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@ -15,14 +15,14 @@ Milestone 1 is completed. This is what we've achieved in the last six weeks.
---
#### Extension through middleware
We have further refined the existing application architecture to make it more robust and accessible to both contributors and people who want to build upon Offen. As a developer, you can transparently control additional behavior by adding or removing middleware.
We have further refined the existing application architecture to make it more robust and accessible to both contributors and people who want to build upon Offen Fair Web Analytics. As a developer, you can transparently control additional behavior by adding or removing middleware.
#### Easy to test drive
Download a single binary file and run it on your local computer to get an Offen instance up and running immediately. At the moment this setup only supports Linux. Windows and MacOS will follow soon.
Download a single binary file and run it on your local computer to get an Offen Fair Web Analytics instance up and running immediately. At the moment this setup only supports Linux. Windows and MacOS will follow soon.
[Download binary](https://8342-180605180-gh.circle-artifacts.com/0/tmp/artifacts/offen-stable.tar.gz){: data-button="outline"}
#### Develop without complex setup
Docker and Docker-Compose are the only hard requirement for you to develop Offen. We have successfully tested this setup under Linux, Windows and MacOS. Head over to our wiki for instructions how to get the setup up and running.
Docker and Docker-Compose are the only hard requirement for you to develop Offen Fair Web Analytics. We have successfully tested this setup under Linux, Windows and MacOS. Head over to our wiki for instructions how to get the setup up and running.
[Open wiki](https://github.com/offen/offen/wiki/Developing-offen#setup){: data-button="outline"}
#### Lightweight and accessible interfaces
@ -33,10 +33,10 @@ You can now localize all user-related content in server- and client-side applica
[Get in touch](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de){: data-button="outline"}
#### Read the docs
The work on our wiki has started. Including documentation for [developers](https://github.com/offen/offen/wiki/Developing-offen){: target="_blank"} as well as for [website operators](https://github.com/offen/offen/wiki/Running-offen) who want to deploy and run Offen.
The work on our wiki has started. Including documentation for [developers](https://github.com/offen/offen/wiki/Developing-offen){: target="_blank"} as well as for [website operators](https://github.com/offen/offen/wiki/Running-offen) who want to deploy and run Offen Fair Web Analytics.
#### No reverse proxy required
We have further hardened and improved the HTTP server that Offen exposes. If you want to, you can already expose this server to the Internet without having to run a reverse proxy in front of it.
We have further hardened and improved the HTTP server that Offen Fair Web Analytics exposes. If you want to, you can already expose this server to the Internet without having to run a reverse proxy in front of it.
### Up next
*Episode Two — Collecting data securely* will feature user opt-in, userland cryptography, meaningful statistics and much more. We'll be right back.

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@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
title: Untold roads to v1.0
description: Onboarding users onto a product that is still in development needs a thorough plan. These are our conclusions as we work our way to a v1.0 release of Offen.
description: Onboarding users onto a product that is still in development needs a thorough plan. These are our conclusions as we work our way to a v1.0 release of Offen Fair Web Analytics.
date: 2020-01-19
slug: untold-roads-versioning-early-stage-software
url: /blog/untold-roads-versioning-early-stage-software/
@ -10,11 +10,11 @@ bottom_cta: blog
# Untold roads to v1.0
After a lot of experimenting, taking detours and having unanticipated revelations while building the foundation for Offen over the last months, the state of the project is starting to settle, and we are eager to get ready for users to install our software, and use it for transparently collecting usage statistics for their websites and applications.
After a lot of experimenting, taking detours and having unanticipated revelations while building the foundation for Offen Fair Web Analytics over the last months, the state of the project is starting to settle, and we are eager to get ready for users to install our software, and use it for transparently collecting usage statistics for their websites and applications.
Yet, onboarding users onto a product that is still being developed and that will stay pretty volatile in the near future needs a thorough plan so you do not burn and churn your early adopters by locking them into buggy software without an upgrade path. At the same time, you do not want to lose the velocity and flexibility of an early stage product, enabling you to iterate fast and add well architected features of real value.
While there is lots of theory and writing about how to version and release software that is already established, the way to get there is mostly uncharted territory and has developers figure this journey out for themselves over and over again. In this post we try to collect our considerations, options and conclusions when trying to define *how we want to handle the versioning of Offen on its way from an alpha stage product to a stable v1.0*.
While there is lots of theory and writing about how to version and release software that is already established, the way to get there is mostly uncharted territory and has developers figure this journey out for themselves over and over again. In this post we try to collect our considerations, options and conclusions when trying to define *how we want to handle the versioning of Offen Fair Web Analytics on its way from an alpha stage product to a stable v1.0*.
---
@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ The only decision that affects the outside world at this point is the following:
### Lots of ways to break your software
Another thing you will need to think about before you can even start versioning your software are the interfaces you expect your users to use, and those that your users will actually use. Just because you do not document a method of your library, it doesn't necessarily mean it will not be used in the wild. And just because your database migration script assumes a well defined set of tables in the application database, it doesn't mean some user might have started storing other data in there. Applications like Offen will have different constraints than libraries or developer tools do. It's important to know if *you need to interface with data, code or humans* as all of these interfaces come with their own set of constraints.
Another thing you will need to think about before you can even start versioning your software are the interfaces you expect your users to use, and those that your users will actually use. Just because you do not document a method of your library, it doesn't necessarily mean it will not be used in the wild. And just because your database migration script assumes a well defined set of tables in the application database, it doesn't mean some user might have started storing other data in there. Applications like Offen Fair Web Analytics will have different constraints than libraries or developer tools do. It's important to know if *you need to interface with data, code or humans* as all of these interfaces come with their own set of constraints.
Steering the code being written and the interfaces exposed into a direction where its usage is as unambiguous as possible will pay off when it comes to knowing what you can actually break with a release. If you explicitly consider something to be unstable and internal, communicating this clearly will be of great help to anyone who's trying to use your product or build upon it.
@ -110,26 +110,26 @@ If you can embrace v1.0 and all the new requirements it brings, they will allow
---
### How we are going to version Offen
### How we are going to version Offen Fair Web Analytics
Offen's main channel of distribution will be via packaged binary files. Users can run them supervised or unsupervised against a supported set of OSes and database solutions. While we are indeed planning to enable the use Offen's code as the building blocks for other developers to create tailor made, privacy friendly analytics solutions, versioning the code-level interfaces is a non-goal for us at the moment.
Offen Fair Web Analytics's main channel of distribution will be via packaged binary files. Users can run them supervised or unsupervised against a supported set of OSes and database solutions. While we are indeed planning to enable the use Offen Fair Web Analytics's code as the building blocks for other developers to create tailor made, privacy friendly analytics solutions, versioning the code-level interfaces is a non-goal for us at the moment.
Upgrade paths for our users will mostly be bound to the event and key data that is stored in the database, and the way this data is being encrypted and decrypted in the browser, as well as application configuration. Our key considerations here are:
- Can the changes to the database schema included in the changeset be covered by a migration script? Does encrypted data need to be changed as well? Once subject to a versioning scheme, we will aim for only making changes a database migration script can handle.
- Can a compatibility layer be introduced that handles both old and new data at runtime and possibly even upgrades old data when it is decrypted in the browser? For a multitude of reasons, we are planning to use such techniques sparingly and may err on the side of introducing breaking changes instead.
- Does the user need to change or augment runtime configuration in order for Offen to continue functioning? Can these changes be performed automatically or can we supply users with a script that does it for them?
- Does the user need to change or augment runtime configuration in order for Offen Fair Web Analytics to continue functioning? Can these changes be performed automatically or can we supply users with a script that does it for them?
- The user interface is not something we are planning to keep stable from a programmatic perspective. We are working hard to create a consistent and accessible user experience for everyone, but the underlying implementation will be considered private. This means we do not plan to guarantee any stability for things like scraping and headless automation.
- The `/script.js` URI exposed by the web server is locked so that pages that embed the script can always expect a sensible response. We will try to keep the rest of the exposed routes stable, yet if it helps us improving the product in some way, we will change these too.
- The development setup is kept subject to change at any time. Renaming a `make` target may be annoying to contributors once, but we prefer to keep things lean in this regard, and we hope our contributors will do the same.
#### Initial development
Right now, Offen is still in the stages of initial development. During this period we will *release an alpha version on each milestone* we hit. We invite users to start using Offen by deploying these releases (or by building any revision themselves), but we also need to make sure that while we are still in initial development, we will possibly *introduce breaking changes* or changes that are *hard to upgrade*.
Right now, Offen Fair Web Analytics is still in the stages of initial development. During this period we will *release an alpha version on each milestone* we hit. We invite users to start using Offen Fair Web Analytics by deploying these releases (or by building any revision themselves), but we also need to make sure that while we are still in initial development, we will possibly *introduce breaking changes* or changes that are *hard to upgrade*.
#### From v0.1 to v1.0
Once all features we deem necessary for Offen to be used in the wild are included, we are planning to continue as following: kicking off, we will release an officially supported *v0.1.0*.
Once all features we deem necessary for Offen Fair Web Analytics to be used in the wild are included, we are planning to continue as following: kicking off, we will release an officially supported *v0.1.0*.
Working our way from there to a v1.0 we will follow these principles:
@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ Working our way from there to a v1.0 we will follow these principles:
When releasing a *v1.0* we will have worked hard to have a good upgrade story for users of early versions, but we'll also spare you the fortune telling we'd have to do to predict when and how this is going to happen.
We definitely do invite you to start experimenting with Offen right now and also to start using it in user-facing scenarios once we are at *v0.1.0*. Get in touch if you have feedback or need help with configuring, running or upgrading Offen.
We definitely do invite you to start experimenting with Offen Fair Web Analytics right now and also to start using it in user-facing scenarios once we are at *v0.1.0*. Get in touch if you have feedback or need help with configuring, running or upgrading Offen Fair Web Analytics.
---

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@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ We finished milestone 2. Here is what we' ve been doing for the last 8 weeks.
---
#### Collecting data only with consent
A first approach to one of our major features is implemented. Websites that embed the Offen script now display a user consent banner. In case of user's deny, no other requests than loading the script are made from then on.
A first approach to one of our major features is implemented. Websites that embed the Offen Fair Web Analytics script now display a user consent banner. In case of user's deny, no other requests than loading the script are made from then on.
[Learn more](https://offen.offen.dev/){: data-button="outline"}
#### Accidental leaks don't expose data
@ -25,17 +25,17 @@ We encrypt all event data before it leaves the browser. [Two types](https://gith
The insight into user behavior has been improved. Still, no sensitive user information is collected. We have added seven additional statistics like Average Page Depth as well as Landing and Exit Pages. Here you find an [overview of all added stats.](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/270)
#### We are live
The current state of *Offen runs on this domain.* You should have noticed our conset banner by now. Opted in? Head to the [Auditorium](https://offen.offen.dev/auditorium/) to manage your data. If not, please have a look at our [Explainer.](https://offen.offen.dev/)
The current state of *Offen Fair Web Analytics runs on this domain.* You should have noticed our conset banner by now. Opted in? Head to the [Auditorium](https://offen.offen.dev/auditorium/) to manage your data. If not, please have a look at our [Explainer.](https://offen.offen.dev/)
*We welcome any feedback* on this key subject. Did our banner text inform you sufficiently? Which issues have been left open? How can we do better? Thanks in advance.
[Send feedback](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de){: data-button="outline"}
#### Testdrive on your system
Whether you are a developer that want to contribute or a website operator that wants to test Offen. Have a demo up and running in no time on your local machine. Download and install a single binary file on Linux, Windows or MacOS.
Whether you are a developer that want to contribute or a website operator that wants to test Offen Fair Web Analytics. Have a demo up and running in no time on your local machine. Download and install a single binary file on Linux, Windows or MacOS.
[Download demo](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/download/v0.1.0-alpha.2/offen-v0.1.0-alpha.2.tar.gz){: data-button="outline"}
#### Feeling adventurous?
Offen is under active development but with the introduction of the user consent banner has become usable for the general public. If you are brave enough you can use our [latest alpha release](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/latest/) in a production environment.
Offen Fair Web Analytics is under active development but with the introduction of the user consent banner has become usable for the general public. If you are brave enough you can use our [latest alpha release](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/latest/) in a production environment.
#### We need to talk about Safari
Currently, the way we store encryption keys securely on the client side does not work in Apple's Safari browser. Fortunately, our improved opt-in flow will allow us to resume Safari support in milestone 3. Please bear with us until then.

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@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
title: Test our alpha release today
description: Help us take a step forward. Download or deploy Offen today and give it a spin. Any feedback is appreciated.
description: Help us take a step forward. Download or deploy Offen Fair Web Analytics today and give it a spin. Any feedback is appreciated.
date: 2020-03-04
slug: test-offen-today
url: /blog/test-offen-today/
@ -8,29 +8,29 @@ image_url: /theme/images/offen-blog-0040-test-offen-today.jpg
author: Hendrik Niefeld
bottom_cta: blog
# Test Offen today
# Test Offen Fair Web Analytics today
We’re excited to present our first version that is officially ready for testing.
---
After we released our initial Offen v0.1.0-alpha.1 in January this year, we've been busy working on a successor version for the last six weeks. Based on the initial feedback, we have made major adjustments in the front and backend area.
After we released our initial Offen Fair Web Analytics v0.1.0-alpha.1 in January this year, we've been busy working on a successor version for the last six weeks. Based on the initial feedback, we have made major adjustments in the front and backend area.
We believe with these updates Offen has reached a level of functionality and stability that is ready for public testing. Your feedback is helping us take a step forward on our way to developing *a viable alternative to established web analytics tools.*
We believe with these updates Offen Fair Web Analytics has reached a level of functionality and stability that is ready for public testing. Your feedback is helping us take a step forward on our way to developing *a viable alternative to established web analytics tools.*
Although we have dug very deep, things may still contain issues. Therefore, we recommend using Offen in a production environment only for the brave. Also be aware that the upgrade path may be broken with upcoming releases.
