We, the users, should stop thinking
about software as a thing to own. The direction is toward a
service model for better and worse.
What should a keen-eyed shopper
value?
- No data lock-in - the user should
own their data and be able to export it at any time through
the native user interface without having to jump through
hoops (except for encrypted data - see below). The export
should be in a common format like plain text, XML, CSV, etc.
and not a proprietary format.
- Direct support - a web interface,
email address, and chat at a minimum is required. Any service
only offering support through an app store is a major red
flag.
- Multi-platform - unless you only
live in Apple's or Google's ecosystem any SaaS must at least
support your top two platforms. If you are GNU/Linux or
Windows on your desktop, this is a must-have for your mobile
devices.
- Multi-cloud - unless you only live
in Apple's ecosystem any SaaS must support Dropbox as a
second option at a minimum. iCloud is limited to macOS, iOS,
and Windows but the Windows support is abysmal
IMHO.
- Mobile support - must handle
landscape and portrait layouts and support tablet sizes. I am
surprised at the software that still does not do this basic
task.
- Encryption - must support industry
standard best encryption options. If a SaaS offers its own
custom encryption RUN AWAY! Exporting encrypted data should
offer unencrypted and GPG-passphrase-encrypted options though
few do today.
- Active development - this is
easiest to verify if they have a public GitHub or similar
repository. App stores will also show when the last update
hit. Careful reviews of app store ratings can help figure out
the historical time line. Check in Reddit and StackExchange
and other public forums.
- Native (non app store) desktop
releases - on the desktop the ability to get the software
outside of the Apple or Microsoft or Google app stores is a
plus. Even if you prefer the app store version - and most
users should for the added security - the developer's
willingness to offer a direct-to-the-customer version of
their software with a license is a good sign. Also, any
revenue the developer gets from these direct sales is 100%.
Apple app store versions costs the developer 30% or
so.
- In App Purchases - not bad in and
of themselves, a developer should not "nickel and dime"
customers with small features. There should be an option for
some kind of a premium bundle which offers all add-ons for a
reasonable 1 time fee.
- Data sync - this is a tough one.
Most SaaS developers will come up with their own sync
solution after changes to DropBox made it more difficult for
developers. iCloud on iOS & macOS works in the Apple
ecosystem. OneDrive might eventually for Microsoft and some
Android stuff, and Google Drive for the Google stuff. I think
so long as the sync adheres to the above you are
good.
- Local storage - some apps like
1Password and TextExpander offered local repository options
but deprecated them for IMHO less than compelling reasons
related to sync and cloud. Users should have the option to
store sensitive data locally and forgo sync & cloud for
that data.
- Feature & scope creep - watch
out for Saas that suddenly introduce changes for enterprises
and large groups while removing or reducing functionality for
individual users in order to accommodate the
expansion.
What else should users look for in a
SaaS product?
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