The SaaS era assumed running software yourself was too expensive. AI agents are changing that math — and with it, the case for licensed, self-hosted software over subscriptions.
In the evolving landscape of software, SaaS (Software as a Service) has long been the dominant model, offering convenience and accessibility. However, I expect a new paradigm to emerge: Forward Deployed Engineering for Open Source projects. This approach could challenge SaaS in the future by offering a compelling alternative that prioritizes control, customization, and community.