Although we have dug very deep, things may still contain issues. Therefore, we recommend using Offen Fair Web Analytics in a production environment only for the brave. Also be aware that the upgrade path may be broken with upcoming releases.
---
### Offen v0.1.0-alpha.3
### Offen Fair Web Analytics v0.1.0-alpha.3
##### Single binary file for Linux, Windows or MacOS
[Download](https://get.offen.dev/){: data-button="full"}
##### Your own Offen instance
##### Your own Offen Fair Web Analytics instance
[Deploy to Heroku](https://heroku.com/deploy?template=https://github.com/offen/heroku/tree/master){: data-button-mb5="full"}
Download or deploy Offen today and give it a spin. *[Check our Docs](https://docs.offen.dev/) for detailed instructions.*
Download or deploy Offen Fair Web Analytics today and give it a spin. *[Check our Docs](https://docs.offen.dev/) for detailed instructions.*
We appreciate any feedback. No matter if you have difficulties with the installation, find our UI hard to understand or catch anything unexpected. Please get in touch via [Twitter,](https://twitter.com/hioffen) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hioffen/) or [email.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)

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@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ bottom_cta: matomo
# Episode Three — Displaying data
In the middle of strange times Milestone 3 - "Displaying Data" - is done. This means we focused on how we aggregate and display the data Offen collects in a way that operators can use it to improve their services and users can understand what is being collected and what it means for their privacy.
In the middle of strange times Milestone 3 - "Displaying Data" - is done. This means we focused on how we aggregate and display the data Offen Fair Web Analytics Fair Web Analytics collects in a way that operators can use it to improve their services and users can understand what is being collected and what it means for their privacy.
As we are now cutting official alpha releases already, we have also changed the format of our project updates. Instead of one pull request per milestone, we now have an update that spans across multiple releases. During Milestone 3 we have released the following versions:
@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ As always, you can download the latest release from [https://get.offen.dev](http
#### Improved and annotated Auditorium
The Auditorium is where both users and operators access and manage usage data. Operators want to gain insights in how their services are being used, users want to understand what data Offen is collecting and manage this data.
The Auditorium is where both users and operators access and manage usage data. Operators want to gain insights in how their services are being used, users want to understand what data Offen Fair Web Analytics Fair Web Analytics is collecting and manage this data.
The user facing Auditorium is now annotated with explanations for each metric and also explains analytics-specific terms and answers frequently asked questions. This has been implemented in [PR 339](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/339).
@ -37,23 +37,23 @@ In addition to that we added new metrics and improved the overall user experienc
#### Account Management fundamentals
Operators that are using Offen to improve their services are likely to work in teams. This is why the application needs tools for managing user logins and accounts for segmenting usage data. In a first draft we added basic versions of these features so that the absence of such capabilities doesn't further prevent the adoption of Offen. This initiative has been started in [PR 288](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/288) and will be refined further during Milestone 4.
Operators that are using Offen Fair Web Analytics Fair Web Analytics to improve their services are likely to work in teams. This is why the application needs tools for managing user logins and accounts for segmenting usage data. In a first draft we added basic versions of these features so that the absence of such capabilities doesn't further prevent the adoption of Offen Fair Web Analytics Fair Web Analytics. This initiative has been started in [PR 288](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/288) and will be refined further during Milestone 4.
#### In-Browser setup
The command line can seem daunting when you don't use it regularly. This is why we added an in-browser setup screen for Offen. Instead of performing the initial setup using the `offen setup` command from the CLI, operators who prefer to do so can now use their browser to navigate to the `/setup` URL of their installation and perform the initial setup there. We hope this helps us gaining further traction with semi-technical users that want to use privacy friendly tools. This has been implemented in [PR 299](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/299).
The command line can seem daunting when you don't use it regularly. This is why we added an in-browser setup screen for Offen Fair Web Analytics Fair Web Analytics. Instead of performing the initial setup using the `offen setup` command from the CLI, operators who prefer to do so can now use their browser to navigate to the `/setup` URL of their installation and perform the initial setup there. We hope this helps us gaining further traction with semi-technical users that want to use privacy friendly tools. This has been implemented in [PR 299](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/299).
<img class="screencast mt3 mb2" alt="browser setup" src="/theme/images/offen-blog-0050-browserSetup.gif"/>
#### Goodbye, Choo
We started out with using Choo as our frontend framework and it was a great choice as it allowed us to build dynamic UIs very rapidly. But as Offen's Auditorium was growing over the last few months we noticed its lack of mechanisms for breaking interfaces into components was starting to slow us down significantly and made simple changes cumbersome to implement.
We started out with using Choo as our frontend framework and it was a great choice as it allowed us to build dynamic UIs very rapidly. But as Offen Fair Web Analytics's Auditorium was growing over the last few months we noticed its lack of mechanisms for breaking interfaces into components was starting to slow us down significantly and made simple changes cumbersome to implement.
This is why - before starting work on the annotated Auditorium - we migrated the application to use Preact in [PR 289](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/289). Preact is a great choice as it allows us to use modern paradigms for programming interfaces without having to buy into a Facebook-dominated ecosystem. The library is distributed under a MIT license.
#### Signed binary downloads
As we start to target more and more distribution channels, ensuring the integrity of what people actually download is very important for an application like Offen. With [PR 338](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/338) we started signing our binaries with a GPG key. Downloaders can now verify that a binary they are planning to use is the one we intend to distribute:
As we start to target more and more distribution channels, ensuring the integrity of what people actually download is very important for an application like Offen Fair Web Analytics. With [PR 338](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/338) we started signing our binaries with a GPG key. Downloaders can now verify that a binary they are planning to use is the one we intend to distribute:
```bash
gpg --keyserver pgp.mit.edu --recv F20D4074068C636D58B53F46FD60FBEDC90B8DA1
@ -62,11 +62,11 @@ gpg --verify offen-linux-amd64.asc offen-linux-amd64
#### Safari Support
Offen generates client side keys for encrypting data for each user. At the end of Milestone 2 we noticed issues where the Safari browser would not store these keys properly which means users would lose access to their user data. We fixed this in [PR 282](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/282) by adding a fallback mechanism that Safari can use. Keys are guaranteed to be safe from third party access in both implementations.
Offen Fair Web Analytics generates client side keys for encrypting data for each user. At the end of Milestone 2 we noticed issues where the Safari browser would not store these keys properly which means users would lose access to their user data. We fixed this in [PR 282](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/282) by adding a fallback mechanism that Safari can use. Keys are guaranteed to be safe from third party access in both implementations.
#### 1-Click Deploy
Self hosted software is a great fit for privacy focused software like Offen. Yet, it can seem daunting to non-technical users and make them stick to established SaaS solutions longer than needed. This is why we put a lot of effort into finding easy "1-click" options to deploy an Offen instance. In Milestone 3 we have created a 1-click solution for deploying Offen to Heroku: [https://github.com/offen/heroku](https://github.com/offen/heroku). Using free resources only, people interested in running Offen can now deploy a production ready instance to Heroku in less than 1 minute. We hope this encourages website operator to consider self hosted software and Offen as a real option. Required changes for this were implemented in [PR 287](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/287).
Self hosted software is a great fit for privacy focused software like Offen Fair Web Analytics. Yet, it can seem daunting to non-technical users and make them stick to established SaaS solutions longer than needed. This is why we put a lot of effort into finding easy "1-click" options to deploy an Offen Fair Web Analytics instance. In Milestone 3 we have created a 1-click solution for deploying Offen Fair Web Analytics to Heroku: [https://github.com/offen/heroku](https://github.com/offen/heroku). Using free resources only, people interested in running Offen Fair Web Analytics can now deploy a production ready instance to Heroku in less than 1 minute. We hope this encourages website operator to consider self hosted software and Offen Fair Web Analytics as a real option. Required changes for this were implemented in [PR 287](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/287).
<img class="screencast mt3 mb2" alt="browser setup" src="/theme/images/offen-blog-0050_oneClickDeploy.gif"/>
@ -76,27 +76,27 @@ To offer even more options we are also looking into building a 1-click option fo
### Next up
Milestone 4 is up next and is called "Managing Data". This means we will focus on features that allow operators and users to manage their usage data and Offen instances.
Milestone 4 is up next and is called "Managing Data". This means we will focus on features that allow operators and users to manage their usage data and Offen Fair Web Analytics instances.
This is also *where we will have a slight deviation from the original product plan*: We originally had an item called "Selective Data deletion for users", yet as we have moved to focus on self-hosting more and more, this feature does not make too much sense anymore. Instead we will allow users to delete their data tied to an instance entirely and *will make it easy to follow how deletion works and what the implications are*.
#### Account management
In addition to the basic account management features Offen already offers, we'll work on implementing more fine grained access control mechanisms so that teams that are using Offen can easily and safely share access to an instance. In addition to that we will also revisit existing features and try to make them easier to use and more accessible.
In addition to the basic account management features Offen Fair Web Analytics already offers, we'll work on implementing more fine grained access control mechanisms so that teams that are using Offen Fair Web Analytics can easily and safely share access to an instance. In addition to that we will also revisit existing features and try to make them easier to use and more accessible.
#### Collecting and implementing real world user feedback
We are still labeling Offen as `alpha` right now, but we think the next weeks could be the right time to slough that potentially scary label off and attract more users by going `beta`.
We are still labeling Offen Fair Web Analytics as `alpha` right now, but we think the next weeks could be the right time to slough that potentially scary label off and attract more users by going `beta`.
Before we do so though, we would like to collect feedback from people that are brave enough to deploy the existing alpha version and use it for a while. Luckily there are some, so that's a good start, but in case you do know of people who might be interested in deploying and testing Offen, we'd be happy if you could spread the word. Documentation for running Offen is readily available at [https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/)
Before we do so though, we would like to collect feedback from people that are brave enough to deploy the existing alpha version and use it for a while. Luckily there are some, so that's a good start, but in case you do know of people who might be interested in deploying and testing Offen Fair Web Analytics, we'd be happy if you could spread the word. Documentation for running Offen Fair Web Analytics is readily available at [https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/)
---
### Getting your hands dirty
#### Installing Offen as a systemd service
#### Installing Offen Fair Web Analytics as a systemd service
We're eager to get people to install Offen and send us their feedback and tell us about their experience, so instead of adding features to the software itself, we will today look at how Offen can be installed on a Linux system that supports `systemd`.
We're eager to get people to install Offen Fair Web Analytics and send us their feedback and tell us about their experience, so instead of adding features to the software itself, we will today look at how Offen Fair Web Analytics can be installed on a Linux system that supports `systemd`.
#### Download the binary
@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ INFO[0000] Current build created using revision=v0.1.0-alpha.5
#### Scaffold the required directories
Offen follows the Linux Filesystem Hierarchy Standard, so next, we need to create the directories for storing data, configuration and certificates:
Offen Fair Web Analytics follows the Linux Filesystem Hierarchy Standard, so next, we need to create the directories for storing data, configuration and certificates:
```bash
sudo mkdir -p /etc/offen && sudo touch /etc/offen/offen.env
@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ sudo mkdir -p /var/www/.cache
#### Creating the service
The Offen server needs to be run in a supervised manner so we can be sure it is always responding. `systemd` can do this for us. First we create the service definition:
The Offen Fair Web Analytics server needs to be run in a supervised manner so we can be sure it is always responding. `systemd` can do this for us. First we create the service definition:
```bash
sudo touch /etc/systemd/system/offen.service
@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ $ sudo systemctl status offen
#### Running the in-browser setup
To create the initial account for your Offen install, head to `[localhost:3000/setup](http://localhost:3000/setup)` and fill out the form. After doing so, your Offen instance is ready for local use! If you want to expose this instance to the public internet, [refer to our docs site](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/tutorials/configuring-deploying-offen-ubuntu/) for instructions on how to get free automated SSL up and running.
To create the initial account for your Offen Fair Web Analytics install, head to `[localhost:3000/setup](http://localhost:3000/setup)` and fill out the form. After doing so, your Offen Fair Web Analytics instance is ready for local use! If you want to expose this instance to the public internet, [refer to our docs site](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/tutorials/configuring-deploying-offen-ubuntu/) for instructions on how to get free automated SSL up and running.
---

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@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ bottom_cta: blog
# Episode Four — Managing data
Milestone 4 - "Managing data" - has been an important one for us. Finishing it means Offen is now close to being feature complete in the scope of our initial plans, and we can start transitioning into a Beta state, meaning we can finally offer a stable product for users to use in production environments.
Milestone 4 - "Managing data" - has been an important one for us. Finishing it means Offen Fair Web Analytics is now close to being feature complete in the scope of our initial plans, and we can start transitioning into a Beta state, meaning we can finally offer a stable product for users to use in production environments.
Before removing the Alpha label, we'd still like to have external audits in Milestone 5, but we are already in touch with potential users and are starting to see installations in the wild. Exciting times ahead!
@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ As always, you can download the latest release from [https://get.offen.dev](http
#### Full fledged account management
Account management for users has been a part of Offen for a while, but in this Milestone we took the time to bring it to a level that it satisfies the needs of real world teams. There are now read-only users, fine-grained controls for sharing access and other management options. We are now looking for feedback in how this works out for setups like smaller dev shops or agencies.
Account management for users has been a part of Offen Fair Web Analytics for a while, but in this Milestone we took the time to bring it to a level that it satisfies the needs of real world teams. There are now read-only users, fine-grained controls for sharing access and other management options. We are now looking for feedback in how this works out for setups like smaller dev shops or agencies.
Relevant PRs are: [349](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/349), [355](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/355)
@ -45,9 +45,9 @@ This has been implemented in PRs [362](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/362),
#### Improved demo
For self hosted software like Offen, giving potential users an idea of what the software looks like without having to do a proper install. Many softwares do this by sharing the credentials for a demo account on their website, but in the case of Offen we do not want to do this as it would expose the usage data of our real world users - which is what we are trying to protect with Offen.
