Looking for an alternative to OJS?
OJS is free, but running it isn't: upgrades, security, plugins and someone technical always on hand. Index gives you complete editorial management in the cloud, with automated production and help migrating your back issues.
When it makes sense to switch
Upgrading OJS is risky
Every new release and every PHP vulnerability means updating the server, plugins and themes.
You depend on one person
If your technical person is unavailable, the journal stops.
Production happens elsewhere
OJS handles the editorial workflow, but PDF, HTML and JATS XML are produced outside it, by hand or by vendors.
Design takes effort
Customising the OJS website and templates requires technical skills.
Index compared with OJS
| OJS | Index | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | Free (open source) | Plan based on the size of your journal |
| Hosting and upgrades | Handled by the journal or a provider | Included: cloud platform managed by Index |
| Security and backups | Depend on how the server is maintained | Managed by Index |
| Peer review | Yes | Yes: open, single-blind or double-blind |
| PDF, HTML, JATS XML and EPUB | Outside OJS (plugins, vendors or by hand) | Built in with Index Production |
| Journal website | Themes and technical customisation | Modern website in your journal's identity |
| Support | PKP community and forums | Direct support from the Index team |
OJS is a great tool used by thousands of journals. If you have a technical team and it works for you, there is no need to switch: Index Production also works with OJS.See Index Production →
How we migrate your journal from OJS
We review your OJS
We look at issues, articles, users and metadata to prepare a tailored plan.
We migrate your back issues
We move published issues and articles with their metadata and review them with you.
We take care of URLs and DOIs
We plan redirects and DOI updates so you don't lose visits or citations.
Training and launch
We train your team and support you through your first issues.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose old issues or articles?
We plan the transfer of your back issues (issues, articles and metadata) and review it with you before the switch.
How long does a migration take?
It depends on the size of your archive. After reviewing your OJS we give you a concrete timeline.
Can I keep OJS and use only Index Production?
Yes. Index Production works with OJS to generate PDF, HTML, JATS XML and EPUB.
What happens to my DOIs?
Your DOIs stay the same. We plan the URL updates in Crossref so they keep pointing to your articles.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the number of journals and the services you need. We prepare a proposal after the demo.
Let's talk about your OJS
Leave us your email and we will show you in a demo what your journal would look like on Index.
Want to try automated production first? Try it with an article