Key Takeaways
- The Problem: Long-term planning vs. short-lived startup lifespans.
- The Rule of Thumb: Always assume the app won’t exist in 20 years.
- The Solution: Prioritize full data export, standard open formats, and clear exit strategies.
I recently completed a full revamp of the Apps section of the site. I’ve created individual pages for each category, added a comparison table that includes app type, pricing and additional details, and added a few new categories.
During the update I found a few of the apps or services have since shut down. This is something you need to be very mindful of when selecting a vendor. I’ve always felt that it can be tricky to invest in an app that you are planning to use for 20 or more years in the future. None of them can guarantee they’ll be around forever, but due diligence can help you ensure the time and investment isn’t fruitless.
When selecting an app or service, go in with the mindset that they may not exist forever. With that framing you can review data portability features to make sure there are effective tools to export your data to your device or migrate to another app if necessary. These export features and data types will vary depending on what you create within the apps, so plan appropriately.