For self hosted software like Offen Fair Web Analytics, giving potential users an idea of what the software looks like without having to do a proper install. Many softwares do this by sharing the credentials for a demo account on their website, but in the case of Offen Fair Web Analytics we do not want to do this as it would expose the usage data of our real world users - which is what we are trying to protect with Offen Fair Web Analytics.
This is why we built a downloadable demo of Offen that you can run on your local machine. This demo exists for a while now, but with Milestone 4 we made major improvements to this feature:
This is why we built a downloadable demo of Offen Fair Web Analytics that you can run on your local machine. This demo exists for a while now, but with Milestone 4 we made major improvements to this feature:
- A demo is now populated with randomly generated usage data at start, so that users will get an idea of how an install that is already in use will look like, instead of having to generate usage data themselves beforehand.
- We added a dedicated landing page for demo users that explains them how to use the demo from both a user's and an operator's perspective.
@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ Relevant PRs are: [367](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/367), [346](https://
#### UX and stats improvements
An ongoing part of our work on Offen is implementing features and fixes that come from our own experience with running our own Offen instance. This is why Milestone 4 contains a few UX improvements and fixes regarding the operator facing Auditorium. Among others, we improved the referrer stats, improved the mobile UX for tabular data and fixed issues with the user flow for resetting your password.
An ongoing part of our work on Offen Fair Web Analytics is implementing features and fixes that come from our own experience with running our own Offen Fair Web Analytics instance. This is why Milestone 4 contains a few UX improvements and fixes regarding the operator facing Auditorium. Among others, we improved the referrer stats, improved the mobile UX for tabular data and fixed issues with the user flow for resetting your password.
Relevant PRs are [361](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/361), [363](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/363), [364](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/361https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/364),
@ -74,21 +74,21 @@ Relevant PRs are [361](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/361), [363](https://g
#### Accessibility Audit
This week already we will have an Accessibility Audit by Stichting Accessibility. We look forward to implementing the feedback we receive and making Offen accessible for all users.
This week already we will have an Accessibility Audit by Stichting Accessibility. We look forward to implementing the feedback we receive and making Offen Fair Web Analytics accessible for all users.
Where possible we will also combine these changes with the backlog of UX improvements we are planning to implement in any case.
#### Security Audit
Securing user data is a key aspect of Offen, so it's important to make sure we did not accidentally leave any unwanted loopholes in our system architecture. This is why Milestone 5 also includes a Security Audit by "Radically Open Security". We'll look for proper use of cryptography and a hardened HTTP interface for the server specifically, but if we can pick up other improvements along the way we won't hesitate to implement these.
Securing user data is a key aspect of Offen Fair Web Analytics, so it's important to make sure we did not accidentally leave any unwanted loopholes in our system architecture. This is why Milestone 5 also includes a Security Audit by "Radically Open Security". We'll look for proper use of cryptography and a hardened HTTP interface for the server specifically, but if we can pick up other improvements along the way we won't hesitate to implement these.
#### Integration Test coverage
Now that we have built a solid foundation for Offen, we want the public to be able to hack on and participate in the development of Offen. To make sure this is a safe and enjoyable journey, we'll add comprehensive integration test coverage for all major user stories there are so that we can always be sure the software keeps working as intended when we review and merge patches and features by others (and ourselves of course).
Now that we have built a solid foundation for Offen Fair Web Analytics, we want the public to be able to hack on and participate in the development of Offen Fair Web Analytics. To make sure this is a safe and enjoyable journey, we'll add comprehensive integration test coverage for all major user stories there are so that we can always be sure the software keeps working as intended when we review and merge patches and features by others (and ourselves of course).
#### Getting ready for external contributions
Closely related to the above, we will also do a thorough check to make sure Offen is ready for external contributions. Is documentation up to date? Does our development setup work reliably across different OSes and hardware? Is it easy to open an issue and get in touch with us? We're definitely looking forward to having the community become a part of our efforts.
Closely related to the above, we will also do a thorough check to make sure Offen Fair Web Analytics is ready for external contributions. Is documentation up to date? Does our development setup work reliably across different OSes and hardware? Is it easy to open an issue and get in touch with us? We're definitely looking forward to having the community become a part of our efforts.
---
@ -96,11 +96,11 @@ Closely related to the above, we will also do a thorough check to make sure Offe
#### Adding an integration test
Offen tries to be a slim and lightweight solution but nevertheless, crucial user flows can break unexpectedly and cause frustration for users, operators and developers alike. To prevent such breakages we'll focus on adding integration tests in the next milestone. In case you're curious, why not have a peek at what this looks like right now?
Offen Fair Web Analytics tries to be a slim and lightweight solution but nevertheless, crucial user flows can break unexpectedly and cause frustration for users, operators and developers alike. To prevent such breakages we'll focus on adding integration tests in the next milestone. In case you're curious, why not have a peek at what this looks like right now?
#### Testing Opt-In and Opt-Out in the context of the Auditorium
Offen collects data only after opt-in. In addition to the consent banner that is shown on websites that embed Offen, the Auditorium itself allows users to manage their consent status. As an exercise, let's write a test where a user first grants consent, reviews the Auditorium and then opts out again, seeing that data has been deleted.
Offen Fair Web Analytics collects data only after opt-in. In addition to the consent banner that is shown on websites that embed Offen Fair Web Analytics, the Auditorium itself allows users to manage their consent status. As an exercise, let's write a test where a user first grants consent, reviews the Auditorium and then opts out again, seeing that data has been deleted.
As noted above integration tests are written using [Cypress](https://www.cypress.io/) which has a `mocha`-esque DSL for writing tests. In the `offen/offen` repository, create a new file called `integration/cypress/integration/consent.spec.js`. We're ready to write a basic test now.

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@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
title: Hosting Offen on a budget
description: Here are some real world options for hosting Offen on a budget. Let's compare how they relate in terms of ease of deployment, performance and pricing.
title: Hosting Offen Fair Web Analytics on a budget
description: Here are some real world options for hosting Offen Fair Web Analytics on a budget. Let's compare how they relate in terms of ease of deployment, performance and pricing.
date: 2020-06-30
slug: hosting-offen-on-budget
url: /blig/hosting-offen-on-budget/
@ -9,62 +9,62 @@ author: Frederik Ring
must_read: True
bottom_cta: blog
# Hosting Offen on a budget
# Hosting Offen Fair Web Analytics on a budget
Using self hosted software like Offen when you're on a budget can seem daunting as you usually don't know too much about the performance requirements of the software you are planning to use beforehand. Once you do know, you might have locked in yourself already.
Using self hosted software like Offen Fair Web Analytics when you're on a budget can seem daunting as you usually don't know too much about the performance requirements of the software you are planning to use beforehand. Once you do know, you might have locked in yourself already.
In this article we collect a few real world options and scenarios for hosting Offen on a budget and compare how they relate in terms of ease of deployment, performance and pricing.
In this article we collect a few real world options and scenarios for hosting Offen Fair Web Analytics on a budget and compare how they relate in terms of ease of deployment, performance and pricing.
---
*Prerequisite:* All of the below assumes you have registered one or multiple domains on which you run your applications and websites, and can set [A](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_DNS_record_types#A) or [CNAME records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNAME_record) for these. If you do not know what this means exactly: it is a default feature in almost all packages that let you register a domain. Your provider or registrar surely can help you with further support if you need any. Read more about it in our [dedicated subdomain tutorial.](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/setting-up-using-subdomains/)
### Scenarios where Offen is a good fit
### Scenarios where Offen Fair Web Analytics is a good fit
Offen is designed to be lightweight and easy to install. It's probably not a good fit if you need advanced features like interaction heatmaps or tracking the funneling of users across multiple sites, but if you want a lean way of knowing how people use your website without invading your user's privacy, Offen is a solid choice.
Offen Fair Web Analytics is designed to be lightweight and easy to install. It's probably not a good fit if you need advanced features like interaction heatmaps or tracking the funneling of users across multiple sites, but if you want a lean way of knowing how people use your website without invading your user's privacy, Offen Fair Web Analytics is a solid choice.
#### *Handling multiple low-ish traffic sites on a single instance*
One scenario we are targeting is deploying an Offen instance and using it for analyzing multiple low traffic sites (like for example blogs or side projects). Offen allows you to create as many accounts as you like, so you can have one bucket per each of these projects that you want to run analytics on.
One scenario we are targeting is deploying an Offen Fair Web Analytics instance and using it for analyzing multiple low traffic sites (like for example blogs or side projects). Offen Fair Web Analytics allows you to create as many accounts as you like, so you can have one bucket per each of these projects that you want to run analytics on.
It is also important to understand that even if these projects are run on different domains, you can still setup distinct CNAME records for each of these sites so that Offen can run on the same domain as your target. When you log in, you can always view and analyze usage data across all of the accounts, even if they are served from different hostnames. Offen is also able to automatically acquire free and auto-renewing SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt for each of these domains.
It is also important to understand that even if these projects are run on different domains, you can still setup distinct CNAME records for each of these sites so that Offen Fair Web Analytics can run on the same domain as your target. When you log in, you can always view and analyze usage data across all of the accounts, even if they are served from different hostnames. Offen Fair Web Analytics is also able to automatically acquire free and auto-renewing SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt for each of these domains.
As for data storage, you will likely want to use the default SQLite option in this scenario which stores data in a file on the host system.
#### *Handling a single high traffic site*
If you are working on a bigger project with a lot of traffic, you might consider deploying a single instance for that project only. Also, this is a scenario where we would recommend using a dedicated database server instead of using a local SQLite file, as it would allow you to scale Offen further while your traffic grows.
If you are working on a bigger project with a lot of traffic, you might consider deploying a single instance for that project only. Also, this is a scenario where we would recommend using a dedicated database server instead of using a local SQLite file, as it would allow you to scale Offen Fair Web Analytics further while your traffic grows.
---
### Some available hosting providers
This list is a non-exhaustive collection of hosting providers that we happen to know and have used ourselves. We are in no way affiliated with any of these, don't earn any money when you install Offen there, and definitely don't want to push you anywhere. We do want you to use Offen though, of course, but it's always your choice where to run it. If you know of any other good option, tweet them our way [@hioffen](https://twitter.com/hioffen).
This list is a non-exhaustive collection of hosting providers that we happen to know and have used ourselves. We are in no way affiliated with any of these, don't earn any money when you install Offen Fair Web Analytics there, and definitely don't want to push you anywhere. We do want you to use Offen Fair Web Analytics though, of course, but it's always your choice where to run it. If you know of any other good option, tweet them our way [@hioffen](https://twitter.com/hioffen).
#### [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/)
The obvious choice for hosting your Offen instance in the AWS ecosystem is probably using EC2 (which is a virtual server). For handling Offen in any of the above scenarios a `t3.nano` instance is sufficient, which - at the time of writing - bills at *USD 3.90 per month*. In case you have just recently signed up for AWS, you could also run Offen using the *free tier usage plan* that gives you one free `t2.micro` (this, by the way, is also how we are currently running our own instance).
The obvious choice for hosting your Offen Fair Web Analytics instance in the AWS ecosystem is probably using EC2 (which is a virtual server). For handling Offen Fair Web Analytics in any of the above scenarios a `t3.nano` instance is sufficient, which - at the time of writing - bills at *USD 3.90 per month*. In case you have just recently signed up for AWS, you could also run Offen Fair Web Analytics using the *free tier usage plan* that gives you one free `t2.micro` (this, by the way, is also how we are currently running our own instance).
If you decide to use a dedicated database server, AWS offers managed databases as a service called RDS, but this service is relatively expensive (pricing maps to the cost of the underlying EC2 instance and instances are big). A cheaper option would be using a Lightsail VM (which currently costs USD 5.00) and configuring it to use the PostgreSQL or MySQL presets that give you a running database server out of the box.
As Offen will provide free SSL certificates for you, so this will not incur any additional costs.
As Offen Fair Web Analytics will provide free SSL certificates for you, so this will not incur any additional costs.
The lowdown on AWS:
- USD 3.90 per month (plus USD 5.00 if you need a database) or maybe even free for 12 months if you just signed up
- Offen needs to be installed manually from the command line
- Offen Fair Web Analytics needs to be installed manually from the command line
---
#### [Heroku](https://www.heroku.com/)
Heroku is famous for making deployment of web based software as easy as possible, and it indeed lets you deploy Offen from within your browser using our Heroku preset.
Heroku is famous for making deployment of web based software as easy as possible, and it indeed lets you deploy Offen Fair Web Analytics from within your browser using our Heroku preset.
[Open Heroku preset](https://github.com/offen/heroku){: data-button-mb3="outline"}
Heroku has a free tier that theoretically lets you deploy Offen and a database for free. The only caveat with this is that you will need to provide your own SSL certificate in this scenario, which makes it relatively complicated to get going. In addition to that Dynos (this is Heroku's name for a virtual server) on the free plan fall asleep when they are not used, so applications tend to be relatively sluggish when going down that route.
Heroku has a free tier that theoretically lets you deploy Offen Fair Web Analytics and a database for free. The only caveat with this is that you will need to provide your own SSL certificate in this scenario, which makes it relatively complicated to get going. In addition to that Dynos (this is Heroku's name for a virtual server) on the free plan fall asleep when they are not used, so applications tend to be relatively sluggish when going down that route.
If you would upgrade your plan to a "Hobby" plan which clocks in at *USD 7.00 per month* you get an always-awake Dyno, a Postgres Database under the free plan and free SSL provided by Heroku (Offen cannot acquire certificates itself when it is deployed behind the Heroku Routing Mesh).
If you would upgrade your plan to a "Hobby" plan which clocks in at *USD 7.00 per month* you get an always-awake Dyno, a Postgres Database under the free plan and free SSL provided by Heroku (Offen Fair Web Analytics cannot acquire certificates itself when it is deployed behind the Heroku Routing Mesh).
This option is probably on the more expensive side of things, but it's definitely easy to manage, especially for a non-technical audience.
