Self-hosted business model vs. SaaS?

Question

I've been impressed by Sidekiq not just as a product, but also by its creator, Mike Perham's execution. It's a downloadable Ruby gem file that users self-host, which minimizes the need for 24/7 DevOps and streamlines customer support since it's really a straightforward solution to a straightforward problem.Each time I think about a business idea in some field that I really enjoy, I always end up thinking of a SaaS: platform or a tool for analysis, which would require a larger team if I want it to scale, instead of being a one-person operation.Is there a way to break away from this SaaS-focused mindset I have and embrace the self-hosted model that some products out there have successfully implemented?

ezekg · Accepted Answer

As a solo founder of a SaaS, I think it is doable solo. But hard. Regardless, I totally get what you&rsquo;re saying -- I look up to Mike/Sidekiq too, always wanted to do a product like that -- and I&rsquo;m actually in the process of making my SaaS self-hosted/on-prem as well for the same reasons (among others). Scaling a SaaS does seem harder than scaling on-prem (currently doing the former so biased, ofc).So I guess what I&rsquo;m getting at here is: have you thought about both? SaaS with on-prem options?

juanse · Answer

Certainly the license model is easier in that way, however it usually needs technical support (Phussion Passenger is also a good example). Besides, the target audience changes towards a more technical one. And those are harder to reach and satisfy.