Hey everyone,
I'm looking for some advice on selecting a tech stack for a vertical SaaS product I'm excited about, which focuses on AI and automation. As a Business Analyst with a solid IT background, I have a good grasp on process design, requirements, and workflows. While I might not be a developer, I've built a decent home lab with tools like OMV8, Docker, Ubuntu Server, and a few others. I can read code, write basic scripts, and figure things out with online resources.
However, I'm feeling quite overwhelmed by the numerous tech stack options out there:
- **Hosting:** Should I go with AWS, DigitalOcean, or a VPS with Docker?
- **Backend:** What's the best choice between Node, Python, or .NET?
- **Frontend:** Is Next.js the way to go, or should I consider Vue or something else?
- **Database:** Postgres or Mongo?
- **Authentication:** Keycloak vs. Auth0 versus Supabase?
- **AI Integration:** Is it better to use hosted LLMs or self-hosted solutions?
- **Orchestration:** Would n8n be suitable?
- **All-in-one Solutions:** What about platforms like Vercel, Netlify, or others?
My goals include:
- Being a solo founder
- Implementing a multi-tenant SaaS model
- Effectively integrating AI
How would you tackle the tech selection process based on my situation? If you were in my shoes, what stack would you pick and why? I'd greatly appreciate any solid insights from those with experience! Thanks!
5 Answers
I'd say go with reliable, 'boring' technologies. They might not be the flashiest, but you'll find way more resources and support online. Using platforms like Vercel can help you minimize initial setup hassle too. Focus on delivering your MVP and worry about scaling later!
Totally agree! Getting your MVP up and running should be the priority.
The PHP stack with **Laravel** is a classic choice too. It supports multi-tenancy quite well and is well-documented. Not the newest, but has a strong developer experience. Plus, it's battle-tested if you're looking for robust solutions.
Interesting! I didn’t realize PHP is still widely used. Definitely something to think about.
Laravel is definitely solid! It's great for quick deployments and has a vast community.
Honestly, there's no 'best' solution since each option has its pros and cons. I'd recommend picking something simple and well-documented to start. Given your situation, going with **Next.js + Supabase + Vercel** might be the best route. Supabase offers Postgres and authentication, which is handy for multi-tenancy, while Vercel simplifies hosting. This way, you can focus on building rather than getting bogged down in tech details.
That sounds reasonable! Thanks for the recommendation, I think it aligns well with my goals.
Good point about Supabase being powerful yet straightforward. I'll definitely consider this stack!
Just pick something that feels familiar and has solid documentation. Don't overthink it. For hosting, an affordable Linux VPS is your best bet; for backend, use whatever you like, whether that's Node or Python. And when it comes to databases, Postgres is usually a safe choice. The key is to just get started and iterate as you go!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll explore those options further.
Exactly! Don't let choice overload keep you from launching your project!
Honestly, just pick **Next.js + Supabase**, and go! You can swap things out later if needed. The most important part is to not get stuck in research mode and spend ages selecting frameworks instead of building. Focus on getting something out there as a first step!
Exactly! Once I have an MVP, I can refine the tech as I gather feedback.
This is the kind of motivation I need! Thank you!
Boring tech sounds like a solid plan, especially for someone new to building SaaS!