@ -78,13 +78,13 @@ The lowdown on Heroku:
#### [DigitalOcean](https://www.digitalocean.com/)
DigitalOcean provides virtual servers in a product they call Droplets. The cheapest variant - which is enough to host Offen for one of the above scenarios - costs *USD 5.00 per month*. On this droplet you can install Offen yourself in whatever fashion you prefer (Docker, systemd, something else) or use our prebuilt image.
DigitalOcean provides virtual servers in a product they call Droplets. The cheapest variant - which is enough to host Offen Fair Web Analytics for one of the above scenarios - costs *USD 5.00 per month*. On this droplet you can install Offen yourself in whatever fashion you prefer (Docker, systemd, something else) or use our prebuilt image.
[Open prebuilt DigitalOcean image](https://github.com/offen/digitalocean){: data-button-mb3="outline"}
If you need a dedicated database server, you can either use the managed Postgres offering (which is relatively expensive) or add another Droplet, installing a prebuilt PostgreSQL or MySQL image.
SSL certificates can be acquired by Offen in this scenario without any additional cost.
SSL certificates can be acquired by Offen Fair Web Analytics in this scenario without any additional cost.
The lowdown on DigitalOcean:
@ -95,17 +95,17 @@ The lowdown on DigitalOcean:
#### [Linode](https://www.linode.com/)
Feeling "close to the metal" in a good way, Linode offers virtual servers on shared instances. At *USD 5.00 per month* you get a Linux server that you can use to install and serve your Offen instance. There is no dedicated database offering, so if you wanted to use a dedicated database you would need to install MySQL or PostgreSQL on another shared instance. Presets are available for these.
Feeling "close to the metal" in a good way, Linode offers virtual servers on shared instances. At *USD 5.00 per month* you get a Linux server that you can use to install and serve your Offen Fair Web Analytics instance. There is no dedicated database offering, so if you wanted to use a dedicated database you would need to install MySQL or PostgreSQL on another shared instance. Presets are available for these.
Offen can handle SSL certificates for you in this scenario as well, so this does not incur additional costs.
Offen Fair Web Analytics can handle SSL certificates for you in this scenario as well, so this does not incur additional costs.
The lowdown on Linode:
- USD 5.00 per month (plus another USD 5.00 if you need a dedicated database)
- Offen needs to be installed manually from the command line
- Offen Fair Web Analytics needs to be installed manually from the command line
---
### Where to head next
If you made a choice and want to deploy your own Offen instance, head over to our [Installation tutorials](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/tutorials/) where you will get further guidance on what to do next and how to get your instance up and running. And in case you get stuck or need help, file an [issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues), [tweet](https://twitter.com/hioffen) or [email](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de).
If you made a choice and want to deploy your own Offen Fair Web Analytics instance, head over to our [Installation tutorials](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/tutorials/) where you will get further guidance on what to do next and how to get your instance up and running. And in case you get stuck or need help, file an [issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues), [tweet](https://twitter.com/hioffen) or [email](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de).

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@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ It often seems that developers of analytics tools only really want to communicat
However, operators are given the impression that installing the respective software does something really great for their users. Whether it is that annoying banners are waived or that data will not be disclosed to third parties. And by the way, the 'GDPR problem' is also solved and there is no need to worry about legal action. What more could you want?
We as Offen are convinced that all these 'privacy friendly' approaches are an improvement, but they are still not enough to create a web that is significantly better. For this, most of these solutions simply *lack the necessary degree of fairness.*
We as Offen Fair Web Analytics are convinced that all these 'privacy friendly' approaches are an improvement, but they are still not enough to create a web that is significantly better. For this, most of these solutions simply *lack the necessary degree of fairness.*
Users continue to be unaware what kind of data is collected and how it is being used. They still cannot access or delete it. This leaves them in the dark about their situation and does not help to reduce the latent distrust against web operators. A problem that GDPR also addresses explicitly under the headline 'Rights of the data subject'.
@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ This is why we develop a fair and open web analytics tool that finally treats *o
Usage data is only collected after opt-in. If users choose to opt in, they have full access to their data and can also delete it. The collected data is presented to the user with explanations that describe why a particular metric is relevant and what the privacy implications are.
At the same time essential metrics give operators the chance to gain valuable insights. They can improve their services without violating the privacy of their users.
By the way, Offen is in beta phase now. [Please take a look and give it a try.](/try-demo/)
By the way, Offen Fair Web Analytics is in beta phase now. [Please take a look and give it a try.](/try-demo/)
We believe it is time to go one step further. This is how we want to support a web that is *privacy friendly and fair at last.* Are you as enthusiastic about it as we are?
Drop us a [tweet](https://twitter.com/hioffen) or [email](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de) and feel invited to work together to drive this idea forward.

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# Episode Five — Resilience and documentation
Maybe the most exciting milestone in our current journey, Milestone 5 ends with Offen finally stripping off that `alpha` label we have been carrying around for quite a while now, and which admittedly might have scared away some potential users. The good thing about keeping it this long though is that we can feel pretty confident to release working software. We'll still defer the 1.0 for a while and start with `v0.1.0`, but from now on we really mean it: Install Offen in production, we are confident it'll be a good choice.
Maybe the most exciting milestone in our current journey, Milestone 5 ends with Offen Fair Web Analytics finally stripping off that `alpha` label we have been carrying around for quite a while now, and which admittedly might have scared away some potential users. The good thing about keeping it this long though is that we can feel pretty confident to release working software. We'll still defer the 1.0 for a while and start with `v0.1.0`, but from now on we really mean it: Install Offen Fair Web Analytics in production, we are confident it'll be a good choice.
This means that during Milestone 5 we have released the following versions:
@ -27,21 +27,21 @@ As always, you can download the latest release from [get.offen.dev](https://get.
#### Accessibility Audit
As an NGI Zero project we are lucky enough to have great people in our network by default. This time Stichting Accessibility helped us with an A11y audit of Offen. This audit resulted in helpful feedback and action points for us to improve upon the A11y aspects of the Offen Auditorium and make Offen an analytics tool for everyone.
As an NGI Zero project we are lucky enough to have great people in our network by default. This time Stichting Accessibility helped us with an A11y audit of Offen Fair Web Analytics. This audit resulted in helpful feedback and action points for us to improve upon the A11y aspects of the Auditorium and make Offen Fair Web Analytics an analytics tool for everyone.
Relevant PRs are: [386](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/386), [387](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/387), [389](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/389), [393](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/393)
#### Security Audit
Another really helpful experience was having Offen audited from a security perspective by the wonderful people from Radically Open Security. We had a great time looking at Offen together, checking for exploits, leaky crypto, security issues and discussing general design questions that came up while working on Offen. We did not find major flaws, but instead came up with a couple of very good ideas about how to make Offen more secure and harden the server even further. These have been implemented by now and are included in the latest release, so make sure to update.
Another really helpful experience was having Offen Fair Web Analytics audited from a security perspective by the wonderful people from Radically Open Security. We had a great time looking at Offen Fair Web Analytics together, checking for exploits, leaky crypto, security issues and discussing general design questions that came up while working on Offen Fair Web Analytics. We did not find major flaws, but instead came up with a couple of very good ideas about how to make Offen Fair Web Analytics more secure and harden the server even further. These have been implemented by now and are included in the latest release, so make sure to update.
Relevant PRs are: [399](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/399), [400](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/400), [401](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/401), [405](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/405), [406](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/406)
#### Community approved handling of licensing
With help from the FSFE, we adopted [REUSE](https://reuse.software/), a standard and tooling around the handling of licensing in non-small repositories. Having integrated a dedicated check for REUSE compliance into our CI pipeline allows us to stop worrying we have forgotten something, and will give everyone access to all licensing information needed to use or reuse Offen in all scenarios.
With help from the FSFE, we adopted [REUSE](https://reuse.software/), a standard and tooling around the handling of licensing in non-small repositories. Having integrated a dedicated check for REUSE compliance into our CI pipeline allows us to stop worrying we have forgotten something, and will give everyone access to all licensing information needed to use or reuse Offen Fair Web Analytics in all scenarios.
In addition to that we now also automatically generate a NOTICE file from our dependency tree that we can include in our binary distributions, making sure every dependency is properly attributed when others download and use Offen. You can see it in action being served from our own Offen instance here: [offen.offen.dev/NOTICE.txt](https://offen.offen.dev/NOTICE.txt)
In addition to that we now also automatically generate a NOTICE file from our dependency tree that we can include in our binary distributions, making sure every dependency is properly attributed when others download and use Offen Fair Web Analytics. You can see it in action being served from our own Offen Fair Web Analytics instance here: [offen.offen.dev/NOTICE.txt](https://offen.offen.dev/NOTICE.txt)
Relevant PRs are: [383](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/388), [414](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/414), [415](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/415)
@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ Relevant PRs are: [395](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/395), [413](https://
#### Improved documentation
Improving our documentation has been an important part of this milestone as it means our move to a non-alpha version is supported by making Offen even more accessible to developers and operator that want to install Offen or hack on it.
Improving our documentation has been an important part of this milestone as it means our move to a non-alpha version is supported by making Offen Fair Web Analytics even more accessible to developers and operator that want to install Offen Fair Web Analytics or hack on it.
To keep the docs in sync with our ongoing development efforts, we merged our existing `offen/docs` repository into `offen/offen`. This allows us to document new features and changes while they are being developed and also makes versioned documentation available on [docs.offen.dev](https://docs.offen.dev). It also moves the docs closer to the code so that developers do not need to do any more context switching during development.
@ -65,27 +65,27 @@ Relevant PRs are: [392](https://github.com/offen/offen/pull/392), [396](https://
#### More deployment targets and tests
Offen's deployment story as a single binary file and no external database required is relatively easy, yet there is always room to improve, especially for a non-technical audience. While we already have tested installing Offen successfully on a multitude of providers, ranging from industry leaders like AWS to offbeat offerings like Uberspace, we want to look into more options. While doing so we will share our findings with the public so they can use our experience when installing Offen themselves. We will also look into how we can make running Offen even easier. Maybe this one configuration value isn't even needed. Maybe creating your first account can be even easier. Let's find out.
Offen Fair Web Analytics's deployment story as a single binary file and no external database required is relatively easy, yet there is always room to improve, especially for a non-technical audience. While we already have tested installing Offen Fair Web Analytics successfully on a multitude of providers, ranging from industry leaders like AWS to offbeat offerings like Uberspace, we want to look into more options. While doing so we will share our findings with the public so they can use our experience when installing Offen Fair Web Analytics themselves. We will also look into how we can make running Offen Fair Web Analytics even easier. Maybe this one configuration value isn't even needed. Maybe creating your first account can be even easier. Let's find out.
#### Reaching out to the community
When the last months it has been the two of us working on Offen exclusively, moving into Beta is a good time to get the community involved. We want to know where our users would like to see us heading, and when want to know how we can make Offen more accessible for external contributors. Now that we have defined the foundation, Offen can serve the community better the more that it's a community effort.
When the last months it has been the two of us working on Offen Fair Web Analytics exclusively, moving into Beta is a good time to get the community involved. We want to know where our users would like to see us heading, and when want to know how we can make Offen Fair Web Analytics more accessible for external contributors. Now that we have defined the foundation, Offen Fair Web Analytics can serve the community better the more that it's a community effort.
#### Defining where we want to head next
Upcoming Milestone 6 will be the last one in our current funding round by NGI Zero PET. It's been an incredibly supportive and inspiring journey which taught us a lot, one thing being that we are onto something with Offen.
Upcoming Milestone 6 will be the last one in our current funding round by NGI Zero PET. It's been an incredibly supportive and inspiring journey which taught us a lot, one thing being that we are onto something with Offen Fair Web Analytics.
To allow us to sustain development further, we are going to flesh out ideas on where we want to take Offen (come have a look at our [roadmap](https://github.com/offen/offen/projects/1)), but also on how we can make the ideas behind Offen accessible to the public in a way that people can build software and tools that follow the same set of guiding principles.
To allow us to sustain development further, we are going to flesh out ideas on where we want to take Offen Fair Web Analytics (come have a look at our [roadmap](https://github.com/offen/offen/projects/1)), but also on how we can make the ideas behind Offen Fair Web Analytics accessible to the public in a way that people can build software and tools that follow the same set of guiding principles.
Once this is defined, we will apply for new funds. Let us know if you know of any good opportunities for a project like Offen.
Once this is defined, we will apply for new funds. Let us know if you know of any good opportunities for a project like Offen Fair Web Analytics.
---
### Getting your hands dirty
#### Load testing the hardened Offen server
#### Load testing the hardened Offen Fair Web Analytics server
An important part of Milestone 5 was hardening the HTTP interface of Offen, which in most cases will be exposed to the internet directly, without any reverse proxy or similar in front. So why not do a load test and see how far we can take it?
An important part of Milestone 5 was hardening the HTTP interface of Offen Fair Web Analytics, which in most cases will be exposed to the internet directly, without any reverse proxy or similar in front. So why not do a load test and see how far we can take it?
The tools we'll be using to perform the load test is called [vegeta](https://github.com/tsenart/vegeta), which you can install using `go get` (or you download the binaries from GitHub):
@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ The tools we'll be using to perform the load test is called [vegeta](https://git
go get -u github.com/tsenart/vegeta
```
Then, fire up a demo instance of Offen on your machine. This is really easy using our script:
Then, fire up a demo instance of Offen Fair Web Analytics on your machine. This is really easy using our script:
```
curl -sSL https://demo.offen.dev | bash

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@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
title: Why Offen is a valid Matomo alternative
title: Why Offen Fair Web Analytics is a valid Matomo alternative
description: This brief comparison of both tools gives you a first insight into the field of fair and lightweight web analytics.
date: 2020-08-28
modified: 20.4.2021
@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ image_url: /theme/images/offen-blog-0100-Matomo.jpg
author: Hendrik Niefeld
bottom_cta: budget
# Why Offen is a valid Matomo alternative
# Why Offen Fair Web Analytics is a valid Matomo alternative
#### Matomo at a glance
@ -27,15 +27,15 @@ On the technical side, the following issues are particularly apparent. Installin
### Operators and users as equal parties
To address the above mentioned issues we develop a fair, self hosted and lightweigt web analytics tool that treats operators and users as equal parties. It is called Offen and is [available as a production ready version.](/get-started/)
To address the above mentioned issues we develop a fair, self hosted and lightweigt web analytics tool that treats operators and users as equal parties. It is called Offen Fair Web Analytics and is [available as a production ready version.](/get-started/)
*Offen's default is to NOT collect any data.* Usage data is collected after opt-in only. If users choose to opt in, they have full access to their data. They can delete it any time or opt out completly.
