4

According to this page

Cloud software is slightly different than conventional software. As a general rule, you don't get access to the source code, even if the hosted software is built entirely on open source software. That may not make the software proprietary, strictly speaking, but it doesn't give you all the benefits of open source. In that sense, the benefits of using the "pay for what you use" software as a service model may outweigh the disadvantage of not having access to the source code.

Now OpenStack is bringing cloud support to the open source community, but what about Software as a Service?

Are there any open source SaaS projects out there? Does SaaS even make sense in a FLOSS context?

2
  • Are you talking about the countless companies which offer open source databases as a service, like AWS, Heroku etc.?
    – Philipp
    Jun 29, 2015 at 19:09
  • Possibly, but also consider the direction Microsoft is taking with Office and Adobe with its photography software
    – kdopen
    Jun 29, 2015 at 19:13

1 Answer 1

3

Yes

In short there are many many open source SaaS projects out there.

Some of these include:

  • owncloud
  • openshift

For a list of over 60 examples go here: list

These products have become popular because most are free, and easy to use.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.