Andrew G. Stanton - Tuesday, March 10, 2026

One of the patterns I am increasingly noticing is how quickly small applications can now be built.

Today I worked on a simple application concept for Kiki’s Kitchen.

The entire project—from idea to working implementation—took roughly two hours.

This would have been almost unthinkable a decade ago.

Traditionally, even simple applications required significant infrastructure:

• databases
• hosting environments
• backend frameworks
• authentication systems

Developers often spent more time configuring infrastructure than building the actual functionality.

Today the situation is different.

Several factors have dramatically reduced the complexity required to build useful tools.

First, modern browsers are extremely powerful.

Many applications that previously required server-side processing can now run entirely within the browser.

Second, simple data storage approaches often work perfectly well.

Instead of building complex database schemas, many applications can rely on structured files or lightweight local storage.

Third, development tools have improved dramatically.

Code generation, AI-assisted development, and reusable templates allow developers to move much faster.

But the most important factor may be a shift in mindset.

For many problems, massive SaaS platforms are unnecessary.

Small businesses frequently need simple tools that perform a single task well.

For example:

• displaying a menu
• managing a small catalog
• updating a few pieces of information

These problems do not require large systems.

They require focused applications.

By intentionally constraining the architecture, development becomes dramatically faster.

The Kiki’s Kitchen application followed this philosophy.

The architecture was intentionally minimal:

• static HTML pages
• a simple administrative interface
• no external database
• local data storage

Because the scope was tightly defined, the application could be completed quickly.

This approach leads to what I call sovereign micro-applications.

These are small, self-contained tools that run locally or on minimal infrastructure.

They avoid unnecessary complexity and give the owner full control over the system.

For many small businesses, this model is ideal.

They do not need a complex SaaS subscription.

They need a simple tool that works reliably and can be maintained easily.

The rise of AI development tools accelerates this trend even further.

Developers can now generate working prototypes extremely quickly and refine them as needed.

However, the key insight is not simply speed.

It is sovereignty.

When applications are small and self-contained, the owner retains control.

They are not locked into platforms.

They are not dependent on external services.

They can modify the software as their needs evolve.

This is a fundamentally different model from the centralized SaaS ecosystem that has dominated the last decade.

Instead of massive platforms serving millions of users, we may see an explosion of small sovereign applications tailored to specific needs.

Today’s experiment with Kiki’s Kitchen reinforced that possibility.

Building useful software does not always require large teams or complicated infrastructure.

Sometimes it simply requires clear constraints, focused scope, and the willingness to build something small but durable.

Work With Me

If you’re exploring:

• Nostr authentication
• Sovereign identity infrastructure
• AI-assisted workflows
• Local-first containerized systems

I offer a limited number of advisory and implementation sessions for builders, teams, and ministries working in these areas.

Typical engagements include:

• Architecture session (90 minutes) – $500
• Implementation sprint – starting at $2,500
• Ministry / Foundation advisory engagement – $2,500

Early Adopters

I’m also looking for early adopters interested in running Continuum, a local-first publishing and identity system built on Nostr.

There is no cost for early adopters, and I’m happy to personally help with installation and setup.

Even if you’re just curious and want to see how it works, feel free to reach out.

Feedback from early adopters directly influences the direction of the project.

Contact: andrewgstanton@gmail.com
or DM on Nostr:

@Akamaister

You can also support this work as a Continuum Patron ($250).