*Offen Fair Web Analytics's default is to NOT collect any data.* Usage data is collected after opt-in only. If users choose to opt in, they have full access to their data. They can delete it any time or opt out completly.
The collected data is presented to users with explanations that describe why a particular metric is relevant and what the privacy implications are. This helps to strengthen trust in operators.
At the same time essential metrics give operators the chance to gain valuable insights in an ethical way. Thereby allowing them to improve their websites and develop ideas for new services. All without violating the privacy of their users.
Offen is open source and will always be available for free with no hidden costs lurking. Operators self host the app and can be sure not to pass on any data to third parties.
Offen Fair Web Analytics is open source and will always be available for free with no hidden costs lurking. Operators self host the app and can be sure not to pass on any data to third parties.
The installation is relatively simple and supports the use of SQLite files as well. The tracking script is reduced to a bare minimum and allows pages to load much faster.
@ -43,14 +43,14 @@ To complete the package, the app allows to manage several websites with one logi
### Confidential by design
Our strict focus on data protection also means that there are some Matomo features we will never offer. This includes the export of data and public access to reports without prior login. Furthermore due to the integrated end-to-end encryption Offen does not provide access to the raw data.
Our strict focus on data protection also means that there are some Matomo features we will never offer. This includes the export of data and public access to reports without prior login. Furthermore due to the integrated end-to-end encryption Offen Fair Web Analytics does not provide access to the raw data.
### Switch to fair web analytics
We hope this overview helps you to get a better insight into the topic of fair web analytics. If you are passionate about ethical software and want *a truly lightweight and privacy focused alternative to Matomo* you should give Offen a try. Why not let both run parallel for a while and then see how it feels? We are looking forward to your [feedback.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
We hope this overview helps you to get a better insight into the topic of fair web analytics. If you are passionate about ethical software and want *a truly lightweight and privacy focused alternative to Matomo* you should give Offen Fair Web Analytics a try. Why not let both run parallel for a while and then see how it feels? We are looking forward to your [feedback.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
Find further information in our [explainer](/#bg-explainer), test it on your system or get everything you need to use Offen in production.
Find further information in our [explainer](/#bg-explainer), test it on your system or get everything you need to use Offen Fair Web Analytics in production.
<div class="flex flex-wrap justify-center mt4 mb6">
<div class="w-100 w-40-ns mh0 mb3 mb0-ns mr3-ns">

54
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@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ bottom_cta: blog
It feels a little surreal to write this, but: this post marks the end of Milestone 6, which is the last one defined in our initial product plan defining the scope of our support by the [NGI Zero PET initiative](https://nlnet.nl/thema/NGIZeroPET.html).
In these last weeks we focused on packaging and testing, which - who would have thought - uncovered some issues we didn't know about yet. But it also felt very rewarding to see the work of the last ~9 months paying off, now that we and others can deploy and use Offen easily. Having designed Offen as a self hosted solution from the start, we managed to establish a unique characteristic when comparing Offen with other solutions out there: if you're looking to self host your analytics software, it won't get much easier. If you are unsure about that claim, check out the rest of this post to see what that actually means.
In these last weeks we focused on packaging and testing, which - who would have thought - uncovered some issues we didn't know about yet. But it also felt very rewarding to see the work of the last ~9 months paying off, now that we and others can deploy and use Offen Fair Web Analytics easily. Having designed Offen Fair Web Analytics as a self hosted solution from the start, we managed to establish a unique characteristic when comparing Offen Fair Web Analytics with other solutions out there: if you're looking to self host your analytics software, it won't get much easier. If you are unsure about that claim, check out the rest of this post to see what that actually means.
During Milestone 6 we have released the following versions:
@ -28,29 +28,29 @@ As always, you can download the latest release from [https://get.offen.dev](http
### Achievements
#### Offen runs almost everywhere
#### Offen Fair Web Analytics runs almost everywhere
One of the design goals of Offen is to make it really easy to install. Nevertheless, using self hosted software can be daunting if you haven't done it before, or you are not well versed with using the CLI. To help people unsure about what to do getting started, we published a lot of options and contributed to community resources:
One of the design goals of Offen Fair Web Analytics is to make it really easy to install. Nevertheless, using self hosted software can be daunting if you haven't done it before, or you are not well versed with using the CLI. To help people unsure about what to do getting started, we published a lot of options and contributed to community resources:
- There is a tutorial for installing Offen on [Uberspace](https://uberspace.de/): [https://lab.uberspace.de/guide_offen.html](https://lab.uberspace.de/guide_offen.html)
- There is a tutorial for installing Offen Fair Web Analytics on [Uberspace](https://uberspace.de/): [https://lab.uberspace.de/guide_offen.html](https://lab.uberspace.de/guide_offen.html)
- We packaged Offen for [YunoHost](https://yunohost.org/#/) (an operating system tailored towards self hosting): [https://github.com/offen/offen_ynh](https://github.com/offen/offen_ynh)
- We packaged Offen Fair Web Analytics for [YunoHost](https://yunohost.org/#/) (an operating system tailored towards self hosting): [https://github.com/offen/offen_ynh](https://github.com/offen/offen_ynh)
- We wrote a tutorial for how to host your static website alongside Offen: [https://github.com/hetzneronline/community-content/pull/257](https://github.com/hetzneronline/community-content/pull/257)
- We wrote a tutorial for how to host your static website alongside Offen Fair Web Analytics: [https://github.com/hetzneronline/community-content/pull/257](https://github.com/hetzneronline/community-content/pull/257)
- You can deploy Offen to Heroku with a single click: [https://github.com/offen/heroku](https://github.com/offen/heroku)
- You can deploy Offen Fair Web Analytics to Heroku with a single click: [https://github.com/offen/heroku](https://github.com/offen/heroku)
- There is also a prebuilt image for DigitalOcean: [https://github.com/offen/digitalocean](https://github.com/offen/digitalocean)
- In case Docker is something you are using, here's our image: [https://hub.docker.com/r/offen/offen](https://hub.docker.com/r/offen/offen)
- Raspberry Pis can run Offen just fine: [https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/downloads-distributions/#building-offen-for-architectures-other-than-amd64](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/downloads-distributions/#building-offen-for-architectures-other-than-amd64)
- Raspberry Pis can run Offen Fair Web Analytics just fine: [https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/downloads-distributions/#building-offen-for-architectures-other-than-amd64](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/downloads-distributions/#building-offen-for-architectures-other-than-amd64)
In case you know of another great target for installing Offen, let us know and we'll check out the option right away.
In case you know of another great target for installing Offen Fair Web Analytics, let us know and we'll check out the option right away.
#### deb package for easier setup
Installing Offen from our binary distributions hasn't been too complicated already, but starting with version 0.1.6 we now also ship Offen as a `deb` package. This means, installation on Ubuntu or Debian servers is now as easy as:
Installing Offen Fair Web Analytics from our binary distributions hasn't been too complicated already, but starting with version 0.1.6 we now also ship Offen Fair Web Analytics as a `deb` package. This means, installation on Ubuntu or Debian servers is now as easy as:
```bash
curl -sSL -o offen.deb https://get.offen.dev/deb
@ -59,15 +59,15 @@ sudo systemctl enable offen
sudo systemctl start offen
```
We also updated our [installation tutorials](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/tutorials/) to reflect this. Packaging code lives in the [offen/deb](https://github.com/offen/deb) repository. A nice side effect of this is that we'd be pretty much ready to set up a repository for people to install Offen using the `apt` package manager in case this is requested.
We also updated our [installation tutorials](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/tutorials/) to reflect this. Packaging code lives in the [offen/deb](https://github.com/offen/deb) repository. A nice side effect of this is that we'd be pretty much ready to set up a repository for people to install Offen Fair Web Analytics using the `apt` package manager in case this is requested.
#### Helping others to install and run Offen
#### Helping others to install and run Offen Fair Web Analytics
While we've been doing a lot of test installations of Offen ourselves in the past weeks, we've also seen others starting to install of Offen. We've seen some expected teething troubles we've fixed along the way, but more importantly we've gained further insights on how people deploy and use Offen, allowing us to further optimize for the relevant use cases.
While we've been doing a lot of test installations of Offen Fair Web Analytics ourselves in the past weeks, we've also seen others starting to install of Offen Fair Web Analytics. We've seen some expected teething troubles we've fixed along the way, but more importantly we've gained further insights on how people deploy and use Offen Fair Web Analytics, allowing us to further optimize for the relevant use cases.
#### Helping others to start contributing to Offen
#### Helping others to start contributing to Offen Fair Web Analytics
Offen is free and open for everyone to use with no strigs attached. There is no business model like a hosted version or similar behind it. This is why it's important for us to open up the development of Offen to the community now that we've set the foundation. To kick this off, we will be participating in this year's [Hacktoberfest](https://hacktoberfest.digitalocean.com/). Check out the [relevant issues on our repository](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3AHacktoberfest), forward this to whoever might be interested, or start hacking on Offen yourself right away. We are also happy about any kind of feedback on our [roadmap](https://github.com/offen/offen/projects/1).
Offen Fair Web Analytics is free and open for everyone to use with no strigs attached. There is no business model like a hosted version or similar behind it. This is why it's important for us to open up the development of Offen Fair Web Analytics to the community now that we've set the foundation. To kick this off, we will be participating in this year's [Hacktoberfest](https://hacktoberfest.digitalocean.com/). Check out the [relevant issues on our repository](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3AHacktoberfest), forward this to whoever might be interested, or start hacking on Offen yourself right away. We are also happy about any kind of feedback on our [roadmap](https://github.com/offen/offen/projects/1).
---
@ -75,33 +75,33 @@ Offen is free and open for everyone to use with no strigs attached. There is no
#### Spreading the word
We've built a unique analytics software, and we sense the time is just about right for shifting paradigms when it comes to collecting and handling data. However, if noone knows about Offen, noone can use it. Now that we have a working beta, we can start marketing Offen more aggressively all across the internet. If you have ideas for a good fit in terms of audience, let us know.
We've built a unique analytics software, and we sense the time is just about right for shifting paradigms when it comes to collecting and handling data. However, if noone knows about Offen Fair Web Analytics, noone can use it. Now that we have a working beta, we can start marketing Offen Fair Web Analytics more aggressively all across the internet. If you have ideas for a good fit in terms of audience, let us know.
#### Performance improvements
Securing the data collected as much as possible has always been (and will always stay) the most important aspect when developing Offen. This makes having Offen perform well on large datasets (i.e. sites with a lot of traffic) is hard. While it's already usable in these scenarios - and it's an obvious tradeoff where we have a clear priority - there is still room for improvement.
Securing the data collected as much as possible has always been (and will always stay) the most important aspect when developing Offen Fair Web Analytics. This makes having Offen Fair Web Analytics perform well on large datasets (i.e. sites with a lot of traffic) is hard. While it's already usable in these scenarios - and it's an obvious tradeoff where we have a clear priority - there is still room for improvement.
This is why we'd like to look into ways of making Offen faster while still satisfying the strict privacy and security requirements we have. Check [this issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues/448) for ideas about how we plan to implement this.
This is why we'd like to look into ways of making Offen Fair Web Analytics faster while still satisfying the strict privacy and security requirements we have. Check [this issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues/448) for ideas about how we plan to implement this.
#### Defining the future of Offen
#### Defining the future of Offen Fair Web Analytics
This post is closing Milestone 6 out of 6. This means we have successfully built and shipped a working beta version of Offen. It also means it's up to us to define what we want to do next.
This post is closing Milestone 6 out of 6. This means we have successfully built and shipped a working beta version of Offen Fair Web Analytics. It also means it's up to us to define what we want to do next.
The obvious path is further extending and maintaining Offen, which we will continue to do. Yet, we'd also like to work on ideas about how we can make the tech, and also the ethical principles that Offen is built upon available to the public. In the end, Offen is a lot more than just an analytics tool.
The obvious path is further extending and maintaining Offen Fair Web Analytics, which we will continue to do. Yet, we'd also like to work on ideas about how we can make the tech, and also the ethical principles that Offen Fair Web Analytics is built upon available to the public. In the end, Offen Fair Web Analytics is a lot more than just an analytics tool.
#### Adding a second locale
Localizing software at an early stage is hard, so we developed Offen as English-only up until now. Luckily, we already placed all the hooks need for localizing Offen in our codebase. Now that Offen has become more stable and mature, we think it's a good time to start adding a second locale. In our case, German is the obvious choice, so we are planning to make Offen available in German as well in the next months. If you're interested in helping us localize Offen in the language of your choice, we'd be happy to hear from you [in the corresponding issue on GitHub](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues/453). Vielen Dank.
Localizing software at an early stage is hard, so we developed Offen Fair Web Analytics as English-only up until now. Luckily, we already placed all the hooks need for localizing Offen Fair Web Analytics in our codebase. Now that Offen Fair Web Analytics has become more stable and mature, we think it's a good time to start adding a second locale. In our case, German is the obvious choice, so we are planning to make Offen Fair Web Analytics available in German as well in the next months. If you're interested in helping us localize Offen Fair Web Analytics in the language of your choice, we'd be happy to hear from you [in the corresponding issue on GitHub](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues/453). Vielen Dank.
