Why use Sterling Private AI Servers?
Automation your team loves. Privacy your business requires.
Workflow automation has gone mainstream. From SMB to enterprise, teams are wiring together apps, data, and AI to remove busywork and accelerate outcomes. Below is a concise view of the Top 20 workflow SaaS platforms by traction and review momentum. We’ve highlighted open‑source options that align with a private, self‑hosted strategy—and noted where platforms offer strong AI hooks (ChatGPT/OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, or local models via Ollama).
Top 20 Workflow / Automation Platforms (2025)
| # | Product | Open‑Source | Entry Plan (Annual) | AI Integration Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zapier | SaaS | ~$240 / yr | ★★★★☆ | Ubiquitous no‑code automation; huge app catalog. |
| 2 | Make (Integromat) | SaaS | ~$120 / yr | ★★★★☆ | Visual builder; powerful data transforms. |
| 3 | Microsoft Power Automate | SaaS | ~$180 / yr | ★★★★☆ | Deeply integrated with M365; strong enterprise fit. |
| 4 | Workato | SaaS | Custom / $$$ | ★★★★☆ | Enterprise iPaaS leader; high governance, high cost. |
| 5 | IFTTT | SaaS | $36–$108 / yr | ★★☆☆☆ | Simple consumer/prosumer automations. |
| 6 | n8n (Cloud + OSS core) | Open‑source | ~$288 / yr (Cloud) | ★★★★★ | Dev‑friendly; local LLM options. Note licensing caveat for revenue‑generating self‑host (see below). |
| 7 | Pipedream | SaaS | ~$348 / yr | ★★★★★ | Developer‑centric; great for AI API work. |
| 8 | Tray.io | SaaS | Custom | ★★★★☆ | Mid‑market/enterprise integrations. |
| 9 | Retool Workflows | SaaS | Included / scaled | ★★★★☆ | App‑first; embedded AI actions. |
| 10 | Pipefy | SaaS | ~$400 / yr | ★★☆☆☆ | Form‑centric processes. |
| 11 | Kissflow | SaaS | ~$18k / yr | ★★☆☆☆ | Low‑code BPM; early GenAI features. |
| 12 | Camunda 8 (SaaS + OSS engine) | Open‑source | Free / Custom | ★★★☆☆ | BPMN orchestration; AI via connectors. |
| 13 | Tines | SaaS | $26k+ / yr | ★★★★☆ | Security automation; LLM enrichment. |
| 14 | Slack Workflow Builder | SaaS | ~$87 / yr (per user) | ★★★★☆ | Now with native AI (Claude/GPT) in Slack. |
| 15 | Parabola | SaaS | Free / Paid | ★★★☆☆ | Data ops automations; AI for transforms. |
| 16 | Activepieces (Cloud + OSS) | Open‑source | $0 / ~$300 yr | ★★★★★ | Open‑source, private‑AI friendly; native OpenAI/Ollama/Claude. |
| 17 | Node‑RED | Open‑source | Free (self‑host) | ★★★★★ | Edge/IoT favorite; call any AI API/local model. |
| 18 | Windmill.dev | Open‑source | ~$170 / mo (Cloud) | ★★★★☆ | TS/Python‑native jobs; great for LLM ops. |
| 19 | Prefect Cloud | Open‑source | $100 / mo | ★★★☆☆ | Data pipeline orchestration; Python+LLMs. |
| 20 | Huginn | Open‑source | Free (self‑host) | ★★☆☆☆ | DIY agents; integrate AI via webhooks/APIs. |
Why we chose Activepieces for Sterling’s Private AI stack
Activepieces leads our open‑source shortlist for private automation because it offers Zapier‑like ease with developer‑grade extensibility, native OpenAI / Claude / Mistral connectors, and first‑class support for local LLMs via Ollama—all runnable on your own hardware.
- Privacy‑first: Self‑host alongside Ollama and OpenWebUI to keep prompts and data in your network.
- AI‑native: Built‑in actions for LLMs or bring your own REST tools; orchestrate RAG, agents, and automations.
- Low friction: Visual flows for business users; code steps for engineers when needed.
- Open licensing: No vendor lock‑in; portable flows and connectors.
Note on n8n licensing: While n8n has an OSS core, their self‑host license requires a paid commercial license if you generate revenue with it; we’ve heard minimums around $10k/yr. Activepieces avoids that constraint.
Open‑Source Shortlist (Private‑AI Ready)
- Activepieces — visual, OSS, AI‑native, great with Ollama.
- Node‑RED — flows for edge/IoT; easy HTTP/MQTT to any AI.
- Camunda 8 (engine OSS) — BPMN orchestration; robust for complex processes.
- Windmill.dev — TypeScript/Python jobs; LLM ops friendly.
- Prefect — Python pipelines; ideal for data/LLM orchestration.
- Huginn — DIY agents you can wire to AI endpoints.
Why Sterling Private AI Servers
Our stack delivers enterprise‑grade privacy with consumer‑grade usability. Ollama and OpenWebUI provide local model inference; Activepieces orchestrates workflows across your tools and data. Everything runs inside your private environment, reachable only over your VPN, so your prompts, documents, and insights remain off the public internet. No data call‑outs, no shadow AI—just fast, secure automation on your hardware.