One of the most difficult questions a business owner has to answer at some point is whether to build their own software or simply buy it. While there are some advantages to buying software, mainly from a cost standpoint, most businesses are better off using a custom software development company to ensure all their needs are met. Of course, every business has different situations and challenges, but when you look at the big picture and consider the future, custom business software is an excellent option providing a competitive operational advantage and control over your software licensing and intellectual property.
Most business owners plan to grow their business in a certain time frame, but need software solutions to be effective now and in the future. Using a software solutions company to build your software will provide scalability to meet your business demands. When you think about customization, you also have to think about capability, scalability and speed. If you have highly complex software needs or plans to expand your business in the near future, you’ll have a better chance of meeting or exceeding your expectations if you can adapt your software to keep up with the fast-paced business world we live in today.
Another benefit of building software is owning your intellectual property and essentially controlling your own destiny with the direction of your company. Some of the most valuable assets for any company is their intellectual property, and it can only be secured by building your own software.
If you choose to purchase pre-built business software, you’ll be severely limited in functionality, compatibility and connectivity. With how quickly technology and software evolves today, your pre-built software could be outdated before it’s completely implemented. You may save some costs upfront, but when you have to implement a completely new system in a few years, the added cost will catch up to you.
The building versus buying software question is always going to be a big one, but the answer is generally clear when you think about it. If you have a limited budget and are not planning to evolve or expand anytime soon, then buying is probably the way to go. But if you have highly complex needs or big plans for the future, including owning valuable intellectual property, then custom software should be your choice. When you look at the big picture, it may also be the most cost efficient option as well with more value created over time.
Antares knows exactly what it takes to set your business apart from the competition. We are a custom software development company with nearly 30 years of experience working with businesses in nearly every industry imaginable. Not only do we help our clients with their current technology needs, but we also help them plan for the future to ensure the best solution is in place. Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss your current and future software needs.