---
### Getting your hands dirty
#### Packaging Offen as a snap
#### Packaging Offen Fair Web Analytics as a snap
[Snapcraft](https://snapcraft.io/) is a relatively recent way of packaging apps for use across all Linux distributions. While it has also received its fair share of criticism, it also provides a really simple way of packaging and distributing apps like Offen.
[Snapcraft](https://snapcraft.io/) is a relatively recent way of packaging apps for use across all Linux distributions. While it has also received its fair share of criticism, it also provides a really simple way of packaging and distributing apps like Offen Fair Web Analytics.
To build a snap from Offen, first install `snapcraft`. If you're on Ubuntu or Debian, you can use `snap` to install it:
To build a snap from Offen Fair Web Analytics, first install `snapcraft`. If you're on Ubuntu or Debian, you can use `snap` to install it:
```bash
snap install snapcraft
@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ Snapped offen_0.1.5_amd64.snap
$
```
Now, you can install Offen on your system from the built file using the `snap` command (the dangerous flag is needed as we did not sign the package):
Now, you can install Offen Fair Web Analytics on your system from the built file using the `snap` command (the dangerous flag is needed as we did not sign the package):
```bash
$ snap install --dangerous offen_0.1.5_amd64.snap
@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ $ which offen
/snap/bin/offen
```
And that's it, your system is now ready to use Offen, but more importantly, this is another simple and discoverable way of installing it for less tech-savvy users. We'll keep our eyes open for when it's time to officially start publishing Offen as a snap.
And that's it, your system is now ready to use Offen Fair Web Analytics, but more importantly, this is another simple and discoverable way of installing it for less tech-savvy users. We'll keep our eyes open for when it's time to officially start publishing Offen Fair Web Analytics as a snap.
---

8
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@ -13,13 +13,13 @@ bottom_cta: matomo
### Fair web analytics
A key feature of our fair and open web analytics tool [Offen](/get-started/) is that data will only be collected after website users have opted in. This is absolutely necessary for a fair data transfer, but also comes with another, not so obvious implication.
A key feature of our fair and open web analytics tool [Offen Fair Web Analytics](/get-started/) is that data will only be collected after website users have opted in. This is absolutely necessary for a fair data transfer, but also comes with another, not so obvious implication.
Collecting data only with *user consent has a significant impact on the quality of analytics* insights, especially for operators of smaller websites.
### Analyzing our own turf
Our own homepage [offen.dev](/), on which of course an Offen instance is installed, can be described as rather small. It currently has an average of 280 unique users after opt-in and 660 verified page views per month.
Our own homepage [offen.dev](/), on which of course an Offen Fair Web Analytics instance is installed, can be described as rather small. It currently has an average of 280 unique users after opt-in and 660 verified page views per month.
We estimate our opt-in rate, meaning the percentage of website users who agree to the data collection, to be about 40%. This figure is a subjective estimate and derived solely from the personal feedback of a relatively small group of test users.
@ -71,8 +71,8 @@ Many users are recorded even though they have visited your website with very lit
This is why the use of all available data is not the way to do better web analytics. Only *a careful selection of the data to be evaluated leads to deeper insights* for optimization. All the better if this can be done in combination with a privacy friendly approach to data collection.
### Try Offen today
### Try Offen Fair Web Analytics today
If you are looking for a self hosted as well as lightweight alternative to common web analytics tools and want to optimize your website for quality you should give Offen a try. Why not let it run parallel to your current tool for a while and then see how it feels? We are looking forward to your feedback.
If you are looking for a self hosted as well as lightweight alternative to common web analytics tools and want to optimize your website for quality you should give Offen Fair Web Analytics a try. Why not let it run parallel to your current tool for a while and then see how it feels? We are looking forward to your feedback.
Give it a spin with our [demo](/try-demo/) or directly head to our [get started](/get-started/) section.

12
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@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ By adding an aggregate cache, we were able to significantly improve query perfor
#### A better Auditorium
Before we will tackle some major UX updates that will primarily benefit the operators, we first took a closer look at the user side. Users' access to their data is one of our key features. However, the feedback we have collected so far has shown us that the context and functionality presented in the Auditorium is not instantly clear to some users. To address this, there now is an onboarding feature for the first-time user when visiting the Auditorium. Here, in addition to a short insight into the data just collected, the basic functionality of Offen is pointed out once again. Moreover, as little extras, there is now an empty state illustration on the user side and a loading state animation for all to enjoy.
Before we will tackle some major UX updates that will primarily benefit the operators, we first took a closer look at the user side. Users' access to their data is one of our key features. However, the feedback we have collected so far has shown us that the context and functionality presented in the Auditorium is not instantly clear to some users. To address this, there now is an onboarding feature for the first-time user when visiting the Auditorium. Here, in addition to a short insight into the data just collected, the basic functionality of Offen Fair Web Analytics is pointed out once again. Moreover, as little extras, there is now an empty state illustration on the user side and a loading state animation for all to enjoy.
#### Tagging campaigns and sources
@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ As we want to give website operators a fair and professional web analytics alter
#### Migrate an instance to different hardware
For operators who want to migrate an older running Offen instance to another hardware, there is now an important bugfix to pay attention to. If you find yourself affected by issues, check our [detailed workarround.](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/known-issues/)
For operators who want to migrate an older running Offen Fair Web Analytics instance to another hardware, there is now an important bugfix to pay attention to. If you find yourself affected by issues, check our [detailed workarround.](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/known-issues/)
---
@ -56,15 +56,15 @@ As already mentioned in our last milestone, localization ranks at the top of our
#### Easily accessible analytics data
For Offen to be a fully competitive analytics tool, some significant UX improvements are missing. To make the analytics data more accessible, we will add two elements for operators and users: A sophisticated selection of date ranges, which is easy to use even on mobile devices, and a flexible drill-down workflow, which provides a better insight into cohorts.
For Offen Fair Web Analytics to be a fully competitive analytics tool, some significant UX improvements are missing. To make the analytics data more accessible, we will add two elements for operators and users: A sophisticated selection of date ranges, which is easy to use even on mobile devices, and a flexible drill-down workflow, which provides a better insight into cohorts.
#### Once again, awareness
We want to give operators a range of possibilities to insert ready-made elements on their website that make users aware of how to access their data. These and all existing consent elements will be made customizable in their design to make it less painful for operators to insert them.
#### Expanding the idea underlying Offen
#### Expanding the idea underlying Offen Fair Web Analytics
Over the last year we have developed a fair, open and lightweigt web analytics tool that treats operators and users as equal parties. We like to describe the basic idea behind Offen with the concept of fair data transfer.
Over the last year we have developed a fair, open and lightweigt web analytics tool that treats operators and users as equal parties. We like to describe the basic idea behind Offen Fair Web Analytics with the concept of fair data transfer.
Taking this concept seriously, it cannot be limited to a single software project. That's why we decided to create the prerequisites to make it easier for others to get involved and use similar fair approaches. More on this in one of our following blog posts. Stay tuned.
@ -72,6 +72,6 @@ Taking this concept seriously, it cannot be limited to a single software project
### Happy to hear from you
Are you using Offen? We're happy to feature you in this [README.](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md) Send a PR adding your site or app to [this](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md#whos-using-offen) section.
Are you using Offen Fair Web Analytics? We're happy to feature you in this [README.](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md) Send a PR adding your site or app to [this](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md#whos-using-offen) section.
If you have any feedback, comment or bug report on the latest release, let us know. Open an [issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues) or send us an email at [hioffen@posteo.de](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de).

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@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ And while there are definitely problems with the modern day usage of cookies, wi
Inside the European union the so called "[Cookie Directive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_and_Electronic_Communications_Directive_2002)" mandates acquiring consent from users for setting non-essential cookies. Similar laws exist for example in California. The internet being a global phenomenon, you are very likely to be subject to these regulations in one way or the other the moment you serve any non-trivial website. Many developers like to complain vocally about so called "cookie banners", and the number of sleazy patterns that try to trick users into consenting makes these complaints relatable. A solution that does not require user consent must surely be the better option for privacy, right?
It's not that easy though. If you think user privacy from the ground up, how do the technical details of your implementation matter? We'd argue they do not matter much. If you want to collect non-essential data from your visitors (analytics data in the case of Offen) in a privacy friendly way, you should be asking for user consent. No matter how your technical solution for doing so looks like, and no matter what regulations currently say. If you're not doing this and instead come up with something that allows you to avoid "the cookie banner" for collecting non-essential data, you are not building a privacy friendly solution, you are building a regulations friendly solution.
It's not that easy though. If you think user privacy from the ground up, how do the technical details of your implementation matter? We'd argue they do not matter much. If you want to collect non-essential data from your visitors (analytics data in the case of Offen Fair Web Analytics) in a privacy friendly way, you should be asking for user consent. No matter how your technical solution for doing so looks like, and no matter what regulations currently say. If you're not doing this and instead come up with something that allows you to avoid "the cookie banner" for collecting non-essential data, you are not building a privacy friendly solution, you are building a regulations friendly solution.
Think about it in this way maybe: if you feel like you really do not want ask users for consent, then maybe this is a good hint to reevaluate if you really need to collect that data you would need user consent for. Privacy values choices, and simply not making use of non-essential features should be an option for users always. Not convinced? Think about why ad blockers are so popular.
@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ Most importantly, both essential and non-essential segments require making sure
### Technical considerations for using cookies in a privacy friendly manner
Offen is a fair web analytics software. This is a promise we can only deliver with an opt-in only solution. Not having to work around a "cookie banner" (for us, that's a feature) we are free to solve any task at hand in the most privacy friendly way we can come up with. And in many cases, this means using cookies. The following collects a few guidelines we've been following when building Offen.
Offen Fair Web Analytics is a fair web analytics software. This is a promise we can only deliver with an opt-in only solution. Not having to work around a "cookie banner" (for us, that's a feature) we are free to solve any task at hand in the most privacy friendly way we can come up with. And in many cases, this means using cookies. The following collects a few guidelines we've been following when building Offen Fair Web Analytics.
#### Choosing privacy friendly identifiers and values
@ -123,6 +123,6 @@ Once again using the principle of [Datensparsamkeit](https://martinfowler.com/bl
### Wrapping up
If you find yourself building a product where privacy is important - just like we do when building Offen - feel encouraged to consider cookies as an option for your tasks. Very often, it's a robust and simple choice that is beneficial for your user's privacy when done right, and the implicit requirement for acquiring user consent is a major privacy feature.
If you find yourself building a product where privacy is important - just like we do when building Offen Fair Web Analytics - feel encouraged to consider cookies as an option for your tasks. Very often, it's a robust and simple choice that is beneficial for your user's privacy when done right, and the implicit requirement for acquiring user consent is a major privacy feature.
Do you have comments or feedback about this article or about Offen in general? Tweet at us [@hioffen](https://twitter.com/hioffen) or email us at [hioffen@posteo.de](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de).
Do you have comments or feedback about this article or about Offen Fair Web Analytics in general? Tweet at us [@hioffen](https://twitter.com/hioffen) or email us at [hioffen@posteo.de](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de).

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@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ bottom_cta: blog
Like last year, we want to keep you updated on the current status of our project at regular intervals. So these are the highlights of our work over the last six weeks. With version v0.3.0 now officially out, we've added some great additions to our interfaces.
First of all the UI for Offen is now also available in German. This gives all users in the DACH region the chance to use our fair web analytics tool also for their localised web projects.
First of all the UI for Offen Fair Web Analytics is now also available in German. This gives all users in the DACH region the chance to use our fair web analytics tool also for their localised web projects.
We also overhauled the date range selection interface adding custom time ranges. Furthermore, we added an experimental JS API and cleaned up the codebase, making things faster and more lightweight for you to use.
@ -29,15 +29,15 @@ As usual, you can download the latest release from [https://get.offen.dev](https
#### Localize it
Offen is now also available in English and German. Our consent banner and the Auditorium for operators as well as users can be displayed in the respective locale.
Offen Fair Web Analytics is now also available in English and German. Our consent banner and the Auditorium for operators as well as users can be displayed in the respective locale.
To run Offen in a non-default locale, you need to set `OFFEN_APP_LOCALE` to the desired value. In the case of German that'd be `de` for example. [Check the docs about configuring the application](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/configuring-the-application/#application).
To run Offen Fair Web Analytics in a non-default locale, you need to set `OFFEN_APP_LOCALE` to the desired value. In the case of German that'd be `de` for example. [Check the docs about configuring the application](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/configuring-the-application/#application).
Our translation workflow featuring [POEditor](https://poeditor.com) is up and running and ready to be applied to other languages. A further locale, Indonesian, is currently in the works. If you want to support fair web analytics by contributing French, Spanish or other language versions, don't hesitate to [request an invite.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
#### About time
In order to evolve Offen into a fully competitive analytics tool, we still have some significant UX improvements in mind. Over the last few weeks, we have implemented one of them.
In order to evolve Offen Fair Web Analytics into a fully competitive analytics tool, we still have some significant UX improvements in mind. Over the last few weeks, we have implemented one of them.
Now you can easily display custom intervals of the existing data. Furthermore, we have revised the selection of standard time periods. As always, we are happy to hear feedback on its usability from you.
@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ Now you can easily display custom intervals of the existing data. Furthermore, w
For all of you who would like to have a little more precision in the way user consent is exercised, we have good news.
Offen automatically acquires a user consent decision and collect pageviews in case consent is given. For more fine-grained contro you can now use the JavaScript API exposed by the Offen `script` instead and trigger a pageview event yourself. [Learn more about this in our docs.](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/embedding-the-script/#triggering-pageviews-using-the-javascript-api)
Offen Fair Web Analytics automatically acquires a user consent decision and collect pageviews in case consent is given. For more fine-grained contro you can now use the JavaScript API exposed by the Offen Fair Web Analytics `script` instead and trigger a pageview event yourself. [Learn more about this in our docs.](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/embedding-the-script/#triggering-pageviews-using-the-javascript-api)
---
@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ You got someone in mind we should urgently talk to? [Let us know.](mailto:hioffe
---
### Already using Offen?
### Already using Offen Fair Web Analytics?
We're happy to feature your project in our GitHub [README.](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md) Send a PR adding your site or app to [this](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md#whos-using-offen) section.

