Are you an entrepreneur, a CTO or a technology leader? If you are considering implementing software for your company, you have surely faced the eternal dilemma: develop a custom solution or buy a licensed one?
Developing software involves building it from scratch and following the particular requirements and needs of each company. Meanwhile, the option of purchasing software implies acquiring one previously developed by another company and that has been marketed for different clients.
Are you an entrepreneur, a CTO or a technology leader? If you are considering implementing software for your company, you have surely faced the eternal dilemma: develop a custom solution or buy a licensed one?
Developing software involves building it from scratch and following the particular requirements and needs of each company. Meanwhile, the option of purchasing software implies acquiring one previously developed by another company and that has been marketed for different clients.
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Both alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision will depend on several factors, such as time, cost, functionality, and experience. In this article, we present some criteria that can help you resolve this dilemma and choose the best option for your business.
Own Development vs. License: When is the Right Time?
When it comes to choosing between developing your own software or purchasing a licensed solution, it is essential to consider several factors. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your specific needs, available resources, and long-term goals.
Own Development: Powerful Personalization
Total control
When developing your own software, you hold the reins. You can adapt it to your specific needs and mold it according to your internal processes. This gives you a level of control that you won't find with a pre-packaged solution.
Competitiveness
A customized solution can be your ace up your sleeve. It differentiates you from the competition and allows you to innovate without restrictions. If you are looking to stand out in the market, self-development may be the key.
License: Speed and Cost
Implementation time
Purchasing a licensed solution is fast. You can be up and running in weeks, while custom development can take months. If you need an immediate solution, licensing is an option to consider.
Startup costs
Self-development can be expensive. If your budget is limited, a license is a cheaper option. However, keep in mind that long-term costs may vary depending on maintenance and upgrades.
How to Choose the Right Development Company?
When it comes to choosing a software development company, it is essential to ask the right questions and get clear answers. Here is a list of the 10 most important questions to ask yourself during the interview process before partnering with a development company:
1. Tell me about your company and the specific team I will be working with.
Why it's important: This will give you an idea of their culture, experience and work style. Make sure they suit your needs.
2. Tell me about your experience on projects similar to mine.
Why it's important: Previous experience on similar projects is valuable. Look for success stories related to your industry or type of software.
3. How will you make sure you understand my project requirements?
Why it's important: Clear understanding of your needs is crucial. Make sure they have a process to capture and validate requirements.
4. What is your software design and development process, and why?
Why it's important: Understanding their approach will help you evaluate their methodology and quality of work.
5. How and when will you contact me?
Why it is important: Fluent communication is key. Make sure they are available and willing to maintain constant communication.
6. What participation is expected of me throughout the process?
Why it's important: Understanding your responsibilities will help you plan and collaborate efficiently.
7. What happens once the product is delivered?
Why it's important: Post-delivery support is essential. Make sure they offer maintenance and updates.
8. How does your process reduce my risks and increase my chances of success?
Why it's important: Evaluate your approach to minimizing risks and ensuring project success.
9. Can you provide references?
Why it's important: References from previous clients will give you a realistic view of their performance.
10. Why is your company right for my project?
Why it's important: This question will give them the opportunity to highlight their strengths and how they can benefit you.
Remember that it's not just about price, it's about finding a company that aligns with your goals and values.
Outsourcing: Why Yes?
Outsourcing: Why Yes?
Outsourcing services has become a vital alternative for many companies for several reasons:
Agility: Outsourcing provides agility. It allows companies to access professional services without the need to develop them internally from scratch.
Professionalism: By trusting specialized suppliers, companies obtain high quality services. These providers have specific experience and knowledge.
Time Savings: Outsourcing tasks allows companies to focus on their main activity. Delegating secondary processes to third parties frees up internal time and resources.
Cost Reduction: Outsourcing can be cheaper than maintaining an in-house team for certain functions. Operating costs can decrease significantly.
Efficiency: External suppliers are specialized in specific areas. This improves efficiency and productivity compared to trying to cover everything in-house.
GDPR Compliance: Outsourcing adapts to the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Providers must comply with privacy regulations.
Talented Developers: Latin America is home to a community of talented programmers. Many have worked on global projects.
Reasonable Costs: The prices are attractive. You get quality without breaking the bank.
Friendly Time Zone: Working with teams in the same time zone facilitates collaboration and speeds up processes.
Similar Culture: Sharing cultural values and understanding local subtleties is a plus.
Tips from team CasandraSoft
Advice from our team of Software Development experts:
Making the decision between purchasing existing software or developing custom software is crucial to the success of your company. Here are some tips that can help you make an informed choice:
Define the Problem: Before deciding, make sure you clearly understand what problem or need you want to solve with the software. Identify the objectives and key functionalities you require.
Clear Requirements: Document and confirm the specific requirements of the people who will use the software. This will help you evaluate whether an existing solution can cover at least 80% of your needs.
Budget: Evaluate how many resources you are willing to invest. Custom development is usually expensive, while a commercial software license can be cheaper. Consider the long-term total cost of ownership.
Urgency: Do you need an immediate solution or can you wait? Custom development can take months, while a commercial solution is ready to use. If the urgency is high, consider a leave of absence.
Developer Experience: Don't just focus on the name of the developer. Investigate their experience, success stories and references. Look for a company with a solid track record.
Communication and Transparency: Fluent communication with the development team is vital. Make sure they keep you informed about costs, deadlines and progress.
Worker Preparation: Train your employees to efficiently use the new software. Successful adoption is key to profit.
Manageable Project: Look for a project that you can direct and control. Avoid solutions that are too complex or that do not fit your specific needs.
Conclusion
In short, there is no single answer. Evaluate your objectives, resources and context. Do you want a tailored suit or something ready to wear? Is Latin America your destination? Outsourcing offers advantages such as greater autonomy, customized solutions, flexibility and access to experts. It is a strategy that allows companies to focus on their core business while taking advantage of external specialized services. Ultimately, consider your goals, resources, and timeline before making a decision. The choice is yours, but remember: technology is your ally!
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