Corteza is a 100% open-source low-code platform with built-in CRM, workflow automation, and enterprise messaging — a free, self-hosted Salesforce alternative.
Category
CRM
Pricing
Free / Open Source (self-hosted); optional paid support from Planet Crust, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 18, 2026
Founded
2019
Headquarters
Cork, Ireland
Free PlanWeb AppNo-CodeAPIOpen SourceSelf-Hosted
Overview
Corteza is a 100% open-source, Apache 2.0-licensed low-code platform developed by Planet Crust, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Cork, Ireland. It combines a low-code application builder, a CRM module, and an enterprise messaging tool in one self-hosted codebase.
Corteza is explicitly positioned as a free, open-source alternative to Salesforce, with its components mapped against Salesforce's Lightning Platform, Sales Cloud, and Chatter respectively.
Key Features
Corteza Low Code provides a drag-and-drop builder for record-based business applications, backed by a Go-based backend and Vue.js frontend, with a REST API and webhook support for integrations.
Corteza CRM and Corteza Messaging ship as ready-made applications on top of the low-code layer, giving organizations lead/account tracking, automation, and Slack-like team messaging out of the box.
Pricing
Corteza itself carries no licensing fees; it is free to download, self-host, and modify under the Apache 2.0 license, with cost limited to an organization's own infrastructure and DevOps effort.
Planet Crust, the company behind Corteza, offers optional paid support, custom development, and managed hosting for organizations that don't want to run the platform entirely in-house.
Key Features
Low-Code Application Builder — A drag-and-drop interface for building record-based, structured data applications without extensive custom coding.
Built-In CRM Module — Corteza CRM ships as a ready-made application with lead, account, and deal tracking, lead scoring, and sales forecasting.
Enterprise Messaging — Corteza Messaging provides Slack-like secure team communication built directly into the platform.
Automation Module — A workflow automation engine can trigger actions like lead assignment or notifications based on defined business rules.
REST API and Webhooks — Exposes a REST API and webhook support for integrating external systems and building custom automations.
Go Backend, Vue.js Frontend — Built on a performant Go backend with a Vue.js frontend, deployable via Docker or Kubernetes.
Apache 2.0 Open Source Licensing — Fully open-source code with no licensing fees, reviewable and modifiable by anyone.
Unified Workspace — Combines low-code apps, CRM, and messaging into a single connected workspace comparable to a self-hosted Google Workspace for business data.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Fully open source under Apache 2.0 with no per-user licensing fees, unlike Salesforce or other commercial CRM/low-code platforms
Combines low-code app building, CRM, and enterprise messaging in a single self-hosted platform
Backed by Planet Crust for optional paid support, custom development, and managed hosting
Self-hosting gives organizations full control over data residency and governance
Cons
Smaller community, ecosystem, and third-party integration marketplace than Salesforce or well-funded commercial competitors
Self-hosting requires in-house or contracted DevOps capability (Docker/Kubernetes familiarity)
UI polish and out-of-the-box templates can lag well-funded commercial low-code vendors
Fewer prebuilt native integrations compared to mainstream SaaS CRM and low-code platforms
Pricing
Community (Self-Hosted) Free N/A
Planet Crust Support and Hosting Custom Custom
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corteza really free?
Yes. Corteza is 100% open source under the Apache 2.0 license and can be self-hosted with no licensing fees. Optional paid support and managed hosting are available from Planet Crust.
What license does Corteza use?
Corteza is released under the Apache 2.0 open-source license.
Who maintains Corteza?
Corteza is developed and maintained by Planet Crust, a company founded in 2019 and headquartered in Cork, Ireland.
Can Corteza replace Salesforce?
Corteza is explicitly positioned as an open-source Salesforce alternative, with its Low Code, CRM, and Messaging components mapped against Salesforce's Lightning Platform, Sales Cloud, and Chatter.
What's the difference between Corteza and Corteza CRM?
Corteza is the overall open-source low-code platform, including the application builder and messaging tools. Corteza CRM is specifically the CRM application built on top of that platform.
Does Corteza offer cloud hosting?
Corteza is primarily distributed for self-hosting via Docker or Kubernetes; Planet Crust offers managed hosting and support as a paid service for organizations that prefer not to self-host.