Open Journal Systems · Setup · Training · Hosting
Launch & run your own scholarly journal on OJS
OJS is free, open-source software trusted by 20,000+ journals worldwide. We do the hard part — install it, configure your editorial workflow, train your team, and host it on our managed servers, so you can focus on publishing.
The software is free — you only pay for expert setup, training & hostingWhy publish with OJS — and why with us
OJS powers peer review, submissions, and open-access publishing end to end. We make sure it's set up right and stays running.
Done-for-you setup
Installation, journal configuration, sections, review settings and email templates — configured to your editorial policy.
Managed hosting
Fast, secure hosting on our servers with SSL, automated backups and monitoring — no server headaches for you.
Hands-on training
We train your editors, reviewers and authors on the OJS workflow so your team is confident from day one.
Updates & security
We keep OJS patched and up to date, and help with DOI (Crossref) and indexing-readiness.
Simple, transparent plans
Pick a starting point. Not sure which fits? Tell us about your journal and we'll recommend the right plan.
Starter Setup
- Latest OJS installed & configured
- 1 journal · responsive default theme
- Editorial workflow, sections & email templates set up
- User roles & submission settings
- 1-hour onboarding training (online)
- 30 days post-launch support
- Install on your server or ours (hosting billed separately)
Managed Journal
- Everything in Starter Setup
- Fully managed hosting on our secure server
- SSL + daily backups + uptime monitoring
- OJS updates & security patches
- Custom branding & theme tuning
- Crossref DOI registration setup
- 3 hours editorial-team training
- Priority email & WhatsApp support
Institutional
- Everything in Managed Journal
- Up to 5 journals on one managed install
- Indexing-readiness guidance (DOAJ, Crossref)
- Custom theme design
- Migration from existing OJS / other platforms
- Dedicated account manager
- On-site / online team training
- Priority SLA support
Prices exclude GST. Hosting for the Starter plan is optional and billed separately (or use your own server). Need multiple journals, migration, or a custom theme? Request a custom quote.
How it works
From enquiry to a live journal — usually within a week.
Tell us about your journal
Send your requirements; we recommend the right plan and scope.
We install & configure
OJS set up with your branding, sections, workflow and policies.
We train your team
Live session for editors, reviewers and authors on the OJS workflow.
Go live & we maintain
Your journal goes live; we host, update and support it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OJS software really free?
Yes. OJS (Open Journal Systems) by PKP is free, open-source software. You're paying us for professional installation, configuration, editorial training, managed hosting and ongoing maintenance — not for the software licence.
Can you host the journal, or do we need our own server?
Both work. Our Managed and Institutional plans include fully managed hosting on our secure servers. With the Starter plan you can host on your own server, or add our hosting separately.
Do you help with DOIs and indexing?
Yes — we set up Crossref DOI registration and provide guidance to make your journal indexing-ready (e.g. DOAJ). Final acceptance into any index is decided by the indexing body, not by us, so we prepare and advise but cannot guarantee inclusion.
Can you migrate our existing journal to OJS?
Yes. Migration from an older OJS version or another platform is included in the Institutional plan and available as an add-on for other plans.
How long does setup take?
A standard single-journal setup is typically live within a few working days of receiving your content and requirements.