Glossary

This page explains the terms used across EU Software Alternatives. Terms are listed alphabetically.

Directory terms

Alternative to

Indicates which US software product a listed tool can replace. Used as a filter in the directory. A tool can be an alternative to more than one product.

Affiliate link

A link to a software provider’s website that may generate a commission if you sign up or purchase. Affiliate links are clearly labelled. Affiliate participation has no influence on whether a tool is listed or how it is presented.

Direct link

A link to a software provider’s website with no affiliate relationship.

EU-based

The vendor’s headquarters, ownership, and data residency all meet the platform’s European criteria: registered in the EU, EEA, UK, or Switzerland; majority European ownership; and data hosted on European soil as a default option.

EU-hosted (non-EU vendor)

The vendor is not EU-based, but offers European data hosting as a default or standard option. Listed as an intermediate alternative where EU-based options are limited. Clearly labelled in the directory.

Formerly EU-based

The vendor met the EU criteria at the time of listing but has since been acquired, relocated, or changed its data policy. The listing is retained with this label for reference. Check the individual profile for details.

Intended fit

Indicates the type of user or organisation a tool is typically suited to. Based on the vendor’s own positioning and typical use. Not a recommendation. See the individual fit labels below.

Software type

The category a tool belongs to — for example: CRM, Web Analytics, Cloud Storage & Sync. Used as a filter in the directory.

Vendor

The company that develops and maintains the software.

Vendor status

Indicates whether a tool meets the platform’s European criteria. Three possible labels: EU-based, EU-hosted (non-EU vendor), or Formerly EU-based.

Intended fit labels

Solopreneurs

Independent professionals or one-person businesses. Tools in this group are typically straightforward to set up and use without technical support or a dedicated IT function.

Small teams

Organisations with roughly 2–15 people. Tools in this group are typically suited to collaborative use without complex administration.

SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises — organisations with up to 250 employees, as defined by the European Commission. Tools in this group typically offer more configuration options and are suited to structured workflows.

Larger organisations

Organisations with more than 250 employees. Tools in this group typically offer enterprise features such as advanced user management, SSO (single sign-on), or dedicated support.

Technical users

Users with a technical background — for example, developers or IT administrators. Tools in this group may require installation, configuration, or command-line use.

Non-technical users

Users without a technical background. Tools in this group are typically managed through a graphical interface and require no coding or server knowledge.

Self-hosted setups

Tools that can be installed and run on your own server or infrastructure, rather than as a cloud service. Requires technical capacity to set up and maintain.

Consumers

Individual users rather than businesses or teams. Included where a tool is relevant for personal use alongside professional use.

Technical and legal terms

Data residency

Where data is physically stored. For EU businesses, data residency in Europe means that data is stored on servers located within the EU, EEA, or Switzerland — and therefore subject to European data protection law.

EEA

European Economic Area. Comprises the 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. EEA countries apply EU internal market rules, including GDPR.

GDPR

General Data Protection Regulation. EU legislation that governs how personal data is collected, stored, and processed. Applies to any organisation that processes the personal data of people in the EU, regardless of where the organisation is based.

SaaS

Software as a Service. Software that is hosted and maintained by the provider and accessed via a web browser or app, rather than installed locally. Most tools in this directory are SaaS products.

SSO

Single Sign-On. A method that allows users to log in to multiple applications with a single set of credentials. Often required by larger organisations for security and user management purposes.

US Cloud Act

United States legislation that allows US authorities to request access to data stored by US-based companies, including data stored on servers outside the United States. One reason some EU businesses prefer software from non-US vendors.

Is a term missing from this page? Contact us at contact@eusoftwarealternatives.eu.