Tired of SaaS Solutions You Can’t Modify? Consider an Alternative
Almost all businesses today use some combination of SaaS subscription services. Many work great, but when your business process does not align with the SaaS workflow, you have a problem. You can’t modify the SaaS product, and the problem is typically not severe enough to switch products. So, you have to come up with a (convoluted) workaround. What if you could access the source code and make some tweaks? That’s what the prospect of open-source apps brings.
Problems with SaaS in IT Operations
Limited Customization
Commercial SaaS products are designed for a broad audience, so their fixed options might not fit your business. You may request changes, but if the changes you need are not broadly applicable to many businesses, chances are they won’t be incorporated.
Vendor Lock-In
Using one SaaS provider for a wide range of services can lock you into that vendor. If the vendor changes prices, removes features, or has issues, it can be tough to switch as moving your data and processes can be very difficult.
Cost
While SaaS often has low upfront costs, monthly fees add up. As your business grows or new features are utilized, costs will rise. Using several SaaS products will push your costs even higher.
Why Open-Source Software Might Be the Answer
Tailored Solutions
With open-source software, you can change it to fit your business. You can add or remove features and connect it with your older systems. This flexibility helps you address your specific needs.
Community Support
Open-source software often has strong communities that help improve the software, fix bugs, and add new features. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable insights and support.
Cost-Effective
Open-source software usually doesn’t have licensing fees for the core product (though some have modestly priced add-ons.) This helps you save money which can be put it into customizing or expanding unique aspects of the software.
Managing Multiple Open-Source Apps
Many businesses avoid open-source apps as managing several of these apps independently can get tricky. Without a framework or platform to help, it is time consuming to ensure they work together and stay updated.
The Unified Platform Solution
What is needed is a unified IT platform that could help you manage multiple open-source apps. To be of real value it would need to provide several benefits:
Simplified Deployment
A unified platform should make it easier to deploy, configure, and manage various apps. It would need a central dashboard to control everything and be fully operational from the beginning. The open-source apps should be installed, configured and ready to use.
Better Integration
With a unified platform, the selected apps should work together smoothly. This would improve data sharing, automate tasks, and remove the complications of installing and configuring numerous separate apps.
Scalability and Flexibility
A unified platform should grow with your business. You should be able to easily add new apps or features as needed without the limits of fixed SaaS solutions.
Considering the Switch
If it sounds appealing to switch from commercial SaaS to a platform that integrates open-source offerings, consider the following steps as a guide in your process:
- Assess Your Needs: Identify your business needs and what integrations are required.
- Find a Candidate Platform: Find a platform that can manage your apps and support your growth.
- Review Open-Source Apps: Review the integrated apps to determine if they meet your needs.
- Plan for Implementation: Create a clear plan with timelines, resources, and risk management.
- Invest in Training: Make sure your IT team knows how to handle the new system.
- Join the Community: Stay involved with open-source communities to keep up with updates and trends.
Conclusion
Commercial SaaS solutions can be convenient, but they come with limits. By switching to open-source software and using a unified platform, you can create a tailored environment specific to your needs. This approach will also save you money and give you more control over future plans.
Consider the curated list of applications in ResorsIT offering tailorability and out-of-the-box integration.
2025-03-27