Website as a Service (WaaS)

WaaS applies the software-subscription model to websites: instead of a large build invoice followed by neglect, the provider builds and operates the site continuously for a predictable monthly fee.

The model fixes the incentive problem in traditional web projects. An agency paid by the project profits from finishing; a WaaS provider profits from the site performing month after month — uptime, speed, rankings, and conversions become their problem by contract.

Evaluating WaaS offers comes down to three things: who owns the site and content if you leave, what “maintenance” concretely includes, and whether the 24-month TCO beats the build-and-maintain alternative.