thanks for the recommendations, they look promising! I was vaguely aware of @daniel@gultsch.social's service with conversations, but I wasn't sure that would include running servers for customers on customers' own infrastructure. I had also heard of @snikknet_im@fosstodon.org but I don't know pretty much anything about their service. my main concern is ensuring the customers remain autonomous and independent, rather than vulnerable to enshittification, lock-in, and having their data and contacts made hostages. I don't suppose these service providers would engage in such low practices, but I've realized that services by third parties on third party's premises are always one acquisition away from submitting users and customers to all these problems, and the only way to avoid attracting such predators is by keeping customers in freedom, allowing them to pack the software and data and take it with them wherever they wish, earning their trust and business day after day.

CC: @daltux@snac.daltux.net @isadora@transverso.org @helenfernanda@vivaldi.net @daniel@gultsch.social @snikket_im@fosstodon.org @ejabberd@process-one.net @prosodyim@fosstodon.org