Lecture Notes

Introduction to Software as a Service (SaaS)

• Historical Context: Software used to be purchased physically and owned permanently.
• SaaS Introduction: Transition to a model where software is rented monthly, increasing profits for companies.
• Examples of SaaS Fees:
  • Peloton's reactivation fees for used bikes.
  • Logitech's proposed pay-as-you-go mouse.
  • Adobe's lawsuit over hidden early termination fees.

Open Source Alternatives to Popular Software

• Windows vs. Linux: Linux as a free replacement for Windows.
• Microsoft Office vs. LibreOffice:
  • LibreOffice as a free alternative compatible with many file formats.
  • Lacks certain Microsoft Office features like AI and cloud integration.

Alternatives to Other Paid Software

• Airtable vs. NocoDB:
  • NocoDB as a self-hosted, cost-effective alternative for spreadsheet management.
• Notion vs. AppFlowee:
  • AppFlowee supports note-taking, kanbans, calendars, and AI, with Rust and Flutter.
• Salesforce vs. ERPNext:
  • ERPNext as an open-source CRM and enterprise resource planning tool.
• Slack vs. Mattermost:
  • Mattermost offers integrated voice/video chat and data control.
• Zoom vs. Jitsi:
  • Jitsi as an open-source video conferencing tool with many features.

Developer Tools

• Jira vs. Plane: Plane offers a free, open-source alternative for project management.
• Firebase vs. Open Source Alternatives:
  • Options include Convex, AppWrite, Supabase, PocketBase.
  • Instant for real-time chat/collaboration sync.

Hosting Alternatives

• Self-Hosting Options:
  • Coolify and Daku as alternatives to premium hosting services like Vercel and Heroku.

Alternatives to Adobe Software

• Open-Source Options:
  • Premiere vs. DaVinci Resolve.
  • Illustrator vs. Creda.
  • After Effects vs. Blender.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the potential to never pay for software again.
• Encourages using open-source tools as a challenge for developers.