Inlets

Project Overview

inlets is an open-source tunneling project designed to solve webhook and network connectivity challenges in restricted corporate environments. Developed in 2021, the project enables webhook reception over HTTP proxies using websockets, with first-class Kubernetes container support and LoadBalancer compatibility.

Business Model Evolution

The creator initially launched the project as open-source, which gained popularity but minimal financial support. They subsequently pivoted to a commercial licensing model, introducing:

• A personal tier allowing commercial use
• Monthly subscription options
• Annual static licenses for enterprises

Community Insights

The project attracted interest from developers facing network connectivity constraints, with alternative solutions like ZeroTier and Tailscale noted as potential competitors. Some users appreciated the flexible subscription model, while others highlighted the importance of short-term commitment options.

Key Challenges

The author observed potential subscription abuse, such as users:

• Cancelling subscriptions during non-usage periods
• Temporarily suspending and restarting subscriptions strategically

Recommended Resources

The creator suggested several business and entrepreneurship books for indie developers, including:

• Monetizing Innovation
• Obviously Awesome
• 1-Page Marketing Plan
• Minimalist Entrepreneur