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@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ We realized how lucky we were immediately when we started working with the peopl
Clearly, we did not always happen to agree during these discussions. But it was precisely this friction that has made a decisive contribution to our project. It was during this process we came to the conclusion that our web analytics tool should only be offered as a self host solution. A decision which, in retrospect, helped us a lot to focus on the more essential topic of fair data transfer.
At the end of 2019 things started to take shape. We decided on the name 'Offen' and set out with the goal of creating a first working version within about 30 weeks. At the same time a documentation should be created and our project should be promoted to an interested audience.
At the end of 2019 things started to take shape. We decided on the name 'Offen Fair Web Analytics' and set out with the goal of creating a first working version within about 30 weeks. At the same time a documentation should be created and our project should be promoted to an interested audience.
Here it should be mentioned that we both still work part-time in our old jobs. A decision that we have made well-considered. Of course this slows you down, and you reach a lively environment late with your product. But this scenario also gives you the necessary distance to think deeper about how to create a real alternative to existing solutions.
@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ Here it should be mentioned that we both still work part-time in our old jobs. A
The first thing to say is that it took us a little longer. We reached the goals set out in our product plan at the beginning of September 2020. So we needed about 38 weeks to get there. This wasn't due to major issues regarding technical and editorial implementation. It was much more about personal preferences in terms of time budgeting and the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, which of course also hovers over our personal lives.
5 months have already passed since the official completion of the funding program. During this time, we have taken Offen even a good deal further. These are all key features available with our latest [v0.3.0 release.](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
5 months have already passed since the official completion of the funding program. During this time, we have taken Offen Fair Web Analytics even a good deal further. These are all key features available with our latest [v0.3.0 release.](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
* *Fair data collection*
Usage data collection is opt-in by default. Users have full access to their data with detailed explanations of metrics and terms. They can opt-out completely at any time or only delete existing usage data.
@ -77,22 +77,22 @@ Usage data collection is opt-in by default. Users have full access to their data
A clear presentation of all essential metrics regarding the use of your website, to help you improve your service. Usage data is only stored for 6 months and then automatically deleted. All event data is encrypted end-to-end.
* *Easy to deploy*
Offen runs on-premises, or in any other deployment scenario that fits your need. You can easily analyze multiple websites within one installation. All website accounts can be shared within teams. A detailed documentation on how to run Offen is available.
Offen Fair Web Analytics runs on-premises, or in any other deployment scenario that fits your need. You can easily analyze multiple websites within one installation. All website accounts can be shared within teams. A detailed documentation on how to run Offen Fair Web Analytics is available.
### Up next
As mentioned at the beginning, the next major step is ahead. In the upcoming stage we want to develop Offen to a release v1.0 that deserves its name.
As mentioned at the beginning, the next major step is ahead. In the upcoming stage we want to develop Offen Fair Web Analytics to a release v1.0 that deserves its name.
This will involve enhancing the UX to a level that can fully compete with other web analytics tools. This includes raising website users awareness of the unique Offen feature - granting full access to one' s own data.
This will involve enhancing the UX to a level that can fully compete with other web analytics tools. This includes raising website users awareness of the unique Offen Fair Web Analytics feature - granting full access to one' s own data.
Furthermore, by factoring out tools from our code we will create an open access for all developers interested in the topic of fair data transfer. In addition to that we want to formalize the general approach we use in Offen and define a protocol spec that others can adopt, ideally generating an ecosystem of compatible client and server implementations.
Furthermore, by factoring out tools from our code we will create an open access for all developers interested in the topic of fair data transfer. In addition to that we want to formalize the general approach we use in Offen Fair Web Analytics and define a protocol spec that others can adopt, ideally generating an ecosystem of compatible client and server implementations.
NLnet is willing to support us once again in these ambitions. This time from the [NGI Zero Search and Discovery Fund.](https://nlnet.nl/discovery/) We are of course more than happy about this and would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole NLnet team for their confidence in our work.
> *We want to formalize the general approach we use in Offen and define a protocol spec that others can adopt, ideally generating an ecosystem of compatible client and server implementations.*
> *We want to formalize the general approach we use in Offen Fair Web Analytics and define a protocol spec that others can adopt, ideally generating an ecosystem of compatible client and server implementations.*
### Happy to hear from you
Do you have feedback on the latest Offen release or our next steps? What is your experience in developing open source tools? Are you as enthusiastic about fair data transfer as we are?
Do you have feedback on the latest Offen Fair Web Analytics release or our next steps? What is your experience in developing open source tools? Are you as enthusiastic about fair data transfer as we are?
Drop us a [tweet](https://twitter.com/hioffen) or [email](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de) and feel invited to work together to drive this idea forward.

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@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ bottom_cta: cookie
As spring arrives in Berlin, we would like to share with you some highlights of our work over the past eight weeks.
With version v0.4.1 now officially out, the UI for Offen is now also available in French. We've added a widescreen option for the Auditorium and made our Docker image more safe. Plus, we've done a lot of maintenance under the hood to make sure everything is up to date
With version v0.4.1 now officially out, the UI for Offen Fair Web Analytics is now also available in French. We've added a widescreen option for the Auditorium and made our Docker image more safe. Plus, we've done a lot of maintenance under the hood to make sure everything is up to date
Since our last update we have published three versions:
@ -32,9 +32,9 @@ We have further optimised our display options and brought them closer to real wo
#### Nous parlons français
Our consent banner and the Auditorium for operators as well as users can be displayed in one more locale. Thanks to the great contribution of [@jtraulle](https://github.com/jtraulle), *Offen is now also available in French.*
Our consent banner and the Auditorium for operators as well as users can be displayed in one more locale. Thanks to the great contribution of [@jtraulle](https://github.com/jtraulle), *Offen Fair Web Analytics is now also available in French.*
To run Offen in a non-default locale, you need to set `OFFEN_APP_LOCALE` to the desired value. In the case of French that'd be `fr` for example. [Check the docs](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/configuring-the-application/#application) about configuring the application.
To run Offen Fair Web Analytics in a non-default locale, you need to set `OFFEN_APP_LOCALE` to the desired value. In the case of French that'd be `fr` for example. [Check the docs](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/configuring-the-application/#application) about configuring the application.
If you want to support fair web analytics by contributing Spanish, Portuguese or other language versions, don't hesitate to [request an invite.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
@ -42,9 +42,9 @@ If you want to support fair web analytics by contributing Spanish, Portuguese or
There is a breaking change for users of our Docker image using a SQLite database.
Until now, our Docker image has run the application as `root`. This could theoretically have allowed malicious third-party code to be injected into Offen.
Until now, our Docker image has run the application as `root`. This could theoretically have allowed malicious third-party code to be injected into Offen Fair Web Analytics.
*It has not happened in any Offen version* but to prevent this from potentially happening in the future, all images published from now on run the application as a dedicated, non-priviledged `offen` user. Please [refer to our documentation](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/known-issues/#docker-based-deployment-stops-working-after-upgrading-to-v040-or-later) on how to update. Feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.
*It has not happened in any Offen Fair Web Analytics version* but to prevent this from potentially happening in the future, all images published from now on run the application as a dedicated, non-priviledged `offen` user. Please [refer to our documentation](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/known-issues/#docker-based-deployment-stops-working-after-upgrading-to-v040-or-later) on how to update. Feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.
---
@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ Following on from this, we then aim to give operators a range of options for add
#### Talks and conferences
As far as the visibility of our project in the relevant public is considered, there is still much to be done. That' s why we want to present Offen and the idea of fair data transfer behind it to a professional audience as well.
As far as the visibility of our project in the relevant public is considered, there is still much to be done. That' s why we want to present Offen Fair Web Analytics and the idea of fair data transfer behind it to a professional audience as well.
We already have a few events in mind but welcome more recommendations for relevant talks and conferences worldwide. Do you have something in mind that we should apply for? [Let us know.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
@ -66,6 +66,6 @@ We already have a few events in mind but welcome more recommendations for releva
### Happy to hear from you
Are you using Offen? We're happy to feature you in this [README.](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md) Send a PR adding your site or app to [this](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md#whos-using-offen) section.
Are you using Offen Fair Web Analytics? We're happy to feature you in this [README.](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md) Send a PR adding your site or app to [this](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md#whos-using-offen) section.
If you have any feedback, comment or bug report on the latest release, let us know. Open an [issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues) or send us an email at [hioffen@posteo.de](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de).

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@ -13,11 +13,11 @@ bottom_cta: cookie
The variety of data protection regulations and the range of methods used to collect usage data make web analytics a confusing field. A well-defined way for websites to indicate their use of analytics and tracking software is still missing. Earlier this year we started working on such a standard and gave it the name `analytics.txt` .
### Learning from building Offen
### Learning from building Offen Fair Web Analytics
We recently drafted a standards proposal that allows websites and services to disclose information about their use of analytics software and user tracking. As this is related to our work on [Offen](/), we wanted to provide some insight here into our motives, implementation and state of affairs on this matter.
We recently drafted a standards proposal that allows websites and services to disclose information about their use of analytics software and user tracking. As this is related to our work on [Offen Fair Web Analytics](/), we wanted to provide some insight here into our motives, implementation and state of affairs on this matter.
Offen is a fair web analytics software that treats operators and users as equal parties. Operators can self-host Offen and gain insights about how users interact with their services while ensuring that users remain in full control over their data.
Offen Fair Web Analytics is a web analytics software that treats operators and users as equal parties. Operators can self-host Offen Fair Web Analytics and gain insights about how users interact with their services while ensuring that users remain in full control over their data.
In the course of the development of our software, we came across a fundamental problem concerning the handling of user data on the internet today. The range of data protection regulations across the globe and the resulting variety of techniques for collecting usage data make web analytics a confusing field to navigate.
@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ On your website, all that is needed is a simple text file stored in an defined l
> *On your website, all that is needed is a simple text file stored in an defined location on the server.*
This actual website is already provided with such a text file. As we obviously use Offen, our own fair web analytics tool, information on it is included in the data. This is what it looks like:
This actual website is already provided with such a text file. As we obviously use Offen Fair Web Analytics, our own fair web analytics tool, information on it is included in the data. This is what it looks like:
```
# analytics.txt file for www.offen.dev

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@ -25,15 +25,15 @@ You can download the latest release from [https://get.offen.dev](https://get.off
#### Customise your banner
An essential point in feedback was the wish for better customisability of the Offen consent elements. Since the topic of conscious user decision is particularly important to us, we do not offer the option of integrating external consent banners. This is to avoid getting approval through dark patterns of any kind.
An essential point in feedback was the wish for better customisability of the Offen Fair Web Analytics consent elements. Since the topic of conscious user decision is particularly important to us, we do not offer the option of integrating external consent banners. This is to avoid getting approval through dark patterns of any kind.
To make it easier for operators to integrate Offen into their web offer, the banners can now be freely adapted via CSS. This is limited by some specifications to ensure the readability and functionality of the banner.
To make it easier for operators to integrate Offen Fair Web Analytics into their web offer, the banners can now be freely adapted via CSS. This is limited by some specifications to ensure the readability and functionality of the banner.
So unleash your inner artist and start customising your consent banner to match your website's design. Docs are found here: [https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/customizing-consent-banner/](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/customizing-consent-banner/)
#### Filter collected data
One of the most important building blocks on the way to a v1.0 version has finally been implemented. Offen v0.4.3 allows you to filter the collected usage data based on URL, Referrer, UTM parameters and Landings as well as Exits.
One of the most important building blocks on the way to a v1.0 version has finally been implemented. Offen Fair Web Analytics v0.4.3 allows you to filter the collected usage data based on URL, Referrer, UTM parameters and Landings as well as Exits.
Furthermore, we have added the label "None" as a fallback for referrer values that are not provided. In this way, it is now also possible to filter for this cohort. Filters can be set and removed by clicking on the corresponding element.
@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ To further contribute to user awareness, in a next step we want to give operator
#### Dialogue
We are always open to opportunities to present Offen and the idea of fair data transfer to an interested audience. In order to engage in dialogue with operators, users and activists, we are actively looking for suitable events around the world. Got something in mind that we should apply for? [Get in touch.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
We are always open to opportunities to present Offen Fair Web Analytics and the idea of fair data transfer to an interested audience. In order to engage in dialogue with operators, users and activists, we are actively looking for suitable events around the world. Got something in mind that we should apply for? [Get in touch.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
---

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@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Giving users the option to manage their usage data is only meaningful if users k
As the only direct link to the User Auditorium is in the consent banner, it was important for us to provide further offers to improve user awareness. Widgets now give operators the possibility to easily integrate a link to the User Auditorium into their services.
In this way, we would like to invite all operators who use Offen to give their users uncomplicated access to their data. At best with a link to the User Auditorium on every page.
In this way, we would like to invite all operators who use Offen Fair Web Analytics to give their users uncomplicated access to their data. At best with a link to the User Auditorium on every page.
#### Under the hood
@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ There are still a few more small improvements on the agenda, but with the implem
Over the past months, we have had the opportunity to share our vision and give some insights into the work on our projects. Thanks again to the teams from [FrOSCon](https://programm.froscon.de/2021/events/2659.html) and [PrivacyWeek](https://fahrplan.privacyweek.at/pw21/talk/L7VGKD/) for supporting us.
As we are always open to present Offen and the idea of fair data transfer to an interested audience, we are actively looking for suitable events around the world. Got something in mind that we should apply for? [Get in touch.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
As we are always open to present Offen Fair Web Analytics and the idea of fair data transfer to an interested audience, we are actively looking for suitable events around the world. Got something in mind that we should apply for? [Get in touch.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
#### ¿Ayuda, por favor?
@ -68,6 +68,6 @@ Open is currently available in English, French and German. Our translation workf
### Always happy to hear from you
Are you using Offen? We're happy to feature you in this [README.](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md) Send a PR adding your site or app to [this](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md#whos-using-offen) section.
