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FOLIO vs SirsiDynix Symphony

FOLIO logo

FOLIO

Software

The open source library services platform reimagined

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

SirsiDynix Symphony

Software

Enterprise library management for any size library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only FOLIO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: FOLIO fOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.; SirsiDynix Symphony the full desktop functionality lives in the local WorkFlows client, with SymphonyWeb as the browser alternative rather than the default
  • They diverge on capability: FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, SirsiDynix Symphony covers Circulation management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FOLIO and SirsiDynix Symphony actually diverge.

Attributes where FOLIO and SirsiDynix Symphony differ
AttributeFOLIOSirsiDynix Symphony
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, ApiWeb, Desktop, Mobile, Api
Founded20161979

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in FOLIO

  • Modular app architecture
  • Circulation and check-out
  • Inventory and cataloging
  • Acquisitions and invoicing
  • Electronic resource management
  • User management
  • Agreements and licenses
  • Course reserves

Only in SirsiDynix Symphony

  • Circulation management
  • MARC cataloging
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials management
  • Patron management
  • OPAC
  • Reports and analytics
  • Self-check integration

Both cover

  • SIP2
  • NCIP
  • LDAP
  • SSO
  • Role-based access

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

FOLIO

  • Academic library managementnot SirsiDynix Symphony
  • Custom library applicationsnot SirsiDynix Symphony
  • Consortial systemsnot SirsiDynix Symphony
  • Electronic resource managementnot SirsiDynix Symphony

SirsiDynix Symphony

  • Integrated library system for public and academic librariesnot FOLIO
  • Cataloguing, circulation and acquisitionsnot FOLIO
  • Consortium-wide catalogues shared across member librariesnot FOLIO
  • K-12 and special library collection managementnot FOLIO

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

FOLIO

  • FOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.

SirsiDynix Symphony

  • The full desktop functionality lives in the local WorkFlows client, with SymphonyWeb as the browser alternative rather than the default
  • Pricing is not published

Pricing, plan by plan

FOLIO

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Modular app ecosystem
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
  • Hosted (via EBSCO/Index Data)$undefined/year
    • Everything in Community
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

SirsiDynix Symphony

On request
  • Symphony Standard$undefined/year
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
    • OPAC
  • Symphony Professional$undefined/year
    • Everything in Standard
    • Acquisitions
    • Serials management
  • Symphony Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Everything in Professional
    • BLUEcloud integration
    • Analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose FOLIO if

  • You need modular app architecture.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want circulation and check-out.
FOLIO review

Choose SirsiDynix Symphony if

  • You need circulation management.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
  • You also want marc cataloging.
SirsiDynix Symphony review

Questions people ask

Is FOLIO or SirsiDynix Symphony better?
Neither clearly leads. FOLIO starts at Free and SirsiDynix Symphony at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FOLIO or SirsiDynix Symphony?
FOLIO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for FOLIO and On request for SirsiDynix Symphony.
Does FOLIO or SirsiDynix Symphony run on more platforms?
FOLIO runs on Web, Api. SirsiDynix Symphony runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
Can I use FOLIO for free?
Yes. FOLIO has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SirsiDynix Symphony starts at On request.
What is FOLIO best used for?
FOLIO is most often used for academic library management, custom library applications, consortial systems, electronic resource management. Of those, academic library management and custom library applications are not what SirsiDynix Symphony is typically brought in for.
What can FOLIO do that SirsiDynix Symphony cannot?
FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Circulation and check-out, Inventory and cataloging, Acquisitions and invoicing. SirsiDynix Symphony covers Circulation management, MARC cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials management. Both handle SIP2, NCIP, LDAP, SSO.
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