and those expanding internationally or diversifying operations.

Beyond Pricing: Complexity and Limitations 

While NetSuite is very powerful, it presents some complexities and limitations. These are specially regarding the pricing structure, customization, and integration forcing businesses for NetSuite migration. Additionally, the extensive functionalities of this platform even overwhelm users, resulting in customizations that are very costly and challenging to maintain. Here is a detailed breakdown of some high and unpredictable costs that often create customer pinpoints. 

Limited customization without expensive consultancy

Deep changes almost always require certified partners, increasing implementation time and cost. Many users rely heavily on costly consultants, even for some minor changes. 

Slow deployment and long lead times

If you use NetSuite—especially with multiple modules or international locations— you probably know that the deployment takes months. 

Rigid integrations

While NetSuite supports proper integration, connecting some tools or industry‑specific systems often demands ongoing support.

Vendor lock-in

Due to the costly integration and training costs, clients cannot get the chance to migrate data or even switch to different systems easily.

These limitations combine to create a sense of inflexibility: businesses can’t quickly pivot their ERP to fit changing needs without incurring substantial consulting and licensing fees.

What Today’s Businesses Need from an ERP?

The global ERP software market is projected to reach $123.42 billion by the end of 2030, and only those ERPs will stand out as major players in the market that will benefit businesses the most. Below, we are mentioning a detailed breakdown of those qualities that are demanded:

Flexibility to adapt

Businesses want some modern ERP systems that always support some industry‑specific workflows and easily adapt to evolving processes—without the need for expensive custom coding. 

Scalable and transparent pricing 

As teams grow over time, they want ERPs that can scale predictably. Additionally, a monthly or per‑module commitment without any surprise charges increases trust.

Open APIs and seamless integration

Integration with external tools such as BI software, e‑commerce platforms, and supply‑chain systems can assist in doing simple tasks. 

Ownership and control of data

Modern businesses don’t want the vendor lock‑in system. It means having full access to and easily controlling your data—whether on‑premise or even if you are operating in the cloud. This helps businesses with easy exportability and assists with some independent hosting options.

Such requirements moreover show the demand for some agile and growth‑oriented operational models. Any ERP should have the capability to empower businesses without bringing any burden to businesses. 

The Rise of Affordable ERP Platforms 

The more people are taking interest to NetSuite migration, several ERP platforms are rising. Following some core principles, these platforms help all sizes of businesses to grow. Let’s look at those principles that make such ERP platforms gain significant traction.  

Transparency

Affordable code always allows businesses to seamlessly audit, customize, and even show some extended functionalities in-house or via trusted partners.

Modular design

Businesses with the  ERPs can handle only the necessary modules. From CRM to accounting to manufacturing—everything, businesses can manage without unnecessary cost.

Community‑driven innovation

ERP platforms benefit from a global community of developers and many users who always contribute to development and troubleshooting, and even assist in continuous improvement. Therefore, businesses can ensure innovation and even address diversified business requirements.

Similarly, some popular ERP platforms such as FoyCom, ERPNext, and Dolibarr are also getting adopted by many businesses. For example, as of July 2025, 7 million users across 120+ countries have subscribed to Oddo platforms. This allowed FoyCom to hold around 15% of the global ERP market. The result only highlights FoyCom’s demand and significant presence in business growth. 

Similarly, according to the BuiltWith Trends reports, more than 12,000 websites are currently using ERPNext. Additionally, almost 200 partners worldwide have implemented and received support from ERPNext.

On the other hand, the Dolibarr association has experienced around 1,350 new organizations per week and approximately 3,000 new downloads per week, which they mentioned have been done from their main download server.

The reasons behind adopting these ERP platforms are  - 

• Much lower TCO ( total cost of ownership) compared to the platform NetSuite.

• These platforms offer greater flexibility as the developers can easily tailor great functionality. 

• Community extensions and localization, with over 6,000 modules available from the FoyCom Community.

• These open ERP platforms are highly suitable for mid‑market firms, as they always need a scalable and customizable ERP without spending huge amounts. Similarly, the open‑source options represent a much compelling alternative.

NetSuite vs. FOYCOM ERP: A Feature Comparison 

If you are deciding to NetSuite migration but confused, a feature comparison between NetSuite and other Open Source ERP platforms can help you to make the right choice. Let’s take a look - 

Real-World Trends: Who’s Making the Switch? 

Different industries, from manufacturing and retail, services, and tech, as well as many mid‑sized businesses, face a huge burden due to some unexpectedly rising costs from NetSuite. These are the reasons businesses are switching to such ERPs. 

Also, many businesses planning for NetSuite Migration and switching to FoyCom because they find that the innovative and ERP system has helped them to reduce the spend by 50-70%. Additionally, they have reported to gain more control over their workflows and business operations

Some Adoption stats that support this trend:

• As per 2024 data, the Cloud ERP deployments reach 70.4% of all ERP systems, and they have even grown steadily, especially increasing the demand for platforms like FoyCom’s.  

• As per Forbes,  usage continues to expand globally, with more than a thousand medium‑sized businesses adopting the ERP platform

Some users have also experienced faster implementations, lower costs, and guidance with continuous innovation. These flexibilities and features have made Oddo far better than NetSuite.

Key Considerations Before Switching 

Before you make a NetSuite migration and switch to an ERP, you should consider a key points. Let’s take a look that help you to make the right choice. 

• It is necessary to identify some specific business requirements. These include adding core functionalities, greater scalability, integration needs, and even meeting the reporting needs. 

• Open ERP platforms often require proper customization; they can only fit specific business needs. Also, you need to focus on implementation, time, and cost.

• Evaluate the existing integrations with logistics, banking, CRM, e‑commerce, or even some bespoke systems. These ensure the existence of APIs and connectors. 

• success often hinges on community, or even needs some partner support. So, it is advisable to connect to a trusted consultancy or partner with a familiar network for better assistance. 

• You need to choose some custom modules that are safe to upgrade. Version control and some pleasant upgrade paths also help you avoid technical debt.

• Similarly, picking an right ERP implementation partner can help you with the proper and proven NetSuite migration to Oddo or other open ERP platforms. Therefore, you can get a better localization experience and opt for safe upgrade practices.

Conclusion: Is It Time to Reevaluate NetSuite? 

NetSuite remains a capable platform, and many businesses use it to meet their needs. However, according to the recent trends where the renewal hikes exceed 20% annually, it is necessary to look at some module‑based cost pressures, upgrades, and increase the total cost of ownership, creating huge conflicts among businesses. 

Meanwhile, ERP platforms like FOYCOM, ERPNext, and even Dolibarr offer a viable, secure, and future‑proof alternative, with many new features. So, if you are still confused about the huge NetSuite bills, hidden prices, and vendor lock-in, it’s time to switch your ERP strategy.