I'm working on releasing a product and I am trying to figure out between: self-hosted and SAAS model.
My question is: I want to release it as self-hosted, but I think the risk of giving the customer the source code is too high... they can just release it as open-source or sell it at a lower price, so my business is dead? how do you do it?
Is it worth trying to obfuscate code or compile it as a binary so they cannot access the code?
Also, with it being self-hosted, how are you chargin a monthly fee? If you are chargin for a monthly fee, can't the customer just remove the product licence validity check? e.g. they remove verification that they have purchased a licence?
You can't beat piracy. Look at video-games. Just make it easier to install and set-up when purchasing than when pirating. Also, the automatic updater only works with a valid license key and support is also only provided with a valid key.
OK, firstly thank you so much for the reply! I have also sent you a DM on X to try and get your input, but you already replied here so cheers!
So I was focused on the wrong thing… focusing on rem ing the possibility of fraud/theft/piracy etc… but what you are saying is focus on charging for product updates I.e. new releases which require a valid key + direct support.
Thanks for helping me get this straight in my head.
I feel that selling as a self-hosted model will allow me to operate as a solo founder without the overhead of legal complications with GDPR/Security certifications/ owning the liability of having my customers data… if it is self-hosted they can do what the fuck they want with their own customer data and I don’t need to own that liability… this was my thinking… but then obviously I made the error of focusing too much on trying to avoid theft.
Thanks again.
I have followed you on X, would be great to connect there.
Wishing you lots of continued success! Appreciate your time and advice.
Matt
Also, with it being self-hosted, how are you chargin a monthly fee? If you are chargin for a monthly fee, can't the customer just remove the product licence validity check? e.g. they remove verification that they have purchased a licence?
Any insight highly appreciated.