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This is a very helpful list but there remains an enduring problem with self-hosting server software: deployment. It remains ludicrously complicated to self-host
by open-source-ux 6y ago
This is a very helpful list but there remains an enduring problem with self-hosting server software: deployment. It remains ludicrously complicated to self-host server apps. It's no wonder that SaaS continues to dominate the software market when the self-host alternative is so time-consuming and unfriendly to set-up.
Imagine if app installs on the server were as simple and easy as installing a desktop app. Having a ridiculously easy web app installation process for servers would unlock countless opportunities for developers to reach more users or customers.
There appears to be no appetite or interest in the industry to tackle this problem. And just to pre-empt the suggestions that Docker, Cloudtron, Sandstorm, command-line scripts are possible options: none of these are easy or simple for non-technical users. Even one-click app marketplaces (Linode, Digital Ocean etc) have their complications.
Without easy deployment, particularly for non-technical users, self-hosting will never be a viable option for most people, only for a tiny minority of technical users. If you disagree, take a look at the unstoppable juggernaut that is SaaS.
- granshaw 6y agoI'd think the ideal "magical" UX would be: - Have some "global self-hosted sass installer service" pre-installed and running - Visit someselfhostedsaas.com - it detects that you don't have their software installed yet - It automatically initiates a download and installation. User is shown a loading screen. Doesn't even need to be different than your standard SPA spinner. - Once installation is complete, the app/local-site automatically opens. User is off to the races I can't be the first one envisioning this, and I'm sure there's been work done in this area?
- open-source-ux 6y agoAnother possibility: a common or standardised 'installation' API for web apps adopted by web servers like Apache, NGINX,Caddy etc. The API covers security, permissions, installation location and even uninstallation. It will never happen...but one can dream.
- bobcostas55 6y agoIsn't that what docker does? I have found it very easy to get self-hosted stuff running on my VPS.