Self-hosting

Self-hosting means you can run the software on your own server or cloud account. You, or someone you hire, install it, keep it updated and look after backups. The alternative is the vendor's hosted service, where all of this is done for you. Some tools offer both, with the self-hosted version being open source or sold under a separate licence. Carrd, GitHub, Google Tag Manager, n8n, Penpot, PostHog, Supabase, Webflow and WordPress are listed as having some form of it, though the meaning differs between them.

The usual reasons are control over where data is stored, privacy and compliance rules, and avoiding dependence on one vendor. Self-hosting also takes real time and technical skill, and the tool is only as secure as the person maintaining it. For most small businesses the hosted version is the better choice. It makes sense when data must stay in a particular country or building.

• Ask whether the self-hosted version has the same features as the hosted one, or leaves some out.
• Find out who is responsible for updates, security patches and backups.
• Check the licence terms, especially for commercial use.
• Ask what it would cost in hours and hosting to run it, not only whether it is possible.