The Cost of Self-Hosting: Deploying a Website for the Price of a Domain Name

TLDRDiscover how you can deploy a website, server, database, and analytics without relying on expensive cloud providers. Learn about the simple and affordable tools you can use, the benefits of self-hosting, and the steps to get started.

Key insights

💰The average SAS startup spends $116,000 per year on the cloud.

🌐Self-hosting allows you to deploy and manage your own website, server, and database.

🚀Using simple and open-source tools like Linux, Docker, and Git, you can achieve similar results as cloud providers.

🌍Self-hosting gives you more control over your data and enables you to avoid vendor lock-in.

Zero downtime deployments can be achieved by using Docker Compose and reverse proxies like Caddy.

Q&A

Is self-hosting suitable for every situation?

Self-hosting may not be ideal for every scenario, but it can provide cost savings, control, and flexibility for many applications.

What are the recommended tools for self-hosting?

Popular tools for self-hosting include Linux, Docker, Git, Caddy, and open-source databases like SQLite or PostgreSQL.

Can I achieve zero downtime deployments with self-hosting?

Yes, using Docker Compose and reverse proxies, you can deploy updates without any disruption to your website or services.

Are there any drawbacks to self-hosting?

Self-hosting requires technical knowledge and maintenance. It may also require more effort to ensure security and performance compared to using cloud services.

Can self-hosting be cost-effective for small businesses or personal projects?

Absolutely. By leveraging affordable tools and hardware, self-hosting can provide a cost-effective solution for small businesses and personal projects.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the high cost of cloud hosting for SAS startups.

03:00Overview of the tools and technologies used in self-hosting.

07:00Demonstration of building and running a website using Docker and Caddy.

11:00Discussion of the benefits of self-hosting, including control and cost savings.

15:00Explanation of zero downtime deployments using Docker Compose and reverse proxies.