Koha vs Symphony: Comparing Open Source and SirsiDynix ILS

Symphony from SirsiDynix is one of the most widely-deployed library systems globally, especially in large public and academic libraries. Koha, as the leading open-source ILS, offers a compelling alternative. This comparison examines both systems to help libraries make informed decisions.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature Comparison

Core Modules

Both systems include:

• Cataloging (MARC21, Z39.50, authority control)
• Circulation (loans, holds, fines)
• OPAC (public catalog)
• Acquisitions
• Serials management
• Reporting

Symphony advantages:

• Enterprise Discovery (EDS) integration
• BLUEcloud suite (mobile apps, analytics)
• Decades of refinement

Koha advantages:

• More frequent updates (quarterly releases)
• Plugin ecosystem for extending functionality
• Complete control over customization

User Interface

Symphony:

• Windows-based WorkFlows client (older) OR
• Web-based StaffWeb
• eLibrary OPAC (dated) OR
• Enterprise Portal (modern)

Koha:

• Fully web-based staff interface
• Modern, responsive OPAC
• Single technology stack (easier to maintain)

Winner: Koha - More modern, unified interface

Cost Breakdown (25,000-patron Public Library)

Symphony 5-Year Total: ~$500,000

• Initial license & implementation: $100,000
• Annual maintenance (20% of license): $20,000 × 5 = $100,000
• Annual hosting/support: $60,000 × 5 = $300,000

Koha 5-Year Total: ~$200,000

• Migration & implementation: $25,000
• Annual support/hosting: $35,000 × 5 = $175,000

Potential Savings: ~$300,000 over 5 years

Strengths and Weaknesses

Symphony Strengths

✅ Proven in very large libraries
✅ Strong vendor support and training
✅ Integrated discovery layer
✅ Mature feature set
✅ Single point of contact

Symphony Weaknesses

❌ High cost
❌ Vendor lock-in
❌ Customization requires expensive professional services
❌ Slower release cycle
❌ Dated interfaces (unless using newer modules)

Koha Strengths

✅ No licensing fees
✅ Active global community
✅ Full customization freedom
✅ Modern web-based architecture
✅ Frequent updates and improvements
✅ Multiple support vendor options

Koha Weaknesses

❌ Requires selecting and managing support vendor
❌ Smaller user base in North America
❌ Self-hosted requires IT resources (or use hosting)

Migration Considerations

From Symphony to Koha

Typical Migration Process:

1. Data analysis and planning (4-8 weeks)
2. Data extraction from Symphony
3. Data transformation to Koha format
4. Test migration and validation
5. Staff training
6. Go-live with parallel operations
7. Final cutover

Timeline: 3-6 months
Cost: $15,000-$40,000 depending on complexity

Data Migrated:

• Bibliographic records
• Item/holding records
• Patron accounts
• Circulation history
• Fines and fees
• Vendor and order data

When to Choose Koha

✅ Seeking significant cost savings
✅ Want full control over your system
✅ Value open-source principles
✅ Have IT staff or support vendor
✅ Want faster feature development
✅ Need extensive customization

When to Choose/Keep Symphony

✅ Already heavily invested in SirsiDynix ecosystem
✅ Part of large consortium on Symphony
✅ Limited IT resources, prefer full vendor management
✅ Require Symphony-specific integrations
✅ Risk-averse organization preferring established vendors

Performance and Scale

Symphony:

• Proven to handle 10+ million bibliographic records
• Optimized for very large multi-branch systems
• Requires robust hardware

Koha:

• Successfully deployed in libraries with millions of records
• Scales well with proper configuration
• Lower hardware requirements

Verdict: Both handle large libraries effectively.

Conclusion

The choice between Koha and Symphony often comes down to philosophy and budget:

Symphony is a mature, feature-rich proprietary system backed by a major vendor—but at significant cost with limited flexibility.

Koha offers comparable functionality with lower costs, greater customization freedom, and modern architecture—but requires selecting support vendors and embracing open-source.

For most libraries, especially those facing budget pressures, Koha’s cost savings (often 50-70% over 5 years) make it a compelling alternative to Symphony. The funds saved can be redirected to collections, programs, and staffing.

Considering migrating from Symphony to Koha? We specialize in Symphony-to-Koha migrations, providing full implementation and ongoing support. Contact us for a free consultation and cost analysis.

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