Comparisons
Custom software or off-the-shelf subscription
Two ways to equip a company. The right choice depends on user count, how specific your rules are, and how long you will use it.
An off-the-shelf subscription costs little at first and a lot over time as licences pile up. Custom software costs to build, then stabilises. The comparison covers five verifiable criteria.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf subscription | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Start-up | A few days. | Four to eight weeks for the first tool. |
| Cost over time | Per user per month, with no end. | One investment, then hosting and support. |
| Your business rules | You adapt to the tool. | The tool follows your rules. |
| Your data | At the vendor, export on its terms. | With you, exportable at any time. |
| Changes | At the vendor's roadmap pace. | At the pace of your priorities. |
Our reading
Below five users and on a standard need, the subscription is enough. Above that, or as soon as your rules are specific, custom becomes cheaper after two to three years and gives you back your data. The calculator below works out the threshold for your case.
Frequent questions
Yes, and that is the most common case. Accounting and payroll stay on market tools, the core business moves to custom.
You do. Code and data belong to you, and you can take them back at any time.