We, the users, should stop thinking about software as a thing to own.

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?
Also on:

[1]Twitter
__________________________________________________________________

My original entry is here: [2]What Users Should Require in
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). It posted Sun, 13 Aug 2017 14:40:04
+0000.
Filed under: tech,

References

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1. https://twitter.com/prjorgensen/status/896744080864149505
2. https://www.prjorgensen.com/?p=682

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