Is open Source SaaS is just SaaS with better marketing
3 comments
I have been burned by quite a few projects that start open source and then switch to enterprise only closed source after a few years, abandoning the small community.
The last one is Hasura and I am now done with such open source SaaS. I would rather dig the Apache foundation graveyard.
The last one is Hasura and I am now done with such open source SaaS. I would rather dig the Apache foundation graveyard.
[deleted]
Yes it is, but you have to be careful with bait and switches where they change the license from OSS to source available or proprietary closed source.
When a user pays for traditional SaaS, they know they're buying software functionality, with hosting being implicit. The OSS model just flips the narrative: hosting is explicit, while software is "free." But if 99% of users lack the technical capability to self-host, manage security patches, handle DB migrations, or meaningfully contribute code - aren't we just reframing what they're paying for? The benefits of OSS (auditability, no vendor lock-in, community governance) are real, but they primarily serve technical users. For everyone else, a "hosting fee" is functionally identical to a SaaS subscription. Maybe the narrative: you're paying for the operational expertise/convenience that makes the software usable for non-technical users, and the "open source" label is mostly a marketing tool to stand out in a crowded SaaS market.
IDK really keen to just get some thoughts - don't get me wrong, I really love OSS and use the stated products above everyday. But I'm just curious to get other opinions.