Should You Buy or Build Web Software
 |
Discuss this Article No responses yet, be the first... |
Think of web software projects like building a house or if it is a large project think of an apartment complex. Consider features you need verses want; build custom, buy prefab or out of the box; phased approach or all at once...these are just some of the questions you need to answer before starting a web software project. Like building construction there are steps to the process, let's break it down.
Step One: Feeling the Pain or We Need More Bathrooms
- Determine what processes people perform that can be automated or streamlined
- Measure the amount of time spent on the task and the value of that time
- Analysis recurring problems that technology help avoid
- Think about technology solutions that can help your clients
Step Two: Determining Technical Requirements or How Big is the Lot
- Do you have a server, if so, what is operating system; is it a web server; what platform is it running; are you using any databases
- Does the software need to function on Mac, PC or both
- Is the printer involved in the solution, if so how is it configured
- What is the bandwidth of your audience
Step Three: Comparing Products vs. Custom or Is That a Standard Size Vanity
- Talk to similar businesses and find out what solutions they are using
- Check out blogs learn others opinions and recommendations
- Find products that fit your technical configuration (see set two) or web-based service software
- List product features that you need verses want and what features you will never use
- Use the information gathered in these steps to outline needs to get prices comparing a custom software solution to a product
Step Four: What Should I be Aware of or How Much for Add-Ons?
- Who owns the software at completion
- Who will fix and how will you be charged
- How are upgrades billed
- What are the monthly fees if any
- What is the setup process
- Is thorough documentation available
- Is the software portable if you want to move servers
Build Custom Software
Advantages
- Fits your specific needs
- You will own it
Disadvantages
- You initiate upgrades as need and will pay for them
- Maybe unclear whose responsibility it is for fixes
- Will involve more testing time
- Scope creep
Buy a Product
Advantages
- Upgraded regularly
- Stable, more testing behind it
Disadvantages
- Ongoing costs
- Your processes will need to be changed to fit the software
- May be limited branding customization
Like a home software will be a little unfamiliar at first but if done well you will feel comfortable in no time.