Are you using Offen Fair Web Analytics? We're happy to feature you in this [README.](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md) Send a PR adding your site or app to [this](https://github.com/offen/offen/blob/development/README.md#whos-using-offen) section.
If you have any feedback, comment or bug report on the latest release, let us know. Open an [issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues) or send us an email at [hioffen@posteo.de](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de).

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@ -11,14 +11,14 @@ bottom_cta: cookie
# Introducing the Offen Protocol
The most unique feature Offen has to offer is the ability of users to discover their data and manage it in a "self-service" fashion. This might seem like a highly unique feature at first glance, it's also a requirement mandated by GDPR for everyone that collects data. The “rights of the data subject” are defined as:
The most unique feature Offen Fair Web Analytics has to offer is the ability of users to discover their data and manage it in a "self-service" fashion. This might seem like a highly unique feature at first glance, it's also a requirement mandated by GDPR for everyone that collects data. The “rights of the data subject” are defined as:
1. The right to be informed
2. The right of access
3. The right to rectification
4. The right to erasure
Implementing these ideas in Offen we discovered a lot of subtleties and details to be considered. Now that we have built a thorough understanding of how this can work we would like to share what we learned along the way with the public so our ideas and approaches can be adopted and extended by others.
Implementing these ideas in Offen Fair Web Analytics we discovered a lot of subtleties and details to be considered. Now that we have built a thorough understanding of how this can work we would like to share what we learned along the way with the public so our ideas and approaches can be adopted and extended by others.
---
@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ is a DELETE request against the endpoint, requesting deletion of data. It can be
### Reference implementations
The protocol is not too complicated and maybe even more of a convention than a specification. Nonetheless, we factored out the code we use in Offen and added these implementations to the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/offen/protocol) that also contains the specification itself. The client is supposed to be used in the browser, the server part is written in Golang.
The protocol is not too complicated and maybe even more of a convention than a specification. Nonetheless, we factored out the code we use in Offen Fair Web Analytics and added these implementations to the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/offen/protocol) that also contains the specification itself. The client is supposed to be used in the browser, the server part is written in Golang.
Both can be used as a library or as a guideline for writing your own implementation.

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@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
title: Complete and stable
description: Yay! Offen and its configuration APIs are now available in version v1.0.0.
description: Yay! Offen Fair Web Analytics and its configuration APIs are now available in version v1.0.0.
date: 2022-04-03
slug: complete-stable
url: /blog/complete-stable/
@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ bottom_cta: protocol
# Episode Twelve — Complete and stable
It is a particular delight to share some of the highlights of our recent work with you this time. Over the last 4 months we made it possible to to run Offen on ARM based hardware and added a Spanish and Portuguese locale. As always, we have also made some minor bug fixes and dependency updates.
It is a particular delight to share some of the highlights of our recent work with you this time. Over the last 4 months we made it possible to to run Offen Fair Web Analytics on ARM based hardware and added a Spanish and Portuguese locale. As always, we have also made some minor bug fixes and dependency updates.
Since our last update we have published a few new versions:
@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Since our last update we have published a few new versions:
- [v1.0.0](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
- [v1.0.1](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/tag/v1.0.1)
Yes, you have read correctly. Finally, the time has come: After intensive work, Offen is now available in the first, from our perspective, complete and fully functional version. Download it at [https://get.offen.dev](https://get.offen.dev/) or pull it from Docker Hub.
Yes, you have read correctly. Finally, the time has come: After intensive work, Offen Fair Web Analytics is now available in the first, from our perspective, complete and fully functional version. Download it at [https://get.offen.dev](https://get.offen.dev/) or pull it from Docker Hub.
---
@ -27,31 +27,31 @@ Yes, you have read correctly. Finally, the time has come: After intensive work,
#### v1.0.0
More than two years ago, we had reflected [on this matter.](/blog/untold-roads-versioning-early-stage-software/) Now this stage has finally come for this project as well. [Offen v1.0.0 is here.](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
More than two years ago, we had reflected [on this matter.](/blog/untold-roads-versioning-early-stage-software/) Now this stage has finally come for this project as well. [Offen Fair Web Analytics v1.0.0 is here.](https://github.com/offen/offen/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
Altough this does not bring major changes, we have decided to keep Offen and its configuration APIs stable for now. That means you will always be able to upgrade a v1 instance to a later v1 version without any further steps required.
Altough this does not bring major changes, we have decided to keep Offen Fair Web Analytics and its configuration APIs stable for now. That means you will always be able to upgrade a v1 instance to a later v1 version without any further steps required.
On this occasion thanks again to all who have contributed to the code base:
[@strootje](https://github.com/strootje) [@rocketnova](https://github.com/rocketnova) [@jtraulle](https://github.com/jtraulle) [@0xflotus](https://github.com/0xflotus) [@raLaaaa](https://github.com/raLaaaa) [@kocvrek](https://github.com/kocvrek) [@MarcoPNS](https://github.com/MarcoPNS)
#### Hola mundo, Olá Mundo
Our consent banner and the Auditorium for operators as well as users can be displayed in two more locales. Offen is now available in English, German, French and recently also in Spanish and Portuguese.
Our consent banner and the Auditorium for operators as well as users can be displayed in two more locales. Offen Fair Web Analytics is now available in English, German, French and recently also in Spanish and Portuguese.
To run Offen in a non-default locale, you need to set *OFFEN_APP_LOCALE* to the desired value. In the case of Portuguese that'd be *pt* for example. [Check the docs](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/configuring-the-application/#application) about configuring the application.
To run Offen Fair Web Analytics in a non-default locale, you need to set *OFFEN_APP_LOCALE* to the desired value. In the case of Portuguese that'd be *pt* for example. [Check the docs](https://docs.offen.dev/running-offen/configuring-the-application/#application) about configuring the application.
If you want to support fair web analytics by contributing other language versions, don't hesitate to [request an invite.](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de)
#### Raspberry Pi
We added the option to run Offen on ARM based hardware such as Raspberry Pis using the official binary distributions and Docker images. Many thanks for the contribution[@strootje.](https://github.com/strootje)
We added the option to run Offen Fair Web Analytics on ARM based hardware such as Raspberry Pis using the official binary distributions and Docker images. Many thanks for the contribution[@strootje.](https://github.com/strootje)
---
### What now?
Maybe now would be a good time to look back on the past 2 years. However, since we are already working on projects that take the idea behind Offen even further, writing a project summary is postponed for the time being. In the meantime, we suggest taking a look at this [interim retrospective](/blog/our-story-so-far/) and our [analytics.txt](https://www.analyticstxt.org/) project.
Maybe now would be a good time to look back on the past 2 years. However, since we are already working on projects that take the idea behind Offen Fair Web Analytics even further, writing a project summary is postponed for the time being. In the meantime, we suggest taking a look at this [interim retrospective](/blog/our-story-so-far/) and our [analytics.txt](https://www.analyticstxt.org/) project.
Obviously, the development of Offen is not finished with ther current v1.0.0 version. We will continue to maintain the project and adapt it to new requirements. *For this we definitely need your continued support.* Keep testing and installing Offen latest releases and share your experience with us.
Obviously, the development of Offen Fair Web Analytics is not finished with ther current v1.0.0 version. We will continue to maintain the project and adapt it to new requirements. *For this we definitely need your continued support.* Keep testing and installing Offen Fair Web Analytics latest releases and share your experience with us.
General feedback, comments or bug reports are always welcome. [Open an issue](https://github.com/offen/offen/issues), drop us a [tweet](https://twitter.com/hioffen), or send an [email](mailto:hioffen@posteo.de). Feel invited to work together to drive the idea of fair data transfer forward.

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title: Page not found | Offen Fair Web Analytics
title: Page not found | Offen
description: This link isn’t working.
save_as: 404.html
no_stats: true

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title: About | Offen Fair Web Analytics
title: About | Offen
description: Who we are, what we do, who supports us and how you can can get in touch.
slug: about
bottom_cta: fair
@ -43,11 +43,11 @@ As a regular user of the internet, are you really being spied upon? *What exactl
>
> [Eric Schmidt](https://www.eff.org/de/deeplinks/2009/12/google-ceo-eric-schmidt-dismisses-privacy) (at this time CEO of Google), 2009
We would like to turn the tables on this much quoted statement and apply it to the operators of services and websites instead of their users. The analytics software Offen *transparently and uncompromisingly discloses what data is being collected and what it is being used for* to the users.
We would like to turn the tables on this much quoted statement and apply it to the operators of services and websites instead of their users. Offen Fair Web Analytics *transparently and uncompromisingly discloses what data is being collected and what it is being used for* to the users.
### For users
Visiting a website or using a web application that utilizes Offen, the user gains access to and ownership of the usage data collected. As a guiding principle, data collection is Opt-In only. Consent can be revoked at any time, just like users can choose delete their data retroactively. The cookie used by Offen allows viewing all of the associated metrics so that users can *assert themselves what is being collected and what isn't*. Data is being displayed in an accessible and articulate manner and each metric comes with explanations about its usage, relevance and possible privacy implications.
Visiting a website or using a web application that utilizes Offen Fair Web Analytics, the user gains access to and ownership of the usage data collected. As a guiding principle, data collection is Opt-In only. Consent can be revoked at any time, just like users can choose delete their data retroactively. The cookie used by Offen Fair Web Analytics allows viewing all of the associated metrics so that users can *assert themselves what is being collected and what isn't*. Data is being displayed in an accessible and articulate manner and each metric comes with explanations about its usage, relevance and possible privacy implications.
<img class="smaller-image-2 mt3" alt="Lots of ways to break your software" src="/theme/images/gfx-deepdive-B.png"/>
@ -55,11 +55,11 @@ Visiting a website or using a web application that utilizes Offen, the user gain
Operators of small and mid-sized websites and web applications are faced with growing challenges not only since the introduction of GDPR: how do they gain insights into what users are interested in and which of the features offered are being used? Is it possible to showcase *transparent and considerate handling of user data* - i.e. neither being spy or data leech - without surrendering and abandoning usage metrics altogether?
Choosing Offen, websites and web applications obtain a free, open and robust tool for collecting and analyzing relevant usage data. The insights gained enable continuous improvement of these services while still respecting their user's privacy. *Opening up the data to the users does not constitute a disadvantage, but strengthens the relationship with them* by being entirely transparent.
Choosing Offen Fair Web Analytics, websites and web applications obtain a free, open and robust tool for collecting and analyzing relevant usage data. The insights gained enable continuous improvement of these services while still respecting their user's privacy. *Opening up the data to the users does not constitute a disadvantage, but strengthens the relationship with them* by being entirely transparent.
### Part of the public debate
Transparently handling usage data in the open creates mutual trust while still enabling operators to collect needed usage statistics. Offen is designed to be a mediating agent only, and does not side with either users or operators. Sharing knowledge between the two parties creates opportunities for an *open and fact based discussion* about user data and privacy. Users gain insights into what data is being collected and what these data points are used for, just like they learn about which kind of data is not part of the collection. They are enabled to reach self-determined decisions about what they consent with and what they disagree with when it comes to privacy on the web, also in other contexts than analytics.
Transparently handling usage data in the open creates mutual trust while still enabling operators to collect needed usage statistics. Offen Fair Web Analytics is designed to be a mediating agent only, and does not side with either users or operators. Sharing knowledge between the two parties creates opportunities for an *open and fact based discussion* about user data and privacy. Users gain insights into what data is being collected and what these data points are used for, just like they learn about which kind of data is not part of the collection. They are enabled to reach self-determined decisions about what they consent with and what they disagree with when it comes to privacy on the web, also in other contexts than analytics.
We want to exemplify that it is time to depart the age of ["data capitalism"](https://www.zeit.de/digital/datenschutz/2019-01/datenschutz-nick-couldry-datenkolonialismus-datenhandel/komplettansicht) and to create *technologies and infrastructure that are transparent, open and oriented towards the common good*
@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ Users and operators are given intuitive and accessibility-focused tools for anal
### Modus Operandi
Developing and running Offen can only work out when it is entirely *free of any kind of economic constraints or goals* and its only objective is *contributing to the common good*. Development of a prototype is reliant on public grants or similar funding sources. Long term development and maintenance of the software is tied to resources granted by foundations or being donated by the public.
Developing and running Offen Fair Web Analytics can only work out when it is entirely *free of any kind of economic constraints or goals* and its only objective is *contributing to the common good*. Development of a prototype is reliant on public grants or similar funding sources. Long term development and maintenance of the software is tied to resources granted by foundations or being donated by the public.
[![NLnet Foundation](/theme/images/nlnet-logo.svg){:width="160px" height="60px" class="mt4"}](https://nlnet.nl/)

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title: Legal & Privacy | Offen Fair Web Analytics
title: Legal & Privacy | Offen
description: Information on the use of website analytics, external hosting and data processing in general.
slug: legal-privacy
exclude_from_sitemap: true

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{% extends "base.html" %}
{% set title = 'Fair Analytics Blog | Offen Fair Web Analytics' %}
{% set title = 'Fair Analytics Blog | Offen' %}
{% set description = 'We are Frederik and Hendrik. Here we post about how we are building a fair and open web analytics tool and what we discovered along the way.' %}
{% set href = 'blog/' %}
{% set no_stats = False %}

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<div class="mw7 center pb5 bg-white">
<div class="dib gray bg-white ph3 ph5-ns pt4">
<p class="f4 ma0 mb4">
Offen is a fair, open and self hosted web analytics tool that treats operators and users as equal parties.
Offen Fair Web Analytics is a open and self hosted web analytics tool that treats operators and users as equal parties.
</p>
</div>
<figure class="ma0">