Custom software

What is custom software?

Custom software is software built specially for one business, around the way that business works. Another word for it is bespoke software.

The opposite is standard software: one package that many businesses use, often as a subscription via the internet. That is called SaaS. With standard software you adapt your work to the package. With custom software, the software follows your work.

How does custom software come about?

It starts with working out how you work and what could be better. Then comes a proposal: what will be built and what it costs. The software is completed in steps, often with a small first version: an MVP. The data is stored in a database. Through integrations, the software works together with the packages you already have.

After the build, the software runs on a server. That requires hosting and maintenance, for as long as you use the software.

Example in an SME

When is a package enough?

Custom software is far from necessary for every business. Good packages exist for accounting, email and payroll. Custom software comes into the picture when:

• your work is done differently from most businesses in your sector;
• you spend a lot of time working around a package;
• your data is in separate lists that nobody can keep track of any more.

With custom software, pay attention to ownership and maintenance. Who owns the code and the data? And who keeps the software up to date? With me, the code and your data are yours. Read more about custom software, about what custom software costs, or recognise your situation in Your Excel lists have got out of hand.

Frequently asked questions