Digital innovation has forced every business, irrespective of their size and the industry, to have or at least think about having software of some kind. This is due to its underlying benefits. No doubt, the software increases the team’s efficiency as it streamlines the work, but it also helps an organization save money and time. All these attributes contribute to a satisfied customer base.
The elephant in the room for business organizations is a choice between SaaS (Software as a Service) and Custom Software. Each software differs in terms of its functionality, features, and budget. The present needs and future requirements are determinant factors when choosing software for your organization.
With this blog, you will be able to decide the best fit software for your organization.
Custom Software or SaaS
The journey of choosing the best software to meet your needs begins by specifying your goals and requirements. Let us start with a comparison between SaaS and Custom Software.
Accessibility
SaaS is cloud-based software that can be accessed from any device that is connected to the internet. On the other hand, the use of Custom Software is limited only to a specific set of users or organizations. Though SaaS solutions are cost-effective and easy to use, custom-built solutions stay true to the ongoing evolution.
Cost-friendliness
We can customize custom-built software according to the organization’s needs. They are expensive as compared to SaaS solutions, but they are more flexible and scalable. An organization with custom software can easily add and remove features as it grows, and procedures change.
Data Analysis
A SaaS solution limits access to reports to a number that is usually limited. Organizations do not have access to full detailed reports due to strict requirements from the SaaS solutions. But with custom software, an organization can analyze a report in detail through third-party tools.
Charges
To use a SaaS product, an organization will have to pay a subscription fee because SaaS is licensed software. However, custom software will allow an organization to hold complete ownership of it.
Complexity
If a business is involved in standard functions and processes, then it can easily choose SaaS for customer relationship management, for instance. But businesses that are indulged in finance, healthcare, etc. are required to perform specific tasks and processes. Therefore, they should go for custom application development.
We have a clear winner. The reason why organizations prefer custom software is that they want a reliable technology partner irrespective of price. No organization wants to risk its infrastructure.
But it is not that SaaS solutions are non-reliable. If a SaaS product in the market meets your needs, you can purchase it. Businesses in their initial stage are looking for SaaS solutions due to the lack of investment. They should start with a SaaS product and gradually shift to custom software as and when the requirement for personalized and scalable software arises.
Who needs Custom Software?
The decision solely depends on your requirements. Below are some factors discussed that can help you choose the best fit:
- Can you afford custom software?
- Are you in a hurry to get the software or can you wait for some time before the software is developed?
- Do you want a specific solution to your needs or want to try what is available?
- Are you planning to scale your business?
- Will the solution be able to adhere to changes and adapt them?
If the answer to all these questions is a yes, then the time and money are worth the wait, and you should blindly choose to have your customized software. This is because a growing business should focus its energies where it is needed the most. Building software specifically for your organization will add value to your operations and improve your employees’ efficiency.
Final Words: Custom Software or SaaS
No software is too bad to choose. Each has its own set of pros and cons. While custom software offers flexibility and ownership, Saas is cost-effective. Only you can choose the best for your organization.
However, if you are still confused about choosing the software, then worry no more! You can contact and meet our incredibly talented team of developers who will best serve your company.
