Quick answer
OpenCATS is a free, open source project in the “Industry & Niche” group, built with PHP, MySQL. It is released under MPL-2.0 (original 2007 code under the CATS Public License 1.1), has 760 GitHub stars, and its repository was last updated in Oct 2026. You can self-host it on your own server. Verified 14 October 2026.
Industry & Niche
OpenCATS
Open source applicant tracking system and recruitment CRM.
GitHub stars
760
Last repo update
Oct 2026
License
MPL-2.0 (original 2007 code under the CATS Public License 1.1)
Technology
PHP, MySQL
What is OpenCATS?
OpenCATS manages job orders, candidates and companies for recruiting and staffing teams.
Highlights
- Candidate and job-order tracking
- Company and contact records
- Long-running project
- Self-hosted
Best for
Recruiters and staffing agencies.
Self-Hosted (Open Source Edition)
Install on your own server • No per-user software fee • Full control & privacy
Self-Host on My Server →Official Website & Docs
We did not find an official hosted plan in the project documentation. Read the docs before deciding.
Open the docs →🏠 Self-Hosted Version
You download the source code and run it on your own server or VPS (for example Hostinger, AWS or DigitalOcean).
Installation
Follow the official installation documentation. The project is working towards newer PHP versions, so check the supported versions first.
Open the official install guide →
Requirements: PHP, MySQL and a web server.
Commands above come from the project's own documentation (checked 14 October 2026). Versions change, so confirm against the official guide before running anything on a production server.
Need a server to host it?
Most PHP and MySQL apps can run on ordinary web hosting, as long as the plan offers the PHP version and extensions the project requires. Check the requirements first. If you need more control, a VPS is the safer choice. Hostinger offers both shared web hosting and VPS plans.
Affiliate disclosure: this is an affiliate link. If you buy through it we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. CRMs are listed independently of any hosting partner. Learn more.
Before real customers go in: read the security and backup checklist →
🌐 Official Website & Documentation
We could not confirm an official hosted plan for OpenCATS in its documentation. Self-hosting is the main route.
Third-party providers may offer managed hosting. Always check their terms and that you can export your data.
Self-Hosted vs Hosted by Someone Else
| Factor | Self-Hosted | Managed / third-party |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | No software fee for the open edition. You pay for hosting. | Depends on the provider you choose. |
| Data privacy & control | Data stays on your server. | Data lives on the provider's servers. |
| Maintenance | You install updates and run backups. | The provider handles it. |
| Best for | Teams with a developer or sysadmin, and data-sensitive companies. | Teams who want a fast start and no server work. |
No technical person on the team
→ Ask a developer or managed host to set it up
Avoid running a server you cannot maintain.
Team with a developer or sysadmin
→ Self-Hosted
Lower running cost and full customization.
Data-sensitive or regulated work
→ Self-Hosted on your own server
You decide where data lives and who can access it.
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Frequently asked questions about OpenCATS
Is OpenCATS free and open source?
OpenCATS is released under MPL-2.0 (original 2007 code under the CATS Public License 1.1). Always read the LICENSE file in the official repository before you use, modify or redistribute it. License details were verified on 14 October 2026.
What technology does OpenCATS use?
OpenCATS is built with PHP, MySQL.
Can I self-host OpenCATS?
Yes. You can download the source from the official GitHub repository and run it on your own server or VPS. Requirements: PHP, MySQL and a web server.
Does OpenCATS have a hosted or cloud version?
We could not confirm an official hosted plan in the project documentation. Check the official website for the latest options.
Who is OpenCATS best for?
Recruiters and staffing agencies.
What are good alternatives to OpenCATS?
Similar open source projects in this directory include CRMEB, ITFlow, Pydici. Compare them in the Industry & Niche group.
Data verified 14 October 2026 from the project's public repository and documentation. Details change, so check the official sources. See our disclaimer. Found a mistake? Tell us.