Cashflow, a Ruby on Rails web application, is broken down into two main parts. The first is a streamlined interface that encourages quick data entry of checks, distributions, expenses, and other categories. The second part offers both an array of all-purpose reports and a generalized data model that will help developers to build custom reports and other visualizations of financial data.

We think anybody running a similar service-based business – or at least anybody who wants to avoid the bloat, inflexibility, and expense of software like QuickBooks – could benefit from Cashflow. That’s why we’re planning to make the application freely available as an open-source project to developers and small-business owners. After we bring the project to a stable state and finish building a variety of standard reports, we will release the source code under a public license. Then you’ll see how easy it can be to manage your company’s cashflow.