Editorial team
The SaaS Column editorial team writes about business software for small and mid-sized companies, freelancers and teams, with a focus on Germany, Austria and Switzerland and the wider EU. We cover how to choose, implement and budget for SaaS tools, as well as data protection and compliance: from CRM and accounting to project management and team communication.
We work with primary sources. These include vendor documentation, pricing and trust pages, data processing agreements, legislation and publications from authorities such as the European Commission and national data protection regulators. Every verifiable statement is backed by a source listed at the end of the article.
Comparisons and reviews are editorial assessments based on a fixed criteria catalogue. We state what a score is based on and never pretend to have run hands-on tests. Our methodology explains the details.
We are independent: there are no paid placements and no affiliate links. Vendors have no influence on our ratings. If you spot an error, we correct it and note substantive changes visibly on the article.
Review Project Management
Asana stands out with many views, portfolios and extensive certifications. Weak points are the small free plan and EU hosting only on Enterprise tiers. Our assessment based on a criteria catalogue.
Comparison Project Management
Asana, monday.com, ClickUp and MeisterTask in an editorial comparison: features, free plans, pricing model and server location, with recommendations for small teams.
Review CRM & Sales
Pipedrive puts the sales pipeline first. Our editorial assessment of features, data protection, pricing model and integrations.
Review Accounting & Invoicing
sevdesk offers a free entry plan, cash-basis accounting and e-invoices for businesses in Germany. Our editorial assessment of features, data protection, pricing and integrations.
Comparison CRM & Sales
Four CRM systems for small businesses compared on pipeline, automation, pricing model, data location and GDPR data processing terms.
Comparison Accounting & Invoicing
Lexware Office, sevdesk, BuchhaltungsButler and FastBill compared on features, e-invoicing, hosting, pricing model and collaboration with tax advisers.
Review Communication & collaboration
Mattermost promises team chat on your own servers. Our editorial assessment against our criteria: features, data protection, security, pricing model and who it suits.
Comparison Communication & collaboration
Four team chat tools in an editorial comparison: two cloud services and two self-hosted platforms, assessed on data protection, security, operation and pricing model.
Whether a CRM takes hold in sales depends on process, data and rules, not on the software. Six steps from setting goals to adjusting after launch, with a GDPR checklist.
Scrum works in fixed Sprints with three accountabilities, Kanban manages a continuous flow of work with WIP limits. How to pick the right method and the tool features you need.
The GoBD set out how businesses in Germany must keep books and vouchers electronically. What the principles mean, what software must do and how long records must be kept.
German businesses must receive e-invoices since 2025 and issue them from 2027 or 2028. The deadlines, accepted formats and exemptions at a glance.
Video calls process images, audio, chat messages and metadata. What German supervisory authorities require and which settings small businesses should use.
The EU-US Data Privacy Framework allows data transfers to certified US vendors. How to check the official list and how stable the framework is in November 2026.
Without a data processing agreement you may not hand personal data to a SaaS vendor. What Article 28 GDPR requires and how to review a vendor's standard DPA.
Buying software on subscription often ties you in for years. This checklist takes small businesses through requirements, data protection, exit, costs and the trial.