Jack finds several tools which suit his requirements to some extent or another. After evaluation of his options he decides to use LedgerSMB for the following reasons:
Centralized data storage
Actively developed
Development team with security focus
Access to the application requires only a web browser
Integrated sales, shipping, invoicing, purchasing and accounting
Open source solution, so no vendor lock in
The roadmap appeals to him, because it has web services payrolling on it
There are multiple vendors offering commercial support, including hosted options
The developers envision building a platform out of it: creating the building blocks required to build a company on
Own your own data
Freedom to change
Support organization
Developer (organization)
Data storage provider
Application service provider