I am new to Hubitat, but not in automation. Quick question on access other than a subscription. I realize I can access the devices outside the home on the dashboard, but is there a way to access apps/routines other than a subscription?
Also is backing up locally the same as I would get by paying for it through a subscription?
By accessing apps/routines do you mean to edit/create them? If so, a VPN will allow you to do that. I use Wireguard that I setup on a Raspberry Pi for example. If you mean to be able to execute them, you could do that with a virtual device that is on a dashboard.
I'd also add that some Apps include the option for cloud-based endpoints (access). Dashboards, which are just another App, are a good example of this, plus the Maker API built-in app, but any app, if developed with a cloud endpoint included can be accessed through a cloud-based URL, the same as cloud dashboard URLs.
With respect to automations, Rule Machine has the option to have the rule triggered by a HTTP endpoint, which can be local or cloud-based. So you can trigger an automation, being the RM rule, using a HTTP call from a remote device / machine.