ConsultancyOS vs NetSuite OpenAir
NetSuite OpenAir is Oracle's enterprise PSA, built for large services organisations that already run NetSuite. ConsultancyOS covers the same operate layer with far less weight, and adds the AI delivery layer an enterprise PSA was never designed for.
OpenAir is a mature, deep PSA aimed at enterprise services teams and large system integrators, often deployed alongside NetSuite ERP. It is powerful and configurable, but heavy to implement, priced per seat plus modules, and centred on operations rather than encoded delivery.
| Capability | Consulting OSConsultancyOS | Enterprise PSA (Oracle)NetSuite OpenAir |
|---|---|---|
| Projects, time, billing, resourcing | Yes, full operate layer | Yes, deep and mature |
| Implementation effort | Days, founder-led onboarding | Heavy, often months |
| AI agent layer (encoded delivery) | Core to the platform | No |
| IP Encoding System (method into agents) | Yes, proprietary | No |
| Profit First module | Yes, native | No |
| Best fit firm size | 5-100 staff | Enterprise & large SIs |
| Pricing model | Flat fee per firm | Per seat + modules |
| Needs a separate ERP | No | Often paired with NetSuite |
Reflects publicly available capability at time of writing. We update these quarterly.
Where ConsultancyOS is different.
Enterprise depth without enterprise drag.
OpenAir is built for large organisations and implements like it. ConsultancyOS gives a 5-100 person firm the operate layer it needs without months of configuration and consultants.
A delivery engine, not just operations.
OpenAir manages the work and the financials. It does not produce deliverables. ConsultancyOS adds agents that do the first 60% of the work, grounded in your firm's IP.
Flat fee, not per seat plus modules.
OpenAir is priced per seat with paid modules. ConsultancyOS is one flat platform fee by firm size, with unlimited team and engagements.
ConsultancyOS vs NetSuite OpenAir, answered.
Is OpenAir overkill for a boutique firm?
Often, yes. OpenAir's depth suits enterprises and large SIs, and the implementation reflects that. A 5-100 person firm usually gets the operate layer it needs from ConsultancyOS far faster, plus an AI delivery layer OpenAir does not have.
Do I need NetSuite to use ConsultancyOS?
No. OpenAir is commonly paired with NetSuite ERP. ConsultancyOS is a standalone platform and integrates with the finance tools boutiques actually use, such as Xero.
Does OpenAir have AI delivery agents?
No. OpenAir focuses on PSA operations and financials. ConsultancyOS adds encoded agents that produce client deliverables grounded in your IP.