Let's make a list of ideal SaaS offerings which can be compelling alternatives to Google Apps/Docs, Microsoft Office 365, Zoho, Basecamp, etc.
Criteria to be on this list
Essential
- To offer application support
- Not shared hosting or just firing up a VM with the app
- They'll ideally fix reported bugs, but at the very least verify them and track for resolution
- They handle upgrades
- Possible to migrate to the FLOSS version
- SaaS version must available for download (so you can move your data if needed)
- Upfront explanations on how to do this, and any costs involved.
- Uses an OSI license. It's OK to have additional non-FLOSS editions or services but they are not the target of this list
- Pay with a credit card or PayPal
- They are contributors to the FLOSS project
- So by purchasing their services, you are indirectly helping the project
Nice to have
- A free trial version (ex.: 30 days)
- Multiple vendors (so you could move from one to another)
- Public and predictable pricing (ex.: Monthly fee per user, when applicable)
- An apparent business model so we can be reassured that it is a sustainable model (Freemium is OK)
- An open development process (public source repository, open contribution policy, etc.)
- Browser-based for quick access (if apps need to be installed, they should be cross platform)
The A-list
If a provider is almost there, please add on this list with a note of what they can improve.
Almost there
The ex-list
Excluded and why
Related:
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