Forward Deployed Engineering ❤️ Open Source

Aug 31, 2025

Forward Deployed Engineering and Open Source as an alternative to Saas and Professional Services.

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 paragigm 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.

What is Forward Deployed Engineering declined for Open Source?

At its core, Forward Deployed Engineering declined for Open Source means that the engineers developing an Open Source project are actively involved in its deployment and operation within a user’s specific environment. Unlike SaaS, where the vendor manages everything, this model empowers users to run and even modify the software on their own infrastructure, with direct support and collaboration from the project’s core team.

Think of it as having the creators of the software as part of your extended team, helping you integrate, optimize, and troubleshoot it directly within your unique setup.

The SaaS Conundrum: When Convenience Comes at a Cost

SaaS offers undeniable advantages: quick setup, automatic updates, and reduced operational overhead. But these benefits often come with significant trade-offs:

Vendor Lock-in: Migrating away from a SaaS provider can be notoriously difficult and costly, leading to reliance on a single vendor.
Limited Customization: SaaS solutions are designed for a broad audience, meaning deep customization to fit specific, niche requirements is often impossible or prohibitively expensive.
Data Control and Security Concerns: Users surrender control over their data to the SaaS provider, raising concerns about privacy, compliance, and security.
Opaque Costs: While seemingly straightforward, SaaS costs can escalate with usage, features, or user count, leading to unpredictable budgeting.
Lack of Transparency: The inner workings of a proprietary SaaS solution are a black box, making it difficult to diagnose issues or understand performance bottlenecks.
Merchant of complexity: Eventually all Saas becomes merchant of complexity.

How Forward Deployed Engineering Offers a Superior Alternative

For many organizations, particularly those with complex needs, strict security requirements, or a desire for ultimate control, Forward Deployed Engineering for Open Source projects offer a powerful alternative to SaaS.

Ultimate Control and Ownership: With forward deployment engineering, you own the solution and the data. It runs on your infrastructure, giving you complete control over security, compliance, and data residency. There’s no vendor lock-in; you can switch providers or even manage it entirely in-house if you choose.
Deep Customization and Flexibility: Open Source projects are inherently modifiable. Forward Deployed Engineering amplifies this by bringing the project’s experts directly to your environment. This allows for unparalleled customization, integration with existing systems, and the ability to tailor the software precisely to your unique workflows and requirements.
Enhanced Security and Transparency: Running software on your own infrastructure with the help of the project’s engineers allows for greater control over security protocols. Furthermore, the Open Source nature means the code is auditable, providing transparency and reducing the risk of hidden vulnerabilities.
Cost-Effectiveness at Scale: While initial setup might require more effort than a SaaS solution, the long-term costs can be significantly lower, especially at scale. You avoid recurring subscription fees that increase with usage, and you have the flexibility to optimize your infrastructure costs.
Direct Collaboration and Community Benefits: Forward Deployed Engineering fosters a strong collaborative relationship between the user and the Open Source project team. This often leads to direct feature requests being implemented, bugs being squashed faster, and a stronger sense of community ownership over the software’s direction. Your operational challenges directly inform the project’s development.

When is Forward Deployed Engineering the Right Choice?

Forward Deployed Engineering isn’t for everyone. Organizations that benefit most typically include:

Enterprises with complex IT landscapes: Those needing deep integration with existing systems.
Companies with strict regulatory or security requirements: Industries like finance, healthcare, or government.
Teams seeking maximum control and customization: When off-the-shelf solutions don’t quite fit.
Organizations with in-house technical talent: While the project engineers assist, some internal expertise is beneficial.

The Future is Hybrid and Open

While SaaS will undoubtedly remain a popular choice for many, Forward Deployed Engineering for Open Source projects represents a powerful shift towards user empowerment and open collaboration. It’s not about outright replacing all SaaS, but rather providing a robust and often superior alternative for those who demand more control, transparency, and customization.

As Open Source projects continue to mature and offer enterprise-grade solutions, the model of Forward Deployed Engineering will likely become a cornerstone of how organizations adopt and leverage powerful software, shaping a future where the lines between vendor and user are increasingly blurred in favor of a collaborative, open ecosystem.

Would you like to have a follow-up on this topic? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your experiences.