🛡️ RISK BADGE: 🔓 FREEDOM METRIC
Executive Summary: What is it?
Data Portability refers to the ability to easily export your data from a system in a standard, usable format (CSV, JSON, SQL Dump) and import it into another tool. It is your "Emergency Exit" strategy.
CFO / Business Impact: What does it cost/risk?
Vendor Lock-in Mitigation. If a tool increases prices by 300% or shuts down, Portability determines if you lose your history or just your weekend. High portability means low switching costs. Low portability means you are a hostage.
Technical Reality: How does it work?
Look for "Export to JSON/CSV" buttons. Warning: Some tools only allow export via API (requires devs) or give you a proprietary file format that no competitor can read.
💡 Executive FAQ
- Q: Does "Open Source" guarantee portability?
- A: No. You can have the code but still have data locked in a complex, undocumented database schema. Always check the "Export" feature before you import your data.
- Q: What is the "Gold Standard"?
- A: Automated, daily exports to a neutral format (SQL/JSON) stored in an S3 bucket you control.