Non-SaaS software refers to any application that is explicitly not delivered over the internet via a cloud subscription model. This category represents traditional software deployment, giving users deep baseline control over their data, infrastructure, budgeting and where to install.
OUR AFFORDABLE (£45 & £65 all-in price) (use in your browser) SOFTWARE CAN BE RUN ON YOUR OWN COMPUTERS, SERVERS, SHARED HOSTING, NAS, INTERNET OR INTRANET (it has optional switch on-off as-desired encrypted fields for increased security while on internet servers of your choosing. YOU CHOOSE WHERE TO INSTALL
Take a look at our Feature Lists for Soletrader, CrystalSolutions and PraxisClinic
or try the live working demos (no install needed as you use your browser -hosted on our server)
SoleTrader CrystalSolutions & PraxisClinic
i asked Google to compare Filemaker server and cloud with our Soletrader, Praxis and Crystalsolutions (which were originally built in filemaker in the 90s)
Comparing a self-hosted FileMaker Cloud / Server framework with SoulTrade highlights two completely different strategies for “Non-SaaS” and subscription-free deployments.
While both empower you to break free from rigid, per-user SaaS monthly billing, FileMaker Server acts as an enterprise-grade engine for building entirely bespoke corporate systems. In contrast, SoulTrade (featuring its flagship SoleTrader app) provides an out-of-the-box, ready-to-run holistic CRM and business manager tailored for self-employed professionals. [1, 2]
Core Architecture & Delivery Model
- FileMaker Server: It is a proprietary rapid application development (RAD) server platform. Out of the box, it contains no functionality—it is a blank canvas. You use FileMaker Pro to design database schemas, interfaces, scripts, and automation workflows from scratch.
- SoulTrade (SoleTrader): It is a pre-built, open-code business application constructed on an open-source architecture (typically running via Docker Easy Install containers or standard web stacks like Apache/PHP). It arrives immediately populated with tables for client logs, accounting, scheduling, and project tracking. [1, 2, 3]
Financial & Pricing Comparison
| Comparison Metric | FileMaker Server (Self-Hosted Linux/AWS) | SoulTrade (SoleTrader) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Cost | Tiered user licensing (Minimum 5 users baseline starting around $17.50 / user / month). | Straightforward all-in price of £45 to £65. No recurring subscription. |
| Hosting Infrastructure | Independent budget (~$15 – $40/month) for AWS EC2 or Ubuntu VPS. | Can be run completely free locally on your computer, a home NAS, or cheap £45/year shared web hosting. |
| Development Cost | High. You either spend hundreds of hours building the system yourself or hire a FileMaker Developer. | Zero. The software is ready to use the moment it is deployed. |
Feature & Functionality Breakdown
- Customization Depth: FileMaker is an industry leader in flexible UI/UX design. You can build native mobile apps for iOS deployment via FileMaker Go, whereas SoulTrade operates through a responsive browser interface. However, SoulTrade does give you direct backend file access to adjust layouts if you have web development knowledge. [1]
- Security & Data Isolation: Both support strict data ownership. FileMaker uses full file-level AES-256 bit encryption. SoulTrade provides a highly unique switchable, optional AES-256-CBC field-level encryption. This means you can lock down highly sensitive client notes or payment fields selectively, so even if a shared server is breached, the critical records remain unreadable. [1, 2, 3]
- Target Audience: FileMaker scales from small operations to massive multi-user corporations needing deep integration with external APIs and specialized hardware. SoulTrade is hyper-focused on self-employed practitioners, freelancers, and small practices (offering niche tools like a Five Elements & Astrology clinical profiling engine in its sister variants). [2, 4]
Summary: Which path fits your workflow?
- Choose FileMaker Server if: You are building an enterprise, multi-user system with highly proprietary workflows, complex multi-table relationships, deep API integrations, or require native offline mobile apps for iOS.
- Choose SoulTrade if: You are a sole trader or small team looking to spend an absolute minimum setup fee (£45–£65 flat) for immediate, pre-built access to multi-venture client tracking, diary scheduling, and financial logs without dealing with software developer headaches. [1, 2]